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

Strongbow's burial and destroyed effigy at Christ Church

Christ Church Cathedral · ecclesiastical site · Dublin · 1176–1562

Strongbow died in Dublin in April 1176 and was buried in Christ Church Cathedral, where a Knight's effigy is pointed out as representing him, though the tomb belongs to a later period; the supposed effigy was destroyed when the roof fell in 1562.

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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.
Isabel de Clare became a ward of Henry II in England, and remained under the royal guardianship for the space of fourteen years, when she was given in marriage to William le Mareschal

Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 214

As the companion tells it

Right here at Christ Church Cathedral is where Strongbow was buried after his death in Dublin in April 1176. He had become Lord of Leinster in right of his wife Eva, and the lordship was held under the Crown, which received certain rents and services. Leinster in his time stretched over Dublin, Kildare, the northern part of the Queen's County, Leix, Ossory, Carlow, Kilkenny, and Wexford. His sister Basilia was married to Raymond le gros FitzGerald, Baron of Idrone in County Carlow. A Knight's effigy in the cathedral is pointed out as representing Strongbow, though the tomb belongs to a later period than his. That supposed effigy was destroyed when the roof of Christ Church fell in in 1562. At the time of his death he left an only daughter and heiress named Isabel. Isabel de Clare became a ward of Henry the Second in England and remained under royal guardianship for fourteen years, when she was given in marriage to William le Mareschal.

The fairy man of Rathtoole

Rathtoole · townland · Wicklow

On the Rathtoole townland near Timolin, remains of a castle and vaulted chambers were said by old people to be haunted by a tall fairy man in an old-fashioned blue coat with brass buttons, who was often seen but never spoke to anyone.

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Mr. W. H. Twamley, who lives at Batlitoole House, informs me that there were the remains of a castle and vaulted chambers on his farm some years ago, which he was informed by the old people were frequented by a fairy man, who often appeared in a quaint, oldfashioned cut of blue coat, with brass buttons, &c., and though he was often seen, yet he was never known to speak to anyone. He stands about 8 feet in height. There is a field on the townland called “ the Oldtown ” ; and the rath, which gives the name to the place, is in good preservation, and crowns the summit of a steep hill on the land.
W. FitzG.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 241

'The Graves' burial-ground granted to Catholics of Carlow

Carlow · townland · Carlow · 1787

The burial-ground called 'The Graves' near the Barrow on the north side of Carlow town is said to have been granted in the time of James I by the Earl of Thomond for the use of Catholics, since St. Mary's churchyard had been appropriated by Protestants. Bishop James O'Keefe, founder of St. Patrick's College, was interred there in 1787.

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The burial-ground called “ The Graves ” lies near the Barrow on the north side of the town. It is said to have been granted in the time of James I by the Lord of the Manor, the Earl of Thomond, for the use of the Catholics of the town, St. Mary’s Churchyard having been appropriated by the Protestants. In it was interred the body of the Most Rev. James O’Keefe, d.d., Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin, who died on the 18th of September, 1787, the year in which he founded the College of St. Patrick, in Carlow, for the education of those intending to enter the Irish priesthood.
Of recent years a new cemetery has been provided for the town. The site selected was on the townland of Rathnapish, lying to the north-east of Carlow.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 260

148 Castles Destroyed in County Catherlagh Within Nine Years

Carlow · townland · Carlow · 1435

In 1435 the Privy Council reported to the King that within the previous nine years there had been 148 castles and defensible piles in County Catherlagh, well-vaulted, embattled, and inhabited, that were now destroyed and under subjection of the enemies, save Castles of Catherlagh and Tullow.

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In 1435 the Privy Council in Dublin addressed a letter to the King, for presentation to the Viceroy, in which it points out the desperately unsettled state of the country. Referring to the County Carlow, it states that — “ The County Catherlagh, which lies to the south-west part of the City of Dublin, within this thirty years was one of the keys of the land, midway between the said city and the outparts — that is to say, the Counties of Kilkenny and Tipperary ; and the province of Cashel also is inhabited with enemies and rebels, save the Castles of Catherlagh and Tillagh (? Tullow). Within these nine years there were within the said County of Catherlagh 148 castles and piles defensible, well-vaulted, embattled, and inhabited, that now are destroyed and under the subjection of the said enemies.”4
The Privy Council laid the chief blame for this state of affairs on the frequent changes of Viceroys, and their nonresidence in the disaffected parts.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 222

1599 fight at the Pass of the Plumes: death of Boswell and Gardiner

Pass of the Plumes · pass · Laois · 1599

In an earlier engagement at the Pass of the Plumes on 17th May 1599, Captain Ralph Boswell and Sir Henry Dockwra's lieutenant Gardiner pursued rebels onto a bog, became bogged down due to their heavy armour, and were slain before rescue could reach them.

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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

Battle of Dungan Hill fought at Dunganstown

Drumlargan · townland · Meath · 1647

On the summit of Drumlargan hill, a townland formerly called Dunganstown, the Battle of Dungan Hill was fought on 3rd August 1647. Though not marked on the Ordnance Survey map, Dunganstown appears as a separate townland on Petty's map of forfeited estates.

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About three miles from Kilcock the road enters the civil parish of Drumlargan, passing over Drumlargan hill. On the right or eastern side of the road is the old church already alluded to, while on the left on the summit of the hill there is a wood locally called the Crookahane. This highest portion of the hill was formerly known as Dunganstown ; and there on August 3rd, 1647, was fought the battle of Dunganstown, or Dungan hill, to which I shall refer later on. Dunganstown is not marked on the Ordnance Survey Map, but is shown very clearly, as a separate townland, on Sir W. Petty’s map of the forfeited estates in the parish of Drumlargan. The road here somewhat abruptly dips and brings us to Lord Langford's demesne, and there begins the ascent of Summerhill.
The name Summerhill seems to date from about the year 1667, when “ Sir Hercules Langford, of Summerhill, Co. Meath,” was created a Baronet. In its Irish form, Drumsawry [Drum,

Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 145

Burning of Naas during the local Pattern

Naas · town · Kildare · 1577

On 3rd March 1577 Rory Oge attacked and set fire to Naas, timing his raid to coincide with the local Pattern two days after the Festival of St. David, the town's Patron Saint, despite 500 armed men present.

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The State Papers add that so bold were these raiders that “ the manner of their coming is by day with bag-pipes playing, and by night with torchlight/’ Rory Oge, too, appears to have carefully timed his raids, as, for instance, when he attacked and set fire to Naas on the 3rd March, 1577, he chose the time of the local “Pattern/’ that is two days after the Festival of St. David, the Patron Saint of Naas; and though there were 500 armed men in the town, they were not in a fit state to offer any serious resistance.
On New Year’s Day, 1577, occurred the massacre of the Irish gentry of Leix and Offaly in the great rath on the summit of the hill of Mullaghmast, County Kildare. The “Annals of the Four Masters ” thus refer to it : —

Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 38

As the companion tells it

Up ahead is Naas, in Kildare. In 1577, on the 3rd of March, Rory Oge attacked and set fire to the town, timing his raid to the local Pattern, two days after the Festival of St. David, the town's Patron Saint. The State Papers say these raiders came "by day with bag-pipes playing, and by night with torchlight." Though there were 500 armed men in the town, they were not in a fit state to offer any serious resistance.

Contemporary praise for the victory at Dungan Hill

Bestfield or Dunganstown · townland · Carlow · 1647

Contemporary writers described the Dungan Hill victory in extraordinary terms, with Sir Patrick Wemys calling it the bravest victory since the Conquest and Val Savage calling it the greatest ever obtained in the Kingdom.

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The public road running south to Kilcock rises almost immediately on passing that gate, to cross the ridge of Drumlargan Hill, passing, on the left, the ruined church of Drumlargan, and on the right — where the hill reaches its highest level — a wood, locally known as the Crookahane, which fixes the centre of the townland of Dunganstown, or Dungan Hill.1 On this ridge, the axis of which runs N.E. S.W., almost at right-angles to the road, the main action was fought, on Sunday, 8th August, 1647. It resulted in a disastrous defeat for the Confederate Army of Leinster, commanded by General Thomas Preston, uncle of the sixth Viscount Gormanston, and in a momentous victory for Colonel Michael Jones, Commander-in-Chief of the Parliamentary Forces, then serving in the Leinster Province. The high estimate formed of Jones’s achievement appears in contemporary references to the battle. Sir Patrick Wemys, writing from Dublin (8th August, 1647), calls it “ the bravest victory ever England had since the Conquest.” Val Savage, on August 9th, writes : “ This was the greatest victory that ever was obtained in this Kingdom.”2 Borlase considered it “ the greatest and most signal victory the English ever had in Ireland.”3 The sympathy of these writers was, no doubt, entirely with the victors; but, in the main, the Irish historians of the same period give a similar verdict; and there is no dissentient voice as to the disastrous nature of Preston’s reverse.
1 See vol. vi, p. 215.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 287

Croom Castle and the Origin of Crom-a-boo

Croom · town · Limerick · 1216

In 1216 Maurice, second Baron of Offaly, obtained a grant of the lordship of Croom in County Limerick, where the FitzGeralds erected a castle whose ruins still stand. From this place the Leinster FitzGeralds' war-cry, Crom-a-boo, was taken, later becoming the family motto.

