Journal of the County Kildare Archaeological Society (vol. 5)

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. Poor Jack, the injured jockey who ran beside the mail-coach

   Belan · townland · Kildare · 1830–1845

   Near the bogland on the coach road, a man called Poor Jack, once a jockey employed by Lord Aldborough, ran beside the coach begging for halfpence. He had suffered a fractured skull and broken bones after a riding accident on a young horse over a timber fence, which left his brain permanently affected.

   Read the passage

   Beautiful, fresh, green, and lovely it was, and on we sped for many a mile. Then the scene changed: the trees became stunted, then mere bushes, the fields brown and barren, and we soon reached a beautiful waste tract of bogland, grand in its desolation and mystery. The coach road ran by the side of the bog, and when nearing the spot where we were to lose sight of it, there leaped, apparently from the very bog itself, the weird figure of a man clad in a much-stained scarlet jacket, a battered jockey’s cap in hand held up for halfpence, which were freely bestowed. Poor Jack ran for fully a mile beside the coach, an object of much interest on the road, always cheery, patient, and good-natured. Jack as a boy had been in training as a jockey, a great favourite with the sporting guests, and had made a home for some years (much, I have heard, against his will) of John, Lord Aldborough’s, house. Full of courage, Jack one day volunteered to take a very unmanageable young horse over a stiff timber fence, promised by his patrons he should soon ride a race. Alas! in their presence both horse and rider came to grief: — the horse to death, while Jack lay for many a weary month nigh almost to death, with fractured skull and broken bones; but youth fought on his side and carried the day, and at last he rose from his bed, his physical health restored, but his brain clouded, and for ever after lie was only “ poor Jack.”

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 192

2. Rebels Arrested Drunk at Hacketstown

   Hacketstown · parish · Wicklow · 1798

   After burning High Park and breaking into its wine cellar, the rebels became intoxicated and marched to Hacketstown, where nearly all were arrested with no silver found on any of them.

   Read the passage

   a Miss Stepney, an heiress, who was the owner of the property. At the time of the rebellion in ’98 the Mr. Westby of that day was staying in Dublin, and a younger brother was living at High Park. This young Mr. Westby was well known and much liked in the neighbourhood, where he used to be seen frequently hunting and shooting. One day a man came to Mr. Westby and advised him to leave High Park without delay, as it had been determined by the rebels to burn the mansion that coming night. Profiting by the friendly intimation, Mr. Westby took horse and started for Dublin, first telling the butler what he had heard, and asking him to hide the plate. That night the house was burnt down, the butler was murdered, and, it is supposed, he hid the plate very safely, for it has never since been seen. The rebels broke into the wine-cellar, and, becoming intoxicated, marched in that state to Hacketstown, where they were nearly all arrested, no silver being found on any of them. The old cellar can still be seen. The present house was built at a short distance from the place where the old one stood.

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 212

3. Sir Thomas Armstrong repulsed at Rathcoole, 1642

   Rathcoole · town · Dublin · 1642

   In January 1642 Sir Thomas Armstrong attacked Rathcoole, held by 2,000 Irish, was repulsed and retired east where a battle occurred; Captain Lee and fifty soldiers were slain among the defeated Irish who mostly escaped.

   Read the passage

   The town was attacked in January, 1642, by Sir Thomas Armstrong ; but, being held by the Irish, who were 2,000 strong, he was repulsed, and retired to more open ground a short distance to the east, where a general engagement was fought ; and, although the Irish were routed, the majority of the defeated succeeded in escaping, with the exception of Captain Lee and fifty soldiers, who were slain. The Scurlocks, doubtless smarting under their defeat, lost no time in reorganizing their forces, and in the following April attacked on the Dublin side of the town a convoy of Englishmen and their families who were on their way from Maddenstown, near the Curragh of Kildare, the residence of the Earl of Castlehaven, to Dublin. They succeeded in killing four of the party, and wounded three others, the remainder fleeing to Dongan’s Castle, at Celbridge, for protection. This rash act was terribly revenged by the Earl of Ormonde a few days afterwards. He set out from Dublin in command of an expedition sent to burn and destroy the houses and goods of the rebels who deserted the County Kildare ; on his way thither, he lay at Rathcoole with 8,000 foot, 500 horse, and five small field-pieces. Here he was joined by Sir Arthur Loftus, Governor of Naas, who brought with him a body of Dragoons. The inhabitants fled for safety to a hill, close to the town, which was covered with furze, where they took refuge in hiding ; but Ormonde had the

   1 The Scurlocks or Sherlocks of Rathcredan were a branch of the Meath family, founded by William de Scurlog, a follower of Sir Hugh de Lacy, who came from Gower in Glamorganshire. The Wexford Scurlocks were of the Rathcredan family. — Ed.

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 44

   As the companion tells it

   Coming up through Rathcoole now, a Dublin town with a violent 1642 behind it. In January of that year Sir Thomas Armstrong attacked the town, but the Irish held it with 2,000 men and repulsed him. He retired to open ground a short distance east, where a general engagement was fought. The Irish were routed, but most of the defeated succeeded in escaping. Captain Lee and 50 soldiers were slain. The Scurlocks, the local family, lost no time reorganizing after their defeat. The following April they attacked a convoy of Englishmen and their families on the Dublin side of Rathcoole. The convoy was travelling from Maddenstown, near the Curragh of Kildare, the residence of the Earl of Castlehaven, heading to Dublin. The Scurlocks killed four of the party and wounded three. The remainder fled to Dongan's Castle at Celbridge for protection. The Earl of Ormonde revenged the act a few days later. He set out from Dublin with an expedition to burn and destroy the houses and goods of the rebels who had deserted County Kildare. He lay at Rathcoole with 8,000 foot, 500 horse, and five small field-pieces. Sir Arthur Loftus, Governor of Naas, joined him there with a body of dragoons. The inhabitants fled for safety to a hill close to the town, covered with furze, where they took refuge in hiding.

4. The Headless Coach Ghost of Old Bawn

   near Old Bawn · minor feature · Wexford

   Old Bawn House is said to be haunted: on the night of 8th September every year a coach drawn by six headless horses, with two occupants and two footmen, is seen to drive up to the door. Tradition suggests one of the occupants represents the Archbishop, though this is unconfirmed.

   Read the passage

   It will be no small wonder to anyone that this quaint old house has its ghost. On the night of the 8th September every year may be seen, by those who are courageous enough to watch, a coach, drawn by six headless horses, containing two occupants, and attended by two footmen, drive up to the door of Old Bawn ; but history does not record who the travellers may be supposed to represent, although the tradition points to one being the Archbishop.

   Having thus described all that remains of interest in the house, I will now pass on to its history, and that of its owners, the Bulkeleys.

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 154

5. The magical fish and stones of St. Booden's Well

   Lackan · townland · Wicklow

   The well was said to be inhabited by small fish called colliach-roo (stone-loach), and water taken from it for tea would not boil until a fish removed from the well was returned. Small round stones from the well were reputed to cure toothache when rubbed on the afflicted area.

   Read the passage

   took it home to boil for the purpose of “ wetting the tea.” The kettle was filled and put on a turf fire ; but when the water should have been boiling, it was noticed that it had not even become warm, and further investigations led to the discovery of a little colliachroo in the kettle, which naturally accounted for the mystery. Without loss of time the woman returned hot-foot, and restored the little fish to the well.

   There are small, round stones in the well, which have the reputation of curing the tooth-ache. Pat Carr, after one of his visits to the well, took seven of them out of it, and placed them in his pocket. Shortly afterwards, when passing through Ballymore- Eustace, he entered a small shop to buy an ounce of tobacco, and found the woman of the house with her face bandaged and much swollen. Being told that she was suffering badly from tooth-ache, Pat Carr remarked, “ Faith, I’ll cure her of that, wid the help of God,” and taking one of the little stones from his pocket, handed it to the sufferer, and told her to rub it to the place of the pain ; “ and,” added Pat Carr, “no sooner was she after doing that, but what the pain wakened in her intirely, and for an hour afther she was down on her two knees robustly repateing her prayers for the aise she felt. Begarrawar, that’s as thrue as Your Honour has the pipe in your mouth, so it is.”

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 140

6. The May-pole of Castledermot and the '98 Hangings

   Castledermot · town · Kildare · 1798

   A permanent May-pole once stood at the junction of the streets in Castledermot, where a pump now stands; it may also have been the earlier site of a market-cross, since funerals passing through the town still make a turn round the pump. Tradition holds that some rebels were hanged from the May-pole during the 1798 rebellion.

   Read the passage

   In some towns the May-pole was a permanent fixture: one formerly stood at the junction of the streets in Castledermot; a pump now occupies the site. Earlier still this may have been the site of the market-cross, as funerals passing through the town always make one turn round the present pump. Some rebels are said to have been hanged from the May-pole in ’98.

   The May-pole was unknown in the country districts, and was probably introduced into the towns by the English.

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 288

7. The Siege of Maynooth ballad recalling 1535 castle assault

   Maynooth · town · Kildare · 1535

   Mangan's ballad recounts the 1535 siege of Maynooth Castle, describing Lord Thomas Fitzgerald's rebellion, the treachery of foster-brother Parez who betrayed the garrison to the Saxon forces for gold, and the fall of the castle's rampart, keep and tower.

   Read the passage

   Crom, Crom-a-boo ! The Geraldine rebels from proud Maynooth,

   And with him are leagued four hundred, the flower of Leinster’s youth. Take heart once more, O Erin ! The great God gives thee hope ;

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 33

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Maynooth, this is where Lord Thomas Fitzgerald's rebellion came to its crisis in 1535. The castle held 400 men, what the ballad calls the flower of Leinster's youth. A foster-brother named Parez betrayed the garrison to Saxon forces for gold, and the rampart, keep and tower fell. The ballad's cry was

8. Viscount Allen's failed attempt to move the Punchestown stone

   Punchestown · townland · Kildare

   Local tradition holds that the great lean on the Punchestown Long Stone was caused by an attempt by one of the Viscounts Allen to drag it to his mansion using fourteen couples of plough-oxen, an attempt that fortunately failed.

   Read the passage

   THE largest of the eight Long Stones1 in the County Kildare is the one at Punchestown, which is 19^ feet in height above ground, and 11 feet in circumference ; like all the others, it is of granite. On the opposite side of the Wool-pack Road, within view, and a quarter of a mile to the west of it, on the Cradockstown townland, is another granite monolith. The only tradition the peasantry have about them is that they were hurled from the Hill of Allen, seven miles off, by the giant Finn Mac Coole ; one account says it was due to a trial of strength between Finn and a companion ; and the smaller boulder they call “the Gossoon’s Stone ” ; the other account says that they were “fired” by Finn in this direction, as his wife was at Punchestown at the time ! The great lean on the Punchestown stone was caused by an attempt, it is said, of one of the Viscounts Allen to remove it to his mansion at Punchestown, for which purpose he yoked fourteen couples of plough-oxen by chains to the boulder, and tried to drag it from the ground — -an attempt which fortunately failed. Of Punchestown House not one stone now stands on another, though an old farmer named Comfrey, of Cradockstown (strong and hearty in 1900), remembers to have seen the walls standing ; they were eventually levelled, and the materials sold for building purposes.

   In 1573, on the 1st October, a Deed of Exchange was made between Gerald, Earl of Kildare, and “ John fitz Gerald, alias Williams, of Thomastown, Gent.,” whereby the Earl obtained Thomastown, County Kildare, in lieu of “ Ponceston and Nonesland, with their appurtenancies.”2

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 23

9. Viscount Baltinglass and Brothers Convicted of Treason, Estates Confiscated

   Baltinglass · town · Wicklow

   James, third Viscount Baltinglass, and his four brothers joined the Desmond insurrection and were convicted of high treason; their estates were confiscated and granted to Sir Henry Harrington. The five brothers fled to Spain, joined the Spanish army, and died there.

