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. Catholic aggregate meeting in Limerick passes veto resolutions

   Limerick · city · Limerick · 1814

   A Catholic aggregate meeting held in Limerick on 7 September 1814, chaired by William Roche, passed ambiguous resolutions including one deemed vetoistical, drawing sharp criticism that Limerick's Catholic spirit was declining.

   Read the passage

   On the 16th of February, in that year, the celebrated rescript of J. B. Quarantotti, Vice-President of the Propaganda, which had been addressed to the Right Rev. Wm. Poynter, Vicar Apostolic of the London district, recommended the amplest submission to the British Minister. It was stated in it that "nothing can be more agreeable to the Apostolic chair than that full concord and mutual confidence should prevail between your government and its Catholic subjects". It went on, "Wherefore we advise all in the Lord, and especially the Catholic bishops, to lay aside all contention, and for the edification of others to set an example of unanimity of sentiment .... and if the law be carried which frees the Catholics from the penalties to which they are subjected that they should receive it with satisfaction; . . . but also return the warmest thanks to his Majesty and his most magnificent council for so great a benefit, and show themselves worthy of it". Copies of the rescript were sent to the Irish bishops, who indignantly, and with nearly unanimous accord, rejected it. The bishops met, the clergy throughout the land met, the resolutions against the Quarantotti manifesto were couched in terms of earnest repudiation. A meeting of the parish priests of the diocese of Limerick was held in St. Michael's chapel on Saturday, the 28th of May, 1814, the Very Rev. Charles Tuohy, Vicar Capitular of the diocese, in the chair. Thirty-eight parish priests were present. They resolved " that the rescript of Quarantotti should not be obeyed by the Catholic Church of Ireland, because they considered its principles dangerous to our holy religion, and contrary not only to the decision of the Irish bishops, but to the express sentiments of the Sacred College itself, promulgated in the year 1805". This was unmistakeable. What was called a Catholic aggregate meeting was held on the 7th of September in the same year (1814), William Roche, Esq., in the chair.^ A series of ambiguous resolutions were passed, and William Roche, John Howley, junr. (the present excellent Sir John Howley, Knight, Sergeant, Q.C., Ex Chairman of Tipperary, etc.), Henry Lyons, and Michael Arthur, Esqrs., were requested to prepare petitions to the legislature in accordance with these ambiguous resolutions, one of which vv^as unmistakably vetoistical, which gave anything but confidence to the people generally, and which are thus spoken of in a periodical of the time :^ —

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 365

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Limerick, you are in a city where Catholics gathered in 1814 to wrestle with a question that reached them from Rome. Earlier that year, on the 16th of February, a rescript from J. B. Quarantotti, Vice-President of the Propaganda, addressed to the Right Rev. William Poynter, Vicar Apostolic of the London district, recommended the amplest submission to the British Minister. It stated that nothing could be more agreeable to the Apostolic chair than full concord between the government and its Catholic subjects. It advised the Catholic bishops to lay aside all contention, and if the law freeing Catholics from penalties was carried, to receive it with satisfaction and return the warmest thanks to his Majesty. Copies went to the Irish bishops, who indignantly and with nearly unanimous accord rejected it. The bishops met, the clergy throughout the land met, and their resolutions against the Quarantotti manifesto were couched in terms of earnest repudiation. In Limerick, a meeting of thirty-eight parish priests of the diocese was held in St. Michael's chapel on Saturday, the 28th of May, 1814, with the Very Rev. Charles Tuohy, Vicar Capitular, in the chair. They resolved that the rescript should not be obeyed by the Catholic Church of Ireland, calling its principles dangerous to their holy religion and contrary to the decision of the Irish bishops and the express sentiments of the Sacred College promulgated in 1805. Then on the 7th of September, what was called a Catholic aggregate meeting was held, with William Roche in the chair. A series of ambiguous resolutions were passed, one unmistakably vetoistical. William Roche, John Howley, Henry Lyons, and Michael Arthur were requested to prepare petitions to the legislature in accordance with these resolutions, which gave anything but confidence to the people generally.

2. Catholic officials deposed for refusing oath of supremacy

   Limerick · city · Limerick · 1611–1616

   Between 1611 and 1616 successive Catholic mayors and sheriffs of Limerick were deposed for refusing the oath of supremacy and not attending church, with replacements repeatedly chosen and also removed.

   Read the passage

   1612 Wm. Myeagh, for four months, Patrick Fitz-Henry Whyte, John Skeolan, for four months. This Mayor and both Sheriffs were deposed for not taking the oaths, etc., and in their places were chosen

   Christopher Creagh, who took Geo. Fitz-James Creagh, John Lyseiaght, conformable the oath, but did not go to Sheriffs for eight months, church, and held the office for eight months,

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 406

   As the companion tells it

   Passing through Limerick, in 1612 the mayor William Myeagh and sheriffs Patrick Fitz-Henry Whyte and John Skeolan were deposed for not taking the oaths. Christopher Creagh was chosen mayor, took the oath, but did not go to church, and held the office for eight months. George Fitz-James Creagh and John Lyseiaght became the sheriffs.

3. Catholic synod in Dublin

   Dublin · city · Dublin · 1670

   A national Catholic council or synod was held in Dublin in June 1670, presided over by the primate. The synod petitioned the Holy See for the appointment of new bishops to vacant dioceses, including Limerick.

   Read the passage

   A national council or synod was held in DubHn on the 17th June, 1670, which was presided over by the primate, and at this council or synod a petition was drawn up and despatched to the Holy See, sohcitmg the appointment of some new bishops to the vacant dioceses, and presentiiig the names of clergymen who were deemed most deserving of the episcopal dignity. For Limerick they named :

   " R D. Jacobus Dulaeus, Vic. Aplicus. Limericen. cujus etiam doctrina et vit£B integritas lUmae. Dni. Vrae. probe nota est, pro Dioecesi Limericen .

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 352

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Dublin, this city was the site of a national Catholic council in June 1670. The primate presided over the synod, which drew up a petition to the Holy See seeking new bishops for vacant dioceses. They presented the names of clergymen deemed most deserving of the office. For Limerick, they named Dr. James Dulaeus, Apostolic Vicar of Limerick, of whose doctrine and integrity of life they wrote that it was well known to the Lord.

4. Chamber of Commerce relieves potato tolls in Limerick

   Limerick · city · Limerick · 1808–1823

   The Limerick Chamber of Commerce carried out an agreement to pay the Corporation £1500 a year for all their claims on tolls on corn and potatoes, intending to relieve potatoes from any charge. This bargain was annually renewed from 1808 to 1823 to free farmers from what was described as an intolerable nuisance and oppression.

   Read the passage

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

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 262

   As the companion tells it

   Limerick, the city you are passing through, saw a long fight over who controlled its tolls and its property. In the House of Commons on the 6th of May, Mr. Rice's Bill for the better regulation of the city of Limerick was read a second time. Captain O'Grady, one of the County representatives, stood up and moved that the bill be read that day six months. When O'Grady sat down and the Speaker asked who seconded the motion, there was a dead silence. Mr. Rice stood up again and made many animadversions on the conduct of the hon. and gallant member. The Wellesley Bridge Act had received the Royal assent, and public notice was given by the directors of the Chamber of Commerce. A meeting of the forty-eight commissioners named in the Bill was convened to elect additional new commissioners. The Corporation now began to set its house in order, distributing among its members the remnant of the property of the citizens. Two days before the Regulation Act came into operation, the Corporators made a lease for ever to Sir Christopher Marrett, Knight and Alderman, at the rent of £34 2s. 6d. Irish, of the ancient island of Scattery, granted to the Corporation by Queen Elizabeth. The island contains 103 acres, four of which the Government purchased from the Corporation in 1810 for the Ordnance Service. For some lengthened period, the Chamber of Commerce, anxious to free the city from what they called the intolerable nuisance and oppression to which farmers had been subjected, had carried out an agreement to pay the Corporation £1500 a year for all their claims on tolls on corn and potatoes, with the intention of relieving potatoes from any charge, which they did accordingly. This bargain was annually renewed from 1808 to 1823.

5. Chancellor of Limerick withholds Desmond's money

   Limerick · city · Limerick · 1565

   Donoghow Cassbie, Chancellor of Limerick, refused to contribute money for the Earl of Desmond's discharge from the Tower of London. Desmond complained bitterly from the Tower about Casshie's conduct in detaining his rents.

   Read the passage

   quiring liim to repair to them speedily, bringing with him the Countess of Desmond, if possible, and that they would bear his charges. He, accompanied by the countess, accordingly reached Cork on the 21st. What was done there does not appear from the state papers, but on the 19th March, they wrote a joint letter to the Lord Justice, in which the countess thanks him for his care of the Earl of Desmond's lands, tenants, and followers [he was then in London Tower], and beseeching that James Fitzmaurico might rule in the earl's absence. Shortly after, the bishop wrote to the Lords Justices complaining of Thomas Lord Fitzmaurice of Kerry. The nature of the complaint does not appear, but Lord Fitzmaurice, writing from Lixnaw on the 6 th July, calls it a false book. Desmond wrotehim from the Tower on 18th November, requesting him to assist in executing justice to poor and rich, to help in collecting money, that is, the earl's rents,^ and stating that Donoghow Cassbie,' Chancellor of Limerick, would not give a penny for his discharge. Li other letters he frequently and bitterly complains of Casshie's conduct in detaining his money. The very same year,^ when Dr. Creagh, before mentioned, was a prisoner in the Tower oi London, it appears by the Consistory Acts in the Vatican Archives, that O'Hairt, Bishop of Achonry, was recommended by Cardinal Morone to administer Armagh, and at the same time, the Bishop of Limerick to be chosen by the Apostohc See to give testimonials for the provinces of Munster and Leinster to those clergy who went to Rome.

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 335

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Limerick, the city carries a story from 1565. The Earl of Desmond was held in the Tower of London. His Countess reached Cork on the 21st, and on the 19th of March she and a bishop wrote jointly to the Lord Justice. She thanked him for his care of Desmond's lands, tenants, and followers, and asked that James Fitzmaurice rule in the earl's absence. The bishop then complained of Thomas Lord Fitzmaurice of Kerry. Lord Fitzmaurice, writing from Lixnaw on the 6th of July, called it a false book. Desmond wrote from the Tower on the 18th of November. He asked for help in executing justice to poor and rich, and in collecting money, his rents. He stated that Donoghow Cassbie, Chancellor of Limerick, would not give a penny for his discharge. In other letters he frequently and bitterly complains of Casshie's conduct in detaining his money. That same year, Dr. Creagh was also a prisoner in the Tower of London. The Consistory Acts in the Vatican Archives record that O'Hairt, Bishop of Achonry, was recommended by Cardinal Morone to administer Armagh. The Bishop of Limerick was to give testimonials for the provinces of Munster and Leinster to clergy who went to Rome.

6. Charter of Henry VI excludes Irish from Limerick civic offices

   Limerick · city · Limerick · 1423

   A charter granted by Henry VI in 1423 confirmed the citizens' right to hold their market but prohibited any person of Irish blood and nation from serving as mayor or exercising any office in Limerick. It also forbade citizens from taking or maintaining any child of Irish blood as an apprentice under penalty of forfeiting their franchise.

   Read the passage

   Henry VI. granted another charter in 1423 in which the following passage occurs : — " And that they (the citizens) may hold their market as they have been accustomed from of old to hold it ; and also that no one who is an Irishman, by blood and nation (the term ' Irishman,^ being understood and taken as it is accustomed to be taken and understood in our land of Ireland), shall be mayor, or exercise any office within our said city ; nor shall any one within the aforesaid city take or maintain any child of Irish blood and nation, as is aforesaid, as an apprentice, under penalty of forfeiting his franchise in the aforesaid city."

   In the following year, viz. 1424, the Charters of Limerick were confirmed (P. and C. Rolls.), and the Bishop was summoned to answer certain charges (ibid.) There is a record of the wehs also this year (Select Rolls.)

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 40

   As the companion tells it

   The city of Limerick ahead. In 1423 Henry VI granted a charter to the citizens of this place. It confirmed their right to hold their market as they had been accustomed from of old to hold it. But the charter also laid down a prohibition. No one who was, in the charter's words, an Irishman by blood and nation could serve as mayor or exercise any office within the city. The term Irishman was to be understood as it was accustomed to be taken in the land of Ireland. Nor could any citizen take or maintain any child of Irish blood as an apprentice, under penalty of forfeiting his franchise. The following year, 1424, the charters were confirmed, and the Bishop was summoned to answer certain charges.

7. Cistercian abbey founded at Abington

   Abington · townland · Limerick · 1205–1206

   About 1205, Theobald Fitz-Walter, Lord of Carrick, founded a Cistercian abbey at Abington dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, filling it with monks from Savignac in France. He was interred there the following year, and his foundation charter is still extant.

   Read the passage

   1205. About this time an abbey was founded here for Cistercian monks and dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, by Theobald Fitz- Walter, Lord of Carrick. He filled it with monks from the abbey of Savigniae, in France, richly endowed it, and was in the following year interred here. His charter of foundation is still extant.

   1299. Theobald the Fifth of the family of Butler, was inten:ed here. So early as the reign of Edward H., the Prior of Woney was summoned as a Lord of Parliament.

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 419

8. Citizens burn Limerick as Anglo-Norman army arrives

   Limerick · city · Limerick · 1185

   When Cogan, Fitz Stephen, and Braosa led their army to Limerick to take possession, the citizens set the town on fire. Cogan and Fitz Stephen proposed to ford the Shannon and storm the place, but Braosa lost courage and returned home.

   Read the passage

   King John, (says Giraldus Cambrensis,) gave to Philip de Braosa the northern division of Munster, namely, the whole kingdom of Limerick, except the city itself, and the cantred belonging to it. At the same time he gave the kingdom of Cork to Cogan and Fitz Stephen. So these three chiefs made a strict mutual alHance, and having obtained possession of Lismore, and of the greater part of Cork, namely, seven cantreds near the city, each containing 100 townlands, they proceeded to Limerick. Their army consisted of seventy men-at-arms, one hundred and fifty horse soldiers, and the proper complement of bowmen. But when they reached Limerick, the citizens set the town on fire. Cogan and Fitz Stephen proposed to ford the Shannon and storm the place. But Braosa proved wanting in courage and returned home.

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 34

9. City bands deceitfully sent to assault Carrigogunnel

   Carrigogunnel · townland · Limerick · 1536–1538

   To enable his planned massacre, Viceroy Grey deceitfully removed the Mayor and the better part of the city bands from Limerick by sending them to assault Carrigogunnel, clearing opposition from the city.

