Read the copy these stories were drawn from on the Internet Archive.
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- stories drawn from it
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The stories, best first
page 1 of 2 · 74 in all
Each story keeps the passage it was read from. Open one to read the passage as the book has it, and, where the companion has written its own telling, that too.
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Sir John of Mogeely mortally wounded and body displayed at Cork
Cork · city · Cork · 1582–1583
Sir John of Desmond, known as Sir John of Mogeely near Tallow, was mortally wounded near Castlelyons; his head was sent to Dublin Castle and his body hung over the North Gate of Cork for nearly three years until blown into the sea.
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In December, 1582, Sir John of Desmond, generally known as Sir John of Mogeely (near Tallow, Co. Waterford) was mortally wounded, near Castlelyons, and succumbed to his wounds on January 3rd, 1583. His head was sent to Dublin to be set on the Castle walls, and his body was hung over the North Gate, Cork, where, as O'Daly writes, " it remained for nearly three years, till on a tempestuous night it was blown into the sea." (a)
There is an interesting entry in an old Geraldine MS. quoted by Hayman in the Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries, as follows : u The sons of Sir James Fitzjohn went on a hosting in the Decies, after the death of their father, aided by Siol Ui Briain (the clan O'Brien) of Comeragh, that is, Donnchadh, son of Kennedy, and Turlogh, son of Dounchadh, and the sons of Thomas Mac Rory, son of Maelmuire Magrath i.e. Thomas Og. Eoghan Ruadri overtook them at Mam na Caertandaigh, on the east side of Abhan Quilgen (the Colligan river near Dungarvan)." They were badly defeated, and the three sons of Sir James were taken prisoners, namely, Thomas, John of Glendine, and Garret. u They were sent to Dungarvan, and two of them were hanged by Captain Sir William Morgan, viz., Thomas Meirgech (rusty) and John of Glendine ; and Garret was sent to Waterford and was hanged in the same manner ; and they were divided into quarters," on February 14th, 1583.
Internet Archive journalofwaterf1906wate_1, Chapter 17
As the companion tells it
As the road takes you through Cork, the city holds a grim chapter from the Desmond wars. In December 1582, Sir John of Desmond, known as Sir John of Mogeely from near Tallow, was mortally wounded near Castlelyons. He died of his wounds on January 3, 1583. His head was sent to Dublin to be set on the Castle walls, and his body was hung over the North Gate of Cork. As O'Daly writes, it remained there for nearly three years, till on a tempestuous night it was blown into the sea.
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Last two British Great Auks captured in Waterford Harbour, 1834
near Waterford Harbour · estuary · Wexford · 1834
In 1834 the last two British specimens of the now extinct Great Auk were captured in Waterford Harbour, an event cited as an example of the wanton slaughter of wild birds.
Read the passage
Destruction of Harmless Wild Birds.— An incidental reference in " The Countryside" for December 16th to the capture, in 1834, in Waterford Harbour of the last two British specimens of the now extinct Great Auk suggests reflection on the wanton slaughter of harmless and useful wild birds, which is much more common, in our own locality, than the public imagine. For instance, it has recently come under the notice of the writer of this paragraph that considerable destruction of small birds — hen linnets, various finches, &c. — is wrought round about the city, and especially in the direction of Grange and Williamstown, by local bird-catchers, chiefly from Ballytruckle. When a bird undesirable for cage purposes is found on the bird lime it is destroyed ! Is there no law to stop this senseless brutality and if there be none is it not time legislation were demanded? A local Naturalists' Field Club is a desideratum. It would educate public opinion on the value of our native fauna and flora, and help farmers to prosecute bird-catchers — at any rate those of the variety alluded
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Internet Archive journalofwaterf1906wate_1, Chapter 20
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Siege of Aylward's castle at Coolbunnia in 1649
Coolbunnia · townland · Waterford · 1649
The ruined castle of the Aylwards at Coolbunnia stood a short siege in 1649 when defended by its owner against a Cromwellian division. Cromwell, who had known Aylward previously in England, offered terms which were refused on religious grounds, and the proprietor died with his retainers rather than capitulate.
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Coolbunnia, Cut t)uinne — " Ridge Back (or Corner) of the Stream." Close to the ruins of Faithlegg Church in this townland is a moat with the ruined castle of the Aylwards within its bally. The castle stood a short siege in 1649, when it was defended by its owner against a Cromwellian division. The Protector, who, it appears, had known Aylward previously in England, offered wThat he was pleased to call favourable terms. Acceptance was however incompatible with the religious tenets of the besieged. Under the circumstances the garrison refused to capitulate, and the proprietor with his faithful retainers died, (///) like Horatius, facing fearful odds for his faith and his ancestral acres.
Faithlegg, pei-oli 1111. The name, which possibly is not Irish, has long been a puzzle, which we can only hope future
Internet Archive journalofwaterf1906wate_1, Chapter 11
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New Geneva colony and barracks at Newtown
Newtown · townland · Waterford · 1785–1824
A colony of Genevese settlers was founded about 1785 at Newtown, with £10,000 voted by the Irish Parliament, but the settlement was abandoned after disputes over privileges. The site became Geneva Barracks, used to house 1,500 troops and later notorious as a prison during the Rebellion, before being dismantled in 1824.
Read the passage
founded about 1785. The Irish Parliament voted £10,000 in aid of the settlement. In consequence, however, of the demand by the colonists of certain privileges which it was not thought proper to concede the settlement was abandoned. Next year the Government commenced the erection of the barracks, of which some remains survive. These afforded accommodation for 1,500 men, and were occupied by militia and troops of the line. " Geneva Barracks " acquired notoriety in connection with the Rebellion a few years later ; they were used as a prison, whence transfer was made to a guarclship at Passage. Many are the stories still current, or current a quarter of a century since, amongst the country people, of the dark deeds done within these frowning walls. " New Geneva" came to an inglorious end in 1824, when it was purchased by the Marquis of Waterford, who sold the buildings to a Mr. Gal way (merchant) of Dungarvan, by whom the barracks were dismantled and much of the material carried by water to Dungarvan.
(b) *' The Review Ground," a space of nineteen acres (Irish).
Internet Archive journalofwaterf1906wate_1, Chapter 10
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Mayor of Youghal hanged after town's capture
Youghal · town · Cork · 1579–1580
Ormonde arrested the Mayor of Youghal at Cashel for allowing Desmond to capture Youghal, and brought him back to Youghal where he had him hanged.
Read the passage
N December 1579, Ormonde arrested the Mayor of Youghal at Cashel, for permitting Desmond to capture the town of Youghal, and, having brought his captive to that ancient seaport, had him hanged on February 1st, 1580. About this time, Marmaduke Middleton, Protestant Bishop of Waterford and Lismore, was committed to Dublin Castle "for using I indecent speeches against the Earls of Ormond and Kildare."
The Earl of Ormonde burned the towrn and castle of Lisfinny, also Shean Castle, near Lismore, and all the lands of Coshbride belonging to Sir John of Desmond ; and he left a garrison in Youghal of 300 men, under the command of Captains Pierce and Morgan.
Internet Archive journalofwaterf1906wate_1, Chapter 17
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Venerated O'Neill rosary believed to cure eye disease
Ballyneill · townland · Tipperary · 1652–1900
The rosary given to O'Neill by Pope Innocent X never left the family and was venerated all over South Tipperary, reputed to possess a peculiar efficacy in curing diseases of the eyes, and was constantly being borrowed for this purpose.
Read the passage
The O'Neills of Ballyneal.— There is preserved in the Record Office, Dublin, the original of the Cromwellian Confiscations in Co. Tipperary, called the " Book of Distributions." It records the " transplantation " of O'Neill, of Ballyneal, as being an " Irish Papist " and the giving of his estates— part to the Duke of Ormond, and part to the Corporation of Yarmouth, who hold it still. O'Neill availed himself of the option, then generally given, of going to Connaught, or emigrating to the Continent, and witji his family went to Rome in the Pontificate of Pope Innocent X. (1644 to 1655). The Pontiff gave O'Neill a valuable Rosary of silver and amber as a token of appreciation of his sacrifices for Religion. This " Beads " never left the O'Neill family, and was venerated all over South Tipperary, down to, and in, my own early youth. It was constantly being borrowed, as I distinctly remember, because reputed to possess a peculiar efficacy in cases of diseases of the eyes. This popular veneration goes to corroborate the story of its origin, as well as the descent of its present owners from the O'Neill who received it from Innocent X. about year 1652.
The son or grandson of the exiled O'Neill returned to Ireland on the relaxation of the Penal Laws, and my father's sister, Mrs. McEnnery, told me she spent the first ten years of her life in his house, until his death 5s a very old man, about 95 years of age. So that there is no doubt that our family directly
Internet Archive journalofwaterf1906wate_1, Chapter 20
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Battle near the Colligan river and hangings at Dungarvan and Waterford
Dungarvan · townland · Waterford · 1583
The sons of Sir James Fitzjohn were defeated near the Colligan river (Abhan Quilgen) close to Dungarvan; three sons were captured, two hanged at Dungarvan by Captain Sir William Morgan, and the third sent to Waterford and hanged and quartered.
