Name: Journal of the County Kildare Archaeological Society (vol. 3)
Author: County Kildare :County Kildare Archaeological Society

1641 Massacre and Murder of Mrs Eustace at Clongowes

near Clongoweswood · population centre · Kildare · 1641

During the 1641 rebellion, Captain Hues, a Puritan Welsh commander, murdered a ninety-year-old Mrs Eustace at Clongowes Wood after she had hospitably entertained him. Soldiers who surrendered under quarter at Clongowes Wood and Rathcoffey were hanged in Dublin, and over 150 women and children were found murdered at these places.

Read the passage

From such fusion of Norman and Celtic blood sprung the “ rebels ” of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. Though the Eustaces of Clongowes escaped the confiscations of Elizabeth, their hour was to come when the Irish rose in 1641. In that year, or the year preceding, James Eustace, of Clongowes, mortgaged his lands to Sir James Dixon,2 and drew his sword for what he deemed to be the cause of faith and fatherland ; and Clongowes was, like Rathcoffey, the scene of strife and bloodshed. At that time the Puritan commander in the neighbourhood was a certain Captain Hues, a Welshman. “ The said Hues murdered Mrs. Eustace, aunt to Sir Bobert Talbot, ninety years old, after she had entertained him friendly in her house. The soldiers of Clongowes Wood and Rathcoffey, yielding upon quarter, were conveyed to Dublin, and hanged there ; and upwards of 150 women and children were found in the said places murdered. It is well known that the commons of that country were for the most part destroyed and slaughtered by the English, insomuch that there were not so many left living as could gather the twentieth part of the harvest.”3
Tradition tells that the Mrs. Eustace then living at Clongowes refused to surrender the key of some secret chamber or stronghold in the castle, and that she kept it in her mouth until her jaws were broken by the soldiers.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 137

Murder of Lord Kilwarden in Thomas Street, Dublin

Thomas Street · street · Dublin · 1803

Arthur, 1st Viscount Kilwarden, Lord Chief Justice, was murdered along with his nephew Rev. Richard Straubengie Wolfe in Thomas Street, Dublin, apparently mistaken for Lord Carleton. He was buried in the family vault at Oughterard.

Read the passage

The second great legal personality was Arthur, 1st Viscount Kilwarden, distinguished for his great humanity and love of justice, as well as for his great ability. He served the offices of Attorney- and Solicitor-General, and was appointed Lord Chief Justice in 1796. He represented the borough of Coleraine, and afterwards Jamestown, in the Irish Parliament. He married Anne, daughter of William Ruxtou, of Ardee. She was created a peeress, August, 1795, with the title of Baroness Kilwarden of Kilteel ; and he, on his elevation to the Bench, was created a peer, with the title of Baron Kilwarden of Newlands ; and afterwards he was created a viscount. On the death of Lord Clare, the Lord Lieutenant, Lord Hardwicke, was desirous of appointing him Lord Chancellor ; but the English Government would not consent, owing, it is believed, to the strenuous efforts which he made to secure Theobald Wolfe Tone a fair trial. He was murdered, along with his nephew, the Rev. Richard Straubengie Wolfe, in Thomas Street, Dublin, in mistake, it is believed, for Lord Carleton, on the night of July 28rd, 1803, and was buried in the vault at Oughterard. He was succeeded by his eldest son, John, 2nd Viscount Kilwarden, who died in 1830. He never married, and, his brothers having died unmarried during his lifetime, the title became extinct.
The literary element is represented by the Rev. Charles Wolfe, born 1791. He was the author of “ The Burial of Sir John Moore,” “ Jugurtha in Prison,” and many other poems and lyrics, which are to be found in the memoir of him written by the late Archdeacon Russell. He died in 1831, was buried in the old ruined church of Clonmell, Cove, Cork, and there is a monument erected to his memory in St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 226

As the companion tells it

Along here, on the night of the 23rd of July, 1803, Arthur, first Viscount Kilwarden, was murdered. He was Lord Chief Justice, a man distinguished for his humanity and his love of justice. He was killed with his nephew, the Reverend Richard Straubengie Wolfe. It is believed the killers mistook him for Lord Carleton. Kilwarden had served as Attorney-General and Solicitor-General before his appointment to the bench as Lord Chief Justice in 1796. He sat in the Irish Parliament for the borough of Coleraine and afterwards for Jamestown. He married Anne, daughter of William Ruxtou of Ardee. She was made a peeress in August 1795, with the title Baroness Kilwarden of Kilteel. On his elevation to the bench he was created Baron Kilwarden of Newlands, and afterwards a viscount. After the death of Lord Clare, the Lord Lieutenant, Lord Hardwicke, wished to appoint him Lord Chancellor. The English Government would not consent. It is believed they refused because of the strenuous efforts Kilwarden made to secure Theobald Wolfe Tone a fair trial. He was buried in the family vault at Oughterard. His eldest son, John, succeeded as second Viscount Kilwarden and died in 1830. He never married, and his brothers having died unmarried during his lifetime, the title became extinct.

Siege of Geashill Castle, 1642 - the burst cannon

Geashill · town · Offaly · 1642

Lord Clanmalier's forces besieged Lady Offaly's castle at Geashill and discharged a cannon against it, but it burst at the first shot. Musket fire continued until evening, and during this the Baroness famously wiped a bullet mark from the wall with her handkerchief.

Read the passage

On receiving this answer, Lord Clanmalier discharged the cannon against the castle ; hut at the first shot it burst. His men, however, continued the attack with their muskets until evening. As the Baroness was looking out of a window, a shot happened to strike the wall beside her. She immediately wiped the spot with her handkerchief, showing how little she cared for the attempts of the assailants. As soon as it was dark the besiegers retreated, carrying off the burst gun,
422

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 259

Ballyshannon Castle taken by trickery via a captured spy

Ballyshannon · townland · Kildare · 1649

While besieging Ballyshannon Castle, Pierce FitzGerald spared a captured enemy spy on condition he tell the garrison the Parliamentary forces in Dublin had been defeated. Believing this false news, the garrison surrendered the Castle, only learning the truth too late.

Read the passage

About this time Pierce’s Castle of Ballyshannon was in the hands of the enemy, and he was ordered to invest the place. After a time one of the enemy’s spies fell into his hands, and he threatened to hang him, but consented to spare his life, if, on being set free, he would return and inform the garrison that the Parliamentary force in Dublin had been defeated. The promise was given, and the man returned to the Castle. On the following day Pierce sent a trumpeter to summon the Castle, and offer quarter to the garrison ; this was accepted, as, believing their spy’s information, they reckoned that no relief could be sent to them. Thus the Castle was given up, and when too late the truth was known.6
In the year 1650, Pierce had to demolish the Castle and Dominican Monastery of Athy, to prevent their falling into the enemy’s hands.6

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 269

Ghostly Apparition of the Dying Marshal at Clongowes

near Clongoweswood · population centre · Kildare · 1757

While the Marshal Browne was fighting abroad, servants at Clongowes saw an officer in white uniform, hands pressed to a bleeding breast, enter the hall and ascend the stairs. A fortnight later news arrived that the Marshal had died in battle at Prague at the exact time of the apparition.

Read the passage

While he was fighting abroad, Clongowes was occupied by his sisters, two Misses Browne. At that time one of the rooms opening into the hall of the mansion was used as an ironing room, and in ironing days, the necessary fire made it an attractive resort for the servants of the house. On one such day the door of this room, as well as the hall-door, happened to be open, and the servants gathered together were astonished to see an officer in white uniform enter the hall, and ascend the stairs. They noted that his hands were pressed to his breast, from which blood was flowing ; and when they had sufficiently recovered their presence of mind, they hurried upstairs to a room where the Misses Browne were occupied with some needlework. The ladies, however, on being questioned, replied that they had seen nothing; but on hearing a full description of the apparition, unhesitatingly said that it must have been their brother, and that he must have met his death on the field of battle.
Their mourning was at once ordered, Masses were celebrated for the repose of his soul, and a wake was held with the prodigal hospitality usual in those days. In a fortnight the despatch came announcing the Marshal’s death on the very day, at the time of the apparition.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 137

Lady Offaly besieged 16 days by the Dempsys at Geashill

Geashill · town · Offaly · 1641–1642

Lettice, Baroness of Offaly, wrote to the Earl of Ormonde describing being besieged in her castle at Geashill by the Dempseys for sixteen days, surviving only because rain filled their water supply, while her cattle and provisions were seized.

Read the passage

‘ ‘ In my extremity I have formerly made known to your Lordship by my leters the miserable condition, wherein I then was, being besieged by the Dempsis 16 days togeather, so as if God of his mercy had not sent a oreat glut of rayn we had perished for want of water, at which time they sent me this leter, the copy whereof I send your lordship hearwith, wherby you may see ther insolency and blody resolution which heatherto only God hath prevented (they hav taken all my sheep catell and horses and set her of all my winter provision for fiering) and now I remayn as a prisner within thes walles which they threten to bater about my ears, all which extremitys God willing I am resolved to sufer rather than to fall into ther hands that have no sence ether of honner or honesty. Hoping you Lo, and the Lord Justices (to whom I have writen severall times but I fear my leters have bin intersepted) will be pleased to take into your noble considerations my miserable estate, and to send relief in time (for to whom should I make my complaynt if not to your Lordship whose inate

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 260

Legend of St. Brigid's mantle acquiring the Curragh

near The Curragh · locality · Kildare

A local legend tells how St. Brigid tricked a miserly King of Leinster with horse-like ears into granting her as much land as her mantle would cover; her nuns spread the mantle until it stretched to cover the whole Curragh, stopped at the Liffey by a smith, to the north by a red-haired woman, and to the south by a hare crossing their path.

Read the passage

which he kept carefully concealed under his long hair; but he daily dreaded discovery, which would mean the loss of his throne, as a king must be without personal blemish. At last he decided to try what St. Brigid could do for him, and, going quietly to Kildare, he had an interview with her ; the result was that the saint agreed to remove the deformity on condition that she was granted as much land as her mantle would cover. The king willingly promised it, and congratulated himself on having to part with so little of his territory. He was then put into a deep sleep by St. Brigid, and when he awoke again, he found his head was furnished with a pair of human ears. On that day week the promised plot of ground was to be handed over. When the day arrived, a large crowd assembled to witness St. Brigid receive over the first acquisition of land for her cell. Before removing her mantle, St. Brigid explained to the people the nature of the king’s promise ; she then called seven of her nuns, and handing them her mantle, told them to spread it on the ground as far as it would stretch to the north, east, and south. They followed her instructions, and, to the amazement of the king and his people, the mantle enlarged until it covered the whole of the present Curragh, and more besides. To the east St. Brigid’s nuns were stopped close to the River Liffey by a smith issuing from a forge with a red-hot iron in his hand ; northwards they met a redhaired woman, and would proceed no further ; while to the south a larger extent of the king’s territory would have been covered by the mantle had not the nuns in that direction seen a hare cross their path, and so they put down the mantle, and turned back. Thus it was St. Brigid acquired the Curragh from the ungrateful and miserly king.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun

As the companion tells it

As you travel through the Curragh, you're crossing ground that legend says St. Brigid won from the King of Leinster. The king had horse's ears, hidden under long hair, and feared that if anyone found out, he'd lose his throne, since a king had to be without blemish. He came quietly to Kildare and asked Brigid for help. She agreed to fix his ears on one condition: she'd get as much land as her mantle would cover. The king promised gladly, thinking he'd lose only a tiny patch. She put him into a deep sleep, and when he woke, he had a pair of human ears. A week later, a crowd gathered to watch Brigid receive the land. She reminded everyone of the king's promise, then called seven nuns and told them to spread the mantle north, east, and south as far as it would go. To the king's astonishment, the cloak stretched until it covered the whole Curragh and beyond. To the east, the nuns were stopped near the River Liffey by a smith coming out of his forge with a red-hot iron. To the north, they met a red-haired woman and could go no further. To the south, they would have taken even more of the king's land, but a hare crossed their path, so they set the mantle down and turned back. And that's how Brigid acquired the Curragh from a king the record calls ungrateful and miserly.

Lord Edward FitzGerald's confrontation with dragoon officers at the Curragh

near The Curragh · locality · Kildare · 1795

In 1795, while staying near Kildare Castle with Arthur O'Connor, Lord Edward FitzGerald was confronted on the Curragh by a party of dragoon officers demanding he remove his green cravat, a colour associated with Irish nationalism. He defiantly refused, and no duel followed, though the ladies at a subsequent Curragh ball refused to dance with the officers involved.