   Read the passage

   which he valiantly executed, for when Lord Leonard Grey, Viceroy, conducted the Royal army into Limerick with a determined resolution to slaughter all the inhabitants in one night, I know not for what reason, except that he bore a mortal hatred against them for their constancy in the orthodox rehgion, and he deceitfully removed out the Mayor and the better part of the city bands to assault Carrigogunnel they being displeased at the peace, the Mayor having somewhat discovered the Viceroy's treacherous contrivance flies into the city at midnight, hastens almost out of breath -with his guards to the Viceroy's house, knocks loudly at the gate, the porter having delayed and refused him entrance, he threatened instantly to tear the gates asunder. He was then admitted, and having found theViceroyandaU the commanders and men at arms of the army waiting for the destined hour of slaughter, he asked theViceroy what was the meaning of that unusual appearance of armed men, pipers and drummers thus assembled, who did not give him genuine but feigned reasons. Lest by the loss of time the intended wickedness might not be brought to maturity, the Viceroy advised him immediately to return into the city, but he fully detected the hidden contrivance of the treacherous general slaughter, and produced from tlie inside of the bosom of his soldier^s coat the king's patent which he had a good while by him ; and due respect being given he ordered it to be read quite over, by virtue of which he positively commanded the Viceroy in the king's name that he should not attempt anything secretly, unknown to and without consulting him in his government of the Province of Munster ; and that he should not presume to devise anything to the prejudice of that royal city committed to his care (for that was the tenour of the Royal letters) and he declared if the Viceroy had ordered any to stir up tumults in the city, that he would in the first place restrain and set them in order. Thus did he deliver the city from the threatened destruction. ^

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 50

10. Coadjutor Bishop election at Newmarket-on-Fergus

    Newmarket on Fergus · town · Clare · 1837

    Parish priests of the diocese of Killaloe assembled at Newmarket-on-Fergus to elect a Coadjutor Bishop to Dr. M'Mahon. Three candidates were returned for the Pope's choice, with five prelates present.

    Read the passage

    Dec. 17, — Monday, the Parish Priests of the diocese of Killaloe assembled at Newmarket-on- Fergus to elect a Coadjutor Bishop to the Rt. Eev. Dr. M'Mahon. The three candidates returned by the Clergy for the choice of the Pope, were the Rev. Mr. Kennedj', P.P., of Birr, dignissimus ; Rev. Mr. Fahy, P.P. of TuUa, dignior ; and Rev. Mr. Vaughan, P.P., of Killaloe, digitus. The Prelates present were — the Most Eev. Dr. Slattery of Cashel, Right Revs. Dr. Murphy of Cork, Dr. Egan of Kerry, Dr. Ryan of Limerick, and Dr. M'Mahon of Killaloe.

    February 8th, 1 837. — Influenza most prevalent in Limerick.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 278

11. Connell and Dundon executed at New Gaol

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1799

    James Connell and John Dundon were executed at the New Gaol in Limerick. Daniel Nunan, scheduled for similar execution, received a reprieve minutes before his associates were led out.

    Read the passage

    August 22nd James Connell and John Dundon executed at the New Gaol, pursuant to

    sentence at the last Assizes. Daniel Nunan, under similar circumstances, received a reprieve, a few minutes before his associates were led to execution.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 251

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, this city saw a grim scene in 1799. On August 22nd, James Connell and John Dundon were executed at the New Gaol, pursuant to sentence at the last Assizes. Daniel Nunan, under similar circumstances, received a reprieve, a few minutes before his associates were led to execution.

12. Corbally: ancient Killeen cemetery with cannon ball finds

    Corbally · townland · Limerick

    An ancient cemetery called Killeen, situated in the 'Killeen field' at Corbally, had long ceased to be a burial place. Recently, fragments of cannon balls and human bones were found in the field, suggesting a military engagement at or near the site.

    Read the passage

    • Park is a townland within the municipal boundary of Limerick. Park House is the residence of the Catholic Bishop of Limericlf. The inhabitants of Park are among the most thrifty and industrious in any part of Ireland. They pay from ^£8 to wf 10 an acre tor their patches of land, the largest holders not renting more than from three to four acres. They cultivate vegetables, witli which they supply the citizens ; they rear cattle and pigs, and grow potatoes and turnips to feed their cattle and pigs, and for their own use also. They manure the land very highly, and being within the Borough they are subject to high rates and taxes. There has been nmch emigration from Park in recent years, of youngmen andyoung women especially. 'J'he names generally of the residents are Cunneen, or O'Ounneen, one of the most ancient names in the South of Ireland, tradition having it that it was with a chieftain of that name Saint Patrick dwelt when he visited Singland, which forms part of the parish of St. Patrick in which Park is situated ; Hannan, or Haimeen, Quilligan, Clancy, and MacNamara, or by abbreviation Mac, of which there are a great number in Park. The AlacNamaras are said to have settled in Park since they were driven from Clare in the wars of the seventeenth century. It was through the old road of Park that King William is said to have passed to the Shannon in 1690, when he made his inspection of the river, in order to obtain a knowledge of the passage of it, which was effected so successfully the year afterwards by Ginkle. The site of the ^^C AU ^ee, or the King's gate, which divided Park from Corbally, and from which William passed, is yet pointed out, within a short distance of the river. There are several very handsome residences at Corbally, including the beautiful one of Pierce Shannon, Esq., grandson of Alderman Pierce Shannon. The ancient cemetery of Killeen is situated in the " Killeen field," at Corballj'. It has ceased for many years to be a burying place. Recently fragments of cannon balls and human bones have been found in this field.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 269

13. Cork-Waterford railway opens, supplanting horse coaches

    Cork · city · Cork · 1853

    When the railway opened between Cork and Waterford in 1853, horse-powered cars and coaches between the two towns could convey one hundred passengers daily in under two hours at two shillings, demonstrating the public's growing appreciation of time.

    Read the passage

    The progress of the establishment was wonderful. • Mr. Bianconi became one of the men of mark of his time. He has been also always prominent in the pohtical movements of his time as a staunch and earnest friend of O^Connell, and his policy. He threw heart and soul and money into the movement for CathoUc Emancipation ; he realised a noble fortune, portion of which he has invested in the purchase of estates in his adopted County of Tipperary, of which he is a Magistrate, a Grand Juror, and Deputy Lieutenant. The late Sir Robert Peel recognised his public services by a complimentary reference to them in the House of Commons, when the naturalization of Mr. Bianconi was granted. He relates himself that in 1807-^8 he was located at Carrick-on-Suir, distant from Waterford, by road sixteen, and by the Kiver Suir about thirty miles ; and the only public mode of conveyance for passengers between these two places, containing a population of between thirty and forty thousand inhabitants, was " Tom Morrissey's boat,-*' which carried from eight to ten passengers, and which, besides being obliged to await the tide, took from four to five hours to perform the journey, at a fare of sixpence-halfpenny of the then currency. At the time the railway opened between Cork and Waterford, in 1853, there was between the two towns horse-power capable of conveying by cars and coaches one hundred passengers daily, performing the journey in less than two hours, at a fare of two shillings, thus showing that the people not only began to understand the value of time, but also appreciated it. He subsequently became a contractor for the conveyance of several cross mails, at a price not exceeding half the amount which the Government had paid the postmasters for doing this duty ; and it was not until Lord O'Neill and Lord Eoss had ceased to be Postmasters-General of Ireland, and that the Duke of Richmond became Postmaster General of the United Kingdom, under the Government of Lord Grey, and that the local postmasters were no longer appointed exclusively from one section of the community, that the conveyance of all the cross mails was set up to public competition, to be carried on the principle of his estabhshment.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 253

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Cork, you are in a city that sat at one end of a railway line to Waterford that opened in 1853. Before that line came, horse-powered cars and coaches running between the two towns could carry one hundred passengers daily. They did the journey in less than two hours, at a fare of two shillings. The coming of the railway showed that the people not only began to understand the value of time, but also appreciated it. The man behind much of this road transport was Mr. Bianconi, who became one of the men of mark of his time. He had been located at Carrick-on-Suir, sixteen miles from Waterford by road and about thirty miles by the River Suir. The only public conveyance between those places was, as he related himself, "Tom Morrissey's boat," which carried eight to ten passengers. Besides having to await the tide, it took four to five hours to perform the journey, at a fare of sixpence-halfpenny of the then currency. The population between the two places was between thirty and forty thousand. Bianconi threw heart and soul and money into the movement for Catholic Emancipation as a staunch and earnest friend of O'Connell and his policy. He realised a noble fortune, part of which he invested in estates in Tipperary, where he was a Magistrate, a Grand Juror, and Deputy Lieutenant. The late Sir Robert Peel recognised his public services with a complimentary reference in the House of Commons when his naturalisation was granted. He subsequently became a contractor for the conveyance of several cross mails, at a price not exceeding half what the Government had paid postmasters for the duty.

14. Cratloe woods visible from besieged Limerick

    Cratloe · town · Clare · 1690

    As the afternoon cleared on 27 August 1690, the sun in the west invested the foliage of the old woods of Cratloe with a crimson glory, visible beyond the city walls. The tranquil rural landscape contrasted with the ruin and havoc of war within Limerick during the assault.

    Read the passage

    of tlie coveted city, the capture of whicli was to place the crown permanently on the head of William, who in person commanded the besieging host ! Picture the garrison — worn out by constant watching — j^inched by irremediable hunger — the victim to every species of privation; subject to treachery within — swayed, however, by the never flinching courage of Sarsfield, and holding out against all odds ! Imagine the wan and wasted figures of those maids and matrons who, forgetful of the gentler influences which reign predominant in the female breast, lost for the moment the amenities of their natiu-e, wild with the excitement of battle — and nerving their arms to hurl death on the heads of the most odious foemen that ever challenged an oppressed and outraged people to combat. On, on the crowds rushed from every contiguous lane and alley — from Palmerstown, from Mungret Lane, from Curry's Lane, across Baud's Bridge from all the streets and lanes ; from Emly Lane, Barrack Street, Tumbling Lane, &c. of the English town, which had never, even in Ireton''s cruel time, been witness to a scene so bloody and so awful as that which was enacted on the ever memorable evening of the 27th of August, 1690. Creagh Lane, Fish Lane, and Churchyard Lane ; the " Great Street,^'' and every other street, gave out their crowds of enraged heroines, who, armed with whatever weapon fury supphed, swelled the ranks of the Irish soldiers, who now fully restored to nerve and vigour, and with the cry, which in a few years, afterwards, made the English pale in the fields of Fontenoy and Cremona, of Steenkirke and Dettingen they drove terror into the coward hearts of the retreating Dutchmen, Huguenots, and Danes, as they endeavoured to run from the streets over the walls, through the breach back to their trenches ! Broken bottles was a favorite weapon with the women. But few, comparatively few of William's army lived to make their escape from the city. — Wniiam, all the time, was viewing from Cromwell^s fort, the events of that to him, most disastrous evening ! The afternoon had cleared up ; the sun, in the west, invested with a crimson glory, gave a deUghtful tinge to the foliage of the old woods of Cratloe. The scene beyond the city was one calculated to challenge the admiration of the painter, whilst the ruin and havoc of war blended with those elements of tranquil rural attractiveness which nature profusely shed over the more distant outlines of the landscape, constituting a picture to which Claude Lorraine only could do justice. A shout of victory arose from the besieged, as they hurled from the walls the last remnant of the beaten Dutch battalions. But there was more yet to be done. Those mines which Sarsfield had planned had not as yet been set to work — but the opportunity was speedily to arrive ! Dr. MoUeneux says that^Hhey sprung a mine in the Ditch with but little efiect." Dean Storey does not say a syllable about the Ditch or anywhere else. — * Harris more truthful — tells us, that " during the heat of the engagement a detachment of the Brandenburgh regiment got on the enemy's Black Battery, the powder by accident took fire, and blew up numbers.'"'^ No. There was no accident: It was all intended in the well-weighed and artistically planned calculations of Sarsfield. Molleneux admits that there was a " mine in the ditch :" no doubt of it ; and there were mines, in numbers, wherever it was imagined that one could be of use.^

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 136

15. Cromwell's massacre at Wexford

    Wexford · town · Wexford · 1649

    Cromwell perpetrated the bloody massacre at Wexford, along with Drogheda, making his name a terror throughout Ireland and contributing to the climate of fear facing the confederate Catholics.

    Read the passage

    The events which followed in rapid succession, left the kingdom an easy prey to Cromwell. Notwithstanding the efforts of Edmond Dwyer, Bishop of Limerick, who manifested great address and talent for public affairs, and who wrote a powerful document in defence of the position he sustained,^ and those of the Bishops who continued to struggle against the tide which threatened every moment to overwhelm them, there was alas ! a faction in the country which still adhering to Ormond, gave such aid by their di^dsions to Ireton as enabled him in a very short time to prove the danger of divided councils. Limerick contained a party of Catholics who not only did not provide for the emergency, but which painted honester men than themselves in odious colours, and informed his excellency secretly that they were to be suspected and feared ! It was those who spoke in this way of others that would in reahty become traitors, and those they woidd cover with suspicion, proved honest men, true to God, to country, to king.'* Cromwell at this period had perpetrated the bloody massacres of Drogheda and Wexford, and had made his name a terror to the entire people of Ireland.

    ' Ormond having appointed Clanrickard to command in his absence, as the King's Deputy, to whom the nation showed all due obedience and submission, is a manifest argument that he was not banished out of the kingdom by the confederate Catholics, for whom he named a commander in his absence. — Bleeding Iphegenia, p. 111.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 95

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Wexford now. In 1649, Cromwell perpetrated a bloody massacre in this town, alongside the massacre at Drogheda, and made his name a terror to the entire people of Ireland. These events left the kingdom an easy prey to him. They came in a time of deep division among the Irish. Bishop Edmond Dwyer of Limerick manifested great address and talent for public affairs and wrote a powerful document in defence of the position he sustained. Other bishops continued to struggle against the tide which threatened every moment to overwhelm them. But a faction in the country still adhering to Ormond gave such aid by their divisions to Ireton as enabled him to prove the danger of divided councils. In Limerick itself, a party of Catholics not only failed to provide for the emergency but painted honester men than themselves in odious colours, informing secretly that those men were to be suspected and feared. The passage says those who spoke this way of others would in reality become traitors, while those they covered with suspicion proved honest men, true to God, to country, to king.

