Journal of the County Kildare Archaeological Society (vol. 6)

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. Bodenstown Churchyard, grave and pilgrimage site of Wolfe Tone

   Bodenstown · townland · Kildare · 1798

   The ruined Church of Bodenstown, about a mile and a half from Sallins, is the grave of Theobald Wolfe Tone, founder of the United Irishmen, who was tried for treason in 1798 and committed suicide in prison; pilgrims come from all over the world to visit the site.

   Read the passage

   The ruined Church of Bodenstown, with its grass-grown graveyard, is within easy reach of Dublin, and about one mile and a half from Sallins. It stands in the broad pasture-lands of Kildare, which stretch between the Wicklow hills and the Bog of Allen ; to both of w7hich refuges the native tribes were driven in the time of the Anglo-Norman Conquest. Hither come from all parts of the world to which the Irish race has wandered no inconsiderable number of ardent pilgrims. Here is the grave of Theobald Wolfe Tone, the founder of the United Irishmen, who w7as tried in Dublin in the year 1798 for treason, sentenced to be hung, and, rather than endure the disgrace, committed suicide in prison.

   Though Wolfe Tone in no way rises to heroic proportions, he was in some respects a remarkable man. His father was a coach-builder in Dublin ; but the family belonged to the Co. Kildare, where William Tone, the grandfather, rented a farm in the immediate vicinity of Bodenstown. The landlord was a Mr. Wolfe of Blackhall in the same parish; and Theobald Wolfe Tone appears to have been named after one of the children of that family to whom he was foster-brother. Being a Protestant and of lively parts, he entered Trinity College, Dublin, and might, if he would have applied himself to his studies, have been distinguished in his collegiate course. Being idle, witty, and having a good address, he was well received in Dublin society, in spite of his comparatively humble birth ; and he readily fell in with the rather convivial habits which were the fashion of the day.

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 151

2. Capture of the Earl of Ormond at Corraneduffe near Ballyragget

   Ballyragget · town · Kilkenny · 1600

   On 10 April 1600 the Earl of Ormond was seized by Owny mac Rory O'More's men during a parley at Corraneduffe near Ballyragget; the Earl of Thomond was wounded escaping, and Ormond was held prisoner until his release in June in exchange for sixteen hostages.

   Read the passage

   “ A day of meeting was appointed between the Earl of Ormond and Owny, the son of Rury Oge O’More, with an equal number of men in arms and armour, to hold a conference ; and the Earl of Ormond brought Sir George Carey (Carew), the President of the two Provinces of Munster, and the Earl of Thomond to be present, at his own side, at that conference. When they arrived at the appointed place, which was in the neighbourhood of Bel-atha Raghat (Ballyragget), they began to state their mutual covenants, and to argue their claims on each other, until a gentleman of Owny’s people placed his hands on the reins of the bridle of the Earl of Ormond’s horse, and finally determined to take him prisoner. When the President and the Earl of Thomond perceived this, they turned their horses back, and did not halt until they arrived at Kilkenny. The Earl of Thomond, however, was wounded in that rencounter. Owny, the son of Rury, then took the Earl of Ormond with him into the fastnesses of his territory ; and it was a wonderful news all over Ireland that the Earl of Ormond should be detained in that manner.

   “In this summer many conflicts, sanguinary massacres, and bloodsheds, in which countless troops were cut off, took place between the English and Irish of Leinster.

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 56

3. Ambush and Capture of the Earl of Ormond by O'Mores

   Laois · county · Laois · 1600

   During a parley, rebels mingled with the Earl of Ormond's party and suddenly seized him, dragging him from his horse. The Earl of Thomond was wounded in the back by a pike, and Philip Comerford the lawyer was killed in the melee.

   Read the passage

   “ In this meantime the gross of the rebels had left their standing in the plain, and some crept into the shrubs aforesaid and others did so mingle themselves among us that we were environed, and stood as if we had been in a fair ; whereof divers did advertise his Lordship, and at last the Earl of Thomond willed Onie to put back his men, and I the President desired his Lordship to be gone, for that I did not like their mingling with us. Wherewith as his Lordship was turning his horse, at an instant they seized upon him and us two. His Lordship was in a moment drawn from his horse. We had more hanging upon us than is credibly to be believed ; but our horses were strong, and by that means did break from them, tumbling down on all sides those that were afore and behind us, and (thanks be to God) we escaped the push of their pikes, which were freely bestowed, and the flinging of their skeynes (daggers) without any hurt, saving that the Earl of Thomond received from a pike a wound in the back.

   “ The Earl’s horsemen which were armed were far from us, for every one was dispersed and talking with particular rebels about their bordering business, so as we do protest to your Lordships, in all we were not above ten unarmed men near unto him ; and, as soon as the alarm was raised every man of his Lordships followers ran away without looking behind them.

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 58

4. Sir Francis Rush's ambush trap at Maryborough Fort

   Maryborough · townland · Laois · 1600

   On 7 January 1600 Sir Francis Rush described how he lured a group of rebels into the Fort of Maryborough through a secret hole in the vault, then trapped and killed some 34 or 35 of them in a bloody fight within the castle.

   Read the passage

   “What their loss is, I know not, but I am sure there lieth in the Castle, yet unburied, some four or five and thirty carcases. For our particular loss, 1 have not a man lost, though many hurt, in regard we were reasonably well armed at our entry. Myself, I fear, I have lost an eye by the splinters of a shot, and shot in the right hand. Wherefore I beseech your Lordships to excuse me that I write not myself. I hope by the grace of Jesus Christ to recover all my poor men, notwithstanding some of them are sore hurt. — The Fort (of Maryborough), January 7th, 1599(-1600).”

   This disaster to Owny mac Rory’s men, who were killed like rats in a trap, as mentioned above, took place in the month of January, 1600. In the following April, Owny paid the English back in their own coin, as Captain Sir Francis Stafford, on the 16tli April, reported to the authorities that : —

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun

5. 1798 Rebellion massacre at Carlow town

   Carlow · townland · Carlow · 1798

   On 25th May 1798, rebels attempted to storm Carlow town but were met with destructive fire from the garrison; about eighty houses were burned, killing hundreds of rebels trapped inside, with roasted remains falling down chimneys for days afterward.

   Read the passage

   Sir Edward Crosbie, a mile and a half distant from Carlow, marched into the town at 2 o’clock of the morning of the 25th of May, with so little precaution as to alarm the garrison at a quarter of a mile’s distance, by the discharge of a gun in the execution of a man who scrupled to accompany them in their enterprise. Shouting as they rushed into Tullow Street, with that vain confidence which is commonly followed by disappointment, that the town was their own, they received so destructive a fire from the garrison, that they recoiled and endeavoured to retreat ; but finding their flight intercepted, numbers took refuge in the houses, where they found a miserable exit, these being immediately fired by the soldiery. About eighty houses were consumed in this conflagration, and for some days the roasted remains of the wretched men were falling down the chimnies in which they had perished. As about half this column of assailants had arrived within the town, and few escaped from that situation, their loss can hardly be estimated at less than four hundred ; while not a man was even wounded on the side of the loyalists.

   “After the defeat, executions commenced, as elsewhere in this calamitous period, and about two hundred in a short time were hanged or shot, according to martial law. Among the earliest victims were Sir Edward Crosbie, and one Heydon, a yeoman of Sir Charles Burton’s troop.”

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun

6. Earl of Desmond Dwells Beneath Lough Gur

   near Lough Gur · lake or lakes · Limerick

   Gerald, fifteenth Earl of Desmond, and his followers are said to dwell under the waters of Lough Gur near the ruins of his castle, appearing once every seven years riding on the surface of the lough on a silver-shod white charger. He was slain in rebellion in 1583.

   Read the passage

   The Munster version of the legend is connected with Gerald, the fifteenth Earl of Desmond, who, with his followers, dwell under the waters of Lough Gur, where the ruins of his castle still stand, about midway between Bruff and Oola, in the County Limerick. They, too, appear once in seven years, riding on the surface of the lough. The Earl can be recognized by his being mounted on a silver- shod white charger ; and in this case too, when the silver shoes are worn out, the Earl will return and regain his own once more. He was slain in rebellion in 1583.

   The similarity of these two legends is very remarkable. Of Celtic chiefs, too, like traditions are also related. One is told of The O’Donoghue of the Loughs, who dwells beneath Lough Leane (the Lower Lake), at Killarney, and is to be seen riding over its waters before sunrise on May Day in each year. Another deals with Ivor mac Crom O’Donovan, Chief of Carbery, in the County Cork, who erected the castle called Castle Ivor, in the parish of Myross, in 1251 , and who was a famous navigator and necromancer. Once in seven years he and his ship are seen on Lough Cluhir, which is situated in the townland of Listarkin.

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 323

7. Robert Hartpole's tomb and the mutilated effigy at St Mary's, Carlow

   Carlow · townland · Carlow · 1594

   Robert Hartpole, Constable of Carlow Castle and participant in the Mullaghmast massacre, was buried in St Mary's church, Carlow, with an altar-tomb effigy. During churchyard building work the effigy was unearthed and mistaken for an Irish King until its Latin inscription was deciphered, after which a labourer broke off the head in contempt and threw it into the Barrow.

   Read the passage

   Robert Hartpole was an old and faithful military officer under the Crown ; the rewards for his services were a grant of the Manor of Coolbanagher in 1568, the Manors of Shrule and Blackford ( alias Ratlimaddock) in 1575, and the Manor of the Monk’s Grange {alias Grange-ne-mannagh, alias the Grange of Kilmagobbock) in 1577, all of them situated in the Queen’s County. On his death on the 3rd of October, 1594, Robert Hartpole was buried in the church of St. Mary, in Carlow, and an altar-tomb bearing his effigy was erected to his memory. A good many years ago, during an encroachment on the churchyard for building purposes, the effigy slab was discovered buried under debris and clay, and raised to the surface. It was for some time imagined by the people that the effigy represented an Irish King ; but when the Latin inscription was deciphered by a clergyman, and it was discovered that the effigy represented the Robert Hartpole, Constable of Carlow Castle, who was present at the massacre of Mullaghmast (County Kildare) on New Year’s Day, 1577, a labourer gave the head a contemptuous lick with a pick and broke it off, after which it was thrown into the Barrow. To

   1 Edward YI Fiant, No. 1112.

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 229

8. Strongbow's marriage to Aoife at Waterford amid slaughter

   Waterford · city · Waterford · 1170

   Strongbow's marriage to Dermot MacMurrough's daughter Aoife was carried out in 1170 in Waterford, performed while the dead, wounded and dying still lay where they fell defending the town, which had just been captured.

   Read the passage

   Roderick O’Connor, King of Ireland, and banished from the country. He fled to England, and thence to Aquitaine, where he presented himself to Henry II, to whom he appealed for assistance to recover his sovereignty of Leinster. Henry, seeing in this a favourable opportunity to get a footing in Ireland, willingly granted his request ; and as he was himself too busy to leave the affairs of France, he granted permission to any of his British or French knights to collect a force to aid Dermot MacMurrough. Hence in 1169 the first batch of Anglo-Normans landed in Bannow Bay in the County Wexford, which in the following year was followed by a larger force under Richard fitz Stephen de Clare, Earl of Pembroke, nicknamed “ Strongbow,” who had offered his services to Dermot MacMurrough, on condition that if their arms prevailed he should wed his daughter Aoife or Eva. This marriage was carried out in 1170, the ceremony being performed in the City of Waterford (called Port Lairgy by the Irish), which had just been captured, and while the dead, wounded, and dying were still lying where they fell in defence of the town.