Read the passage
There is an interesting entry in an old Geraldine MS. quoted by Hayman in the Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries, as follows : u The sons of Sir James Fitzjohn went on a hosting in the Decies, after the death of their father, aided by Siol Ui Briain (the clan O'Brien) of Comeragh, that is, Donnchadh, son of Kennedy, and Turlogh, son of Dounchadh, and the sons of Thomas Mac Rory, son of Maelmuire Magrath i.e. Thomas Og. Eoghan Ruadri overtook them at Mam na Caertandaigh, on the east side of Abhan Quilgen (the Colligan river near Dungarvan)." They were badly defeated, and the three sons of Sir James were taken prisoners, namely, Thomas, John of Glendine, and Garret. u They were sent to Dungarvan, and two of them were hanged by Captain Sir William Morgan, viz., Thomas Meirgech (rusty) and John of Glendine ; and Garret was sent to Waterford and was hanged in the same manner ; and they were divided into quarters," on February 14th, 1583.
During the last week of September, 1582, the Earl of Desmond overran the whole of the County of Waterford ; and, on
Internet Archive journalofwaterf1906wate_1, Chapter 17
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Execution and posthumous casting of Crotty the outlaw's head at Coolgower
Coolgower · townland · Waterford · 1742
It was into the Coolgower bog-hole, or pond, that the head of Crotty, the outlaw, was finally cast some time after his execution in Waterford in 1742.
Read the passage
Coolgower, Cut §AbAj\ — " Goats' Ridge-back (or corner)." It was into the Goolgower bog-hole, or pond, that the head of Crotty, the outlaw, was finally cast some time subsequent to his execution in Waterford (1742). Area, 93 acres.
Kilbarry, Cat tXa^fAA — "Barry's (or Bearach's) Church"; so called, no doubt, from the founder. Area, 456 acres, of which nearly a third is marsh.
Internet Archive journalofwaterf1906wate_1, Chapter 12
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Burning of Lisfinny and Shean Castles by Ormonde
Lisfinny · townland · Waterford · 1579–1580
The Earl of Ormonde burned the town and castle of Lisfinny, and also Shean Castle near Lismore, along with the lands of Coshbride belonging to Sir John of Desmond.
Read the passage
The Earl of Ormonde burned the towrn and castle of Lisfinny, also Shean Castle, near Lismore, and all the lands of Coshbride belonging to Sir John of Desmond ; and he left a garrison in Youghal of 300 men, under the command of Captains Pierce and Morgan.
During the spring and summer of the year 1580, Desmond was hard pressed, and, in June, Sir John FitzEdmond, Seneschal of Imokilly, burned 36 towns in the Decies, and carried off 7,000 head of cattle. Sir James of Desmond was executed at Cork, in September, and the massacre of Smerwick took place on November 10th.
Internet Archive journalofwaterf1906wate_1, Chapter 17
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Destruction of the Franciscan Friary of Youghal
Youghal · town · Cork · 1583
In 1583 the Franciscan Friary of Youghal was utterly destroyed and some of the Friars were put to death; survivors fled and mostly settled at Curraheen near Cappoquin under the protection of Sir Gerald Fitzjames of Dromana.
Read the passage
In 1583, the Franciscan Friary of Youghal was utterly destroyed, and some of the Friars were put to death. The rest hed, and most of them settled at Curraheen, near Cappoquin, Co. Waterford, where they were afforded protection and given a house by Sir Gerald Fitzjames, of Dromana, the place of abode beingstyled Coiwentiis Yoghiilliensis.
Gerald, 15th Earl of Desmond, was slain on November nth, 1583, betrayed by Owen Moriarty and murdered by Daniel O' Kelly : and his large estates, amounting to 574,628 acres, were confiscated. Four months later, the division of the spoils began, and on March
Internet Archive journalofwaterf1906wate_1, Chapter 17
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O'Neills of Ballyneal transplanted under Cromwellian confiscations
Ballyneill · townland · Tipperary · 1652–1655
The Book of Distributions records the Cromwellian confiscation and transplantation of O'Neill of Ballyneal as an 'Irish Papist,' with his estates given partly to the Duke of Ormond and partly to the Corporation of Yarmouth. O'Neill went into exile to Rome under Pope Innocent X, who gave him a silver and amber rosary as a token of appreciation for his sacrifices for religion.
Read the passage
The O'Neills of Ballyneal.— There is preserved in the Record Office, Dublin, the original of the Cromwellian Confiscations in Co. Tipperary, called the " Book of Distributions." It records the " transplantation " of O'Neill, of Ballyneal, as being an " Irish Papist " and the giving of his estates— part to the Duke of Ormond, and part to the Corporation of Yarmouth, who hold it still. O'Neill availed himself of the option, then generally given, of going to Connaught, or emigrating to the Continent, and witji his family went to Rome in the Pontificate of Pope Innocent X. (1644 to 1655). The Pontiff gave O'Neill a valuable Rosary of silver and amber as a token of appreciation of his sacrifices for Religion. This " Beads " never left the O'Neill family, and was venerated all over South Tipperary, down to, and in, my own early youth. It was constantly being borrowed, as I distinctly remember, because reputed to possess a peculiar efficacy in cases of diseases of the eyes. This popular veneration goes to corroborate the story of its origin, as well as the descent of its present owners from the O'Neill who received it from Innocent X. about year 1652.
The son or grandson of the exiled O'Neill returned to Ireland on the relaxation of the Penal Laws, and my father's sister, Mrs. McEnnery, told me she spent the first ten years of her life in his house, until his death 5s a very old man, about 95 years of age. So that there is no doubt that our family directly
Internet Archive journalofwaterf1906wate_1, Chapter 20
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Stories of dark deeds at Geneva Barracks
Newtown · townland · Waterford · 1798–1880
Many stories were still current among the country people, or current a quarter century since, of the dark deeds done within the frowning walls of Geneva Barracks at Newtown, associated with its use as a Rebellion-era prison.
Read the passage
founded about 1785. The Irish Parliament voted £10,000 in aid of the settlement. In consequence, however, of the demand by the colonists of certain privileges which it was not thought proper to concede the settlement was abandoned. Next year the Government commenced the erection of the barracks, of which some remains survive. These afforded accommodation for 1,500 men, and were occupied by militia and troops of the line. " Geneva Barracks " acquired notoriety in connection with the Rebellion a few years later ; they were used as a prison, whence transfer was made to a guarclship at Passage. Many are the stories still current, or current a quarter of a century since, amongst the country people, of the dark deeds done within these frowning walls. " New Geneva" came to an inglorious end in 1824, when it was purchased by the Marquis of Waterford, who sold the buildings to a Mr. Gal way (merchant) of Dungarvan, by whom the barracks were dismantled and much of the material carried by water to Dungarvan.
(b) *' The Review Ground," a space of nineteen acres (Irish).
Internet Archive journalofwaterf1906wate_1, Chapter 10
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Bishop's Cove and Bishop's Cave - a drowning and a fatal pit
Coxtown · townland · Donegal
Bishop's Cove is said to be named after a man called Bishop who drowned there. Nearby, Bishop's Cave, a deep pit of the puffing-hole class, had claimed more than one life before it was walled off for safety.
Read the passage
(h) 11 Bishop's Cove"; the name is modern — probably from some man named Bishop who was drowned here. There is also " Bishop's Cave," a great pit of the puffing-hole class, some forty perches inland from the cliff's edge. Bishop's Cave is now protected by a wall, but before the erection of this fence more than (me life had been lost there.
(/') Oonarontia (O.M.), UAirh ha Hon — " Cave of the Seals."
Internet Archive journalofwaterf1906wate_1, Chapter 14
As the companion tells it
Somewhere around here in Coxtown you have Bishop's Cove, a modern name probably taken from some man called Bishop who drowned here. Close by is Bishop's Cave, a deep pit of the puffing-hole class, about forty perches inland from the cliff's edge. More than one life was lost there before a wall was built to fence it off.
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Earl of Desmond slain and estates confiscated
Mocollop · townland · Waterford · 1583
Gerald, 15th Earl of Desmond, was slain, betrayed by Owen Moriarty and murdered by Daniel O'Kelly, and his large estates amounting to 574,628 acres were confiscated.
Read the passage
Gerald, 15th Earl of Desmond, was slain on November nth, 1583, betrayed by Owen Moriarty and murdered by Daniel O' Kelly : and his large estates, amounting to 574,628 acres, were confiscated. Four months later, the division of the spoils began, and on March
52
Internet Archive journalofwaterf1906wate_1, Chapter 17
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Mammoth Cave near Doneraile, Co. Cork
Doneraile · townland · Cork · 1904
Near Doneraile in Co. Cork, R. J. Ussher spent five to six months excavating an extensive cave system dubbed the Mammoth Cave, yielding vast quantities of reindeer, bear and mammoth bones, including gnawed mammoth bones attributed to hyaenas—an animal new to the Irish fossil record.