16. Crossing of the Shannon at Illainarone island

    Athlunkard · townland · Clare · 1691

    Ginkel's grenadiers and workmen crossed the Shannon two miles beyond the Williamite camp, using tin boats to reach an island called Illainarone above Athlunkard Bridge, from which it was fordable to the far side. The crossing enabled the Williamite forces to outflank the Irish defenders during the siege of Limerick.

    Read the passage

    * This island is above Athlunkard Bridge, and is called in Irish Illainarone.

    260 HISTORY OF LIMERICK.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 142

17. Danes devastate Lough Ree islands and destroy Limerick shipping

    near Lough Ree · lake or lakes · Westmeath · 908–922

    The Danes devastated the islands on Lough Ree, destroyed the shipping of Limerick, and carried away immense quantities of gold, silver, and riches from the monasteries and shrines on the islands.

    Read the passage

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

    ' Ware, and Annals of Four Masters.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 11

18. Danes of Limerick plunder Connaught to Boyle plains

    Boyle · town · Roscommon · 932–939

    In 932 the Danes of Limerick plundered Connaught as far as the plains of Boyle in County Roscommon. A few years later, Aralt (Harold), lord of the Danes of Limerick, was killed in Connaught in 939.

    Read the passage

    islands ;' we should remark, that when Connac quelled the Danes in Munster, Edward, King of England, conquered them in that country. But in Ireland, their power was growing stronger every year, until the coming of other events which we are quickly approaching, and in wliich another King of Cashv^l arose to bring them to subjection. Not content with ravaging the districts bordering on the Shannon, they in 928 encamped in Maiagh Roigne, a celebrated plain of Ossory ; but those who remained on Loch Orisben felt the vengeance of the Connaught men, who, in 930, committed a great slaughter on the Danes. ^ We find, however, that the latter retaUated sorely. In the fifteenth year of Donmachadhi, the Danes of Limerick plundered Connaught in 932, as far as the plains of Boyle, in the County of Eoscommon ; in a few years afterwards, Aralt, or Harold, grandson of Imhar, i.e. son of Sitric, lord of the Danes of Limerick, was killed in Connaught by the Caenraigi of Aidhne in 939.^

    From the time of their invasion of Ireland in the year 807, to the years we have reached, the Danes always ravaged the country with fire and sword. They bore a mortal hatred to Christianity and its professors, and their chief glory was in the massacre of the Saints who occupied the monasteries and cells of the country.^

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 11

19. Defenders removed from Limerick County jail; suspected traitors pilloried

    Limerick · city · Limerick

    Several houses in County Limerick were attacked with demands for money and arms. Ten persons belonging to the party called 'Defenders' were removed from the County jail and sent on board the fleet, and several persons suspected of treasonable practices were pilloried in the city.

    Read the passage

    Several houses in this County were attacked and demands made for money and arms. Ten persons belonging to the party called " Defenders'' were removed from the Count}- j.iil and sent on board the fleet. Sevcr;d persons suspected of treasonable practices were pilloried in this City.

    April loth The following notice was issued in this City : —

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 225

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Limerick now. In this county, several houses were attacked, with demands made for money and arms. Ten persons belonging to the party called Defenders were removed from the County jail and sent on board the fleet. Several persons suspected of treasonable practices were pilloried in this city.

20. De Lacy family of County Limerick and Camas

    Camas · townland · Limerick · 1739–1820

    The De Lacy family of County Limerick was eminently warlike, with General Maurice de Lacy born the year of the great frost and dying at Grodno, Russia, in 1820 as the last male direct descendant of Hugh de Lacy, Governor of Ireland. Their kinsmen included the Browns of Camas and the Herberts of Rathkeale.

    Read the passage

    To the eminently warlike County of Limerick family of De Lacy, of which Maurice De Lacy was one of the most illustrious members, and to their kinsmen the Browns of Camas, we have briefly referred in a preceding chapter. But a more comprehensive notice of them and of their noble relations, the Herberts of Rathkeale, is demanded in this History.

    The family of the De Lacys in the annals of history of the last eight centuries ranks high for military prowess, and sagacity in council, and deeds of daring and importance at the Norman Conquest, and it will be found that from that time, and throughout the eight centuries of great events which happened to England and Ireland, to the present age, and throughout the great military and political achievements on the continent of Europe — in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, by the Crusaders, the Knights Templars, the Confederated Barons, down to the Irish Confederacies, and the famous Irish Brigades ; and in the Civil Wars of the Norman Kings, the Conquest of Ireland, of Scotland, of Wales, the struggle for Magna Charta, the AVars of the Koses, in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, down to the religious dissensions in England and Ireland, the CromwcUite Wars, the battles for religion which closed with the Treaty of Limerick, in IGOl ; or the military events in Spain and France, in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, down to tlie In^^u^rcction of 1817, when one of the Generals Lacy was sacrificed to the liberties of that couulry; and iu the great wars of Germany, in the seventeenth and eighteenth cen-

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 188

21. Dominican Fathers settle in Fish Lane, Limerick

    Fish Lane · street · Dublin · 1730–1816

    Around 1730, the Dominican Fathers settled permanently in Fish Lane, Limerick, erecting a chapel and small convent above it. The chapel was a parallelogram of about sixty by thirty feet, decorated with Corinthian columns and a crucifixion painting over the altar.

    Read the passage

    About the year 1730, the fathers finally settled down in Fish Lane, and began to erect a chapel, over which they made a dwelling or small convent. The chapel was a parallelogram, about sixty feet long and thirty broad. It was decorated in rather good taste. The galleries were supported by accurately elaborated Corinthian columns. The altar consisted of an entablature supported on pillars of same style. The painting over the altar was a crucifixion. The only article belonging to the old church of St. Saviour that was to be found in this chapel, was the oak statue of the Virgin and Child which was made in Flanders in the early part of the seventeenth century, and which, after the final destruction of the original church, was buried in the ground for nearly a century. As soon as the fathers had their new place of worship completed, they brought in their dear old statue of our Lady, and placed it in a shrine prepared at the epistle side of the altar, where it continued an object of tender devotion to the faithful, who were ever alive to the pious traditions of the Fathers of the Rosary, as the Dominicans were then frequently called. It is said that many and great graces were obtained from God by the pious clients of Mary, who made their devotions before this shrine. We find at this time, that Father Albert O'Brien was Prior of Limerick, 1736; Father Michael Hoare, 1740; Father John Fitzmaurice, 1745; Father Peter M'Mahon, 1749. At the chapter held this year, 17 , Father Hoare was elected Provincial. Father Nicholas O'Quin was Prior in 1761 ; Father Denis O'Connor, 1765; Father John O'Brien, 1769; Father Thomas Ryan, 1775; Father Dionysius M'Grath, 1789; Father Stephen Roche, 1796; Father Richard Roche, 1803; Father Thomas Ryan, 1806; Father Peter Toole, 1810 ; Father Joseph Harrigan, 1814. Father Harrigan, finding the old chapel in Fish Lane insufficient for the wants of the increasing congregation, and at the same time showing great signs of decay, got from Edmond Henry, Earl of Limerick, on a lease of lives renewable for ever, at the yearly rent of £54 17s. 8d., the plot of ground on which the present church stands, and which in those days was called South Prior's Lands. Here Father Harrigan began the work of building the present church, which in its time was a marvel of architectural splendour. This church was solemnly consecrated by the Right Rev. Dr. Tuohy on the 6 th of July, 1816, with the unctions and blessings of the Pontifical. He was assisted in the solemn rite by the bishops of the province, and a vast number of the clergy. The consecration sermon was preached by the Rev. Father J. Ryan, O.P., Prior of Cork. He was a native of Limerick. Father Harrigan and his community brought their venerable old statue of our Lady to the new church, where it still remains, to the great delight of the faithful. In order to pay thq pressing demands and debts on the new church, the fathers applied for permission to raise ' Extracted from Th& Acts of the Chapters of the Irish Dominican Province.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 374

    As the companion tells it

    Along this street, around 1730, the Dominican Fathers finally settled and began to erect a chapel, over which they made a dwelling or small convent. The chapel was a parallelogram, about 60 feet long and 30 broad, decorated in rather good taste. The galleries were supported by accurately elaborated Corinthian columns, and the altar consisted of an entablature supported on pillars of the same style. The painting over the altar was a crucifixion. The only article belonging to the old church of St. Saviour that was found in this chapel was the oak statue of the Virgin and Child, made in Flanders in the early part of the seventeenth century. After the final destruction of the original church, the statue had been buried in the ground for nearly a century. Once the new place of worship was completed, the fathers brought in their dear old statue of our Lady and placed it in a shrine prepared at the epistle side of the altar, where it continued an object of tender devotion to the faithful. The Dominicans were then frequently called the Fathers of the Rosary. Father Albert O'Brien was Prior of Limerick in 1736. Father Michael Hoare was Prior in 1740 and was elected Provincial that year. Father Joseph Harrigan became Prior in 1814. Finding the old chapel in Fish Lane insufficient for the increasing congregation and showing great signs of decay, he obtained from Edmond Henry, Earl of Limerick, on a lease of lives renewable for ever, at the yearly rent of 54 pounds, 17 shillings and 8 pence, the plot of ground called South Prior's Lands. There he began building the present church. It was solemnly consecrated by the Right Rev. Dr. Tuohy on the 6th of July, 1816. The fathers brought their venerable old statue of our Lady to the new church, where it still remains.

22. Dr. Creagh taught school at Adare under Dr. Leverous

    Adare · townland · Limerick

    Before his consecration as Archbishop, Dr. Creagh refused the mitres of Limerick and Cashel and preferred to remain teaching school at Adare under the famous Dr. Leverous, described as the preserver of the Geraldines. He was later sent to Rome and consecrated Archbishop of Armagh.

    Read the passage

    The following year he sent Dr. Creagh to Rome to be made Archbishop of Cashel or of Armagh. Dr. Creagh had refused the mitres of Limerick and Cashel before, and had preferred to remain teaching school at Adare, under the famous Dr. Leverous, the preserver of the Geraldines. He asked in Rome to be allowed to enter a religious order ; he was refused, and was consecrated Archbishop of Armagh. In 1563 he came to Ireland with two Jesuit Fathers, and brought a brief empowering himself and Father Wolf to erect schools wherever they thought fit, and giving such schools all the privileges of a university. About this brief Father Fitzsimons, S.J., of Dublin, Avrites, in a work published in 1610:

    " I shall afford certain parcels of a letter written by a most excellent late martyr of our country, the thrice glorious Primate Creagh. In this letter, which I preserve as a precious pledge and relic, he asked for men by whom the whole Christian world hath received principal information, and for whose maintenance he offered to apply certala vacant benefices. Did modesty permit me to impart such high commands as he presenteth, the whole might be inserted. He says : ' I asked his Holiness to empoAver the Fathers of the Society to open schools and a university as soon as possible in Ireland by Apostolic authority, I obtained my request, and indeed in my opinion, together with ail well-wishers of our nation, the said Fathers are so necessary to our reformation, that they cannot only not well be spared, but no others are to us in these times so needful. Wherefore by me, in behalf of the whole country, before and above all others they were first and most coveted' ".

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 379

23. Dr. Ryan's funeral procession to St. John's Cathedral

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1864

    Dr. Ryan's remains were borne from Park House to St. John's Cathedral in solemn procession, with the Bishop Dr. Butler, clergy, corporation, chamber of commerce, religious societies, and school children all in mourning. The body lay in state in the cathedral clothed in black drapery.

    Read the passage

    The remains of the lamented prelate were borne to the Cathedral of St. John's, in solemn procession, from his residence. The Bishop, the Right Rev. Dr. Butler, the clergy, the members of the various public bodies of the city, corporation, chamber of commerce, religious societies, the children of the Christian Brothers' and Presentation Convent and Sisters of jMercy Schools, etc., were in the procession in mourning.

    The body of the deceased Bishop lay in state in the Cathedral of St. John's, where, after the procession on Tuesday evening, it was received by the Right Rev. Dr. Butler, and where thousands thronged to pay their last sad tribute of respect to the remains of a bishop who, for the greatest part of half a century, had hved amongst them. Four of the clergy of the cathedral, including the Very Rev. the Administrator, were present throughout the night. The solemn appearance of the cathedral, clothed in black drapery, and lighted with gas pendants, gasaliers, and wax candles, was in perfect keeping with the solemnity of the occasion.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 367

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, you are on the road where Dr. Ryan's funeral procession made its way to St. John's Cathedral in 1864. His remains were borne from his residence in solemn procession. The Bishop, the Right Rev. Dr. Butler, walked with the clergy, the corporation, the chamber of commerce, the religious societies, and the children of the Christian Brothers' and Presentation Convent and Sisters of Mercy Schools, all in mourning. On Tuesday evening the body was received at the cathedral by Dr. Butler, and thousands thronged to pay their last tribute to a bishop who had lived amongst them for the greatest part of half a century. The body lay in state in the cathedral, clothed in black drapery and lighted with gas pendants, gasaliers, and wax candles. Four of the cathedral clergy, including the Administrator, were present throughout the night.

24. Earl of Desmond summoned over Dungarvan usurpation

    Dungarvan · town · Waterford · 1394

    Richard II summoned the Earl of Desmond, Gerald 'the Poet,' to answer the charge of having usurped the revenues and honor of Dungarvan. Gerald had gone to war with the Butlers over the nickname 'The Rhymer.'

    Read the passage

    » The king remained a week in Waterford, gave splendid entertainments, and received the homao-e of such Anglo-Irish Lords as the Le Poers, the Graces and Butlers. He was a benefactor to^the churches and confirmed the charter to the great Abbej' of the Holy Cross which had been granted bj^ king John. On this occasion he summoned to appear before him, by the Feast of the Purification, the Earl of Desmond, that celebrated Gerald " the Poet," who went to war with the Butlers for giving him the nickname of ' The Rhymer,' in whatever part of Ireland he should then be, to answer the charge of having usurped the m;inor, revenues and honor of Dungarvan.* He then formed the resolution of marching to Dublin under the consecrated banner of the canonized king Edward the Confessor, which bore, says Froissart, " a cross patence or on a field gules with four doves argent on the shield." The celebrated Art M'Murrogh had however full notice of his movements, and had made effectual arrangements for interrupting his progress. The notices, however of these transactions by native annalists are very slight ; and for the details the reader should have recourse to Froissart, to a Norman metrical sketch of which Moore has availed himself, and to the original Rolls which contain the submission of the Irish kings, and which as vet remain to be translated.! . , . . ^ ,

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 39

25. Edmond Sexten accused of treason and held in Dublin Castle

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 1538

    Edmond Sexten, following a contention with Limerick citizens, was accused of high treason before the Council and committed to ward in the King's Castle of Dublin. He sought bail to go to England to inform the king of weighty matters.

