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. Papal Nuncio Rinuccini at Bunratty

   near Bunratty · parish · Clare · 1644–1646

   Rinuccini was sent to Ireland as Papal Nuncio in 1644 and was active at Bunratty. He opposed Ormond's peace in 1646 and sent reports to the Pope on the Irish Confederate situation.

   Read the passage

   Rinuccini sent to Ireland (1644), 156 ; Papal Nuncio

   at Bunratty, etc., 158; opposed to Ormond's peace

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 457

2. Patrick Brien whipped through Limerick for pike-making

   Limerick · city · Limerick · 1798

   Patrick Brien, convicted of making pikes, was whipped through the streets of the city by the farriers and drummers of the garrison.

   Read the passage

   Mav ''G Patrick Brien, who was convicted of making Pikes, was whipped through the city. The oper^ators on the occasion were the Farriers and Drummers of the garrison. ^ ^ . ,.

   Mav 30 Non-arrival of the Dublin Mail— all the troops called out by order of Brigadier General Morrison, who commanded in the temporary absence of General Duff.

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 228

3. Pestilence carries off 300 citizens of Limerick

   Limerick · city · Limerick · 1604

   In 1604, a terrible pestilence brought from England raged throughout Munster and killed three hundred citizens of Limerick. James Galway was serving his second term as mayor at the time.

   Read the passage

   At this time a terrible pestilence, ivhich was brought over from England, raged throughout Munster, and carried off three hundred of the citizens of Limerick. James Galway was mayor, for the second time ; and David, son of Nicholas Comyn, and Thomas, son of Patrick Creagh, were baiHffs.^

   Sir Arthur Chichester, the succeeding Viceroy, re-established the long disused custom of ch-cuits in Mimster and Connaught ; and as an extension of Royal favor, Corporations were gTanted to several towns. The rising hoj)^ of the Qathohcs in the tolerant principles of their new King were soon rudely blighted by the issuing of a proclamation, promulgating the act of Uniformity, and commanding the " Papist^^ clergy to depart from the"" kingdom. He had abeady sent orders to Dublin that the Act of Supremacy should'be administered to all Catholic lawyers and justices of the peace, and that the laws against recusants should be strictly enforced ;■ ■, a commission Avas issued caUing on respectable Catholics to Wsatch and inform agnlnst such.. .. of their co-a'eligionists as did not frequent Protestant churehesy:ifand some "^ Catholics who had remonstrated and petitioned „M' religious lifety were committed to prison ; Sir Henry Blunkard wa^ PloBident of 3\Juilster, and Edmond Fox being mayor of Limerick, was deprived of Ms ofiice three Aveeks bi^re Michaelmas day, for refusing to take the oath of supremacy and not going to church. Andrew Creagh Eitzjasper was chosen mayor m the place of Eox, for the remainder of the year, and.this Creagh was the first Protestant mayor of the city. Eox was eleven months piiyor^ — Creagh pne month. Domanick EitzPeter Creagh and James Woulfe were the'- bailiffs. ^ Creagh was succeeded by Edmond Sexten, who had Christopher FitzEdward Arthur' and Peter EitzThomas Creagh, bailiffe^^ ms^'"'"-

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 72

4. Petition against nunnery invasion measures at St. Michael's Church

   Limerick · city · Limerick · 1853

   On April 17th, 1853, a great meeting was held in St. Michael's Church, Limerick, to adopt a petition against new measures for the invasion of nunneries. The Mayor presided and Dr. Ryan made a powerful speech. The petition was signed by upwards of 10,000 persons.

   Read the passage

   April 17th. — A great meeting was held in St. Michael's Church, Lhnerick, to adopt a petition against the new measures for the invasion of nunneries. The Mayor presided. The Right Rev. Dr. Kyan made a poweriul speech on the occasion. The petition was signed by upwards of 10,000 persons. ISlr. Whiteside's bill was shelved by a count out.

   Young Men's Societies established by the Kev. R. B. O'Brien, C.C., of St. Mary's. The "Very Rev. Dr. GahiU delivered tlie third of his course of scientilic lectures to this Society, in the July of this year, at the Theatre Royal, Limerick.

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 292

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Limerick, there is St. Michael's Church, where on the 17th of April, 1853, a great meeting was held to adopt a petition against new measures for the invasion of nunneries. The Mayor presided. The Right Reverend Dr. Ryan made a powerful speech on the occasion. The petition was signed by upwards of 10,000 persons. Mr. Whiteside's bill, which prompted the outcry, was shelved by a count out.

5. Political Threats Against Mr. Arthur in Limerick

   Limerick · city · Limerick · 1792

   In 1792, Stephen Roche John and Sir Christopher Knight, an alderman of Limerick, warned Mr. Arthur that he had incurred the Lord Chancellor's displeasure for his independent political conduct.

   Read the passage

   at large in the newspapers of the day. The Roman Catholics, to do away, in some measure, with the odium cast upon them by the county resolutions, felt it necessarj^ to lay a statement of their claims and intentions, in their thus persevering to appoint delegates, contrary to the sense of that meeting, before the public ; which statement was signed on the part of the Catholics by Mr. Arthur as chairman, and was published accordingly. This open and avowed conduct of Mr. Arthur drew down upon him the indignation of the Lord Chancellor, who, finding that the Catholics had appointed Mr. Arthur one of their delegates to the general committee of the Catholics of Ireland, to be then shortly holden in the metropolis, was doubly incensed against him, and openly expressed his resentment. Stephen Roche John, Esq., his Lordship's conlidential agent, and Sir Christopher Knight, an alderman of the city of Limerick, and a magistrate for the countj"-, represented to Mr. Arthur how far he had incurred the Chancellor's displeasure ; that, moreover, his Lordship had heard many things to the prejudice of Mr. Arthur, and they cautioned him to take care, in future, how he conducted himself. To these threats, made so early as the year 1792, Mr. Arthur only replied that his conduct would, at all times, bear the strictest scrutiny, little expecting that a time would come when the administration of all law and justice would be suspended, and when everj' honest man who had the misfortune to incur the displeasure of a man in power, would be exposed to the most unwarrantable attempts on his life and property. Perhaps, also, much of Mr. Arthur's unmerited persecution might be attributed to his having had the hardihood to propose a respectable banker of the citj' of Limerick, Thomas Maunsell, Esq., as a proper person to represent that city in Parliament at the general election, in opposition to a coalition (as it appeared to Mr. Arthur) formed by two principal families, for tlie purpose of reducing his native city of Limerick to the condition of a dependant borough,

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 229

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Limerick, this is a city where a man's independence once brought threats from the highest office in the land. In 1792, the Roman Catholics of the county had appointed delegates contrary to the sense of a public meeting, and they published a statement of their claims and intentions, signed by Mr. Arthur as their chairman. The Lord Chancellor took this badly. When the Catholics went further and appointed Mr. Arthur as one of their delegates to a general committee of the Catholics of Ireland, soon to be held in Dublin, the Chancellor was doubly incensed and made no secret of his resentment. Stephen Roche John, the Lord Chancellor's confidential agent, and Sir Christopher Knight, an alderman of Limerick and a magistrate for the county, went to Mr. Arthur and told him how far he had incurred the Chancellor's displeasure. They said his Lordship had heard many things to his prejudice, and they cautioned him to take care how he conducted himself in future. Mr. Arthur answered only that his conduct would bear the strictest scrutiny. He did not yet know that a time was coming when all law and justice would be suspended, and any honest man who had the misfortune to displease a man in power would find his life and property under attack. Some of his persecution may also have come from his having proposed Thomas Maunsell, a respectable banker of Limerick, as a proper person to represent the city in Parliament. He did this in opposition to what he saw as a coalition formed by two principal families, whose purpose was to reduce Limerick to the condition of a dependent borough.

6. Poor Clares convent in Limerick

   Limerick · city · Limerick

   The Poor Clares established a convent in Limerick, bringing nuns from Galway and Dublin. They educated children in reading, writing, spinning, and knitting, but after nineteen years the convent broke up due to failed funds, and the property passed to the Bishop of Limerick.

   Read the passage

   brought nuns from Galway and Dublin, Miss Lloyd, ]\Iiss Crumin, and the Misses Shannon, nieces of Father Walsh, of Thomond Gate, from the county Limerick. Miss Meade, a lady of large fortune, joined the order, which continued nineteen years in the city, but owing to a casualty — their funds being in the hands of parties who failed — they suffered. Their superioress was Mrs. Clancy, of Galway, at whose demise the convent broke up, and the nuns went to other convents. The convent fell into the hands of the Very Rev. Father Michael Malone, O.S.F., who called a meeting, and handed over the convent to Right Rev. Dr. Ryan, the Bishop of Limerick, for the benefit of the city.^ A branch of the Presentation Order came to the convent in question for a short time, but was not successful. It was then that the Sisters of Mercy took possession of the convent, on Father Malone's handing it over to them, for which he deservedly obtained the best thanks of the citizens.^ The Poor Clares not only educated the children in reading, writing, etc., but taught them spinning, knitting, etc. About the time of giving up the Franciscan Academy, Father Richard Hayes, O.S.F., the celebrated pulpit orator, arrived from Rome, where he was sent by the Catholic Board to expostulate against the veto. This was immediately after the restoration of Pius VII. Father Hayes got permission to preach before the Pope and cardinals, but his speech was so strong, that he had to leave Rome in consequence. He first came to Limerick, where he preached in the Franciscan Church in Newgate Lane, and such was the fire and force of his sermon, that the people became nearly frantic with excitement. He put an end to the vetoists in Limerick.

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 377

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Limerick, you are near the ground where the Poor Clares once kept a convent. They brought nuns from Galway and Dublin. Miss Lloyd, Miss Crumin, and the Misses Shannon, nieces of Father Walsh of Thomond Gate, came from county Limerick. Miss Meade, a lady of large fortune, joined the order. Their superioress was Mrs. Clancy of Galway. The order lasted nineteen years in the city. Then their funds, held by parties who failed, were lost. At Mrs. Clancy's death the convent broke up and the nuns went to other convents. The convent fell into the hands of Father Michael Malone, who called a meeting and handed it over to Dr. Ryan, the Bishop of Limerick, for the benefit of the city. A branch of the Presentation Order came for a short time but was not successful. Then the Sisters of Mercy took possession, and Father Malone deservedly earned the thanks of the citizens. The Poor Clares had educated children in reading and writing, and also taught them spinning and knitting. About the time of giving up the Franciscan Academy, Father Richard Hayes arrived from Rome. He had been sent by the Catholic Board to expostulate against the veto, just after the restoration of Pius VII. He got permission to preach before the Pope and cardinals, but his speech was so strong he had to leave Rome. He came first to Limerick and preached in the Franciscan Church in Newgate Lane. The fire and force of his sermon made the people nearly frantic with excitement. He put an end to the vetoists in Limerick.

7. Prendergast as Prior of Kilmainham Hospital

   Kilmainham · townland · Dublin · 1205

   Maurice de Prendergast gave his lands in Pembrokeshire to the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem and joined that order. He became Prior of the famous Hospital of Kilmainham, their chief establishment in Ireland, and died holding that dignity in 1205.

   Read the passage

   Wearied with this life, but still a warrior even when a monk, Prendergast gave his lands of that name in Pembrokeshire to the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem, and joined that order. Their chief establishment in Ireland was the famous Hospital of Kilmainham ; and of this monastery he was Prior, and died in possession of that dignity in 1205. William, his younger son, was ancestor of the Prendergasts of Mayo, called Mac Maurice after their great ancestor, and who gave their name to the barony of Clanmorris, Claremorris, and other localities in Mayo. Philip, the eldest son, was married to Maude, the daughter of the ill-fated Robert de Quincy, Constable of Leinster, who married Strongbow's daughter by hia first marriage, and was slain in battle a few days later. From him descended the Prendergasts of Enniscorthy, Newcastle, Beauver, and Blitchelstown. The latter was formerly described as in the County of Limerick. William do Prendergast of Kilbyde was maj^or of Limerick in 1318 — See the Plea, No. 83, in the 11th of Edward II. And the name frequently occurs about this time, the family estates extending from Doneraile, by Mitchelstown, to Newcastle, near Clonmel, a mountain district of which the northern slopes still partly belong to the county of Limerick.

   ' It appears from the Irish State Papers tliat even so late as the year 1503, the Kavenagha, the representatives of tlie royal house of Leinster, were paid eighty marks yearlj- by the English Government as rios dhti, or black rent, besides being allowed £40 by the county Wexford ort Account of their descent, or i-ather of their still remaining powers to make themselves dreaded ^vithin the limits of their ancient soveieigntj-.