Read the passage
The most important bone-cave that I have worked in is however in the adjoining County of Cork near Doneraile ; I have spent between five and six months at it, but it would take years to work properly, (e) It consists of a most extensive system of galleries that run parallel to one another for great distances, and where the walls that divide them have broken down large halls are formed. In every part of these cavities an ancient floor of crystalline stalagmite is found. This rests on a deep bed of reddish sand brought into the cave by streams and floods from the mountains. This sand has yielded us an enormous quantity of fossil bones chiefly of reindeer which must have inhabited our country in vast herds ; there were a few bones of Irish elk, but bears' remains were found everywhere, and in every section of the cave we met with bones of the mammoth, in some cases of mammoth calves and in others of adults whose long bones had their ends gnawed off. The cause of this gnawing wras accounted for by the finding of jaws and teeth of the hyaena, an animal new to Ireland.
In this sand too we have found innumerable bones and jaws of the lemming, and there is strong reason to expect that when our forty^ baskets-full of bones shall have been carefully examined other new animals may be discovered.
Internet Archive journalofwaterf1906wate_1, Chapter 4
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Mammoth and Reindeer Bones Found at Shandon Cave near Dungarvan
Shandon · townland · Waterford · 1859–1875
In 1859 workmen quarrying at Shandon near Dungarvan discovered the floor of an ancient cave containing bones and teeth of mammoth and reindeer, along with horse and bear remains. The discovery, credited to Edward Brenan, was later preserved in the National Museum and further explored by Professor Leith Adams in 1875.
Read the passage
In 1859 some workmen quarrying at Shandon, near Dungarvan, where the floor of a cave had been, met with the bones and teeth of mammoth and reindeer, which are preserved in our National Museum, with those of horse, bear and other animals, (a) To the late Mr. Echvard Brenan is due the credit of this discovery. Twrenty years later Professor Leith Adams, whom I had met exploring the Shandon Cave in 1875, visited me and we commenced to dig out a new cave that was nearly choked up about half a mile south of the Cappagh Station. The brown earth that we first met with contained many bones of cows, pigs, sheep and dogs of a yellow colour ; but as we dug deeper we came to a grey earth that contained more ancient-looking, blackened bones of larger size. We then came upon pieces of antlers which my friend pronounced to belong without doubt to the great Irish elk, whose remains, though frequently found under bogs, had never been found in a cave in Ireland before.
Leith Adams had been opposed to the idea that this gigantic deer had lived along with mankind ; but no sooner did he find its bones in the same bed with charcoal and other traces of man, than he freely confessed that we had found evidence of this fact which had not been brought to light in Ireland before. The larger bones were split and broken, and the ends of the marrow-bones had been knocked off. We also found the small bones of the toes and knee-joints whose presence can only be accounted tor by the limbs having been brought in there entire. The pieces of Irish elk's antlers could hardly have come in there except by the hands of men.
Internet Archive journalofwaterf1906wate_1, Chapter 3
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Miler Magrath alienates Lismore Castle and manor to Raleigh
Lismore · townland · Waterford · 1587
In the summer of 1587, Miler Magrath, Bishop of Waterford and Lismore, alienated for ever the manor and see-lands of Lismore, together with Lismore Castle then occupied by him, to Sir Walter Raleigh for a nominal rent.
Read the passage
In the summer of the year 1587, Miler Magrath, Bishop of Waterford and Lismore, with the consent of the Dean and Chapter, alienated for ever the manor and see-lands of Lismore, together with Lismore Castle (then occupied by Magrath), to Sir Walter Raleigh, for the nominal annual rental of ^13 6s. 8d.
Among the earliest of the new li undertakers " (for such was the cheerful name officially given to those Englishmen who came over to farm the confiscated lands of the Earl of Desmond) was Richard Joke, who, on July 1st, 1586, purchased the Castle of Kilmacow (near Tallow, Co. Waterford), with one ploughland adjoining. Out of the confiscated estates of the Earl of Desmond, Sir Walter Raleigh got 42,000 acres ; Sir Christopher Hatton, 10,910 acres in County Waterford ; Sir Edward Fitton 10,500 acres in County Tipperary, etc.
Internet Archive journalofwaterf1906wate_1, Chapter 17
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Suppression of the 'pattern' celebration at Kilcaragh
Kilcaragh · townland · Waterford
The Field of the Pattern at Kilcaragh recalls a public celebration of the parish's patronal feast, which, following the confiscation and ruin of church buildings under the Penal Laws, degenerated from devotion into scenes of riot and drunkenness, leading to suppression by the clergy.
Read the passage
(c) tXAn a pAzpum— u Field of the Pattern." It is hardly necessary to explain that " aw p^qiun" was a public celebration of the patronal feast of the church. At rirst purely devotional, the celebration— owing mainly to the operation of the Penal Laws — became largely festive. Consequent on the confiscation and ruin of the Church buildings, &c, the people were driven from the accustomed places of assemblage. Gradually the religious element in the celebration diminished, and too often the " pattern " degenerated into a scene of riot and drunkenness. This led in scores of instances to the suppression of the meeting by the clergy and, in comparatively few instances, to its reformation.
Kilcop Parish.
Internet Archive journalofwaterf1906wate_1, Chapter 13
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Bishop's summer castle residence at Bishopscourt until Disestablishment
Bishopscourt · townland · Waterford · 1650–1871
Bishopscourt townland derived its name from a castle, of which every vestige has disappeared, that served as the summer or country residence of the Bishops of Waterford. The castle farm remained in personal occupation of the Protestant Bishop until Disestablishment.
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Bishop's Court, Cti^ipc &r\ C^fpoig. Idem. This townland, originally part of Kilcaragh, existed as a separate denomination as early at least as the middle of the 17th. century. It derived its name from a castle (every vestige of which has disappeared) — the summer, or country, residence of the Bishops of Waterford. The castle farm continued in the personal occupation of the Protestant Bishop till the Disestablishment, a few years ago. Area, 318 acres.
Kilcaragh, Cilt Caza\\ac — " Church with Stone Rampart." The early Irish ecclesiastical establishment was surrounded by a circular fence of earth or stone, and most of our early church enclosures — those at least on which later churches have not been erected — still preserve this circular form. Cahirs are comparatively rare in Waterford. In fact only a specimen or two survive, but the occurrence of the word in place names proves that stone forts were formerly far from rare. The comparative scarcity of stone and corresponding abundance of earth accounts for the enormous preponderance of earthen forts in this county. In the present instance all traces of church and cahir has disappeared, but a few old people still remember portion of the church ruin. It is probable there was no graveyard ; this is deduced (1) from the absence of all tradition of its existence, (2) the diminutive size of the parish, which can never have had more than a few dozen people, and (3) the rocky nature of the church site and surroundings,
Internet Archive journalofwaterf1906wate_1, Chapter 13
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Crooke Parish church and Knights Templars Preceptory
Crooke · townland · Waterford · 1170–1300
The monastic church at Crooke pertained to the adjoining Preceptory of the Knights Templars, of which only an insignificant portion of a strong castle survives. Beside it stands a well sacred to St John Baptist, and the church ruin's east gable held an early English triple-light window dating from the earliest post-invasion period.
Read the passage
The) church was monastic and pertained to the adjoining Preceptory of Knights Templers. Of the latter only an insignificant portion of a strong castle survives. Beside this is a well sacred to St. John Baptist, to whom the church also appears to have been dedicated. The church ruin had in its east gable a triple-light window of early English character, so that in all probability the building dates from the earliest post-invasion period. For a fuller account of the church, &c, see Journal of the R.S.A.I., Vol. I., Series V.
Internet Archive journalofwaterf1906wate_1, Chapter 9
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Friars given refuge at Curraheen near Cappoquin
Curraheen · townland · Waterford · 1583
Franciscan friars fleeing the destruction of Youghal Friary settled at Curraheen near Cappoquin, where they were given protection and a house by Sir Gerald Fitzjames of Dromana, styled Conventus Youghalliensis.
Read the passage
In 1583, the Franciscan Friary of Youghal was utterly destroyed, and some of the Friars were put to death. The rest hed, and most of them settled at Curraheen, near Cappoquin, Co. Waterford, where they were afforded protection and given a house by Sir Gerald Fitzjames, of Dromana, the place of abode beingstyled Coiwentiis Yoghiilliensis.
Gerald, 15th Earl of Desmond, was slain on November nth, 1583, betrayed by Owen Moriarty and murdered by Daniel O' Kelly : and his large estates, amounting to 574,628 acres, were confiscated. Four months later, the division of the spoils began, and on March
Internet Archive journalofwaterf1906wate_1, Chapter 17
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New Hall Caves Reveal Irish Elk and Reindeer Remains
Newhall · townland · Clare · 1901–1904
Adjoining the Eden Vale estate, two caves at New Hall in Co. Clare produced bones of Irish elk, reindeer, bear, lemming, and a wild cat new to Ireland, plus crane bones confirming Giraldus's account of cranes in Ireland centuries earlier.