    Read the passage

    The Council of Ireland writing to Cromwell in 1538 state that understanding Edmond Sexton^ intended at this season, to repair thither, they had thought good for their discharge, to acquaint his Lordship Cromwell partly of his demeanour ; upon contention moved between him and the citizens of the city of Limerick. Sexten was accused before the Council of high treason, for which being committed into ward in the King's Castle of DubUn, he alleged before them that he proposed to go to England to instruct the king and Cromwell, " of weighty matters touching the kinges honour, and an highe advancement of his revenues ;" for which causes he requii'ed to be out on bail. The council having heard the particulars of his complaint accounted them of small effect to trouble either the king or his council. In this letter the council throw very great doubts on the sincerity of Sexten, who, they allege, was not successful in his proceedings against Desmond and O'Brien, and they state that " the truth is his coming thider (as we be informed) is specially to accuse and disturb the citizens of Lynierick, for malice and displeasure he beare to them ; among whom, ondoubtedhe he hath moved great dissension and displeasure. And considering the situation of the sayd cittie to be in the mydes, as it were, of the Kingis rebelles and ennemyes, with whom we knowe they must by and sell^ or elles lacke all viteUes, and tracte of merchandises ; we thiiike the inhabitantes of it to be worthy praise and commendation, both for ther obedience to the laws, and that they kepe the citie

    ■ Arthur MSS.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 50

26. Edward Bruce besieges Limerick in 1316

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1315–1316

    Edward Bruce invaded Ireland in 1315 and besieged Limerick in 1316, but was defeated by the chief of Thomond.

    Read the passage

    Bruce, Edward, invades Ireland in 1315, 61; besieges Limerick in 1316, 62; defeated by chief of Thomond, 61.

    Bruce, of Hermitage, 745.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 457

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, this is the city Edward Bruce besieged in 1316. He had invaded Ireland the year before, in 1315, but the chief of Thomond defeated him.

27. Elizabeth orders sequestration for Limerick free schools

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1570

    Queen Elizabeth, learning that the act obliging Irish prelates to maintain free schools was not being executed in Limerick, empowered the mayor of the city to sequester yearly the livings, tithes, and revenues belonging to the Bishop and clergy of the diocese to fund the schools.

    Read the passage

    Queen Elizabeth, understanding that the act, the 12th of her reign (whereby the Irish Prelates were strictly obliged to maintain free schools, according to the quantity and quahty of their dioceses, the Bishop paying one-third of the expense, and the clergy the other two-thhds) was so slenderly, or not at all, executed in Limerick, empowered the mayor of the city to sequester yearly, and from time to time, so much of the livings, tithes, &c,, as belonged to the Bishop and Clergy of the diocese.

    Soon after the prorogation of the parliament, Sir John Perrott resumed the work suspended by the recall of Sir Henry Sidney, whose letter referring to this subject we have alluded to heretofore, and after he had proved to the

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 67

28. Fire destroys eighty thatched houses at Thomond Gate

    near Thomond Gate · street · Limerick · 1755

    On 19 September 1755, eighty thatched houses at Thomond Gate were destroyed by fire. A collection of £300 was made for the sufferers of the accident.

    Read the passage

    On the 19th of September, in the same year, eighty thatched houses at Thomond gate were consumed by fire, when a collection amounting to £300 was made for the sufferers by the accident.

    1 Timothy Collopy, a native of the City of Limerick, was originally a baker's apprentice.'but Lis talents for sketching and painting, having been discovered by Father Walsh, an Augustinian Friar whose convent at the time was in Creagh-lane ; the Rev. gentleman appreciated his talents so highly, that he raised a subscription among the wealthy merchants of the city, and sent bim to Rome to study the art, where he remained for some years. He returned home, a finished, firstrate artist, and having arrived in Limerick, thus accomplished, he was extensivelj' patronised as a portrait painter by the nobility and gentry of city and county. Father Walter Aylmer, O.S.A., who lived in Limerick towards the close of the last, and at the beginning of the present century, knew him well, and often spoke to him. Collopy went to London, where, in the first instance, he established himself near, or in South Audlej'-street, and afterwards in South Molton-street, and where he became eminent as a portrait painter. He occasionally visited Limerick, where he painted portraits of the leading families, particularly of the Maunsells. He painted the Ascension for his old friend Father Walsh, in 1782;* that picture is now in the Augustinian Church,

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 194

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere about Thomond Gate, on the 19th of September 1755, eighty thatched houses were consumed by fire. A collection amounting to 300 pounds was made for the sufferers of the accident. That is all the record gives us — the number of houses, the date, the relief fund. No cause is named, no lives are said to be lost, and no names of the families are given. Eighty thatched houses would have meant a great many people left without shelter in September, with winter coming on. The 300 pounds raised was a community's answer to it, gathered from those who had something to give. Thomond Gate was a busy quarter of Limerick, a passage point by the river, and the houses there were largely timber and thatch, which is why a fire could take so many at once. The record moves on after these two sentences, to other matters and other people, and leaves the rest to us to sense.

29. First projected railroad in the South of Ireland

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1826

    In 1826 an act was passed to make a railroad from the city of Limerick to Carrick-on-Suir in County Tipperary, described as the first project of this kind in the South of Ireland.

    Read the passage

    With the growth of the New Town and the augmentation of trade and commerce, the necessity arose for new bridges to span the Shannon, and docks to protect the shipping frequenting the port. In 1759, a grant was made of £3,500 to the Ball's Bridge Commissioners for enlarging the quay, building a bridge to Mardyke, and clearing the river of rocks from the quay to the pool. In 1765, a further grant of £2,500 to the Ball's Bridge Commissioners was made for continuing the new quays; but the rcqairements of the port and harbour at the period at which we have arrived were larger and more imperative in this respect ; and accordingly, as we have seen in the previous chapter, the Wellesley Bridge Act was passed in 1823 ; in 1825, the Athlunkard Bridge Act was passed. In the same year, an act was passed for supplying the city and suburbs of Limerick with water. In 1826, an act was passed to make a railroad from the city of Limerick to Carrick-on- Suir, in the county of Tipperary — the first project of this kind in the South of Ireland. In 1830, Barrington's Hospital Act was passed ; and in the same year was passed an act for rebuilding Ball's Bridge. It was a time of enterprise and action, and several of the projects, though numerous and of great magnitude, were carried out to successful completion, not only with speed, but with skill and science which could not be surpassed, if equalled, in any other city in the British Empire. The preamble of the act for the erection of the Wellesley Bridge — one of the noblest structures in the kingdom — set out the fact of the wealth and importance of the city of Limerick, the extension of its commerce, and the likelihood of the increase of that commerce — the want of a direct communication or passage from the west side of the Liberties, and from the counties of Clare and Galway, except by the one very old and narrow bridge — Thomond Bridge^ — which was "inconveniently remote from the new and trading parts of the city" — the necessity of a canal for the passage of ships and boats above and below the projected bridge — the want of a floating dock for shipping of a sharp form, or copper-bottomed, commonly used in the trade of the Atlantic, which could not now be safely brought to the quays of the city. The act appointed the following commissioners for erecting the bridge, &c.: — viz., the Right Hon. "Wm. Vesey Fitzgerald, Sir Edward O'Brien, Bart. ; the Hon. Richard Eitzgibbon, Thomas Spring Rice, Bolton Waller, Thomas Filzgibbon, the elder ; Joseph Massey Harvey, Richard Bourke, George Gough the younger; John Kelly, Edward Croker, William Gabbett, Thomas Roche, William Roche, John Vereker, John Mark, William Monsell, the younger, Thomas Gibbon Fitzgibbon, John Brown, John MacNamara, John

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 266

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, this city was the starting point for what was called the first railroad project in the South of Ireland. In 1826, an act was passed to make a railroad from the city of Limerick to Carrick-on-Suir, in the county of Tipperary. This came in a time of enterprise and action for the city. The years before it had seen the Wellesley Bridge Act passed in 1823, the Athlunkard Bridge Act in 1825, and an act for supplying the city and suburbs of Limerick with water in the same year. The growth of the New Town and the augmentation of trade and commerce had created the need for new bridges to span the Shannon and docks to protect the shipping frequenting the port. The preamble of the act for the Wellesley Bridge, described as one of the noblest structures in the kingdom, set out the wealth and importance of Limerick, the extension of its commerce, and the likelihood of the increase of that commerce. It noted the want of direct communication from the west side of the Liberties and from the counties of Clare and Galway, except by the one very old and narrow bridge, Thomond Bridge, which was, in the words of the act, “inconveniently remote from the new and trading parts of the city.” After the railroad act, Barrington’s Hospital Act was passed in 1830, and in the same year an act for rebuilding Ball’s Bridge. Several of the projects, though numerous and of great magnitude, were carried out to successful completion with speed and skill and science which could not be surpassed, if equalled, in any other city in the British Empire.

30. Four men executed at new County Gaol for murder of Thomas Hoskins

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1822

    On August 3rd, William Walsh, Edward Dooherty, Laurence Walsh, and William Martin were executed at the new County Gaol for the murder of Thomas Hoskins, Esq., committed on July 27th, 1821. Upwards of forty persons had been convicted of capital offences at these assizes.

    Read the passage

    August 3rd William Walsh, Edward Dooherty, Laurence Walsh, and William Martin, were

    executed at the new County Gaol for the murder of Thomas Hoskins, Esq , on the 27th of July, 1821. It is rather a singular circumstance that the unfortunate youth died of his wounds August 1st, 1821, and these wretched murderers were convicted August 1st, 1822, when they confessed their guilt. At this assizes upwards of forty persons had been convicted of capital offences, and awaited the sentence of the law. Mr. Thos. P. Vokes is said to ^have brought to justice the men for the murder of Mr. Torrence and Mr. Hoskins.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 260

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, the new County Gaol once stood in this city. On August 3rd, 1822, four men were executed there: William Walsh, Edward Dooherty, Laurence Walsh, and William Martin. They had murdered Thomas Hoskins on July 27th, 1821. The wounded man lingered and died August 1st, 1821. The four were convicted exactly one year later, August 1st, 1822, and they confessed their guilt. Mr. Thos. P. Vokes was said to have brought them to justice, along with the murderers of Mr. Torrence. At these assizes, upwards of forty persons were convicted of capital offences and awaited sentence.

31. Franciscan fathers hid in castle in Mary Street after siege

    Athlunkard Street · street · Limerick · 1691

    Four Franciscan fathers reportedly sheltered in a castle or fortress in Mary Street, in the portion through which Athlunkard Street was later cut. The ruins of this castle could still be seen in Athlunkard Street, with a water tank and fountain erected by Mr. Malcomson occupying part of the walls.

    Read the passage

    There was an ancient oratory in the little island opposite the abbey, ■which is now a place for growing sally s.' This was a place of devotion, particularly on the festival of St. Anthony, 13tli of June, and the people were wafted across in great crowds the abbey river in boats. The oratory was in connection with the great convent; there are no remains whatever of it, but of the abbey itself there are some few remains. Tradition states that the convent, or rather a portion of it, continued to be occupied by the Franciscan Fathers up to the period of the last siege of Limerick, when the community were dispersed, and when they had to hide where best they could from the fury of the Orange stonn. Four of the fathers are said to have located themselves in a castle or fortress which was in Mary Street, and in that portion of the street through which Athlunkard Street was cut. The ruins of this castle may now be seen in Athlunkard Street, and a water tank and fountain, erected by Mr. Malcomson, occupies a portion of the walls. Four Franciscan Fathers are said to have always remained in the city, and were accustomed to take advantage of the nights to visit the sick and dying, and administer consolation to those who dared to remain within the walls after the siege and surrender. As soon as the storm had subsided, and that they could go abroad, the Franciscans opened a school, classical and mercantile, in Quay Lane, which was attended by many of the first Catholics of the city, including the Roches, the Whites, the Kellys, the Gavins, the Rochfords, the Creaghs, the M'Namaras, the Howleys, the Meades, the Ryans, Fitzgeralds, Connellg, Arthurs, etc. There were some excellent preachers attached to the convent in Newgate Lane, including Father Burke, an eloquent pulpit orator. The names of the other fathers were, Guilfoyle, O'Regan, Hynes, Kelly, and Denis Hogan, the friend of O'Connell, a bold and courageous man, who not only put up the bell to his convent, but laughed at the garrison when they in consequence turned out, and shoAved the entire 2^osse comitatus that he was able for them, setting their fears aside by stating that he had an old woman very deaf in his service, and was obliged to put up the bell to awake her.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 376

    As the companion tells it

    Along here on this street, the ruins of a castle once stood, where four Franciscan fathers hid after the siege of Limerick in 1691. The Franciscan community had been dispersed and had to hide where best they could from what the source calls the fury of the Orange storm. Four of the fathers are said to have located themselves in a castle or fortress that was in Mary Street, in the portion through which Athlunkard Street was later cut. A water tank and fountain erected by Mr. Malcomson occupied a portion of the castle walls. The four fathers who remained in the city were accustomed to take advantage of the nights to visit the sick and dying, and administer consolation to those who dared remain within the walls after the siege and surrender. When the storm had subsided and they could go abroad, the Franciscans opened a school in Quay Lane, classical and mercantile, attended by many of the leading Catholics of the city, including the Roches, the Whites, the Kellys, the Gavins, the Rochfords, the Creaghs, the M'Namaras, the Howleys, the Meades, the Ryans, the Fitzgeralds, the Connells, and the Arthurs. There were excellent preachers attached to the convent in Newgate Lane, including Father Burke, described as an eloquent pulpit orator. The other fathers were Guilfoyle, O'Regan, Hynes, Kelly, and Denis Hogan, the friend of O'Connell, a bold and courageous man. Hogan put up a bell to his convent and laughed at the garrison when they turned out, saying he had an old woman very deaf in his service and was obliged to put up the bell to wake her.

32. Free Citizens political campaign and toasts in Limerick, 1760

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1760

    The Free Citizens of Limerick organized politically against Corporation monopoly, dining together and toasting causes including the independence of the city, the linen manufacture of Ireland, and a patriot parliament. In 1760, 'A lover of Liberty' published a letter urging freemen to support independent candidates Pery and Massy against the dominant Smyth interest.

