Journal of the County Kildare Archaeological Society (vol. 4)

Each story keeps the passage it was read from. Open one to read the passage as the book has it, and, where the companion has written its own telling, that too.

1. Massacre at Thomond Bridge

   Thomond Bridge · street · Limerick · 1691

   During the second siege of Limerick, an attack on the defences of Thomond Bridge led to disaster when a French officer ordered the drawbridge raised, trapping Irish soldiers who were slaughtered or drowned, with around 600 dead including 154 drowned when forced over the fall of the bridge.

   Read the passage

   degree, that they put the whole body to flight in despight of their Forts Cannon, and all other advantages, and pursued them so close that a French Major who commanded at the Thomond Gate, fearing our Mens entring the Town with their own, ordered the Drawbridge to be plucked up, and left the whole party to the mercy of our souldiers ; those that were behind pressing others forward and throwing them down over the fall of the Draw-Bridge ; the the rest cried out for quarter, holding up their handkerchiefs and what else they could get ; but before the killing was over, they were laid in heaps upon the Bridge higher than the ledges of it ; so that they were either killed or taken, except about 120 who got into the town before the Bridge was drawn up. The number of dead is said to be 600, amongst whom we may reckon 154 that were drowned in being forced over the fall of the Draw-bridge, and reckoned afterwards cast up upon upon the shore.” [The prisoners numbered 21 officers and 103 Rank and file.]

   So enraged were the townspeople at this fearful conduct of the French officer, that if he had not been killed by an enemy’s bullet, they would have torn him to pieces. This disaster, too, so disheartened the defenders, that, as no assistance arrived from France, General D’Usson and Sarsfield at last yielded to the demand for capitulation. On the evening of the 23rd a threedays’ truce was agreed to ; and this was followed by a cessation of hostilities and an exchange of hostages while waiting the arrival of the Lords Justices to sign the Treaty.

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun

   As the companion tells it

   Along here in 1691, during the second siege of Limerick, a terrible slaughter took place on Thomond Bridge. Irish soldiers retreating across the bridge were trapped when a French major commanding at the Thomond Gate ordered the drawbridge raised, fearing the enemy would enter the town behind them. About 120 got into the town before the bridge was drawn up. The rest cried out for quarter, holding up their handkerchiefs, but were cut down or forced over the fall of the drawbridge. The dead numbered around 600, including 154 drowned in being forced over the bridge. Prisoners taken numbered 21 officers and 103 rank and file. The townspeople were so enraged at the French officer that, had he not been killed by an enemy's bullet, they would have torn him to pieces. This disaster disheartened the defenders so much that, with no assistance arriving from France, General D'Usson and Sarsfield at last yielded to the demand for capitulation. A three days' truce was agreed on the 23rd, followed by a cessation of hostilities and an exchange of hostages while waiting for the Lords Justices to sign the Treaty.

2. Departure of the Wild Geese from Cork

   Cork · city · Cork · 1691

   After the Treaty of Limerick, thousands of Irish soldiers embarked for France from Cork, with a great multitude left clamouring at the water's edge; women drowned clinging to ropes as the ships departed, forming the nucleus of the Irish Brigade known as the Wild Geese.

   Read the passage

   The day fixed for the review of the Irish army, at which the soldiers were to decide whether they were for volunteering to serve in France, for taking service under King William, or for returning to their homes, was fixed for Tuesday, the 6th. October. Both Sarsfield and De Ginkel did all in their power to persuade the regiments to be advised by them ; the result was that, in rough numbers, out of 14,000 men, 11,000 volunteered for France, 1,000 chose to serve under De Ginkel, and 2,000 were for returning to their homes. Some time elapsed before the transports were in readiness ; and during the interval many of those who had chosen service abroad changed their minds and returned to their native villages. Yet, even when the embarkation did take place at Cork, it was found that there was not accommodation for all the families. Macaulay describes, in his “ History of England,” how, after the soldiers had embarked, “ there still remained at the water-side a great multitude clamouring piteously to be taken on board ; as the last boats put off there was a rush into the surf ; some of the women caught hold of the ropes, were dragged out of their depth, clung till their fingers were cut through, and perished in the waves. The ships began to move. A wild and terrible wail rose from the shore, and excited unwonted compassion in hearts steeled by hatred of the Irish race and of the Romish faith.”

   These exiles formed the nucleus of the famous Irish Brigade, which afterwards distinguished itself in the service of France on many a European battlefield, particularly in the defence of Cremona, and in the battle of Fontenoy, in May, 1745, when they turned the tide of the battle against the English and Dutch, and secured a brilliant victory for the French ; on hearing of which George II exclaimed: “ Cursed be the laws which deprive me of such subjects.” The strength of the Brigade was kept up with men secretly enlisted in Ireland ; these recruits were known as “ The Wild Geese.” It is reckoned that as many as 450,000 died in the service of France between 1691 and 1745.

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 98

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Cork, you're following the route taken in 1691 by thousands of Irish soldiers who embarked here for France after the Treaty of Limerick. At a review on October 6th, out of 14,000 men, 11,000 volunteered for France, 1,000 chose service under King William, and 2,000 returned home. When the transports were ready, there was not room for all the families. Macaulay describes how, after the soldiers embarked, "there still remained at the water-side a great multitude clamouring piteously to be taken on board; as the last boats put off there was a rush into the surf; some of the women caught hold of the ropes, were dragged out of their depth, clung till their fingers were cut through, and perished in the waves." A wild wail rose from the shore as the ships moved. These exiles formed the nucleus of the Irish Brigade, which distinguished itself in the service of France, particularly in the defence of Cremona and at the battle of Fontenoy in May 1745, when they turned the tide against the English and Dutch. On hearing of that victory, George the Second exclaimed, "Cursed be the laws which deprive me of such subjects." The Brigade's strength was kept up with men secretly enlisted in Ireland, known as "The Wild Geese." It is reckoned that 450,000 died in the service of France between 1691 and 1745.

3. Archbishop John Alen murdered near Artane

   Artaine · parish · Dublin · 1534

   Archbishop John Alen of Dublin, attempting to flee to England during the rebellion of Silken Thomas, was driven ashore near Clontarf and took refuge at the house of Master Holywood in Artane, where he was discovered and murdered by two of the Earl's yeomen on 28th July 1534.

   Read the passage

   2. Edward, married Catherine, daughter of Sir John St. Leger, and had, with other issue — John Alen, who was educated at Oxford, and afterwards took the degree of Master of Arts at Cambridge. After leaving College, he was sent to Rome, on a mission concerning the affairs of the Church, by William Warham, Archbishop of Canterbury. He remained at Rome for some nine years, and obtained the degrees of D.D. and LL.D. in Itaty. On his return to England, John Alen was appointed Chaplain to Cardinal Wolsey, through whose influence he was appointed in September, 1528, Archbishop of Dublin, and Lord Chancellor of Ireland, which latter office he filled until 5th July, 1532. On the outbreak of the rebellion of “ Silken Thomas,5’ Earl of Kildare, the Archbishop attempted to sail to England ; but being driven on shore near Clontarf, he sought refuge in the house of one Master Holywood at Artane. He was discovered there by two yeomen of Dublin, followers of the Earl, and was dragged from his bed and murdered, on the 28th July, 1584, in the 58th year of his age. He is described as a man “ of a turbulent and daring spirit, an enemy of the Earl of Kildare, yet a man of hospitality and learning withal, and a diligent enquirer into antiquities.55 His works, which are in MS.,

   98 AN ACCOUNT OF THE FAMILY OF ALEN, ETC.

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 66

4. Sarsfield's Ride to Ballyneety Destroys the Siege-Train

   Ballyneety · townland · Limerick · 1690

   Sarsfield marched from the mountains to Ballyneety, discovering the countersign 'Sarsfield' by chance from a straggling woman, then attacked and destroyed King William's siege-train encamped at the ruined castle of Ballenedy near Cullen. The explosion was heard as far as Limerick, and Sarsfield escaped back across the Shannon at Banagher.

   Read the passage

   when they had retired to a safe distance, it was fired, with the result that there was a fearful explosion which was heard far beyond Limerick, and the siege-train was utterly destroyed with the exception of two guns. This occurred on Monday night the 11th of August. The protecting force sent out by King William, under Colonel Sir John Lanier, had not long left their camp before they saw the glare and heard the roar of the explosion telling of Sarsfield’s success ; nothing was now left for them to do but to try and cut them off from the bridges over the Shannon ; Sarsfield, however, rode to the head of Lough Derg and recrossed the river at Banagher, with most of the enemy’s chargers along with him, and eventually reached Limerick in triumph, with the loss of a Major, a Captain James FitzGerald, and about fifteen troopers, killed principally in a skirmish with Sir Albert Cunningham’s Dragoons ; the enemy’s loss was sixty, according to their own account. Though this feat of Sarsfield’s did not prevent Limerick from being besieged, yet it delayed those operations till the unhealthy wet weather set in ; it also nerved the defenders to greater determination to withstand it.

   By the 17tli of August, a fresh battering- train had arrived from Waterford, and the bombardment commenced in earnest. For ten days it had lasted now with varying success, when King William deemed it advisable to hold a council of War, as ammunition was running short, and his troops were beginning to suffer from dissentery owing to the autumnal rains. The council determined to make one great final effort to capture the city, and if that failed, to raise the siege.

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 94

5. Sarsfield's raid to destroy the siege-train near Ballyneety

   Ballyneety · townland · Limerick · 1690

   On the night of 10 August 1690, Sarsfield led five hundred horse out of Limerick, crossed the Shannon into Clare, and guided by 'The Galloping O'Hogan' made a long detour through Tipperary to intercept and destroy the Williamite siege-train camped at Ballyneety, south of Limerick.

   Read the passage

   before the walls ; however, he reckoned without his host. On the following day a French gunner deserted from the besieging force, and brought in valuable information as to the positions of the Williamite guns and camp. He also reported that the siegetrain was on its way from Cashel, under an escort of two troops of Colonel Yillier’s Horse. Sarsfield, on hearing this, and knowing the straits they would be in when the siege-guns were in position, volunteered to try and intercept, and if possible destroy, them. It seemed a herculean undertaking ; but permission was granted; and that very night (the 10th August), with a picked body of five hundred horse, he issued from the city, and crossed the Shannon by Tliomond Bridge, into the County Clare. Under the guidance of a famous leader of Bapparees, called “ The Galloping O’Hogan,” he avoided recrossing the Shannon by O’Brien’s Bridge, or the Bridge at Killaloe, as there were small Williamite garrisons at those places to which it would have been unwise to give the alarm. Consequently, Sarsfield passed through Bridgetown and Ballycorney, and finally crossed the Shannon by a ford at Ballyvalley, below Lough Derg. On reaching the Tipperary side, he proceeded across the country between Ballina and Boher, crossing a stream at Labbadiha Bridge, and so on through Killoscully till he reached Slievekimalta, or the Keeper Mountain, in the fastnesses of which he encamped for the night. During the following day Sarsfield’s scouts brought in word that the siegetrain would halt that night at a place called Ballyneety,1 some six miles to the south of Limerick. Sarsfield accordingly made his arrangements for a descent on the guns that night.

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 93

6. Silken Thomas's rebellion begins, 1534

   Lea · townland · Laois · 1534

   On St. Barnabas's Day, 11 June 1534, Silken Thomas, eldest son of the 9th Earl of Kildare, rose in rebellion against the English after rumours spread that his father had been beheaded in the Tower of London; Maynooth and Lea Castles were then provisioned and garrisoned by Geraldine adherents.

   Read the passage

   of the Geraldines in Ireland spread the rumour that the Earl had been beheaded, and that the Silken Thomas and his uncles were to be immediately apprehended. On hearing this, the Silken Thomas summoned a meeting of the Council in St. Mary’s Abbey in Dublin ; and under the influence of O’Connor Faly and O’Neill, and in opposition to the advice of his father’s old friends, he surrendered the Sword of State, and threw up his allegiance to the King. He then left the Council Chamber, and proceeded to raise the country against the Crown. At this time Maynooth and Lea Castles were the two most important fortresses belonging to the Earls of Kildare ; consequently they were provisioned and strongly garrisoned by the adherents of the Geraldines.

   In February, 1585, John Alen, Master of the Rolls, wrote to the Chancellor of the Exchequer to the effect that at this time —

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun

7. Fierce Street Fighting at Limerick's Breach

   Limerick · city · Limerick · 1690

   During the first siege of Limerick, Grenadiers stormed the counterscarp and were driven into the town, where a terrible street-fight ensued in which the women of Limerick joined the combat, throwing stones and broken bottles at the enemy.

   Read the passage

   On the afternoon of the 27th of August, the signal to advance to the attack was given. Five hundred Grenadiers led a rush from the English trenches to the counterscarp, fired their pieces, and threw their grenades. The Irish fled into the town, and were followed by the assailants. Then began a terrible streetfight. The Irish soon recovered themselves and gradually drove the enemy back to the counterscarp ; there the struggle was long and desperate. The very women of Limerick mingled in the combat, stood firmly under the hottest fire, and flung with great effect stones and broken bottles at the enemy. The Irish cavalry now made a well-timed sally under Brigadier Talbot, and attacked the stormers at the breach in the rear, thus throwing them into confusion ; at about the same time a mine was fired which hurled a fine German regiment into the air. General Boisseleau and Sarsfield seized the moment to make a charge with their whole force, and they drove the enemy with great loss back to their very camp. The victory was complete.