Read the passage

‘ ‘ At the end of the race, having left the stand-house in a canter to return home, the two friends had not proceeded far before they found themselves overtaken by a party of from ten to a dozen officers, who, riding past them at full gallop, wheeled round so as to obstruct their passage, and demanded that Lord Edward should take off his green cravat. Thus accosted, Lord Edward answered coolly : — Your cloth would speak you to be gentlemen, but this conduct conveys a very different impression . As to this neckcloth that so offends you, all I can say is, Here I stand ; let any man among you, who dares, come forward and take it off.’ This speech, pronounced calmly and deliberately, took his pursuers by surprise, and for a moment they looked puzzled at each other, doubtful how to proceed ; when Mr. O’Connor, interposing, said that if the officers chose to appoint two out of their number, Lord Edward and himself would be found ready to attend their summons at Kildare.
‘ ‘ The parties then separated, and during the two following days, Lord Edward and his friend waited the expected message. But no -further steps were taken by these military gentlemen, on whose conduct rather a significant verdict was passed at a Curragh ball shortly after, when it was agreed, as I have heard, by all the ladies in the room not to accept any of them as partners.”1

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun

As the companion tells it

Coming up along the Curragh near Kildare. In 1795, Lord Edward FitzGerald was staying near Kildare Castle with Arthur O'Connor, and it was on the Curragh that the two friends were confronted by a party of dragoon officers. They had left the races and were cantering home when ten or a dozen officers galloped past, wheeled round, and blocked their path. The officers demanded that Lord Edward take off his green cravat. Lord Edward answered coolly. Their cloth would speak them to be gentlemen, he said, but this conduct conveyed a very different impression. As to the neckcloth that offended them, all he could say was, "Here I stand; let any man among you, who dares, come forward and take it off." The speech took his pursuers by surprise. They looked at each other, doubtful how to proceed. Then O'Connor interposed. If the officers chose to appoint two out of their number, he said, Lord Edward and himself would be ready to attend their summons at Kildare. The parties separated. For two days, Lord Edward and his friend waited for the expected message. No further steps were taken by the officers. At a Curragh ball shortly after, all the ladies in the room agreed among themselves not to accept any of those officers as partners.

The great battle of Ath-Seanaith (Ballyshannon) in 733 AD

Ballyshannon · townland · Kildare · 733

In 733 AD, King Aedh Allan led the forces of the northern half of Ireland to Ath-Seanaith (Ballyshannon, Co. Kildare) where a fierce battle was fought against the Leinstermen; nine thousand were said to have been slain and the two kings, Aedh Allan and Aedh son of Colgan, fought in single combat in which the latter was slain.

Read the passage

“The age of Christ 733. The fourth year of Aedh Allan,2 son of Fearghal, son of Maelduin, in the Sovereignty of Ireland. Aedh Allan, King of Ireland, assembled the forces of the Leath Chuinn (i.e., the northern half of Ireland) to proceed into Leinster, and he arrived at Ath-Seanaith .3 The Leinstermen collected the greatest number they were able, to defend their right against him. A fierce battle was fought between them. The King, Aedh Allan himself, went into the battle ; and bloodily and heroically was the battle fought between them both. Heroes were slaughtered, and bodies were mutilated. Aedh Allan and Aedh, son of Colgan, King of Leinster, met each other in single combat; and Aedh, son of Colgan, was slain by Aedh Allan. The Leinstermen were killed, slaughtered, cut off, and dreadfully exterminated in this battle, so that there escaped of them but a small remnant and a few
1 A man’s name.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 262

Battle of Faughart Church and the Stone of Decapitation

Faughart · parish · Louth · 732

A battle was fought at Faughart in 732 AD between Aedh Allan and Aedh Roin, King of Ulster, in revenge for profanation of Cill Cunna. Aedh Roin was defeated and beheaded on the Clochan Chommaigh, the stone of decapitation, in the church doorway.

Read the passage

exterior dimensions are: — Height, 11 feet 1 inch, 4 feet wide, and 8 feet long. The doorway is 3 feet 2 inches high ; 2 feet 2 inches wide at the bottom ; 1 foot 7i inches wide at top. The church, as will be seen from the photograph of the north wall, though ancient, is of later date than the Saint herself. It is an oblong, of 70 feet by 22, without a chancel, like all the older churches. A little over 200 years after Brigit’ s death, a battle was fought here (Ann. F.M., a.d. 732) between Aedh Allan, head of the Clanna Neill, and Aedh Roin, King of Ulster, in revenge for the profanation by the latter of the Church of Cill Cunna (Kilcoony, Parish of Ballycloy, County Tyrone). Aedh Roin was defeated, and his head was struck off on the Clochan Chommaigh (“ stone of decapitation”), in the doorway of the Church of Faughart. Whether this was the same as the existing building it is not easy to say.
The next place in Louth connected with St. Brigit is the ancient parish (always impropriate) of Clonkeehan, in the parish of Charlestown. The legend here (see Ordnance letter) is that she prayed to God to make her blind. The name in Irish is clu4)rj C40C4J1), “ meadow of the blind one.”

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 145

Earl Richard Marshal's fatal conference on the Curragh

near The Curragh · locality · Kildare · 1234

In 1234, Earl Richard Marshal arranged a conference with the Irish barons on the Curragh of Kildare, but negotiations broke down and he was deserted by Geoffrey de Marisco. Though outnumbered, he fought bravely with fifteen loyal followers before receiving a mortal wound, dying sixteen days later on Palm Sunday.

Read the passage

“ In the meantime Earl Richard appointed a conference on the Curragh of Kildare with the barons. On the 1st of April, 1234, Maurice FitzGerald, the Viceroy, accompanied by Hugh de Lacy and Richard de Burgh, came with a body of soldiery to the place of meeting, while the earl, with Geoffrey de Marisco and a few attendants, took up a position some distance away. The negotiations carried on between the parties by Templars, ended by the barons refusing to comply with the earl’s demands for the restoration of some of his castles still in their possession ; and, drawing their swords, they threatened to attack him at once unless he consented to the truce.
“The earl, at this juncture, was basely deserted by his false friend Geoffrey de Marisco ; but, undaunted by superior numbers, and accompanied by only fifteen followers who remained faithful to him, he charged into the midst of the barons’ troops, and for a long time fought bravely, doing great execution on his foes. At last his horse fell under him, and while the earl, lay on the ground he received a mortal wound in the back ; he was carried off to one of his own castles, and on Palm Sunday, sixteen days after receiving the wounds, he breathed his last. His body was taken to Kilkenny, and buried in the Dominican Abbey, where the founder, his brother William, had been laid three years before.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 9

As the companion tells it

You are coming through the Curragh now, that open plain of Kildare. In April 1234, this was where Earl Richard Marshal arranged a conference with the Irish barons. Maurice FitzGerald, the Viceroy, came with Hugh de Lacy and Richard de Burgh and a body of soldiery, while the earl stood some distance off with Geoffrey de Marisco and a few attendants. Templars carried the negotiations between the two parties, but the barons refused to restore the earl's castles and drew their swords, threatening to attack unless he accepted a truce. Then Geoffrey de Marisco deserted him. The earl, with only fifteen faithful followers, charged into the barons' troops and fought for a long time, doing great execution on his foes. At last his horse fell under him, and as he lay on the ground he took a mortal wound in the back. He was carried to one of his own castles, and on Palm Sunday, sixteen days later, he died. His body was taken to Kilkenny and buried in the Dominican Abbey, where his brother William had been laid three years before.

Legend of King Mesgegra's death at the Ford of Clane

Clane · town · Kildare

According to ancient tradition, the Ford of Clane was the scene of the death of Mesgegra, King of Leinster, who fell in single combat with Conall Cernach of Ulster in the first century. Conall beheaded him and later encountered Mesgegra's queen, who died of grief and was buried with the head in a mound beside the river.

Read the passage

‘ ‘ The F ord of Clane was in the first century the scene of the tragical death of Mesgegra, King of Leinster, who fell here in single combat with Conall Cernach, the champion of Ulster, who had pursued him hither whilst flying from the siege of Howtli. Aithirne, the Ultonian poet, surnamed Ailghesach, or the Importunate — so called from the fact that he never asked for a gift or preferred a request, but such as it was especially difficult to give or dishonourable to grant — had been sent to the Court of the King of Leinster at Naas, for the purpose of picking a quarrel with the people of that province. He had been hospitably received by King Mesgegra, and had many gifts bestowed on him ; but this only made him the more importunate, and at last he insisted on getting 700 white cows with red ears, a countless number of sheep, and 150 of the wives and daughters of the Leinster nobles to be carried in bondage into Ulster. To these tyrannical demands the Leinster men apparently submitted ; but, having pursued Aithirne to Howth, they rescued their women. The Ulster men, however, having been reinforced, the Leinster forces were routed. Conall Cearnach (sic), the most distinguished of the heroes of the North, pursued Mesgegra, to take vengeance for the death of his two brothers, who had been slain at Howth. He overtook him at the Ford of Clane, where a combat ensued between them in which Mesgegra was slain and beheaded. Conall placed the head in his own chariot, and, ordering the charioteers to mount the Royal chariot, they set out northwards. They had not, however, gone far, when they met the Queen of Leinster, attended by fifty ladies of honour, returning from a visit to Meath. ‘ Who art thou, O woman ? ’ said Conall. ‘Ijam Mesgegra’s wife,’ said she. ‘Thou art commanded to come with me,’ said Conall. ‘Who has commanded me?’ said the Queen. ‘Mesgegra has,’ said Conall. ‘Hast thou brought me my token l ’ said the Queen. ‘ I have brought his chariot and horses,’ said Conall. ‘He makes many presents,’ said the Queen. ‘His head is here too,’ said Conall. ‘Then I am disengaged,’ said she. ‘Come into my chariot,’ said Conall. ‘Grant me liberty to lament for my husband,’ said the Queen. And then she shrieked aloud her grief and sorrow with such intensity that her heart burst, and she fell dead from her chariot. The fierce Conall and his servant made there a grave and mound on the spot, in which they buried her, together with her husband’s head, from which, however, he extracted the brain. This Queen’s name was JBuan , nr the good (woman). After some time, according to a very poetical tradition, a beautiful hazel tree sprung up from her grave, which was for ages after called Coll Buana, or Buana’s hazel. The Tumulus beside the river at Clane is supposed to mark the grave of King Mesgegra and his Queen. ”

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 69

The clever boy outwits the Pooka with saddle and spurs

Kilberry · town · Kildare · 1900

A boy who was carried nightly through the countryside by the Pooka eventually brought a saddle, bridle and spurs, prodding the Pooka so hard on the return rides that the creature refused ever to carry him again.

Read the passage

Pooka, they say, spits on them, said Paly, and makes them bad on All Hallow E’en. He ’s like a mule, and he has his bed over beyant Athy, at Kilberry. They say that if he meets anyone at dusk, he puts his head between their legs, and carries them through the country all night — through hedges and ditches and trees and everywhere — so they get all scratched and torn. And he always leaves them back in the same spot he got them. There was a boy putting out horses one evening, and begor, the Pooka met him and put his head between his legs, and put him up on his back, and carried him all through the country the whole night, and left him back in the same spot he got him, and he was all torn and desthroyed with thorns. “Will you ride again to-morrow night?” says the Pooka. “ I will,” says the boy. Well, the boy brought a saddle and bridle and spurs to the place he was to meet the Pooka at, and said he would ride if the Pooka would let him put them on. “All right,” said the Pooka, “put them on.” So he put them on, and the Pooka carried him through the country as before, and every lep he’d give, the boy would give him a prod with the spurs, and had him as torn and bruised as the boy was the night before. The Pooka brought him "back to the place they started from, and asked him would he ride again the next night. “I will,” said the boy. Begor, when they met the next night, the Pooka asked: “ Have you got the pillyeen paul ? ” (meaning the bridle). “I have,” said the boy. “Have you the two legs across?” (meaning the saddle). “I have,” said the boy. “ Have you the diggers?” (spurs). “ I have,” repeated the boy. “Well, the divil a bit I’ll carry you to-night,” said the Pooka. So that boy was able for the Pooka. [Told by Tom Daly, 1900.]

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 228

Legend of Mrs Eustace's Broken Jaw at Clongowes

near Clongoweswood · population centre · Kildare · 1641

Local tradition holds that Mrs Eustace, then living at Clongowes, refused to surrender the key to a secret chamber in the castle and kept it clenched in her mouth until soldiers broke her jaws to take it.