   Read the passage

   After the suppression of the monastery in 15B7, its extensive possessions, including the Castle and Manor of Baltinglass, were granted in 1541 to Thomas Eustace, Lord Kilcullen, whom Henry VIII created Viscount Baltinglass. In the reign of Queen Elizabeth a Parliament was held here in which was passed an Act rendering every kind of inheritance forfeitable for high treason: it was emphatically called the Statute of Baltinglass. James, the third Viscount Baltinglass, and his four brothers, having joined in the great Desmond insurrection, were convicted of high treason, and their estates, being confiscated under the Statute, were granted by Queen Elizabeth to Sir Henry Harrington. The five brothers escaped to Spain, where they entered the Spanish army, served with distinction, and died there. The Manor is now the property of Major H. W. Mitchell of Ballynure. The Castle, with the town and other considerable property, was in the possession of the Earl of Aldborough until 1852, when a large portion of it was sold in the Encumbered Estates Court, and portions of the estate, some large, some small, passed into many hands.

   In the year 1831 Baltinglass and Stratford-on- Slaney contained 4,110 inhabitants, of which number 1,670 were in the town of Baltinglass, and 2,410 in Stratford-on-Slaney. At present the population of Baltinglass is about 1,000; that of

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 216

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through the town of Baltinglass, you are travelling through a place whose name is bound to a notorious act of law. In the reign of Queen Elizabeth, Parliament met here and passed a measure making every kind of inheritance forfeitable for high treason, a law emphatically called the Statute of Baltinglass. It was aimed squarely at James, the third Viscount Baltinglass, and his four brothers. They had joined the great Desmond insurrection and were convicted of high treason. Their estates were confiscated under that very statute and granted by Queen Elizabeth to Sir Henry Harrington. The five brothers escaped to Spain, entered the Spanish army, served with distinction, and died there. The viscountcy had begun earlier, when Henry VIII created Thomas Eustace, Lord Kilcullen, Viscount Baltinglass in 1541, granting him the castle and manor after the monastery's suppression. By 1852 much of the estate had passed through the Encumbered Estates Court into many hands.

10. Bonfire Brawl Between Stradbally and Ballykillcavan Men

    Stradbally · town · Laois · 1738–1740

    After a legal dispute was decided in Hunt Walsh's favour, his people came to Stradbally to celebrate with drink and a bonfire, but Francis Cosby put it out and forbade bonfires in the town, sparking lasting enmity. The following year Walsh's servants returned with a garland, piper, and dancers, but Stradbally townsfolk met them on the bridge, smashed their bagpipes and garland, and beat them soundly.

    Read the passage

    10 o’clock of ye night, and the next day Saturday Mr. Walshes servant and people came to Stradbally with Garland, piper and Long Dance, and the townsfolks, particularly Stephen Roberts, and Abel Roberts met ’em on ye Bridge, bid ’em go rejoyce on Walshes estate, and not come into Stradbally, and bid ’em go back wh. they refused, but were rushing on, on wh the townsfolks brook ye Bagpipes and ye Garland all to pieces, Beat all the Ballykillcavan folks very Heartly and made ’em return very shamefully, the great prince was more enraged at this than ever, but he was obliged to bear it, for he co’d not help himself, and I verily believe that his uneasiness and fretting at finding ye Stradbally folks did not care for him, took off vastly from ye joy of getting the better of Mr. Hartpole, had Mr. Walsh lost he wd have lost every foot of land he had in the world, and been a beggar.

    [ Here occur four blank pages in the MS.]

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun

11. Captain Bret ambushed and slain near Tallaght Castle in 1643

    near Tallaght · town · Dublin · 1641–1643

    During the 1641 rebellion, this neighbourhood suffered severely; in 1643, during a sally from Tallaght Castle, Captain Bret and nine of the garrison fell into an ambuscade and were slain.

    Read the passage

    During the rebellion of 1641 this neighbourhood suffered severely ; and in the summer of 1642 the Council directed that twelve musketeers should be sent to Tallaght to protect the Archbishop’s house. In the following year the Irish forces seized and drove off the cattle belonging to the inhabitants ; and during a sally from the castle, a Captain Bret and some of the garrison fell into an ambuscade, in which he and nine men were slain.4

    In 1662 a petition to the House of Lords was presented by the Churchwardens of Tallaght, seeking compensation for injury done to the Church by a Captain Henry Alland. The petitioners stated in it that their church was in good repair in 1651, until the arrival of Captain Alland and his troop, which were quartered in Tallaght. The Captain caused the church to be unroofed, and appropriated the slates, timber, and paving-stones to his own use ; the troop-horses, too, were fed out of the font (? St. Maelruain’s Lossit). The petitioners won

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 18

12. Colonel Gibson ordered to destroy rebel property around Rathangan in 1648

    Rathangan · townland · Kildare · 1648

    The Lords Justices of Ireland instructed Colonel Gibson in January 1648 to march to Rathangan and destroy rebel corn, turf and houses in the area, and to relieve Monasterevin with corn and cattle if found in distress.

    Read the passage

    “ You are, with the troopes of Horse and Foote companies now designed for that purpose, to repaire to the County of Kildare, and soe, with what conveniency you can, to goe to Rathangen, by easie journies, and in your passage to kill, slay, and destroy all Rebells, and by fire or otherwise to destroy all the corne, turffe, and houses belonging to the said Rebells thereabouts, and from thence into Farrinemurchoe (i.e., Farran-O’Murraghan, a district in the King’s County, Barony of Coolestown), and to make the like destruction on that Country and thereabouts, to the Barrow side, and in your returne home to doe the like in all the northern e partes of the County of Kildare, and soe by easie journies to scowre the Lordshipp of Maynouth, and in all those waies to take from the Rebells all the cattle you can. In this journey your principall worcke is to make what spoile you can of all the Rebells houses, corne, turffe, and other goodes.

    “ When you are nearest to Monasterevin, if you finde the same in distresse, you are to relieve the same with corne and cattell soe far as you may.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 105

13. Colonel Nicholas Wogan of Rathcoffy in the wars of 1641-1649

    Rathcoffey · townland · Laois · 1641–1649

    Colonel Nicholas Wogan of Rathcoffy took part in the wars of 1641-1649, was outlawed for high treason at the Cork Sessions in 1642, and had his Rathcoffy estates seized by General Monk in 1648; he later joined the Supreme Council of the Confederates at Kilkenny.

    Read the passage

    Colonel Nicholas Wogan took part in the wars of 1641-1649. He was outlawed for high treason at the Cork Sessions in 1642. In 1648 his estates of Rathcoffy were seized by General Monk. He was one of the Confederate Catholics who met at Kilkenny and took the oath of association. Soon after he, his wife Catherine Preston, and his sister-in-law, a religious woman, were taken prisoners, when Sir William Parsons surrendered Birr Castle, in 1642, to the Irish under Thomas Preston, Viscount Gonnanstown. He promised, on account of the fair and honourable quarter granted to the garrison by his lordship, to use his best endeavours with the Lords Justices in Council to procure their liberty. In 1646 Wogan became one of the Supreme Council of the Confederates at Kilkenny.1

    Catherine Wogan , nee Preston . — In 1668 she petitioned the Duke of Ormonde that the custody of portions of her husband’s estate in Kildare worth £40 a year might be continued to her. On 4th May, 1663, this was granted to Maurice Keatinge, who was appointed custodian of the said lands on her behalf, viz., Clonagh, Rabin, Porte, Bilgone, Castle Keely, Darnillstown, and lands in Killcocke and in Clane. She and her son William Wogan had litigation in June and November, 1671, with Robert Wolverston, of Stillorgan, County Dublin, relative to the marriage settlement of her daughter, Mary Wolverston, nee Wogan. She died shortly before May, 1688. The administration of her estate was granted to her son John Wogan, 7th March, 1690.2

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 73

14. Dean Swift's bequest of Saggart lands to St. Patrick's Hospital

    Saggart · town · Dublin · 1745

    About the mid-18th century the greater portion of the lands of Saggart passed to Dean Swift, who bequeathed them at his death in 1745 to endow St. Patrick's Hospital for lunatics; remains of his castle still stand near the Swiftbrook Paper Mills.

    Read the passage

    Other owners of property here were the Hancocks, Sir Andrew Savage, and Sir Henry ffolliott, and at a later period Sir William Parsons, while the town contained two castles. At the time of the rebellion of 1641 Saggart was pillaged and burned by Sir Thomas Armstrong, who had with him a party of 200 horse. In the succeeding centuries there is little to record save that in 1682 Thomas Hen was given the right to hold three fairs yearly and a weekly market — a privilege retained in 1705 by John Hen, and in 1741 by Philip Hen. About this time the greater portion of the lands of Saggart passed into the possession of Hean Swift, and were bequeathed by him at his death in 1745 for the purpose of endowing St. Patrick’s Hospital for lunatics. The patent of incorporation of this institution bears date 8th August, 1746. The remains of his Castle are still to he seen in the village at a short distance to the south of the Swiftbrook Paper Mills. In the hills near Saggart are abundant traces of pre-historic days ; and if one makes the ascent of Slievethoul, a large moat may be seen, 76 feet in circumference and 10 feet high. To the west lies Lynch Park, where there are stone circles. Near the village are two pillar-stones, and at Baheen another, and at Crooksling, near Brittas, a rath. A very old saying in this locality is “ To go to Saggart to stack blackberries.” This arose from the fact that the plant which bears this fruit is found in large quantities near the neighbouring hills.

    About a mile to the south-west of Saggart, high up on the

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 49

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Saggart, you are passing through a town that once held two castles. In 1641, during the rebellion, Sir Thomas Armstrong came here with 200 horse and pillaged and burned the place. Other owners of property here included the Hancocks, Sir Andrew Savage, Sir Henry ffolliott, and Sir William Parsons. In 1682 Thomas Hen was given the right to hold three fairs yearly and a weekly market. John Hen retained that privilege in 1705, and Philip Hen in 1741. About that time the greater portion of the lands of Saggart passed into the possession of Dean Swift. He bequeathed them at his death in 1745 to endow St. Patrick's Hospital for lunatics. The patent of incorporation of that institution bears the date 8 August 1746. The remains of his castle can still be seen in the village, a short distance south of the Swiftbrook Paper Mills. In the hills near Saggart there are traces of older days. A large moat on Slievethoul measures 76 feet in circumference and 10 feet high. To the west lies Lynch Park, where there are stone circles. Near the village are two pillar-stones, another at Baheen, and at Crooksling near Brittas, a rath. An old saying in this locality is "to go to Saggart to stack blackberries," because the plant grows in large quantities near the neighbouring hills.

15. Drummer's Preserved Arm at Tullow Church

    Tullow · town · Carlow

    A stone font lies in the Tullow churchyard, beneath which is buried the arm of a man named M'Nab, one of the drummers who whipped Father Murphy before he was shot.

    Read the passage

    The church at Tullow is the third that has been built there ; and Ryan’s History of Carlow, printed in 1838, says it had been put up about three years. There is a stone font lying in the churchyard, and under it is the arm of a man named M‘Nab, who, when a boy, was one of the drummers who whipped Father Murphy before he was shot. Tullow Castle is supposed to have stood close by where the church is.

    Clonmore Castle is one of the finest ruins within reach. It is equal to either of the large ruins the Society inspected in 1903, when Portarlington was visited.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 211

16. Foundation of Baltinglass Cistercian Abbey by Dermot MacMurrough, 1148

    Baltinglass · town · Wicklow · 1148–1800

    During the 1907 Society excursion, Lord Walter FitzGerald read a paper on Baltinglass Abbey, situated close to the river Slaney on the northern outskirts of the town, tracing its history from its foundation by Dermot MacMurrough, King of Leinster, in 1148 to the various proprietors who received grants of its possessions after the Reformation down to the eighteenth century.