Read the passage
During the next three summers we did thirty-two weeks work in Co. Clare, where we found two groups of caves at Eden Vale that yielded considerably over 50,000 specimens, and also two very interesting caves at New Hall, the adjoining estate. A lengthy report on our discoveries here will be published by the Royal Irish Academy shortly. In these caves the upper bed of earth contained as usual bones of domestic animals in profusion, many human bones, and relics of man's art of very different ages ; there were finely chipped scrapers of flint or white chert, delicately pointed objects of bone, teeth that had been cut and bored for implements, including the canine of a large bear, a pin of bronze of an early type, and a bronze bracelet, a bronze strap and buckle adorned with a pattern in silver plating, a plain gold bracelet, an amber bead, and skeans or knife-blades of iron, an iron stiletto ; but perhaps the object that gave us the clearest indication of the use of these caves by man was a stone lamp, hollowed out of a sandstone boulder, and blackened round the sides of the cup by the smoke of the wick.
The upper stratum as well as the lower also produced many bones of Irish elk, and a shed antler of a young individual was found which Dr. Scharff considers a most unlikely object to have been brought in by wild beasts, and that probably it was left there by man.
Internet Archive journalofwaterf1906wate_1, Chapter 4
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Osmanstown Built for Dispossessed Danes
Waterford · city · Waterford · 1384
A particular district outside the city walls was assigned to the dispossessed Danish citizens of Waterford, giving rise to the 'Cantred of the Danes' and the 'Osmanstown of Waterford', built in 1384 according to a plea-roll of Edward II.
Read the passage
" Englishman." In modern usage the word is largely restricted to the latter sense, while "LocLAnn^c" is applied to the Dane of history. It is wonderful, by the way, how little the Dane has left his impress on the land names of the .Barony he made his own. Gaultier, as a local denomination, datesf approximately from the expulsion of the Ostmen of Waterford from the city on the arrival of the English. The first care of the new-comers was to hang Reginald, ruler of Waterford, for having placed iron chains across the river to bar the progress of the invading fleet, and their second — to drive out the Danish inhabitants, one Gerald McGilmore alone excepted. A particular district outside the walls was assigned the dispossessed citizens — whence the " Cantred of the Danes " of later times, and the " Osmanstown of Waterford " built in 1384, according to a plea-roll of Edward II.
Ballygunner Parish.
Internet Archive journalofwaterf1906wate_1, Chapter 6
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Poet Pierce Fitzgerald's life and death in Clashmore
Clashmore · town · Waterford · 1700–1780
The Irish-language poet Pierce Fitzgerald lived and died in the parish of Clashmore, County Waterford, though born in County Cork. His poetry survived orally for a century and a half among Irish speakers of Munster.
Read the passage
handed down orally, has been a living power in Irish speaking Minister. Mr. Richard O'Foley has rendered a real service to literature and to his country, in editing — as probably he alone could have so efficiently done — this collection of 140 pages. The publication is of special interest to Waterford people for we may claim Fitzgerald as a fellow county man. True, he hist saw the light in the neighbouring County of Cork (Ballykinealy, near Ballymacoda)— but he was of purely Waterford stock, and besides he lived and died in the parish of Clashmore in this county. On his father's side our poet was a Desmond — tracing his descent from that John MacThomas FitzGerald who was created first Lord of the Decies. His mother's stock was no less distinguished. Well versed in Irish genealogy Fitzgerald claimed descent on his mother's side from Nicholas Power, Baron of Dunhill. As however Mr. O'Foley will, in a future No. of the Journal, treat us to some notes on the poet and his times the matter need not be more fully dwelt on now. The editor of the volume under notice has taken immense pains with his task and the result is a piece of work which might serve as a model for editors. Much, no doubt, of Fitzgerald's work — this was inevitable under the circumstances — has been lost. Mr. O'Foley has been able to get together, from MS. and other sources, some forty-four poems, two or three of which are of considerable length. Prescinding from their literary value these are worth the historian's study for the vivid side light they throw on many a phase of Irish country and civil life in the 18th century. Most of the native Minister poets have now been edited. A dozen years ago scarcely one of them had been so treated. Now their carefully edited remains make quite a little library — Keating, O'Rahilly, McDonnell, Eoghan Ruadh O'Sullivan, Tadhg Gaodhalach, and finally the subject of this present notice.
Another work, remarkable in its particular line as the two books just noticed are in theirs, is " Heroic Romances
Internet Archive journalofwaterf1906wate_1, Chapter 19
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Vanished 'street' villages disappeared in the Famine
Corbally · parish · Waterford · 1847–1852
The field name 'Field of the Street' at Corbally recalls a vanished village site, of which no house or trace remains. The author notes hundreds of such 'streets' disappeared during the Famine of 1847 and subsequent years.
Read the passage
(b) t>:\n a c-S|A.\i*oe—a Field of the Street." "Street" is used in the sense of "village." The name is of frequent occurrence in places where, as in the present instance, there is now not a house, or sign of one, remaining. Hundreds of these " streets" disappeared in black '47 and subsequent years.
(c) Carrickadun (Ord. Map), Gaujvais a T)uin — 11 Rock of the Dun" Dun is primarily a fort, but in the present instance, as in scores of similar cases in Co. Waterford, the word is applied, in a secondary sense, to rounded dome-like hills of no great elevation, such as would be chosen by a primitive people for fortification or residence.
Internet Archive journalofwaterf1906wate_1, Chapter 9
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Father Maurice Kenreghtan executed and buried at Clonmel
Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1585
Father Maurice Kenreghtan, chaplain to the Earl of Desmond, was executed at Clonmel and his remains were interred in the Franciscan Convent there.
Read the passage
On January 10th, 1585, a commission was granted to Captain Anthony Hungerford, Constable of Dungarvan Castle, to execute martial law in County Waterford ; and, on April 30th, Father Maurice Kenreghtan, Chaplain to the Earl of Desmond, was executed at Clonmel, and his remains were interred in the Franciscan Convent.
At the Parliament which assembled, in Dublin, on April 26th, 1585, and at which only 26 places were represented, Sir Richard Aylward, of Faithlegg, and James Sherlock, of Grace Dieu, were present as Knights of the Shire for County Waterford. This Parliament was prorogued on May 29th.
Internet Archive journalofwaterf1906wate_1, Chapter 17
As the companion tells it
You're coming through Clonmel now, in Tipperary. On April 30th, 1585, Father Maurice Kenreghtan, chaplain to the Earl of Desmond, was executed here. His remains were laid to rest in the Franciscan Convent in the town.
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The Fairy Bush leacht marking a fatal deed at Leperstown
Leperstown · townland · Waterford
At Leperstown stands the Fairy Bush, a leacht or pile of stones erected on the spot where a fatal deed took place, commemorating a murder, fatal accident, or suicide; such fairy whitethorn bushes are noted as uncommon in Waterford.
Read the passage
S.D. The Fairy Bush (O.M.), LeAcc S^eice a X)6tM\\ — " The Leacht of the Bush of {by or in) the Road." A leacht is a pile of stones — erected on the spot where the fatal deed took place — to commemorate a murder, fatal accident, or suicide. " Fairy bushes " (whitethorn) are uncommon in Waterford.
(z) Speed's Map of " The Province of Munster," London, 1610. (aa) See Ballinlough and Woodstown.
Internet Archive journalofwaterf1906wate_1, Chapter 14
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The Giant's Grave and Meadow of the Heads at Dromina
Dromina · townland · Waterford · 1780–1806
A rath known locally as the 'Giant's Grave' stands at Dromina, near a field called 'Meadow of the Heads' where, over a century before writing, human skulls and broken swords were found scattered across two fields.
Read the passage
(d) XY\6meA\\ tu\ g-Ce^nn — a Meadow of the Heads," close to the last. The name is applied to two lields in which were found, over a century since, a number of human skulls, broken swords, &c.
Knockparson, Cnoc peappuin — " Parson's (personal name) Hill." Area, 88 acres.
Internet Archive journalofwaterf1906wate_1, Chapter 10
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Ancient 'Sheep's Bridge' documented from 1495 at Ballindud
Ballindud · townland · Waterford · 1495
Sheep's Bridge at Ballindud, despite its modern-sounding name, occurs as 'Shepyn Bridge' in a 1495 lease from the Benedictine Prior of St John's Waterford, and was already ancient enough three hundred years earlier to be called 'The Old Bridge'. The Crompan stream is still resorted to there for sheep washing.
Read the passage
S.DD. (a) "Sheep's Bridge" (Orel. Map). Modern though this name looks it can boast of very respectable antiquity ; it occurs (in the form " Shepyn Bridge") in a lease dated Oct. 1495, from John Devereux, Benedictine Prior of St. John's, Waterford (to which house u Shepyn Bridge" belonged,), to Thomas Shallway, of the City of Waterford. Three hundred years earlier our bridge was ancient enough to be known as " The Old Bridge." (r) The Crompan stream flowing down from Tourgar is still generally resorted to, especially at Sheep's Bridge, for sheep washing.
