Journal of the Waterford & South-East of Ireland Archaeological Society (yr.1906) (vol. yr.1906)

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

1. Body of Sir John of Desmond displayed at Cork's North Gate

   Cork · city · Cork · 1583–1586

   The body of Sir John of Desmond was hung over the North Gate of Cork, remaining there for nearly three years until a tempestuous night blew it into the sea.

   Read the passage

   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 : '' The sons of Sir .Tames 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. " 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 journalofwaterfo1906wate, Chapter 17

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Cork, the North Gate once held a grim sight. Sir John of Desmond, known as Sir John of Mogeely, near Tallow in County Waterford, was mortally wounded near Castlelyons in December 1582. He died of his wounds on January 3rd, 1583. His head was sent to Dublin to be set on the Castle walls. His body was hung over the North Gate of Cork, where, as O'Daly writes, "it remained for nearly three years, till on a tempestuous night it was blown into the sea." The violence around the Geraldines spread further. An old Geraldine manuscript records that the sons of Sir James Fitzjohn went on a hosting in the Decies after their father's death, aided by 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, that is 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. The three sons of Sir James were taken prisoners: Thomas, John of Glendine, and Garret. They were sent to Dungarvan, and two of them were hanged by Captain Sir William Morgan, namely Thomas Meirgech, called rusty, and John of Glendine. Garret was sent to Waterford and was hanged in the same manner. They were divided into quarters on February 14th, 1583.

2. Sir John of Desmond mortally wounded near Castlelyons

   Castlelyons · town · Cork · 1582–1583

   Sir John of Desmond, known as Sir John of Mogeely, was mortally wounded near Castlelyons in December 1582 and died from his wounds in January 1583. His head was sent to Dublin and his body hung over the North Gate of Cork.

   Read the passage

   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 : '' The sons of Sir .Tames 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. " 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 journalofwaterfo1906wate, Chapter 17

3. Sir Walter Raleigh plants first potatoes in Youghal

   Youghal · town · Cork · 1587

   Sir Walter Raleigh planted the first potatoes in Youghal, giving a sample to the Coppingers of Lisnabrin, an event traditionally dated to 1587.

   Read the passage

   On May 17th, 1587, James Meade, of Kinsale, was pardoned " by reason of letters of Walter Kawlegh, Knight to the Lord Deputy," and hve months later Sir Walter planted the first potatoes in Youghal, giving a sample to the Coppingers of Lisnabrin. It was only on October i6th of this year that Raleigh's liant was issued for the full amount of 42,000 acres of the finest property in Ireland.

   Notwithstanding the allocation of lands to various undertakers in the year 1587, there were sundry disputes as to titles to same, and also as to the bounds of the several seigniories, etc. On this account, a Royal Commission was ordered, on August 22nd, 1588, to hear various claims and " settle differences between the undertakers." A significant fiant was issued on September 28th, namely, a grant to Donal and Owen O'Moriarty, sons to Donal O'Moriarty, of Castledromy, of a rental of ^15 is. i^d.,"wont to be paid out of the lands of Castledromy, Co. Kerry, to the traitor Gerald, late Earl of Desmond" — the favour being given *' in consideration of their good service against the Earl."

   Internet Archive journalofwaterfo1906wate, Chapter 18

4. Siege of Aylward's Castle at Coolbunnia, 1649

   Coolbunnia · townland · Waterford · 1649

   The ruined castle of the Aylwards near Faithlegg Church in Coolbunnia townland withstood a short siege in 1649 by a Cromwellian division. Cromwell, who reportedly knew Aylward previously, offered terms that were refused on religious grounds, and Aylward with his retainers died defending the castle.

   Read the passage

   CooLBUNNiA, Cut. t)unine — " 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 Cromvvellian division. The Protector, who, it appears, had known Aylward previouslv in England, offered what he w\as 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.

   F.'^iTHLEGG, peit)Unn. The name, w^hich possibly is not Irish, has long been a puzzle, which we can only hope future

   Internet Archive journalofwaterfo1906wate, Chapter 11

5. Hanging of Reginald and expulsion of the Danes from Waterford

   Waterford · city · Waterford · 1170–1200

   On the arrival of the English, the first act was to hang Reginald, ruler of Waterford, for having chained the river against the invading fleet. The Danish inhabitants were then driven from the city, except for one Gerald McGilmore.

   Read the passage

   " Englishman." In modern nsage the vyorcl is largely restricted to the latter sense, while "Locl^nn<ic" 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, dates approximately from the expulsion of the Ostnien 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 journalofwaterfo1906wate, Chapter 6

6. Martyrdom of Archbishop Dermot O'Hurley

   Cashel · townland · Tipperary · 1584

   The very first act of Perrot's rule as Lord Deputy was the martyrdom of Dermot O'Hurley, Archbishop of Cashel, on June 30th 1584.