    Read the passage

    The most stirring appeals were made to the independent citizens by the free citizens, to shake off the incubus of Corporate monopoly and plunder, to act as became men ; to show " that all public spirit was not lost ; to let other cities know that the freemen of Limerick were not biassed by the influence of the great or mighty, or misled by narrow party views; that they scorned the base practices of selling their votes for a dinner.^ "A lover of Liberty" came out in a powerful letter (1760) "to the gentlemen, clergy, and freemen of Limerick," in which he asserts the independence of the city, and suggests that young Mr. Massy, the son of Dean Massy, should be selected with Mr. Pery as a candidate on the independent interest for the city. Mr. Pery at the election of 1670 was the favourite. The exertions of Dean Massy in favor of the free citizens, and his anxiety to rescue the charities from the harpy grasp of the Corporation, caused him to be esteemed. That the son of so deserving a man should be well received by the citizens was not surprising; but the Smyth interest was dominant. Many however who were induced to divide their votes, voted for Mr. Pery and Mr. Massy, while others of them, voted for Mr. Massy and Mr. Smyth.2 The toll collectors pursued their detestable vocation with

    " The Man •who relieved the citizens from the embezzlement of Treasurers and oppressions of long taxes."

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 196

    As the companion tells it

    As you travel through Limerick, you are in a city where in 1760 the Free Citizens rose against the Corporation's monopoly and plunder. They made stirring appeals to independent citizens, to shake off that incubus and act as became men. They wanted to show that all public spirit was not lost, to let other cities know that the freemen of Limerick were not biassed by the influence of the great or mighty, and that they scorned the base practices of selling their votes for a dinner. A writer calling himself a lover of Liberty published a powerful letter in 1760, addressed to the gentlemen, clergy, and freemen of Limerick. He asserted the independence of the city and suggested that young Mr. Massy, the son of Dean Massy, should be selected with Mr. Pery as candidates on the independent interest. Mr. Pery at the election of 1670 was the favourite. Dean Massy was esteemed for his exertions in favor of the free citizens and his anxiety to rescue the charities from the Corporation's grasp. That the son of so deserving a man should be well received by the citizens was not surprising. But the Smyth interest was dominant. Many who were induced to divide their votes voted for Mr. Pery and Mr. Massy, while others voted for Mr. Massy and Mr. Smyth.

33. Freedom of Limerick conferred on Captain Michael Seymour

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1809

    On 13 February, the freedom of the City of Limerick was conferred in a gold-ornamented heart-of-oak box on Captain Michael Seymour, a citizen commanding HMS Amethyst, for his victory over the French ship Thetis.

    Read the passage

    On the 13th of February, IROy, the freedom of the city was conferred in a " heart-of-oak box'' ornamented with gold, on Captain Michael Seymour, a citizen. Commander of the King's ship Amethyst, for his briUiant exploit in conquering the French ship Thetis with a superior force. On the 17th of the same month, in the Corporation, not yet at rest, another petition was agreed to against the assessment clauses of the Act 33rd Geo. III., and the same reasons were advanced as those already set forth in a petition, in which reference is made to the St. Michael's Commissioners' Act which had passed the year before, and a call was made for the extension of the Act to the old parts of the city, and for an additional bridge down the river Shannon, as Thomond bridge had now become inconvenient and insufficient for the traffic.!

    For the first time for a long series of years, a bell now tolled in the cupola attached to the north gable end of the house inhabited by the Friars of the order of St. Francis in Newgate-lane. During some years before this, Daniel O'Connell, afterwards the illustrious patriot and liberator of his country, had been going the Munster Circuit as a young barrister and visiting Limerick. Indeed his first professional advocacy in favour of prisoners was made in Limerick in 1798, when the late Mr. James Blackwell, then gaoler of the city gaol, was in the habit of retaining his services for persons about to be tried. O'Connell now formed the acquaintance of an energetic and stirring Franciscan, Father Dan. Hogan,^ who is yet remembered by some of the old citizens, as a priest w^ho had won the affections of aU classes, and who w^is popular even with the Protestant party. Consulting as to how the Penal Laws could best and most safely be evaded, as to bells in chapels, and steeples in Catholic places of worship, O'Connell hit on an expedient, informing Father Hogan that there was no penal statute against erecting a cupola at the gable of his house, and putting a bell there if he chose. The good friar took the hint ; masons and carpenters were set at work ; the cupola was made ;

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 240

34. Freedom of Limerick presented to Duke of Richmond and Sir Arthur Wellesley

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1807

    On 14 May 1807, Limerick Corporation voted the freedom of the city in a gold box to the Duke of Richmond, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, and separately to Sir Arthur Wellesley, Chief Secretary. Colonel Charles Vereker, M.P., presented the addresses on behalf of the city.

    Read the passage

    The New Town increased in size and importance under the Commissioners, and became proverbial for cleanliness and order. On the 14th May, in 1807, at a Common Council, held in the Council Chamber, Exchange, Eichard Harte, Esq., Mayor, in the chair, the freedom of the city, in a gold box, was voted, with a complimentary address, to the Duke of Eichmond, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland ; and on the same day it was also unanimously resolved that a congratulatorv address and the freedom of the city in a gold box, be presented to the Eight Hon. Sir Arthur Wellesley, K.B., and Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant. In this address it is said that Sir Arthur Wellesley is closely attached by noble birth and hereditary property to this part of the Empire. It was further resolved, that Colonel Charles Vereker, M.P., should present the addresses, which he did in a suitable manner, and for which His Excellency and Sir Arthur Wellesley returned their warmest acknowledgments.

    The 25th of September was a very memorable day in Limerick ; the Duke of Eichmond arrived in the city, and was received in the warmest manner by the citizens. His Grace was accompanied by the Duchess of Eichmond, Lord March, Lady Mary Lennox, and his staff. A number of men, principally from the brewery of Mr. Wilkinson, had a drag and ropes prepared as the carriage came withm a short distance of the city ; the ropes were covered with red cloth, and the drag was becomingly ornamented. His Grace, who had been in Killaruey visiting the Lakes, entered the city by Boherbuoy, went through Thomas-street, and George's-street, to the Bishop's Palace in Henry-street, where he remained during his visit. On the Sunday which he spent in Lunerick, His Grace and the Duchess of Eichmond aad staff attended service at St. Mary's Cathedral. Never before or since was witnessed so large a procession of carriages, or so extraordinary an exhibition of local wealth and mfiuence in Limerick. Conspicuous among the carriages was that of Lady Clare, which was a grand turn out ; it was drawn by six

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 238

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, this is a city that knew how to put on a welcome. On the 14th of May, 1807, the Common Council met in the Council Chamber at the Exchange, with Richard Harte, the Mayor, in the chair. They voted the freedom of the city, in a gold box, with a complimentary address, to the Duke of Richmond, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. On the same day, they unanimously resolved that a congratulatory address and the freedom of the city in a gold box be presented to Sir Arthur Wellesley, Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant. The address noted that Wellesley was closely attached by noble birth and hereditary property to this part of the Empire. Colonel Charles Vereker, M.P., was chosen to present the addresses, which he did, and both the Duke and Sir Arthur returned their warmest acknowledgments. The 25th of September that year was a memorable day in Limerick. The Duke of Richmond arrived and was received in the warmest manner by the citizens. He came with the Duchess of Richmond, Lord March, Lady Mary Lennox, and his staff. Men, principally from the brewery of Mr. Wilkinson, had a drag and ropes ready as the carriage came near the city. The ropes were covered with red cloth and the drag was ornamented. His Grace, who had been in Killarney visiting the Lakes, entered the city by Boherbuoy, went through Thomas-street and George's-street, to the Bishop's Palace in Henry-street, where he stayed. On the Sunday he spent in Limerick, the Duke and Duchess and staff attended service at St. Mary's Cathedral. Never before or since was so large a procession of carriages seen in Limerick. Lady Clare's carriage was conspicuous, drawn by six horses.

35. French infantry lands at Kinsale

    Kinsale · town · Cork · 1690

    On 14 March 1690, five thousand French infantry landed at Kinsale under General Count Lauzun and the Marquis de Lery, while James sent back an equal number of Irish troops.

    Read the passage

    WiUiam's army now amounted to thirty thousand men ; and iu addition to these, early in March, 1690, four hundred Danes arrived at Belfast, anxious to take part in any warfare agamst those to "nhoui they had ever shown themselves rapacious enemies — the Irish. On the fourteenth of that month, five thousand French Infantry landed at Kinsale, with General Count Lauzun and the Marquis de Lery ; King James having sent back Major- General Macarthy and as many Irish. Indeed it was observed with pain that James was hastening his own ruin, and disgusting his Irish officers by an unjust preference of Frenchmen in the promotions he daily made. On the 4th of June a French Eegiment marched into Limerick to garrison it for King James, against the forces of "William, which at this juncture were hourly expecting the arrival from England of their darling, an event which took place at Carrickfergus on the 14th of the same mouth, when he came with an enormous force, in addition to that which had been previously at his service in Ireland. "William was congratulated by the Protestant clergy of the country, who were then in Ulster. At Belfast he stated that he had come to Ireland not to let the grass grow under his feet, and he made good his words, for the whole army got immediate orders to march into the field. He and Prince George, the Duke of Ormonde, and all the principal officers, went to the camp at Loughbrickland, and instead of allowing the soldiers to pass him in review, he at once went amongst them, examined each regiment critically, and gave such directions as he thought needful under the circumstances— he at once, by this means, won the confidence of the men.

    He carried with him for his own use and the use of Prince George, moving

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 121

    As the companion tells it

    As the road brings you near Kinsale, you are approaching the town where, on the 14th of March 1690, five thousand French infantry landed under General Count Lauzun and the Marquis de Lery. King James sent back Major-General Macarthy and as many Irish troops in return. It was observed with pain that James was hastening his own ruin, and disgusting his Irish officers by an unjust preference of Frenchmen in the promotions he daily made. William's army at this time amounted to thirty thousand men. Early in March 1690, four hundred Danes arrived at Belfast, anxious to take part in warfare against the Irish, to whom they had ever shown themselves rapacious enemies. On the 4th of June, a French regiment marched into Limerick to garrison it for King James against the forces of William. William's forces were hourly expecting the arrival from England of their darling, an event which took place at Carrickfergus on the 14th of June, when he came with an enormous force in addition to what had been at his service in Ireland. The Protestant clergy of the country, then in Ulster, congratulated William. At Belfast he stated that he had come to Ireland not to let the grass grow under his feet, and he made good his words, for the whole army got immediate orders to march into the field. He and Prince George, the Duke of Ormonde, and all the principal officers went to the camp at Loughbrickland. Instead of allowing the soldiers to pass him in review, he went amongst them, examined each regiment critically, and gave directions as he thought needful. By this means he at once won the confidence of the men.

36. Friar's Gate walled up cutting access to St. Francis's Abbey

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1602

    Edmond Sexten petitioned the Lord President of Munster in April 1602, complaining that the Mayor and bailiffs of Limerick had walled up the Friar's Gate on the city walls at the start of the Munster rebellion, cutting off access to St. Francis's Abbey and his lands there, causing him to lose most of the profit of his lands for two years.

    Read the passage

    " That when your suppl. as of his inheritance amge. othere things of the disolvd monastery or abbey of St. Francis, in Limke., with all the lands, temets., and hdits. thereof, and all other apptences. thereunto belonginge by patent fro. her Matie, which abbey lyeth without the walls and within the river that compasseth the sd. city, in such wise, as there is no convenient way thereunto but by and thro, a gate uppo. the walls of the sd. citty, commonly called the Freer's Gitte, which gate upon the beginning of the last rebellion of Mounster, was damped and shut uppe by the Maior and bayliffes of the sd. citty wth. limbe and stone, ptending therebi the better to foiteffy the sd. citty for feare of any suddwyne invatio., wherebe yor. suplt. these twoe yeares last, have lost the most pte of the pfitt. of his sd. lands" (states application to Mayor and damages, xx).

    " And forasmuch as your supl. houldeth the sd. abbey of his Matie. imediately by a yearly rent and by tenure of knts. service in capite, he humbly prayeth that the nowe Maior and bailiffs may be compUd, to open up the sd. gate that your suplt. and his tenants may have recourse as formerly to sd. lauds. 18 Apriell, 1602".

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 376

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up through Limerick now. Back in 1602, this city was the scene of a dispute over a gate in its walls. Edmond Sexten held the dissolved Abbey of St. Francis by patent from the Queen. The abbey lay outside the city walls, within the river that surrounds the city, and the only convenient way to reach it was through a gate in the walls known as the Friar's Gate. When the Munster rebellion began, the Mayor and bailiffs of Limerick walled up that gate with lime and stone. They said it was to fortify the city against any sudden invasion. Sexten complained that for two years he had lost most of the profit of his lands because he and his tenants could no longer reach them. He held the abbey directly from the Crown by yearly rent and by knight's service, and on the 18th of April, 1602, he petitioned the Lord President of Munster, asking that the Mayor and bailiffs be compelled to open the gate again, so that he and his tenants could have access to the lands as they formerly did.

37. Friars persisted near Ballyhaunis monastery post-suppression

    Ballyhaunis · town · Mayo · 1541

    After the dissolution of monasteries, friars continued to live near the monastery at Ballyhaunis, one of the few Irish monasteries that escaped the notice of English authorities during the suppression.

    Read the passage

    roofs and bells were made away witli^ so that from Arran of the Samts to the Iceian Sea/ there was not one monastery that w^as not broken and shattered, with the exception of a few in Ireland^ of which the English took no heed — some of which appear not to have been known to them for a long time after this disastrous period, and in the neighbourhood of which the friars continued to live, as at Multifarnham, Ballyhaunis, &c., until a comparatively recent period.^

    The Chief Justiciary, Gerald Aylmer, meantime arrived in Limerick, in the 33rd year of Henry's reign, and made an inquisition, with his fellow commissioners, " touching some things taken up to the King's use at Limerick upon the suppression, and other crown matters." He ordered the mayor and bailiffs to come before him and his commissioners, and to summon "18 free and lawful men" of the baihwick on the Friday before St. Patrick's Day, to enquire into sundry matters. The inquisition was accordingly taken on the 13th of February, and the particulars of it, as we find them in the Arthur MSS., which go into many subjects in detail Avhich deserve to be put on record. These, which will be found in the note, will give some notion of the great riches with which the abbies and monasteries of these days were filled, before they fell a prey to the rapacious spoliation of the brutal and merciless Henry.' They have never, we believe, been hitherto published.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 55

38. Funeral of Bishop Ryan from Park House to St. John's Cathedral

    near Park House · street · Waterford · 1864

    Bishop Ryan, who had governed the diocese of Limerick for many years, died at Park House on 6 June. His remains were conveyed in a grand funeral procession to St. John's Cathedral, with clergy, religious societies, and citizens in attendance.

