Limerick, its history and antiquities; ecclesiastical, civil, and military,from the earliest ages, with copious historical, archaeological, topographical, and genealogical notes

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. Lord Kilmallock committed to gaol in Limerick

   Limerick · city · Limerick · 1649

   Lord Kilmallock, a Catholic peer and army officer, was committed to gaol in Limerick for quartering a few horsemen within the city, despite acting on Ormond's own orders. This and other slights drove Ormond to leave the city.

   Read the passage

   was not permanent, and that Ormond, as time went on, was not treated with even the outward show of civility, on account of his disingenuousness, and the efforts he continued to make to induce them to receive a garrison. The officers of the city guards neither went to him for orders, nor would they take orders from him. Without special leave of the mayor no officer of the army was admitted to his presence to receive directions to suppress the Parliamentarians, who at the moment were roaming over the country and in the neighbourhood. Lord Kilmallock, a Catholic peer, and officer of the army, was committed to gaol for no other reason than that he quartered a few horsemen, with Ormond's own orders, within the city. These and other reasons worked on him to quit Limerick, and proceed to Loughrea, where he was followed by the Bishops, and where he complained that their Lordships did not treat him in a fair manner. He stated that as soon as he left Limerick, the Bishops of Limerick and Eoss waited on Lord Inchiquin, who was then in the city ; that they desired Inchiquin not to quit the kingdom, stating that he was of an ancient race, and offering him, if he would join them, and put off the Commissioners of Trusts, to place all things in his hands. Ormond and Incliiquin had held up a constant correspondence ; they made these facts known to each other, and concluded, perhaps, with great truth, that the Bishops were anxious to obtain a riddance of both.* Negociations continued to be pressed. The city seemed to desire Colonel Pierce Walsh to be sent to command the militia ; this was done ; they demurred about a garrison ; they thought 3000 foot and 300 horse, the numbers proposed, too great ; they insisted the garrison should be Ulster men j^ that the county of Clare should be set apart entirely for their subsistence and pay ; that the city should be charged with no loans or levies on that account ; that the troops should be quartered in huts without the walls, and under the command of the Bishop of Limerick, Hugh O'jS^eil, or Mortagh O'Brien. The jealousy and suspicion of Ormond continued. Dominick Fanning, gathering a body of resolute young men, entered a Dutch ship in which the Marquis was sending abroad two trunks of papers which he desired to secure, and which Fanning supposed was money. When it was found that the trunks contained papers only, they desisted ; but they took a solemn oath to stand by one another in that action. Sir Nicholas Comyn, mayor, who had received knighthood from Ormond, convened the town council, and called before him the rioters ; they said they were ignorant that the trunks belonged to Ormond, and asked pardon. The mayor compelled them to disclaim theu' oath of combination, and to take a new one of obeying the Lord Lieutenant, and of doing nothing -udthout license of the magistrates. Ormond, to encourage these good inclinations, removed to Clare, quartering the troops he had with him (1700 foot and 350 horse) in the neighbourhood, with orders to be ready to draw to a rendevouz. He did this the rather because Cromwell had at this time sent propositions to Limerick, offering the citizens the free exercise of their religion, the enjoyment of their estates, churches and church livings, a free trade and commerce, without garrison, provided they Avould give a free passage through the city for his forces into the county of Clare. ^ While visiting, on the 11th of June, some troops in Clare, within four miles of the city, two aldermen, Creagli and Bourke, waited on the Marquis, with a request that he would settle a garrison in Limerick.

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 93

   As the companion tells it

   As the road brings you through Limerick, this is the city where, in 1649, Lord Kilmallock, a Catholic peer and officer of the army, was committed to gaol. His offence was quartering a few horsemen within the city, though he had Ormond's own orders to do so. The officers of the city guards would neither go to Ormond for orders nor take orders from him. Without special leave of the mayor, no officer of the army was admitted to his presence to receive directions to suppress the Parliamentarians, who were roaming over the country and in the neighbourhood. Ormond was not treated with even the outward show of civility, on account of his disingenuousness and his continued efforts to induce them to receive a garrison. These and other slights worked on him to quit Limerick and proceed to Loughrea, where he was followed by the Bishops, and where he complained that their Lordships did not treat him in a fair manner. He stated that as soon as he left Limerick, the Bishops of Limerick and Ross waited on Lord Inchiquin, who was then in the city. They desired Inchiquin not to quit the kingdom, stating he was of an ancient race, and offering him, if he would join them and put off the Commissioners of Trusts, to place all things in his hands. Ormond and Inchiquin had held up a constant correspondence, made these facts known to each other, and concluded, with great truth, that the Bishops were anxious to obtain a riddance of both.

2. Lord Orrery's house at Charleville burned by the Irish

   Charleville · town · Cork

   Lord Orrery's papers, which contained knowledge of Broughill's conduct during the Cromwellian period, were destroyed when the Irish burned Lord Orrery's house at Charleville. The loss meant those records never came to light.

   Read the passage

   acres taken, and the quality of them,' and then all the soldiers to bring in their arrears, and thus, to give every man, by lot, as many acres, as might answer the value of the arrears. The names of all that were in arrear were taken accordingly, and lots were drawn, as to what part of the kingdom their portion should be. In this manner, the whole kingdom was divided among the conquerors and the money adventurers. It was also agreed, that the Irish should be transplanted from the south to the north, and so to the contrary, '' which did break and shatter that nation in such a manner, that they never could make head afterwards .•'^^ Orrery states that Broughill knew more about what he did than himseK; but as his Lordship^s papers were burned at the conflagration of Lord Orrery^s house at Charleville, by the Irish, they never came to hght.

   At this crisis the well known body of Quakers, who had already settled in Limerick, did not escape the persecution of Cromwell, as the following letter manifests : —

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 109

3. Lough Gur sun temples and sunken city legend

   near Lough Gur · lake or lakes · Limerick

   General Vallancey attributed the cir-gors, or circles, or temples of the sun around Lough Gur to the Fomori or giants. A local peasant will pretend to show the great city and cir-gor that sank in one night when the water rose and formed the lake.

   Read the passage

   General Charles Vallancey notices Lough Gur,' and attributes to the Fomori or giants, the first inhabitants of the western isles, the erection of these cir-gors, or circles, or temples of the sun, of which he states there are many in Ireland, particularly around Lough Gor, or Gur, in the county of Limerick, on the borders of the lake, and from thence to Bruff. He adds that if an inquirer will venture in a corroch or leaky punt to tlie centre of the lake, with a peasant of the neighbourhood, he will pretend to show him the great city and cir-gor that sunk ni one night, when the water rose above it and formed the lake. Fossil remains of the Polar bear have been found in this lake,^ as well as many tons of bones of skulls of deer, pigs, cows, horses, dogs, sheep, and according to some, a rhinoceros !

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 426

4. MacDonnell estates of New Hall and Kilkee, Clare

   Kilkee · town · Clare · 1689–1862

   A large portion of the forfeited estates of Daniel Viscount Clare were purchased in 1703 by James MacDonnell, Esq., of Kilkee, a captain in Lord Clare's Dragoons in 1689 and a scion of the House of Dunluce. These estates are held by his descendant William Edward Armstrong MacDonnell of New Hall and Kilkee.

   Read the passage

   ' The circumstances here nan-ated make i:s revert to p. 283, and the history of events of which that page forms a portion, in order to mal<e clear a circumstance in reference to one of those distinguished regiments which followed the fortunes of King James to France — we mean the 4tli regiment of Dismounted Dragoons, which was subsequently known in the continental wars as the regiment of Clare. Ths seventh, an infantry regiment of marines (p. 283), of which Colonel Nicholas Fitzgerald was lieutenant-colonel, when he succeeded the Lord Grand Prior Fitzjames as full colonel, was always afterwuids known as the regiment of Fitzgerald. Colonel Nicholas Fitzgerald was wounded at the battle of Oudenard, and died at Ghent in two days afterwards. He was younger brother of Gerald Fitzgerald, Esq., of Balliuruan, in the parish of Inchicronan, county Clare, and was grand-uncle of the Right Hon. James Fitzgerald, father of Lord Fitzgerald and Vesci. O'Callaghan's Green Booh gives a full account of his highly distinguished military life. The Right Hon. James Fitzgerald was descended through his mother, eldest daughter and heiress of Pierce Lynch, Esq., in the fifth degree from Cornelius O'Brien, second Vicount Clare, through his eldest daughter Ellen, the Knight of Kerry being descended from a younger daughter. The 1-light Hon. James Fitzgerald was thus lineally descended in the seventh degree from Gerald Fitzgerald, the sixteenth Earl of Desmond, through his eldest daughter and heiress, Lady Catherine Fitzgerald, who married Daniel O'Brien, fipt Viscount Clare. No descendant of the third Viscount Clare remains in Ireland, his male line having terminated in Charles O'Brien, sixth Viscount Clare, generally known in his after life as Marshal Count Thomond, he being heir to his cousin, the Earl of Thomond, who died in 1741 (see Historical Memoir of the O'Briens). He commanded the Irish cavalry at Fonteuoy, and was mainly instrumental in gaining that battle. The colonelcy of the regiment of Clare had been presented to him by the personal interposition of the French king, who, at the death of his father the fifth viscount, expressed his repugnance to the idea that a family who, in supporting the cause they espoused, viz., that of Janies II. and the Catholic faith, had sacriticed all except their sword and their honour, should lose the command of their proprietary regiment ; the colonelcy was therefore kept for the llight Hon, James Fitzgerald, now represented by his ■ grandson G. F. Vesey Fitzgerald, Esq., of Crossbeg, county Clare, and Moy vane, county Kerry ; Crossbeg having been purchased by ivir. James Fitzgerald, after having been ninety years out of the family descent, having been forfeited in 1694'by Daniel O'Brien, third Viscount Clare, The Right Hon. James Fitzgerald and his son, Mr. Vesey Fitzgerald, were intimately connected with every measure for relaxing the penal laws against Catholics, from the first relief act passed in 1783, which was brought in by Mr, James Fitzgerald, to the passing of the relief act in 1829, which was so closely interwoven with the Clare election, in which public opinion was brought to a crisis on the question by the i-ejection of Mr. Vesey Fitzgerald in favour of Mr. O'ConnelL Mr. Vesey Fitzgerald, notwithstanding the loss of his position as member for Clare, had the satisfaction of supporting the bill in his place hi the Duke of Wellington's cabinet, against the influences which were exerted against it by the king (Geo. IV.) Mr. Vesey Fitzgerald assumed the names and arms of Vesey and Fitzgerald, by royal license in a.d. 1860, in compliance with the wish of his uncle, William Lord Fitzgerald and Vesci. A very large portion of the forfeited estates of Daniel Viscoimt Clare, and which were purchased jointly with Francis Burton and Nicholas Wesby, Esqis., in 1703, by James MacDonnell, Esq., of Kiikee, a captain in Lord Clare's Dragoons in 1689, and a scion of the House of Dunluce, who married Penelope (sister of Honora, second Viscountess Clare), is now held by his descendant William Edward Armstrong Mac Donnell, Esq., of New Hall and Kiikee, J.P., D.L., High Sheriff of Clare in 1853, Major m the Clare Militia, etc., etc., who married in 1858 the Honourable Juliana Cecilia O'Brien, eldest daughter of Lucius, thirteenth Baron of Inchiquin, who has a son and heir, Charles Randal, born on the 29th of March, 18G2, and two daughters, Mary Gertrude, born on the 9th November, 1859, and Honora Grace, born 29th November, 1860.

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 353

   As the companion tells it

   Coming up through Kilkee in Clare. In 1689, James MacDonnell was a captain in Lord Clare's Dragoons, a regiment that followed the fortunes of King James to France and became known in the continental wars as the regiment of Clare. He was a scion of the House of Dunluce, and he married Penelope, sister of Honora, the second Viscountess Clare. In 1703, he purchased a very large portion of the forfeited estates of Daniel Viscount Clare, buying them jointly with Francis Burton and Nicholas Wesby. Those lands passed down through his family and are now held by his descendant William Edward Armstrong MacDonnell of New Hall and Kilkee, who served as High Sheriff of Clare in 1853 and is a major in the Clare Militia. In 1858 he married the Honourable Juliana Cecilia O'Brien, eldest daughter of Lucius, thirteenth Baron of Inchiquin. They have a son and heir, Charles Randal, born on the 29th of March 1862, and two daughters, Mary Gertrude, born the 9th of November 1859, and Honora Grace, born the 29th of November 1860. The regiment James MacDonnell served in had its colonelcy preserved by the personal interposition of the French king, who held that a family who, in supporting the cause of James the Second and the Catholic faith, had sacrificed all except their sword and their honour, should not lose the command of their proprietary regiment. No descendant of the third Viscount Clare remains in Ireland. His male line ended with Charles O'Brien, sixth Viscount Clare, known as Marshal Count Thomond, who commanded the Irish cavalry at Fontenoy and was heir to his cousin the Earl of Thomond, who died in 1741.

5. Mayor John Bourke shows city bounds to Limerick boys, 1672

   Limerick · city · Limerick · 1672

   In 1672, John Bourke, the Mayor of Limerick, gathered all the boys of the city and brought them for two days to show them the city bounds and point out the extent of the county of the city.

   Read the passage

   Another attempt was made in 1674, to obtain a new Charter, for which a sum of money was subscribed by those interested. Agents too were employed, but the attempt failed. In 1671, it should be stated, a proclamation for restoring aU banished merchants to their ancient freedoms in aU corporations in Ireland, was made in Limerick ; and in the following year, a custom which is rarely observed now a days is noticed, viz, that of John Bouria, the Mayor of Limerick, having gathered all the boys of the city, and brought them two days with him to show them the city bounds, and point out the extent of the county of the city. In this year also, John Halpin having been chosen Sheriff, he continued iu office 27 days ; but because he would not take the oath of supremacy he was deposed. He disputed the point in Dublin, before the Lord Lieutenant, but to no purpose, for he was obliged to yield and lay down his office.' James Arthur, bom at Limerick, who had

   ' White'* MSS.

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 116

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Limerick, there is a story from 1672. The year before, a proclamation had been made in Limerick for restoring all banished merchants to their ancient freedoms in all corporations in Ireland. Then in 1672, John Bourke, the Mayor of Limerick, did something rarely observed even in those days. He gathered all the boys of the city and brought them with him for two days to show them the city bounds and point out the extent of the county of the city. It was a way of teaching the next generation where their city ended and what belonged to it. That same year, John Halpin was chosen Sheriff, but he held office only 27 days. He would not take the oath of supremacy, and so he was deposed. He went to Dublin to dispute the point before the Lord Lieutenant, but to no purpose. He was obliged to yield and lay down his office.

6. Mr. Buchannan of Thomond Gate starts the Fly coach

   near Thomond Gate · street · Limerick

   Mr. Buchannan, a resident of Thomond Gate in Limerick, started the first stage coach known as the 'Fly' between Limerick and Dublin. Early mail transport was irregular due to highwaymen and reliance on wind-powered sloops for cross-channel delivery.

   Read the passage

   The coach first started (the Fly) was very large and heavy in construction, great strength being necessary for the work it had to go through. The horses too were harnessed after the same stvle, many unnecessary straps and buckles being used which were afterwards dispensed with. When stage coaches were first established, and for some years after, the mails were conveyed from Limerick to Dublin three times a week, being small (usually letters only and comparatively few) ; they were carried in saddle bags placed at either side of a horse which was ridden by a courier who travelled a fixed distance, usually ten miles ; the charge was then handedover to afresh man and horse, and so onuntil they reach their destination, whichhowever could not always be relied on, as highwaymen sometimes interfered, the great preventative to M hich was avoiding to enclose anything of value that could be made available. The application of steam power for propelling ships being at this time unknown, the mails between England and Ireland were conveyed in sloops, the sailing of which being controlled by the wind made their arrival very irregular. The gentleman who started the Fly between Limerick and Dublin was a Mr. Buchannan of Thomond Gate.

