Kerry Archaeological Magazine (Volume I)

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. Castle Magne constableship as hereditary sinecure

   Castlemaine · town · Kerry · 1691–1810

   After the castle's destruction, the office of Constable of Castlemaine persisted as a lucrative sinecure paying 2s. 3d. a day. Sir Richard Cox secured the post across three successive reigns (1691–1704), and later holders included Charles Bodens, Thomas Helcott, Major William Botet, and Colonel James Cuffe, until the office finally lapsed with Cuffe's death.

   Read the passage

   The castle had been destroyed, but the question of the Constableship still remained, and there appeared no reason why 2s. 3d. a day should not be enjoyed by some loyal subject of His Majesty the King. So at least thought Sir Richard Cox, Lord Chancellor of Ireland. And wdio better fitted for the post than the good man himself? We find him accordingly getting himself appointed during three successive reigns, with a Patent issued on the accession of each sovereign: “Richard Cox, junr., Gent., Patent 30th October, 3rd of William (1691). Richard Cox, Esq., Patent 12th September, 1st Ann. (1702). Sir Richard Cox, Knight, Patent 29th January, 1st George I. (1704)." Cox died in 1733, and no appointment was made to the office for nearly thirty years. Whether it was that the public service was found to be unworkable without a Constable we know not, but a new appointment was made, as we find by the following:

   “Charles Bodens, Patent ‘to hold as Cox held/ dated 6th April, 2nd of George III (1762). Thomas Helcott, vice Bodens, deceased. Patent dated 26th January, 17-."

   Internet Archive kerryarchaeologicalmagazine, Chapter 56

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Castlemaine, the castle here was destroyed long ago, but the office of Constable of Castlemaine lived on as a paid sinecure worth 2s. 3d. a day. Sir Richard Cox, Lord Chancellor of Ireland, saw no reason why that money should go unclaimed, and he had himself appointed across three successive reigns. His first patent came on the 30th of October 1691, under William. A second followed on the 12th of September 1702, under Anne. A third came on the 29th of January 1704, under George the First. Cox died in 1733, and for nearly thirty years no one was appointed to the office. Then in 1762 Charles Bodens received a patent described as "to hold as Cox held," dated the 6th of April. Thomas Helcott followed, vice Bodens deceased, with a patent dated the 26th of January. After him came Major William Botet and Colonel James Cuffe, and when Cuffe died the office finally lapsed.

2. Devil's footprint stone at Castle Magne bridge

   Castlemaine · town · Kerry

   A stone scored with what appeared to be a cup-marking within a half-circle was set in the roadway on the bridge near the western parapet at Castle Magne. Popular belief held it was the imprint of the Devil's iron-shod foot, made as he was about to soar aloft at early morning after one of his periodic visits to the scene of his former revels.

   Read the passage

   westward to the river, which is here spanned by a bridge of four arches. On this bridge there stood an ancient castle, known as Castle Magne, before yet a village existed. In past times it was so narrow as to afford space barely sufficient for a single car to pass, but some forty years ago it was enlarged to its present dimensions, thus giving it a somewhat modern appearance. To-day there is little to arrest attention in that old structure, but two generations back it still bore traces of the pur¬ pose for which it once served. There extended eastward along the bed of the river, from the two central arches, three massive buttresses. The castle stood on these arches and projected on the buttresses. Beyond the eastern parapet was a square aperture of masonry opening into the water, which was associated in the minds of a past age with mysterious and fearful significance. It was known as the “Murdering Hole,” and was religiously believed to be the spot above which stood the gallows of the mighty Desmond. If the truth were known, it probably served a much more innocent purpose. There was here another relic of antiquity, which was the source of much heated discussion in times past. In the roadway, on the bridge, near the western parapet, was placed a stone scored with what seemed a cup-marking within a half-circle. The popular belief held its ground for years that this was nothing else than the imprint of his Satanic Majesty’s iron-shod foot, as he was about to soar aloft at early morning, after one of his periodic visits to the scene of his former revels; but a ruthless iconoclast comes along and casts discredit on the venerable tradition, maintaining as he did, that this was the stone, with its socket, on which one of the gates of the castle revolved. We leave the decision of this weighty question to the learned, while we proceed with our narrative.

   There is a drawing of the castle in “ Pacata Hibernia 99 as it appeared in 1600. The sketch shows two central

   Internet Archive kerryarchaeologicalmagazine, Chapter 5

   As the companion tells it

   As you come through Castlemaine in Kerry, the road crosses a bridge of four arches over the river. An ancient castle called Castle Magne once stood on this bridge, before any village existed here. The bridge was so narrow in past times that a single car could barely pass, but about 40 years ago it was widened, giving it a modern look. Two generations back, the old structure still showed traces of what it was built for. Three massive buttresses ran eastward along the river bed from the two central arches, and the castle stood on those arches and projected onto the buttresses. Beyond the eastern parapet there was a square aperture of masonry opening into the water, known as the Murdering Hole. People of a past age religiously believed it was the spot above which stood the gallows of the mighty Desmond. The truth was probably more innocent. Near the western parapet, set into the roadway of the bridge, there was a stone scored with what appeared to be a cup-marking within a half-circle. Popular belief held for years that this was the imprint of his Satanic Majesty's iron-shod foot, made as he was about to soar aloft at early morning after one of his periodic visits to the scene of his former revels. Then a ruthless iconoclast came along and cast discredit on the tradition, maintaining that this was simply the socket stone on which one of the gates of the castle revolved. There is a drawing of the castle in Pacata Hibernia as it appeared in 1600.

3. Earl of Clancar attacks Kilmallock friars

   Kilmallock · townland · Limerick · 1568–1569

   The Earl of Clancar attacked friars from Kilmallock and forced them to purchase peace by paying a ransom of £150 Irish and agreeing to dishonourable conditions. The friars reported this to the Lord Deputy, praying for redemption from what they termed 'Egipslacall bondage.'

   Read the passage

   (6) Suffrein and his brethren from Kilmallock reporting, to the Lord Deputy, that the Earl of Clancar had attacked them, and forced them to purchase peace by payment of a ransom of £150 Irish, and agreement to dishonourable conditions prayed for redemption from this “Egipslacall bondage.’’ The Mayor and Cor¬ poration of Waterford also reported that MacCarthy and several others had spoiled their kine and garrons (horses;, find hfid con mitted other ejeesgeq,

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   Internet Archive kerryarchaeologicalmagazine, Chapter 95

4. Elizabeth orders Castle Magne given to Sir Valentine Browne

   Castlemaine · town · Kerry · 1587

   In 1587, Elizabeth sent an order to the Privy Council in Dublin to disband the Ward at Castle Magne and transfer the castle to Sir Valentine Browne and his heirs forever, with a £40 annual perpetuity for maintenance. The order was never executed.

   Read the passage

   A year previous to the time these letters were written, viz., in 1587, Elizabeth in her plans for retrenchment had actually sent an order to the Privy Council in Dublin to disband the Ward at Castle Magne and give over the castle to Sir Valentine Browne “ and his heirs for ever,” for the maintenace of which a perpetuity be granted “of £40 by the year.” This order was never executed, nor is it difficult to divine the reason. Sir John Perrott

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   Internet Archive kerryarchaeologicalmagazine, Chapter 27

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Castlemaine, this town carries a fragment of royal policy. In 1587, Queen Elizabeth sent an order to the Privy Council in Dublin to disband the Ward at Castle Magne and hand the castle over to Sir Valentine Browne, and to his heirs for ever. She wanted a perpetuity of £40 by the year granted for its maintenance. The order was never carried out. The passage breaks off at the name of Sir John Perrott, and the reason for the failure is left unsaid.

5. Finghin Ragh-na-Roin killed at Rinn Roin castle near Kinsale

   Kinsale · town · Cork

   Finghin Ragh-na-Roin, described as the greatest hero of the Eugenian line since the Norman invasion, was killed by Miles Cogan and the De Courceys at the castle of Rinn Roin near Kinsale. He derived his historical agnomen from this place.

   Read the passage

   so that, in time, the whole of Munster became dotted with these fortresses. The Fitzgeralds, in this way, acquired a very strong position. This position, at the period with which we are now dealing, was further reinforced by the accession of the King’s Deputy, Lord Justice Sir William Denn. In addition to this they secured the alliance of Donal Roe MacCarthy, who, as already stated, had married a Fitzmaurice. This power¬ ful force was opposed by the main body of the Mac- Carthys, headed by three sons of Donall Gott, namely Finghin of Ragh-na-Roin, Cormac of Mangerton, and Donal Maol. They came into conflict at a place called Callan, in the barony of Glenarough, and within a short distance of Kilgarvan, where the MacCarthys inflicted a signal defeat on the Geraldines and their allies. The Four Masters recount that in this battle fell “8 barons and 15 knights besides others of the English nobles, as also John Fitzthomas and Barrymore. ,,1 They add that Finghin was afterwards killed by the English. According to the Annals of Innisfallen, he was killed by Miles Cogan and the De Courceys, at the castle of Rinn Roin, near Kinsale, from which place he derived his historical agnomen. From all accounts he seems to have been the greatest hero of the Eugenian line that appeared since the Norman invasion.

   The battle of Mangerton took place a year after thai of Callan. This is what the Four Masters say about it: “An Army was led by Mac William Burke, and the English of Ireland, into Desmond against Mac¬ Carthy, and arrived at Mangartach of Loch Lein. There Gerald Roche, who was said to have been the third best knight of his time in Ireland, was slain by MacCarthy. This was a triumph without joy to Desmond, for Cormac, son of Donall Gott MacCarthy, was slain. In¬ deed both the English and the Irish suffered great loss about the Mangartach Mountains on that day.” It

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   As the companion tells it

   As you come through Kinsale, you are near the ground where Finghin Ragh-na-Roin met his end. He was one of three sons of Donall Gott MacCarthy, the others being Cormac of Mangerton and Donal Maol. The main body of the MacCarthys, headed by these three, came into conflict with the Geraldines and their allies at a place called Callan, in the barony of Glenarough, a short distance from Kilgarvan. There the MacCarthys inflicted a signal defeat on the Fitzgeralds and their allies. The Four Masters recount that in this battle fell 8 barons and 15 knights besides others of the English nobles, as also John Fitzthomas and Barrymore. They add that Finghin was afterwards killed by the English. The Annals of Innisfallen give the detail: he was killed by Miles Cogan and the De Courceys at the castle of Rinn Roin, near Kinsale. From that place he took his name, his historical agnomen. From all accounts he seems to have been the greatest hero of the Eugenian line that appeared since the Norman invasion. The battle of Mangerton followed a year after Callan. Mac William Burke and the English of Ireland led an army into Desmond against MacCarthy and arrived at Mangartach of Loch Lein. There Gerald Roche, said to have been the third best knight of his time in Ireland, was slain by MacCarthy.

6. Florence McCarthy and Lady Helen imprisoned in Cork

   Cork · city · Cork

   Florence McCarthy and Lady Helen were held in Cork prison, where they were given mild restraint and held banquets. This led to complaints to Walsingham about Florence's lack of repentance.

   Read the passage

   With such powerful enemies, Florence’s chances of pardon were but slight. Still the young couple made time pleasant as far as their restricted liberty would allow. Sympathy in their case was strong and universal, and so we find prison to them proved a place of very mild restraint; the happy couple even held high revel with their friends, in banquets, and music, and dance. To Florence’s enemies this was unendurable, and a complaint went forward to Walsingham that Florence McCarthy showed little signs of repentance for his fault “at Cork where he remaineth with the resort of his friends and the Erie’s daughter, with small restraint, he rather rejoiceth banquetting than he seemeth sorry for his contempt.” As might be expected, a rude severance was soon made between the sorrowing pair. Florence McCarthy was taken to London and given in charge to Sir Owen Hopton, Lieutenant of Her Majesty’s Tower; Lady Helen, owing to her tender years—she was scarcely IT—was treated with more consideration. She was permitted to remain in Cork, in charge of a

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   Internet Archive kerryarchaeologicalmagazine, Chapter 49

   As the companion tells it

   As you come through Cork, this is where Florence McCarthy and Lady Helen were held in prison. Despite being captives, they made the time pleasant within their restricted liberty. Sympathy for the young couple was strong and universal, and the prison proved a place of very mild restraint. They held high revel with their friends in banquets, music, and dance. To Florence's enemies this was unendurable. A complaint went forward to Walsingham that Florence McCarthy showed little sign of repentance, for as the report had it, he remained "with the resort of his friends and the Erie's daughter, with small restraint, he rather rejoiceth banquetting than he seemeth sorry for his contempt." A rude severance was soon made between the pair. Florence McCarthy was taken to London and given in charge to Sir Owen Hopton, Lieutenant of Her Majesty's Tower. Lady Helen, owing to her tender years, was treated with more consideration and permitted to remain behind.

7. Fort del Ore at Smerwick and James of Desmond's fortifications

   Smerwick · townland · Kerry · 1580

   On 21 July 1580 Pelham visited Fort del Ore at Smerwick, where James of Desmond had cut a neck of the rock from the mainland to strengthen it. The fort lay equal with the mainland, with a hole dug into it with great labour.

   Read the passage

   the Countess, and Dr. Saunders. “On the 18th thence to Castle Magne, where we camped that night tp the great comfort of the Ward, who was kept in close by the traytors and a certain sept of the Erie’s followers dwelling on the river Mange called the O’Moriarties.” On the 19th they encamped at Inch, “ where my Lord Justice and I did practice our best skill to gather cockles for our supper.” On the 20th reached Dingle. 21st they visited Fort del Ore. “ James of Desmond did cut a neck of the rock from the mainland, to make it the stronger, it lieth equal with the mainland having a hole, with grete labour, digged into it.” They went on board the fleet, where they “ had grete entertainment,” and sent a pinnace from the fleet to Castle Magne with supplies. The 23rd they returned to Castle Magne, where they “found the pynace of the victuals at the Castle syde, and the master, which guided her thither, told my Lord Justice that he had sounded the channel, and durst undertake to bring a ship of 100 tons within a stone’s cast of the Castel; and, truly, it is built on a notable place to rule both the counties of Kerry and Desmond, on both sides of the river of Mange.” They stay two days at the Castle. On the 26th, “ after storing Castle-Magne with victuals, we marched thence towards Cork—and camped that night by the fair river of Laune, between ‘ the Palace/ one of Clancartie’s chief houses, and Dunlogh, a house of O’Sullivan More’s razed by the Erie of Ormond.” Pelham was evidently anxious to make amends for his past neglect of the Ward at the Castle, for on his return from Dingle to Castle Magne on the 24th July, he writes to Sir Henry Wallop: “Send to Castle Magne 25 tuns of Gascon wine and sack and biscuit. The soldiers have no bread, drink, hose or shoes, or money to buy them.” On the same day, and from the Castle, he wrote to the Mayor of Galway, about whom he has clearly heard some unpleasant tales. He had already ordered this same Mayor to send a supply of provisions to the Castle. Wine and beer went

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   Internet Archive kerryarchaeologicalmagazine, Chapter 23

8. John FitzThomas founded Dominican Monastery at Tralee

   Tralee · townland · Kerry

   John FitzThomas FitzGerald, who fell at the Battle of Callan and was afterwards known as John of Callan, was the founder of the Dominican Monastery at Tralee. His son Thomas survived an ape-related legend involving the monastery bell tower.