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The Leinster FitzGeralds’ slogan or war-cry was Crom-a-boo, meaning Croom to victory ; this appears in Irish (Cpum a buab) at the top of an oil-painting of the Wizard Earl (ob. 1586) at Carton. In 1216 Maurice, the second Baron of Offaly, obtained from the Crown a grant (or re-grant) of the lordship of Croom in the County Limerick, which, previous to the Anglo-Norman invasion, lay in the O’Donovan territory of Hy Cairbre. From this place, where the FitzGeralds erected a castle, the ruins of which are still standing, the war-cry was taken ; in doing so they followed the Irish custom, as each clan had its own distinctive war-cry, all of which ended in aboo. From being the slogan, it became the family motto, which is still in use.
For centuries the Earls of Kildare possessed a large estate in the County Limerick, consisting of the Manors of Croom, Adare, Athlacca, Castle Robert, “ Urygydy, Grene, Esgrene, and Corkmoyghyd.” The wars in Ireland of 1641 and 1690 had so impoverished the Earls of that period that, in order to pay off incumbrances, John, eighteenth Earl of Kildare, was forced to sell his County Limerick property, and so parted with it in 1721.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 322

Destruction of tombs at the Black Abbey of Kilkenny

Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny · 1530–1560

At the suppression of the Black Friars Abbey at Kilkenny during the Reformation, the tombs of eighteen Knights who came over at the conquest were defaced, and inhabitants turned some stone coffins into swine-troughs, leaving no monument save one stone.

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By his wife Isabel de Clare he had five sons and five daughters ; each of the five sons succeeded in turn to the Earldom of Pembroke, the Marshalship of England, and to the Lordship of Leinster; and though (with the exception of the second son) each of them was married, yet they all died without male issue; their names were William (ob. 1231), Richard (slain on the Curragh of Kildare in 1234), Gilbert (ob. 1241), Walter (ob. November, 1245), and Anselme Marshal, 6th Earl of Pembroke, who also died in 1245 on the 5th of December. These brothers were buried near their father in the Black Abbey of Kilkenny. Hanmer, in his “ Chronicle of Ireland,” referring to Richard Marshal, who was treacherously slain on the Curragh by his fellow-compatriots, writes that: — “His tombe, with the tombes of eighteen Knights that came over at the conquest and resting in the Black Fryers Abbey at Kilkennye, at the suppression of the Monasterie (at the time of the Reformation), was defaced, and the inhabitants there turned them to their private uses ; and some stone coffins they made into swine-troughs, so as there remaineth no monument in the said abbey, save one stone, whereon the picture of a Knight is portraied, bearing a shield about his neck, whereon the CantweTs arms are insculped, and yet the people there call it ‘ Ryddir-in- Curry/ that is the Knight slain at the Curragh.”
z

Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 215

Dispute over decapitation of Art MacMurrough at Carlow

Carlow · townland · Carlow · 1282

In April 1282, Roger Bigod complained that the Justiciary of Ireland exacted a hundred marks from him for the decapitation of Art MacMurrough, who was at peace with the King, against the Earl's liberty of Catherlagh, since the head had not been proclaimed with the Earl's consent.

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In April, 1282, Roger Bigod, 5th Earl of Norfolk, and Marshal of England, complained to the King that the Justiciary of Ireland exacts from him one hundred marks for the decapitation of Art MacMurrough, who was then at peace with the King, and this he does against the Earl’s liberty of Catherlagh, according to the custom hitherto prevailing there, as Art’s head had not before been proclaimed with the consent of the Earl, or of his freemen; the Justiciary moreover strives against the Earl's liberty to hold inquisitions in the Earl’s land of Catherlagh, because four pleas belong to the King there. The King ordered that the complaint should be investigated; and in the meanwhile the Justiciary shall desist from inflicting grievances on the Earl, who was performing good service for the King in Wales.1
1 “ Calendar of Docs., Ireland, 1252-1284,’’ p. 435,

Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 219

Duke of Tyrconnell killed at the siege of Limerick

Limerick · city · Limerick · 1691

Richard Talbot, Duke of Tyrconnell, fell at the siege of Limerick on 14th August 1691 and was buried in St. Mary's Cathedral in that city, though no monument to him now exists.

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The Duke of Tyrconnell’s second wife was the famous beauty, Frances Jennings, sister to Sarah, Duchess of Marlborough, and dau. of Richard Jennings, of Sandridge, Herts ; she had been previously married to Sir George Hamilton, Knight, a grandson of the 1st Earl of Abercorn. The Duchess, who had no issue by her second husband, died 6th March, 1730, aged 92, and was buried in St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin. Tyrconnell fell at the siege of Limerick on the 14th August, 1691, and was buried in St. Mary's Cathedral in that city, though no monument to him is now in existence.
William Talbot’s daughters were : —

Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 268

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Limerick, this is where the siege played out in 1691. Richard Talbot, Duke of Tyrconnell, fell here on the 14th of August that year. He was buried in St. Mary's Cathedral in the city, though no monument to him now exists. His second wife was Frances Jennings, a famous beauty and sister to Sarah, Duchess of Marlborough. She had no children by Tyrconnell and died in 1730, aged 92, buried in St. Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin.

Fratricidal murder of Connell O'More

Laois · county · Laois · 1348

In 1348 Connell O'More, prince of Leix, was treacherously slain by his own brothers with whom he had banqueted; English of Ossory intervened and his son Rory was elected prince, while David O'More was slain resisting the retreating English.

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1348. Likewise, on Tuesday, the morrow of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary (2nd Feb.), Connell O’More, prince and lord of his country, was slain by his brothers in whom he trusted, together with whom he banqueted in confidence that very day, and whose sons he then held as hostages for their remaining faithful and subject to him. They did not dread the slaying of their sons, and did not fear to fall into the crime of perjury : ambition to rule disjointed and broke up the fraternal tie ; and having broken the bond of brotherhood, spurned love and the tie of blood, they slew him treacherously. All that land and country could not receive those whom the womb of one mother bore. Nor was punishment taken away or deferred even, for on the 8th day the English of Ossory who cherished the side of Connell, having entered the country, his first begotten son, Rory, was elected and accepted as prince by the common consent of the people ; and David O’More, full brother of the deceased, with certain English of the County Kildare and Carlow, withstood the English of Ossory when returning home in a narrow pass, and captured some horses which Carried the baggage and arms of the men of Ossory. And David himself was slain there, a man powerful, rich, and discreet, having no kinsmen his equal after Connell ; and so he lost life, sway, and brother. The other brothers who had all conspired were forced to leave the district as exiles. [Clynn’s “Annals of Ireland.”]1
1354. Rory O’More, lord of Leix, was slain by his own kinsman and household.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 24

Garrett more, Earl of Kildare, killed by the O'Mores in 1513

Kildare · town · Kildare · 1513

After serving honourably as Lord Deputy of Ireland from 1496, Garrett 'more', 8th Earl of Kildare, died in September 1513, reportedly at the hand of the O'Mores.

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True to his word, Henry YII re-appointed the Earl Lord Deputy of Ireland, by Letters Patent, dated the 6th of August, 1496; this post he honourably filled till his death, it is said at the hand of the O’Mores, in September, 1513.
Holinslied, in his “Chronicles of Ireland,” dealing with the career of Garrett “ more,” gives a long account of the episode partially described in the ballad.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 87

George Parys of Agher, rebel envoy and turncoat

Agher · townland · Meath · 1550–1552

George Parys of Agher allied with the O'Connors of Offaly against the English Crown, acted as an unofficial ambassador soliciting French and Scottish aid, was declared an old Irish rebel, and was eventually imprisoned in Scotland after his own duplicity was exposed.

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It would seem, however, that it was not feasible to apprehend him, for in the following year we have another despatch to Croft, in which we read: “Geo. Parys, an old Irish rebel, is in Scotland, by the name of Ambassador of Ireland, and solicits the Queen of Scots to aid certain Irish Lords, as Desmond, O’Donnell, &c.”3
About this time Brian O’Connor escaped from his place of confinement in London, but was retaken,4 and the Privy Council’s letter thus refers to the incident: “Geo. Parys sent messages to old O’Connor, and at one time a ring. Thus we see that when O’Connor fled hence northward, it was upon a very practice [i.e. a real plot].”

Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 146

Gerald Lynch's Ruined Petition for Restoration of His Estate

Rahinstown · townland · Meath · 1665

A petition presented in 1665 by Lord Athenry and Sir Nicholas Plunkett describes the plight of Gerald Lynch, whose lands were granted to the Bishop of Meath despite Lynch's loyalty and the deaths of two sons fighting for the King. The petition describes the family as being in 'a sad and starving condition.'

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“ There is a provision in the late Act of Settlement, and by general words confirmed in this, securing lands conferred by the gift of the late Usurper on the Bishop of Meath, for an employment wherein he served the late Usurper : whereas the former proprietor of that land, namely, Garret Linch, was restorable to the same, as a constant adherer to Your Majesties peace, and who after the said peace enlisted three of his sons in Your Majesty’s army under the Lord Lieutenant’s command, whereof two of them were killed in actual service against the Usurper’s forces, and a third, following your Majestie’s fortune in foreign parts, there ended his days ; the consideration whereof induced Your Majestie by Your Gracious Order of the 30th of March in the thirteenth year of Your reigne to directe the restitucion of theire said afflicted father to his former estate : which not taking effect You were further graciously pleased by Your letter of the sixth of April in the fifteenth year of Your reigne to recommend the performance thereof to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. But the said provisoe in the said late Act of Settlement, obstructing his restitucion, he could not have the benefit of Your Majestie’s said favour and compassion ; and unless the said provisoe be now made void by this present Act, he and his posteritie are lost for ever, and that end of Your Majestie’s Public Faith, in Your declaration, dissapointed, to make place for the said gift of the Usurper, not mentioned or comprehended to the end of Your Majestie’s declaration ; and which the said Bishop of Meath ought to relinquish, considering the great advancement he hath had from Your Majestie to so considerable a Bishopric as that of Meath, while the said former proprietor, and the rest of his children, not killed in Your Majestie’s service, are in a sad and starving condition.”

Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 200

Hartpole effigy removed to Oak Park then Kilnacourt, Portarlington

Portarlington · town · Laois

To prevent further mutilation, Colonel Henry Bruen had the recovered Hartpole effigy removed to Oak Park, offering a reward that recovered even the lost head. It later passed to a descendant, Mr Hartpole-Bowen, who moved it to his residence at Kilnacourt in Portarlington, where the head was again lost.

Read the passage

prevent further mutilation to the figure, the late Colonel Henry Bruen had the effigy removed to Oak Park, and offering a reward for the head, recovered it too. For years it remained at Oak Park, till a descendant of the Constables, in the female line, a Mr. Hartpole-Bowen, obtained permission (previous to 1880] from the present owner of Oak Park, to have it removed to his residence at Kilnacourt, in Portarlington, where it still remains, though the head, since its arrival there, has been lost.1
In 1587 Henry, 12th Earl of Kildare, petitioned the Queen for the recovery of his Carlow Estates, or other lands of equal value in exchange for it. It appears that an Act of a Parliament held in Limerick in 1494 granted to Gerald, 8th Earl of Kildare, then Lord Deputy, such lands in the County Carlow, lying between the town of that name and the town of Leighlin-bridge, as should be waste and derelict owing to tbe absenteeism of their then proprietors. Previous to the Rebellion of the Silken Thomas, 10th Earl, in 1534, it was mentioned in a Report to the King on the state of the county, that “ the Earl of Kyldare, his brethren and kinsmen, have the counties of Kildare and Carlaghe till it come unto the Bridge of Leighlin.”2 In 1557 the Honours and Estates of the Earls, forfeited by the Rebellion, were restored to Gerald, the 11th Earl ; among the possessions, according to the following extract from the Queen’s letter, addressed to the Lord Deputy in reply to the Earl’s petition, were the castle and lands of Catherlagh, which had been in error leased to Robert Hartpole, Constable of the Castle. The Queen’s letter is dated the 9th September, 1588, and commences thus : —

Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 229

Homage Ceremonies Continue in the Castle of Catherlagh

Carlow · townland · Carlow · 1395

On 17 February 1395, in a house within the Castle of Catherlagh, further homages were performed and translated into Irish by Edmund Yale, Master of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem, including submissions by Murphy and Kavanagh chiefs.

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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

Kilcullen Reduced to Two Thatched Houses During the Wars, 1644

Kilcullen · town · Kildare · 1644

In 1644, when Ormonde quartered troops at Ballymore and Sir Frederick Willoughby's detachment crossed the Liffey by the ford at Kilcullen (the bridge having been destroyed), only two thatched houses stood in the town and the troops could find no quarters there, illustrating the devastation of the wars.

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The present bridge at Kilcullen is not the one that “ the worthy prelate ” built in 1818. That, like many another, was destroyed by the ravages of war, and when in 1644 Ormonde quartered his troops at Ballymore, and Sir Fred. Willoughby’s detachment crossed the river, they had to go by the ford. It gives us a vivid idea of the horrible state to which the country was reduced at that time, when we read that only two thatched houses stood in Kilcullen, and the troops could find no quarters there.
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.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 205

As the companion tells it

Coming up along Kilcullen here in Kildare. In 1644 this town had been so reduced by the wars that only two thatched houses stood in it. Ormonde quartered his troops at Ballymore that year, and when Sir Frederick Willoughby's detachment crossed the Liffey, the bridge had been destroyed, so they had to use the ford. They could find no quarters in Kilcullen because there was nothing left to quarter in. That same year a Frenchman travelling south came to Kilcullen Bridge and wrote that his party "swam over a little river with much trouble, carrying our clothes on our heads, the Irish having broken the bridge during the religious wars." He said all the country was laid waste, and they found none but poor people 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 writer says the story reads like the adventures of travellers in the heart of savage Africa.

Killeshin Church and the Battle of Gleann Uisean

Killeshin · townland · Laois · 1024

The ruined church of Killeshin, famed for its beautiful western doorway, stands at the mouth of a glen anciently called 'Glen Ushin' in the territory of Ui Bairrche, later Slieve Margy. The Annals of the Four Masters record a slaughter of the men of Munster there in 1024 by Donough son of Hugh, attributed to the miracles of God and the saint Comhdan.

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“A slaughter was made of the men of Munster by Donough son of Hugh [lord of Ui Bairrche, slain in 1042] in Gleann Uisean, through the miracles of God and Comhdan.”
Now, as the Annalists never use that expression, “ through the miracles of God and so and so,” without intending to refer to the patron saint of the locality, we may safely assume that

Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 135

Legend of regicide officer retiring to Drimnagh Castle

Drimnagh · townland · Dublin · 1649–1664

A story goes that Colonel Nicholas Walker, a Cromwellian officer, was present masked on the scaffold at the execution of Charles I, and later retired to live at Drimnagh after the Restoration, though Elrington Ball disproved this by examining the Hearth Money Rolls.

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I may here mention that a story goes that a Colonel Nicholas Walker, a Cromwellian officer, is stated to have been present on the scaffold at the execution of Charles I, with his face concealed

Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 118

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Drimnagh, a story goes that Colonel Nicholas Walker, a Cromwellian officer, stood masked on the scaffold at the execution of Charles I in 1649, and later retired to live here after the Restoration. Elrington Ball disproved the tale by examining the Hearth Money Rolls.

Legend of St. Patrick's prophecy of a haunting at Rath Bacain

Park or Dunamase · townland · Laois

According to legend, St. Patrick passed near Dunamase and found the king's people building a fort called Rath Bacain. He tried to dissuade them and prophesied that an evil spirit would haunt the structure once completed.

Read the passage

already laid. The saint endeavoured to dissuade them from building the structure, which was intended for a royal residence, and declared, in the spirit of prophecy, that an evil spirit should haunt it. There is no authentic authority for such a legend.
In the time of St. Molua, who lived at the close of the sixth and the beginning of the seventh century, Berach is related to have been the ruler of Leix. He is said to have offered his own cashel of Dunamase and the lands adjoining to St. Molua for the establishment of a monastery. The saint refused this generous gift, but asked for a site on the southern slope of Slieve Bloom, where the graveyard of Kyle now marks the spot. This was not only granted, but Berach imposed a tribute on his people for the support of the monastery. It was called Clonfert-Molua, from the name of its founder (4th August), and it afterwards became very celebrated from the great number of monks who flocked thither, and led most holy lives.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here, St. Patrick is said to have come upon people building a fort called Rath Bacain, meant as a royal residence. He tried to talk them out of it and prophesied that an evil spirit would haunt the place once it was finished. The old account itself says there is no authentic authority for such a legend. Later, in the time of St. Molua, who lived at the close of the sixth and the beginning of the seventh century, a ruler of Leix named Berach offered his own cashel of Dunamase and the adjoining lands to St. Molua for a monastery. The saint refused the gift but asked instead for a site on the southern slope of Slieve Bloom, where the graveyard of Kyle now marks the spot. Berach granted it and imposed a tribute on his people to support the monastery. It became Clonfert-Molua, celebrated for the great number of monks who flocked there and led holy lives.

Lynchahaun's Sensational Escape from Maryborough Jail

Maryborough · townland · Laois

The Society's excursion passed the Maryborough jail, noted as the site from which the criminal Lynchahaun made his sensational escape not long before this account was written.

Read the passage

Passing the jail (from which Lynchahaun made his sensational escape not long ago) on the right, Maryborough was again entered, and the party proceeded to Kelly’s Hibernian Hotel for tea ; after which the excursion was brought to a successful close with the departure of the 5.40 train for Kildare and Dublin.
What made this day’s outing so enjoyable was the great luck in having a really fine day for it, as for some days both before and after it the weather proved most unfavourable, the rain falling heavily and continually. On the day in question there were only two slight showers, one at Clonreher and the other at Dunamase, but they only cleared the air for the grand views to be had from the summit of the Rock, whioh on too fine a day would not have been nearly so extensive. Among those who were present were the following : —

Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 97

Plot to surprise Castle of Powerscourt in 1608

Powerscourt · parish · Wicklow · 1608

A 1608 letter from the Lord Chancellor of Ireland reported a plot between Tirlogh O'Toole and his uncle to surprise the Castle of Powerscourt, then held by Sir Richard Wingfield ('Mr. Marshal'), kill the garrison, and raise a rebellion, contingent on expected foreign forces under Hugh Roe O'Neill.

Read the passage

The last incident of importance in connection with the O’Tooles of Powerscourt appears to be mentioned in a letter2 dated from Dublin, on the 7th August, 1608, written by the Lord Chancellor of Ireland to the Earl of Salisbury, in which he states that he has received information that there is some likelihood of trouble from the O’Tooles and the Kavanaghs during the absence of the Lord Deputy ; and that he hears that there is on foot a plot between Tirlogh O’Toole and his uncle to surprise the Castle of Powerscourt, now “ possessed by Mr. Marshal,” kill the garrison, gather forces, and raise a rebellion ; he is informed that Tirlogh lurks secretly amongst his friends, and is in need of arms, munition, and powder, but the principal cause of delay in breaking out is the expectation of foreign forces under Hugh roe O’Neill, Earl of Tyrone.
The “ Mr. Marshal ” here mentioned was Sir Richard Wingfield, Marshal of the Army, who for his services against the O’Doghertys in May, 1608, was rewarded by the Crown with a grant dated 29th June, 1609, of the Castle, Manor, and lands of Powerscourt 3 ; he was the ancestor of the present Viscount Powerscourt.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 109

Prior of Kilmainham taken prisoner in Glenmalure

near Glenmalur · valley · Wicklow · 1274

The Prior of Kilmainham, ordered by Edward I to provide military service in the Wicklow mountains, feigned a summons to the Holy Land to avoid the duty, but was nonetheless captured by the Irish in Glenmalure in 1274.