    Read the passage

    On the 6th of June this year, the Right Rev. Dr. Ryan, Catholic Bishop, who had governed the diocese of Limerick for so many eventful years with prudence, wisdom, and justice, expired at his residence, Park House, at the age of eighty-three years. The remains of the venerable prelate were conveyed in grand funeral procession from Park House to the cathedral of St. John's ; in the procession were the clergy of the city and many of the county, in soutane and surplice ; the religious societies, the Christian Brothers, the pupils of their numerous schools, the citizens in crape, a long line of carriages, etc., were also the funeral cortege.

    In the same month, at Bangor, North Wales, Mr. Wilham Smith O'Brien died after a rather short illness. He had suffered much and long

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 302

39. Garryowen public garden and literary associations

    near Garryowen · population centre · Limerick

    Garryowen, meaning 'John's Garden', was a suburb of Limerick in St. John's parish that contained a public garden frequented by citizens. The opening scene of Gerald Griffin's novel 'The Collegians' is set there, providing source material for Dion Boucicault's drama 'The Colleen Bawn'.

    Read the passage

    ' Garryowen signifies " John's Garden"- — a suburb of Limerick in St. John's parish, in which in these times there was a public garden which the citizens were accustomed to frequent in great numbers. The opening scene of Gerald - Griffin's beautiful novel of the " Collegians" is laid in Garryowen, and from this novel Mr. Dion Boucicault has obtained materials for his famous drama of the Colleen Bawn. The " Nail" here mentioned is a sort of low pillar still extant in the Town-Hall, upon which payments used to be made in former times.

    Maurae for perjury, that he might be in possession of formal and authentic documents to clear and justify his own character. Mr. Cooke and Mr. Taylor, the under secretaries, as well as Lord Castlereagh, threw every difficulty in his way. The evidence of Maume they alleged was notoriously known to be false. He was already sentenced to Botany baj' for life, and the necessary delay of prosecuting Maume in a civil court would break in upon Mr. Arthur's wishes to go to England. Government did not, however, scruple in the intermediate time to employ this perjured miscreant to give evidence at Cork against some persons there under military prosecutions. Mr. Arthur was still naturally anxious for every justificative document that he could procure. He pressed to have copies of his excellency's different orders for respiting the sentence of the Court Martial, liberating him, and repaying the fine. He was assured, that all these orders had been verbal ! ! ! and that his excellency could do nothing more for him. Mr. Cooke, to put an end to Mr. Arthur's further importunity, wrote him the following letter on the 10th of October, 1798.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 234

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Garryowen. The name signifies John's Garden. It was a suburb of Limerick in St. John's parish, and in former times there was a public garden here which the citizens were accustomed to frequent in great numbers. The opening scene of Gerald Griffin's novel The Collegians is laid in Garryowen, and from this novel Dion Boucicault obtained materials for his famous drama The Colleen Bawn. The Nail mentioned in connection with this place was a sort of low pillar still extant in the Town-Hall, upon which payments used to be made in former times.

40. General Duff's military proclamation in Limerick

    Limerick · city · Limerick

    Major-General James Duff issued a proclamation in Limerick granting sweeping powers to impose martial law, hold court-martials, seize arms, and execute sentences, while threatening death and destruction for anyone joining the French or insurgents.

    Read the passage

    " The Commander-in-Chief calls on the general officers to procure of the Magistrates the last accounts they can give of the number of arms taken from the yeomanry and the -w-ell-affected, of arms that have been concealed and of pikes that have been made, which are to be recovered and taken possession of by the military.

    " They are also to communicateto the people through the priests, and by one or two men selected from each townland, the purport of the following notice : —

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 226

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, this is where Major-General James Duff issued his proclamation. The Commander-in-Chief called on his general officers to get from the Magistrates the last accounts they could give of the number of arms taken from the yeomanry and the well-affected, of arms concealed, and of pikes made. All of these were to be recovered and taken possession of by the military. They were also to communicate to the people through the priests, and by one or two men selected from each townland, the purport of his notice.

41. George Evans Bruce's Hermitage estate and Rutland Street bank

    Rutland Street · street · Limerick · 1789–1802

    George Evans Bruce purchased the 200-acre Hermitage estate from Mr. Waller of Castletown for £5,000 in 1789, built a house and made improvements costing £10,000, then sold it all to the third Lord Massy for £20,000 in 1802. Bruce, founder of the Limerick Club and a banker, operated his bank from No. 6 Rutland Street, which by publication was an auction mart.

    Read the passage

    ••• Mr. Bruce, who purchased the estate of Hermitage, containing 200 acres, from Mr. Waller, of Castletown. for £5,000, in 1789, built the house and made improvements estimated at £10,000, all whicli lie disposed of in 1802 to the third Lord Massy, for £20,000. Mr. Bruce was founder of the Limerick Club, and a banlcer ; hii; bank house was the house No. 6 Rutland Street, now an auction nnirt.

    ttt Author of the Nosegay. He used to say that his cousin, Standish O'Grady, of Grange, "sent hit child! eu to Church through fear of his wife, and went to Mass himself through fear of the devil".

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 442

    As the companion tells it

    On this street in Limerick stood the bank house of George Evans Bruce, number 6 Rutland Street, later an auction mart. Bruce was founder of the Limerick Club and a banker. In 1789 he purchased the Hermitage estate of 200 acres from Mr. Waller of Castletown for 5,000 pounds. He built the house and made improvements estimated at 10,000 pounds. In 1802 he sold it all to the third Lord Massy for 20,000 pounds.

42. Gerald Griffin born in Limerick

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1803–1840

    The novelist Gerald Griffin, described as a distinguished citizen of European celebrity, was born in the city of Limerick on December 12th, 1803. He later joined the Christian Brothers and died at their monastery in Cork in April 1840.

    Read the passage

    ' See the Life of Gerald Griffin, p. 311, by his brother, of which the author of this history possesses the MSS. This gifted son of genius was born in the city of Limerick, December 12th, 1803, and died in April, 1840, at the Monastery of the Christian Brothers, Cork, of which religious order he was a member, and in whose little cemetery he lies interred, with the simple iascription, " Brother Gerald Griifin."

    1834 — January 18 Mr. Steele writes " To the Limerich Chapter of Liberators," resigning

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 277

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, you are in the city where the novelist Gerald Griffin was born on December 12th, 1803. A book of the time calls him a gifted son of genius. He later joined the Christian Brothers and died at their monastery in Cork in April 1840. He lies buried in their little cemetery with the simple inscription, Brother Gerald Griffin.

43. Graving Dock at Limerick Port opened by Earl Spencer

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1873

    A Graving Dock over 400 feet in length, constructed in solid rock and capable of receiving the largest steamers and sailing vessels, was opened for shipping on 13 May 1873 by Earl Spencer, Lord Lieutenant, at a public ceremony. The citizens entertained him at a public dinner in the evening, and a marble tablet was erected to commemorate the event.

    Read the passage

    The Graving Dock constructed under this Loan, is one well suited to the wants of the Port. It is over 400 feet in length, and capable of receiving the largest class of steamers and sailing vessels. It is of more than ordinary solidity, being constructed throughout in solid Rock. It was opened for the use of shipping in 1873, by Earl Spencer, Lord Lieutenant, in a public ceremonial, who in the evening was entertained at a public Dinner given by the citizens. The following is a copy of the inscription on a marble tablet, erected to commemorate this event : —

    GRAVING DOCK, OPENED 13th MAY, 1873,

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 464

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, the port here gained a new graving dock in 1873, opened on the 13th of May by Earl Spencer, the Lord Lieutenant, at a public ceremony. The dock was over 400 feet in length, built throughout in solid rock, and capable of receiving the largest class of steamers and sailing vessels. That evening the citizens entertained Earl Spencer at a public dinner. A marble tablet was erected to mark the occasion, its inscription reading, "Graving Dock, opened 13th May, 1873."

44. Hayes writes from Chelsea to O'Donnell at Liberty Hall, Limerick

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1762

    In April 1762, D. Hayes wrote from Chelsea to John O'Donnell at Liberty Hall, Limerick, declining to use his influence with Lord Bute against the Corporation of Limerick, citing the Corporation's past kindness to him. Hayes advised on political channels and urged O'Donnell to keep secrets regarding Sir Harry Erskine's gratitude for the freedom of the city.

    Read the passage

    Your letter surprised me not a little, when I found that you had so far succeeded against my old friends the Corporation. But what in the name of wonder could suggest to you that I had, or could have, any intercourse with, or' access to, Lord Bute. He is, believe me, too great a personage for any Irishman in this kingdom to address as you mention ; except Lord Shelburne. I could, perhaps, get a written memorial delivered to him, or inscribe him a book, or get now and then to the foot of his table. But to attempt influencing his voice, and that too in the Privy Council ! Good God, Jack, what an idea you must have of a Prime Minister ! I could indeed point out a very easy channel for your agent to come at the other Secretary ; but as the Corporation of Limerick, the magistracy in particular, behaved to me with such unparalleled lenity and friendship in my last and greatest distresses ; it would be the basest ingratitude to attempt (however feebly) to subvert their interests."

    Besides, good Jack, believe me, that a partizan is of all officers the soonest forgot, and the least thanked or rewarded. If the agent for your Corporation has cleverness enough to procure Sir Harrj- Erskine (who has the greatest influence with Lord Bute ; being his near relative, and having recently married his cousin), he may do you infinite disservice. For to my knowledge Sir Harry gratefully remembers the freedom of the city conferred upon him. This, upon my honour, I never hinted to any man ; and I suppose you can keep your own secrets. The future maxim of my life shall be, to steer wide of all parties, ruptures, and dissentions ; you are sure of enemies, who will engrave your actions on a table of brass ; of friends who will commit them to a rotten cabbage leaf.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 198

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up through Limerick now. In April 1762, a letter reached this city from Chelsea in England. D. Hayes had written to John O'Donnell at Liberty Hall here in Limerick. O'Donnell had apparently asked Hayes to use his influence with Lord Bute against the Corporation of Limerick. Hayes would not do it. He said he was surprised O'Donnell had succeeded against his old friends the Corporation. He told O'Donnell that Lord Bute was too great a personage for any Irishman in that kingdom to address, except Lord Shelburne. He said he might perhaps get a written memorial delivered to him, or inscribe him a book, or get now and then to the foot of his table, but to attempt influencing his voice in the Privy Council was beyond him. The reason he gave was simple. The Corporation of Limerick, the magistracy in particular, had behaved to him with such unparalleled lenity and friendship in his last and greatest distresses, and it would be the basest ingratitude to attempt to subvert their interests. He warned O'Donnell about Sir Harry Erskine, who had the greatest influence with Lord Bute, being his near relative and having recently married his cousin. Sir Harry gratefully remembered the freedom of the city conferred upon him. Hayes said he had never hinted that to any man, and supposed O'Donnell could keep his own secrets. He closed by saying his future maxim in life would be to steer wide of all parties, ruptures, and dissentions. You are sure of enemies, he wrote, who will engrave your actions on a table of brass, of friends who will commit them to a rotten cabbage leaf.

45. Henry II lands at Waterford and establishes headquarters

    Waterford · city · Waterford · 1172

    In October 1172, King Henry II landed safely at Waterford with a force of four hundred knights and four hundred men at arms, establishing his headquarters there.

    Read the passage

    On the death of MacMorrogh, "Diarmaid na Gall," "Dermot of the Forein-ners " as the Irish historians caU him. Earl Strongbow got hmiselt proclcSmed King of Leinster, to which he had no right whatever according to the Iri^h laws In the meantime, while the northern dynasts were employed in quarrelling amongst themselves, the territories of the degenerate king ot Thomond were harassed by continual expeditions from Connaught. int^e meantime, Henry had determined upon papng a visit to Ireland, and in the month of October, 1172, he landed safely at Waterford, where he estabhshed

    his head quarters .^ . , • .i • v.- -u „

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 26

46. Hugh de Lacy confined in Cork jail, escaped to France

    Cork · city · Cork

    Hugh de Lacy, described as steadfast in the Catholic faith, was confined in Cork jail and escaped to France during the reign of Edward VI. Episcopal faculties were expedited for him from Rome in 1575 for the whole province of Cashel.

    Read the passage

    Pnge=; 80, ."iTQ, 580. — In reference to Bishop John Coyn, or Quin (the brother of the ancestor of the Earl of Dunraven), we have given the fullest details to show that the venerable prelate ever clung with unabated attachment to the Catholic faith, notwithstanding the assertion made in the state papers of Henry VIII. (quoted at page 80), that he bad taken the oath, with the mayor and other citizens of Limerick. Dr. Moran, to whom ecclesiastical historical literature is so much indebted, has contributed a paper to the Irish Ecclesiastical Record, No. XIII.,* to prove that Dr. Quin had always remained steadfast to his principles, and furthermore that Hugh de Lacy's name is enrolled in the precious list of those "qui nunquam ab unitate sanctas mati'is Ecclesise deviaverunt", and tiiat he is described as " vir in fide Catholica constans, qui dum vocabatur a reginte Anglise commissariis, rogatus ut morigerum se in omnibus prseberet ipsi reginaj, hoc responsi dedit: Ununi agnosco in terris Ecctesiae siimmurn caput, eique et non alter obedienttam dare pollicitus sum, itaque nun quam a proposito desistaiH''.'\ Bruodin states that Hugh de Lacy was confined in Cork jail, and thence escaped to France during the reign of Edward VI. So great was the confidence of the Holy See in the prudence and devotedness of the zealou^s bishop, that Dr. Moran adds, " Episcopal faculties were expedited for him from Rome in 1575, and these faculties were given to him for the whole province of Cashel",

    Page 554. — In reference to the Liher Niger, or Black Book of Limerick, another copy of this valuable record has been made and has been presented to the Right Rev. Dr. Butler, Catholic Bishop of Limerick, by the Very Rev. Dr. Russell, President of Mayuooth College. This copy is admirably executed, and is bound in black morocco leather.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 454

    As the companion tells it

    As the road carries you through Cork, this city holds a piece of Hugh de Lacy's story. He is recorded among those who never departed from the unity of holy mother Church, described as steadfast in the Catholic faith. When commissioners of the English queen called on him and asked him to submit himself in all things to her, he gave this reply. He acknowledged one supreme head on earth, the Church, and had promised obedience to it and no other, and would never depart from his purpose. Bruodin records that Hugh de Lacy was confined in Cork jail, and from there escaped to France during the reign of Edward VI. The Holy See placed such confidence in his prudence and devotion that, as Dr. Moran notes, episcopal faculties were expedited for him from Rome in 1575, and these faculties were given for the whole province of Cashel. The passage also speaks of Bishop John Coyn, or Quin, brother of the ancestor of the Earl of Dunraven. State papers of Henry VIII claimed he had taken an oath with the mayor and other citizens of Limerick, but Dr. Moran contributed a paper to the Irish Ecclesiastical Record to prove that Dr. Quin had always remained steadfast to his principles. A further note mentions the Liber Niger, or Black Book of Limerick, a copy of which was presented to the Right Rev. Dr. Butler, Catholic Bishop of Limerick, by the Very Rev. Dr. Russell, President of Maynooth College.