   On the 80th of August, the first siege of Limerick came to

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 94

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Limerick, you are in a city that saw savage fighting in 1690. On the 27th of August that year, 500 Grenadiers rushed from the English trenches to the counterscarp, fired their pieces, and threw their grenades. The Irish fled into the town, and the attackers followed. What began then was a terrible street fight. The Irish recovered and gradually drove the enemy back. The women of the city joined the combat, standing under the hottest fire, flinging stones and broken bottles at the enemy with great effect. Brigadier Talbot led a well-timed cavalry sally and attacked the stormers at the breach from the rear. A mine was fired that hurled a German regiment into the air. General Boisseleau and Sarsfield charged with their whole force and drove the enemy back to their very camp. The victory was complete.

8. Finn's Thumb of Knowledge at Sliabh na mBan

   Tipperary

   According to O'Curry's retelling of an ancient tale from a vellum manuscript, Finn MacCumhaill was hunting near Sliabh na mBan in Tipperary when he pursued a strange woman into a hillside door, trapping his thumb, which after chewing gave him the gift of prophecy.

   Read the passage

   “Upon a certain occasion this gallant warrior was hunting near Sliabh-na-m-Ban, in the present County of Tipperary. He was standing at a spring well when a strange woman came suddenly upon him, filled a silver tankard of the spring, and immediately walked away with it. Finn followed her unperceived until she came to the side of the hill, where a concealed door opened suddenly and she walked in. Finn attempted to follow her further, but the door was shut so quickly that he was only able to place his hand on the door-post, with the thumb inside. It was with great difficulty he was able to extricate the thumb, and having done so, he immediately thrust it, bruised as it was, into his mouth to ease the pain. No sooner had he done so than he found himself possessed of the gift of foreseeing future events. This gift, however, was not, we are told, always present, but only when he bruised, or chewed, the thumb between his teeth. (This legend is found in the vellum M.S., H. 3, T.C.D.) Such is the veracious origin handed down to us by the tradition of the poets of Finn MacCumhaill’s wonderful gift of prophecy.”

   Finn, according to the “ Four Masters,” was slain by the cast of a javelin at a place called Ath-Brea, on the River Boyne, a.d. 283 in the reign of Cairbre Lifeachair.

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 258

   As the companion tells it

   Along here at Sliabh na mBan in Tipperary, the old tale goes that Finn MacCumhaill was hunting near this mountain when he stopped at a spring well. A strange woman appeared suddenly, filled a silver tankard from the spring, and walked away. Finn followed her unseen until she reached the side of the hill, where a concealed door opened and she stepped inside. He tried to follow, but the door shut so fast that only his thumb got caught inside the door-post. He pulled the bruised thumb free and thrust it into his mouth to ease the pain. The moment he did, he found himself with the gift of foreseeing future events. The gift came only when he chewed the thumb between his teeth. The legend comes from a vellum manuscript held at Trinity College Dublin. Finn himself, according to the Four Masters, was slain by the cast of a javelin at a place called Ath-Brea on the River Boyne in the year 283, during the reign of Cairbre Lifeachair.

9. Medieval Jars of Gold Coins Discovered at Abbeylands, Sligo

   Abbeylands · street · Kilkenny · 1700–1806

   More than a hundred years before the writing, labourers excavating at Abbeylands in the town of Sligo discovered twelve stoneware jars, each filled with gold coins. None of the coins ever reached the family who owned the garden, and one of the finders confessed the secret on his deathbed, with several finders having quietly emigrated to America.

   Read the passage

   Some labourers were engaged in making an excavation when the find took place. Of the twelve jars, that in my possession is the only one remaining. I believe that in size and general design these jars were identical, but differed in the coloured rims which edged the medallions, as well as in the coloured circles which surrounded the jars. Each jar was filled with gold coins, not one of which came into the hands of the family.

   This information was volunteered by one of the finders who, when near death, sent for my great-grandfather, with the object of unburdening his conscience by the confession. It was then remembered that some of the finders had emigrated to America — by no means an easy matter, financially or otherwise, in those days — and had been described in the usual phraseology as “ well, and doing well.”

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 285

10. The Devil's Mill legend at Luttrellstown

    Luttrellstown · population centre · Dublin

    Luttrell's Mill at Luttrellstown became known as 'The Devil's Mill,' said to have been built in a single night by the Devil. The legend tells of a treacherous Colonel Luttrell who sold his soul, was tasked with impossible feats including building the mill, and ultimately outwitted the Devil using a burning rush and his Bible.

    Read the passage

    “ LuttrelTs Mill” is now known as “The Devil’s Mill,” as it is said to have been built in a night by his Satanic Majesty. The following legend related in connection with it, accounts for the name1 : —

    “During the Jacobite Wars in Ireland, the then owner of Luttrellstown was a Colonel in the Irish Army. He had a bad drop in him, and on one occasion took the opportunity of 4 selling the pass ’ and betraying his country’s cause.2 * With a large sum of Dutch gold, he escaped with his life, and retired, despised and hated, to his home at Luttrellstown. There he went from bad to worse, till at last it is said, the Devil paid him a visit and made an offer for his soul. Colonel Luttrell agreed to its sale, but stipulated that he should not be called until he had enjoyed many years of a wild life ; and even then the Devil should not claim his soul as long as he was able to set him an impossible task. This was agreed to.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 86

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Luttrellstown, the old mill here carries a dark name. Luttrell's Mill became known as 'The Devil's Mill,' said to have been built in a single night by the Devil himself. The legend goes back to the Jacobite Wars in Ireland, when the owner of this place was a Colonel in the Irish Army. He had, as the story puts it, 'a bad drop in him,' and on one occasion he 'sold the pass' and betrayed his country's cause. With a large sum of Dutch gold he escaped with his life and retired, despised and hated, to his home here. There he went from bad to worse, until at last the Devil paid him a visit and made an offer for his soul. Colonel Luttrell agreed to the sale, but stipulated that he should not be called until he had enjoyed many years of a wild life, and even then the Devil could not claim his soul as long as Luttrell was able to set him an impossible task. This was agreed to.

11. Wolfe Tone's Grave and Annual Pilgrimage at Bodenstown

    Bodenstown · townland · Kildare · 1797–1891

    Bodenstown, now part of Clane parish, is the site of an annual political pilgrimage on the last Sunday in June to the grave of Theobald Wolfe Tone, born 1768 and named after a foster-brother of the Wolfes of Blackhall.

    Read the passage

    Bodenstown is annually the scene of a political pilgrimage held on the last Sunday in June. On that day visit is made to the grave of Wolfe Tone. His grandfather held land on lease from Mr. Wolfe, of Blackhall. Part of the house in which he lived, near Clane, was still standing in 1876. Theobald Wolfe Tone, born in 1768, was named after his foster-brother, one of the Wolfes of Blackhall. Of his strange life and tragic end, I need not here speak. His brother, Matthew Tone, eight years younger, tried in 1790 to establish himself as a cotton manufacturer in Prosperous, but failed. He shared his brothers political aims, and w7as executed in Dublin, and buried at Bodenstown in 1797, a year before him.

    The parish of Clane has the unfortunate distinction of being the place where the rebellion of 1798 broke out ; for it was at Prosperous that the temporary barracks occupied by some of the North Cork Militia, and a Welsh cavalry regiment called the Ancient Britons, were attacked and burnt ; and Captain Swayne and most

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 26

12. Trial and execution of Cahir-na-Coppal at Maryborough

    Maryborough · townland · Laois · 1784–1785

    In November 1784, Cahir was lodged in Maryborough jail. His trial took place the following August, and the evidence for horse-stealing was so conclusive that the jury found him guilty; he was executed along with his brother Donnell.

    Read the passage

    However, the pitcher that goes often to the well gets broken at last, and so it was with Cahir-na-Coppal. Hector Graham (or Grimes), of Lea Castle, used to allow Cahir to stable his (unstolen) horses in the vaults of the ruins of the keep, which are extensive, and served the purpose well. It happened that Hector Graham found it necessary to evict Cahir’s parents from their holding on Windmill Hill for non-payment of rent. In revenge Cahir transferred some of his stolen horses to the castle vaults, and then swore information against Hector Graham as being the receiver of stolen property ; when the trial came on, the innocent man was very nearly convicted on Cahir’s evidence. Having proved that the charge was a spiteful plot to ruin him, Hector Graham on gaining his liberty determined to rid himself and the country of this desperado, and, joining the Sheriff some time afterwards in his search for Cahir, succeeded at last in capturing him while hidden in a neighbouring haggard. In the month of November, 1784, Cahir was lodged in Maryborough jail. His trial took place in the following August; and the evidence against him for horse-stealing was so conclusive that the jury had no hesitation in finding him guilty. Shortly afterwards, along with his brother Donnell, he suffered for his crimes, and the career of a man who had for a long time been the terror of the seven counties, was now brought to a close.

    It is said that Cahir-na-Coppal’s body was handed over to his relatives, and that it was interred inside the east end of the church ruins of Ballyaddan, near Rath House ; no headstone, however, marks the grave.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 197

13. Death of robber O'Connor and his hidden treasure on Scalp Mountain

    Scalp Mountain · mountain or mountain range · Donegal · 1798

    A notorious robber named O'Connor who frequented the area during the rebellion was tracked down and killed by a county officer after a gun battle; before dying he reportedly revealed he had buried treasure on Scalp Mountain, visible by sunlight on his dresser at noon.

    Read the passage

    17. A notorious robber named O’Connor used to frequent this neighbourhood about the time of the rebellion. He used to stop with the small farmers, who were half afraid to refuse him hospitality. A reward had been offered for his capture, and, finally, a county officer, standing on the south side of the stream, caught sight of O’Connor in the garden of the large three-storey house on the opposite side of the water. Both men were armed, and each tried, while keeping under cover himself, to get a shot at the other. After some hours O’Connor was badly wounded, and killed outright immediately afterwards. It was either this man, or another outlaw of similar name, who, at the time of his death, told where he had hidden his ill-gotten money. He said that he had buried the treasure on Scalp Mountain ; and that standing over the money at the exact hour of noon, and looking at his house, one would see the sun shining on the dresser. In winter time, when work has been slack, some fruitless attempts have been made to discover the spot.

    19. Stratford Mill. This picturesque ruin was once a busy place, where several hundred hands were employed. I have found no one whose memory goes back to an earlier proprietor than a Mr. Orr, who is remembered to have had ten sons. It was his custom to pay bills with 1 0 U’s, and these passed readily in the country ; “ Orr’s I 0 U’s ” being a well-known form of currency. Later the mill was in the hands of the

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 199

14. Duke of Leinster responds to Emmet's Rebellion news at Carton

    Maynooth · town · Kildare · 1803

    On 23 July 1803, the day of Robert Emmet's planned insurrection, news reached Carton that 'Maynooth was in arms'; the Duke sent for troops and sat up all night ready to resist, and later went to Maynooth to persuade insurgents to surrender their arms.

    Read the passage

    The Duke went to London in February, 1803, and returned in July, on the 23rd of which month, the day appointed by Robert Emmet for the insurrection, news was brought late in the evening to Carton that “ Maynooth was in arms.” He immediately sent his secretary, James Long, to Dublin with the information, and to ask for assistance ; and himself sat up all night prepared to resist the insurgents. The next day, some troops, under the command of Lieutenant Fulton, arrived at Carton, and, after having had refreshment under the colonnade, marched to Maynooth, where the Duke, with his eldest son, occupied a room in the Leinster Arms Inn, after having gone round the town to warn the people against joining the insurrection. On the following day they were persuaded to give up their arms, which were piled in the hall at Carton till they could be forwarded to Dublin. The Duke died at Carton on the 20th October, 1804, and was buried in the new vault in St. Brigid’s Cathedral at Kildare.

    Shortly after the third Duke came of age, he carried out extensive alterations inside the house ; he also changed the front to the north-west side, and laid out new approaches.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 17

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up through Maynooth now. On the 23rd of July 1803, the day Robert Emmet had set for his insurrection, word reached Carton House that "Maynooth was in arms." The Duke of Leinster sent his secretary James Long to Dublin to ask for help, then sat up all night at Carton ready to resist. The next day troops under Lieutenant Fulton arrived at Carton, had refreshment under the colonnade, and marched to Maynooth. The Duke came with them, along with his eldest son, and went round the town warning people against joining the rising. They took a room at the Leinster Arms Inn here. On the following day the people were persuaded to give up their arms, and those weapons were piled in the hall at Carton until they could be sent on to Dublin. The Duke himself died at Carton in October 1804 and was buried in the new vault at St. Brigid's Cathedral in Kildare.

15. Punchestown Cross and the Resurrected Cow

    Punchestown · townland · Kildare

    Mr. Keeley of Punchestown recounted how a sick cow of his was blessed by a priest and later found alive among his cattle, an event he called 'a resurrection'. A stone cross, brought from Ballyknockan, was erected at his farm buildings inside the racecourse to commemorate the event.