    Read the passage

    Alighting at Baltinglass Station, the party proceeded on foot to the Cistercian Abbey, which is situated close to the river Slaney on the northern outskirts of the town. Here Lord Walter FitzGerald read a paper on the Abbey and its possessions, tracing their history from the year of the foundation of the Abbey by Dermot MacMurrough, King of Leinster, in 1148, to the time of the Deformation, after which he enumerated the various proprietors who received grants of the late Abbey’s possessions down to the eighteenth century. Lord Walter’s paper was followed by one dealing with the modern history of Baltinglass, which was read by Mr. E. P. O’Kelly. The amusing anecdotes which were introduced in this latter paper were greatly appreciated by a large and attentive audience.

    After examining the remains of the Abbey, which, being a National Monument, is in charge of the Board of Works, the members and their friends adjourned to Mrs. Doyle’s Commercial Hotel for luncheon, and at the same time the following were elected members of the Society: —

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 235

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Baltinglass, the river Slaney runs by the northern outskirts of town, and it was there that Dermot MacMurrough, King of Leinster, founded a Cistercian abbey in 1148. Lord Walter FitzGerald once traced the full story of the abbey and its possessions, from that founding year through the Reformation and on into the 1700s, when various proprietors received grants of the old abbey's lands.

17. Imagined scene of Laoghaire's cattle raid and death near Lullymore

    Lullymore · parish · Kildare · 428

    The author imagines the dramatic scene of Laoghaire's fatal cattle raid, picturing the king and his followers pursuing cattle along the Cushaling river toward Lullymore, where he was struck down and carried to Shanavoola to die.

    Read the passage

    Imagination is prompt to aid us in drawing a picture of the drama. First we see the people of Sid Neclitain, alarmed for the safety of their cattle, gathering them from the rich pastures of Carbury, and hurrying with them to their place of safety in the islands of the bog. Then we picture to ourselves the old king and his followers in hot pursuit, and making their way along the course of the Cushaling river to reach Lullvmore. We may suppose the old man to be carried by his soldiers over the bog, and no doubt surrounded by regal insignia, held aloft by his bodyguard. We may suppose the raid to have been successful; and that now he is returning with the cows along the river. He has reached a point between Lullymore and Lullybeg, when suddenly he is stricken down with mortal illness. He gets a sunstroke, or an attack of paralysis, or, overtaken by a thunderstorm on the open bog, he is struck down by lightning as he is carried aloft, and surrounded by bronze and iron javelins which attract the current. The soldiers make all possible haste along the boher till they reach the nearest place where a halt can be made, which is the Gralloch at Shanavoola, and here they lay him down to die.

    Such is the picture which imagination conjures up of this historical event ; and it tallies very well with all the facts of the case which are in our possession.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 138

18. Legend of the Boar Hunt and Origin of Baltinglass Name

    Baltinglass · town · Wicklow

    The name Baltinglass is said to derive from Bealach Conglais, after Conglas, foster-son of Eterscoil, King of Ireland, who chased a wild boar from Tara to the hill over Beallach Duthaire. The boar, hounds, and huntsman vanished into a cave and were never seen again.

    Read the passage

    This Cog] as, son of Donn Desa, King of Leinster, was fosterson and master of the hounds to Eterscoil, son of Conaire Mor, King of Ireland. Having on one occasion hunted a wild boar from Tara to this place, he continued the chase up the hill over Beallach Duthaire, the original name of Baltinglass ; the hoar, hounds, and huntsman disappeared in a cave, and were never seen after. There are certainly many caves in the neighbourhood, but none of sufficient size to allow the entrance of huntsmen and hounds.

    After the suppression of the monastery in 15B7, its extensive possessions, including the Castle and Manor of Baltinglass, were granted in 1541 to Thomas Eustace, Lord Kilcullen, whom Henry VIII created Viscount Baltinglass. In the reign of Queen Elizabeth a Parliament was held here in which was passed an Act rendering every kind of inheritance forfeitable for high treason: it was emphatically called the Statute of Baltinglass. James, the third Viscount Baltinglass, and his four brothers, having joined in the great Desmond insurrection, were convicted of high treason, and their estates, being confiscated under the Statute, were granted by Queen Elizabeth to Sir Henry Harrington. The five brothers escaped to Spain, where they entered the Spanish army, served with distinction, and died there. The Manor is now the property of Major H. W. Mitchell of Ballynure. The Castle, with the town and other considerable property, was in the possession of the Earl of Aldborough until 1852, when a large portion of it was sold in the Encumbered Estates Court, and portions of the estate, some large, some small, passed into many hands.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 216

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Baltinglass, you are travelling a place whose older name was Beallach Duthaire. The name Baltinglass is said to come from Bealach Conglais, after Conglas, foster-son and master of the hounds to Eterscoil, son of Conaire Mor, King of Ireland. Conglas hunted a wild boar from Tara to this place and drove the chase up the hill over Beallach Duthaire. The boar, the hounds, and the huntsman disappeared into a cave and were never seen again. There are caves in the neighbourhood, though none large enough for huntsman and hounds to enter. After the suppression of the monastery, its possessions, including the Castle and Manor of Baltinglass, were granted in 1541 to Thomas Eustace, Lord Kilcullen, whom Henry VIII created Viscount Baltinglass. In the reign of Queen Elizabeth a Parliament was held here, passing an act rendering every kind of inheritance forfeitable for high treason, emphatically called the Statute of Baltinglass. James, the third Viscount, and his four brothers joined the Desmond insurrection, were convicted of high treason, and their estates were confiscated under that same statute and granted by Queen Elizabeth to Sir Henry Harrington. The five brothers escaped to Spain, entered the Spanish army, served with distinction, and died there.

19. Lord Baltinglass writes from Baltinglass Castle seeking arms

    Baltinglass · town · Wicklow · 1580

    On 18th July 1580 the Viscount wrote from Baltinglass Castle to a Waterford merchant requesting money for his brother in Paris and asking for wine and powder, invoking his 'holy enterprise' against the Crown.

    Read the passage

    On the 18th July, 1580, the Viscount wrote from Baltinglass Castle to a merchant of Waterford, named Robert Walsh, requesting him to send forty crowns to his brother, Richard Eustace, in Paris, and to supply him (the Viscount) with as much wine and powder as possible. In a postscript he adds : “ I mean to take this holy enterprise in hand by the authority of the Supreme Head of the Church ; praying you to assist us to your power from time to time.” This letter and its bearer appear to have reached the wrong hands, as the bearer was ordered to be executed and hanged in chains, and the letter was sent by the Mayor of Waterford (Sir Patrick Doben) to Sir William Pelham, the Lord Justice of Ireland.1

    In this same month Lord Baltinglass wrote the following letter to Thomas Butler, 10th Earl of Ormonde : —

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 257

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Baltinglass in Wicklow, you are in a town where, on the 18th of July 1580, the Viscount wrote from Baltinglass Castle to a Waterford merchant named Robert Walsh. He asked Walsh to send 40 crowns to his brother Richard Eustace in Paris, and to supply him with as much wine and powder as possible. In a postscript he wrote, "I mean to take this holy enterprise in hand by the authority of the Supreme Head of the Church." The letter and its bearer reached the wrong hands. The bearer was ordered to be executed and hanged in chains, and the Mayor of Waterford, Sir Patrick Doben, sent the letter on to Sir William Pelham, the Lord Justice of Ireland.

20. Militia quartered at Ballitore before the 1798 Rebellion

    Ballitore · town · Kildare · 1798

    As the 1798 Rebellion approached, bodies of militia were quartered in Ballitore because many local yeomanry were disaffected. Insurgents attacked and burned houses in the neighbourhood, and inhabitants disappeared, some joining rebels, some murdered, some fleeing.

    Read the passage

    Ballitore and its inhabitants suffered very severely in that time of distress. When the time of the outbreak drew near, bodies of militia were quartered in the village, for many of the local yeomanry were disaffected. The insurgents attacked and burned several houses in the neighbourhood ; individuals among the inhabitants mysteriously disappeared — some joining the rebel forces — some it was supposed murdered — some leaving the country for places of safety.

    Notices were posted on the doors of every cottage, with the names of the inhabitants; and the authorities demanded admittance at any hour, night or day, to see that they were within. The “ United men,” as they were called, made raids, and searched houses, and seized whatever arms they found ; while the blacksmith secretly manufactured pikes in large numbers. On the other hand, the Government made similar

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 268

    As the companion tells it

    You're coming into Ballitore in Kildare. In 1798 this village suffered badly. As the rebellion drew near, militia were quartered here because many of the local yeomanry were disaffected. Insurgents attacked and burned houses in the neighbourhood. People vanished, some joining the rebels, some thought murdered, some fled for safety. Notices went up on every cottage door with the names of those inside, and authorities could demand entry at any hour, night or day, to check they were there. The United men raided and searched houses, seizing whatever arms they found, while the blacksmith secretly turned out pikes in large numbers.

21. Rathcoole burned by Feagh macHugh O'Byrne, 1580

    Rathcoole · town · Dublin · 1580

    While soldiers were away at Belgard for review in 1580, the town of Rathcoole was burned by the Irish under Feagh macHugh O'Byrne and most inhabitants slaughtered.

    Read the passage

    During the absence of the soldiers and those who were able to bear arms at Belgard for the purpose of review, in the year 1580, the town was burned by the Irish under Feagh macHugh O’Byrne, and the greater portion of the inhabitants slaughtered. From this until the close of the century it was subject to repeated attacks, and many times pillaged and burned.

    At the outbreak of the Rebellion of 1641, the inhabitants were early in joining the Irish, notably the families of Scurlock and Hetherington.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 44

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Rathcoole. In 1580, while the soldiers and those able to bear arms were away at Belgard for a review, the town was burned by the Irish under Feagh macHugh O'Byrne, and the greater portion of the inhabitants slaughtered. From then until the close of the century it suffered repeated attacks, pillaged and burned many times over. At the outbreak of the Rebellion of 1641, the inhabitants were early to join the Irish, notably the Scurlock and Hetherington families.

22. Silken Thomas's Castles Including Woodstock Fortified for Rebellion

    Woodstock Castle · castle · Kildare · 1534

    Before his rebellion of June 1534, Silken Thomas controlled his father's castles including Woodstock, along with Carlow, Portlester, Lea, Castledermot, the White Castle of Athy, Kilkea, Rathangan and Maynooth, which he victualled, fortified and garrisoned with followers of his Irish allies.

    Read the passage

    The Silken Thomas threw off his allegiance to the English Crown on the 11th of June, 1584. He had then control of his father’s castles of Carlow, Portlester in Meath, Lea in the Queen’s County, Castledermot, the White Castle of Athy, Woodstock, Kilkea, Rathangan, and Maynooth. These he victualled, fortified, and garrisoned, mainly with the followers of his Irish allies, the O’Byrnes, O’Mores, and O’Connors of Offaly.

    In the month of August, 1534, Pierce Butler, Earl of Ossory, captured the castles of Carlow, Athy, and Woodstock, but they were, not long after, again retaken by the Silken Thomas’s allies.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 182

    As the companion tells it

    Right beside you here is Woodstock Castle. In June 1534, Silken Thomas threw off his allegiance to the English Crown, and this was one of his father's castles he had victualled, fortified, and garrisoned with the followers of his Irish allies, the O'Byrnes, O'Mores, and O'Connors of Offaly. In August that year, Pierce Butler, Earl of Ossory, captured this place along with Carlow and Athy, but Silken Thomas's allies took them back not long after.

23. Skirmish near Rathangan over victual carts

    Rathangan · townland · Kildare · 1535

    Government forces under Treasurer Brabazon foiled an attempt by Thomas FitzGerald and O'Connor's men to intercept carts of victuals sent from Naas to Rathangan Castle, killing sixteen horsemen and the captain of their galloglas.