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 28

8. Protestant declaration for Catholic claims at Limerick Commercial Buildings

   Limerick · city · Limerick · 1828

   A Protestant declaration drawn up in Limerick in favour of Catholic claims was displayed for a fortnight at the Commercial Buildings but received barely a dozen signatures, showing limited local Protestant support for emancipation.

   Read the passage

   As a counterpoise to this victory, Brunswick Clubs were now estabHshed everywhere throughout the country by the ascendancy party. At Eathkeale, a great meeting of the gentry of the county of Limerick took place, at which a Brunswick Club was initiated, and of which Lord ]\Iuskerry became the President. At Charleville a club was likewise initiated. At Nenagh, the Tories of the Ormonds established a Club.^ A Protestant declaration, drawn up in Limerick in favor of Catholic claims, lay for a fortnight at the Commercial Buildings, and had not received a dozen signatures during that time. Liberal and Independent Clubs started up side by side with the Brunswick Clubs. It was action and counter action — plot and counter plot. The Order of Liberators, which had been established by O'Connell, who first spoke of his intention to that effect at the great Waterford election in 1826, between VilHers Stuart and Lord George Beresford, received new accessions every day to its members. In the Catholic Association Eichard Shell thundered with Demosthenic fire, while " Bully Boyton'^' fired from behind some " Constitutional" Club, in sustainment of principles which had already become exploded. The faction feuds which had hitherto divided and destroyed the people, ceased in general reconciliations, particularly between the factions in Limerick and in Tipperary, where on one occasion, during this year, 50,000 men assembled, and swore on the altar of their country that they never would fight again among themselves, an event which more than any other struck terror into the hitherto dominant faction.*

   ' Then Moriarty's — afterwards Cruise'3 Royal Hotel, which he never left without calling for Mrs. Cruise and thanking her for her elegant hospitality. This hotel is now (1S65) rented by Mr. John Joseph Clearj', and retains its high character.

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 275

9. Quakers in Limerick persecuted under Cromwell

   Limerick · city · Limerick

   The Council, writing to Colonel Ingoldsby, reported that divers persons called Quakers had settled in Limerick, having come from England and elsewhere. They were accused of seducing honest people, troubling the public peace, and disturbing congregations in worship.

   Read the passage

   Sir, — The Council being credibly informed that there are at present in the city of Limerick divers persons, commonly called Quakers, who have repaired thither out of England and other places, making it their practice to wander up and down, seducing divers honest people, neglecting and impoverishing their families, troubhng the pubhc peace of the nation, disturbing the congregations of sober Christians in the worship of God, and with railing accusations aspersing and discouraging divers of the godly ministers of the gospel in their faithful labours, and thereby bringing into contempt the ordinances of God, and encouraging evil-minded persons to looseness and pro-

   ' Quantity according to the Down Survey made under Sir William Petty of the several Counties of Ireland: —

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 109

   As the companion tells it

   Coming through Limerick now. Under Cromwell, the Council wrote to Colonel Ingoldsby that divers persons called Quakers had settled in this city, having come from England and other places. They were accused of wandering up and down, seducing honest people, neglecting their families, and troubling the public peace. The Council also charged them with disturbing congregations of sober Christians in worship and discouraging godly ministers with railing accusations, thereby bringing the ordinances of God into contempt.

10. Recapture of Carrigogunnel Castle

    Carrigogunnel · townland · Limerick

    Donogh O'Brien, Ossory, and Lord De Gray recaptured Carrigogunnel Castle, using ordnance and arrows in the assault. Thirteen defenders were slain by ordnance and four by arrows, while forty of Ossory's party were also killed. The castle was then entrusted to Ossory.

    Read the passage

    In a letter from the Council of Ireland to Cromwell^ dated from Cashel, August 24th, an account is given of the recapture of the castle of Carrigogunnel, by Donogh O'Brien, Ossory, and the Lord De Gray; in the assault ordnance and arrows were used, and thii-teen of those who were T^itllin the castle were slain with ordnance, and four with arrows. There were 40 of Ossor/s party also killed. The keeping of the castle was then given to Ossory.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 53

11. Rev. Nicholas Sheehy executed at Clonmel

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary

    Rev. Nicholas Sheehy, Parish Priest of Clogheen, fled persecution to his cousin Roger Sheehy's residence at Appletown in county Limerick, but was ultimately taken and publicly executed in Clonmel on perjured evidence for a crime never perpetrated.

    Read the passage

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

    ' Amyas Griffith's Tracts.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 200

    As the companion tells it

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

12. Roger Boyle appointed Governor of Limerick

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1664

    In 1664, Roger Boyle, Earl of Orrery, was made Governor of Limerick and constable of the Castle of Limerick. He was President of Munster and famous for his literary works.

    Read the passage

    In 1664, Roger Boyle was made Governor of Limerick, and constable of the Castle of Limerick. Eichard Earl of Cork, created Lord Baron of Broghill, the 28th of February, in the 2nd year of Charles I. and Earl of Orrery the 25th of March in the 12th of Charles II. was famous for his literary acquirements, and the author of Mustajilia, said to have been one of the best plays written in the 17th century : was President of Munster in 1660. In 1663 he obtained a patent for markets and fairs, to be held for ever in his two villages of Eothgogran and Ballymartra — and afterwards procured the two places to be raised into boroughs which returned four Members to the ParHament of Ireland, with the nomination of Eecorders, Town Clerks, Clerks of the Markets and other ofiicers, to him and his heirs for ever.^ Soon after the re-appointment of the Duke of Ormonde to the Lord Lieutenancy, Lord Orrery was enabled to supply him with information of a conspiracy which had been discovered amongst the military, to seize the Castle of Dubhn, in consequence of which order the Magistrates of Limerick, as weU as of other cities of Munster, were commanded to clear these localities of ^'^ fanatics^^ and of suspected, or as they were styled "needless papists;" when Lord Orrery, following up the cautious policy of securing the strongholds, addressed a particular correspondence to the Lord Lieutenant on the condition and requirements of the city and garrison of Limerick. ^

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 115

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, this is the city where Roger Boyle, Earl of Orrery, was made Governor and constable of the Castle in 1664. He had been President of Munster since 1660, and was famous for his literary works, including a play called Mustajilia, said to be one of the best written in the 17th century. He also held the title Lord Baron of Broghill. In 1663 he obtained a patent for markets and fairs in his villages of Rothgogran and Ballymartra, and later had them raised into boroughs returning four members to the Parliament of Ireland, with the right to nominate recorders, town clerks, and other officers to himself and his heirs. After the Duke of Ormonde was reappointed Lord Lieutenant, Orrery supplied him with information about a conspiracy among the military to seize Dublin Castle. Magistrates of Limerick and other Munster cities were then ordered to clear their localities of fanatics and, as they were styled, "needless papists." Orrery wrote to the Lord Lieutenant about the condition and requirements of the city and garrison of Limerick.

13. Sacrilegious robberies at Clonmacnoise

    Clonmacnoise · townland · Offaly

    During Donogh's campaigns, sacrilegious robberies were perpetrated at Clonmacnoise, including the theft of a model of Solomon's temple and a gold-plated silver chalice engraved by a sister of King Turlough O'Connor. Donogh later made satisfaction to the clergy of Clonmacnoise for these robberies.

    Read the passage

    The country of Thomond, wdiich extended from the Shannon to the Slieve Bloom mountains, had been subjected"* to two invasions before the assassination of Teige ; on the first occasion by the Desmonians under Donald, the father of the Prince of Desmond, who had also been slain by Donogh, and who were defeated by the brave Dalcassians the year after the battle of Clontarf; on the second occasion by the army of Connaught, which plundered and destroyed both Kincora and KHlaloe. This was also doubtless occasioned by the ambition of the King of Connaught, encouraged by the unnatural quarrel which had so fatal a termination. Donogh prospered so much that he obtained hostages three years after his brother's death from various chiefs of Leinster; he exacteds the homage of the Danes of Dublin, was now recognized as monarch of Death Moglia or the southern half of Ireland, when he was defeated by the Ossorians and had a formidable antagonist to his claims in his nephew Turlough, the son of the assassinated Prince, Teigh, who was supported by Diarmid Maelnambo afterwards King of Leinster, at the instigation of Diarmid whose territory of Hy-Kinsella,* l^onogh had invaded, burning Perns and committing other devastations in Wexford. Several sacrilegious robberies were perpetrated at this time at Clonmacnoise, &c. It is to the credit of Donogh that he made satisfaction to the clergy of Clonmacnoise for a most revolting sacrilegious robbery, on which occasion the robbers stole a model of Solomon^s temple, probably a taberiiacli^, and a gold plated silver chahce, the former a gift of a Prince of wealth, the latter tastefully engraved by a sister of King Turlough O^Connor. In 1129, some of the Danes of Limerick were executed for

    ' Ann;.ls of the Four Masters, and Innisfail. * Annals of Four Masters.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 17

14. Sallyport and supply passage in Limerick wall

    Limerick · city · Limerick

    A chimney-like passage in the wall forming Mr. Brown's garden is traditionally said to have been used for obtaining supplies for the garrison. Steps cut through the wall, as old as the time of the siege, formed a sallyport. Access is through Father Quinn's Lane.

    Read the passage

    Portions of the famous old wall are still remaining between St. Munchin's Churchyarcl and the Shannon, where the wall is flanked by towers. Also between Island Road and Barrack Street, extending from the crossing to Dominick Street to the crossing of the New Koad, near St. Mary's Chapel, where it forms an angle, and extends along Change Street. From Water-gate to the site of the old Linen Hall there is another segment ; and from the corner of Lock Quay to the Fever Hospital, another and by far the most interesting portion, the ground adjacent to and occupied by the latter building having formed the Black Battery, between which and St. John's Gate was the breach. The " Eamparts", as the line from this corner to old Clare Street was called, even to a late period, which were also breached, and defended by the women of Limerick, were a sloping mound of earth, powerfully strengthening the wall interiorly, and now, along with the walls, forming the sites of Mr. Cregan's, Mr. Brown's, and a Mrs. Callaghan's gardens. In the former, a small swivel gun, quite perfect, about a foot and a-half long, and capable of throwing two-ounce balls, was found with three iron tubes of about the same length, but larger calibre, and are still mounted on the walls in embrasures lately made to receive them. Here the walls are nearly 36 feet thick, and have been lately tunnelled by the proprietor, in order to connect the interior and exterior garden; in the latter of which a passage like a chimney runs up to the top of that part of the wall which forms Mr. Brown's garden, where the wall has had a passage cut thi'ough, with steps, as old as the time of the Siege, when it formed a sallyport. The chimney-like passage is traditionally said to have been used for obtaining supplies for the garrison. This part of the wall is parallel to John Street, and the present occupiers are so very obliging that respectable visitors will find no difficulty in procuring admission. The entrance is in what is now called Father Quinn's Lane. The Devil's Battery was at the angle facing the lane.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 446

15. Skeletons found under citadel wall foundations

    Limerick · city · Limerick

    When laborers were laying gas-pipes near the citadel, they found skulls and bones in abundance on the foundations of the ancient wall, which had run several feet beyond the present hospital enclosure and was level with the roadway.

    Read the passage

    ' The to^vn gate of the citadel is at present the entrance gate to the yard of St. John's Hospital ; the wall is seven feet thick at this place, and -wall-flowers in season bloom above the gate, and all along the wall until it meets the newly built enclosure of the Hospital on the western side. The country or outer gate of the citadel is the western portion of the Hospital, of which it forms what we may call a wing — and the lower part of the gateway is now used as a storehouse for the convenience of the Hospital : the wall is extremely strong, thick, and is fitted with a groove through which the heavy door was raised or let down by chains. The ground in front is considerably raised, and reaches so high as to cover the greater part of the trunk of an old pear tree, which is spoken of as having furnished fruit for King William in. and often for Sarsfield. The remnant of the Black Battery is at the eastern corner of the hospital, and faces Keeper Hill and the old Slieve Phelim mountains in Tipperary. The view from it is really enchanting. A masked batterj', concealed by wool-bags, sand, timber, and whatever was available, was placed at what is now the extreme corner of Curry's Lane, near the same locality, exactly opposite the breach. The ancient wall of the citadel ran several feet out from the present enclosure of the hospital, and is now level with the roadway ; but on the foundations of it skulls and bones were found in abundance on a recent occasion, as laborers were laying down gas-pipes.