Read the passage

To such an extent were the claims of the Order carried that the Prior of Kilmainham, when commanded by Edward I to return to Ireland for military service in the Wicklow mountains — a service not to his taste — to excuse himself, pretended to have received a summons from the head of the Order to the Holy Land, 1274. He seems to have had a premonition of misfortune, for he was actually taken prisoner by the Irish in G-lenmalure. (0. Litton Falkiner. Paper read before the R. I. Academy, Dec. 10, 1906.)
1 The habit over the armour of the Hospitallers was a black cloak with a white cross to distinguish them from the Templars, who wore a white cloak with a red cross.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 77

Relief of Maryborough Fort and death of Lysagh oge O'More

Maryborough · townland · Laois · 1599

In January 1599 the Fort of Maryborough was relieved by the Earl of Ormond after heavy fighting, with 254 Irish reported slain, executed or wounded. William Hartpole wrote that the rebel leader Lysagh oge O'More was buried the day the army marched from Maryborough.

Read the passage

In the following month (January, 1599) the Fort was relieved by the Earl of Ormond ; on this occasion during the fighting which took place on the 11th, 12th, and 13th of January, 254 of the Irish are reported as being slain, executed, or wounded. On the 15th January, William Hartpole, Constable of Carlow Castle, wrote from that place to the Earl that the day he marched away from Maryborough (12th January) “that most dangerous traitor Lysagh oge O’More was buried ” ; and that it was the intention of the rebels to assemble at “ Knocke Arde O’Gurry” (Knockardagur) in Gallin and attack his town of Kilkenny.1
Lysagh oge, here mentioned, was slain “ at the Rede Moor,” probably while opposing Ormond’s march to Maryborough ; he was one of the chief leaders under Owny mac Rory.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 51

Sacred bell fails to save Sefin Bermingham at Ballysadare

Ballysadare · townland · Sligo · 1261

In 1261 Donnell O'Hara raided the Clan Feorais in revenge for their slaying of Cathal O'Hara and desecration of the Church of St. Feichinn at Ballysadare, killing Sefin MacFeorais who wore the church's sacred bell on his head as protection.

Read the passage

Donnell O’Hara committed a depredation upon the Clan Feorais (i.e., the Berminghams of the County Galway), in revenge for their having slain Cathal O’Hara, and desecrated the Church of St. Feichinn, at Ballysadare ; he also killed Sefin MacFeorais, who while being killed had upon his head the bell which he had taken from the church of Ballysadare.
Dr. O’Donovan, in a foot-note, explains that Sefin Bermingham must have been under the impression that while he had so sacred a helmet on his head as St. Feicliin’s Blessed Bell, no attempt would have been made to slay him.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 241

As the companion tells it

Close to Ballysadare, in 1261, Donnell O'Hara raided the Clan Feorais, the Berminghams of County Galway, in revenge for their slaying of Cathal O'Hara and their desecration of the Church of St. Feichin. He killed Sefin MacFeorais, who wore the church's sacred bell on his head as a helmet, believing it would protect him. Dr. O'Donovan wrote that Sefin 'must have been under the impression that while he had so sacred a helmet on his head as St. Feichin's Blessed Bell, no attempt would have been made to slay him.'

St. Patrick's Bed and Blessed Well at Ardrass

Ardrass · townland · Mayo · 1899

The hill of Ardrass, meaning the hill of the brambles, rises abruptly with a hollow at its summit called St. Patrick's Bed, and a Blessed Well called St. Patrick's Well at its foot by the Barberstown road. The well is circular, built round with masonry, partly covered by a flagstone, and rags tied to nearby bushes show it is still held in great repute.

Read the passage

already mentioned, from which the place takes its name of “ Ardrass,” i.e., the hill (or height) of the brambles. This little hill rises abruptly on the north side to about 100 feet, and slopes away gradually in the opposite direction. In one place on the summit is a hollow which goes by the name of “ St. Patrick’s Bed,” while at the foot of the hill by the side of the Barberstown road is “ St. Patrick’s Well.” This Blessed Well is circular, built round with masonry and partially covered by a large flagstone. Judging by the bits of rags tied to the bushes around, this well is still held in great repute.
Our Society visited this locality during their Annual Excursion on the 12tli of September, 1899.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 272

Sworn oath and killing at Timahoe oratory doorway over sacred relic

Timahoe · townland · Laois · 1069

In 1069 Gillamary son of Dubh was slain by Macraith O'More in the doorway of the oratory of Timahoe, after both had sworn an oath upon the relic called the Caimmin, believed to be a saint's crozier.

Read the passage

,, Gillamary son of Dubh (O’Deevy), chief of Ui Crimthannan, was slain by Macraith O’More in the doorway of the oratory of Timahoe, they having previously mutually sworn upon the Caimmin, which was in the possession of Gillamary son of Dubh, that the blood of the son of Dubh is now and ever will remain upon the Caimmin.
Macraith O’More was afterwards killed at Mullinna-Crossan, in the vicinity of Aghaboe, having the Caimmin with him, in revenge of St. Fintan (of Clonenagh), St. Mochua (of Timahoe), and St. Colman (? of Oughaval).

Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 21

The Battle of Athtrodain, now Athy

Athy · town · Kildare

A bloody battle was fought between the Leinstermen and Momonians at a place called Athtrodain, now known as Athy, situated on the River Barrow. The Munster forces were routed with terrible slaughter after this engagement.

Read the passage

“Thus united they marched towards the Momonians or Men of Munster, who, apprehending they should be attacked, prepared to receive them. The two armies soon engaged, and a bloody action followed, where both sides fought with great vigour and bravery ; and it was difficult for some time to judge which wray the victory would incline. But Fortune, after a sharp dispute, declared in favour of the confederate Army, who broke the Banks of the enemy with terrible slaughter, and routed them from the top of the Maistean to the River Bearbha (Barrow). The battle was fought at a place called Athtrodain, known now by the name of Athy,1 situated upon the River Bearbha, now called Barrow ; and the Momonians in this engagement were defeated, and the flower of their troops lay dead upon the spot.
“The Lagenians, or Men of Leinster, animated with success, pursued the chace, and perceiving that a strong body of the enemy had rallied, and were drawn up in order at Cainthine on Magh Biada ,2 now called Laoighis, that is Laise or Leise Biada, the victors fell upon them with desperate fury and put them to flight ; then pursued them to Slighe Dhala, now called Beallach More Ossery ,3 where the forces of Leinster made so dreadful a slaughter of the Momonians that they were forced to desist for want of enemies to kill ; which victory resettled the state of that Province, and so discouraged the Men of Munster that they never attempted to enlarge their bounds, but were glad to confine themselves within their own Territories.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 10

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Athy, on the River Barrow, you are on the ground of a battle known in old records as Athtrodain. The Leinstermen marched against the Men of Munster here, and both sides fought with great vigour. For a time it was hard to say which way the victory would go, but fortune turned to the Leinster forces. They broke the Munster ranks with terrible slaughter, routing them from the top of the Maistean down to the Barrow itself. The flower of the Munster troops lay dead on the spot. The Men of Leinster, lifted by success, gave chase. A strong body of the enemy had rallied and drawn up in order at Cainthine on Magh Biada, now called Laois, and the victors fell on them with desperate fury and put them to flight. They pursued them to Slighe Dhala, now Beallach More Ossery, where the slaughter was so dreadful that the Leinster forces were forced to desist, in the words of the source, for want of enemies to kill. That victory resettled the province and so discouraged the Men of Munster they never again attempted to enlarge their bounds, but were glad to confine themselves within their own territories.

The Ghostly Light and Lady in White at Ballindrum

Ballindrum · townland · Kildare

A strange light was seen every night travelling from Ballindrum along a ditch, witnessed repeatedly by the narrator as a child. A man who confronted a lady in white carrying the light was struck in the eye and lost his sight in it.

Read the passage

Ballindrum.- — It was a quare thing that every night, and the coldest and windiest night, a light used to go up along from Ballindrum and along the ditch. I often seen it. My grandmother used to bring me to the door to look at it. No one could tell what it was ; but I heard tell that a man out late one night saw a lady dressed in white carrying a light, and he thought it was some one trying to frighten him, and he said, “ You needn’t be trying to frighten me ; I know who you are ” ; and when he said that she passed by him, and as she was passing she stuck something like a candle in his eye, and he never could see a stim with that eye afther.
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.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 130

Treacherous Slaying of Donough Kavanagh MacMurrough Near Carlow

Carlow · townland · Carlow · 1375

In 1375, on the Feast of St. Ann, Donough Kavanagh MacMurrough, King of Leinster, was slain by Geoffrey de Valle near Catherlaugh. The Annals of the Four Masters state he was killed treacherously.