   Read the passage

   fl) John FitzThomas FitzGerald, afterwards known as John of Callan. He was the founder of the Dominican Monastery at Tralee. Hanmer states that his Ron Maurice also fell. The latter’s son Thomas was an infant nine months old at the time, of whom the legond goes that be was carried by an ape to the top of the Dominican bell tower and brought back safely to his nurse.

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   Internet Archive kerryarchaeologicalmagazine, Chapter 90

   As the companion tells it

   Close to Tralee, John FitzThomas FitzGerald founded the Dominican Monastery. He fell at the Battle of Callan and was afterwards known as John of Callan. Hanmer states that his son Maurice also fell. Maurice's son Thomas was an infant, nine months old at the time. The legend goes that Thomas was carried by an ape to the top of the Dominican bell tower and brought back safely to his nurse.

9. King Aongus erects church at Cashel after conversion by St. Patrick

   Cashel · town · Tipperary · 490–492

   After King Aongus of Munster was converted and baptised by St. Patrick, his first act was the erection of a church at Cashel, which St. Patrick consecrated. Aongus ordained a tribute for the support of the clergy and retained bishops, priests, and other religious personnel at his court.

   Read the passage

   the course of the ceremony, the Saint, in the act of fixing the lower end of his staff or crozier, which was sharp and pointed, in the ground, accidentally pierced the foot of Aongus through, but he (Aongus) thinking this was part of the ceremony, notwithstanding the great pain which he felt, yet out of respect for the religion he was embracing patiently endured it until the ceremony was over. The King’s first act after his conversion was the erection of a church at Cashel, which wus consecrated by St. Patrick. In order to provide for the support of the Apostle and his clergy, he ordered that every one baptised should pay annually three pence to St. Patrick and the Church. But, soon afterwards, realising the difficulty the clergy would experience in collecting those fees, which would, moreover, interfere with the discharge of their religious duties, the King ordained that the tax should be paid into the public exchequer, and he bound himself and his successors to deliver annually to the convents and religious houses £00 cows, 500 bars of iron, 500 shirts, 500 mantles, and 500 sheep for the support and maintenance of the clergy. This tribute was regularly paid until the time of King Cormac MacCullinan. It is recorded that Aongus retained two Bishops, ten priests, and seventy-two persons of other religious Orders to attend to him in his Court, to say Mass in his Royal Chapel, and to offer up prayers for the happiness of himself and the whole Kingdom.

   The religious zeal of Aongus was directed by the counsels of St. Patrick, who was his spiritual guide. He lost his life at the battle of Cillosnach or Magh Fea, near the present town of Old Leighlin. The Annals of the ^our Masters give A.D. 489 as the year of his death. The Annals of Innisfallen say 492, while O’Flaherty fixes it at 490.

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   As the companion tells it

   Coming up now is the town of Cashel in Tipperary. Back in the time of King Aongus of Munster, St. Patrick came and baptised him. During the ceremony, the Saint was fixing his crozier into the ground. The staff was sharp and pointed, and it went clean through Aongus's foot. The king thought this was part of the ritual, and though the pain was great, he endured it patiently out of respect for the religion he was embracing. His first act after his conversion was the erection of a church at Cashel, which St. Patrick consecrated. To support the Apostle and his clergy, Aongus ordered that every person baptised should pay three pence annually to St. Patrick and the Church. But soon after, he realised the clergy would struggle to collect those fees, and the work would interfere with their religious duties. So he ordained that the tax should be paid into the public exchequer instead, and he bound himself and his successors to deliver each year to the convents and religious houses 500 cows, 500 bars of iron, 500 shirts, 500 mantles, and 500 sheep for the support and maintenance of the clergy. This tribute was paid regularly until the time of King Cormac MacCullinan. Aongus kept two bishops, ten priests, and 72 persons of other religious orders at his court, to say Mass in his royal chapel and to offer prayers for the happiness of himself and the whole kingdom. He lost his life at the battle of Cillosnach, or Magh Fea, near the town of Old Leighlin. The Annals of the Four Masters give his death as 489. The Annals of Innisfallen say 492, and O'Flaherty fixes it at 490.

10. MacCarthy siege of Dermod Mor O'Mahony on Bere Island

    near Bear Island · island or archipelago · Cork · 1319

    In 1319 a force of MacCarthys under the sons of Finin MacCarthy came in long boats to Bere Island to besiege Dermod Mor O'Mahony and his brother, continuing there for five weeks. Reinforcements eventually arrived from Ballyrisode and a skirmish ensued with losses on both sides before the defenders were safely brought off to Mizen Head.

    Read the passage

    He was succeeded by his son Donal Caomh. The reign of the latter (from 1311 to 1320) was a peaceful one, which circumstance probably accounts for his agnomen (the word “caomh” meaning, amongst other things, mild or gentle). He succeeded in steering clear of all embroilments in the proceedings of Edward Bruce, who was at that time engaged in so many warlike enterprises. He was therefore, in all probability not cognisant of, or at least not actively concerned in the following incident, narrated in the “ Annals of Mun¬ ster.” They record that, in 1319, a force of the Mac- Carthys “ under the command of the sons of Finin MacCarthy ” (presumably the nephews of Donal Mnol and cousins german of Donal Caomh) came in their long boats to Beara to the island of Creagaire (Beare Island) to besiege Dermod Mor O’Mahony 14 and his brother, and continued there for five weeks,” that Fineen, eldest son of Dermod Mor, brought reinforcements, from Ballyrisode, under difficulties, as the vessels of Ivaghs were engaged elsewhere, and only one was available; that when, at length, sufficient clansmen had been brought over, there ’..as a skirmish, resulting in the loss of two of Dermod’s family, and one of Fineen MacCarthy’s, and many followers on both sides, and that finally Dermod’s two other sons, Donal and Dermod Oge, arriv¬ ing with their ships, brought off their own party safely to the Carn (the Mizen Head).

    Donal Caomh married, as her second husband, a daughter of Carew Marquis of Cork, and widow of Dermod O’Mahon. The Marquis had settled in Carbery and built a castle near the Abbey of Bantry, called Carew Castle, otherwise Dunnamark. This was one of the many castles destroyed after the battle of Callan, by the victorious party.

    Internet Archive kerryarchaeologicalmagazine, Chapter 159

11. O'Donovans settle at Kinneigh on the Bandon

    Kinneigh · townland · Cork · 1178

    In 1178 the O'Donovans were driven by the O'Briens from their ancestral lands around Limerick and settled on the banks of the Bandon river at Kinneigh. Some three quarters of a century later, their chief Crom O'Donovan was slain by O'Mahony's people at Inisfeil on the same river, giving the name 'Crom' to the valley.

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    It may, further, be mentioned that when in 1178 the O’Donovans were driven by the O’Briens from their ances¬ tral seats about Limerick, they settled on the banks of the Bandon at Kinneigh, and that some three quarters of a century later Crom O’Donovan, their then chief, was slain by O’Mahony’s people at a place called Inisfeil on that river. From that event the name of Crom was given to the valley through which that river runs.

    And now to proceed with the history of this sept, we shall go back to the murder, in 1366, of Cormac Donn, the first Lord of Glennachroim, by his nephew, Donal Reagh, soon after succeeding his (Cormac’s) eldest brother, Donal Glas, as Lord of Carbery. He (Cormac) left issue (1) Der* mod (who was taken prisoner by his first cousin, Donal Reagh, given over to the English, and by them murdered in 1368); (2) Felim; (3) Donal; (4) Eoghan; (5) Tadg; (6) Finghin; (7) Cormac, and (8) Donogh (who had a son Finghin, who had a son Cormac, whose daughter married Donogh O’Crowley).

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12. Pipes of wine wrecked ashore at Burrin

    Burren · townland · Cork

    Donal-na-pipi acquired his nickname from an incident when pipes of wine were cast ashore at Burrin during his time. As the wreck was considered his right, he claimed them, which in those times was considered very fortunate since wrecks were esteemed 'God's goods.'

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    Donal-na-pipi acquired his nickname from the fact that (as Smith states in his “History of Cork”) “in his time, some pipes of wine were cast on shore at Burrin; and conse¬ quently were his right, being a wreck, and accordingly he had them, which in those times was considered very fortu¬ nate, the wreck being esteemed God’s goods.” Donal, in 1608, obtained a commission, as Captain of Infantry, in a regiment commanded by Colonel Valentine Brown. He died in 1612, having married Margaret, daughter of Sir Thomas Roe Fitzgerald, by whom he had, with other issue, a son Cormac, who predeceased his father, leaving by his wife, Eleanor Fitzgibbon (daughter of Edmund Fitzgibbon* the White Knight, and widow of Florence MacCarthy of Iniskean), a son Donal.

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    Internet Archive kerryarchaeologicalmagazine, Chapter 176

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here at Burrin, pipes of wine were once cast ashore from a wreck, and a man called Donal claimed them as his right. In those days a wreck was esteemed, in the words of the source, "God's goods," so this was considered very fortunate, and Donal came to be known as Donal-na-pipi from the incident. He later obtained a commission as Captain of Infantry in 1608 in a regiment commanded by Colonel Valentine Brown, and he died in 1612. He had married Margaret, daughter of Sir Thomas Roe Fitzgerald, and among their issue was a son Cormac, who predeceased him.

13. Pursuit route from Castle Drum by Slieve Mish to Tralee

    Slieve Mish · monument · Antrim · 1583

    Donnil Moriarty and eighteen kernes travelled eastward from Castle Drum along the foot of Slieve Mish, probably along the old mountain road, joined by Owen and five soldiers, and proceeded towards Tralee hoping to intercept stolen cattle before they crossed the river at Tramore (now Blennerville).

    Read the passage

    of Castle Magne, and promised to muster a band to follow and give them assistance. Owen Moriarty, the younger of the brothers, went to Castle Magne, and besought Captain Cheston to accompany them with his men. Cheston refused to leave his charge, but gave five soldiers to aid the party. “ Donnil having eighteen proper Kernes f* 8 ) in company,” whereof two had firearms, went eastward from Castle Drum by the foot of Sleave Mish, probably as far as the present old mountain road, where he remained until he was joined by Owen and the five soldiers; and all proceeded towards Tralee: this was Sunday, 10th November. They hastened on, hoping to intercept the cattle before they crossed the river at Tramore, now Blennerville. On coming to Tralee they found the track of the cattle going eastward to Slieve Loughra. The soldiers now hung back, and said they’d go no farther, but would return to their charge. The energetic Owen, however, persuaded them to stay, “pro¬ mising them two biefs of the pray” if they were so lucky as to rescue them; if not, he would give them “a bief of his own in respect of their travayle ”; the soldiers on these terms agreed to go on. Following the track they reached Ballinorig by daylight, and continued east¬ ward by moonlight as far as Glounaneenta, where they decided to bivouac for the night. After a while Owen and Donnil went on the hill overlooking the glen, prob¬ ably the present Keelbawn, to see whether “they may discover any fire in the woode or hear any stirre,” and having come over the glen, sure enough they saw a fire beneath them. Donnil then crept cautiously on to spy who might be there, and on returning announced that there were persons in a cabin, but that the cattle had not yet arrived. So they decided on postponing attack until

    28 Kernes, according to Ware, were light armed foot soldiers; they wore headpieces, fought with darts or javelins, to which a thong was fastened, and also carried swords and knives isgians). In war their music was the bagpipe.

    Internet Archive kerryarchaeologicalmagazine, Chapter 27

14. Siege of Cork by allied Irish forces

    Cork · city · Cork

    Donal MacCarthy, joined by Cathal Crowdearg and the O'Briens, marched to Cork, the last considerable English stronghold. They agreed to raise the siege only on the condition that the English evacuate the city.

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    Many of the English were slain. Donal then, joined by Cathal Crowdearg, King of Connacht, and the O’Briens, marched at the head of the Eugenian forces, to Cork, then the only considerable post of strength remaining in the hands of the English. The allied forces would have captured and burned the city, but, at Donal’s instance, were prevailed on to desist from doing so, and to raise the siege on condition that the English should evacuate it.

    The Annals of Loch Ce,* under the year 1202, record as follows: “A hosting b^ Cathal (Crowdearg) and William Burke, and by the sons of Donal O’Brien (i.e., Muirceartach and Conchubal* Kuadh), and by Finghin, son of MacCarthy, into Connaught, till they reached the Monastery of Ath-da-Larag, on the Buill, where they fixed their residence, and they were three days in it, and they polluted and defiled the entire Monastery. .

    Internet Archive kerryarchaeologicalmagazine, Chapter 78

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Cork, this is a city that was once the last considerable post of strength remaining in the hands of the English. Donal MacCarthy, joined by Cathal Crowdearg, King of Connacht, and the O'Briens, marched at the head of the Eugenian forces to take it. The allied forces would have captured and burned the city outright. But at Donal's instance, they were prevailed on to desist. He got them to raise the siege on one condition: that the English should evacuate it. Many of the English had already been slain before that march even began. So Cork held out as the one English foothold worth taking, and Donal's word was what saved it from the flames.

15. Bantry Bay landing and naming after Queen Beara

    near Bantry Bay · bay · Cork · 150–192

    Eoghan Mogha landed with his army on the north side of Bantry Bay and named the harbour Bear after his wife Beara, daughter of the King of Spain, preserving her name in the local landscape.

