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. Construction of Cashel Cathedral

   Cashel · town · Tipperary · 1172

   The cathedral of Cashel was erected in 1172 by King Donald and his son Donagh Carbrac O'Brien in the Hiberno-Romanesque style. Limestone was the chief material employed in its construction, similar to Limerick.

   Read the passage

   direct the arcliitect of Manistcr Nenay, in 1148, when a colony from Mellifont established themselves at that place, at the invitation of King Turlogh O'Brien, who endowed magnificently the new establishment, and built their church at his own expense. We may add, that in the same style and exactly on the same plan w^as erected by King Donald and his son Donagh Carbrac O'Brien, the cathedral of Cashel, in 1172 (in the same year as that of Limerick), or that to which Cormac's chapel was but the chapter house, and monasteries Avithout number at Corcomroe, Holycross, etc. : this last was so often restored and improved, that all trace of the first Saxon erection has vanished: at Kilcooly, Canon Island on the Shannon, Peter's Cell in Limerick, also the grand Dominican Convent, and the Augustinian Nunnery ; the Franciscan Convent in Ennis, and in many other places : and in truth, it must be added, that as these are some of the oldest, so are they the finest in Munster. Athassel Abbey may alone be compared with them ; but all the erections of the Geraldines, Earls of Kildare, at Adaie, Desmond at Askeaton and Lislachtin, Clan Gibbons at BaUinegall and Killmallock, and of so many others who founded religious houses in latter times, fall immeasurably behind those of the O'Briens, The O'Briens were worthy of the distinguished architect, and he was worthy of them. In the cathedrals of Cashel and Limerick, particularly in the latter, limestone is the chief material employed.

   It is not our intention to d^vell on the transactions between King John and the English Church, or the struggles between the hierarchy and the crown for precedence.^ One of the very earliest acts of Bishop Donat Avas

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 319

2. Corcomroe Abbey, Our Lady of the Fruitful Rock

   Corcomroe · barony · Clare · 1194–1200

   In 1194, Donald, king of Limerick, founded the Cistertian abbey of Corcomroe in County Clare, called the abbey of Our Lady of the Fruitful Rock. It was situated in a very pleasant place and was a daughter house of the abbey of Furness in England. The cell of Kilsane was annexed to it. Some attribute the founding to his son Donogh Carbrac in 1200.

   Read the passage

   1194. In this year, Donald, king of Limerick, founded for Cistertian monks this abbey of Curcumroe, or Corcamrot, in the county Clare ; it was called the abbey of Our Lady of the Fruitful Rock ; it was situated in a very pleasant place and was daughter to the abbey of Furness in England. The cell of Kilsane was annexed to this abbey. Some say this abbey was founded by Donogh Carbrac, son of Donald, in 1200.

   Kilcotd. 1194. The same Donald founded in the county Tipperary, for the Cistertian monks, the abbey of Kilcoul, as appears by the charter of confirmation, granted to it by King Henry III., and which mentions it to be founded by King Donald O^Brien. The records of the Cistertian order mention it to be founded in the year 1200, and that consequently it must be by his son Donogh Carbrac. This house was a daughter of the abbey of Jerpont.

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 23

3. Cork gang robs shops in Broad Street, Limerick, 1800

   Broad Street · street · Limerick · 1800

   In July 1800, a gang of shop-lifters and robbers from Cork broke into shops on Broad Street in Limerick and carried off linen and other goods. The old town was neglected by the Corporation, with only decrepit old men serving as night watchmen, paid a few pence weekly by each shopkeeper.

   Read the passage

   It cannot be omitted that the state of the old town at this period, was utterly neglected by the Corporation ; there were no watchmen to look after the property of the citizens, or to call the hours at night, except a few decrepit old men who were paid a few pence weekly by each shopkeeper. The principal item of intelligence in the local journal for the mouth of July, 1800, is the existence of a gang of shop-lifters and robbers from Cork, who broke open and carried off several pieces of linen, &c., from shops in Broad-street.^

   But there were others not in the rauk of depredators or spoliators, who at this time made a noise in the old town ; and the parish of St. John in particular rang with the echoes of their wild revelry, while they caused their own names and fame to be wedded to verse to the immortal air

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 233

   As the companion tells it

   Along here on Broad Street, in July 1800, a gang of shop-lifters and robbers from Cork broke open shops and carried off several pieces of linen and other goods. The old town at this time was utterly neglected by the Corporation. There were no watchmen to look after the property of the citizens, or to call the hours at night, except a few decrepit old men who were paid a few pence weekly by each shopkeeper. The principal item of intelligence in the local journal for July 1800 was the existence of this gang. There were others, too, not in the rank of depredators or spoliators, who made a noise in the old town. The parish of St. John in particular rang with the echoes of their wild revelry, while they caused their own names and fame to be wedded to verse.

4. Corporation banquet to O'Connell in new theatre

   Limerick · city · Limerick · 1843

   During the Repeal agitation of 1843, the Limerick Corporation resolved that O'Connell's proceedings and the meetings held across the country were strictly legal and constitutional, and pledged continued support. A grand banquet was given to O'Connell in the new theatre in Limerick.

   Read the passage

   The question of Repeal continued to agitate the comitry from the centre to the sea. The greatest meetings that had ever been known in Ireland, not exceeded by those that had taken place during the anti-tithe campaign, were held in various places in Munster, Leinster, and Connaught. Limerick gave its weight and strength in the national movement. It was emphatically " the Repeal year", but in the autumn of the year, Government, which had already fortified the barracks, and indicated its intention to deal with the question with a strong hand, prepared to take legal measures against O'Connell and the popular leaders. The Corporation of Limerick met at this crisis, and an earnest resolution was adopted on the motion of Alderman Geary, seconded by Alderman Shannon, to the effect that they considered the proceedings adopted -within the year by O'Connell for procuring the Repeal of the legislative Union, and the meetings held in various parts of the country for that purpose, were strictly legal and constitutional, and did not call for or warrant the intervention of the executive. On the part of the people, they disclaimed the least intention of violating the laws or endangering the public peace, and solemnly protested against any infraction of theii' legal rights to meet and petition Parliament, upon the mere assumption that the public peace would be disturbed. The Corporation went further, and declared their dehberate intention to continue their support to O'Connell in the same constitutional course that had characterised the Repeal movement under his guidance. A copy of this resolution was forwarded to the Liberator, with the Corporation seal affixed. A grand banquet was also given to him in the new theatre.

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 287

   As the companion tells it

   As you come through Limerick, this city was at the heart of the Repeal agitation in 1843. The question of Repeal agitated the country from the centre to the sea, and the greatest meetings ever known in Ireland, not exceeded even by those of the anti-tithe campaign, were held across Munster, Leinster, and Connaught. Limerick gave its weight and strength to the national movement. It was emphatically "the Repeal year." But in the autumn, the Government, which had already fortified the barracks and indicated its intention to deal with the question with a strong hand, prepared to take legal measures against O'Connell and the popular leaders. At this crisis, the Corporation of Limerick met. On the motion of Alderman Geary, seconded by Alderman Shannon, they adopted an earnest resolution. They considered that the proceedings adopted within the year by O'Connell for procuring the Repeal of the legislative Union, and the meetings held in various parts of the country for that purpose, were strictly legal and constitutional, and did not call for or warrant the intervention of the executive. On the part of the people, they disclaimed the least intention of violating the laws or endangering the public peace, and solemnly protested against any infraction of their legal rights to meet and petition Parliament, upon the mere assumption that the public peace would be disturbed. The Corporation declared their deliberate intention to continue their support to O'Connell in the same constitutional course that had characterised the Repeal movement under his guidance. A copy of the resolution was forwarded to the Liberator, with the Corporation seal affixed. A grand banquet was also given to him in the new theatre.

5. Corporation leases public property to Lord Gort at Thomondgate and elsewhere

   Thomondgate · street · Limerick

   The Limerick Corporation proposed letting numerous lots of ground, houses and premises just out of lease at Thomondgate, Carr Street, Garryowen, John Street, Pennywell and other locations to Lord Viscount Gort on leases of lives renewable for ever, with a committee of Gort's own appointees fixing the rent, effectively plundering public property.

   Read the passage

   Such was a chairing in the times at which our history has arrived, and such was the enthusiasm of the citizens, though success did not smile on their exertions. The Corporation, in the face of these demonstrations, proceeded in its iniquitous and spohating courses. Hundreds of freemen continued to be manufactured. And about this time, it having been proposed by Lord Viscount Gort to become tenant to the several lots of ground, houses and premises, then just out of lease, at Thomondgate, Carrstreet. Limekiln concern. West Watergate, Crotagh or Garryowen, Johnstreet, Pennywell, Diocesan School and elsewhere, on a lease of hves renewable for ever, " at a rent to be valued and ascertained by a committee of the Council to be appointed for the purpose," it was resolved that " the said houses, plots and concerns, to Lord Viscount Gort be let at the rent which shall be ascertained by i^Q said committee, and that leases of Hves renewable for ever be perfected to him of the same.''"' The committee was appointed ; it consisted of creatures of Lord Gort ; the leases were perfected ; and the pubhc property was dealt with as if it were a valueless nuisance. No wonder that the " rising star" of Thomas Spring Rice should be regarded under auspices so favourable to the interests he undertook to promote.'^

   On the 17th December, 1817, the Corporation moved an address of condolence to the Prince Eegent on the melancholy and sudden death of the Princess Charlotte of Wales, Consort of His Highness Leopold of Saxe- Coburgh. An address was passed to the Lord Lieutenant, through whom the former address was transmitted.'

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 255

   As the companion tells it

   Along here at Thomondgate, the Limerick Corporation was handing public property to Lord Viscount Gort. The Corporation had been manufacturing hundreds of freemen and pressing on with what the record calls its iniquitous and spoiling courses. Lord Viscount Gort proposed becoming tenant to the several lots of ground, houses and premises then just out of lease, at Thomondgate, Carr Street, the Limekiln concern, West Watergate, Crotagh or Garryowen, John Street, Pennywell, the Diocesan School and elsewhere. The terms were a lease of lives renewable for ever, at a rent to be valued and ascertained by a committee of the Council appointed for the purpose. The Corporation resolved that the said houses, plots and concerns be let to Lord Viscount Gort at the rent which the said committee should ascertain, and that leases of lives renewable for ever be perfected to him. The committee was appointed. It consisted of creatures of Lord Gort. The leases were perfected, and the public property was dealt with as if it were a valueless nuisance. The record notes that the rising star of Thomas Spring Rice was regarded under auspices so favourable to the interests he undertook to promote. On the 17th of December, 1817, the Corporation moved an address of condolence to the Prince Regent on the sudden death of the Princess Charlotte of Wales, consort of His Highness Leopold of Saxe-Coburgh. An address was passed to the Lord Lieutenant, through whom the former address was transmitted.

6. Corporation leases Scattery Island to Sir Christopher Marrett

   Scattery Island · townland · Clare · 1823

   Two days before the Limerick Regulation Act came into operation in 1823, the Corporation made a lease in perpetuity to Sir Christopher Marrett at £34 2s. 6d. Irish of the ancient island of Scattery, originally granted to the Corporation by Queen Elizabeth. The island contains 103 acres, four of which had been purchased by the Government in 1810 for Ordnance Service.

   Read the passage

   Whilst the country continued thus disturbed, and the wail of sorrow was heard in many an humble homestead ; whilst the hulks were crowded with the victims of the law, and the gibbet groaned under its human burdens, there was a most active movement drawing to a successful issue, between the independent citizens and the city member, Mr. Rice, and the Corporation and its abettors. On the 6th of May, in the House of Commons, Mr. Eice's Bill for the better regulation of the city of Limerick' was read a second time . Captain O^Grady,^ one of theCounty representatives, had stood up in his place, and moved that the bill be read that day six months; when Mr, O'Grady having sat down, and the Speaker asked who seconded the motion ? there was a dead silence, in the midst of which Mr. Eice again stood up, and made many animadversions on the conduct of the hon. and gallant member. Meantime, the Wellesley Bridge Act^ had received the Eoyal assent, and public notice was given to that effect by the directors of the Chamber of Commerce. A meeting of the forty-eight commissioners named in the Bill, was convened for the purpose of electing additional new commissioners. The Corporation now began to set its house in order — in other words, to distribute among its members, the remnant of the property of the citizens which had sur\aved up to this period the almost general plunder and spoliation of the pubHc revenue. TheEegulation Act was passed in the teeth of an insolent opposition; but two days before it came into operation, the Corporators made a lease for ever to Sir Christopher Marrett, Knight and Alderman, and one of the Committee of Accounts, at the rent of £34 2s. 6d. Irish, of the ancient island of Scattery, which had been granted to the Corporation by Queen Elizabeth. The island contains 103 acres, of which four are in possession of the Government, having been purchased from the Corporation in 1810 for the Ordnance Service,* For some lengthened period, the Chamber of Commerce, anxious to free the city from the intolerable nuisance and oppression to which farmers had been subjected heretofore, had carried out an agreement to pay the Corporation £1500 a-year for all their claim on tolls on corn and potatoes, with the intention of relieving potatoes from any charge, which they did accordingly.^ This bargain was annually renewed from 1808 to 1823 ; the

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 262

7. Creagh Gate named after three brothers who fought the Danes

   Limerick · city · Limerick

   According to tradition, three brothers named Pierce, Patrick, and James Creagh forced their way through a gate in Limerick wearing green branches in their helmets to distinguish themselves from the Danes, whom they conquered. The gate was thereafter called Creagh Gate after their name.

   Read the passage

   * From an old MS: — "Here followeth the antiquity, gcanologle, and explanation of the most antient family of the Creaglis in all places where they be, and the reason why they were called Creaghs, and their pedigree to Eugenius, son of Nial of the Nyne Hostages, son of Eochaymoyvegan, with account of each monarch of Ireland that had been of the ancestors of the said family, with the year of the world or of Christ each monarch began their reigne, and how many years each monarch reigned lirst, and begin with". Three brothers, Pierce, Patrick, and James, commanded the party that forced their way through Creagh Gate, which is called alter their name from that day, because they wore green branches in their helmets, to distmguish themselves from their enemies, the Danes, whom they conquered.

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 331

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Limerick, one of its old gates carries a story from an old manuscript about the Creagh family. Three brothers, Pierce, Patrick, and James, led a party that forced their way through a gate here. They wore green branches in their helmets to tell themselves apart from their enemies, the Danes, and they conquered them. From that day the gate was called Creagh Gate, after their name. The old manuscript traces their pedigree back to Eugenius, son of Nial of the Nine Hostages, and recounts each monarch of Ireland among their ancestors, with the year each began to reign and how long each ruled.

8. Cromwellian plot disclosed by Captain Oliver of County Limerick

   Limerick · city · Limerick · 1666

   A plot was disclosed to the Duke of Ormonde by Captain Oliver, a gentleman of County Limerick, aimed at removing the King and Lords, restoring the Long Parliament, and substituting a sober ministry for bishops. The conspirators were Cromwellians.