Read the passage

In the same year, on the Feast of St. Ann, mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary (26th July), Donough Kavanagh MacMurrough, King of Leinster, w7as slain by Geoffrey de Valle near Catherlaugh 5 ; the “Annals of the Four Masters” state that he was killed treacherously.
At this time the country was so disturbed that the Judges and officials of the Crown dared not venture towards the Law Courts at Carlow, though the Chief Baron, Sir Robert Holywode, with a body of soldiery, essayed to defend portions of this district.6

Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 220

Wolfe Tone's Grave Vandalised and Restored at Bodenstown

Bodenstown · townland · Kildare · 1798–1891

The original stone over Wolfe Tone's grave at Bodenstown was destroyed, and its replacement slab was being similarly damaged. The protective railing erected by the men of Kildare had its lock forced and gate left open, though it was later repaired and cared for by the County Kildare Gaelic Association.

Read the passage

original stone placed over Wolfe Tone. The second slab, which replaced this, is in process of being similarly destroyed. Perhaps when a Home Eule Parliament sits in Dublin some more costly monument will be erected. At present the railing placed to protect it by the men of Kildare is of little service, as the lock has been forced and the gate lies open.1
The little church of Bodenstown, against the southern wall of which the grave lies, has been in ruins for the last 180 years. The last record of church, chancel, and books being in good order was about the year 1612 when Bodenstown was held along with the Vicarage of Clane by John (rolborne, Bishop and Archdeacon of Kildare.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 155

Ballymore-Eustace Burned and Plundered by Raiders

Ballymore Eustace · town · Kildare · 1306–1798

The townspeople of Ballymore suffered repeatedly from both O'Toole raids and their own protecting soldiery; the town was burned in 1306 and 1572, plundered of 400 cows by O'Toole in 1419, and the Archbishop was unable to visit due to disturbance in 1468. It suffered again during the rebellion of 1798.

Read the passage

It would be hard to enumerate the sufferings of the townspeople, sometimes from the O’Tooles and sometimes from the soldiery employed to protect them. It was no unfrequent thing for the town to be burned, as in 1306 and 1572. It was of much less consequence when the raiders contented themselves with plunder, as in 1419, when O’Toole took 400 cows belonging to Ballymore, or in 1468, when the Archbishop was unable to visit the district on account of its disturbed state. It suffered again in the rebellion of 1798, since which its annals have been uneventful. The present bridge was built adjacent to the ruins of an older structure, probably destroyed by a flood.
A quarter of a mile higher up is a picturesque cataract, formed by the rush of the river over a ridge of rocks, called “ G-ouleen-a-Wautha ” (the little river of the flooding).

Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 205

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Ballymore Eustace, you are in a town with a long history of trouble. The townspeople suffered repeatedly, sometimes from the O'Toole raids and sometimes from the very soldiery sent to protect them. The town was burned in 1306 and again in 1572. In 1419 O'Toole took 400 cows from Ballymore, and in 1468 the Archbishop could not even visit because the district was so disturbed. The town suffered again during the rebellion of 1798. The present bridge stands near the ruins of an older one, probably destroyed by a flood, and a quarter of a mile upstream a cataract rushes over rocks the locals called "Gouleen-a-Wautha," the little river of the flooding.

Betrayal and hanging of Connell oge O'More

Leighlinbridge · town · Carlow · 1565

Shane O'Neill's letter of 1565 describes how the Viscount of Mongarrett, Connell's father-in-law, invited him to his house and had him sent to Captain Hearne, resulting in his hanging without trial.

Read the passage

“ Item. Conill O’More, chief of that name ; the Yiscount of Mongarrett, father-in-lawe to the said Conill, did convite him to his house, and persuaded the said Conill to send him to Captain Hearne,1 and without farther trial the said Captain sent two of his servants with the said Conill, by whose commandment the said Conill was hanged and put to execution.”2
Connell oge’s successor in the chieftainship of the clan was his nephew, Kory “ oge,” son of Rory “ caech ” O’More.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 34

Capture of Stradbally Castle in 1598

Stradbally · town · Laois · 1598

In November 1598 the Castle of Stradbally, belonging to the widow Cosby, was surprised and captured by the O'Mores, though the widow herself narrowly avoided the calamity by having gone to Dublin shortly before.

Read the passage

It may not be out of place to mention here that in November, 1598, the Castle of Stradbally was surprised by the O’Mores and captured. “ It belonged to the widow Cosby, whose husband and her eldest son were slain there last year, but on this occasion the poor widow by good hap was come into this town (Dublin) a little before, whereby she avoided that calamity ” (which befell Sir Thomas More and his wife in their “ house called Croghan,” in the King’s County, shortly before).1 In the following December, a Captain Thomas Reade reports that : — “ Stradbally, a principal place in Leix, and a house of Captain Cosby's, in the Queen's County, is possessed by the enemy and raized.”2 Stradbally first came into the possession of the Cosby family in February, 1568. 3 When in after years the country had quieted down, the mansion shown in the quaint, large oil painting,4 now at Stradbally Hall, was built, though the present mansion does not occupy its site. There is a house in the town of Stradbally at the present time called “ The Abbey,” which probably marks the site of the Franciscan Monastery, founded in 1447, though no portion of the ancient walls now exists.
In the month of August, 1596, Captain Warham Sentleger

Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 43

Preston's Camp at Portlester and O'Neill's Offer of Reinforcements

Portlester · townland · Meath · 1647

Owen Roe O'Neill sent word urging Preston not to leave his stronghold at Portlester Camp before 10th August, offering 500 horse and 4,000 foot under his son. Preston rejected this and instead broke camp on 8th August, marching to Agherpallis.

Read the passage

took in the situation at a glance. He had the earliest information of the compact between Jones and the Ulster troops, of which Preston seems to have been ignorant, and he at once sent full information to the Leinster General. On 5th August his letter reached Portlester Camp, beseeching Preston on no account to leave his stronghold before lOtli August, and offering to send him by that date 500 horse and 4,000 foot, under the command of his son Major-General O’Neill.1
If Preston had taken this offer, there was ample time to retrieve the mistaken policy hitherto adopted. “ Had he stayed in Portlester-pass,” writes an officer then serving against the Irish, “ as Mac Art (O’Neill) sent him advice, till himself would come to him with his army, they had been too many for Jones ; but he did not, and thought to do the work himself, but his fate was otherwise/’2 Preston having rejected the overtures of O’Neill held a council of war at which the unanimous voice of the officers declared for lying close within their entrenchments. This view was, however, opposed by the Bishop of Ferns and Sir Nicholas Plunkett, who had come to the camp as delegates from the Supreme Council to supervise the muster and pay of the troops.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 294

Sheriff William de Valle's losses and killings near Carlow

Carlow · townland · Carlow · 1357

In 1357 William de Valle, Sheriff of Carlow, petitioned for compensation for the loss of all his goods destroyed by neighbouring Irish septs, and for having killed three O'Nolans and Philip O'Byrne, an Irish captain, whose heads he brought to the Castle.

Read the passage

In 1357 William de Yalle, Sheriff of Carlow, petitioned for compensation for the loss of all his goods which had been destroyed by the neighbouring Irish septs ; and also on account of his having killed three of the O’Nolans, and Philip O’Byrne, a captain of the Irish, whose heads he had brought to the Castle
1 “ Calendar of Docs., Ireland, 1302-1307,” p. 173.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 219

Sir Richard Wingfield granted Powerscourt Castle for services against O'Doghertys

Powerscourt · parish · Wicklow · 1608–1609

Sir Richard Wingfield, Marshal of the Army, was rewarded for his services against the O'Doghertys with a grant dated 29 June 1609 of the Castle, Manor and lands of Powerscourt, becoming ancestor of the Viscounts Powerscourt.

Read the passage

The “ Mr. Marshal ” here mentioned was Sir Richard Wingfield, Marshal of the Army, who for his services against the O’Doghertys in May, 1608, was rewarded by the Crown with a grant dated 29th June, 1609, of the Castle, Manor, and lands of Powerscourt 3 ; he was the ancestor of the present Viscount Powerscourt.
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

Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 109

Attainder of Gerald FitzGerald, 9th Earl of Kildare

Dublin · city · Dublin · 1536

A Parliament held in Dublin in 1536 attainted Gerald FitzGerald, Earl of Kildare, for high treason, causing him and his heirs to forfeit the title and all his castles, manors and lands.

Read the passage

“Be it enacted ordeyned & established by the King our Soverain Lorde, the lords spiritual! and temporal! and the Comens in this present Parliament assembled, & by aucthoritie of the same, that Geralde ffitz Geralde Erie of Kildare, late dessesed, from the eight day of July in the xx yere of our Soverain lorde the King that now is, be deemed reputid convictid adjudgid & attainted traitor of highe treason, and that he and his heires shall lose and forfete the title stile & name of Erie of Kildare, and also shall forfete to our soverain lorde & his heires for ever all honers, castells, maners, lordeshipes, lets, tranches, hundreds, liberties, previleges, advowsons, fundacons, nominacons, presentacons, patronags, knyghts’ fees, landes, tenements, rents, services, Rivercons, remainders, porcons, anuities, pencons, offices, and all other hereditaments & profits what soever they be, whereof the said Geralde Erie by himself or unitely with any other or others to his use & behofe were seised the viii day of July or any tyme after within the lande of Irland in fee simple or in fee
1 Morrin’s “ Calendar of Patent and Close Rolls,” vol. i, p. 41.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Dublin, you are in the city where a Parliament sat in 1536 and passed an act of attainder against Gerald FitzGerald, the 9th Earl of Kildare. He had died by then, described in the record as late deceased, but the Parliament declared him convicted and attainted of high treason from the 8th of July in the 20th year of the King's reign. The act stripped him and his heirs of the title, style, and name of Earl of Kildare, and forfeited to the Crown forever every castle, manor, lordship, land, rent, office, and hereditament he held in Ireland. The language of the statute runs through the whole catalogue of his holdings, lands, tenements, rents, services, reversions, remainders, portions, annuities, pensions, and all other profits whatsoever. It was the end of the FitzGerald dominance, done by law in this city.