   Dermot MacMurrough’s death took place at his palace in Ferns, in the County Wexford, in the year 1171, when he was sixty-one years of age ; his wife was Mor, daughter of Murtagh O’Toole, Chief of Omurethi (in the southern portion of the County Kildare), and sister of the famous St. Laurence O’Toole, Archbishop of Dublin, who died in 1180, at Eu in Normandy, where he was buried.

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 214

9. The Battle of Stradbally Bridge and the Cosby widows at the Abbey

   Stradbally · town · Laois · 1596

   Owny mac Rory O'More demanded passage over Stradbally bridge; when refused, a battle ensued in which Alexander Cosby and his son Francis were both shot dead, the latter falling into the river after leaping the battlements. Their widows watched from a window of the Abbey, and O'More afterwards ransacked the Abbey but spared the widows and infant.

   Read the passage

   whom he had a son, William, born but nine weeks before this fatal battle of the bridge. Dorcas Sydney, wife of Alexander, and her daughter-in-law, placed themselves at a window of the Abbey to see the fight, and for some time beheld their husbands bravely maintaining their ground. At length Alexander Cosby, as he was pressing forward, was shot, and dropped down dead. Upon this his kern, with melancholy and mournful outcries, began to give way ; and Francis Cosby, the son, apprehensive of being abandoned, endeavoured to save himself by leaping over the bridge, but the moment he cleared the battlements he was also shot, and fell dead into the river. This, as might be supposed, must have been a shocking scene to the widowed ladies, who beheld the entire scene from the Abbey ; yet it is recorded that Helena Cosby, with the coolest presence of mind, addressed herself to Dorcas Sydney, saying, ‘ Remember, mother, that my father (in law) was shot before my husband, and therefore the latter was the legal possessor of the estate, and consequently I am entitled to my thirds or dowry.’ The Cosby party being entirely routed, O’More ransacked the Abbey, but conveyed the infant and widows to a place of safety.”

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 43

10. The Legend of the Ape Rescuing the FitzGerald Heir at Woodstock Castle

    Woodstock Castle · castle · Kildare · 1280–1300

    At Woodstock Castle near Athy, County Kildare, towards the end of the thirteenth century, a fire broke out and the infant heir was overlooked in the panic. A tame ape kept chained in the castle carried the babe to the battlements and climbed down the ivied walls, laying the child unhurt on the ground; this child became the first Earl of Kildare, and the incident gave rise to the FitzGerald family crest of a monkey.

    Read the passage

    rescue it ; but he soon returned to report that the nurse-room was in a mass of flames. At the same time a tame ape, which was usually kept chained in the castle, was seen on the battlements bearing the babe in its arms ; it then, still holding the child, clambered down the ivied walls, and laid it unhurt on the ground. This babe, the only son its parents had, lived to become the fifth Baron of Offaly and first Earl of Kildare, and died in 1316. Hence the family crest.1

    A very similar legend is related in connexion with the Desmond branch of the FitzGeralds. In 1261 the MacCarthys gained a decisive victory at Callan, near Tralee, over the Geraldine forces led by John fitz Thomas FitzGerald, second Lord of Connello, the Decies and Desmond, and by his son Maurice, both of whom were slain in the battle. When the news reached their castle at Tralee, a panic seized the garrison,

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 322

    As the companion tells it

    Right here at Woodstock Castle near Athy, towards the end of the thirteenth century, a fire broke out and the infant heir was trapped while the nurse-room was lost to flames. A tame ape kept chained in the castle appeared on the battlements carrying the babe in its arms, then clambered down the ivied walls still holding the child, and laid it unhurt on the ground. That only son grew up to become the fifth Baron of Offaly and the first Earl of Kildare, and died in 1316. The rescue gave the FitzGeralds their family crest of a monkey. A very similar legend is told of the Desmond FitzGeralds at Tralee, after the MacCarthys defeated the Geraldine forces at Callan in 1261 and slew both John fitz Thomas and his son Maurice.

11. Art MacMurrough's Ceremony of Homage at Ballygory Near Catherlagh

    Carlow · townland · Carlow · 1395

    On 16 February 1395, Sir Thomas Mowbray and the King's commissioners met Art MacMurrough, King of Leinster, mounted on a black steed, at an open field called Ballygory near Catherlagh on the side of Slemargy. Multiple Irish chiefs performed elaborate ceremonies of homage there, swearing oaths in Irish upon the Gospels.

    Read the passage

    On the 16th of February, 1395, Sir Thomas Mowbray and the King’s commissioners met Art MacMurrough, King of Leinster, who was mounted on a black steed, “ in an open field, called Bally gory, near Catherlagli, on the side of Slemargy, in the diocese of Leighlin.’’ In his company were several native chiefs with their armed followers, including Garrett O’ Byrne and Donnell O’Nolan, “captains of their nations.” The terms of the agreement and the King’s Letters Patent were read in English by John Molton, a cleric of the Lincoln Diocese, and translated into Irish by Edmund Yale, Master of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem in Ireland (i.e., Kilmainham). Art MacMurrough then went through the ceremony of homage. Taking off his girdle, sword, and cap, on bended knees he placed his hands between those of Sir Thomas Mowbray, and took an oath in Irish of allegiance to the King, and swore on the Gospels to observe the covenants. He then was given the kiss of peace by Sir Thomas on behalf of the King, and, rising to his feet, the ceremony closed. The sub-chiefs, in order of rank, then also did homage in the same manner. On this occasion the ceremony was performed by Garrett O’Byrne,2 Chief of “ Crioch Branach” and llanelagh in the County Wicklow; Donnell O’Nolan, of Fortharta-Fea, now in the Barony of Forth, County Carlow ; Melaghlin O’More, Chief of Leix ; Murrough O’Connor, Chief of Offaly; and Kory “oge ” and Shane, sons of Morrogh “ boy ” O’More, Lord of Slieve Margy, now a Barony in the Queen’s County. On the morrow, February 17th, in a house within the Castle of Catherlagh, the said Edmund Yale

    1 Page 269 of Gilbert’s “ Yiceroys.”

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 221

12. Battle of the Pass of the Plumes at Cashel

    Cashel · townland · Laois · 1599

    On 17 May 1599 a running fight known as the Battle of the Pass of the Plumes took place in the townland of Cashel, between Ballyknockan and Ballyroan, named for the large amount of English helmet plumes shorn from troops passing through the defile.

    Read the passage

    We now come to the running fight, known as “ the Battle of the Pass of the Plumes,” owing to the large amount of English helmet plumes shorn from the troops during their passage through the defile, wdiich is situated in the townland of Cashel, between Ballyknockan and Ballyroan. The date of the fight is the 17th May, 1599. An account (from the English point of view) of the fighting is to be found in a diary2 kept from the 9th to the 18tli of May by Robert Devereux, Earl of Essex, then Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. On the 9th of May he started from Dublin and arrived at Naas ; on the 10th he reached Kilcullen ; on the 11th he went, via Kilrush, to Tullaghgorey, near Athy, and encamped there. Athy was held for the rebels by Sir James fitz Pierce FitzGerald, of Ballyshannon, in the County Kildare, as well as Woodstock Castle close by, which had to be captured before the army could enter the Queen’s County ; this was done and wards w7ere left in these places. The diary goes on to narrate that : —

    “The 15th, the army marched towards Stradbally, holding on their course through the passage of Blackford, a place of difficulty, where the rebels were ever used to fight Her Majesty’s forces ; but now, notwithstanding they had entrenched it, and shewed themselves upon it, yet, seeing the order of our march, they rather chose to lose the labour of all their fortifications than to hazard a fight in that place.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 51

13. Dermot MacMurrough's abduction of Dervorgilla and death at Ferns

    Ferns · townland · Wexford · 1158–1171

    Dermot MacMurrough, King of Leinster, abducted Dervorgilla in 1158 leading to his deposition in 1166 and exile. He later died at his palace in Ferns in 1171, at sixty-one years of age.

    Read the passage

    Dermot MacMurrough’s death took place at his palace in Ferns, in the County Wexford, in the year 1171, when he was sixty-one years of age ; his wife was Mor, daughter of Murtagh O’Toole, Chief of Omurethi (in the southern portion of the County Kildare), and sister of the famous St. Laurence O’Toole, Archbishop of Dublin, who died in 1180, at Eu in Normandy, where he was buried.

    Strongbow became Lord of Leinster (with the exception of the present County Dublin, which Henry II retained) in right of his wife Eva. At this time Leinster comprised, besides Dublin, Kildare, the northern part of the Queen’s County (then a part of Offaly), Leix, Ossory, Carlow, Kilkenny, and Wexford; the lordship was held under the Crown, to which certain rents and services were rendered. Strongbow’s sister, Basilia, was married to Raymond “ le gros ” FitzGerald, Baron of Idrone, in the County Carlow, and son of William, a brother of Maurice FitzGerald, Lord of Maynooth. In April, 1176, Strongbow’s death took place in Dublin, and he was buried in Christ Church Cathedral, where a Knight’s effigy is pointed out as representing him. This tomb, however, belongs to a later period ; Strongbow’s supposed effigy was destroyed by the falling in of the roof of Christ Church in 1562. At the time of his death he left issue an only daughter and heiress named Isabel.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 214

14. Earl of Ormond moved secretly to Ballybrittas Castle

    Ballybrittas · townland · Laois · 1600

    Sir Terence O'Dempsey placed his Castle of Ballybrittas at the Earl's disposal for his better comfort, and the Earl was held prisoner there guarded by twenty of Owny's most trusted men. A decoy dressed as the Earl was used to deceive the bonnaghts while he was secretly moved there by night.

    Read the passage

    On the 14th of May Sir Geoffrey Fenton wrote to Sir Robert Cecil, Secretary of State, that he had that morning heard that, at the particular desire of the Earl, Sir Terence O’Dempsey had placed his Castle of Ballybrittas at the Earl’s disposal for his better comfort, and that the Earl was a prisoner there, guarded by twenty of Owny’s most trusted men. He was taken there by night under a subterfuge to deceive the bonnaghts, who probably wished to convey the Earl to Ulster. To outwit them, Owny caused one of his trusted men, who resembled the Earl in height and appearance, to put on the Earl’s night-gown, and walk by the wood-side, where the Earl was accustomed to take exercise, while Owny and his guard placed the Earl on horseback, and quietly rode to Ballybrittas. By this time the Earl’s health had broken down, and it was absolutely necessary that he should be properly housed and cared for. His life, too, was of far more importance to Owny mac Rory’s schemes than his death would have been.

