Name: Limerick, its history and antiquities; ecclesiastical, civil, and military,from the earliest ages, with copious historical, archaeological, topographical, and genealogical notes
Author: Maurice Lenihan (1811–1895)

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

Limerick glove manufacture by the Lyons family

Limerick · city · Limerick

Limerick was famous a century before 1865 for gloves whose superiority owed to a secret held by a glover named Lyons and his family. Lyons received orders from the Court of Russia and other European courts. The manufacture later declined.

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The principal deficiency arises from tobacco and sugar, owing, in some respects, to non-consumption, in other respects, to the introduction by railway of some of those articles duty paid. There are symptoms, indeed, of a revival. F'actories are s})ringing up in the city, in addition to those of which the Messrs. J. M. liussell and Sons are proprietors, and to which we have referred in a previous chapter. Alderman Peter Tait, of Limerick, an energetic and enterprising citizen, has given an impetus to the industrial movement, not only by his indefatigable exertions in reference to flax manufacture, but by his employment of some hundreds of persons at his great army clothing establishment — the first and most important of the kind in these kingdoms — and one in which Limerick has reason to experience the utmost pride. Milling is largely carried on, manufacturing all the homegrown and large quantities of foreign wheat. Wool-combing and papermaking, have well nigh altogether disappeared In 1800 there were twenty tanneries, and but one pawnbroker's office in Limerick. In 1865, there are at least twenty pawnbroker's offices, and only two tanneries. In 1841, the number of breweries w^as four. In 1865, there are three — one, the old established one at Garryowen, of which "Johnny Conuell",' celebrated in song, was the owner, and which now belongs to a lady of his family; the second, that of Messrs. Fitts, at the Newgate Lane;^ the third, that of Messrs. Stein, in Clare Street. In brogue-making, which had been an important branch of trade, there has been a great decline. Other branches of trade have died out altogether, such as cloth-finishers, wool-staplers, woollen- weavers, etc. The manufacture of gloves, for which Limerick was famous a century ago, and which owed its superiority to a secret which was said to be in the exclusive possession of a glover named Lyons and his family, has declined also. Lyons frequent iv got orders for his gloves from the Court of Russia and other European courts. Mr. Tait endeavoured to revive the manufacture, but was not successful. The proverbial celebrity which the fishing hooks of Limerick have won, is nearly gone' — every fishing hook was said to be worth a salmon ; their form, lightness, and temper covild not be imitated. Limerick lace, which has Avon a world-wide reputation, does not quite retain its old place : yet Spanish donnas have had their mantillas made in Limerick, while magnificent robes fashioned of it, have won the patronage of royalty.

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 305

As the companion tells it

Limerick was a city of many trades, and some had faded by 1865. In 1800 there were twenty tanneries and only one pawnbroker's office. By 1865 there were at least twenty pawnbroker's offices and only two tanneries. Wool-combing and paper-making had well nigh altogether disappeared. Brogue-making, once an important branch of trade, had seen a great decline. Cloth-finishers, wool-staplers, woollen-weavers had died out altogether. Among the trades that declined was the manufacture of gloves, for which the city was famous a century ago. The superiority of these gloves owed to a secret said to be in the exclusive possession of a glover named Lyons and his family. Lyons frequently got orders for his gloves from the Court of Russia and other European courts. The manufacture declined. Mr. Tait endeavoured to revive it, but was not successful. There were symptoms of revival elsewhere. Alderman Peter Tait, an energetic and enterprising citizen, gave impetus to the industrial movement through flax manufacture and his great army clothing establishment, the first and most important of its kind in these kingdoms, employing some hundreds of persons. Factories were springing up. Milling was largely carried on, manufacturing all the home-grown and large quantities of foreign wheat. In 1841 there were four breweries; by 1865 there were three. One was the old established brewery at Garryowen, of which "Johnny Conuell," celebrated in song, was the owner, and which belonged to a lady of his family. The fishing hooks of the city had won proverbial celebrity. Every fishing hook was said to be worth a salmon; their form, lightness, and temper could not be imitated. Lace had won a world-wide reputation. Spanish donnas had their mantillas made here, and magnificent robes fashioned from it won the patronage of royalty.

Limerick Mayor's loyalty address to George I, 1715

Limerick · city · Limerick · 1715

On 18 April 1715, Mayor William Franklin of Limerick wrote to the Bishop complaining that a few aldermen and burgesses had clandestinely drawn up and signed an address to the newly-ascended King George I without consulting the Mayor or other civic officials, in order to imply the magistrates were disloyal. Franklin enclosed the City's own address to vindicate the loyalty of the Corporation.

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Previous to this, viz. on the 18th of April, 1715, the Mayor, tti vindication of his own loyalty and that of his brother Corporators, which had been seriously impeached, wrote to the Bishop, who was at the time in Dublin, at the house of his brother-in-law, Thomas Burgh, Esq., Accountant General, " bitterly complaining that at the previous assizes a few aldermen and burgesses of the City of Limerick drew up and signed an address to His Majesty George •[., who had just ascended the throne of England, in an unprecedented manner, having neither consulted the Mayor, Kecorder, Justices of Peace for the city, concerning any congress, nor desired their concurrence to what they had drawn ; whereas affairs of that nature, as your Lordship knows, are to take their rise in an assembly of the Common Council, and to be proposed by the Mayor. The reason of that clandestine proceeding was that they might have an opportunity of reflecting on the magistrates and others, their fellow-citizens, as disaffected to his Majesty's accession and government. The multiplicity of important business at the assizes, and the extraordinary application of my Lord Chief Baron, on whom we were obliged to attend, prevent our having an address ready to send with him. Therefore, by the advice of our Recorder, it was agreed to defer drawing one up until the sessions. But lest the misrepresentation of some of our own members should make any impression on the Government, I have with this sent the Citty's address to His Majestic, which 1 desire your Lordship to present to the Lords Justices, and to do the Citty right by letting them know the truth of the matter.
" I am your Lordship^s most humble and most dutiful servant,

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 178

As the companion tells it

As you travel through Limerick, you are passing through a city where, in 1715, a political quarrel broke out over who got to declare the city's loyalty to a new king. George the First had just ascended the throne of England, and on the 18th of April 1715, Mayor William Franklin wrote to the Bishop, who was in Dublin at the time, staying at the house of his brother-in-law, Thomas Burgh, the Accountant General. Franklin was bitterly complaining. He said that at the previous assizes, a few aldermen and burgesses of the City of Limerick had drawn up and signed an address to His Majesty George the First, in an unprecedented manner. They had neither consulted the Mayor, the Recorder, nor the Justices of the Peace for the city, nor asked for their concurrence. Franklin wrote that affairs of that nature, as your Lordship knows, are to take their rise in an assembly of the Common Council and to be proposed by the Mayor. The reason for that clandestine proceeding, he said, was that they might have an opportunity of reflecting on the magistrates and their fellow-citizens as disaffected to His Majesty's accession and government. Franklin explained that the multiplicity of important business at the assizes, and the extraordinary application of the Lord Chief Baron, on whom they were obliged to attend, prevented them from having an address ready to send with him. By the advice of the Recorder, it was agreed to defer drawing one up until the sessions. But lest the misrepresentation of some of their own members should make any impression on the Government, Franklin sent the City's address to His Majesty with the letter, asking the Bishop to present it to the Lords Justices and to do the City right by letting them know the truth of the matter. He signed himself, "I am your Lordship's most humble and most dutiful servant."

Limerick working class wretchedness petitioned to Parliament

Limerick · city · Limerick · 1844–1845

The Corporation of Limerick petitioned Parliament in favour of the Dublin and Cashel Railway, setting forth that travellers from Inglis to Kohl found more wretchedness among Limerick's poor than in any other Irish town of equal population. Of 1,215 journeymen tradesmen only 407 had regular employment, and 5,000 labourers were equally destitute.

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Amid this state of poHtical exacerbation, the condition of the working classes of Limerick was so extremely wretched, that in a petition to Parhament in favour of the Dublin and Cashel (Great Southern and Western) Railway, the Corporation set forth the astounding fact, that it had been the opinion of all travellei;s from Inglis to Kolil, that there was more wretchedness among the poor of Limerick than aiiiong those of any other town of equal population in Ireland — that this arose from want of regular employment — that there were 1215 journeymen of trades, and only 407 in regular employment, and 5000 labourers equally destitute.

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 288

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Limerick, this is a city whose suffering was once put on the parliamentary record. In 1844 to 1845 the Corporation petitioned Parliament in favour of the Dublin and Cashel Railway and set forth an astounding fact. Every traveller from Inglis to Kohl, they said, had found more wretchedness among the poor of Limerick than among those of any other town of equal population in Ireland. It arose from want of regular employment. Of 1,215 journeymen of trades, only 407 had regular work, and 5,000 labourers were equally destitute.

Lord Viscount Dillon's fatal fall and monument in Limerick

Limerick · city · Limerick · 1649

James Lord Viscount Dillon of Roscommon suffered a fatal fall of twelve steps in Limerick. Before dying he expressed a desire to return to the Catholic Church, received absolution and extreme unction, and died on the fourth day. A monument was erected to his memory in the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Limerick at the end of October 1649.

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About this period James Lord Viscount Dillon, of Roscommon,' havmg received a sudden fall in Limerick, by which he was mortally injured, having tumbled down twelve steps, indicated, by certain signs to those about him, his desire to be admitted into the bosom of the Catholic Church, which he had before deserted, and with profuse teais and every symptom of contrition repented of his apostacy: he received absolution and extreme unction, and on the fourth day after the accident died. A monument was erected to his memory in the Churcli of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Limerick, in the end of October, 1649. Dr. Arthur says he wrote the following epigram, which we translate from the Latin, on him : —
" Heroic Dillon stood, but sad to tell, rorsook his ancient faith, and badly fell ; But having fallen, resumed at last with tears And suppliant heart, his faith of former years. Safer the fall, which, though his days are past, Eestored him upright to his God at last".

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 339

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Limerick, there is a story from 1649. James Lord Viscount Dillon of Roscommon suffered a sudden fall here, tumbling down twelve steps, and was mortally injured. Before he died, he indicated by certain signs to those about him his desire to be admitted into the bosom of the Catholic Church, which he had before deserted. With profuse tears and every symptom of contrition he repented of his apostacy. He received absolution and extreme unction, and on the fourth day after the accident he died. A monument was erected to his memory in the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Limerick, at the end of October 1649. Doctor Arthur wrote an epigram on him, translated from the Latin. It says that heroic Dillon forsook his ancient faith and badly fell, but having fallen, resumed at last with tears and a suppliant heart his faith of former years. The fall, though his days are past, restored him upright to his God at last.

Maurice Bagott of Baggotstown excepted from Ireton's pardon, 1651

Baggotstown · townland · Limerick · 1651

Maurice Bagott of Baggotstown was among those excepted from pardon by Ireton when Limerick was taken in 1651 through the treachery of Fennel. Many of the Bagott family remained Catholic and allied to prominent Catholic families.

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The name of Robert Bagod occurs very frequently in the sales and settlements of land, &c., that were made during the episcopacy of Gilbert, Bishop of Limerick, whose transactions in thia respect were very numerous, as appears by the Black Book. Maurice Bagott of Baggotstown was one of those who were excepted from pardon by the cruel and merciless Ireton, when he obtained possession of Limerick in IGjI, through the treachery of Fennel, as will appear more fully in the proper place. Many of the Bagott family have continued Catholics, and are allied to some of the first Catholic families in Ireland.
2 Black Book of Limerick.

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 35

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here is Baggotstown. The name Robert Bagod appears frequently in the land sales and settlements made during the episcopacy of Gilbert, Bishop of Limerick, whose transactions were numerous, as the Black Book records. In 1651, Maurice Bagott of Baggotstown was one of those excepted from pardon by the cruel and merciless Ireton, when he obtained possession of Limerick through the treachery of Fennel. Many of the Bagott family have continued Catholics, and are allied to some of the first Catholic families in Ireland.

Mayor exercises Admiralty rights at Scattery Island

Scattery Island · townland · Clare · 1854

In 1854, Mayor Henry Watson, accompanied by the Corporation, sailed to Scattery Island in the Shannon to exercise Admiralty rights. A Revenue Cruiser then in the Shannon saluted the Corporation steamboat.

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* This admeasurement of 1609, which created the county of the city, " three miles every way, in and through the County of Limerick, from the exterior part of the city walls," does not include the North Liberties ; and the boundary east, west, and south, exceeds the limit of three miles as prescribed by the Charter. The North Liberties are on the County of Clare side of the river. Their limits are at equal distances from the city, varying from one to three statute miles. They are referred to, and in part defined in the Inquisition taken A.D. 1615, and Epitonus, pp. 138-9, 40. The South Liberties extend on the County of Limerick side of the Shannon in every direction, from four to five statute miles. Whether that part of the river Shannon, between the confines of the Liberties and the sea, is part of the county of the city, has been questiona'ole, but it is generally considered to be so. Offences committed on the river between the confines of the Liberties and the sea, are triable, and have been tried in the city in one memorable capital instance, in particular, hereafter referred to. In 1854, the late Alderman Henry Watson, Mayor, accompanied by the Corporation, sailed to Scatter^' Island, where he exercised Admiralty rights. On this occasion, a Eevenue Cruiser, then in the Shannon, saluted the Corporation Steam-boat, which was also saluted as it passed Cratloe, the residence of the late Augustus Stafford, Esq. M.P.
136 HISTORY OF LIMERICK.

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 74

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here, on Scattery Island in the Shannon, the Mayor of Limerick came in 1854 to exercise Admiralty rights. Henry Watson, the late Alderman Henry Watson, Mayor, was accompanied by the Corporation. They sailed to Scattery Island, where he exercised those rights. A Revenue Cruiser, then in the Shannon, saluted the Corporation's steam-boat. The steam-boat was also saluted as it passed Cratloe, the residence of the late Augustus Stafford, Esquire, Member of Parliament. The question behind the visit was whether that part of the river Shannon, between the confines of the Liberties and the sea, belongs to the county of the city. The North Liberties lie on the Clare side of the river, at distances from the city varying from 1 to 3 statute miles. The South Liberties extend on the Limerick side, from 4 to 5 statute miles. Whether the river between the Liberties and the sea is part of the county of the city has been questionable, but it is generally considered to be so. Offences committed on that stretch of the river have been tried in the city.

Mayor Hannon's rejoicings for Prince of Wales birth

Limerick · city · Limerick · 1688

On 10 June 1688, the birth of Charles Ignatius James, Prince of Wales, prompted Limerick's Mayor Robert Hannon to celebrate publicly by letting three hogsheads of wine run among the populace.