    Read the passage

    Mogha Nuadhat, from Nuadhat, ( 8 ) King of Leinster, who was his foster father, oame to the throne of Munster about the middle of the second century. From all accounts, Eoghan appears to have been a wise and politic prince. He was certainly a great warrior. He contended with Conn Cead Catha (i.e., Conn of the “ Hundred Battles/’ so called from his great valor) for the Sovereignty of Ireland, and succeeded after long warfare, and after winning ten decisive battles, in forcing Conn to divide with him the Kingdom in two equal parts. The boundary between them was the long ridge of sand¬ hills called Esker Riada, extending between Dublin and Galway. Eoghan reserved for himself the southern part, which he called “Leath Mogha’ ’ (or Mogha’s half), the northern part allotted to Conn being called “ Leath Cuinn ” (i.e., Conn’s half). However, peace between two such warlike princes could not last long, and Eoghan afterwards met many reverses. It is certain that, at one period of his life, he was so thoroughly beaten, and his fortunes were at so low an ebb, that he had to fly to Spain, where he remained for some years until after marrying Beara, the daughter of Heber, King of Chstile, he entered into a confederacy with her brother, Prince Fraoch, to make another attempt to wrest the sovereignty of Ireland from Conn Cead Catha. To this end they collected a powerful army, with which they set sail for Ireland. Landing with his army on the north side of Bantry Bay, Eoghan called the harbour Bear, after his wife, whose name is still pre¬ served in those of the town of Berehaven and of the island and barony of Bear. After another prolonged struggle, both armies fought a desperate battle in A.D. 192, on the plains of Moylena, in which Conn was victorious, and Eoghan was slain. According to O’Flaherty, the scene of their battle was in the ancient barony of Fircall, in the King’s County, where there

    (3) From this King aooording to O'Donovan, M&ynooth derives its name (Magh Nuadhat i.e. NuadhaVs Plain.)

    Internet Archive kerryarchaeologicalmagazine, Chapter 60

16. Battle near Cashel — Otcobar routs Danes and Norwegians

    Cashel · town · Tipperary · 845–849

    King Otcobar attacked a large body of Danes and Norwegians under Turgesius near Cashel, killing 500 and putting them to flight. He then joined the King of Lagenia to defeat another Danish army at Skiath ni Achtair in 849, where both Prince Tomar and Otcobar himself fell.

    Read the passage

    Otcobar, son of Clonfadith , and great great grandson of Aodh-Beanrian, being then Abbot of Emly, succeeded to the throne on the death of Feidlim. He was of an ambitious and warlike character. He attacked near Cashel and put to flight a large body of Danes and Norwegians under the command of the redoubtable Turgesius, after killing 500 of them. He then followed up his victory, and, in union with the King of Lagenia, in 849 attacked at Skiath ni Achtair an army of Danes led by Tomar, the hereditary prince of Denmark, and completely routed them. The Danes lost 1,200 men on the field of battle, including their leader, Prince Tomar. King Otcobar also fell, as he bravely passed from rank to rank, sustaining by his example the courage of the Eugenian troops.

    Passing over the reigns of Otcobar’s six immediate successors, Algenan, Maolgula, Ceanfold O’Maolguln, Donoch, Dublachtna, and Fionnguine, which are devoid of special interest, we come to that of Cormac Mac Cullinan, Archbishop of Cashel, and King of the two Munsters. Cormac, who was descended from Breasail, a younger son of Aongus, the first Christian King, was born in 837, and was educated in the Abbey of Dysart Dermod (still called Castle Dermot), in Leinster. Devoted to study from his earliest years, he acquired a profound knowledge of theology, ecclesiastical history, and human sciences. He will ever be remembered by the celebrated “ Glossary ” called by his name, which is the earliest attempt at a vernacular dictionary in any European language, and is a monumental store of learning. Of his other great work, the Psalter of Cashel, only a fragment now remains, though from the accounts of three great scholars of the 17th century, i.e., Keating, Colgan, and Ware, it must have been extant in their time. This work is also attributed to St. Benignus, who lived more than three cepti^ries earlier *

    Internet Archive kerryarchaeologicalmagazine, Chapter 67

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Cashel, this is a town that saw a battle in the 840s. Otcobar, son of Clonfadith, and great great grandson of Aodh-Beanrian, was Abbot of Emly when he succeeded to the throne on the death of Feidlim. He was ambitious and warlike. Near here, he attacked a large body of Danes and Norwegians under the command of Turgesius and put them to flight after killing 500 of them. That was the victory outside Cashel. Otcobar was not finished. He followed up and joined with the King of Lagenia, and in 849 they attacked an army of Danes at a place called Skiath ni Achtair. Those Danes were led by Tomar, the hereditary prince of Denmark. Otcobar and the King of Lagenia completely routed them. The Danes lost 1,200 men on the field, including their leader Prince Tomar. King Otcobar fell too, as he bravely passed from rank to rank, sustaining by his example the courage of the Eugenian troops. The record says he fell as he moved among his men, keeping their courage up. So the man who won the battle near Cashel did not live to enjoy it. He died on the field at Skiath ni Achtair, alongside 1,200 of the enemy and their prince.

17. Desmond puts on Irish dress at Lough Gur and proclaims authority

    near Lough Gur · lake or lakes · Limerick · 1573

    The Earl of Desmond, having escaped Dublin, travelled through Tipperary to meet the Countess, then proceeded to Lough Gur where the freeholders of County Limerick assembled. There he and his wife donned Irish clothing and proclaimed that no sheriff or constable would exercise office in his territory.

    Read the passage

    “My dutie remembred. I have declared unto Mr. Deane of Christe Churche and the Queen’s Sollicitor Mr. Bath of the progresse that the Erie of Desmonde hath taken which they promised to certifie yo r Lordship. He hath beene mett at Kncckdalton with 406 lceme and shott of the Mores. Thence he tooke his jorney, being in Englyshe apparell, with a yeoman named Morish O’Shieghan in like aray, and two Irishe horsemen throughe the countie of Tipperarie and passed through James Tobin’s and the olde Ladie of Dunboines townes, and came to the Countesse to Bealandrohid on Thursdaie last, his horses were tyred and there had he ix freshe hackneyes delyvered unto him. Thence went he and the Countesse toward Lough Gwir where a nombre of the freeholders of the Countye of Lymericke met him: he and his wyfe put on Irishe raymente and made a proclamacon that no cessor nor conistable nor sheriff should ever exercise theire office in his contreye. On Saturday last Edmond Fitz Davie to whose keeping Captain Bourchier did delyver the castle of the Gian since my Lo: President’s departure did take Castleton in Kenrie- On Mondaie night which was a daie before

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    Internet Archive kerryarchaeologicalmagazine, Chapter 13

18. Desmond submits at Cashel and yields Castle Magne

    Cashel · town · Tipperary · 1575

    On 3rd September, the Earl of Desmond repaired to Cashel and made his submission to the Lord Deputy, agreeing to sign all articles at the Queen's pleasure. He disbanded his forces and delivered up Castle Magne to Captain Apsley, who was made Constable of the castle.

    Read the passage

    Desmond agreed to sign the six articles; but then fresh articles were put forward, and these he would not sign. The Earls of Essex and Kildare approached him and tried by every means to win him over to submission, but he remained obdurate. The situation became critical, and the Lord Deputy and Council prepared to take the field. On the 1st August a Proclamation was drawn up offering £1,000 reward, and a pension of £40 for life, to whoever would bring in Desmond alive; or half the reward, and half the pension, to the person who would bring in his head. Hopes of a settlement seemed now at an end. As a last resource, however, Essex again went to the Earl to implore him to submit. At the last moment Desmond yielded; he agreed to sign all the articles at the Queen’s pleasure, and on the 3rd September repaired to Cashel, and made his submission to the Lord Deputy. This happy result gave entire satisfaction, and the Proclamation was cancelled. Desmond disbanded his forces, and delivered up Castle Magne to Captain Apsley. Elizabeth was delighted with the issue, and wrote a letter of thanks to Fitzwilliam for his success in reducing Desmond to submission.

    For the present, war, and in those savage times, its invariable accompaniment, promiscuous slaughter, were happily averted.

    Internet Archive kerryarchaeologicalmagazine, Chapter 23

19. Fitzmaurice takes possession of Fort del Ore at Smerwick

    Smerwick Harbour · harbour · Kerry · 1579

    After entering Smerwick Harbour on the northern shore of the Dingle promontory, James Fitzmaurice disembarked and took possession of a narrow headland known as Fort del Ore. His force was small, only 80 Spaniards, and the Spaniards soon marched inland and dispersed.

    Read the passage

    on the coast, and this time indeed rumour spoke the truth. It was ascertained that on the I7th July, 1579, James Fitzmaurice, with six Spanish vessels, entered Dingle Harbour: next day he left, went around by Slea Head, and entered Smerwick Harbour, which lies on the northern shore of Dingle promontory, where he disembarked, and took possession of a narrow headland, known as Fort del Ore. Andrew Martyn had early intelligence of this, but was utterly helpless: he was short of provisions; he expected his castle to be attacked at any moment, and was in no condition to repel attack. He sent earnest entreaty to the Mayors of Cork and Waterford to come quickly to his relief with men and provisions, and writes in conclusion: “I stande to the courtesie of the Erie of Desmond and my Lord of Glanker, to send me some fleshe.” There was evidently a great want of foresight somewhere. This landing was expected, and some pro¬ vision might have been made to guard the coast. Castle Magne, a probable objective for attack, might have been put in a fit condition to resist, but it could not hold out a week. Such was the serious situation; but alarm gave way to intense satisfaction when it was discovered that Fitzmaurice’s force was so insignificant. He had only 80 Spaniards on board. A sigh of relief went up from one and all Her Majesty’s Ministers in Ireland. The Spaniards marched inland and dispersed themselves through the country; Fitzmaurice went to rally the dis¬ affected in Connaught and the North, but on the way had an encounter with the Burkes of Castleconnel, in which he was mortally wounded. One formidable enemy of Elizabeth was thus removed, though this did not allay anxiety. Desmond’s brothers were in revolt in Munster, and hundreds joined their standard. The Earl took no part in his brothers’ rebellion; he gave the Government early information of the landing of James Fitzmaurice; he gave up his only son to Sir William Drury as a hostage for his

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    Internet Archive kerryarchaeologicalmagazine, Chapter 23

20. Ninth-century piper depicted on Clonmacnoise cross

    Clonmacnoise · townland · Offaly · 800–899

    A large cross at Clonmacnoise bears a ninth-century representation of an Irish piper, one of the earliest visual depictions of the instrument. The Piob Mor or War Pipe is also mentioned in the Brehon Laws from the fifth century.

    Read the passage

    ! \\ nost ancient, being mentioned in the •; Brehon Laws, which were committed to _/ writing in the fifth century; and on the large cross at Clonmacnoise is to be found a ninth century representation of an Irish Piper.

    The small Pipe, the “Uilleann,” is of much more modern date, only coming into general use in the sixteenth century, and is the Pipe commonly heard in Ireland to this day throughout the country and at the Oireachtas and Feis Ceoil. The “TTilleann” takes the form of a skin bag in¬ flated by a small bellows placed under the right arm, the left forearm controlling the pressure of air into f and out of the bag, to which is attached the chanter and stock, which holds an elaborate and complicated system of drones and regulators. This Pipe can only be played in a sitting position or with one of the performer’s legs resting on a crutch stick which supports the knee; but the “Piob Mor” or War Pipe placed no such restrictions upon its player. Galilei, writing in 1581: “To its sound this unconquered, fierce and warlike people march against their enemies and encourage each other to deeds of valour. ,,

    Internet Archive kerryarchaeologicalmagazine

21. Castle of the Lake of Killarney seized, 1517

    Killarney · townland · Kerry · 1517

    In 1517 the Castle of the Lake of Killarney was taken from the sons of Cormac Ladhrach (MacCarthy Mor), who were banished to MacMaurice. In revenge, MacMaurice committed great depredations, laying waste the district of Magh-a-gCoinchinn (Magonihy) from the hills westward.

    Read the passage

    “ the Castle of the Lake of Killarney was taken from the sons of Cormac Ladhraeh, and they themselves banished to MacMaurice. Great depredations were committed by MacMaurice in revenge, laying waste Magh-a-gCoinchinn (Magonihy) from the hills west¬ ward. M

    Donal-an-Dromin had two sons, namely Donal, who succeeded him, and Teige, who married a daughter of MacCarthy Reagh, and had a daughter Catherine, who married Thomas, the sixteenth Lord Kerry. He had also two daughters, i.e. Eveleen, who married, as his fourth wife, James, fifteenth Earl of Desmond, and Catherine, who married Finghin MacCarthy Reagh, uncle of the Finghin (Florence) who afterwards married the daughter of her brother, the Earl of Clancar. The death of the first-named, Princess Eveleen, in 1560, is thus chronicled in the Annals of the Four Masters:

    Internet Archive kerryarchaeologicalmagazine, Chapter 94

22. Cormac MacCarthy takes Castle of Galway (1132)

    Galway · city · Galway · 1132

    In 1132, the King of Munster sent Cormac MacCarthy by sea to take the Castle of Galway. MacCarthy captured it, slaughtered the garrison, and levelled both castle and town, afterwards defeating and slaying Conor O'Flaherty, King of Iar Connacht.

    Read the passage

    The next thing we hear is that, in 1132, there was a great slaughter of the Connacht men by the men of Munster. “In 1132,” writes Hardiman, in his History of Galway, “ the King of Munster despatched a body of men by sea to take the Castle of Galway, which his general, Cormac MacCarthy, having effected, put the garrison to the sword, levelled and destroyed the castle and town, and soon afterwards defeated and slew Conor O’Flaherty, King of Iar Connacht.’’

    In 1133 an army was led by Cormac McCarthy and Conor O’Brien into Connacht, and they killed Cathal, son of Cathal O’Connor, Royal heir of Connacht, and Gill-na-Naemh Ua Floin, Chief of Sil-Maelernain, and they demolished Dun Mugthorn and Dun Mor, and plundered a great part of the country. They afterwards returned without hostages.

    Internet Archive kerryarchaeologicalmagazine, Chapter 75

    As the companion tells it

    As the road carries you through Galway, the city carries a mark from 1132. Hardiman, in his History of Galway, records that the King of Munster despatched a body of men by sea to take the Castle of Galway. His general, Cormac MacCarthy, carried it out. He put the garrison to the sword, levelled and destroyed the castle and town, and soon afterwards defeated and slew Conor O'Flaherty, King of Iar Connacht. It was, in Hardiman's words, a great slaughter of the Connacht men by the men of Munster. The year after, 1133, Cormac McCarthy returned with Conor O'Brien. They led an army into Connacht and killed Cathal, son of Cathal O'Connor, the royal heir of Connacht, and Gill-na-Naemh Ua Floin, chief of Sil-Maelernain. They demolished Dun Mugthorn and Dun Mor and plundered a great part of the country, then returned without hostages.