   I have already given'in Chapter XLVIIL some particulars relative to therise and progress of the great car establishment of Charles Bianconi, Esq., D.L. The further and fuller particulars of the state of that establishment, which had its first connection with Limerick, have been furnished to me by Mr. Bianconi, cannot fail to be of deep interest to the readers of this History ;—

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 272

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere about Thomond Gate in Limerick, a Mr. Buchannan started the first stage coach between Limerick and Dublin. It was called the Fly. The coach was large and heavy in its construction, great strength being necessary for the work it had to go through. The horses were harnessed with many unnecessary straps and buckles, which were afterwards dispensed with. When stage coaches were first established, and for some years after, the mails were conveyed from Limerick to Dublin 3 times a week. These mails were small, usually letters only and comparatively few. They were carried in saddle bags placed at either side of a horse, ridden by a courier who travelled a fixed distance, usually 10 miles. The charge was then handed over to a fresh man and horse, and so on until they reached their destination. This however could not always be relied on, as highwaymen sometimes interfered. The great preventative to this was avoiding to enclose anything of value that could be made available. The application of steam power for propelling ships being at this time unknown, the mails between England and Ireland were conveyed in sloops. The sailing of these sloops being controlled by the wind made their arrival very irregular.

7. Nightly attacks on Palatine settlers near Rathkeale

   Rathkeale · town · Limerick · 1823

   The Palatine settlers near Rathkeale were subjected to nightly attacks around 1823, their cattle slain or houghed and their houses burned. As a result, many of the Palatines emigrated from the area.

   Read the passage

   In April and early in May, special sessions under the insurrection Act were held at the County Court House of Limerick, and at Eathkeale, when one man was sentenced to seven years transportation at the former, and two men to the same measure of pimishment at the latter place. The Palatines had been about this time subjected to nightly attacks, their cattle slam or houghed, and their houses burned. The result was that many of them

   460 HISTORY OF LIMERICK.

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 262

8. Nuncio's perilous departure from Kilkenny

   Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny · 1648

   The Nuncio found himself in Kilkenny surrounded by enemies, where Lord Mountgarret had once brought three hundred armed horsemen. He fled the city to escape arrest and confiscation, and his effects and property were later seized and sold by auction there.

   Read the passage

   The Catholics continued to hold possession of the city. Einuccini had given directions for the resumption of the Divine service and ceremonies in their olden pomp and splendor, in St. Mary's Cathedral, to which he appointed the seculars and regulars, preachers on days specially set forth.^ Cathohc rectors were in the receipt of their rents and dues.^ It was essential, under the circumstances, that they should not only show their sympathy, but that every prompt and decisive means should be adopted to place the city in a becoming state of defence. Affairs, however, outside, were hurrying with rapid strides to a disastrous issue. The Nuncio, who had been making wonderful exertions to sustain the old party of the country, to encourage the timid, to fortify the wavering, to infuse life into the councils of the Confederates, discovered that all his exertions were of no avail. Those who had appeared willing to accept his proposals were among the first to betray him. He found himself in a city — Kilkenny — where he had seen three hundred armed horsemen enter at the command of Lord Mountgarret, where the dominion of ill-intentioned persons would, in a few days, have joined hands with an army which was his declared enemy.

   It was stated^ that the commissioners of the council at Kilkenny had agreed to send letters to Prince Charles, to the effect that if he came to them, he should be proclaimed King of Ireland, and ratify the agreement between the council and Ormond, they would join with him against England, the Prince still making good all engagements to them by the latter and his agents. The council, it was further stated, Ormond being present, ordered that a squadron of ships, part of Prince Rupert's Pleet, and part of the Irish, should be sent to block up the Bay of Dublin, to hinder provisions from coming thither by water, and that all the forces they could spare out of garrisons should march into the field into Leinster, to a general rendevous within sixteen miles of Dublin.

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 92

9. O'Brien of Tromra receives wine tribute from Galway

   Trimragh · townland · Donegal · 1277

   In 1277, Dermod More O'Brien of Tromra, County Clare, received twelve tuns of wine yearly as tribute from Galway merchants in consideration of protecting the harbour and trade from pirates and privateers.

   Read the passage

   from Michaelmas in the 8th year of Edward I. to Easter in the 10th year of that king, Avas only £31 5s. 2d. — soon afterwards the trade and commerce of the city fell rapidly, whilst Galway as rapidly advanced. On Pipe Roll no. 17, the nett produce of the customs of Limerick, appeals to have amounted only to Is. 6d. for a period when in Galway it reached, for the same time, £18 4s. 5|d. We do not wonder that Mr. Hardiman, the historian of Galway, should boast of the comparatively flourishing condition of the city of the tribes ; but Limerick was not destined to remain always in a secondary position. In after years not only was Galway left behind in the march of commercial enterj^rize, but it was thrown completely into the shade. At this period the citizens felt aggrieved in reference to the salmon and eel fisheries of the Shannon, and sent forward a petition to the king which was promptly responded to. The fisheries continued to be a source of very great mterest ; and several important matters relatmg to them appear on the records during the reign of Edward I. which show the attention which was paid by the crown to them at this period, and the regular accounts sent on of the revenues, as well as the payments made to the bishop.^ Eobert de Saint Edmond obtained a grant of the weirs, &c., but after he had petitioned, his rent for them yearly was fixed at twenty marcs. The grant of Thomond by Edward I. to Thomas de Clare had its effect not only on Limerick, but on the province of Munster, and more so on the province of Conuaught. This event took place in the year 1275 ; and to this day traces of it are found in every part of the great county to which de Clare gave his own name — a name which in after years became historical and cherished in the warm affections of the Irish people. Limerick continned to progress, though Galway possessed more facihties as a port, and though so far back as the year 1277, Dermod More O'Brien of Tromra, county Clare, received twelve tuns of wine yearly as a tribute from the merchants of Galway " in consideration of protecting the harbour and trade from aU pirates and privateers, by mamtauiing a suitable maritime force for the purpose.''''^

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 36

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere close to Trimragh, in the year 1277, Dermod More O'Brien of Tromra in County Clare received twelve tuns of wine every year as tribute from the merchants of Galway. The payment was, in the words of the record, "in consideration of protecting the harbour and trade from all pirates and privateers, by maintaining a suitable maritime force for the purpose." So Galway's merchants paid O'Brien to keep the sea lanes safe. This arrangement came at a time when Galway was rising fast as a trading port, while Limerick's commerce was falling away just as quickly. The customs figures tell the story plainly. On Pipe Roll number 17, the net produce of the customs of Limerick for a given period amounted to only one shilling and sixpence, while in Galway for the same time it reached eighteen pounds, four shillings and fivepence. Limerick's citizens also felt aggrieved over the salmon and eel fisheries of the Shannon and sent a petition to the king, which was promptly answered. Robert de Saint Edmond obtained a grant of the weirs, but after he petitioned, his yearly rent for them was fixed at twenty marks. The grant of Thomond by Edward the First to Thomas de Clare in 1275 had its effect on Limerick, on Munster, and on Connaught. To this day, traces of it are found across the county that took de Clare's name, a name that became historical and cherished in the affections of the Irish people. Limerick continued to progress, though Galway had more advantages as a port, and though O'Brien of Tromra drew his twelve tuns of wine from Galway's trade.

10. O'Neil's surprise attack on Drogheda and Sarsfield's rescue

    Drogheda · town · Louth · 1566

    John O'Neil came with a strong party to surprise Drogheda, where Lady Sidney was staying. Sir William Sarsfield marched from Dublin with horse and foot, fought and routed O'Neil, and rescued Lady Sidney from danger.

    Read the passage

    " John O'Neil came to surprise Drogheda with a strong party, whereupon the Lady Sidney sent to Dublin, and the said Sir William with all speed marched with a select party of horse and foot towards Drogheda, fought and routed John O'Neil and all his adherents, and by that means rescued the Lady Sidney from the danger she was likely to undergo ; for which service the Lord Sidney, on his return to Ireland, knighted him in Christ Church, Dublin.

    " This Sir Will-am married Margaret, daughter to Andrew Terrill of Athboy, and by her had John, Patrick, r.nd two daughters.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 154

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Drogheda, in 1566 this town was the target of John O'Neil's surprise raid. He came with a strong party to seize it, where Lady Sidney was staying. She sent word to Dublin, and Sir William Sarsfield marched with all speed at the head of horse and foot. He fought and routed O'Neil and all his adherents, and by that means rescued Lady Sidney from the danger she was likely to undergo. For this service Lord Sidney, on his return to Ireland, knighted him in Christ Church, Dublin.

11. Ormond lands at Cork and advances to Carrick-on-Suir

    Carrick-on-Suir · town · Tipperary · 1649

    Ormond, returning from France, landed at Cork on 29 September accompanied by Lord Castlehaven and others, then slowly advanced towards his palace at Carrick-on-Suir, described as still showing its olden splendour even in decay. He declared he was sent by the Queen to settle Ireland's affairs.

    Read the passage

    On the 29th of September, Ormond, who had been some time in France, from which he took his departure by Havre-de-Grace, landed at Cork, accompanied by Lord Castlehaven and others.^ Lord Inchiquin went to Cork to meet and welcome him. Slowly advancing towards his noble palace at Carrick-on-Suir, — a palace which to this day, even in its decay, shows what it had been in its olden splendour, — he gave it to be understood by every one that he was sent by the Queen in order to fuid a means of settling the affairs of Ireland. In Carrick-on-Suir he received a solemn embassy from the Assembly of Kilkenny, at the head of which was the Archbishop of Tuam," standard-bearer to all those who, forgetful of their duty to the Holy See, employ their hands in every act of sacrilegious violence,^ and that person, above all, who had promised the Nuncio that he never would consent to the re-establishment of the Marquis.'* On the 6th of October he published a declaration upon his arrival in Ireland, in which there is the passage : — " We profess and declare, first, to improve our utmost endeavours for the settlement of the Protestant Eeligion, according to the example of the best reformed churches — secondly, to defend the King in his prerogatives. ■'■'^ The city of Limerick, which was applied to for money, to meet the exigencies of the Irish army, pleaded inabihty, and offered only £100.^ The four distinct interests in the kingdom, continuing to remain irreconcilable, viz. the King's, the Presbyterians', the Supreme Council's, and Owen Eoe O'Neil's, the Parliament, on the 28th of March, solemnly resolved that Oliver Cromwell should be constituted General of all their forces then in Ireland, and that he should be sent thither. Cromwell, accordingly, prepared for the expedition with the greatest diligence.'

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 92

12. Owen Ryan lashed and transported on the new bridge, Limerick

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1798

    Owen Ryan, convicted of being a sworn rebel, was sentenced to receive 500 lashes and to serve in the West Indies for life. He received 300 lashes on the new bridge.

    Read the passage

    Owen Rj-an, convicted of being a sworn rebel, was sentenced to receive 500 lashes, and to be sent to serve in the West Indies for life. He received 300 lashes on the new bridge.

    The following notice was issued by Major-General Morrison : — " All Public Houses and Liquor Shops to be closed from 8, p.m. untU 6, a.m. All peaceable and well-disposed persons are earnestly requested not to appear in the streets after dark. The Magistrates of the City and County, and of Clare, Kerry, and Tipperary, are hereby authorized to tender the Oath of Allegiance to such people as by their industry and labour, by carrying provisions into the towns, and by confessions and information shall show repentance of their former ill conduct, and that they are, by their good behaviour, contributing to the peace and happiness of the country."

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 235

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up through Limerick now. In 1798, a man named Owen Ryan was convicted of being a sworn rebel. He was sentenced to receive 500 lashes and to be sent to serve in the West Indies for life. He received 300 of those lashes on the new bridge here in the city. After the punishment, Major-General Morrison issued a notice. He ordered all public houses and liquor shops to be closed from 8 p.m. until 6 a.m. He requested that all peaceable and well-disposed persons not appear in the streets after dark. The magistrates of the city and county, and of Clare, Kerry, and Tipperary, were authorised to tender the Oath of Allegiance to such people as by their industry and labour, by carrying provisions into the towns, and by confessions and information, should show repentance of their former ill conduct.

13. Pierce Lacy executed by the Justices, 1617

    Bruree · town · Limerick · 1601–1641

    Pierce Lacy, descended from the Lacy family of Ballingarry, Bruree, and Bruff, was executed by the Justices in 1617, being one of five exempted from the pardon of 1601. His descendant Colonel Lacy continued the wars in Munster in 1641.

    Read the passage

    turies ; the •wars against Turkey, in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, those of the f amou» Irish Brigade, the wars by the French against Marlborough, with Catholic Germany against Sweden and Prussia, and the Russians against Turkey — in short, in every leading European event to the Treaty of Adrianople, in 1829, the family of De Lacy of Limerick has supplied a member, and achieved undying renown. From Walter De Lacy, whose daughters were married into the noble house of Fitzgerald, Earls of Desmond and Kildare, descended Hugh Lacy, Bishop of Limerick, in Queen Mary's time ; the family rose and fell with the Fitzgeralds' intestine wars, in the fifteenth, sixteenth, and seventeenth centuries. In the seventeenth century there were three brothers of the family settled in the County Limerick —one in Ballingarry, one in Bruree, and one in Bruff ; and from those descended the famous " Pierce Lacy" who was executed by the Justices in 1617; being one of the five exempted from the pardon of 1601. His descendant, Colonel Lacy, continued the wars in Munster in 1641, and treated with Ireton at the siege of Limerick in 1651, but was excluded from the amnesty. John Bourke, Lord of Brittas, half-brother of Pierce Lacy, was executed in 1607; and in 1618, his relative married to the daughter of the Earl of Inchiquin, was created Baron Brittas; in 16il attainted, restored, 1688 attainted and lost their properties. Cromwell expelled the Lacys root and branch, and only one of the Bruff branch escaped the slaughter by dismounting a horseman. Pierce Lacy was conspicuously engaged in the siege of Limerick, 1691. From these branches sprung the Irish Brigaders, and the French, Spanish, Austrian, Polish and Russian warriors. Marshals and Generals De Lacy and Brown, whose exploits for a century, up to the close of the last century, filled Europe with their fame. In the list of English by descent at the end of the sixteenth century, in the county of Limerick, the Lacys of Ballingarry, of the Brouve (Bruff) and of Bruree, are ranked with "the gentlemen and freeholders" of the county, as contradistinguished from the " meere Irishe," and the factions in Munster, viz. the " McSwines and M'Shees, then in faction" — the latter gallowglasses,* though at the siege at Askeaton in 1641 — "JohnLacie of the Brouff" is denounced, with M'William Bourke, second son of Lord Brittas, and others, by St. Ledger, Lord President of Munster, as among " the Mounster Rebelles."t History teems with the achievements of the De Lacys in Russia and Austria. It was for his remarkable successes in the Council not less than in the Field, that the " famous Marshal De Lascy, the son of an Irish Exile from the county of Limerick, was loaded with so much honor by the rulers of Austria, and received from the Emperor Joseph a letter (written the day before the Emperor's death)" which is translated in his kinsman's "Cornet Pierse's Historical Researches," as follows: — "Vienna, 19th February, 1790. My dear marshal Lacy, I behold the moment which is to separate us approaching with hasty strides ! 1 should be very ungrateful indeed if I left this world without assuring you, my dear friend, of that lively gratitude on which you have so many claims, and which I have had the pleasure of acknowledging in the face of the whole world ! Yes ! you created my army : to you it is indebted for its credit and its consideration. If I be any thing 1 owe it to you. The trust I could repose in your advice under every circumstance, your unbroken attachment to my person, which never varied, your success in the Field as well as in the Council, are so many grounds, my dear marshal, which render it impossible for me sufficiently to express my thanks. I have seen your tears flow for me ! The tears of a great man and a sage are a high panegyric. Receive my adieus ! I tenderly embrace you. I regret nothing in this world but the small number of mv/'-iencis, among whom you certamly are the first! Remember me! remember your sincere and affectionate friend, JOSEPH." A magnificent monument, with his efiigy in bronze, is raised to him in Vienna.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 189

14. Provincial Council held at Limerick

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1529

    In 1529, Archbishop Butler of Cashel held a Provincial Council at Limerick. The synod granted the Mayor power to imprison ecclesiastics for debt, which the clergy protested as a violation of their rights.