    Read the passage

    to the spot on the lower side of the course. Fearing that it was some infectious disease, he went into Naas and notified the inspector, who came out to look at the beast. He was unable to say at once what was wrong, but told Mr. Keeley that he must give information to the police. For that purpose he went into Ballymore ; but when he returned to his home, he was told that the priest had been there, had heard about the sick cow, and had blessed the cattle, and went away leaving word as to what was to be done, and saying that no more cattle would be attacked. The priest had not gone to the ditch where the cow was lying. Having heard all this, Sir. Keeley went to see how his cow was getting on, and to his astonishment found that she was no longer where he had left her ; after some search, he found her among his own cattle grazing as if nothing had been wrong with her. It seemed like a resurrection. That was the word he used. The stone cross came from Ballyknockan.

    Notes on a Mediaeval Jar discovered in Sligo.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun

16. St. Oengus's vision at Coolbanagher inspires the Félire

    Coolbanagher · townland · Laois · 700–800

    St. Oengus the Culdee visited Coolbanagher in Morett and saw a vision of angels over the grave of a humble old man who had recounted the saints daily. This vision inspired him to compose his famous 'Félire', or Calendar of Church Festivals.

    Read the passage

    “ This is the cause : — Oengus went once to Coolbanagher, in Morett, and he saw a grave there, and all between heaven and the ground over the grave was full of angels. And he asked the Priest of the church ‘ Who was buried in that grave V ‘A poor old man who was in the place,’ said the Priest. ‘ VVhat good used he to do 1 ’ asked Oengus. * I used not to see any special good done by him, ’ said the Priest. 4 What thing at all used he to do ? ’ said Oengus. ‘ He recounted the Saints of the world,’ said the Priest, 4 such of them as he remembered, on lying down and rising up, as was the custom of the whilom-laymen of the world.’ ‘ Oh my God of heaven ! ’ said Oengus, ‘ whosoever should make in poetry a song of praise for the Saints, great would be his reward therefor, since grace of that greatness hath come upon this whilom-layman. ’

    “ So Oengus began his ‘ Calendar ’ there ; he made the middle part of it Clonenagh ; in Tallaght, however, it was completed. In the time of Maelruain1 it was made.”2

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 172

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, close to Coolbanagher, Oengus the Culdee once visited in the time between 700 and 800. He saw a grave, and all between heaven and the ground over that grave was full of angels. He asked the priest of the church who was buried there. The priest said a poor old man who had lived in the place. Oengus asked what good he used to do. The priest said he had not seen any special good done by him. Oengus pressed him: what thing at all did he do? The priest answered, "He recounted the Saints of the world, such of them as he remembered, on lying down and rising up, as was the custom of the whilom-laymen of the world." Oengus cried out, "Oh my God of heaven, whosoever should make in poetry a song of praise for the Saints, great would be his reward therefor, since grace of that greatness hath come upon this whilom-layman." So Oengus began his Calendar here. He made the middle part of it at Clonenagh. At Tallaght, however, it was completed. It was made in the time of Maelruain.

17. Capture of the Earl of Ormonde at Corranneduffe near Ballyragget

    Ballyragget · town · Kilkenny · 1600

    The Earl of Ormonde was seized by Owny mac Rory O'More's followers at Corranneduffe near Ballyragget during a parley that turned violent after an argument with Father James Archer, resulting in deaths on both sides and Ormonde's capture.

    Read the passage

    The incident here alluded to occurred at a place called Corranneduffe, near Ballyragget, in the County Kilkenny, on the evening of the 10th of April. The Earl of Ormonde, accompanied by the Earl of Thomond and Sir George Carew, President of Munster, with an escort, proceeded to this place, where he had agreed to meet Owny mac Rory O’More, then in rebellion, for the purpose of a parley. During a long consultation, with no result, it happened that Ormonde got into an angry argument with the famous Jesuit priest, Father James Archer. O’More’s followers, imagining the priest was in danger, surrounded Ormonde’s party, and attempted to seize them, but, with the exception of Ormonde, who was pulled out of the saddle by Melaghlin O’More, they escaped through the fleetness of their horses, though the Earl of Thomond was slightly wounded in the back from a pike-thrust. One of O’More’s men was killed by a pistol-shot, and a few wounded. On the other side a lawyer named Philip Comerford was killed, and fourteen were taken prisoners. The English writers state that O’More acted treacherously, and that the plot to capture Ormonde was

    1 Queen’s County Ex. Inq., No. 22 of Eliz.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 175

18. Edward Bruce burns Castle of Ley and its church after Battle of Skerries, 1315

    Lea · townland · Laois · 1315

    In 1315, following the Battle of Skerries near Ardscull in County Kildare, Edward Bruce, on his way to Kells in County Meath, set fire to the castle of Ley and burned the church there, together with its tower or belfry.

    Read the passage

    In 1315, after the Battle of Skerries, near Ardscull, in the County Kildare, between Edward Bruce and the forces under Edmund Butler, the Justiciary of Ireland, the former, on his way to Kells in the County Meath, set fire to the castle of Ley, and burned the church there, together with its tower, or belfry.6

    In 1329 Lea Castle, which had been occupied by O’Dempsey, was delivered up by him to Maurice, Earl of Desmond, who

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 191

19. Fire destroys Stratford Lodge, Baltinglass, 1856

    Stratford Lodge · townland · Wicklow · 1856

    On a Sunday morning in spring 1856, Stratford Lodge near Baltinglass caught fire, likely started by burglars, and was completely destroyed while Lord Aldborough was inside working on his balloon project. The balloon-house survived and the eccentric Earl lived in it afterward.

    Read the passage

    Mountneill House was destroyed by fire early in the last century ; Aldborough House is now a military Barracks ; and Belan House was allowed to go to ruin. Mason Gerrard, the second last Earl, contracted large liabilities. He was a great spendthrift, running through all his available property with lightning speed. He spent nearly all his time in London, having a short and merry life. Belan was stripped, firstly, of the horned stock, horses, and carriages ; the furniture was then disposed of ; finally, the dismantlement and ruin of the house culminated in having the valuable mantelpieces torn away and sold— the very doors, windows, floors, roof, cut-stone quoins, and window-sills sharing the same fate. The grand entrance gate, I am told, now graces the entrance to Carton Demesne. It is told of Mason Gerrard that when at his wits5 end for money his custom was to enter the Jews’ office and threaten to shoot himself then and there unless he received more money. As he had only a life-interest in the property, his demand was generally complied with. The last Earl resided at Stratford Lodge, near Baltinglass. He was a very eccentric man, but very clever, and a wonderful mechanic. The writer remembers the destruction of the mansion, which took place about forty-six years ago. It was a large, square house, devoid of architectural adornment, hut beautifully situated, overlooking the Valley of the Slaney, and commanding a charming view of the Wicklow Mountains and a large part of the County Carlow. On a Sunday morning, in the spring of 1856, the driver of the post-car from Athy to Baltinglass awoke the inhabitants with the cry: “The lord’s house is on fire.” He had already roused Lord Aldborough by throwing stones through his bedroom window. In a short time a huge crowd was on the scene. The lord was already dressed, and his cry was : “ Save the Balloon House.” His sole aim in life was to construct a balloon, for which purpose he had a large house erected in chiselled Ballyknockan granite at the western end of the Lodge, which had a huge door, 50 feet wide and 60 feet

    THE ECCENTRIC EARLS OF ALDBOROUGH. 275

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, on a Sunday morning in spring 1856, Stratford Lodge caught fire and burned to the ground. The fire was likely started by burglars. The last Earl of Aldborough was living in the house at the time. He was a very eccentric man, but clever, and a wonderful mechanic. The lodge was a large, square house, plain in design, but beautifully situated, overlooking the Valley of the Slaney, with a charming view of the Wicklow Mountains and a large part of County Carlow. The alarm came from the driver of the post-car from Athy to Baltinglass, who woke the inhabitants with the cry: "The lord's house is on fire." He had already roused Lord Aldborough by throwing stones through his bedroom window. In a short time a huge crowd was on the scene. The lord was already dressed, and his cry was: "Save the Balloon House." His sole aim in life was to construct a balloon, and for that he had a large house built in chiselled Ballyknockan granite at the western end of the Lodge, with a huge door 50 feet wide and 60 feet high. The lodge was completely destroyed, but the balloon-house survived, and the Earl lived in it afterward. Before this last Earl came Mason Gerrard, the second last, a great spendthrift who ran through all his available property. He spent nearly all his time in London, living a short and merry life. Belan House was stripped of its stock, horses, and carriages, then its furniture, and finally its mantelpieces were torn away and sold. The very doors, windows, floors, and roof were sold off too. The grand entrance gate now graces Carton Demesne. When desperate for money, his custom was to enter the moneylenders' office and threaten to shoot himself unless he received more. As he had only a life-interest in the property, his demand was generally met.

20. Patrick Sarsfield, Jacobite General, born and bred at Tully, Kildare

    Tully · parish · Kildare

    Lord Walter FitzGerald states it is not generally known that the famous Jacobite General Patrick Sarsfield was born and bred a County Kildare man, his father, grandfather and great-grandfather having belonged to Tully, near Kildare, despite biographers claiming him a native of County Dublin.

    Read the passage

    IT is not generally known that this famous Jacobite General was born and bred a County Kildare man, bis father, grandfather, and great-grandfather haying belonged to Tully, near Kildare. The fact that he succeeded to the County Dublin estates of the Lucan branch of the Sarsfields appears to have led his biographers to state that he was a native of the County Dublin.

    The Sarsfields of Lucan and those of Tully were sprung from the same stock, viz., the Sarsfields of Sarsfieldstown in the County Meath. The common ancestor of these two branches was John, second son of Roger Sarsfield, who was a merchant in Dublin, and its Mayor in 1531. He left issue three sons (also in trade in Dublin), and two daughters : —

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 76

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through the parish of Tully, it is worth knowing that this is where the famous Jacobite General Patrick Sarsfield was born and bred. His father, grandfather and great-grandfather all belonged to Tully. Lord Walter FitzGerald noted that biographers wrongly claim him as a native of County Dublin, because he succeeded to the Lucan estates there. Both the Sarsfields of Lucan and of Tully came from the same stock, the Sarsfields of Sarsfieldstown in County Meath. Their common ancestor was John, second son of Roger Sarsfield, a Dublin merchant who served as mayor in 1531.

21. Siege of Athy by Anthony Preston, 1648

    Athy · town · Kildare · 1648

    In July 1648 Athy was held by the Irish under Captain Shaun O'Hagan for Owen roe O'Neill; Anthony Preston besieged the town, attempting to demolish a stone house and oven near the bridge before the siege was raised on 5 August 1648.

    Read the passage

    In July, 1648, Athy was held by the Irish under Captain Shaun O’Hagan, Governor of the Town and Castle, for Owen roe O’Neill. About the end of the month, Anthony, son of General Thomas Preston, besieged the place. He attempted to demolish with artillery “a stone house of a storie and a halfe high that was at the end of the bridge on the camp side, and a great oven that General (Owen roe) O’Neill builded for ammunition bread,” as they interfered with his plan of attack on the castle itself ; but the defenders made repeated sorties, and managed to delay Preston’s operations till relief arrived. This occurred on the 5th of August, 1648, when Preston raised the siege and marched off.2

    The Irish forces now in Athy were Captain Shaun O’Hagan’s Company, in the White Castle ; Captain Con O’Neill’s Company, which garrisoned the Dominican Abbey ; and Companies under Captain Donnell M‘Kenna and Captain Donnell O’Mellan. Later on in the same year Preston again attempted to capture the castle and town. He directed his ordnance against the castle, and made a great breach in the wall where the staircase was, “ in soe much that neither could ascende or descende by the staire. Captain O’Hagan thereby nothinge discouraged made ladders from each storie unto another, and in spite of the ordinance did stoppe the respective breaches with woolle, hides, stones, and such other traisse [? trash] , as supporters soe well knitt together, that they thought themselves safe enough there by that invention, and soe it proved. 18 shotts were discharged that way, they could not levell lesse than a storie high above grounde, how greate soever the breache might be the enemie could not assayle it, the river being betweene him and it. Preston consideringe his labour lost, removed his ordinance on

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 38

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Athy, you are in a town that saw fierce fighting in the summer of 1648. In July of that year the Irish held Athy under Captain Shaun O'Hagan, governor of the town and castle, for Owen Roe O'Neill. Toward the end of July, Anthony Preston, son of General Thomas Preston, laid siege to the place. He turned his artillery on a stone house a storey and a half high at the end of the bridge on the camp side, and on a great oven Owen Roe O'Neill had built for ammunition bread, because both blocked his line of attack on the castle itself. The defenders made repeated sorties and managed to delay Preston until relief arrived, and on the 5th of August 1648 he raised the siege and marched off. The Irish garrison consisted of O'Hagan's company in the White Castle, Captain Con O'Neill's company in the Dominican Abbey, and companies under Captain Donnell McKenna and Captain Donnell O'Mellan. Later that same year Preston returned and battered a great breach in the castle wall where the staircase stood, so that no one could ascend or descend by the stairs. O'Hagan was not discouraged. He had ladders made from one storey to the next, and stopped the breaches with wool, hides, stones, and such other material, bound together so well that the defenders thought themselves safe. Eighteen shots were discharged that way. However great the breach, the enemy could not assault it because the river lay between him and it. Preston, finding his labour lost, removed his ordnance.