23. Desmond heir passes through Cork amid public rejoicing

    Cork · city · Cork · 1600

    The young heir of the Desmond house passed through Cork on his way from Youghal, greeted by crowds filled with pity and hope that he would defy English power in Munster.

    Read the passage

    This is not without its pathos, with which we could sympathise if it had not been for its chilling reference to a “faulty father.” “He took his way to Bristol, whence when tide and wind served, with his horses and armour, his nurse (!) and sister, he took ship for Cork. He arrived in Youghal 14th October, 1600. As he passed through Youghal, and Cork, and Mallow, the people were in a perfect frenzy of delight. He must possess the noble spirit of that princely house, they thought, and all were filled with pity and hope which as yet they dared not breathe. He is now in England hands; but when he is free he will defy Saxon power, and say, as did his great father, “ No Cessor, nor Constable, nor Sheriff shall ever exercise theire office in my contreye.” He was guarded with as much care as a caged lion, and supplied with a host of keepers. Is he destined to escape from their hands, and raise aloft the dread Geraldine standard once more in Munster? Such were the thoughts in many minds. Negotiations were immedi¬ ately set on foot for the recovery of Castle Magne. We

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    Internet Archive kerryarchaeologicalmagazine, Chapter 52

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Cork, this is a city that once watched a young heir of the Desmond house ride through its streets. The boy had crossed from Bristol with his horses, his armour, his nurse and his sister, and landed at Youghal on the 14th of October, 1600. From there he passed through Youghal, Cork, and Mallow, and the people were in what the record calls a perfect frenzy of delight. They believed he carried the noble spirit of that princely house. They were filled with pity and hope they dared not yet breathe aloud. He was already in English hands, guarded like a caged lion with a host of keepers. But the people trusted that when he was free he would defy Saxon power in Munster, and say as his great father had said, no cessor, nor constable, nor sheriff shall ever exercise their office in his country. Negotiations were set on foot for the recovery of Castle Magne.

24. Earl of Kildare accused of burning Cashel Cathedral

    Cashel · town · Tipperary

    Gerald Fitzgerald, Earl of Kildare and Lord Deputy of Ireland, was summoned to England to answer charges of treason, including setting fire to the Cathedral of Cashel to revenge himself on the Archbishop. His quick wit before King Henry VII won him a pardon and restoration to his post.

    Read the passage

    1 This Earl was summoned to England, to answer charges of treason, etc. His quick-witted speeches, when examined before King Henry VII., took the royal fancy. Amongst other things, he was charged with having set fire to the Cathedral of Cashel, to revenge himself on the Archbishop. He excited shouts of laughter by exclaiming that he would not have done it only that he had heard that the Archbishop was inside! At the end of the enquiry his accusers declared that "all Ireland could not rule this Earl." "Then," replied King Henry, "in good faith, this Earl shall rule all Ireland." The result was that he was pardoned, re¬ stored to his post as Deputy, and married the King’s first cousin, Elisa¬ beth St. John.

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    Internet Archive kerryarchaeologicalmagazine, Chapter 172

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Cashel in Tipperary, the town's cathedral stands at the heart of a story about Gerald Fitzgerald, Earl of Kildare and Lord Deputy of Ireland. He was summoned to England to answer charges of treason, including setting fire to the Cathedral of Cashel to revenge himself on the Archbishop. Brought before King Henry the Seventh, he won the royal fancy with quick-witted speeches. He excited shouts of laughter by exclaiming that he would not have done it, only that he had heard the Archbishop was inside. At the end of the enquiry his accusers declared that all Ireland could not rule this Earl. King Henry replied, in good faith, this Earl shall rule all Ireland. He was pardoned, restored to his post as Deputy, and married the King's first cousin, Elizabeth St. John.

25. Florence MacCarthy drowns in the river Bandon, 1350

    near Bandon River · river · Cork · 1350

    After his defeat at Rinna Roin by Miles de Courcey in 1350, Finghin (Florence) MacCarthy, Prince of Desmond, drowned himself in the river Bandon along with a party of his followers. He had previously erected a tower and chapel at Clonmacnoise named after the MacCarthys.

    Read the passage

    Donal Oge’s successor was his son Cormac Mac- Carthy Mor (b. 1271, d. 1359). He seems to have been the original founder of the Franciscan Abbey of Irrelagh 2 , now called Muckross Abbey. According to the Annals of the Four Masters it was erected in 1340. If this date be correct—and there seems no reason to doubt it—it iflust have been built in Cormac’s reign, and founded by him. The Four Masters, however, say that the Abbey was founded by “Donal son of Teige MacCarthy.” This seems to be an error, which is probably due to the fact that the Abbey, erected in 1340, was, more than a century afterwards, rebuilt or altered or repaired by Cormac’s great-grandson, Donalan-Daim son of Teige-na-Mainistreach. Such errors in the Christian names of persons occur here and there in these Annals, which, however, are mainly correct on the point of dates. Cormac MacCartliy Mor died in 1359. He had married Honoria the daughter of Maurice Fitzmaurice, the sixth Lord of Kerry, by whom he had several sons, many of whom, like the sons of his great-grandfather, Cormac Fioun, became founders of important branches of the family. Their names are as follows—(1) Teige, Prince of Desmond, who left only a daughter named Catherine; (2) Finghin, or Florence, Prince of Desmond, who was defeated in 1350 at Rinna Roin by Miles de Courcey, Baron of Kinsale, and, with a party of his followers, drowned himself in the river Bandon. This prince had erected, in the cemetery of Clonmacnoise, a tower and a chapel both called after the MacCarthys; (3) Donal, of whom we treat pre¬ sently; (4) Dermod Mor, created Lord of Muskerry in 1353, and ancestor of the Lords of Muskerry and Earls of Clancarthy; (5) Eoghan, ancestor of the Lords of Cosli-Maing; (6) Donogh a quo the MacCarthys of Ardcanaghty; (7) Donal Buidhe.

    (2) Oir Bhealach (i e the Eastern Road or Pass). Tbe tradition goes that tho McCarthy Mor of the time, being desirous to found an Abbey, was warned in a vision not to erect it anywhere but at Carrig an-cheoill (i e the Rock of Music) Not knowing the locality he sent persons to find out where it was. The messengers searched for some timo in vain, and were returning in despair, when, passing by Oir Bhealach they heard most enchanting mu?ic issuing from a rock which they concluded was the locality sought for. MacCartby being satisfied that it was forthwith commenced the erection ef the Abbey on that site.

    Internet Archive kerryarchaeologicalmagazine, Chapter 92

26. John Connors and the fairy stranger near Killarney

    Killarney · townland · Kerry

    A farmer named John Connors living near Killarney is overjoyed at the birth of a son after seven daughters and sets off to find sponsors. He meets a mysterious stranger on a white horse, dressed in red knee-breeches, who redirects his journey.

    Read the passage

    Occasionally the fairies, being Irish, display a cer¬ tain sense of humour, as in the case of John Connors, a farmer who lived near Killarney, whose delight was so great on being presented by his wife, after seven daughters, with a son. that he broke his spade in the ditch for joy and started off; to the next parish to find sponsors for the Christening, not considering anybody in his own parish worthy of the honour. He had how¬ ever not gone very far before he met a stranger riding on a white horse, attired in red knee-breeches, a swallow-tailed coat, and a tall hat, who asked him where he was going.

    “I’m going,” said Connors, “to Beaufort to find sponsors for my young son.”

    Internet Archive kerryarchaeologicalmagazine, Chapter 135

27. Kilbrittain Castle and the white ferret legend

    near Kilbrittain · street · Cork · 1035–1251

    Donall Gott MacCarthy made Kilbrittain Castle his chief residence after seizing territory from the De Courcys. A legend relates that MacCarthy gained possession through a pledge involving a white ferret; Bishop Clayton, writing in 1744, cited an inscription suggesting the castle was built in 1035.

    Read the passage

    (») Previously occupied by the De Courcys, by one of whom it is said to have been built (though Bishop Clavton, writing in 1744, to Lord Egmont, relying on an inscription on a stone of the Castle, held that it must have been built in 1035, a century and a half before the De Courcys came to Ireland). From the De Courcys it passed into the hands of Donall Gott. There is a curious legend as to the way in which the MacCarthys became possessed of the Castle. It is stated that one of the De Courcys borrowed a white ferret from one of them, and, as a pledge for its safe return, allowed MacCarthy to occupy the Castle and lands; but, the ferret having died, he was unable to keep his word This MacCarthy took advantage of, and kept what he had.

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    Internet Archive kerryarchaeologicalmagazine, Chapter 158

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere about Kilbrittain stands a castle once held by the De Courcys. Bishop Clayton, writing in 1744 to Lord Egmont, relied on an inscription on a stone of the castle and held that it must have been built in 1035, a century and a half before the De Courcys came to Ireland. From the De Courcys it passed into the hands of Donall Gott. There is a legend about how the MacCarthys came to possess it. One of the De Courcys borrowed a white ferret from one of them, and as a pledge for its safe return, allowed MacCarthy to occupy the castle and lands. The ferret died, and he was unable to keep his word. This MacCarthy took advantage of, and kept what he had.

28. Killorglin castle burned and leveled after Battle of Callan

    Killorglin · town · Kerry · 1261–1273

    In the aftermath of the MacCarthy triumph at Callan, the castle at Killorglin was among many castles burned and leveled by the Irish chieftains of South Munster, who also killed their English warders.

    Read the passage

    The Fitzgeralds were so crushed by their defeat at Callan that the MacCarthys had it all their own way for many years afterwards. To quote from the graphic account given by Dr. Hanmer, “The Carties played the Divells in Desmond, where they burned, spoiled, preyed, and slew many an innocent; they became so strong and prevailed so mightily, that for the space (so it is reported) of twelve years the Desmond durst not put plow in ground in his owne country.’* The Irish Chieftains of South Munster burned and levelled the castles of Dun-Mac-Toman, Duninsi, Dunnagall, Cuandore, Dundeady, Dunnalong, Macroom, Muirgioll, Dunnamark, Dunloe, Killorglin, and the greater part of the castles of Hy Conaill Gabhra, and killed their English warders.

    There is no doubt that, for a time, the Fitzgeralds were utterly disabled, and the power of the Mac¬ Carthys was in the ascendant. So it was continued for many years, and doubtless would have continued longer, were it not that, to quote again from Hanmer, “At length, through the operation of Satan, a bane of discord was thrown between the Carties and the Odriscoles, O’Donovans, MacDonagh, MacMahonna, MacSwines, and the inhabitants of Muscrie, in so much that by their cruell dissension they weakened themselves of all sides, so that the Desmond, in the end, overcame and over-topped them all. ,>

    Internet Archive kerryarchaeologicalmagazine, Chapter 91

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Killorglin in Kerry, this town holds the site of a castle that was burned and leveled in the years after 1261. The Fitzgeralds were so crushed by their defeat at Callan that the MacCarthys had it all their own way for many years afterwards. Dr. Hanmer gave a graphic account. He wrote that the Carties played the divils in Desmond, where they burned, spoiled, preyed, and slew many an innocent. He said they became so strong that for the space of twelve years the Desmond durst not put plow in ground in his own country. The Irish chieftains of South Munster burned and leveled the castles of Dun-Mac-Toman, Duninsi, Dunnagall, Cuandore, Dundeady, Dunnalong, Macroom, Muirgioll, Dunnamark, Dunloe, Killorglin, and the greater part of the castles of Hy Conaill Gabhra, and killed their English warders. The Fitzgeralds were utterly disabled, and the power of the MacCarthys was in the ascendant. It would have continued longer, but Hanmer wrote that at length, through the operation of Satan, a bane of discord was thrown between the Carties and the Odriscoles, the O'Donovans, MacDonagh, MacMahonna, MacSwines, and the inhabitants of Muscrie. By their cruel dissension they weakened themselves on all sides, so that the Desmond, in the end, overcame and over-topped them all.

29. Legendary battle of Knockanure between Oscar and Margach

    Knockanure · parish · Kerry

    A folklore account describes a prolonged single combat at Knockanure between the Irish champion Oscar and the boastful Margach, who claimed invulnerability. After ten days of fighting, Oscar beheaded Margach, then slew Margach's two sons in turn. Margach's wife Aile the Fair sailed to Ireland, found the battlefield, and composed an extempore lament for her husband and sons.

    Read the passage

    When Aile the Fair, wife of Margach, thought it too long since she had heard anything of her husband’s expedition, she prepared a ship and set sail for Ireland. On arriving, she came to the field of battle, and inquired of Fion, who informed her that her husband and two sons were slain in single combat, and he showed her the spot where they had died. When she arrived there, most dolefully bewailing their loss, she composed an extempore poem on their valorous achievements, which she plaintively recited in a most melodious voice, after the manner of her country, and boldly asserted that her husband and two sons were treacherously slain. Fion answered that the heroes of Ireland ever scorned to take the least advantage of any champion, and he assured her

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    Internet Archive kerryarchaeologicalmagazine, Chapter 34

30. McEligott castles in Ballymacelligott parish

    Ballymacelligott · townland · Kerry · 1584–1756

    Three castles in the parish of BallymcEllipott belonged to the McEligotts: Carrignafeela, Arabella, and Bernaerillagb. Very little remained of any of them by the time of writing. Ulick Mac Thomas Eligot of Carrignafeyle entered the Desmond Rebellion, was pardoned, then rebelled again. In 1613 his lands were granted to Sir T. Roper, and by 1756 Smith noted Carrignafeela as a place of some note and residence of a Mr Vernon.

    Read the passage

    „ There were three Castles in the Parish of BallyMcEllipott belonging to

    the McEligotts, Carrignafeela, Arabella and Bernaerillagb. Very little now remains of any of them. In 1613 the lands of this Ulick McElipott were granted to Sir T. Roper. In 1756 Smith mentions Carripnafeela as a “ place of some note” and the residence of a Mr Vernon. It was at one time a seat of the Dennvs. The Castle and house have both disappeared and the lapd is the property of Jdr J- C,

    Internet Archive kerryarchaeologicalmagazine, Chapter 107

31. Milesian graves discovered in Glen'aish

    Glenaish · valley · Kerry · 1850–1858

    Archdeacon Rowan discovered graves while making a road through Glen'aish. Local antiquarians Father Casey and Mr. Cooke believed them to be remains of the Milesians, who landed at Camp and fought their first battle there, while local tradition initially attributed them to Geraldine brothers from adjacent castles.