   Read the passage

   Sir John Perrot landed at Dublin, on June 21st, 1584, as Lord Deputy, and Sir John Norreys was appointed President of Munster, with his brother, Thomas, as Vice-President. The very first deed of shame which signalised Perrot's rule was the martyrdom of Dermot O'Hurley, Archbishop of Cashel on June 30th of the same year. Very shortly afterwards, the young Earl of Desmond and Florence MacCarthy were sent by Wallop to London.

   On January loth, 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.

   Internet Archive journalofwaterfo1906wate, Chapter 17

   As the companion tells it

   Close to Cashel, Dermot O'Hurley, Archbishop of Cashel, was martyred on June 30, 1584. Sir John Perrot had landed at Dublin as Lord Deputy on June 21 of that same year, and the source calls this the very first deed of shame to signalise his rule. Little else is recorded here beyond that date and that title.

7. Transplantation of O'Neill of Ballyneal under Cromwellian confiscation

   Ballyneale · townland · Kilkenny · 1652

   The Book of Distributions records the 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, receiving a silver and amber rosary later venerated in South Tipperary for its reputed healing power.

   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 with his family went to Rome in the Pontiiicate 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 sacrihces 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 its a very old man, about 95 years of age. So that there is no doubt that our family directly

   Internet Archive journalofwaterfo1906wate, Chapter 19

8. Hanging and quartering of Fitzjames sons at Dungarvan and Waterford

   Dungarvan · townland · Waterford · 1583

   Two of Sir James Fitzjohn's sons were hanged at Dungarvan by Captain Sir William Morgan, and the third was sent to Waterford and hanged there, with all three divided into quarters.

   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 : '' The sons of Sir .Tames 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. " 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 journalofwaterfo1906wate, Chapter 17

9. Last Great Auks captured in Waterford Harbour

   near Waterford Harbour · estuary · Wexford · 1834

   In 1834 the last two British specimens of the now extinct Great Auk were captured in Waterford Harbour, prompting reflection on the destruction of wild birds in the region.

   Read the passage

   Destruction of Harmless Wild Birds. — An incidental reference in "The Countryside" for December i6thtothe 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 hnches, &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 llora, and help farmers to prosecute bird-catchers — at any rate those of the variety alluded

   72

   Internet Archive journalofwaterfo1906wate, Chapter 19

10. Hanging of Youghal's Mayor by Ormonde

    Youghal · town · Cork · 1580

    Ormonde arrested the Mayor of Youghal at Cashel for allowing Desmond to capture the town, brought him back to Youghal, and had him hanged there.

    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 ist, 1580. About this time, Marmaduke Middleton, Protestant Bishop of Waterford and Lismore, was committed to DubHn Castle "for using indecent speeches against the Earls of Ormond and Kildare."

    The Earl of Ormonde burned the town and castle of Lisiinny, 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 journalofwaterfo1906wate, Chapter 17

11. Rosary venerated for curing eye diseases in South Tipperary

    Ballyneale · townland · Kilkenny · 1652–1900

    The silver and amber rosary given by Pope Innocent X to O'Neill of Ballyneal remained in the family and was venerated across South Tipperary into living memory, being borrowed for its reputed power to cure diseases of the eyes.

    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 with his family went to Rome in the Pontiiicate 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 sacrihces 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 its a very old man, about 95 years of age. So that there is no doubt that our family directly

    Internet Archive journalofwaterfo1906wate, Chapter 19

12. Sir Walter Raleigh becomes Mayor of Youghal

    Youghal · town · Cork · 1589

    Sir Walter Raleigh returned from his expedition to Cadiz in June 1589 and took over his Irish estates, living in Youghal where he was appointed Mayor.

    Read the passage

    Sir Walter Raleigh returned from his expedition to Cadiz in June, 1589, and in July he took over his Irish estates, living in Youghal, of which he was appointed Mayor. He visited his friend Spenser, the poet, at Kilcolman, in August of the same year.

    Up to the present, that is to say, to the summer of the year 1589, there was practically no change in the religious constitution of the Chapter of Lismore, nor was there any notable movement to the reformed religion. However, on July 2oth, 1589, by Royal Letters Patent, Thomas Wetherhead, Archdeacon of Cork and of Cloyne, and Warden of the College of Youghal, was appointed Bishop of W'aterford and Lismore, replacing Miler Magrath, the Commendatory Bishop.

    Internet Archive journalofwaterfo1906wate, Chapter 18

13. Crotty the Outlaw's Head Cast into Coolgower Bog-Hole

    Coolgower · townland · Waterford · 1742

    After the outlaw Crotty was executed in Waterford in 1742, his severed head was eventually cast into the Coolgower bog-hole or pond, giving rise to the local place association.

    Read the passage

    CooLGOWER, Cut 5At)At\ — " 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.

    KiLBAKRY, CiU X).\\\\\A — "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 journalofwaterfo1906wate, Chapter 12

14. Destruction of Franciscan Friary at 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 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 being styled Coiiventiis Yogliulliensis.