    On the 27th May rumours first reached the Council in Dublin that Owny was prepared to release the Earl upon pledges; but it was not until the 12th of June that he regained his freedom by handing over hostages as the guarantee for the payment of, in those times, the very large sum of ^63,000. 1 This Owny mac Rory had consented to on receiving instructions from his Chief, the Earl of Tyrone. As it turned out later, this sum was never paid up, as after Owny mac Rory’s death, two months afterwards, those persons who had custody of the hostages, viz., Redmond fitzJohn Keating,2 of Ballymoyleran ( ),

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 61

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, in 1600, the Earl of Ormond was secretly moved to Ballybrittas Castle. Sir Terence O'Dempsey placed his castle at the Earl's disposal for his better comfort. The Earl was a prisoner there, guarded by twenty of Owny mac Rory's most trusted men. His health had broken down, and it was necessary he be properly housed and cared for. His life was of more importance to Owny's schemes than his death would have been. He was taken there by night under a subterfuge to deceive the bonnaghts, who probably wished to convey the Earl to Ulster. To outwit them, Owny had one of his trusted men, who resembled the Earl in height and appearance, put on the Earl's night-gown and walk by the wood-side where the Earl was accustomed to take exercise, while Owny and his guard placed the Earl on horseback and quietly rode to the castle. On the 14th of May, Sir Geoffrey Fenton wrote to Sir Robert Cecil, Secretary of State, with the news. Rumours reached the Council in Dublin on the 27th of May that Owny was prepared to release the Earl upon pledges. He regained his freedom on the 12th of June, handing over hostages as guarantee for payment of 63,000, a very large sum for those times. Owny mac Rory had consented on receiving instructions from his Chief, the Earl of Tyrone. The sum was never paid, as two months later Owny mac Rory died, and those who had custody of the hostages included Redmond fitzJohn Keating of Ballymoyleran.

15. Government force ambushed and annihilated at Glenmalure, 1580

    near Glenmalur · valley · Wicklow · 1580

    On 25 August 1580 a detachment of Lord Grey's forces under Sir William Stanley, Peter Carew and Captain Francis Cosby was sent to explore the valley of Glenmalure and dislodge the Irish rebels but fell into an ambush and was practically annihilated, with several officers slain.

    Read the passage

    However, on the breaking out of the Baltinglass Rebellion (so called from its leader, James Eustace, third Viscount Baltinglass), “Captain Garrett” deserted with his musketeers and ammunition, and marched to the mountains of Wicklow to join Lord Baltinglass and his Irish confederates, the O’Byrnes, O’Tooles, the Kavanaghs, and Kinsellaghs, then encamped in the hills at Slieveroe (near Blessington) and Glenmalure. The newly appointed Lord Deputy — Lord Grey of Wilton — at once mustered an army, and marched into the heart of the County Wicklow to perform what he thought to be an easy task, the breaking up and defeat of the Irish clans. Hearing that they were in strength under their leaders, Lord Baltinglass, Feagh mac Hugh O’Byrne, and “ Captain Garrett,” in the valley of Glenmalure, the Lord Deputy pitched his camp near the entrance to it. He was accompanied by Gerald, eleventh Earl of Kildare ; James Wingfield, Master of the Ordnance ; and twTo brothers, Peter and Sir George Carew. On the 25th of August, Lord Grey detached a portion of his forces to explore the valley and dislodge the enemy, under the command of Sir William Stanley, Peter Carew, and Captain Francis Cosby of Stradbally, leader of kern, who, three and a half years previously carried out the brutal massacre of Irish gentry in the Rath of Mullaghmast. This force, after toiling over ground of the very worst description, fell into an ambush, and were practically annihilated. Among the officers slain were Peter Carew, Captain Audley and his lieutenant, Colonel John Moore, Mr. George Moore (or More), George Stafforde, old Captain

    354

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 239

16. Mass execution at Kilkenny including 'blackmoor and two witches'

    Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny · 1578

    After the submission of Shane mac Rory reagh O'More and Connell mac Gillapatrick O'More between 4th and 10th November 1578, the Kilkenny gaol was so overcrowded that Assizes were held there, resulting in thirty-six executions including a black man and two women condemned as witches under natural law.

    Read the passage

    of his beloved master’s body, received twelve wounds, seven of which were not yet healed when some three and a half months later he tendered his submission between the 4th and 10th of November, along with Connell mac Gillapatrick O’More. This occurred at Kilkenny where, the gaol being over-crowded, the Assizes were ordered to take place ; as a result, thirty-six persons were there and then executed, including a “ blackmoor and two witches, by natural law, for there was found no law to try them in this realm.”1

    Rory Oge’s successor in the chieftainship appears to have been James mac Kedagh O’More (also styled Myaghe, or Meaghe), who is first mentioned in 1581, when in September he made his submission to the Lord Deputy, and in the following month he and his son, George O’More, received a pardon.2 In January, 1588, James Meagh, alias O’More, was in receipt of a pension from the Crown, which shows he was then in favour. He had a brother, Thomas macKedagh, who in March, 1581, was a prisoner in the Tower of London for complicity in the Baltinglass Rebellion. He is described as “the servant of the Countess of Kildare,”3 4 and one likely to be able to give information against the Earl of Kildare, who was suspected of sympathy with the rebels. Thomas mac Kedagh’s fate is unknown ; but he and his brother James in January, 1584, are reported as offering their services to the Privy Council to free the Pale from annoyances of their Sept, and to transport the whole Sept to any part of Munster then uninhabited and in the Queen’s hands. How this offer was received is not mentioned ; but James mac Kedagh’s death took place shortly afterwards, as a Mr. Edward Norreys, on the 6th of August, 1584, informed the Privy Council that : —

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 40

17. Siege and storming of Knocklinch Castle, 1642, garrison put to the sword

    Knock · townland · Meath · 1642

    In June 1642 the Earl of Ormonde besieged and took by storm the castle of Knocklinch (Knock), a stronghold of the Lynch family, after a five-day siege; the besieged, except the women, were put to the sword despite the mistress of the house urging acceptance of quarter.

    Read the passage

    Borlase states that in June, 1642, “ two regiments were dispatched for Connaught, and accompanied thither by the Lord Lieutenant, who in that expedition took by storm Knocklinch, a strong castle of Mr. Linches ; the besieged, except women (not accepting of quarter), were put to the sword.”3

    Carte says that Ormonde marched from Dublin on Tuesday, June 14, and on the following day “ sent a party with three pieces of cannon to take in the castle of Knocklinch, which was carried by storm that evening.”4

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 192

18. Silken Thomas Seizes Carlow Castle in Rebellion

    Carlow · townland · Carlow · 1534

    The rebellion of Silken Thomas broke out on 11 June 1534; he promptly seized the Castles of Portlester, Lea, Maynooth, Rathangan, Kilkea, the White Castle at Athy bridge, Woodstock, Castledermot, and Carlow, garrisoning them with allied Irish septs.

    Read the passage

    In 1524 a Maurice Keating was Constable of Carlow Castle. The rebellion of “ the Silken Thomas,” afterwards 10th Earl of Kildare, due to the reported beheading of his father in the Tower of London, broke out on St. Barnabas’ Day (11th June), 1534. He promptly seized the Castles of Portlester in the County Meath; Lea in the Queen’s County; Maynooth, Rathangan, Kilkea, the White Castle at the bridge of Athy, Woodstock, and Castledermot in the County Kildare ; and that of Carlow, all of which he provided with arms, cannon, ammunition, and victuals, and garrisoned principally with levies supplied by his Irish allies, the MacMurroughs, O’Mores, O’Connors, O’Byrnes, and O’Tooles. When it was, and after what length of a siege (if any), the Castle of Carlow was retaken from the Silken Thomas’s adherents by Pierce, Earl of Ormond and Ossory, is not recorded ; but it is probable that when the native septs were gradually induced to desert the cause of the rebellious Geraldine, after the betrayal of Maynooth Castle by Christopher Pares (the Earl’s own foster-brother) in the month of March, 1585, Carlow Castle may have been peaceably surrendered. Anyhow, in reward for his services in defending the Castle during the remainder of the rebellion, Lord James Butler, son of Pierce, Earl of Ormond, was on the 27th of October, 1587, appointed Constable of the Castle, and was granted a lease of the Manor.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 225

19. Sir Edward Crosbie's residence at Viewmount, Kernanstown

    Kernanstown · townland · Carlow · 1798

    Sir Edward William Crosbie lived at Viewmount, part of Kernanstown, now inside the walls of Browne's Hill Demesne but then a separate place. He was executed after the 1798 rebellion despite not being a United Irishman, an act described as a gross piece of injustice and murder.

    Read the passage

    Sir Edward Crosbie, though well known as an outspoken man of liberal views, and one who condemned the Penal laws under which his Catholic fellow-countrymen suffered, was not a United Irishman, so that the sentence of death declared against him by the court-martial which tried him was a gross piece of injustice. Sir Jonah Barrington1 sums up his case as follows : — - “ Gentlemen were executed, some with trials, others with worse than none. The execution of Sir Edward Crosby was a murder,

    “ Rise and Fall of the Irish Nation,” p. 458.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 249

20. Vanessa's Bower and Esther Van Homrigh at Celbridge Abbey

    Celbridge · town · Kildare · 1717–1723

    In the grounds of Celbridge Abbey stands a solid stone foot-bridge leading to Vanessa's Bower, a stone grotto. The spot has become classical from the sad romance of Esther Van Homrigh, known as Vanessa, who resided there from 1717 to 1723 and died of a broken heart after being abandoned by Swift.

    Read the passage

    Lower down than Clane comes the modern bridge of Irishtown, and recently a foot-bridge has been constructed in the demesne. Then come the ford and bridge of Straffan. The bridge is not 100 years old, and affords a fine prospect of the river and Straffan house. I think there is a ford at Lodge Park ; at least I have heard of the hunt crossing the river there ; but there is no bridge till we come to Celbridge. Here, in the grounds of the Abbey, is a solid stone foot-bridge of five arches approached by steps at either end, and leading to Vanessa’s Bower, a stone grotto a little further up the river. Mr. Kirkpatrick, who showed it to me, considers it as something unique of its kind, and I know of nothing like it. It is but 4 feet wide, with solid stone parapets, and commands a beautiful view of the river. The masonry of the arches is different from any I have seen, every second stone being set with a projection. Celbridge Abbey, whose grounds on both sides of the river this bridge connects, has long since disappeared. Indeed there are reasons for doubting whether there was ever an ecclesiastical building there. The spot has become classical from the sad romance of Esther Von Homrigh, better known as Vanessa,

    304 FORDS AND BRIDGES OVER THE RIVER LIFFEY.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 207

21. Battle at the Pass of the Plumes

    Pass of the Plumes · pass · Laois · 1600

    The rebels, strongly holding the Pass of the Plumes including Donnell Spaniagh Kavanagh, engaged in a fierce skirmish before being driven into the lower pass, bog, and wood; Captain William Tyrrell was shot in the kidneys and reportedly died of the wound.