    Read the passage

    NDER this first heading the late Archdeacon Rowan had some fifty years ago a press argument in the “Tralee Chronicle” about some graves he had come upon when making a road through Gleu’aish. He had doubts as to their antiquity owing to the wonderful preservation of the bones therein. But the late Father Casey, P.l\, a well-informed antiquarian, and the late Mr. Cooke, also curious in such matters, believed them to be the remains of the Milesians, who some three thousand years ago had landed at Camp and fought their first battle there. Mr. Windele, of Cork, also attributed them to the Milesians, whereupon a controversy as to the possible duration of human bones ensued. Archdeacon Rowan at first followed the lead of local tradition, which believed these graves to be the remains of persons who were killed when two Geraldine brothers who, “ once upon a time,” lived in the adjacent castles of Camp and Glandine, and con¬ stantly fought for possession of this glen.

    Ultimately, however, it was the generally accepted belief—a belief confirmed by more recent proofs—that these remains were those of Milesians—the earliest Celts to settle in Ireland—and that the glen itself was named

    Internet Archive kerryarchaeologicalmagazine, Chapter 41

    As the companion tells it

    As you travel through the valley of Glenaish, you are passing through ground where old graves were once found. About fifty years before this account, Archdeacon Rowan came upon them while making a road through the glen. He doubted their age, because the bones in them were wonderfully preserved. But Father Casey, a well-informed antiquarian, and Mr. Cooke, also curious in such matters, believed them to be the remains of the Milesians, who some three thousand years ago had landed at Camp and fought their first battle there. Mr. Windele of Cork agreed, and a controversy followed about how long human bones could last. At first, Archdeacon Rowan followed local tradition, which held that the graves held people killed when two Geraldine brothers, who once lived in the adjacent castles of Camp and Glandine, constantly fought for possession of this glen. Ultimately, the accepted belief, confirmed by more recent proofs, was that these were Milesians, the earliest Celts to settle in Ireland, and that the glen itself was named for them.

32. Battle of Magh Mucromha near Athenry

    Athenry · town · Galway

    Luy Mac Conn returned from Scotland with an army and fought against Olioll Olum and Art-Ean-Fhear, the monarch of Ireland, at Magh Mucromha near Athenry. The monarch Art was killed and his army totally defeated, after which Luy Mac Conn became Monarch of Ireland.

    Read the passage

    Eoghan, by the Princess Beara, had issue one son, Olioll Olum, and two daughters, Caomheall and Scotniamh. The son, Olioll Olum, who succceeded him, was the first of his line named in the Royal Roll as King of both Munsters. He was almost as renowned as his father, and is usually taken as the starting point in tracing the genealogies of the Munster families. He had married, as had been stipulated at the time of the division of Ireland between his father and Conn Cead Catha, Sabina (or Sadhbd), daughter of the latter, and who was at the time widow of Mac Niadh, chief of the Sept of Darin, descended from Ithe. By MacNiadh she had one son, named Lugaidh, commonly called Luy Maccon. In 237 Olioll Olum, seconded by the three sons of Cairbre, Monarch of Ireland, raised an army against Nemetheus, Prince of Munster, and Luy Macconn. When the latter reached man’s estate he demanded from Olioll Olum, his stepfather, the fulfillment of an agree¬ ment that had been made giving him a portion of Munster. Not only did Olioll refuse this, but also banished Maccon from Ireland. Upon this the latter repaired to Scotland. After some time, having gathered an army there, he returned to Ireland, and with the help of a large number of his followers, made war upon Olioll. The latter was aided by his brother-in-law, Art-Ean-Fhear, the monarch of Ireland, and son of Conn Cead Catha. There was a battle fought at Magh Mucromha, near Athenry, where the monarch, Art, lost his life, and his army was totally defeated. The result of this victory was that Luy Mac Conn become Monarch of Ireland. Munster he left to his stepfather, Olioll. The latter, having only two sons living, named Cormac Cas and Cian, settled his Kingdom on Cormac, the elder of the two. But afterwards coming to know that Eoghan Mor, his eldest son, who had been slain at Magh

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    Internet Archive kerryarchaeologicalmagazine, Chapter 61

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Athenry in Galway, you pass near Magh Mucromha, where a battle was fought that changed who ruled Ireland. The story turns on Olioll Olum, King of both Munsters. He had married Sabina, daughter of Conn Ceed Catha. She had been the widow of Mac Niadh, chief of the Sept of Darin, and by Mac Niadh she had one son, Lugaidh, commonly called Luy Mac Conn. In 237, Olioll Olum raised an army against Nemetheus, Prince of Munster, and Luy Mac Conn. When Luy Mac Conn reached man's estate, he demanded from his stepfather the fulfilment of an agreement that had been made, giving him a portion of Munster. Not only did Olioll refuse this, but he banished Mac Conn from Ireland. Mac Conn repaired to Scotland. After some time, having gathered an army there, he returned to Ireland and, with the help of a large number of his followers, made war upon Olioll. Olioll was aided by his brother-in-law, Art-Ean-Fhear, the monarch of Ireland, and son of Conn Ceed Catha. There was a battle fought at Magh Mucromha, near Athenry, where the monarch Art lost his life and his army was totally defeated. The result of this victory was that Luy Mac Conn became Monarch of Ireland. Munster he left to his stepfather, Olioll. Olioll, having only two sons living, Cormac Cas and Cian, settled his kingdom on Cormac, the elder. But afterwards he came to know that Eoghan Mor, his eldest son, had been slain at Magh.

33. Camp between the Palace and Dunlogh on the River Laune

    near River Laune · river · Kerry · 1580

    On 26 July 1580, after storing Castle Magne with victuals, Pelham's force marched towards Cork and camped by the fair river of Laune, between the Palace (one of Clancartie's chief houses) and Dunlogh (a house of O'Sullivan More's razed by the Earl of Ormond).

    Read the passage

    the Countess, and Dr. Saunders. “On the 18th thence to Castle Magne, where we camped that night tp the great comfort of the Ward, who was kept in close by the traytors and a certain sept of the Erie’s followers dwelling on the river Mange called the O’Moriarties.” On the 19th they encamped at Inch, “ where my Lord Justice and I did practice our best skill to gather cockles for our supper.” On the 20th reached Dingle. 21st they visited Fort del Ore. “ James of Desmond did cut a neck of the rock from the mainland, to make it the stronger, it lieth equal with the mainland having a hole, with grete labour, digged into it.” They went on board the fleet, where they “ had grete entertainment,” and sent a pinnace from the fleet to Castle Magne with supplies. The 23rd they returned to Castle Magne, where they “found the pynace of the victuals at the Castle syde, and the master, which guided her thither, told my Lord Justice that he had sounded the channel, and durst undertake to bring a ship of 100 tons within a stone’s cast of the Castel; and, truly, it is built on a notable place to rule both the counties of Kerry and Desmond, on both sides of the river of Mange.” They stay two days at the Castle. On the 26th, “ after storing Castle-Magne with victuals, we marched thence towards Cork—and camped that night by the fair river of Laune, between ‘ the Palace/ one of Clancartie’s chief houses, and Dunlogh, a house of O’Sullivan More’s razed by the Erie of Ormond.” Pelham was evidently anxious to make amends for his past neglect of the Ward at the Castle, for on his return from Dingle to Castle Magne on the 24th July, he writes to Sir Henry Wallop: “Send to Castle Magne 25 tuns of Gascon wine and sack and biscuit. The soldiers have no bread, drink, hose or shoes, or money to buy them.” On the same day, and from the Castle, he wrote to the Mayor of Galway, about whom he has clearly heard some unpleasant tales. He had already ordered this same Mayor to send a supply of provisions to the Castle. Wine and beer went

    Digitized by

    Internet Archive kerryarchaeologicalmagazine, Chapter 23

34. Dunloe castle burned and leveled by South Munster chieftains

    Dunloe · electoral division · Kerry · 1261–1273

    After the Battle of Callan, the Irish chieftains of South Munster burned and leveled the castle at Dunloe among many others across the region, killing the English warders stationed there.

    Read the passage

    The Fitzgeralds were so crushed by their defeat at Callan that the MacCarthys had it all their own way for many years afterwards. To quote from the graphic account given by Dr. Hanmer, “The Carties played the Divells in Desmond, where they burned, spoiled, preyed, and slew many an innocent; they became so strong and prevailed so mightily, that for the space (so it is reported) of twelve years the Desmond durst not put plow in ground in his owne country.’* The Irish Chieftains of South Munster burned and levelled the castles of Dun-Mac-Toman, Duninsi, Dunnagall, Cuandore, Dundeady, Dunnalong, Macroom, Muirgioll, Dunnamark, Dunloe, Killorglin, and the greater part of the castles of Hy Conaill Gabhra, and killed their English warders.

    There is no doubt that, for a time, the Fitzgeralds were utterly disabled, and the power of the Mac¬ Carthys was in the ascendant. So it was continued for many years, and doubtless would have continued longer, were it not that, to quote again from Hanmer, “At length, through the operation of Satan, a bane of discord was thrown between the Carties and the Odriscoles, O’Donovans, MacDonagh, MacMahonna, MacSwines, and the inhabitants of Muscrie, in so much that by their cruell dissension they weakened themselves of all sides, so that the Desmond, in the end, overcame and over-topped them all. ,>

    Internet Archive kerryarchaeologicalmagazine, Chapter 91

35. Florence McFineen McCarthy of Castle Lough, the Sougan Captain

    Castle Lough · lake or lakes · Clare · 1641–1647

    Florence McFineen McCarthy of Castle Lough, styled by the English the 'Sougan Captain,' commanded the Confederate Catholics who declared for Charles I during the wars of the 1640s, opposing the Parliamentary garrisons at Tralee, Ballingarry, Ballybeggan and Castle Magne.

    Read the passage

    In 1641 Charles I. had troubles with the Parliament in England, which were soon followed by civil war. The Irish Catholics availed themselves of the occasion to secure free exercise of their religion. After some time the whole people of Ireland were divided into two hostile camps, viz—those who supported the King and those who supported the Parliament. Tralee, Ballingarry, Ballybeggan and Castle Magne were held for the Parliamentary Party. Florence McFineen McCarthy, of Castle Lough, styled by the English the “Sougan Captain,” had command of the Confederate Catholics who declared for Charles. Sir Edward Denny held Castle Magne, perhaps as Deputy. Inchiquin was commander of the Parliamentary forces in Munster. Lord Kerry was appointed Governor of Kerry, and he was directed to give charge of Castle Magne to Captain Thomas Spring, second son of the first Patent Constable of the name. It was attacked by Daniel McCarthy, of Carrigapreghane, elder brother of the Sougan Captain, and was taken after a few days’ siege, together with some stores, and two old cannon, which were accounted a prize of great value. The castle remained in the hands of McCarthy through the entire war. At first success seemed to attend the Confederate cause in Kerry, but towards 1647 the Parliamentary Party were in the ascendant, and Daniel McCarthy appeared willing to come to terms with Inchiquin. Lord Kerry, finding

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    Internet Archive kerryarchaeologicalmagazine, Chapter 55

36. Lord Deputy Sydney Arrests Desmond in Kilmallock, 1567

    Kilmallock · townland · Limerick · 1567

    Lord Deputy Sydney suddenly arrested the Earl of Desmond in Kilmallock in 1567 and sent him with his brother Sir John of Desmond to the Tower of London. This was part of Elizabeth's policy to reduce the power of the Anglo-Irish lords.

    Read the passage

    The great difficulty that lay in the way of the conquest of Ireland was the vast power of the Anglo-Irish lords. It had become the fixed policy of the State under Henry 6 , her father, to crush these powerful chieftains, and break up their territories for the purpose of a new Plantation. The same policy was pursued by Elizabeth. For the present the native Irish lords were to be treated with favour, even indulgence. The Anglo-Irish house of Kildare had all but become extinct by the execution of that Earl and his five uncles at Tyburn in 1535. Elizabeth now resolved to reduce Desmond. Lord Deputy Sydney suddenly arrested him in Kilmallock 7 in 1567, and sent him with his brother, Sir John of Desmond, to the Tower in London. Then Sir John Perrott was made Lord President of Munster towards the close of 1570, and he ravaged the Desmond Palatinate from one end to the other. No army or fortress seemed capable of arresting the progress of this brilliant leader. “ He burnt or blew up, * says Froude, “every stronghold, large or small, which closed its gates before him. ,, When all the other castles had been reduced, he prepared to march on Castle Magne. In a letter to Lord Burleigh he speaks of the importance of the place and “the necessity of winning it.” He had a large army and heavy seige trains, but that success may be placed beyond doubt, he summoned 8 all the chieftains of Munster to meet him at Castle Magne on the Feast of St. John the Baptist, 1571. They were to come with their forces, and bring their own provisions. Most of the

    6. McGee’s History of Ireland. 1 vol., Reign of Henry the Eighth.

    Internet Archive kerryarchaeologicalmagazine, Chapter 9

37. MacDonogh, Lord of Duhallow, candidate for Clancar succession

    Duhallow · barony · Cork

    After the death of the Earl of Clancar without male heirs, Dermot Mac Owen MacCarthy alias MacDonogh, Lord of Duhallow, was one of three serious candidates for the great prize of the MacCarthy chieftaincy. His claim as a clansman was nearly as far removed from the main line as that of Florence McCarthy Reagh.

    Read the passage

    Cartliy Mor. His only legitimate child, Lady Elena, was of course ineligible. There were numerous members of the clan, of unquestionable pedigree, eligible to succeed under the law of Tanistry. And yet for this great prize there were only three serious candidates, i.e. Donal, “base son” of the Earl; Florence McCarthy Reagh, a younger son of the Chieftains of Carbery, and son-in-law of the Earl, and Dermot Mac Owen Mac- Carthy alias MacDonogh, Lord of Duhallow. 18 The first had the best title from the Irish point of view. Florence’s claim qua son-in-law of the Earl was scarcely admissible; and, as a clansman, he belonged to the branch farthest removed from the main line. Mac¬ Donogh of Duhallow was nearly as far removed. There were numerous other gentlemen of the MacCarthys very much nearer the main line, many of them chiefs of important territories, who put in no claims.