Read the passage

Tradition tells that the Mrs. Eustace then living at Clongowes refused to surrender the key of some secret chamber or stronghold in the castle, and that she kept it in her mouth until her jaws were broken by the soldiers.
Such are the stories told of those wild times, and of the men and women who lived in them. In all wars, but especially in civil strife, deeds are done on both sides that the historian shudders to recount. In that same year (1641) at Donadea, quite close to Clongowres, the Protestant clergyman was seized by the Irish, and led to the gibbet. The rope was already round his neck, when he was rescued by a priest, who was completely unknown to him.4 At all events, the property of the Eustaces of Clongowes was forfeited, and among the names of the Papist proprietors forfeiting in the County of Kildare, appears that of James Eustace, of Clongowes Wood, with those of his neighbours, Sir Andrew Aylmer, Knight, of Donadea, Nicholas Wogan, of Bathcoffy, Garret Sutton, of Richardstown, Nicholas Sutton, of Barberstown, and John Gaydon, of Irishtown (Straffan).

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 137

Legend of the red-haired woman who betrayed the monks of the Coreally

Kilberry · town · Kildare

A local legend recounts how a red-haired woman who supplied provisions to hidden monks agreed to betray them to priest-hunters by dropping peas along the path to their retreat, but birds ate the peas; she then used flummery, which could not be removed, leading to the monks' discovery and extermination.

Read the passage

The Core-ally. — The name, as given in The Co. Kildare Journal,1 was never used without the definite article. It was invariably called “the Coreally.” It was about an Irish acre in extent, not a perfect square, as the northern and southern sides were somewhat longer than the eastern and western. An embankment, thickly covered by bushes and trees, surrounded it. Outside this was a fosse, from ten to twelve yards wide, always full of water, and well stocked with eels, although there was not a stream within half a mile of it. The only entrance gap was on the south side ; and in spring and summer time the place presented as pretty a sight as anything of the sort in Ireland. The green, smooth sward was then thickly studded with primroses, violets, cowslips, and other wild flowers; while the blossoms of the blackthorn, hawthorn, quicken-tree, wild cherry, and crab formed a pleasing back-ground. The cave ran diagonally across it from the southeast corner. Only one end was, to my knowledge, opened. This was composed of stonework, but was very much defaced and obliterated by searchers after crocks of gold. There were a few gold pieces found there from time to time ; when a child, I saw one of them. The diggers always worked in daylight, as no one had the courage to enter the place after dark. I also saw some spearheads which were found in an adjacent field. Tradition says that the Coreally was used as a place of retreat or refuge by the monks of Kilart and Kilberry. Kilart lies near the bog edge, midway between the Coreally and Kilberry. I once asked the late Professor Hennessy what was the meaning of the word “coreally,” and, without knowing anything whatever of the place, he said the word was Norman-Frencli ( courale ), meaning an underground fortification. If this be correct, some of the monks must have visited Normandy, and, on their return home, carried the name to the confines of Monavullagh bog. It may, perhaps, also be derived from “corr,” an enclosure or dwelling, and “Rally, or “Rahilly,” a name still common in the South of Ireland. The trees which formed the old forest here are said to have grown so close together, and the branches to have so interlaced, that the monks used to travel from place to place by paths formed on the boughs. The old story of the betrayal of the monks by the woman who supplied them with provisions in their retreat has been referred to this place. This woman (by the way, she was red-haired) agreed with the priest-hunters to drop peas on her path to the hiding-place,

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 124

New Abbey site leased to Edmund Spenser the poet

New Abbey · street · Kildare · 1582

On 24th August 1582, the site of New Abbey and an adjoining old waste town were granted to Edmund Spenser the poet, following the rebellion of James Eustace, 3rd Viscount Baltinglass, which forfeited the property to the Queen.

Read the passage

On the 27th of January, 1560, Roland Eustace, 2nd Viscount Baltinglass, had a lease of the place ; but it was granted to Edmund Spenser, t' e poet, on the 24th of August, 1582, as well as an old waste town adjoining, which were in the Queen’s hands, owing to the rebellion of James Eustace, the 3rd Viscount.
At the commencement of the seventeenth century Sir Henry Harrington, Knt., was in possession of the site of New Abbey and its appurtenances ; on his death on the 1st May, 1612, he was succeeded by his son, Sir John. (County Kildare Chancery Inquisition.)

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 199

As the companion tells it

Along here is the site of New Abbey. Roland Eustace, 2nd Viscount Baltinglass, held a lease of it in 1560, but on 24 August 1582 the site and an old waste town adjoining were granted to Edmund Spenser the poet. They had fallen to the Queen after the rebellion of James Eustace, the 3rd Viscount. By the start of the 1600s Sir Henry Harrington held the site, and on his death on 1 May 1612 his son Sir John succeeded him.

O'Dempsey summons threatens to kill all Protestants at Geashill

Geashill · town · Offaly · 1642

Before assaulting Geashill Castle, Henry O'Dempsey and other rebel leaders sent Lady Offaly a summons threatening to burn the town and kill all Protestants, sparing neither man, woman nor child, if the castle was taken by force.

Read the passage

“We, His Majesty’s loyal subjects, at the present employed in his Highness’ service for the sacking of this your castle, you are therefore to deliver unto us the free possession of the said castle, promise faithfully that your ladyship together with the rest within your said castle ‘resiant’ shall have a reasonable composition ; otherwise, upon the non-yielding of the castle, we do assure you, that we will burn the whole town, kill all the Protestants, and spare neither man, woman, nor child, upon the taking of the castle by compulsion. Consider, Madam, of this our offer, and impute not the blame of your own folly unto us. Think not that we brag. Your Ladyship, upon submission, shall have a safe convoy to
1 The illustrations to this Paper have been presented to The Journal by Lord Frederick FitzGerald.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 257

Pierce FitzGerald's sugaun ruse at Ballybeg

Ballybeg · townland · Cork · 1642

At the battle of Ballybeg near Old Ross, Pierce FitzGerald escaped capture by dropping his straw waist-rope (sugaun), the distinguishing mark of the Irish forces, and galloping back shouting a ruse that fooled the Parliamentary forces.

Read the passage

Pierce FitzGerald himself was appointed Commander of the Leinster Horse, and saw service wherever knocks were going ; he was present at the disastrous defeat of the Confederates at Kilrush in April, 1642 ; in the same year he took part in the battle of Ballybeg, near Old Ross, where he was nearly made a prisoner, and only escaped by his presence of mind in the following manner : — All the Irish that day, to distinguish themselves, wore a sugaun or straw rope round the waist ; Pierce, in the cavalry charge, finding that he had outdistanced his men, turned back, and saw that his return was cut off by the enemy ; he immediately untied and dropped his sugaun, and galloped back, shouting, “ Let us follow the Rogues” — a ruse which succeeded with the Parliamentary forces, till they saw Pierce cut down one of his own comrades, as they thought ; but by that
1 Now called Summer-hill.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 269

Siege of Donadea Castle, 1641

Donadea · townland · Kildare · 1641

Lady Ellen Butler, wife of Sir Andrew Aylmer, defended Donadea Castle when it was besieged in 1641 while her husband was imprisoned in Dublin Castle. Sir Andrew was among gentlemen arrested, confined, and tortured on suspicion by the Government.

Read the passage

defended the Castle of Donadea, 1641, when it was besieged at the time her husband, Sir Andrew, was prisoner in Dublin Castle. Sir Andrew was one of a number of well-known gentlemen who were suspected by the Government, and had been arrested, confined as prisoners in Dublin for twelve or fourteen months, tortured, and indicted for high treason. In this he fared no worse than others of the family, notably Gerald Aylmer, of Balrath, whose house was sacked and pillaged, and he himself imprisoned and tortured.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 109

The dead cock reveals the silver thief at Grangemellon House

Grangemellon · townland · Kildare

At Grangemellon House, when Mr. Le Clerc lived there, silver spoons kept disappearing; he had a cock killed and put in a basin, and made each servant girl touch it, whereupon the guilty girl's touch caused the dead cock to leap up and spatter her with blood, exposing her theft.

Read the passage

Hoiv the dead cock showed who stole the silver . — It was an ould man by the name of John Lannigan tould me about it ; I don't remember it meself. He lived in a cottage — you might see the remains of it beyond the stream — below at George Alcock’s. It happened at Grangemellon House, when Mr. Le Clerc lived there. He kep three sarvent girls in it ; and there was silver spoons and one thing and another going, and no one could tell anything about them. So Mr. Le Clerc got a cock killed, and put it in a basin of water in the hall, and he called in the girls one after the other, and tould them to tip the cock with their hand. The first of them didn’t mind,: they knew nothing of the silver; and they came in and tipped the cock, and went out again ; but this girl— I think her name was Mary Dunne — was afeard, because she had taken the things, and stayed to the last, and, begor o’ war, the very minute she tipped the cock, it lepped up and flapped its wings in her face, and spatthered her all over with blood. So she had to give up the things she took. It was the quarest thing ever I heerd, and it's parfectly thrue. I often heerd the ould people at the Park Wall talkin’ about it. [Told by T. Daly, 1901.]
The Leprechaun and the Boy. — I heard a boy caught a Leprechaun once, and he held him and bet him, and made him say he’d tell where there was money. So the Leprechaun tould him to get a bit of a stick, and showed him where to stick it down, and said : “ There now, if you go and get a fack, and dig there, you ’ll get money.” So he let the Leprechaun go then, and went and got the fack ; but when he came back with

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 229

The Pooka's lair at Kilberry

Kilberry · town · Kildare · 1900

Tom Daly related that the Pooka, a mule-like creature, has his lair beyond Athy at Kilberry, and that he spits on blackberries on All Hallow E'en, and carries people through the countryside at night, scratching them on thorns.

Read the passage

Pooka, they say, spits on them, said Paly, and makes them bad on All Hallow E’en. He ’s like a mule, and he has his bed over beyant Athy, at Kilberry. They say that if he meets anyone at dusk, he puts his head between their legs, and carries them through the country all night — through hedges and ditches and trees and everywhere — so they get all scratched and torn. And he always leaves them back in the same spot he got them. There was a boy putting out horses one evening, and begor, the Pooka met him and put his head between his legs, and put him up on his back, and carried him all through the country the whole night, and left him back in the same spot he got him, and he was all torn and desthroyed with thorns. “Will you ride again to-morrow night?” says the Pooka. “ I will,” says the boy. Well, the boy brought a saddle and bridle and spurs to the place he was to meet the Pooka at, and said he would ride if the Pooka would let him put them on. “All right,” said the Pooka, “put them on.” So he put them on, and the Pooka carried him through the country as before, and every lep he’d give, the boy would give him a prod with the spurs, and had him as torn and bruised as the boy was the night before. The Pooka brought him "back to the place they started from, and asked him would he ride again the next night. “I will,” said the boy. Begor, when they met the next night, the Pooka asked: “ Have you got the pillyeen paul ? ” (meaning the bridle). “I have,” said the boy. “Have you the two legs across?” (meaning the saddle). “I have,” said the boy. “ Have you the diggers?” (spurs). “ I have,” repeated the boy. “Well, the divil a bit I’ll carry you to-night,” said the Pooka. So that boy was able for the Pooka. [Told by Tom Daly, 1900.]

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 228

Earl of Kildare's Defiant Reply to Cardinal Wolsey

Maynooth · town · Kildare · 1524

In 1524, Garret, Earl of Kildare, was appointed Lord Deputy but was summoned to London on charges brought by Cardinal Wolsey. His spirited reply, describing his hard life as Warden of the Irish Marches sleeping in a cabin and drinking water from a skull, illustrates conditions of border lordship centered at Maynooth.

Read the passage

sixteenth century. We quote it from Campion — “ As touching my kingdom, my Lord, I would that you and I had exchanged kingdoms for one month. I would trust to gather up more crumbs in that space than twice the revenue of my earldom. But you are well and warm ; and so hold you : and upbraid not me with such an odious storm. I sleep in a cabin, when you lie soft in your bed of down. I serve under the cope of heaven, when you are served under a canopy. I drink water out of a skull, when you drink out of golden cups. My courser is trained to the field, when your jennet is taught to amble. When you are begraced, and belorded, and crouched, and kneeled unto, then I find small grace with our Irish borderers unless I cut them off by the knees.” 1
The rampart was soon broken down by the Irish enemy, but subsequently repaired, “to the great succour, comfort, and defence of the County Dublin.” Penalties were enacted against any subject who broke a tract or made a road over it ; and “ all hogs, goats, cows, or cattle ” injuring it by “ rooting, grazing, or otherwise,” were to be confiscated.2 How long it remained a “ succour, comfort, and defence” we cannot precisely determine; but it is clear from Justice Luttrell, quoted above, that within less than fifty years after its erection, the English Pale had receded far from it, and that Clongowes for some period stood, as the phrase then went, “ west of the law.”

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 180

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Maynooth, you are in the heartland of the Fitzgeralds, where Garret, Earl of Kildare, held court in the early sixteenth century. In 1524 he was appointed Lord Deputy, but Cardinal Wolsey summoned him to London to face charges. Garret's reply to Wolsey has come down through Campion. He told the Cardinal he wished they had exchanged kingdoms for one month, and that he would gather more crumbs in that space than twice the revenue of his earldom. Then came the contrast.