Capture of Athy and Woodstock Castle by rebel forces

Athy · town · Kildare · 1599

Athy was held for the rebels by Sir James fitz Pierce FitzGerald of Ballyshannon, along with nearby Woodstock Castle, both of which had to be captured by Essex's army before it could enter Queen's County.

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

As the companion tells it

Up ahead is Athy, the town the road takes you through. In May 1599 the Earl of Essex marched his army south from Dublin, reaching the camp at Tullaghgorey near here on the 11th. Athy itself was held for the rebels by Sir James fitz Pierce FitzGerald of Ballyshannon, in County Kildare, and Woodstock Castle close by was in rebel hands too. Both had to be taken before the army could push on into the Queen's County. Essex's own diary records that both places were captured, and wards were left behind to hold them. After that the army pressed on towards Stradbally, passing through Blackford, a place of difficulty where rebels were accustomed to fight the crown's forces. They had entrenched it and showed themselves on it, but seeing the order of Essex's march they abandoned their fortifications rather than risk a fight. Two days later, on the 17th of May, the 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 quantity of English helmet plumes shorn from the troops during their passage through the defile.

Castle of Terence O'Dempsey at Ballybrittas

Ballybrittas · townland · Laois · 1599

Essex sent 350 soldiers to a castle belonging to Terence O'Dempsey, Chief of his name at Ballybrittas, where prisoners including a captain of Tyrone's called Captain Nugent were held and later delivered to be executed with their heads set on the Gate of Maryborough Fort.

Read the passage

“ The 16th, the Lord Lieutenant, after a short march (from Stradbally) directed the army to Ballyknockan, two miles wide of the Fort of Maryborough, towards the mountains of Sleaghnegree, going himself with the convoy of victuals, attended on with 2U0 horse and 500 foot, which he carried to place in the Fort. By the way he sent 50 of those horse and 300 foot to a castle of Terence O’Dempsey (of Ballybrittas), Chief of that Name, where remained two or three prisoners, taken by the said Terence, who was commanded to go along with those troops and to bring the
1 “ Cal. of State Papers,” 1598-9, p. 461. 2 lb., 1599-1600, pp. 37-40.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 51

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here stood a castle belonging to Terence O'Dempsey, Chief of his Name at Ballybrittas. In 1599, Essex sent 50 horse and 300 foot to it, where Terence held two or three prisoners taken in the fighting. Among them was Captain Nugent, a captain of Tyrone's. The prisoners were delivered up and executed, and their heads were set on the Gate of Maryborough Fort.

Chiefs' oath of allegiance near Slieve Margy at Ballygory

Slievemargy · barony · Laois · 1394

On 16 February 1394, at a place called Ballygory near Carlow on the side of Slieve Margy mountain, Thomas Earl of Nottingham had Letters Patent translated into Irish for an assembly of native chiefs including O'Mores of Slieve Margy, who removed their girdles, swords and caps and swore allegiance to the king on bended knees.

Read the passage

1394. On the 16th of February, Thomas, Earl of Nottingham, Marshal of England, accompanied by his retinue, proceeded to a place called Ballygory (? Kilgorey) near Carlow, on the side of the mountain of Slieve Margy, and caused Edmund Wall (or de Valle)1 to translate into the Irish tongue certain Letters Patent of King Richard II, to an assemblage of the native chiefs, empowering the said Earl to receive the Irish chiefs to the king’s fealty and obedience ; then Art Mac- Murrough, Garrett O’Byrne, Donnell O’Nolan, Murrough O’Connor Faly, Teige O’More, Rory oge and Shane, sons of Maurice Boy O’More of Slieve Margy, chiefs of their septs, removing their girdles, swords, and caps, on bended knees, with uplifted hands, took an oath, in their native tongue, of allegiance to the king, or in default to pay 20,000 marks to the Papal chamber. The submission of Gillapatrick “ reogh ” O’More is also recorded in this year. [Brewer’s “ Cal. of Miscellaneous Carew MSS.,” pp. 378-381.]
1398 The son of Maurice Boy (i.e., the yellow) O’More, lord of Slieve Margy, fosterer of the learned and destitute of Ireland, died.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 24

Cosby slain defending Stradbally against 60 O'Moores

Stradbally · town · Laois · 1596

The Lord Deputy's journal records that Mr Cosby, his eldest son, and five of his men were slain defending his town against sixty of the O'Moores, while Cosby himself killed George O'Moore, one of the chief rebels.

Read the passage

“ May 20th, 1596. News that Mr. Gosbie, his eldest son, and five of his men Avere slain in defending his toAvn against 60 of the O’Moores. Mr. Gosbie killed Gorg O’Moore, one of the chief est of them.”3
The George O’More here mentioned was in all probability the George (a most unusual Christian name in a Celtic clan), son of James mac Kedagli O’More, Chief of his Name, pardoned in 1583 (see p. 40).

Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 42

Dr. Molyneux's 1709 visit to Killeshin ruins

Killeshin · townland · Laois · 1709

Dr. Thomas Molyneux visited Killeshin in November 1709 and described the old church and the fallen round tower, noting it came down in one solid piece and that inscriptions were visible on either side of the doorway.

Read the passage

“Near the foot of the Mountain stands the old church of Killeshen, which is a very old building. Here lately stood over again the Doore of the Church, one of the old round steeples which, I am told, was very high old and well built, so that when the owner of the place had it fallen, it came to the ground in one solid piece, and was not even by the fall against the ground so broke, but that several vast pieces yet remain sticking together, so that you can easily discover what this building was. It plainly appears to be of the same building & age with the adjacent Church, and this was certainly an Irish building as appears by two inscriptions at each side of the doore as you enter.”
It is greatly to be regretted that Dr. Molyneux did not carry out his intention of copying the Irish inscription, for which he had left a blank space on the page of his journal, as what is indecipherable now was probably legible then.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 138

Dunamase changes hands in Confederate Wars

Park or Dunamase · townland · Laois · 1642–1650

During the Confederate Wars, Dunamase passed through several hands: held by Confederate Catholics, then the Earl of Ormond, then General Preston, surrendered to Owen Roe O'Neill in 1646, and finally taken by Cromwell's Generals Hewson and Reynolds in 1650.

Read the passage

In 1642 the Confederate Catholics were in possession of Dunamase ; then the Earl of Ormond held it for a year or two, but after his retreat it was held by General Preston. In 1646 it surrendered to Owen Roe O’Neill ; but in 1650 it was taken possession of by Cromwell’s Generals, Hewson and Beynolds,
1 Dr. O’ Donovan’s translation.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 127

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here is Dunamase, which changed hands repeatedly during the Confederate Wars. In 1642 the Confederate Catholics held it, then the Earl of Ormond for a year or two, and after his retreat General Preston took it. In 1646 it surrendered to Owen Roe O'Neill, and in 1650 Cromwell's Generals Hewson and Reynolds seized it.

Execution of Connell oge O'More at Leighlin

Leighlinbridge · town · Carlow · 1557

Connell oge O'More, Chief of Leix, was captured by the English and put to death at Leighlin in 1557. The Annals of the Four Masters lament that Irish chieftains could not be assisted against such fate.

Read the passage

‘ ‘ O' More (Connell) was taken by the English and put to death by them at Leighlin (County Carlow). It was grievous to the Irish that their free-born noble chieftains should be overtaken by such an evil destiny ; but they could not afford them any assistance.”
Some years afterwards, Shane O’Neill, Chief of his Name, wrote to the Lord Deputy, enumerating many instances of misgovernment and ill-treatment of individuals by Government officials which he was personally acquainted with. In his letter, which is dated Benburb, 18th February, 1565, he thus refers to Connell oge’s death : —

Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 34

Homages Performed at Castledermot Friary

Castledermot · town · Kildare · 1395

On 18 February 1395, Lisagh mac Feorais O'Connor and O'Toole performed homage in the Church of the Friars Minors at Thristel-Dermond, now Castledermot, County Kildare.

Read the passage

On the 18th, Lisagh mac Feorais (or Pierce) O’Connor “ of the nation of Hyrth ’’ (? Irry, a district in the western half of the Barony of Portnahinch, Queen’s County), and O’Toole (? Hugh O’Toole, Chief of Imaal, in the County Wicklow), did homage as above in the Church of the Friars Minors, at Thristel-Dermond (now Castledermot, County Kildare, seven miles north-east of Carlow). On the 25th of June, these, and other homages, were forwarded in two hampers, by the King, to John, Bishop of Salisbury, Treasurer of England, to be enrolled in the Exchequer Court, and safely kept in the Treasury.1
In January, 1400, King Henry IV appointed Thomas Harbrek, Constable of the Castle of Carlow, custodian of all the manors, lands, and services in the Counties of Carlow, Kildare (Ballysax), and Wexford, which lately belonged to Margaret, Duchess of Norfolk (daughter and heir of Prince Thomas Plantagenet, surnamed “ de Botherton ”) deceased, who held of the king, in capite, and also the possessions of her grandson and heir, Thomas Mowbray, Duke of Norfolk, late defunct, whose heirs were under age, for which reasons the estates were in the King’s hands. In the following year the appointment was transferred from Thomas “ Herbrigge,” late Constable, to William Houton, Constable of Carlow Castle.2

Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 221

Jones Forms Battle Line Near Drumlargan Church

Drumlargan · townland · Meath · 1647

Jones, keeping the road that passed by Lynch's Castle and through the demesne of Summerhill, formed his line of battle between Summerhill and the ruined church of Drumlargan.