22. Tyrconnell's death and burial at Limerick

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1691

    After the defeat at Aughrim, Tyrconnell retired to Limerick to assume command of the city facing a second siege, but was struck down with apoplexy and died on 14 August 1691. He was buried at St. Mary's Cathedral, though no monument marks his grave.

    Read the passage

    When James II retired to France, in December, 1688, Lord Tyrconnell adhered firmly to his cause, in spite of tempting offers from William III to desert the Stuarts ; and, in March, 1689, when King James landed at Kinsale, Lord Tyrconnell met him, and was thereupon created Duke of Tyrconnell. Through the ensuing campaign, he was the King’s principal adviser, and was present with him at the disastrous Battle of the Boyne, fought on the 1st July, 1690. Together they rode thence to Dublin, and, arriving at the Castle, were met by the Duchess of Tyrconnell, who invited the King to honour them at supper ; but he surlily replied that his breakfast had left him no appetite, and also remarked that the Irish could make good use of their heels, to which the Duchess is said to have retorted that His Majesty had outstripped them. On the departure of the King for France, Tyrconnell’s popularity with his countrymen was on the wane ; his jealousy of the idol of the Irish army — Patrick Sarsfield, Earl of Lucan — helped to estrange him with the officers and men ; age and infirmity, too, were telling on him, obliging him to make way for younger and more vigorous leaders ; and so it came about that when William III was about to lay siege to Limerick in August, 1690, Tyrconnell retired with the French troops to Galway, leaving to Sarsfield the honour and glory of that heroic defence. Not long afterwards he crossed to France, to return in January, 1691, with three frigates laden with ammunition, arms, and money. After the defeat at Aughrim, Co. Galway, in July, Tyrconnell retired to Limerick, and assumed the command of the city, which was about to undergo a second siege. Shortly before that took place, however, he was struck down with a fit of apoplexy, and, after lingering for two or three days, he died on the 14th of August, 1691, and was buried at St. Mary’s Cathedral, where, however, no monument marks his grave.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 11

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, you are in the city where Richard Talbot, Duke of Tyrconnell, met his end in 1691. After the defeat at Aughrim in July of that year, Tyrconnell retired to Limerick and took command of the city, which was about to face a second siege. Before the siege began, he was struck down with a fit of apoplexy and, after lingering two or three days, died on the 14th of August, 1691. He was buried at St Mary's Cathedral, where no monument marks his grave. His death closed a long and controversial career. When James the Second fled to France in December 1688, Tyrconnell stayed loyal to him, refusing tempting offers from William the Third to desert the Stuart cause. He met King James at Kinsale in March 1689 and was created Duke of Tyrconnell. He was the King's principal adviser through the ensuing campaign and was present at the Battle of the Boyne on the 1st of July, 1690. Afterwards they rode together to Dublin Castle, where the Duchess of Tyrconnell invited the King to supper. He replied sourly that his breakfast had left him no appetite and remarked that the Irish could make good use of their heels, to which the Duchess reportedly answered that His Majesty had outstripped them. After the King departed for France, Tyrconnell's popularity among his countrymen was waning. His jealousy of Patrick Sarsfield, the idol of the Irish army, estranged him from officers and men. Age and infirmity were telling on him too. When William the Third laid siege to Limerick in August 1690, Tyrconnell retired with the French troops to Galway, leaving Sarsfield the honour of that heroic defence. He crossed to France and returned in January 1691 with three frigates laden with ammunition, arms, and money. But after Aughrim fell, he came back to Limerick to take command, and it was here that apoplexy took him.

23. Colonel Sherlock Warned of Rebellion at Sherlockstown

    Sherlockstown · townland · Kildare · 1798

    Colonel Sherlock, in command of dragoons billeted at Sallins or Johnstown, was roused at his house in Sherlockstown by a man who threw pebbles at his window warning that 'all Ireland is in a blaze.' Rebels later entered Sherlockstown searching for arms, damaging pictures with a pike.

    Read the passage

    Besides these, my grandfather, Colonel Sherlock, also received kindly warning on that eventful night. He was in command of some of the 5th Dragoon Guards, which had been detached from Dublin in prospect of a rising. The troops were billeted in Sallins or Johnstown ; and he himself slept in his own house at Sherlockstown. He was roused from sleep by a man who came out from Sallins, and threw pebbles up at his window. On asking the reason, the man said : “ Och ! Colonel, get up ; all Ireland is in a blaze.” On that night, or subsequently, the rebels entered Sherlockstown in search for arms ; but bejmid stabbing some pictures with a pike, they did little harm. It was well known that the butler was a member of the local rebel organization.

    Killibegs House stands within about a mile and a half of Prosperous. It was at that time the residence of Col. and Mrs. FitzGerald. They were fortunately unmolested, though, it is most probable that some in their employment took part in the affair at Prosperous ; for, shortly afterwards, the house was searched by troops for one of their servants, for whose capture a reward of £50 was offered. Although he was actually in the house at the time — in a cupboard in the wall where he was

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 27

24. Drowning of Sir Edmond Mac-an-yarla de Burgh near Ballinrobe

    Ballinrobe · town · Mayo · 1337

    Sir Edmond (Mac-an-yarla) de Burgh, Custos Rotulorum of Connaught and claimant against Sir Edmond Albanach, was captured and drowned by the Stauntons in a lake near Ballinrobe in 1337 amid a family succession feud.

    Read the passage

    His son, Sir William de Burgh (named Liath), was Custos of Ireland in 1308. He held parliament in Kilkenny in 1309. In 1315 he was wounded and taken prisoner by Edward Bruce in Ulster, when the Red Earl’s forces were defeated, but regained his liberty by giving two of his sons as hostages. He and Lord Birmingham routed and slew Plielim O’Connor, King of Connaught, and O’Brien, King of Thomond, Teige O’Kelly, King of Ismany, and twenty-seven other Irish chiefs at Athenry in 1316. Sir William died 12th February, 1334. From his second son, Sir William Ulick de Burgh, descended the Earls of Clanricarde. Sir Edmond Bourke (eldest son of Sir William, who died 1334) was surnamed Albanach (the Scot), owing to his having been brought up in Scotland while a hostage for his father. He was born 1300-1305, and was elected head or Lord of the M‘William Bourkes in 1338, after the murder, in 1333, of his kinsman William de Burgo, Earl of Ulster, by the Mandevilles. He adhered to the cause of the youthful heiress, Lady Elizabeth de Burgh, in opposition to the ambitious claims (under Brehon law) of her uncle, Sir Edmond (Mac-an-yarla) de Burgh, who was captured and drowned by Sir Edmond (Albanach’s) retainers, the Stauntons, in 1337, in a lake near Ballinrobe. This Mac-an-yarla was Custos Rotulorum of Connaught, and ancestor of the Lords of Castle Connel. This feud between

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 265

25. Huguenot Colony Established at Portarlington

    Portarlington · town · Laois · 1696

    General Henri De Massue, Marquis De Ruvigny, later Earl of Galway, was granted the lands around Portarlington in 1696 and founded a colony of French Huguenot refugees and disbanded French regiment officers there. The colony thrived more than similar Huguenot settlements elsewhere in Ireland.

    Read the passage

    They now passed to a French military officer who had seen much service under William III, especially in Ireland ; this was General Henri De Massue, Marquis De Ruvigny. He was created a Peer of Ireland in 1692, as Baron Portarlington and Viscount Galway, and in May, 1697, he was advanced to be Earl of Galway. He was sworn in a Lord Justice in 1697, 1698, and again in 1699. On the 26th June, 1696, in reward for his devotion and services, William III granted to Lord Galway all the lands around Portarlington which had been forfeited by Sir Patrick Trant. The new proprietor immediately set to work to found a colony of French refugees in Portarlington. It consisted of Huguenots and retired officers and men of the French regiments which were disbanded after the Peace of Limerick. Though about this time Huguenot colonies were established in Waterford, Carlow, Belfast, Dublin, Cork, Youglial, Inishannon, Kilkenny, Dundalk, and Lisburn, few seem to have thriven as well as that of Portarlington.

    Besides founding schools in the borough, Lord Galway built two churches, one dedicated to St. Michael,1 and the other to St. Paul.2 The latter being appropriated to the Huguenots became known as the French Church, and services in that tongue were conducted in it up to the year 1817. The following list of its “ Pasteurs” is given in the original register of births, deaths, and marriages, which is still in existence

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 127

26. Jackson killed at the fight at Hacketstown in the rebellion

    Hacketstown · parish · Wicklow · 1798

    A man named Jackson, the last resident of a ruined home, was killed at the fight at Hacketstown during the rebellion. Another Jackson relative captured by Dwyer's men was released on Dwyer's orders but killed before reaching safety, his greyhound found guarding his body.

    Read the passage

    26. This ruin was the home of a man named Jackson, who was killed at the fight at Hacketstown in the rebellion. He was the last who lived there. Another Jackson, a relative, was taken prisoner by Dwyer’s men. Dwyer, as a boy, had been much with the Jacksons, and ordered the release of the captive ; but though he was allowed to start on his way, he was killed before he got clear of his enemies, and his greyhound was found watching his body next day.

    27. “ Gallows Hill.” Some men were hung at a tree close by Gallows Hill, at Case’s Well.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 201

27. Muirchertach's Cold Night at Aillinn, AD 941

    Knockaulin · street · Kildare · 941

    An account describes Muirchertach of the Leather Cloaks and his forces spending a bitterly cold, snowy night camped at Aillinn during his AD 941 incursion into Leinster, having taken Lorcan, the High-King of the Leinstermen, prisoner.

    Read the passage

    “A night when we were in cold Aillinn, came the snow from the northeast ; our houses were, without distinction of persons, our strong cloaks of hide. Lorcan, son of Bresal of the Cows, we took with us, it is no falsehood ; a rough bright fetter was fastened on the full-folked High- King of the Leinstermen. A night in Belach-Mugna,3 we did not wet our fine long hair, there was snow for us on the ground in noisy Belach- Gabrain.4

    1 O Grady’s “ Silva Gadelica,” pages 185, 205.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 205

    As the companion tells it

    Along here is Aillinn, where in 941 Muirchertach of the Leather Cloaks and his men spent a bitter winter night. The snow came from the northeast and their only shelter was their hide cloaks. They had with them Lorcan, son of Bresal of the Cows, the High-King of the Leinstermen, taken prisoner with a rough bright fetter fastened on him.

28. Pass of the Plumes battle site misplaced by Ordnance Survey

    Ballybrittas · townland · Laois · 1599

    At Ballybrittas the Ordnance Survey Maps mark 'The Pass of the Plumes' where the Irish under Owny mac Rory oge O'More slew 500 men of the Earl of Essex's army in 1599, but the author argues the true battle site lies at a place called 'the Pass' halfway between Maryborough and Ballyroan, named for the English helmet-plumes strewn on the ground.

    Read the passage

    At the village of Ballybrittas the Ordnance Survey Maps have inserted the words “ The Pass of the Plumes,” where the Irish under Owny mac Rory oge O’More slew 500 men of the army under the Earl of Essex in 1599. But placing the site of the battle at Ballybrittas is quite wrong, as the real scene of the conflict was at a place called “ the Pass ” (from which the townland it is in takes its name), which lies about half-way between Maryborough and Ballyroan. From the numbers of English helmet-plumes which remained strewn on the ground after the fight, the place became known as “ Bearna na Clety,” i.e., the Gap of the Feathers, or Pass of the Plumes. Its ancient name was “ The Pass of Cashel.”

    Maps of the Barony of Portnahinch.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 122

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Ballybrittas, the Ordnance Survey maps mark the Pass of the Plumes, where Owny mac Rory Oge O'More and the Irish slew 500 men of the Earl of Essex's army in 1599. But the maps have it wrong. The real battle took place at a place called the Pass, halfway between Maryborough and Ballyroan. After the fight, English helmet-plumes lay strewn across the ground, and from that the place became known as Bearna na Clety, the Gap of the Feathers. Its older name was the Pass of Cashel.

29. Rory oge O'More's cabin dwelling stormed, nephew of Lord Deputy hacked

    Laois · county · Laois · 1577

    Robert Hartpole led an assault on the rebel Rory oge O'More's dwelling, killing 26 of his men, his wife, and Cormac O'Connor, though Rory oge himself escaped. During the dark night skirmish, Sir Henry Harrington, the Lord Deputy's nephew, was savagely hacked and wounded but survived.