Cerball's fatal wounding in a street of Kildare

Kildare · town · Kildare · 908–909

After the Battle of Belach Mugna in 908, Cerball proceeded to Kildare with a large number of prisoners. Riding a spirited horse through the street called Srait in Cheime Cloiche, or of the Stone Step, past a fuller's workshop, his horse shied and flung him onto his own lance carried by his Norse gillie Ulfr, a wound from which he never recovered and eventually died in 909.

Read the passage

After the Battle of Belach Mugna, Cerball with a large number of prisoners proceeded to Kildare.0 There, while riding on a spirited horse6 through the street called Srait in Clieime Cloiche, or of the Stone Step, and passing the workshop of a fuller, his horse shied and flung him on to his own lance, which his Norse gillie Ulfr7 was carrying behind him. From this wound he never recovered. During the year which he had
1 “Iondarbadh Gall a Herinn a longphort Atha Clfath la Cearbhall mac Muiregein 7 la Laignibh,” F.M., 897.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 79

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Kildare, you are on the ground where Cerball met his end. After the Battle of Belach Mugna in 908, he rode into this town with many prisoners. In the street called Srait in Cheime Cloiche, the Stone Step, past a fuller's workshop, his spirited horse shied and flung him onto his own lance, carried by his Norse gillie Ulfr. He never recovered, and died in 909.

The Hell-fire Club Meetings at Grangemellon

Grangemellon · townland · Kildare

James McRoberts, along with Henry Dixon of Kilkea Castle, Robert Harpole of Shrule Castle, George Bagenal of Dunleckny, and John St. Leger of Grangemellon, was a member of the scandalous Hell-fire Club that met at Grangemellon, always keeping a seat vacant for the Devil.

Read the passage

James McEoberts was a member of that scandalous institution known as “ the Hell-fire Club/’ whose uniform was a red coat, waistcoat, and breeches, with white stockings. Together with Henry Dixon, of Kilkea Castle, Eobert Harpole, of Shrule Castle, George Bagenal of Dunleckny, John St. Leger of Grangemellon, and others, they met for their orgies in the latter place, and never failed to keep a seat vacant, in case His Satanic Majesty chose to join them in person.
It is said in the locality that James McEoberts was buried in the Eath with his favourite horse and two hounds, and that they have several times been met and recognised on the road close by. A large tombstone, measuring 7 ft. 10 in. in length, and 3 ft. 10 in. in breadth, lies, smashed into five pieces, over his grave in the middle of the Eath. On it can be read : —

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 158

The holed High Cross fragments at Moone churchyard

Moone · townland · Kildare

Fragments of a granite High Cross lying in the churchyard of Moone, anciently 'Maein-Choluim-Chille' or St. Columbkill's Property, show a striking combination of pagan animal carvings with a great round hole at the centre of the cross, encircled by four twining serpents.

Read the passage

The points where the ring of the cross started are quite visible in the edges of these fragments ; but the fact of deepest interest in the monument is that at the centre — the point of junction of the arms and shaft, where the form of the Saviour, either crucified or in triumph, is generally found — there is a great round hole open to the sky, with the edges of the circle we’.l rounded and polished, and four serpents twining their long tails about it.
P

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 22

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here in Moone, fragments of a granite High Cross lie in the churchyard. This place was anciently called Maein-Choluim-Chille, St. Columbkill's property. The cross has a striking mix of pagan animal carvings, and at the very centre where the arms and shaft meet, where the form of the Saviour is generally found, there is a great round hole open to the sky. Its edges are rounded and polished, and four serpents twine their long tails about it.

Ambush and death of Conghalach after holding the Aonech Life, 954

near The Curragh · locality · Kildare · 954

In 954, Conghalach, King of Ireland, plundered Leinster and held the Aonech Life for three days on the Curragh as an insult to the Leinstermen; the Dublin Danes under Awly, son of Godfrey, ambushed and killed him at Tigh Gighrainn.

Read the passage

To hold a fair in another king’s territory was an act of insult to him, and done probably as a boast over his downfall. A case of this sort occurred in the year 954, when there took place “ a hosting by Conghalach, son of Maelmithigh, King of Ireland, into Leinster ; and after he had plundered Leinster, and held the Aonech Life for three days, information was sent from Leinster to the foreigners of Ath-cliath (i.e., the Danes of Dublin), and Awly, son of Godfrey, lord of foreigners, with his forces went and laid an ambush for Conghalach, by means of which stratagem he was taken, with his chieftains, at Tigh Gighrainn (i.e., Tigeeran, a place not identified). Conghalach himself was slain, and a great many others along with him.”3
Dr. Joyce, in explaining the word “ aonech,” says: —

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 7

As the companion tells it

As you pass through the Curragh, this is where Conghalach, son of Maelmithigh, King of Ireland, came in 954. He plundered Leinster, then held the Aonech Life here for three days. To hold a fair in another king's territory was an act of insult, a boast over his downfall. Word went from Leinster to the Danes of Dublin, and Awly, son of Godfrey, lord of the foreigners, came with his forces and laid an ambush. Conghalach was taken with his chieftains at Tigh Gighrainn, a place not identified since. He was slain, and a great many others along with him.

Baltinglass Rebellion and Castlemartin, 1579-1580

Castlemartin · townland · Kildare · 1579–1580

The Baltinglass Rebellion broke out in 1579; Maurice, eldest son of John Eustace of Castlemartin, joined the rebels and was captured and executed the following year. His father John died in 1580, leaving the manor to his second son to avoid forfeiture.

Read the passage

The Rebellion known as the Baltinglass Rebellion (from the fact that James Eustace, 3rd Viscount Baltinglass, was the principal Leinster nobleman concerned in it) broke out in 1579; Maurice, the eldest son of John Eustace, of Castlemartin, threw in his lot with the rebels, was captured and executed in the following year. His father, John, also died in 1580, and by his will left the Manor of Castlemartin, &c., to his second son, William Eustace, as if foreseeing the forfeiture that would ensue if his eldest son succeeded to his property.
On the breaking out of the Rebellion of 1641, Maurice fitz- William fitzJohn Eustace was in possession of Castlemartin. His name appears in the list of persons outlawed for high treason at this time.3 On the 2nd of March, 1643, James, Marquis of Ormonde, in command of the Parliamentary Army, having lodged in Naas, crossed the Liffey two miles below Castlemartin (? at Athgarvan), and finding this castle was garrisoned by the rebels “under the command of one Fitz- Gerald,” he determined to take the place. But on sending a summons, the garrison of 400 men surrendered, and were allowed to march away. From Castlemartin the Parliamentary forces dispersed, to lodge in the villages about the Curragh, while Lord Ormonde’s regiment was quartered in the town and castle of Kildare.4

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 202

As the companion tells it

Close to Castlemartin, you're near the lands of John Eustace, whose family was caught up in the Baltinglass Rebellion. That rebellion, led by James Eustace, 3rd Viscount Baltinglass, broke out in 1579. Maurice, John's eldest son, joined the rebels, was captured, and executed in 1580. John himself also died that year, and by his will he left the Manor of Castlemartin to his second son, William Eustace, as if foreseeing the forfeiture that would follow if his eldest son had inherited. Later, in the Rebellion of 1641, another Maurice fitz-William fitzJohn Eustace held Castlemartin and was outlawed for high treason. On the 2nd of March 1643, James, Marquis of Ormonde, crossed the Liffey and found the castle garrisoned by rebels under one Fitz-Gerald. He prepared to take the place, but the garrison of 400 men surrendered on summons and were allowed to march away. Ormonde's forces then dispersed to villages around the Curragh, while his own regiment was quartered in Kildare town and castle.

Battle near Rathmore against Feagh mac Hugh O'Byrne's men

Rathmore · townland · Kildare · 1580

On 17 September 1580, rebels under a brother of Feagh mac Hugh O'Byrne partly burned Rathmore and were driving off cattle when overtaken by cavalry under the Earl of Kildare and Sir Henry Harrington. A fierce fight ensued in which many rebels, including a son and two brothers of Feagh mac Hugh O'Byrne, were slain.

Read the passage

ct Oel the 16th of September I went furthe carying my horsemen and Sir Henry Harryngton’s band, and having placed them whear I thought likely est to prevent the rebells comyng into the contrey, I retorn ed to Dublin that night, leaving George FitzGerald3 my Liewtennant with the souldiers. On the morrow at about six of the clock in the mornynge, having with hym Sir Henry Harryngton’s Liewtennant, and with them both not past fourtie horsemen, the reste beyng abroade seking victuailles, they hard the crye and saw a towne (Rathmore) fired by the rebells ; wheareuppon they galloped that waie upon the spoore and persued the space of six or seven myles, before they could overtake them ; at which tyme the rebells, espying their comyng, lefte the pray which they had, and gathered themselves together, and putt themselves in order for their defence. Whearwith my Liewtennant requyred Sir Henry Harryngton’s Leiwtennant to kepe the rereward and to push on the horsemen to hym and he would give the chardge ; and so did, and at leingth goynge over a foorde, brake uppon them and slewe a nomber of them ; after which certaine of the rest that were left alive to the nomber of 24 gott againe together, uppon whom my Liewtennant and Gwydon-berrer [i.e., standardbearer], with six horsemen more, gave a new chardge, while Sir Henry Harryngton’s men and the others were chasyng of the rest ; in which chardge my Liewtennant and his horse were slayne and my Gwydon-berrer runnynge him through with his Gwydon-staffe that slew my Lieutennant, was overthrowen hymselfe and his horse ; at which tyme the rest of the horsemen came through them and putt them all to the sworde savinge two which escaped, one of them beyng runne through with a horseman’s staffe, after that they had fought a longe tyme very valyantly. Amongs them there were slayne a sonn and two bretherne of Feagh McHew
1 Page 259, Dr. Comerford’s “ Diocese of Kildare.”

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 237

Fiach MacHugh O'Byrne, Terror of the Pale

Dublin · city · Dublin · 1590

Fiach MacHugh O'Byrne was described by Sir George Carew as the chief terror of the Pale in 1590, called 'the firebrand, the gall of Ireland.' Spenser also wrote of his boldness in confronting princes and great potentates.

Read the passage

Again, on the east of the Barrow rose the south-eastern highlands, stretching from the centre of Wexford close to the capital itself. This tract of mountainous country, measuring about forty-four miles north and south, and twenty-five miles east and west, remained completely independent up to the reign of James I. Sir G. Carew, writing in 1590, indignantly complains that “ those that dwell even in sight of the smoke of Dublin are not subject to the laws.” The chief terror of the Pale at that time was Fiach MacHugh O’Byrne. Carew calls him “the firebrand, the gall of Ireland, the ancient traitor of Leinster;” and Spenser writes of him that “he hath of his own hardinesse lifted himself up to the height that he dare now front princes, and make tearmes with great potentates.” 3
These facts help us to appreciate Campion’s account of the origin of the word “ pale.” “An old distinction,” he writes, “ there is of Ireland into the Irishry and the English part, for when the Irish rebels had raised continual tumults against the English planted here with the Conquest, at last they coursed them into a narrow circuit of certain shires in Leinster, which the English did choose as the fattest soil, most defensible, their proper right, and most open to receive help from England. Hereupon it was termed their pale , as whereout they durst not peep.”4 “Pale” is derived from the Latin palus, a stake. As stakes were used to mark boundaries and make fences, the word was extended in the fifteenth century to fenced enclosures (see Du Cange, sub voce) ; and hence the area into which the English were “ coursed ” came to be called the Pale.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 178

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Dublin, you are moving through what was once the Pale, the narrow circuit of shires in Leinster where the English held their ground. Campion wrote that when Irish rebels raised continual tumults against the English planted here with the Conquest, at last they coursed them into this narrow circuit. The English chose it as the fattest soil, most defensible, their proper right, and most open to receive help from England. It was termed their pale, as whereout they durst not peep. To the east of the Barrow, the south-eastern highlands stretched from the centre of Wexford close to the capital itself, a tract of mountainous country measuring about 44 miles north and south and 25 miles east and west. It remained completely independent up to the reign of James I. Sir George Carew, writing in 1590, complained that those that dwell even in sight of the smoke of Dublin are not subject to the laws. The chief terror of the Pale at that time was Fiach MacHugh O'Byrne. Carew called him the firebrand, the gall of Ireland, the ancient traitor of Leinster. Spenser wrote of him that he hath of his own hardinesse lifted himself up to the height that he dare now front princes, and make tearmes with great potentates.