    Read the passage

    1529 On the 10th of June, Edmond Biitler, Archbishop of Cashel, held a Provincial Council at Limerick, at which were present — Nicholas Comyn, Bishop of Lismore and Waterford; John Quoin, Bishop of Limerick; and James O'Corrin, Bishop of Killaloe. In this synod power was granted to the Mayor of Limerick to commit to prison ecclesiastics for debt, without any prohibition to the contrary, until their creditors were satisfied. The clergy complained grievously of this decree, as an impiety and a violation of their rights {Arthur JISS.). The MSS. adds, it is doubtful whether the concession avails.

    1530 Richard Fanning was clerk of the court, Town Clerk (?) of Limerick (Arthur MSS). 1542 Hector Arthur was Clerk of the Court of Limerick (Arthur MSS.)

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 403

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, you are moving through a city where, on the 10th of June 1529, Archbishop Edmond Butler of Cashel held a Provincial Council. Three bishops sat with him: Nicholas Comyn of Lismore and Waterford, John Quoin of Limerick, and James O'Corrin of Killaloe. The synod granted the Mayor of Limerick power to commit ecclesiastics to prison for debt, without any prohibition to the contrary, until their creditors were satisfied. The clergy complained grievously of this decree, calling it an impiety and a violation of their rights. The records add that it is doubtful whether the concession availed.

15. Quarter Sessions at St. Francis's Abbey

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1798

    At the Quarter Sessions held in St. Francis's Abbey, eleven men were condemned to serve in His Majesty's Navy and four others were sentenced to imprisonment and public whipping.

    Read the passage

    Mav ''S At the Quarter Sessions held in St. Francis's Abbey, 11 men were condemned to serve in His Maie^tv's Navv, and four others were sentenced to imprisonment, and public whippmg.

    Mav ^% Messrs 0''Meara, Talbot and Fulton, Charles Elliott and Laurence Kennon, were brought"in and lodged in the County Jail, by a party of the 7th Dragoon Guards . 1 hey were convicted before and sentenced by the Nenagh magistrates, to serve on board His Majesty s Fleet The charge against them was administering and taking the Defender's oath. They were nest morning sent off with 10 others to Duncannon Fort. i,- wt, u x,

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 228

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, this is where the Quarter Sessions were held at St. Francis's Abbey in 1798. Eleven men were condemned to serve in His Majesty's Navy, and four others were sentenced to imprisonment and public whipping. Messrs O'Meara, Talbot and Fulton, Charles Elliott and Laurence Kennon were brought in and lodged in the County Jail by a party of the 7th Dragoon Guards. They had been convicted and sentenced by the Nenagh magistrates to serve on board His Majesty's Fleet. The charge against them was administering and taking the Defender's oath. The next morning they were sent off with 10 others to Duncannon Fort.

16. Queen's Commissioners inquiry into endowed schools at Limerick Courthouse

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1855

    In September 1855, Queen's Commissioners opened proceedings in the County Limerick Courthouse grand jury room to inquire into endowed schools. They reported unfavorably on Protestant schools but bestowed high praise on Catholic schools, especially the Christian Brothers.

    Read the passage

    An important inquiry was held this year by the Queen's Commissioners who were appointed to inquire into the endowments, funds, and actual condition of the schools endowed for the purposes of education in Ireland. The Commissioners opened the proceedings on the 1st of September in the grand jury room of the County of Limerick Courthouse. A large amount of evidence was given, in relation particularly to the Protestant Endowed Schools, on which, in general, they reported unfavourably ; indeed well nigh with unreserved hostility, showing that a great change should be made in their constitution and management.* The Commissioners bestowed

    1855. Fountains were in this year erected for the use of the poorer classes of the city.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 293

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, there is the courthouse where, on the 1st of September 1855, Queen's Commissioners opened proceedings in the grand jury room. They had been appointed to inquire into the endowments, funds, and actual condition of schools endowed for education in Ireland. A large amount of evidence was taken, particularly regarding the Protestant Endowed Schools. On those the Commissioners reported unfavourably, indeed well nigh with unreserved hostility, and called for great change in their constitution and management. The Commissioners bestowed high praise on the Catholic schools, especially the Christian Brothers.

17. Raymond le Gros besieges and retakes Limerick

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1174–1176

    Raymond le Gros marched on Limerick to avenge the defeat at Thurles. The defenders of the walls along the river resisted warmly but eventually yielded; the English garrison was re-established before the forces withdrew to Leinster.

    Read the passage

    Raymond now turned his attention to Limerick, where he had determined to revenge the disastrous defeat inflicted upon his father-in-law at Thurles by the brave king of Thomond, but where he was warmly received by the brave defenders of the walls which hung over the margin of the river, although they were obliged eventually to yield to the invaders, who, after committing the usual ravages, re-established the English garrison, and withdrew with the rest of their forces to Leinster.

    In the twenty-fourth year of Hemy II. (1177), Raymond le Gros alone discharged the regal functions in Ireland, and committed the city of Limerick to the guardianship of Donald O'Brien, prince of Thomond, who shortly after having broken down the southern point of the bridge set fire to the city. This was actually witnessed by Raymond le Gros as he departed for Dublin.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 30

    As the companion tells it

    You're coming through Limerick now. In 1174, Raymond le Gros marched on this city to avenge the defeat his father-in-law had suffered at Thurles, inflicted by the king of Thomond. The defenders along the river walls resisted warmly, but they eventually yielded. Raymond's forces committed their usual ravages, re-established the English garrison, and withdrew with the rest of their forces to Leinster. By 1177, Raymond le Gros alone discharged the regal functions in Ireland. He committed Limerick to the guardianship of Donald O'Brien, prince of Thomond. Shortly after, O'Brien broke down the southern point of the bridge and set fire to the city. Raymond le Gros witnessed it himself as he departed for Dublin.

18. Rebellion spreads: towers and forts reduced in Kilkenny, Waterford, Tipperary

    Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny · 1641–1642

    The barbarities of soldiers under Sir William St. Leger, President of Munster, compelled gentry of Kilkenny and Tipperary to form associations. Lord Mountgarret led a general defection resulting in the reduction of all towers and forts in the towns of Kilkenny, Waterford, and Tipperary.

    Read the passage

    The insurrection at first was confined to Ulster, but the barbarities of the soldiers of the President of Munster, Sir Wihiam St, Leger, soon compelled the gentry of Kilkenny and Tipperary to form associations for the protection of their lives and property. Several noblemen had remonstrated against the cruel and indiscriminate vengeance exacted by these soldiers for certain robberies and outrages committed by some of the lawless natives ; but these remonstrances were heard with contempt, m consequence of which Lord Mountgarret and others of his friends became convinced that a conspiracy was being formed against the interests of the Catholics, and a general defection took place, which resulted in an appeal to arms, the immediate consequence being the reduction of all the towers and forts in the towns of Kilkenny, Waterford, and Tipperary. ^ The turbulent factions of some branches of the O'Briens were not as may be imagined idle on this occasion, though the Earl of Thomond exerted his influence as far as it extended. But, on the other hand, the anti-national Government was served Avith an energy on the part of another member of this family which had most important results, and which has branded the name of Murrogh O'Brien, Lord Inchiquin, with indelible infamy, under the popular soubriquet of Morogh cm Totliaine, or, " Morrogh of the burnings." In the December of 1641, a coahtion took place between the Anglo-Irish Catholics of the Pale and the ancient Irish. Out of this coalition sprung the Catholic confederation, whose object was to establish their rehgious independence, and to recover the estates which they had lost by the sword, or the not less fatal instruments of legaHsed plunder. The confederation of Kilkenny consisted of two hundred and fifty-one members, including eleven spiritual peers, fourteen temporal peers, and twenty-six commoners. The members returned for the county and city of Limerick were O'Dwyer, afterwards Bishop of Limerick, William Bom'ke, Baron of Castleconnell, John Baggot of Baggotstown, Mark PitzHarris of Cloghinal -foy, Thomas O'Eyan of Doon, George Comyn, Patrick Panning, John Haly, Daniel Higgins, and Bartholomew Stackpole, all of Limerick. Lord Mountgarret was President of the Supreme Council. The death of the celebrated leader took place at this time at Kilkenny ; his place was supplied by the Earl of Castlehaveu, Garret Barry was nominated General of the Munster forces, Owen O'Neill of those of Ulster, Thomas Preston for Leinster, and Colonel John Bourke for Connaught. They commanded all persons to bear faith and allegiance to the King. They assumed to themselves the admuiistration of justice, assigned

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 83

19. Rinuccini received with honour at Kilkenny

    Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny · 1644

    Papal Nuncio John Baptist Rinuccini arrived at Kilkenny with arms, powder, and Spanish gold from Pope Innocent X. He was received with the greatest possible joy and honour by the supreme council, surrounded by archbishops, bishops, nobility and citizens led by Lord Mountgarrett, President of the Council.

    Read the passage

    In the end of October considerable succors were received in money and supplies from Pope Innocent X. These timely succors consisted of 2000 swords, 500 cases of petronels, 20,000 pounds of powder, and five or six trunks full of Spanish gold. They were entrusted to the cfire and management of the celebrated John Baptist Einuccini, prince and archbishop of Eermo, in Italy, who was consigned to the supreme council of the Confederation, with the rank of Nuncio Apostolic, and was received at Kilkenny vriih the greatest possible joy and honour by the council ; presently he was surrounded by archbishops, bishops, a great number of the nobihty and citizens following the Lord Mountgarrett, President of the Council, welcoming him with open arms.^ In his report to the Pope, Einuccini shows he had formed but a poor estimate of these outward manifestations of respect and attachment. He gives no credit to Ormond for sincerity in any one point of view : he states, on the contrary, that the Marquis boasted of having the Pope's money, and he alleges that, mstead of making preparations to meet projected attacks on the confederation, he did all he could to afford the enemy a safe and victorious progress to Kilkenny.

    As a counterpoise to this success, we may mention the loss at this time of the Castle of Bunratty, belonging to the Earl of Thomond, and which

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 88

20. Roche's Hanging Gardens of Limerick

    near George's Street · street · Waterford

    Roche's Gardens, also called the Hanging Gardens of Limerick, were a principal attraction of the new town, extending from the rear of No. 99 George's-street. Projected by William Roche, M.P., they were noted for their taste but had fallen into a very ruinous condition by the time of writing.

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    6 Limerick has been famous for its gardens. There were Carr's Gardens, &c. Roche's Gardens, or the Hanging Gardens of Limerick, as they have been called, bore testimony also to the taste of their projector and proprietor, the late ^\'il]iani Roche, Esq., M.P. Those gardens which are now in a very ruinous condition, were at one period a principal attraction of the new town, and extend from the rere of the house, No. 99, George's-street, to

    366 lIISTOIiY OF LIMEEICK. |

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 205

21. Sarsfield besieges Birr castle after crossing Shannon at Banagher

    Birr or Parsonstown · town · Offaly · 1690

    In September 1690, Sarsfield marched part of the Irish army over the Shannon at Banagher bridge and besieged a castle, whose ball marks were still visible. The castle was defended by Colonel Tiffin's foot until Major General Kirk approached and Sarsfield withdrew.

    Read the passage

    About the fourteenth of September, Sarsfield, with a part of the Irish army, marched over the Shannon at Banagher bridge, and besieged the castle of Bhr — the marks of the balls may yet be seen in the castle of that town — which was ably defended by a company of Colonel Tiffin^s foot. But Major General Kirk marching towards it with a party of William's army, Sarsiield raised the siege and marched off.^

    Count Solmes, who commanded in chief, was in Cashel at this time, where he received a letter by a trumpeter from the Duke of Berwick, then at Limerick, complaining that they had heard of a design of William, to transport the prisoners who had been taken at several places, to become slaves in the foreign plantations ; and withal, threatening them with the French galleys. This was said to be a feint or stratagem of the Irish oflicers, to prevent their soldiers deserting, making them believe there was a contract to sell them all to Mons. Perara a Jew for so much bread. Count Solmes sent a reply to the Duke's letter, in which he denied the allegation, but threatened reprisals if wrong were done to the prisoners in the hands of the Irish. Soon after this Solmes went to England, and Ginkle was made Lieutenant-General, and Commander-in-Chief of the army, who went to his head quarters at Kilkenny.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 139

22. Ships fire on Irish Horse Camp at Cratloe

    Cratloe · town · Clare · 1691

    Eighteen ships carrying war material and provisions sailed up the Shannon past Cratloe, firing into the Irish army's Horse Camp stationed there. The ships' arrival caused alarm as the French fleet was expected to guard the river.

    Read the passage

    castle, of which, in the wars during the reign of Henry VIII., we have already written : this was also blown up, and 150 men who composed the garrison were made prisoners of war. There were a few other castles also destroyed on this occasion ; Ginkle was afraid of allowing any one of them to stand, " for, to give the Irish their due, they can defend stone walls very handsomely/-' 1 In the afternoon eighteen ships came up the river with war material and provisions ; as they passed Cratloe they fired into the Horse Camp of the Irish army, which was stationed there ; and the fact itself of the ships approaching the city, gave cause for further alarm, as it was supposed that the river had been well guarded by the Prench fleet, which was looked for before this. Further provision ships were ordered by Ginkle to sail from Kinsale to the Shannon. The prisoners also, who had been taken in Castle Connell and Carrigogunnel, were forwarded to Clonmel accompanied by escorts of horse and dragoons. In the evening the line of circumvallation was fmished by the engineers, and other works were brought to a state of perfection, the Irish cannon all the while playing furiously on the enemy from the King^s Castle and three other batteries which Sarsfield had constructed, and which Ginkle had seen when he took his view of the city. On the 31st of August, Captain Morice, of Sir Donald O'Neill's regiment, deserted from the Irish, and informed Ginkle of the apprehensions and fears which prevailed as to the probability of his army crossing the river. The ford had been seen by William very soon after his approach to Limerick. Ginkle, therefore, was well acquainted with it, and he had already a battery of ten guns and seven mortars to play on Thomond Bridge and the houses on that side of Limerick ; and this battery had done considerable damage. Sarsfield was everywhere at his post, and replied effectively to the thunders of the enemy. _ Ginkle now, on the representation of Morice, directed a new battery to be raised ; this was done nearer to the city, and to the right of the former battery, by four out of each troop of horse and dragoons, who were told off for the duty, which they executed before next morning. The duty was irksome to the cavaby, but the exigencies of the position, and the harassing work in which the infantry regiments were constantly engaged, made it imperative. The colours of Wilham were not displayed on the battery, in order to deceive the Irish as to the rapidity with which the work was gone through. Parties were now sent out to Kerry to reduce and terrify the people ; and the quickness and intelhgence displayed by the peasantry, caused surprise to the soldiers who were despatched against them.^* These preparations having been advanced, a few days more M^ere occupied in perfecting them. General Sarsfield was employed in earnest and energetic efforts in every direction, and had his plans steadily advanced. The weatherwas wet and stormy, the ground heavy; but nothing could daunt the spirits of the citizens and the army.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 141

23. Siege and partial destruction of Askeaton Castle

    Askeaton · townland · Limerick · 1580

    On 3 April 1580, the Lord Justice laid siege to Askeaton Castle, one of the most magnificent castles in the country. The garrison deserted it, and it was partially destroyed by gunpowder, though the towers were left untouched and remain to this day.