(b) u Cromlech"; a fine specimen, though somewhat ruined owing to failure of one of its supports and consequent tilting of the table stone.
Internet Archive journalofwaterf1906wate_1, Chapter 12
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Ballygunner Church and St Mochorog
Ballygunner · parish · Waterford
The ruined church at Ballygunner was originally dedicated to St Mochorog, a reputed Briton and son of a British prince, who is also honoured at Delgany. A later change of patron saw the Blessed Virgin become titular, evidenced by the survival of an ancient pattern day on September 8th.
Read the passage
The parish takes its name from Ballygunner townland on which the Church (now in ruins) stood. This church, it is evident from Therner, (c) was originally dedicated to a St. Mochorog, Confessor, whom we may safely regard as its founder. Mochorog, like many of the early church founders of our eastern and south-eastern seaboard, appears to have been a Briton, and son of Branchan, a British prince. At any rate such was the reputed nationality and parentage of the Saint Mochorog, who is honoured at Delgany, Co. WTicklow. (d) This Mochorog of Delgany is stated to have assisted St. Kevin when , the latter lay dying. In post-invasion times a change of patrons was somehow effected in our Church, for the survival of the ancient "pattern" on September 8th is proof that at the Reformation period the Blessed Virgin was titular. For description of the ruined church and its graveyard see Journal of R.S.A.I., Vol. I., 5th Series, p. 481. In the Down Survey Map the parish is named Ballygunner Temple and the
(c) " Vet. Monumenta " — Pius II., a.d. 1459.
Internet Archive journalofwaterf1906wate_1, Chapter 6
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Dunmore's Great Fort earthwork on the Black Knob
Dunmore East · town · Waterford
The townland of Dunmore takes its name from an ancient earthen entrenchment that once crowned and defended the promontory known as the 'Black Knob', where the Coast Guard Signalling Station now stands. The earthwork is of the headland-isolating class common along the Waterford coast, though only part of a single embankment survives.
Read the passage
Dunmore, T)un mop— " Great Fort"; so called from an earthen entrenchment, still in part surviving, which crowned and defended the promontory known as the " Black Knob," on which now stands the Coast Guard Signalling Station. The earthwork here is of the headland isolating class so frequent along the Waterford coast, and consisting of a line, or lines, of embankment thrown across the neck of the promontory. In the present instance only portion of a single embankment remains. Under the head of Dunmore is to be included Nymph Hall, a portion of Dunmore cut off to form a separate townland with the foregoing fancy name. Area (with Nymph Hall), 457 acres.
S.DD. (1) Inland— (a) Parkmoe (O.M.), p&pc iia m-t>6— " Field of the Cows," the present public park of Dunmore.
Internet Archive journalofwaterf1906wate_1, Chapter 14
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Miler Magrath takes up residence in Lismore Castle
Lismore · townland · Waterford · 1583
Miler Magrath, Archbishop of Cashel, was granted the united sees of Waterford and Lismore in commendam by royal warrant and soon after took up residence in Lismore Castle.
Read the passage
On November 20th, 1582, Marmaduke Middleton, first Protestant Bishop of Waterford and Lismore was transferred to the See of St. David's, where he was soon after deprived and degraded u for contriving and publishing a forged will." He was succeeded by Miler Magrath, Archbishop of Cashel, who was given the united sees in commendam, "during the pleasure of Queen Elizabeth," by royal warrant dated January 7th, 1583, and, soon after, took up his residence in Lismore Castle.
From the Fiants of Elizabeth we learn that on February 7th, 1583, pardon was granted to the Provost or Chief Magistrate of Dungarvan — James Nagle — and the burgesses, on condition that il the inhabitants shall, within two months, enter into recognizance in _£i,ooo, to erect a stone wrall 16 feet high, and 4, or at least, 3 feet thick, or a sufficient deep foss with a high bank round the western part of the town where the Queen's Castle is situate." Furthermore, by Queen's letter of February nth, Captain Anthony Hungerford was appointed Constable of Dungarvan Castle, " to hold during good behaviour, with a fee of four shillings a day, 6d. a day for each of three archers, and 8d. a day for each of 15 footmen," in succession to Captain William Morgan.
Internet Archive journalofwaterf1906wate_1, Chapter 17
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William of Orange landing tradition at Cloonliamgowl
Coolum · townland · Waterford · 1690
Local tradition holds that followers of William of Orange landed at the little haven of Cloonliamgowl in Coolum townland. Stone foundations of a pier survive near low water mark, and a prehistoric double earthen wall defends the headland known as Oilean Liam.
Read the passage
S.DD. (a) Cloonliamgowl (Ord. Map), Ctuvn 'tu\m 5aUt>a — " Harbour of William the Foreigner." The foreigner, according to local tradition, is William of Orange, some of whose followers are represented as having landed here ! Near tow water mark are some foundations of what would appear to have been a stone built
25
Internet Archive journalofwaterf1906wate_1, Chapter 9
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Birthplace of poet Pierce Fitzgerald near Ballymacoda
Ballymacoda · townland · Cork · 1700–1780
The poet Pierce Fitzgerald was born at Ballykinealy near Ballymacoda in County Cork, though he was of Waterford stock and descended from the Desmond Fitzgeralds, first Lords of the Decies.
Read the passage
handed down orally, has been a living power in Irish speaking Minister. Mr. Richard O'Foley has rendered a real service to literature and to his country, in editing — as probably he alone could have so efficiently done — this collection of 140 pages. The publication is of special interest to Waterford people for we may claim Fitzgerald as a fellow county man. True, he hist saw the light in the neighbouring County of Cork (Ballykinealy, near Ballymacoda)— but he was of purely Waterford stock, and besides he lived and died in the parish of Clashmore in this county. On his father's side our poet was a Desmond — tracing his descent from that John MacThomas FitzGerald who was created first Lord of the Decies. His mother's stock was no less distinguished. Well versed in Irish genealogy Fitzgerald claimed descent on his mother's side from Nicholas Power, Baron of Dunhill. As however Mr. O'Foley will, in a future No. of the Journal, treat us to some notes on the poet and his times the matter need not be more fully dwelt on now. The editor of the volume under notice has taken immense pains with his task and the result is a piece of work which might serve as a model for editors. Much, no doubt, of Fitzgerald's work — this was inevitable under the circumstances — has been lost. Mr. O'Foley has been able to get together, from MS. and other sources, some forty-four poems, two or three of which are of considerable length. Prescinding from their literary value these are worth the historian's study for the vivid side light they throw on many a phase of Irish country and civil life in the 18th century. Most of the native Minister poets have now been edited. A dozen years ago scarcely one of them had been so treated. Now their carefully edited remains make quite a little library — Keating, O'Rahilly, McDonnell, Eoghan Ruadh O'Sullivan, Tadhg Gaodhalach, and finally the subject of this present notice.
Another work, remarkable in its particular line as the two books just noticed are in theirs, is " Heroic Romances
Internet Archive journalofwaterf1906wate_1, Chapter 19
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Leperstown - endowment land of Waterford's Leper Hospital
Leperstown · townland · Waterford
Leperstown was so called because it was portion of the endowment of the Leper Hospital of Waterford, and the townland contains a considerable area of commonage which was formerly much larger.
Read the passage
Leperstown, t>x\ite n& Lobx\fv — u Townland of (belonging to) the Lepers "; so called because it was portion of the endowment of the Leper Hospital of Waterford. In this townland is a considerable area of commonage which formerly was much larger.
S.D. The Fairy Bush (O.M.), LeAcc S^eice a X)6tM\\ — " The Leacht of the Bush of {by or in) the Road." A leacht is a pile of stones — erected on the spot where the fatal deed took place — to commemorate a murder, fatal accident, or suicide. " Fairy bushes " (whitethorn) are uncommon in Waterford.
Internet Archive journalofwaterf1906wate_1, Chapter 14
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Protestant schoolmaster despairs of converting Waterford
Waterford · city · Waterford · 1585
John Shearman, a Protestant schoolmaster in Waterford, wrote to the Archbishop of Armagh in 1585 bemoaning the citizens' devotion to the old religion, his dwindling scholars, and hostility from the Mayor and Sheriffs, forcing him to leave the city.
Read the passage
the very scholars scoffed at him, "as they have done most devilishly," and so he was forced to depart from Waterford to his own country, " because there is not one professor of the Gospel to be found among them — no, not one."
At this time, Salterbridge was held by the O'Briens ; Kilbree, Affane, Conna, Knockmoan, and Ballygalane by the Fitzgeralds ; Toureen by the Roches ; Monatrim and Camphire by the Powers. As yet, too, Strancally, Dromana, Cappoquin, Mocollop, and Lishnny were held by the Desmonds.