Gerald Aylmer of Donadea's imprisonment for opposing the Cess

Donadea · townland · Kildare · 1583–1591

Gerald Aylmer, resident at Donadea, acted as agent for the chiefs of the Pale in petitioning Queen Elizabeth against the unconstitutional 'Cess' taxation, journeying to England without licence and being imprisoned in the Marshalsea for ninety days in 1588 as a result.

Read the passage

The imperious Tudor Queen was not likely to receive with much favour arguments that taxation without representation was unconstitutional ; and accordingly Gerald Aylmer was committed to prison. There is a petition2 of his, dated June 14, 1588, from the Marshalsea, and addressed to the Lord Treasurer, setting forth his grievous imprisonment for ninety days, and praying that he may be referred over to Ireland for further punishment if it be needful that he suffer further. In
1 Cess was a right which the Crown asserted as part of its prerogative to impose on the country a certain proportion of victuals and provisions of all kinds to be delivered at what was commonly called “the Queen’s price.” It was objected to as (1) unconstitutional, being taxation without the consent of Parliament; and (2) oppressive, because the “Queen’s price ” was far below the ordinary market price.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun

Murder of Robert Talbot near Ballymore in 1524

Ballymore Eustace · town · Kildare · 1524

Robert Talbot of Belgard, a favourite of the Earl of Ormond and suspected spy against the Geraldines, was ambushed near Ballymore by James FitzGerald's men while travelling to Kilkenny Castle for Christmas, and left dead on the road.

Read the passage

In 1524 the immediate neighbourhood of Ballymore was the scene of the tragic death of Robert Talbot, of Belgard,2 in the County Dublin. The Geraldines and the Butlers were, as usual, at daggers drawn ; hut the latter at this time were favoured by fortune, and Pierce, 8th Earl of Ormond, was now Lord Deputy. Robert Talbot was a great favourite with him, and was equally well hated by the Geraldines, who suspected him of spying on them, and of giving information about their doings to Ormond. Consequently, as he was on his way to spend Christmas in that year at Kilkenny Castle, he was met near Ballymore by a party of the Geraldines under one James FitzGerald, who set upon him, dispersed his followers, and left him dead on the road.3 So incensed was the Earl of Ormond when the news reached him, that he brought an impeachment against the Earl of Kildare in England. The James FitzGerald above mentioned is called “ Chief of the Earl of Kildare’s followers.” He, I believe, was identical with James FitzGerald of Osberstown, who is said to have married an Eustace of the Ballycutland family, and who was Constable of the Earl of Kildare’s Castle of Lea in the Queen’s County at the time of the Silken Thomas’s Rebellion.
About the year 1587 Robert Cowley (Master of the Rolls) wrote to Thomas Cromwell (Secretary of State), making suggestions for the better management of the Pale, one of which was that: — “As Ballymore and Tallaght, belonging to the Archbishop of Dublin, stand most for the defence of the counties of Kildare and Dublin against the O’Tooles and O’Byrnes, therefore it should be ordered that the Commissioners shall see

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 220

As the companion tells it

Coming up now is Ballymore Eustace. Back in 1524, this neighbourhood was the scene of a killing that fed the long feud between the Geraldines and the Butlers. The Butlers were in the ascendant at the time, and Pierce, the 8th Earl of Ormond, held the office of Lord Deputy. Robert Talbot of Belgard, in County Dublin, was a great favourite of his, and equally well hated by the Geraldines, who suspected him of spying on them and reporting their doings to Ormond. That Christmas, Talbot was on his way to Kilkenny Castle when a party of Geraldines under one James FitzGerald met him near Ballymore. They set upon him, dispersed his followers, and left him dead on the road. Ormond was so incensed when the news reached him that he brought an impeachment against the Earl of Kildare in England. This James FitzGerald was called "Chief of the Earl of Kildare's followers," and may have been the same James FitzGerald of Osberstown who married into the Ballycutland Eustaces and served as Constable of the Earl of Kildare's Castle of Lea in Queen's County at the time of the Silken Thomas rebellion.

Obelisk erected in Donnelly's Hollow, 1888

near Donnelly's Hollow · hollow · Kildare · 1888

In 1888 a limestone obelisk was erected in Donnelly's Hollow by public subscription, commemorating Donnelly's 1815 victory over Cooper, though by the time of writing it was being vandalised by stones thrown by disappointed supporters of Cooper's countrymen in the camp.

Read the passage

This obelisk, unfortunately, is being maliciously injured by stones thrown at it by George Cooper’s disappointed countrymen in the camp.
Probably the oldest map of the Curragh was Sir William Petty’s, the author of “ The Down Survey,” taken in the years 1655-6 ; these hand-painted maps were unfortunately almost totally destroyed by fire in 1711, at the time they were kept in a house in Essex Street, where the Surveyor-General then lived. Fragments of the more or less charred remains are preserved in the Record Office, Four Courts, Dublin.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun

As the companion tells it

Somewhere about Donnelly's Hollow stands a limestone obelisk, put up in 1888 by public subscription to commemorate Donnelly's 1815 victory over Cooper. Sadly, it was being maliciously damaged by stones thrown at it by George Cooper's disappointed countrymen in the camp.

Rebels cast cannon from pots and pans to besiege Geashill

Geashill · town · Offaly · 1642

Unable to take Geashill Castle by assault, the besiegers collected 140 pots and pans which an Irishman from Athboy smelted into a cannon, before Lord Clanmalier brought the great gun to Geashill after two months and sent a further summons.

Read the passage

Not being able to take the castle by assault, they retired. They then collected, it is said, 140 pots and pans, which an Irishman from Athboy cast into a cannon, having smelted it three times before he succeeded in bringing it to perfection. After two months Lord Clanmalier brought this great gun to Geashill, and then sent the following summons to Lady Offaly : —
“ Noble Madam,

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 258

Rescue of Protestant Clergyman at Donadea

Donadea · townland · Kildare · 1641

In 1641, near Clongowes at Donadea, a Protestant clergyman was seized by Irish rebels and led to the gibbet with a rope already around his neck, but was rescued at the last moment by a priest who was completely unknown to him.

Read the passage

Such are the stories told of those wild times, and of the men and women who lived in them. In all wars, but especially in civil strife, deeds are done on both sides that the historian shudders to recount. In that same year (1641) at Donadea, quite close to Clongowres, the Protestant clergyman was seized by the Irish, and led to the gibbet. The rope was already round his neck, when he was rescued by a priest, who was completely unknown to him.4 At all events, the property of the Eustaces of Clongowes was forfeited, and among the names of the Papist proprietors forfeiting in the County of Kildare, appears that of James Eustace, of Clongowes Wood, with those of his neighbours, Sir Andrew Aylmer, Knight, of Donadea, Nicholas Wogan, of Bathcoffy, Garret Sutton, of Richardstown, Nicholas Sutton, of Barberstown, and John Gaydon, of Irishtown (Straffan).
1 Brother Eustace’s MS. Account.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 137

The Piper's Stones circle and fairy music tradition at Broadleas Commons

Broadleas Commons · townland · Kildare

A stone circle of 29 boulders on Broadleas Commons is called 'The Piper's Stones'; local tradition says the name arose because bagpipe music played by the fairies or 'good people' is still occasionally heard at the spot.

Read the passage

The name of “Piper’s Stones,” so often applied to this class of monument, must have had its origin in some now forgotten legend. The only explanation the old people give for the name is that Bag-pipe music, played by the “ good people,” or fairies, is still occasionally heard at the spot.
Colonel Wood-Martin, in his “ Pagan Ireland ” (p. 268), says that “ cromleacs are, when undisturbed, almost invariably surrounded by a circle of large stones.” It is possible that a cromleac formerly existed here too, particularly as the County Wicklow Ordnance Survey Letters, written in 1889, mention two large stones as then lying inside the circle, which are not now in existence.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 223

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Broadleas Commons stands a circle of 29 boulders known as the Piper's Stones. The old people say the name comes from bagpipe music played by the good people, the fairies, still occasionally heard at the spot. Two large stones once lay inside the circle, noted by the Ordnance Survey Letters in 1889, but they are no longer there.

Ambush attempt by rebels near Clane under 'Rebel General' William Aylmer

Clane · town · Kildare · 1798

Sir Fenton Aylmer, with fourteen dragoons, narrowly escaped being cut off by an ambush of rebels near Clane led by William Aylmer of Painstown, known as the 'Rebel General', a month after the burning of Courtown.

Read the passage

Sir Fenton, the 7th Baronet, was High Sheriff of Kildare in 1795. The part he took against the rebels in 1798 is noticed in Musgrave’s History of the Rebellion. It is said the rebels who burnt Courtown would have done the same to Donadea if they had not known that their friends had lodged many valuable articles in it for safe custody. Sir Fenton, with a body of fourteen dragoons, had, a month later, a narrow escape of being cut off by an ambush of the rebels near Clane under William Aylmer, of Painstown, the “Rebel General.” In 1804 he purchased from Squire Conolly, tof Castletown, the pack of foxhounds which the latter had been the first to introduce into Kildare. He hunted them till 1814. It was during his mastership that the catastrophe so well known to foxhunters occurred whereby the pack was destroyed in pursuing a fox down the Poulaphouca Waterfall.
Sir Fenton died in 1816. He was succeeded by his second son, Gerald George, the 8th Baronet, born in 1798, a lieutenant in the 1st King’s Dragoon Guards. He married, in 1826, Maria, daughter and co-heiress of Col. Hodson of the EJ.C.’s service, and granddaughter of Sir Richard Hodson, of Carlisle.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 111

Bewitched Butter at Moatfield near Ardscull

Moatfield · townland · Longford · 1898

A strange woman visits the narrator's grandmother at Moatfield, near the Moat of Ardscull, telling her that her butter has been bewitched and someone is stealing it. She instructs the grandmother in a set of counter-charms involving scouring vessels, a plough-chain, grass over the door, and dousing stolen fire in spring water to break the spell.

Read the passage

“It's a shame on you,” says the woman, “ to see a fine young woman like you too lazy to churn and make butter, for I see you own a cow.” My grandmother was a fine, able slip of a girl ; and she was not then long married at the time. “ Well,” says she, “ to tell you the truth, it *s not idleness that has me without it, for,” says she, “I churn often enough, but save the grain of butter I can bring at all this while back, whatever has come over it.” “ I’ll tell you what ails it,” says the strange woman : “ your butter is bewitched ; there is some one taking it, whoever she may be, and may be she does not live very far off ; and it ’s for to tell you how to get it back that I come here ; for I hard about your butter being bewitched,” says she ; “ and on account of your being a young, decent, married woman, I didn’t like to see you at the loss of it.” “ Musha, where do you come from?” says my grandmother; “and who is after telling you about the butter being taken on me ? ” “ Never mind, now,” says she, “ how I hard, or where I come from ; only do as I am going to tell you, and you will get back your butter.” So my grandmother said she would do whatever she bid her if she could ; for she was scalded churning and going to bother with the milk, and getting no produce. The strange woman then told her to throw out every sup of milk she had out of all the vessels, and to give them a good scouring and washing and scalding, and rinse them in spring-water ; and she told her when she had them all cleaned to gather her milk the same as she always did ; and when she put it in the churn she was to tie a plough-chain round it ; and she told her to go out straight foreninst the door and gather a handful of grass, and tie it in a bundle and hang it up over the door ; and she told her then whatever day she was going to churn to put a tub on the Hoor, and fill it with spring-water, and if anyone came in for a sod of fire while she was churning (in them times if the fire went out they used to go to a neighbour’s house for a sod of turf with the fire in it), she was to wait till they went out of the house with the live coal ; and then she was to take another sod of fire off the hearth, and put it down in the tub of water ; and she was to do that as often as anyone took fire out of the house while she was churning. My grandmother said she would do what she told her, and thanked her for her goodness. “What will you give me now, ” asked the strange woman, “for telling you how to get back your butter ? ” “ Shure, it ’s little the likes of me can give to anyone/'’ says she, “for money I have none ; but if you will take a dish of meal, or a thing that way, shure you’re welcome.” “ Arrah, never mind,” says the woman ; “but 1 11 tell you what you 11 do the next time I come this way— if I ever come this way again — give me a pat of fresh butter, and a drink of butter-milk ; you will do that

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 161

Burial of Alison FitzEustace at New Abbey, 1495

Kilcullen · town · Kildare · 1495

Alison FitzEustace, first wife of Gerald 8th Earl of Kildare, died in 1495 grieving over her husband's troubles in England and was buried in the Franciscan friary near Kilcullen bridge that her father Roland had built.