   Read the passage

   At this time OiTery received a seasonable and welcome assurance from Colonel Daniel O^Bryan of Clare, that he was ready to suppress any rising of the Irish that might take place in that County, m which the Colonel informed him there were many HI inchncd Irish. ^ It was in the same year, 1666, that a plot was disclosed to the Duke of Ormonde by Captain Oliver, a gentleman of the County Limerick, the alleged object of which was the removal of the King and Lords, the restoration of the Long Parliament, several of whose members were said to be imphcated, and the substitution of a ^^ sober ministry for bishops.""' The conspirators, it was added, expected assistance.^ They were of course Cromweliians.

   I have already referred to Ormondes exertions to introduce the woollen manufacture into Ireland, in which he was successful, as also the manufacture of hnen :^ this was in 1667, a year rendered stiU further remarkable by the occurrence of a most \dolent storm and a spring tide, which did not ebb for fourteen hours, and which, according to AVhite's MSS. rose to the Courthouse in Quay Lane, forced up one of the arches of BalFs Bridge, overflowing the shops and houses thereon, carrying away entire houses and quantities of com, levelling the banks of the river and wrecking several vessels.

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 116

   As the companion tells it

   Limerick has a story from 1666. In that year, Colonel Daniel O'Bryan of Clare gave assurance that he was ready to suppress any rising of the Irish in his county, where he said there were many ill-inclined Irish. That same year, a plot was disclosed to the Duke of Ormonde by Captain Oliver, a gentleman of County Limerick. The alleged object was the removal of the King and Lords, the restoration of the Long Parliament, several of whose members were said to be implicated, and the substitution of a "sober ministry" for bishops. The conspirators, it was added, expected assistance. They were Cromwellians. The next year, 1667, Ormonde succeeded in introducing the woollen manufacture into Ireland, and the manufacture of linen. That year was also remarkable for a violent storm and a spring tide, which did not ebb for fourteen hours. According to White's MSS, the water rose to the Court-house in Quay Lane, forced up one of the arches of Ball's Bridge, overflowed the shops and houses thereon, carried away entire houses and quantities of corn, levelled the banks of the river, and wrecked several vessels.

9. Curfew and public house closure ordered in Limerick

   Limerick · city · Limerick · 1798

   Major-General Morrison issued a notice ordering all public houses and liquor shops in Limerick to close from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., and requesting peaceable persons not to appear in the streets after dark. Magistrates of the city and counties were authorized to tender the Oath of Allegiance.

   Read the passage

   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."

   Persons are hourly brought iu from the country, charged with aiding and abetting rebellion. The Doonas Cavalry brought in Francis Macnamara, Esq., of Ardcloone}', near O'Brien's Bridge, charged with holding a captain's commission in tlie ranks of the disaffected. Major Purdon's corps brought in 2() from Killaloe, one of whom was a Colonel M'Cormick — also a quantity of captured pike-heads. Captain Studdert's corp.s from Kilkiaheu escorted three defenders, with their pikes hung round their bodies.

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 235

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Limerick, this city carries a mark from 1798. Major-General Morrison issued a notice here that year. He ordered all public houses and liquor shops closed from 8 p.m. until 6 a.m. He asked all peaceable and well-disposed persons not to appear in the streets after dark. The magistrates of the city and county, and of Clare, Kerry, and Tipperary, were 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 should show repentance of their former ill conduct, and that they were contributing to the peace and happiness of the country. Persons were hourly brought in from the country, charged with aiding and abetting rebellion. The Doonas Cavalry brought in Francis Macnamara of Ardclooney, near O'Brien's Bridge, charged with holding a captain's commission in the ranks of the disaffected. Major Purdon's corps brought in 2 from Killaloe, one of whom was a Colonel M'Cormick, and a quantity of captured pike-heads. Captain Studdert's corps from Kilkinane escorted three defenders, with their pikes hung round their bodies.

10. Curraghmore tenants in enviable condition under Lord Power

    Curraghmore · townland · Waterford · 1575–1576

    Sidney visited Lord Power at Curraghmore where he found tenants in an enviable condition. Though the soil was worse than in county Kilkenny, the tenants made more from one acre than three acres elsewhere, because Lord Power suffered no idlers and prevented oppression among the better sort.

    Read the passage

    During Sir Henry Sidney's visit to Limerick he addressed a letter to the Lords of the Council in England, which supplies some interesting details, illustrating the state of the south of Ireland at this period. The letter is dated Limerick 27th of February, 1575-6, and after giving an account of his arrival in Waterford, after his tour in Ulster and Leinster in all which places he met with a very favourable reception, proceeds to describe his visit to Lord Power at Curraghmore, where he was entertained " with plenty and good order," and where he found the tenants in a condition which would be considered enviable at the present day, for though the soil is stated to be much worse than in the county Kilkenny, " yet his tenants made more of one acre of land than there was made of three acres in that country or was made in the Decies, the lordship near adjoining him on the other side ; and the reason was that he suffered no idlers in his county, nor the better sort to oppress each other."

    From Curraghmore the Lord Deputy proceeded to Dungarvan Castle, where the Earl of Desmond waited on him, humbly offering him any service that he was able to do the queen.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 59

11. Danish raid on Clonmacnois via the Shannon

    Clonmacnoise · townland · Offaly · 908–922

    After Cormac's death, the Danes raided Clonmacnois, reaching it easily via the Shannon. They plundered monasteries and carried away immense quantities of gold, silver, and riches from shrines and monasteries.

    Read the passage

    The death of Cormac was speedily followed by farther attempts of the Danes to destroy whatever they could lay hands on — to spohate whatever they could plunder — to wreak vengeance on the holy places in which the monks and rehgious dwelled, and to show that nothmg less than wholesale murder and rapine could satisfy their thnst for blood and booty. Freed from the authority of Cormac, they roamed wherever they pleased, curbed but partially by the native princes, who had again then' own intestine feuds to engage them in arms. They now made a successful raid on Clonmacnois, to which they had easy access by the Shannon ; they devastated the islands on Lough Eibh, destroyed the shipping of Limerick, and carried away immense quantities of gold, silver, and all manner of riches from the monasteries and shrines in the islands.' They were so daring, in their ruthless prowess, that in 922 they were able to make prisoner of O^'Flaherty, son of Inmameen, and convey him from the island of Loch Eibh to Lunerick.* These plundering expeditions of the Danes were favorite occupations in which they ever and anon indulged during these troubled years of then- occupation of Limerick. Proceeding from Limerick, their next attempt was on Lough Orisben, and its

    ' Ware, and Annals of Four Masters.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 11

12. Defender officer hanged on Limerick's new bridge

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1798

    Thomas M'Swiney was hanged on the new bridge in Limerick for being a sworn officer of the Defenders, and his body was buried in the jail yard. Several other men received lashes and transportation in the yard of the new jail.

    Read the passage

    Thomas M'Swiney, for being a sworn ofiicer of the Defenders, was hanged on the new bridge, and his body buried in the jail yard. David Touhy and Michael Dunigan received 100 lashes each ; a man named Ryan 600 lashes— afterwards transported ; David Carroll 200 lashes, and transported. Those punishments were inflicted in the yard of the new jail.

    June 16. Francis Jlacnamara, Esq., of Ardclooney, was tried and acquitted. The only prosecutor was a man named M'Swiney, who had been flogged for being a Serjeant in the rebel force.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 235

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up through Limerick. In 1798, Thomas M'Swiney was hanged on the new bridge here for being a sworn officer of the Defenders, and his body was buried in the jail yard. In the yard of the new jail, David Touhy and Michael Dunigan each received 100 lashes. A man named Ryan received 600 lashes and was afterwards transported. David Carroll received 200 lashes, and was transported.

13. De Lacy family of Bruree — Bishop Robert Lacy

    Bruree · town · Limerick · 1761

    The Bruree branch of the De Lacy family produced the Right Rev. Robert Lacy, Catholic Bishop of Limerick, who died in 1761 and was described as an ornament to the family. Members of the De Lacy family also served in the armies of Spain after the siege of Limerick.

    Read the passage

    A Pedigree of this warlike race, written in Spanish, shows that members of the family of De Lacy served in the armies of Spain after the siege of Limerick, and that in 17'J6, the children of Anna Maria de Lacy, who married Timotheus O'Scanlan, resided in Madrid. The Right Kev. Robert Lacj', Catholic I3ishop of Limerick, who died in 1761, was a member of and an ornament to the Bruree Branch of the De Lacy family. General Maurice de Lacy of Grodno in Russia, and of the County of Limerick, died in 1820.* Not less illustrious were their relatives the Browns — George Brown, Baron of Camas, and his descendants, of whom Ulysses or Ulick Brown of Camas, in the Co. of Limerick, Esq., was Colonel of a Regiment of Horse in the service of the Emperors Leopold and Joseph, created in 1716, by the Emperor Charles VI. a Count of the Holy Roman Empire, (his younger brother George receiving a like dignity at the same time, being General of Foot, Councillor of War, and Colonel of a Regiment of Infantry, under the said Emperors), was father of the deservedly famous Ulysses Maximilian Brown, Count of the Holy Roman Empire, one of their Imperial Majestys' Privy Counsellors, and Councillor of War, Field Marshal, Colonel of a Regiment of Foot, Commander of Prague, Commanding-General of the Kingdom of Bohemia, and Knight of the White Eagle of Poland. He was born in Germany in 1705, and began to serve in 1718, marched with his uncle after the peace of Passarvoviz in Hungary, to Italy, the war having begun that year in Sicily. In the years 1731-2 he served in Corsica, and was grievously wounded at Callasana, which he took sword in hand. In the years 1733-'34 and '35, as Major-General in the wars of Italy, he behaved with great distinction in the battles of Parma and Guastalla.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 189

14. Desmond's body gibbeted at north gate of Cork

    Cork · city · Cork · 1583

    According to Ware, the Earl of Desmond's body was hanged by the heels on a gibbet at the north gate of Cork, and his head was sent to Dublin to be placed on a pole upon the castle.

    Read the passage

    3 Ware states that the body was hanged by the heels on a gibbet by the north gate of Cork, and his head sent to Dublin to be placed on a pole upon the castle.

    * Cox, Hib. Ang. 5 Spencer's State of Ireland, p. 1C6.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 64

15. Dominick Fanning seizes Dutch ship at Limerick

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1649

    Dominick Fanning gathered a body of young men and entered a Dutch ship in which the Marquis Ormond was sending two trunks abroad, supposing them to contain money. Finding only papers, they desisted but took a solemn oath to stand together.

    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 you pass through Limerick, the city carries a story from 1649, when the Marquis Ormond stood in uneasy relation with the place. The officers of the city guards would neither go to him for orders nor take orders from him. Without the mayor's leave, no army officer was admitted to his presence. Lord Kilmallock, a Catholic peer and army officer, was committed to gaol for no other reason than that he quartered a few horsemen within the city, with Ormond's own orders. These things worked on Ormond to quit Limerick and proceed to Loughrea. The city wanted Colonel Pierce Walsh sent to command the militia, but they demurred about a garrison. They thought 3000 foot and 300 horse too great. They insisted the garrison should be Ulster men, that the county of Clare should be set apart for their subsistence and pay, that the city should be charged with no loans or levies, and that the troops should be quartered in huts without the walls, under the command of the Bishop of Limerick, Hugh O'Seil, 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 their oath of combination and to take a new one, of obeying the Lord Lieutenant and of doing nothing without license of the magistrates.

16. Earl of Desmond, second founder, buried in Limerick

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1462

    James Fitz John, Earl of Desmond, the second founder of the Dominican convent in Limerick, was buried there in 1462. The Friars Preachers were obliged to celebrate a yearly mass for his soul and those of his family and successors.

    Read the passage

    Indeed, according to the book of the Friars Preachers already referred to,^ the Dominican monastery of Limerick was famous, among many other circumstances, for being the place of interment of illustrious Irishmen in olden days. It was there, it adds, that its founder 'OomcA'o Cuijibpouc ob]Ai<Mn, as we have already stated, was buried. It was the place of sepulture, according to the same calendar, of De Burgo, alias bujiCATO *' Dux et Capitaneus",* as well as of many other distinguished leaders of the Irish nation, who chose it as their last resting place. Many of the Geraldines were buried there, as we learn on the same authorit3% and their anniversaries were commemorated with due solemnity, as is set forth in the authority in question. The second founder of this convent, viz., James Fitz John Earl of Desmond, was buried there in 1462, and it is recorded that the Friars Preachers were obliged to celebrate a yearly mass for his own soul, and for the souls of his parents and of his wife, and of his successors and their wives. There also, furthermore, was interred the " Dux et Capitaneus"MacNamara, alias "PoilbeAmA,* who died in 1503. The sept of the O'Ryans had a tomb there also, and the Dux et Capitaneus of the sept, viz., Thaddeus Fitz Dermot O'Ryan, who is named in the ancient calendar UutDg ITIc Hi Ann tlleAtt,'^ was interred there, as were also many Roches, otherwise Uoifoe, whose Dux et Capitaneus was Gerald de Rupe Forti, a famous soldier, and able and strong in arms, who was buried there on the 4th Kalend of April, 1349. Many others of the old race and faith were interred there, as Ave find by the Arthur MSS., which mention several citizens of Limerick who directed that their bodies should rest there. In the year 1504' this convent, Avith others in Ireland, was reformed by the IMost Rev. Master of the Order, Vincent BandcUo, of Castro Novo in

    ' Archdale's Monasticon. ^ Win-e. ^ gloane MSS. in British JIuseum, 4793.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 372

    As the companion tells it

    As the road takes you through Limerick, the city holds the remains of a Dominican convent that was, in olden days, famous as a place of burial for illustrious Irishmen. Its founder was buried there, and so were many of the Geraldines, whose anniversaries were commemorated with due solemnity. De Burgo, called Dux et Capitaneus, was laid to rest there, as were many other distinguished leaders of the Irish nation who chose it as their last resting place. The second founder of this convent was James Fitz John, Earl of Desmond, and he was buried there in 1462. The record says that the Friars Preachers were obliged to celebrate a yearly mass for his own soul, and for the souls of his parents and of his wife, and of his successors and their wives. Others came after him. MacNamara, also called Dux et Capitaneus, who died in 1503, was interred there. The sept of the O'Ryans had a tomb there, and their leader, Thaddeus Fitz Dermot O'Ryan, was buried there too. Many Roches were laid there as well, and among them Gerald de Rupe Forti, described as a famous soldier, able and strong in arms, buried there on the 4th Kalend of April, 1349. The Arthur manuscripts mention several citizens of Limerick who directed that their bodies should rest there. In 1504 the convent was reformed, with others in Ireland, by the Most Reverend Master of the Order, Vincent Bandello, of Castro Novo.

17. Edmond Sexten sent to treat with O'Brien and Earl of Desmond

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1536

    Thomas Allen, writing to Cromwell in 1536, reported that after the Lord Deputy's expedition, the Chief Justice and the Mayor of Limerick, Edmond Sexten, departed to speak with O'Brien and the Earl of Desmond, who had confederated together.