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On 10th of June the same year, Charles Ignatius James, Prince of Wales, was born ; his godfathers were the Pope's Nuncio and the Queen's brother ; the godmothers were the Queen-Dowager of King Charles II. and the Duchess of Pembroke. He was the first Prince in England who had been baptized by a priest for two hundred years. Upon this account Robert Hannon, Mayor of Limerick, made great rejoicings, and " let three hogsheads of wine run" among the populace.^
In the following year Sir Thomas Southwell and three hundred other Protestants, who fought under King James, were taken prisoners in the County of Galway; and on the 3rd of October Richard White, Robert Woulfe, Pierce Moroney, Doctor Wale, and James England, were made free of the Council of Limerick, Thomas Harold being Mayor.

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 119

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Limerick, there is a story from June 1688. On the 10th of June that year, Charles Ignatius James, Prince of Wales, was born. His godfathers were the Pope's Nuncio and the Queen's brother. His godmothers were the Queen-Dowager of King Charles the Second and the Duchess of Pembroke. He was the first prince in England baptized by a priest in two hundred years. Upon this account, Robert Hannon, Mayor of Limerick, made great rejoicings, and let three hogsheads of wine run among the populace.

Mayor of Limerick Edmond Sexten falls from loosening bridge

near O'Brien's Bridge · town · Clare · 1536

During the breaking of O'Brien's Bridge in 1536, Edmond Sexten, Mayor of Limerick, and about 30 others were standing on the bridge timber when it loosened and they fell, but were not injured.

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In a letter dated from Limerick on the 9th of August, 1536 :' The Council of Ireland write to Cromwell, that Donough O'Brien, O'Brien^s eldest son, who had married the daughter of the Earl of Ossory, told what had been stated in the letter of Stephen Ap. Parry, of his desire to serve the Enghsh and possess Carrigogunnel, and set to the reformation in those quarters — the Deputy put an English ward of soldiers in the castle, and being there they consulted together as to the winning and breaking of O'Brien's Bridge — " wherein we thought the said O'Brene's sonnes ayede and conducte so necessary, as we supposed, that, havynge the same, we shud with the les difficultie achyve our purposes." In order to attain this dignity the council states, that the Castle of Carrigogunnel, "which had been inhabited by the O'Briens for 300 years before," was given by indenture to Donough O'Brien, " to be kept under us during the king's highness pleasure." — " After which conclusion takyn the said castell by tradyment, was takyn again by the persons which had possession thereof before — but we trust shall lytel prevayl them, but that the Deputies conclusion and army, and the promises thereon shall take effect." The letter proceeds to state, that on Friday they marched Avitli aU the army, with demiculverins, and such other ordnance as they had towards the bridge, and by the conduct of the said Donough and his friends, they were brought to it in a secret and unknown way, on this side of the water, A\^here never English used nor carts went before, whereby they achieved the progress with less danger than they could have done on the other side. On Saturday they reached the bridge, and after the army was encamped, the Deputy and gunners made a reconnoissance. On this side was a strong castle, "builded all of hewen marbell," and at the other side a castle, but not of such force, both built within the Avater, but not much distant from the land. At this end the O'Briens had broken four arches of the Bridge at the end next the land. The gunners fired all day at the castle, but with no effect, "for the wal was at lest 12 or 13 fote thick," and both the castles were well warded with the gunners, gallowglas and horsemen, "having made such fortifications of timber and hoggsheades of earthe, as the lyke have not been seen in tliis lande." They had a great piece of iron, "which shot buylees as great in maner as a mannes hede.'^ They had also a ship piece, a " Portingall. piece,'"' "certayne hagbushesses," and hand-guns. The Deputy seeing the ship-piece no avail, ordered that each man should make a faggot a fathom in length, to fill that part of the water between the land and the castle, and desired ladders to be made ; which done, he appointed certain of his own retinue and a company of " Mauster Saynclows'^ to give the assault ; by which they carried the castle, the defenders escaping at the other side ; and having done so they broke down the bridge. [A letter^ of William Body to Cromwell gives the credit of the capture to Ossory.] Two of the army were slain, several were wounded ; while the timber of the bridge was loosing, the Mayor of Limerick, Edmond Sexten, with about 30 others who were standing on it at the time fell, but were not injured. Gray also gives a long account of the above achievements to Cromwell.

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 48

As the companion tells it

In the town of O'Brien's Bridge, in the year 1536, a wooden bridge over the water became the prize in a military campaign. Donough O'Brien, eldest son of O'Brien, had married the daughter of the Earl of Ossory, and he told of his desire to serve the English and to possess Carrigogunnel. The Deputy placed an English ward of soldiers in that castle, which the O'Briens had inhabited for 300 years. The council then set their minds on the winning and breaking of O'Brien's Bridge, believing that with Donough's aid they would achieve their purpose with less difficulty. On a Friday they marched with all the army, with demiculverins and other ordnance, towards the bridge. By the conduct of Donough and his friends they were brought to it in a secret and unknown way, on a side of the water where English had never gone and carts had never travelled. On Saturday they reached the bridge. The O'Briens had broken four arches at the end next the land. The gunners fired all day at a castle built all of hewn marble, but the wall was at least 12 or 13 feet thick. The defenders had a great iron piece that shot bullets as great as a man's head. The Deputy ordered each man to make a faggot a fathom in length to fill the water between the land and the castle, and ladders to be made. A company gave the assault and carried the castle, the defenders escaping at the other side. Two of the army were slain and several wounded. As the timber of the bridge was loosening, Edmond Sexten, Mayor of Limerick, with about 30 others standing on it at the time fell, but were not injured.

Mayor's Chain with Honan's Reform Act medal

Limerick · city · Limerick · 1842

The Mayor's gold chain has forty-three links with a gold ring attached by each Mayor since 1822, recording memorable events. Martin Honan, the first Reform Mayor, attached a gold medal noting the Municipal Reform Act became law in Limerick on Nov. 9th, 1841.

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The Matok's Chain is of gold, with forty-three links, to which a gold ring has been attached by each Mayor, with few exceptions commencing a.d. 1822. On each gold ring is engraved the name of the Mayor on the obverse, and on the reverse, beginning with the Keform Mayors, a legend records some memorable event which occurred during the tenure of office of the chief magistrate. The chain, in consequence, is massive, and weighs 19oz. and 75dwts., including a gold chain of fifty-one links to which the other is hooked. Martin Honan, Esq., the first reform mayoi', attached a gold medal to the chain, with his crest and name, " and Mayor for the years 1842 and 1843", on the obverse; and on the reverse, the City Arms, with legend, " the Municipal Reform Act became law in Limerick, Nov. 9th, 1841".
Town Clekk's and Treasurer's Chains. — These chains were formerly worn by the Sheriffs; they are exactly of the same make and material as the Mayor's chain, with the exception of the rings.

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 413

As the companion tells it

In Limerick, the Mayor's chain is made of gold, with forty-three links. Since 1822, with few exceptions, each Mayor has attached a gold ring to it. On the obverse of each ring is engraved the Mayor's name. On the reverse, beginning with the Reform Mayors, a legend records some memorable event from that chief magistrate's time in office. The chain is massive, weighing 19 ounces and 75 pennyweights, including a second gold chain of fifty-one links to which the first is hooked. Martin Honan, the first Reform Mayor, attached a gold medal to the chain. On the obverse are his crest and name, with the words, "Mayor for the years 1842 and 1843." On the reverse is the City Arms, with a legend reading, "the Municipal Reform Act became law in Limerick, Nov. 9th, 1841." That date marks when reform reached the city's government, and Honan fixed it to the chain for the mayors who came after him to see.

Meyler Bermingham besieges and takes Limerick by force

Limerick · city · Limerick · 1205

Meyler the younger, son of Meyler Bermingham, besieged the city of Limerick and took it by force, causing dissension among the English. Cowley Mac Convey Leyghaghkan, chief of Silronan, was killed in the conflict.

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themselves about the possession of Limerick. Meyler the younger, son of Meyler Bermingham, besieged the city, and at last took it by force ; in consequence of which the English of Meath became dissatisfied; dissensions arose among them. Cowley Mac Convey Leyghaghkan, chief of Silronan, was killed, " with many hurts done among the English themselves.^^' In 1208, Murtagh O'Brien, son of Donell, Lord of Thomond, was taken prisoner by the English at Limerick, in violation of the guarantee of the three Bishops, and by order of his brother Donough Cairbreach,^ This fact is also mentioned in the Annals of Clonmacnoise.a In 1210, William De Burgo having received severe usage from the Connacians, to whom he and his people went to obtain " their wages,'''' returned to Limerick, and Cathal Crovderg assumed the regals way of Connaught.* It was in this year that the King, to supply " defects as far as he was able,'' divided Leinster and Munster, the only parts he had actually in possession, into the counties of Dublin, Kildare, Meath, Uriel, Catherlaigh (Carlow), Kilkenny, Wexford, Waterford, Cork, Limerick, Tipperary and Kerry, and appointed sheriffs and officers of them after the manner of the English.^ An unportant grant Avas made to Edmond, bishop of Limerick at this period, A.D. 1215 — a grant which to our own day has continued to be a subject of interest to every class and party among the citizens, as it is connected with salmon and eel fisheries of the Shannon.^ The succession of mayors and bailiffs continued uninterruptedly, and the city was now formmg into a shape consistent v\dth the ideas of its Enghsh rulers, whose policy it was to have each city and town in Ireland thoroughly English, for nearly all outside the walls contmued abso-

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 36

As the companion tells it

Up ahead is Limerick, the city the road brings you through. In 1205, Meyler the younger, son of Meyler Bermingham, besieged this city and at last took it by force. The consequence was unrest among the English of Meath, who became dissatisfied, and dissensions arose among them. Cowley Mac Convey Leyghaghkan, chief of Silronan, was killed, with, as the old record says, many hurts done among the English themselves. Three years later, in 1208, Murtagh O'Brien, son of Donell, Lord of Thomond, was taken prisoner by the English at Limerick. This was done in violation of the guarantee of the three Bishops, and by order of his own brother Donough Cairbreach. The Annals of Clonmacnoise mention this fact too. In 1210, William De Burgo, having received severe usage from the Connacians, to whom he and his people had gone to obtain their wages, returned to Limerick, and Cathal Crovderg assumed the rule of Connaught. That same year, the King divided Leinster and Munster into counties, including Dublin, Kildare, Meath, Uriel, Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Waterford, Cork, Limerick, Tipperary, and Kerry, and appointed sheriffs and officers over them after the English manner. A grant was later made to Edmond, bishop of Limerick in 1215, connected with the salmon and eel fisheries of the Shannon, a subject of interest among the citizens to this day. The succession of mayors and bailiffs continued, and the city was forming into a shape consistent with the ideas of its English rulers, whose policy was to have each city and town in Ireland thoroughly English.

Michael Pitzsimons executed in Cornmarket, Dublin

Dublin · city · Dublin · 1592

In 1592, eleven priests and Jesuits were taken in Munster and Connaught and sent as prisoners to Dublin. Among them was Michael Pitzsimons, a priest and son of an alderman of Dublin, who was executed in Cornmarket, Dublin.

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1592. Eleven Priests and Jesuits were taken in Munster and Connaught, and sent prisoners to Dublm, where they were prosecuted by one Rally, who swore they encouraged people to take up arms ; among the prisoners was one Michael Pitzsimons, priest, a son to Alderman Pitzsimons of Dublin — he was executed in Corn market, Dublin. ^
1598. Edmund Gam-an, Primate of Armagh, was killed, whilst during the time of battle he was receiving the confession of a wounded man,^

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 68

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Dublin, this city holds the story of Michael Pitzsimons. In 1592, eleven priests and Jesuits were taken in Munster and Connaught and sent as prisoners to Dublin. A man named Rally prosecuted them, swearing they had encouraged people to take up arms. Among the prisoners was Michael Pitzsimons, a priest and son of Alderman Pitzsimons of Dublin. He was executed in Cornmarket, Dublin.

Midnight sortie from Limerick against Bishop of Killaloe

Limerick · city · Limerick

A commander issued from Limerick at midnight to attack the Bishop of Killaloe and his two sons, who narrowly escaped by abandoning their horses and baggage.

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He served at his own cost at the taking of Knockgraffon, Dungarvan, Carrigogunnel, the first and second time ; Ballinconnell Castle in Thomond and Clare, and Clononkenie, in the countic of Lymrick. He toke Donnell O'Bryen's galley, which did much prejudice the King's subjects in the river of Shenan. He sent his men, who slew the rebell called Slico (O'Connor Sligo), which did offend the cittizens much, and threatened to burn Lymerick. He caused Edmond Bourke and his sonne to pay £16 to such of the cittizens as they have robbed thereof. He caused William Fitzjames Geraldine to bestow the prey which he toke from some of the cittizens. His men brought home the cattle which were taken away the night before by some of the rebells. He apprehended one Macloghlen Baukaks sonn, and another rebell, whome he caused to pay £24 for their ransome, which he gave to such of the cittizens as the said Macloghlen's sonn formerly caused to pay him ransome of £10. He with a small companie burned the toune and castle in the Island called Ellanrogane, and faught with many of the rebells there, of whom they killed many, and burnt others, and brought his men with their goods home salfe. He toke a galley and a half galley from Mourough O'Bryan, which he carried by land a myle and a half, and then lanced them to the water, and brought them to Lymricke. He issued at midnight out of Lj'mricke towards the Bishop of Killalowe and his two sonnes, but they narrowly escaped him, quitting their horses and baggage, whereon thej' seized. He burned Kilcordane and Clonemoniayne, in O'Bryen's countric. lie allured James of Desmond to come into the Lord Deputie's camp and laye in his tent and wayte on him to Limerick, and in his progress through Thomond within two miles of Galway, where they tooke leave and came to Lyrarick, and the Lord Deputie .went to Galway. He payed £40 in part payment of 1000 Duckatts, which he proipised to Donough O'Bryan for betraying and delivering up into his hands the rebell Thomas Fitzgerald, leing tlicn with O'Brien in Thomond, as he undertook to doe, but fayled in performancethert'of."

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 52

As the companion tells it

Limerick was a city worth defending, and the man who held it was busy. He served at his own cost at the taking of Knockgraffon, Dungarvan, Carrigogunnel the first and second time, Ballinconnell Castle in Thomond and Clare, and Clononkenie in the county of Limerick. He took Donnell O'Bryen's galley, which did much harm to the King's subjects in the river of Shannon. He sent his men to slay a rebel called Slico, O'Connor Sligo, who threatened to burn Limerick. He made Edmond Bourke and his son pay 16 pounds to citizens they had robbed. He apprehended Macloghlen's son and another rebel, and caused them to pay 24 pounds for their ransom, which he gave to citizens the same Macloghlen's son had previously forced to pay him 10 pounds. He burned the town and castle in the island called Ellanrogane, fought many rebels there, killed many, and brought his men home safe with their goods. He took a galley and a half galley from Mourough O'Bryan, carried them by land a mile and a half, launched them to the water, and brought them to Limerick. Then he issued at midnight out of Limerick towards the Bishop of Killaloe and his two sons. They narrowly escaped him, quitting their horses and baggage, whereon he seized. He burned Kilcordane and Clonemoniayne in O'Bryen's country.