    Read the passage

    “The rebel had within it 26 of his best and most assured men, his wife and his Marshal’s wife, and Cormac O’Connor, an ancient and rank rebel of long maintained in Scotland, who returning went to Rorye oge and took part with him in his rebellion, and in that place and time was by a man of mine called John Parker, killed. There were also killed his wife and all his men ; only there escaped himself (Rory) and his Marshal Shane mac Rorye reogh [? O’More], in truth miraculously ; for they crept between the legs of the soldiers into the fastness of the plashes of trees. Rory oge confessed, and so did the wife of the Marshal whom the soldiers saved, that the skirts of his shirt were with an English sword cut from his bare body. But in this assault and conflict, being done in the dark night, the villainous rebel fell upon my most dear nephew, being tied in chains, and him most shamefully hacked and hewed with my nephew’s own sword, to the effusion of such a quantity of blood as were incredible to be told. He brake his arm with that blunt sword and cut off the little finger of one of his hands, and in sundry parts of his head so wounded him, as I myself in his dressing did see his brains moving. Yet my good soldiers brought him away, and a great way upon their halberts and pikes, to a good place in that country, where he was relieved, and afterwards, I thank God, recovered.”

    Rory oge O’More’s wife, who was slain on this occasion, was a daughter of Hugh mac Shane O’Byrne, of Ballinacor, in the County Wicklow. Rory oge himself was slain in the following year, on the 80th June (1578), by a party led by Brian oge, son of Brian MacGillaPatrick, Baron of Upper Ossory ; on this occasion, too, Rory oge’s Marshall — Shane mac Rory reagh — managed to escape and bore off his leader’s body successfully, though several fell on both sides in the conflict over it.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 174

30. St. Evin's bell lost in the Bell Hole of the River Barrow

    Monasterevin · town · Kildare

    St. Evin's bell, kept as a swearing relic at a branch monastery near the Yew Tree Cemetery, is said to have been thrown into the River Barrow for safety during a Danish incursion, into a spot still called 'The Bell Hole', from which it has never been recovered.

    Read the passage

    A short distance beyond this bridge is the old Yew Tree Cemetery, where there was once a branch of St. Evin’s Monastery, and here was kept for long afterwards St. Evin’s bell as a swearing relic. It now lies in a particular spot in the river Barrow, called “ The Bell Hole,” where it is said to have been thrown for safety during one of the Danish incursions, and no one has ever been able to recover it. The bog adjoining is called “ Derrymanagh,” or “ The Oak Wood of the Monks.”

    In 1798 a battle took place close to the town of Monasterevin, between the rebels and a party of Yeomanry, which terminated in the defeat of the rebels and the consequent interruption of their progress into Queen’s County.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 135

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Monasterevin, you are near a stretch of the River Barrow that holds an old story. Near the old Yew Tree Cemetery there was once a branch of St. Evin's Monastery, and here St. Evin's bell was kept as a swearing relic. During one of the Danish incursions, the bell was thrown into the river for safety, into a spot still called the Bell Hole, and no one has ever recovered it. The bog adjoining is called Derrymanagh, the Oak Wood of the Monks. In 1798 a battle took place close to the town between the rebels and a party of Yeomanry, which ended in the defeat of the rebels and halted their progress into Queen's County.

31. Talbot saved from Drogheda massacre by Cromwellian officer

    Drogheda · town · Louth · 1649

    Richard Talbot was with the army defending Drogheda against Cromwell's Parliamentarians in August 1649; during the subsequent massacre of the garrison and townspeople, his life was saved by a Cromwellian officer named Reynolds.

    Read the passage

    Richard Talbot’s boyhood was spent, as far as it is known, at Carton. When nineteen years of age he went to the Continent, and rose to the rank of colonel in the French service. Though a Roman Catholic, he was subsequently induced by the Ormond Party to return to Ireland, where he served against Owen Roe O’Neill. He was with the army that defended Drogheda against Oliver Cromwell and his Parliamentarians in the month of August, 1649 ; and in the subsequent butchery of the garrison and townspeople, his life was saved by a Cromwellian officer named Reynolds. Escaping to Flanders, he entered the service of the Duke of York (afterwards King James II), with whom he returned to England on the restoration in 1660. Four years later he was committed to the Tower of London for using threatening words to the Duke of Ormond touching the Act of Explanation — a measure which he considered extremely unjust to many of his countrymen who had suffered in the cause of the Stuarts. In November, 1670, he drew up a petition to the Crown setting forth the services of the loyalist Irish ; his advocacy of the claims of the ousted Catholic landowners, strenuously persevered in, made him many enemies. Selected by Titus Oates in 1677 as one of his victims, he fled to the Continent ; but, on his return soon afterwards, was received into great favour at Court. About this time he married his first wife, Catherine Boynton, daughter of Matthew, second son of Sir Matthew Boynton, Bart., of Barnston, in Yorkshire. She was a maid-of-honour to the Queen, and sister-in-law to the poet, Wentworth Dillon, 4th Earl of Roscommon. Their married life was short, as she died in child-birth at Dublin in the month of March, 1679, and, with her child, was buried in Christ Church Cathedral.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 10

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up now is Drogheda in Louth. In August 1649, Richard Talbot was with the army that defended this town against Oliver Cromwell and his Parliamentarians. When the garrison and townspeople were put to the sword, his life was saved by a Cromwellian officer named Reynolds. Talbot's boyhood had been spent at Carton. At 19 he went to the Continent and rose to colonel in the French service. Though a Roman Catholic, he was induced by the Ormond Party to return to Ireland, where he served against Owen Roe O'Neill before the siege of Drogheda. After escaping to Flanders, he entered the service of the Duke of York, who would become King James the Second. He returned to England with the Duke on the restoration in 1660. Four years later he was committed to the Tower of London for using threatening words to the Duke of Ormond concerning the Act of Explanation, a measure he considered extremely unjust to many of his countrymen who had suffered for the Stuart cause. In November 1670 he drew up a petition to the Crown setting forth the services of the loyalist Irish. His advocacy of the claims of the ousted Catholic landowners, strenuously persevered in, made him many enemies. In 1677, Titus Oates selected him as one of his victims, and he fled to the Continent again. But on his return soon afterwards, he was received into great favour at Court. About this time he married Catherine Boynton, daughter of Matthew, second son of Sir Matthew Boynton of Barnston in Yorkshire. She was a maid of honour to the Queen, and sister-in-law to the poet Wentworth Dillon, fourth Earl of Roscommon. Their married life was short. She died in childbirth at Dublin in March 1679, and with her child was buried in Christ Church Cathedral.

32. White Castle and Woodstock captured and retaken during Silken Thomas rebellion, 1534-36

    Athy · town · Kildare · 1534–1536

    During the rebellion of Silken Thomas in 1534, the White Castle of Athy and Woodstock were garrisoned by the Irish, captured by the Earl of Ossory, then retaken by the Earl of Kildare, before being retaken again by Government forces in 1536.

    Read the passage

    On the breaking out of the Rebellion of Silken Thomas in 1534, this castle and Woodstock had been garrisoned by the Irish. They were captured by the Earl of Ossory (Pierce Butler), but were soon retaken by the Earl of Kildare, as, in February, 1535, John Alen, Master of the Rolls, in a letter in the State Paper Office, recommends the taking of the “ Bridge of Athie.” These castles were retaken by the Government forces in 1536, and appear to have suffered much in the various assaults, as the Deputy, Lord Leonard Gray, writing from Kilmainham, on the 24th of June, 1536, to Thomas Cromwell, the Secretary of State, informs him that

    “ McGyll Patryk is at warre with O’More, making great parties on either syde. Nevertheles the matter is so handled, that they bothe sue to me to receyve their pledges and take up the matter betwixte them, wiche I woll not yet do, for whiles they twayne be at this discencion with the advise of the Counsail, vytailles, cariage, lyme, masons, and other necessaries will be provyded, and we intend to re-edifie and fortyfye the castle and bridge of Athye, and the manor [? castle] of Woodstocke.”3

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 34

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up is Athy, a town whose White Castle and nearby Woodstock changed hands several times during the rebellion of Silken Thomas. In 1534 the Irish garrisoned both castles. The Earl of Ossory, Pierce Butler, captured them, but the Earl of Kildare soon took them back. By February 1535, John Alen, Master of the Rolls, was recommending the taking of the bridge of Athy. The Government forces finally retook the castles in 1536, and they had suffered badly in the assaults. On the 24th of June 1536, the Deputy, Lord Leonard Gray, wrote from Kilmainham to Thomas Cromwell, the Secretary of State, saying he intended to re-edify and fortify the castle and bridge of Athy, and the manor of Woodstock. He noted that while McGyll Patryk and O'More were at war with each other, that very discord would allow provisions, masons, lime, and other necessaries to be gathered for the rebuilding.

33. Earl of Ormonde takes Lea Castle and rescues prisoner from Irry, 1452

    Lea · townland · Laois · 1452

    In 1452 the Earl of Ormonde, Lord Justice of Ireland, took the castle of Leige from the O'Dempseys, who allowed him to pass to Irry to rescue the imprisoned son of Mac Feorais (Bermingham); he then burned Irry and proceeded into Offaly.

    Read the passage

    In 1452 the Earl of Ormonde, Lord Justice of Ireland, took the castle of “ Leige ” from the O’Dempseys, who permitted him to pass to Irry (Aireru) to rescue the son of Mac Feorais (or Bermingham) who was imprisoned there. He then burned Irry, and from thence proceeded to Offaly, whereupon O’Connor came into his house, as an assurance that the son of Mac Feorais should be set at liberty.4 [Irry was a district in the western half of the Barony of Portnahinch ; exactly a hundred years later Owen mac Murrough O’Connor, chief of Irry, made liis submission to Henry YHL]

    On St. Barnabas’s Day, the 11th of June, 1534, the Silken Thomas, eldest son of Gerald, 9th Earl of Kildare, rose in rebellion against the English. His father had five months before, while Lord Deputy of Ireland, been summoned to London to answer accusations brought against him by his enemies ; before quitting Ireland, he had appointed his son, then only twenty years of age, as his Vice-Deputy with instructions to be guided by the advice of the Lord Chancellor Cromer, Thomas FitzGerald, 12th Earl of Desmond, Sir Thomas Eustace, afterwards created Viscount Baltinglass, and other friends of his house. Shortly after his arrival in London the Earl was confined to the Tower; and early in June the enemies

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 191

34. Matthew Tone's Failed Cotton Venture and Execution

    Prosperous · town · Kildare · 1790–1797

    Matthew Tone, brother of Wolfe Tone, tried in 1790 to establish himself as a cotton manufacturer in Prosperous but failed. He shared his brother's political aims and was executed in Dublin, buried at Bodenstown in 1797.

    Read the passage

    Bodenstown is annually the scene of a political pilgrimage held on the last Sunday in June. On that day visit is made to the grave of Wolfe Tone. His grandfather held land on lease from Mr. Wolfe, of Blackhall. Part of the house in which he lived, near Clane, was still standing in 1876. Theobald Wolfe Tone, born in 1768, was named after his foster-brother, one of the Wolfes of Blackhall. Of his strange life and tragic end, I need not here speak. His brother, Matthew Tone, eight years younger, tried in 1790 to establish himself as a cotton manufacturer in Prosperous, but failed. He shared his brothers political aims, and w7as executed in Dublin, and buried at Bodenstown in 1797, a year before him.

    The parish of Clane has the unfortunate distinction of being the place where the rebellion of 1798 broke out ; for it was at Prosperous that the temporary barracks occupied by some of the North Cork Militia, and a Welsh cavalry regiment called the Ancient Britons, were attacked and burnt ; and Captain Swayne and most

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 26

35. Murder of Rev. James MacCartan on the hill of Lucan

    near Lucan · town · Dublin · 1807

    A tombstone at Esker records that Rev. James MacCartan, R.C. curate of Lucan and Palmerstown, was robbed and murdered by a 'sanguinary Banditi' on the hill of Lucan on 3 June 1807. The parishes erected the tombstone as a tribute to his memory.

    Read the passage

    Sacrilegious hands of a sanguinary Banditi, by whom he was robbed and murdered on the hill of Lucan, on the 3d of June A.D. 1807

    Southwards from the town, a short distance along the road leading to the Railway (G. S. & W.) Station is a rath-crowned hill ; the rath is caved, with passages and chambers of dry walling, and roofed with slabs. These chambers are supposed to have been used as grain-stores ; and possibly they served as hiding-places in times of danger.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 85

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is the town of Lucan. A tombstone at Esker records that on 3 June 1807, Reverend James MacCartan, the Roman Catholic curate of Lucan and Palmerstown, was robbed and murdered on the hill of Lucan. The stone calls his killers a 'sanguinary Banditi.' The parishes erected it as a tribute to his memory. South of the town there is also a rath-crowned hill with chambers of dry walling roofed with slabs, thought to have been grain-stores or hiding-places.

36. Robert Hartpole slain at the Sack of Drogheda, 1649

    Drogheda · town · Louth · 1649

    Robert Hartpole was slain at Drogheda in 1649, when the entire garrison and populace, male and female, were brutally put to the sword on the orders of Oliver Cromwell.