    Read the passage

    Thomas Allen, in the same year, writes a long letter to Cromwell on the subject of the Lord Deputy's expedition for the fortifying and re-edifymg of Woodstock and the bridge of Athy. After giving an account of the expedition, he says, " And his Lordship went to Kilkenny, where he met the Erl of Ossorye and MacGdphatrick, where he and Omore were contendid to remayne, and goo to Dublin with my Lord, and ther to abide his and his counsaLle''s order, and to put in pledgis for performance thereof, and to attend upon my Lord in this joumaie. And from thens departed the Chief Justice, and the Maiour of Limerick (Edmond Sexten) to sj)eke Avith O^Brene and the Erie of Dcsmonde, who have confethered togeder.""^

    In a long letter from the Lord Deputy and Council to Cromwell, written from Dublin the 23rd day of November, the journey of Munster is said to have taken fruit and success, &c. &c. " For undoubtedly the pretended Earl of Dcsmonde, after diverse communications had betwxt him, the ]\Iaior of Lymerick, the Chief Justice, and the Master of the Rolles, at severall tymes, condescended as well to delyver his too sonnes in hostage, and to fynde the

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 48

18. Execution of a clergyman suppressed in local annals

    Limerick · city · Limerick

    A clergyman was executed under penal laws, described as a 'legalized murder.' The event was suppressed in the local annals of Limerick, as if bigotry itself was ashamed to record it. De Burgo notes that several priests suffered for violating this law.

    Read the passage

    passing of tlie act of Parliament.* In the local annals the nefarious execution of this clergyman was suppressed, as if even bigotry and prejudice had been ashamed to refer to so cruel a legalized murder.^* Many a dark and fearful deed of blood and vengeance was perpetrated in these sad days^ of religious intolerance and ascendancy, which have never seen the hght.^ As to corporate iniquity, however, there are some brief records of the spohations of the orange faction. Prior to the change in the government caused by the Eevolution, there were sixty-five leases executed by the Corporation to members of that body :^ —

    No.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 183

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, there is a story the city chose not to tell. A clergyman was executed here under the penal laws. The local annals suppressed the record of it, as if even bigotry and prejudice had been ashamed to refer to so cruel a legalized murder. Many a dark and fearful deed of blood and vengeance was perpetrated in those days of religious intolerance and ascendancy, and never saw the light.

19. Factional violence and electoral feuds in wartime Limerick

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1643

    A letter from Dr. Thomas Arthur describes Limerick as divided into two violent factions, with one faction threatening to bring 500 soldiers into the city and imposing exile, gibbets, and property seizure on opponents. Great feuds arose during mayoral elections, unprecedented in living memory, affecting both city and county.

    Read the passage

    Our city from the beginning of this war has been divided principally into two sects or factions, of which the one did in a great degree hanker after murder, theft, rapine, and robbery, whilst the other while it had devoted to the pious services of labouring for religion, king, and state, disdained to be defiled by the commission of such base crime and the stain of filthy lucre. The former, conscious of guilt, and apprehensive of a rebuke for their crimes, and a forthcoming demand of restitution one day or other, fear all things ; trust not even those that were bound to them by ancient ties, find no asylum suificiently secure, persecute the innocent with internecine hostility. Whilst the latter, from the conscientiousness of their integrity, is buoyed up with better hope, and is compelled to devote a considerable part of their industry, in repelling and overpowering the tricks, stratagems, frauds, and snares of the other party that menace them, and they were particularly engaged in that care recently, when the elections were appointed for the creation of mayor, sheriffs, and other new magistrates ; for then the feelings of the citizens and of all ranks were divided between antagonistic leanings, and so, great feuds, quarrels, and passionate disputes arose, as well in the county as in the city, that none such have hitherto occurred within the memory of our forefathers. For the first faction laboured with all its might for the creation of magistrates, who would comply with and agree to their suggestions and counsels ; who, if they should attain their object, threatened to lead 500 soldiers to winter and spring quarters to Limerick, when there was alreadj' a cessation to arras and sieges ; then at length, when they should be secured by so great a force or garrison, they threatened that exile, the gibbet, and the loss of all their properties impended over such of the other party as were troublesome, and other such things as surpassed all endurance. By these clamours of malice and envy, discreet men of the innocent faction (if I may use the expression) were excited and

    154 HISTORY OF LIMERICK.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 87

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, you are moving through a city that in 1643 was torn in two. Dr. Thomas Arthur wrote of it then, saying the city had been divided from the beginning of the war into two factions. One faction, he said, did in a great degree hanker after murder, theft, rapine, and robbery. The other devoted itself, he wrote, to the pious services of labouring for religion, king, and state, and disdained to be defiled by such base crime and the stain of filthy lucre. The guilty faction, Arthur wrote, feared all things, trusted not even those bound to them by ancient ties, and persecuted the innocent with what he called internecine hostility. The other faction spent its energy repelling the tricks, stratagems, frauds, and snares of their opponents. The trouble grew sharpest when elections were held for mayor, sheriffs, and other magistrates. Then the citizens of all ranks divided between antagonistic leanings, and great feuds, quarrels, and passionate disputes arose in both county and city, such as none had occurred within the memory of their forefathers. The first faction worked with all its might to create magistrates who would comply with their counsels. If they succeeded, they threatened to lead 500 soldiers to winter and spring quarters in Limerick, even though there was already a cessation of arms and sieges. Secured by such a garrison, they threatened that exile, the gibbet, and the loss of all properties would impend over the troublesome of the other party, and other things, Arthur wrote, that surpassed all endurance. By these clamours of malice and envy, he wrote, discreet men of the innocent faction were excited and stirred.

20. Flan O'Brien's miracle at Manister

    Galway

    Flan O'Brien, a professed infidel, was a great contributor to the support of the Cistercian Monks of Manister until an alleged miracle converted him and he became a monk. The miracle involved a paper contribution proving as heavy as his usual weight of beef.

    Read the passage

    t Attyflinn, according to local tradition, means the "house of Flan," i.e. Flan O'Brien, second brother of O'Brien Duv, Lord of Carrigogunnel, which Flan was a professed infidel, although a great contributor to the support of the Monks of Manister, until an alleged miracle converted him, when he finally became a monk of Manister. The " miracle " was, that a paper contribution of his, or promise to contribute, on being throwTi into the scale, proved as heavy as the usual weight of beef which he was in the habit of contributing ; a sceptical mind might object, that the Cistertian monks eat no beef; but then the poor whom they fed, did.

    308 HISTORY OF LIMEIIIGK.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 171

21. Franciscan friars reclaim their church in the Abbey, Limerick

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1687

    On St. Francis's Day, 4 October 1687, Franciscan friars took possession of their own church in the Abbey in Limerick, consecrated by Bishop John Moloney. The friars rented the church from John Pery, a Protestant Englishman and lieutenant.

    Read the passage

    On the 4th of October, 1687, being St. Francis's day, the Franciscan friars possessed themselves of their own Church in the Abbey ; it was consecrated by the Right Rev. John Moloney, Catholic Bishop of Limerick, who had the administration of Killaloe, there being no Catholic Bishop of Killaloe. The Bishop said first Mass in it, and the Rev. Jasper White said the second Mass. The friars now rented this Church from the Englishman who held it, viz. John Pery, Lieutenant of a Foot Company. He was ancestor to the Lords Pery and Glentworth.''

    In the next year was finished the Church which the Capuchins built in the Irish-town, afterwards called the Infirmary inPalmerstown. The fu'st who said Mass therein was one Father Maurice White, a Capuchin friar from Clonmel. It is said that Father Jasper White was security for the money, which he was afterwards obliged to pay."*

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 119

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, this is the city where, on St. Francis's Day, the 4th of October 1687, the Franciscan friars took possession of their own church in the Abbey. It was consecrated by the Catholic Bishop of Limerick, John Moloney, who also had the administration of Killaloe, there being no Catholic Bishop of Killaloe at the time. Bishop Moloney said the first Mass, and the Reverend Jasper White said the second. The friars rented the church from the Englishman who held it, John Pery, Lieutenant of a Foot Company. He was ancestor to the Lords Pery and Glentworth. The next year, the Capuchins finished a church in the Irish-town, afterwards called the Infirmary in Palmerstown. The first to say Mass there was Father Maurice White, a Capuchin friar from Clonmel. Father Jasper White stood security for the money and was afterwards obliged to pay it.

22. French admiral brought back 16,000 Irish soldiers from Limerick

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1691

    A French admiral who arrived too late with French supplies at Limerick brought back to France all the French, 16,000 Irish soldiers, and several families, according to the contemporary historian Père Daniel.

    Read the passage

    while the private soldiers and others who came out of Limerick^ and other of James's quarters, were shot down, and hung up in many cases without the ceremony of a trial, under the pretence of being Rapparees. In these barbarous outrages, which were repeated with singular coincidence, on perhaps a larger scale in 1798, the Anglo-Irish militia, or Protestant yeomanry, which acted in aid of the regidar Williamite army, and numbered at least 25000 men, won for themselves an unenviable distinction. By the deportation' of the Jacobite army, the Irish aristocracy if not destroyed, as an eminent modern Irish historian' expresses it, was at least seriously diminished. That army was officered out of all the Irish septs, native and of English descent, and Lord Macaulay is totally in error when he described so many of these officers of plebeian origin: any one who runs his eye over the index of D'Alton's Kiug James's Army List, will see that we are borne out in this statement ; for there is not one Catholic family in Ireland of eminence which is not represented among that brave, but unfortunate host, who, after fighting against vastly superior numbers, and the resources of England and Holland, besides Protestant Ireland, " buried the Synagogae with honour," at last, as one of their gallant countrymen, the chevalier Charles Wogau, expresses it, and when they could no longer defend their country, went into honourable exile rather than submit to the rule of one whom they believed to be a usurper. We cannot but deplore with Colonel O'Kelly, that there was no stipulation made in the treaty in favour of prisoners, or of the orphans of those who were slain in the service of their prince and the defence of their country ; that those who left their native soil might never, without the special permission of the King, ever visit it again without being liable to be executed ; and that those who made the unfortunate choice to remain in Ireland, had nothing in prospect but contempt, poverty, imprisonment, and every misery that a conquered nation might expect from the power and malice of implacable enemies. As a pendent to the horrors and agony which attended this war — a war of which an English authority, Hooke,^ sets down the cost incurred by England at £18,000,000 sterling, exclusive of arrears due to the army, it must not be omitted the pathetic scenes which took place on the separation of King James's soldiers from those whom they left behind. On this subject, besides the authority of Colonel O^Kelly and others, we have the reliable statements of contemporary Williamite publications,^ from which it appears to be a positive fact, that many of the women were dragged ofT and drowned, or had their fingers cut off, as we have already stated, in the sight of their husbands and relations, while trying to get on board with them, or holding on by the boats. This is stated to have occurred at Kerry, but the same is told of the embarkation at Cork, where as well as at Limerick, similar scenes most probably occurred. But, there can be no doubt, that the Irish were in many cases* attended by their wives and families ; and the French admiral who arrived too late with the French supplies at Limerick, brought back — according to the contemporary historian Pere Daniel — all the French, 16,000 Irish soldiers, and several famihes.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 162

    As the companion tells it

    You are passing through Limerick. In 1691, this city was the last stronghold of King James's army in Ireland, and what happened here after the war ended was devastation. Private soldiers who came out of Limerick and other Jacobite quarters were shot down and hanged without trial, under the pretence of being Rapparees. The Anglo-Irish militia and Protestant yeomanry who did this numbered at least 25,000 men, and won for themselves what the source calls an unenviable distinction. The deportation of the Jacobite army seriously diminished the Irish aristocracy. That army was officered from every Irish sept, native and of English descent. Any Catholic family in Ireland of eminence is represented among them, as D'Alton's King James's Army List shows. They fought against superior numbers and the resources of England and Holland besides Protestant Ireland, and as the Chevalier Charles Wogau put it, they buried the Synagogae with honour. When they could no longer defend their country, they went into honourable exile rather than submit to one they believed a usurper. Colonel O'Kelly deplored that the treaty made no stipulation for prisoners or orphans, that those who left could never visit Ireland again without the King's special permission, on pain of execution, and that those who remained faced contempt, poverty, and imprisonment. The war cost England 18,000,000 pounds sterling by Hooke's account, exclusive of arrears. On the separation of the soldiers from those they left behind, women were dragged off and drowned, or had their fingers cut off in the sight of their husbands, trying to get on board the boats. The French admiral who arrived too late with French supplies at Limerick brought back, according to the contemporary historian Père Daniel, all the French, 16,000 Irish soldiers, and several families.

23. French vessel wrecked near Kilrush with 100 drowned

    Kilrush · town · Clare · 1691

    One of the French vessels carrying 400 men from Limerick and many valuable treasures ran upon a rock near Kilrush. About 100 men were drowned in the wreck.

    Read the passage

    One of tlie Prencli vessels, which bore off 400 men from Limerick, and many valuable treasures, ran upon a rock near Kilrush, and about 100 men were drowned.

    a Pba&nAic Si^mr^-^l BWI^e sac n-f ujije leAc, 9X)o 5Ui6e.ri T^iry 'r 5Ui6e n)]C 2t)uitie leAC ; O C015 rii At) c.21c.CaoI A5 5AbA]l cne l)T)ioTtttA46u|c, 'S 5un A5 CuiUit)t) O' 5-Cuat)a6 bUA6A5 leAc luitijijeAc. Ocb ! -\c.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 155

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up near Kilrush, here in Clare. In 1691, one of the French vessels that had taken 400 men from Limerick, carrying many valuable treasures, ran upon a rock near this town. About 100 men were drowned.

24. Galway church outside walls demolished by citizens

    Galway · city · Galway · 1809

    A footnote records that a church outside the walls of Galway was demolished by inhabitants for defensive reasons around the time of Cromwell, paralleling St. Michael's in Limerick. In 1809 Walter Joyce eradicated the foundations, situated on the south side of the Castle Barrack opposite a bastion.

    Read the passage

    1 From a plate in Sir George Carew's Hibernia Pacata it" appears that St. Michael's Church was outside the walls ; there are other and palpable evidences of the fact, even at this day, when it may be seen that the walls run off Carr-street, leaving a considerable distance between them and St. Michael's Churchyard. Such another instance of a church outside the walls having been demolished by the inhabitants for this cause, took place in Galway about the same period. The ground, except the Cemeterj', was the property of the late Walter Joyce, Esq., Banker of Galway, who in 1809, eradicated the foundations of the Church, which was situated on the South side of the Castle Barrack opposite to a bastion, on which workmen were employed to demolish the bastion and the curtain on the Town wall in that year, (1809).