Read the passage

4 ‘ Hoc etiam anno, dum Kildarius in Anglia hsereret, a criminibus objectis, se purgare fatagens (an vero in carcere hue usque detentus nescio) Alisona uxor ejus filia Rolandi Eustacii Baronis Portlesterii mortem obiit in Hibernia, ex dolore (ut putatur) quern in mariti serumnis & periculis hauserat, et sepulta est in coenobio fratrum minorum de observantia juxta pontem de Kilcullen, quod pater ejus extruxerat.” ( Vide p. 48.) (Alison FitzEustace was the first wife of Gerald, 8th Earl of Kildare, known as “ Garrett more,” or Gerald the Great. She died on the 22nd of November, 1495.)
4 4 ANNO CHRISTI MCCCCXCVI.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 194

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Kilcullen, this is the town whose bridge stood beside a Franciscan friary built by Roland Eustace, Baron of Portlester. In 1495 his daughter Alison FitzEustace, first wife of Gerald the 8th Earl of Kildare, died here on the 22nd of November. Gerald was in England at the time, fighting accusations against him, possibly held in prison. Alison is said to have died of grief over her husband's troubles. She was buried in the friary her father had built, beside Kilcullen bridge.

Ghostly Horse and Hounds Seen Near McRoberts's Rath Grave

Castleroe · townland · Derry

Local tradition holds that James McRoberts was buried in the Rath at Castleroe with his favourite horse and two hounds, and that the spectral horse and hounds have several times been met and recognised on the road nearby.

Read the passage

It is said in the locality that James McEoberts was buried in the Eath with his favourite horse and two hounds, and that they have several times been met and recognised on the road close by. A large tombstone, measuring 7 ft. 10 in. in length, and 3 ft. 10 in. in breadth, lies, smashed into five pieces, over his grave in the middle of the Eath. On it can be read : —
Here lieth the Body of la3 McRoberfcs Esqr deceased Iune the 20th D68 Aged 50.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 158

Giraldus Cambrensis on St. Brigid's Pastures

near The Curragh · locality · Kildare · 1180–1200

In the late twelfth century, Giraldus Cambrensis recorded that the Curragh was known as 'St. Brigid's Pastures,' where no plough was ever suffered to turn a furrow, and it was considered miraculous that the grass regenerated overnight no matter how much cattle grazed it.

Read the passage

In Giraldus Cambrensis51 time (the latter end of the twelfth century) the Curragh was also known as “ St. Brigid's Pastures,” “ in which,” he adds, “ no plough was suffered to turn a furrow ; respecting these meadows, it is held as a miracle that, although all the cattle in the province should graze the herbage from morning till night, the next morning the grass would be as luxuriant as ever.”
The oldest written reference to the Curragh is to be found in an ancient MS., called the “ Liber Hymnorum,” preserved in Trinity College, supposed to have been transcribed from an older MS. in the tenth century. The reference occurs in the celebrated hymn in praise of St. Brigid, composed by St. Brogan Claen from a prose narrative communicated to him by his

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 8

As the companion tells it

As you pass through the Curragh, you are crossing what Giraldus Cambrensis, writing in the late twelfth century, called St. Brigid's Pastures. He said no plough was ever suffered to turn a furrow here, and it was held as a miracle that though all the cattle in the province grazed the herbage from morning till night, the next morning the grass would be as luxuriant as ever. The oldest written reference to the Curragh is older still. It appears in the Liber Hymnorum, an ancient manuscript preserved at Trinity College, supposed to have been transcribed in the tenth century. The reference comes in a hymn in praise of St. Brigid, composed by St. Brogan Claen from a prose narrative communicated to him.

James FitzPiers destroys the bridge of Athy, 1599

Athy · town · Kildare · 1599

When the Earls of Essex and Ormonde met at Athy on 12 May 1599 to pass into Leix, James FitzPiers pulled down the bridge of Athy over the Barrow, manned the castle at the bridge foot, and trenched the fords to block the horsemen, though the ward eventually fled.

Read the passage

(FitzGerald), having his father with his whole family burned to ashes by Walter ‘ reogh ’ (FitzGerald) and his rebellious associates, who, wanting grace, and forgetting his father’s injury, and villany of traitors, went into open action, and became a malicious rebel. Immediately after the burning of his father, he went into England, and delivered his grief and great losses. Her Majesty, according to her wonted clemency, graced him in divers ways, and gave him ten horses in pay. After his return, he behaved himself civilly, and was made Sheriff of that county, kept much company with Captain Thomas Lee, who was a great favourer of the Earl of Tyrone (O’Neill), and then in question and disgrace therefore ; and as it may be gathered, infected with that company, underhand this James practised a long time with the Earl of Tyrone, but at length broke out, and his practices were revealed to the Lord Justices. Captain Lee and he making merry together, said Lee, ‘James, thou and I will be shortly MacRustclyns (that is to say, Robin Hoods), for we can get nothing as we are.’ These words were brought to the Lord Justices, so that they were both sent for by a pursuivant. Lee appeared, was charged with treason, and was committed to the Castle ; but James would not show himself. He practised to betray the Fort of Leix (i.e., Maryborough), but failed of his purpose. He made claim to the Lordship of Cloncurry, which was the jointure of the Lady Baltinglass,1 and, because he could not prevail, he practised with the ward there to betray the same, and so it came to pass. He complained unjustly, as traitors did, of the Earl of Ormonde, Lord Lieutenant-General ; the which complaint Sir Garrett Aylmer (in the absence of the Earl) answered, and satisfied the Lords Justices, delivering upon his credit and certain knowledge, that the Earl did him no wrong, and that he was void of any gall towards him. James FitzPiers feared the Lord Archbishop of Dublin, for that he in England was examined whether the said Bishop had kept prisoner Rose O’Toole, wife to Feagh Mac Hugh (O’Byrne), as malefactors fearing everybody, and dare not trust themselves. After many mischiefs by him done, when both the Earls of Essex and Ormonde met at Athy, the 12th May anno 1599, with their forces, to pass into Leix for the victualling of the new fort (i.e., Maryborough), he pulled down the bridge of Athy upon the river of the Barrow, manned the Castle at the bridge foot, and trenched the fords on the river side, to hinder the passage of the horsemen. But when there was a passage found, and horsemen conveyed over to compass the town, the ward ran away, and he, seeing himself in distress, came to the Earl of Essex upon his knees, and desired mercy, and so he was received into favour.”

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 266

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Athy, you are crossing ground where a sharp little drama played out in 1599. On the 12th of May that year, the Earls of Essex and Ormonde arrived here with their forces, meaning to pass into Leix to victual the new fort at Maryborough. James FitzPiers Fitzgerald had other ideas. He pulled down the bridge of Athy over the river Barrow, manned the castle at the bridge foot, and trenched the fords along the river to stop the horsemen getting through. FitzPiers was a man with a tangled history behind him. His father had been burned to death, and after going to England the Queen gave him ten horses in pay and he came back as sheriff of the county. But he fell in with Captain Thomas Lee, who favoured the Earl of Tyrone, and the two of them talked of becoming, as Lee put it, MacRustclyns, meaning Robin Hoods. Lee was arrested for treason but FitzPiers would not show himself. He tried to betray the fort at Maryborough and failed, then managed to betray the ward at Cloncurry when he could not win the lordship by lawful means. So at Athy he made his stand, but it did not last. A passage was found across the river, horsemen were sent over to compass the town, and the ward ran away. FitzPiers, seeing himself in distress, came to the Earl of Essex on his knees and asked for mercy, and was received into favour.

Kidnapping of William de Welles at Kilcock, 1441

Kilcock · town · Kildare · 1441

In 1441 the Prior of Kilmainham's brothers, William and James FitzGerald, ambushed and kidnapped the Viceroy's brother William de Welles at Kilcock on the borders of Meath, killing several of his escort and holding him for ransom until hostages were surrendered.

Read the passage

in 1441, kidnapped the Viceroy’s brother, William de Welles, in the following manner : accompanied by their Irish and English soldiery, they lay in ambush at Kilcock, on the borders of Meath, and as William de Welles passed they attacked his escort, slew several of them, and took him prisoner; he was kept in their dungeon until they had obtained the hostages they demanded. While in their hands the Viceroy and Council directed a writ to be issued requiring the Prior, who was an accomplice in the capture, to present himself on a fixed day in Chancery; and, as he did not appear, the Crown seized all the preceptories and manors belonging to the Hospital, except the chief house at Kilmainham ; but this proceeding was annulled when, some time after, the Prior came into court, and produced a royal pardon.
Two years later, Mac Firbis’s Annals state that the Prior’s brother, William FitzGerald, was slain by the Butlers when engaged with the MacGillapatricks in a preying excursion into Slievardagh, in the County Tipperary ; and in the following year (1444), they state that the Prior himself was rescued by Walter Bermingham’s son, when he was confined a prisoner in New Castle.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 210

As the companion tells it

You are coming to Kilcock, a town on the borders of Meath. In 1441 this was the scene of a bold abduction. The Prior of Kilmainham's brothers, William and James FitzGerald, lay in ambush here with their Irish and English soldiers. As William de Welles, brother of the Viceroy, passed through, they attacked his escort, slew several of them, and took him prisoner. He was held in their dungeon until the hostages they demanded were surrendered. The Viceroy and Council ordered the Prior, who was an accomplice in the capture, to appear in Chancery on a fixed day. He did not come, so the Crown seized all the preceptories and manors belonging to the Hospital, except the chief house at Kilmainham. That seizure was later annulled when the Prior finally came into court and produced a royal pardon. Two years later the Annals of Mac Firbis record that William FitzGerald was slain by the Butlers on a preying excursion into Slievardagh in Tipperary. In 1444 the Prior himself was rescued by Walter Bermingham's son from imprisonment in New Castle.

Rev. Charles Wolfe buried at Clonmell, Cove

Cobh · municipal district · Cork · 1831

The poet Rev. Charles Wolfe, author of 'The Burial of Sir John Moore,' died in 1831 and was buried in the old ruined church of Clonmell at Cove, Cork, with a monument later erected to him in St. Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin.

Read the passage

The literary element is represented by the Rev. Charles Wolfe, born 1791. He was the author of “ The Burial of Sir John Moore,” “ Jugurtha in Prison,” and many other poems and lyrics, which are to be found in the memoir of him written by the late Archdeacon Russell. He died in 1831, was buried in the old ruined church of Clonmell, Cove, Cork, and there is a monument erected to his memory in St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin.
The late Archdeacon John Wolfe, D.D., was also a writer of some repute, and was highly thought of by men of letters in the ecclesiastical world. He was on the eve of promotion to a bishopric when death cut short his career. He was born 1817, being the second son of Major James Wolfe, and brother of Theobald George Wolfe, of Forenaughts. He died in August, 1871.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 226

The perforated cross of Moone as evidence of pagan tradition in Christian art

Moone · townland · Kildare · 900–999

The Moone cross is presented as an extraordinary example in Ireland of a stone perforation and cross being carved together as one original work, probably dating to the tenth century, illustrating the lingering of pagan traditions in Irish Christian art.

Read the passage

Thus we see that this monument belonged to the class called by French writers on dolmens “ pierres percees ” — perforated or holed-stones. From what I can learn, such stones in every country, except Ireland and the western islands of Scotland, are clearly pre-Christian and prehistoric in their origin ; but we have in Ireland more than one instance where the pierced stone is associated with the cross. At the Monastery of Inis Caltra, on Lough Derg, at Reask and Ballyferritur in Derry, at Mainister Kieran in Aran, County Galway, at Innismurray in Sligo, and St. Finian’s Cross at Moville, County Down — the perforated monolith has a cross incised upon it. Hitherto it has been taken for granted that the stone was originally a pagan monument, and that some early Christian missionary had the cross marked on it. This perforated cross of Moone Abbey tells a different story ; the perforation and the cross were originally wrought together, were coincident, and the work probably dates from the tenth century of our era.
This is an extraordinary instance of the lingering of pagan traditions in Irish Christian art. One is almost tempted to regard such a monument—with the strange antediluvian-looking monsters carved on each side — as a sign of reversion to paganism. It calls to mind the practices of the ancient Jews condemned by the prophets Jeremiah1 and Ezekiel,2 when they placed animal emblems on their temple walls. “ Every form of creeping thing and abominable beast was pourtrayed upon the walls round about/’

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 23

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Moone, there is a remarkable stone cross that tells a different story from others of its kind. In many places across Ireland, holed stones have crosses carved on them, and it has always been assumed the stone was pagan first and the cross added later by some Christian missionary. But the perforated cross of Moone Abbey is unusual because the hole and the cross were carved together as one original work, probably in the 900s. The writer calls it an extraordinary instance of the lingering of pagan traditions in Irish Christian art. Strange, antediluvian-looking monsters are carved on each side of the monument, and the writer says one is almost tempted to see it as a sign of reversion to paganism. It calls to mind the practices of the ancient Jews condemned by the prophets Jeremiah and Ezekiel, when they placed animal emblems on their temple walls. As the source puts it, "every form of creeping thing and abominable beast was pourtrayed upon the walls round about." The stone belongs to a class French writers on dolmens call pierres percees, perforated or holed stones, which in every country except Ireland and the western islands of Scotland are clearly pre-Christian in origin.