    On the wall of the hospital is an ancient tablet which was picked up from the ruins about, and which was placed in its present position b}-, I believe, W. J. Geary, Esq. M.D,, J.P. when the Fever Hospital was undergoing enlargement. The tablet contains the following legend : —

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 136

16. St. Francis's Abbey confirmed to Sexten by King James patent

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1609

    In July 1609, King James confirmed St. Francis's Abbey to Edmond Sexten by patent, exempting it from all jurisdiction of the city magistrates of Limerick. Sexten consequently enjoyed two votes in the Corporation, and the Mayor and sheriff were obliged to wait on him with the first salmon taken in the great sea weir.

    Read the passage

    The grants to Sexten were confirmed by patent of King James, dated July, 1609, when not only was St. Francis's Abbey confirmed a part of the county of Limerick, but was exempted from all jurisdiction of the city magistrate. It was in consequence of these grants that Sexten not only enjoyed two votes in the Corporation of Limerick, but that the Mayor, sheriff, with their sergeants at mace, etc., were obliged to wait on him with the first salmon taken in the great sea weir, nor could the Mayor carry his rod into St. Francis's Abbey. An inquiry was instituted by the Crown in October, 1614, into a complaint preferred by the Corporation against Edmond Sexten, but the result was favourable to Sexten, who obtained a confirmation of his privileges.

    We need not go further into the doings of Sexten in this regard. Suffice it to state, that the abbey was lost to its ancient possessors ; but it continued for many years afterwards to be the burial place of eminent men. The old families had their vaults within its hallowed boundaries ; and it was from one of these vaults, as we have seen, that, numbed with cold, and reduced to death's door with hunger, Dominick Fanning, the patriotic Mayor of Limerick, sat to warm himself at the guard fire within the abbey, when he was betrayed to Cromwell's soldiers by a traitorous servant of his own.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 376

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, St. Francis's Abbey stands within this city. In July 1609, King James confirmed it to Edmond Sexten by patent, making it part of the county of Limerick and exempting it from all jurisdiction of the city magistrates. Sexten consequently enjoyed two votes in the Corporation. The Mayor and sheriff, with their sergeants at mace, were obliged to wait on him with the first salmon taken in the great sea weir, nor could the Mayor carry his rod into the abbey. The Corporation brought a complaint against Edmond Sexten, and in October 1614 the Crown instituted an inquiry, but the result was favourable to Sexten, who obtained a confirmation of his privileges. The abbey was lost to its ancient possessors, but continued for many years afterwards to be the burial place of eminent men. The old families had their vaults within its boundaries. It was from one of these vaults that Dominick Fanning, the patriotic Mayor of Limerick, emerged numbed with cold and reduced to death's door with hunger, to warm himself at the guard fire within the abbey. There he was betrayed to Cromwell's soldiers by a traitorous servant of his own.

17. St. Senan founded monastery on Scattery Island

    Scattery Island · townland · Clare · 544

    St. Senan, born in Carko-Baskind in County Clare, founded many monasteries in Munster and finally fixed his seat at Inis-Cathay (Scattery Island). He died on 1 March 544 and was buried in his own monastery there. The see was said to have been founded by St. Patrick.

    Read the passage

    " St. Serian, bishop and abbot of Inis-Cathaj', was born in Carko-Baskind, a maritime territory in the county of Clare, and was descended by his father Ergindus, from Conair, the lirst king of Ireland. His mother's name was Comgella, of a Munster family also. He received his first rudiments and the monastic habit from the abbot Cassidanus, and was afterwards a disciple to Natalia, abbot of Kilmanach, in Ossory, and then to St. David, bishop of Menevia, in AYales. Returning to Ireland, he fomided many monasteries in several parts of Munster, and at last fixed his seat at InissCathay. He died on the first of March, 544, the same daj' and year with St. David beforementioned, and was buried in his own monastery at Inis-Cathay. Colgann hath published his life in Latin verse out of the antient book of Kilkenny ; to which he hath added a supplement in prose from an Irish manuscript. To these I refer such readers who are desirous of knowing more of St. Senan." So far AVare who gives the following list : —

    Odran, bishop of Inis-Cathay, was the disciple and immediate successor of St. Senan. He flourished about the year 580.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 31

18. Sussex takes Bunratty and Clare castles

    near Bunratty · parish · Clare · 1557

    Lord Deputy Sussex arrived in Limerick on June 14th and advanced into Thomond, scattering his foes and taking the castles of Bunratty and Clare. He restored the country to the Earl of Thomond, who swore loyalty on the sacrament and by all relics in the church on July 10th.

    Read the passage

    Towards the close of her Majesty's reign, the Lord Deputy, Sussex, arrived to suppress a revolt of some inferior branches of the O'Brien family against their chief. Sussex mustered an army to march into Munster, and 0''Erien another to oppose him ; they, however, made peace ; and on this occasion, Connor O^Brien, the earl and the freeholders of Thomond, after service in the cathedral church of St. Mary, swore fealty to the crown of England : "the Irish, from the Barrow to the Shannon, on the part of O'Brien, and the English of Munster on the part of the -Lord Justice.'^^ Sussex brought over with him five hundred soldiers and an order to coin brass money, and to make it current by proclamation, which was done.^ On the 14th of «rune, he came to Limerick, and advanced afterwards to Thomond. Scattering his foes, he took the castles of Bunratty and Clare, and restored the country to the Earl of Thomond, who, together with the freeholders, swore, on Sunday the 10th of July, on the sacrament, and by all the rehcs in the church — ^book, bell, and candle light, to continue loyal to the Queen and to perform their agreements with the Lord Deputy.* The progress of Sussex was not conjfined to this triumph — the Earl of Desmond made his submission on the 21st of June, and to strengthen the bonds of fealty and friendship, the Deputy, on the 26th, became godfather to the Earl's son, whom he named James Sussex, and gave the child a chain of gold, and gave another chain and pair of gilt spurs to Dermot McCarthy of Muskerry.^ In this year, Turlough O'Brien, son of Turlough, son of Teigh-an-Chomaid,*^ died.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 57

19. Teigh O'Brien plunders Desmond and takes possession of Clan William

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1467

    In 1467, Teigh O'Brien, Lord of Thomond, led a great force southward across the Shannon, plundered the Irish of Desmond and West Munster, took tribute from Leinster, and seized the territory of Clan William in Tipperary and the county of Limerick, confirmed to him by the Earl of Desmond in exchange for peace.

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    A charter to the Mayor of Limerick was granted in 1433. In 1436, a trial was prohibited in Limerick by ecclesiastical authority. In 1442, Sii- John Talbot was endowed with a grant out of the fee-farm of the city. In 1450, important improvements, which are more particularly noticed in the annals of Limerick, were efi'ected. In 1453, John Cantwell, Archbishop of Cashel, held a provincial synod here, the canons of which are to this day extant (Wilkins' Coucil. tom. iii). Teigh O'Brien, Lord of Thomond, in the year 1467, led a very great force southward, across the Shannon, m the summer; he plundered the Irish of Desmond and of West Munster (Cork and Kerry) ; the Irish of Leinster also paid him tribute, and he then rekuTied home, after having taken possession of the territory of Clan William (in Tipperary), and of the county of Limerick, which were confirmed to him by the earl of Desmond, for obtaming peace for himself and his country. After obtaining security of sixty marks for him and his heirs for ever, fi'om the people of Limerick, he died, and Conor, the son of Turlogh O'Brien, was appointed his successor.^

    • The Annals for 1411 contain the following, amongst other entries : —

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 40

20. Thomas Power monument at St. John's, 1622

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1622–1763

    Before 1763, St. John's church contained a fine monument to Thomas Power and his wife Joanna Rice, surrounded by sculptured figures of the twelve apostles with armorial bearings. It was removed when £500 was spent on church repairs.

    Read the passage

    erected, and praying the Lord to have mercy on his soul. The slipper probably refers to the fatal dancing which led to the beheading of John the Baptist, to whom this church is dedicated. Several respectable citizens of modern times, including the Gavin family, are buried in this churchyard. Among the other tombs are those of the Catholic Bishops O'Kearney, Conway, M'Mahon, and one of older date bearing a variety of most ciirious sculptures, representing that part of the Gospel history which describes the betrayal of the Saviour. The cock, thirty pieces of silver, etc., etc., are quite visible. Before 1763, when £500 were expended on the repairs of this church, it contained a fine monument of the Power family, surrounded by figures of the twelve apostles, sculptured in stone, with armorial bearings, and having the following inscription underneath : —

    THOMAS POWER, quondam civis Limericensis, et ejus uxor JOANNA EICE, hoc monumentum hseredibus suis construxerunt, in quo ambo sepeliuntur. Ora pro eis plus lector. Qulsquis eris qui transis,

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 395

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, St. John's church was dedicated to John the Baptist. Before 1763, when £500 was spent on repairs, the church held a fine monument to the Power family. Thomas Power, formerly a citizen of Limerick, and his wife Joanna Rice built it for their heirs, and both were buried in it. The inscription asked the reader to pray for them, and for whoever passed by. Figures of the twelve apostles, sculptured in stone with armorial bearings, surrounded the monument. The churchyard also held tombs of the Catholic Bishops O'Kearney, Conway, and M'Mahon, and an older tomb carved with scenes of the betrayal of the Saviour, where a cock and thirty pieces of silver were still visible. The Gavin family and other respectable citizens were buried in that churchyard. The repairs of 1763 removed the Power monument.

21. Ulstermen burn Killaloe and neighbouring settlements

    Killaloe · town · Clare · 1084

    While Turlogh's army was in Leinster, Ulstermen entered Thomond and burned Killaloe, Tomgraney, Scariff, and Moynoe, described by O'Halloran as once-flourishing cities on the banks of the Shannon now scarce retaining the traces of villages.

    Read the passage

    In 1084, the chief of the Ulidians, having engaged the services of Donogh, the son of O^Ruarc, nicknamed " the Cock,^'' who commanded the forces of East Connaught>, marched mto Leinster and encamped at Monecronogh^ AA^here he was encountered by Murtagh O^Brien, son of Turlogh, at the head of the troops of Leinster, Ossory, Mmister, and the Danes of Dublin. Four thousand persons were left dead on the field in this action, which appears to have been a drawn battle. O^Rnarc was amongst the slain, and his head having been brought to Limerick, it was exposed on Singland, near the city, probably in the locaHty now occupied by the Water Works, near Gallows Green. ■ Wliile Turlogh^s army was engaged in Leinster, the Ulstermen entered Thomond, and burned Killaloe, Tomgraney, Scariff, and Moynoe, of which O^Halloran says in his usual patriotic style, " then flourishing cities on the banks of the Shamion, now scarce retaining the traces of villages .■'■' But Turlogh had his revenge, for in the next year (1085) he once more invaded the north, ravaged the territory, and took IMuireadhach, Prince of Muintercolies (the tribe name of the Magranalls or Re}Tiolds) in the southern half of the coimty Leitrim,

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 19

22. Walls of southern suburbs and St. John's Gate begun, 1421-1426

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1421–1426

    During Thomas Arthur's first mayoralty in 1421, the walls of the southern suburbs of Limerick were begun. During his second mayoralty in 1426, the gate dedicated to St. John the Baptist and the eastern walls were begun. Arthur died six months into his second term.

    Read the passage

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

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

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 329

23. Water works reservoir built at Cromwell's Fort

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1825–1826

    The Limerick Water Works Company constructed a reservoir on the site traditionally known as Cromwell's Fort, an area historically associated with battles from the Danish era through the civil wars. The works were completed under an Act of Parliament (6 Geo. IV. c. 172) to the satisfaction of citizens.

    Read the passage

    to the sum of £43,333 6s. It was proposed to have two reservoirs of masonry, containing 600,000 gallons of water, with an engine of 40 horse power (or 200 men), for filling the reservoir from the Shannon. The Water Works Company which undertook this giganticwork, obtained an Actof Parliament (6 Geo. IV. c. 172), in the course of the same year, and the project was speedily completed to the entire satisfaction of the citizens. The reservoir was made on the place traditionally known as Cromwell's Fort, and close by those remarkable localities which in the civil wars, from the time of the Danes and downwards, have been famous as the field of sanguinary battles.^ This was an age of speculation and improvement, as well as of political excitement caused by the intense struggle for the obtainment of civil and religious libert3^ An Act was obtained for the purpose of accomplishing the Railway from Limerick to Carrick-on-Suir, in the year 1826, (7 Geo, IV. c. 139). The project v/as not realized at this time ; nor was it perfected until the year 1848, when the line of railway was opened between Limerick and Tipperary, and afterwards to Waterford in October, 1854. The opening of this railway has been followed within very few years by the extension of several other important lines of communication between Limerick and Dublin, also Cork, and more recently nearly every one of the intermediate towns, to Castle Connell, opened 28th of August, 1858 — Ennis, opened viz. : — l7th of January, 1859, to Clare Castle, and afterwards to Etmis — total length to Ennis, 24f miles. — Foynes, opened October, 1859, total length, 26 one-eighth miles. — Cork direct, opened 1st of August, 1862, — Dublin by Nenagh, opened October 5th, 1863, and to Bird Hill Junction, joining the Castle Connell and Killaloe line, in June, 1864. — Hathkeale and Newcastle, length 10 miles, opened in 1865 ; an extension of this line is proposed to Listowel in the County Kerry, length 22 miles. The amount of capital invested in these lines of Railway is enormous.