Read the passage

Jones, keeping the road that passed by Lynch’s Castle and through the present demesne of Summerhill, proceeded to form his line of battle between the latter place and the ruined church of Drumlargan.2 His numbers, according to the official account, were 5,000 foot and 1,500 horse and eleven pieces of artillery. Bellings, however, gives him 7,000 foot, 2,300 horse, and 600 dragoons. It is most likely, at all events, that he was strongly reinforced by the garrison of Trim, which seems to have numbered about 1,500 horse and foot.3 Preston is said to have had 7,200 foot, about 1,300 horse, and four demi-culverins. His musterrolls returned 1,040 horse at Portlester, and Rowe says that he was afterwards further reinforced. No rolls concerning the infantry have been preserved, except those prepared for the muster at Carlow, and these give the figures cited by Rowe. On the other hand, the “ British Officer ” makes his total strength 5,000 The truth probably lies betweeu these figures. The discrepancy between the muster on paper and the muster on the field is thus accounted for by the author of the “ Aphorismical Discovery ” : — “ Two or three companies of his were in Waterford, a strong garrison in Carlow, to no purpose, another in the Naas, Harristown, Coghlanstown, Maynooth, and others. Some of his very best horse absent — Finglas, Scurlog, and several others — never a regiment full nor company complete ; the officers and commanders had their fighting men crying out upon touch in silver tune in their pockets. This was publicly known, but never reformed by Preston, having still muster-masters of his own stamp, sharing among themselves the profit but not the honour or service.”4
1 Aph. Disc, i, p. 155. 2 Bellings vii, 32.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 296

Narraghmore Mansion Destroyed by Insurgents in 1798

Narraghmore · townland · Kildare · 1798

Colonel Maurice Keating lived at Narraghmore, County Kildare, where he ornamented the demesne with extensive oak plantations, until the mansion house was destroyed by insurgents two years after his retirement in 1796. He later sold the estate in 1813.

Read the passage

Colonel Keating entered the army as Cornet 3rd Dragoons, 14th May, 1778; was appointed Lieut. 22nd Light Dragoons, 16th December, 1779, being promoted Captain 20th June, 1781, and Major, 13th December, 1782. When the regiment was disbanded in the following year, he was placed on half-pay. On 12th October, 1793, he was gazetted Lieutenant-Colonel, and on 8th April, 1794, was placed in command of the 107th Foot, which was disbanded a year later. He retired from the service in 1796, and appears to have lived at Narraghmore, where he ornamented the demesne by extensive plantations of oak, until the mansion house was destroyed by the insurgents two years later. He lived for some time in Merrion Square, Dublin, finally severing his connexion with the Narraghmore Estate in 1813, when he disposed of it to Robert La Touche, of Harristown, for £93,000.
In the intervals between his military commissions, Colonel Keating had travelled far and widely. He accompanied Consul- General Payne in 1784 on a tour through France, Spain, and Morocco, of which he published an account in 1816, entitled “ Travels in Europe and Africa.” The work was re-issued in the following year as “Travels through France, Spain, and Morocco.” He had previously published in 1812 a scientific work, entitled “ Eidometria, or Optic Mensuration.” He was a good linguist, and in 1800 translated “ The True History of the Conquest of Mexico,” from the Spanish of Bernal Diaz del Castillo, which was favourably reviewed by Southey and other

Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 318

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Narraghmore, a mansion once stood that belonged to Colonel Maurice Keating. He entered the army as a cornet in the 3rd Dragoons on 14th May 1778, and rose through the ranks over the following years. He was promoted to lieutenant in the 22nd Light Dragoons in December 1779, made captain in June 1781, and major in December 1782. When that regiment was disbanded the next year he went on half-pay. In October 1793 he was gazetted lieutenant-colonel, and in April 1794 he took command of the 107th Foot, which was disbanded a year later. He retired from the service in 1796 and settled at Narraghmore, where he ornamented the demesne with extensive plantations of oak. Two years later, in 1798, insurgents destroyed the mansion house. He then lived for some time in Merrion Square in Dublin. In 1813 he finally severed his connection with the Narraghmore estate, selling it to Robert La Touche of Harristown for 93,000 pounds. Between his military commissions, Keating had travelled widely. He accompanied Consul-General Payne in 1784 on a tour through France, Spain, and Morocco, and published an account of it in 1816 called Travels in Europe and Africa, reissued the following year as Travels through France, Spain, and Morocco. He had already published a scientific work in 1812, Eidometria, or Optic Mensuration. He was a good linguist, and in 1800 he translated The True History of the Conquest of Mexico from the Spanish of Bernal Diaz del Castillo, which was favourably reviewed by Southey and others.

O'Toole petition for restoration of Fercullen territory

Powerscourt · parish · Wicklow · 1540

In 1540 Tirlagh mac Art mac Edmond O'Toole petitioned the King to have restored the territory of Fercullen, previously held by his ancestors until expelled by the Earls of Kildare, describing it as five miles long containing mountains, woods and fertile lands, with all villages now desolate except Powerscourt.

Read the passage

Wythin the sayde Fercullen were certayn vyllages and cragges, of oolde tyme, as hereafter followe, being now all desolate, except onely Powerscourte : —
The sayd Tyrrelagh to have the premisses devydyd betwixte hym and his sequele, as shalbe thought mete by suche as shalbe appoyntyd by the Kinges Majesty, and after dyvysyon made, every partie to have letters patentes of their portyon. The sayde Tyrrelagh to holde the hole seignyorie of the Kyng, by Knyghtes servyce and five markes yerely, etc ; and the resydue to holde of hym by Knyghtes service ; they all to be obedyente to the Kynges lawes, use thlnglyshe apparell, and doo suche servyce according thextent of their landes, as other gentylmen of the Walshis, Haroldes, and Asboldes doo or use, or hereafter doo or use, in the marche of Dublyn.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 105

Panic at Tralee Castle After the Battle of Callan

Tralee · townland · Kerry · 1261

In 1261 the MacCarthys won a decisive victory at Callan, near Tralee, over Geraldine forces led by John fitz Thomas FitzGerald and his son Maurice, both of whom were slain. When news of the defeat reached their castle at Tralee, a panic seized the garrison.

Read the passage

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,
1 Holinshed, in his “ Chronicles of Ireland,” relates an anecdote in connexion with a monkey as the FitzGerald crest. He died in 1580, See the Journal, vol. v, p. 277.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 322

As the companion tells it

Close to Tralee, in 1261, the MacCarthys won a decisive victory at Callan over the Geraldine forces. John fitz Thomas FitzGerald, Lord of Connello, the Decies and Desmond, and his son Maurice led the Geraldines, and both were slain in the battle. When news of the defeat reached their castle at Tralee, a panic seized the garrison.

Plundering of Mass-houses in Dublin, 1647

Dublin · city · Dublin · 1647

On 8th June 1647, soldiers who had just arrived in Dublin with Colonel Jones plundered Mass-houses and Catholic houses, with many Protestants also suffering losses under this cover.

Read the passage

Three regiments exacted fourteen days’ free quarters in the neighbourhood of Bristol, and were finally broken up by clubmen.3 This unruly spirit now began to assert itself in the streets of Dublin. On June 8th the horse and foot that had just arrived with the new Commander-in-Chief “ fell a plundering the Mass-houses and divers Papist houses, and under colour of them many a Protestant did suffer the loss of all he had.” 4 This was followed by a mutiny on 2nd July, when payments promised in England were not forthcoming. The soldiers beat and abused their field officers that came to appease them. Jones himself led horse and foot against them. The mutineers returned his fire, and held “ the mount on the College Green ” until after midnight, when they asked and received pardon.5
The Parliamentary Commissioners and the new Commanderin-Chief had much to contend with. In a joint letter to the Derby House Committee, on 6th July, they complain of “ the uncomfortableness of our imployment in commanding men guided neither by rules of reason or conscience, but hurried by their own lusts to whatever pleases their fancy.”6

Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 289

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Dublin, this is a city that saw ugly disorder in 1647. On the 8th of June, the horse and foot soldiers who had just arrived with the new Commander-in-Chief, Colonel Jones, fell to plundering the Mass-houses and Catholic houses across the city, and under cover of that, many Protestants suffered the loss of all they had. The trouble did not end there. On the 2nd of July the soldiers mutinied when payments promised in England failed to arrive. They beat and abused their own field officers. Jones himself led horse and foot against them, and the mutineers returned his fire and held the mount on College Green until after midnight, when they asked for and received pardon. The Parliamentary Commissioners and Jones wrote jointly to the Derby House Committee on the 6th of July, complaining of the discomfort of commanding men guided neither by rules of reason nor conscience, but hurried by their own lusts to whatever pleased their fancy.

Slaying of Archbishop Maelmaedhog at Battle of Ceannfuait

Killeshin · townland · Laois · 915

The Archbishop of Leinster, Maelmaedhog, son of Diarmaid, Abbot of Gleann Uisean, a distinguished scribe and anchorite, was slain at the battle of Ceannfuait against the Norsemen and Danes.