Municipal Reform Act comes into operation in Limerick

Limerick · city · Limerick · 1841–1842

The Municipal Reform Act came into operation in Limerick, ending the functions of the old Corporation and beginning the New and Reformed Corporation. Martin Honan became the first Reform Mayor in 1842.

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1842 Alderman John Cripps was elected Mayor by the old Corporation on the 29th of June ; James Sexton and Amos Vereker were elected Sherifi-s, but were never sworn into office Th^ MunTc pal Reform Act having at length come into operation in Limerick, the functions of the c5d Corporation ceased, and the New and Reformed Corporation began. T^ie Mayors and Sheriffs under the Old System were elected on the 29th of June, sworn into office on the first Monday after Michaelmas day, and continued in office until that day twelve months.
1853 The Limerick Corporation Act, 1853 (16 and 1 7, Vic, c. 73), i;eceived the Royal assent on the 28th of June this year. There was no election of Mayor until the 1st of January iollowing. The Limerick Improvement Act (16 and 17, Vic. c. 1), received the Royal assent on the 15th of August, 1853.

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 413

As the companion tells it

In 1842, Limerick saw its old order of municipal government come to an end. Alderman John Cripps had been elected Mayor by the old Corporation on the 29th of June. James Sexton and Amos Vereker were elected Sheriffs, but they were never sworn into office. The Municipal Reform Act had at length come into operation in Limerick, the functions of the old Corporation ceased, and the New and Reformed Corporation began. Under the old system, Mayors and Sheriffs were elected on the 29th of June, sworn into office on the first Monday after Michaelmas day, and continued in office until that day twelve months. Martin Honan became the first Reform Mayor.

Murder of Francis Fitzgerald of Kilmallock

Kilmallock · town · Limerick · 1862

Francis Fitzgerald, Esq., of Kilmallock was murdered on 6 May. Beckham and Walsh were hung at the Special Commission which opened 16 June, and Dillane also suffered death for the same crime.

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May 6th. — Murder of Francis Fitzgerald, Esq. , of Kilmallock, for which Beckham and Walsh were hung at the Special Commission which opened June 16. Dillane suffered death for the same crime after.vards.
Sept. 11. — Robbery of Castlepark by burglars.

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 301

As the companion tells it

Kilmallock is a town the road passes through. In 1862, on the 6th of May, Francis Fitzgerald, Esq., of Kilmallock was murdered. At the Special Commission which opened on the 16th of June, Beckham and Walsh were hung for the crime. Dillane also suffered death for the same murder.

Murtagh's fleet plunders churches on Lough Ree islands

near Lough Ree · lake or lakes · Westmeath · 1089

In 1089, King Murtagh O'Brien dispatched a fleet up the Shannon to Lough Ree and plundered churches on the islands and along the shores, including those of Innisclothran, Innisboffin, and Innis-aingin, before being intercepted on the retreat.

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King Tiirlough was succeeded by his second son, Murtagh O^Brien, not undeservedly surnamed More, or the Great, as king of Thomond, and nominal king of Ireland, A.D. 1106. Of his two brothers, the eldest had died at Kincora, and the other, Dermott, having been banished into Connaught, Murtagh became the sole, but by no means the undisputed sovereign. The provincial kings joined Dermot, who was subsequently slain in Meath in his brother^s army, A.D. 1103, in a coalition against the king of Thomond, as pretender to the chief sovereignty of Ireland ; and another formidable opponent appeared in the person of Domnal M'Loughlin, chief of the Hy-Niells, who, having enforced homage from the king of Connaught, united that prince's forces to his own, and with the combined army invaded Munster. E-ory O'Connor's West Connaught men had defeated Murtagh's fleet, when attempting to dislodge them from their position on Innishayrcuch (Homed Island) in the Shannon, previously to the junction of the Northern forces with those of Connaught, and Murtagh now found himself unable to retahate with effect until the most terrible devastations had taken place in his dominions. The invaders burned Limerick, devastated the country as -far as Emly, Lough Gur, and Bruree, beseiged and demohshed Kincora, and carried off the head of O'Ruarc from the place of its exposure at Siugland.^ Murtagh, determined to strilce the first blow at the king of Connaught, dispatched a fleet in the following year, 1089, as far as Loughree, on the Shannon, and greatly to his discredit plundered the churches^ on the various islands, and along the shores of the lake, including those of Innisclothran, Innisboffin, and Innis-aingin. The Dalcassian troops were, however, intercepted in their retreat by the king of Connaught, who had occupied Inishapcuch and Kughra ; and being obliged to turn back to Athlone were encountered by Donald O'Melaghhn,* king of Meath, who gave them a safe conduct to Thomond, on condition of lea\dng behind their vessels. With these vessels the kings of Meath and Connaught immediately afterwards descended the Shannon, and once more invaded Thomond.

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 20

As the companion tells it

Lough Ree stretches along the Shannon, and in 1089 it was the target of a king's revenge. Murtagh O'Brien, king of Thomond and nominal king of Ireland, had been under terrible pressure. His brother Dermott had been banished to Connaught and later slain in Meath in 1103, and the provincial kings had united against him. O'Connor's West Connaught men had already defeated Murtagh's fleet at Innishayrcuch, the Horned Island in the Shannon. Then the invaders burned Limerick, devastated the country as far as Emly, Lough Gur, and Bruree, besieged and demolished Kincora, and carried off the head of O'Ruarc from the place of its exposure at Siugland. Determined to strike the first blow at the king of Connaught, Murtagh dispatched a fleet in 1089 as far as Lough Ree, and, as the record says, greatly to his discredit plundered the churches on the various islands and along the shores of the lake, including those of Innisclothran, Innisboffin, and Innis-aingin. The Dalcassian troops were intercepted on their retreat by the king of Connaught, who had occupied Inishapcuch and Kughra. Obliged to turn back to Athlone, they were encountered by Donald O'Melaghlin, king of Meath, who gave them safe conduct to Thomond on condition of leaving behind their vessels. With those vessels the kings of Meath and Connaught immediately afterwards descended the Shannon and once more invaded Thomond.

Na Clouna Tower and walls near St. John's Gate built

Limerick · city · Limerick · 1419

In 1419, Na Clouna Tower and the portion of the town walls facing St. John's Gate and the countryside were built. Prior to this, the city walls were mainly confined to the area called English Town.

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In 1419, Na Clouna Tower, and that portion of the town walls which looks towards St. John's Gate and the country, were built. Previous to this date, the walls were principally confined to that part of the city which is now called the English town. Thomas Arthur, who was Mayor in 1421, obtained a pardon {Patent and Close liolls of Chancery and Select Rolls, 58). A pardon was granted in 1422 to the Corporation, of fines, etc. (;ibid.)
In the charter of Henry VI. to the city, the abominable exclusion of " Irishmen" from all privileges, etc., is expressed.

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 400

As the companion tells it

Coming up through Limerick now. In 1419, Na Clouna Tower was built here, along with the portion of the town walls looking towards St. John's Gate and the open country. Before that date, the walls were mainly confined to the part of the city called English Town. Two years later, in 1421, Thomas Arthur was Mayor, and he obtained a pardon. In 1422, a pardon was granted to the Corporation of fines and other matters. The charter of Henry VI to the city expressed what the record calls the abominable exclusion of Irishmen from all privileges.

Name 'Luimeuach' transferred from Shannon to Limerick city, 861

Limerick · city · Limerick · 861

Up to 861, 'Luimeuach' was the original name of the Lower Shannon. In that year it ceased to denote the river and was applied to the Danish fortress, and the city became known by that name, which it retains to this day.

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Lower Shannon, as appears from the life of St Carbrach of Lismore,' but in the year 861, it ceased to be the name of the river and was usually applied to the Danish fortress already referred to, and the city now became known by the designation which before had been exclusively given to that portion of the river between it and the sea, and by which it is called to this day .2 The Danish occupation was ever a source of intense dissatisfaction and conunotion. Perjietual war was its result ; the invaders, who were everywhere regarded with horror, were no where more detested than in the neighbourhood of the Shannon, of which they endeavoured to monopohse to their exclusive possession. In 884 the Coimaught men attacked and destroyed numbers of Danes. But the day was approaching in which the sacrilegious tyrants were destined to meet a decisive check — in which the Irish by their strong arms were to win for a season protection and tranquilHty. Cashel had long before embraced the Christian faith, had two of its bishops — viz. Olchobar who died in 851, and Cenfelad, who died in 872, who were kings as well as bishops; and their jurisdiction extended to Emly,^ and they were the predecessors of the learned and warlike Cormac, son of CuUenan, who derived from Engusa Nafrach the first son of the king of Cashel who was baptised by St. Patrick.* The aggressions of the Danes of Limerick had everywhere become so intolerable that Cormac resolved to curb their insolence. To reduce the people to order, to queU their intestine dissensions, to show the results of those insane divisions which even in the time of wliich we treat, had rendered them feeble when opposed by a united enemy, was the grand aim of Cormac Mac Cullenan, who during the heat of conflicts and troubles ascended the throne of Cashel, in 901, and wore the mitre of the united sees of Cashel and Emly. His example and influence were all-powerful in the achievement of the grand object on which he had set his princely heart.

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 10

As the companion tells it

The city you pass near takes its name from a river. Up to the year 861, Luimeuach was the name of the Lower Shannon, that stretch of water between the city and the sea. The name appears in the life of St Carbrach of Lismore. But in 861 the name ceased to belong to the river. It was applied instead to the Danish fortress, and the city itself became known by that name, which it keeps to this day. The Danish occupation was a constant source of unrest. The invaders were regarded with horror everywhere, and nowhere more detested than in the neighbourhood of the Shannon, which they tried to monopolise for themselves. Perpetual war was the result. In 884 the Connacht men attacked and destroyed numbers of Danes. But a decisive check was coming, in which the Irish would win for a season protection and tranquillity. Cashel had long embraced the Christian faith. Two of its bishops, Olchobar, who died in 851, and Cenfelad, who died in 872, were kings as well as bishops, and their jurisdiction extended to Emly. They were the predecessors of Cormac, son of Cullenan, who descended from Engusa Nafrach, the first son of the king of Cashel to be baptised by St Patrick. The aggressions of the Danes of Limerick had become so intolerable that Cormac resolved to curb their insolence. His grand aim was to reduce the people to order, to quell their intestine dissensions, to show the results of those insane divisions which had rendered them feeble when opposed by a united enemy. He ascended the throne of Cashel in 901, during the heat of conflicts and troubles, and wore the mitre of the united sees of Cashel and Emly. His example and influence were all-powerful in the achievement of the object on which he had set his princely heart.

New Theatre opened in George's-street

near George's Street · street · Waterford · 1814

On 29 July a new theatre in George's-street, Limerick, was opened. It was intended to open with 'Othello' but was changed to 'The Inconstant' due to absent tragedians. Gallery occupants had complained about the old theatre.

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July 29th. — The new Theatre in George's-street, opened. It was intended to open it with " Othello," but some of the tragedians not coming, the play was changed to the " Inconstant." Complaints of the gallery occupants was made of the old Theatre. Prices in the new : — boxes and lattices, 4s. 2d. — gallery, 3s. 4d. — pit. Is. 8d.
In this month many failures in the different country banks ; credit at a low ebb ; the Limerick banks as yet stand safe, but refuse to discount any paper. So great and general is the demand for Bank of Ireland paper, that people will take nothing else. How changed, in everything since 1797, when the annexed advertisement appeared in the public newspaper, the Limerick Chronicle : —

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 247

As the companion tells it

Somewhere about George's Street, a new theatre opened on July 29th, 1814. They meant to open it with Othello, but some of the tragedians did not come, so the play was changed to The Inconstant. The gallery occupants had made complaints about the old theatre. In the new one, boxes and lattices cost 4s. 2d., the gallery 3s. 4d., and the pit 1s. 8d. That same month, many country banks failed and credit was at a low ebb. The Limerick banks still stood safe but refused to discount any paper. The demand for Bank of Ireland notes was so great that people would take nothing else. How changed everything was since 1797.

O'Brien's Bridge guarded by Williamite troops

near O'Brien's Bridge · town · Clare · 1690

Sarsfield could not venture over O'Brien's Bridge, the old pass between Clare and Tipperary, because it was jealously guarded by William's soldiers prepared to repel any attack. The passage was famed from the time of Henry VIII.

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Sarsfield, thus equipped and accompanied, left Limerick on the night of Sunday, the 10th of August, for Killaloe. His route lay through Harold's Cross, near Blackwater ; a sweet and romantic spot, which to this day is invested with picturesque charms which are universally admired. A fine harvest moon lent Hght to the landscape. He could not venture over O'Brien^s Bridge ; for that old pass between Clare and Tipperary, of which so much has been said in the time of the Eighth Henry, was jealously guarded by the soldiers of William, prepared to meet any attack that might be made upon them. The cavalcade passed through Bridgetown and Ballycorney, the Shannon being all the time on their right. At Ballycorney Bridge a family whose name was Cecil resided — a Protestant family. • The party called on a young man, a son of Cecily's, requiring that he should go with them. Refusal was vain ; and he at once prepared to accompany the squadron, which Avent on till they had reached Killaloe ; and here, passing down by Law^s Fields, at the back of the town, they dashed on with gallant, yet cautious resolution ; and before suspicion could be aroused, the entire party had passed and were at the Tipperary side of the river; having gone uj) beyond the bridge, they crossed the ford between the Pier Head and Ballyvalley. This was one of the only two fords which were on the Shannon, about Killaloe at this period — the other ford was at Clarisford.^ An old road ran to the Keeper mountains through the village of Ballina. The bridge was occupied by Williamite troops who guarded the pass, but never witnessed the masterly movement of Sarsfield, who, it is certain, was well able to force the passage; but this was not his aim. It was his object not to create alarm or awaken suspicion. The party then proceeded across the country between Ballina and Boher,
' Those statements are given from popular tradition.

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 132

As the companion tells it

There is a town called O'Brien's Bridge, and the road passes through it or near it. In 1690, this old crossing between Clare and Tipperary was in the hands of William's soldiers, who were jealously guarding it, prepared to meet any attack that might come. That August, on the night of Sunday the 10th, Sarsfield left Limerick for Killaloe. A fine harvest moon lit the landscape as his cavalcade rode through Harold's Cross near Blackwater. He could not venture over O'Brien's Bridge. The pass had been famed since the time of the Eighth Henry, and now William's men held it firmly. Instead, Sarsfield's party passed through Bridgetown and Ballycorney, the Shannon all the while on their right. At Ballycorney Bridge they stopped at the house of a Protestant family named Cecil. They called on a young man, a son of Cecil's, requiring that he should go with them. Refusal was vain. He prepared at once to accompany the squadron. They rode on to Killaloe. Passing down by Law's Fields, at the back of the town, they dashed on with gallant yet cautious resolution. Before suspicion could be aroused, the entire party had crossed to the Tipperary side of the river. They had gone up beyond the bridge and crossed the ford between the Pier Head and Ballyvalley, one of only two fords on the Shannon about Killaloe at that time. The other was at Clarisford. The Williamite troops on the bridge never witnessed the movement. Sarsfield was well able to force the passage, but that was not his aim. His object was not to create alarm or awaken suspicion. The party then proceeded across the country between Ballina and Boher.