    Read the passage

    was again apprehended and confined, until by letters from London, the government was assured of his being enlarged there. Upon his return to his own country he retired from the noise of the world, and built, for himself, near the side of a lonesome wood, a Httle cabin made up of wattles, wherein he spent the remainder of his days in divine meditations, in consoling his distressed flock, in administering the sacraments, and in aU other works of piety and charity ; at length, consumed with labour and overcome by many hardships, he died, in the odour of sanctity, in the year 1579, and was buried in a convent of Franciscans in Muskerry, called the Cellecrea.* Nor were these dreadful crimes perpetrated on such men only as Doctor Hely, and his companion. Father 0''Rourke, and the Bishop of Ross ; the terrors of the time are indescribable. On the 11th of February, a commission of martial law was sent to Sir Warham Saint Ledger, then the Lord Justice, who remained three weeks at Waterford, whence he went to Clonmel, where Ormond met him, and thence to Limerick. His baggage was carried a great part of the way on men^s shoulders for want of carriage horses, or because of the badness of the way, or both; and at Limerick, the chancellor of the diocese was found guilty of high treason, for corresponding with Desmond, but he made a shift to get a pardon, while the Bishop of Limerick, who was also shrewdly suspected, was merely confined to his house.^ On the 10th of March, Ormond and the Lord Justice met at Rathkeale ; next day they passed over the bridge of Adare, and returned at night and invaded ConneUoe, and having done what mischief he could there, proceeded to Carrigfoyle, which he took, and hanged Captain Julio, an Itahan engineer, who commanded the garrison ; and on the 3rd of April, 1580, laid siege to the castle of Askeaton, one of the most magnificent castles in the country, which the garrison deserted, and which the Lord Justice partially destroyed by gunpowder, leaving the towers untouched, as they remain to this day. Askeaton and Ballyheige castles, in Kerry, which were taken at the same time, were the last castles of the great Desmond. Having left four companies at Askeaton, the Lord Justice returned to Limerick on the 5th of April ; Ormond proceeded to Kilkenny, Malby to Connaught, and the others to Dublin.^ But the Lord Justice did not rest in Limerick. He proceeded (" by sea" ?) to Adare, and sent Captain Case by land, where, we are told, they both returned " after the slaughter of many traytors, with a prey of twelve hundred cows and as many sheep."* On the 15th of May he received a commission from Elizabeth to be Lord Justice, and another to make Sir Wilham Burke Baron of CastleconneD, with a yearly pension of a hundred marks during life.^ On the 13th of this month Pope Gregory the Thirteenth granted to all Irishmen who would fight against the Queen, the same plenary pardon and remission of all their sins, as to those that were engaged in the Holy War against the Turks. ^

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 62

24. Sir Henry Sidney receives local notables at Limerick

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1575–1576

    Sir Henry Sidney, Lord Deputy, was received in Limerick with great magnificence by local lords and gentlemen who complained of the misery and waste of the country by their great men and begged for English forces and sheriffs. Visitors included the Bourkes, Supples, Purcells, Red Roches, O'Moylan, MacBrien, O'Brien of Aherlow, and others.

    Read the passage

    several lords and gentlemen^ and was received with much greater magnificence than he had hitherto seen in Ireland. Here as elsewhere, the local notables who visited him, complained bitterly of the misery and waste of the country by their great men, and begged for an English force to protect them, and English Sheriffs to execute the laws, offermg to surrender their lands and hold them of the queen. The letter mentions amongst his visitors the Bourkes, Supples, Purcells, the " Red Roches,^^ and divers original Irish, as O'Moylau, MacBrien, Ogoonah, MacIBrien Arra, O^Brien of Aherlow, on the South side of the Shannon, and many other personages of distinction. The Earls of Ormond and Upper Ossory also waited on him, the latter of whom he had left governor of the English Pale during his absence, and found kept in good order, Ulick and John Bourke, sons of the Earl of Clanrickarde, also waited on the Deputy, having received their pardon and being ordered to meet him at Galway. The Earl of Thomond, the letter continues, and all the principal gentlemen of his name, though enemies to each other, with. two Lords in Thomond called Macnamara, also came and made the same complaints as the others ; but the counties of Kerry and Tipperary being Palatinates the Lord Deputy did not visit, " but thinks that no perfect reformation could be in Munster until these grants were resumed" — so far Sir Henry Sidney^s letter. The palatine authority here referred to was about tliis period pleaded by the Earl of Desmond, who had been nominated one of the Council of Sir William Drury, who in the year 1576, was appointed Lord President of Munster on the return of Sir John Perrott to England, as a prehminary step towards the reform of the Province. The new President proceeded to extend his jurisdiction into Kerry, notwithstanding Desmond's plea and subsequent appeal to the Chief Governor ; and there, after a short struggle with the Earl's followers, he proceeded at once to execute the law without any further obstruction.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 60

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, this is where Sir Henry Sidney, the Lord Deputy, was received in 1575 with greater magnificence than he had seen anywhere else in Ireland. Local lords and gentlemen came to meet him here, and they complained bitterly of the misery and waste of the country brought on by their great men. They begged him for an English force to protect them and English sheriffs to execute the laws, and they offered to surrender their lands and hold them of the queen. The visitors included the Bourkes, the Supples, the Purcells, and the Red Roches, along with many of the original Irish: O'Moylan, MacBrien, Ogoonah, MacIBrien Arra, and O'Brien of Aherlow, all from the south side of the Shannon. The Earls of Ormond and Upper Ossory also waited on him. Sidney had left Upper Ossory as governor of the English Pale during his absence, and found it kept in good order. Ulick and John Bourke, sons of the Earl of Clanrickarde, also came, having received their pardon and being ordered to meet him at Galway. The Earl of Thomond and all the principal gentlemen of his name came too, though they were enemies to each other, along with two lords in Thomond called Macnamara. They made the same complaints as the rest. But Sidney did not visit Kerry or Tipperary, because they were palatinates. He wrote that no perfect reformation could be in Munster until those grants were resumed. The palatine authority was about this time pleaded by the Earl of Desmond, who had been nominated to the council of Sir William Drury. Drury was appointed Lord President of Munster in 1576, and he pushed his jurisdiction into Kerry despite Desmond's plea, and after a short struggle with the Earl's followers, he executed the law without further obstruction.

25. Sir Peter de Lacy invites Rory O'Moore to Munster

    Bruff · town · Limerick · 1598

    Following the victory at the Yellow Ford, Sir Peter de Lacy of Bruff invited Rory O'Moore to come to Munster. O'Moore consulted O'Neill, accepted the invitation, and arrived without interruption in the county of Limerick.

    Read the passage

    As it does not enter into our plan to give the details of the war of O'Neill and O'Donnell, we must pass over some of the most interesting portions of the history of Ireland to the events in the local history. The brilliant campaigns of O^Neill and the other chiefs of Confederate Ulster^ especially crowned by the victory of the Yellow Pord^ in which Marshal Bagnall_, with twenty-three officers and seventeen hundred men were left dead on the field, leaving their artillery^ arms, colors and baggage in the hands of the Irish, produced a pow^erful effect on the Catholics of Munster ; Sir Peter de Lacy of BruflF, invited the celebrated Eory O^Moore, who had recovered his chieftainry of Leix, to Munster, and O'Moore having consulted O^NeiU, accepted the invitation, and despite of a show of opposition for Ormond, arrived without interruption in the county of Limerick ; Sir Thomas Norris marched to KilmaUock to oppose him, but he was obliged to retire to Cork, leaving a garrison behind him, and in his retreat, his rere guard was roughly handled by the forces of O'Moore. The success of O'Moore, produced an almost universal rising of the noblemen of Munster against the queen, but the Earls of Thomond and Ormond, and the Baron of Inchiquin did not join in the league, and their extensive influence prevented the MacMahons, the MacNamaras, the O'Connors, the O^Loughhns of Thomond, the O'Dwyers, the O'Eogarties, the O'Meaghers, the O'Moel Ryans, the O'Kennedies, and other chiefs of Tipperary from uniting against the queen. ^ The chief persons that joined the confederacy, were the Lords Lixnaw (Fitzmaurice), Fermoy, (Eoche), Mountgarret (Butler), Cahir (Butler), the Knight of Kerry, the Knight of Glyn, the White Knight, the three last bemg Geraldines, at the head of which sept O^Neill placed James, sou of Thomas Fitzgerald, surnamed the Red, and nephew of the last Earl of Desmond, being known in history as the sugan or straw rope Earl. This was the leader of the confederates, who in Cork and Kerry were supported by most of the MacCarthies, O^SuUivans, O^Driscolls, O^Donoghues, O^Donevans and O^Mahons, and some months after the expedition of Norris, Thomas Burke, brother of the Baron of Castleconnell, left the queen^s party and went over to the confederates, but went back again, and was subsequently killed with his brother. Lord Castleconnell, by one Dermod O^Connor, to whom they had refused

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 68

26. St. Mary's Cathedral architectural description and history

    Limerick · city · Limerick

    St. Mary's Cathedral in Limerick is described as a pure basilica planned and endowed by Catholics, consisting of nave, two aisles, transepts, and chancel. Around the church formerly stood the Chapter House, Divinity School, Consistorial Court, Schola Cantorum, and cloisters with residences of canons, many remains of which are still traceable.

    Read the passage

    cathedral, indeed, has very strong claims upon the citizens of Limerick, the antiquarian, and the lover of art; and a brief account of it may be introduced here. To the Catholic, St. Mary's is a trophy, not of victory, but of the taste and refinement of ages foully slandered. By Catholics it was planned, executed, endowed, and to them it owes all that it IS. With them its fondest associations are connected. A few bishops, De Burgh, D'Eau, or Waters, and O'Dea, before the Reformation, and Adams after it, took a deep interest in the Cathedral: but their additions can be discerned from the original structure, and exhibit more zeal than judgment or architectural taste. Around the church in days of yore stood the Chapter House — the Divinity School — the Consistorial Court — the Schola Cantorum — the Cloisters with residences of Canons, Vicars Choral, and Dean, lience called the Dean's close, of which many interesting remains are still traceable to the north and south of the church. Some years ago a passage was discovered leading under Bow Lane, from the west side of the north transept, to the ruins of the Minor Canon's college, founded by Bishop Hubert de Burgh, and lately a smithy. With the exception of the sacristy, nothing is now wanting of the old edifice. The chancel must have been a little curtailed of its original length. The old edifice, disencumbered of its modern additions, was a pure basilica, consisting of nave, two aisles parallel with nave, transepts, chancel, the east side of which was not an apsis, but a straight wall in which was a three-light window. This deviation from the lay basilica was universal before the introduction of choirs. The sacristy, placed of necessity near the high altar, was another common deviation from the strict basilica shape. The nave was 170 feet long — formerly it is believed it was 180 — by 27 wide ; yet, from the circumstance of each triforium ending in a spiral staircase (which was discovered about the year 1861) leading to the roof, it may be asked if the original church did not terminate at the present intersection with the transepts; and there is strong reason for believing that the chancel was a subsequent addition of Bishop Donat, whose armorial bearings, carved in grit-stone, are inserted in the west- end of the north chancel wall, and may be seen over the present pulpit. The transept was V)3 feet long, by 30. Tlie aisles are, or rather were, very narrow— only 12 feet wide. The pillars which separate the nave from the aisles are mere square piles of masonry, chamfered or rounded off on the edges, the base and cap only being of cut stone — being 36 feet square, and some, those of the transept, still grosser. On both sides of the wall which formed the aisles are still seen the corbels or brackets for receiving the beams on which rested the heels and heads of the rafters of the former penthouse roof These aisles terminated at the transept in an altar, the piscina of one of which is still seen in the northern aisle. A southern porch existed formerly, which has been replaced by a plainer and longer modern one. The tow^er attracts our attention for many reasons. Its situation is peculiar ; its form a subject of controversy. In some of the older maps of Limerick there is a spire where tlie tower now stands.' Nevertheless, Ave are inclined to think that no spire crowned St. Mary's cathedral in the twelfth century, and equally certain does it appear to us that the present tower has not the full

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 318

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Limerick, St. Mary's Cathedral stands as one of the city's oldest landmarks. It was planned, executed, and endowed by Catholics, and to them it owes all that it is. The old edifice, stripped of modern additions, was a pure basilica: a nave, two aisles parallel with the nave, transepts, and a chancel whose east wall was not an apsis but a straight wall with a three-light window. The nave was 170 feet long, formerly believed to be 180, by 27 wide. The transept was 93 feet long by 30. The aisles were narrow, only 12 feet wide. The pillars separating nave from aisles were square piles of masonry, 36 feet square, chamfered or rounded on the edges. Around the church in former days stood the Chapter House, the Divinity School, the Consistorial Court, the Schola Cantorum, and the cloisters with residences of canons, vicars choral, and the dean, hence called the Dean's Close. Many remains of these are still traceable north and south of the church. A few bishops took a deep interest in the cathedral. Before the Reformation, De Burgh, D'Eau, Waters, and O'Dea; after it, Adams. But their additions, the book says, exhibit more zeal than judgment. The chancel may have been a later addition of Bishop Donat, whose armorial bearings, carved in grit-stone, are set in the west end of the north chancel wall, over the present pulpit. Some years ago a passage was found leading under Bow Lane, from the north transept, to the ruins of the Minor Canon's College, founded by Bishop Hubert de Burgh, and lately a smithy. The aisles ended at the transept in an altar, the piscina of one still visible in the northern aisle. A southern porch existed formerly, replaced by a plainer modern one.

27. St. Michael's ministers' money lawsuit, 1811

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1811

    A lawsuit between Archdeacon Hill and the parishioners of St. Michael's over ministers' money levied under an act of Charles II was decided in 1811 in favour of the parishioners. Dr. Young produced an ancient manuscript showing St. Michael's Church stood outside the city walls near the water-gate and had been thrown down in Cromwell's time.

    Read the passage

    The year 1811, was rendered memorable in the annals of Limerick, by, several incidents, among others the result of a very important law-suit, which had been pending between the Eev. Archdeacon Hill, as incumbent, and the parishioners of St. Michael's, relative to ministers' money, levied by an act passed in the reign of Charles II. in walled cities and towns. Judgment, on this occasion, was given against the incumbent and his successors, so that the rapid progress of the Newtown was not impeded by an imposition which was as hateful as it was tyrannical, and which a more enlightened spirit in the legislature more recently abolished, when, indeed, the incumbent himself, the Rev. John Elmes, joined in the popular clamour against its continued existence. It would have been a bold stroke of the incumbent in 1811, had he been able to saddle the Newtown with so heavy and intolerable a burden, which would have added enormously to his revenues, and checked the growth of that portion of the city, which, for this reason among others well nigh equally strong, had become the favourite residence of every citizen who was able to build or to rent a house — and house rent now was exceedingly high in the Newtown. On this occasion important evidence was given in sustainment of the opposition of the citizens by the Right Rev. Dr. Young, who produced an ancient manuscript which showed that the Church of St. Michael was outside the walls, and near the water-gate, and that in the

    ' This pencil sketch which was taken by Mr. John Gubbins, portrait painter, in 1810, represents O'Connell to the life, and is in the possession of the author.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 245

    As the companion tells it

    Limerick, the city you are passing through, saw a memorable lawsuit in 1811. The Reverend Archdeacon Hill, as incumbent, took the parishioners of St. Michael's to court over ministers' money. This was a levy imposed under an act passed in the reign of Charles II on walled cities and towns. Judgment went against the incumbent and his successors. The rapid growth of the Newtown was not held back by what the record calls an imposition as hateful as it was tyrannical. A more enlightened legislature abolished the levy more recently, and by then the incumbent himself, the Reverend John Elmes, had joined in the popular clamour against its continued existence. It would have been a bold stroke for the incumbent in 1811 to saddle the Newtown with so heavy and intolerable a burden. It would have added enormously to his revenues and checked the growth of that portion of the city, which had become the favourite residence of every citizen able to build or rent a house. House rent was now exceedingly high in the Newtown. Important evidence came from the Right Reverend Doctor Young. He produced an ancient manuscript showing that the Church of St. Michael stood outside the walls, near the water-gate, and that in the time of Cromwell it had been thrown down.