    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 journalofwaterfo1906wate, Chapter 17

15. Disappearance of 'Street' Villages after the Famine

    Corbally · parish · Waterford · 1847

    The field name 'Field of the Street' at Corbally recalls a vanished village, no trace of which remains. The author notes hundreds of such 'streets' disappeared during the Great Famine of 1847 and afterward.

    Read the passage

    (b) \)<\n A c-Spv\it)e — •'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), CAppAig a T)um — " Rock of the Dniiy 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 journalofwaterfo1906wate, Chapter 9

16. Hyena and Mammoth Remains Discovered in Mammoth Cave near Doneraile

    Doneraile · townland · Cork · 1904

    Ussher spent five to six months excavating an extensive cave system near Doneraile, Co. Cork, finding vast quantities of reindeer bones, mammoth remains including calves and gnawed adult bones, and hyena jaws and teeth—an animal new to Ireland—which explained the gnawing marks on the mammoth bones.

    Read the passage

    The most important bone-cave that 1 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 everv 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 chieffy 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 ofi. The cause of this gnawing was accounted for by the finding of jaws and teeth of the hya-na, an animal new to Ireland.

    In this sand too we have found innumerable bones and jaws of the lenmiing, 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 journalofwaterfo1906wate, Chapter 4

17. Raleigh visits poet Spenser at Kilcolman

    Kilcolman · townland · Cork · 1589

    In August 1589 Sir Walter Raleigh visited his friend the poet Edmund Spenser at Kilcolman.

    Read the passage

    Sir Walter Raleigh returned from his expedition to Cadiz in June, 1589, and in July he took over his Irish estates, living in Youghal, of which he was appointed Mayor. He visited his friend Spenser, the poet, at Kilcolman, in August of the same year.

    Up to the present, that is to say, to the summer of the year 1589, there was practically no change in the religious constitution of the Chapter of Lismore, nor was there any notable movement to the reformed religion. However, on July 2oth, 1589, by Royal Letters Patent, Thomas Wetherhead, Archdeacon of Cork and of Cloyne, and Warden of the College of Youghal, was appointed Bishop of W'aterford and Lismore, replacing Miler Magrath, the Commendatory Bishop.

    Internet Archive journalofwaterfo1906wate, Chapter 18

18. Battle and defeat at Mam na Caertandaigh near Colligan river

    near Colligan River · river · Waterford · 1583

    The sons of Sir James Fitzjohn were overtaken and badly defeated by Eoghan Ruadri at Mam na Caertandaigh on the east side of the Colligan river near Dungarvan, with three sons taken prisoner.

    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 : '' The sons of Sir .Tames 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. " 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 journalofwaterfo1906wate, Chapter 17

19. Burning of 36 towns in the Decies

    Decies · electoral division · Dublin · 1580

    Sir John FitzEdmond, Seneschal of Imokilly, burned 36 towns in the Decies region and carried off 7,000 head of cattle during the campaign against Desmond.

    Read the passage

    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 loth.

    50

    Internet Archive journalofwaterfo1906wate, Chapter 17

    As the companion tells it

    You are coming through the Decies now. In the summer of 1580, during the campaign against Desmond, Sir John FitzEdmond, Seneschal of Imokilly, burned 36 towns here and carried off 7,000 head of cattle. It was part of a wider sweep that ended with executions at Cork and the massacre at Smerwick later that year.

20. Execution of Father Maurice Kenreghtan at Clonmel

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1585

    Father Maurice Kenreghtan, Chaplain to the Earl of Desmond, was executed at Clonmel in April 1585 and his remains interred in the Franciscan Convent.

    Read the passage

    On January loth, 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 journalofwaterfo1906wate, Chapter 17

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Clonmel, this is the town where Father Maurice Kenreghtan was put to death on April 30th, 1585. He was chaplain to the Earl of Desmond. His remains were laid to rest in the Franciscan Convent here. Earlier that year, on January 10th, a commission had been granted to Captain Anthony Hungerford, Constable of Dungarvan Castle, to execute martial law in County Waterford.

21. Extensive Bone Deposits Excavated at Eden Vale and New Hall Caves, Co. Clare

    Ederny · townland · Fermanagh · 1901–1904

    Over three summers totalling thirty-two weeks, Ussher and colleagues excavated two groups of caves at Eden Vale and two caves at the adjoining New Hall estate in Co. Clare, yielding over 50,000 specimens including a stone lamp, gold and bronze ornaments, iron blades, and bones of Irish elk, reindeer, bear, lemming, wild cat and Arctic fox.

    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 journalofwaterfo1906wate, Chapter 4

22. Burning of Lisfinny and Shean Castles near Lismore

    Lisfinny · townland · Waterford · 1580

    The Earl of Ormonde burned the town and castle of Lisfinny, as well as Shean Castle near Lismore, along with all the lands of Coshbride belonging to Sir John of Desmond.