O'Connell Monument committee meeting in Limerick

Limerick · city · Limerick

On November 2nd, a meeting was convened in Limerick to renew efforts for erecting a local monument to Daniel O'Connell, as the national monument in Dublin had not appeared. A subscription list was opened and the committee resolved to retain the O'Connell Fund in the Provincial Bank of Ireland.

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The question of the O'Connell monument again arose during the mayoralty of Dr. Kane ; and there being no appearance of the national monument in Dublin, the propriety of renewed local exertion was mooted to commemorate the fame of the illustrious chieftain in *' the city of the violated treaty". Through the exertions of the Mayor and the Rev. R. J. O'Higgin, O.S.F., a meeting was convened on Wednesday the 2nd of November, when the chair was taken by the Mayor; the Town Clerk, Joseph Murphy, Esq., was requested to act as Secretary. It was proposed by Maurice Lenihan, Esq., seconded by Rev. J. O'Higgin, O.S.F., and unanimously resolved —
" That we hereby agree to retain the O'Connell Fund at present in the Provincial Bank of Ireland for the purpose of erecting a local monument to the memory of the illustrious Liberator".

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 292

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Limerick, there is a piece of the city's story tied to Daniel O'Connell. During the mayoralty of Dr. Kane, the question of an O'Connell monument arose again. The national monument in Dublin had still not appeared, so people here felt renewed local effort was needed to commemorate the Liberator in what the source calls the city of the violated treaty. Through the exertions of the Mayor and the Rev. R. J. O'Higgin, a meeting was convened on Wednesday the 2nd of November. The Mayor took the chair, and the Town Clerk, Joseph Murphy, was asked to act as Secretary. Maurice Lenihan proposed, the Rev. J. O'Higgin seconded, and the meeting unanimously resolved to retain the O'Connell Fund at the Provincial Bank of Ireland for the purpose of erecting a local monument to the memory of the illustrious Liberator.

O'Connell's 1821 letters published in the Limerick Herald

Limerick · city · Limerick · 1821

Daniel O'Connell issued two remarkable letters from Limerick in 1821 concerning his controversy with Mr. Shiel over Mr. Plunket's Bill regarding the Catholic Clergy. The letters appeared in the Limerick Herald, a local journal that had since ceased to exist.

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There was no city in Ireland for which O'Connell had entertained more affection than for Limerick : it was in Limerick, in 1821, that he issued two of his most remarkable letters in reference to the controversy which he then had with Mr. Shell on the subject of Mr. Plunket's Bill in reference to the Catholic Clergy. These letters appeared in a local journal, which has long since ceased to exist. ^ It was in Limerick that he ordered the waiter of the bar mess to take the shoes of Mr. M'^Mahon (afterwards Sir WiUiam M'Mahon, Master of the Rolls,) from the fire-place, where they had been put inside the fender to air by an obsequious barrister, O'Connell stating, in the presence
* The Limerick Herald.

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 274

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Limerick, you are in a city Daniel O'Connell held in particular affection. It was here in 1821 that he issued two of his most remarkable letters, part of his controversy with Mr. Shiel over Mr. Plunket's Bill concerning the Catholic clergy. Those letters appeared in the Limerick Herald, a local journal that has long since ceased to exist. Limerick was also where O'Connell once ordered the waiter of the bar mess to take the shoes of Mr. M'Mahon, later Sir William M'Mahon, Master of the Rolls, from the fireplace, where an obsequious barrister had placed them inside the fender to air.

Old bridge stone commemorating Sidney and Shane O'Neill

Athlone · town · Westmeath · 1568

An old bridge bore a compartmented stone facade surmounted by the Queen's Arms, inscribed to commemorate the bridge's building by Sir Henry Sidney and the beheading of 'arch traytor Shane O'Neill.' The stone was later presented to the Royal Irish Academy by Mr. John Long, C.E., during construction of the new bridge at Athlone.

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* The old bridge, which was surmounted by the ancient " Queen's Arms," had a compartmented stone facade, containing, amongst other inscriptions, one coramemmorating the building of this bridge by Sidney, and the beheading of the " arch tray tor Shane O'Neill," as the sculptor designated the haughty and unbending Shane na Dinis. This stone is now in the R.I. A., to which it was presented by Mr. John Long, C.E., when building the new bridge at Athlone. William Englebert, a famous Engineer, v/ho was born at Sherborne, got from Queen Elizabeth for his services, 1588, a pension of 100 marks per annum. King James would not permit him to serve any foreign prince. He died in 1G34 at Westminster.* It is not improbable that this engineer built, or gave the designs for the bridges on the Shannon at Limerick and Athlone, for Sir Henry Sydney, then Lord Justice of Ireland. The annals give the building of Athlone Bridge under date 1568, as follows: — " The Bridge of Athlone was built by the Lord Justice of Ireland, i.e.. Sir Henry Sydney." Bridges over so large a river were at that time regarded as works of great magnitude, and doubtless the best engineering skill then available was secured to advise on the erection of these bridges across the Shannon.
* Fuller s Wurtliies, Vol. 2, p. 3GG.

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 58

As the companion tells it

As the road takes you through Athlone, the old bridge here once carried a compartmented stone facade surmounted by the Queen's Arms. Among its inscriptions was one commemorating the building of the bridge by Sir Henry Sidney and the beheading of the "arch traytor Shane O'Neill," as the sculptor designated the haughty and unbending Shane na Dinis. The annals record the building of Athlone Bridge under 1568, stating that it was built by the Lord Justice of Ireland, Sir Henry Sidney. Bridges over so large a river were at that time regarded as works of great magnitude, and the best engineering skill then available was secured to advise on the erection of these bridges across the Shannon. The old stone was later presented to the Royal Irish Academy by Mr. John Long, a civil engineer, when the new bridge at Athlone was being built. It is not improbable that a famous engineer, William Englebert, born at Sherborne, built or gave the designs for the bridges on the Shannon at Limerick and Athlone, for Sir Henry Sidney. King James would not permit Englebert to serve any foreign prince.

Owen Grace betrays Loughgur Castle for bribe

Loughgur · townland · Limerick · 1600

James Galdy surprised the Castle of Cahir by treachery, but Owen Grace, Governor of Loughgur Castle, delivered it up for a bribe not exceeding £60.

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brother to the Lord Caliir and with his privity, by the treachery of an Irish sentinel, surprised the Castle of Cahir, but by way of set off, Owen Grace, the Governor of Loughgur Castle, delivered it up for a bribe, " not exceeding i,60." On the 30th of the same month, the President took Ballytarsney Castle, which the ward had deserted, and in which there was a great quantity of corn ; part of his army destroyed Owney ; the whole army then returned to Limerick, and garrisons were placed in Askeaton, Liccadownc, Kilmallock and Limerick.' Before the President departed from Limerick, the Earl of Thomond invited him to the Castle of Bunratty. Captain Gawen Harvie, who had sailed from Cork the day the President marched from that City, anchored in the Shannon, and brought with him, to the comfort of the army, money, munition, provisions and clothing for the soldiers ; a timely relief which prevented the loss of the summer service.^ The next morning, Captain Harvie was directed to go to the quay of Limerick, where after landing his charge, the President ordered him to go down the river with his ship and anchor opposite Glyn Castle, until he and the army had presented themselves before it. Dermot O'Connor, while the Sugan Earl lay in prison, took Ballyalinan, another Castle, belonging to Eory MacSheehy,^ and the president being in Limerick, O'Connor sent John Power, one of the ransoms, to tell him to draw all the forces he could gather to Kilmallock, which he did, and there the Lady Margaret after some days met him, in order that he should receive the sum of £1000 which was promised on the delivery of the prisoner. She told the President that Castleishin was besieged by the rebels, that her delay was occasioned by the dangers that lay in the road. The President proposed to raise the siege ; but before the army had moved a mile, a messenger came and stated that the Earl had been rescued that morning, and that he saw him out of the Castle.*
• Hibernia Pacata.

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 68

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Loughgur stood a castle whose governor sold it. In 1600, James Galdy, brother to the Lord Cahir and with his privity, surprised the Castle of Cahir by the treachery of an Irish sentinel. But by way of set off, Owen Grace, the Governor of Loughgur Castle, delivered it up for a bribe, in the words of the source, "not exceeding £60." On the 30th of the same month, the President took Ballytarsney Castle, which the ward had deserted, and in which there was a great quantity of corn. Part of his army destroyed Owney. The whole army then returned to Limerick, and garrisons were placed in Askeaton, Liccadownc, Kilmallock and Limerick. Before the President departed from Limerick, the Earl of Thomond invited him to the Castle of Bunratty. Captain Gawen Harvie sailed from Cork the day the President marched from that city. He anchored in the Shannon, bringing money, munition, provisions and clothing for the soldiers, a timely relief preventing the loss of the summer service. The next morning, Captain Harvie was directed to the quay of Limerick. After landing his charge, the President ordered him down the river to anchor opposite Glyn Castle. Dermot O'Connor, while the Sugan Earl lay in prison, took Ballyalinan, a castle belonging to Eory MacSheehy. O'Connor sent John Power, one of the ransoms, to tell the President to draw forces to Kilmallock. The Lady Margaret met him there after some days, to pay the £1000 promised on delivery of the prisoner. She said Castleishin was besieged by rebels, and her delay was occasioned by dangers on the road. The President proposed to raise the siege, but before the army had moved a mile, a messenger came and said the Earl had been rescued that morning.

Palatine settlement near Rathkeale

Rathkeale · town · Limerick · 1700

German Protestants known as Palatines were brought to County Limerick by Lord Southwell at the beginning of the eighteenth century and settled chiefly near Rathkeale, with other colonies planted throughout the county. Observers including Arthur Young and Mrs. Hall described them as industrious and independent.

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The Palatines are the descendants of the German Protestants brought over by Lord Southwell in the beginning of the last century, and settled chiefly near Rathkeale ; other colonies were also planted in various places throughovit the county.
Arthur Young, Ferrar, and Mrs. Hall, have given detailed descriptions of these German settlers, whom they describe as an industrious, independent sort of people. They had many curious customs ; such as sleeping between two beds, getting a copy of the Bible to be buried with them, etc. ; besides certain superstitions which are directly traceable to Germany. They used to speak German, but, like the Barony Forth people in Wexford, they have now lost their language.

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 415

As the companion tells it

Rathkeale is where Lord Southwell settled German Protestants at the beginning of the 1700s. These were Palatines, brought over from Germany and placed chiefly in this part of County Limerick, with other colonies planted throughout the county. Arthur Young, Ferrar, and Mrs. Hall all wrote detailed descriptions of them. They called them an industrious, independent sort of people. They had curious customs: sleeping between two beds, and getting a copy of the Bible to be buried with them. They kept superstitions directly traceable to Germany. They used to speak German, but like the Barony Forth people in Wexford, they have now lost their language.

Papal commissioner Scarampi arrives at Confederate Kilkenny

Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny · 1643

Father Peter Francis Scarampi, sent by Pope Urban VIII, arrived in Ireland bearing a papal bull, 30,000 crowns, arms and ammunition. He proceeded directly to Kilkenny, where the confederates were discussing an armistice.

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In this year, while the confederates, now masters of Limerict, Galway, Shgo, and Duncannon, and of all the chief towns of the kingdom, except Dublin and a few sea-ports, were strengthening their resources, and gaining important advantages, a commissioner arrived in Ireland from the Holy See, being sent by Urban YIII. at the instance of the celebrated Father Luke Wadding,^ a native of the city of Waterford, an able statesman, who at this time resided at St. Isidore^s College in Eome. — This was Father Peter Francis Scarampi, a priest of the Oratory, who was the bearer of a pontifical Bull, in which he praised the zeal with which the Irish fought for the independence of their religion. He was also the bearer of 30,000 crowns, collected by Father Luke Wadding from the Barberini, Spada, and other noble families. His Holiness also sent a large quantity of arms and ammunition, and a jubilee, with a plenary indulgence to all who should take up arms in the defence of religion. Scarampi, on his arrival, proceeded directly to Kilkenny, where he found the confederates warmly discussing the question of an armistice ; the Irish of the Pale being anxious to make terms with Ormond, while the old Irish, encouraged by the clergy, were hostile to any
that runs into the Shannon there, is the following inscription, formerly over Mungret Gate :—

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 85

As the companion tells it

In 1643, the confederates were in Kilkenny. They were masters of Limerick, Galway, Sligo, and Duncannon, and of every chief town in the kingdom except Dublin and a few sea-ports. A commissioner arrived from the Holy See, sent by Pope Urban 8 at the urging of Father Luke Wadding, a Waterford-born statesman living at St. Isidore's College in Rome. The commissioner was Father Peter Francis Scarampi, a priest of the Oratory. He carried a papal bull praising the zeal with which the Irish fought for the independence of their religion. He also brought 30,000 crowns, gathered by Father Luke Wadding from the Barberini, the Spada, and other noble Roman families. Along with the money came a large quantity of arms and ammunition, and a jubilee granting plenary indulgence to all who took up arms in defence of religion. Scarampi went directly to the city, where he found the confederates warmly discussing an armistice. The Irish of the Pale were anxious to make terms with Ormond, while the old Irish, encouraged by the clergy, were hostile to any armistice.

Parliament held in Limerick under Queen Mary

Limerick · city · Limerick · 1555–1556

A Parliament was held from November 10th in Limerick, then moved to Drogheda by March 1st of the following year. It enacted statutes punishing heresies and repealing all acts against the Pope made since the 20th year of Henry VIII.