    The three candidates just mentioned were remark¬ able men in their day, and deserve more than a passing notice. We shall presently recount 'the leading in¬ cidents in the careers of the first two of them (namely Daniel the “base” son, and Florence the son-in-law of the Earl), and later on of the third, when dealing with the Lordship of Duhallow.

    Internet Archive kerryarchaeologicalmagazine, Chapter 99

38. Donal McCarthy Mor's Shifting Loyalties at the Siege

    Castleisland · town · Kerry · 1565–1573

    Donal, Earl of Clancarthy (formerly McCarthy Mor), had been arrested in 1565 and sent to England where Elizabeth created him Earl. He appeared at the siege of Castle Magne as a loyal subject, though he later used his presence there as a plea for favour, requesting his son's return.

    Read the passage

    The Ward at the castle prepare to make good the injury done by the siege, and soon the place looks trim once more. Perrott is chafing in Cork at his discomfiture at Caislen-na-Maigne and is impatient for the time to renew the attack. In the first days of June, 1572, he is again before its walls, and this time with the most elaborate preparations of artillery, ammunition, and men. Delenda est Carthago . Again the neighbouring chieftains and their clans appear. Lord Roche from Fermoy, and Donal, Earl of Clancarthy. Shifty Donal! He had been arrested by Sydney in 1565 on some pretended charge, and sent to England. The Queen treated him with the utmost kindness, created him Earl of Clancarthy, for which Donal, no doubt, dutifully gave thanks. Her Majesty gave him money for his journey and sent him back to Ireland, “to be a thorn in the side of Desmond.*’ 11

    His followers do not take kindly to the dignity, and soon he allows his hair grow long, dons his saffron shirt, rides his charger saddleless, and proclaims himself once again McCarthy Mor, all of which were penal in a Queen’s Earl. Soon Perrott appears in Munster, and Donal scents danger, slips on his Earl’s coronet, and at the Lord Pre¬ sident’s summons, on saddled war-horse, with hair closely cropped, and smart dress, he appears one of the foremost at the castle. Loyalty is not the motive with Donal, as one may guess, though in after years he makes his presence at the siege his plea for favour at Her Majesty’s hands “. And now Perrott sets down in earnest to his work. Mindful of Sir Owen O’Sullivan, he places trusty guards around the castle at all points. The garrison at the castle generally was a dozen men. At present they

    Internet Archive kerryarchaeologicalmagazine, Chapter 11

39. Pipers march from Naas during Civil War

    Naas · town · Kildare

    During the Civil War, Stuart-loyal regiments carried pipes, and the pipers attached to Lord Inchiquin's army drew off from Naas to the march tune 'Fortune my Foe.' This is one of the few documented Irish pipe marches of the period.

    Read the passage

    faithful to the Stuarts carried the Pipe, as records show, and we even find some of the names of their war marches .given—the pipers attached to Lord Inchiquin’s army draw¬ ing off from Naas to the march, “Fortune my Foe. ,,

    The last mention of Pipes being carried in war was by the Irish Brigade at Fontenoy in 1745, but for many years after that Irish regiments and volunteers had a band of pipers; and we find Lord Rawdon had one in America till 1783, when the British troops evacuated New York. Several of the Irish regiments of the present day have their band of Irish Pipes, notably the Inniskillings and Royal Dublin Fusiliers.

    Internet Archive kerryarchaeologicalmagazine, Chapter 205

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Naas, you are on ground where pipers once marched in war. Records show that regiments faithful to the Stuarts carried the pipes, and some of their war marches survive by name. The pipers attached to Lord Inchiquin's army drew off from Naas to the march tune Fortune my Foe. The last mention of pipes being carried in war was by the Irish Brigade at Fontenoy in 1745. After that, Irish regiments and volunteers kept bands of pipers for many years. Lord Rawdon had one in America until 1783, when British troops evacuated New York. Several Irish regiments of the present day have their band of Irish pipes, notably the Inniskillings and the Royal Dublin Fusiliers.

40. Arrest at Castle Pallis and Imprisonment in Castle MagnE

    Castlemaine · town · Kerry

    In June, Captain Springe arrested the Countess, McFinin, Teig Merrigagh, and others at the Castle of Pallis. They were subsequently imprisoned in the fortress of Castle MagnE (Castlemaine).

    Read the passage

    causing grave annoyance to Elizabeth; what, then, did the authors of this audacious plot not deserve? In June, Captain Springe, by orders of Norreys, proceeded to the Castle of Pallis, and arrested the Countess, McFinin, Teig Merrigagh, the Earl’s Constable, and others, and shut them up in the fortress of Castle Magne. Lady Helen and Florence were taken to Cork, and there committed to prison.

    The settlers were baulked in their anticipations of participating in the division of Desmond, and the vials of their wrath were poured upon Florence McCarthy, by whom their hopes were frustrated. One of them wrote to Sir Edward Denny, who was known to be in high favour at Court: “Sir, I am familiar with you as a neighbour and bold as a friend, wherefore, I pray you, think of Tom Spring, and we sometimes were in the Privy Chamber. . . . Concerning Finin McCarthy,

    Internet Archive kerryarchaeologicalmagazine, Chapter 49

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Castlemaine, this town holds a fortress the records call Castle Magne. In June, Captain Springe, acting on orders from Norreys, went to the Castle of Pallis and arrested the Countess, McFinin, Teig Merrigagh, the Earl's Constable, and others. He shut them up in the fortress of Castle Magne. Lady Helen and Florence were taken to Cork, and there committed to prison. The settlers were baulked in their anticipations of participating in the division of Desmond, and the vials of their wrath were poured upon Florence McCarthy, by whom their hopes were frustrated. One of them wrote to Sir Edward Denny, known to be in high favour at Court: "Sir, I am familiar with you as a neighbour and bold as a friend, wherefore, I pray you, think of Tom Spring, and we sometimes were in the Privy Chamber."

41. Ballybeggan: Desmond rent, sale, forfeiture and Cromwellian grant

    Ballybeggan · townland · Kerry · 1584–1641

    The 1584 Inquisition records Ballybeggan as owing a chief rent to the Earl of Desmond. Around 1630 Walter Hussey sold Ballybeggan but re-seized it during the 1641 wars; he forfeited it and the castle was demolished. The lands were later granted to a Cromwellian named Brett, who built a house that became the seat of the Morris family.

    Read the passage

    30 About 1630 BallvBeggan was sold by Walter Hussey, but in the wars of 1641 he again seized it. He forfeited and the castle was demolished. Later the lands were granted to a Cromwellian named Brett, and a bouse was built there, which was for many years the scat of the Morris family.

    31 Thomastowne i e BallymacThomas between BallyMacJSlligott and Ballyseedy.

    Internet Archive kerryarchaeologicalmagazine, Chapter 84

42. Castlelough and Muckross mortgaged to Florence MacCarthy

    Castlelough · townland · Kerry

    Florence MacCarthy had already gained possession of Castlelough and Muckross with six adjoining ploughlands, mortgaged to him by his father-in-law the Earl of Clancar. These demesne lands along with Pallis castle ultimately passed to Florence in right of his wife, though later confiscated during the Commonwealth.

    Read the passage

    Florence had been already in possession of Castlelough and Muckross, with six ploughlands adjoining, which had been mortgaged to him by his father-in-law. Thus more than half of the demesne lands, with the castles of Pallis and Castlelough, passed ultimately to Florence MacCarthy, in right of his wife. Those estates passed, in due course, to his descendants, but they were confiscated during the Commonwealth.

    Quite apart from the demesne lands above referred to were the lands of Coshmang, Eoghanacht-O’Donoghue and Ballycarbery, which had been mortgaged by ihe Earl of Clancar for sums of £421 Is. 2d., £121 13s. 3d.,

    Internet Archive kerryarchaeologicalmagazine, Chapter 99

43. Earl of Clancar submits at Dublin Cathedral

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 1571

    On 25 March 1571, the Earl of Clancar (MacCarthy Mór) submitted voluntarily to the Queen's mercy, kneeling before the Lord Deputy in the Cathedral Church in Dublin. This was reported by Thomas Lancaster, Archbishop of Armagh, in a letter to Burghley.

    Read the passage

    knees, acknowledged their treasons. Again, on the 25th March, 1671, Thomas Lancaster, Archbishop of Armagh, in a letter to Burghley, reported that the Earl of Clancar “ of his own mind ” submitted to the Queen’s mercy, before the Lord Deputy, and upon his knees in the Cathedral Church in Dublin.

    In 1573 the Earl was one of seven leading Irishmen who were thanked, by the Queen, “for cne readi¬ ness of their services against the rebels.” Amongst them were also Sir Donogh McCarthy and Sir Cormac MacTeig. And further, on the 16th July, 1577, the Queen, in a letter to the Earl, thanked him for his “forwardness to do good service.” After this, though still an object of suspicion, he does not appear to have been guilty of any serious deeds of violence.

    Internet Archive kerryarchaeologicalmagazine, Chapter 96

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Dublin now. In the Cathedral Church here, on the 25th of March 1571, the Earl of Clancar, MacCarthy Mór, submitted to the Queen's mercy. Thomas Lancaster, Archbishop of Armagh, reported it in a letter to Burghley. He wrote that the Earl did it "of his own mind," kneeling before the Lord Deputy. Two years later, in 1573, the Queen thanked the Earl as one of seven leading Irishmen for the readiness of their services against the rebels. Sir Donogh McCarthy and Sir Cormac MacTeig were among the others. Then on the 16th of July 1577, the Queen wrote to the Earl again, thanking him for his forwardness to do good service. After that, he remained an object of suspicion, but does not appear to have been guilty of any serious deeds of violence.

44. Lord Baltinglass encamped at Glenmalure

    near Glenmalur · valley · Wicklow · 1580

    Lord Baltinglass, in revolt, was encamped at Glenmalure with a strong following. Lord Deputy de Grey, newly arrived and determined to crush the rebellion, marched over a thousand picked men to the mouth of the pass in two divisions to attack him.

    Read the passage

    Earl de Grey was at this time in Limerick. He had recently been appointed Lord Deputy—a man of courage and decision. He came to Dublin on the 12th August, and had no sooner landed than he determined to give the Queen’s Irish enemies a taste of what a really strong man could do. Lord Baltin glass was now in Wicklow with a strong following. Lord de Grey made ready in all haste to crush him unawares. Baltinglass was encamped at Glenmalure, and De Grey, with a force of picked men, over a thousand strong, proceeded to the mouth of the pass. Me formed his party into two- divisions, and

    Digitized by C^ooQle

    Internet Archive kerryarchaeologicalmagazine, Chapter 25

45. Maine River as Kerry-Desmond Boundary

    near River Maine · river · Kerry

    The Brown Flesk joins the Maine near Currans, and the united stream flows west into Dingle Bay. This confluence formed the boundary between Kerry and Desmond, flooding rapidly in rainy seasons and making a bridge at Castle Magne the critical crossing point.

    Read the passage

    There dwelt in Munster, on either bank of the Maine, two chieftains, each probably the most powerful of his class. In the country south of the river, known as Desmond, the Irish chieftain, MacCarthy Mor, reigned supreme. He owned the western half of Cork and the southern half of Kerry. North of the river the Norman lord, the great Earl of Desmond, held sway, and was owner of the entire district from Dungarvan to the Blaskets. The heads of these houses were rivals through all their history; still, if we can believe tradition, both entered at one time into a project for their mutual pro¬ tection. The Brown Flesk, rising in the borders of the County Cork, and flowing in a westerly direction, joins the Maine near Currans, and the united streams, con¬ tinuing in a westward course, enter the estuary of Dingle Bay, a few miles from Castle Magne. The confluence of these streams,—still called the Maine,—formed the boundary between Kerrv and Desmond, and as it gets quickly flooded in rainy seasons, having to drain a vast tract of country, it often formed an impassable barrier

    2. Prendergast. Introduction LIV,

    Internet Archive kerryarchaeologicalmagazine, Chapter 7

46. Oscar battles Margach near the river Shannon

    Shannon · town · Clare

    Oscar arms himself with elaborate armour and a shield bearing the genius of Erin, then fights Margach in single combat. The battle is so violent that the sea and river Shannon are ruffled and agitated, and the ground shakes like an earthquake. The combat continues until nightfall without resolution.

    Read the passage

    his own country, to grace his conquest. When Oscar was informed of the infidel’s menace, he immediately challenged him to single combat, and began to arm himself by placing on his head his plumed helmet. He put on his coat of mail, and adorned his breast with a refulgent cuirass, and put on his shield wrought of Lydian steel, embossed with gold, on which was emblazoned the genius of Erin, emerging like another Venice from the bosom of the Atlantic Ocean, attended by the mermaids and several other sea nymphs, and Thetis, Amphitrite, and Triton calming the waves and conveying her on shore, as the protectress of the Ogygian Isle, accompanied by the music of the sirens. He put on his shoulders a radiant baldrick or belt, from which hung his sharp, shining sword, wrought of different metals, his legs being cased in greaves of resplendent hue, bound with gold buckles; and thus accoutred he rushed towards the field of battle, a strong, valiant, magnanimous hero, nimble, active and vigorous, with a most pleasing and engaging countenance, and manly appearance. Then, being fired with the greatest rage that Margach should cast so gross a reflection on his country, he challenged him to fight, which Margach accepted with the like eagerness, and the two heroes encountered each other like two fierce lions or two furious bulls, in such a manner that with the violent fury of their weighty blows the sea and river Shannon seemed ruffled and agitated, and the ground on which they fought shook in such a manner that it resembled an earthquake. Thus they continued, each giving and receiving many grievous blows, until night put an end to the engagement for that time. When the heroes rested and sat together, Margach spoke, addressing Oscar after the following manner:

    “ Oscar, thou art one of the bravest and most manly champions that I ever encountered, but be assured that I will surely vanquish thee, and bear away thy head, as

    Internet Archive kerryarchaeologicalmagazine, Chapter 33

47. Pelham's camp at Inch gathering cockles

    Inch · townland · Kerry · 1580

    On 19 July 1580 Pelham's force encamped at Inch, where the Lord Justice and Walshe practised their best skill to gather cockles for their supper. The passage shows the scarcity of provisions even for the commanding officers.