    Read the passage

    The Earl of Ormonde burned the town and castle of Lisiinny, 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 loth.

    Internet Archive journalofwaterfo1906wate, Chapter 17

23. Friars given refuge at Curraheen near Cappoquin

    Curraheen · townland · Waterford · 1583

    Fleeing friars from the destroyed Youghal friary settled at Curraheen near Cappoquin, Co. Waterford, where Sir Gerald Fitzjames of Dromana gave them a house of abode 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 being styled Coiiventiis Yogliulliensis.

    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 journalofwaterfo1906wate, Chapter 17

24. Mammoth and Reindeer Bones Found at Shandon Cave, Dungarvan

    Shandon · townland · Waterford · 1859

    In 1859 workmen quarrying at Shandon near Dungarvan discovered the bones and teeth of mammoth and reindeer in the floor of an ancient cave, along with remains of horse, bear and other animals. Edward Brenan was credited with the discovery, and the finds were preserved in the National Museum.

    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. Edward Brenan is due the credit of this discovery. Twenty 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 hrst 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 m Ireland before. The larger bones were split and broken, and the ends of the marrow-bones had been knocked oft". We also found the small bones of the toes and knee-joints whose presence can only be accounted for 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 journalofwaterfo1906wate, Chapter 3

25. The Fairy Bush and murder memorial cairn, Leperstown

    Leperstown · townland · Waterford

    At Leperstown a site called 'The Fairy Bush' marks a leacht, a pile of stones erected on the spot where a fatal deed took place to commemorate a murder, fatal accident, or suicide; whitethorn fairy bushes are noted as uncommon in Waterford.

    Read the passage

    S.D. The Fairy Bush (O.M.). leACc Sgeite a t)6tAitA— *' The Leac/it of the Bush of {by or in) the Road." A leachl 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.

    (2) Speed's Map of " The Province of Munster," London, 16 10. (aa) See Ballinlough and Woodstown,

    Internet Archive journalofwaterfo1906wate, Chapter 14

26. The 'Pattern' Field at Kilcaragh and Decline of the Patronal Feast

    Kilcaragh · townland · Waterford

    A field at Kilcaragh called 'Field of the Pattern' recalls the public celebration of the church's patronal feast, which under pressure of the Penal Laws grew increasingly festive rather than devotional, sometimes degenerating into riot and drunkenness, leading clergy in many cases to suppress the gatherings.

    Read the passage

    (c) t3v\n A p.xcpuin — " Field of the Pattern." It is hardly necessary to explain that "au pAC|\tin" was a public celebration of the patronal feast of the church. At first 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 journalofwaterfo1906wate, Chapter 13

27. Dungarvan ordered to build stone wall around western town

    Dungarvan · townland · Waterford · 1583

    The Provost and burgesses of Dungarvan were pardoned on condition that inhabitants would erect a stone wall 16 feet high around the western part of the 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 " the inhabitants shall, within two months, enter into recognizance m ^1,000, to erect a stone wall 16 feet high, and 4, or at least, 3 feet thick, or a sufticient 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 journalofwaterfo1906wate, Chapter 17

28. Return of exiled O'Neill descendant to Ballyneal

    Ballyneale · townland · Kilkenny · 1750–1800

    The son or grandson of the exiled O'Neill returned to Ireland after relaxation of the Penal Laws and lived to be about 95 years old; his kinsmen, the Antrim O'Neills, rode on horseback to visit him at Ballyneal.

    Read the passage

    represents the Ballyneal Branch of the O'Neills, whose remains rest in the remarkable old tomb, in Kilmurray graveyard. This was erected 1629, to Constantine O'Neill and Honoria Purcell, of Loughmagh Castle, near Thurles. Constantine (Conn) and Honoria are still, by the way, family Christian names amongst the O'Neills. I also distinctly remember Mrs. McEnnery telling me she had a clear recollection of the coming on horseback of several members, male and female, of the Co. Antrim O'Neills to visit their kinsman on his return from exile.

    P. O'Neill, Archdeacon 0/ Dublin.

    Internet Archive journalofwaterfo1906wate, Chapter 19

29. Sheep's Bridge at Ballindud, Recorded Since 1495

    Ballindud · townland · Waterford · 1495

    'Sheep's Bridge' at Ballindud appears as 'Shepyn Bridge' in a lease dated October 1495 from the Benedictine Prior of St. John's, Waterford. Three hundred years earlier it was already known as 'The Old Bridge', and the Crompaun stream flowing from Tourgar is still used there for sheep washing.

    Read the passage

    S.DD. (.7) ''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 '* Shepyn Bridge" belonged), to Thomas Shalhvay, of the City of Waterford. Three hundred years earlier our bridge was ancient enough to be known as " The Old Bridge." (/) The Croiiipaii stream flowing down from Tourgar is still generally resorted to, especially at Sheep's Bridge, for sheep washing.

    (b) "Cromlech"; a tine specimen, though somewhat ruined owing to failure of one of its supports and consequent tilting of the table stone.