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10th of November to Limerick, and from Limerick, to the 1st of March in the following year, to Drogheda. The statutes of this Parliament enacted that all heresies should be punished, that all acts against the Pope made since 20th Henry 8th, should be repealed, &c. Sullivan (Catholic History, p. 81) gives every credit to Mary for propagating and supporting the old faith ; but he adds that although the Queen was zealous, her ministers did not forbear to injure and abuse the Irish.*
Towards the close of her Majesty's reign, the Lord Deputy, Sussex, arrived to suppress a revolt of some inferior branches of the O'Brien family against their chief. Sussex mustered an army to march into Munster, and 0''Erien another to oppose him ; they, however, made peace ; and on this occasion, Connor O^Brien, the earl and the freeholders of Thomond, after service in the cathedral church of St. Mary, swore fealty to the crown of England : "the Irish, from the Barrow to the Shannon, on the part of O'Brien, and the English of Munster on the part of the -Lord Justice.'^^ Sussex brought over with him five hundred soldiers and an order to coin brass money, and to make it current by proclamation, which was done.^ On the 14th of «rune, he came to Limerick, and advanced afterwards to Thomond. Scattering his foes, he took the castles of Bunratty and Clare, and restored the country to the Earl of Thomond, who, together with the freeholders, swore, on Sunday the 10th of July, on the sacrament, and by all the rehcs in the church — ^book, bell, and candle light, to continue loyal to the Queen and to perform their agreements with the Lord Deputy.* The progress of Sussex was not conjfined to this triumph — the Earl of Desmond made his submission on the 21st of June, and to strengthen the bonds of fealty and friendship, the Deputy, on the 26th, became godfather to the Earl's son, whom he named James Sussex, and gave the child a chain of gold, and gave another chain and pair of gilt spurs to Dermot McCarthy of Muskerry.^ In this year, Turlough O'Brien, son of Turlough, son of Teigh-an-Chomaid,*^ died.

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 57

As the companion tells it

In 1555, a Parliament sat in Limerick under Queen Mary, beginning on the 10th of November. By the 1st of March the following year, it had moved to Drogheda. The statutes it enacted ordained that all heresies should be punished, and that every act made against the Pope since the 20th year of Henry the Eighth should be repealed. Sullivan, in his Catholic History, gives every credit to Mary for propagating and supporting the old faith, but adds that though the Queen was zealous, her ministers did not forbear to injure and abuse the Irish. Towards the close of Mary's reign, the Lord Deputy Sussex arrived to suppress a revolt of inferior branches of the O'Brien family against their chief. Sussex mustered an army to march into Munster, and O'Brien another to oppose him. They made peace. Connor O'Brien, the earl, and the freeholders of Thomond swore fealty to the crown of England after service in the cathedral church of St. Mary. Sussex brought 500 soldiers and an order to coin brass money, made current by proclamation. On the 14th of June he came to Limerick, then advanced to Thomond. He scattered his foes, took the castles of Bunratty and Clare, and restored the country to the Earl of Thomond. The earl and freeholders swore on Sunday the 10th of July, on the sacrament and by all the relics in the church — book, bell, and candle light — to remain loyal to the Queen. The Earl of Desmond submitted on the 21st of June. On the 26th, the Deputy became godfather to the Earl's son, naming him James Sussex, and gave the child a chain of gold. He gave another chain and gilt spurs to Dermot McCarthy of Muskerry. That year, Turlough O'Brien, son of Turlough, son of Teigh-an-Chomaid, died.

Patent for markets and fairs at Rothgogran and Ballymartra

Ballymacward · townland · Galway · 1663

In 1663, Lord Orrery obtained a patent for markets and fairs to be held forever in his two villages of Rothgogran and Ballymartra. He later had both places raised into boroughs returning four Members to the Irish Parliament.

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

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 115

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here, in 1663, a man named Lord Orrery obtained a patent for markets and fairs to be held forever in his two villages of Rothgogran and Ballymartra. He was Roger Boyle, made Earl of Orrery on the 25th of March in the 12th year of Charles the Second. He had been President of Munster in 1660, and the next year, 1664, he would be made Governor of Limerick and constable of the Castle of Limerick. He was famous for his literary works, and the author of a play said to have been one of the best written in the 17th century. But it was his patent for these two villages that shaped this place. After securing the markets and fairs, Lord Orrery had both Rothgogran and Ballymartra raised into boroughs. Each borough returned two Members to the Parliament of Ireland, four between them. He also secured for himself and his heirs the nomination of Recorders, Town Clerks, Clerks of the Markets, and other officers. Later, after the Duke of Ormonde was reappointed Lord Lieutenant, Orrery supplied him with information of a conspiracy among the military to seize the Castle of Dublin. In consequence, magistrates of Limerick and other cities of Munster were commanded to clear their localities of "fanatics" and "needless papists."

Patrick O'Neill executed at Askeaton

Askeaton · townland · Limerick · 1798

Patrick O'Neill, convicted of swearing persons to assist the French upon landing, was sentenced to be hanged and beheaded in his own neighbourhood. He was conveyed to Askeaton where the sentence was carried out.

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Patrick O'Neill, a most active rebel, convicted of swearing several persons to assist the French when they landed, was sentenced to be hanged and beheaded in the neighbourhood from whence he came. He was convej^ed to Askeaton and his sentence there executed.
July 4th._Extract of a letter received from an officer of the City Limerick Militia stationed in EdJenderry : —

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 236

As the companion tells it

Close to Askeaton, Patrick O'Neill was executed in 1798. He was called a most active rebel, convicted of swearing several persons to assist the French when they landed. He was sentenced to be hanged and beheaded in the neighbourhood he came from. He was brought to this place and the sentence carried out.

Pierce Creagh deprived of Adare estate

Adare · townland · Limerick · 1639

Pierce Creagh, Esq. of Adare, M.P. for the city of Limerick in 1639, was deprived of his estate of Adare for having corresponded with the Duke of Ormond. On the restoration he returned from France and obtained by patent the castle, town, and lands of Dangan in County Clare.

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In Sir Bernard Burke's Landed Gentry of Ireland, the Creaghs of Dangan, County Clare, are represented as descended from Pierce Creagh, Esq. of Adare, Mayor of Limerick in IGol, son and heir of Pierce Creagh, Esq. of Adare, M.P. for the city of Limerick in 1G39, and deprived of his estate of Adare for having corresponded with the Duke of Ormond. On the restoration, he returned from France, and obtained by patent, the castle, town, and lands of Dangan, County Clare.
Helenas White, Esq. J. P. of Limerick, possesses a pedigree on illuminated vellum, which shows that Richard White, the first of his family, came from England to Limerick, in A D. 1418, and acquired great honor and reputation. He settled at Ballyneety, so called from his name (Whitestown) in the County of Limerick, says the pedigree, and afterwards acquired the estate of BaUynanty in said count}'. From this Richard White of Ballyneaty descended several families of the name. Richard built the Castle and Church of Ballyneaty, and began the building of the Church of BaUynanty, which after his death was finished by his son and heir, who acquired the estate of Tullybrackey, where he also built a Church. The descendants of Eichard erected stately burying places in the said Churches of Ballyneety or Whitestown, BaUynanty, and Tullybrackey, and in the Cathedral Church of Limerick. Ulster King at Arms, A.D. 171G,

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 77

As the companion tells it

Close to Adare, a man named Pierce Creagh once held land and position. He was Esquire of Adare and member of Parliament for the city of Limerick in 1639. He lost his estate of Adare because he had corresponded with the Duke of Ormond. That was the reason given. The land was taken from him. When the restoration came, he came back from France and obtained by patent the castle, town, and lands of Dangan in County Clare. Sir Bernard Burke's Landed Gentry of Ireland traces the Creaghs of Dangan, County Clare, as descended from this Pierce Creagh. The record names his father also Pierce Creagh, Esquire of Adare, and gives the father as mayor of Limerick. The son, the member of Parliament, is the one deprived of Adare for writing to the Duke of Ormond. He left the country, went to France, and waited. When the king returned, he came back and was granted Dangan instead. Adare itself stayed lost to him.

Pierce Lacy, Lord of Bruff, slain in ambush

Bruff · town · Limerick · 1601

During the Deputy's march towards Armagh, the Irish attacked the English camp but fell into an ambush. Among those slain was Pierce Lacy, Lord of Bruff, described by MacGeoghegan as equally illustrious by his virtue as by his birth, and a zealous defender of Catholicity.

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In order to frustrate the plans of the national party in Munster, who only awaited the arrival of the Spaniards to break out into open hostility, the President appointed an assize to be held at Cork, and, under pretence of trying civil and criminal causes, sent circulars to all the nobility and landholders requesting their attendance, by which means he was enabled to arrest and cast into prison some of the MacCarthys and O'Mahonies whose allegiance he doubted. The Deputy crossed the Blackwater in the beginning of August, and proceeded towards Dungannon, but he was compelled by the badness of the roads, and the frequent skirmishes which he had with O'Neill, to direct his march towards Armagh. Danvers was driven back with loss to the English camp which the Irish attacked a few days after : but they fell into an ambush laid for them by the Deputy, on which occasion several Irish were slain, and amongst the rest Peter or Pierce Lacy, Lord of Bruff,^ " equally illustrious,^' as MacGeoghegan remarks of him, by his virtue as by his birth, and one of the most zealous defenders of catholicity.^
During a session held at Ennis on the feast of St. Bridget in this year, Eeb. 20th, 1601, sixteen persons suffered the penalty of death, after which the Earl of Thomond departed for England, taking with him his younger brother Donald, whom he presented to the Queen. They returned, however, to Ireland shortly after, having been dispatched by the Queen and Council with reinforcements to Mountjoy, who was at that time engaged in the siege of Kinsale. In the meantime the Spaniards had sent dispatches to the north to O'Neill and DonneU, intreating them to march to their assistance, the number of Spanish troops who had landed at Castlehaven not exceeding 700.

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 70

As the companion tells it

The road takes you past Bruff, a town in Limerick tied to a killing in 1601. That year, the national party in Munster waited only for the arrival of the Spaniards to break out into open hostility. To frustrate their plans, the President appointed an assize to be held at Cork, and under pretence of trying civil and criminal causes, sent circulars to all the nobility and landholders requesting their attendance. By this means he arrested and cast into prison some of the MacCarthys and O'Mahonies whose allegiance he doubted. The Deputy crossed the Blackwater in the beginning of August and proceeded towards Dungannon, but the badness of the roads and the frequent skirmishes he had with O'Neill compelled him to direct his march towards Armagh. Danvers was driven back with loss to the English camp, which the Irish attacked a few days after. But they fell into an ambush laid for them by the Deputy. Several Irish were slain, and among the rest Peter or Pierce Lacy, Lord of Bruff. MacGeoghegan remarked of him that he was, in the source's words, "equally illustrious by his virtue as by his birth," and one of the most zealous defenders of catholicity. In the same year, during a session held at Ennis on the feast of St. Bridget, February the 20th, 1601, sixteen persons suffered the penalty of death. After this, the Earl of Thomond departed for England, taking with him his younger brother Donald, whom he presented to the Queen. They returned shortly after, dispatched by the Queen and Council with reinforcements to Mountjoy, who was at that time engaged in the siege of Kinsale. Meanwhile, the Spaniards had sent dispatches to the north, to O'Neill and Donnell, entreating them to march to their assistance, the number of Spanish troops who had landed at Castlehaven not exceeding 700.

Pope's Jubilee opened in Limerick

Limerick · city · Limerick · 1758

Pope Clement XIII proclaimed a universal Jubilee which was opened in Limerick on the 29th of April and continued for one fortnight.

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Pope Clement XIII. proclaimed an universal Jubilee in this year, which was opened in Limerick on the 29th of April, and continued for one fortnight. In this year also, the Eight Hon. George Evans, Lord Baron of Carbery, died at his seat at Caherass, near Croom, county of Limerick. He was the only nobleman at this time who resided in or near the city.'* On the 23rd of June, same year, the 1st battalion of the Eoyal Scots, or 1st regiment of foot, and Lord Porbes^s regiment (the 76th) encamped near the Shannon two miles from Limerick, where immense numbers of persons Avere accustomed to walk each day to see the camp.^
In the year folloAving (1760) Limerick ceased to be a fortified garrison; up to this period there had been seventeen gates to the city, which, commencing at Thomond Gate, and taking the circuit of the walls, may be named thus : —

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 196

As the companion tells it

In 1758, Pope Clement XIII proclaimed a universal Jubilee, which was opened in Limerick on the 29th of April and continued for one fortnight. That same year, the Right Honourable George Evans, Lord Baron of Carbery, died at his seat at Caherass, near Croom. He was the only nobleman at this time who resided in or near the city. On the 23rd of June, the 1st battalion of the Royal Scots, or 1st regiment of foot, and Lord Forbes's regiment, the 76th, encamped near the Shannon two miles from the city, where immense numbers of persons were accustomed to walk each day to see the camp. In the year following, 1760, the city ceased to be a fortified garrison. Up to this period there had been seventeen gates.

Projected Catholic universities for five Irish towns

Limerick · city · Limerick · 1629

Roman Chapter ordinances of the Dominicans proposed erecting five universities in Ireland at Dublin, Limerick, Cashel, Athenry, and Coleraine. Catholic clergy also had the confidence to erect a university in Dublin in the face of the government.

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The proclamation which was in this year issued against the regular clergy, was every where evaded and turned into ridicule. It was read in Drogheda by a drunlcen soldier in such a ridiculous manner, that it created great amusement amongst the inhabitants, and was so despised by the Cathohc clerg}', that they nevertheless exercised full jurisdiction, and not only proceeded to build abbeys and monasteries, but " had the confidence"^ as Cox expresses it, "to erect a university in Dublin, in the face of the government, which it seems thought itself hmited in this matter by instructions from England.'" Concessions and ordinances, which were made in the Eoman Chapter of the Dominicans were issued, appointing, among other important matters, that Five Universities should be erected in Ireland, viz. at Dublin, at Limerick, at Cash el, A.thenry, and Colerain.^
It is by no means indicative of the progress of toleration, to find the same government refusing even a charter to a similar institution at this very day in Dublin, nor, says the same writer, was the beauty of the Protestant church at this time sullied by its avowed enemies only. Things sacred were exposed to sale in a most scandalous manner ; parsonages and episcopal sees were alienated, and the churches were generally out of repair.

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 79

As the companion tells it

You are passing through Limerick, and in 1629 this city was named as one of five places in Ireland where a Catholic university was to be erected. That year, a proclamation was issued against the regular clergy, but it was everywhere evaded and turned into ridicule. In Drogheda it was read by a drunken soldier in such a ridiculous manner that it created great amusement among the inhabitants. The Catholic clergy so despised it that they exercised full jurisdiction, and not only proceeded to build abbeys and monasteries, but, as Cox expresses it, had the confidence to erect a university in Dublin, in the face of the government, which it seems thought itself limited in this matter by instructions from England. The Roman Chapter of the Dominicans issued concessions and ordinances appointing, among other important matters, that five universities should be erected in Ireland, at Dublin, at Limerick, at Cashel, Athenry, and Coleraine. Yet the same writer notes that the same government refused even a charter to a similar institution at this very day in Dublin. Sacred things were exposed to sale in a most scandalous manner. Parsonages and episcopal sees were alienated, and the churches were generally out of repair.

Punitive money levies on Limerick citizens after siege

Limerick · city · Limerick · 1651–1653

After the surrender of Limerick, the Puritan government imposed enormous monthly money levies on citizens for army and government needs. Dr. Arthur's own accounts document repeated payments for cess, fire and candlelight for guards, garrison lodging, fortifications, and other impositions from 1651 through 1653.