    Read the passage

    By the month of July the Castle appears to have been re-taken by the Government forces ; as in that month Gerald Aylmer, the Chief Baron, wrote to Cromwell that Sir William Brabazon, the Treasurer, “sent owte of the Nas certen cartes of vittels to the Castell of Rathangan ; Thomas FitzGerald having knowledge thereof, furnished with the strength of Ochonor and other fals traitors, purposed to intercept the same, but Mr. Thesaurer with such company as was with him, which as we hear saie was Musgrave, Dacres, and Thomas Eustace,2 hearing of their intent, foiled and mett with him, and notwithstanding the doble number of them, as it is said, to him and his company, he sett upon them, and so not onlie, in conclusion, discomfite them, but killed 16 of ther horsemen, and the capitaine of ther galloglas.”3

    In August the Chief Baron again wrote to Cromwell giving the following description of how the Castle was again lost and won : —

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun

24. Suicide of Sandy Cosby in the Wood at Stradbally

    Stradbally · town · Laois · 1734

    Sandy Cosby, nephew and heir-at-law's rival, shot himself with a fowling piece in the red seat in the little wood behind the gardens at Stradbally House on 3rd May. The inquest found it accidental, and he received Christian burial in Stradbally Church.

    Read the passage

    no, for we were determined yt I sho’d not go to Ireland till he had left it for he was a Lieut, in Sir Charles Hothams Regiment at Portmalione & was going there, & on ye Saturday ye 25th of May I got a letter from my wife that she had recd a letter from my sister Meredeth giving an acc1 y* Sandy Cosby ye 3rd of May in ye red seat in my little wood behind my Cardens at Stradbally, shot himself with a foulingpiece through ye head, ye acc* she gave was horrid to hear for with a forket stick he pushed ye tricker & before fixed ye musle just above his right ear so that all that was in the gun entered into his head & burst it open & dashed his brains up and down all over the seat & a vast efusion of blood all over the flags, & he lay there all night, the inquest found it accidental so that he got Christian burial in Stradbally Church. When I read the account 1 never was more shocked in my life, could neither eat, drink nor sleep, but my wife and mother were more so.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 178

25. The Battle of Dunbolg fought near Baltinglass in 594

    Baltinglass · town · Wicklow · 568–594

    A battle took place at Dunboyke, Dunbolg, Slieve Gadoe or Church Mountain, Kilbaylet, and Kilranelagh, near Baltinglass, during the reign of Aedh mac Ainmire, monarch of Ireland from 568 to 594.

    Read the passage

    As it lias been decided to visit Baltinglass on the occasion of the September Excursion of 1907, it may interest our members to read a very curious account of transactions which took place at Dunboyke, Dunbolg, Slieve Gadoe or Church Mountain, Kilbaylet, and Kilranelagh, all in the neighbourhood of Baltinglass, during the reign of Aedli mac Ainmire, monarch of Ireland, from a.d. 568 to 594.

    The account is copied from Standish H. O’Grady’s translations of Ancient Irish Tales, published in the “ Silva Gadelica,” section xxxvii of which deals with the wars which took place owing to the collecting of the Leinster Tribute by the monarch s of Ireland. The account runs thus 1 : —

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 185

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Baltinglass, you are near ground where a battle was fought in the time of Aedh mac Ainmire, monarch of Ireland from 568 to 594. The fighting stretched across several nearby places: Dunboyke, Dunbolg, Slieve Gadoe or Church Mountain, Kilbaylet, and Kilranelagh. These wars arose from the collecting of the Leinster Tribute by the monarchs of Ireland. The account survives in Standish O'Grady's translations of ancient Irish tales, published in "Silva Gadelica."

26. The 'Murdering Hole' Legend at Woodstock Castle

    Woodstock Castle · castle · Kildare · 1887

    A part of Woodstock Castle built against the original keep without ties has always been known locally as the 'Murdering Hole,' though the origin of the name and the identity of the murderers and victims had been lost to memory. A midnight exploration in 1887 dug six feet down but found only openings leading to a field, disproving a local tradition of an underground passage to a nearby abbey.

    Read the passage

    This part has always been known locally as the ‘ { Murdering Hole.” I have many times asked why, and never got beyond the statement that it was there “ they used to murder the people.” Who were the murderers and the murdered ?

    There is another tradition that the Castle was connected by an underground passage with the Abbey of St. Michael, which is improbable, seeing that the latter is on the opposite side of the

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun

    As the companion tells it

    Right beside the road here, the part of Woodstock Castle built against the old keep has always been known locally as the Murdering Hole. No one remembers who the murderers or the murdered were, only that it was there they used to murder the people. A midnight exploration in 1887 dug six feet down but found only openings leading to a field, disproving the tradition of an underground passage to a nearby abbey.

27. The Poor-Box Dispute and Charity Sermon at Baltinglass Parish

    Baltinglass · town · Wicklow

    The Earl of Aldborough, as churchwarden in Baltinglass Parish, quarrelled with the Rector, Rev. Bob Carter, over accounting of poor-box money, leading Carter to preach a pointed second charity sermon on the text 'Whoever giveth to the poor lendeth to the Lord.'

    Read the passage

    His lordship always fell on his feet, as the following narrative will show. He was churchwarden in Baltinglass Parish, and did not please the Rector, the Rev. Bob Carter, as to his method of accounting for the money in the poor-boxes. The peer treated the parson, who was as kindly and goodhearted a man as any in the country, with the greatest contempt. The parson, who felt no part of personal respect for my lord, renewed his insinuations of his lordship’s false arithmetic, until the latter grew wroth, and would give the parson no further satisfaction in the matter, upon which the clergyman took the only revenge in his power by giving out a second charity sermon, inasmuch as the proceeds of the first were not forthcoming. The hint went abroad ; the church was crowded ; and, to the infinite amusement of the congregation, the preacher put forth the text: “ Whoever giveth to the poor lendeth to the Lord.” The application was so clear the laugh was irresistible. The onslaught was continued throughout the sermon, and the lord was considered crushed, but not so. When the sermon was finished, his lordship stood up and thanked the preacher for his eloquent discourse, and expressed the opinion that the Lord Lieutenant and the Bishop would give him speedy promotion, and finally begged of him to have the sermon printed and circulated.

    Earl Robert was known as “the peer of a hundred wills.” He married the daughter of the Duke of Chandos, with whom he received a dowry of T50,000. She had a caustic tongue, and named her brother-in-law, the Hon. Paul Stratford, “ Holy Paul/'* from the incident connected with the burning of his house, related in another article.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 219

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Baltinglass in Wicklow, the town had a parish quarrel worth hearing about. The Earl of Aldborough served as churchwarden here in Baltinglass Parish, and he did not please the Rector, the Reverend Bob Carter, with his method of accounting for the money in the poor-boxes. The earl treated the parson, who was as kindly and goodhearted a man as any in the country, with the greatest contempt. The parson felt no personal respect for my lord either, and renewed his insinuations of the earl's false arithmetic, until the earl grew angry and would give the parson no further satisfaction in the matter. The clergyman took the only revenge in his power by giving out a second charity sermon, since the proceeds of the first were not forthcoming. The hint went abroad. The church was crowded. To the infinite amusement of the congregation, the preacher put forth the text: "Whoever giveth to the poor lendeth to the Lord." The application was so clear the laugh was irresistible. The onslaught continued throughout the sermon, and the lord was considered crushed. But not so. When the sermon was finished, his lordship stood up and thanked the preacher for his eloquent discourse. He expressed the opinion that the Lord Lieutenant and the Bishop would give him speedy promotion, and finally begged of him to have the sermon printed and circulated. Earl Robert was known as "the peer of a hundred wills." He married the daughter of the Duke of Chandos, with whom he received a dowry of 50,000 pounds. She had a caustic tongue, and named her brother-in-law, the Honourable Paul Stratford, "Holy Paul," from an incident connected with the burning of his house.

28. Breweries and 'Dandy Jackson' of Baltinglass

    Baltinglass · town · Wicklow · 1820–1830

    In 1820 there were two breweries in Baltinglass, but they had disappeared by 1830. One was owned by William Jackson, known as 'Dandy Jackson', noted for wearing solid gold buttons on his coat and knee-breeches.

    Read the passage

    Stratford-on-Slaney about 200. In the year 1820 there were two breweries in Baltinglass ; but they had disappeared before 1830. One was owned by a William Jackson, who was known by the name of Dandy Jackson ; he always wore solid gold buttons on his coat and knee-breeches. Up to 1840 there were two bleach-greens : one at White Hall, the other where the railway station is now built. The manufacture of linen, woollens, and diaper was before that time extensively carried on.

    A market and fairs were granted in 1617 to Sir Thomas Wilmot by James I. Charles II, in 1663, granted by charter a market to be held on Friday ; and two fairs, for three days each, to be held in May and September, to Sir Maurice Eustace, with tolls thereof. Until 1829 the tolls were collected by the Corporation, but were then discontinued.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 217

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Baltinglass, this was a town with two breweries back in 1820, though both were gone by 1830. One belonged to William Jackson, known as Dandy Jackson, a man who always wore solid gold buttons on his coat and knee-breeches. Up to 1840 the town also had two bleach-greens, and linen, woollens, and diaper were extensively manufactured before the railway station was built.

29. Captain Alland strips roof of Tallaght Church

    near Tallaght · town · Dublin · 1651–1662

    In 1662 the Churchwardens of Tallaght petitioned the House of Lords for compensation after Captain Henry Alland's troop, quartered there since 1651, unroofed the church and took its slates, timber and paving-stones, and fed horses out of the font.

    Read the passage

    In 1662 a petition to the House of Lords was presented by the Churchwardens of Tallaght, seeking compensation for injury done to the Church by a Captain Henry Alland. The petitioners stated in it that their church was in good repair in 1651, until the arrival of Captain Alland and his troop, which were quartered in Tallaght. The Captain caused the church to be unroofed, and appropriated the slates, timber, and paving-stones to his own use ; the troop-horses, too, were fed out of the font (? St. Maelruain’s Lossit). The petitioners won

    1 “ State Papers of Henry VIII,” vol. iii, pp. 122-3.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 18

30. Croagh Patrick Garland Sunday pattern and pilgrimage revived

    near Croagh Patrick · mountain or mountain range · Mayo

    The famous Pattern held on the summit of Croagh Patrick in County Mayo takes place on Garland Sunday, and the annual celebration of Mass on the mountain top was re-instituted about three years before writing by the Archbishop of Tuam, John Healy.

    Read the passage

    Some “ Patterns ” take place on “ Garland Sunday,” which is the last Sunday of summer (i.e. of the month of July), and still known in the West of Ireland as Black Grom’s Sunday, or “ Domhnach Chroim Duibh ” ; it is so called from a powerful chieftain of the district of the Owles (Umhali) in the County Mayo, named “ Grom Duv,” who had been an opponent of St. Patrick, but whose conversion took place on this Sunday (see “ The Annals of the Four Masters,” note on p. 1004, vol. ii). The famous Pattern on the summit of Croagh -Patrick in the County Mayo, takes place on Garland Sunday ; the annual celebration of Mass on the top of this mountain was re-instituted about three years ago by the Most Bev. John Healy, Archbishop of Tuam.

    One very sensible and laudable custom is still kept up in the southern portion of the County Wexford, where it is the custom to decorate the graves with flowers and laurel branches on the anniversary of the patron saint’s day. It is a great pity that this custom is not universal through the length and breadth of Ireland, as it causes the churchyard to be properly kept, it shows respect to the dead, and it honours the patron saint, whom in many cases it would be difficult to identify, but that his festival is thus publicly remembered.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 295

31. Crosbie Castle demolished and Ballyfin House built by the Pole family

    Ballyfin · townland · Laois · 1660–1778

    Sir John Crosbie, second baronet, was outlawed and forfeited his estates for supporting Charles I. Periam Pole arrived from Devonshire in 1660, and his son William demolished the Crosbie Castle at Ballyfin, building a new house on its site, later rebuilt after a fire.