47. Independents struggle against Corporation in Limerick

    Limerick · city · Limerick

    Mr. Rice and the Independents campaigned against the Limerick Corporation's corrupt practices, including the manufacture of freemen to manipulate elections. Despite initial setbacks, the citizens persevered in the cause of reform.

    Read the passage

    The battle of independence continued to wage in the city. Mr. Rice already the champion of the popular cause, was looked upon as the future representative in parliament of Limerick. At every meeting of the Independents he took a prominent part. — He aided all who stood forth against the irresponsible iniquity of the Corporation. As each sum was doled out by that body for corrupt purposes, he, and the Independents took note, and exerted themselves to check the wrong doings of their honors, but it was all in vain for a time ; the manufacture of freemen by the Corporation was such, that nothing could resist its bad effects in interfering with the exertions of the citizens, who, nothing daunted — ^persevered, knowing that truth and justice were on their side. "Magna est Veritas et prevalehit!'

    Mr. Tuthill was chaired after a contest between him and Major Vereker, in which, however, the gallant Major was victorious. The local Tory organ did not pubhsh a report of the popular ovation, because it had been always ranged on the opposite side ; but in a Dublin paper of the day, the chairing was described as an unparalleled popular triumph, during which Mr. Tuthill was surrounded by at least 30,000 people.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 254

    As the companion tells it

    As the road takes you through Limerick, you are passing through a city that was once a battleground for independence, not in arms but in politics. Mr. Rice stood as the champion of the popular cause, looked upon as the future representative in parliament of Limerick. At every meeting of the Independents he took a prominent part, aiding all who stood forth against the irresponsible iniquity of the Corporation. As each sum was doled out by that body for corrupt purposes, he and the Independents took note and exerted themselves to check the wrongdoings. But it was all in vain for a time. The manufacture of freemen by the Corporation was such that nothing could resist its bad effects in interfering with the exertions of the citizens. Nothing daunted, they persevered, knowing that truth and justice were on their side. Magna est Veritas et prevalebit. Mr. Tuthill was chaired after a contest between him and Major Vereker, in which the gallant Major was victorious. The local Tory organ did not publish a report of the popular ovation, because it had always been ranged on the opposite side. But a Dublin paper of the day described the chairing as an unparalleled popular triumph, during which Mr. Tuthill was surrounded by at least 30,000 people.

48. Irish cavalry requisitioned on King's Island, Limerick

    King's Island · townland · Limerick · 1691

    Irish generals ordered all gentlemen volunteers and yeomen near Limerick to appear on King's Island with their best horses and arms. Upon arrival, most were ordered to dismount and surrender their horses for the army's use.

    Read the passage

    At MuUingar Ginkle gave certain directions as to the contraction of the works that had been made the winter before for the sucurity of that place. The design of passing the Shannon at Meelck or Banagher, appeared to be the most plausible to Ginkle while he lay at MulUngar ; and he sent the Rev. Mr. Trench, who at an earlier period had done service to the cause,* to the Duke of Wirtemberg, then at Ballyboy, to encamp thereabouts until the rest of the army had joined him, or if he could, to sm*prise a passage over the Shannon while the Irish army which were watching the other portion of the English. Mr. Trench, with a party of thirty horse, got to his destination, though surrounded by the Irish ; knomng the passes, and the by-ways, he reached Roscrea where the Duke Avas encamped. For certain causes, however, an express was sent to Athlone directing that the Duke should march forward in order to join the army at Athlone. This was done — and matters proceeded in a regular course of operation on both sides. One of the principal wants of the Irish army was an efficient cavalry. Storey teUs a very curious tale in reference to the manner in which this want was supplied by the Irish Generals. On a certain day they sent directions that all the gentlemen volunteers and yeomen in the neighbourhood of Limerick should appear on the Kiug^s Island with their best horses and arms. They appeared accordingly, wheu the majority of them were ordered to dismount and dehver up their horses for the use of the army. In a few days after this occurrence the whole body of Irish moved on towards Athlone, whither they had been informed, by spies and outscouts, the army of the WiUiamites designed to march. Ginkle, meantime, left nine twenty-four pounders, one eighteen pounder, and three mortars at Mullingar, and marched on Saturday the 6th of June, to Eathcondra about sis miles between Meers Court and Cairus Castle. He was joined by several general officers and their regiments and troops, at the head of whom was Lieutenant General Douglas, General Milo Burke was Governor of Athlone. He spurned the

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 140

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to King's Island, in 1691, the Irish army faced a serious problem. One of their principal wants was an efficient cavalry. Storey tells the tale of how the Irish generals tried to supply this need. They sent directions that all the gentlemen volunteers and yeomen in the neighbourhood of Limerick should appear on King's Island with their best horses and arms. The men came as ordered. When they arrived, the majority of them were told to dismount and deliver up their horses for the use of the army. In a few days after this, the whole body of Irish moved on towards Athlone, having been informed by spies and outscouts that the army of the Williamites designed to march there. The wider picture was this. Ginkle had been at Mullingar, where he gave directions about works made the winter before for the security of that place. He thought of passing the Shannon at Meelick or Banagher, and sent the Reverend Mr. Trench to the Duke of Wirtemberg at Ballyboy. Mr. Trench, with a party of thirty horse, reached his destination, though surrounded by the Irish, knowing the passes and the by-ways, and reached Roscrea where the Duke was encamped. An express was then sent to Athlone directing the Duke to march forward and join the army there. Ginkle left nine twenty-four pounders, one eighteen pounder, and three mortars at Mullingar, and marched on Saturday the 6th of June to Rathcondra, about six miles between Meers Court and Cairus Castle. He was joined by several general officers and their regiments, at the head of whom was Lieutenant General Douglas. General Milo Burke was Governor of Athlone.

49. James FitzThomas encamps at Adare

    Adare · townland · Limerick · 1600

    James FitzThomas (James Desmond) wrote from the camp at Adare on 1 June 1600, stating the President had come to Limerick and intended to march toward Askeaton, where he proposed to resist him with his army.

    Read the passage

    " James FitzThomas his letter unto him. My good lord and cosen, j'our letters of the eighteenth of May, I received the five and twentieth of the same, wherein you relate the manner of your proceedings with the President at Corke, and also of his determination towards the west of my counterey. I thank God I prevented that which he expected here, for all the good pledges of the counterie are committed to Castlemague, for their constant behaviour in this our action ; the President with his force is come to Limerick, and intended presently to order towards Askeiton, where I propose with my armie to resist him, I pray you the better to further the service, and the more to coole the bloody desire of our enemy, let me intreate you to put in effect the meaning of my last letters, by drawing j'our forces to joyn mce, which being done, I doubt not, under God, to performe service that shall redounde to the general quiet of the countrie, and so, referring the due consideration thereof (to your Lordshipp's carefull vsage) I commit you to the most mightie : From the camp at Adare, this first of June, ICOO. " Your loving Cosen,

    "JAMES DESMOND." The sufferings of the garrison were so great that water could only be obtained by digging a subterranean passage to the river. — Uibernia Pacata.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 68

50. John Hayes of Bilboa committed as United Irishman

    Bilboa · townland · Limerick · 1798

    John Hayes of Bilboa was committed, charged with being a United Irishman and attempting to shoot John Lloyd, Esq., C.P. for the county.

    Read the passage

    John Hayes, of Bilboa, committed, charged with being an United Irishman, and attempting to shoot John Lloyd, Esq., C.P. for the county.

    June G. Michael M'Swiney, charged with being a serjeant in the United Irishmen, was sentenced to GOO lashes. After having received 100 at the Main Guard, he requested to be taken down, promising to make some useful disclosures, whereupon the remainder of his sentence was remitted.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 235

51. Justice Shee of Thomastown

    Thomastown · town · Kilkenny

    The Honourable Mr. Justice Shee, the first Roman Catholic made judge in the Queen's Court in England since the Reformation, was a native of Thomastown, County Kilkenny.

    Read the passage

    Page 688. — Note. — The Honourable Mr. Justice Shee is called " Justice Shee". This might mean a simple justice of the peace: the judges in England are called " Mr. Justice''. His lordship is the first Roman Catholic made judge in the Queen's Court in England since the Reformation. His lordship is a native of Thomastown, county of Kilkenny.

    Tierney, Dr. Sir Matthew. — The first baronet was a native of Rathkeale, where his father kept a small shop. He rose to great eminence, as did his brother Edward, the crown lawyer of Dublin and the hero of the famous suit of " Earl of Egmont v. Dayrell, baronet", in 1864, to recover back the Egmont estates, which the Tierney family enjoyed under an alleged will of the late earl.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni

52. Kilmallock as the bishop's manor and walled town

    Kilmallock · town · Limerick

    Kilmallock was long the bishop's manor, where the bishop was lord paramount when it was a strong walled town. The bishop held a fair (purchased for £10 from David Lord Barry), held court twice a year, operated a mill, bake-house, and shambles, and impanelled burgesses and townsmen as juries.

    Read the passage

    With respect to the property of the cathedral in its ancient state, there can be no question of its extent, and of the jealous care with which it was preserved. Grants of land were frequently made to the cathedral ; whilst, as we perceive by the Black Book, the possessions in mortmain of all the churches of Limerick have been taken into account in the Patent and Close Rolls of Chancery in several successive reigns. These lands were most frequently leased out to tenants. The bishop's manors, of which Mungret, containing six large plow-lands, was one, Kilmallock another, which " hath been ever the bishop's manor", where the bishop was lord paramount, when it (Kilmallock) was a strong walled town ; where tlie bishop had a fair which he purchased for £10 from David Lord BaiTy ; where he held a court twice a year, had a mill, a bake-house, and a shambles; where all persons should grind at the bishop's mill, bake at his bake-house, and pay for the shambles according to custom ; and whcj-e the burgesses and townsmen were called and impannelled as juries in the bishop's court.' Ardagh, as we have above seen, Avas another bishop's manor in which bishops held courts and received rents ; Drumdeely was another ; and there is an entry in the little Black Book^ (quoted by Bishop Adams),

    ' See Black Book and Bishop Adams's MSS., account of the property, etc. ' See also folio 7, p. 2, of the Black Book, and folio 8, p. 1, in the two offices of inquieition, where Drumdeely is found to he the bishop's land.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 325

53. King James II proclaimed in Limerick

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1685

    On 13 February 1685, a Sunday, King James II was proclaimed king in Limerick. The Mayor, Sheriffs, Governor Sir William King, Protestant Bishop and clergy in robes, and the Corporation all rode on horseback, with trades and militia marching with their colours.

    Read the passage

    On the day King Charles II. died, his brother James Duke of York and Albany was proclaimed king in London. On the ilth he was proclaimed in Dublin ; on the 13th being Sunday he was proclaimed king in Limerick. The Mayor, Eichard Smith, the Sheriffs, the Governor, Sir William King, the Protestant Bishop and Clergy in their surj)lices and robes, and aU the Corporation in their robes were all on horseback. The trades and militia walked with their colours, and great rejoicings were shown on the occasion. This king publicly professed the Catholic faith. ^

    Ilobert Smith being Mayor in 1685, he flagged the City Court-house, made the jury-room at the east end of it, and framed in the place of judicature ; he newly built the King's Island gate and tower, and with his own hands he cut on the stone fixed over the gate at the island side these words, "Eeedificata 1° Jacobi 3'^* Eoberto Smith Pretore, sumptibus civium.''^ He also, at his own cost, set up in the Exchange, a brass table standing on a short pillar, and himself engraved this inscription on it : " Ex dono Eoberti Smith majoris Limericencibus civibus.''^ It was afterwards placed in the new Exchange, and was called " The Nail,'"' being intended for a public place for paying down money on, though not applied to that use.^

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 118

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, this is the city where King James II was proclaimed king on Sunday the 13th of February 1685. His brother Charles II had died, and James was proclaimed in London, then in Dublin on the 11th, and two days later here in Limerick. The Mayor, Richard Smith, the Sheriffs, the Governor Sir William King, the Protestant Bishop and clergy in their surplices and robes, and the whole Corporation in their robes were all on horseback. The trades and militia walked with their colours, and great rejoicings were shown on the occasion. This king publicly professed the Catholic faith. Robert Smith, Mayor in 1685, flagged the City Court-house, made the jury-room at the east end of it, and framed the place of judicature. He built the King's Island gate and tower, and with his own hands cut on the stone over the gate at the island side the words "Reedificata Jacobi Roberti Smith Pretore, sumptibus civium." He also, at his own cost, set up in the Exchange a brass table on a short pillar, and engraved on it "Ex dono Roberti Smith majoris Limericencibus civibus." It was later placed in the new Exchange and called The Nail, intended as a public place for paying down money, though not applied to that use.

54. King James sets up a mint in the deanery house, Limerick

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1689–1690

    Facing a severe shortage of funds during the civil war, King James established mints in Ireland, one in the deanery house in Limerick and another in Capel Street, Dublin. Walter Pluket was appointed commissioner for the Limerick mint, which produced brass and copper mixed-metal coinage.