    » The plans were perfected by Mr. Nash, Architect, and the place selected was the Dean's close, near the Cathedral of St. Mary's in Bow-lane, and washed by the river to the north and west. In this year the commissioners of St Michael's Parish, directed that the houses should be numbered. In many streets were vacant spaces for building, and 24 or 2') feet of frontage were allowed to each house intended to be built; and the existing houses numbered as though the Street was perfect. Labels with nniue of the street were also fixed up.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 245

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Galway, there is a story of a church that once stood outside the city walls. The inhabitants demolished it for defensive reasons around the time of Cromwell. The same thing happened at St. Michael's in Limerick. A plate in Sir George Carew's Hibernia Pacata shows that St. Michael's Church was outside the walls. Even now the walls run off Carr Street, leaving a considerable distance between them and St. Michael's Churchyard. The ground, except the cemetery, was the property of Walter Joyce, a banker. In 1809 he eradicated the foundations of the church, which had been situated on the south side of the Castle Barrack, opposite a bastion. That same year workmen were employed to demolish the bastion and the curtain on the town wall. In that same year, plans were perfected by Mr. Nash, architect, and the place selected was the Dean's close, near the Cathedral of St. Mary's in Bow Lane, washed by the river to the north and west. The commissioners of St. Michael's Parish directed that houses should be numbered. In many streets were vacant spaces for building, and 24 or 25 feet of frontage were allowed to each house intended to be built. The existing houses were numbered as though the street was perfect, and labels with the name of the street were fixed up.

25. Garryowen song composed by Limerick soldier in Portugal

    near Garryowen · population centre · Limerick · 1811

    A version of the favourite song 'Garryowen' was written in April 1811 by a Limerick man serving with the army in Portugal. The lyrics celebrate Garryowen's renown and its sons crowned with victory's laurels.

    Read the passage

    Old Garryowen, so high renowned, "Whose sons with vict'ry's laurels crowned, Have always made the fame resound

    Of Garryowen a Gloria. In days of yore once proudly stood The bulwark of the public good, Till treach'ry, under friendship's hood,

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 237

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up near Garryowen. In April 1811 a Limerick man serving with the army in Portugal wrote a version of the favourite song called Garryowen. Its lyrics praise the place's high renown and its sons crowned with victory's laurels. He wrote: "Old Garryowen, so high renowned, whose sons with vict'ry's laurels crowned."

26. Ginkle seizes bread carts from Tipperary

    Tipperary · town · Tipperary · 1691

    Ginkle seized a quantity of bread carts coming from Tipperary under a convoy of militia, horse and dragoons, which he sent home again. This action disrupted supply lines to the Irish garrison at Limerick.

    Read the passage

    were father to their thoughts. They had but little bread. The people fled from them in all directions, except at Shallee and the Silvermines, where it is said the inhabitants aided the progress of Ginkle's artillery, and where certain returns were given to parties for services they rendered. They encamped on the 12th at TuUa/ and here some deserters from Limerick informed them of what was passing. It was here it was mentioned to Ginkle that Lord Tyrconnell had taken dangerously ill, and that no hopes were entertained of his recovery. Ginlcle sent several proclamations among the deserters, and contrived that some copies of them should obtam circulation in the city. On the 24th they marched to Caherconlish ; and from that place, on the day after, Ginkle, with the principal officers, went with a party within two miles of Limerick, near which three Irish scouts were posted on the top of a high hiU on the left, two of whom deserted to the WilHamites. On the morning of the 15th, at an earlyhour, Major General Euvigny, at the head of 1500 horse and dragoons, and 1000 detached foot, as a reserve in case of danger, under the Prince of Hesse, with six field pieces, were ordered to march to Limerick. They were accompanied by General Ginkle and all the chief officers, in order to view the city. The Irish army were vigilant and active. As the Williamite soldiery approached they got a hot reception from firing parties, by which the hedges were lined. Several brisk skirmishes ensued, in which men bit the dust on both sides. A reconnaisance, however, was made, by which Ginkle judged of the formidable preparations that had been made to defend the city. He saw that Ireton's fort had been repaired, and that a new fort had been built. He saw that a third fort had been begun, with a Hue of communication from one to the other, but that it had not been as yet finished. He also saw that there were two field pieces at Ireton's fort, which, however, were not fired, and which were drawn ofP to the city next day. He was now told that Lord TyrcormeU had died the day previous, and the intelligence was imparted by a Captain Hagan who deserted, a drummer having gone before him. There is no doubt that Lord Tyrconnell was in a very anomalous position throughout, and that but little confidence was reposed in him by thelrish. It is said he was slighted to such a degree, that while the Irish camp was at Athlone, Lieut.-Colonel Connor went to his lordship's tent, and told him to quit the camp or he would cut his tent cords.^ Were we to judge of the feelings entertained of Tyrconnell by the Williamites, by the manner in which their historians write of him, it is indisputable that they held liim in no bad odour. On the contrary, they manifested a favorable disposition to him, and rather dwelt on the circumstances of his position with sympathy. _ Ginkle next day seized a quantity of bread carts, which were coming from Tipperary, under a convoy of militia, horse and dragoons, whom he sent home again.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 140

27. Hall's Charity established for Poor Protestants in Englishtown

    Englishtown · townland · Limerick

    Dr. Jeremiah Hall founded Hall's Charity for Poor Protestants in Englishtown, using city ground rents to support aged men and women and instruct boys and girls. By 1864, the income had fallen and there were only eight inmates, though the school was well conducted.

    Read the passage

    * This gentleman, who was a Doctor of Physic, founded '• Hall's Charity" for Poor Protestants in the English-town, and appropriated certain ground rents in the city to support a certain number of aged men and women. For the support of the men, in quarterly payments, the sum of £65 ; for the support of a certain number of women, £60 ; for the Schoolmaster, for instructing twenty boys in reading, writing, and Arithmetic, £12 ; for a Schoolmistress for teaching twenty girls to read, £12; for supplying the schools with books and stationery, £10; for a Clergyman to attend the chapel of said house, £"15 ; for a steward to keep the accounts, make quarterly payments, &c. &c. £20; for repairs, £10; for releasing debtors from jail, £10. Dr. Hall also bequeathed £200 to be given in apjirentice fees to deserving young men. He constituted the Protestant Bishop, Dean, and Mayor, Recorder and Sheriffs for the time being, trustees of his will. For a long time the charity had been grossly mismanaged ; the income has latterly fallen away. In the year 1864 there were but eight, viz. two male, and six female inmates. Men and women get coal for six weeks and £5 10s. yearly each. The school is well conducted, by Mr. and Mrs. George Russell, and contains no less than 38 boys, and 22 girls. There is no Chaplain at present. James MacMahon, Esq. of the Probate Court is agent. Mr. Russell haa £36 ISs. 5d, a year, and Mrs. Russell, £21.

    Thomas Breviter, Merchant.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 149

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Englishtown, Doctor Jeremiah Hall, a physician, founded Hall's Charity for poor Protestants. He set certain ground rents in the city to fund it. The money supported aged men and women. For the men, in quarterly payments, he allotted 65 pounds. For the women, 60 pounds. He provided 12 pounds for a schoolmaster to instruct twenty boys in reading, writing, and arithmetic, and 12 pounds for a schoolmistress to teach twenty girls to read. Ten pounds went for books and stationery, 15 pounds for a clergyman to attend the chapel, 20 pounds for a steward to keep the accounts and make quarterly payments, 10 pounds for repairs, and 10 pounds to release debtors from jail. Hall also bequeathed 200 pounds for apprentice fees for deserving young men. He made the Protestant Bishop, Dean, Mayor, Recorder, and Sheriffs trustees of his will. For a long time the charity was grossly mismanaged, and the income later fell away. By 1864 there were only eight inmates, two male and six female. The men and women received coal for six weeks and 5 pounds 10 shillings each yearly. The school was well conducted by Mr. and Mrs. George Russell, with 38 boys and 22 girls. There was no chaplain at that time. James MacMahon of the Probate Court was agent. Mr. Russell had 36 pounds 15 shillings and 5 pence a year, and Mrs. Russell had 21 pounds.

28. Inchiquin marches on Cashel; citizens flee to cathedral

    Cashel · town · Tipperary · 1647

    After taking Cahir, Inchiquin marched on 12 September to Cashel, formerly the metropolitan seat of the province. The terrified inhabitants, amazed at Cahir's fall, left the city gates open and fled to the cathedral, described as large and [the passage continues].

    Read the passage

    * Letters were this day read in the house from the Lord Inchiquin, giving accompt of the taking of 12 Castles in the County of Typerare, and the Town and Castle of Cahir, which was thus taken ; his Lordship passing over the Shewor at Cahir, one of his Troopers plundering neer the Town, was discovered wounded and taken, and Col. Ilopsley in a disguise was admitted to go into the Castle to dresse hiui, who before had discovered some defects in the outward Bawn, and timorousnesse of the AVarders. The Colonell after led on a party to storme, and took that Bawn, and some out Turrets, and within few hours had the Castle surrendred, on quarter only for life, above 20,0001. of come burnt in that country, the Castle (qy. Cattle) drove away, so that our souldiers made hard shift for victualls. From Cahir his Lordship marched Septemb. 12, to the City of Cashiell, formerly the Metropolitan of the Province ; where the Inhabitants, (amazed at the reducing of Cahir) left open the gates and fled to the Cathedrall a large and

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 90

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Cashel, this is the city Lord Inchiquin marched on in September 1647. The story begins at Cahir. Inchiquin had taken twelve castles in Tipperary, and then the town and castle of Cahir itself. A trooper of his, plundering near the town, was discovered, wounded, and taken. Colonel Iopsley, in a disguise, was admitted into the castle to dress him. While there, the colonel had already noticed defects in the outer bawn and timidity among the warders. He led a party to storm it, took the bawn and some out-turrets, and within hours the castle surrendered, on quarter only for life. Over 20,000 pounds of corn was burnt in that country, and the cattle driven away, so that Inchiquin's soldiers made hard shift for victuals. From Cahir, his Lordship marched on the 12th of September to the city of Cashel, formerly the metropolitan of the province. The inhabitants, amazed at the reducing of Cahir, left the city gates open and fled to the cathedral, a large and

29. Irish fired on William's soldiers from monastery ruins

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1690–1691

    White's MSS. assert that from the ruins of the monastery of the Canons Regular, the Irish fired upon the soldiers of King William as they approached the city from the heights of Park.

    Read the passage

    ancestor, Edmond Sexton, tlicy were granted. White's MSS. assert that, from the ruins of the monastery of the Canons Regnlar, the Irisli hred upon the soldiers of King William, as they approached the city from the heights of Park.

    In 1691, we find there were a community and convent in Limerick, De Burgo alludes to a lawsuit between the Prior of the convent of St. Augustine, in Limerick, and one William Lysaght, as to the possession of their convent. In that year, the Prior was the celebrated Bernard O'Kennedy, subsequently Provincial of the Order in Ireland. He afterwards fled to Spain from the horrors of the persecution of William III., wliere he died in 1704. In a letter which he wrote a little before his death to the province of Ireland, for he was then the Provincial, he states that he left in trust with a friend in Ireland, a chalice and suit of vestments for the convent of Limerick, which is a proof that a convent had been there before his departure from Ireland. We find that almost all the regular clergy, notwithstanding the numbers banished in 1698, continued in their native land. It was not, however, until the end of the reign of George I., that regular clergy began to live in community and to erect chapels in the principal towns in Ireland. In the next reign, as before mentioned, and for the last century, we find the Augustinians living in community in Limerick.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 370

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Limerick, the road passes a city with a violent chapter from 1690 and 1691. White's manuscripts record that from the ruins of the monastery of the Canons Regular, the Irish fired upon the soldiers of King William as they approached the city from the heights of Park. In 1691, there was still a community and convent in Limerick. De Burgo mentions a lawsuit between the Prior of the convent of St. Augustine and one William Lysaght over the possession of their convent. The Prior at that time was the celebrated Bernard O'Kennedy, who later became Provincial of the Order in Ireland. He fled to Spain to escape the persecution of William III, and died there in 1704. In a letter he wrote shortly before his death to the province of Ireland, for he was then the Provincial, he stated that he had left in trust with a friend in Ireland a chalice and a suit of vestments for the convent of Limerick, which proves that a convent had been there before his departure. Almost all the regular clergy, despite the numbers banished in 1698, continued in their native land. It was not until the end of the reign of George I that regular clergy began again to live in community and erect chapels in the principal towns of Ireland. In the next reign, and for the last century, the Augustinians lived in community in Limerick.

30. Jesuit castle chapel in Castle Lane, Limerick

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1609–1825

    A castle in Castle Lane near Lahiff's Alley served successively as a Jesuit chapel, a school, a dance house, and a candle factory. It contained a stone with a half-effaced motto resembling that of the Jesuit Society, and a nearby stone bore the I.H.S. motto with the date 1642, marking the opening of a Jesuit school in Limerick.

    Read the passage

    About the year 1825, Joseph Morony, an architect, and owner of part of Mary Street, informed the Rev. Father O'Higgin, O.S.F., that his father had listened with pride and profit to the sermons of Father Morony, his kinsman, preached in the Jesuit's Chapel in Castle Lane, near Lahifi''s Alley. He often visited the place with Ft^ther O'Higgin, and made him a present of the first edition of Morony s Sermons. The castle has been successively a chapel of the Society of Jesus, a school, a dance house, and a candle factory. In the castle is a stone, with a motto half effaced, very like the motto of the society. Near it is a stone, said to have been taken from it, with the motto, I.H.S., 1642, date of the opening of a Jesuit school in Limerick. In a wall behind a tanyard, near St. Mary's chapel is a stone, said to have belonged to the old castle, on which is the same motto, with the date 1609. Now, at this time, there were several Jesuits in Munster, and among them a Father Morony, who was probably a native of Limerick. Four very old inhabitants have stated that they heard from their fathers or grandfathers, that Mass was celebrated in that castle by venerable grayheaded friars. Now, we know that there were Franciscans, Dominicans, Augustinians, and Jesuits, living in Limerick about 1753; we know that the first three orders dwelt in Newgate Lane, Fish Lane, and Creagh Lane ; it is probable then that the Jesuits lived in the castle. Every trace of the presence of the Society of Jesus in days of long ago has faded from the minds of the citizens of Limerick, but it has not faded from their lives, and, perhaps, the few records given in the present history, prove that

    ' The celebrated Dr. Galian publislaed Father Morony's sermons, in the title page of which we read: "Exhortations and Sermons for all the Sundays and Festivals of the Year, on the Most Sacred Mysteries and Most Important Truths of the Christian Religion", by the Rev. Joseph Morony, S.J., formerly a celebrated preacher in Limerick, Waterford, and other parts of the province of Mnnster.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 383

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, there is a castle in Castle Lane, near Lahiff's Alley, that was once a chapel of the Society of Jesus. About the year 1825, an architect named Joseph Morony told Father O'Higgin, a Franciscan, that his own father had listened there to the sermons of Father Morony, a Jesuit and probably a native of Limerick. Joseph Morony visited the place often with Father O'Higgin and gave him the first edition of Father Morony's Sermons, a book whose title page calls him a celebrated preacher in Limerick, Waterford, and other parts of Munster. The castle served successively as a chapel of the Society of Jesus, a school, a dance house, and a candle factory. Inside is a stone with a motto half effaced, very like the motto of the Society. Near it is another stone, said to have been taken from the castle, bearing the motto I.H.S. and the date 1642, the year a Jesuit school opened in Limerick. A stone in a wall behind a tanyard near St. Mary's chapel carries the same motto with the date 1609. Four very old inhabitants said they heard from their fathers or grandfathers that Mass was celebrated in the castle by venerable grayheaded friars. Franciscans, Dominicans, Augustinians, and Jesuits were living in Limerick about 1753; the first three dwelt in Newgate Lane, Fish Lane, and Creagh Lane, and the Jesuits probably lived in the castle.