    Waterford and Limerick line ... ... ... £1,237,759

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 272

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up through Limerick, you pass near the site of the water works reservoir, built on ground traditionally known as Cromwell's Fort. The Limerick Water Works Company undertook the work at a cost of 43,333 pounds and 6 shillings. They planned two reservoirs of masonry holding 600,000 gallons of water, with an engine of 40 horse power, described as equivalent to 200 men, for filling the reservoirs from the Shannon. The company obtained an Act of Parliament, 6 Geo. IV. c. 172, and the project was speedily completed to the entire satisfaction of the citizens. The reservoir stood on ground close by remarkable localities which, in the civil wars, from the time of the Danes and onwards, had been famous as the field of sanguinary battles. This was an age of speculation and improvement, as well as of political excitement caused by the intense struggle for the obtainment of civil and religious liberty. In that same spirit, an Act was obtained for a railway from Limerick to Carrick-on-Suir in 1826, 7 Geo. IV. c. 139, though that project was not realized at the time. It was not perfected until 1848, when the line opened between Limerick and Tipperary, and afterwards to Waterford in October 1854. The opening of that railway was followed within very few years by the extension of several other important lines of communication between Limerick and Dublin, also Cork, and more recently nearly every one of the intermediate towns. The amount of capital invested in these lines of railway was enormous.

24. Woollen trade flourishes then declines in Limerick

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1690–1700

    Limerick carried on a large trade in serges with Spain and Portugal, and its woollen trade attracted considerable attention, with weavers and combers becoming the strongest guild. However, an additional Parliamentary duty on woollen exports caused stagnation, poverty among manufacturers, and widespread unemployment in the city and suburbs.

    Read the passage

    The Orangemen were not to be treated with scorn or indifference, notwithstanding the betrayal of their mterest by William in reference to the woollen trade. Many of them had settled in Limerick, Bandon, Cork, Waterford, and other places in the woollen trade, and had become prosperous.'* The quahty of the material made in Limerick and elsewhere was fully equal to the best produced by English looms. The " Protestant interest" determined that these advantages should not be swept away by an act of Parliament, They agitated, and resisted, and for a time succeeded. The trade increased ; the weavers and combers became the strongest guild of trade in Limerick.^ The triumph, however, was, to some extent, short-lived. To meet the calls of English manufacturers, it was enacted by Parhament that an additional duty should be laid on woollen manufactures exported out of Ireland,^ For some time this act gave a sudden stagnation to that branch of trade, and introduced a general poverty among the manufacturers, but as a counterpoise the Irish linen trade was encouraged. Numbers were throT;Ti out of employment in the city and suburbs of Limerick. Discontent prevailed to such an extent that the Protestants in whose hands the trade almost exclusively was, threatened to transfer their allegiance if they did not obtain protection.'^

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 165

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, you are travelling through a city whose woollen trade once matched anything coming off English looms. In the years after 1690, many who had settled here in the woollen trade had grown prosperous. The trade grew until the weavers and combers became the strongest guild in Limerick. The quality of what was made here was fully equal to the best produced in England. Those who held what was called the Protestant interest agitated and resisted any threat to these advantages, and for a time they succeeded. But the triumph was short-lived. Parliament enacted an additional duty on woollen manufactures exported out of Ireland, answering the calls of English manufacturers. That act gave a sudden stagnation to the trade and brought general poverty among the manufacturers. As a counterpoise, the Irish linen trade was encouraged. Numbers were thrown out of employment in the city and suburbs of Limerick. Discontent spread so far that the Protestants, in whose hands the trade almost exclusively was, threatened to transfer their allegiance if they did not obtain protection.

25. Limerick merchants demand readjustment of bridge debt

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1862–1864

    By 1862, the Limerick commissioners owed the government £222,265 for bridge and port works. In 1864, the Harbour Board and Chamber of Commerce launched a movement to press the government for readjustment, arguing the port should not be prejudiced by the bridge debt.

    Read the passage

    The merchants of Limerick have been for sometime energetically engaged, and with every prospect of success, in demanding a readjustment of this account. It was never the intention of the government or the merchants to prejudice the port at the expense of the bridge — the only thing to be said is, that the advances for the bridge had been made on an estimate that has proved completely illusory. In 1864, a movement begun by the Harbour Board and Chamber of Commerce, and which has been sustained by the representatives of th i city and by the municipal corporation, Avas set on foot for the purpose )f pressing on government the absolute necessity of readjusting the ac; ounts. A few years previously a proposition was laid before the Corporation to make the bridge debt a liability on the rates of the city, the amount due to be in the first instance diramished very considerably by the Lords of the Treasury. The Corporation rejected the proposition by a considerable majority.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 268

    As the companion tells it

    Limerick, a city you are travelling through, carries a dispute over a bridge debt. By 1862, commissioners owed the government 222,265 pounds for bridge and port works. The advances for the bridge had been made on an estimate that proved completely illusory. It was never the intention of the government or the merchants to prejudice the port at the expense of the bridge. The merchants of Limerick have been energetically engaged, and with every prospect of success, in demanding a readjustment of this account. In 1864, a movement begun by the Harbour Board and Chamber of Commerce, sustained by the representatives of the city and by the municipal corporation, was set on foot to press on government the absolute necessity of readjusting the accounts. A few years previously, a proposition was laid before the Corporation to make the bridge debt a liability on the rates of the city, the amount due to be diminished considerably by the Lords of the Treasury. The Corporation rejected the proposition by a considerable majority.

26. New road from Thomond Gate to Parteen causeway

    near Thomond Gate · street · Limerick · 1757

    In 1757 a new road was made from Thomond Gate to the causeway of Parteen, providing a shortcut that avoided the round by the Mayor's Stone. Another road was made from Eastwater Gate to Pennywell Road.

    Read the passage

    New roads were also made in 1757 — one from Thomond Gate to the causeway of Parteen^ which was a short cut, avoiding the round by " the Mayor's Stone^^; another road was made from Eastwater Gate to Pennywell Road.

    In consequence of an act of oppression on the part of Mr. Sweete, Mayor of Cork, the Catholic tradesmen of Limerick now took heart. Sweete having imprisoned a Catholic tradesman, because he would not pay certain exorbitant quarterage, which had been imposed upon him by the master of his trade ; the tradesman in question, backed by the principal Roman Catholic merchants of that city, entered a law-suit against Sweete, for raising money contrary to law.2 The action was tried in Dublin, and the Mayor of Cork was amerced in a fine and costs amounting to £800. " Quarterage'^ was at once refused by nearly aU the tradesmen of the kingdom to the respective guilds or corporations of trade, and each person followed his trade without becoming a " quarter brother^^ or " freeman." The Catholic tradesmen of Limerick, who, up to this period, had been confined to St. Francis's Abbey, quitted the Abbey in considerable numbers, and set up their trades in the city — a movement on their part which gave great umbrage to the Orange guilds, who were as exclusive as the municipal corporation, and equally as exacting. Money was gathered by the guilds of trade, not only in Limerick, but throughout the kingdom, and their representatives in Parliament received instructions to exert their influence to obtain a legal sanction for the charters of the guilds, and power to raise money from CathoHc tradesmen, by compelling them to become " quarter brothers of their respective companies.'''' ^ Every city and corporate town in Ireland forwarded petitions for this unjust purpose. At length, a Parhamentary Committee, of which Mr. Edmond

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 196

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere about Thomond Gate, you're on ground where a new road was put through in 1757. It ran from Thomond Gate to the causeway of Parteen, and it was a shortcut, avoiding the round by what the book calls the Mayor's Stone. Another road was made the same year, from Eastwater Gate to Pennywell Road. That same period saw a shift among the Catholic tradesmen of Limerick. It started with an act of oppression by Mr. Sweete, Mayor of Cork. He imprisoned a Catholic tradesman for refusing to pay certain exorbitant quarterage imposed on him by the master of his trade. The tradesman, backed by the principal Roman Catholic merchants of Cork, brought a lawsuit against Sweete for raising money contrary to law. The action was tried in Dublin. Sweete was amerced in a fine and costs amounting to 800 pounds. After that, quarterage was refused by nearly all the tradesmen of the kingdom to their respective guilds or corporations of trade. Each person followed his trade without becoming a quarter brother or freeman. The Catholic tradesmen of Limerick, who up to this point had been confined to St. Francis's Abbey, left the Abbey in considerable numbers and set up their trades in the city. This gave great umbrage to the Orange guilds, who were as exclusive as the municipal corporation and equally exacting. Money was gathered by the guilds of trade, not only in Limerick but throughout the kingdom, and their representatives in Parliament received instructions to exert their influence to obtain legal sanction for the charters of the guilds, and power to raise money from Catholic tradesmen by compelling them to become quarter brothers of their respective companies. Every city and corporate town in Ireland forwarded petitions for this purpose. At length, a Parliamentary Committee, of which Mr. Edmond

27. Synod of Killaloe addresses famine and crime (1050)

    Killaloe · town · Clare · 1050

    A synod was held at Killaloe to provide remedies against prevalent distress caused by bad seasons and to restrain crimes, under Donogh and Cele. The assembly enacted a law against injustice, after which favorable weather and peace were said to have followed.

    Read the passage

    despoiling the monastery of Clonmacnoise. In the year 1050^ a Synod was held at Killaloe, to provide some remedies against a prevalent distress, occasioned by bad seasons, and to restrain crimes, under Donogh and Cele, " the head of the piety of Ireland/' as the annalists caU him, upon which occasion, as our authorities inform us they " enacted a law and restraint upon every injustice, great and small ; and God gave peace and favourable weather in consequence of this law."

    The power of Donogh now began to decline, for he had sustained two serious reverses. During his absence in Desmond, his enemy Diarmid had invaded Munster with an army of Lagenians and Danes, of whom he was now acknowledged king, and severely avenged Donogh' s, and Connor Melaghlin's raid into Fingal, on which occasion they had made many prisoners in the great stone church of Lusk. The second blow was inflicted on Donogh, in Thomond, where Torlough, the son of Teighe, maintained his ground against Donogh's son, Murrough, assisted by his Connaught allies, as he had been by Hugh O'Connor and by the king of Leinster in Middle Munster. In the latter the Lagenians and Danes burned one of the forts strengthened by Brian Boru — namely, Duntryleague ; and during another expedition, under Diarmid, which took place in 1056, they destroyed another of these forts — that at Lough Gurr, finishing their ravages by the destruction of Nenagh.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 18

28. Ardpatrick hilltop: ancient church, round tower and holy well

    Ardpatrick · townland · Limerick

    On the summit of Ardpatrick hill stand an ancient church, the stump of a round tower, and a holy well. The church measures 108 feet by 24 feet 6 inches, built of large conglomerate stones with a round-headed door. The holy well, said to be 40 feet deep and faced with stone, was reputed to cure cattle.

    Read the passage

    On the summit of the hill is an ancient church, the stump of a round tower, and a holy well. The church lies east and west : at the west end ia a portion of a lesser building, evidently part of a square belfry : two sides of it remain, but the western wall is gone. The church measures 39 paces in length (108 feet), and is 24 feet 6 inches broad. The walls are built of large stones; the conglomerate prevails. There are no polygons in the construction. At the n.e. side is a small ruinous square building, transept-lilce. At the s.e. is an arched ruinous chamber. The door is round-headed in and out, but beneath this is a pointed arch evidently an interpolation. Some detached stones are carved with tracery ; the windows must have been few, none now remain ; two-thirds of the north wall is perfect. The well lies at a short distance to the s w. It is said to be 40 feet deep, is faced with stone, and has some steps, and with its water cattle are said to have been cured. The monastery is said to have been built by Saint Patrick.