    Read the passage

    The next possessor of Ballyfin was Periam Pole, second son of Periam, second son of Sir William Pole, Knt., of Shute, in Devonshire, who arrived in Ireland with two brothers in 1660. Periam’s son, William, demolished the Crosbie Castle at Ballyfin, and built a house on its site ; the modern house was destroyed by fire, and rebuilt by William’s son, Periam Pole, whose brother and successor, William, largely added to it in 1778, as it appears in the illustration.

    This last William Pole died without issue in 1781; and by his Will left Ballyfin to his third cousin, on his mother’s side (she was Anne, daughter of Henry Colley, of Castle Carbury, County Kildare), the Hon. William (Colley-) Wellesley, who thereupon assumed the name and arms of Pole. William Wellesley was the second son of Garrett, first Earl of Mornington ; in 1821 he was created Baron Maryborough, and on succeeding his elder brother, Bichard, in 1842, he became third Earl of Mornington (a place in Meath originally called Marinerstown).

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 112

32. Doorley captured and hanged after 1798 rebellion

    Longford · town · Longford · 1801

    Some three years after the attack on Rathangan House, the rebel leader Doorley was captured, imprisoned in Longford jail, and hanged.

    Read the passage

    In 1744 the Earl of Kildare granted a lease for ever of Rathangan and 929 acres, to a Mr. Boyle Spencer. The Castle,2 which had probably become ruinous after the Rebellion of 1641, was razed to the ground about the year 1765, and with the materials Mr. Spencer erected the present Rathangan Lodge close to its site ; by him, too, Rathangan House was built. On the breaking out of the Rebellion of ’98, Rathangan was garrisoned with a Company of the South Cork Militia, under a Captain Langton ; and a Yeomanry Corps, under Captain James Spencer, of Rathangan House, agent to the Duke of Leinster. The town was attacked by the rebels in great numbers 011 Saturday, the 26th of May ; but as the Company of Militia had left the day previously, and the Yeomanry were disaffected, the resistance was slight, and many of the loyalists were slain. The rebels, under a man named l)oorley, attacked Rathangan House, which had been barricaded, gained admittance, and piked Captain James Spencer to death. On the 28tli of May a detachment of the 7tli Dragoon Guards, under Colonel Mahon, and the City of Cork Militia, under Colonel Longfield, with two field pieces, marched to the relief of the town ; they were resisted for a while, but eventually the rebels took shelter in the bogs and dispersed, after losing between fifty and sixty of their number. Some three years later Doorley was captured, lodged in Longford jail, and hanged.3

    Captain James Spencer’s eldest daughter and heiress, Esther, married, in October, 1785, the Rev. John Pomeroy,4 4th Viscount Harberton (a place in Devonshire), whose ancestor, the Rev. Arthur Pomeroy, went to Ireland, in 1672, as chaplain to the Earl of Essex, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. Both the 4th and 5th Lords Harberton made Rathangan House their

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 106

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up now is the town of Longford. It was here, in this town's jail, that a rebel leader named Doorley met his end. The story begins back in 1744, when the Earl of Kildare granted a lease forever of Rathangan and 929 acres to a Mr. Boyle Spencer. The old castle there had probably become ruinous after the rebellion of 1641. It was razed to the ground about 1765, and Spencer used the materials to build Rathangan Lodge close to its site. He also built Rathangan House. When the rebellion of 1798 broke out, Rathangan was garrisoned with a company of the South Cork Militia under a Captain Langton, and a Yeomanry Corps under Captain James Spencer of Rathangan House, who was agent to the Duke of Leinster. The town was attacked by the rebels in great numbers on Saturday, the 26th of May. But the Militia had left the day before, and the Yeomanry were disaffected, so resistance was slight, and many of the loyalists were slain. The rebels, under a man named Doorley, attacked Rathangan House. It had been barricaded, but they gained admittance and piked Captain James Spencer to death. On the 28th of May a detachment of the 7th Dragoon Guards under Colonel Mahon, and the City of Cork Militia under Colonel Longfield, with two field pieces, marched to the relief of the town. They were resisted for a while, but eventually the rebels took shelter in the bogs and dispersed, after losing between 50 and 60 of their number. Some three years later, Doorley was captured, lodged in Longford jail, and hanged.

33. New mill built at Stradbally to relieve the poor's grain-grinding delays

    Stradbally · town · Laois · 1732–1734

    The old corn mill in Stradbally could not grind the country's grist quickly enough, forcing the poor to wait three days in dry seasons to have corn ground. Pole Cosby began building new mills in 1732 to relieve them, finishing in 1734 despite a lawsuit from Capt. Mitchell over water rights.

    Read the passage

    The old Com Mill in the town of Stradbally though a very good one was not able to grind ye grist of ye country by which mains the poor did suffer very much, for it was usual for ’em to wait 3 days (in a dry season) before they co’d get their corn ground, and so I, being willing to give them all the help I co’d, resolved to relieve them, and so in 1732 began to build the New mills, which I finished not till summer 1734, for Capt. Mitchell in the name of his father Israel commenced a lawsuit with me for turning ye water out of its old course and darning and pounding the water from him by which there was a great loss of Water to his mills and a great damage of sonsequence to his mills, I waged law very stifely for 2 years and doubt not I should have got the better had I wated for the issue hut by the interposition of ye gentlemen of the county I came to an agreement with him which was this, that I would become his tenant during the lease his Father had of them from my Father, and gave him £8 per an. profit that is £24. per annum and Murray who was his tenant I wo’d give him £100., this he agreed to, and so the lawsuite between us ceased and after some time we visited again, but for this unjust trouble he gave me, and for some more odd behaviour of his I never since regarded ye man (now 1737) & I do believe I never shall, for just, generous, honourable, friendly worthy men, I love and regard, but little poor dirty spirited halfpenny Genius Fellows I cant abide, a selfish creeping hearted fellow was never worth sitting with, especially when he is but weak in his understanding and abilities, and has not ye least acquired knowledge, this much for that man, Faith it is all truth, every halfpenny he has he esteems part of his soul [or at least it seems so].

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 118

34. Old parochial church, holy well and St. Patrick's footprint on Lullymore Island

    Lullymore · parish · Kildare · 1536–1547

    On the Island of Lullymore stood the site of an old parochial church with visible foundations amid a burial ground, along with a holy well no longer visible and a boulder marked with a footprint said to have been impressed by St. Patrick passing that way.

    Read the passage

    Dr. Comerford, in his “ Collections,” tells us that— “ On the Island of Lullymore ... is the site of an old parochial church, of which the foundations are plainly discernible, in the midst of a burial-ground which is at present more circumscribed than formerly. A holy well is stated to have been here formerly, but it is no longer to be seen. On a large boulder a foot- print is distinctly marked, said to have been impressed on it by St. Patrick when passing that way. In the Taxation, temp. Henry VIII, Latyaghmore is set down as a Prebend of the Diocese of Kildare, and is valued at IBs. 4d. From local tradition it would appear that there was a religious community of some kind here, about the commencement of the eighteenth century.”1

    The only other objects of interest at Lullymore are the remains of a deep rampart near the graveyard, and a raised Latin cross, indifferently carved on a stone built into the wall surrounding the same.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 139

35. Slaughter of the Irish near Baltinglass Abbey

    Baltinglass · town · Wicklow · 1316

    In 1316 a great slaughter of the Irish took place near Baltinglass Abbey, in which about 300 people were killed, as recorded by the Annalist.

    Read the passage

    In 1316 a slaughter of the Irish took place near the Abbey. The Annalist records the event thus : — “1316, circa octavas Baptiste, fit magna strages Hibernicorum juxta abbaciam de Balkinglas ; ubi circiter 300 occiduntur.” 2

    In 1324 Thomas FitzGerald, 2nd Earl of Kildare, received a grant from the Crown of ^020 in payment of his expenses for placing a garrison at Baltinglass and at Dunlavin, to resist the inroads of the O’Byrnes of Ranelagh.3

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 250

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Baltinglass, you are near the site of a massacre recorded in 1316. The annalist wrote that near the abbey here, about 300 of the Irish were killed. Eight years later, in 1324, Thomas FitzGerald, 2nd Earl of Kildare, received a Crown grant to garrison Baltinglass and Dunlavin against the O'Byrnes of Ranelagh.

36. St. Mochua founds Clondalkin Abbey, repeatedly plundered

    near Clondalkin · town · Dublin · 832–1076

    St. Mochua founded an abbey at Clondalkin in the seventh century, built of wattle-work like other Irish abbeys of the period. The abbey was repeatedly plundered and burnt, notably in 832, 1071, and 1076.

    Read the passage

    As early as the seventh century St. Mochua or Machotus, whose festival was held on August 6th, founded an abbey here, which, like many other Irish abbeys, was repeatedly plundered and burnt, notably in 832, 1071, and 1076. Of course the abbey was not a stone building, but, as was common in those days,

    1 A Paper read at the Annual Excursion of the County Kildare Archaeological Society in September, 1905.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 4

    As the companion tells it

    Clondalkin goes back to the seventh century, when St. Mochua founded an abbey here. Like most Irish abbeys of the period it was built of wattle-work, not stone. It was repeatedly plundered and burnt, notably in 832, 1071, and 1076.

37. The proverb of 'Tallaght Hill talk'

    near Tallaght Hill · hill or hills · Dublin

    Tallaght Hill gave rise to a folk proverb describing a boaster's speech, said to originate when mountainy men punished by the Archbishops of Dublin would vent their feelings once safely beyond ecclesiastical jurisdiction at the hill's summit.

    Read the passage

    Tallaght Hill has given rise to a proverb. The language of a boaster used to be known as “ Tallaght Hill talk” — an expression which is supposed to have had its origin in the days when the Archbishops of Dublin held Court at Harold’s Cross or St. Sepulchre’s. The mountainy men who created ructions in the city, having been tried and punished, when returning to their homes and finding themselves on the top of Tallaght Hill, away from the jurisdiction of the archbishops, would turn round and give vent to their feelings, knowing that they were safe from the ecclesiastical authority. Hence the proverb.1

    “ St. Maelruain’s (Walnut) Tree,” in the Grounds of the Dominican Abbey, Tallaght.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 22

38. Widow Bulkeley's Licence to Eat Lamb at Old Bawn, 1652

    near Old Bawn · minor feature · Wexford · 1652

    During a Commonwealth order restricting the killing of lambs due to scarcity of sheep, the elderly widow of Archbishop Bulkeley, living at Old Bawn with her son, petitioned the Government for licence to eat lamb owing to her age and infirmity. She was granted a licence on 17th March 1652 to kill up to three lambs that year.

    Read the passage

    Of this old lady it is related that the Commissioners of Government having published an order to prevent the killing of lambs, on account of the great decay and scarcity of sheep, upon the pain of 10s. for each lamb, to be paid as well by the killer as the eater, she petitioned the Government for licence to eat lamb, by reason of her great age and weakness of body : in consideration whereof her petition was granted, and she had a licence, 17th March, 1652, to kill and dress so much as should be necessary for her own use and eating, not exceeding three lambs in the whole for that year.

    She lived at Old Bawn at this time with her son, according to the Survey of the Parish, during the Commonwealth.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 155

39. Belan Castle left uninhabited but perfectly preserved for ten years

    Belan · townland · Kildare · 1830–1845

    Belan Castle, the grand stone mansion of the Aldborough family, stood uninhabited for fully ten years yet remained in perfect repair with no trace of damp or decay, its rooms including a panelled dining-room and a sky-blue starred saloon appearing as if lived in the day before.