31. Jesuit priest John Goode teaches school in Limerick

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1565

    John Goode, a Catholic priest of the order of Jesus and formerly educated at Oxford, lived in Limerick and taught school. He was a man of extraordinary erudition and assisted Camden with the Ireland portion of his Britannia.

    Read the passage

    At this period a very remarkable man lived in Limerick, and taught school. This was John Goode, a Catholic Priest, of the order of Jesus, some time educated at Oxford. He was a man of extraordinary erudition, and gave great aid to Camden in that portion of his Britannia which treats of Ireland, " 'Tis strange^^ (says Nicholson) that a writer so much honoured by this great British antiquary, who gives a high character of this gentleman's modesty and learning, should be overlooked by Sir James Ware and the Oxford antiquarians. "2

    Gerald, the Earl of Desmond, was removed from Limerick to London by the intrigues of Ormonde, and imprisoned in the tower, where were also confined at the time, the Baron of Dungannon, O'Connor Sligo, O'Carrol, and other Irish chiefs, most of whom made submission to the Queen in 1568, when they were enlarged. Sidney visited Limerick a second time in 1569, where he established Sir John Perrot in the office of President of Munster. In CoUins' State Papers it is said that the city was in a wasted condition at this time, and that the Deputy recommended the building of a bridge here — most likely it was in consequence of his recommendation that Thomond Bridge underwent some repairs.^ Sidney's anxiety respecting bridge-building did not rest with recommendations — he built the bridge of Athlone in 1568.^

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 58

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, this is a city where, around 1565, a remarkable man lived and taught school. John Goode was a Catholic priest of the order of Jesus, formerly educated at Oxford. He was a man of extraordinary erudition, and gave great aid to Camden in the portion of his Britannia which treats of Ireland. Nicholson said, 'Tis strange that a writer so much honoured by this great British antiquary, who gives a high character of this gentleman's modesty and learning, should be overlooked by Sir James Ware and the Oxford antiquarians.' Around this same time, Gerald, the Earl of Desmond, was removed from Limerick to London by the intrigues of Ormonde and imprisoned in the tower, where the Baron of Dungannon, O'Connor Sligo, O'Carrol, and other Irish chiefs were also confined. Most of them made submission to the Queen in 1568 and were enlarged. Sidney visited Limerick a second time in 1569 and established Sir John Perrot as President of Munster. Collins' State Papers say the city was in a wasted condition then, and the Deputy recommended the building of a bridge here. Most likely in consequence of that recommendation, Thomond Bridge underwent some repairs. Sidney built the bridge of Athlone in 1568.

32. John Bourke, Lord of Brittas, executed 1607

    Brittas · townland · Limerick · 1607–1688

    John Bourke, Lord of Brittas and half-brother of Pierce Lacy, was executed in 1607. His relative was created Baron Brittas in 1618, was attainted, restored, and attainted again in 1688, losing their properties.

    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

33. John Russell's bacon establishment in Limerick

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1826–1865

    About 1826, John Russell, an Englishman, revived the provision and coopering trades in Limerick. His establishment was the largest in Ireland, and he spent £200,000 a year purchasing pigs and manufacturing bacon.

    Read the passage

    It was equal, if not superior, to that manufactured in Brussels and Vulcnciennes. Mr. Walker introduced tlie manufacture in 1829. At first he employed but a few hands. In 1841, there were 1700 females engaged in the manufacture of lace. In 1865, the numbers have fallen off considerably. At the convent of the Good Sliephcrd, in Clare Street, the manufacture of Brussels lace was carried on for a long period under the inspection of one of the nuns, a lady from Belgium, and such was the extraordinary progress made in the manufacture, that the lace was fully equal to the best Brussels. The provision and coopering trades, which, towards the close of the last century and the beginning of the present, flourished, owing to large army and navy contracts during, and subsequent to, the European war, and subsequently until competition was opened to foreign countries, have declined. This trade was revived about 1826, by Mr. John Russell, an Englishman, whose estabhshment was the largest in Ireland, and who spent £200,000 a-year in the purchase of pigs and the manufacture of bacon. The principal houses in the trade in 1865, are the Messrs. Matterson, Oak, Shaw, Hogan, and M'Donnell, famous for the manufacture of Limerick hams, which retain their unapproachable celebrity.

    As to the trade of Limerick from the foundation of the Chamber of Commerce in 1818, it is best indicated by their record of exports until the year 1848, but from that period the operation of railways in conveying a large proportion of merchandize and produce, both inwards and outwards, renders this source of information necessarily incomplete. The table at page 531 shows the principal exports every fifth year during the period named. From this period also the effects of free trade are strongly marked by the almost total cessation of the exports of wheat, flour, meal, beef, and pork ; the land being converted largely into pasture, and grain food imported largely, instead of shipped.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 306

34. King William's Well at Singland

    Singland · townland · Limerick · 1690–1691

    A deep well about 100 yards from the Standard Pillar and 50 yards from the high road, nearly opposite Singland House, is traditionally associated with King William's siege. Tradition says a large flag or standard lies buried in a field near the well, and the well is said to have supplied William's troops with water during both sieges.

    Read the passage

    In this parish of Singland, or St. Patrick's, there are some remarkable relics of the siege ; one is "this Standard Pillar" of King William (so called), and is pointed out by the inhabitants as the pillar on which the Royal Ensign of William was raised during the siege of 1600. It is on the high road which leads to Singland House, and is sometimes called " the Pillar " simph- by the people ; but every one in the parish, or at least in that portion of it, in which the pillar may be seen, tells it was there the King had his standard, as it was in the same spot, most likely, be had liis tent, and was encompassed by his staff. It is built of "ashlar" masonry, thirteen feet high and about three feet in diameter; the stones are rather large, and in most instances they are roughly chissled ; it is situated on a rise in tlie road, about 100 yards from Singland House. A short wall or butress is built up against it to the N.W,, and appears to be contemporaneous ia structure with the pillar itself ;a few cabins to the S.E. are just close up by the pillar on that side, and even the children there say that the pillar had something to do with " the war." About a thousand yards distance to the N., in a direct line, is New Castle House, in which it is asserted King William spent some of his time during the siege. The other object here of interest connected with the siege is " King William's Well,'* which is about 100 yards from the pillar, and in a Held about 50 yards from the high road, and nearly opposite Singland House, on the other side of the road. A stream of pure water runs to the road from tlie well, and joins another stream from the well of Shesharee, which is some distance off, on another road. King William's ■well is deep, but covered with a thick coating of leaves and greenish, weedy, deposit, which conceal its waters from the view — at least so it was on the beautiful evening I visited the locality. Tradition says that a large flag or standard lies buried in a field near the well. There are other evidences hereabouts, that it was the site of a camp ; and the well is said to have supplied

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 129

35. Kinsale garrison submits and marches to Limerick

    Kinsale · town · Cork · 1690

    Kinsale submitted to William's forces, its garrison of 1,200 being allowed to march out with arms and baggage, escorted by a party of horse to Limerick. It was later imputed to France that Kinsale should have been strengthened rather than Limerick.

    Read the passage

    Ha\t:ng lost his hold on the country worth fighting for, William did not despair. He knew the agencies which were at work in every direction. Vacillation and treachery, he was conscious, would effect more for his purpose than great guns and the sword. On these, however, he placed no small share of reliance. He at once dispatched a powerful armed force to Ireland, including his own regiment of Eusileers, Brigadier Trelawney's, Princess Anne's, Colonel Hastings', Colonel Hale's, Sir David Collier's, Colonel Pitzpatrick's, one hundred of the Duke of Bolton's, and two hundred of the Earl of Monmouth's, -^ith the marine regiments of Lord Torriugton and Lord Pembroke. This force eifected a landing at Cork on the 22nd of September. Cork fell, not being effective for defence since the invention of gunpowder.i Kinsale also submitted, the garrison, 1200 strong, being allowed to march out with arms and baggage, ha^dng a party of horse to conduct them to Limerick. ^ It was made a matter of imputation on Prance that Kinsale was not strengthened rather than Limerick, as by so doing one of the finest harbours in the world could be secured against England, and her trade with the western world damaged if not ruined.^ But in whatever Hght this may be "\dewed, it is indisputable that the Irish commanders had an intuitive knowledge that Prance was not faithful in the emergency, and that the course that had been pursued by her was not consistent with true friendship. The Irish now did what was possible for themselves. Limerick was put in a complete state of defence. Sarsfield employed the ablest engineering skill to repair what had been injured, and to strengthen every weak place. To this day evidences of his erlergy and skill, may be seen about those parts of the old walls against which William's cannon had vainly been directed, and which were again about to receive a fire not less concentrated, but equally ineflective. Where the breach had been made was set to rights by masonry, which is even now easily discernible. The walls were Hned with enormous earth-coatings which made them completely bomb-broof.^ Meanwhile a Privy Council was appointed by William's Government, early in

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 140

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Kinsale in Cork, you are near where the town submitted to William's forces in 1690. A powerful armed force landed at Cork on the 22nd of September, including William's own regiment of Fusiliers, Brigadier Trelawney's, Princess Anne's, Colonel Hastings', Colonel Hale's, Sir David Collier's, Colonel Fitzpatrick's, 100 of the Duke of Bolton's, and 200 of the Earl of Monmouth's, with the marine regiments of Lord Torrington and Lord Pembroke. Cork fell, not being effective for defence since the invention of gunpowder. Kinsale also submitted. The garrison, 1200 strong, was allowed to march out with arms and baggage, having a party of horse to conduct them to Limerick. It was made a matter of imputation on France that Kinsale was not strengthened rather than Limerick, as by so doing one of the finest harbours in the world could be secured against England, and her trade with the western world damaged if not ruined. The Irish commanders had an intuitive knowledge that France was not faithful in the emergency, and that the course pursued by her was not consistent with true friendship.

36. Lansdowne flax factories at North Strand

    North Strand · street · Dublin · 1851–1853

    In 1851, the Russell firm commenced erection of Lansdowne flax spinning and weaving factories at North Strand in Limerick. The spinning factory started in October 1853, followed by a power loom factory, giving steady employment to large numbers of young people.

    Read the passage

    Abbey River ; the large mills at Corbally, just above the last regulating weir on the Shannon Plassy Mills, farther up the river ; Garryowen Mills, a large steam concern ; and extensive mills at Askeaton, situate several miles below the city, one of which is also driven by steam. These concerns ^ive large employment to the people, and largely contribute to tlie commerce of the port, both by imports of grain, coals, etc., and by exports of flour and other commodities. A great portion of this is done by the sailing vessels of the firm, and by the line of steamers which they have largely contributed to maintain. The public benefits at all times resulting from these enterprises, need not be enlarged upon ; but the advantage to the community was especially found, during the disastrous years of the famine, when the Messrs. Russell were enabled to provide breadstufFs to an enormous and unprecedented extent for the consumption of the neiglibouring unions, then dependent on almost instant supplies to prevent famine taking possession inside the workhouses. At one period, in 18.58, it was in contemplation by the guardians to apply for advances from the imjjerial treasury, in anticipation of the poor rates, for payment of the supplies provided, which their funds were unable to meet. Before the era of steam navigation the English-and Scotch trade with the port was carried on by a line of sailing packets, of which Messrs. Russell werelirge proprietors ; but in 1850, when steam vessels became necessary to supersede the liners, they did not hesitate to take a very leading part in cstal)lishing the Steam Ship Company.* In 1858, when the Company Avas suffering from the opposition of railway competition, and the general depression of Irish public enterprise, Messrs. Russell took the shares of those whose confidence was shaken, and devoted themselves largely to restore the line. The success of these efforts is seen in the prosperity of the undertaking now, and the river vessels of larger size and power added to the fleet, which now can bnast of having as fine vessels of their class as any port of Great Britain or Ireland. In addition to ample accommodation for the general import and export trade of the city, this line is now enaijled to provide large supplies of coals, and thus keep a wholesome clieck on the enormous prices and extreme fluctuations which always existed when the supply of coals was entirely dependent on sailing vessels. In 1851, Messrs. Russell commenced the erection of Lansdowne flax spinning and weaving factories at North Strand, and such was the energy devoted to this entirely new branch of manufacture here by them, that the buildings and machinery of the spinning factory were erected and started in October, 1853, and shortly afterwards the power loom factory was erected, giving further large employment in the manufacture of the yarns into lines. These fine, well proportio:!ed buildings, all built of dressed limestone, are, in a mere architectural sense, an ornament to the city, and the advantages of the steady employment both factories have since given to large numbers, chiefly of the younger portion of the population, otherwise utterly unprovided with well-paid work, are not easily over-estimated. The firm has regularly engaged, in all their various enterprises, about 2,000 people. The founder of the firm, the late JNIr. John Norris Russell, died at a ripe old age in 1859, having lived to see his sons successfully carry into operation all the enterprises, which he with them had originated. His eldest son, Mr. Francis William Russell, was returned one of the members for the city in 1 852, and has since worthily represented it in the House of Commons. The contributions of the firm to the local charities, without distiuctioa of creed or party, have always been in liberal keeping with their other acts.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 265

37. Leake family residence at Rathkeale Abbey

    Rathkeale · town · Limerick

    George Leake built a house at Rathkeale Abbey where the family resided for a very long period. His grandson George D'Alton Leake, a noted sportsman and master of the county Limerick fox hounds, was buried in the family vault in Rathkeale churchyard with huntsman and hounds following his remains in hunting costume.

    Read the passage

    • This gentleman, I am informed, filled the ofBce of lieutenant-colonel of the county Limerick regiment for some'time: he was father of George Leake, Esq., who built the house at Rathkeale abbey, where the family had its residence for a very long period of time, and was grandfather of George D'Alton Leake, Ksq , for several years master of the county Limerick fox liounds, and remarkable as a keen sportsman. At D'Alton Leake's funeral the members of the county hunt all attended in hunting costume; and at the express desire of the deceased, the huntsman and hounds followed his remains to the family vault in Eathkeale cliurcliyaid. D'Alton Leake was the brother of the late William Leake, Esq., who filled the office of county sub-sheriff with popularity and respect. George D'Alton Leake died unmarried; his brother William married Anna Maria, sistei of E. F. G. Kyan, Esq., K.JL, Midleton, and JI. R. Kyau, Esq., J.P., Templemungrct, leuviiig oiio child, Maria Alice, the last survivor in the direct line of the Leak^; family.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 452

38. Libel case at Limerick Assizes: Dickson v. Yeilding

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1834

    At the Limerick Assizes in March 1834, Samuel Dickson sued W.R. Yeilding, proprietor of the Limerick Herald, for libel after being ridiculed in writings and woodcuts. The jury found for the plaintiff with comparatively small damages despite the £5,000 claimed.