28. Tervoe demesne and Carrigogunnell Castle on Monsell estate

    Tervoe · townland · Limerick

    Tervoe demesne, about 500 acres on the river Shannon below Limerick, adjoined the famous Castle of Carrigogunnell and was part of the Monsell estate. The Monsell family name appeared in Limerick records as early as the thirteenth century, with the Tervoe branch settling in Ireland under Charles I.

    Read the passage

    Thomas IMonsell of Tervoewho sat in the Irish Parliament, born in 1755, who married in 1776* Hannah, daughter of Amos Strettle, Esq., and by her had, with four daughters, Dymphnai married to Thomas Ellis, Esq., IM.P. for Dublin ; Hannah, married to Thomas Wilson, Esq* Diana died unmarried, and Frances, married to Sir Hunt Walsh, Bart., William, his heir, Amos died unmarried, Thomas in Holy Orders and Archdeacon of Derry, married Jane Rae, andhad a daughter Diana, and three sons, John, married to Miss Anne Waller of Castletown; William, and Charles Henry, married to the Hon. Harriet O'Brien, sister of Lord Ineliiquin ; William Monsell, Esq., of Tervoe, born in 1778, married in 1810, Olivia, eldest daughter of Sir John Allen Johnson Walsh, Bart, and died in 1822, leaving an only son, the present Right Hon. WiUiam Monsell of Tervoe, a member of the Privy Council. Colonel of the County of Limerick Regiment of Militia — Vice-Lieutenant and Member of Parliament for the County of Limerick, High Sheriff in 1835^Late Clerk of the Ordnance, when he reorganised the war department in conjunction with Lord Panmure, and President of the Board of Health, born 21st September, 1812, married Uth August, 1836, Lady Anna Maria Charlotte Wyndham Quin, only daughter 2nd Earl of Dunraven, and by her (who died 7th Jnnuary, 1855,) had issue a son and heir, William, born in March, 1841, died 1845. Mr. Monsell married secondly, 1857, Berthe. youngest daughter of the Count de Montigny, younger brother of the Marquis de Montigny, and has a sou born 5th March, 1848, and daughter Margt. Tervoe demesne contaiiis about 500 acres, and adjoins the famous Castle of Carrigogunnell, which is also on the est ate of Mr. IMousell, is about three miles from Limerick, and is beautifully situated on the river Shannon below the city, from which there is a fine view of its picturesque woods, and of the excellent family mansion, of one of the most estimable of gentlemen, who in every relation of life, public and private, has won and retains the very best affections of every class and party.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 269

29. Thomas Arthur builds cathedral east front and doors, c.1421-1426

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1421–1426

    Thomas Arthur and his wife Johanna Morrough built the eastern front and choir window of the Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Limerick at their own expense. Arthur had the west door sculptured with the Arthur arms and the south door with the Murrough arms, as memorials of piety.

    Read the passage

    We must dwell for a short time on the state of religion in Limerick durino- the episcopacy of this illustrious bishop, and show what was done for hi? cathedral by liim and by the citizens. Among other improvements, Thomas Arthur, who was born about the year 1378, with his wife Johanna Morrough, daughter of David Morrough, senator of Cork and Youghal, built up at their own expense, in a magnificent manner, the eastern 'fronfand the costly wrought window of the choir of the cathedral church of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Limerick, the wester^door of which he caused to be sculptured, in a workmanlike ma%ei|Pin ptone, with the armorial bearings of the Arthurs, and the southern (5'oor with the armorial bearings of the Murroughs, " not through a spirit of vain glory, but in order that others horeaft'er should imitate the memorials of their piety". He was thought worthy to liold the dignity of Mayor of Limerick twice. The first time he entered upon its duties was in the year 1421, which was the tenth and last year of the reign of Henry V., in which time they beo-an to build the walls of the southern suburbs. The second time he discharged the duty of Mayor was in the year 1426, in which year the

    1 That is, "Cornelius O'Deagh, Bishop of LiiBerick, caused me to be made a.d. 1418, and in the eii,'hteenth year of his consecration". The Right Rev. Dr. Butler, the present Catholic Bishop of Limerick, wore the precious mitre at his consecration ; and his lordship lent it to the South Kensington Loan Exhibition in 1862, where it was admired as a laatchless curiosity, as the mitre oi William of Wykeham, which was like it, but has gone to decay.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 329

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Limerick now. In the early 1400s, Thomas Arthur, born about 1378, and his wife Johanna Morrough, daughter of David Morrough, senator of Cork and Youghal, paid to have the eastern front and the costly wrought window of the choir of the cathedral church of the Blessed Virgin Mary built up in a magnificent manner. Arthur had the west door sculptured in stone in a workmanlike way with the armorial bearings of the Arthurs, and the south door with the armorial bearings of the Murroughs. The source gives his reason in his own words: not through a spirit of vain glory, but in order that others hereafter should imitate the memorials of their piety. He was thought worthy to hold the dignity of Mayor of Limerick twice. The first time he entered upon its duties was in 1421, the tenth and last year of the reign of Henry V, in which time they began to build the walls of the southern suburbs. The second time he discharged the duty of Mayor was in 1426. So between those two years, Arthur and his wife left their mark on the cathedral, and on the city itself.

30. Thomas Lyons shot on King's Island, Limerick

    King's Island · townland · Limerick · 1798

    Thomas Lyons, a private of the Kildare Militia convicted by court-martial, was marched to King's Island and shot by eight men. As a Catholic he was attended by the Rev. Mr. M'Grath, and his body was interred in the Fort of the island.

    Read the passage

    Thomas Lyons and Peter Coghlan, privates of the Kildare Militia, were tried by Court Martial, and convicted and sentenced to be shot. Thomas Lyons was marched by his own regiment to the King's island, where he was shot by 8 men selected for that purpose. Being a Catholic, he was attended by the Eev. Mr. M'Grath ; after the execution, the troops marched in slow time past the body, which was afterwards interred in the Fort of the island.

    August 6th. — Court Martial assembled at the Council Chamber, for the trial of Horatio Townshend Orpen and Richard Orpen, Esqrs., of the County of Kerry, charged with aiding and assisting in the Rebellion. The following members composed the tribunal — Col. Foster, Louth Militia, President; Lieutenant-Col. Garden, 54th Regiment; Major Carlisle, Kildare Militia; Major Sirle, Perth Highland Fencibles; Captain Crawford, Royal Irish Artillery; Captain Gibson, 54th Regiment ; Captain Spence, Do.; Captain Frederick, Do ; Captains Filgate and Faircloth, Louth Militia ; Captain Monsell, 2nd Fencible Cavalry ; Captains Compton and Manuel, Perth Highland Fencibles.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 236

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to King's Island in Limerick, in 1798, a soldier of the Kildare Militia met his end. Thomas Lyons and Peter Coghlan, both privates of the Kildare Militia, were tried by court martial, convicted, and sentenced to be shot. Thomas Lyons was marched by his own regiment to the island, where he was shot by 8 men selected for that purpose. Being a Catholic, he was attended by the Reverend Mr. M'Grath. After the execution, the troops marched in slow time past the body, which was afterwards interred in the Fort of the island. On August 6th, a court martial assembled at the Council Chamber for the trial of Horatio Townshend Orpen and Richard Orpen of the County of Kerry, charged with aiding and assisting in the Rebellion. Colonel Foster of the Louth Militia presided, with Lieutenant-Colonel Garden of the 54th Regiment, Major Carlisle of the Kildare Militia, Major Sirle of the Perth Highland Fencibles, and Captain Crawford of the Royal Irish Artillery among the members.

31. Threatening letter to Limerick Mayor re Protestant massacre

    Limerick · city · Limerick

    A letter was sent to the Mayor and Corporation of Limerick threatening to make the streets flow with Protestant blood, amid reports that Catholics planned a general massacre. A £500 reward revealed the writer as a tool of the dominant faction, who was allowed to escape.

    Read the passage

    Eeports of a sinister character were now being industriously proioagated arising ostensibly out of the continued excesses of Whiteboyism, but as many strongly suspected, really originating in the efforts of the ascendancy party to throw all manner of obloquy on the people, in order to justify the legahsed oppressions of the day. These reports went to show that the Catholics of Ireland had agreed to rise on a certain fixed night in order to massacre all the Protestants in the kingdom ; and that the houses of certain Protestants in Kilkenny, Waterford, and other cities, were chalked at night to show that they were destined victims. A letter was sent to the Mayor and Corporation of Limerick, threatening to make the streets of the city flow with Protestant blood; but when a reward of £500 was offered for the discovery of the writer, and when, at length, it was found that he was a zealous instrument of the dominant faction, his influential relatives interfered, and he was suffered to escape.^ Among those stated to have been marked out for destruction near Clonmel, was the Lord Dunboyne, who afterwards abjured the faith of his fathers, after he had been Catholic Archbishop of Cashel. Such was the fierce spirit of the times, that the Rev._ Nicholas Sheeliy, Parish Priest of Clogheen, had to fly from the storm, to his cousin's residence, in the county of Limerick ; but he was ultimately taken, and on evidence confessedly perjured, tried, condemned, and publicly executed in Clonmel, for a crime which was never perpetrated.^ Turning away for the moment from these terrible scenes and events, we may take a passing glance at the improvements which spirited citizens were now making in Limerick, as an evidence of the anxiety to avail themselves of the advantages which had been extended by the demoKtion of the walls, and the opening up of new roads.*

    ' Amyas Griffith's Tracts.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 200

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, the city carries a story from a time of fear and faction. Reports of a sinister character were being spread, said to arise from the excesses of Whiteboyism, but many strongly suspected they really originated in the efforts of the ascendancy party to throw obloquy on the people and justify the legalised oppressions of the day. These reports claimed that the Catholics of Ireland had agreed to rise on a certain fixed night and massacre all the Protestants in the kingdom. The houses of certain Protestants in Kilkenny, Waterford, and other cities were said to have been chalked at night to mark them as destined victims. A letter was sent to the Mayor and Corporation of Limerick, threatening to make the streets of the city flow with Protestant blood. A reward of £500 was offered for the discovery of the writer. When at length it was found that he was a zealous instrument of the dominant faction, his influential relatives interfered, and he was suffered to escape. Among those stated to have been marked out for destruction near Clonmel was Lord Dunboyne, who afterwards abjured the faith of his fathers, after he had been Catholic Archbishop of Cashel. The fierce spirit of the times reached further. The Reverend Nicholas Sheehy, Parish Priest of Clogheen, had to fly from the storm to his cousin's residence in the county of Limerick. He was ultimately taken, and on evidence confessedly perjured, tried, condemned, and publicly executed in Clonmel, for a crime which was never perpetrated.

32. Tomb of Connor na Suidane at Corcomroe monastery

    near Corcomroe Abbey · monument · Clare · 1242

    Connor na Suidane, son of Donogh Cairbreagh O'Brien who died in 1242, founded the monastery of Corcomroe. His tomb and effigy are still preserved there.

    Read the passage

    The last days of Donogh Cairbreagh O^Brien, were chiefly occupied with conflicts with the chiefs of Comiaught and their alHes^ the supporters of the sons of Roderick O^Connor^ against their cousins, the sons of Cathal Crovderg or the Red-handed O^Connor, and nephews of CBrien. The death of Cairbreagh took place in 1242. He was succeeded by his son, Connor na Suidane, the founder of the monastery of Corcomroe, in which his tomb and effigy are still preserved. Cairbreagh O^Brien was only the chief of the Dalcassians, not king of Munster. He was the first that took the title of The O'Brien.

    The next events of the history of the princes of Thomond, are well condensed by Professor O'Curry, from the valuable Irish tract called " The History of the Wars of Thomond.'''' The natural feelings of the worthy professor are characteristically expressed in the following quotation : —

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 31

33. Trial of 1848 State Prisoners at Clonmel

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1848

    Smith O'Brien, Thomas F. Meagher, T. B. MacManus, and O'Donoghue were tried at Clonmel before Lord Chief Justice Blackburne and other judges, sentenced to death, which was commuted to transportation for life.

    Read the passage

    This was an era of revolution abroad and of unexampled excitement at home. The Corporation voted an address to the French people " on their victorious achievement of liberty". The unhappy events which occurred in Ireland in 1848 are written on a sad page of her chequered history, and can only be referred to in the language of unavailing indignation and grief. The grand national organization was broken up. Thousands of troops filled the country. The people continued to fall beneath famine and cholera, and the workhouses were crowded beyond endurance. Never yet was there a more gloomy crisis in the fortunes of Ireland. A soiree, which was given to Mr. Smith O'Brien, Mr. John Mitchell, Mr. Thomas Francis Meagher, etc., at a store in Thomas Street, ended in a disagreeable manner, fire having been set to the windows and shutters, and the lives of those within placed in jeopardy.' In the autumn of this year the trial of the State Prisoners, viz., Mr. Smith O'Brien, MP., Thomas F. Meagher, Mr. T. B. Mac Manus, and Mr. O'Donoghue, took place in Clonmel before the Lord Chief Justice Blackburne, the Chief Justice of the Common Pleas (Doherty), and Mr. Justice Moore, when those '" who loved their country not wisely but too well", were sentenced to the death of traitors, a sentence which was commuted to transportation for life, from which only one of them returned, viz., Mr. Smith O'Brien.

    In the beginning of the year a Special Commission sat in Limerick, when several prisoners were tried, including William Ryan (commonly called Ryan Puck), who was hanged in front of the county Limerick jail on the 7th of February, for the murder of John Kelly at Knocksentry in the previous September. Other prisoners were sentenced to transportation, among whom was William Frewen, who was transported for life for harbouring Ryan Puck. The Lord Chief Justice and the Lord Chief Baron presided. Sir David Roche was High Sheriff of the county.'

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 291

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Clonmel, you are in the town where the trial of the 1848 State Prisoners took place. That autumn, Smith O'Brien, Member of Parliament, Thomas F. Meagher, T. B. MacManus, and O'Donoghue were tried before Lord Chief Justice Blackburne, the Chief Justice of the Common Pleas, Doherty, and Mr. Justice Moore. The book calls them those who loved their country not wisely but too well, and says they were sentenced to the death of traitors. That sentence was commuted to transportation for life. From that exile, only one of them returned: Smith O'Brien. The wider story of 1848 was grim. The grand national organization was broken up. Thousands of troops filled the country. The people fell beneath famine and cholera, and the workhouses were crowded beyond endurance. A soiree had been given to Smith O'Brien, John Mitchell, and Thomas Francis Meagher at a store in Thomas Street, but it ended badly. Fire was set to the windows and shutters, and the lives of those inside were placed in jeopardy. The Corporation had voted an address to the French people on their victorious achievement of liberty. It was an era of revolution abroad and unexampled excitement at home. The book says the unhappy events of 1848 are written on a sad page of Ireland's chequered history, and can only be referred to in the language of unavailing indignation and grief.

34. Two mayors of Limerick during Municipal Reform confusion

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1841–1842

    After the Court of Queen's Bench declared Limerick's Municipal Reform proceedings null and void, two mayors coexisted—Martin Honan de facto and Charles Smyth Vereker de jure. Vereker refused to surrender the Exchange, corporate books, and property to the new Corporation.