    Internet Archive journalofwaterfo1906wate, Chapter 12

30. Stone Lamp and Elk Antler Found in Clare Caves

    Ederny · townland · Fermanagh · 1901–1904

    Among the finds in the Eden Vale and New Hall caves was a stone lamp hollowed from a sandstone boulder and blackened by wick-smoke, considered clear evidence of human use, alongside a young Irish elk's shed antler likely placed there by man rather than carried in by wild beasts.

    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 journalofwaterfo1906wate, Chapter 4

31. The Giant's Grave and Meadow of the Heads at Dromina

    Dromina · townland · Waterford

    A rath known as 'Rath of the Grave Monument' is now more commonly called the 'Giant's Grave' near Dromina. Close by lies the 'Meadow of the Heads', two fields where, over a century before the account, a number of human skulls and broken swords were found.

    Read the passage

    (ii) TTloineAtt ua 5-CeAiin — " Meadow of the Heads," close to the last. The name is applied to two fields in which were found, over a century since, a number of human skulls, broken swords, &c.

    KxocKPAKSON, Cnoc peAivfum — " Parson's (personal name) Hill." Area, 88 acres.

    Internet Archive journalofwaterfo1906wate, Chapter 10

32. William of Orange's Landing Tradition at Coolum

    Coolum · townland · Waterford

    Local tradition holds that followers of William of Orange landed at the little haven called Cloonliamgowl, or 'Harbour of William the Foreigner', in Coolum townland. Stone foundations of a pier and a prehistoric double earthen wall defending the headland survive near the site.

    Read the passage

    S.DD. {a) Cloonliamgowl (Ord. Map), CuxNU 'tu\rn ^aU-oa — '' 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 low water mark are some foundations of what would appear to have been a stone built

    25

    Internet Archive journalofwaterfo1906wate, Chapter 9

33. Osmanstown built for dispossessed Danes of Waterford

    Waterford · city · Waterford · 1384

    A particular district outside the city walls was assigned to the dispossessed Danish citizens, becoming known as the Cantred of the Danes, and Osmanstown of Waterford was built in 1384 according to a plea-roll of Edward II.

    Read the passage

    " Englishman." In modern nsage the vyorcl is largely restricted to the latter sense, while "Locl^nn<ic" 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, dates approximately from the expulsion of the Ostnien 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 journalofwaterfo1906wate, Chapter 6

34. Protestant schoolmaster's complaint about Waterford's Catholic loyalty

    Waterford · city · Waterford · 1585

    John Shearman, a Protestant schoolmaster, wrote from Waterford in 1585 lamenting the citizens' antipathy to the reformed religion, noting he had scarcely 30 scholars who left him for Catholic tutors, and was forced to depart the city.

    Read the passage

    the very scholars scoffed at him, '' as they have done most devihshly," 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 journalofwaterfo1906wate, Chapter 17

35. Cromwellian confiscation of Ballygunner lands

    Ballygunner · parish · Waterford · 1650–1660

    Ballygunnertemple was recorded in the Down Survey as the property of Lord Powre, while the other divisions belonged to Sir Robert Walsh, an Irish Papist. The Cromwellian surveyors reckoned the total area at 649 acres, little more than half the real acreage.

    Read the passage

    Ballvguxnek (in three parts : — B. More, B. Castle, and B. Temple), t)Aile iiiic 5onc\if (" t). tTlof," "t3. a C.Mfte.Mn," and " X). A Ce<.\mpuiL," 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) Cu|At\^c 5ofm — " 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. tTloni, for instance, is a turf bog,^ — Cu|\|\Ac, a swampy patch, — Uonn, a quaking bog, — 5|\eAUAC, a heavy, miry place, — &c., &c.

    Internet Archive journalofwaterfo1906wate, Chapter 7

36. Crooke Church and Knights Templar Preceptory

    Crooke · townland · Waterford

    The monastic church at Crooke pertained to an adjoining Preceptory of the Knights Templars, of which only an insignificant portion of a strong castle survives. Beside it is a well sacred to St. John the Baptist, to whom the church itself also appears to have been dedicated.

    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. .Tohn 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 journalofwaterfo1906wate, Chapter 9

37. Dunmore's Great Fort earthwork

    Dunmore East · town · Waterford

    Dunmore takes its name from 'Great Fort', an earthen entrenchment partly surviving that once crowned and defended the promontory known as the 'Black Knob', where the Coast Guard Signalling Station now stands.

    Read the passage

    DuNMOKE, Diin ITIotA—" 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 iorm a separate tovvnland with the foregoing fancy name. Area (with Nymph Hall), 457 acres.

    S.DD. (i) Inland— («) Parkmoe (O.M.), p.Mpc nA m-t)6— " Field of the Cows," the present public park of Dunmore.