    Read the passage

    March 6th. — At the Assizes this month a libel case was tried, of Samuel Dickson, Esq. v. W. R. Yeilding, Esq. proprietor of the Limerick Herald — damages were laid at £5,000. Mr. Dickson was held up to ridicule, not only by writings but by woodcuts, in the Herald. The jury gave a iiverdict for the plaintiff with comparatively small damages. Mr. Dickson was a gentleman of high position, and an active politician with rather liberal tendencies.

    April 19th A new Catholic chapel projected by the Rev. Denis Buckeley, P.P. for ths

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 277

39. Lillington raids and burns Nenagh

    Nenagh · town · Tipperary · 1690

    Lieutenant-Colonel Lillington secured a bridge half a mile from Nenagh, sent a detachment to occupy a pass towards Limerick, and entered Nenagh where the Irish fled to the Castle. He set fire to houses and stores of malt and meal, plundered 300 cattle, and killed forty or fifty Irish.

    Read the passage

    December ; new Commissions were given out to the judges, who did not spare the mere Irish. Nefarious laws were enacted. On the 16th of December_, Brigadier Dorrington of the Irish army issued a proclamation from Limerick, in which he stated that all needful accommodation was in readiness for those who chose to transport themselves to Prance.^ In this proclamation, the Brigadier inveighed vehemently against Wilham and his government, and the conduct altogether of WiUiam^s partizans everjnvhere during this crisis. One of William^s very first acts on his arrival in London was to open the Session of Parliament with a speech from the throne, in which he not only spoke of the successes (?) which his arms had in Ireland, notwithstanding the want of pay which his soldiers had endured, but of his relations towards France, the raising of a million of money on the credits of the forfeited estates in Ireland, the maintenance of a force of 67,636 men, a strong navy, new ships, &c. It was also suggested that a return should be given of the names of all those who had been in " rebellion^' in England and in Ireland, in order to the confiscation of their estates, and the applying the proceeds to bear the charges of the war ! Here we have a key to the purpose and the policy of William. He proceeded against his father-in-law, James II. in open " rebellion" — and declared those to be rebels who drew the sword against his usurpation. The question of the forfeited estates was not so easily adjusted, though ultimately it prevailed. The matter was held over for another session, on the recommendation of the House of Lords. Wilham did not feel at ease with his friends ; they were exacting, and he was wilHng, but he could not do all with the desired haste. In disgust he went to Holland, where he arrived after an unpropitious voyage. New " Popish plots" were discovered. Catholics of high position and influence were assassinated under the cover of law. Lord Preston and Mr. Ashton were tried and condemned in England, because they were favorable to James. Never was hatred more insatiate in the darkest days that had gone by. In Limerick, Waterford, Cork, and Tipperary, several brisk actions took place between the Williamite troops and the rapparees. Towards Nenagh a sharp fight occurred between the rapparees and Lieutenant-Colonel Lillington, who first secured a bridge about haK a mile from the town, sent a detachment to occupy a pass towards Limerick, while the rest of his freebooters entering Nenagh — the Irish flying to the Castle for securit}^ — he set fire to the houses, together with stores of malt, and meal, and plundered 300 head of black cattle. Forty or fifty Irish fell in this foray of Lilhngton. Hacking, hunting, and butchering was the course of the WiUiamites.^ People began to tire and sicken of this wearisome warfare. A defeat at the moat of Grange, and a scarcity of provisions which now began to be sensibly felt in Limerick, contributed in no small degree to unnerve and cause dismay to the people. Succours were hourly looked for from Prance ; but days and weeks were passing amid hope deferred, and the good time after aU did not come. However, Tyrconnell, in January, 1691, returned from France to Limerick with three frigates laden with provisions, clothing, arms, and ammunition, and about £8000 in money. Tyrconnell was accompanied by Sir Eichard Nagle and Sir Stephen Eice, in whose hands James had lodged the administration of civil affairs up to the present.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 140

    As the companion tells it

    Nenagh, the town ahead, holds a story from 1690. In the war between William and James, brisk actions had been taking place across Limerick, Waterford, Cork, and Tipperary between Williamite troops and the rapparees. Towards Nenagh a sharp fight occurred between the rapparees and Lieutenant-Colonel Lillington. Lillington first secured a bridge about half a mile from the town. He sent a detachment to occupy a pass towards Limerick. The rest of his freebooters entered Nenagh, and the Irish fled to the Castle for security. He set fire to the houses, together with stores of malt and meal, and plundered 300 head of black cattle. Forty or fifty Irish fell in this foray of Lillington. The source describes the Williamite course as "hacking, hunting, and butchering." People began to tire and sicken of this wearisome warfare. A defeat at the moat of Grange and a scarcity of provisions now sensibly felt in Limerick contributed to dismay among the people. Succours were hourly looked for from France, but days and weeks were passing amid hope deferred, and the good time after all did not come. In January 1691, Tyrconnell returned from France to Limerick with three frigates laden with provisions, clothing, arms, and ammunition, and about 8000 in money. He was accompanied by Sir Richard Nagle and Sir Stephen Rice, in whose hands James had lodged the administration of civil affairs.

40. Limerick Castle in disrepair per Orrery's report

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1666

    Lord Orrery reported to the Duke of Ormond that Limerick Castle's storehouse, gate-house towers, guard-house, and soldiers' quarters were hugely out of repair. Of forty guns at Limerick, only three were properly mounted. He estimated £14 to repair side walls and construct a ravelin for security.

    Read the passage

    * In one of his letters he states, that his majesty's " store house" and magazine in the castle of Limerick is capable of retaining all requisite arms, with a small train fit for a little army, although represented by his Lordship, as " so hugely out of repair," that if not speedily repaired, it was apprehended that it might fall and do much mischief. The two towers which made the gate house of his majesty's castle, and which had been floored and roofed by " the usurpers," are described by him, as having at that time fallen very much to decay, and the guard-house which had been made by the same usurpers, was so much out of order, tliat the soldiers within were wetted by every shower. Two houses in the castle, one for oificers' quarters, and the other intended to accommodate thirty soldiers, which were buUt by the same usurpers, are also specified as being much out of repair. Fourteen pounds his Lordship deems suflicient to repair the side walls, forming the avenue to the castle gate, and to construct at their extremity a small ravelin of sawed palisadoes, which he states would be a great security to the place which had no protection, and was consequently liable to be surprised, both on the side of Thomond gate and that of the city. He states that " St. John's citadel is in pretty good condition, and the new bulwark in the kings castle which is filled up with earth, and which is next to the city, three pounds will repair ; of forty guns, great and small, which arc at Limerick, there are but three mounted as they should be, two of which are small brass guns."

    204 UISTORY OF LIMERICK.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 115

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, the castle here was in a sorry state in 1666. Lord Orrery wrote to the Duke of Ormond that the king's storehouse and magazine in the castle could hold all the arms needed for a little army, but it was, in his words, "so hugely out of repair" that if not speedily fixed it might fall and do much mischief. The two towers that made the gate house of the castle had been floored and roofed by the usurpers, but by then they had fallen very much to decay. The guard-house, built by the same usurpers, was so far out of order that the soldiers inside were wetted by every shower. Two more houses in the castle, one for officers and the other meant to accommodate thirty soldiers, also built by the usurpers, were much out of repair. Orrery reckoned fourteen pounds enough to repair the side walls forming the avenue to the castle gate, and to build at their end a small ravelin of sawed palisadoes. He said this would be a great security to the place, which had no protection and was liable to be surprised both on the side of Thomond gate and on the side of the city. St. John's citadel, he noted, was in pretty good condition. The new bulwark in the king's castle, filled with earth and next to the city, would take three pounds to repair. Of forty guns, great and small, at Limerick, only three were mounted as they should be, and two of those were small brass guns.

41. Limerick citizens aid Sidney in capturing Desmond at Kilmallock

    Kilmallock · town · Limerick · 1564

    Three hundred citizens of Limerick joined Lord Deputy Sidney's forces in apprehending the Earl of Desmond at Kilmallock, where the Earl was briefly imprisoned before being conveyed into Limerick and indicted for levying war against the Queen.

    Read the passage

    The citizens of Limerick, now aided the Lord Deputy, Sir Henry Sidney ; to the number of three hundred of them joined his forces in apprehending the Earl of Desmond at KilmaUoch, where for a short time the Earl was imprisoned, and thence conveyed into Limerick, where he was indicted for levying war against the Queen. His brother John was knighted, and made Seneschal of Desmond.^ This was the first occasion on which Sidney visited Limerick — he had been some time previous occupied elsewhere in his endeavours to suppress the Desmond Eebellion. Queen Ehzabeth wrote an obscure letter to him, all m her own hand, in reference to the disputes of the Desmonds and Ormonds, and this letter is printed in Smith's History of Kerry, pp. 256-7.

    On the 24th of September in the next year (1565) Arnold, Justiciary of Ireland, by consent of the Secretary of the Council, commanded the Mayor, Bailiffs, and citizens of Limerick, that they should observe the solemn injunc-

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 58

42. Limerick citizens beg for assigned dwelling place, 1653

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1653

    In December 1653 the citizens of Limerick, about to be enrolled and having no settled dwelling, asked Dr. Arthur to plead for a place of habitation on the northern side of the port of Limerick in Clare. The negotiation failed and they were left straggling, exposed to insults and perils.

    Read the passage

    The condition of the citizens of Limerick was exceedingly miserable tliroughout this period. Dr. Arthur writes as follows : — " On the ides of December, 1653, the citizens of Limerick, about to be enrolled''^ [probably for enlistment purposes] •" in the city, and having no settled dwelling place, requested me to plead their cause before the general of the army and the committee of the English Parliament [comitia] who were then at Dublin, that they would please to assign to them some certain place of habitation, on the northern side of the port of Limerick [in Clare] where they might dwell in security, lest, if they were straggling about, they might perish by exposure to insults and various perils of life and fortune; but having failed in the negociation, had them informed thereof by a messenger."^ So unpopular was the ParHamentary service, that the natives who attempted to enlist were compelled to apply for protection which they failed to obtain ! Among the minor notabilia we may mention that Charles Fleetwood, commander-in-chief of the Parliamentary army of England in Ireland, being subject to a painful disease by which he was periodically attacked, was attended by Dr. Arthur, who, at his request, wrote a treatise on the history, cause, progress and remedy of the distemper (He'miarani)^

    » State Papers. ' » Arthur's MSS. ' Arthur's MSS.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 106

43. Limerick city mourns death of Daniel O'Connell

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1847

    Upon news of O'Connell's death, shops in Limerick put up shutters, vessels in the harbour flew flags at half-mast, and newspapers went into mourning. A special Corporation meeting adopted resolutions honouring him as the Liberator of Ireland.

    Read the passage

    ingratitude witli wKicli a section at least of his countrymen had treated a patriot who had laboured with indefatigable perseverance and unparalleled zeal for over half a century, in the service of Ireland. To every shop in the city the shutters were put up. The vessels in the harbour had their flags half mast high. The newspapers throughout the country put their columns in deep mourning The voice of political schism was silenced for a time ; and all felt the heavy blow that had been inflicted on society and on liberty throughout the world by the loss of the mighty leader. A special meeting of the Corporation was convened to express public feeling on the lamentable event which caused the tears of millions of people to flow. A resolution was adopted.

    " That the intelligence of the death of O'Connell, justly styled the Liberator of Ireland, has filled the members of this council with the deepest grief — impressed as we are with the vivid recollection of the manifold services conferred by him upon his native country. Whilst we bow with submission to the decree of Providence, which has snatched him from a people who loved him and from a world filled with the fame of his peaceful victories, we offer our sympathy and condolence to our now doubly afflicted countrymen for the loss sustained by his death, the loss of a leader of so much energy and genius, of a patriot so pure and unsullied, of a Christian statesman, whose principles led to the infraction of no laws, divine or human. On his grave v/hen dead, as on the altar of peace, we would desire to place the tribute, which would be so grateful to him when living, an oblivion of all differences among ourselves, and a determination to work together for the land of his affection.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 290

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, you are travelling through a city that mourned Daniel O'Connell in 1847. When word came of his death, every shop in the city put up its shutters. The vessels in the harbour flew their flags at half mast. The newspapers across the country put their columns into deep mourning. The voice of political schism fell silent for a time. All felt the heavy blow inflicted on society and on liberty throughout the world by the loss of the mighty leader. A special meeting of the Corporation was convened to express public feeling on the lamentable event, which caused the tears of millions to flow. A resolution was adopted. It read that the intelligence of the death of O'Connell, justly styled the Liberator of Ireland, had filled the members of the council with the deepest grief, impressed as they were with the vivid recollection of the manifold services conferred by him upon his native country. Whilst they bowed with submission to the decree of Providence which had snatched him from a people who loved him and from a world filled with the fame of his peaceful victories, they offered their sympathy and condolence to their now doubly afflicted countrymen for the loss of a leader of so much energy and genius, of a patriot so pure and unsullied, of a Christian statesman whose principles led to the infraction of no laws divine or human. On his grave when dead, as on the altar of peace, they desired to place the tribute that would have been so grateful to him when living: an oblivion of all differences among themselves, and a determination to work together for the land of his affection.

44. Limerick civic jubilee and Exchange foundation

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1777

    The first stone of the Exchange was laid by Thomas Smyth on 25 June 1777, followed by a civic jubilee in Limerick starting 12 August. The jubilee featured a fancy ball attended by the elite of Limerick, Tipperary, Clare and Kerry, a play at the old Theatre, and a Venetian breakfast in Mr. Davis's gardens.

    Read the passage

    In the next year, the first stone of the Exchange was laid by Thomas Smyth, Esq. on the 25th of June, and a civic jubilee was held in Limerick, which attracted very general interest.* It commenced on the 12th of August, the Prince of Wales' birth day, with a fancy ball, which was attended by the eiUe of the four conterminous counties, viz.. Limerick, ''i'ipperary, Clare and Kerry. On the 13th there was a play at the old Theatre; on the 14th a " Venitian'-' breakfast in the gardens of Mr. Davis ;^ after the breakfast a

    ' To this day the above lamentable occurrence is spoken of, to the concleinnation of Mr. Christopher Carr ; among those killed was a poor woman — a milk woman — who was sitting at the time at her can of milk in Broad-street.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 205

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, this city marked a civic moment in 1777. On the 25th of June that year, Thomas Smyth laid the first stone of the Exchange. Then on the 12th of August, the Prince of Wales' birthday, a civic jubilee began. It opened with a fancy ball attended by the elite of four counties: Limerick, Tipperary, Clare and Kerry. On the 13th there was a play at the old Theatre. On the 14th, what the record calls a Venetian breakfast was held in the gardens of Mr. Davis. After that breakfast something lamentable occurred, spoken of to this day, and involving the condemnation of Mr. Christopher Carr. Among those killed was a poor milk woman, sitting at her can of milk in Broad Street.