    On delving into the stump of the round tower, after clearing away the fallen stones and rubbish that choked the upper part of the structure, the delvers came upon a bed of earth, which extended down for some feet. This, according as it was shovelled out, they examined, but it presented nothing particular beyond a piece of coarse amber, weighing about a quarter of pound, a small piece of metal sconce, some fragments of mortar, and a piece of brass. What its use or purpose there is no telling, but the strangest things found were a number of oyster shells.'

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 422

29. Balloon ascent from Cecil Street, Limerick

    Cecil Street · street · Limerick · 1849

    On 3 September, aeronaut Mr. Hampton, accompanied by Hampden Russell Esq. and Mr. Townsend C.E., made a successful balloon ascent in the Erin-Go-Bragh from a yard in Cecil Street, Limerick.

    Read the passage

    ^ On tbe 3rd of September Mr. Hampton, the aeronaut, accompanied by Hampden Russell, Esq., and Mr. Townsend, C.E., made a successful ascent in the magnificent balloon, Erin-Go- Bragh, from a yard in Cecil Street.

    * Hugh Viscount Gough was born at Woodsdown, in the coimty of Limerick, in 1779. His father was Lieuteuant-Colouel of tbe City of iimerick Militia for many years, and was present

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 291

    As the companion tells it

    Along here on Cecil Street, in a yard, a balloon called the Erin-Go-Bragh rose on the 3rd of September, 1849. The aeronaut Mr. Hampton went up with Hampden Russell Esq. and Mr. Townsend, C.E. The book calls it a successful ascent.

30. Breach near St. John's Gate from Williamite battery

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1690–1691

    The enemy finished a battery of thirty pieces of cannon and within two days advanced trenches to within thirty paces of the ditch, creating a great breach in the wall near St. John's Gate.

    Read the passage

    ' " But notwithstanding all the opposition which the besieged were able to make, the enem j had finished their battery of thirtj" pieces of cannon on the 24th, and in two days more had advanced their trenches within thirty paces of the ditch ; there was at this time a great breach in the wall, near St. John's Gate, and part of the palisadoes beaten down by the Counterscarp, &c." — Kirtff Jamet's Memoirs, ^x.

    HISTORY OF LIMERICK. 24<1

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 136

31. Country bank failures hit Limerick

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1814

    In July 1814 many country banks failed and credit was at a low ebb. Limerick banks stood safe but refused to discount paper. Demand for Bank of Ireland paper was so great that people would take nothing else.

    Read the passage

    In this month many failures in the different country banks ; credit at a low ebb ; the Limerick banks as yet stand safe, but refuse to discount any paper. So great and general is the demand for Bank of Ireland paper, that people will take nothing else. How changed, in everything since 1797, when the annexed advertisement appeared in the public newspaper, the Limerick Chronicle : —

    " Pursuant to a requisition made for a meeting on Monday next, the 13th inst., several of the gentlemen, merchants, and traders, met for the purpose of taking into consideration the present state of the notes of the Bank of Ireland. Limerick, March 11th, 1797.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 247

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, you are in a city that weathered a financial storm in July 1814. Many country banks across Ireland failed that month, and credit was at a low ebb. The Limerick banks stood safe, but they refused to discount any paper. So great and general was the demand for Bank of Ireland notes that people would take nothing else. The source remarks how changed everything was since 1797, when an advertisement appeared in the Limerick Chronicle. That notice told of a requisition for a meeting on Monday the 13th, where several gentlemen, merchants, and traders gathered to consider the present state of the notes of the Bank of Ireland. It was dated Limerick, March the 11th, 1797.

32. Courts in Cork and Waterford; ~200 sentenced to death

    Cork · city · Cork · 1652–1653

    Cromwellian courts were held in Cork, Waterford, and other places, and about two hundred persons were sentenced to death at the hands of the common hangman for their roles in the rebellion.

    Read the passage

    and fixed it to a commission he caused to be written in the king's name, that Michael Harrisson, then present in court, and confessing the fact, was the person who stitched the cord or label of the seal with silk of the same colour. Lord Mayo was tried, and executed by being shot to death, for falling on the English, and kilhng among others the Protestant Bishop of Killala, and about eighty others, after the surrender of the Castle of Castlebar. Lord Maguire, notwithstanding his vehement protest, was tried and sentenced in England, and was not permitted the ministration of a cathoHc priest in his dymg moments ! Courts were held in Cork, Waterford, and other places, and about two hundred persons were sentenced to death at the hands of the common hangman.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 105

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Cork, you are in a city where Cromwellian courts sat in 1652 and 1653. Courts were held here, in Waterford, and in other places, and about 200 persons were sentenced to death at the hands of the common hangman. The passage that records this tells of others tried in the same wave of prosecutions. Lord Mayo was tried and executed by being shot to death for falling on the English and killing among others the Protestant Bishop of Killala and about eighty others, after the surrender of the Castle of Castlebar. Lord Maguire, notwithstanding his vehement protest, was tried and sentenced in England, and was not permitted the ministration of a Catholic priest in his dying moments.

33. Cromwell dismantles Kilmallock fortifications, 1645

    Kilmallock · town · Limerick · 1645–1649

    In 1645 Lord Castlehaven deposited all his arms and stores in Kilmallock, which soon fell to the Parliamentarians. The fortifications were dismantled by Oliver Cromwell and subsequently restored by the corporation.

    Read the passage

    all his arms and stores in the town, which soon after fell into the hands of the Parliamentarians, The fortifications were soon after dismantled by Oliver Cromwell ; they were subsequently restored by the corporation.

    1648. The Rev. Father Gerald Fitzgerald, and David Fox, lay-brother, were killed for the faith in the Dominican convent here.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 432

34. Daniel Arthur's marble pavement in St. Mary's Cathedral

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1532–1533

    In 1532-1533, Mayor Daniel Fitzgregory Arthur had the three aisles and choir of the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Limerick paved with square polished marble flags, thereafter called 'Daniel's pavement.' Encaustic tiles with lily impressions were later found during 1861 repairs.

    Read the passage

    John Quin (a.d. 1532-1533), " Daniel Fitzgregory Arthur, mayor, George Creagh and William White, bailiffs ; the mayor, from a principle of piety and for the sake of his offspring, had the three aisles and the whole choir of the church of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Limerick, laid with square polished marble flags, from whence it is to this day called Lec- CA-OAniet (Daniel's pavement or flags) ; and the Lord blessed him with a numerous offspring".'

    Among the deans during those years, was Andrew Creagh, who resigned in 1543, and received the king's pardon for some unknown offence on the day when his successor was confirmed {Rot. Pat., 35th Henry VIIL). In the cathedral a stone is placed to his memory with the inscription:

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 334

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, St. Mary's Cathedral holds a floor with a story. In 1532 and 1533, Daniel Fitzgregory Arthur served as mayor, with George Creagh and William White as bailiffs. Arthur, from a principle of piety and for the sake of his offspring, had the three aisles and the whole choir of the church of the Blessed Virgin Mary laid with square polished marble flags. From that day to this, it has been called Daniel's pavement. The record notes that the Lord blessed him with a numerous offspring. Among the deans during those same years was Andrew Creagh, who resigned in 1543 and received the king's pardon for some unknown offence on the very day his successor was confirmed.

35. Franciscan friar Thady Daly executed in Limerick

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1579

    In 1579, Thady Daly, a Franciscan of the convent of Askeaton, was executed in Limerick for the faith. Edmond Donnelly, a Jesuit native of Limerick, was also hanged and quartered in Cork after suffering various torments.

    Read the passage

    In 1579 Thady Daly, a Franciscan of the convent of Askeaton, was executed in Limerick for the faith. Edmond Donnelly, of the Society of Jesus, a native of Limerick, after suffering different torments, was hanged and quartered in Cork.^

    In the same year Nicholas Stritch, Mayor of Limerick, presented Sir William Pelham the Lord Justice with a thousand citizens well armed ; with these forces Sir WilUam marched to Fanningstown, where he was presented with letters by the Countess of Desmond, to excuse her husband for not obeying the Lord Justice ; these were Med with evasions and trifling excuses. Desmond was proclaimed a traitor, and the army was ordered to enter his country with fire and sword, if he did not within tAventy days, surrender. In their progress they hanged the Mayor of Youghal at his own door.^

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 60

    As the companion tells it

    As the road takes you through Limerick, you pass a city where in 1579 Thady Daly, a Franciscan of the convent of Askeaton, was executed for the faith. Edmond Donnelly, a Jesuit and native of Limerick, after suffering different torments, was hanged and quartered in Cork. That same year Nicholas Stritch, Mayor of Limerick, presented Sir William Pelham the Lord Justice with a thousand citizens well armed. Sir William marched to Fanningstown, where the Countess of Desmond gave him letters to excuse her husband for not obeying the Lord Justice. These were filled with evasions and trifling excuses. Desmond was proclaimed a traitor, and the army was ordered to enter his country with fire and sword if he did not surrender within twenty days. In their progress they hanged the Mayor of Youghal at his own door.

36. Hurricane devastates Limerick city and neighbouring counties

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1798

    On November 1st a fearful hurricane swept over Limerick city and the neighbouring counties. Several houses were unroofed and many altogether prostrated; trees of great age and immense size were torn up from their roots or shivered to pieces.

    Read the passage

    November 1st — A fearful hurricane swept over this city and the neighbouring counties. Several houses were unroofed and many altogether prostrated. Trees of great age and immense size were torn up from their roots, or shivered to pieces.

    November 7th. — All the Yeomanry of Clare have been put off permanent duty.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 237

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Limerick now. On November 1st, 1798, a fearful hurricane swept over this city and the neighbouring counties. Several houses were unroofed and many altogether prostrated. Trees of great age and immense size were torn up from their roots, or shivered to pieces.

37. Inland navigation Limerick to Killaloe reopened, 1814

    Killaloe · town · Clare · 1809–1814

    On 1 June 1814, inland navigation between Limerick and Killaloe was reopened after being suspended since the bursting of the banks on 5 February 1809. The Directors General of Inland Navigation purchased the branch property for £17,666 13s. 4d.

    Read the passage

    1814, June 1, The inland navigation opened between Limerick and Killaloe, after being suspended since the bursting of the banks on 5th February, 1809. Un the 31st of May, the Directors General of Inland Navigation purchased the property of this branch from the proprietors for the sum of £17,666 13s. 4d., two- third of the original stock; each share consisted of £250, for which the Directors General paid £170 13s. 4d. The original stock was 100 shares, at £25U, £25,000.

    Provisions at fammt prices — beef lOd. per lb.; mutton, lid.; veal, 7d. to 8d. Wheat 8s. Sd.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 411

38. Lax weir leased to Poole Gabbett for 99 years

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1834

    At a Corporation meeting on 6th January 1834, the great Lax weir, which had fallen away, was leased to Mr. Poole Gabbett at £300 per year for 99 years. This occurred amid concerns about corrupt corporate management of city revenues.

    Read the passage

    Nothing continued to prosper under the corrupt corporation system of the day. The city revenues became worthless for the public good. The great Lax weir had fallen away. Mr. Poole Gabbett having been declared the highest bidder for it, at a meeting of the Corporation on the 6th of January, 1834, it was resolved that his proposal of £300 a-year be accepted, and a lease granted to him for 99 years, on the same terms as heretofore held by Mr. Little. The works of Corporate corruption, however, had become fully laid bare, in consequence of the Commission of Inquiry which was held in Limerick from the 36th of September to the 11th of October, 1833.

    O'Connell was now stirring the popular mind to its very depths, and no where was he more ardently responded to than in Limerick. Early in the year 1834, he published a manifesto to the people of Ireland in favor of a Eepeal of the Union — and thus "nailed his colours to the mast''; the anti-tithe movement, which embraced the greater portion of the country in its immense proportions, went hand in hand with a demand for a Parliament in College Green ; the minister trembled, and Irishmen showed that they were in earnest by a quick response to the caU of the great Leader. Mr. William Roche and Mr. David Eoche, members for the city, declared in favor of the great national question. The popularity of Mr. Spring Rice, to whom a colossal pillar and life-like statue had been a few years previously erected in Pery Square by his appreciative fellow -citizens, had been for some time on the wane, and was now completely forfeited by the decided opposition which he offered to the cause of Repeal, and he fell rapidly in the esteem of even those ardent admirers of his who for several years had followed his chariot wheels as they rolled in triumph over the prostrate faction of the corruptionists in Limerick. The debate on O'Connell's motion in the House of Commons in AprU this year (1834) for a Committee of Enquiry on the

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 277

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, you are in a city where the corporation's management of public revenues had become deeply corrupt. The great Lax weir had fallen away. At a meeting of the Corporation on the 6th of January, 1834, Mr. Poole Gabbett was declared the highest bidder for it, and it was resolved that his proposal of 300 pounds a year be accepted, with a lease granted to him for 99 years, on the same terms as heretofore held by Mr. Little. This came just months after a Commission of Inquiry held in Limerick from the 26th of September to the 11th of October, 1833, had laid the works of corporate corruption fully bare. O'Connell was now stirring the popular mind to its depths, and nowhere was he more ardently responded to than in Limerick. Early in 1834 he published a manifesto to the people of Ireland in favour of a Repeal of the Union, and thus, as the source says, "nailed his colours to the mast." The anti-tithe movement went hand in hand with the demand for a Parliament in College Green. Mr. William Roche and Mr. David Roche, members for the city, declared in favour of the great national question. Mr. Spring Rice, to whom a colossal pillar and life-like statue had been erected in Pery Square a few years before by his fellow citizens, had seen his popularity waning, and it was now completely forfeited by his decided opposition to the cause of Repeal. He fell rapidly in the esteem of even those who had followed him for years. The debate on O'Connell's motion in the House of Commons came in April of this same year, 1834.