Internet Archive journalofwaterf1906wate_1, Chapter 17
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Ballygunner Lios and Cromlech
Ballygunner · parish · Waterford
On the Ballygunner townland stands a now practically demolished circular lios of large size, containing a stone-lined subterranean chamber, along with one small, partly ruined cromlech, both marked on the Ordnance Map.
Read the passage
Ballygunner (in three parts : — B. More, B. Castle, and B. Temple), tlAite rhic ^ouai^ ( ' t>. tn6f\," "t>. a CxMfteAm," and "t). a UeAtnpuil," respectively) — "Town (or Homestead) of Gonar's Son." This is one of our few land names which commemorate Danish occupation. There are on the townland one, now practically demolished, circular lios of large size (Ord. Map) with a stone-lined subterranean chamber and one small, partly ruined cromlech (Ord. Map). Ballygunnertemple is returned in the Down Survey as the property of Lord Powre, and the other two divisions of the townland as belonging to Sir Robert Walsh, Irish Papist. The Cromwellians liked good measure ; they reckoned the total area of the three divisions (including seven acres of glebe on Ballygunner Castle) at 649 acres. This, as a matter of fact, was little more than half the real acreage. " James Walshe (father, or grandfather, presumably, of the Sir Robert Walsh of Petty's Survey) of Gonnestown " appears as a juror in an Inquisition of Elizabeth. (/) The castle (modernised) of the Walshes is still in use as the residence of John Power, farmer. Area (in three divisions) 1,212 acres.
Sub-denominations — (a) Ciif\fv\c 5o|\in — 44 Blue Bog (or Marsh)," a small sub-division ; the name is Anglicised — " Foxy Bog." The terms for "bog" or "marsh" are very numerous in Irish and of extremely frequent occurrence in place names. They are however, by no means, synonyms and their different shades of meaning are well understood. tTlom, for instance, is a turf bog, — Cupi^c, a swampy patch, — Uonn, a quaking bog, — ^pexUA^c, a heavy, miry place, — &c, &c.
Internet Archive journalofwaterf1906wate_1, Chapter 7
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Kilbarry church and Knights Templars preceptory
Kilbarry · townland · Waterford · 1880–1906
The ancient church of Kilbarry, founded on a Celtic site close to the Danish stronghold, later passed to the Knights Templars, who built a preceptory beside it. Only insignificant remains survive, and the crowded cemetery was closed to further burials by the Sanitary Authority a few years before writing.
Read the passage
The name of the parish is ecclesiastical in its origin, incorporating the ancient church founder's name (tX\np.A). The church, to which there are some references in municipal documents and monastic charters, passed early into the hands of the Knights Templars, who erected a preceptory of their order beside it. Though close to the Danish stronghold the original formation of the church was Celtic, as the name, retained through all the ages, indicates. Only insignificant remains of the church survive, and the cemetery had, a few years since, become so crowded that the Sanitary Authority was obliged to close it to further burials.
Internet Archive journalofwaterf1906wate_1, Chapter 11
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Order to wall Dungarvan and defend Queen's Castle
Dungarvan · townland · Waterford · 1583
Pardon was granted to the Provost and burgesses of Dungarvan on condition they erect a stone wall 16 feet high and at least 3 feet thick, or a deep foss with a high bank, around the western part of town where the Queen's Castle stood.
Read the passage
From the Fiants of Elizabeth we learn that on February 7th, 1583, pardon was granted to the Provost or Chief Magistrate of Dungarvan — James Nagle — and the burgesses, on condition that il the inhabitants shall, within two months, enter into recognizance in _£i,ooo, to erect a stone wrall 16 feet high, and 4, or at least, 3 feet thick, or a sufficient deep foss with a high bank round the western part of the town where the Queen's Castle is situate." Furthermore, by Queen's letter of February nth, Captain Anthony Hungerford was appointed Constable of Dungarvan Castle, " to hold during good behaviour, with a fee of four shillings a day, 6d. a day for each of three archers, and 8d. a day for each of 15 footmen," in succession to Captain William Morgan.
Gerald Fitzjames FitzGerald was deprived of the Deanery of Lismore in 1583, and on September 12th of same year John Prendergast, Prebendary of Mora, was appointed his successor by letters patent.
Internet Archive journalofwaterf1906wate_1, Chapter 17
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Shipwrecks remembered in 'Palm Oil Hole' and 'Flour Hole'
Coolum · townland · Waterford
Two coastal features near Coolum are named for shipwrecks: 'Palm Oil Hole' from a wrecked ship carrying palm oil, and 'Flour Hole' from a flour-laden vessel that met her doom there.
Read the passage
(c) " Palm Oil Hole," so called from wreck here of a ship laden with the commodity named.
(d) u Flour Hole," where a flour laden vessel met her doom.
Internet Archive journalofwaterf1906wate_1, Chapter 9
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Well-preserved ancient church ruins at Faithlegg
Faithlegg · street · Waterford
The ruins of the ancient church at Faithlegg parish are in an excellent state of preservation, consisting of nave and chancel connected by a pointed chancel arch of wrought red sandstone, with an elaborately moulded west doorway and a notable holy water stoup illustrated by Brash.
Read the passage
In the Down Survey map (k) this is represented by a single townland which gives name to the parish. The two additional townlands therefore must have been formed out of the first within the past 250 years. It is remarkable that in the whole parish there is not a single native Irish speaker — a fact very regrettable from the point of view of a student of place names. The ruins of the ancient church are in an excellent state of preservation ; they consist of nave and chancel connected by a pointed chancel arch of wTrought red sandstone. The west doorway, also of red sandstone, and in harmony (architecturally) with the
(k) Record Office, Dublin.
Internet Archive journalofwaterf1906wate_1, Chapter 10
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Cromwellian Confiscation of Ballygunner
Ballygunner · parish · Waterford · 1650–1660
Ballygunnertemple is returned in the Down Survey as the property of Lord Powre, while the other two divisions of the townland belonged to Sir Robert Walsh, described as an Irish Papist, following the Cromwellian confiscations.
Read the passage
Ballygunner (in three parts : — B. More, B. Castle, and B. Temple), tlAite rhic ^ouai^ ( ' t>. tn6f\," "t>. a CxMfteAm," and "t). a UeAtnpuil," respectively) — "Town (or Homestead) of Gonar's Son." This is one of our few land names which commemorate Danish occupation. There are on the townland one, now practically demolished, circular lios of large size (Ord. Map) with a stone-lined subterranean chamber and one small, partly ruined cromlech (Ord. Map). Ballygunnertemple is returned in the Down Survey as the property of Lord Powre, and the other two divisions of the townland as belonging to Sir Robert Walsh, Irish Papist. The Cromwellians liked good measure ; they reckoned the total area of the three divisions (including seven acres of glebe on Ballygunner Castle) at 649 acres. This, as a matter of fact, was little more than half the real acreage. " James Walshe (father, or grandfather, presumably, of the Sir Robert Walsh of Petty's Survey) of Gonnestown " appears as a juror in an Inquisition of Elizabeth. (/) The castle (modernised) of the Walshes is still in use as the residence of John Power, farmer. Area (in three divisions) 1,212 acres.
Sub-denominations — (a) Ciif\fv\c 5o|\in — 44 Blue Bog (or Marsh)," a small sub-division ; the name is Anglicised — " Foxy Bog." The terms for "bog" or "marsh" are very numerous in Irish and of extremely frequent occurrence in place names. They are however, by no means, synonyms and their different shades of meaning are well understood. tTlom, for instance, is a turf bog, — Cupi^c, a swampy patch, — Uonn, a quaking bog, — ^pexUA^c, a heavy, miry place, — &c, &c.
Internet Archive journalofwaterf1906wate_1, Chapter 7
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Ford of the Mass on the road to a Penal Days chapel at Killawlan
Killawlan · townland · Waterford
A ford in Killawlan townland was called 'Ford of the Mass' because the road to a chapel used during the Penal Days passed through it, linking the site to a period of religious persecution.
Read the passage
S.D. At An Ai^inn— « Ford of the Mass," because road' to a chapel of the Penal Days passed through it.
Killea, Cat Aotxa, — li Aodh's Church." Area, 2 acres.
Internet Archive journalofwaterf1906wate_1, Chapter 14
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Ghost-haunted field known as 'The Spirit' at Corbally
Corbally · parish · Waterford
A field in Corbally townland called An Spirid ('The Spirit') was frequented by a ghost and regarded with popular dread. This reflects local supernatural belief tied to a specific field boundary location.
Read the passage
(g) An SpfUT) (SpiO|\A*o) — "The Spirit"; a field frequented by a ghost and regarded with popular and appropriate dread.
Coolum, CtUUim, probably for Cu^n-'U^m — " William's Haven"; see S.D. (a) below. In composition nt becomes It. The greater portion of this townland is in Rathmoylan parish. Area of the Corbally portion, 155 acres.
Internet Archive journalofwaterf1906wate_1, Chapter 9
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Keating manuscript transcription begun at the Convent of Kildare
Kildare · town · Kildare
A manuscript copy of Keating's History, once believed to be an autograph copy, contains a colophon indicating the transcription was begun at the Convent of Kildare on the fourth of September and finished on the twenty-eighth of the same month.