    Read the passage

    sooner had we finished our breakfasts than we were off, as fast as our legs could carry us, to the Great House. There it stood, in its lovely grounds, itself a beautiful object — a fine stone mansion; a magnificent flight of granite steps, with two stone vases at the top, led to the entrance-door. Though uninhabited for fully ten years, the house was in perfect repair, no trace of damp or decay, and, to all appearance, might have been lived in a week before. I have not a distinct recollection of all the rooms ; but the dining-room is fresh in my memory, also the saloon, and his late lordship’s bed-room. The dining-room, not very large, was panelled, family portraits being set in the panelling. I was too young to care much about them, but feel sure they were all of men. Had there been lovely ladies or pretty children amongst them, I should have remembered them. The saloon was lovely, with a polished floor of narrow oak boards ; the ceiling represented blue and white fleecy clouds ; the paper was sky-blue, with gold stars ; at the bottom of the room, looking on the grounds, was a very large window, with a rounded top ; opposite to it, at the top of the room, hung a portrait of Miss Best, Lord Aldborough’s granddaughter. It represented a girl of about thirteen years of age skipping — a pretty, brown-haired child, with brown eyes, and a bright colour, smiling, and showing her beautiful white teeth, which she kept to the end of her life ; under this portrait was a beautiful red damask sofa, with a gilt frame, and a few chairs of the same kind were scattered about. It was a bright, sunny room, and looked as if lived in the day before. Child-like, I never thought of asking why it was uninhabited, what formerly had taken place in it, but took for granted things had always been as they were, and would continue so, and lived in full enjoyment of the present. On one occasion (why I know not) my sister and myself occupied his late lordship’s bed-room. Very comfortable it was, of moderate size, the fireplace, like those of the other bed-rooms, surrounded with the prettiest tiles I have ever seen, the ground white, with pink and blue landscapes, figures, and flowers on it ; a fine four-post mahogany bedstead, Indian chintz curtains, some Chippendale chairs, and a wardrobe, are all 1 remember of its furniture. The house was taken care of by a man named Mercer and his wife Hester. He had been factotum to the late earl, as well as carpenter, painter, and glazier — a man of great resource, and, as the saying goes, able to put his hand to anything — at present an extinct race. His wife had been attendant, lady’s maid, and laundress to Miss Best, and often to my mother. They had several children, but I only remember a son called Henry, and two daughters, Louisa and Marie ; the latter when I saw her

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 193

40. Clondalkin as walled town defending against O'Tooles

    near Clondalkin · town · Dublin

    Clondalkin was noted as among the walled and good towns of the county, its walls needed to protect inhabitants from raids by the O'Tooles. The town had its own sovereign or portreeve, burgesses, and a bailiff and posse who defended the neighbourhood.

    Read the passage

    At this time Clondalkin is noted to have been among the walled and good towns of the county, the walls being needed to protect its inhabitants from similar unwelcome visits of the O’Tooles. It had no doubt its sovereign, or portreeve, and its burgesses ; and there is several times mention of the “ bailiff” and “ posse” of Clondalkin as taking part in the defence of the neighbourhood against the mountain Irish.

    The position of the Irish inhabitants of such a town seems to have been not very enviable. They are always distinguished from the English, and I think must often have been suspected of taking part with the hostile Irish. At one time there is mention of a lawsuit in which an Irish inhabitant of Clondalkin pleaded in his defence that he belonged to one of the five Irish families which were privileged and entitled to English law, and to be accounted freemen. (These were — the O’Neils of Ulster, the O’Melaghlins of Meath, the O’Connors of Connaught, the O’Briens of Thomond, and the MacMurroughs of Leinster.)

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 7

    As the companion tells it

    You are coming through Clondalkin here in County Dublin. It was counted among the walled and good towns of the county, with walls built to protect its inhabitants from raids by the O'Tooles. It had its own sovereign, or portreeve, and its burgesses, and there is mention several times of a bailiff and posse of Clondalkin taking part in the defence of the neighbourhood against the mountain Irish. The position of the Irish inhabitants of such a town was not very enviable. They were always distinguished from the English, and must often have been suspected of taking part with the hostile Irish. At one time there is mention of a lawsuit in which an Irish inhabitant of Clondalkin pleaded in his defence that he belonged to one of the five Irish families privileged and entitled to English law, and to be accounted freemen. These were the O'Neils of Ulster, the O'Melaghlins of Meath, the O'Connors of Connaught, the O'Briens of Thomond, and the MacMurroughs of Leinster.

41. Colonel John Talbot fights at the Boyne and is buried at Tallaght

    near Tallaght · town · Dublin · 1690–1697

    Colonel John Talbot of Belgard supported James II, was an MP for Newcastle-Lyons, and fought at the Battle of the Boyne. He died at Belgard in 1697 and was buried in Tallaght Churchyard, where his damaged tomb can still be seen.

    Read the passage

    He died at Belgard on 10th September, 1697, aged 73, and was buried in Tallaght Churchyard, where his tomb, a good deal injured, may still be seen.

    This Colonel John Talbot was the last of the Talbots of Belgard; and, on his death without male issue, the Belgard estate passed to the Dillon family, through his daughter, Catherine Talbot, who had married, in 1694, Colonel Thomas Dillon, a great-grandson of the first Viscount Dillon.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 10

42. Contested Knight of the Shire election at Maryborough courthouse

    Maryborough · townland · Laois · 1727

    A three-day parliamentary election was held at the Court House in Maryborough in October 1727, where Ephraim Dawson defeated Warburton by 80 votes, alongside Cosby's father who was also elected. The contest cost Cosby's father significant expense due to political manoeuvring.

    Read the passage

    Warburton of Garryhinch son of Dick Warburton before mentioned, and Dick did in a most violent earnest manner set on me to persuade my Father to quit Dawson and join him, and so my Father being Vehemently set on both at home and abroad by all friends went against his own judgment, opinion, and inclination, & did quit Dawson and so all this summer we were employed in rideing ye County over & over to make interest, and the 12 of October 1727 the election began at the Court House in Marybourough, ye Election lasted 3 days & Mr. Dawson outvoted Warburton by 80 voices, and so my father & Dawson were declared duly elected & the loss that my father had by quitting Dawson was, that it obliged to spend at least £330 more than he need to have done, for the expense of this affair was to my father £430, had he stuck to Dawson noone wo’d have opposed him, so y* it would have cost him only ye expense of ye day of Election which co’d not be above £100 so that it is truth my father spent £330 to oblige Mr. Warburton & for his interest & a base, ungenerous, dishonourable, unworthy return he & I met with afterwards as shall be told hereafter.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 121

43. Danish Victory over Leinstermen at Belan, 976 AD

    Belan · townland · Kildare · 976

    The Annals of the Four Masters record that in 976 AD the Danes of Dublin gained a victory over the Leinstermen at Biothlann (identified by O'Donovan as Belan), in which the King of Leinster and other lords were slain, though the author suggests the battle more likely occurred at Belin in the Parish of Lea.

    Read the passage

    Only once is this place mentioned in the “ Annals of the Four Masters ” ; the entry occurs under the year a.d. 976, and states that the Danes of Dublin gained a victory over the Leinstermen at Biothlann, in which were slain Augaire mac Toole, King of Leinster ; Murray mac Rian, lord of Hy Kinsellagh ; and Conghalacli mac Flann, lord of Lea and Morett (in the Queen’s County portion of Offaly). Though O’Donovan identifies “ Biothlann ” with our Belan, yet it is just as probable (and more likely) that the battle was fought at Belin in the Parish of Lea, Queen’s County, at which there is a ford in the river Barrow, just over 12 miles, as the crow flies, to the northwest of our Belan.

    In 1282 John de Saunford, Escheator of Ireland, received the King’s writ to take into the King’s hands all the lands whereof William de Mohun, of Grange Mohun (Moone, County Kildare), was seised in fee at the time of his death at Ottery in Devon, on 25tli August 1282, and to hold a sworn Inquisition to ascertain what he held of the King “in capite,” etc.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 158

44. Druidical Stone Circle and Underground Passage Beyond Kilranelagh

    Kilranelagh · townland · Wicklow

    Beyond Kilranelagh stands a circle of druidical stones, near which was an underground passage later filled in as dangerous for cattle; an informant recalled a party once entering the passage as far as they dared, roughly eighty years earlier.

    Read the passage

    Beyond Kilranelagh there is a circle of druidical stones standing upright almost like tombstones. Near these there used^to be an underground passage ; the mouth of it was filled up, as it was dangerous for cattle. “ Byrne of the Grove” told me that his father went to his farm there when he was ten years old : that might have been eighty years ago ; and at that time a party went down this passage until they were afraid to go any further.

    AA 2

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 215

45. Founding of Hewetson's Charity School at Betaghstown

    Betaghstown · townland · Kildare · 1805–1824

    Following Moses Cahill's death in 1805, a Charity School was established at Betaghstown per Patrick Hewetson's will, funded by rents from Betaghstown and Drumcora lands, to educate poor Protestant boys and girls and apprentice them to trades.

    Read the passage

    The death^f Moses Cahill took place in 1805, and, in accordance with the testator’s devise, a Charity School was established at Betaghstown, and maintained from the rents accruing from the lands of Betaghstown, containing 448 acres; the lands of Drumcora, County Cavan, containing 75 acres j and a sum of, 50300 lent upon a mortgage of the lands of Coolderry, King’s County, containing 54 acres (which was foreclosed). For the further support and maintenance of the Charity School, he ordered all his stock of cattle, furniture, and household goods in city and county, his library of books, silver plate, rings, watches, guns, pistols, and swords, to be sold. The School was to be built on the lands at Betaghstown for the support and yearly maintenance of as many poor boys and girls as the trustees should think fit and convenient ; they were to be lawfully instructed in the principles of the Protestant religion, and in reading, writing, and arithmetic, and, when properly qualified, to be bound out as apprentices to trades, with proper fees, to Protestant masters and mistresses. By Chancery Decree of 13th March, 1824, it was provided that the dwelling-house on the lands of Betaghstown, and the offices and garden thereto belonging, and 20 acres of demesne, should be appropriated to the use of the School and the residence of the pupils and master ; that fifteen boys should be from time to time maintained and clothed in the School, and an apprentice fee of £10 should be paid for each boy apprenticed to such master and mistress as the Primate and the Bishop of Kildare should approve. No steps, however, were taken from 1824 to 1836 to carry out the provisions of the above decree ; but in this latter year a School was opened in the dwelling-house at Betaghstown, and carried on therein until 1882. In this year, upon petition to the Lord Chancellor of Ireland (of 1879) to change the site of the School from Betaghstown to Millicent, near Clane, and in pursuance of Order, dated 12th July, 1880, it was provided that the trustees of the School should be the Archbishop of Armagh, the Bishop of Kildare, and the Incumbent of Clane, for the time being, with, in the first instance, Thomas Cooke-Trench, Esq., j.p., and the Venerable Maurice Thomas de Burgh, Archdeacon of Kildare, and also that the site of the School be changed ; consequently, in 1882, a new schoolhouse and buildings were erected upon the new site at a cost of £1556 (of which sum £300 was contributed by the late Thomas Cooke- Trench, Esq.), and are known as “ Hewetson’s School, Clane.” The trustees of the School in the year 1890 were the Lord

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 32

46. Hereditary Whitty Rectors of Rathvilly

    Rathvilly · town · Carlow

    For about two hundred years the rectors of Rathvilly were traditionally members of the Whitty family, until a Lord Lieutenant unknowingly broke the custom and appointed another clergyman, prompting a division of the parish that created Kiltegan.

    Read the passage

    For a very long period — I believe about two hundred years — the rectors of Rathvilly were all members of the Whitty family. Over an arch in the church there are two coats-of-arms, the Royal arms and the arms of the diocese ; and there can be no doubt that these were considered suitable decorations on account of the living having been alternately in the gift of the Crown and the bishop. Whoever might happen to be in position to nominate when a vacancy occurred, it had come to be understood that the living should be presented to a Rev. Mr. Whitty, if there was one who desired it. About a hundred years ago, however, it happened that the rector died, and his son, who had been acting as curate, fully expected^to succeed his father; but the Lord Lieutenant, whose turn it was to have the gift of the living, put in another clergyman, knowing nothing of the custom prevailing in the parish. Young Mr. Whitty then saw that he should have applied at once to the Lord Lieutenant ; but, though the new appointment had been made, the claims of the curate were at last presented, and he and his friends bestirred themselves to secure the living. The Lord Lieutenant said he could not undo what he had done, but he would do the best he could for Mr. Whitty; and he divided the parish, cutting off the part which now forms the Parish of Kiltegan, and leaving Rathvilly a sufficiently large parish.