    Internet Archive journalofwaterfo1906wate, Chapter 14

38. Kilbarry Church and the Knights Templars

    Kilbarry · townland · Waterford

    The ancient church at Kilbarry, referenced in municipal documents and monastic charters, passed early into the hands of the Knights Templars who erected a preceptory beside it. Only insignificant remains of the church survive, and the overcrowded cemetery had to be closed to further burials by the Sanitary Authority a few years before the account.

    Read the passage

    The name of the parish is ecclesiastical in its origin, incorporating the ancient church founder's name (t)Af\t\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 w^as Celtic, as the name, retained through all the ages, indicates. Only insignihcant 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 journalofwaterfo1906wate, Chapter 11

39. Leperstown - endowment of the Waterford Leper Hospital

    Leperstown · townland · Waterford

    Leperstown was so called because it was portion of the endowment of the Leper Hospital of Waterford; the townland contains a considerable area of commonage which formerly was much larger.

    Read the passage

    Leperstowx, t)Aile nA LottAp — '' 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 Sgeite a t)6tAitA— *' The Leac/it of the Bush of {by or in) the Road." A leachl 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 journalofwaterfo1906wate, Chapter 14

40. Bishop's Court Castle and the Bishops of Waterford

    near Bishop's Court · street · Clare

    Bishop's Court townland derived its name from a castle, now entirely vanished, which served as the summer or country residence of the Bishops of Waterford. The castle farm remained in the personal occupation of the Protestant Bishop until Disestablishment.

    Read the passage

    Bishop's Court, Ciu\ifc An GAppois. 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, CiU Caca|\c\c — " 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 (i) 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 journalofwaterfo1906wate, Chapter 13

41. Church and pattern day of Ballygunner Parish

    Ballygunner · parish · Waterford

    The ruined church at Ballygunner was originally dedicated to St Mochorog, a Briton saint reputedly son of a British prince, but the survival of the pattern on September 8th shows the Blessed Virgin became titular by the Reformation. The church appears to have been in repair at the time of the Down Survey.

    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 Theiner, (c) w'as 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. Wicklow. {(i) 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 journalofwaterfo1906wate, Chapter 6

42. The Ghost Field at Corbally

    Corbally · parish · Waterford

    A field in Corbally townland called 'An Spiud' (The Spirit) was believed to be frequented by a ghost and was regarded with popular dread by local people.

    Read the passage

    {^) An SpiMT) (SpionAT)) — "The Spirit"; a field frequented by a ghost and regarded with popular and appropriate dread.

    CooLUM, Cdllum, probably for Ciu\n-'U<\m — " William's Haven"; see S.D. {a) below. In composition nl becomes it. The greater portion of this townland is in Rathmoylan parish. Area of the Corbally portion, 155 acres.

    Internet Archive journalofwaterfo1906wate, Chapter 9

43. Bird-catchers destroying small birds near Grange and Williamstown

    Grange · townland · Waterford · 1900–1906

    Considerable destruction of small birds such as hen linnets and finches was being wrought around Waterford city, especially near Grange and Williamstown, by local bird-catchers chiefly from Ballytruckle, who killed undesirable birds caught on bird lime.

    Read the passage

    Destruction of Harmless Wild Birds. — An incidental reference in "The Countryside" for December i6thtothe 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 hnches, &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 llora, and help farmers to prosecute bird-catchers — at any rate those of the variety alluded

    72

    Internet Archive journalofwaterfo1906wate, Chapter 19

44. Death of Sir James Fitzgerald at Dungarvan

    Dungarvan · townland · Waterford · 1581

    Sir James Fitzgerald of Cappagh, 5th Lord of the Decies, died at Dungarvan in December 1581 at age 48.

    Read the passage

    Sir James Fitzgerald, of Cappagh, 5th Lord of the Decies, died at Dungarvan, on December 26th, 1581, 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 Fit/James, 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 benehce 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 journalofwaterfo1906wate, Chapter 17

45. Grant family tomb and merchant history at Grantstown

    Grantstown · townland · Waterford · 1600–1700

    The Grants were an old Waterford merchant family, now extinct, whose 17th century tomb may still be seen in the French Church. Grantstown townland was named for this family.

    Read the passage

    Graxtstown, t)Aile ^n ^fAncAig — *' 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) t)^\n X)\yA\x>e — " 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 journalofwaterfo1906wate, Chapter 8

46. Lios, cromlech and castle at Ballygunner

    Ballygunner · parish · Waterford

    On the Ballygunner townland stands a now largely demolished circular lios with a stone-lined subterranean chamber, and a small ruined cromlech. The castle of the Walsh family, modernised, is still in use as a farmer's residence.

    Read the passage

    Ballvguxnek (in three parts : — B. More, B. Castle, and B. Temple), t)Aile iiiic 5onc\if (" t). tTlof," "t3. a C.Mfte.Mn," and " X). A Ce<.\mpuiL," 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) Cu|At\^c 5ofm — " 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. tTloni, for instance, is a turf bog,^ — Cu|\|\Ac, a swampy patch, — Uonn, a quaking bog, — 5|\eAUAC, a heavy, miry place, — &c., &c.