Read the passage
" It was in the Convent of Kildare this transcription was begun, fourth of September, and the writing was finished the twenty-eighth of the same month. Fiftyfour-and-a-half folios that were in the old copy of the book and five-and-a-half folios in the Seanachus." This last sentence, one would think, can scarcely be such a note as Keating would write. It would appear to be the observation of a scribe who had seen just the one copy, and who was at the pains to set down its every feature. Whoever the scribe, however, it is a very interesting and valuable copy, and probably the oldest yet discovered.
There is but little fear of any set-back to Keating's name and fame for many years to come. The most active and efficient Branch of the Gaelic League, is voted to be the Keating Branch, Dublin. No other arm of the organisation holds anything like so high a place for energy or for Irish scholarship — characteristics of their celebrated patron, than whom their revered president, the Rev. P. S. Dinneen, M.A., is scarcely less virile. In the past five or six years he has produced at least thirty different books, ranging from an Irish- English Dictionary to Part II. of the Geoffrey Keating Series of Lessons for Children. In the same Branch are Mr. J. J. O'Keily, (certainly the best Gaelic paragraphist we have) who has written some excellent prose works, chiefly of a historical character ; Tadhg O'Donoghue the well-known Irish poet ; Mr. Patrick Morgan MacSweeny, M.A., editor for the Irish Texts Society, of " C^itf\eim CoiumII CLAifuni5n ; Miss M. D. O'Kennedy, B.A. ; Miss M. O'Byrne, M.A., and a whole host of young writers and earnest students who fail not to become well acquainted with, the writings and the career of their illustrous patron, whose name by the way is borne by one of the junior members of this Branch, and who actually hails from the district of Tubrid.
Internet Archive journalofwaterf1906wate_1, Chapter 15
As the companion tells it
As the road takes you through Kildare, a manuscript copy of Keating's History is tied to this town. A colophon in the copy says the transcription was begun at the Convent of Kildare on the fourth of September and finished on the twenty-eighth of the same month. It notes fifty-four-and-a-half folios in the old copy of the book and five-and-a-half folios in the Seanachus. The copy was once thought to be Keating's own hand, but the colophon reads more like a scribe's note than something Keating would write. The writer seems to have seen just the one copy and set down its every feature. Whoever the scribe was, the copy is called very interesting and valuable, and probably the oldest yet discovered. The rest of the record speaks of the Keating Branch of the Gaelic League in Dublin, the most active and efficient branch, and of the Reverend P. S. Dinneen, who produced at least thirty books in five or six years. But the thread that belongs to this town is the convent where the work was begun and finished in one September, twenty-four days apart.
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Richard Joke purchases Castle of Kilmacow
Kilmacow · town · Kilkenny · 1586
Among the earliest English 'undertakers' to settle confiscated Desmond lands, Richard Joke purchased the Castle of Kilmacow near Tallow, County Waterford, with one ploughland adjoining.
Read the passage
Among the earliest of the new li undertakers " (for such was the cheerful name officially given to those Englishmen who came over to farm the confiscated lands of the Earl of Desmond) was Richard Joke, who, on July 1st, 1586, purchased the Castle of Kilmacow (near Tallow, Co. Waterford), with one ploughland adjoining. Out of the confiscated estates of the Earl of Desmond, Sir Walter Raleigh got 42,000 acres ; Sir Christopher Hatton, 10,910 acres in County Waterford ; Sir Edward Fitton 10,500 acres in County Tipperary, etc.
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Internet Archive journalofwaterf1906wate_1, Chapter 17
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Ruined Castle at Ballymaclode
Ballymaclode · townland · Waterford · 1500–1660
On the townland of Ballymaclode stands a comparatively late 16th or 17th century castle now in ruins, believed to have been the homestead of the settler from whom the place takes its name. The land was held by Lord Power at the time of the Cromwellian confiscation.
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Ballymaclode, b^ite true leo-o— " McLeod's Homestead." On the townland is a comparatively late (16th or 17th century) castle in ruins. This was probably the homestead of the settler from whom the place derives its name. Ballymaclode, like Ballygunner Temple, was in the possession of Lord Power at the date of the Cromwellian confiscation. Area, 374 acres.
" Bally McClode " (" Acts of Settlement and Explanation"); 4< Ballemaclode " (Inquisition, temp. Eliz.)
Internet Archive journalofwaterf1906wate_1, Chapter 7
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Ruined cromlech at Ballindud
Ballindud · townland · Waterford
A fine cromlech specimen exists at Ballindud, though somewhat ruined owing to the failure of one of its supports and consequent tilting of the table stone.
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(b) u Cromlech"; a fine specimen, though somewhat ruined owing to failure of one of its supports and consequent tilting of the table stone.
(c) CilUn — " Little Burial Ground." The word ciU, from the Latin cella was originally used to designate a primitive church. When the church disappeared the word came to signify the graveyard, and in this latter sense cttt is generally used now. To add to the confusion ciU, and still more citUn, is applied to pagan as well as Christian places of sepulture. The ciU, or citUn, site (early Christian) at Ballindud is close by the roadside, a few perches south-west of the main entrance lodge to Ballinamona Park ; it is not marked by monument or remains of any kind, and some difficulty was experienced in locating it accurately.
Internet Archive journalofwaterf1906wate_1, Chapter 12
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Sacred Well of the Fox at Faithlegg with discontinued 'rounds'
Faithlegg · street · Waterford · 1830–1856
Tobar Sionaigh, the Well of the Fox, near Faithlegg church, had a reputation of sanctity, and 'rounds' or 'stations' were formerly made there, though this practice had been discontinued for over half a century before writing.
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(c) Uob-AjA SionAig — " Well of the Fox," though it is possible the latter member of the name is personal. This well, which is nearly opposite the church and on the west side of the road, had the reputation of sanctity. "Rounds" or " stations" were made here, but have been discontinued for over half a century.
(d) Zob^ a C^ic— " The Cat's Well." The cat figures frequently in place names in Waterford. How his feline highness come to be associated with a well it is not easy to conjecture.
Internet Archive journalofwaterf1906wate_1, Chapter 11
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The Bibe's Well - a supernatural Beansidhe-like being
Ballymabin · townland · Waterford
A well in the townland is named for 'the Bibe', described as a supernatural being of Beansidhe character to which numerous further references are promised in the text.
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S.D. UobA|\ via t>Ai"6be— " The Bibe's Well." The 11 Bibe " is a supernatural being of Beansidhe character to whom we shall find numerous references as we proceed.
Coxtown, Coille^c — "Woody Place," accordingtoO'Donovan. This derivation is not above suspicion. The name is locally understood to be college, a cock, — hence the Anglicised form, to account for which a curious story is told, (x) Area (in two divisions, scil — East and West), 417 acres.
Internet Archive journalofwaterf1906wate_1, Chapter 14
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'The Russian Side' at Cheekpoint recalls a settled Russian family
Cheekpoint · town · Waterford
A portion of Cheekpoint townland is called 'The Russian Side' because, according to tradition, a Russian family or small colony once established itself there.
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(b) 44 The Russian Side," portion of Cheekpoint so called because, according to tradition, a Russian family or small colony once established itself there.
Coolbunnia, Cut t)uinne — " Ridge Back (or Corner) of the Stream." Close to the ruins of Faithlegg Church in this townland is a moat with the ruined castle of the Aylwards within its bally. The castle stood a short siege in 1649, when it was defended by its owner against a Cromwellian division. The Protector, who, it appears, had known Aylward previously in England, offered wThat he was pleased to call favourable terms. Acceptance was however incompatible with the religious tenets of the besieged. Under the circumstances the garrison refused to capitulate, and the proprietor with his faithful retainers died, (///) like Horatius, facing fearful odds for his faith and his ancestral acres.
Internet Archive journalofwaterf1906wate_1, Chapter 11
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Grant Family Tomb in the French Church, Waterford
Waterford · city · Waterford · 1600–1699
Grantstown takes its name from the Grants, an old Waterford merchant family long since extinct, whose 17th century tomb may still be seen in the French Church in Waterford.
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Grantstown, tUile An 5^nCA15 — " Grant's Homestead." The Grants were an old Waterford merchant family, long since extinct, whose tomb (17th century) may still be seen in the French Church. When the article is used before a proper name the latter is taken adjectively ; in the present instance therefore the sense is — Homestead belonging to member of the tribe, or family, of Grant. Area, 276 acres.
S.DD. (a) X)An T)^i*oe — " Drawdy's Field"; a sub-division of some fifteen acres. The personal name from which this sub-division is called is now extinct in Waterford.
Internet Archive journalofwaterf1906wate_1, Chapter 8
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Bird-catchers from Ballytruckle destroy small birds near Grange and Williamstown
Ballytruckle · townland · Waterford · 1905–1906
Local bird-catchers, chiefly from Ballytruckle, were reported to be destroying considerable numbers of small birds such as linnets and finches around Grange and Williamstown, killing any bird found on lime that was undesirable for cage purposes.