    Read the passage

    the Countess, and Dr. Saunders. “On the 18th thence to Castle Magne, where we camped that night tp the great comfort of the Ward, who was kept in close by the traytors and a certain sept of the Erie’s followers dwelling on the river Mange called the O’Moriarties.” On the 19th they encamped at Inch, “ where my Lord Justice and I did practice our best skill to gather cockles for our supper.” On the 20th reached Dingle. 21st they visited Fort del Ore. “ James of Desmond did cut a neck of the rock from the mainland, to make it the stronger, it lieth equal with the mainland having a hole, with grete labour, digged into it.” They went on board the fleet, where they “ had grete entertainment,” and sent a pinnace from the fleet to Castle Magne with supplies. The 23rd they returned to Castle Magne, where they “found the pynace of the victuals at the Castle syde, and the master, which guided her thither, told my Lord Justice that he had sounded the channel, and durst undertake to bring a ship of 100 tons within a stone’s cast of the Castel; and, truly, it is built on a notable place to rule both the counties of Kerry and Desmond, on both sides of the river of Mange.” They stay two days at the Castle. On the 26th, “ after storing Castle-Magne with victuals, we marched thence towards Cork—and camped that night by the fair river of Laune, between ‘ the Palace/ one of Clancartie’s chief houses, and Dunlogh, a house of O’Sullivan More’s razed by the Erie of Ormond.” Pelham was evidently anxious to make amends for his past neglect of the Ward at the Castle, for on his return from Dingle to Castle Magne on the 24th July, he writes to Sir Henry Wallop: “Send to Castle Magne 25 tuns of Gascon wine and sack and biscuit. The soldiers have no bread, drink, hose or shoes, or money to buy them.” On the same day, and from the Castle, he wrote to the Mayor of Galway, about whom he has clearly heard some unpleasant tales. He had already ordered this same Mayor to send a supply of provisions to the Castle. Wine and beer went

    Digitized by

    Internet Archive kerryarchaeologicalmagazine, Chapter 23

48. Princess Eveleen buried at Oirbhealach, 1560

    Ervallagh · townland · Galway · 1560

    Eveleen, daughter of Donal an Dromin MacCarthy and wife successively of the Earl of Desmond and the Earl of Thomond, died in 1560 and was buried at Oirbhealach. The Annals of the Four Masters describe her as a charitable, humane, friendly and pious Countess.

    Read the passage

    “The daughter of MacCarthy, i.e. Eveleen, daughter of Donal, son of Cormac Ladhraeh, the wife of the Earl of Desmond in her youth (i.e., James son of John son of Thomas), and afterwards wife of the Earl of Thomond (namely Conor, son of Donagh son of Conor), a charitable, humane, friendly and pious Countess died, and was buried at Oirbhealach. ,,

    Donal-an-Dromin was succeeded by his elder son Donal, during whose lordship the most remarkable events were the Desmond rebellion, and the proceedings which led to the overthrow of that great house, between which and the MacCarthys a long-standing feud had existed. To this issue, Donal MacCarthy Mor, who took sides with the English, contributed in no small degree. He was joined by many of the septs sprung from his house, though other septs of the family, unable to endure the heavy duties and taxes which he exacted from them, espoused the cause of the Earl of Desmond. 4

    Internet Archive kerryarchaeologicalmagazine, Chapter 94

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Ervallagh, in 1560, Eveleen was buried at Oirbhealach. She was the daughter of Donal, son of Cormac. In her youth she had been wife of the Earl of Desmond, James, son of John, son of Thomas, and afterwards wife of the Earl of Thomond, Conor, son of Donagh, son of Conor. The Annals of the Four Masters describe her as "a charitable, humane, friendly and pious Countess." After her father Donal-an-Dromin, his elder son Donal took the lordship. During that time the most remarkable events were the Desmond rebellion and the proceedings which led to the overthrow of that great house. A long-standing feud had existed between the Desmonds and the MacCarthys. Donal MacCarthy Mor sided with the English and contributed in no small degree. Many septs from his house joined him, though others, unable to endure the heavy duties and taxes he exacted, espoused the cause of the Earl of Desmond.

49. Roper's legal dispute with Bantry fishermen

    Bantry · town · Cork · 1627

    Around 1627, Sir Thomas Roper, Baron of Bantry, was engaged in a legal dispute with the fishermen of Bantry over royalties to which he laid claim. He was also farming all the ale-houses in Ireland for £2,000 at this time.

    Read the passage

    April 1st, 1623. Sir Thomas Roper is still mentioned as Constable of Castle Magne. Roper soon after this was made Privy Councillor, and created Earl of Baltinglass and Baron of Bantry. He was clearly a man of enterprise; in 1627 we find him farming all the ale-houses in Ireland for £2,000—not a huge sum; off which, however, he seeks an abatement. At this time also he is engaged in a legal dispute with the fishermen of Bantry in connection with some royalties to which he laid claim. He died in 1637, and most probably held the office until his death.

    In 1641 Charles I. had troubles with the Parliament in England, which were soon followed by civil war. The Irish Catholics availed themselves of the occasion to secure free exercise of their religion. After some time the whole people of Ireland were divided into two hostile camps, viz—those who supported the King and those who supported the Parliament. Tralee, Ballingarry, Ballybeggan and Castle Magne were held for the Parliamentary Party. Florence McFineen McCarthy, of Castle Lough, styled by the English the “Sougan Captain,” had command of the Confederate Catholics who declared for Charles. Sir Edward Denny held Castle Magne, perhaps as Deputy. Inchiquin was commander of the Parliamentary forces in Munster. Lord Kerry was appointed Governor of Kerry, and he was directed to give charge of Castle Magne to Captain Thomas Spring, second son of the first Patent Constable of the name. It was attacked by Daniel McCarthy, of Carrigapreghane, elder brother of the Sougan Captain, and was taken after a few days’ siege, together with some stores, and two old cannon, which were accounted a prize of great value. The castle remained in the hands of McCarthy through the entire war. At first success seemed to attend the Confederate cause in Kerry, but towards 1647 the Parliamentary Party were in the ascendant, and Daniel McCarthy appeared willing to come to terms with Inchiquin. Lord Kerry, finding

    Internet Archive kerryarchaeologicalmagazine, Chapter 55

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Bantry, the town carries a story from the 1620s. Sir Thomas Roper had been Constable of Castle Magne, and was soon made Privy Councillor, created Earl of Baltinglass and Baron of Bantry. He was a man of enterprise. In 1627 he was farming all the ale-houses in Ireland for £2,000, a sum the record calls not a huge sum, though he sought an abatement off it. At the same time he was locked in a legal dispute with the fishermen of Bantry over some royalties to which he laid claim. The record does not say how the dispute ended, only that it was underway in 1627. Roper held office most probably until his death in 1637. The years after brought wider trouble. In 1641 Charles the First had troubles with the Parliament in England, soon followed by civil war. The Irish Catholics took the occasion to secure free exercise of their religion, and the whole people of Ireland divided into two hostile camps, those who supported the King and those who supported the Parliament. Tralee, Ballingarry, Ballybeggan and Castle Magne were held for the Parliamentary Party. Florence McFineen McCarthy of Castle Lough, styled by the English the Sougan Captain, had command of the Confederate Catholics who declared for Charles. Sir Edward Denny held Castle Magne, perhaps as Deputy. Inchiquin was commander of the Parliamentary forces in Munster. Lord Kerry was appointed Governor of Kerry, and directed to give charge of Castle Magne to Captain Thomas Spring, second son of the first Patent Constable of the name. It was attacked by Daniel McCarthy of Carrigapreghane, elder brother of the Sougan Captain, and taken after a few days siege, together with some stores and two old cannon, accounted a prize of great value. The castle remained in the hands of McCarthy through the entire war.

50. Seizure of the Old Head castle from Florence MacCarthy

    Old Head · population centre · Cork · 1600

    Sir Henry Power, doubting Florence MacCarthy's loyalty, laid a successful plot to seize a castle called the Old Head which Florence possessed. Power then dispatched 1,000 men into Carbery to either waste the country or compel submissions from freeholders.

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    ster was drawing to a close, entertained some “doubt” about him. This doubt, as Sir Henry mentions in bis letter of the 30th April to the Lords of the Privy Council, caused him to “lay a plott upon a castle which he (Florence) possessed, called the Old Head, which took effect.” Then he sent 1,000 men into Carbery, with directions “ either to waste it or to take assurance of the freeholders.” Captain Flower, who commanded tiie expedition, wrote an account of it, which showed that he carried out in a wholesale and ruthless manner his orders to “burn and spoil all such as were revolted from their loyalty.” At one place there was a skirmish between Flower’s forces and those led by Florence, re¬ sulting in severe casualties.

    Florence, in a letter dated the 6th May, 1600, to Cecil, described how Captain Bostock and Flower were sent with Her Majesty’s forces into Carbery, “where they did nothing but bum two castles of mine, and kill as many men, women and children as they found in them, and burnt as many villages, houses and corn as appertained to any of my people.” He (Florence) was then on his way to Desmond; but, on hearing of those proceedings, he despatched 200 footmen “to give Flower and Bostock some impediment, and divert them from going any further into the Country.” He ex¬ plains how, with great reluctance, he was forced, in defence of his Countrymen, to engage in this skirmish with Captain Flower’s troops.

    Internet Archive kerryarchaeologicalmagazine, Chapter 128

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up near Old Head in Cork. In 1600 this was a castle Florence MacCarthy possessed, and Sir Henry Power doubted his loyalty. Power wrote to the Lords of the Privy Council on the 30th of April saying that doubt caused him to lay a plot upon the castle called the Old Head, and the plot took effect. He seized it. He then sent 1,000 men into Carbery with directions either to waste it or to take assurance of the freeholders. Captain Flower commanded the expedition and wrote an account showing he carried out in a wholesale and ruthless manner his orders to burn and spoil all such as were revolted from their loyalty. Florence wrote to Cecil on the 6th of May, 1600. He said Captain Bostock and Flower were sent with Her Majesty's forces into Carbery, where they did nothing but burn two castles of his, and kill as many men, women and children as they found in them, and burnt as many villages, houses and corn as appertained to any of his people. He was on his way to Desmond when he heard of this. He sent 200 footmen to give Flower and Bostock some impediment and divert them from going further into the country. With great reluctance he was forced, in defence of his countrymen, to engage in a skirmish with Captain Flower's troops, resulting in severe casualties.

51. Sir Edward Denny displays Armada treasure at Tralee

    Tralee · townland · Kerry · 1588

    Sir William Herbert reported to Walsingham that Sir Edward Denny showed Spanish Armada treasure to friends at his house in Tralee, declaring how he intended to distribute the spoils among various noblemen to win political favour.

    Read the passage

    “I cannot omit what passingly displeaseth me. Those rare things, in truth of good value, of the Duke of Medina Sydonia cast into his hands, as I interpret by God’s Providence (to the end they might be presented to Her Majesty), he being Her Highness’ sworn servant of her Privy Chamber, sworn councillor of this province, sworn sheriff of this county, he showed certain friends of his at his house in Tralee, and declared how he meant to dispose of every part of them; some to this nobleman, some to that; one thing there was that cost three thousand Ducats in Spain; that he said he should, but would not, bestow upon your Honour, for that your Honour was already sufficiently bent to do him good; but he would bestow it upon another, that had dissuaded Her Majesty from forgiving him the rent of his Signory, whom by that gift he hoped to make his friend.” Let Ned Denny after this piece of confidential information, set himself right with “ Coosen Germane ” Walsingham if he can, and if Denny is not in time committed to the Tower for malversation of public moneys the fault cannot be laid at the door of Sir William Herbert, unwilling though the good man was to have to testify against him.

    Castle Magne had been in those days the strong house in which first-class misdemeanants were occasionally detained, from which we learn incidentally the nature of service that jurymen under Elizabeth were expected to render. A court for distributing the Seignories of Kerry under the Desmond Confiscations was held, probably in Tralee. For some reason McCarthy Mor did not attend, and in his absence there was much difficulty in procuring jurors to serve. A Mr. Solicitor Welbraham attended on behalf of the Crown. Informations were duly sworn; the Commissioners gave directions to the jury specifying what they were to do, but the jurors had views of their own, and did not agree with the law as expounded by the

    Internet Archive kerryarchaeologicalmagazine, Chapter 28

52. St Brendan's meditation church on Princess Fas's grave

    Fenit · town · Kerry · 500–600

    A tiny church was built on the grave of the pagan Princess Fas. St Brendan used it as a place of private meditation, looking across the bay to Fenit, his birthplace, and blessing it. The site links pagan and Christian traditions in the area.

    Read the passage

    To return to the Princess Fas’s grave. “It is said” that the little church, built upon her grave, was used as a place of private meditation by St. Brendan, who, when he retired there for privacy and prayer, looked across the bay to Fenit, calling for blessings on the place of his birth, and thanking God that Christians had supplanted Pagans in the land.

    The cromlech at Maumnaholtora is now forgotten. In 1650 that portion, called Glendine, with other lands, was given by Cromwell to Mr. Carrigue or Carrick. On Glandine, close by the cromlech, was a 15th century church, built when Kilelton was “out-of-date; this was now effaced, and the Roman Catholic peasant worshippers scattered. They retreated up the mountain to the wilder region of Kilelton, where, in a certain privacy, they were enabled to carry on their worship in the old church. When the penal laws were relaxed, a chapel was erected at Camp; later again, one at Derrymore was built, so that we may say from the sixth century to the present time those who lived in that district have had Christian churches wherein to worship God.

    Internet Archive kerryarchaeologicalmagazine, Chapter 44

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up near Fenit, in Kerry. A tiny church was built on the grave of the pagan Princess Fas, and St Brendan used it as a place of private meditation. When he retired there for privacy and prayer, he looked across the bay to Fenit, the place of his birth, and called for blessings on it. He thanked God that Christians had supplanted pagans in the land. The site stands as a link between pagan and Christian tradition in this district. The record says that from the sixth century to the present time, those who lived here have had Christian churches wherein to worship God. The little church on the grave is part of that long thread. The pagan princess buried beneath it, and the Christian saint praying above it, are both bound to this ground. Brendan could see his birthplace from the church, and the bay lay between them.

53. Tadg-an-Duna's castles at Dunmanway and Togher

    Togher · townland · Cork · 1618–1641

    Tadg-an-Duna, also called 'Tadg-na-Feile' for his boundless hospitality, held a large estate with two castles at Dunmanway and Togher. Togher was said to be his favourite place of residence, and his housekeeping was celebrated in the poems of the bard Donal-na-Tuile.