    Read the passage

    Robert Hartpole at the time of his father’s death was aged twenty-five. He joined in the Rebellion of 1641, and raised a force at his own expense to man his Castle of Shrule for the Confederates. He was appointed a member of the Provincial Council of Leinster, and at the battle of Kilrush, in the County Kildare, he commanded a troop of horse, which, together with that commanded by Walter Bagenall, were instrumental in saving a large number of the Irish from slaughter during the retreat, owing to the skilful manner in which they were handled. In 1642 Robert Hartpole’s name was struck off the list of members of the House of Commons, in which he had sat for the Borough of Carlow. In 1649 he was slain at Drogheda, when the whole garrison and populace, male and female, were brutally put to the sword by orders of that inhuman butcher, Oliver Cromwell.1

    Robert Hartpole’s wife was Catherine, daughter of Thomas Luttrell, of Luttrellstown, County Dublin. He left a son, William, whose descendants became extinct in the male line early in the nineteenth century. The family estates were of course forfeited to the Crown, and only a portion of them were restored to the family. Coolbanagher, according to the “ Book of Survey and Distribution, 1658,” passed to Sir Richard Parsons, ancestor of the Earls of Rosse.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 177

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Drogheda now, you are in the town where Robert Hartpole was slain in 1649. He was twenty-five when his father died, and he joined the Rebellion of 1641, raising a force at his own expense to man his Castle of Shrule for the Confederates. He sat in the House of Commons for the Borough of Carlow until his name was struck off in 1642. At the battle of Kilrush in County Kildare, he commanded a troop of horse that, alongside one led by Walter Bagenall, saved many Irish from slaughter during a retreat. In 1649 he was killed here, when the whole garrison and populace, male and female, were put to the sword on the orders of Oliver Cromwell. His wife was Catherine, daughter of Thomas Luttrell of Luttrellstown, County Dublin. He left a son, William, whose descendants died out in the male line in the early 1800s. The family estates were forfeited to the Crown, and only a portion restored. Coolbanagher passed to Sir Richard Parsons, ancestor of the Earls of Rosse, according to the Book of Survey and Distribution of 1658.

37. Siege of Athy: Dominican Monastery attacked with petards

    Athy · town · Kildare · 1641

    During an attack on St. Dominick's Monastery at Athy using petards and other siege engines to break down gates and doors, a relieving force of 200 men under Phelim mac Toole O'Neill arrived from the Rheban direction and beat off Preston's army, which retired to Carlow.

    Read the passage

    the same side of the river as formerlie, and planted it against St. Dominick’s Monasterie.” During the attack on this abbey with te paterras [petards] and other engines to hurle downe gates and doores,” a relieving force of 200 men arrived, under Phelim mac Toole O’Neill, from the Rheban direction, which successfully beat off Preston’s army, which then retired to Carlow.1

    In 1649 Athy was still in the hands of the Ulster Irish, when the Leinster Army, under Lord Castlehaven, marched on it from Maryborough. Captain Shaun O’Hagan, ascertaining that no aid could be expected from Owen roe O’Neill, on being summoned to surrender, capitulated on honourable terms, and was allowed to march his force off to Ulster.2 3

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 39

    As the companion tells it

    You are coming through Athy now. In 1641, Preston's army planted artillery against St. Dominick's Monastery here, attacking it with petards and other engines to break down the gates and doors. A relieving force of 200 men under Phelim mac Toole O'Neill arrived from the Rheban direction and beat Preston's army off, which then retired to Carlow. Eight years later, in 1649, Athy was still held by the Ulster Irish when the Leinster Army under Lord Castlehaven marched on it from Maryborough. Captain Shaun O'Hagan, finding no aid could be expected from Owen Roe O'Neill, surrendered on honourable terms and was allowed to march his force off to Ulster.

38. Siege of Geashill Castle during the 1641 Rebellion

    Geashill · town · Offaly · 1641

    Lord Clanmaliere was eager to capture Geashill Castle, held by his kinswoman Lettice FitzGerald, in 1641. Captain Brian O'Dempsey first attacked using a wooden siege machine called 'a sow' to try to breach the castle wall, unsuccessfully, before Lord Clanmaliere led a second attempt using a homemade cannon.

    Read the passage

    Lord Clanmaliere was very anxious to get possession of Geashill Castle, which was held by his kinswoman, Lettice FitzGerald, Baroness of Offaly (in her own right) and widow of Sir Bobert Digby, Knt., of Cole’s Hill, in Warwickshire. The castle stood close to the borders of his King's County possessions, and in 1641 was attacked first by Captain Brian O’Dempsey, who caused a great military wooden machine called “ a sow ” to be constructed, in which men were placed and the sow wheeled under the castle wall for the purpose of picking a breach in it ; but the attempt was unsuccessful. The next attempt to capture the castle was under the personal supervision of Lord Clanmaliere. This siege, and the great gun which was manufactured out of .the iron skillets, griddles, and pots collected in the locality, have already been described in the Journal.3

    Besides Lord Clanmaliere, his brothers Henry and Charles were present, as well as Phelim and Conn O’Dempsey.4

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 243

39. Windmill Hill farm and Cahir-na-Coppal's origins

    Windmill Hill · street · Cork

    Cahir-na-Coppal is said to have been the son of a peasant who held a small farm on a hill in the townland of Lea, now known as Windmill Hill. He had two brothers, Donnell and Feagh O'Dempsey, both of whom he drew into horse-stealing and who also ended their days on the scaffold.

    Read the passage

    Cahir-na-Coppal is said to have been the son of a peasant who held a small farm on a hill in the townland of Lea, now known as Windmill Hill. He had two brothers, Donnell (or Daniel) and Feagh (or Luke) O’Dempsey ; the former was intended for the priesthood, but was persuaded by Cahir to join him in his horse-stealing transactions, when, owing to the better education he had received, Cahir found him invaluable in the keeping of his accounts, &c. ; like Cahir, both Donnell and Feagh ended their days on the scaffold.

    Cahir had next to no English ; it was said of him in early life that he was never born to be drowned ; and owing to some hair-breadth escapes from the sheriff, by swimming the Barrow along with his horse, it was remarked that he would reach America safely in a turf kish. One remarkable accomplishment Cahir had was the taming of the wildest colts ever foaled; there was some charm, it is said, he used, which he got from his foster-father ; and in addition to that he had light hands, a perfect seat, and always kept his temper ; no matter how wicked or how obstinate his mount might be, before they parted company he was always master. One of the vices Cahir had was lack of pity for the needy ; rich and poor alike suffered at his hands, and his acts of robbery were not confined to horse-

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 196

40. Abraham Tyrrell Breaks Up St. Brigid's Chair and Thimble

    Clane · town · Kildare · 1810–1823

    Abraham Tyrrell, long-serving churchwarden and contractor for Clane parish, sacrilegiously broke up the ancient relics known as St. Brigid's Chair and Thimble while undertaking a road repair contract.

    Read the passage

    It does not seem to have been very effectual, for the oath was taken many times by Abraham Tyrrell, who, for a long succession of years, had been not only churchwarden, but contractor, having a finger in every parochial pie, including the erection of the short-lived spire. It was this same Abraham Tyrrell who, having a contract for repairing the road, sacrilegiously broke up St. Brigid’s Chair and Thimble, as recorded by me in a previous paper. Between 1810 and 1823 £1,687 3s. 8d. had been paid to Mr. Tyrrell for repairs and improvements to the church.

    That important person, the Parish Clerk, is only twice mentioned— June 13, 1802 : “ the clerk absent;” and again, in 1833, when the clerk decorated the church, and paid 2s. 6d. for “ holly and ivy.” How many churches have not yet got beyond that artistic stage !

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 29

41. A dream of gold and the digging that found only bones

    Corbally · townland · Kildare · 1883

    About 1883, a man named Moore dreamed three times of gold buried near an ancient skeoch-bush at the Castle Field ruins on Corbally; he and companions dug for it, but on breaking a curse-rule during digging, they uncovered only bones instead of treasure.

    Read the passage

    Some twenty years ago, a man of the name of Moore having dreamed three times that a crock of gold was buried near an ancient skeoch-bush (which was blown down by the big wind of February, 1903) close to the ruins, he confided his secret to his brother and a friend named Murphy. They determined to dig for it, and one evening commenced operations. On reaching a depth of about six feet, Murphy struck a flag with his fack, and in his excitement shouted to the others, “ Be the hokey, I have it.” On the flag being uncovered and raised, nothing but bones were discovered under it. It is well known that when digging for money no curse should be uttered. In this case Murphy’s unfortunate remark was the cause of the discovery of bones instead of gold.

    A couple of fields to the south-east of Nolan’s house is what is called “ the Church Field.” In one corner of it are the remains of

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 213

42. Athy surrendered by Ulster Irish garrison in 1649

    Athy · town · Kildare · 1649

    In 1649 Athy was held by the Ulster Irish under Captain Shaun O'Hagan; when the Leinster Army under Lord Castlehaven marched from Maryborough and summoned him to surrender, he capitulated on honourable terms and marched his force to Ulster.

    Read the passage

    In 1649 Athy was still in the hands of the Ulster Irish, when the Leinster Army, under Lord Castlehaven, marched on it from Maryborough. Captain Shaun O’Hagan, ascertaining that no aid could be expected from Owen roe O’Neill, on being summoned to surrender, capitulated on honourable terms, and was allowed to march his force off to Ulster.2 3

    In 1650 “MacThomas [i.e., Col. Pierce FitzGerald, of Bally shannon, Co. Kildare, one of the Confederate Catholics] did demolish the Castle and Dominican Monasterie of Athy, to render all there all unserviceable for a garrison, notwithstanding a partie of horse and foote of the enemie came hither, and finding it deserted, did man the same, as beinge a straight passage between the countrie of Leyse [Leix] and Kildare.”®

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 39

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Athy, a town the road passes through. In 1649 it was held by the Ulster Irish under Captain Shaun O'Hagan. The Leinster Army under Lord Castlehaven marched on it from Maryborough and summoned him to surrender. O'Hagan found that no aid could be expected from Owen Roe O'Neill, so he capitulated on honourable terms and was allowed to march his force off to Ulster. The following year, 1650, Colonel Pierce FitzGerald demolished the castle and Dominican monastery of Athy to render it unserviceable as a garrison. A party of horse and foot of the enemy then arrived, found it deserted, and manned it themselves, as it was a narrow passage between Leix and Kildare.

43. Birthplace of Colonel Thomas Dongan at Castletown-Kildrought

    Celbridge · town · Kildare · 1634

    Thomas Dongan, later Governor of the Province of New York, was born at Castletown-Kildrought (now Celbridge) in 1634, the third son of Sir John Dongan.

    Read the passage

    Thomas Dongan was born at Castletown-Kildrought (now Celbridge) in 1684, and was the third son of Sir John Dongan, Bart., and Mary, daughter of Sir William Talbot, Bart., of Carton. His eldest brother, Walter, died without issue, and was succeeded in the title by the second Sir William, who was created Viscount Dongan, of Clane, in 1661 ; and Earl of Limerick, in 1685. His uncle — Richard Talbot, was afterwards created Duke of Tyrconnell ; and another, Sir Robert, married Grace, daughter of Lord Calvert, Baron of Baltimore.

    Dongan’s boyhood was passed in the stirring days of the Rebellion of 1641 ; and as he passed from youth to manhood, he witnessed the success of Cromwell, which was sealed by the blood of Charles I, in 1649. In company with his brother he followed the Stuarts into exile, and entered the French army at once. He participated in all Turenne’s campaigns under the name of D’Unguent ; and it is likely that during his period of foreign service he became acquainted with the Duke of York, and that that prince learned to appreciate the ability and worth of the man. He appears to have distinguished himself as a soldier, as he was promoted to the colonelcy of an Irish regi-

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 209

44. Capture of Earl of Ormonde at Corranduff

    Corranduff · cairn · Waterford · 1600

    Thomas, 10th Earl of Ormonde, was captured by Owny mac Rory O'More at Corranduff, near Ballyragget in County Kilkenny, on 10 April 1600, before being taken to Gortnaclea Castle and later Ballybrittas.

    Read the passage

    About the middle of 1600 the Government entertained some doubts as to Sir Terence’s loyalty, but their fears were groundless. This occurred at the time of the capture of Thomas, 10th Earl of Ormonde, by Owny mac Rory O’ More, which took place at Corranduff, near Ballyragget, in the County of Kilkenny, on the 10th April, 1600. The Earl was detained prisoner in a castle of the FitzPatricks’ called Gortnaclea, in the Queen’s County, and from there, after a time, removed to Sir Terence O’Dempsey’s Castle of Ballybrittas. On the 14th of May Sir Geoffrey Fenton, Secretary in Ireland, wrote to Sir Robert Cecil that : —

    “ The Earl of Ormonde had sent to Sir Terence O’Dempsey, to have the use of one of his castles for his Lordship’s more ease, till his traitorous taker might consider further of his enlargement ; now this morning I have received advice that the Earl is come to Ballybrittas, the said O’Dempsey’s Castle, and there guarded by twenty of Onie’s (Owny O’More) men, whom he trusted most. They brought him thither by night, not suffering the bonnaughts to know of it, lest they might attempt to rescue him ; and the more to abuse (? deceive) them, Onie caused a trusty friend of his own, of stature and resemblance like to the Earl, to put on the Earl’s night Gown, which he was wont to wear, and directed him in that fashion to walk by the wood side, where the Earl used to walk, whilst Onie, and some twenty others nearest him in trust, put the Earl on Horseback, and brought him to O’Dempsey’s Castle.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 239

45. Collapse reveals vault and bones at Timolin churchyard

    Timolin · townland · Kildare · 1903

    In January 1903, a section of the public road near Larry Moran's mill by Timolin churchyard collapsed after a cart broke through a flag over a previously unknown vaulted passage. Several skulls and human bones were visible inside, but the site was not investigated further as no one wished to disturb the remains.