39. Navigation banks burst near Limerick, 1809

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1809

    On 5 February 1809, the banks of the inland navigation branch between Limerick and Killaloe burst, suspending navigation until its reopening on 1 June 1814.

    Read the passage

    1814, June 1, The inland navigation opened between Limerick and Killaloe, after being suspended since the bursting of the banks on 5th February, 1809. Un the 31st of May, the Directors General of Inland Navigation purchased the property of this branch from the proprietors for the sum of £17,666 13s. 4d., two- third of the original stock; each share consisted of £250, for which the Directors General paid £170 13s. 4d. The original stock was 100 shares, at £25U, £25,000.

    Provisions at fammt prices — beef lOd. per lb.; mutton, lid.; veal, 7d. to 8d. Wheat 8s. Sd.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 411

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, there is a story from 1809 tied to the inland navigation branch between this city and Killaloe. On the 5th of February that year, the banks burst, and navigation was suspended along the whole route. It stayed closed for over five years. The Directors General of Inland Navigation purchased the property from the proprietors on the 31st of May, 1814, paying 17,666 pounds, two thirds of the original stock of 100 shares at 250 pounds each. The navigation reopened on the 1st of June, 1814.

40. Adare town burned by the Irish enemy

    Adare · townland · Limerick · 1376

    In 1376 Edward III issued a writ prohibiting demand of services and customs from the provost and commonalty of Adare until the town, recently burned by the Irish enemy, should be rebuilt and inhabited.

    Read the passage

    1376. Edward HI. issued a writ prohibiting the demand of services and customs from the " provost and commonalty" of Adare, until the town, which had been burned lately by the " Irish enemy", should be rebuilt and inhabited.

    1464. The Franciscan Abbey founded by Thomas, Earl of Kildare, and his Countess Joan, who was buried in it. This stands within the demesne. The castle was subsequently burned by Turlough O'Brien, and in the time of Gerald, Earl of Kildare, who favoured Perkin Warbeck, was forfeited to the crown with other possessions. It was, however, afterwards restored to him.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 417

41. Archbishop Creagh's imprisonment poverty and writings

    Dublin · city · Dublin

    Archbishop Creagh, imprisoned and in poverty, besought the Queen's leave to teach school for nothing, having never received ecclesiastical benefice. He authored works on the Irish language, an ecclesiastical history, lives of Irish saints, and a catechism, with manuscripts held by Trinity College Library and Dr. Thomas Arthur.

    Read the passage

    Sir James Ware (Waris Writers of Ireland) states Archbishop Creagh wrote de lincjtia Hibernica, lib. 1 (which is yet extant in manuscript, and some collections from it are in Trinity College Library), an Ecclesiastical History, part of which was in Sir James Ware's time, in the possession of Thomas Arthur, Doctor of Physic* He is said also to have written de Controversiis Fidei (which possibly may be the same treatise that Stanihurst calls Responsiones ad Casus Conscientios, as his Chronicon Hiberni(e may be what the same writer calls Topographia HibernicB), Vitas Sanctorum Hibernise, and Catechismum Ilibernice.

    ' Analecta. ^ ibid.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 68

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Dublin, you are in the city where Archbishop Creagh's manuscripts once circulated. Sir James Ware records that Creagh wrote on the Irish language, a work still extant in manuscript, with collections from it held in Trinity College Library. He wrote an Ecclesiastical History, part of which in Ware's time was in the possession of Thomas Arthur, Doctor of Physic. He is said to have written on controversies of faith, possibly the same treatise Stanihurst calls Responsiones ad Casus Conscientiae, as his chronicle may be what Stanihurst calls Topographia Hiberniae. He also wrote lives of the Irish saints and a catechism in Irish.

42. Arrest of Father Kennedy of Tulla

    Tulla · townland · Tipperary

    Father Kennedy, the parish priest of Tulla near the Silvermines, was arrested by Sir James Caldwell's Light Horse and escorted to Limerick on charges of rebellious practices. He was discharged once the facts were examined and the charges proven baseless.

    Read the passage

    many others were condemned also to various terms of imprisonment for the same cause. There was no Cathohc of any weight, consequence, or position involved in these doings, though they were said to be the commencement of a Popish rebellion. They were, nearly altogether, confined to Protestants possessed of affluence, who had made the unsus- ° pecting Catholic peasantry their mere instruments and victims in^ the business. The Rev. Father Kennedy, P.P. of Tulla, near the Silvermines, Co. Tipperary, was one of those who were arrested, and escorted by Sir James Caldwell's Light Horse into Limerick, on the 2d of May, charged with rebellious practices, which existed only in the fertile imaginations of his accusers. He was at once discharged when the facts were inquired into. As in other cases and circumstances, the Catholics were slandered and denounced for crimes and offences of which they had no cognizance ; but no prelate could act with more vigour in resisting the disturbers of the pubHc peace, than did Dr. Daniel O'Kearney, who continued to discharge his onerous duties with zeal. He ordained many priests for the diocese of Limerick, and afforded the utmost satisfaction to all by the faithful and perfect discharge of every duty. His Lordship died at Ballyshannon, near Limerick, in January, 1778,^ full of years and virtues, a noble specimen of an Irish Catholic prelate. His acquirements were of a most varied character, and his mildness, playfidness, and simplicity, are even yet remembered in the traditions of the people. The good prelate was interred in St. John's churchyard, and over his remains was placed a tomb which was situated near the east wall, towards the S. E. end of the churchyard.*

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 360

43. Assembly House on Charlotte's Quay, its varied history

    Charlotte's Quay · street · Limerick · 1770–1838

    An Assembly House was built on ground leased from Charles Smyth near Charlotte's Quay, finished in August 1770, and used for assemblies, balls and suppers. In 1790 its principal room was converted into a theatre by Sir Vere Hunt; the Christian Brothers opened a school in its upper rooms in 1818, and a Mechanics' Institute was opened there in 1825. The building fell into disrepair and was taken down in 1838 by order of the Sheriff as dangerous.

    Read the passage

    presented by the Rev. Dean Hoare, which was approved of, from Charles Smyth, Esq., for the term of 999 years, at the yearly rent of five shillhigs. The ground was on what afterwards went by the name of the Assembly Mall, in a line with Charlotte's Quay. A committee of five was appointed to carry on the work forthwith ; and on the 24th October, steps were taken to commence the foundation of the house. The house was finished in August, 1770, and by the following extract from the original minute book of the society, it was resolved, at a meeting held 1st August, 1770 — "That the house be opened for the reception of company on Tuesday, 11th September, and shall be opened every night during the assizes, at an English half-crown each ticket." (2s. 8id.) The arrangements of the assemblies and " drums,'' were carried out by the members, and the gentlemen in their turn took the tickets at the door, and acted as stewards in the rooms. This building cost the proprietors £3208 2s. lid., and the house was well supported by the public for many years. In 1772 it was set to Mr. Bowen, for the purpose of assemblies, &c., to be carried on by him, under the control of the company ; and he agreed to pay £300 per annum for the purpose, at a lease of 31 years. Before the expiration of Mr. Bowen's lease, balls and suppers became less frequent ; and in the j^ear 1790, the principal room was converted into a theatre by Sir Vere Hunt, Bart., Mr. Clinch, principal manager; and on the 31st of January was opened with Shakespere's comedy of " As You Like It." It continued a theatre for several years. In 1818, the Christian Brothers, for the first time in Limerick, opened school in the upper rooms of the house ; and paid j£75 per annum for the part they occupied as school-rooms, for the gratuitous education of the poor, and remained there until more convenient schools were opened in 1824. A Mechanics' Institute was first opened in this house in the year 1825. The large ball and supper rooms now became the theatre of Limerick, and some of the best actors of the day, performed here. It was in this house that Edmtmd Kean first made his appearance iu Limerick ; here too, all the celebrated singers of the period, that came to the city, appeared before crowded audiences. In was used as a theatre until 1834 or 1836, when it was suffered to go out of repair ; and in 1838, by order of the Sheriff, it having become dangerous, it was taken down. The site of this once beautiful building with part of the walls only now remain, and is the property of Mr. Stephen Hastings, T.C., who holds the books and papers of this very interesting old place, to which many of the older citizens look back to agreeable evenings spent in happier days, unequalled in the present time in Limerick.*

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 202

    As the companion tells it

    Along this street once stood the Assembly House, built on ground leased from Charles Smyth for 999 years at five shillings a year, on what came to be called the Assembly Mall. A committee of five was appointed to carry on the work, and the foundation was begun on the 24th of October. The house was finished in August 1770. At a meeting on the 1st of August 1770 it was resolved that the house be opened on Tuesday the 11th of September, and every night during the assizes, at a half-crown each ticket. The building cost the proprietors 3208 pounds, 2 shillings and 11 pence, and was well supported by the public for many years. In 1772 it was let to a Mr. Bowen for assemblies, balls and suppers, at 300 pounds a year on a lease of 31 years. Before his lease expired, balls and suppers became less frequent, and in 1790 the principal room was converted into a theatre by Sir Vere Hunt, with Mr. Clinch as principal manager. On the 31st of January it opened with Shakespeare's "As You Like It." In 1818 the Christian Brothers opened a school in the upper rooms, the first time in Limerick, paying 75 pounds a year for the gratuitous education of the poor. They remained there until more convenient schools opened in 1824. A Mechanics' Institute was first opened in this house in 1825. The large ball and supper rooms became the theatre of Limerick, and Edmund Kean first made his appearance in Limerick in this house. Celebrated singers of the period appeared before crowded audiences. It was used as a theatre until 1834 or 1836, when it was suffered to go out of repair, and in 1838, by order of the Sheriff, it having become dangerous, it was taken down.

44. Augustinian community in Limerick during Williamite persecution

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1691–1704

    In 1691 there was a community and convent of Augustinians in Limerick. The celebrated Prior Bernard O'Kennedy fled to Spain from the persecution of William III, dying there in 1704, but left a chalice and vestments in trust for the Limerick convent.

    Read the passage

    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 pass through Limerick, this is a city where an Augustinian community and convent stood in 1691. The prior at that time was Bernard O'Kennedy, a celebrated figure who later became Provincial of the Augustinian Order in Ireland. There is a record of a lawsuit that year between the Prior of the convent of Saint Augustine in Limerick and a man named William Lysaght, over the possession of their convent. O'Kennedy afterwards fled to Spain to escape the persecution of William III. He died there in 1704. A little before his death, he wrote a letter to the province of Ireland, for he was then the Provincial, in which 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. That bequest is proof a convent had been there before his departure from Ireland. 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. In the next reign, the Augustinians were once more living in community in Limerick.

45. Augustinian Friary converted to Protestant church

    Adare · townland · Limerick · 1811

    In 1811 the Augustinian Friary next the bridge of Adare was converted by Lord Adare into a Protestant parish church, roofed and its ancient ornaments restored. Several stone coffins were later dug up in the nave of the church.

    Read the passage

    In the year 1811, the friary next the bridge of Adare, the Augustinlan Friary, was converted by the same nobleman into a Protestant parish church: it has been roofed, and its ancient ornaments restored. This friary is a beautiful specimen of Gothic architecture ; it underwent many improvements and restorations in more recent years, when several stone coffins were dug up in the nave of the church. The refectory is now a school-house.