45. Limerick in turmoil during Bishop Patrick's episcopacy

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1140

    During the episcopacy of Patrick, who succeeded Gilbert in 1140 and was consecrated by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Limerick was in a state of great confusion due to repeated invasions from Connacht. The Danes' bishops in Limerick and other cities swore canonical obedience to Canterbury.

    Read the passage

    Eno-landby Theobald, Arclibisliop of Canterbury, to wliom, as Primate of Great Britain, be took an oatli of canonical obedience.' Patrick sat but a short time; and during his episcopacy, Limerick, unquestionably, was in a state of great confusion on account of the different invasions from Connauo-ht. "The Danes showed an inveterate hatred not only to the Irish people, but to the Irish Church — for wherever they had influence or command, as in Dublin, Waterford, Cork, and Limerick, their bishops swore canonical obedience to the Archbishop of Canterbury.^

    Harold, an Ostman (by the Irish called Erolb), succeeded, and died in 1151. Turgesius, a Dane also, followed. He assisted at the synod of Kells, which was convened by Cardinal Paparo. Brictius, an Ostman, wag next in succession. He was one of the Irish bishops who assisted at the Council of Lateran, in the years 1179 and 1180. His companions to Eome were Laurence, Archbishop of Cashel ; Constantino, bishop of Killaloe; FeHx, Bishop of Lismore; and Augustine, Bishop of Waterford; who first Avent over to England, took an oath not in any way to act prejudicially to the king's interest while in Rome, and were then permitted to proceed on their journey. Donald O'Brien, king of Limerick, as we have already seen, granted the lands of Imungran, (now Mungret) and the lands of Ivamnach to Brictius and his successors, and to the clergy of St. Mary's of Limerick.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 316

46. Limerick members of the Catholic Confederation of Kilkenny

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1641

    The Catholic Confederation formed at Kilkenny in December 1641 included members returned for the county and city of Limerick: O'Dwyer (afterwards Bishop), William Bourke Baron of Castleconnell, John Baggot of Baggotstown, Mark FitzHarris of Cloghnafay, Thomas O'Ryan of Doon, and others.

    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

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, you are in a city whose men sat at one of the most significant assemblies of 17th-century Ireland. The insurrection began in Ulster, but the soldiers of the President of Munster, Sir William St. Leger, committed such cruelties that the gentry of Kilkenny and Tipperary formed associations to protect their lives and property. Several noblemen had remonstrated against the indiscriminate vengeance taken for the acts of a few lawless natives, but their remonstrances were heard with contempt. Lord Mountgarret and his friends became convinced that a conspiracy was forming against the Catholics. A general defection followed, and they took up arms, reducing the towers and forts in the towns of Kilkenny, Waterford, and Tipperary. In December 1641, the Anglo-Irish Catholics of the Pale and the ancient Irish made a coalition. From this came the Catholic Confederation, whose aim was to establish their religious independence and recover estates lost by the sword or by legalised plunder. The Confederation of Kilkenny had 251 members, including 11 spiritual peers, 14 temporal peers, and 26 commoners. The members returned for the county and city of Limerick were O'Dwyer, afterwards Bishop of Limerick, William Bourke, Baron of Castleconnell, John Baggot of Baggotstown, Mark FitzHarris of Cloghnafay, Thomas O'Ryan of Doon, George Comyn, Patrick Fanning, John Haly, Daniel Higgins, and Bartholomew Stackpole, all of Limerick. Lord Mountgarret was President of the Supreme Council. A celebrated leader died at Kilkenny at this time, and the Earl of Castlehaven took his place. Garret Barry was made General of the Munster forces, Owen O'Neill of Ulster, Thomas Preston for Leinster, and Colonel John Bourke for Connaught. They commanded all persons to bear faith and allegiance to the King, and assumed to themselves the administration of justice.

47. Limerick port trade in decline relative to rivals

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1822–1823

    By the early 1820s Limerick's trade and commerce had fallen away, with foreign shipping almost deserting the quays. The port revenue of £60,437 lagged behind Cork, Waterford, and Londonderry, and the city threatened to follow Galway into commercial decline.

    Read the passage

    At this parricular juncture a serious check had been given to the prosperity of Limerick, which, in its trade and commerce, had been falling away from the high ground which it had for so many years occupied. Foreign shipping had almost deserted the quays ; there was a diminished trade Avith England. The revenue of the port was little over that of Newry, and not near the revenue of the port of Waterford. The old rival, Galway, had gone down in this respect, many years before ; and Limerick threatened to follow to a similar level. While the revenue of Cork was £234,010 — and that of Waterford £94,643— and Londonderry £72,137— Limerick was but £60,437 — Belfast, at this time, was not near Newry, the revenue of the former being but £302,762. A contemporaneous writer ascribes the decay of Limerick to the prevalence of too much showiness and idleness on the part of those classes Avho ought to have been engaged in bu?=incss pursuits; but the real

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 261

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick in these years, its trade and commerce have fallen away from the high ground they held for so long. Foreign shipping has almost deserted the quays, and trade with England has diminished. The revenue of the port is little over that of Newry, and nowhere near Waterford's. The old rival, Galway, went down this road many years before, and Limerick now threatens to fall to a similar level. The figures tell the story. Cork stands at £234,010. Waterford at £94,643. Londonderry at £72,137. Limerick is but £60,437. Even Belfast, at £302,762, is far beyond Newry. A writer of the time puts the decay down to too much showiness and idleness among those classes who ought to have been engaged in business pursuits. But the real causes lie deeper, and the material does not say what they are.

48. Lord Deputy receives submissions at Abington abbey

    Abington · townland · Limerick · 1537

    In 1537 the Lord Deputy came to Abington abbey and there received the submissions of O'Mulryan, Lord of the Country, Ulick Burke of Clanrickard, and others.

    Read the passage

    1537. The Lord Deputy came to this abbey and there received the submissions of O'Mulryan, Lord of the Country, Ulick Burke, of Clanrickard, etc.

    1540. One of the articles of impeachment brought in this year against the liord Deputy Grey was, that he held secret correspondence with James, Earl of Desmond, and went to visit him in his tent in his night gown, and forced the abbot of this house to give him the sum of £40 for the purpose of insviring his abbey against spoliation. At the dissolution the last abbot was fomid seized of this rectory, then valued at £1 ; also of the rectories of Thurles, annual value £11 ; Enagh, in Ormond, £4; Arklow, £4; Tullowfelim, £4, etc., etc.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 419

49. Lord Justice and Ormond march through Rathkeale and Adare

    Rathkeale · town · Limerick · 1580

    Ormond and the Lord Justice met at Rathkeale on 10 March, crossed the bridge of Adare the next day, then invaded Connelloe before proceeding to Carrigafoyle, which they took, hanging Captain Julio, the Italian engineer commanding the garrison.

    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

50. Mallow garrisoned as military precaution against rebellion

    Mallow · town · Cork · 1666

    Lord Orrery stated his intention to place strong parties in Mallow and Limerick as principal military positions between Cork and Limerick, relying on this precaution plus the arrest of the chiefs of 'the fanatics and western Irish' to prevent the enemies' designs.

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    cipal military positions between Cork and Limerick, he states his intention to place strong parties in Mallow and Limerick, a precaution on which, added to the arrest of the chiefs of '' the fanatics and western Irish," he rehed for the prevention of the enemies^ designs.

    In the June of the same year, he announces to the Duke that Myles Eeilly, with seven or eight hundred Irish, had run into rebellion, which he says he does not suppose he would have been so mad as to do if he Avere not sure of succours from abroad or from home.^ In consequence of this intelligence, he ordered the mayors and governors of Limerick and Cork, as the two chief fortresses of the province, to seize on aU the arms in the hands of Catholics within these garrisons, and to adopt the same course towards " the fanatics/'' He also issued orders to expel such persons from both cities, crowds of whom, he says, had come into them, to the endangering of the fortresses, taking advantage of the Hcense granted to such of the Irish as traded by sea, or were otherwise " needful or civil men/^^

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 116

51. Mathew Bridge built to connect English Town with county Limerick

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1761–1844

    A new bridge was constructed by Mr. Uzuld at a cost of £1,800, connecting the English town by Quay Lane with what is now the principal part of Limerick city — the new town. The first stone was laid on 9 June 1761, and the bridge opened for traffic that September. In 1844 it was replaced as incommodious.

    Read the passage

    ' This Bridge had been one of the greatest ornaments of the city, and was constructed by Mr. Uzuld at an expense of £1800. It connected the English town, by Quay Lane, with the then portion of the County Limerick which is now the principal part of the city — the new town. The first stone was laid on the 9th of June, 1761, and the Bridge was opened for traffic in the following September. This bridge was declared, in 1844, to be incommodious, owing to the fact that there was a considerable elevation in the only arch by which it spanned the river, when a new bridge was substituted, as appears by the following inscription on it. It is called the

    MATHEW BRIDGE.*

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 195

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, you come upon Mathew Bridge. It was built by Mr. Uzuld at a cost of £1,800, and connected the English town, by Quay Lane, with what was then part of County Limerick and is now the principal part of the city, the new town. The first stone was laid on the 9th of June, 1761, and the bridge was opened for traffic that September. It was called one of the greatest ornaments of the city. In 1844 it was declared incommodious, because there was a considerable elevation in the only arch by which it spanned the river, and a new bridge was substituted.

52. Merchants' memorial over Limerick harbour condition

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1833

    In 1833, principal merchants of Limerick presented a memorial to the commissioners complaining of the dangerous condition of the harbour caused by bridge encroachments and the misappropriation of port revenues, which should have been applied to dock construction.

    Read the passage

    A memorial, signed by the principal merchants and others, was presented to the commissioners in 1833 in which complaint was further made of the dangerous coudition of the harbour, caused by the bridge encroachments, and of the misappropriation of the revenues of the port, which ought solely to have been applied to the construction of the promised docks.

    In the year 1834' a new act was procured, under which a sum of £45,000 was raised by loan from government, and was expended uppn an engineering project, which was subsequently abandoned as impracticable. This project had for its end the construction of a dam across the river, and the conversion of the stream into a large floating dock. _ Engineers, however, of eminence reported that such a dock would occasionally lay a great part of the city under water. The advantage derived by the city from the £45,000 thus expended was the construction of a noble line of quays. In 1847, a third act was procured ; and an additional sum of £o4,000 was advanced, which was expended in the construction of the existing dock, which was opened, as we have stated in the first chapter of this work, m 1853. The dock covers a space of eight acres, and was constructed by John Long, Esq., C.E. The dock is capable of accommodating eighty seagoing vessels, large and small, and is entered by dock gates seventy feet wide. The depth is from twenty to twenty-five feet. The total cost was £54,000, a moderate expenditure on a work of such extent and depth.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 267

    As the companion tells it

    Limerick, a city the road passes through, had a harbour in serious trouble by 1833. The principal merchants and others signed a memorial that year and presented it to the commissioners. They complained of the dangerous condition of the harbour, caused by bridge encroachments, and of the misappropriation of the revenues of the port, which ought solely to have been applied to the construction of the promised docks. In 1834 a new act was procured, under which a sum of 45,000 pounds was raised by loan from government. It was spent on an engineering project that was subsequently abandoned as impracticable. The project aimed to build a dam across the river and turn the stream into a large floating dock. Engineers of eminence reported that such a dock would occasionally lay a great part of the city under water. The advantage the city did get from the 45,000 pounds was the construction of a noble line of quays. In 1847 a third act was procured, and an additional 54,000 pounds was advanced. It was spent on the existing dock, opened in 1853. The dock covers eight acres and was constructed by John Long, C.E. It can accommodate 80 seagoing vessels, large and small, and is entered by dock gates 70 feet wide. The depth is from 20 to 25 feet. The total cost was 54,000 pounds.

53. Monabraher, the Friar's Bog, impassable

    Monabraher · townland · Limerick · 1690

    Monabraher, or the Friar's Bog, lay beyond the water and was well nigh impassable during the siege operations around Limerick.

    Read the passage

    Like tlie matrons of Sparta, they infused life into the drooping spirits of those ■who fought for their country — and in tones not to be misunderstood, conjured them to make ramparts of their bodies rather than return from the walls, except amid shouts of victory ! The morning of the 27th of August dawned cloudily ; a mist was dense on Keeper Hill and on Cratloe Woods ; ram had fallen in abundance during the previous night — the ground near the camp was almost untenable from the water. i Lord Macaulay^ admits that all about the city at this period was a swamp — the view from the towers of St. Mary's, he says, did not stretch over smiling meadows and waving fields of corn — all was bog and water. Between Newcastle and Smgland there was a marsh, whilst between Groody and the river, it was impossible to make an approach by infantry or cavalry, owing to the swampy nature of the ground. Monabraher, or the Friar's Bog, was "beyond the water, and it was well nigh impassable. Within the walls all night, there was deep silence alhed to the most resolute and sleepless determination and activity on the part of soldiers and citizens. And now came the eventful moment of the attack, as day broke through the thick rain which continued to fall. The attack was commenced, according to Storey^ by a detachment of nme companies of Grenadiers, supported by a hundred French (Huguenot) officers and volunteers. The Grenadiers were armed with hand-grenades, which they cast away from them mth tremendous velocity, hideously shouting m the jargon of their country. The bells with which their waist belts were furnished made a tmkhng, clanking noise, such as may be imagined from the jarring and jingling of so many of them together as the men leaped and ran in hot haste to the covered way and the two forts near John's Gate, which they were ordered to occupy. A hand to hand, desperate encounter now took j)lace between the assailants and defenders at this point; but such were the numbers, the violence, the strength, and impetuosity of the Grenadiers and theii- supporters that the soldiers of the Irish army gave way ! Here too, the tact and foresight of Sarsfield were manifest. Had not the Irish given way and retreated when they found it unpossible wholly to repel the assault, they would have permitted the Williamites to make a lodgement at this important pomt— and nothing coidd have prevented its permanent occupation by the enemy in that event, and most likely the reduction of the city within a much shorter time than even William anticipated, flushed as he already was with the assured hope of complete success. Such at least was the thought that possessed the souls of the grim Grenadiers, and the fierce Huguenots at tliis moment. "The Grenadiers," says Dr. Molleneux,* " were seconded by other detachments, who went on with that heat and courage, that having gained the coimterscarp, and a fort which the Irish had under the walls, they, instead of lodgmg themselves there, as they were ordered to do, and not to advance any further, mounted the counterscarp, following the Irish that fled that way, but these being entrenched behind the breach and having planted cannon against it," (this was the masked battery at Curry's Lane) " they were cut off" ! It must be added, that the moment the retreat of the Irish soldiery was discerned by their comrades in the streets, and above all by the women, it is impossible to describe the sudden, overwhelming reaction which at once took place. Every feeling that could arm citizens and soldiers, with vengeance,

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 136

54. Mungret Gate opened and rebuilt in Limerick

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1622

    In 1622 Mungret Gate in Limerick, which had been shut time out of mind, was opened and rebuilt. Half the street was paved, St. Mary Church repaired, and an organ installed.

    Read the passage

    1622 Mnngret Gate opponed and nowe built, half ye street paved wc. was shut tyrae out of mynde. St. Mary Churcb repayrd, and organ put up there. The spitell bego. to be built. .5. Annals.