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    On the death of Tadg-an-Fhorsa his son, Tadg-an-Duna, or “an Dangean” (of the dun or fortress), succeeded to the estates. He was also called “Tadg-na-Feile,” or the hospit¬ able, from the boundless hospitality of his housekeeping, as pictured by the poems of Donal-na-Tuile, a well-known bard of the time, and neighbour of his. Tadg had a large estate, and on it were two castles, Dunmanway and Togher, between which he spent his time, though the latter of the two is said to have been his favourite place of residence. He was hospitable in the extreme. Even in those days, when every man of note kept an open house, the hospitali¬ ties of Tadg were on such a gigantic scale that they over¬ topped all others.

    It is recounted that one day some of his people arrived at Togher with a large booty of beeves and sheep, seized during a predatory excursion into O’Sullivan Beare’s country, and having safely housed them were on their way home. Just a little way off they stretched themselves on the river bank and began to drink of the running stream. Tadg, just returned from hunting, saw them from an upper window of the castle, and called out to them to desist. He ordered his steward to bring out some casks of his best wine and empty them into the still water of a portion of the river lying between the ledges of two projecting rocks—since known as Tadg’s “Punch Bowl.” Here the thirsty kerne drank themselves into a helpless state of inebriety; even the fishes, including the eels and the 'water rats, became blind drunk!

    Internet Archive kerryarchaeologicalmagazine, Chapter 185

54. Castle Magne warden pleads for relief from Cork and Waterford

    Castlemaine · town · Kerry · 1579

    Andrew Martyn, Warden at Castle Magne, sent urgent entreaties to the Mayors of Cork and Waterford to come quickly with men and provisions. He was short of supplies, expected attack at any moment, and appealed to the Earl of Desmond and Lord Glanker for meat.

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    on the coast, and this time indeed rumour spoke the truth. It was ascertained that on the I7th July, 1579, James Fitzmaurice, with six Spanish vessels, entered Dingle Harbour: next day he left, went around by Slea Head, and entered Smerwick Harbour, which lies on the northern shore of Dingle promontory, where he disembarked, and took possession of a narrow headland, known as Fort del Ore. Andrew Martyn had early intelligence of this, but was utterly helpless: he was short of provisions; he expected his castle to be attacked at any moment, and was in no condition to repel attack. He sent earnest entreaty to the Mayors of Cork and Waterford to come quickly to his relief with men and provisions, and writes in conclusion: “I stande to the courtesie of the Erie of Desmond and my Lord of Glanker, to send me some fleshe.” There was evidently a great want of foresight somewhere. This landing was expected, and some pro¬ vision might have been made to guard the coast. Castle Magne, a probable objective for attack, might have been put in a fit condition to resist, but it could not hold out a week. Such was the serious situation; but alarm gave way to intense satisfaction when it was discovered that Fitzmaurice’s force was so insignificant. He had only 80 Spaniards on board. A sigh of relief went up from one and all Her Majesty’s Ministers in Ireland. The Spaniards marched inland and dispersed themselves through the country; Fitzmaurice went to rally the dis¬ affected in Connaught and the North, but on the way had an encounter with the Burkes of Castleconnel, in which he was mortally wounded. One formidable enemy of Elizabeth was thus removed, though this did not allay anxiety. Desmond’s brothers were in revolt in Munster, and hundreds joined their standard. The Earl took no part in his brothers’ rebellion; he gave the Government early information of the landing of James Fitzmaurice; he gave up his only son to Sir William Drury as a hostage for his

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    Internet Archive kerryarchaeologicalmagazine, Chapter 23

55. Battle of Moylena, A.D. 192

    Moylena · street · Offaly · 192

    A desperate battle was fought on the plains of Moylena in A.D. 192 between Eoghan Mogha and Conn of the Hundred Battles. Conn was victorious and Eoghan was slain.

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    Mogha Nuadhat, from Nuadhat, ( 8 ) King of Leinster, who was his foster father, oame to the throne of Munster about the middle of the second century. From all accounts, Eoghan appears to have been a wise and politic prince. He was certainly a great warrior. He contended with Conn Cead Catha (i.e., Conn of the “ Hundred Battles/’ so called from his great valor) for the Sovereignty of Ireland, and succeeded after long warfare, and after winning ten decisive battles, in forcing Conn to divide with him the Kingdom in two equal parts. The boundary between them was the long ridge of sand¬ hills called Esker Riada, extending between Dublin and Galway. Eoghan reserved for himself the southern part, which he called “Leath Mogha’ ’ (or Mogha’s half), the northern part allotted to Conn being called “ Leath Cuinn ” (i.e., Conn’s half). However, peace between two such warlike princes could not last long, and Eoghan afterwards met many reverses. It is certain that, at one period of his life, he was so thoroughly beaten, and his fortunes were at so low an ebb, that he had to fly to Spain, where he remained for some years until after marrying Beara, the daughter of Heber, King of Chstile, he entered into a confederacy with her brother, Prince Fraoch, to make another attempt to wrest the sovereignty of Ireland from Conn Cead Catha. To this end they collected a powerful army, with which they set sail for Ireland. Landing with his army on the north side of Bantry Bay, Eoghan called the harbour Bear, after his wife, whose name is still pre¬ served in those of the town of Berehaven and of the island and barony of Bear. After another prolonged struggle, both armies fought a desperate battle in A.D. 192, on the plains of Moylena, in which Conn was victorious, and Eoghan was slain. According to O’Flaherty, the scene of their battle was in the ancient barony of Fircall, in the King’s County, where there

    (3) From this King aooording to O'Donovan, M&ynooth derives its name (Magh Nuadhat i.e. NuadhaVs Plain.)

    Internet Archive kerryarchaeologicalmagazine, Chapter 60

56. Castle of Adare stored with friars during Desmond rebellion

    Adare · townland · Limerick · 1573

    Justice Walshe reported to the Lord Deputy that the castle of Adare was filled with friars, a detail presented as evidence of the Desmond rebellion's spread and an aggravation of the government's alarm.

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    London from every Government minion in the land, uncertain or fearful for his own safety. An officious and important individual, Justice Walshe, keeps the Govern¬ ment diligently informed of things in the South. But his accounts only aggravate the trouble. He speaks of the triumphal march of Desmond through Kildare, tells that he put on Irish garments at Lough Gur,—a special offence, speaks of the many castles taken by the mighty rebel, and as if to add sting to the bitterness, says, “The castle of Adare is stored with friars.” I give one of his letters in extenso. The original is in the State Paper Office, and endorsed “Justice Walshe’s letter to the Lo. Deputy 5 of Decemb. 1573 ” :—

    “My dutie remembred. I have declared unto Mr. Deane of Christe Churche and the Queen’s Sollicitor Mr. Bath of the progresse that the Erie of Desmonde hath taken which they promised to certifie yo r Lordship. He hath beene mett at Kncckdalton with 406 lceme and shott of the Mores. Thence he tooke his jorney, being in Englyshe apparell, with a yeoman named Morish O’Shieghan in like aray, and two Irishe horsemen throughe the countie of Tipperarie and passed through James Tobin’s and the olde Ladie of Dunboines townes, and came to the Countesse to Bealandrohid on Thursdaie last, his horses were tyred and there had he ix freshe hackneyes delyvered unto him. Thence went he and the Countesse toward Lough Gwir where a nombre of the freeholders of the Countye of Lymericke met him: he and his wyfe put on Irishe raymente and made a proclamacon that no cessor nor conistable nor sheriff should ever exercise theire office in his contreye. On Saturday last Edmond Fitz Davie to whose keeping Captain Bourchier did delyver the castle of the Gian since my Lo: President’s departure did take Castleton in Kenrie- On Mondaie night which was a daie before

    Internet Archive kerryarchaeologicalmagazine, Chapter 13

57. Castle Sybil and Ferriter's Cove

    Ballyferriter · townland · Kerry

    Near Sybil Point on the Kerry coast stands the battered outline of a castle once known as Castle Sybil, beside a small inlet called Ferriter's Cove. The Ferriter family settled in this wild area after the Norman invasion and served as chieftains under the Earl of Desmond, paying tribute in Irish hawks.

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    is “ Sybil Head/' a bold headland of silurian rising 600 feet above the waves which break in white foam beneath. Hard by Sybil Point is a little creek or inlet of the rocky coastline, which goes by the name of Ferriter’s Cove, and near the cove is a battered outline of what had once been a “castle”—“Castle Sybil” it was, and is called to this day.

    The Ferriters, or Le Ferriters, it is said, settled in this wild region shortly after the Norman invasion, and the head of the family was a • chieftain under the great Earl of Desmond in later years, and paid his tribute to his overlord in Irish hawks. It may be mentioned in passing that the peregrine falcons still nest in numbers along the bold line of cliffs which extends from Sybil Head to Smerwick Harbour. But it was for a long time a puzzle to me how the name “ Sybil” came to be perpetuated in the cliffs and castle in this locality, till one day I came upon the following legend in an old book.

    Internet Archive kerryarchaeologicalmagazine, Chapter 58

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, the coast rises at Sybil Head, a bold headland of silurian rock standing 600 feet above the waves that break in white foam beneath. Close to Sybil Point lies a little creek along the rocky shoreline, known as Ferriter's Cove, and near the cove stands the battered outline of what had once been a castle. Castle Sybil it was, and is called to this day. The Ferriters, or Le Ferriters, settled in this wild region shortly after the Norman invasion. The head of the family served as a chieftain under the great Earl of Desmond in later years, and paid his tribute to his overlord in Irish hawks. Peregrine falcons still nest in numbers along the bold line of cliffs extending from Sybil Head to Smerwick Harbour. The author notes that it was a long time a puzzle how the name Sybil came to be perpetuated in the cliffs and castle, till one day he came upon a legend in an old book.

58. Charter for Church of St. John the Apostle in Cork

    Cork · city · Cork

    Dermod MacCarthy and his son Cormac issued a joint charter for the rebuilding, enlargement, and endowment of the Church of St. John the Apostle and Evangelist in Cork. The church had originally been built by Dermod's father, Cormac.

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    Dermod was liberal towards the Church, and there is extant, in the British Museum, a copy of a Charter given by him for the rebuilding, enlargement and increased endowment of the Church of St. John the Apostle and Evangelist in Cork, which had been raised by his father, Cormac. Curiously enough, this is a joint instrument of Dermod and his son Cormac, between whom such deadly strife afterwards sprang up. Moreover, in Carrigiliky, in the parish of Myross, in West Carbery, as the Monasticon Hibernicum records, are the ruins of the Abbey of Maure, founded by Dei mod in 1172, and supplied by him with Cistercian monks.

    It will be noticed, from instances already recorded, and some which will be given later on, that the Eugenian princes, as a body, were distinguished foi their religious zeal and generosity towards the Church, And it is remarkable that many of them most con¬ spicuous for their warlike proclivities, and who in theii predatory excursions did not spare even monasteries, were themselves the founders of churches and monas¬ teries, as if in atonement for the carnage for which they were responsible. This no doubt they deemed the most suitable form of “eiric” or compensation, if indeed such were possible, for such grievous blood¬ shed and misery. The following is a list of the prin¬ cipal Abbeys, Churches, etc., which according to the Monasticon Hibernicum, were founded and built by the MacCarthys:—The Monastery of the Canons of St. Augustine of Cork, in 1134; the Abbey of St. Maur de Fonte Vivo in Carbery, in 1172; the Convent of Fran¬ ciscans in Cork, in 1214; that of the Cistercians of Tracton, in the Barony of Kinalea, in 1224; the Abbey

    Internet Archive kerryarchaeologicalmagazine, Chapter 77

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Cork, you are in a city with an old church story tied to the MacCarthys. The Church of St. John the Apostle and Evangelist in Cork was first built by Cormac MacCarthy. His son Dermod was liberal towards the Church, and a copy of a charter given by Dermod for the rebuilding, enlargement, and increased endowment of that church still survives, held in the British Museum. Curiously, the charter is a joint instrument of Dermod and his own son Cormac, the same two men between whom deadly strife afterwards sprang up. So father and son, who would later become enemies, joined together to give this church new life. The wider pattern among the Eugenian princes was one of religious zeal and generosity towards the Church. Many of them were conspicuous for their warlike proclivities, and in their predatory excursions did not spare even monasteries. Yet these same men founded churches and monasteries themselves, as if in atonement for the carnage for which they were responsible. They deemed this the most suitable form of eiric, or compensation, if such were possible, for the grievous bloodshed and misery they had caused. The MacCarthys founded a list of principal abbeys and churches according to the Monasticon Hibernicum, including the Monastery of the Canons of St. Augustine of Cork in 1134, and the Abbey of St. Maur de Fonte Vivo in Carbery in 1172.

59. Daniel O'Donoghue, fairy king of Loughlein, tricks John Connors

    Killarney · townland · Kerry

    A fairy tale recounts how John Connors was tricked by a mysterious stranger who stole his clothes, created a corpse double, and caused his community to hold a wake believing him dead. The priest identified the stranger as Daniel O'Donoghue, the fairy chief, King of Loughlein (Killarney), who punished Connors for seeking sponsors outside his parish.

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    Connors having related his adventures,—“ ’Tis Daniel O’Donoghue, the fairy chief, King of Loughlein (Killarney), that played the trick on you,” said the priest. “ Why didn’t you get sponsors at home in this parish for your son as you did for your daughters?” And having duly admonished him for his pride and

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    Internet Archive kerryarchaeologicalmagazine, Chapter 136

60. Death of King Aongus at battle near Old Leighlin

    Oldleighlin · parish · Carlow · 489–492

    King Aongus lost his life at the battle of Cillosnach or Magh Fea, near the present town of Old Leighlin. The Annals of the Four Masters give A.D. 489 as the year of his death, while other sources say 490 or 492.

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    The religious zeal of Aongus was directed by the counsels of St. Patrick, who was his spiritual guide. He lost his life at the battle of Cillosnach or Magh Fea, near the present town of Old Leighlin. The Annals of the ^our Masters give A.D. 489 as the year of his death. The Annals of Innisfallen say 492, while O’Flaherty fixes it at 490.

    The reigns of the four immediate successors of Aongus may be passed over, as not presenting any features of interest. His great grandson, Aodh Duff, Succeeded in 575, and after him followed a few other

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