    St. Peter’s, Kiltegan, was first opened for service in 1806, and the Rev. Dominick Blake was the first rector; so it appears that after all Mr. Whitty was left in Rathvilly, and the new-comer took the new parish.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 212

47. Lord Baltinglass joins Feagh macHugh O'Byrne's rebellion

    Ballinacor · townland · Wicklow · 1580

    In June 1580, James Eustace, 3rd Viscount Baltinglass, unfurled his standard and joined the forces of Feagh macHugh O'Byrne of Ballinacor, then in open revolt in the Wicklow mountains, drawing several County Kildare gentry into rebellion.

    Read the passage

    In the month of June, 1580, he unfurled his standard, and joined the forces of Feagh macHugh O’Byrne, of Ballinacor, then in open revolt in the Wicklow mountains. The following gentry of the County Kildare followed Lord Baltinglass’s example, and enlisted under his standard : —

    Edmund Eustace, who fled to Scotland in 1583, and escaped to Portugal. On his brother’s death in 1585, he assumed the title of (4th) Viscount Baltinglass.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 256

48. Lord Deputy at the King's manor of Rathangan during O'Connor's raid

    Rathangan · townland · Kildare · 1537

    In October 1537 Lord Deputy Leonard Grey, on hearing that Brian O'Connor had invaded Offaly and defeated Cahir roe O'Connor, marched to the King's manor of Rathangan and wrote letters summoning lords and captains, but was prevented from entering Offaly by severe flooding.

    Read the passage

    On the 81st of December, 1587, the Lord Deputy, Lord Leonard Grey, writing from “the Kynges Castell of Meynoth,” reported that while “ contynuing owre Sovereigne Lord the Kynges Parlyament at Dublyn, the 19th day of October last past, I was sertified, about 10 of the clock before none, by Kayre (Cahir “ roe ”) Ochonour, and other of myne owne sarvauntes, howe that the arrant tray tour, Brene (Brian) Ochonour, was entryd into the Kynges countrie of Offalle, the nyght next before, and had expulsid thens the said Kayre, whoo then fought with the seid Brene, and ther was slayne of both sidis 9 or 10 parsons. The seid Brene was soo accompanyd of horsmen, galloglas, and kern [i.e., heavy- and light-armed foot-soldiers], that the seid Kayre could not resist hym. Wherupon I reparid the seid 19th daye to the borders of Ofalle, to the Kynges manour of Rathanngan, and ther immediat wrot oute letters to dyverse lordis and capytanis of the Kynges subjectes for thyr repayre unto me, to that intent to have entred into the seid Ofalle. Howbeit, ther fell soo gret rayne before that tyme, and then, that it was not possyble for us to have entrid into the seid Ofalle, withoute gret daunger and lostes of men and horsys, the waters wer then soo high rysen ; and so contynued for the more part, tyll it was the 10th day of November next after. Howbeit I remayned upon the borders joynying to the seid Offalle, for the defens thereof, tyll the 30 day of October then next. After that, I sett forwardis towardis Dublyn. ”2

    Eventually the Lord Deputy again left Dublin on the 12th of November to try and subdue the gallant Brian O’Connor, “ Chief Captain of his Nation.” He commenced by taking hostages from the M‘Geoghegans and the O’Molloys, whose territories bordered on the northern portion of Offaly. Then on entering the latter district O’Connor retired to I Regan, the country of the O’Dunnes, and being pursued there removed to

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun

49. MacGillamocholmog aids Anglo-Normans against Danish attack on Dublin

    Rathcoole · town · Dublin · 1170–1171

    The Irish chieftain MacGillamocholmog, ruler of the territory of Ui Dunchada including Rathcoole, allied with the Anglo-Normans at the time of the invasion, assisting Miles de Cogan to repel a Danish and Norwegian attack led by Asculph MacTorcall on Dublin.

    Read the passage

    This territory was ruled by the Irish chieftains, Mac- Gillamocholmog (meaning ‘ the son of the servant of Saint Mocholmog ’), one of whom we find allied with the Anglo- Normans at the time of the invasion, and assisting Miles de Cogan to repel an attack made by the Danes and Norwegians, under Asculph MacTorcall, on the City of Dublin. In the year 1207 King John granted to Dermot MacGillamocliolmog a burgage in Dublin, and fifteen carucates of land in the vale of Dublin (i.e., in Fingal) to hold by the service of one knight, and two otter skins to be paid annually into the Exchequer ; he also

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 41

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up is Rathcoole, a town in what was once the territory of Ui Dunchada. This land was ruled by the Irish chieftains called MacGillamocholmog, meaning the son of the servant of Saint Mocholmog. Around 1170, one of them allied with the Anglo-Normans at the time of the invasion, helping Miles de Cogan repel an attack on Dublin by the Danes and Norwegians under Asculph MacTorcall. Later, in 1207, King John granted Dermot MacGillamocholmog a burgage in Dublin and fifteen carucates of land in Fingal, to hold by the service of one knight and two otter skins paid annually into the Exchequer.

50. Margaret O'Connor's second hospitality feast at Rathangan

    Rathangan · townland · Kildare · 1451

    In 1451 Margaret, daughter of O'Carroll and wife of O'Conor Faly, held a great feast of hospitality at Rath Imayn (Rathangan) for poets, musicians and the learned of Ireland, on the feast of the Assumption. The Annals record it as second only to her first feast at Killeigh, distributing gifts, food and money to thousands.

    Read the passage

    ‘ ‘ And she gave the second inviting proclamation, to every one that came not that day, on the feaste day of the Assumption of Our Blessed Lady Mary in harvest, at or in the Rath Imayn (Rathangan), and so we have been informed that that second day at Rath Imayn was nothing inferior to the first day. And she was the only woman that has made most of

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    Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun

51. Michael Dwyer's Mountain Hideouts

    Baltinglass · town · Wicklow

    Michael Dwyer and his companion Sam McAlister, known as 'Antrim Jack', frequently hid in caves in the mountains whose chain begins above Baltinglass town.

    Read the passage

    street, and their heads left to bleach on the gaol. (These disused premises were sold, in 1898, to a company, comprising the gentry, clergy, shopkeepers, and farmers of the neighbourhood. They spent ^B600 on the purchase of the premises and reconstruction of them. They contain a spacious and handsome racket-court and concert-hall, also reading and billiard-rooms.) It was near Baltinglass that the rebel chief, Michael Dwyer, shot the brothers M‘Guinness, when they declined to give him a guarantee that they would not make his whereabouts known to Mr. Hume’s Yeomanry, who were in the neighbourhood. It was in Baltinglass that Paul Brophy, of Bathmoon, was hung from a beam between the houses of Mr. John Hourihan and Mr. Bailey. To the west of the Slaney six young men were executed, at a place called Hallows Hill. And how true tradition is ! I saw their skeletons exhumed, when the railway cutting was being made, some twenty-three years ago. Michael Dwyer and his faithful friend, Sam McAlister, also known as “ Antrim Jack,” frequently hid in caves on these mountains, whose chain commences from the one above the town. The death scene of McAlister is deserving of mention. Michael Dwyer, McAlister, and John Savage were in a house at Barnamuck when the place was surrounded by the soldiers. The military fired on the place, and broke McAlister’s arm. It was a matter of all being shot. McAlister said to Dwyer: “I am no use now, and you can’t be spared. Savage and I will go to the door as if to escape. We shall be shot. Let you then escape in the smoke.” The plan succeeded. They gave their lives for their friend, who regained his freedom.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 219

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Baltinglass, you're in country where Michael Dwyer, the rebel chief, moved through the mountains above the town. He and his faithful friend Sam McAlister, known as Antrim Jack, frequently hid in caves on these mountains, whose chain commences from the one above the town. It was near here that Dwyer shot the brothers McGuinness when they declined to guarantee they would not reveal his whereabouts to Hume's Yeomanry, who were in the neighbourhood. Baltinglass saw its own violence too. Paul Brophy of Bathmoon was hanged from a beam between the houses of John Hourihan and Mr. Bailey. To the west of the Slaney, six young men were executed at a place called Hallows Hill. Their skeletons were exhumed years later when the railway cutting was being made, some 23 years before this account was written. The end of McAlister came at Barnamuck, when Dwyer, McAlister, and John Savage were in a house surrounded by soldiers. The military fired and broke McAlister's arm. He said to Dwyer, "I am no use now, and you can't be spared. Savage and I will go to the door as if to escape. We shall be shot. Let you then escape in the smoke." The plan succeeded. They gave their lives for their friend, who regained his freedom.

52. Sunday's Well Pattern at Kineagh suppressed after faction-fight deaths

    Kineagh · townland · Kildare

    The Pattern held at Sunday's Well, Kineagh, near Castledermot, on Whit Sunday, was suppressed by the clergy due to loss of life resulting from faction-fighting that took place there.

    Read the passage

    Within the last fifty years or so, the clergy have had to suppress Patterns, owing to the bad characters that were drawn to the locality, and also on account of the drinking and factionfighting that followed, often leading to loss of life. The Pattern at Sunday’s Well, Kineagh, near Castledermot, held on WTiit Sunday, and the Toberara Pattern near Athy, held on St. John’s Day, were both suppressed owing to loss of life in faction-fights that took place at them.

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    Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 294

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here is Sunday's Well in Kineagh, near Castledermot, where a Pattern was held each Whit Sunday. Within the last 50 years or so the clergy had to suppress it, along with the Toberara Pattern near Athy held on St. John's Day. Both were suppressed owing to loss of life in faction-fights that took place at them. Drinking and bad characters drawn to the locality were part of the trouble.

53. Vicar of Rathangan fined for sheltering a killer, 1297

    Rathangan · townland · Kildare · 1297

    In 1297, Richard, Vicar of the Church of Rathangan, gave shelter to Richard le Sauser after he had slain William Trosselove, and allowed him to escape. The vicar was summoned before the Justiciar in Kildare and lightly fined 20 shillings.

    Read the passage

    In 1297 Richard, Vicar of the Church of Rathymegan, having given shelter to one Richard le Sauser, after he had slain a man named William Trosselove, and had allowed him to escape, was summoned to explain his conduct before the Justiciar in Kildare. He was lightly fined 20s. for the offence, as it was taken into consideration that the slaying w7as done in time of disturbance.

    In the same year it was reported that John fitz Thomas FitzGerald, Baron of Offaly, had not furnished the horses at arms which had been assessed at Rathangan.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 89

54. A charity house built beyond the east end of Stradbally church for Jane Rotheram

    Stradbally · town · Laois · 1725–1730

    Pole Cosby built a small house beyond the east end of Stradbally church for his impoverished wandering relative Jane Rotheram in 1725, providing her weekly maintenance until her death from palsy in 1730.