    Read the passage

    On the 18th the Lord Deputy’s force searched the country for cattle, and captured many cows, sheep, and goats. Here he was joined by the Earl of Ormond and Sir Christopher St. Lawrence with their forces. On the 19th the army marched by the pass of Cashel (the Pass of the Plumes) to Ballyroan ; and on the 20th continued their march past Gortnaclea Castle, where the Earl of Ormond had been kept a prisoner by Owny mac Rory, to “ Kilgighy ” in Ossory. All along the route the crops were destroyed and the dwellings burned; in one of the latter “ was found the Queen’s picture behind the door, and the King of Spain’s at the upper end of the table.” For the next three days the same work of destruction was continued without opposition, and on the 24tli August the Lord Deputy returned into Leix again, approached the Pass of the Plumes, which was reported to be strongly held by the rebels, including Donnell Spaniagh Kavanagh, who, however, here made his submission on his knees and was granted a protection for twelve days, on which he withdrew his forces from the ranks of the rebels, and retired up the hillside to watch the issue of the coming fight in the Pass. On entering the upper pass, the rebels “ began to skirmish with a great cry, charging home ; our men beat them presently into the lower pass, and from thence into the bog, and so on into the wood beyond it, to the loss and hurt of many of them, and Captain William Tyrrell was shot in the reins (kidneys) of which it is said he is since dead. Whereupon the Lord Deputy

    1 This occurred at the fight of the Pass of the Plumes on 17th May, 1599; Captain Ralph Boswell and “one Gardiner,” lieutenant to Sir Henry Dockwra, having pursued some rebels who took refuge on a bog, being heavily weighted in armour, got bogged, and were slain before they could be rescued (“ Cal. of State Papers,” 1599-1600, p. 43).

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 64

22. Earl of Ormond held captive at Gortnaclea Castle

    Gortnaclea · townland · Laois · 1600

    After his capture, the Earl of Ormond was lodged in the FitzPatrick Castle of Gortnaclea, situated on the Gully River between Abbeyleix and Aghaboe. He was closely guarded by Owny's bonnaghts, with his diet brought to the iron grate of the castle by his own men but received only by Owny himself.

    Read the passage

    On the 13th April the Earl was lodged in the FitzPatrick Castle of Gortnaclea, situated on the Gully River, between Abbey leix and Aghaboe. From here he wrote on the 14th to Sir George Carew, thanking him for his endeavours to bring about his release, and urging him not to attempt to rescue him by force, as his life would thereby be endangered ; his correspondence, too, is all read both coming and going. On the 25th April the Earl was still at Gortnaclea, where “ Onie himself is his keeper, and giveth him the favour to have his diet dressed by his own cook, and brought to the iron grate1 of the castle by his own men ; but there Onie himself receiveth the diet and carrieth it up to the Earl, not suffering any of his Lordship’s own servants to come within the grate.”

    By the 80th April the Earl had been moved from Gortnaclea,

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 59

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Gortnaclea stands the FitzPatrick Castle on the Gully River, between Abbeyleix and Aghaboe, where the Earl of Ormond was held captive in 1600. On the 14th of April he wrote to Sir George Carew, thanking him for his efforts to bring about his release, but urging him not to attempt a rescue by force, as his life would be endangered. His correspondence was all read, coming and going. Owny himself was his keeper, giving him the favour of having his diet dressed by his own cook and brought to the iron grate of the castle by his own men. But Owny himself received the diet and carried it up to the Earl, not suffering any of his Lordship's own servants to come within the grate.

23. James FitzGerald Seizes Carlow Castle in Rebellion

    Carlow · townland · Carlow · 1494

    In 1494 Carlow Castle was seized by James FitzGerald, brother of Garrett More, 8th Earl of Kildare. The Lord Deputy Sir Edward Poynings laid siege to the castle and recovered it at the end of a week, after which the Earl was attainted for treason.

    Read the passage

    One of the charges against the Earl was for high treason, in that he “ caused his brother James and other rebels to take by treason the King’s Castle of Carlaughe, rearing and setting up upon the same his conysaunce and standard ; which castle was kept and fortified with men and victuals, in the name and by commandment of the said Earl until such time as it was gotten by the great wisdom and manhood of the said Deputy, after his long and painful lying at the siege of the same.” 2

    The Earl was sent over a prisoner to England and lodged in the Tower of London. Two years later, however, he received the royal pardon, and was restored to his honours and estates. It was on this occasion that King Henry VII was so taken with the honest, bluff manner of the Earl and the plain-spoken, straightforward way he replied to the charges of his accusers ; for instance, when David Creagh, the Bishop of Cashel, accused him of burning his Cathedral on the Bock, he made no attempt to deny it, but boldly said he would not have done it but he was informed that the bishop was then inside ; and, finally, when John Pain, the Bishop of Meath, irritably exclaimed : “ Your Majesty must see all Ireland cannot rule this man,” the King immediately replied, “ Then he shall rule all Ireland,” and there and then appointed him his Deputy, an office he faithfully held till his death in the year 1518. A full account of the above incident is to be found in Holinshed’s “ Chronicles of Ireland.”

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 224

24. Lysagh O'More seizes eight castles including Dunamase in one night

    Park or Dunamase · townland · Laois · 1342

    Lysagh O'More, entrusted with care of Lord Roger de Mortimer's Irish property while he was in England, seized eight castles in Leix in a single night, becoming a lord from a servant. He was killed by his own servant in 1342.

    Read the passage

    In 1842 Lysaght O’More was killed by his own servant. Before his death he became owner of his patrimonial inheritance in the following manner : — Lord Roger de Mortimer, then in possession of Dunamase, having occasion to go over to England, entrusted Lysagh O’More with the care of his Irish property and castles. O’More took advantage of his absence to resume possession of his ancient patrimony, and according^, in one night, seized upon eight castles in Leix, and thus became, as the historian describes it, from a servant to a lord, from a subject to a prince. (Clyn’s Annals.)

    Two years after the death of Lysagh the O’Mores were defeated and dispossessed by Lord Roger de Mortimer, who resumed possession of Dunamase. He then added greatly to its strength, and established a tenantry of soldiers around him for protection. He built the castles of Shaen, Morett, Bally - manus, and five others, and kept them always garrisoned to repel insurrection, as they were adjacent to and subject to Dunamase. He made it his chief residence, and, administering

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 126

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, Lysagh O'More pulled off one of the boldest seizures in medieval Ireland. Lord Roger de Mortimer, who held Dunamase, went over to England and entrusted O'More with the care of his Irish property and castles. O'More used the absence to reclaim his ancient patrimony, seizing eight castles in Leix in a single night. The historian Clyn describes him going from a servant to a lord, from a subject to a prince. He was killed by his own servant in 1342. Two years after his death, Lord Roger de Mortimer defeated and dispossessed the O'Mores and took back Dunamase. He strengthened it greatly, settled soldier tenants around it for protection, and built the castles of Shaen, Morett, Ballymanus, and five others, keeping them all garrisoned. He made Dunamase his chief residence.

25. Matthew Tone executed and buried at Bodenstown

    Bodenstown · townland · Kildare · 1798

    Matthew Tone, Wolfe Tone's brother, was among the prisoners taken after General Humbert's surrender in 1798; he was tried, executed, and buried at Bodenstown.

    Read the passage

    In 1798 a small force under General Humbert started and succeeded in landing in Killala Bay on August 22nd; but after a temporary success he was surrounded by English troops, and on the 8th of September his forces surrendered. Among the prisoners was Wolfe Tone’s brother, Matthew, who was tried and executed, and buried at Bodenstown.

    Another expedition set sail on the 20th of September, before Humbert’s disaster was known, and after twenty days arrived off Lough Swilly. The following day, however, it was attacked and defeated by an English fleet under Sir Borlase Warren. Tone, who wore the uniform of a French officer, and had taken part in the fight, was made prisoner, recognized, tried by court-martial on November 10th, and condemned to death. He made no defence, but avowed the part he had taken, only requesting that, as he bore a commission in the French Army, he might suffer death as an officer and not by the hangman. As Wolfe Tone had never held an English commission, his trial by court-martial was of course illegal. Appeal was therefore made. By a strange coincidence Lord Kil warden, the judge before whom the appeal came, was a member of the Wolfe family, with which Tone was in a way connected. A writ to suspend the execution was granted, but upon its arrival at the prison it was found that Tone had wounded himself dangerously the night before with a pen-lmife that he had secreted. After lingering some days, he

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 154

26. Rebels shout entering Tullow Street during 1798 attack

    Tullow Street · street · Carlow · 1798

    The rebel column marched into the town at 2 o'clock in the morning of 25th May 1798, shouting as they rushed into Tullow Street with vain confidence that the town was theirs, before being repelled with heavy losses.

    Read the passage

    Sir Edward Crosbie, a mile and a half distant from Carlow, marched into the town at 2 o’clock of the morning of the 25th of May, with so little precaution as to alarm the garrison at a quarter of a mile’s distance, by the discharge of a gun in the execution of a man who scrupled to accompany them in their enterprise. Shouting as they rushed into Tullow Street, with that vain confidence which is commonly followed by disappointment, that the town was their own, they received so destructive a fire from the garrison, that they recoiled and endeavoured to retreat ; but finding their flight intercepted, numbers took refuge in the houses, where they found a miserable exit, these being immediately fired by the soldiery. About eighty houses were consumed in this conflagration, and for some days the roasted remains of the wretched men were falling down the chimnies in which they had perished. As about half this column of assailants had arrived within the town, and few escaped from that situation, their loss can hardly be estimated at less than four hundred ; while not a man was even wounded on the side of the loyalists.

    “After the defeat, executions commenced, as elsewhere in this calamitous period, and about two hundred in a short time were hanged or shot, according to martial law. Among the earliest victims were Sir Edward Crosbie, and one Heydon, a yeoman of Sir Charles Burton’s troop.”

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun

27. Rory Oge's revenge raid on Naas

    Naas · town · Kildare · 1577

    Following the Mullaghmast massacre, Rory Oge organized a raid against Naas in which his followers ran through the town like hags and furies of hell, leaving 140 thatched houses in flames as they retired.

    Read the passage

    Naturally the next thing to expect from Rory Oge for this savage atrocity is revenge ; and among other raids he organized was one against Naas in the following March (as above mentioned), when he and his followers are described as having “ ranne through the towne lyke hagges and furies of hell, with flakes of fier fastened on poles ends.” When they retired from the place again, they left behind them 140 thatched houses enveloped in flames.

    In September, 1577, Rory Oge had captured two important prisoners ; one was Sir Henry Harrington, Kt., Lieutenant of the King’s County, and, by his mother, Lucy Sydney, nephew to the Lord Deputy, Sir Henry Sydney ; the other was Alexander Cosby, son of Francis Cosby, who was in command of the kern at the massacre in the Rath of Mullaghmast. Rory’s right-hand men at this time were his “ marshal,” Shane grany mac Rory reagh O’More, and Connor mac Cormack mac Brian O’Connor of Offaly.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 39

    As the companion tells it

    You are coming through Naas now, the Kildare town. In March 1577, a few months after the Mullaghmast massacre, Rory Oge O'More brought his revenge here. The account says he and his followers "ranne through the towne lyke hagges and furies of hell, with flakes of fier fastened on poles ends." When they withdrew, they left 140 thatched houses burning behind them. Later that same year, in September 1577, Rory Oge captured two important prisoners, Sir Henry Harrington and Alexander Cosby, son of Francis Cosby who had commanded the kern at Mullaghmast.

28. The Devil visits Castletown Hall as Tom Conolly's guest

    Castletown · street · Kildare · 1700–1799

    In this eighteenth-century legend, a mysterious tall stranger dressed in black joins Tom Conolly's hunt and is invited to dine at Castletown Hall. During the feast, a servant discovers his cloven foot, revealing him to be the Devil, who refuses to leave despite being ordered out.

    Read the passage

    There’s the cloven foot plainly as eye can behold.