    Read the passage

    flag over a previously unknown shore-like vault, which apparently ran from the direction of the mill towards the church. When I reached the spot a couple of days later, I found that the cavity had been filled up by the road contractor, M. Timmons, with a couple of loads of field-stones, as the hole was a danger to the public. From what I could gather from the miller, the shore, or vault, was of mason-work, some 8 feet deep by 2 in width, and flagged over. In it could be seen three or four skulls and human bones ; but the place was not further investigated, as no one seemed to like to enter or meddle with the remains. I also heard from a man named Robert Shannon that he remembered a similar cavity, as if a continuation of the vault, near the east end of the church, in which gossoons used to hide to avoid attending the neighbouring school, but that the hole was now closed up. If it is one and the same passage, it must run under the present overflow from the mill-race.

    On this occasion I made further inquiries as to the whereabouts of the site of the Monastery and of the Castle of Timolin, Shannon informed me that he had heard from the old people that in the field on the opposite side of the tail-race to the church extensive foundations of buildings exist below the sod ; and Dan O’Shaughnessy, of Kilkea, tells me that he remembers seeing ancient thick walls with arches in them, some thirty years ago, standing at the back of the one-sided street of Timolin, not far from the mill, in a plot formerly held by a man named Darby Doolan. It is, however, impossible now to say which was the Monastery and which the Castle (if indeed either), as all tradition in connection with them has been forgotten.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 110

46. Council of War and defence of Limerick

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1690

    At a Council of War held in Limerick after the Boyne, Sarsfield opposed General Lauzun's plan to evacuate the city, and the Irish officers sided with Sarsfield, forcing Lauzun to withdraw to Galway while Sarsfield remained to defend Limerick.

    Read the passage

    After the Battle of the Boyne, the Jacobite forces concentrated at Limerick, Athlone, and Galway. Great jealousies and quarrels had in the meantime sprung up between the Irish and the French officers, which led to frequent disagreements. Sarsfield himself was now at Limerick ; and there was no man in all Ireland more popular with his countrymen. He was the Lord Roberts of his day, as the troops, owing to his care and thoughtfulness of them both in camp and on the battlefield, were simply devoted to him. Consequently, at a Council of War held in Limerick, when General Lauzun was for evacuating the place, saying that the Williamites could batter down its weak defences with roasted apples, Sarsfield took an opposite view ; and the Irish officers to a man (excepting the Duke of Tyrconnell) sided with him, so that General Lauzun was forced to give way, though he and the Duke, with the French regiments and guns, shortly after withdrew to Galway, leaving, however, General Boisseleau as Governor of Limerick.

    Boisseleau had under him, besides Sarsfield, James, Duke of Berwick (a natural son of King James), General Dorrington, two Scotch Catholics, Generals Wauchope and Maxwell, and Colonel Henry Luttrell (brother of Simon, of Luttrellstown). These officers worked hard in strengthening the city’s defences, preparatory to the arrival of the Williamites. On the evening of the 9th of August, the place was invested ; but the besieging train had not yet arrived, though it was daily expected from Cashel. King William, knowing that the French regiments had left, expected but little resistance from the Irish, and thought the city would surrender as soon as he had appeared

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 92

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Limerick now. In 1690, after the Battle of the Boyne, the Jacobite forces gathered here, and at Athlone and Galway. Great jealousies and quarrels had sprung up between the Irish and French officers. Sarsfield himself was here, and no man in all Ireland was more popular with his countrymen. The troops were devoted to him, owing to his care and thoughtfulness of them, in camp and on the battlefield. At a Council of War held in the city, General Lauzun was for evacuating the place, saying the Williamites could batter down its weak defences with roasted apples. Sarsfield took the opposite view, and the Irish officers to a man sided with him, excepting the Duke of Tyrconnell. Lauzun was forced to give way. He and the Duke, with the French regiments and guns, shortly after withdrew to Galway, leaving General Boisseleau as Governor of the city. Under Boisseleau served Sarsfield, James Duke of Berwick, a natural son of King James, General Dorrington, two Scotch Catholics, Generals Wauchope and Maxwell, and Colonel Henry Luttrell, brother of Simon of Luttrellstown. These officers worked hard strengthening the city's defences before the Williamites arrived. On the evening of the 9th of August, the place was invested, but the besieging train had not yet arrived, though it was daily expected from Cashel. King William, knowing the French regiments had left, expected little resistance from the Irish and thought the city would surrender as soon as he had appeared.

47. Duchess of Tyrconnell founds nunnery in King Street, Dublin

    King Street · street · Dublin · 1705

    About 1705 the Duchess of Tyrconnell returned to Dublin from France and erected a nunnery for Poor Clares in King Street, where she later retired to end her days after a glittering earlier life at the Court of Charles II.

    Read the passage

    Tyrconnell’s widow lived for a considerable time in France, where she educated and brought up his two daughters, one of whom, Lady Charlotte Talbot, married the Prince de "V intimiglia ; the name of the other was Catherine. About the year 1705, the Duchess crossed to England, and shortly after returned to Dublin, where she erected a nunnery for Poor Clares in King Street. Here, she who had been one of the most beautiful women in the Court of Charles II, and had for years been a leader of society in Dublin, retired to end her days. On the morning of the 6th of March, 1730, long after most of her contemporaries had passed away, and when her existence was almost forgotten, she was found dead in her cell, being then in her ninety-third year. Three days later her interment took place in the Jones’s (Ranelagh) Family vault in St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin.

    At tlie time of his attainder, the Duke of Tyrconnell was in possession of the following townlands, in addition to Carton, all in the County Kildare : —

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 11

48. Dutch Stoneware Jar Linked to Spanish-Irish Trade

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1580

    The jar discovered at Abbeylands, Sligo, was identified by the National Museum as Gres de Flandres pottery, likely made at Raeren, Cologne, or Trechen around 1580, possibly bearing the arms of Amsterdam. It was suggested that it reached Sligo via trading links between the Low Countries, Spain, and the west of Ireland.

    Read the passage

    The jar belongs to the class of pottery or stone- ware known as Gres de Flandres, probably made at Raeren , Cologne, or Trechen, about the end of the sixteenth century (1580). The arms on the medallion may be those of the City of Amsterdam.

    The question as to how it reached Sligo will probably be explained by the fact that in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries there existed much communication by sea between the Low Countries and Spain, and also between Spain and the west of Ireland ; and it may have been carried to Ireland by the captain of a trading vessel, and deposited for safety where it was found.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 286

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, there is a jar found at Abbeylands that the National Museum identified as Gres de Flandres stoneware, likely made at Raeren, Cologne, or Trechen around 1580. The medallion on it may bear the arms of the City of Amsterdam. How it reached Sligo is probably explained by the sea trade between the Low Countries and Spain, and between Spain and the west of Ireland, in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. It may have been carried here by the captain of a trading vessel and left where it was found.

49. Earl of Ormonde detained at Ballybrittas Castle

    Ballybrittas · townland · Laois · 1600

    After his capture near Ballyragget, the Earl of Ormonde was moved from Gortnaclea Castle and secretly brought by night to Sir Terence O'Dempsey's Castle at Ballybrittas, guarded by Owny O'More's men, using a decoy dressed as the Earl to avoid rescue attempts.

    Read the passage

    “ The Earl of Ormonde had sent to Sir Terence O’Dempsey, to have the use of one of his castles for his Lordship’s more ease, till his traitorous taker might consider further of his enlargement ; now this morning I have received advice that the Earl is come to Ballybrittas, the said O’Dempsey’s Castle, and there guarded by twenty of Onie’s (Owny O’More) men, whom he trusted most. They brought him thither by night, not suffering the bonnaughts to know of it, lest they might attempt to rescue him ; and the more to abuse (? deceive) them, Onie caused a trusty friend of his own, of stature and resemblance like to the Earl, to put on the Earl’s night Gown, which he was wont to wear, and directed him in that fashion to walk by the wood side, where the Earl used to walk, whilst Onie, and some twenty others nearest him in trust, put the Earl on Horseback, and brought him to O’Dempsey’s Castle.

    “ This was the manner of their stealing him thither, but what was their secret purpose will not as yet be disclosed ; and I see by O’Dempsey’s behaviour, in leaving his Castle to Onie to be warded by his kem, that O’Dempsey is apparently revolted, and therefore small hope to the Earl of good measure at his hands.”4

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 239

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here in 1600, the captured Earl of Ormonde was secretly moved to Sir Terence O'Dempsey's castle at Ballybrittas. After his capture near Ballyragget, he had first been held at Gortnaclea Castle, then Owny O'More's men brought him here by night, guarded by 20 of Owny's most trusted men. They kept the move secret from the bonnaughts, fearing a rescue attempt. To deceive anyone watching, Owny had a man of similar stature to the Earl put on the Earl's night gown and walk by the wood side where the Earl used to walk, while the real Earl was put on horseback and brought to O'Dempsey's castle. The writer noted that O'Dempsey had left his castle to Owny to be wardened by his men, concluding that O'Dempsey was apparently revolted and that there was small hope for the Earl of good measure at his hands.

50. Earl of Ormonde held prisoner at Gortnaclea

    Gortnaclea · townland · Laois · 1600

    After his capture, the Earl of Ormonde was conveyed to Gortnaclea, a FitzPatrick stronghold on the borders of Leix, from where he wrote to his wife pleading against rescue attempts, and remained a prisoner there until his ransom was arranged.

    Read the passage

    The Earl of Ormonde was conveyed to a place on the borders of Leix, called Gfortnaclea, a FitzPatrick stronghold, from whence he wrote to his wife on the 14th April, begging her to prevent any attempt to rescue him, as his life would surely be taken, whereas so far he was being very well treated.1 From the 10th of April to the 12th of June he remained a prisoner, until sixteen hostages were delivered to O’More as a guarantee for the payment of the ransom of £3,000, which had been demanded.

    Rory oge did not long survive Ormonde’s release, as on the 17th of August, 1600, he was killed by a musket-ball in defence of his native territory, near Farrenabine, in the Barony of Slievemaragy, which, according to “ The Annals of the Four Masters,” was at this time being devastated by the troops under the Lord Justice, who brought with them many harrows, scythes, and sickles, to destroy and reap the ripe and unripe crops, so as to bring about a famine and starvation to the inhabitants. And now it was, in consequence of Owny mac Rory’s death, that the English were able to return to Leix ; and they proceeded to repair their mansions of lime and stone, and to settle in the old seats of the race of Conall Cearnach, for there was no heir worthy of it, like Owny, to defend it against them.2

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 176

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Gortnaclea, the Earl of Ormonde was brought a prisoner in 1600. This was a FitzPatrick stronghold on the borders of Leix, and from here on the 14th of April he wrote to his wife, begging her to prevent any attempt to rescue him. He warned that his life would surely be taken if she tried, though he said he was being very well treated so far. He remained a prisoner here from the 10th of April to the 12th of June, until sixteen hostages were delivered to O'More as a guarantee for the payment of a ransom of £3,000 that had been demanded. Rory Oge did not long survive Ormonde's release. On the 17th of August, 1600, he was killed by a musket-ball near Farrenabine, defending his native territory. The Lord Justice's troops were devastating the land at the time, bringing harrows, scythes, and sickles to destroy both ripe and unripe crops and bring famine to the inhabitants. After the death of Owny mac Rory, the English returned to Leix, repairing their mansions of lime and stone and settling in the old seats, for there was no heir like Owny left to defend them.

51. General Hewson's letter describing capture of Castlemartin and march into the Island of Allen

    Castlemartin · townland · Kildare · 1650

    Cromwellian General Hewson, writing to the Speaker of the Parliament of England in March 1650, described surprising a fort on the Bog of Allen, taking Castlemartin, and marching into the Island of Allen where he summoned Kilmeague, then took Rathbride and Ponsonby's Grange, garrisoning them to secure County Kildare.

    Read the passage

    ‘ ‘ After I had surprised the strong fort upon the Bog of Allen, and taken Castlemartin, in the County of Kildare, and placed a garrison therein, about the latter end of December, I marched along with a party of about 1,000 horse and foot into the Island of Allen, and summoned Killmaog (Kilmeague) therein, but finding it not feazable to storm without guns, I marched to Rabride and Ponsers Grange and took them, and placed two strong garrisons there, which did give me good footing in the County Kildare.”

    464

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 262

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere near here, General Hewson took Castlemartin in the latter end of December 1650. Writing to the Speaker of the Parliament of England, he described surprising a strong fort on the Bog of Allen and placing a garrison in Castlemartin. He then marched with about 1,000 horse and foot into the Island of Allen and summoned Kilmeague, but found he could not storm it without guns. He marched on to Rathbride and Ponsonby's Grange, took them, and placed two strong garrisons there, which he said gave him good footing in County Kildare.