Read the passage

915. The Archbishop (of Leinster) Maelmaedhog, son of Diarmaid, who was of the Ui Conannla, Abbot of Gleann Uisean, a distinguished scribe, anchorite, and an adept in the Latin learning and Scotic language, was slain at the battle of Ceannfuait (? Confey, County Kildare), against the foreigners (i.e. the Norsemen and Danes).
917. Domhnall, son of Diarmaid, Abbot of Gleann Uisean, died.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 136

St. Patrick's stone-roofed chapel at Ardrass

Ardrass · townland · Mayo · 1888

Near Celbridge, at the hill of Ardrass, stands a unique stone-roofed church marked on the Ordnance Survey as St. Patrick's Chapel, built of small flat green-flag stones and restored in 1888 by Major Hugh Barton of Straffan after long dereliction.

Read the passage

At the base of this hill the Celbridge road branches off ; one road leads to Straffan, and the other brings one to Barberstown. From the Straffan road, at the back of Mr. M‘Cloughery’s farm building, a small stone building is visible in a field which, as far as our county is concerned, is unique of its kind, being (to use the words of my informant) “ thatched wid stone.” This building is marked down on the six-inch Ordnance Survey Map as “ St. Patrick’s Chapel.”
Previous to its restoration in 1888 by the late Major Hugh Barton of Straffan, this little church might easily have been mistaken for a dilapidated stone hovel, as its roof was covered with a growth of weeds and grass, and the little belfry as seen from a distance closely resembled a chimney ; it was unenclosed, and there were no headstones or traces of graves.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 270

Surrender of Carlow Castle to Parliamentary forces

Carlow · townland · Carlow · 1650

Carlow Castle, an important inland garrison on the Barrow, was fortified with divers works and had a small castle at the foot of the bridge. News of the Ulster defeat and scarcity of provisions led the garrison to surrender to Lord-Deputy Ireton upon Articles.

Read the passage

“After the capture of Duncannon, the next place our army attempted was Carlo, an inland garrison, distant from Dublin about thirty miles, and lying upon the river Barrow. The place was esteemed by the enemy to be of great importance, and therefore fortified by them with divers works ; besides, it had a small Castle at the foot of the bridge, and a river running under the walls of the Castle. The country beyond it were also their friends, and furnished them with provisions in great abundance. To prevent which Major General Ireton found it necessary to employ the principal part of his forces on the other side of the river Barrow ; yet by what means to secure a communication between the two parts of his army, was a great difficulty, they having neither boats nor casks sufficient for that purpose. In the end they fell upon this expedient, to bring together great quantities of the biggest reeds, and tying them up in many little bundles with small cords, they fastned them to two cables that were fixed in the ground on each side of the river, at the distance of about eight or ten yards from each other ; these being covered with wattles, bore troops of horse and companies of foot, as well as a bridge arched with stone. ........
“ The news of the defeat of the Irish in Ulster being brought to those in Carlo, who had held out in hopes of relief from their friends in Ulster, together with a great scarcity of provisions in the place, besides the beating down of the little Castle that stood at the foot of the bridge on the other side of the river which happened about the same time, so discouraged those within, that they surrendered the place to the lorddeputy Ireton upon Articles ; which he caused punctually to be executed, as his constant manner was.”

Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 245

1641 stone bridge at Carlow guarded by castle and White Castle tower

Graigue · townland · Carlow · 1641

During the rebellion of 1641 a narrow stone bridge over the Barrow at Carlow was guarded at one end by the castle and at the other by a tower in Graigue called the White Castle, with niches for foot-passengers to avoid traffic.

Read the passage

During the rebellion of 1641 a stone bridge was in existence, guarded at one end by the castle, and at the other by a tower in Graigue, which was called “ The White Castle.” It was this bridge, a narrow one, with niches over the piers for footpassengers to step into to avoid the traffic, that the present bridge replaced.
VII.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 259

Baron de Robeck drowned at Leixlip in 1856 flood

Leixlip · town · Kildare · 1856

At Leixlip, named by the Danes from the cataract up which the salmon leap on their way to the upper river, John Henry, Baron de Robeck, was drowned in the great flood of 1856.

Read the passage

Leixlip was named by the Danes from the cataract up which the salmon leap on their way to the upper part of the river. Herein 1856 John Henry, Baron de Robeck, was drowned in the great flood of that year.
I bid adieu to the Liffey at Leixlip. It is, as we have seen, not a large river, and has no striking features in its course. It carries no trade on its stream, and no great cities adorn its banks ; but few will deny the quiet beauty of the landscape through which it flows ; and v;hen autumn colours its wooded banks, the eye may rest upon them with delight.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 208

As the companion tells it

You are coming through Leixlip, a town the Danes named from the cataract where salmon leap on their way upriver. In 1856 John Henry, Baron de Robeck, was drowned here in the great flood of that year. This is also where the Liffey is left behind. It is not a large river, carries no trade, and has no great cities on its banks. But few will deny the quiet beauty of the landscape it flows through, and when autumn colours the wooded banks, the eye may rest upon them with delight.

Chapel built by Tom Conolly at Castletown to banish the Devil

Castletown · street · Kildare

As a result of the bargain with Father Malachy, Tom Conolly gave orders to lay the foundation of a chapel, which was built of slate, stone, mortar, and brick, and which the legend says still stands to this day as the means by which old Nick was got rid of.

Read the passage

And it stands to this day, slate, stone, mortar, and brick, By Tom Conolly built, to get rid of old Nick.
Since the period that Nick got this touch in the eye,

Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 275

As the companion tells it

Along here at Castletown, there's a chapel Tom Conolly had built, slate, stone, mortar, and brick. The story goes it came from a bargain with Father Malachy, and the purpose was to get rid of old Nick. They say it stands to this day, the means by which the Devil was banished.

Eighty inhabitants of Carlow slain by the O'Mores in 1326

Carlow · townland · Carlow · 1326

In July 1326, about eighty of the inhabitants of Cathyrlaht (Carlow) and its neighbourhood were slain by the O'Mores of Leix.

Read the passage

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
In 1329, on the Sunday before the Feast of St. Laurence, David le Botiller (or Butler) was slain near Carlow by the O’Nolans of Fotharta-Fea, alias Fothart-O’Nolan (now the Carlow Barony of Forth).

Internet Archive journalofcountyk06coun, Chapter 219

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

The stories, best first

Strongbow's burial and destroyed effigy at Christ Church

The fairy man of Rathtoole

'The Graves' burial-ground granted to Catholics of Carlow

148 Castles Destroyed in County Catherlagh Within Nine Years

1599 fight at the Pass of the Plumes: death of Boswell and Gardiner

Battle of Dungan Hill fought at Dunganstown

Burning of Naas during the local Pattern

Contemporary praise for the victory at Dungan Hill

Croom Castle and the Origin of Crom-a-boo

Destruction of tombs at the Black Abbey of Kilkenny

Dispute over decapitation of Art MacMurrough at Carlow

Duke of Tyrconnell killed at the siege of Limerick

Fratricidal murder of Connell O'More

Garrett more, Earl of Kildare, killed by the O'Mores in 1513

George Parys of Agher, rebel envoy and turncoat

Gerald Lynch's Ruined Petition for Restoration of His Estate

Hartpole effigy removed to Oak Park then Kilnacourt, Portarlington

Homage Ceremonies Continue in the Castle of Catherlagh

Kilcullen Reduced to Two Thatched Houses During the Wars, 1644

Killeshin Church and the Battle of Gleann Uisean

Legend of regicide officer retiring to Drimnagh Castle

Legend of St. Patrick's prophecy of a haunting at Rath Bacain

Lynchahaun's Sensational Escape from Maryborough Jail

Plot to surprise Castle of Powerscourt in 1608

Prior of Kilmainham taken prisoner in Glenmalure

Relief of Maryborough Fort and death of Lysagh oge O'More

Sacred bell fails to save Sefin Bermingham at Ballysadare

St. Patrick's Bed and Blessed Well at Ardrass

Sworn oath and killing at Timahoe oratory doorway over sacred relic

The Battle of Athtrodain, now Athy

The Ghostly Light and Lady in White at Ballindrum

Treacherous Slaying of Donough Kavanagh MacMurrough Near Carlow

Wolfe Tone's Grave Vandalised and Restored at Bodenstown

Ballymore-Eustace Burned and Plundered by Raiders

Betrayal and hanging of Connell oge O'More

Capture of Stradbally Castle in 1598

Preston's Camp at Portlester and O'Neill's Offer of Reinforcements

Sheriff William de Valle's losses and killings near Carlow

Sir Richard Wingfield granted Powerscourt Castle for services against O'Doghertys

Attainder of Gerald FitzGerald, 9th Earl of Kildare

Capture of Athy and Woodstock Castle by rebel forces

Castle of Terence O'Dempsey at Ballybrittas

Chiefs' oath of allegiance near Slieve Margy at Ballygory

Cosby slain defending Stradbally against 60 O'Moores

Dr. Molyneux's 1709 visit to Killeshin ruins

Dunamase changes hands in Confederate Wars

Execution of Connell oge O'More at Leighlin

Homages Performed at Castledermot Friary

Jones Forms Battle Line Near Drumlargan Church

Narraghmore Mansion Destroyed by Insurgents in 1798

O'Toole petition for restoration of Fercullen territory

Panic at Tralee Castle After the Battle of Callan

Plundering of Mass-houses in Dublin, 1647

Slaying of Archbishop Maelmaedhog at Battle of Ceannfuait

St. Patrick's stone-roofed chapel at Ardrass

Surrender of Carlow Castle to Parliamentary forces

1641 stone bridge at Carlow guarded by castle and White Castle tower

Baron de Robeck drowned at Leixlip in 1856 flood

Chapel built by Tom Conolly at Castletown to banish the Devil

Eighty inhabitants of Carlow slain by the O'Mores in 1326