    In the old churchyard are two ruined churches — one the old parish church, the other a chapel of the fourteenth century.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 417

46. Barrack built on Dominican monastery site in Limerick, 1679

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1679

    A portion of the Dominican monastery ground in Limerick was converted into a tan yard, and a barrack was built on another portion taken by Government in 1679 on a hundred-year lease. The barrack could hold 800 men and was strengthened by a broad deep ditch on the east side.

    Read the passage

    De Burgo, and after him Archdall and Ferrar, state that a portion of the ground had been converted into a tan yard, and a barrack was built on another portion of it. The barrack was built on a part of the site which had been taken by Government in 1679, on a lease for one hundred years. It was capable of containing eight hundred men ; it extended two hundred leet m length, and two hundred and ninety feet in breadth, and was strengthened on the east side by a broad deep ditch, etc.' This sumptuous monastery had great possessions in and about the City of Limerick, prior to the suppression m the reign of Henry VHI. It had the fishery of the salmon weir at St Thomas's Island, which, in earher times, Edward Bishop of Limerick challenged the right of King John to alienate, and lor which Kmg John, by way of compromise, granted him ten pounds of silver m free and pei-petual alms annually for ever. Monabraher, or tne J^riars Bog, near Parteen, belonged to it, as well as several other possessions.

    David Brown Doctor of Divinity in this monastery, having been sent by King Henry VIII. as his envoy to Italy on affairs concerning the state, continued there till the suppression of religious houses, when he returned to this langdom, where this truly good and exemplary man peacefully ended his days. ^ "^

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 373

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Limerick now. In 1679, the Government took a portion of the old Dominican monastery ground here and built a barrack on it, on a hundred-year lease. The barrack could hold 800 men. It ran 200 feet long and 290 feet broad, and on the east side it was strengthened by a broad deep ditch. Another portion of the monastery ground had been converted into a tan yard. De Burgo, and after him Archdall and Ferrar, record these facts. Before the suppression in the reign of Henry VIII, this monastery held great possessions in and about the city. It had the fishery of the salmon weir at St Thomas's Island. In earlier times, Edward, Bishop of Limerick, challenged the right of King John to alienate it, and King John, by way of compromise, granted him ten pounds of silver annually for ever. Monabraher, or the Friars Bog, near Parteen, belonged to it as well. David Brown, Doctor of Divinity in this monastery, was sent by King Henry VIII as his envoy to Italy on affairs concerning the state. He stayed there till the suppression of religious houses, then returned to this kingdom, where he peacefully ended his days.

47. Base brass money circulated in Limerick

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1547–1553

    Under Henry VIII or Edward VI, the King coined brass or mixed moneys and made them current in Ireland by proclamation, causing great dissatisfaction. This debased currency was circulated in Limerick as well as elsewhere in Ireland.

    Read the passage

    these enoiiiious confiscations, Cox^ adds that the necessities of the State obhged the King to coia brass or mixed moneys, and to make it current in Ireland by proclamation, to the great dissatisfaction of all the people, especially the soldiers.^ This base money was circulated in Limerick as well as elsewhere.' At this time the power of the English was very extensive in Ireland ; " so that the bondage in which the people of Leath-]\Ihoga were, had scarcely been ever equalled before that time/''* Just at this time Sir Wnham Brabazon, Lord Justice, who was elected by the Council, committed the government of Tipperary to Edmond Butler, Archbishop of Cashel, and made a journey to Limerick, where Teig O^Carroll submitted, and entered into covenants of paying a yearly tribute into the Exchequer, and of serving the King with a certain number of horse and foot at his own charge, and of renouncing his pretensions to the barony of Ormond ; and afterwards the same Teig O'Carroll surrendered to the King his country of Ely O^Carroll, containing ninety-three plowlands and a half ; and the King regranted the same to him, and created him Baron of Ely. By O^Carroll's means, Mac Murrough, O'Kelly, and 0^]\lelaghhn, were now taken into protection and pardoned ; and by the Lord Deputy^s mediation, the Earls of Desmond andTliomond who were wrangling about bounds, and the protection of each other's Tories or outlaws, were reconciled on the 11th of March.^

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 55

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, there is a story from the middle of the sixteenth century, under Henry the Eighth or Edward the Sixth. The King, pressed by the necessities of the State, coined brass or mixed moneys and made them current in Ireland by proclamation, to the great dissatisfaction of all the people, especially the soldiers. This base money was circulated in Limerick as well as elsewhere. At that time the power of the English was very extensive in Ireland, and the bondage in which the people of Leath-Mhoga lived had scarcely ever been equalled before. Just then Sir William Brabazon, Lord Justice, elected by the Council, committed the government of Tipperary to Edmond Butler, Archbishop of Cashel, and made a journey to Limerick. There Teig O'Carroll submitted and entered into covenants to pay a yearly tribute into the Exchequer, to serve the King with a certain number of horse and foot at his own charge, and to renounce his pretensions to the barony of Ormond. Afterwards the same Teig O'Carroll surrendered to the King his country of Ely O'Carroll, containing ninety-three plowlands and a half. The King regranted the same to him and created him Baron of Ely. By O'Carroll's means, Mac Murrough, O'Kelly, and O'Melaghlin were taken into protection and pardoned. And by the Lord Deputy's mediation, the Earls of Desmond and Thomond, who had been wrangling about bounds and the protection of each other's Tories or outlaws, were reconciled on the 11th of March.

48. Battle at Singland between Danes and Irish

    Singland · townland · Limerick

    A battle was fought at Singland between the Danish Prince Auliff and the Irish, in which twelve hundred men were slain. Following the battle, an angel was said to have appeared in Auliff's camp, which became the basis for the Harold family crest.

    Read the passage

    with the Irish at Singland, in which twelve hundred men were slain, an angel appeared in the camp of Auliff, the Danish Prince. Since then the Harolds of Limerick bear the angel habited issuing from a Ducal coronet. The Harolds of Dublin have a Lion Rampant gules as their crest — the arms of both families are the same — the motto is formitas in calo. In St. Mary's Cathedral the seat of one of the ancient oak stalls is carved with the Harold Arms and the above motto. Of this family was Harold, Bishop of Limerick, A.D. 1151. The name appears frequently on the principal roll of the city from A.D. 1418 to 1689. Twelve of the name were mayors of Limerick. Eighteen of the name were bailiffs and sheriffs. Sir Balthazaar Nihill, one of the Knights of Malta, was married to Miss Harold of Limerick. General de la Hitte, the Minister of Foreign Affairs in the French Eepublic, was married to the daughter of the celebrated beauty. Miss Jane Harold ; she was wife of Rogerson Cotter, Esq., of Mallow (uncle of Sir J. Cotter, Bart., of Rakferant), and aunt of Daniel and Edward Harold, Esqrs. above mentioned. This family is related to the Eyans, of Inch House, Co. Tipperarj^ ; the Macarthys, of Spring House, Co. Tipperary ; the Shiels, of Limerick, &c. ; the Grehans of the Count}' Dublin ; the Galways of Limerick and Cork; the Roches of Limerick ; the Woulfs of Clare, &c. &c. The portrait of Miss Jenny Galway, the wife of Richard Harold of Pemywell, and daughter of Sir Geoffry Galway, who was executed on the surrender of Limerick, in 1051, to Ireton, is in the possession of Messrs. Daniel and Edward Harokl. The late eminent Chief Baron Woulfe's grandmother was Miss Harold, of Pemywell. A curious circumstance connected with this ancient family occurred during the mayoralty of tlie late Alderman Joseph Gabbett. The ninth son of the General Baron Harold, above mentioned, feeling the absolute necessity of possessing himself of the family genealogy, which was essential to his recognition abroad, wrote to the mayor expressing his anxiety to this effect. The letter was written in French — lie was not aware that any of the name survived in Limerick. The moment Alderman Gabbett received the letter, he communicated with Richard Harold Esq., who immediately forwarded the required doculnents, duly attested and signed by the authorities, including the Catholic and Protestant Bishops of Limerick. The document went to its destination at Dusseldorf, where the young soldier was forthwith enrolled among the nobility, and his progress in the army, in which he had already distinguished himself, was rapid in the extreme.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 78

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Singland, a battle was fought between the Danish Prince Auliff and the Irish. Twelve hundred men were slain. After the fighting, an angel was said to have appeared in Auliff's camp. Since that day, the Harolds of Limerick have carried the angel on their crest, shown issuing from a ducal coronet. The Harolds of Dublin use a lion rampant gules instead, but both families share the same arms and the same motto, "formitas in calo." In St. Mary's Cathedral, one of the ancient oak stalls is carved with the Harold arms and that motto. Of this family was Harold, Bishop of Limerick, in 1151. The name appears on the principal roll of the city from 1418 to 1689. Twelve of the name served as mayors of Limerick. Eighteen served as bailiffs and sheriffs. Sir Balthazaar Nihill, one of the Knights of Malta, married Miss Harold of Limerick. General de la Hitte, Minister of Foreign Affairs in the French Republic, married the daughter of Miss Jane Harold, a celebrated beauty. She was wife of Rogerson Cotter of Mallow and aunt of Daniel and Edward Harold. The family is related to the Evans of Inch House in Tipperary, the Macarthys of Spring House in Tipperary, the Shiels of Limerick, the Grehans of County Dublin, the Galways of Limerick and Cork, the Roches of Limerick, and the Woulfs of Clare. A curious thing happened during the mayoralty of Alderman Joseph Gabbett. The ninth son of the General Baron Harold, needing the family genealogy for recognition abroad, wrote to the mayor in French. He was not aware any of the name survived in Limerick. Alderman Gabbett contacted Richard Harold, who sent the required documents, attested and signed by the authorities, including the Catholic and Protestant Bishops of Limerick. The documents reached Dusseldorf, where the young soldier was enrolled among the nobility, and his progress in the army was rapid.

49. Battle of Clontarf (1014)

    Clontarf · parish · Dublin · 1014

    The Battle of Clontarf took place in 1014.

    Read the passage

    (Elizabeth), 103. Clonmel Corporation and the Pretender, 339. ■ Clontarf, battle of (1014), IL 14, 15. Clonroad Monastery bestowed (1540), 92, 647. Cloth in 1428, 530. Cloth, etc., duty on (1698), 296. Clothiers, corporation of (1761), 350. Cluan Combarda, 5.

    Cluin Claidech 6 ; founded sixth century, 4. Coaches, notices of, 429, 431, 441, 465. Cobbett visits Limerick, 488. Cobha, battle of, in 1103, 24. Cocket duties (see Customs) disputes, 323, 354. Coflfee houses in 1768, 360; Royal, expels Mr. Arthur

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 457

50. Bishop de Valle translates St. Richard's bones to Dundalk

    Dundalk · town · Louth · 1360–1485

    Stephen de Valle, Bishop of Limerick (1360), translated the bones of Richard FitzRalph, Archbishop of Armagh (St. Richard of Dundalk), from Avignon to Dundalk and deposited them in the Parish Church of St. Nicholas. A chantry was later confirmed in that church in 1485.

    Read the passage

    In 1360, Stephen de Valle, or Wall, Dean of Limerick, succeededby provision of the Pope, and was consecrated this year. He filled the high office of treasurer of Ireland. He was translated to the bishopric of Meath, where havinsr sat ten years, he died at Oxford on the 4th of November, 1379, and was buried there ni the Dominican monastery. While he was Bishop of Limerick he translated the bones of Richard FitzRalph, Archbishop of Armagh, commonly called St. Richard of Dundalk, from Avignon to Dundalk, the birth-place of that archbishop, and deposited them in the Parish Church of St. Nicholas in that town.'

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 326

51. Blasting of Carrig-a-Clouragh by Captain Hamilton Jackson

    Kilquane · townland · Clare · 1860–1865

    About twenty years before the book's writing, Captain Hamilton Jackson, then proprietor of the land, ordered a servant named Council to blast the chain-rock at Carrig-a-Clouragh. The land has since been purchased by a local landholder, Mr. Robert Holmes of Athlunkard.