    Internet Archive journalofwaterfo1906wate, Chapter 7

47. Poet Pierce Fitzgerald of Clashmore, Co. Waterford

    Clashmore · town · Waterford · 1700–1800

    Pierce Fitzgerald, born at Ballykinealy near Ballymacoda in Cork, was of Waterford stock and lived and died in the parish of Clashmore, tracing descent from the Desmond FitzGeralds and the Power Barons of Dunhill.

    Read the passage

    handed down orally, has been a liviiii^ power in Irish speaking Munster. Mr. Richard 0'F\)lev has rendered a real service to literature and to his country, ni 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 first saw the light in the neighbouring County of Cork (Ballykinealy, near Ballymacoda) — but he W'as 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 AlacThomas FitzGerald who was created hrst 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 i8th century. Most of the native Munster 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 hnally 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 journalofwaterfo1906wate, Chapter 19

48. Russian Colony Tradition at Cheekpoint

    Cheekpoint · town · Waterford

    Part of Cheekpoint is known as 'The Russian Side', so called because tradition holds that a Russian family or small colony once settled there.

    Read the passage

    {b) " 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)unine — " 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 Cromvvellian division. The Protector, who, it appears, had known Aylward previouslv in England, offered what he w\as 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 journalofwaterfo1906wate, Chapter 11

49. The Sacred Well of the Fox at Faithlegg

    Faithlegg · street · Waterford

    A well called Tobar Sionnaigh ('Well of the Fox'), near the church at Faithlegg, had a reputation for sanctity, and 'rounds' or 'stations' were performed there until the practice was discontinued over half a century before the account was written.

    Read the passage

    {c) Uot)v\|\ Sion^Mj — " 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.

    ((/) UobAfx A Caic — " 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 journalofwaterfo1906wate, Chapter 11

50. Castle and ford at Little Island

    Little Island · townland · Waterford

    On Little Island in the River Suir stands an ancient castle metamorphosed into a modern residence. The island was formerly connected to the northern mainland by a ford, since dredged away, and local features include King's Channel, Piper's Rock and Golden Rock.

    Read the passage

    Little Island, An U-Oile.\n be^s. " 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 journalofwaterfo1906wate, Chapter 8

51. Disputed identification of Little Island with Inisdomhle monastery

    Little Island · townland · Waterford

    Rev. Dr. Kelly identified Little Island with Inisdomhle where St Bairrfhinn founded a religious house, but the author argues this is incorrect since no trace or tradition of a church or monastery survives on the island despite careful examination.

    Read the passage

    Little Island, An U-Oile.\n be^s. " 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 journalofwaterfo1906wate, Chapter 8

52. Faithlegg Church's Fine Preservation and Font

    Faithlegg · street · Waterford

    The ruined ancient church of Faithlegg parish survives in excellent condition, consisting of a nave and chancel joined by a pointed chancel arch of wrought red sandstone, with an elaborately moulded west doorway. Within the nave is a notable holy water stoup or baptismal font illustrated and discussed by the antiquarian Brash.

    Read the passage

    chancel arch is somewhat elaborately moulded. Within the nave is a rather remarkable holy water stoup or baptismal font which has been deemed worthy of notice and illustration by Brash. (/) For further notice of this church see .hnunal R.S.A.I., Vol. I., Series 5, p. 481.

    Internet Archive journalofwaterfo1906wate, Chapter 10

53. Purchase of Castle of Kilmacow near Tallow

    Kilmacow · town · Kilkenny · 1586

    Richard Joke, one of the earliest 'undertakers' who came to farm confiscated Desmond lands, purchased the Castle of Kilmacow near Tallow with one ploughland adjoining in July 1586.

    Read the passage

    Among the earliest of the new "undertakers" (for such was the cheerful name ofticially given to those Englishmen who came over to farm the confiscated lands of the Earl of Desmond) was Richard Joke, who, on July ist, 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 Hat ton, 10,910 acres in County Waterford; Sir Edward Fitton 10,500 acres in County Tipperary, etc.

    54

    Internet Archive journalofwaterfo1906wate, Chapter 17

54. Flag of Confederates preserved at Tallaght

    near Tallaght · town · Dublin · 1642–1649

    Among the minor historical points touched on in Gilbert's biography is the survival at Tallaght of the flag of the Confederates which had been carried before Rinuccini.