52. James MacDonnell proclaimed rebel Colonel, reward for his head, 1642

    Tinnakill · townland · Laois · 1641–1642

    James MacDonnell, who succeeded to the Manor of Tinnakill in 1637 at age twenty, became a Colonel of the Confederate Catholics by 1641 at age twenty-four. In February 1642 the Lords Justices proclaimed a reward of £400 and a free pardon for his head.

    Read the passage

    James MacDonnell, when he succeeded his father in the Manor of Tinnakill, in May, 1637, was aged twenty years and three months, and married. He was a conspicuous figure in the Queen’s County in 1641, when, at the age of twentyfour, he was a Colonel of the Confederate Catholics. On the 8th of February, in 1642, the Lords Justices proclaimed a reward of 4M00, and a free pardon, for his head.

    1 Eliz. Fiant, No. 6453.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 125

53. Owny mac Rory oge O'More slain in battle near Leix

    Laois · county · Laois · 1600

    The Annals of the Four Masters record that in 1600 Owny, son of Rory oge O'More, an illustrious and celebrated gentleman and sole heir to the territory of Leix, was slain by Queen's forces in a fierce battle on the borders of Leix on 17 August of that year.

    Read the passage

    “Owny, son of Rory ‘ oge,’ son of Rory ‘ caech ’ (i.e., the one-eyed) O’More, who had been for some time an illustrious, renowned, and celebrated gentleman, was slain by the Queen’s people in an overwhelminoand fierce battle which was fought between them on the borders of Leix, in the month of August (the 17tli) of this year. His death was a great check to the valour, prowess, and heroism of the Irish of Leinster and of all Ireland. He was by right the sole heir to his territory of Leix. ...”

    Another Version of the Dinnseanchus of Magh Leighe. Page 325.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 248

54. Sir Jonah Barrington's tale of Dame Elizabeth's defence of Morett Castle

    Morett · townland · Laois · 1690–1699

    Sir Jonah Barrington related a dramatic story of his great-aunt Dame Elizabeth FitzGerald defending Morett Castle against Irish attackers, refusing to surrender even though her husband was hanged before her eyes. The author concludes the story is likely Barrington's invention, since the real Stephen FitzGerald's wife was named Martha, not Elizabeth.

    Read the passage

    Sir Jonah Barrington, in his “ Personal Recollections of his Own Times,” written in 1827, devotes the second chapter to reminiscences of his great-aunt, Elizabeth FitzGerald, whose husband, Stephen FitzGerald, according to Sir Jonah, resided in Morett Castle. He relates that during the troubles at the end of the seventeenth century, an attempt was made by the Irish to capture the castle, but that it was successfully defended by Dame Elizabeth. Her husband, however, who was not at that time inside the castle, was taken prisoner on his return to his home. His captors brought him within sight of the castle windows, though out of musket-shot, and sent a message to Dame Elizabeth, under a flag of truce, saying that if the castle was not delivered up at once, Stephen FitzGerald would be hanged on the spot. Dame Elizabeth's reply was that “ she could procure another husband, but not another castle, so they were welcome to do their worst.” According to Sir Jonah, the next thing she saw was her husband dangling from the limb of a tree.

    As far as my researches go, the whole incident is a pure invention of Sir Jonah’s, as Stephen FitzGerald, of Morett, died in 1716, and his wife’s name was not Elizabeth, but Martha, a daughter of Henry Gilbert, of Kilminchy, in the Queen’s County.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 170

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here once stood Morett Castle, and Sir Jonah Barrington told a tale about it in 1827. He wrote of his great-aunt, Dame Elizabeth FitzGerald, defending the castle against Irish attackers at the end of the seventeenth century. Her husband Stephen FitzGerald was taken prisoner on his way home and brought within sight of the castle windows, out of musket-shot. His captors sent a flag of truce with the message that if the castle was not surrendered at once, he would be hanged on the spot. Dame Elizabeth replied that she could procure another husband but not another castle, so they were welcome to do their worst. The next thing she saw, according to Sir Jonah, was her husband dangling from the limb of a tree. The author of the record concludes the whole incident is a pure invention of Sir Jonah's. Stephen FitzGerald of Morett died in 1716, and his wife's name was not Elizabeth but Martha, a daughter of Henry Gilbert of Kilminchy in the Queen's County.

55. St. John's Eve Bonfires at Clane, Firmont and Castlesize

    Clane · town · Kildare · 1840–1870

    Until thirty or forty years before writing, young labourers held Baal/sun-worship bonfire traditions on St. John's Eve beside the Butterstream in Clane, with additional fires near Firmont and Castlesize gate, accompanied by music, dancing, and drinking.

    Read the passage

    Christian monastery nearly 1,400 years ago, there survived till within the last thirty or forty years one of the superstitions connected with Baal, or Sun-Worship. It is scarcely more than thirty years since the young labouring men used, on St. John’s Eve, to hurry away from their work, and, not even waiting for a meal, begin to build a bonfire beside the Butterstream ; when it was lighted, there were music and dancing, and most probably whiskey besides, all the night after. Besides the fire at Clane, there was another lighted up near Firmont, and another near the gate of Castle-size. The young men used to take a cart and go up to the bog at Prosperous, where the people gave them turf for their fire.

    There formerly stood at Clane a very ancient bridge of six arches. The arches had been originally turned on wattle-work, the marks of which were distinctly to be seen in the mortar. It was at last considered too narrow for the traffic; but its destruction was only accomplished with difficulty, so solid was the work. The present bridge, which replaced it, is not likely, if I am correctly informed, to last so long, or to give much trouble if it has to be pulled down, as the mortar consists in great part of loam instead of sand.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 26

56. Tomb of Huguenot Pastor Benjamin Daillon

    Portarlington · town · Laois · 1709

    Benjamin Daillon, a Gaul sprung from a noble family in Brittany and a Reformed Church priest who had been imprisoned for his religion and expatriated, died on 3 January 1709, four days after his wife's death. His epitaph laments that though the city forgets, he shall live through art and stone.

    Read the passage

    “ Here is placed Benjamin Daillon, a Gaul sprung from a noble family in Brittany. A learned priest of the Reformed Church, who had been for a long time imprisoned on account of his religion, and was at length expatriated ; who after seventynine years, in great part spent in pious studies and Gospel work, breathed out his pure soul four days after the death of his wife, Pauline, not buried here.

    “ Tell me, learned spirit of the muses, the pledge of love, tell me if they forbid fame to perish Avith death, if a captive contending in the fort of Christ, and an exile, desires to adorn this city with his remains — why should unconquerable honour, and genius, and arts, and the honour of piety, be at the same time entirely covered in the dust ?

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 128

57. Trial and execution of highwaymen for MacCartan murder

    near Lucan · town · Dublin · 1807

    The highwaymen who murdered Fr. MacCartan had come from Dublin to rob a house in Lucan; three were arrested within three weeks by a magistrate, and after one turned King's evidence, Weir and Walsh were found guilty and sentenced to be executed on the spot the next day.

    Read the passage

    The names of the highwaymen were Thomas Weir, Christopher Walsh, John Murphy, Donohoe, Larkin, and Fletcher. They had come out from Dublin to rob a house of a man named Kenny in Lucan, and when returning met Father MacCartan, who was returning on foot after dining with Lord Donoughmore’s steward at Palmerstown. Not recognising a clergyman in the dark, Donohoe or Walsh fired at the man and the others robbed him. Within three weeks Weir, Walsh, and Murphy had been arrested by a magistrate, Captain Wilcock : the other three made good their escape ; and on Murphy turning King’s evidence, Weir and Walsh were found guilty, and were sentenced to suffer death on the spot on the following day (the 27th of June).

    Father MacCartan was buried inside the church-ruins of

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 84

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Lucan, the village where a brutal highway murder began. In 1807, six highwaymen came out from Dublin to rob a man named Kenny's house here in Lucan. On their way back they met Father MacCartan, who was walking home after dining with Lord Donoughmore's steward at Palmerstown. Not recognising a clergyman in the dark, Donohoe or Walsh fired at him and the others robbed him. Within three weeks a magistrate, Captain Wilcock, had arrested Weir, Walsh, and Murphy. The other three escaped. When Murphy turned King's evidence, Weir and Walsh were found guilty and sentenced to die on the spot the very next day, the 27th of June.

58. The vengeful bush at Cashin's Well (St James's Well)

    Corbally · townland · Kildare

    At Cashin's Well, also called St James's Well, once a Blessed Well, a tenant who tried to cut down a whitethorn bush beside it saw a false vision of his house on fire; when he persisted and felled the bush, his real house and haggard were later found burned to smouldering ash.

    Read the passage

    There is a well beyond the so-called castle ruins, and a quarter of a mile from Peter Nolan’s house, called Cashin’s Well, and sometimes St. James’s Well, which, though not now held in veneration, was once a Blessed Well. A predecessor of the Nolans (who were in Corbally long before ’98), and tenant of the farm, wished to cut down a large white-thorn bush which grew beside the well, for firing. For this purpose he left his house, which is round the shoulder of the hill, and not visible from the well, and came to the bush. Just as he was about to use the hatchet on it, he saw a bright glare where his house stood, and, thinking it was on fire, threw down the hatchet, and ran back to the house, which, however, he discovered to be safe, and without a sign or smell of fire about it. Wondering to himself at this strange occurrence, he returned to the bush, and on taking up the hatchet again the same glare occurred. Exclaiming, “ Be the living tinker, fire or no fire, I’ll have ye down,” he did not stop working till he had felled the thorn. When next he got back to his house, he found it and his haggard a heap of smouldering greeshach, with nothing but the cracked walls standing.

    The above incidents were all related to me in perfect sincerity, by a man named James Somers, who lives in a cabin close to St. James's Well.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 214

59. 1454 Memorial Describes Destruction and Lawlessness in Kildare

    Clane · town · Kildare · 1454

    A 1454 memorial from the Portreeves and Comens of Clane and Naas to the Lord Deputy describes catastrophic lawlessness, with towns and parish churches burnt and destroyed, and over 140 townlands wasted due to feuding between local lords.

    Read the passage

    state of this part of the country about the middle of the seventeenth century. It seems to have been no better exactly two hundred years before that. When the Portreeves and Comens of Clane joined Nicolas, Prior of the House of Connell, Edward FitzEustace, Knt., the Portreeves and Comens of the Naas and others, in presenting a memorial to the Lord Deputy, Richard Duke of York, January 23rd, 1454, they said : “ This land of Ireland was never at the point finally to be destroyed sethin the conquest of this lande, at it is now, for the trew liege people in this partiss dar ne may not appier to the King’s Courtes in the said lande, ne noone other of the trew liege people ther to go ne ride to market tounes ne other places, for dred to be slayne to take or be spouled of ther godes : also the mysrule and misgovernaunce had, done, & dayly contynued by divers gentlemen of the counte & youre liberte of Mith, the Countes of Kildare & Uriell, & namly of a variance had betwix the Erie of Wilteshire Lieut, of this said land & Thomas FitzMorice of the Geraldynes for the title the maners of Maynoth & Rathmore in the Counte of Kildare hath caused more destruccionne in the sayde Counte of Kildare & liberte of Mith within shorte tyme nou late passed, & dayly doth, than was done by Irish Enemys & English Rebelles of long time before — & is likely to be fynall destruccionne of the sayd Counte of Kildare & liberte of Mith. For Henry Bonyn Knyght, with Edmond Botiller & William Botiller with ther sequie of the wh. moost part was Irish Enemys & English Rebelles came and burnt & destrued divers & many Townes & Paroche Churches of the trew liege people, and toke dyvers of them prisoners & spouled their godes. And after the departre of the said Henry & Edmond, the said William abyding in the said Counte of Kildare by ther avice & counsaill did so grete oppressionne that vijxx Townes & more wh. was well enhabite in the feste of Seynte Michael lass passed been now wasted & destrued.”

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 25

60. Alexander MacDonnell slain at the gateway of Galway, 1577

    Galway · city · Galway · 1577

    Alexander, son of Calvagh MacDonnell, was slain in a combat by Theobald boy Mac Seoinin in the gateway of Galway in 1577. The Annals of the Four Masters record him as one of the wealthiest and most bountiful sons of Galloglasses in Ireland at that time.

    Read the passage

    “The age of Christ 1577. Alexander, son of Calvagh, son of Turlough, son of Shawn carragh [i.e., the scabbed] MacDonnell, was slain in a combat by Theobald boy Mac Seoinin [now Jennings, a branch of the Burkes] in the gateway of Galway ; and there were not many sons of Galloglasses in Ireland at that time who were more wealthy, or who were more bountiful and munificent than he.”

    In 1600 there appears another pardon to the MacDonnells of Tinnakill and their retainers. This time it included Hugh

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 125

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, this is the city where, in 1577, Alexander MacDonnell, son of Calvagh, was slain in single combat by Theobald boy Mac Seoinin at the gateway of Galway. The Annals of the Four Masters record him as one of the wealthiest and most bountiful sons of Galloglasses in Ireland at that time.