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The money levies on the citizens, for the exigencies of the Puritan army and the requirements of the new government after the surrender, were literally enormous. They would be incredible if they were not vouched for by indisputable data.^ Under the new regime the citizens of Limerick had no reason indeed to congratulate themselves.
> Arthur MSS.

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 103

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Limerick, after the surrender in 1651 the Puritan government imposed enormous monthly money levies on the citizens for the army and the new government. Dr. Arthur's own accounts document repeated payments for cess, fire and candlelight for guards, garrison lodging, and fortifications, through 1653. The citizens had no reason to congratulate themselves.

Queen's forces assembled at Rathkeale

Rathkeale · town · Limerick · 1580

When the Spaniards arrived at Smerewick in 1580, the Queen's forces under Grey and Ormonde assembled at Rathkeale before proceeding. Captain Walter Raleigh was later granted the freedom of the city for ambushing Irish who came to plunder the abandoned camp.

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1580. On the arrival of the Spaniards at Smerewick, the Queen's forces under Giey and Ormonde, assembled here.
Captain Walter Raleigh, afterwards Sir Walter, presented with the freedom of the city by the corporation, for his success in surprisino- in ambush a number of the Irish assembled to plunder the camp when the English left it; in return, repaired the castles of Rathkeale (built by Desmond) and Matrix.^

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 435

As the companion tells it

In 1580, when the Spaniards landed at Smerewick, the Queen's forces under Grey and Ormonde assembled in the town of Rathkeale before marching on. Captain Walter Raleigh was granted the freedom of the city by the corporation for surprising in ambush a number of the Irish who came to plunder the camp the English had left. In return, he repaired the castles of Rathkeale, built by Desmond, and Matrix.

Rejoicings in Limerick city over free trade

Limerick · city · Limerick · 1779–1780

On 17 December 1779, the greatest rejoicings known in Limerick for many years took place following Lord North's intimation in Parliament of proposals to grant free trade to Ireland. A subsequent meeting was held at the Tholsel on 17 August 1780 to arrange a review of volunteer corps.

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1 Previously to 1782, (namely, in 1779), therewere two grand reviews at Lough Gur, when most of the regular army had been withdrawn from the kingdom, and though the Govrnment had hitherto looked with a jealous eye on the Irish Volunteers, their worth and strength were now sent down for the city and the county regiments — viz., five hundred for each. It was on the 17 of August, in 1780, that the first meeting was held at the Tholsel, in reference to a contemplated review of the different corps which had been already formed. On the 17th of the previous December the greatest rejoicings that had been known for many years before took place in the city in consequence of the intimation given in Parliament by Lord North, of offering certain propositions to the House for granting free trade to Ireland. At the meeting, which was held at the Tholsel, the chair was taken by John Thomas Waller, Esq., an unparalleled amount of enthusiasm prevailed. Surrounded by thousands of their admiring countrymen, the following corps were reviewed by Lord Kingsborough, Reviewing General, on the 10th of October following : —

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 220

As the companion tells it

As you come through Limerick, this is the city where on the 17th of December 1779 the greatest rejoicings known for many years took place. Lord North had intimated in Parliament that he would offer propositions to the House for granting free trade to Ireland, and the city responded. Previously, in 1779, there had been two grand reviews at Lough Gur, when most of the regular army had been withdrawn from the kingdom. The Government had looked with a jealous eye on the Irish Volunteers, but their worth and strength were now sent down for the city and county regiments, five hundred for each. On the 17th of August 1780, the first meeting was held at the Tholsel, in reference to a contemplated review of the different corps already formed. The chair was taken by John Thomas Waller, Esq. An unparalleled amount of enthusiasm prevailed. Surrounded by thousands of their admiring countrymen, the corps were reviewed by Lord Kingsborough, Reviewing General, on the 10th of October following.

Rev. Nicholas Sheehy's refuge at Appletown, Co. Limerick

Appletown · townland · Limerick

When hunted by the law, Rev. Nicholas Sheehy fled to the residence of his cousin Roger Sheehy at Appletown in county Limerick, where he left a suit of satin crimson vestments fringed with gold that remained in the family's possession.

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' The Rev. Nicholas Sheehy when hunted by the minions of the law, proceeded to the county of Limerick, to the residence of his cousin, Eoger Sheehy, Esq. , of Appletown, where he left a suit of satin crimson vestments fringed with gold. Mr. Roger Sheehy was grandfather of Bryan Keating Sheehy, Esq., J. P. of Garbally, Newcastle, West, who has these vestments yet in his possession, and who values them highly.* These Sheehys descended from the ancient Sheehy family of Ballyallinan, near the river Deel, in the barony of Connelloe, Co. Limerick, whose descendants also were the Sheehys of Drumcolleher and Ballintubber, Co. Limerick. The Rev. Nicholas Sheehy was son of Francis Sheehy, Esq., of Glenahira, near the Cummeragh mountains, Co. Waterford — whose brothers were Roger of Dromculloher, who died without issue ; Bryan of Gardenfield, the father of Roger who lived at Appletown ; and William of Corbally, Co. Cork, who was grandfather of William Sheehy, Esq. of the same place. From the Cummeragh branch descended " Buck" Sheehy, who was executed at Clogheen, in 1772, and who was father of Colonel Sheehy, a distinguished officer of the French Service, who became aide-de-camp to Wolfe Tone, and also father of Mrs. Power, wife of Michael Power, Esq., J. P. of Clonmel, who had two daughters, Margaret and Ellen, both very beautiful ; the first became Countess of Blessington, and the other the wife the Rt. Hon. Charles Manners Sutton, afterwards Lord Canterbury. The gifted Countess was fond of tracing her descent from the Earls of Desmond maternally through the Shehys. 3 Amyas Griffith's Tracts.
* Mr. John Creagh, re-erected in Broad-street, in the Irishtown, the ancient buildings which in 1G40 had been built by his ancestor Pierce Creagh, and which had been known in tho last century as the Bear Inn. These houses were seventy feet in front, and were considered the oldest in the Irishtown. On a chimney-piece in these buildings was this inscription : —

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 200

As the companion tells it

When the law was hunting him, Reverend Nicholas Sheehy came close to Appletown, to the home of his cousin, Roger Sheehy. He left behind a suit of crimson satin vestments fringed with gold. The vestments stayed in the family. Roger Sheehy was grandfather of Bryan Keating Sheehy, a justice of the peace at Garbally, Newcastle West, who still had them and valued them highly. These Sheehys descended from the ancient family of Ballyallinan, near the river Deel, in the barony of Connelloe in County Limerick. Their descendants also included the Sheehys of Drumcolleher and Ballintubber in the same county. Reverend Nicholas Sheehy was son of Francis Sheehy of Glenahira, near the Cummeragh mountains in County Waterford. Francis's brothers were Roger of Dromculloher, who died without issue; Bryan of Gardenfield, father of the Roger who lived at Appletown; and William of Corbally in County Cork, grandfather of William Sheehy of the same place. From the Cummeragh branch came Buck Sheehy, executed at Clogheen in 1772. He was father of Colonel Sheehy, a distinguished officer in the French Service who became aide-de-camp to Wolfe Tone, and also father of Mrs. Power, wife of Michael Power, a justice of the peace of Clonmel. She had two daughters, Margaret and Ellen, both noted for their beauty. Margaret became Countess of Blessington, and Ellen married the Right Honourable Charles Manners Sutton, afterwards Lord Canterbury. The gifted Countess was fond of tracing her descent from the Earls of Desmond through the Sheehys.

Riding of the bounds on King's Island by Corporation and guilds

King's Island · townland · Limerick

On the 12th of a jubilee celebration, the Corporation and trade guilds staged their most imposing procession yet, riding the bounds or franchises of the city and county of the city. The rendezvous was on King's Island.

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regatta; on the 15th an oratorio in St. Mary^s Cathedral; in the evening a grand ball at the Assembly Rooms, at which the ladies appeared in Irish manufacture ; on the 16th a concert of vocal and instrumental music; and between these displays, viz., on the 12th, the most imposing display that had hitherto been made by the Corporation and the guilds of trade, was that which took place on the riding of the bounds, or franchises — the rendezvous was on the King's Island, from which they went all over the city and county of the city. This memorable jubilee originated with Colonel Thomas Smyth, whose corps, the Limerck Union, took also, a prominent part in the procession. This corps, in the year after, with their president. Colonel Smyth, and the Friendly Knot, with their president, John Prendergast Smyth, met at the Assembly Eooms, and entered into resolutions to form the Loyal Limerick Volunteers, of which Mr. Thomas Smyth was unanimously chosen colonel. In a month afterwards they assembled in their becoming uniform of red, faced with white, at a grand civic ceremony commemorating 'the accession of the Hanoverian dynasty ; and on the 7th of August in the next year, they were presented by the Government with 500 stand of arms ; and to the county of Limerick a present of arms to the same amount was given at the same time. The times were stirring. A "new spuit had begun to operate in the midst of the people. The new town of Limerick was now assuming a shape, notwithstanding the absurd sneer of Eichard Twiss, so ludicrously punished by the wits of Cork. Men of enterprise had already begun to take ground and to build ; one was Mr. Patrick Arthur, merchant,' who built a Quay, which soon became the most fashionable part of the city, (" Arthur's Quay" is now, 1865, occupied only

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 205

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to King's Island, the Corporation and the guilds of trade gathered for a ride around the bounds, or franchises, of the city and county of the city. This was the 12th of a jubilee celebration, and it was called the most imposing display they had hitherto made. They set out from King's Island and went all over the city and its county. The jubilee was the idea of Colonel Thomas Smyth. His corps, the Limerick Union, took a prominent part in the procession. A year later, that corps, with Colonel Smyth as president, and another group called the Friendly Knot, with their president John Prendergast Smyth, met at the Assembly Rooms. There they resolved to form the Loyal Limerick Volunteers. Thomas Smyth was unanimously chosen colonel. A month afterwards they assembled in uniform, red faced with white, at a grand civic ceremony commemorating the accession of the Hanoverian dynasty. On the 7th of August the next year, the Government presented them with 500 stand of arms. The county of Limerick received the same amount at the same time. The times were stirring. A new spirit had begun to operate among the people. The new town of Limerick was taking shape. Richard Twiss had sneered at it absurdly, and the wits of Cork punished him ludicrously. Men of enterprise had begun to take ground and build. Patrick Arthur, a merchant, built a quay that became the most fashionable part of the city. Arthur's Quay, by 1865, was occupied only by ruins.

Riots in Limerick including Orange riots of 1710

Limerick · city · Limerick · 1710–1771

Limerick experienced multiple outbreaks of civil disorder over the eighteenth century, including Orange riots in 1710 and further riots in 1748 and 1771, each referenced to detailed page accounts elsewhere in the book.

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Riots in Limerick, 167 ; Orange, in 1710, 310 to 314 ;
in 1748, 341 ; in 1771, 365. Rivers of Limerick, 710. Roads, new ones made (1757), 347. Robbers in Cork (1801), 401. Robert of Dundonald, bishop, notice of, 567. Ro«he, constable of castle (1216), 51 ; family of, 146, 323, 346, 348, 399 ; Sir Boyle and recr\iits (1775), 365; Colonel, notice of, 427 ; Lady, notice of, 439 ; votes in Parliament, 48S. Roche's Bank (1815), 445, 488 ; gardens, 365 ; John,

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 457

As the companion tells it

Limerick was no stranger to disorder through the eighteenth century. Orange riots broke out here in 1710. There were further riots in 1748 and again in 1771.

Royal Castle of Limerick entrusted to Nicholas Arthur

Limerick · city · Limerick

As a mark of royal favour from King Henry VI, the Royal Castle of Limerick was committed to the custody of Nicholas Arthur during a period of uncertainty. Arthur discharged this trust fully, being conspicuous in war-cloak, sword, shield, and gleaming helm.

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more acquire. The celebrated firmness of your renowned race, and the probity of your character, and the integrity of your heart, had restored thee, who, wast dear to King Henry, surnamed the 6th, to his paternal uncles and princes, to whom you had presented gifts suitable to his rank, fair tokens of your grateful mind, falcons, and large dogs fit for hunting, and black marble, sculptured with a team of leopards — now Spanish steeds ambling with equal steps, now pearls, which " Eleaunius " had produced. Hence the Royal Castle of Limerick was committed to thj' faith — a great trust at a doubtful time, which thou didst discharge, conspicuous with warcloak, sword, shield and gleaming helm. The honour of the Mayoralty presently sought thee, and tlie purple worn through unnumbered years, boasts of clothing thee. Catherine Skyddy of Cork found thee a match, and at the same time added immense wealth. Her parents endowed her with all their manors, houses and wealth. Thee too she blesses with a numerous progeny.
[Thomas Arthur, above referred to, made his will on the 18th of March, 1426. Johanna Moryagh, was heiress of David Moryagh, senator of Cork, who survived him as widow, at least twelve years, dying about the year 1439.]

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 206

As the companion tells it

Limerick carries an old story of trust and favour. In a doubtful time, the Royal Castle of Limerick was committed to the custody of Nicholas Arthur, a mark of favour from King Henry the 6th. Arthur had presented gifts to the king's paternal uncles and princes, fair tokens of a grateful mind: falcons, and large dogs fit for hunting, and black marble sculptured with a team of leopards, now Spanish steeds ambling with equal steps, now pearls. For this the castle was placed in his faith, a great trust at a doubtful time, which he discharged, conspicuous with war-cloak, sword, shield, and gleaming helm. The honour of the Mayoralty presently sought him, and the purple worn through unnumbered years boasts of clothing him. Catherine Skyddy of Cork found him a match, and at the same time added immense wealth. Her parents endowed her with all their manors, houses, and wealth. She blessed him with a numerous progeny.

Russell mills and famine relief supply

Limerick · city · Limerick · 1845–1858

During the famine years, the Russell mills provided breadstuffs to an enormous and unprecedented extent for neighbouring unions dependent on instant supplies to prevent famine inside workhouses. By 1858, guardians contemplated seeking treasury advances to pay for the supplies provided.

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

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 265

As the companion tells it

Limerick is a city shaped in part by its mills. Along the Abbey River, the large mills at Corbally stood just above the last regulating weir on the Shannon. Plassy Mills lay farther up the river, and Garryowen Mills was a large steam concern. There were also extensive mills at Askeaton, several miles below the city, one of which was driven by steam. These were the concerns of Messrs. Russell, and they gave large employment to the people and contributed to the commerce of the port through imports of grain and coals and exports of flour. The advantage to the community was felt most during the disastrous years of the famine. The Russells were enabled to provide breadstuffs to an enormous and unprecedented extent for the consumption of the neighbouring unions, which were then dependent on almost instant supplies to prevent famine taking possession inside the workhouses. At one period, in 1858, it was in contemplation by the guardians to apply for advances from the imperial treasury, in anticipation of the poor rates, to pay for the supplies their funds were unable to meet. The firm regularly engaged about 2,000 people across their enterprises. The founder, John Norris Russell, died in 1859 at a ripe old age, having seen his sons carry into operation the enterprises he had originated with them.