    “ Cut your stick,

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 274

    As the companion tells it

    Along here is Castletown Hall, where Tom Conolly once hosted a tall stranger dressed in black who had joined his hunt. During the feast a servant saw the truth: "There's the cloven foot plainly as eye can behold." The guest was the Devil, and he was told to cut his stick, but he refused to leave.

29. Attack and burning of Maryborough, 1597

    Maryborough · townland · Laois · 1597

    Rebels under Owny mac Rory and Captain Richard Tyrrell, marching through Leix, were attacked by the Maryborough garrison; the rebels cut the garrison to pieces, burned the town, and besieged the Fort with menaces to force it before withdrawing.

    Read the passage

    instant. Tirrell and Ownie mac Rory, accompanied by at least 400 fighting men, came into Leix, and encamped first in Slyemarge, then near Fearne Priory (i.e. Farranaprior, alias Timahoe), and so the third day, taking the whole spoil of the country in every place where they lay. Hearing this, and that their determination was to pass through with the like spoil of the country, he (Sir Warham) sent a despatch to the soldiers of Athy, and himself assembled the force of this side of the country, but was answered only by Terence O’Dempsey (of Ballybrittas, afterwards created Viscount Clanmaliere). Meantime his Lieutenant drew out of the Fort (of Maryborough) with the two companies, near to the Sheriffs town, where Captain Hovenden lay sick. Finally divers messages passing betwixt them, a matter purposed by Tirrell, and not well considered by our leaders, they fell together by the ears and both our companies are utterly defeated. My Lieutenant is only escaped, with I think some 20 ; others of no mark. My self was come within a mile of the place before this happened, and had sent to them a man or two of mine, to hold a speech till I had come ; one of which they slew, the other they took prisoner, after which they went and burned the town of Maryborough, and lay about the Fort with many menaces to force it, in which was a most slender ward ; so removing a little further the next day they put ladders a making, which I understanding, with those few I had, for your Lordship must understand that not a man of the country nor borders came to me but Terence O’Dempsey and Robert Whitney (of Shaen), I went to the Fort, and put in my Lieutenant with as many as I had left. They returned me my man that they took, and told me that my soldiers had broken the peace, and yet if I would grant them protection for twelve days, they would be sworn to do no further hurt, till they should hear from the North. I answered that I would not grant any protection to them, but 'was contented to promise them to seek no revenge till your Lordships return, or till your pleasure were signified.”1

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 47

30. Captain Garrett hanged by Feagh mac Hugh O'Byrne

    Duneany · townland · Kildare · 1581

    After accepting terms to surrender via Sir William Sarsfield, Captain Garrett FitzGerald was arrested by Feagh mac Hugh O'Byrne and hanged three days later on 13th December, 1581, an act rumoured to have been instigated by the Earl of Kildare.

    Read the passage

    In December, after Feagh mac Hugh O’ Byrne had received a pardon, Geoffrey Fenton, the Secretary of State, suggested that Captain Garrett might be induced to surrender ; and accordingly the Deputy and Council sent Sir William Sarsfield of Dublin, Knight, with terms to him, which he accepted; but as he was on his way to Dublin, Feagh arrested him, and three days after, i.e. on the 13th of December, 1581, had him hanged. This extraordinary proceeding has not been satisfactorily explained ; but the enemies of the Earl of Kildare expressed the opinion that the deed was done at the instigation of the earl, as he wished to put out of the way one who knew too much about his private affairs.1

    WT. FitzG.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun

31. Earl of Kildare's Bold Reply Over Burning of Cashel Cathedral

    Cashel · townland · Tipperary · 1496

    When accused by the Bishop of Cashel of burning his Cathedral on the Rock, the Earl of Kildare boldly admitted it, saying he would not have done it but was informed the bishop was inside; King Henry VII was so impressed he made him Deputy of all Ireland.

    Read the passage

    The Earl was sent over a prisoner to England and lodged in the Tower of London. Two years later, however, he received the royal pardon, and was restored to his honours and estates. It was on this occasion that King Henry VII was so taken with the honest, bluff manner of the Earl and the plain-spoken, straightforward way he replied to the charges of his accusers ; for instance, when David Creagh, the Bishop of Cashel, accused him of burning his Cathedral on the Bock, he made no attempt to deny it, but boldly said he would not have done it but he was informed that the bishop was then inside ; and, finally, when John Pain, the Bishop of Meath, irritably exclaimed : “ Your Majesty must see all Ireland cannot rule this man,” the King immediately replied, “ Then he shall rule all Ireland,” and there and then appointed him his Deputy, an office he faithfully held till his death in the year 1518. A full account of the above incident is to be found in Holinshed’s “ Chronicles of Ireland.”

    1 Cox’s “ History of Ireland.”

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 224

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here is the Rock of Cashel, where the Earl of Kildare burned the cathedral. The year was 1496. He was sent over a prisoner to England and lodged in the Tower of London, but two years later received a royal pardon and was restored to his honours and estates. King Henry VII was so taken with his honest, bluff manner. When David Creagh, the Bishop of Cashel, accused him of burning his cathedral on the Rock, the Earl made no attempt to deny it, but said he would not have done it had he not been informed the bishop was inside. When John Pain, the Bishop of Meath, told the King that all Ireland could not rule this man, the King replied that he should rule all Ireland, and there and then appointed him his Deputy, an office he faithfully held until his death in 1518.

32. Father Malachy exorcises the Devil from Castletown Hall

    Castletown · street · Kildare · 1700–1799

    Father Malachy comes to Castletown Hall to confront the Devil, negotiating that Nick will leave if Conolly builds a chapel. When Nick insults him, the priest hurls his book at him, causing the Devil to vanish in a flash and brimstone smell, leaving a cleft mark where the book struck the wainscot.

    Read the passage

    Where the mark of it still to this day may be seen,

    Or if not, they can show you where once it has been ;

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 275

    As the companion tells it

    Along here at Castletown Hall, Father Malachy faced the Devil. Nick would leave if Conolly built a chapel but insulted him. The priest hurled his book and Nick vanished in brimstone, leaving a cleft in the wainscot. "The mark of it still to this day may be seen, or if not, they can show you where once it has been."

33. French Traveller's Account of Devastated Kilcullen, 1644

    Kilcullen · town · Kildare · 1644

    A French traveller in 1644 described swimming across the river at Kilcullen Bridge with his clothes on his head because the Irish had broken the bridge during the religious wars, finding only poor unfortunates selling buttermilk and oaten bread amid a wasted countryside.

    Read the passage

    That same year an unfortunate Frenchman travelling south tells us that when his party came to Kilcullen Bridge, “We swam over a little river with much trouble, carrying our clothes on our heads, the Irish having broken the bridge during the religious wars ” ; and he adds : “ All the country was laid waste, and we found none but poor unfortunates who sold buttermilk and a little oaten bread.” Such was the state of a rich and fertile district within thirty miles of Dublin after nearly 400 years of English occupation. The story reads like the adventures of travellers in the heart of savage Africa.

    Half a mile from Kilcullen Bridge stood the New Abbey, a

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 205

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Kilcullen, you're following a route a French traveller knew in 1644, coming south to Kilcullen Bridge. The Irish had broken the bridge during the religious wars, so his party swam across the river with their clothes on their heads. The whole country was laid waste, and they found none but poor unfortunates selling buttermilk and a little oaten bread. This was a rich and fertile district, within 30 miles of Dublin, after nearly 400 years of English occupation. The traveller wrote that the story "reads like the adventures of travellers in the heart of savage Africa."

34. Lord Edward FitzGerald's Will bequeaths Kilrush lands

    Kilrush · townland · Kildare · 1798

    The Will of Lord Edward FitzGerald, dated 27th May 1798, leaves all his lands at Kilrush, County Kildare, to his brother Lord Henry FitzGerald in trust for his wife Pamela. He signed it in a shaky hand while dying of wounds received at his arrest, dying just eight days later.

    Read the passage

    The Will is in the possession of the Rev. C. W. Murray, of the Rectory, Blaston St. Giles, Uppingham, a nephew of Mr. Thomas R. Murray, who owned the Museum of Irish Antiquities, formerly at Edenderry, which was sold for £200 to the Cambridge University in 1900, for a description of which see pages 325 to 333 of volume iii of the Journal. The Will is written on a folio sheet now torn in two at the fold of the paper. It is dated 27th May, 1798. In it Lord Edward leaves all his lands at Kilrush, County Kildare, &c., to his brother, Lord Henry FitzGerald, in trust to the use of his wife Pamela ; his children, two daughters and a son, are not mentioned. Lord Edward’s signature is in a very shaky hand. This is not surprising, as he was then dying of the wounds received at the time of his arrest, his death taking place on the 4th June, just eight days after he had signed the Will. The witnesses to the latter were : —

    1. Alexander Lindsay (a Surgeon-General, and one of the

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 277

35. Mountjoy's scorched-earth expedition into Leix

    Laois · county · Laois · 1600

    Lord Deputy Mountjoy, unable to defeat the O'Mores in battle, organized an expedition to destroy their growing grain crops, entering Leix with harrows, scythes and reaping-hooks to reap or destroy the ripe and unripe crops of the territory.

    Read the passage

    The Lord Deputy, Lord Mountjoy, finding that the O’Mores could not be suppressed by fighting, determined to subdue them by famine; and for this purpose he organized an expedition with the main object of destroying the growing grain crops, and he entered Leix, as the “Annals of the Four Masters” describe, “ with many harrows and pracas (i.e., harrows with very long spikes), with many scythes and reaping-hooks, and destroyed or reaped the ripe and unripe crops of the territory.”

    In a journal2 kept of the Lord Deputy’s movements on this expedition it appears that he started from Dublin on Tuesday, the 12tli August, and reached Naas, and on the next day he proceeded on to Moone ; the strength of his force was then 800 foot and 100 horse. From Moone he wrote to the Earl of Ormond to march his company and that of Sir Christopher St. Lawrence, both horse and foot, into Leix by Idough, and to meet him on Sunday night at Cullinagh Castle. On the 14th the Lord Deputy made a detour from Moone towards Donnell Spamagh Kavanagh’s country (the County Carlow Barony of Idrone), and in the evening turned to Carlow. On the way he directed Sir James fitz Pierce FitzGerald, of Ballyshannon (County Kildare), and Sir Henry Folliott, with 400 men, to enter Leix that night in another direction to capture cattle. On the morning of the 15th the Lord Deputy ordered the horse

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 62

36. The O'Donoghue Rides Lough Leane on May Day

    near Lough Leane · lake or lakes · Kerry

    Tradition tells that The O'Donoghue of the Loughs dwells beneath Lough Leane, the Lower Lake at Killarney, and is seen riding over its waters before sunrise on May Day each year.

    Read the passage

    The similarity of these two legends is very remarkable. Of Celtic chiefs, too, like traditions are also related. One is told of The O’Donoghue of the Loughs, who dwells beneath Lough Leane (the Lower Lake), at Killarney, and is to be seen riding over its waters before sunrise on May Day in each year. Another deals with Ivor mac Crom O’Donovan, Chief of Carbery, in the County Cork, who erected the castle called Castle Ivor, in the parish of Myross, in 1251 , and who was a famous navigator and necromancer. Once in seven years he and his ship are seen on Lough Cluhir, which is situated in the townland of Listarkin.