1573 raid on Tallaght Palace kills Archbishop's nephew and servants

near Tallaght · town · Dublin · 1573

In 1573, during an incursion of the Irish from the mountains, a nephew and some servants of Archbishop Adam Loftus were slain at the gates of the Archiepiscopal Palace at Tallaght, which had been a country residence of the Archbishops of Dublin since 1340.

Read the passage

The name “Tallaght,” otherwise “Taimleacht,” is said to mean “ the plague monument,” or the place where a number of persons cut off by pestilence were interred together. In the year 769 a.d., according to Bishop Reeves, a monastery was erected on this spot by St. Maelruain. The ancient Martyrology of Tallaght, written in Irish, was compiled at the Monastery by SS. Maelruain and Aengus the Culdee. In this monastery was also preserved the Bell of St. Tigearnach, used when solemn oaths were administered. In 1179 Pope Alexander III confirmed Tallaght with its appurtenances to the See of Dublin; and from 1340 to 1821 Tallaght was a country residence of the Archbishops of Dublin. In 1573, during an incursion of the Irish from the mountains, a nephew and some servants of Archbishop Adam Loftus were slain at the gates of the Palace.
What became of the ancient Palace does not appear ; but in 1729 Archbishop Hoadly pulled down great part of the Castle of Tallaght, and with the materials built another Archiepiscopal Palace for the See of Dublin. Within less than a century this building had fallen into such a state of decay, that in 1821 an Act of Parliament was passed divesting the Archbishop of Dublin of Tallaght as a Palace ; and shortly after it was demolished.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 128

Ballymore Eustace burnt and rebels slain during 1798 Rebellion

Ballymore Eustace · town · Kildare · 1798

Ballymore Eustace suffered greatly during the troubles of 1798; several houses and the Protestant church were burnt, and many rebels were slain in the streets while the town was garrisoned by militia and yeomanry under Captain Beevor.

Read the passage

From this period nothing worthy of note is recorded of Ballymore Eustace. Like most of the other towns in the County Kildare, it suffered greatly during the troubles in ’98 ; several of the houses and the Protestant church were burnt ; and many of the rebels were slain in the streets, as at this time it was garrisoned by detachments of the Tyrone, Antrim, and Armagh Militia, and some yeomanry under the command of a Captain Beevor.
The place, as we have already said, now contains no trace of the Castle ; nor are there any other remains of antiquity, except a couple of granite crosses, which, though ringed, are not perforated.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 222

As the companion tells it

As the road takes you through Ballymore Eustace, this town carries a grim memory from 1798. Several houses and the Protestant church were burnt, and many rebels were slain in the streets. At that time it was garrisoned by detachments of the Tyrone, Antrim, and Armagh Militia, and some yeomanry under the command of Captain Beevor. No trace of the castle remains, though a couple of ringed granite crosses survive.

Ballyshannon as a haven for stolen cattle route from Leix

Ballyshannon · townland · Kildare · 1584

In a 1584 complaint, David Sutton accused James FitzGerald of Ballysonnan and his brother Piers of being great succourers of thieves from Leix, leading stolen cattle through the country by stages including the Blackwood, Ballysonnan, and Lea Castle.

Read the passage

“ James FitzGerald, of Ballysonnan, and his brother, who are great succourers of the thieves of Leix [i.e., the O’Mores], and his brother Piers, who leadeth them through the country to steal ; and the theft to be taken the first night to the Blackwood , and in the second night to Ballysonnan, and the third night to Lexe (? Lea Castle, in the Queen’s County), and so from place to place of their own.” 1
In 1538 he, together with Peter or Pierce FitzGerald, late of the Great Grange by Cloncurry ; Maurice “ baccagli ” (i.e., the lame) FitzGerald ; and Edmond Asbold of Mavnooth, servant of Lord Leonard Gray, were all indicted for instigating Kedagh O’More, of Stradbally, Shaun McCoyn, of Kildare, and Neal O’Lalor, of Dysart, Gent., to steal cows and horses from the Earl of Ormond and Alexander fitzTurlough, of the Great Grange.2

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 263

Blacksmith Martin Murphy's encounter with the ghostly knights near Kildare

near Athgarvan · townland · Kildare · 1796–1798

Shortly before 1798, blacksmith Martin Murphy, travelling by ass-cart from Athgarvan to Kildare across the Curragh, encountered a troop of armoured horsemen led by a knight on a white charger, who asked him to inspect his silver-shod horse's shoes; Murphy's tale was corroborated by a tinker who was with him.

Read the passage

It is said that he and his knights lie in an enchanted sleep in a cave under the Rath of Mullaghmast, and that once in seven years, for a short time, the enchanted sleep is lifted, and they have then to issue forth, gallop round the Curragh, visit Kilkea Castle, and then return to Mullaghmast.2 On one occasion, in the heel of the evening, shortly before ’98, a blacksmith named Martin Murphy was driving an ass-cart from Athgarvan to Kildare. On the way across the Curragh he overtook a travelling tinker, and gave him a lift. As they jogged along, collogueing together, their conversation was interrupted by the sound of horses galloping behind them ; they both looked round, and were terrified at seeing approaching them a troop of men clothed from head to foot in armour, led by a knight on a white charger. The leader then halted his troop, and rode forward to where the two terrified men had pulled up by the side of the road. On reaching them, he asked the blacksmith to inspect the state of his charger’s shoes. Martin Murphy, plucking up courage, dismounted from the cart and examined each shoe, which, he was astonished to notice, were of silver, and as thin as a cat’s ear ; however, the nails were sound, and so he informed the knight, who, after thanking him, rejoined his men and galloped on. When they were alone again, Martin Murphy did not let the grass grow under his ass’s hoofs, and soon reached Kildare, where he related his recent adventure, and was corroborated by the tinker. An old man, who was listening in the wonder-struck crowd, suddenly
1 For the expenses incurred by this funeral, see the note at the end of the Paper.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 12

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here, shortly before 1798, a blacksmith named Martin Murphy was driving his ass-cart from Athgarvan to Kildare across the Curragh, and gave a lift to a travelling tinker. The story goes that they heard horses galloping behind them, and turned to see a troop of men clothed from head to foot in armour, led by a knight on a white charger. The knight halted his troop, rode forward to where the two men had pulled up, and asked the blacksmith to inspect his charger's shoes. Murphy got down and examined each one. The shoes were of silver, and as thin as a cat's ear, but the nails were sound, and so he told the knight. The knight thanked him, rejoined his men, and galloped on. Murphy did not linger, and soon reached Kildare, where he told his adventure and was corroborated by the tinker. The armoured riders, it is said, are knights who lie in an enchanted sleep in a cave under the Rath of Mullaghmast, waking once in seven years to gallop round the Curragh, visit Kilkea Castle, and return.

Bronze Age cist burial and urn discovered at Calverstown

Calverstown · town · Kildare · 1788–1789

In February 1788, peasants digging in a garden at Calverstown near Kilcullen uncovered an oblong stone cist beneath a large rockstone, containing a skeleton seated facing south with a small decorated earthenware urn beside its head. The urn was later deposited in the Museum of the Royal Irish Academy.

Read the passage

As some peasants in February, 1788, were digging in a garden at Calverstown, near Kilcullen, in the County of Kildare, one of them dropped lhs fack, or spade, in a hole under what was always deemed a large rockstone, which just appeared above the ground. To recover the spade they attempted to remove the stone ; this they completed by breaking it into several pieces. Underneath was an oblong cavity or tomb, the sides and ends composed of large flat stones, about 5 ft long, 4 ft. deep, and 4 ft. wide. In this tomb was found a skeleton in a sitting attitude, facing the south, and by its side, near the head, a small urn of very rude workmanship, made of earth, very hard baked, and of a light-brown colour. This was a little broken when found, by pieces of the covering stone falling on it ; but when entire was 5^ in. in diameter at the top, and 2 in. at the bottom, and 4£ in. deep ; the urn was ornamented with carvings both in creux and relief.
An illustration of the kist, with the position of the skeleton in it, and another of the urn, are given along with the description of the find ; it is stated that the urn was deposited in the Museum of the Royal Irish Academy.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 38

Destruction of the great prehistoric Moat at Rathmore by road contractors

Rathmore · townland · Kildare · 1894

The great Moat at Rathmore, 25 yards in diameter at the summit, has been progressively destroyed by road contractors quarrying gravel from the eskar it stands on, breaching the encircling entrenchment and destroying one side of the mound. In 1894 a slab-lined kist grave containing a skeleton was exposed 20 feet below the surface near the centre, but the skull was not preserved for study.

Read the passage

As has already been described in our Journal (vol. ii, pp. 112-115) by Lord Mayo, the great Moat, which is 25 yards in diameter at the summit, is being every year more and more destroyed by the road contractors. Many years ago they started excavating material from the eskar or gravel-ridge on which the Moat was raised, and have crept on until they passed through the encircling entrenchment on the north-west side, and attacked the Moat itself, so that one side of it is completely destroyed, and it will unfortunately be only a matter of time before this splendid specimen of a pre-historic sepulchral mound becomes an object of the past. In the year 1894 a kist, or slab-lined grave, was exposed to view about the centre of the Moat, and 20 feet below the surface. It contained a skeleton, and it is much to be regretted that at the time the skull was not preserved, as it would have given a clue to experts to decide the probable period to which this renowned hero belonged.
An effort on behalf of this Society was recently made to prevent the further demolition of the Moat ; but the County Surveyor said that until another gravel-pit was opened for the road contractors handy to their work, the course of destruction would have to continue.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 238

Hugh Echlin survives a deadly snowstorm near Castle Blayney, 1691-2

Castleblayney · town · Monaghan · 1691–1692

Travelling from Dublin between Corick McRosse and Castle Blayney in February 1691-2, Hugh Echlin and companions went astray in a great snowstorm and survived four days and nights sheltering in an abandoned creaght without food, drinking only frosty water.

Read the passage

“Memorandum that on Wednesday being the 3rd of Feb. ’91-2, coming from Dublin, betwixt Corick McRosse and Castle Blayney, I, my man, and one more with us, went astray and out of our way by the violence of a great storm of snow, and were wandering all that day, and our selfes and horses almost cast away ; till by Providence we at last gott to an ould create 1 that was wast, and there we lived with great hardship both without meate or any worldly reliefe for the space of 4 days and
1 Create or Creaght, a booth made of boughs covered over with long strips of turf. The Irish herdmen lived in such booths. — Note appended by Mr. J. C. Stronge.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 27

Miraculous spring at Ballynure said to cure colds

Ballynure · townland · Wicklow

According to tradition, when the bullocks carrying King Cormac's body became exhausted from thirst near the Doon of Ballynure, a spring of water gushed forth from the ground where they pawed. The spring is still visible by the roadside southwest of Ballynure Church and is said to cure colds.

Read the passage

unbroken bullocks, which was allowed to follow its own instincts in conveying the body to a cemetery. After travelling a long distance, the team came nigh to the Doon of Ballynure, from the Timolin direction. Here the bullocks became exhausted from thirst ; but, on pawing the ground, a spring of water gushed forth, which is to be seen to this day by the roadside, to the south-west of Ballynure Church, and which is said to cure colds. After slaking their thirst, the team proceeded a little further, and, descending the high ground, came to what is now called “ Bullockhill. ^ ” Here a hound that lay on its master’s bier made a leap forward, and landed on the Killeen, leaving the impression of one of his paws on a standing stone. The team of bullocks, proceeding on, crossed the river Greese, reached the Killeen, and refused to go further. Thus was the spot for the burial of King Cormac decided on. When the body was removed from the waggon, the team commenced its return journey; and in crossing the boggy ground by the river near Knockbauniah it became engulfed, and waggon and all disappeared for ever from view.
Killeen Cormac and its Oghamed stones were first brought to public notice in the year 1860, by Father Shearman, then C.C. of Dunlavin. He thus describes the Killeen as it then was : —

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 94

Opening of the Grand Canal extension at Sallins, 1786

Sallins · town · Kildare · 1786

The new County Kildare section of the Grand Canal was opened with celebration; the Duke of Leinster and company departed from Sallins aboard the Milecent packet, passing through the Leinster and Wolfe Locks amid cheering crowds who pulled the boats to the excavation at the third lock at Old Town.