    Read the passage

    Regimeiit_, and other dragoons, were sent to view the ford of Annaghbeg,' of which William was informed, and which he proceeded to visit himself, a place about two miles above the city, where six of King James's regiments, three of horse, and two of dragoons commanded by Berwick and Lutterell, were posted at the other side of the river, with a breast-work to cover them ; these all fired upon the soldiers of William, but a}Dparently ■with little efi'ect, as few were killed or wounded. It was expected by the Wniiamites that they would meet with great difficulties and dangers in the passage of the river — first, because the troops of the besieged were so advantageously placed — and secondly, because the river at this season of the year was particularly swollen and rapid ; but they did not. Tradition states that the ford or pass, through which the hostde army passed over to the Clare side of the river, was betrayed by one MacAdam, who is said to have lived by fishing on the Shannon, and that his knowledge of the fords of the river was consequently very good. He is said to have conveyer! private information as to the place where the army of William might pass with safety ; and in order, if possible, to escape the odium of having been supposed voluntarily to sell the pass, he feigned sickness on the approach of the besieging army, whilst all the other fishermen ran off to the woods of Cratloe and the Clare mountains, as well to avoid being present as in fear of their Hves from the cruelty of William''s soldiers. As the army approached, a block and hatchet and a keg of gold were placed outside the door of the betrayer, who was accompanied bya boyof the neighbourhood, who had rowed a boat. The rich lands adjoining were pointed out to him. He was asked which he selected — the gold and the lauds, or the hatchet and death. The tradition goes on to say that as he had already determined, he at once proceeded to point out to the encpiirers the only place in that portion of the river which they could pass in the manner they desired. A rock was near the river bank, some few perches above the old churchyard of Kilquane, and to this rock, ever since called Carrig-a-Clouragh, or Chain- rock, were attached chains, which are said to have crossed the river from Corbally, nearly opposite Corbally House on the Limerick side. Abridge of boats, or a pontoon bridge, was thus constructed by the engineers. The rock appears to have been cut umbrella-like, or of mushroom shape, in order the more securely to hold the chains. For many years it was an object of singular curiosity : men of science, archeeologists, historians, enquirers, and patriots from all parts of Em'ope were in the habit of visiting it in the course of their tours to Limerick. — There were shallow holes in the top of Carrig-a-Clouragh, and when rain fell, the holes, thus filled with water, appeared as if saturated with blood, the stone being of a reddish colour. About twenty years ago Captain Hamilton Jackson, the then proprietor of this land, the portion of which in question has since, and within the last few years, been purchased by a prosperous laud holder of the neighbourhood,^ ordered a servant, named Council, to blast the rock; but

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 130

52. Brian Boru crowned at Tara

    Tara · parish · Meath

    After his victorious progress through Ulster, Brian Boru proceeded to Tara, where he was solemnly crowned, having subjugated all his enemies and established his authority as supreme King.

    Read the passage

    After this victorious progress through Ulster, Brian proceeded to Tara, where he was solemnly croMTied. — He had now subjugated all his enemies, and had time to turn his thoughts to the improvement of his kingdom, to which he contributed in an extraordinary degree by the enactment of salutary laws, by the re-estabhshment of churches and educational estabhshments, and by the construction and repair of bridges, causeways and various pubhc works, restoiing to their old possessors the property taken from them by the Danes, raising fortresses and palaces, and putting an end to the existing confusion in genealogies by ordaining that aU the branches of the Irish races should in friture have surnames.

    Brian's authority as supreme King was now fuUy established, and after the peaceful interval, which he had employed to such good purpose, the advantage of even an enforced alhance between the several inferior Kings Avas shown by new projects on the part of his antagonists, the Danes. The deposed monarch Malachy having been defeated by Maolmordna, King of Leinster and his Danish alhes, had presented lumself at Kincora to solicit the assistance of Brian, but had been unsuccessful ; in the summer of the same year Brian found the movements of the Danes so menacing that he

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 15

53. Brian O'Neill killed at battle of Down Patrick

    near Downpatrick · town · Down · 1260

    In 1260, Brian O'Neill was killed in the battle of Down Patrick by John de Courcy and his followers. This followed the failed convention of O'Brien and O'Neill in 1258 and the death of Tadhg O'Brien in 1259.

    Read the passage

    '"'' This convention or meeting of O^Brien and O^Neill took place in the year 1258, according to the annals of the Eoui* Masters; and in the year 1259, Tadhg O^Brien died. In the year after that again, that is, 1260, Brian O^Neill himself was killed in the battle of Down Patrick, by John de Courcy and his followers.

    " The premature death of Tadhg O'Brien so preyed up on his father, that for a considerable time he forgot altogether the duties of his position and the general interests of his people. This state of supineness encoui'aged some of his subordinate chiefs to withhold from him his lawful tributes.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 31

54. Carrigafoyle Castle taken, Captain Julio hanged

    Carrigafoyle · townland · Kerry · 1580

    After invading Connelloe, the Lord Justice proceeded to Carrigafoyle, which he took, and hanged Captain Julio, an Italian engineer who commanded 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

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Carrigafoyle, a castle was taken in 1580, and an Italian engineer called Captain Julio, who commanded the garrison, was hanged. The Lord Justice at the time was Sir Warham Saint Ledger. On the 11th of February that year, he received a commission of martial law. He remained three weeks at Waterford, then 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. 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. The Bishop of Limerick, also shrewdly suspected, was merely confined to his house. On the 10th of March, Ormond and the Lord Justice met at Rathkeale. The next day they passed over the bridge of Adare, returned at night, and invaded Connelloe. Having done what mischief he could there, he proceeded to Carrigafoyle, which he took, and hanged Captain Julio. On the 3rd of April, 1580, the Lord Justice laid siege to the castle of Askeaton, one of the most magnificent castles in the country. The garrison deserted it. He partially destroyed it by gunpowder, leaving the towers untouched, as they remain to this day. Askeaton and Ballyheige castles in Kerry, taken at the same time, were the last castles of the great Desmond.

55. Carrigaholt Castle and the forfeited estates of Daniel O'Brien, Earl of Clare

    near Carrigaholt · townland · Clare · 1698–1703

    Daniel O'Brien, Earl of Clare, lived in Carrigaholt Castle, where his name cut on a stone mantelpiece could still be seen. His enormous estates in west Clare were forfeited after the Williamite wars and sold by the state in 1703 to Burton, Westby, and MacDonnell. O'Brien had raised a regiment of horse at Carrigaholt for King James, known as the Yellow Dragoons.

    Read the passage

    Among the lauds brought to the hammer of the state auctioneer, were those which comprised the enormous estates of Daniel O' Brien, Earl of Clare, who lived in Carrigaholt Castle^, where his name, cut: on a large stone mantelpiece over the fire-place of one of the large rooms of the Castle, may yet be seen. These lauds (among other lands) by patent dated 26th Eebruary, 1698^ were granted to Joost Earl of Albemarle, who^ by deeds of lease and release, dated the 9th and 10th of March, 1698, conveyed them to Francis Burton, Nicholas Westby, and James MacDonnell, Esqrs. A catalogue of these lauds would occupy some pages of this work : they included among other possessions, the manor, castle, town and lands of Ballykett, with a fair and market, 114a. prof., 604 unprof. — Moyferta, east, with a market, courts leet and baron, 127a. prof.^ 274 unprof. — Moyferta, west^ 1 qr. 226 a. prof., 135a. unprof. — Eathrony, alias Eahouy, east, 1 qr. 219a. prof. 94a. unprof. — The manor, castJe, town, and lands of Carrigaholty, ahas Eeinmackaderrigg, ^ qr. 55a. — Kilcordan, 1 qr. 128a. prof., 142a. 2r. unprof. Several thousands of acres not only in Western baronies, but in the barony of Corcumroe, &c. &c. The trustees by this deed received a sum of £10,161 : 17 : 5f. Messrs. Burton, Westby, and M'DonneU, each to hold a third part thereof to him and his heirs — Inrolled 5th June, 1703.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 169

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Carrigaholt, the enormous estates of Daniel O'Brien, Earl of Clare, were sold off after the Williamite wars. He lived in Carrigaholt Castle, and his name, cut on a large stone mantelpiece over the fireplace of one of the large rooms, could still be seen in later years. These lands were granted by patent dated the 26th of February, 1698, to Joost, Earl of Albemarle, who by deeds of lease and release dated the 9th and 10th of March, 1698, conveyed them to Francis Burton, Nicholas Westby, and James MacDonnell. A catalogue of the lands would run to pages. They included the manor, castle, town, and lands of Ballykett, with a fair and market. Moyferta east, with a market, courts leet and baron. Moyferta west. Rathrony, alias Rahouy, east. The manor, castle, town, and lands of Carrigaholty, alias Reinmackaderrigg. Kilcordan. Several thousands of acres not only in western baronies but in the barony of Corcumroe and elsewhere. The trustees by this deed received a sum of 10,161 pounds, 17 shillings, and five pence halfpenny. Burton, Westby, and MacDonnell each held a third part, to him and his heirs. The deed was inrolled the 5th of June, 1703.

56. Cashel Corporation restored by William

    Cashel · town · Tipperary · 1690

    The Mayor and Corporation of Cashel presented William with a petition regarding their displacement by James II, and William gave them a letter restoring them to their ancient rights and privileges.

    Read the passage

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

    On the 6th he reached Sallywood, having sent a party of horse the day before towards Limerick. In the army of William were several refugee Protestant clergymen, who accompanied him on his march, and among them was Ulysses Burgh, Dean of Emly. On the 8th of August William entered the county of Limerick, marching to Caherconlish, within a short distance of Dromkeen, the ancient patrimony and residence of the Burghs of Dromkeen.3 Burgh visited his house, which he found standing,

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 125

57. Castleconnell castle on an isolated rock

    Castleconnell · town · Limerick

    The castle of Castleconnell stands on the summit of an isolated rock near the Shannon, built by Conal, a native chieftain. It became a seat of the O'Briens, Kings of Thomond, and a grandson of Brien Boru is said to have been treacherously murdered there.

    Read the passage

    The castle stands on the summit of an isolated rock close by the town, and within a short distance of the river Shannon, and was built by Conal, a native chieftain; afterwards a seat of the O'Briens, Kings of Thomond, and in which a grandson of Brien Boru is said to have been treacherously murdered by the reigning prince.

    1199. King John granted five knight's fees to William de Burgh, including this parish, with a condition that he should erect a castle thereon.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 428

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Castleconnell, in Limerick. The castle stands on the summit of an isolated rock close by the town, near the Shannon. It was built by Conal, a native chieftain, and later became a seat of the O'Briens, Kings of Thomond. A grandson of Brien Boru is said to have been treacherously murdered there by the reigning prince. In 1199 King John granted five knight's fees to William de Burgh, including this parish, on condition he build a castle thereon.

58. Castle Connell demolished by Williamite forces

    Castleconnell · town · Limerick · 1691

    On July 27th, 1691, an expedition with five cannon and 700 horse and dragoons was sent to Castle Connell to complete the destruction partially effected the previous year. The castle was utterly demolished, 250 Irish soldiers driven out, and many killed.

    Read the passage

    Securing the approaches on every side, on the morning of the 27th, an expedition, with five pieces of cannon, and 700 horse and dragoons, was sent to Castle Connell to complete the work of destruction which had been but partially eff'ected the year before. The castle was now utterly demolished, and 250 men of the Irish army who garrisoned it were driven out, and many of them killed. On the same day General Scravemore proceeded with another party and four guns to Carrigogunnel, a strong

    I The residence of the late Lieut.-Gcneral Sir William Parker Carrol), and of his son Captain Carroll. ■ Storey.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 140

    As the companion tells it

    You're coming through Castleconnell now. Back on the 27th of July 1691, this town saw the finish of its castle. An expedition arrived that morning with five cannon and 700 horse and dragoons, sent to complete work of destruction only partly done the year before. The castle was utterly demolished. 250 men of the Irish army who garrisoned it were driven out, and many of them killed.

59. Castle of Kanturk taken and country plundered

    Kanturk · town · Cork

    The Earl and O'Donnell passed into Duhallow, County Cork, and took the castle of Caen-tuirc (now Kanturk), plundering the surrounding country.

    Read the passage

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

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 44

60. Castletown estate retained by Waller family after Restoration

    Castletown · townland · Limerick · 1660–1685

    Despite Sir Hardress Waller's role in the Civil War, his family was not dispossessed of the Castletown estate inherited from her ancestors, owing to Irish descent, secret Stuart sympathies, and court influence through strategic marriages of her daughters.

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    Waller, however, whose familj' were of old Irish descent, and had secretlj' favoured the Stuarts in the civil war, was not interfered with in the possession of the Castletown estate which she had inherited from her ancestors, and which still belongs to her descendants. Her daughters had made marriages that gave the family some court influence at this time, and helped to keep his Lead on the shoulders of Sir Hardress. Elizabeth, Baroness Shelburne in her own right, married the able and powerful Sir William Petty. Bridget married Mr. Cadogan, and was mother of that gallant general, the first Earl of Cadogan ; whilst Anne married Sir Henry Ingoldsby, Bart. whose conduct in lOGO materinlly assisted iu restoring Charles II. to his father's throno.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 98