    Arms.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 323

37. The Poisoned Loaf at Ballyleageen, Kilkea

    Kilkea · parish · Kildare

    Two brothers named Lawlor worked for Mr. Hobson at Kilkea, cutting grass in Ballyleageen, a former graveyard. One brother found and ate a loaf of bread left on a ditch that his mother had not actually put there, and died within days, followed by his brother within six months.

    Read the passage

    Kilkea. — Another thing I remember perfectly well myself: There were two brothers by the name of Lawlor ; they were working at Mr. Hobson’s, of Kilkea, and they had been cutting grass in Ballyleageen, formerly a graveyard, and this day the mother went into the town and told Jim she’d leave his dinner on the ditch on her way. He was ploughing ; and when he came to the headland, he saw a loaf of bread on the ditch and he eat it, and begor that night he was took bad, and he was dead in a couple of days. His mother never put the loaf there at all. And the other brother was dead inside of six months.

    Ardscull. — The “ Dthullah ” is nearly in “the churchyard field ” at Moatfield, by the roadside, and is where the stillborn children were buried.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 130

38. William le Marshal founds Tintern Abbey after a vow

    near Tintern Abbey · monument · Wexford · 1200

    William le Marshal founded the Cistercian Abbey of Tintern near Bannow Bay around 1200, fulfilling a vow made during a storm at sea to build a monastery where he first landed if he escaped the peril threatening his ship.

    Read the passage

    William le Marshal was the son of John, whose grandfather first held the office of Mareschal to King Henry I ; from that office, which became hereditary in the family, was derived the surname. William le Marshal, in 1191, was appointed Chief Governor of Ireland — an office he held for the three following years. He built the Castle of Kilkenny, which became his chief residence, and granted that town a charter, conferring privileges upon the settlers, who formed themselves into a municipality ; he did the same thing for Catherlagh or Carlow. About the year 1200 he founded near the west shore of Bannow Bay in the County Wexford the Cistercian Abbey of Tintern, styled “ de voto,” or “ of the vow,” because its endowment was to fulfil a vow which he had made, during a storm in the Irish Sea, to erect a monastery where he should first land, if he escaped the perils which threatened to overwhelm the ship ; the abbey was peopled from, and named after, the more celebrated establishment in Monmouthshire. In 1219 William le Marshal’s death took place, and he was buried in the Black Abbey of Kilkenny, which had been founded by him.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 215

39. Battle in the woods of Camagh near Ballyfin

    Ballyfin · townland · Laois · 1598

    A fierce battle took place in the great woods of the Camagh, near Ballyfin in the parish of Clonenagh, in which James Butler, nephew of the Earl of Ormond, was slain and Brian Reagh O'More mortally wounded; the English camp is thought to have been pitched on Conlawn Hill.

    Read the passage

    The Earl of Ormond, in his report on this defeat, makes light of it, and writes that the loss on his side was “ my dearest nephew, Captain James Butler, who was slain with some few private soldiers, and no other man of account. Brian Reogh O’More, the most mischievous and malicious traitor and practiser among them, being the commander of all the rest, was slain, with divers others, and most of their leaders maimed and hurt.” Lord Ormond adds that the scene of the fight was in the great woods of the Camagh.1 This name is now obsolete, but it is marked down on the Old Map of Leix, where it is spelt ££ Cammogh,” and its situation is shown as lying between Ballyfin and Iry, in the northern portion of the Parish of Clonenagh. The high hill on which the English camp was pitched may have been Conlawn Hill, to the west of Ballyfin.

    Sir Geoffrey Fenton, Secretary in Ireland, writing on the 24th of July from Dublin to Sir Robert Cecil, states that this fight took place on the 10th of July (the ££ Annals of the Four Masters ” appear to have antedated it by a few days), and writes that ££ the fight was sharp for the time it continued ; and the place being £ plashed ’ (i.e., fortified) before, to the advantage of the rebels, the attempt was so much the more to our disadvantage and danger ; and yet, God be thanked, we lost not above a dozen or twenty men, and as many hurt ; and no man of reckoning slain but Captain Butler, the Lord Lieutenant’s nephew, a young man of red hair, whom your Honour may remember to have been brought up in the Court as page to his lordship. Since this exploit, nothing has ensued worth advertising, but the Lord Lieutenant, being grieved and nettled at the loss of his nephew, is preparing to attempt the rebels again in their places of strength.”2

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 49

40. Cromwellian forces dismantle and blow up Dunamase

    Park or Dunamase · townland · Laois · 1650

    In 1650 Cromwell's Generals Hewson and Reynolds took possession of Dunamase Castle, dismantled it and blew it up, ending its centuries-long role as a fortress.

    Read the passage

    who dismantled it and blew it up. In the following century Sir John Parnell conceived the idea of restoring it to its ancient splendour, erected banqueting-halls and other buildings, and had the precincts covered with handsome plantations. But its position was evidently unsuited to the requirements of a modern residence; and so his son, Sir Henry Coote Parnell, allowed it to fall into permanent decay.

    The following pen-pictures of Dunamase may be found interesting to the reader : —

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 128

    As the companion tells it

    Close to Park or Dunamase, Dunamase Castle stood for centuries as a fortress until 1650. Cromwell's generals Hewson and Reynolds took possession, dismantled it and blew it up. A century later Sir John Parnell tried to restore it, erecting banqueting-halls and handsome plantations, but the position was unsuited to a modern residence. His son Sir Henry Coote Parnell allowed it to fall into permanent decay.

41. Danes plunder Dunamase and martyr the abbot

    Park or Dunamase · townland · Laois · 843

    In 843 the Four Masters record that Dun Masg was plundered by Viking raiders, and Hugh, son of Duffechrich, abbot of Terryglass and Clonenagh, was seized and carried into Munster where he suffered martyrdom.

    Read the passage

    Like so many places in Ireland, Dunamase suffered from the ravages of the Danes. A.D. 843 the Four Masters relate that Dun Masg was plundered by the foreigners, and that Hugh, son of Duffechrich, the abbot of Terryglass and Clonenagh, was seized by them and carried into Munster, where he suffered martyrdom.

    On the arrival of the English, Dunamase was in possession of Dermot MacMurrough, King of Leinster. It fell into the possession of Strongbow on his marriage with the Princess Eva ; and when their only daughter, Isabel, married William, Earl Marshall, Dunamase, with the adjacent territory, became the property of the said Earl.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 124

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here in 843, Viking raiders plundered Dun Masg. The Four Masters record that they seized Hugh, son of Duffechrich, abbot of Terryglass and Clonenagh, and carried him into Munster, where he suffered martyrdom.

42. Government forces ambushed in Glenmalure

    near Glenmalur · valley · Wicklow · 1580

    A Government hosting led by the Lord Justice and Captain Malby pursued Irish insurgents into the fastnesses of Glenmalure in 1580, but the force was ambushed and slaughtered, forcing Lord Grey to retreat to Dublin.

    Read the passage

    [a.d. 1580.] A hosting was made by the Lord Justice and Captain Malby, to scatter and disperse these war-like plunderers. When the insurgents had heard of the approach of such an overwhelming force, they retreated into their fastnesses in the rough and rugged recesses of Glenmalure. The Lord Justice then selected the most trustworthy and best captains of his army, and despatched them, at the head of eight or nine companies of soldiers, to search and explore Glenmalure ; but they were responded to without delay by the parties that guarded the valley, so that very few of these returned without being cut off and dreadfully slaughtered by the Irish party.

    When the scanty remnant of the force brought in its account of the disaster, Lord Grey struck camp, and hastily returned to Dublin, a sadder and much wiser man.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 240

43. Legend of the pagan who fell through St. Patrick's Chapel roof

    Ardrass · townland · Mayo

    Local tradition at Ardrass held that St. Patrick built the little stone chapel in a single night, and that an evil-disposed pagan who tried to demolish it the next morning fell through a hole he made in the roof and broke his neck, sparing the rest of the building.

    Read the passage

    The only tradition in connexion with St. Patrick’s Chapel, which I heard on the spot, was that it was built in a single night by our national saint, and that next morning an evil-disposed pagan attempted to demolish it. He commenced by making a hole in the middle of the roof, through which he fell and broke his neck ; thus the remainder of the building escaped. The damage referred to was made good at the restoration.

    A few perches away in the northerly direction is the low hill,

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 271

44. Plundering of Gleann Uisean and destruction of oratory

    Killeshin · townland · Laois · 1041

    Gleann Uisean was plundered by the son of Mael-na-mbo, the oratory was demolished, and seven hundred persons were carried off as prisoners, in revenge for the plundering of Fearna-mor (Ferns).

    Read the passage

    1041. Gleann Uisean was plundered by the son of Mael-na-mbo (i.e. by Diarmaid son of Donnchadh, lord of Ui Ceinseallaigh) and the oratory was demolished, and seven hundred persons were carried off as prisoners from thence, in revenge of the plundering of Fearnamor (i.e. Ferns, County Wexford) by Donnchadh, son of Brian Borumha (King of Munster), and Murchadh, son of Dunlaing (King of Leinster), and in revenge of his brother Domhnall .Reamhar (i.e. the fat), who had been slain by them.

    1045. Cathasach Ua Corcrain, comharba (i.e. coarb, or successor) of Gleann Uisean, died.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 136

45. Poisoning of Art MacMurrough and His Brehon at New Ross

    New Ross · townland · Wexford · 1417

    Art MacMurrough and his Chief Brehon O'Doran are supposed to have been poisoned by a woman at Ros-mic-Triuin, the ancient name of New Ross in County Wexford, in 1417.

    Read the passage

    Constable of Carlow Castle. In 1484 his widow Joan was the wife of John Eustace, of Newland, County Kildare.1 In this same year occurs the only mention of the town of Carlow by the Four Masters in their “Annals of Ireland.” The entry is as follows : — “ MacMurrough Art, son of Art, son of Murtough, son of Maurice Kavanagh, King of Leinster, waged war with the English, during which the Contoe Reagh (i.e., the grey county, or County Wexford), together with Carlow and Castledermot, were plundered and burned.” Art MacMurrough’s death took place in the year 1417. His Chief Brehon, O’Doran, died at the same time. They are supposed to have been poisoned by a woman at Ros-mic-Triuin, which is the ancient name of New Boss in the County Wexford.

    In 1411, on the Saturday after the Feast of St. Edward the Confessor (18th March), an Inquisition was held in Carlow to ascertain the lands, rents, and services due to the Crown, of Thomas de Mowbray (junior), Earl Marshal of England, who died issueless on the 4th of June, 1404. His heir was his brother, Sir John2 ( vide Pedigree).

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 222

46. Richard FitzGerald's marriage and execution at Tyburn

    Powerscourt · parish · Wicklow · 1534–1587

    Richard FitzGerald, holder of the manors of Powerscourt, Fassaghroe and Rathdown, married Matilda Darcy but was arrested in 1585 for aiding against his nephew's rebellion and was executed at Tyburn along with his brothers and nephew.