    Read the passage

    had a wife and 2 daughters who lived in a cabbin on the land and were mostly maintained out of my Grandfather’s house. He made a Will wh for the curiosaty sake I kept, he bequeathed wt he never had not. He died the 10th of Feb: 1692. Anne his eldest daughter marryed and Never had children. Jane ye youngest daughter a sad Idle wandering sort of woman might have been maintained Comfortable, wo’d she have abided in one place but as she w’d not no one took any Notice of her, but was a miserable terrible object of Charity, and in 1725 when I found she was so Near a relation to my F as 2nd Cousin I had great Compassion for her and endeavoured to get my Father to build her a little, very little House and allow her something weekly, but he w’d not for he said that he was sure she w’d not live in it a week, but would wander as she had done all her life, so all I c’d do for her was to cloath her from top to toe and told her I would give her 5d p. week, and soon after June 1725 my Father fell ill of ye gout, so soon as he took to his bed I knew it w’d be a long fit, I fixed on a spot just beyond ye East end of the church, and in about 3 weeks time built a little House 12 feet long and 9 feet Wide with a chimney and gleased window, neatly plastered and Whitewashed within and without and all as neat and clever as it co’cl be, ye whole with some timber I stole from my Father cost me £1. 17. As soon as my Father was up and rode out he saw ye white chimney and could not imagine wt it was and made all haste round ye church to see it and I did happen to be there when he knocked at ye door to know whose it was, so I came out and told him }e whole, and he was in as great delight as co’d be, and so contributed 8d p. week to keep her which with my 5d. was 18d. and I paid it her every fry day night and here she lived very happyly to what she ever had Done. She lived in this house till 1726 when I brought her to my Hermitage, for for want of constant fires it used to be Damp, and I added a closet to it for her to retire to when we used to go there to Drink a Bottle of wine or tea, and then we always found a fire there and found it dry and warm, she had all necessary furniture there and most extream pretty it was, and she was happy there for ye 13d p. week was only for to find herself in Victuals for I found her in cloaths and used to give her many things beside. She died of ye Palsey the 15th day of X1’ 1730 by wh I saved at least £5 p. an.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 280

55. Archbishop Hoadly demolishes old Tallaght Castle to build the Palace

    near Tallaght · town · Dublin · 1650–1729

    After the Manor-house fell to ruin following Archbishop Bulkeley's death in 1650, Dr. John Hoadly, appointed Archbishop in 1729, found the place uninhabitable and demolished the ancient Castle of Tallaght (except one 500-year-old tower), using the materials to build the Palace of Tallaght.

    Read the passage

    From the death of Archbishop Bulkeley m i650 the Castle or Manor-house appears to have been unoccupied and allowed to go to ruin. When Dr. John Hoadly was appointed Archbishop in 1729 he found the place quite uninhabitable, and determined to erect a new residence for himself and his successors ; for this purpose he demolished the ancient Castle of Tallaght, except one tower, which had stood for some 500 years and with its materials built what was known as Ihe

    The Palace, Tallaght.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 19

56. Archbishop Tregury repairs Manor House and dies at Tallaght

    near Tallaght · town · Dublin · 1449–1471

    Michael Tregury, Archbishop of Dublin from 1449 to 1471, repaired the Manor House of Tallaght and died there in 1471 after governing the See for about twenty-two years; his remains were later buried in St. Patrick's Church.

    Read the passage

    Ware, in his “Bishops of Ireland ” (1739), at p. 340, states that Michael Tregury, a native of Cornwall, and Archbishop of Dublin from 1449 to 1471, “ repaired the Manor House of Tawlaght, and died there in a very advanced age on the 21st of December, 1471, having governed this See about twenty-two years. His remains were conveyed to Dublin, attended by the clergy and citizens, and buryed in St. Patrick’s Church, near St. Stephen’s Altar, as he had directed by his Will, where heretofore might have been seen a specious Monument, adorned with his statue of Elegant Workmanship.” In 1730 the covering slab was discovered under the ruins of St. Stephen’s Chapel, and fixed up in the wall on the left-hand side as one enters the west gate. A year or two ago the present Dean of

    1 This event is also chronicled in James Grace’s ‘ ‘ Annals of Ireland.”

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 16

57. Battle of Stoke and death of Sir Thomas FitzGerald of Lackagh

    Lackagh · parish · Kildare · 1487

    In the Yorkist rising following Lambert Simnel's imposture, the Anglo-Irish army was defeated at the Battle of Stoke in 1487, with the Lord Chancellor of Ireland, Sir Thomas FitzGerald of Lackagh, among those killed.

    Read the passage

    In 1485 the terrible civil war in England, known as the Wars of the Roses, carried on for thirty years between the Houses of York (who adopted the White Rose) and Lancaster (the Red Rose), rival claimants to the throne, came to an end with the death of Richard III in the battle of Bosworth Field ; and the Lancastrian, Henry VII, ascended the throne. At this period the Anglo-Irish were, with the exception of the houses of Butler and St. Lawrence, on the side of the Yorkists; and in 1486, when the young impostor, Lambert Simnel,came to Ireland, and declared that he was the Yorkist Prince Edward, Earl of Warwick, the great majority of the Anglo-Irish nobles and clergy received him with open arms. In the following year an army was equipped and conveyed to England in support of the House of York, but they arrived too late; the aid they expected from the Yorkists was not forthcoming, and in a battle fought at Stoke in Nottinghamshire, on the 16th June, 1487, the Anglo-Irish were overwhelmed by numbers and utterly defeated, with the loss of most of their leaders, including the Lord Chancellor of Ireland — Sir Thomas FitzGerald, of Lackagh, brother to Gerald, 8th Earl of Kildare. Lambert Simnel was made prisoner. Eventually the Anglo-Irish nobles and high ecclesiastics, on becoming aware of the fraud that had been imposed on them, acknowledged their error, and craved the King’s pardon. The latter, dreading their power if they were driven into further rebellion, contented himself by sending over a Commissioner to renew their oaths of allegiance, and grant pardons. Ware, in his “Annals ” (p. 15), mentions the follow-

    1 Cal. Cane. Rot. Hib., p. 136.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 251

58. Contested by-election following father's death at Maryborough

    Maryborough · townland · Laois · 1729

    After Pole Cosby's father's death created a vacant parliamentary seat, a contested election took place among three candidates including Cosby himself, with Dick Warburton ultimately elected Knight of the Shire on 12 October 1729 while absent in France.

    Read the passage

    By my Fathers death he being Knight of the Shire for ye Q: C: there was a seat void in Parliament, till after he was buryed I never had ye least thought about it though I heard of others setting up, but about two days after ye Funeral I was persuaded to set up and so declared I wo’d and sent messengers with letters all over ye county, I myself was averse to it, but however more to please others than myself I pursued it. Coll. St. Leger Gilbert set up as soon as he heard of my father’s death, but he declined ye day he was buried. Mr Dawson gave him his interest, Sir John Byrne Bart set up and Eph : Dawson gave him his intrest as soon as Gilbert declined, and Dick Warburton who had been with my father now set up agst me, so there were three candidates, viz. Sir Jn Byrne, Mr. Warburton and me. And Byrne had little Busyness to set up in ye Q. C. and about the beginning of July his friends found their error for they co’d not get above 80 votes for him, and so he declined, I held out and worked all I co’d but I was the worst person in the world to solicite for an elextion, but however underwent vast and great fategues and no less than at least £800 pounds expense, I was pretty strong for I was sure of 200 votes and Lord Montrath had not declared who he wo’d give his interest to, nor Mr. Dawson since Sir John Byrne declined for he complymented my Lord y1 his interest should go as my Lords did, so both Mr. Warburton & I was in suspense and both to be sure using means that could be thought of to gain my Lord Montrath to his side, for that was to determine the affair, I did all I co’d but at last it prove all fruitless, so by the advice of my friends gave it up ye beginning of October and so the 12 of October 1729 Dick Warburton was elected Knight of ye Shire for the Q. C. and he was not present but at that time in France.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 128

59. Council of War Held at Woodstock Castle in 1649

    Woodstock Castle · castle · Kildare · 1649

    In 1649, just before their march on Dublin, the Confederates held a Council of War at Woodstock Castle, then residence of Colonel Pierce FitzGerald of Ballyshannon, attended by several named Kildare gentry, a physician, a vicar and a Franciscan friar.

    Read the passage

    In 1649 the Confederates were still in possession of Athy, and just before their march on Dublin a Council of War was held in Woodstock Castle, then the residence of Colonel Pierce FitzGerald, of Ballysliannon, County Kildare, who was otherwise known as “ MacThomas.” Those that were then present were Captain Maurice FitzGerald, of Allen ; Sir John Dongan, of Castletown, Co. Kildare ; Sir Robert Talbot, of Carton, Co. Kildare ; Dr. Terence MacCoghlan, M.D., of Kilkenny ; Father William Garan, Vicar of Ballysliannon, Co. Kildare ; and Friar Paul MacGeoghegan, of the Franciscan Order.3

    From this period the history of Woodstock Castle is uneventful ; and, like most of the castles in the country, it was probably dismantled before the termination of the wars in the seventeenth century.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 184

    As the companion tells it

    Right here at Woodstock Castle in 1649, the Confederates held a Council of War just before their march on Dublin. The castle was then the residence of Colonel Pierce FitzGerald of Ballyshannon, also known as MacThomas. Among those present were Captain Maurice FitzGerald of Allen, Sir John Dongan of Castletown, Sir Robert Talbot of Carton, Dr. Terence MacCoghlan of Kilkenny, Father William Garan the Vicar of Ballyshannon, and Friar Paul MacGeoghegan of the Franciscan Order. After that, the history of Woodstock Castle goes quiet, and like most castles in the country it was probably dismantled before the wars of the seventeenth century ended.

60. Death and Burial of Infant Daughter at Stradbally

    Stradbally · town · Laois · 1733

    The author's young daughter Mary died in Bristol of a lung inflammation shortly before her second birthday. Her body was placed in a leaden coffin and carried back to Ireland, where she was buried in the church of Stradbally about a fortnight after her death.

    Read the passage

    but he was ye cause one would think of her death. She dyed to our most extream great greif the 8th of March 1738. She wanted one month & one day of being two years old, the Doctor said her disorder was an inflammation on the Lungs, we put her into a leaden Coffin and for 2 guineas had her sweet Corpse carried over to Dublin & in about a fortnight after her Death she was buried in the church of Stradbally, this loss was greivous to us, & gave some of us a dislike to ye place ; it was resolved that onst a year I should go over to Ireland to make up acctsand settle my affairs & besides now at this time March 1734 I had an acc* of two lawsuits being commenced agst me, viz. Capt. Mitchel ab* ye Mills, and Col. Murray for Esker & Esker Mooney, so on the 10th of May I set out from Bristoll, got to Gloster y* night, next day went in the stage Wherry to Woster but ’did not like going up the Severn so well as going down, so ye next day took horse & got to Shrowsbury & stay’d Monday ye 13th of May at Shrowsbury to rest myself, and tusday the 14th of May I hired a 4 wheeled chaise wh carried James Kelly and I to Chester, the 15th ye election of Knights of the Shire for Chester & for members for the City began, & so I stay’d to see their manner of electing, wh was over Saturday the 18th & so next day I set out for Hollyhead & arrived there safe Tuesday the 21st of May where I resolved to stay till I heard from my wife, for is was agreed I should not go over to Ireland till letters came thence to let us know what was become of Sandy Cosby my uncle Henery’s only son, for in the last November he was with us at Bristoll for 11 days during which time he behaved in such an odd out of the way manner y* he did startle us, for he was out of his senses, & ye reason we knew to be y* I stood between him & my estate, & he was highly resenting that my Father sho’d put him at the tale of y® remainders in my settlement of Marriage, & behaved in Nov1' 1728 in a most bad manner to my Father & afterwards at his death & funerall he behaved with a frantic triumphing joy, so that I never spoke a word to him till Aug* 1733 that he was in London he heard of our being at Bristoll & so came down expressly to be reconciled to me & seing he sought it & I thought him sincere I did not refuse it, but was sincerely reconciled to him, & made him a present at the twice he was with me of 30 guineas, a silver hilted sword, a gold headed cane & a handsome mother of pearl snuff box & did entertain him with ye utmost kindness and civilaty y* I co’d, but never stirred out of doors with him & seldom if we co’d help it alone with him, except ye day after he came y* I did walk to Bristoll with him & back again. And so I stayed at Hollyhead for a letter from my wife to give me an acc* whether he had left Ireland or

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 177