    1627 (4 K. Chas.) (ienerall agents sent for England from the pvinces., whoe granted £120,000 subsidy to be granted by parlt., but levied for the souldiers wt. out. pliament. Ibid.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 407

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Limerick now. In 1622, Mungret Gate, which had been shut, in the source's words, time out of mynde, was opened and newly built. Half the street was paved. St. Mary Church was repaired, and an organ put up there. A spital also began to be built that year.

55. Murder of Lord Castleconnell by Arnold Crosby

    Castleconnell · town · Limerick · 1591

    In 1591, John Bourke, Lord Castleconnell, was murdered by Captain Arnold Crosby. Crosby asked Castleconnell to remove his spurs and then stabbed him in the breast with twenty-one wounds. Crosby was hanged, and the event excited considerable sensation in Limerick.

    Read the passage

    In the year 1591, which was also memorable as the year the CoUege of Dublin was founded by Queen Elizabeth, the murder of John, Lord Castleconnell by Arnold Crosby, for which the latter was hanged, excited a considerable sensation in Limerick. The melancholy event is thus curiously versified in Davis^s Manuscript Annals.

    1591. Oliver Bourke, Mayor.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 68

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Castleconnell in Limerick, this is where, in 1591, John Bourke, Lord Castleconnell, was murdered by Arnold Crosby. Crosby was hanged for it. The event excited considerable sensation in Limerick. Oliver Bourke was mayor that year.

56. O'Carroll burns Nenagh and Tyone monastery

    Nenagh · town · Tipperary · 1548

    O'Carroll burned Nenagh upon the Red Captain and destroyed the town from the fortress out. He also burned the monastery of Tyone and set fire to the monastery of Abington in county Limerick, banishing the Saxons from it.

    Read the passage

    On the 4th of November, Charles Mac Art Kavenagh made his submission to the Lord Deputy at Dublin, in presence of the Earls of Desmond, Thomond, Clanrickard and Tyrone, and the Lords Mountgarrett, Dunboyne, Cahir, and Ibracan, renounced the name of Mac Murrough, and parted with some of his usurped jurisdiction and estate.^ O^Carroll, however, did not long remain quiet. In this same year he burned Nenagh upon the "Red Captam,'"^ and the monastery of Tyoue also. He destroyed the town from the fortress out. He set fire to the monastery of Abington in the county of Limerick, banished the Saxons out of it,^ created great confusion among them, by which he weakened their power and " diminished their bravery," so that he ordered them all out of his country, except a few warders who were at Nenagh ui the tower of Mac Manus.^

    The Lord Justice (Brabazon) being m Limerick, held a great court, at which the Mayor Avas present, and took part in it as one of the Judges or Commissioners. In 1551, Edmond Butler, Archbishop of Cashel, and son of Pierce, Earl of Ormond, to whom the government of Tipperary had been committed a few years before, died; and Murrough O'Brien, Earl of Thomond, as he was styled by the English, and king,^° but styled O'Brien according to the custom of the Irish, died — he was the first man of the race of O'Brien

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 55

    As the companion tells it

    You are coming through Nenagh, in Tipperary. In 1548, O'Carroll burned this town upon the Red Captain, and he burned the monastery of Tyone as well. He destroyed the town from the fortress out. He also set fire to the monastery of Abington in county Limerick, and banished the Saxons out of it. He created great confusion among them, by which he weakened their power and, in the words of the source, "diminished their bravery," so that he ordered them all out of his country. He left only a few warders behind, who were at Nenagh in the tower of Mac Manus. The same year had opened with Charles Mac Art Kavenagh making his submission to the Lord Deputy at Dublin, in the presence of the Earls of Desmond, Thomond, Clanrickard and Tyrone, and the Lords Mountgarrett, Dunboyne, Cahir, and Ibracan. He renounced the name of Mac Murrough and gave up some of his usurped jurisdiction and estate. But O'Carroll did not long remain quiet after that.

57. O'Connell's last visit to Limerick, summer 1846

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1846

    Towards the close of the summer of 1846, Daniel O'Connell paid his last visit to Limerick. He was by then breaking down in health and sorely disappointed in hope, no longer the eloquent and enthusiastic orator he had been.

    Read the passage

    of M'Mahon/ tliat they ought to be kicked out of the room^ an expression for which M'Mahon applauded him. 2 Some of his best speeches were deHvered at Catholic meetings held in Limerick,^ and at the Court House in the defence of prisoners. He lodged, during his periodical visits_, at the house No. G, Patrick- street, then occupied by Mr. Sheehan, a saddler, where he was constantly besieged by attorneys and clients ; and his appearance, as he walked with a thorough air of complete independence, " kicking the world before him,"* to and from Court, or through the city, always attracted a large and enthusiastic crowd of admirers. Going to or returning from his beloved mountain home in Kerry, he usually rested for a night in Limerick ; and it was his usual habit on these occasions to address the throngs by whom his carriage was ever surrounded, when he never began a speech without, in the first place, attacking the local Tory journal, and asking, "How is Andy Watson?" its proprietor. He retained a strong hold on the affections of the citizens up to the very last visit which he paid to Limerick, which v.-as towards the close of the simimer of 1846, when, breaking down in health, and sorely disappointed in hope, he was no longer the eloquent and enthusiastic orator that he had been. During the Clare election, in 1828, Limerick was as it were the centre of operations of O'Connell and his friends. The citizens were absolutely wild with excitement. As O^Connell proceeded to Clare, to open that great county, and strike the final blow for Catholic freedom, the entire population of Limerick became well nigh frantic in their demonstrations in favor of the cause in which the nation and its avowed leader had embarked.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 274

    As the companion tells it

    You are coming into Limerick now. In the summer of 1846, Daniel O'Connell paid his last visit to this city, and he was a changed man. His health was breaking down and his hopes were sorely disappointed. He was no longer the eloquent and enthusiastic orator he had been. O'Connell had a long history with Limerick. He lodged during his periodical visits at number 6 Patrick Street, in the house of Mr. Sheehan, a saddler, where attorneys and clients constantly besieged him. He walked through the city with a thorough air of complete independence, in the words of the source, kicking the world before him, to and from court, and crowds of admirers always gathered around him. Going to or returning from his beloved mountain home in Kerry, he usually rested a night in Limerick. It was his habit on these occasions to address the throngs that surrounded his carriage, and he never began a speech without first attacking the local Tory journal and asking, How is Andy Watson, its proprietor. He held a strong grip on the affections of the citizens right up to that last visit. Years before, during the Clare election of 1828, Limerick had been the centre of operations for O'Connell and his friends. The citizens were wild with excitement. As he proceeded to Clare to strike the final blow for Catholic freedom, the entire population of Limerick became well nigh frantic in their demonstrations for the cause.

58. O'Connor invades Thomond, plunders to Limerick

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1114

    In 1114 Torlogh O'Connor, king of Connaught, invaded Thomond during Murtagh's absence, plundered the country as far as Limerick, and carried off spoil and prisoners. Donald O'Brien was slain defending the country.

    Read the passage

    tlic plains of CoBha iu Tyrone,' on wliicli occasion the royal tent and marly Valuable jewels were captured.''^ The following years are chiefly occupied with resultless campaigns between Murtagh and Macloughlin, and the interposition of the clergy in bringing about temporary pacifications. In 1114, say the amials/ " a great fit of sickness attacked Murtagh O'Brien, so that he became a living skeleton, and resigned his kingdom; and Diarmuid (his brother) assumed the kingdom of Munster after him without pennission/^ During Murtagh^s absence in Leinster, Thomond was invaded by Torlogh O'Connor, king of Connaught, who plundered the country as far as Limerick, and carried off spoil and prisoners. On this occasion Donald O'Brien, son of Teige, was slain while defending his country against the invaders. In the second year after also, 1116, Torlogh O'Connor again invaded Thomond, and advancing Avithout resistance, demolished Kincora as well as the fort of Boromha, which had been erected by Brian Boru — an insult which the Dalcassians vainly attempted to avenge under Dermod, brother of Murtagh O'Brien, who led an army into Connaught, but was repulsed and obliged to make a precipitate retreat. In 1117, Thomond was again invaded by the forces of Connaught, commanded by Brian, son of Morrogh O'Elaherty, and the son of Cathal O'Connor, who defeated the Munster troops first at Leacan in West Thomond, and afterwards at Latteragh in Ormond, with still greater loss. The death of Dermod O'Brien was followed in a year by that of his brother Murtagh. Tliis event took place in 1119, and this eminent prince, whose character ranked so high in his lifetime that he was often consulted by the king of England, Henry I., was buried in the cathedral of Killaloe, which, from the time of the donation of Cashel to the Church, to the period of the Anglo-Norman invasion, became the residence of the descendants of the illustrious Brian Boru.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 21

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up through Limerick now. In 1114, this was the limit of a raid that reached across Thomond. That year, a great sickness attacked Murtagh O'Brien, so that he became, as the annals say, a living skeleton, and he resigned his kingdom. His brother Diarmuid assumed the kingdom of Munster after him without permission. With Murtagh absent in Leinster, Thomond lay open. Torlogh O'Connor, king of Connaught, invaded. He plundered the country as far as Limerick itself, and carried off spoil and prisoners. Donald O'Brien, son of Teige, was slain while defending his country against the invaders. The years that followed brought no peace. In 1116, Torlogh O'Connor invaded Thomond again, and advancing without resistance, demolished Kincora as well as the fort of Boromha, which had been erected by Brian Boru. The Dalcassians attempted to avenge the insult under Dermod, brother of Murtagh O'Brien, who led an army into Connaught, but he was repulsed and obliged to make a precipitate retreat. In 1117, Thomond was invaded once more by the forces of Connaught, commanded by Brian, son of Morrogh O'Flaherty, and the son of Cathal O'Connor. They defeated the Munster troops first at Leacan in West Thomond, and afterwards at Latteragh in Ormond, with still greater loss. The death of Dermod O'Brien was followed in a year by that of his brother Murtagh. That event took place in 1119, and this prince, whose character ranked so high in his lifetime that he was often consulted by the king of England, Henry I, was buried in the cathedral of Killaloe.

59. O'Donnell's incursion into Thomond

    Thomond · street · Dublin · 1599

    In the spring of 1599, O'Donnell made an incursion into Thomond, having already carried off great plunder with Clanrickarde. The insurrectionary spirit had spread widely in Thomond, fueled by dissatisfaction among junior branches over honors bestowed on the Earl of Thomond and Lord Inchiquin.

    Read the passage

    In the Spring of 1599, O'DonneU, who had proceeded with Clanrickarde, and carried off great plunder, made an incursion into Thomond, where the insurrectionary' spiiit had already spread far and wide, not only by the success of O'DonneU, but by the bestowal of disproportionate honors on the Earl of Thomond and Lord Inchiquin, to the prejudice of the junior branches, who were greatly dissatisfied with the results of the insurrection. Such was the strength of the rebellion against the government at this time, that a particular return was given to the Lord Lieutenant of the number and disposition of the Irish in arms.^

    Many of these had sworn at a public cross to be steadfast and true to their religion ; and it was complained that even the Irish who were not out in action, were so backward in aiding the queen, that they who could bring 100 horse and 300 foot to dispute their private quarrels, would not bring six men to assist the state. ^ Essex marching to Limerick, and thence to Askeaton, Desmond and Daniel MacCarthy More, lay in ambush for him ; The iU management of the affair caused a feud between Thomas Plunkett and Pierce Lacy, in which the former Avas slain, while Henry Norris was slain in a bloody fight near Croom, and Desmond pursued Essex's rere for six days.*

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 68

    As the companion tells it

    In the spring of 1599, along here in Thomond, O'Donnell made an incursion. He had already proceeded with Clanrickarde and carried off great plunder. The insurrectionary spirit had spread far and wide, not only through O'Donnell's success, but through the bestowal of disproportionate honors on the Earl of Thomond and Lord Inchiquin, to the prejudice of the junior branches, who were greatly dissatisfied with the results of the insurrection. The rebellion against the government was so strong at this time that a particular return was given to the Lord Lieutenant of the number and disposition of the Irish in arms. Many of these had sworn at a public cross to be steadfast and true to their religion. It was complained that even the Irish who were not out in action were so backward in aiding the queen, that they who could bring 100 horse and 300 foot to dispute their private quarrels, would not bring six men to assist the state. Essex marched to Limerick, and thence to Askeaton. Desmond and Daniel MacCarthy More lay in ambush for him. The ill management of the affair caused a feud between Thomas Plunkett and Pierce Lacy, in which Plunkett was slain. Henry Norris was slain in a bloody fight near Croom, and Desmond pursued Essex's rear for six days.

60. Old Exchange, Limerick rebuilt 1777

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1777

    By inscription on the front of the Old Exchange it appears it was rebuilt in 1777, when Walter Widenham was Mayor and Francis Russell and Charles Sargent were Sheriffs. Francis Russell was grandfather to Francis William Russell, the then Representative in Parliament for the City of Limerick.

    Read the passage

    2 The Russellsof Limerick (who were once numerous) arc an old Protestant family that can clearly be traced to the time of Cromwell, though further trace oflhemis horelost,it is probable that their progenitors were citizens of Limerick at a period much more remote. The 9th Mayor of Lmierick was John Russell, (styled John Russell, alias Creagh), and the 56th Mavor of LmierickM-as John Russell. Since then several of the name have filled the ofBico of Baifiif and Sheriff. By inscription on front of the Old E.xcliange it appears it was rebuilt in 1777, Walter Widenham being Mayor, and Francis Russell and Charles Sargent, Sheriffs. This Fiancis Russell was grandfather to Francis William Russell, the present Representative in Parliament for the City of Limerick, and the last member of the family that filled the office of ShciifF, was his brother, Thomjjson Russell ; Hughes Russell was Sheriff for the city in 1837, and took part as a public officer in the civil and military procession through the streets of Limerick on the occasion of proclaiming Victoria Queen of Great Britain and Ireland, and the first

    and reaches Limerick at 2^, p.m — route through Patrick's Well, Adare, Crough, Rathkeale, New Bridpe, Foynes, Loughill, Glin, Tarbert, Listowell, and O'Dorney— performing a journey of 50 miles and 3 furlongs in Hi hours.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 263

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, there's the Old Exchange, rebuilt in 1777. The inscription on its front names Walter Widenham as Mayor that year, with Francis Russell and Charles Sargent serving as Sheriffs. The Russells of Limerick were an old Protestant family, traced back to the time of Cromwell, though their roots in the city likely go further. John Russell was the 9th Mayor of Limerick, and another John Russell held the office as the 56th Mayor. Several of the name have filled the office of Mayor and Sheriff over the years. This Francis Russell, named on the Exchange, was grandfather to Francis William Russell, the Representative in Parliament for the City of Limerick. The last member of the family to serve as Sheriff was his brother, Thompson Russell. Hughes Russell was Sheriff in 1837, and took part in the civil and military procession through the streets of Limerick when Victoria was proclaimed Queen of Great Britain and Ireland.