Scandinavian foundation of Limerick

Limerick · city · Limerick

The building of Limerick is generally attributed to the second coming of the Scandinavians, who chose the best parts of the island and fortified them as centres of commercial and military enterprise. Limerick commanded a noble river crowded with fish, giving it an admitted superiority over Dublin and Waterford in some respects.

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The City of Limerick, the principal part of wHch is bmlt on an island on tlie South side of the Shannon, is situated in 52° 40' north latitude, and 8" 35' west longitude, at the interior extremity of the estuary of the river Shannon, between the counties of Limerick and Clare, and 129 miles W.S.W. from Dublin. It is a maritime coimty of a city, occupying an area of 6 Of square miles, or 38,863 acres, and contained a population of 53,448 in 1851, and of 44,476 in 1861. It is connected by Railway with DubHn, Cork, Waterford, Ennis, Nenagh, Roscrea, and all the intermediate towns, and a line of steamers, the property of the Limerick and London Steam Shipping Company, plies between it andLondon and Glasgow, &c. AtSpring tides vessels of 600 tons burden can moor at its quays ; whilst large docks, which were opened in 1853 by Lord St. Germans, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, add to the accommodation for vessels of heavy burden; and from the advantage and beauty of its situation, and the extent of navigation which it commands, it must have been regarded from the earliest times as a port of great importance, although situated so high up the river, and although its navigation is still partially obstructed. The site may have been selected as the first part of the Shannon fordable above its mouth ; considering its many advantages, it is not surprising that in distant ages it attracted the attention of those adventurous strangers, who, coming from the rugged coasts and islands of the Baltic, found here what they never met in their various wanderings, a good climate, a rich soil, and peculiar facihties for carrying on their commercial enterprises.^ Though known to the annalists, as we shall presently have occasion to remark, long before the Danish invasion of Ireland, the building of the city is generally referred to the same time and cause as the foundation of Dublin and Waterford, the time being after the second coming of the Scandinavians, who on this latter occasion chose the best parts of the island, which they fortified in such a way as the exigencies of the times and the circumstances of the locali-

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 8

As the companion tells it

The road is bringing you into Limerick, a city built on an island on the south side of the Shannon, at the interior extremity of the river's estuary, between the counties of Limerick and Clare, 129 miles west-southwest from Dublin. The building of the city is generally referred to the time of the second coming of the Scandinavians, the same time and cause as the foundation of Dublin and Waterford. Those adventurous strangers came from the rugged coasts and islands of the Baltic, and here they found what they never met in their various wanderings: a good climate, a rich soil, and peculiar facilities for carrying on their commercial enterprises. On this second occasion they chose the best parts of the island, which they fortified as the exigencies of the times and the circumstances of the locality demanded. The site may have been selected as the first part of the Shannon fordable above its mouth. The river was crowded with fish, which gave Limerick an admitted superiority over Dublin and Waterford in some respects. From the advantage and beauty of its situation, and the extent of navigation which it commanded, it must have been regarded from the earliest times as a port of great importance, though situated so high up the river. At spring tides, vessels of 600 tons burden could moor at its quays. Large docks were opened in 1853 by Lord St. Germans, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, adding accommodation for vessels of heavy burden. In 1851 the population was 53,448, and in 1861 it was 44,476.

Schonberg at Carrickfergus

near Carrickfergus · town · Antrim · 1689–1690

Schonberg garrisoned Carrickfergus, burned its suburbs, and later returned to accept the garrison's surrender during the Williamite campaign in Ireland.

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in giving a detail of the voyage, tlie first object wliicli Storey states struck his vision was the Mourne moimtainsj in Down, on which he remarks a famous monastery was placed on the top of one of the very highest of them in times of old ; and that, throughout his History, he appears to dwell with a pleasureable interest on the antiquities of a country to which he and his friends came to exterminate the ancient race which had fostered and protected monasteries and churches, until the oppressor and devastator arrived with sword and fire. Schonberg garrisoned Carrickfergus, burned the suburbs, marched to Belfast, again to Carrickfergus, where the garrison surrendered, back to Belfast, Avhere he returned unopened a letter sent to him by the Duke of Berwick, because it was not directed to the "Duke"' Schonberg. Newry was next burned, — the people ran in terror from their homes, which they left a prey in the hands of the spoiler. ^ They then marched to Dundalk, where they encamped, and where, wandering abroad, some of them met their death at the hands of certain Eapparees, who were numerous in the neighbourhood.^ King Jameses army, 20,000 strong, lay in Drogheda at this time, where they were within a short distance of their enemy, and where they supplied themselves with a sufficiency of forage and corn. The army (Jameses) subsequently encamped at the bridge of Slane, whilst William^s began their entrenchments, and Major-General KirFs fierce battalion greatly misnomered, "Lambs/' was ordered to march on Monday, the 16th, into the trenches.

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 121

As the companion tells it

The town of Carrickfergus in Antrim saw Schonberg in the Williamite campaign of 1689. He garrisoned the town and burned its suburbs, then marched to Belfast. He came back to Carrickfergus, and there the garrison surrendered. He returned to Belfast, where a letter arrived from the Duke of Berwick. Schonberg sent it back unopened, because it was not directed to the Duke Schonberg. The campaign moved on. Newry was burned next. The people ran in terror from their homes, leaving them a prey in the hands of the spoiler. The army marched to Dundalk and encamped there. Some men wandering abroad met their death at the hands of Rapparees, who were numerous in the neighbourhood. King James's army, 20,000 strong, lay in Drogheda at this time, within a short distance of their enemy, and supplied themselves with forage and corn. James's army subsequently encamped at the bridge of Slane, whilst William's began their entrenchments. Major-General Kirke's fierce battalion, greatly misnomered as the Lambs, was ordered to march on Monday the 16th into the trenches. A writer named Storey noted the Mourne mountains in Down as the first object that struck his vision on the voyage, and remarked that a famous monastery once stood on the top of one of the very highest of them in times of old.

Sellers of Croom, cast-steel specialist for hooks

Croom · town · Limerick

Sellers of Croom was justly prized for his skill in preparing the cast steel used in making the famous Limerick fishing hooks. The steel was heated in a turf fire to a precise temperature before being beaten out.

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in his day. He was succeeded by his son John, who died without issue ; and though the " Shaughnessy" hooks have been sold until very recently, there has been no person of the name in the manufacture of them since the death of Mr. Robert O'Shaughnessy of George's Street, wlio employed hook- makers, and who continued to selL the " Shaughnessy" hooks. William Selles, or Lascelles, succeeded the second of the O'Shaughncssys in the manufacture, and was an adept Michael Selles of Quay Lane, his son, succeeded William, and is now (18G5) hving, and is the last of the manufacturers of these celebrated articles; he is poor though industrious The material of which these hooks are made is cast-steel, which is given out to nailers in the country, who heat the steel in a tuif fire to a certain peculiar- temperature, taking great care that it must not be over-heated. It is then beaten out by the nailer, and in that condition it is brought to the hook-maker. Sellers of Croom was justly prized for his success in preparing the cast steel. The hook maker then did his part. He formed the hook out of the splid, gave it the symmetrical form while the steel continued soft, and then tempered it, producing an axticlo unrivalled. English manufacture of a bad imitation has nearly extinguished the make; hut whilst Michael Selles of Quay Lane lives, the disciple of Isaac Walton can obtain a fu-st class salmon hook for 2d. and a trout hook for a lesser sum.
' See pp. 367-8, in which, in the account given of Nicholas Arthur, it will be seen that he freighted a ship from Limerick in 1428, with cloth, furs, etc., as a present to King Henry. Irish clotli was so valued in these times, and before then, that we find in a MS. in the British Museum the prosecution of a man for stealmg a piece of Irish cloth at Winchester, England, temp. Henry III. Conviction and hanging, duel or ''wager of battle" inconsequence. — Ex. Kol. Mad.

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 306

As the companion tells it

A man called Sellers of Croom, a town this road passes through or near, was justly prized for his success in preparing the cast steel used in the celebrated Limerick fishing hooks. The hooks themselves carried the Shaughnessy name before they carried any other. Robert O'Shaughnessy of George's Street employed hookmakers and continued to sell the Shaughnessy hooks. John, son of the original maker, died without issue, and no person of that name has worked the trade since. William Selles, also called Lascelles, succeeded the second of the O'Shaughnessys in the manufacture. His son Michael Selles of Quay Lane succeeded him, and is the last of the manufacturers of these celebrated articles, poor though industrious. The steel was cast-steel, given out to nailers in the country. They heated it in a turf fire to a certain peculiar temperature, taking great care that it must not be over-heated. It was then beaten out by the nailer and brought to the hook-maker. The hook maker formed the hook from the splid, gave it a symmetrical form while the steel remained soft, and then tempered it, producing an article unrivalled. English manufacture of a bad imitation has nearly extinguished the make, but whilst Michael Selles of Quay Lane lives, the disciple of Isaac Walton can obtain a first-class salmon hook for 2 pence, and a trout hook for a lesser sum.

Seventeen gates of Limerick reduced to one by 1787

Limerick · city · Limerick · 1760–1787

In 1760, seventeen gates of Limerick were still standing, but by 1787 only the Watergate of King John's Castle remained. John's Gate, nearly opposite the site of the Black Battery, was the most celebrated.

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The names of the gates of Limerick sufficiently indicate their position. John's Gate, nearly opposite the site of the Black Battery, is the most celebrated. The position of the West Watergate was near the bakery still called after it, in a yard belonging to which stations in honour of St. Gubbinet are said to have been performed round a well, which is at present shut up. This saint, who was very beautiful, is said to have prayed that she might become deformed in order to prevent temptation ; when she is traditionally recorded to have been attacked by the small pox, traces of which are still marked on her image, of which a small stone bust still remains. Some person blackened it lately with tar. In the year 1760 there were 17 gates still standing; but in 1787 only the Watergate of King John's Castle remained. The names of these we gave in a former chapter.

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 446

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Limerick, you are moving through a city that once had many gates. John's Gate, nearly opposite the site of the Black Battery, was the most celebrated of them all. The West Watergate stood near a bakery still called after it, in a yard where stations in honour of St. Gubbinet are said to have been performed round a well, which is at present shut up. This saint, who was very beautiful, is said to have prayed that she might become deformed in order to prevent temptation. She is traditionally recorded to have been attacked by the small pox, traces of which are still marked on her image, of which a small stone bust still remains. Some person blackened it lately with tar. In the year 1760 there were 17 gates still standing. By 1787 only the Watergate of King John's Castle remained.

Sheriff John Halpin deposed for refusing oath of supremacy

Limerick · city · Limerick · 1672

John Halpin, chosen Sheriff of Limerick, continued in office 27 days but was deposed because he would not take the oath of supremacy. He disputed the point before the Lord Lieutenant in Dublin but was obliged to yield.

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

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 116

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Limerick, this city holds the story of a sheriff who lost his office over an oath. In 1671, a proclamation was made here restoring banished merchants to their ancient freedoms in all corporations in Ireland. The following year, John Bouria, Mayor of Limerick, gathered all the boys of the city and brought them two days with him to show them the city bounds and point out the extent of the county of the city. Also in 1672, John Halpin was chosen Sheriff of Limerick. He continued in office 27 days, but because he would not take the oath of supremacy he was deposed. He disputed the point in Dublin before the Lord Lieutenant, but to no purpose. He was obliged to yield and lay down his office.

Sir Drury Wray married Anna Casey of Rathcannon

Rathcannon · townland · Limerick

Sir Drury Wray married Anna, daughter and heir of Thomas Casey of Rathcannon, by Bridget his wife, one of the daughters and co-heirs of Sir John Dowdall.

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Sir Drury married Anna, daughter and heir of Thomas Casey, of Rathcannon, by Bridget, his wife, one of the daughters and co-heirs of Sir John Dowdall. He was attainted for adherence to King James II. ; his family, however, saved the Limerick estates. His sons, Sir Christopher and Sir Cecil died without issue ; his daughter, Diana, married Archdeacon Twigge, and had issue Jane, ancestor of the Pery, Monsell, and De Vere families, a woman of much courage and talent ; her sons were, Edmond, Viscount Pery, and William, Bishop of Limerick, Lord Glentworth.
The second daughter of Archdeacon Twigge was Anne, married to Colonel Thomas Maunsell, of Thorpe Malsor, and of Cloverville. Her representative is the Rev. George Maunsell, of Thorpe Malor.

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 461

As the companion tells it

Near here, Sir Drury Wray married Anna, daughter and heir of Thomas Casey of Rathcannon. Her mother was Bridget, one of the daughters and co-heirs of Sir John Dowdall. Sir Drury was attainted for adherence to King James II, but his family saved the Limerick estates. His sons Sir Christopher and Sir Cecil died without issue. His daughter Diana married Archdeacon Twigge and had issue Jane, ancestor of the Pery, Monsell, and De Vere families. She was a woman of much courage and talent. Her sons were Edmond, Viscount Pery, and William, Bishop of Limerick, Lord Glentworth. The second daughter of Archdeacon Twigge was Anne, married to Colonel Thomas Maunsell of Thorpe Malsor and Cloverville. Her representative is George Maunsell.

Sir W. Drury musters forces at Kilmallock, 1579

Kilmallock · town · Limerick · 1579

Sir W. Drury came to Kilmallock in 1579 with 900 men to oppose Sir John of Desmond and his Spanish and Irish forces, summoning the nobility of Munster to his standard, but died soon after his defeat at Gortna-Tobrid.

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1579. Sir W. Drury, coming here with 900 men to oppose Sir John ot Desmond, with his Spanish and Irish forces, summons the nobility of Munster to repair to his standard, but dies soon after his defeat at Gortna-Tobrid.
1582. The events of this period are related in the previous history. Part of the garrison attacked Gerald, the sixteenth Earl of Desmond, and nearly captured him.

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 432

As the companion tells it

Kilmallock, a town the road passes through. In 1579 Sir W. Drury came here with 900 men to oppose Sir John of Desmond and his Spanish and Irish forces. He summoned the nobility of Munster to his standard, but died soon after his defeat at Gortna-Tobrid. In 1582, part of the garrison attacked Gerald, the sixteenth Earl of Desmond, and nearly captured him.

Sir William Sarsfield knighted at Christ Church, Dublin

Dublin · city · Dublin · 1566

In recognition of his service in routing O'Neil at Drogheda and rescuing Lady Sidney, Sir William Sarsfield was knighted by Lord Deputy Sidney in Christ Church, Dublin upon Sidney's return to Ireland.