    Read the passage

    tlon of Mayor. In order to prevent the confusion that would arise from this state of things, Lord Elliot, the then Secretary for Ireland, introduced an act which got the royal assent in July, 1842, legalizing all these proceedings, and settling the new Corporation in office as elected under the Lord Lieutenant's proclamation. Pending these events there were two mayors in the city — the one de jure, and the other de facto, — and a considerable degree of annoyance resulted. A deputation waited on the Hon. Mr. Vereker, to give up possession of the Exchange, the books, records, and corporate property. Mr. Vereker gave a direct refiisal to this request, stating he was advised that all the proceedings taken under the Municipal Reform Act were illegal, null, and void, and warning them from exercising any authority or jurisdiction within the Hmits. The old Corporation placed on record an account of their liabiKties, which amounted to over £12,000, and which was left as a burden on the new Corporation.'

    The last official act of the old Corporation was to present Lord Gort with his portrait, which had graced the Council Chamber for many years.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 284

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, the city carries a strange chapter from 1841 to 1842. The Court of Queen's Bench had declared the city's Municipal Reform proceedings null and void, and the result was two mayors existing at once. Martin Honan was mayor de facto. Charles Smyth Vereker was mayor de jure. A deputation waited on Vereker to give up possession of the Exchange, the books, the records, and the corporate property. Vereker gave a direct refusal. He said he was advised that all the proceedings taken under the Municipal Reform Act were illegal, null, and void, and he warned them from exercising any authority or jurisdiction within the limits. Lord Elliot, the then Secretary for Ireland, introduced an act which got the royal assent in July 1842, legalizing all the proceedings and settling the new Corporation in office. The old Corporation placed on record an account of their liabilities, which amounted to over 12,000 pounds, left as a burden on the new Corporation. Their last official act was to present Lord Gort with his portrait, which had graced the Council Chamber for many years.

35. Whitefield preaches Methodism in Limerick Cathedral

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1740

    Mr. Whitefield arrived in Limerick from America via Fort Fergus and preached the new doctrines of Methodism in the Cathedral to a numerous audience. He described the city as a large garrison town with a Cathedral, noted many beggars which he attributed to want of Parish Provision, and waited on the Protestant Bishop Dr. Buscough.

    Read the passage

    In this year Mr. Whitefield arrived in Limerick from America, where he first preached the new doctrines of Methodism.' He reached Limerick from Fort Fergus, at two o'clock, p. m., and describes the city in his Journal as a large garrison town, with a Cathedral in it — the roads better than he had seen them on his journey, " but the people much more subtle and designing."* He saw many beggars, which he imputes to the want of Parish Provision. (!) He waited on Dr. Buscough, the Protestant Bishop, " preached in the Cathedral to a very numerous audience, who seemed universally affected," refused an invitation from the Mayor, having been preengaged by the Bishop, and left Limerick next day rather satisfied with his visit.^ Whitefield, of course, saw but the outside of things, for a epedemic sickness prevailed in the city, and continued to strike down its victims during 1740 and 1741, when the Mayor, Joseph Ptoche, Esq., and several influential citizens, were attacked by the disease, and lost their lives. In this year, too, (1741) the Custom House of Limerick was burned ; and as if to destroy whatever trafiic remained in the city, and to injure the comitry as much as possible, the harpies of the Corporation again commenced operations, and caused greater indignation among the highest as well as among the poorest classes, than had been at any previous period experienced or expressed. While they plundered, the city was in a fearfully neglected condition, and the outcry against them was limited to no party or persuasion.^

    1 The General Evening Post (London), from Tuesday, June 18th, to Thursday, June 20th, 1740. Page 1, col. 2.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 189

    As the companion tells it

    As the road brings you through Limerick, this is the city where, in 1740, Mr. Whitefield arrived from America to preach the new doctrines of Methodism. He reached the city from Fort Fergus at two o'clock in the afternoon and described it in his Journal as a large garrison town with a Cathedral in it. He noted the roads were better than he had seen them on his journey, but found, in his words, "the people much more subtle and designing." He saw many beggars, which he attributed to the want of Parish Provision. He waited on Dr. Buscough, the Protestant Bishop, and preached in the Cathedral to a very numerous audience, who, he said, "seemed universally affected." He refused an invitation from the Mayor, having been pre-engaged by the Bishop, and left the next day rather satisfied with his visit. But Whitefield saw only the outside of things. An epidemic sickness prevailed in the city and continued to strike down its victims through 1740 and 1741. The Mayor, Joseph Ptoche, and several influential citizens were attacked by the disease and lost their lives. In 1741 the Custom House was burned. The Corporation again commenced operations, causing greater indignation among the highest as well as among the poorest classes than had been at any previous period experienced or expressed. While they plundered, the city was in a fearfully neglected condition, and the outcry against them was limited to no party or persuasion.

36. William Hawkins Bourne and Limerick-Dublin mail coach

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1837

    William Hawkins Bourne of Terenure, who died in September 1837 in London, first established a mail coach service between Limerick and Dublin. He also formed roads and provided conveyances throughout the South of Ireland, employing large numbers of people.

    Read the passage

    William Hawkins Bourne, Esq. of Terenure, near Dublin, died in September this year in London. He it was that first established a Mail Coach between this city and Dublin ; while by pushing the sphere of his operations, he also opened new and explored sources of profit to the merchant and agriculturist throughout the South of Ireland, by forming splendid roads, and providing safe and expeditious conveyances on various lines of louto. His large establishment gave employment to a vast number of persons, who dtfjily deplored the loss of their benefactor.

    niSTOUY OF LLMEUICK. 493

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 280

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up through Limerick now. This city was one end of a mail coach service that William Hawkins Bourne of Terenure, near Dublin, first established linking it to the capital. He died in September 1837 in London. Before that, he built roads and provided safe, fast conveyances across various lines throughout the South of Ireland, opening new sources of profit to merchants and farmers. His large establishment employed a vast number of people, who deeply mourned the loss of their benefactor.

37. Youghal main street fire and militia response

    Youghal · town · Cork · 1855–1856

    While the Limerick City Regiment of Militia was stationed at Youghal, a major fire broke out before dawn in the main street, threatening to destroy the entire town. Officers and men of the regiment exerted themselves to contain the blaze, saving property and likely lives, and the Youghal town council passed a vote of thanks to the regiment.

    Read the passage

    Some months after, whikt the regiment was stationed at Youghal, a disastrous fire was observed before the early dawn of morn to have broken out in the main street, and which bid fair to destroy the whole town, but through the indefatigable exertion of the officers and men, the fire was kept under, thereby saving much property, and, in all human probability, many lives, that must otherwise have been inevitably destroyed by the flames.

    The town council of Youghal at their next meeting passed a warm rote of thanks to the officers and men of the regiment for their praiseworthy conduct on that occ ision. And on a more recent occasion, in our own city, on the morning of the great fire in William Street, in 1860, the conduct of the Limerick artillery was the theme of general admiration.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 451

38. Ancient town of Adare and abbey clearing

    Adare · townland · Limerick · 1840–1850

    The ancient town of Adare was situated on the eastern bank of the river Maig near the castle, with the ancient parish church about half a mile from the present town. When the abbey interior was cleared of tombs and heaps of skulls and bones, military had to be brought from Limerick as locals refused to help.

    Read the passage

    The ancient town of Adare was situated on the eastern bank of the river Maig, near the castle, and the ancient parish church, which is now within the demesne, and about half-a-mile distant from the present town, which is situated on the western bank of the river. When the interior of the abbey was ordered to be cleared of its tombs and heaps of skulls and bones, some forty years ago, a party of military had to be brought in from Limerick, as the people around could not be induced to aid in the work ol removal.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 418

39. Burgate brothers tombstone in Dominican cloister

    Kilmallock · town · Limerick · 1641

    A broken tombstone in the cloister of the Dominican Abbey commemorates three brothers of the Burgate family, described as martyrs of loyalty, slain in the war of 1641.

    Read the passage

    rain, non vi sed saepe cadendo. This is called the '* Braon Shinsior", or hereditary drop, and is recrarded as a mark of the divine displeasure for the cruelty of the White Knight to his Catholic countrymen. In the cloister is flung another broken tombstone of three brothers of the Burgate family, martyrs of loyalty, slain in the war of 1641. The conventual buildings which lie at the north side of the cloister, consist of the usual compartments of such buildings, such as a great kitchen, refectory, dormitories, schools, prior's and professors' apartments.

    In an inquisition taken in twenty-ninth Elizabeth, the abbey is valued at the annual sum of 6s. 8d., and is called by the name of Flaclspaghe, a designation not very intelligible.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 432

40. Catholic Board declared unlawful assembly

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1814

    On 4 June 1814 the Lord Lieutenant and Privy Council issued a proclamation declaring the Catholic Board an unlawful assembly and ordering all to abstain from its proceedings. This did not damp the ardour of the Catholics.

    Read the passage

    vindicate the rights of petition, and to denounce the conduct of the government. Mr. John Howley, jun.' had presided at the Limerick meeting which took place on the 24th of August, 1812, and which was attended by Daniel O'Connell, Counsellor Casey, Counsellor O'Gorman, &c., and which was a noble meeting, where resolutions were adopted proclaiming the right of petition, thanking the most noble the Earl of Fingal for having taken his proper place at the head of the Cathohcs of Ireland, thanking the honest Protestant, George Lidwell, Esq., and declaring their determination to cooperate with the general committee of the Catholics of Ireland for a redress of grievances. 2 The fight was carried on nobly, unflinchingly, and resolutely. The Catholic Board was formed by Daniel O'Connell, and continued to work zealously ; but on the 4th of June, 1814, the Lord Lieutenant and Privy Council issued aproclamation by which they declared the CathoHc Board an unlawful assembly, and ordered all to abstain from its proceedings ! This did notdampthe ardour of theCatholics. To add to the troubles of the times, an unexpected peace with France was proclaimed, by the banishment of Bonaparte to Elba. The]?eacewasproclaimed on the 27th of June in Limerick, whenprices which the month before had been unprecedentedly high, fell, to the ruin of many speculators. Among themilitiaregimentsdisembodiedinthemonth after,wasthe county of Limerick regiment, whena mutiny had nearly resulted, owing to thefact

    ' The present Mr. Sergeant Howler, Q.C. * State of the Catholic Cause, Dublin, 1812.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 247

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up through Limerick. This city saw a gathering in August 1812 that matters to the story. John Howley Junior presided over a meeting here, and Daniel O'Connell was there, along with Counsellor Casey and Counsellor O'Gorman. The meeting passed resolutions proclaiming the right of petition, thanking the Earl of Fingal for taking his place at the head of the Catholics of Ireland, thanking George Lidwell, an honest Protestant, and declaring their determination to cooperate with the general committee of the Catholics of Ireland for redress of grievances. Daniel O'Connell formed the Catholic Board, which worked zealously. But on the 4th of June, 1814, the Lord Lieutenant and Privy Council issued a proclamation declaring the Catholic Board an unlawful assembly, and ordered all to abstain from its proceedings. This did not damp the ardour of the Catholics. To add to the troubles of the times, peace with France was proclaimed on the 27th of June in Limerick, after the banishment of Bonaparte to Elba. Prices that the month before had been unprecedentedly high then fell, to the ruin of many speculators. Among the militia regiments disembodied in the month after was the county of Limerick regiment, when a mutiny had nearly resulted.

41. Colonel Lutterel killed in Dublin streets

    Dublin · city · Dublin

    Colonel Henry Lutterel was not killed during the siege or the war, but met a violent death in the streets of Dublin some years afterwards.

    Read the passage

    A deserter gave them an account, " that Colonel Dddrington, Colonel Garret Moore, Sir Maurice Eustace, and Colonel Lutterel were killed in the sally.'' Eustace was not killed ; and it is equally certain that Colonel Henry Lutterel was not killed then or during the war; but that he did meet a violent death, in the streets of Dublin, some years afterwards, will appear hereafter. King William was everywhere at this particular juncture : balls and shot flying about him, he braved danger defiantly, and seemed to value life far less than success in those efforts, the issue of which he looked forward to as the means of affording him a more secure footing than he had hitherto possessed. Harris says^ that the engineers assured King William that the breach was sufficiently large, but '^could not be enlarged for want of bullets.'" The walls, therefore, which at first could be taken, according to Lauzun, with roasted apples, gave way but a few yards in breadth before the fire that had been so long poured upon them. William complained bitterly of his men.^

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 136

42. Oak from Cratloe woods used to roof Aileach palace

    Cratloe · town · Clare · 900–950

    According to O'Curry, Northern bands had raided the celebrated woods of Creatalach (Cratloe) two centuries before Murtagh's revenge, carrying away prime oak that roofed and adorned the palace of Aileach.

    Read the passage

    * ]\Ir. O'Curry adds that " with these stones [which the soldiers brought in their sacks] Murtagh O'Brien afterwards built a parapet upon the top of his royal palace, (which is situute on the site of the present Cathedral of Limerick) as a perpetual memorial of his victory over the ancient enemies of his house." Mr. O'Curry adds, " I may mention that this was not a wanton deed of destruction on the part of O'Brien, but a retaliation for a similar insult which the Northern bands, two hundred years before that, offered to the Dalcassians, when tbey made a sudden and unexpected rush into that country, and cut down, and carried away by force, from the celebrated woods of Creatalach (Cratloe, I believe) as much prime oak as roofed and adorned the same palace of Aileach."' The Grainan of Aileach is situate in the county of Donegal, about a milo from tha county of Derry, and on the top of a mountain 802 feet high, to which it has given its name of Grainan. The Ordnance Survey of Londonderry (page 217) gives a graphic description and account of this very curious and celebrated ancient construction ; and we refer the reader to that extremely interesting volume for the fullest particulars on the subject.

    24 HlStORY OF LlMERlC^.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 21

43. Storm causes house collapse killing woman in Irishtown, Limerick

    Irishtown · townland · Limerick · 1816

    On March 3rd and 4th, 1816, Limerick was visited by another terrible storm. An old uninhabited house opposite the old market house in the Irishtown fell and crushed to death a poor old woman named Dairs.

    Read the passage

    March 3rd and 4th. — The city was visited with another of those terrible storms which are of such frequent occurrence, and which have been noted, from the very earliest times, in our annals. Several vessels in the harbour drifted from their moorings. An old uninhabited house, opposite the old market house in the Irishtown, fell, and crushed to death a poor old woman of the name of Dairs.

    The severity of the past winter is said to be greater than was experienced for the twenty preceding years.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 249

    As the companion tells it

    Close to Irishtown, a storm left its mark in March 1816. On the 3rd and 4th of that month, Limerick was hit by another of those terrible storms the annals record from the earliest times. Several vessels in the harbour drifted from their moorings. An old uninhabited house, opposite the old market house in the Irishtown, fell, and crushed to death a poor old woman of the name of Dairs. The winter that had just passed was said to be worse than any in the twenty years before it.

44. 1797 Limerick City Parliamentary Election

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1797

    A fiercely contested election for the representation of Limerick city took place in 1797, featuring candidates such as Colonel Charles Vereker and Thomas Maunsell. The election commenced on July 31st and lasted until August 9th.