    Read the passage

    At the time of the outbreak of the Silken Thomas’s rebellion, which occurred in June, 1584, his uncle, Richard FitzGerald, was in possession of the Manors of Powerscourt, Fassaghroe, and Rathdown. He married towards the end of that year Matilda, daughter of George Darcy, of Platin, in the County Meath, and widow of James Mareward, of Kilcarne, Baron of Skreen.1 2 Though opposed to his nephew’s rebellion, against whom he aided the Government, yet Richard FitzGerald was arrested in August, 1585, and eventually suffered the same fate at Tyburn as his four brothers and nephew in February, 1587. He left no issue by his wife, who, in 1538, was granted a pardon for having instigated Richard to slay her first husband on the 14th September, 1534. 3

    On the 10th of August, 1538, an Inquisition3 was taken in Dublin to ascertain what lands this Richard FitzGerald held of the Crown at the time of his attainder. Thomas Luttrell, the Chief Justice, presided, and the following jury was sworn : — Richard Walche, of Kilgobane ; Walter Walche, of Shanganaghe ; Gerald Archebold, of Bree ; William Arcbebold, of the same ; William Walshe, of Kyllenena ; Reginald Talbot, of Belgard ; Patrick Mangon, of Loghton ; Shane More, of Crumlen ; John Bathe, of the same ; Patrick Russell, of Uncastell ; David Galroy, of Tassagard ; and David Seman, of the same — who say on their oaths that at a Parliament held in Dublin on 1st Ma}7, 1536, by Lord Leonard Grey, the Lord Deputy, the following order was passed : —

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 102

47. The Parys family of Agher and Silken Thomas's rebellion

    Agher · townland · Meath · 1534–1535

    Christopher Parys, a Lord of Agher whose Anglo-Norman family had held the area since the 14th century, joined the rebellion of Silken Thomas in 1534 and was one of the chief defenders (or betrayer) of Maynooth Castle when it was besieged and taken in 1535.

    Read the passage

    In the sixteenth century this Anglo-Norman family had, like many others of the same race, revolted from the Crown. They joined in the rebellion of Silken Thomas (1534), and Christopher Parys was one of the chief defenders, and by some accounts, the betrayer, of the castle of Maynootli, when it was besieged and taken by the Lord Deputy, Skeffington, in 1535.

    Later in the same century George Parys is found in close alliance with the O’Connors of Offaly in their wars against the English Crown. When Brian O’Connor, chief of Offaly, was finally brought to London and detained as a hostage, George Parys of Agher with young Cormack O’Connor entered into negotiation with Shane O’Neill and with the rulers of Scotland and of France to form a combination against the English. In a letter from the Lord Justice, Sir William Brabazon, dated 21st May, 1550, it is requested “that O’Conor may be detained in England, considering how oft he has been an offender, and that no reconciliation could wynne, neither othe ne [oath nor] promise staye him to abstayne from rebellion, and how this George Parys who hath been . . . with the French King,

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 145

48. Art MacMurrough Plunders and Burns Carlow and Castledermot

    Carlow · townland · Carlow · 1417

    In 1484 (recte earlier date discussed) the only mention of Carlow by the Four Masters records that Art MacMurrough waged war with the English, during which the county of Wexford, together with Carlow and Castledermot, were plundered and burned. Art MacMurrough died in 1417, reportedly poisoned along with his Chief Brehon O'Doran by a woman at New Ross.

    Read the passage

    Constable of Carlow Castle. In 1484 his widow Joan was the wife of John Eustace, of Newland, County Kildare.1 In this same year occurs the only mention of the town of Carlow by the Four Masters in their “Annals of Ireland.” The entry is as follows : — “ MacMurrough Art, son of Art, son of Murtough, son of Maurice Kavanagh, King of Leinster, waged war with the English, during which the Contoe Reagh (i.e., the grey county, or County Wexford), together with Carlow and Castledermot, were plundered and burned.” Art MacMurrough’s death took place in the year 1417. His Chief Brehon, O’Doran, died at the same time. They are supposed to have been poisoned by a woman at Ros-mic-Triuin, which is the ancient name of New Boss in the County Wexford.

    In 1411, on the Saturday after the Feast of St. Edward the Confessor (18th March), an Inquisition was held in Carlow to ascertain the lands, rents, and services due to the Crown, of Thomas de Mowbray (junior), Earl Marshal of England, who died issueless on the 4th of June, 1404. His heir was his brother, Sir John2 ( vide Pedigree).

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 222

49. Battle of Clane, 82 AD, King Mesgegra beheaded

    Clane · town · Kildare · 82

    A battle was fought at the ford of Clane in the year 82 A.D. between the men of Leinster and the Ulstermen, in which Mesgegra, King of Leinster, was defeated. A cup-stone opposite Mr. Penrhyn's gate is pointed out as the spot where his head was cut off to be borne in triumph to the North.

    Read the passage

    fought in the year 82 a.d. between the men of Leinster and the Ulstermen, and Mesgegra, King of Leinster, was defeated. A cup-stone of great antiquity just opposite Mr. Penrhyn’s gate, is pointed out as the spot on which his head was cut off, to be borne in triumph to the North. Here was an ancient Irish Abbey founded by St. Ailbe, and some centuries later on the near side of the river, the Anglo-Normans built another abbey, the remains of which may still be seen. The first fight of 1798 took place at Clane.

    The old bridge of Clane was of great antiquity, with six arches, but the roadway being narrow, the present Alexandra Bridge was built in its stead. It is said that the old masonry was so solid that the bridge had to be blown up ; there is no fear of that being necessary for the present one ! Until lately a woollen mill was in operation here.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 207

50. Betrayal of Maynooth Castle by the Earl's Foster-Brother

    Maynooth · town · Kildare · 1535

    During the rebellion of Silken Thomas, Maynooth Castle was betrayed by Christopher Pares, the Earl's own foster-brother, in March 1535, leading native septs to desert the rebellious Geraldine's cause.

    Read the passage

    In 1524 a Maurice Keating was Constable of Carlow Castle. The rebellion of “ the Silken Thomas,” afterwards 10th Earl of Kildare, due to the reported beheading of his father in the Tower of London, broke out on St. Barnabas’ Day (11th June), 1534. He promptly seized the Castles of Portlester in the County Meath; Lea in the Queen’s County; Maynooth, Rathangan, Kilkea, the White Castle at the bridge of Athy, Woodstock, and Castledermot in the County Kildare ; and that of Carlow, all of which he provided with arms, cannon, ammunition, and victuals, and garrisoned principally with levies supplied by his Irish allies, the MacMurroughs, O’Mores, O’Connors, O’Byrnes, and O’Tooles. When it was, and after what length of a siege (if any), the Castle of Carlow was retaken from the Silken Thomas’s adherents by Pierce, Earl of Ormond and Ossory, is not recorded ; but it is probable that when the native septs were gradually induced to desert the cause of the rebellious Geraldine, after the betrayal of Maynooth Castle by Christopher Pares (the Earl’s own foster-brother) in the month of March, 1585, Carlow Castle may have been peaceably surrendered. Anyhow, in reward for his services in defending the Castle during the remainder of the rebellion, Lord James Butler, son of Pierce, Earl of Ormond, was on the 27th of October, 1587, appointed Constable of the Castle, and was granted a lease of the Manor.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 225

    As the companion tells it

    The road is bringing you through Maynooth, a town in Kildare with a castle at the heart of one of the great betrayals in Irish history. In June 1534, Silken Thomas, afterwards 10th Earl of Kildare, rose in rebellion. The cause was a report that his father had been beheaded in the Tower of London. He moved fast, seizing castles across the country. In Kildare alone he took Maynooth, Rathangan, Kilkea, the White Castle at the bridge of Athy, Woodstock, and Castledermot. He armed them all with cannon, ammunition, and victuals, and garrisoned them with levies supplied by his Irish allies, the MacMurroughs, the O'Mores, the O'Connors, the O'Byrnes, and the O'Tooles. Then in March 1535, Maynooth Castle was betrayed. The man who opened it was Christopher Pares, the Earl's own foster-brother. After that betrayal, the native septs were gradually induced to desert the cause of the rebellious Geraldine. The alliance that had held those castles began to come apart, and the rebellion of Silken Thomas moved toward its end.

51. Destruction of Killeshin Round Tower in 1708

    Killeshin · townland · Laois · 1708

    The Round Tower at Killeshin, one of only two in Queen's County (the other at Timahoe), was deliberately undermined and demolished in 1708 by a man named Bambrick, employed by Captain Wolseley. It took three days' work and the tower, measured at 105 feet, fell to the ground.

    Read the passage

    “ Munday ye 8th Day of March 170f, that day the Steeple of Killeshan undermined and flung down by one Bambrick, imployed by Captain Wolseley, in Three Days Worke.

    “ 170f, 8th March at 3 of the clocke in ye afternoon ye Steeple fell to ye ground, being measured it was 105 feet high, or in length.”

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 137

52. Discovery of royal portraits in burned dwelling

    Gortnaclea · townland · Laois · 1600

    During the march past Gortnaclea Castle towards Kilgighy, the army found a dwelling containing the Queen's picture behind the door and the King of Spain's picture at the upper end of the table, before burning it along with other houses.

    Read the passage

    On the 18th the Lord Deputy’s force searched the country for cattle, and captured many cows, sheep, and goats. Here he was joined by the Earl of Ormond and Sir Christopher St. Lawrence with their forces. On the 19th the army marched by the pass of Cashel (the Pass of the Plumes) to Ballyroan ; and on the 20th continued their march past Gortnaclea Castle, where the Earl of Ormond had been kept a prisoner by Owny mac Rory, to “ Kilgighy ” in Ossory. All along the route the crops were destroyed and the dwellings burned; in one of the latter “ was found the Queen’s picture behind the door, and the King of Spain’s at the upper end of the table.” For the next three days the same work of destruction was continued without opposition, and on the 24tli August the Lord Deputy returned into Leix again, approached the Pass of the Plumes, which was reported to be strongly held by the rebels, including Donnell Spaniagh Kavanagh, who, however, here made his submission on his knees and was granted a protection for twelve days, on which he withdrew his forces from the ranks of the rebels, and retired up the hillside to watch the issue of the coming fight in the Pass. On entering the upper pass, the rebels “ began to skirmish with a great cry, charging home ; our men beat them presently into the lower pass, and from thence into the bog, and so on into the wood beyond it, to the loss and hurt of many of them, and Captain William Tyrrell was shot in the reins (kidneys) of which it is said he is since dead. Whereupon the Lord Deputy

    1 This occurred at the fight of the Pass of the Plumes on 17th May, 1599; Captain Ralph Boswell and “one Gardiner,” lieutenant to Sir Henry Dockwra, having pursued some rebels who took refuge on a bog, being heavily weighted in armour, got bogged, and were slain before they could be rescued (“ Cal. of State Papers,” 1599-1600, p. 43).

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 64

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, on the 20th of August 1600, the Lord Deputy's army marched past Gortnaclea Castle on its way to Kilgighy in Ossory. The castle itself had been the place where the Earl of Ormond was once held prisoner by Owny mac Rory. As the army moved through, the crops were destroyed and the dwellings burned all along the route. In one of those houses, they found the Queen's picture behind the door and the King of Spain's at the upper end of the table. The discovery of a Spanish king's portrait in a household here speaks to the loyalties at play in this part of the country at the time. The destruction continued for three more days without opposition as the Lord Deputy pressed on through Leix. On the 24th of August he returned toward the Pass of the Plumes, where Donnell Spaniagh Kavanagh made his submission on his knees and was granted a protection for twelve days. When the rebels skirmished at the upper pass, the Lord Deputy's men drove them back through the lower pass and into the bog and wood beyond, and Captain William Tyrrell was shot in the kidneys, of which it was said he had since died.