Read the passage
Destruction of Harmless Wild Birds.— An incidental reference in " The Countryside" for December 16th to the capture, in 1834, in Waterford Harbour of the last two British specimens of the now extinct Great Auk suggests reflection on the wanton slaughter of harmless and useful wild birds, which is much more common, in our own locality, than the public imagine. For instance, it has recently come under the notice of the writer of this paragraph that considerable destruction of small birds — hen linnets, various finches, &c. — is wrought round about the city, and especially in the direction of Grange and Williamstown, by local bird-catchers, chiefly from Ballytruckle. When a bird undesirable for cage purposes is found on the bird lime it is destroyed ! Is there no law to stop this senseless brutality and if there be none is it not time legislation were demanded? A local Naturalists' Field Club is a desideratum. It would educate public opinion on the value of our native fauna and flora, and help farmers to prosecute bird-catchers — at any rate those of the variety alluded
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Internet Archive journalofwaterf1906wate_1, Chapter 20
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Church of Kilmokea on the Great Island recorded in 1399 Patent Rolls
near Great Island · townland · Cork · 1399
The church of Kilmokea, dedicated to St. Macethe and known as St. Mackee's Church of the Island, is referenced in the Patent Rolls of 1399, when commissioners were ordered to investigate goods from a forfeited ship and bring them to Ross.
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Church of Kilmokea, Great Island, Waterford Harbour. — This church was dedicated to a St. Macethe (Mac Aedh?), and was known as St. Mackee's Church of the Island. Under date of 1399, there is a reference in the Patent Rolls to the Church of Kilmokea. Two commissioners were ordered to go to the Church of Kilmokea on the Great Island and inquire as to certain goods in a ship forfeited to the King, and bring them to Ross.
Mr. Philip Hore in his account of this church writes as follows : — St Macethe, that is, St. Brigid of Mathelcon, a corrupt form of Magh-da-con, ' plain of the two dogs.' The Church of St. Andrew and St. Brigid of Mathelcon was the parish church
Internet Archive journalofwaterf1906wate_1, Chapter 20
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Coxtown's curious cock-naming story
Coxtown · townland · Donegal
The townland name Coxtown is locally understood to derive from 'coileach' (a cock), rather than the scholarly derivation of 'woody place', and a curious story is told to account for the name.
Read the passage
Coxtown, Coille^c — "Woody Place," accordingtoO'Donovan. This derivation is not above suspicion. The name is locally understood to be college, a cock, — hence the Anglicised form, to account for which a curious story is told, (x) Area (in two divisions, scil — East and West), 417 acres.
S.DD. (along cliff line from east to west). (a) tL\irh R&t& — " Cave of the Rath."
Internet Archive journalofwaterf1906wate_1, Chapter 14
As the companion tells it
Somewhere around here is Coxtown. O'Donovan derived the name from 'coilleac', meaning woody place, but locally people say it comes from 'coileach', a cock, and a curious story is told to account for that, though the story itself is not recorded here. The place runs to 417 acres in two divisions, East and West.
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Early church site of Kilcullen overgrown and forgotten
Kilcullen · town · Kildare
The early church site at Kilcullen may still be seen as an untilled, bramble-overgrown patch in a field by the roadside near Delahunty's avenue gate, with the old mail road to Cheekpoint formerly running close by its west side.
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Kilcullen, Cilt Cmltirm — most probably "Cullen's Church," though the name is locally pronounced as if it meant " Church of [the] Holly." There is a St. Cuilleann honoured on April 22nd in the Irish martyrologies, and a St. Cuillenn on Nov. 5th. (p) The early church site may be seen— an untilled and brambleovergrown patch — in a held by the roadside a few perches northeast of Delahunty's avenue gate. The old mail road to Checkpoint ran close by the west side of the cilt, whence it was diverted to its present course.
Kilbarry Parish.
Internet Archive journalofwaterf1906wate_1, Chapter 11
As the companion tells it
As you pass through Kilcullen in Kildare, the name most probably means Cullen's Church, though locally it is pronounced as if it means Church of the Holly. A St. Cuilleann is honoured on April 22nd in the Irish martyrologies, and a St. Cuillenn on November 5th. The early church site is still visible as an untilled, bramble-overgrown patch in a field by the roadside. The old mail road to Cheekpoint once ran close by its west side before being diverted to its present course.
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Little Island Castle and Disputed Saint's Foundation
Little Island · townland · Waterford
On Little Island in the River Suir stands an ancient castle metamorphosed into a modern residence. Rev. Dr. Kelly claimed the island was the site of a religious house founded by St Bairrfhinn, but the author argues this is incorrect since no trace or tradition of a church or burial ground was found and the Martyrology of Donegal places Inisdomhle elsewhere.
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Little Island, An U-OiteJm t>eA£, " The Small Island." The island occupies the middle of the river a couple of miles below the City of Waterford, and is identical, according to Rev. Dr. Kelly, (k) with Inisdomhle of the martyrologists where St. Bairrfhinn, son of Aedh, Prince of Dublin, founded and governed a religious house. It may, however, be laid down as practically certain that the learned hagiologist is incorrect in his identification. No trace or tradition of church, monastery or burial ground has been brought to light by a most careful examination of the island. Had a religious establishment of the kind attributed ever existed there tradition of it could not have entirely died out. Moreover the " Martyrology of Donegal " expressly place Inisdomhle in Hy-Cinnsealaigh (Co. Wexford). The adjective was added to distinguish our island from the " Great Island " lower down the river. Geographically the " Little Island " would seem to belong to Ossory rather than to the Decies, as the channel separating it from the northern mainland was formerly fordable. The ford exists no longer, for the channel has been deeply dredged. On the island is an ancient castle which has been metamorphosed into a beautiful modern residence. Area, 287 acres.
S.DD. (a) " The Ford," the river channel between the island and Co. Kilkenny.
Internet Archive journalofwaterf1906wate_1, Chapter 8
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Renaming of 'Poor Town' to 'Small Town' at Ballybeg
Ballybeg · townland · Waterford · 1850–1856
The townland real name Baile Bocht ('Poor Town') was changed half a century or more before writing to Baile Beag ('Small Town') for reasons other than euphonic, reflecting local sensitivity about the place's poverty association.
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Ballbbeg, t>Aile t)occ— u Poor Town." The real name was changed, half a century or more since, to t>Aile t)e<s$ (" Small Town ") for reasons other than euphonic. Area, 267 acres.
Ballyhoo, t)xMte tltig— " Hugh's Homestead." Area, 300 acres.
Internet Archive journalofwaterf1906wate_1, Chapter 12
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Sir James Fitzgerald dies at Dungarvan
Dungarvan · townland · Waterford · 1581
Sir James Fitzgerald, of Cappagh, 5th Lord of the Decies, died at Dungarvan aged 48, shortly before Sir John of Desmond captured Kilfeacle.
Read the passage
Sir James Fitzgerald, of Cappagh, 5th Lord of the Decies, died at Dungarvan, on December 26th, 158T, aged 48; and three days later, Sir John of Desmond captured Kilfeacle. According to the State Papers, on April 20th, 1582, the Earl of Ormonde was granted the wardship and marriage of Sir Gerald Fitzjames, of Dromana, Lord of the Decies. His namesake, Gerald Fitzjames FitzGerald (son of Sir James of Mocollop) as a boy, had been presented to the Deanery of Lismore, on June 17th, 1564, and held the benefice for 19 years — the Archdeacon, Donogh Magrath, being also a layman.
In December, 1582, Sir John of Desmond, generally known as Sir John of Mogeely (near Tallow, Co. Waterford) was mortally wounded, near Castlelyons, and succumbed to his wounds on January 3rd, 1583. His head was sent to Dublin to be set on the Castle walls, and his body was hung over the North Gate, Cork, where, as O'Daly writes, " it remained for nearly three years, till on a tempestuous night it was blown into the sea." (a)
Internet Archive journalofwaterf1906wate_1, Chapter 17
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Ballynakill Ancient Church and Burial Rights
Ballynakill · townland · Waterford · 1800–1906
The ancient church of Ballynakill parish stood near the present Ballinakill House, with insignificant remains visible in the stable yard. Part of the ancient cemetery, where a few families retain burial rights, survives surrounded by an enclosing wall, with church buildings standing until about a hundred years before writing.
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The ancient church of the parish stood about 60 yards to the S.W. of the present Ballinakill House. Some insignificant remains of the church are visible in the stable yard of the house in question, and part of the ancient cemetery, in which a few families retain rights of burial, is surrounded by an enclosing wall. A considerable portion of the church buildings survived till about a hundred years since.
Internet Archive journalofwaterf1906wate_1, Chapter 7
This book is in the public domain; how the books' rights are judged. The passages are quoted as the scan has them, spelling and all; a story's place is the gazetteer's best reading of the text and can be wrong.