    Read the passage

    One of the warmest contests for the representation of the city that had taken place uj) to 1897, signahsed that year. The election commenced on the 31st of July in that year, and ended on the 9th of August. The sheriffs were Messrs. Eobert Briscoe and Andrew Watson. The candidates were Colonel Charles Vereker, who was proposed by Colonel J. P. Smyth, seconded by Sir Yere Hunt, Bart. Thomas Maunsell, Esq., proposed by Captain Prancis Arthur (whose trial and persecution in 1798, we give in the note in the fullest detail) seconded by Alderman WiUiam Pitzgerald ; Henry Deane Grady, Esq., proposed by Sir Richard Quin, Bart., seconded by Sober Hall, Esq. ; Joseph Gabbett, Esq., proposed by Eyre Burton Powell, Esq., seconded by Ptobert Maunsell, Esq. Colonel Vereker was the

    ' According to Madden and his authorities the rebellion, cost the British Government 70,000 lives (about 50,000 being of the Irish party), and upwards of twenty millions of pounds sterling 1 The Irish population even then exceeded 4,000,000. In William's three campaigns, which cost about half the money, (see Stowe and O'Callaghan) the Irish population were only 1,500,000, of whom 100,000 were slain, and 300,000 ruined of the Catholic portion of it.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 229

    As the companion tells it

    As you travel through Limerick, this is the city that saw one of its warmest parliamentary contests in 1797. The election ran from the 31st of July to the 9th of August that year. The sheriffs overseeing it were Robert Briscoe and Andrew Watson. Four men stood for the representation of the city. Colonel Charles Vereker was proposed by Colonel J. P. Smyth and seconded by Sir Vere Hunt, Bart. Thomas Maunsell was proposed by Captain Francis Arthur, a man whose trial and persecution in 1798 the source records in full detail, and seconded by Alderman William Fitzgerald. Henry Deane Grady was proposed by Sir Richard Quin, Bart., and seconded by Sober Hall. Joseph Gabbett was proposed by Eyre Burton Powell and seconded by Robert Maunsell. The source notes that Colonel Vereker was the winning candidate, though the record cuts off before giving the full result. The contest marked a year of deep political tension in Limerick, with families of standing lining up on either side of the candidates.

45. Adare Castle garrison starved into cutting passage to river

    Adare · townland · Limerick · 1600

    In 1600 Adare Castle was besieged again and the garrison went many days without food, obliging them to cut a subterraneous passage to the bed of the river.

    Read the passage

    1600. Castle besieged again, garrison for many days without food, and obliged to cut a subterraneous passage to the bed of the river.

    1641. Castle seized by the insurgents, who however were driven out by the Earl of Castlehaven.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 417

46. Arms licensing commissioners for Limerick city and county

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1693–1700

    Named gentlemen, many of whom had obtained grants of forfeited Catholic lands, were appointed to issue arms licences for the city and county of Limerick. They granted arms only to their own dependents, effectively disarming Catholics wholesale.

    Read the passage

    In a Avord, the ink was scarcely dry on the treaty, when the triumphant faction made no scruple of their determination to wreak vengeance on the uoAV prostrate Catholics of Ireland with more ihan early bitterness and cruelty. A medal was struck in which the insolence of the chance victor was clearly manifested. The test oath was forced by Act of Parhament to be taken by mayors and sheriffs in corporate towns and cities. In Limerick, John Eoord was the first mayor who took this abominable oath ; he was a mei-chaut of no great wealth or position ; but he was obsequiously imitated by William Davis and Abraham Bowman, the sheriSs. This was in 1693, the year after the treaty. An act similar in terms and in effect was passed in the I4tli of Charles II. for the same alleged reason, viz. that, accordmg to Harris, "it was necessary and beneficial;" but in Charleses time it could not be carried into efl^ect — ^it became wholly inoperative. The efi'ect of this nefarious enactment changed, at once, the position of the entire Catholic body. In Limerick, even in dark and evil days, the Catholics made a noble stand against the advances of bigotry. The guilds of trade, which were recognised by the charter of Edward I. and which had received their incoi-poration from the municipal body, had been hitherto for several years composed, in a great measure, of Catholic artizans ; these guilds now becnme dens of Orange rancour. An a])prcntice to the Avoollen, or almost any other manufacture, should be a Protestant. No CathoHc child was admitted to indentureship. Under the pretext of retaliation, the worst deeds were perpetrated. Because, it was said. King James had disarmed certain ultra Protestants, William disarmed Catholics wholesale; Because some injustice was perpetrated on one side, the other should rob, and banish, and plunder with impunity ! We draw a veil over many of the atrocious and terrible acts of these most awful thnes. The Catholics were disarmed wholesale. The gentlemen appointed to give licenses for carrying arms in the city and county of Limerick were of the" true blue stamp and complexion : they were men who, a few years before, had obtained grants of forfeited, or rather of plundered lands from " Irish Papists." The following are their names : — Sir Simon Eaton, Bart., Sir William King, Knt., the Mayor of Limerick ; Eobert Taylor, Eichard ]\Iaguire, Arthur Ormsby, George Evans, Sen., Ralph WUson, Simon Purdon, Joseph Stepney, Edmond Pery, William Cox, John Dickson, Humphrey Hartwell, George Evans, Jun.. Hugh IMassy, Thomas Holmes, Henry Westenra, John Otway, David Wilson, and Charles Oliver, Esqrs. They gave arms, but only to their own creatures, slaves or dependents.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 163

    As the companion tells it

    As you travel through Limerick, you are in a city where, after the treaty, the victorious faction set out to dispossess and disarm Catholics wholesale. The ink was scarcely dry on the treaty when a test oath was forced by Act of Parliament on mayors and sheriffs in corporate towns. In 1693, the year after the treaty, John Goord became the first mayor of Limerick to take this oath. He was a merchant of no great wealth or position, but the sheriffs, William Davis and Abraham Bowman, followed his lead. The guilds of trade, recognised by the charter of Edward the First, had long been composed largely of Catholic artisans. Now an apprentice to the woollen or any other manufacture had to be a Protestant. No Catholic child was admitted to indentureship. Under the pretext of retaliation, William disarmed Catholics wholesale. The gentlemen appointed to give licences for carrying arms in the city and county of Limerick were men who, a few years before, had obtained grants of forfeited, or rather plundered, lands from, in the source's words, "Irish Papists." Their names included Sir Simon Eaton, Sir William King, the Mayor of Limerick, Robert Taylor, Richard Maguire, Arthur Ormsby, George Evans, Ralph Wilson, Simon Purdon, Joseph Stepney, Edmond Pery, William Cox, John Dickson, Humphrey Hartwell, George Evans Junior, Hugh Massy, Thomas Holmes, Henry Westenra, John Otway, David Wilson, and Charles Oliver. They gave arms, but only to their own creatures, slaves or dependents.

47. Athlunkard Bridge site linked to William III's crossings

    Athlunkard · townland · Clare · 1825

    In 1825 a bill was passed for erecting a bridge across the Shannon at or near Athlunkard, on the historical spot where William III's army crossed in 1690 and 1691. The Wellesley Bridge Act had been passed the previous year, 1823.

    Read the passage

    In 1823 an act was passed for remodelling the Corporation of Limerick, wliich for so very long a time, had been so obnoxious to the citizens of every party 'and persuasion, and so injurious to the best interests of the city in general. In the samel year the Wellesley Bridge Act was passed. In 1825, another bill was passed for the erection of a bridge across the Shannon, at or near Athlunkard, and for making approaches thereto. The historical place selected for the erection of this bridge is near the spot where the army of William III. crossed in 1690 and 1691. In 1825, the exports consisted of 2654 tierces and 258 barrels of beef, 4417 tierces and 9100 barrels of pork, 19,750 cwt. of bacon, 65,000 firkins of butter, 61,000 barrels of wheat, 364,000 barrels of oats, and 12,500 barrels of barley. In 1792 the population, as estimated by Dr. Beaufort, was 40,000, with 4,900 houses. In 1821, as was ascertained under Act 55 George III. c. 120, the city contained 7,208 houses, 12,419 famihes, 28,117 males, 30,928 females, making a total of 59,045 inhabitants. During these and subsequent years, the conduct of the Corporation had continued to bring down upon it the indignation of the public. Mr. Eice grappled with the enormities of that body, but was unable to check its extravagance, which went on from day to day without

    November 4th Three men eentenced in the County Court to transportation under the

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 261

48. Battle at Cookstown (Knwickstown) — Baron Kent and Barnwall slain

    Monabraher · townland · Limerick

    O'Brien attacked the English army as it took a short cut through Monabraher near Limerick to Limerick. O'Brien slew Baron Kent and Barnwall at Knwickstown, now Cookstown in Meath, and the English army escaped by flight.

    Read the passage

    attended by the cliiefs of the English and Irish of Leinster. He erected a castle at Carrig-Citalj now Carrick-Kettle^ in the Barony of Small County^ county of Limerick, in desjaite of the Irish. O^Donnell followed with a small number of troops to assist him, through Meath, and went westward into Munster until he joined him at that place. Then they passed into Ealla, (Duhallow, county Cork), and they took the castle of Caen-tuirc (the head or perhaps hill of the boar — now Kanturk — see Smithes history of Cork, vol. II. c. 6) and plundered the country. Then proceeding into great Desmond, they took the castle of Paihs (a castle on an eminence near Laune Bridge, Killarney — ^Windel^'s Historical and Descriptive Notes of Cork, 2nd Ed. pp. 386, 387), and another castle on the banks of the Noer Mang (Maine, near the Bay of Castlemaiue, county of Kerry), after which they returned into Limerick. They then mustered additional forces ; and the Geral dines of Munster, under the conduct of James, son of the Earl of Desmond, and all the English of Munster, and also McCarthy Reagh (Donald, son of Dermott, who was son of Fineen), Cormac Oge, who was the son of Cormac, son of Teige, and the Enghsh and Irish of Leinster, proceeded into Limerick. Turlough, the son of Teige O^Brien, Lord of Thomond, with all his forces, and M'Namara, the son of Silaedha, and the Clanrickarde, mustered another numerous army to oppose them. The Earl, i.e. the Lord Justice, marched with his army through Bealach-na-Fadbaighe, and Bealach-na-nghaimr, the old names of the roads to Portcroise, until he arrived at a wooden bridge, i.e. the bridge of Portcroise already referred to, which O'Brien had constructed over the Shannon ; and he broke down the bridge, and encamped for the night in the country. — O'Brien had encamped so near them, that they used to hear each other's voices during the night. On the morrow, the Lord Justice mustered his army, placing the English and Irish of IMunster in the van, and the Enghsh of Meath and Dublm in the rere, O'Donuell, and his smaU body of troops, joined the Enghsh of Meath and Dublin in the rere ; and they all took the short cut through ]\Ior-na-in-brather [Monabraher near Limerick] to Limerick. O'Brien attacked the English, and slew the Baron Kent and Barnwall at Ku'wickstown [now Cookstown, in Meath], and many other men of distinction not enumerated. The English army escaped by flight, and the army of O'Brien returned in triumph with great spoils. There was not, in either army, that day, a man who won more fame than O'Donnell.' The Four Masters, says O'Donovan, always praise an O'Donnell, at which we cannot be surprised, as founders of then- monastery.^

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 44

49. Battle of the Mayor's Stone — guild brawl outside Thomond Gate

    Thomondgate · street · Limerick

    The Limerick guilds had several severe contests and bloody battles among themselves, one of which was commemorated in a ballad called 'The Battle of the Mayor's Stone.' The Clothiers, led by Captain Bennis, fought against the Weavers, Carpenters, Masons, Tinkers, and other trades near Thomond Gate.

    Read the passage

    elections. Mr. Charles Smyth was therefore returned. But the guilds did not at all times agree among themselves. On the contrary, they had several severe contests and bloody battles, one of which has been handed down to us in verse, which commemorates

    THE BATTLE OF THE MAYOR'S STONE,*

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 185

    As the companion tells it

    Along here, just outside Thomond Gate, the Limerick guilds fought each other in bloody battles. One was remembered in a ballad called The Battle of the Mayor's Stone. The Clothiers, led by Captain Bennis, faced the Weavers, Carpenters, Masons, Tinkers and other trades. The guilds did not always agree, and the fighting here was severe.

50. Benburb battle of 1646

    Benburb · townland · Tyrone · 1646

    The battle of Benburb was fought in 1646, and the victory was later celebrated.

    Read the passage

    to Franciscan convent, 658. Benburb, battle of, 157; victory celebrated, 592. Benburb and the Jesuits, 6G6. Benedict, St. [see Saints'] order of, 4. Benevolent Annuity Society, 1768, 379. Berwick, Duke of, his marriage to Burke, 133, 250. Berwick, Duchess of, account of, 210. Bianconi, Charles, Esq., D.L,, notice of, 441, 477-

    his establishments, 442 to 444 ; ears established.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 457

51. Benzoni's statue of the Blessed Virgin in Limerick Cathedral

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1859

    William Monsell MP presented Benzoni's white marble statue of the Blessed Virgin to the new Cathedral of Limerick. Pope Pius IX granted indulgences in January 1859 to those who pray before the statue.

    Read the passage

    " Mr. William Monsell, a Catholic member of the British Parliament, having presented a beautiful marble statue, the work of the sculptor Benzoni, to the ncAv Cathedral of Limerick, is anxious that indulgences shall be granted to such as shall pray before the statue as well as to those who shall contribute towards the decoration of our Lady's Chapel in the same Cathedral. To render these indulgences more precious, he requests that they may be subscribed by His Holiness's own hand.

    "Eome, at S. P. 1859, 14th day of January.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 391

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, the new Cathedral holds a white marble statue of the Blessed Virgin, carved by the sculptor Benzoni. William Monsell, a Catholic member of the British Parliament, presented it to the Cathedral. He asked that indulgences be granted to anyone who prays before the statue, and to those who contribute toward decorating Our Lady's Chapel in the same Cathedral. He asked that the indulgences be signed by the Pope's own hand, to make them more precious. Pope Pius IX granted them in Rome on the 14th of January 1859.

52. Bishop Digby's house at Limerick occupied by Tyrconnell

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1690

    Simon Digby, Protestant Bishop of Limerick, wrote in a letter dated Dublin, July 22nd 1690, that Lord Tyrconnell had taken up quarters in the Bishop's house at Limerick, where all books and papers belonging to the diocese were kept. Digby feared the house would be plundered on Tyrconnell's account when English forces entered.

    Read the passage

    Simon Digby, Protestant Bishop of Limerick, in an autograph letter to Sir Eobert Southwell, at the Camp, dated DubUn, July 2£nd, 1690, now stated that- " he has already had one house plundered by the Irish. The Lord Tyrconnell had taken up his quarters in the Bishop's house at Limerick, in which were all the books and papers belonging to the diocese, fearmg the house, on the entering of the English forces, would be plundered on TyrconuelFs account, and therefore entreats some officer may be entrusted with the order to save it.''''^

    And now the great achievement of the siege was being developed. A terrific hand to hand struggle was to be made to test the prowess of the Irish and the WiUiamites. The roar and thunder of the guns were now heard in every direction, when a French deserter from "William's camp having made his way into the city, gave information of the state of the Williamite artillery, which

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 131

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, there is a story from 1690 that reaches back to this city. Simon Digby was the Protestant Bishop of Limerick. On July 22nd 1690, writing from Dublin to Sir Robert Southwell at the camp, he said he had already had one house plundered by the Irish. Now Lord Tyrconnell had taken up his quarters in the Bishop's house at Limerick. All the books and papers belonging to the diocese were in that house. Digby feared that when the English forces entered the city, the house would be plundered on Tyrconnell's account. He entreated that some officer might be entrusted with an order to save it. The siege was closing in around Limerick. A hand to hand struggle was coming to test the Irish and the Williamites. The roar and thunder of guns was heard in every direction. A French deserter from William's camp made his way into the city and gave information on the state of the Williamite artillery.

53. Bishop of Ossory suspended at Deer Park

    Deer Park · minor feature · Limerick · 1690

    While in camp near Carrick-on-Suir at a place called Deer Park, William directed his secretary to write to the Protestant Bishop of Ossory, suspending him for refusing to pray for him.