53. Duke of Ormonde orders destruction of Powerscourt Castle in 1649

    Powerscourt · parish · Wicklow · 1649

    The Duke of Ormonde instructed Colonel Hugh O'Byrne to march his foot regiment to Powerscourt and demolish its castle, along with others in the locality, to prevent the buildings being occupied by Puritan (Parliamentarian) forces.

    Read the passage

    The Castle of Powerscourt is not now in existence, and I believe its very site is unknown. On the 9tli September, 1649, the Duke of Ormonde sent instructions to Colonel Hugh O’Byrne to proceed with his foot regiment to Powerscourt and destroy its castle, as well as others in the locality, to prevent their being occupied by the Puritan forces.4 On the 16th February, 1650, William Basil, Attorney-General of Ireland, wrote to William Lentlial, Speaker of the Parliament in England, that on the 6th inst., 4 ‘ information being given that five companies of the (Irish) enemies’ foot were come to Powers Court, about eight miles from here (Dublin), on the Wicklow side, a party was sent from this place under the command of Sir Theophilus Jones, to beat them out, or fight them, but before

    1 Erck’s “ Repertory of Chancery Patent Rolls of James I’s Reign.”

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 109

54. Edward Bruce burns Carlow and other towns in 1314

    Carlow · townland · Carlow · 1314

    In 1314 Edward Bruce, brother of Robert the King of Scotland, marched from the north towards Limerick, burning and destroying towns including Naas, Castledermot, Cathirlogh (Carlow), Gowran, Callan, and Cashel.

    Read the passage

    In 1314 Edward Bruce, brother of Robert the King of Scotland, during his attempt to subdue Ireland, proceeded from the north towards Limerick, burning and destroying towns, dwellings, cattle, and crops which lay in his march through the country. Among the towns which suffered were Naas, Tristeldermot (Castledermot), Cathirlogh, Balla-Gawran (now Gowran), Callan, and Cashel.3

    In 1326, in the month of July, about eighty of the inhabitants of Cathyrlaht and its neighbourhood were slain by the O’Mores of Leix.4

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 219

55. Fatal Consequences of Cutting a Lone-Bush

    Kildare · town · Kildare

    A herdsman named Nowlan cut down a lone-bush (fairy thorn) and subsequently lost all his children and his livestock, illustrating the belief that such bushes belonged to old raths and should not be disturbed.

    Read the passage

    A lone-bush. — And another quare thing was : There was a herd to the rale ould masther, by the name of Nowlan, and he had a big family of childther, eight or nine, and he should go out one day and cut a lone-bush ; well, all his childther died on him, and he lost every one of his stock. No, it isn’t right to meddle with those things ; I never cut a lone-bush nor wouldn’t ; you couldn’t tell but they belonged to some old rath or another.

    Kilkea. — Another thing I remember perfectly well myself: There were two brothers by the name of Lawlor ; they were working at Mr. Hobson’s, of Kilkea, and they had been cutting grass in Ballyleageen, formerly a graveyard, and this day the mother went into the town and told Jim she’d leave his dinner on the ditch on her way. He was ploughing ; and when he came to the headland, he saw a loaf of bread on the ditch and he eat it, and begor that night he was took bad, and he was dead in a couple of days. His mother never put the loaf there at all. And the other brother was dead inside of six months.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 130

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Kildare town, the story goes that a herdsman named Nowlan, who worked for the old master and had eight or nine children, went out one day and cut down a lone-bush. After that, every one of his children died, and he lost his entire stock of livestock. People believed you should never cut a lone-bush, because you couldn't tell but it belonged to some old rath. Not far away at Kilkea, two brothers named Lawlor were working for Mr. Hobson, cutting grass in Ballyleageen, which had once been a graveyard. Their mother told Jim she would leave his dinner on the ditch on her way into town. He was ploughing, and when he came to the headland he found a loaf of bread on the ditch and ate it. That night he took bad and was dead within a couple of days. His mother had never put the loaf there at all. The other brother was dead within six months.

56. O'Tooles capture and destroy Powerscourt garrison, 1535

    Powerscourt · parish · Wicklow · 1535

    Gerald Aylmer, Chief Justice of the King's Bench, wrote in 1585 (actually referring to events c.1535) that the O'Tooles entered Powerscourt by treachery while Sir William Brabazon was campaigning near Naas, and razed the fortification to the ground, calling it a great loss.

    Read the passage

    On the 21st of August, 1585, Gerald Aylmer, Chief Justice of the King’s Bench, wrote to Thomas Cromwell, the Lord Privy Seal, that while Sir William Brabazon, the Treasurer, was operating against the Silken Thomas’s forces in the neighbourhood of Naas for the protection of Dublin, the O’Tooles “ entered by tradyment into Powers Courte, oon of the fairest garrysons in this countrie (the buylding whereof cost the oolde Erie of Kildare, and the inhabitauntis of the countie of Dublin, 4 or 5000 markis, for the defence against the Thooles and the Birnes), and prostrated the same downe to the grounde, which is a grete losse.’’1 In the following year the Privy Council of Ireland makes several references to the works being carried on for “ the reedifienge of Powerscourte.”

    On the 23rd September, 1587, a grant of the Manors of Powerscourt, Fassaghroe, and Bathdown was made by the Crown to Pierce (or Peter) Talbot, of “ Kilmahioke,” near Dublin,2 who was the second son of Robert Talbot, of Belgard, by his wife, Margaret, daughter of (?) Sir Robert Eustace, Kt., of Ballvcutland, now Coglanstown, in the County Kildare.3 An Edward VI Fiant (No. 268) records the pardon in 1549 of the same individual, wherein he is described as “ Peter Talbot, of Sliankill or Fassaugheroo, Gent., son of Robert Talbot, late of Belgarde.”

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 105

57. Owny mac Rory ravages Leix and slays Alexander Cosby at Stradbally

    Stradbally · town · Laois · 1596

    Owny, son of Rury oge O'More, ravaged the territory of Leix, destroying crops and dwellings, and slew Alexander Cosby, an English planter settled at Stradbally-Leix. His eldest son Francis Cosby was also killed in the same incident.

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    “He slew a gentleman of the English who was seated at Stradbally- Leix, who possessed a large portion of the territory by authority of the Sovereign, namely, Alexander Cosby, the son of Master Francis.”

    The Annals omit to say that Alexander’s eldest son, Francis Cosby, was also slain on this occasion. On the 19th of May, William Cosby, Alexander’s second son, sent a despatch to Sir William Russell, the Lord Deputy, reporting the disaster, in which he states that Owny mac Rory came with a large force of rebels, and that his father and elder brother were killed, along with five men, but that George O’More was slain in the combat, and divers of the rebels were wounded.1 The Lord Chancellor on the 20th, in his report, states that “ Mr. Alexander Cosbie and his eldest son Francis were slain at the gate of his house of Stradbally by the protected Mores. ” 2

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 42

58. Preston withdraws to the fastness of Portlester, 1647

    Portlester · townland · Meath · 1647

    Abandoning the siege of Trim upon Jones's approach, Preston withdrew his army to the naturally fortified stronghold of Portlester, near Earl's Mill by the Stonyford River, described as a place where an army might sooner starve than be forced out.

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    On the same day Preston, abandoning the siege of Trim, withdrew to the “ great and secure fastness of Portlester,” about six statute miles further west. This place, from which the Eustaces, Barons of Portlester, took their title, is not to be found on the ordnance survey map, but was situated at Earl’s Mill, near Earl’s Bridge on the Stonyford River, and was, writes Bellings, “ naturally so fortified with bogs and marshes as an army might sooner be starved in it than forced out of it.” On Friday, 6th August, Jones arrived at Trimblestown, within two miles of Portlester, and sent on a body of horse to reconnoitre the position. They found that the two “ passages that lead into that fastness ” had been fortified the night before,2 and there was no hope of a successful attack. Hoping to draw the foe from his lurking-place, Jones laid siege to Barnewall’s Castle, Trimblestown, and wasted the surrounding country. A quaint contemporary drawing, preserved in “Ulster’s” Office, shows a Parliamentary soldier in the act of cutting down the green corn, his eye the while steadily fixed on the neighbouring Castle of Portlester. But everything for the moment seemed to favour Preston. The northern troops had engaged to act with Jones for ten days only, as he could not guarantee their pay for a longer period. After three clear days they would leave him facing superior numbers, while Dublin in his rear was in perilous position, the flower of its garrison being now engaged in the field. If at this crisis the co-operation of General O’Neill’s army had not been banned, there can be little doubt of the result of the campaign. O’Neill, though far away from the theatre of war,

    1 Printed in appendix to Meehan’s ‘ ‘ History of the Confederation of Kilkenny.”

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 293

59. Rory Oge's siege and killing of household at his cabin dwelling

    Shrule · townland · Laois · 1577

    In September 1577, following the capture of Sir Henry Harrington near his fastest places, Robert Harpoole besieged Rory Oge's cabin dwelling, killing his wife, twenty-six of his best men, and Connor O'Connor, while Rory Oge himself narrowly escaped by crawling between soldiers' legs into the plashes of trees.

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    “ Then I made war upon the rebel ; I went into his fastest places, and though my men prevailed he still kept my nephew ; but through Robert Harpoole" 1 beset his cabanish dwelling. The rebel had within it twentysix of his best and most assured men, his wife,3 the wife of his marshal, and Connor O’Connor, an ancient and rank rebel of long maintained in Scotland, who in that place and time was killed by a man of mine named John Parker. There was also killed the wife of Rory Oge, and all his men ;4 only there escaped himself and his marshal called Shane mac Rory reogh, in truith miraculously, for they crope between the legs of the soldiers into the fastness of the plashes of trees. Rory Oge confessed,

    1 “ Cal. of Carew Manuscripts,” 1575-88, p. 355.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun

60. Starvation and desperate letters from the besieged Fort of Maryborough

    Maryborough · townland · Laois · 1598

    By late November 1598 the garrison of the Fort of Maryborough was in great straits for food and ammunition; messengers sent to report their desperate situation were intercepted, with two hanged, one captured, and another escaping through the forest on foot.

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    In spite of the re-victualling of the Fort of Maryborough in September (as above mentioned), the garrison, towards the end of November, were again in great straits for want of both food and ammunition. On the 17tli of December the Earl of Ormond informed the Privy Council that he hoped shortly to renew the supplies there, and enclosed a communication, dated the 26th of November, he had received from “the inhabitants of the Fort/’ in which they state that Captain Michael Marshall had written to the Earl three or four letters, the bearers of which had been intercepted and two of them hanged. They have since persuaded David Good, an Englishman and Vicar of the Fort, and James Rogers to endanger themselves in bearing letters to him stating the situation, which by word of mouth they were to explain was desperate, but which in the letters, in order to deceive the enemy if they were intercepted, they said they were well provided for in every way. Rogers, it appears, was thrown from his horse, which became restive when the rebels rushed out to bar his way, and was captured ; Good was obliged to dismount, and managed to make his escape on foot through the forest.3

    1 “ Cal. of State Papers, Ire.,” 1598-9, p. 260.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 50