    Read the passage

    Records. The exposure, which is anonymous, and evidently the work of a master hand, leads to much discussion, and hnally to appointment by the House of Commons of a Committee to enquire generally into the matter. A Commission for detailed enquiry and report is the result — and subsequently the establishment of the Irish Record Office. But the most noted of Gilbert's works are his Reports (twenty-three volumes) on Irish Historical MSS., his Fac-Similies of Irish MSS., and his ten great volumes on the Confederation period. Among minor points of interest on which the narrative touches are the existence of Bristol Colonies in Irish seaport towns and the preservation at Tallaght of the Flag of the Confederates which was carried before Rinuccini. A single luminous sentence, the truth of which all who know Gilbert's work will endorse, sums up the character of the historian and his work : —

    " One of the most tolerant of men, his (Gilbert's) dislike of ' scamped ' or inaccurate work amounted to intolerance and superficial productions on serious subjects, especially those connected with history, were offensive to him. He could not sympathise with authors who would not take pains, and who unscrupulously increased the number, already too great, of misleading records."

    Internet Archive journalofwaterfo1906wate, Chapter 19

55. Kilcullen Church Site and the Old Mail Road

    Kilcullen · town · Kildare

    The early church site of Kilcullen survives as an unfilled, bramble-overgrown patch in a field by the roadside near Delahunty's avenue gate. The old mail road to Cheekpoint once ran close by its west side before being diverted to its present course.

    Read the passage

    KiLCULLEN, Cill CuiLlmn — most probably " CuUen'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 Xov. 5th. (/>) The early church site may be seen — an unfilled and brambleovergrown patch — in a field 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 cill, whence it was diverted to its present course.

    Kilbarry Parish.

    Internet Archive journalofwaterfo1906wate, Chapter 11

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Kilcullen, you are near the site of an early church that gives the town its name, most likely Cullen's Church, though locally people pronounced it as though it meant Church of the Holly. The site survives as an unfilled, bramble-overgrown patch in a field by the roadside, near Delahunty's avenue gate. The old mail road to Cheekpoint once ran close by the west side of the church before being diverted to its present course. Two saints named Cuilleann and Cuillenn are honoured in the Irish martyrologies, one on April 22nd and one on November 5th.

56. Kilmokea church, Great Island, Waterford Harbour

    near Great Island · townland · Cork · 1399

    The Church of Kilmokea on the Great Island, dedicated to St. Macethe, is recorded in the Patent Rolls of 1399, when commissioners were sent there to inquire about forfeited ship goods to be brought to Ross.

    Read the passage

    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 journalofwaterfo1906wate, Chapter 19

57. The Bibe's Well - a Banshee-like Spirit

    near Islandikane · parish · Waterford

    A well named for 'The Bibe', a supernatural being of Banshee character, is described in this townland. The text notes numerous further references to this being will follow.

    Read the passage

    S.D. UobAtx TK\ t)AiT)be— " The Bibe's Well." The " Bibe " is a supernatural being of Beansidhe character to whom we shall find numerous references as we proceed.

    CoxTOWX, CoilleAc — " Woody Place, "accordingtoO'Donovan. This derivation is not above suspicion. The name is locally understood to be coilexNC, a cock, — hence the Anglicised form, to account for which a curious story is told, (.v) Area (in two divisions, scil — East and West), 417 acres.

    Internet Archive journalofwaterfo1906wate, Chapter 14

58. The Ruined Cromlech Near Ballindud

    Ballindud · townland · Waterford

    A fine specimen of a cromlech survives near Ballindud, though it is now somewhat ruined owing to the failure of one of its supports, causing the table stone to tilt.

    Read the passage

    (b) "Cromlech"; a tine specimen, though somewhat ruined owing to failure of one of its supports and consequent tilting of the table stone.

    (t) CiLUn — " Little Burial Ground." The word cill 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 cill is generally used now. To add to the confusion cill, and still more cilUn, is applied to pagan as well as Christian places of sepulture. The cill, or cilUn, 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 journalofwaterfo1906wate, Chapter 12

59. Destruction of rare bird eggs near Tramore

    Tramore · town · Waterford · 1900–1906

    In the neighbourhood of Tramore, people destroyed the eggs of rare bird species, including the chough and the peregrine falcon.

    Read the passage

    to — for trespass, if for nothing more. We have heard too of the destruction, in the neighbourhood of Tramore, and by people who would indignantly repel the charge of vandalism, of the eggs, amongst other rare species, of the chough and the peregrine falcon. Why should we allow any indigenous wild animal to be kept in captivity by private individuals for mere gratification of the jailor's spirit of ownership !

    P.

    Internet Archive journalofwaterfo1906wate, Chapter 19

60. 16th/17th century castle at Ballymaclode

    Ballymaclode · townland · Waterford · 1500–1660

    On the townland of Ballymaclode stands a comparatively late castle, now in ruins, probably the homestead of the settler from whom the place derives its name. Like Ballygunner Temple, it was in the possession of Lord Power at the time of the Cromwellian confiscation.

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    Ballymaclodk, iD^Mie ttnc leo-o — " McLeod's Homestead." On the townland is a comparatively late (i6th 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 conhscation. Area, 374 acres.

    "Bally McClode" ("Acts of Settlement and Explanation") ; " Ballemaclode " (Inquisition, lenip. Eliz.)

    Internet Archive journalofwaterfo1906wate, Chapter 7