    Read the passage

    It is certain that William, who had set out on his march to Limerick on the 9th of July, made several delays, and spoke of returning to England, in the hope that he might be able to induce Tyrconnell to enter into a satisfactory negociation. In his progress he was accompanied by the Duke of Ormonde, with whom he dined at his castle of Kilkenny, where, no doubt, he admired the magnificent gallery of paintings, which included portraits of the unfortunate Earl of Strafford in his younger days and towards the close of his puzzling career.* Erom Kilkenny, on Sunday the 20th, they marched six miles farther, to Mr. Read^s, of Rossenara, where they encamped ; on the following day, they reached Carrick-on-Suir, where also they encamped, and viewed the residence of the Duke of Ormonde, whose ancestor, Edward Boteler, or Butler, in the reign of Edward II. obtained the honor of Earl of Carrick, which the Duke now enjoyed. While in camp near Carrick-on-Suir, I believe at a place caUed Deer Park, a few miles on the Clonmel road, WiUiam, who had heard that Thomas Otway, Protestant Bishop of Ossory, refused to pray for him, directed his secretary. Sir William Southwell, to write to the Bishop, suspending him till further orders. William now summoned Waterford, which surrendered ; and here again he spoke of going to England, but did not do so, and joined the army on the 2nd of August at Golden Bridge.

    While Wilham was at Golden Bridge, he was waited on by the Mayor and Corporation of Cashel, who presented him with a petition on the subject of their displacement by James, and he gave them a letter restoring them to their ancient rights and privileges, and naming Mayor, Aldermen, and Officers of the Corporation.^

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 125

54. Brian Boru's body buried in Armagh Cathedral

    near Armagh · town · Armagh · 1014

    After the Battle of Clontarf, monks of St. Columba at Swords came to retrieve Brian's body for burial in the Cathedral of Armagh. Brian was laid at the north side and his son Murrough and relatives at the south. The clergy of St. Patrick kept watch for twelve nights.

    Read the passage

    The body of young Tiirlogh O'Brien was found in the wators of Tolka with his hands entangled in the hair of a Dane. Of the other distinguished fami- Hes of Ireland ahnost every one lost a member. On the day after the battle the wounded were conveyed to the camp at Kihnainham, and on the next day the monks of St. Columba at Swords came to bear away the body of Brian in order to buiy it in the Cathedi-al of Armagh, where it was deposited at the north side of the Cathedral, and those of Murrough and his relatives at the South. For twelve successive nights, according to the Annals/ the clergy of St. Patrick kept watch over the dead, chaunted hymns and oflered up prayers for the souls of the heroes.^

    It appears from an account' taken from the archives of Denmark by Torfgeus, historiographer to Christian V, that equally with the Irish, Danes were engaged at opposite sides in the battle of Clontarf. This historian describes Brian as " a Prince justly celebrated for clemency, lenity and many other virtues. ■'•' -,

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 16

55. Christian Brothers schools founded in Sexton Street and Clare Street

    Sexton Street · street · Limerick · 1816

    In June 1816, Edmond Rice established Christian Brothers schools in Sexton Street and Clare Street, Limerick, sending Mr. Grace and other brothers to take charge, at the invitation of Dr. Tuohy who sought to aid the education of the poor.

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    But It was not in his public acts as protesting against the conduct of the government and its partizans, that Dr. Tuohy signalized himself One of the greatest boons that ever had been conferred on the Catholics of Limerick was mainly attributable to his exertions. He conceived the design of calling to the aid of the education of the poor the invaluable services of the Christian Brothers. The order had been for some few years established in Waterford by its eminent founder, Mr. Edmond Rice ; and the jjrcat benefit it had conferred on that city was sufficient to induce the blsliop to invite Mr. Rice to Limerick, in order that he might establish his order in the city. Accordingly, In June, 1816, the Schools in Sexton Street- and in Clare Street, Limerick, were established by JNIr. Rice, who sent Mr. Grace and other Christian Brothers to take charge. The year previous, namely on the 1st of January, 1815, a bell was for the first time erected in the parochial church of St. Michael's, which, though built thirty-six years before, had not been furnished with a bell, though six or seven years before a bell was hung over the dwelling of the Franciscan Fathers In Newgate Lane.

    Dr. Tuohy lived to witness many great changes in the position and prospects of the people of Ireland, and it must be said that he aided the

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 365

    As the companion tells it

    Along here in Sexton Street, Christian Brothers schools were established in June 1816. The story begins with Dr. Tuohy, who conceived the design of calling to the aid of the education of the poor the invaluable services of the Christian Brothers. The order had been established in Waterford some few years before by its eminent founder, Mr. Edmond Rice, and the great benefit it had conferred on that city was enough to induce the bishop to invite Rice to Limerick, so that he might establish his order in the city. Rice did so. In June 1816 the schools in Sexton Street and in Clare Street were established, and Rice sent Mr. Grace and other Christian Brothers to take charge. The year before, on the 1st of January 1815, a bell was erected for the first time in the parochial church of St. Michael's, which though built 36 years before had not been furnished with one. Dr. Tuohy lived to witness many great changes in the position and prospects of the people of Ireland, and it must be said that he aided them.

56. Clare gentry in King James's army

    near Clare · population centre · Clare

    James Moloney, a relative of Bishop O'Moloney, served as a lieutenant in Colonel Charles O'Bryan's infantry regiment during the Jacobite wars. This distinguished regiment was principally formed from the gentry of County Clare.

    Read the passage

    The Right Rev. Dr. O'Moloney succeeded in 1687. He was second son of John O'Moloney, Esq., of Kiltannon, county Clare. James O'Moloney, Esq., son of the elder brother of the bishop, served first in King James's army and afterwards in tliat of King William.' A James Moloney, most probably the officer in question, appears as lieutenant in the infantry regiment of Colonel Charles O'Bryan, a distinguished regiment, which was principally formed of the gentry of Clare, "while m the sarae^ regiment Daniel Moloney appears as captain, whose property was sold in 1703 by the Commissioners of Forfeitures to Thomas St. John, of

    ^ Dr. Moran's Life of Oliver Plunhett. t Ibid.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 352

57. Congregated Trades and Mechanics' Institute, Limerick

    Limerick · city · Limerick

    The fifteen corporations of Limerick no longer exist, but the congregated trades maintained the Mechanics' Institute at Bank Place as a news room, library, and meeting place. The trades were foremost in supporting Daniel O'Connell's campaigns for Catholic Emancipation and parliamentary and municipal reform.

    Read the passage

    " THE FIFTEEN CORPORATIONS". The Congregated Trades, note pp. 361-2. Though " the fifteen corporations" no longer exist, as set forth in the above note, yet the congregated trades of Limerick constitute a numerous and deserving body of industrious, intelligent artizans, whose news room, library, and place of meeting, the Mechanics' Institute, Bank Place, are very well conducted. Some of the charters which the corporation granted to certain trades, if not to all of them, in other times, are extant, but the great majority of them have perished. The fifteen corporations made a conspicuous figure on all public occasions in former days, while it must be added that the congregated trades have been at all times ibremost in the candid manifestation of their sympathy and cooperation in the struggles of Daniel U'Connell for Catholic Emancipation, parliamentary and municipal reform, etc. Lectures have been occasionally given at the Mechanics' Listitute ; and it is highly creditable to the public spirit of the congregated trades that they have been able, even in times of depression and difficulty, to support an institute which is calculated to confer many advantages upon its members. The most ancient seal extant connected with the trades of Limerick is that of "the barbers chirurgeons '. It has the motto under the arms " Christus, Salus Nostra" — and the legend surrounding the arms, "The arms of the barbers, chirurgeons, or Guild of St. My. Magdalene". " Granted by Henry VI.".

    THE LIMERICK CEMETERIES.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, the city once held fifteen corporations of trades that no longer exist. The congregated trades of Limerick kept up the Mechanics' Institute at Bank Place, with its news room, library, and meeting place, and it was very well conducted. Some of the charters the corporations granted to certain trades in former times are still extant, but the great majority have perished. In former days the fifteen corporations made a conspicuous figure on all public occasions. The congregated trades were at all times foremost in their sympathy and cooperation in the struggles of Daniel O'Connell for Catholic Emancipation, parliamentary and municipal reform. Lectures were occasionally given at the Mechanics' Institute, and it is creditable to the public spirit of the trades that they were able, even in times of depression and difficulty, to support an institute calculated to confer many advantages on its members. The most ancient seal still extant connected with the trades of Limerick is that of the barbers chirurgeons. It bears the motto "Christus, Salus Nostra" and the legend surrounding the arms reads "The arms of the barbers, chirurgeons, or Guild of St. Mary Magdalene." It was granted by Henry VI.

58. Cormac returns in triumph to Cashel after defeating Flan

    Cashel · town · Tipperary · 906–907

    After overthrowing Flan in battle and taking pledges from him, King-Bishop Cormac returned to Cashel where he was welcomed with joyous acclamations by his people who regarded him as their deliverer.

    Read the passage

    But Cormac was not destined to remain long in the peaceable possession of his rights. Flan, son of MelsechHn, king of Ireland, with a great army invaded Munster, A.D. 906, and destroyed it as far as Limerick ; Malachy or MelsechHn, who had been king of Temora, ascended the throne of Ireland, on the death of Hugh, A.D. 879. Cairbhall, son of Muiregan, aided Flan in this expedition : Cormac fled, but the year following, resenting the injuries he had sustained, he entered Meath with his u'resistible Dalcassians, overthrew Flan in battle, took pledges from him for the performance of certain articles of agreement, and returned in triumph to Cashel, where he was welcomed by the joyous acclamations of his people, who regarded him as their dehverer from the bondage of domestic as well as foreign enemies.^ The spirit of Flan was unsubdued by the triumph of Cormac^s arms ; another and a more successful attempt was made by him soon afterwards in 908 to recover the losses he had endured. Confederating with the Kings of Leinster and Connaught, he again invaded Munster with a powerful force. The opposing armies met on the 16th of August on the plains of Moy-Albe; the battle was fierce, sanguinary, and protracted, and resulted in the death of the indomitable King-Bishop Cormac, whose army, losing heart at his fall, were overpowered ; and on that fatal day most of the Chiefs or Leaders or Princes were also killed ; amongst them are noticed Fogertach of Kerry, and KeUach of Ossory.^

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 11

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up now is Cashel, the town in Tipperary you are passing through. In 906, Flan, son of Melsechlin, king of Ireland, invaded Munster with a great army and destroyed it as far as Limerick. Cairbhall, son of Muiregan, aided Flan in this expedition. Cormac fled. But the year following, resenting the injuries he had sustained, he entered Meath with his irresistible Dalcassians, overthrew Flan in battle, took pledges from him for the performance of certain articles of agreement, and returned in triumph to Cashel, where he was welcomed by the joyous acclamations of his people, who regarded him as their deliverer from the bondage of domestic as well as foreign enemies. The spirit of Flan was unsubdued by the triumph of Cormac's arms. Another and a more successful attempt was made by him soon afterwards in 908 to recover the losses he had endured. Confederating with the Kings of Leinster and Connaught, he again invaded Munster with a powerful force. The opposing armies met on the 16th of August on the plains of Moy-Albe. The battle was fierce, sanguinary, and protracted, and resulted in the death of the indomitable King-Bishop Cormac, whose army, losing heart at his fall, were overpowered. On that fatal day most of the Chiefs or Leaders or Princes were also killed, amongst them Fogertach of Kerry and Kellach of Ossory.

59. Countess Dowager of Antrim pawns jewels at Limerick

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1643

    Dame Elis Ny Neyl, Countess Dowager of Antrim, was reduced to extremity by the wars and pawned her rings, cross, and gold jewel set with rubies and diamonds. She was at Limerick on 9 September 1643 to arrange redemption of the jewels through Dr. Arthur.

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    1643. Dame Elis Ny Neyl, Countess Dowager of Antrim, by reason of the warrs, was reduced to extremitie, and driven to pavne her 2 rings, a cross, and a ievvell of gould, inlayed with rubbles and dyamonds, to John Barnevill, for £20 sterling, with a bill of sale past of' them, unless shee had redeemed the same by the 20th day of September, 1G43, which not being able to doe of her own raoneyes, was driven to mortgadge the premisses to Thomas Eoch Fitzl^yers, of Byrr, merchant, for the said sume of £20, which shee delivered to the said Barnevill in redemption of the said jevvells, and promised him, the said Roch, £20 10s. for lending her the said £20 from the 2nd of August to Michaelmas enseuing, 1643. And the said Countess being at Lymrick the 9th of September, 1643, desired me to pay the said Thomas Roch the said sume of £21, and to

    156 HISTORY OF LIMERICK.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 88

60. Cromwell's life-guard defeated at Nenagh by Irish forces

    Nenagh · town · Tipperary · 1652

    On 17 May 1652, Loughlen O'Meara and his foot, supported by Colonel Thibbot Gawley, defeated Cromwell's life-guard near the castle of Nenagh. The Irish killed 24 of the enemy, took 8 prisoners, and captured the camp plunder including tents and goods.

    Read the passage

    himself In wKite taffeta, and was tliiis Langed", going to_ tlie gallows as if to a wedding feast, joyfully — of tlie discovery of Dominick Fanning to the officer of the guard, in the church of St. Fiancis, to which he (Fanning) crept cold and starving, from his ancestors' tomh, where he had been concealed three days and nights before, and of that discovery by the treachery of a servant of Fanning's, who, contrary to the wish of the officer, who appeared desirous that Fanning should effisct his escape, not only revealed the name of his master, ^iit called the attention of the guards to him — said servant being immediately after killed by the guards for his treason to a good master. " These with several others of both clergie and laity, were pittifuUy mangled, massacred, hanged, and dragged, man, woman, and child, except the traytors, (a great multitude of these same in that furie perished",) etc. Ireton, as we have narrated, " dies of the plague and at the pointe of death was so nobly minded that lie commanded his lieutenant-generall, Edmund Ludloe, and the rest of his officers and commanders, to use all good behavior towards the said gentleman (Hugh O'Neill) — to send him with his own corpse into England, — and he did accompany Earthon's embalshomed fembalmed) corpse, and carryed it to London", etc. From this MS. we further learn more of the open treason of Fennel, and that Cromwell's hfe-guard was defeated at Nenagh on the 17th of May, 1652, by Loughlen O'Meara and his foot, supported by Colonel Thibbot Gawley, where, after a severe skirmish, near the castle of Nenagh, "at lengthe the Irish had the homiour of the fielde, did kill 24 of the ennemie, took 8 prisoners, gott the pilladge of the camp, many tents, and a world of goods, each ennemie was found with £15 in his pocketts — these men were never faced in Ireland before this day — being my Lord Cromwell's life-guard, all major officers, several taken prisoners in battles and defeates against the kinge (Charles I.), Avho vowed never to have seen (for so many) better soldiers than these Irish".

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 341

    As the companion tells it

    The road is bringing you into Nenagh, a town in Tipperary, and in 1652 it was where Cromwell's life-guard met a defeat they did not expect. On the 17th of May that year, Loughlen O'Meara and his foot soldiers, supported by Colonel Thibbot Gawley, fought them near the castle of Nenagh. It was a severe skirmish, but the Irish had the honour of the field. They killed 24 of the enemy and took 8 prisoners. They got the plunder of the camp, many tents, and what the source calls a world of goods. Each enemy soldier was found with 15 pounds in his pockets. These men were Cromwell's life-guard, all major officers, several of whom had been taken prisoner in earlier battles and defeats against King Charles the First. The source says they were never faced in Ireland before this day, and that they vowed never to have seen, for so many, better soldiers than these Irish. So what happened at Nenagh was not a routine skirmish. It was the loss of Cromwell's own guard, men who had fought through the wars in England and come to Ireland believing they could not be matched. Near the castle of this town, they were matched, and beaten, by Loughlen O'Meara's foot and Colonel Thibbot Gawley.