    Read the passage

    No doubt our countrymen were deceived; promises were broken; no effort was made to save them — the ink was not dry on the Treaty — the last transport had not left Carrigaholt, when the men who purchased Lutterel, broke the Treaty in unmistakable terms. The people became helpless, wretched, the sport and pastime of insolent, bigoted, outrageous foreigners — '' aliens in blood, aliens in language, aliens in rehgion," to the Lish. They sighed to leave Ireland for France or Spain, or any other land in which they might freely perform the duties of their religion. By a curious coincidence Lauzun and other French officers who fought in Limerick, met the English afterwards on the plains of Steynkirk, &c., where Talmash, and others fell, and on the fatal field of Landen the immortal Patrick Sarsfield gave out his life blood, exclaiming " 0 that this were shed for Ireland \'' One of the great complaints, no doubt, against King James was his want of money, and his coinage of the brass and gun money. It is true that on his arrival in Ireland in March, 1689, he had found that besides the great deficiency of his supporters in all the requisites of an army but men, his Irish government were sadly deficient m funds, having "no money in cash." The prospects of the civil war had effectually drained the country of gold and silver, by the flight to England of the wealthier classess, who, of course, left as little as they could of their property behind them. In this financial difficulty the King raised the value of gold 20 per cent.^ and the Enghsh silver eight one-third per cent, only, and other foreign gold and silver specie in proportion ; that what little money was left in the kingdom, and the few thousand livres he had borrowed from the French King, might go a greater way,' and having also in view the superior facility of carriage of guineas as compared with crowns and other silver coins. The first monetary measure adopted by the king was to issue, after his arrival in Dublin, a proclamation for raising the value of EngUsh and foreign gold and sUver coin, the Exchange having before the revolution been strictly at par. Another proclamation was issued in May, but the money not coming in fast enough, the king hanng laid aside the patent granted by him four years before to Sir John Knox, and then m the hands of Colonel Eoger ]\Ioore, set up mints of his own ; one in the deanery house. Limerick, the other in Capel-street, Dubhn. Several commissioners were appointed to direct these mints, the one named for Limerick being Walter Pluuket, which being settled they went to work, and King James on the 18th of June, issued a proclamation for making two sorts of money, of brass and copper, mixed metal, current in this kingdom. The one for twelve, and the other for sixpence.^ The king on this occasion

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 160

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, you are in a city that once held one of King James's mints, set up in the deanery house. When James arrived in Ireland in March 1689, he found his government had no money in cash. The civil war had drained the country of gold and silver, as the wealthier classes fled to England and left as little property behind as they could. He raised the value of gold by 20 per cent and English silver by eight and one-third per cent, and other foreign gold and silver in proportion, so that what little money remained, and the few thousand livres he had borrowed from the French King, might go further. He also considered that guineas were easier to carry than crowns and other silver coins. The king's first monetary measure was a proclamation issued after his arrival in Dublin, raising the value of English and foreign gold and silver coin. Before the revolution, the exchange had been strictly at par. Another proclamation followed in May, but the money was not coming in fast enough. James laid aside a patent he had granted four years earlier to Sir John Knox, a patent then in the hands of Colonel Roger Moore, and set up mints of his own. One was in the deanery house here in Limerick, the other in Capel Street in Dublin. Several commissioners were appointed to direct them. The commissioner named for Limerick was Walter Pluket. Once that was settled, they went to work, and on the 18th of June, King James issued a proclamation for making two sorts of money of brass and copper, a mixed metal, current in this kingdom. One was for twelve pence, the other for sixpence.

55. King's Castle, Tholsel gaol, and St. Francis Abbey excepted from city county

    Limerick · city · Limerick

    The Charter makes Limerick a county of itself but excepts the King's Castle and its precincts, a lower room under the Tholsel used as a common gaol for the county, and the site of the Abbey of St. Francis, which was deemed a fit place for holding Assizes and Sessions.

    Read the passage

    ' This Charter recites the great sufferings of the city of Limerick in the rebellion of the Geraldines, their assistance to the King, in the war in Ulster, and in anticipation of the future services of the inhabitants toward the crown, proceeds to declare the city of Limerick a free city of itself. It grants to the mayor, bailiffs, and citizens, and inhabitants of the city, to be a body politic and corporate, by the name of the mayor, sheriffs and citizens of the citj' of Limerick, with the usual power to hold lands, to demise or assign them, to plead and be impleaded by their new corporate name. It confirms all their former possessions in the most large and ample manner, by whatever corporate name enjoyed, or by whatever legal title, grant, or proscription acquired. The Charter then proceeds to make the city of Limerick a county of itself, as already referred to under the head of " Limits," excepting thereout the King's Castle and the precincts thereof, one lower room under the Tholsel used as a common gaol for the county, and also the site of the Abbey of St. Francis and its precincts, being a fit place for holding the Assizes and Sessions for said County of Limerick, and confers full power for perambulating these boundaries. This Charter enables the mayor, sheriffs, and citizens to choose " one of the more honest or discreet citizens," to the office of mayor, to be chosen as theretofore ; directs that instead of two bailiffs two sheriffs shall be chosen, and points out the mode of their election, and how vacancies in the office, by death or amotion, are to be filled up. It directs that all persons thereto free citizens shall continue so to be, and that in all things they shall be ordered and governed as formerly. It enables them to choose as many aldermen, Serjeants at mace, and other officers as usual. It confers an exclusive Admiralty jurisdiction, both criminal and civil, over so much of the river Shannon as extends three miles north east of the city to the mouth of the main sea, with all creeks, banivs, and rivulets within their limits ; gives power to hold a Court of Admiralty or liecord every Monday, before the Mayor, Kecorder, and Aldermen, any three or more of them (of whom the Mayor and Recorder are to be two), who were to keep the peace at the Shanbon within these limits ; to receive recognizances, to take fines and amercements, waifs, royal fish and other royal prerogatives, with a non-intromittent clause as to the Admirals of England and Ireland. A Society of merchants of the staple was incorporated by this Charter, by the name of " the Mayor, Constables, and Society of Merchants of the Staple of the City of Limerick ;" with the privileges and franchises of the IMerchants of the Staple of Dublin and Waterford. This Charter further constituted the INIaj-or, Kecorder, and four of the Aldermen (a class first noticed in this Charter), Justices of the Peace for the countj- of the city ; the four Aldermen to be annually elected as therein mentioned and thereafter noticed ; and empowered any three or more of them, of whom the Mayor and Recorder were to be two, to hear and determine ■within the city, at all times to be appointed by them, all felonies and other crimes, except treason, misprision of treason and murder, and do all things in relation thereto as belonged to the office of Justice of the Peace. This Charter also granted to the Corporation all fines, escheats, and amercements, in as ample a manner as the Corporations of Dublin, Waterford, and Cork enjoyed the same, except such royal fines as should be imjiosed on llie sheriff or coroners of the said county of the city of Limerick ; the fines as granted, (except as aforesaid) to be collected by their own officer, to be applied to the repair of the walls, bridges, and other necessary uses of the city ; and lastly, it enabled them to hold lauds, &c. to the value of ilO per annum, notwithstanding the statute of mortmain.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 73

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, the road moves through a city once made a county in its own right by royal charter. The charter recalls the great sufferings of Limerick in the rebellion of the Geraldines, and the city's assistance to the King in the war in Ulster. In recognition of past service and in anticipation of future service from the inhabitants, it declared Limerick a free city of itself, granting the mayor, sheriffs, and citizens a body politic and corporate by their new name. The charter then made the city a county of itself, but carved out three exceptions. The King's Castle and its precincts were excepted. A lower room under the Tholsel, used as a common gaol for the county, was excepted. And the site of the Abbey of St. Francis and its precincts were excepted, being deemed a fit place for holding the Assizes and Sessions for the county of Limerick. The corporation was given full power to perambulate these boundaries. The charter replaced the city's two bailiffs with two sheriffs and set out how they were to be elected and how vacancies by death or amotion were filled. It granted an exclusive Admiralty jurisdiction over the river Shannon, extending three miles north east of the city to the mouth of the main sea, with all creeks and rivulets within their limits. A society of merchants of the staple was incorporated, with the privileges of those of Dublin and Waterford. The mayor, recorder, and four aldermen were made justices of the peace for the county of the city, empowered to hear and determine all felonies and other crimes except treason, misprision of treason, and murder.

56. Latin and French spoken by poor in Kerry

    Kerry · county · Kerry

    Sir William Petty observed that Latin was spoken very freely among the poorest Irish, chiefly in Kerry, even in areas most remote from Dublin.

    Read the passage

    Tyrconnell had but little hope. No doubt our country had been "brayed in a mortar" during the wars of EHzabeth, and subsequently during the great rebellion^ etc. Sir WilHam Petty, in his Political Anatomy of Ireland (Tracts, p. mS.), says that between October 23, 16il, and the same day, 1652, "If Ireland had continued in peace for the said eleven years, then the 1,466,000 (population in 1641) had increased by generation in that time to 73,000 more, making in all 1,539,000, which were by the said wars brought, anno 1652, to 850,000, so that there were lost 689,000 souls, for whose blood somebody should answer both to God and the King." And forty years after Sir William Petty wrote this the Irish were in a more terrible position than when he wrote ; yet they made a stand within Limerick for all they cherished as most dear ! As to the civilization of the Irish, even before this period, I will quote again from Su- WilUam Petty : " The diet, and housing, and clothes is much the same as in England ; nor is the French elegance unknown to many of them, nor the Prench and Latin tongues. The latter amongst the poorest Irish, and chiefly in Kerry, most remote from Dublin, where it is very freely spoken." — Political Anatomy of Ireland (Tracts, p. 351). ^Vhat an answer to Lord Macaulay.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 125

57. Limerick and Waterford granted liberty to coin money

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1466

    In the reign of Edward IV, liberty was given to the cities of Limerick and Waterford to coin money.

    Read the passage

    1466 Liberty given to the cities of Limerick and VVaterford to coin money (^ibid.).

    1470 It was enacted that every merchant who imports goods into Limerick, must import bow* to the value of 100 shiUings (ibid). Charter granted by Henry VL to barbers and chirurgeons, or Guild of St. Mary Magdalene, Limerick.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 402

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, you are in a city once trusted to strike its own coin. In 1466, under Edward the Fourth, the liberty to coin money was granted to Limerick and Waterford. Four years later, merchants importing goods into Limerick were required to import bows worth 100 shillings.

58. Limerick citizens rejoice at Queen Mary's accession

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1553

    The news of Queen Mary's accession to the English throne was received with joy by the citizens of Limerick, who hoped to participate fully in their civil and religious rights.

    Read the passage

    The news of the accession of Queen Mary to the throne of England was received with joy by the citizens of Limerick, who hoped that they might participate in the full fruition of their civil and religious rights and immunities.^ Casey,* who had been the first Protestant Bishop of the see, now fled beyond the seas, imitating, in this respect, the conduct of Bale, Bishop of Ossory. Hugh Lacy, or Lees, was constituted by the Pope, Bishop of Limerick, and an immediate change in the aspect of affairs was apparent. A Parliament was held in Dublin, commencing on the 19th of June, 1557, and on the 2nd of July was adjourned to

    • Cox's Hibernia Anglicana, p. 292.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 56

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Limerick, this is a city that once rejoiced. In 1553, the news of Queen Mary's accession to the throne of England reached the citizens here, and they received it with joy. They hoped to participate in the full fruition of their civil and religious rights and immunities. Casey, who had been the first Protestant Bishop of the see, now fled beyond the seas, imitating the conduct of Bale, Bishop of Ossory. The Pope constituted Hugh Lacy, or Lees, Bishop of Limerick, and an immediate change in the aspect of affairs was apparent. A Parliament was held in Dublin, commencing on the 19th of June 1557, and on the 2nd of July was adjourned.

59. Limerick City Militia raised and embodied, 1793

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1793

    The Limerick City Regiment of Militia was raised in early 1793 under Colonel John Prendergast Smyth, with officers and citizens subscribing bounties for voluntary enlistment. After embodiment, the regiment made its first march to Birr on 19 July 1793, carrying ammunition for the King's County militia.

    Read the passage

    The Limerick city regiment of militia was raised early in the year 1793, John Prendergast Smyth, Esq., then member of parliament for the city of Limerick, and afterwards Viscount Gort, being appointed (14th April, 1793), by the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, colonel of the regiment. The law provided for its being raised by ballot, but the ofifioers and leading citizens subscribed liberally to a fund for the payment of bounties, and the corps was fully completed by voluntary enlistments alone. In the following month the colonel appointed the Honourable Edmond Henry Pery (afterwards first Earl of Limerick) to be lieutenant colonel, Charles Vereker, late of the 1st Royals (afterwards second Viscount Gort), to be major, and George Gough, Esq., to be one of the captains thereof— the Lord Lieutenant approving. The other earliest appointed officers were : —

    Captain- Lieutenant— Samuel Tomkins (afterwards major), 25th May, 1793.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 450

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through this city, it is where the Limerick City Regiment of Militia was raised early in 1793. John Prendergast Smyth, member of parliament for the city and afterwards Viscount Gort, was appointed colonel on 14 April 1793 by the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. The law allowed for raising the regiment by ballot, but officers and leading citizens subscribed to a fund for paying bounties, and the corps was completed by voluntary enlistments alone. The colonel then appointed the Honourable Edmond Henry Pery, afterwards first Earl of Limerick, as lieutenant colonel, Charles Vereker, afterwards second Viscount Gort, as major, and George Gough as captain. Samuel Tomkins was appointed captain-lieutenant on 25 May. After embodiment, the regiment made its first march to Birr on 19 July, carrying ammunition for the King's County militia.

60. Limerick Corporation reform bill thrown out in England

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1762

    The act for better regulation of the Corporation of Limerick passed the Irish Privy Council and was sent to England, but the Corporation's agent Andrew Shepherd opposed it, claiming it was a Popish faction bill with near one hundred priests and friars in Limerick. The English Solicitor-General and Attorney-General represented it falsely, and it was thrown out.

    Read the passage

    1762. — 1. The act for the better regulation of the Corporation and City of Limerick, having, with some amendments, passed the Privy Council of Ireland, was brought over to England for the purpose of passing there by Mr. Nicholas Smyth, agent to the freemen, but it was opposed there by Mr. Andrew Shepherd, agent to the Corporation, who represented to the Council of England that the freemen of Limerick were entirely influenced by the papists ; that it was a Popish faction which introduced said bill ; that there were near one hundred priests and friars in Limerick f and that said bill was contrary to law, and an infringement on the Royal Prerogative from which the charter derived. The Solicitor- General and Attorney-General for England represented the bill in this false and odious light, and therefore, it was thrown out and not passed into law.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 198

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Limerick now. Back in 1762, an act for the better regulation of the Corporation and City of Limerick passed the Privy Council of Ireland with some amendments and was sent to England to be passed into law. Mr. Nicholas Smyth, agent to the freemen, brought it over. But Mr. Andrew Shepherd, agent to the Corporation, opposed it there. He told the Council of England that the freemen of Limerick were entirely influenced by the papists, that it was a Popish faction which introduced the bill, and that there were near one hundred priests and friars in Limerick. He called it contrary to law and an infringement on the Royal Prerogative from which the charter derived. The Solicitor-General and Attorney-General for England represented the bill in this false and odious light, and it was thrown out and never passed into law.