Read the passage

“ This day was opened the new County of Kildare Canal. His Grace the Duke of Leinster and the other gentlemen of the company assembled this morning on board of the Milecent packet, where an excellent breakfast, music, &c., were provided. They proceeded, with streamers flying, and the discharge of several pieces, from Sallins, up their own line through the Company’s bridge, the Leinster and Wolfe Locks, &c. On entering the new line, they were received with loud and repeated acclamations ; and as soon as they entered the Leinster Lock, the populace seized the track line, and drew them in triumph to the excavation of the third lock at Old Town. They passed through each of the locks in less than three minutes. The perfect execution of the works, the curving line of the canal, the variety and beauty of the adjacent country, interspersed with ancient and modern buildings and improvements, all embellished by the fineness of the day, and enhanced by the consideration of the utility of the work to the comfort and industry of the inhabitants of the large tract of country through which it is to pass, filled every breast with a glow of satisfaction.”
( 396 )

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 246

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Sallins, this is where the new County Kildare section of the Grand Canal was opened in 1786. The Duke of Leinster and the company gentlemen boarded the Milecent packet that morning to an excellent breakfast and music, then set off from Sallins with streamers flying and the discharge of several pieces. They went through the Company's bridge and the Leinster and Wolfe Locks, and the crowd seized the track line and drew the boat in triumph to the excavation of the third lock at Old Town. They passed through each lock in less than 3 minutes. The account of the day noted the curving line of the canal and the beauty of the adjacent country, ancient and modern buildings, all enhanced by the consideration of the utility of the work to the comfort and industry of the inhabitants of the large tract of country through which it was to pass. It filled every breast, the writer said, with a glow of satisfaction.

Rebels pike a portrait mistaken for an English soldier at Yeomanstown

Yeomanstown · townland · Kildare · 1798

During the Rebellion of 1798, rebels broke into the house at Yeomanstown and, seeing a red coat depicted in a portrait of James Eustace (a Captain in King James II's army), mistook it for an English soldier and drove a pike through the painting.

Read the passage

* James Eustace was Captain in Sir Maurice Eustace’s Regiment, King James II. There is a portrait of him at Morristown-Lattin. In the Rebellion of 1798 some rebels broke into the house at Yeomanstown, and, seeing the red coat in the picture, took it to represent an English soldier, and drove a pike through it.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 121

Rebels spare Donadea Castle in 1798 due to stored valuables

Donadea · townland · Kildare · 1798

During the 1798 Rebellion, rebels who burnt Courtown reportedly would have done the same to Donadea Castle had they not known their friends had stored valuable articles there for safe custody.

Read the passage

Sir Fenton, the 7th Baronet, was High Sheriff of Kildare in 1795. The part he took against the rebels in 1798 is noticed in Musgrave’s History of the Rebellion. It is said the rebels who burnt Courtown would have done the same to Donadea if they had not known that their friends had lodged many valuable articles in it for safe custody. Sir Fenton, with a body of fourteen dragoons, had, a month later, a narrow escape of being cut off by an ambush of the rebels near Clane under William Aylmer, of Painstown, the “Rebel General.” In 1804 he purchased from Squire Conolly, tof Castletown, the pack of foxhounds which the latter had been the first to introduce into Kildare. He hunted them till 1814. It was during his mastership that the catastrophe so well known to foxhunters occurred whereby the pack was destroyed in pursuing a fox down the Poulaphouca Waterfall.
Sir Fenton died in 1816. He was succeeded by his second son, Gerald George, the 8th Baronet, born in 1798, a lieutenant in the 1st King’s Dragoon Guards. He married, in 1826, Maria, daughter and co-heiress of Col. Hodson of the EJ.C.’s service, and granddaughter of Sir Richard Hodson, of Carlisle.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 111

Rory oge O'More's burning of Rathmore and other towns

Rathmore · townland · Kildare · 1559–1577

Rory oge O'More ravaged the Pale for eighteen years, burning Naas, Athy, Carlow, Leighlin Bridge, Rathcoole, Tassagard, Kilbride, Ballymore-Eustace, Kilteel and Rathmore before he was slain in 1577. His approach was noted as bold, coming by day with bag-pipes and by night with torch-lights.

Read the passage

According to Friar Clyn’s “Annals of Ireland,” Rory oge O’More, who was slain in 1577 by Brian oge MacGillapatrick (a name now changed to FitzPatrick) of Ossory, had for eighteen years ravaged the Pale, during which time he burned Naas, Athy, Carlow, Leighlin Bridge, Rathcoole, Tassagard, Kilbride, Ballymore-Eustace, Killy [? Kill, or Kilteel] , and Rathmore. So bold had Rory oge O’More become, that the Lord Deputy, writing to the Queen in 1572, stated that the manner of his coming was by day with bag-pipes, and by night with torchlights.4 On the occasion of the burning of Naas by him on the 3rd March, 1577, he appears to have taken advantage of the
1 “ State Papers of Henry VIII,” pp. 86 and 335.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 236

Speaker Conolly's Funeral Procession to Celbridge

Celbridge · town · Kildare · 1729

The funeral procession of Speaker William Conolly proceeded from his house in Capel Street, Dublin, along the quays to Arran Quay, and the corpse was carried to be interred at Celbridge on 4 November 1729. Sixty-seven poor men in black serge gowns and hoods marched according to his age, each bearing a pennoncil.

Read the passage

permitted, from his house in Capel Street — along Capel Street and the quays to the upper end of Arran Quay, and from thence the corpse will he carried to he interred at Celbridge on Tuesday, November 4, 1729, at 11 in the forenoon.” Arrangements were, of course, made for the order in the procession of those who took part in it. The fourth contingent was to consist of poor men in black cloth serge gowns and hoods, in number sixty-seven, according to his (the Speaker’s) age, each carrying in his hand a pennoncil, with the letters of his name and years of his age. The members of the Irish House of Commons were present with their Speaker, Sir Ralph Gore, and Wm. Conolly, the Speaker’s nephew and heir, as chief mourner. The programme concludes with this remarkable order, which might well be imitated in modern times : “For a puhlick benefit to the kingdom, all the scarves will be of Irish manufacture.” The other document is a funeral ode on the death of the Speaker ; and though we cannot say much for its poetry, it shows how deeply the Speaker had lived in the affections of the people. Dr. William King, Archbishop of Dublin, had died in the same year as the Speaker ; hence the reference in the second line of these lines :
“ Now grave, thy conquest boast, now death thy sting, Triumphant o’er a Conolly and Kmg.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 73

St. Brigid settles at Drumcree (Kildare)

Kildare · town · Kildare · 480

About the year 480, St. Brigid, patron saint of County Kildare, came and settled at 'Drumcree' (the Ridge of Clay), then on the edge of the Curragh; this place later became known as Kildare.

Read the passage

About the year 480 the great patron saint of the County Kildare, St. Brigid, came and settled at “ Drumcree ” (Le., “ the Ridge of Clay ”), which was then on or at the edge of the Curragh. This place is now Kildare.
There is a legend told, which I have heard from the mouths of the older generation, of how St. Brigid acquired the Curragh for her own use. It was to this effect : —

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 7

As the companion tells it

Up here in Kildare, about the year 480, the great patron saint of County Kildare, St. Brigid, came and settled at Drumcree, meaning the Ridge of Clay, which was then on or at the edge of the Curragh. This place is now Kildare. A legend was told among the older generation of how she acquired the Curragh for her own use, though the tale itself does not survive in the record.

The Enchanted Moat of Mainham and the Good People

Mainham · townland · Kildare

At Mainham there is a remarkable moat believed by local tradition to have been built by the Danes and now inhabited by the Good People and their treasures. A servant named Ned Byrne attempted to gain access using a Danish charm but failed when he broke the condition of going alone.

Read the passage

according to local belief, built by the Danes, and is now the abode of the “ Good People,” and of their treasures. Now, Ned, in his continental wanderings, had met a Dane, and having a keen eye to business, consulted him as to the best and safest method of gaining access to the moat and its contents. The Dane was obliging and equal to the occasion. He gave Ned a small cane, and told him if he struck the moat three times at a certain spot indicated by him, its mysterious doors would open, and he should have friendly reception.
Two conditions, however, were absolutely essential : he should be absolutely alone. On his return Ned proceeded to carry out his instructions. Alone and at midnight he sallied forth, cane in hand. But as he approached the moat his courage began to fail. He went back for reinforcements, and, as he thus neglected one of the conditions imposed, he struck in vain.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 139

Wart-curing folk cure at New Abbey knight's tomb

New Abbey · street · Kildare

A local folk tradition held that rainwater collecting in the hollow of the knight's effigy legs at New Abbey was a cure for warts, provided nine pins were dropped in first and a tenth thrown over the left shoulder.

Read the passage

The rain-water which collects on the slab in the deep hollow formed by the knight’s legs, is a cure for warts ; but, to be effective, nine pins should be first dropped into the water, and a tenth thrown over the left shoulder.
Ware, in his “ Annals of Ireland” (published in 1664), gives the two following entries : —

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 194

As the companion tells it

Along here at New Abbey, there's a knight's effigy on a slab, and rainwater collects in the hollow between his legs. People believed it cured warts, but only if you dropped nine pins into the water first and threw a tenth over your left shoulder.

Journal of the County Kildare Archaeological Society (vol. 3)

The stories, best first

1641 Massacre and Murder of Mrs Eustace at Clongowes

Murder of Lord Kilwarden in Thomas Street, Dublin

Siege of Geashill Castle, 1642 - the burst cannon

Ballyshannon Castle taken by trickery via a captured spy

Ghostly Apparition of the Dying Marshal at Clongowes

Lady Offaly besieged 16 days by the Dempsys at Geashill

Legend of St. Brigid's mantle acquiring the Curragh

Lord Edward FitzGerald's confrontation with dragoon officers at the Curragh

The great battle of Ath-Seanaith (Ballyshannon) in 733 AD

Battle of Faughart Church and the Stone of Decapitation

Earl Richard Marshal's fatal conference on the Curragh

Legend of King Mesgegra's death at the Ford of Clane

The clever boy outwits the Pooka with saddle and spurs

Legend of Mrs Eustace's Broken Jaw at Clongowes

Legend of the red-haired woman who betrayed the monks of the Coreally

New Abbey site leased to Edmund Spenser the poet

O'Dempsey summons threatens to kill all Protestants at Geashill

Pierce FitzGerald's sugaun ruse at Ballybeg

Siege of Donadea Castle, 1641

The dead cock reveals the silver thief at Grangemellon House

The Pooka's lair at Kilberry

Earl of Kildare's Defiant Reply to Cardinal Wolsey

Cerball's fatal wounding in a street of Kildare

The Hell-fire Club Meetings at Grangemellon

The holed High Cross fragments at Moone churchyard

Ambush and death of Conghalach after holding the Aonech Life, 954

Baltinglass Rebellion and Castlemartin, 1579-1580

Battle near Rathmore against Feagh mac Hugh O'Byrne's men

Fiach MacHugh O'Byrne, Terror of the Pale

Gerald Aylmer of Donadea's imprisonment for opposing the Cess

Murder of Robert Talbot near Ballymore in 1524

Obelisk erected in Donnelly's Hollow, 1888

Rebels cast cannon from pots and pans to besiege Geashill

Rescue of Protestant Clergyman at Donadea

The Piper's Stones circle and fairy music tradition at Broadleas Commons

Ambush attempt by rebels near Clane under 'Rebel General' William Aylmer

Bewitched Butter at Moatfield near Ardscull

Burial of Alison FitzEustace at New Abbey, 1495

Ghostly Horse and Hounds Seen Near McRoberts's Rath Grave

Giraldus Cambrensis on St. Brigid's Pastures

James FitzPiers destroys the bridge of Athy, 1599

Kidnapping of William de Welles at Kilcock, 1441

Rev. Charles Wolfe buried at Clonmell, Cove

The perforated cross of Moone as evidence of pagan tradition in Christian art

1573 raid on Tallaght Palace kills Archbishop's nephew and servants

Ballymore Eustace burnt and rebels slain during 1798 Rebellion

Ballyshannon as a haven for stolen cattle route from Leix

Blacksmith Martin Murphy's encounter with the ghostly knights near Kildare

Bronze Age cist burial and urn discovered at Calverstown

Destruction of the great prehistoric Moat at Rathmore by road contractors

Hugh Echlin survives a deadly snowstorm near Castle Blayney, 1691-2

Miraculous spring at Ballynure said to cure colds

Opening of the Grand Canal extension at Sallins, 1786

Rebels pike a portrait mistaken for an English soldier at Yeomanstown

Rebels spare Donadea Castle in 1798 due to stored valuables

Rory oge O'More's burning of Rathmore and other towns

Speaker Conolly's Funeral Procession to Celbridge

St. Brigid settles at Drumcree (Kildare)

The Enchanted Moat of Mainham and the Good People

Wart-curing folk cure at New Abbey knight's tomb