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" John O'Neil came to surprise Drogheda with a strong party, whereupon the Lady Sidney sent to Dublin, and the said Sir William with all speed marched with a select party of horse and foot towards Drogheda, fought and routed John O'Neil and all his adherents, and by that means rescued the Lady Sidney from the danger she was likely to undergo ; for which service the Lord Sidney, on his return to Ireland, knighted him in Christ Church, Dublin.
" This Sir Will-am married Margaret, daughter to Andrew Terrill of Athboy, and by her had John, Patrick, r.nd two daughters.

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 154

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Dublin, Christ Church here is where Sir William Sarsfield was knighted in 1566. The story goes back to Drogheda, where John O'Neil came to surprise the town with a strong party. Lady Sidney sent word to Dublin, and Sarsfield marched at speed with a select party of horse and foot. He fought and routed John O'Neil and all his adherents, and so rescued Lady Sidney from the danger she faced. For that service, Lord Deputy Sidney, on his return to Ireland, knighted him in Christ Church. Sarsfield later married Margaret, daughter of Andrew Terrill of Athboy, and had by her John, Patrick, and two daughters.

Sir William Sarsfield served as Mayor of Dublin

Dublin · city · Dublin · 1566

Sir William Sarsfield was chosen Mayor of Dublin in 1566, the same year Sir Henry Sidney was Lord Lieutenant of Ireland and the ninth year of Queen Elizabeth's reign.

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" Sir William chosen Mayor of Dublin anno 1566, and in the same year Sir Henry Sidney being Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, and Knight of tlie Most Noble Order of the Garter, in the Ninth Year of Queen Elizabeth ; he being in England and his Lady in Drogheda.
" John O'Neil came to surprise Drogheda with a strong party, whereupon the Lady Sidney sent to Dublin, and the said Sir William with all speed marched with a select party of horse and foot towards Drogheda, fought and routed John O'Neil and all his adherents, and by that means rescued the Lady Sidney from the danger she was likely to undergo ; for which service the Lord Sidney, on his return to Ireland, knighted him in Christ Church, Dublin.

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 154

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Dublin, this city holds a story from 1566. Sir William Sarsfield was chosen Mayor of Dublin that year, the ninth year of Queen Elizabeth's reign, when Sir Henry Sidney was Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. Sidney was in England, and his wife was in Drogheda. John O'Neil came to surprise Drogheda with a strong party. Lady Sidney sent to Dublin, and Sarsfield marched with all speed, taking a select party of horse and foot towards Drogheda. He fought and routed John O'Neil and all his adherents, and by that means rescued Lady Sidney from the danger she faced. For this service, Lord Sidney, on his return to Ireland, knighted Sarsfield in Christ Church, Dublin.

Soiree for Young Ireland leaders ends in arson at Thomas Street

Thomas Street · street · Limerick · 1848

A soiree honouring Smith O'Brien, John Mitchel, and Thomas Francis Meagher at a store in Thomas Street, Limerick, ended dangerously when fire was set to the windows and shutters, endangering those inside.

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This was an era of revolution abroad and of unexampled excitement at home. The Corporation voted an address to the French people " on their victorious achievement of liberty". The unhappy events which occurred in Ireland in 1848 are written on a sad page of her chequered history, and can only be referred to in the language of unavailing indignation and grief. The grand national organization was broken up. Thousands of troops filled the country. The people continued to fall beneath famine and cholera, and the workhouses were crowded beyond endurance. Never yet was there a more gloomy crisis in the fortunes of Ireland. A soiree, which was given to Mr. Smith O'Brien, Mr. John Mitchell, Mr. Thomas Francis Meagher, etc., at a store in Thomas Street, ended in a disagreeable manner, fire having been set to the windows and shutters, and the lives of those within placed in jeopardy.' In the autumn of this year the trial of the State Prisoners, viz., Mr. Smith O'Brien, MP., Thomas F. Meagher, Mr. T. B. Mac Manus, and Mr. O'Donoghue, took place in Clonmel before the Lord Chief Justice Blackburne, the Chief Justice of the Common Pleas (Doherty), and Mr. Justice Moore, when those '" who loved their country not wisely but too well", were sentenced to the death of traitors, a sentence which was commuted to transportation for life, from which only one of them returned, viz., Mr. Smith O'Brien.
In the beginning of the year a Special Commission sat in Limerick, when several prisoners were tried, including William Ryan (commonly called Ryan Puck), who was hanged in front of the county Limerick jail on the 7th of February, for the murder of John Kelly at Knocksentry in the previous September. Other prisoners were sentenced to transportation, among whom was William Frewen, who was transported for life for harbouring Ryan Puck. The Lord Chief Justice and the Lord Chief Baron presided. Sir David Roche was High Sheriff of the county.'

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 291

As the companion tells it

A store on Thomas Street in Limerick. In 1848, Ireland stood at what the book calls a gloomy crisis in her fortunes. The grand national organization was broken up. Thousands of troops filled the country. The people continued to fall beneath famine and cholera, and the workhouses were crowded beyond endurance. It was an era of revolution abroad and unexampled excitement at home. The Corporation of Limerick voted an address to the French people, in the book's words, "on their victorious achievement of liberty." That year, a soiree was given to Mr. Smith O'Brien, Mr. John Mitchel, and Mr. Thomas Francis Meagher at a store in Thomas Street. It ended badly. Fire was set to the windows and shutters, and the lives of those within were placed in jeopardy. In the autumn, the State Prisoners were tried in Clonmel. Smith O'Brien, Thomas F. Meagher, Mr. T. B. MacManus, and Mr. O'Donoghue stood before the Lord Chief Justice Blackburne, the Chief Justice of the Common Pleas Doherty, and Mr. Justice Moore. They were sentenced to the death of traitors. That sentence was commuted to transportation for life. Only one of them returned: Smith O'Brien. Earlier that year, a Special Commission sat in Limerick. Several prisoners were tried, including William Ryan, commonly called Ryan Puck, who was hanged in front of the county Limerick jail on the 7th of February for the murder of John Kelly at Knocksentry the previous September. Others were sentenced to transportation, among them William Frewen, transported for life for harbouring Ryan Puck.

St. John's Cathedral architectural description and construction

Limerick · city · Limerick · 1854

The half-finished parish church was upgraded to become the Cathedral of the Diocese of Limerick, requiring changes in height and decoration. The style is thirteenth-century architecture using local limestone. The interior features a rood beam with life-size carved figures by Belgian sculptor Phyffers and a high altar of red Limerick marble.

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The plans for the new church were made and the work commenced, and the building was about half finished when it began to attract much attention beyond the parish and those immediately interested in it, and it was determined to extend the scheme, and make the new church the Cathedral of the Diocese of Limerick. This decision rendered some alteration necessary in the arrangements of the building, not so much in the plan, which had been devised to meet the requirements of a very large congregation, but in the height and decoration of the building ; as the plain structure designed merely for a parish church was scarcely suitable in character for a cathedral. It was unfortunate that this decision had not been sooner arrived at, as the work was too far advanced to alter the extreme simplicity of character already given to the exterior, and which could not well be altered without too extensive changes in what was already executed, and cost was still a very importaiit consideration. The result, however, is a certain poverty of appearance in the exterior, vmaccountable perhaps to those who have not heard the early history of the building we have here given. The style of the building is the architecture of the thirteenth century, for which the hard material furnished by the limestone quarries of the neighbourhood is perhaps better adapted than any other.
The church consists of a nave 97 feet long by 30 feet wide, separated by piers and five arches from aisles, which are 1 9 feet wide. Transepts extend beyond the nave, and these are the same width as the nave, and their extreme length from north to south is 116 feet. The chancel is 30 feet wide, and 43 feet deep from the end of the transepts. Opening eastwards from the transepts are four chapels, two on the north and two on the south side; these are 19 feet wide. The total length of the building internally is 168 feet. The height of the nave and transepts to the apex of the roof is 80 feet; the height of the aisles is 52 feet.

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 390

As the companion tells it

Coming up through Limerick, you pass near St. John's Cathedral. The story of this building begins with plans for a new parish church. Work had commenced and the building was about half finished when it began to attract attention far beyond the parish. It was then determined to extend the scheme and make the new church the Cathedral of the Diocese of Limerick. That decision required changes, not so much in the plan, which had been devised for a very large congregation, but in the height and decoration. The plain structure designed for a parish church was scarcely suitable in character for a cathedral. It was unfortunate the decision had not been made sooner. The work was too far advanced to alter the simplicity already given to the exterior, and cost was still a very important consideration. The result is a certain poverty of appearance outside, perhaps unaccountable to those who have not heard the early history. The style is thirteenth-century architecture, for which the hard limestone from the quarries of the neighbourhood is perhaps better adapted than any other. The church consists of a nave 97 feet long by 30 feet wide, separated by piers and five arches from aisles 19 feet wide. Transepts extend beyond the nave at the same width, their extreme length from north to south 116 feet. The chancel is 30 feet wide and 43 feet deep from the end of the transepts. Four chapels open eastwards from the transepts, two on the north and two on the south, each 19 feet wide. The total internal length is 168 feet. The nave and transepts rise 80 feet to the apex of the roof, the aisles 52 feet.

St. John's Cathedral project begun 1854 by Dr. Ryan

Limerick · city · Limerick · 1854

In 1854, Dr. Ryan determined to take down the old Parish Chapel of St. John's, which was too small and little better in appearance than a barn. The parish was principally inhabited by the poorest class, so the original plan was for a plain substantial edifice at the smallest possible cost.

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St. John's Cathedral. — In the year 1854, the late Right Rev. Dr. Ryan determined to take down the old Parish Chapel of St. John's, not only on account of its being far too small for the wants of the large congregation and the extensive parish, but also because it was so unfit for a place of divine Avorship, being little better in appearance than a barn. The late Rev. William Bourke was administrator of the parish at the time, and gave the project every assistance. When the project of erecting a new church was first mooted, the intention was, that it should be only a plain substantial edifice, sufficiently spacious to contain the congregation, but of the simplest character and without ornament — one of the conditions most imperatively insisted upon being, tliat it should cost the smallest possible sum ; and those who know that the parish is principally inliabited by the poorest class will appreciate the prudence of the projector in not embarking upon a building of extravagant character, when his own

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 389

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Limerick, you are near St. John's Cathedral. The story begins in 1854, when Dr. Ryan decided to take down the old Parish Chapel of St. John's. It was far too small for the large congregation and the extensive parish, and it was so unfit for a place of worship that it was, in the words of the source, little better in appearance than a barn. The Reverend William Bourke was administrator of the parish at the time and gave the project every assistance. When the idea of a new church was first raised, the intention was that it should be only a plain substantial edifice, spacious enough to contain the congregation but of the simplest character and without ornament. One condition was most imperatively insisted upon, that it should cost the smallest possible sum. The parish was principally inhabited by the poorest class, and those who knew that appreciated the prudence of the projector in not embarking upon a building of extravagant character.

St. John's Church built 1843 on siege battleground

Limerick · city · Limerick · 1843

St. John's Church, built in 1843 of cut limestone in Anglo-Norman design, stands in the square opposite the remains of the old black battery on ground memorable as one of the busiest battle-grounds of the last sieges. It features stained glass memorial windows to the Pery, Russell, Maunsell, and Corneille families.

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St. John's Church stands in the square' opposite the remains of the old black battery, on the ground which will be ever memorable as one of the busiest battle-grounds of the last of the sieges. It is a very neat, compact, and substantial building of cut lime stone, Anglo-Norman in design, built in 1843, and forming an imposing feature of the scene, notwithstanding the superior attractiveness of the new Catholic cathedral of St. John's, which stands in close proximity. Over the organ loft is a handsome wheel window with richly stained glass in the centre, in which are the armorial bearings of the liussells. There are also stained glass memorial windows to the memory of deceased members of the Pery family, the Russells, Maunsells, and Corneilles. The old church of St. John, before its renovation, was an ancient edifice, comprising a nave, with a north and south aisle, extending the whole length of the building. It had been repaired by a grant of ±-185 19s. od. from the Ecclesiastical Commissioners. St. John's is a vicarage and in the gift of the Earl of Limerick. The cemetery, which, judging from the quantity of human bones occasionally dug up in the square around it, must have been originally of greater extent, is surrounded by a wall which bears an inscription, informing us that it was repaired not by John Foorde, Mayor, as Fitzgerald, copying the blunder of Ferrar states, but by the parishioners at at their own expense.
The following is the inscription: —

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 394

As the companion tells it

As you come through Limerick, St. John's Church stands in the square opposite the remains of the old black battery, on ground that was one of the busiest battle-grounds of the last sieges. It is a neat, compact building of cut limestone, Anglo-Norman in design, built in 1843, and forms an imposing feature of the scene, though the new Catholic cathedral of St. John's stands in close proximity. Over the organ loft is a wheel window with richly stained glass in the centre, bearing the armorial bearings of the Russells. There are also stained glass memorial windows to deceased members of the Pery family, the Russells, the Maunsells, and the Corneilles. The old church of St. John, before its renovation, was an ancient edifice comprising a nave with a north and south aisle extending the whole length of the building. It had been repaired by a grant from the Ecclesiastical Commissioners. St. John's is a vicarage, in the gift of the Earl of Limerick. The cemetery surrounding it must have been originally of greater extent, judging from the quantity of human bones occasionally dug up in the square. A wall around it bears an inscription stating it was repaired by the parishioners at their own expense, not by John Foorde, Mayor, as Fitzgerald, copying the blunder of Ferrar, states.

St. Mary's Catholic chapel built on Little Island

near Little Island · townland · Cork · 1749

A second Catholic chapel was built in 1749 in the parish of St. Mary, outside the city walls on the Little Island, measuring ninety feet by twenty-four feet six inches. Dean Creagh had served as parish priest for several years without a house of worship.

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at a time when there were little or no means among the oppositionists to give expression to their indignation. The liberal Protestants, however, persevered ; and we shall shortly see the extent and character of their opposition, and the success with which it was attended. Amid tlie strife and din of this civic war, in which the Catholics, who had hoped for little social or political advantage, were increasing in numbers and wealth, serious riots had occurred in 1748, arising out of the sadly miserable condition of the humbler classes,' but their effect was transitory, and the succeeding year, a second Catholic chapel was built in the parish of St. Mary, where Dean Creagh had been parish priest for several years, but where he had had no house of worship. This chapel of St. Mary was accordingly built outside the walls, on the Little Island, and was ninety feet in length, by twenty-four feet six inches in breadth. '-^ In the next year a dreadful storm caused the river to rise to an unexampled height, and the water was two feet over the flooring of the chapel. Four vessels on this occasion were driven up on the quay, and cattle, corn, hay, &c., were swept ofl^ through the country by the torrent. In this year was born Jolm Fitzgibbou, one of the most remarkable men of his time, and one of the bitterest enemies of his country.
In 1750, chiefly through the piety and munificence of Eichard Harold, Esq. of Pennywell, a chapel was built in St. Patrick's Parish, on Park Hill, above Pennywell. On this hill the Wilhamites had a battery duriug the last sieges. The chapel having become ruinous, a site on his property was offered free, by Mr. HarokVs son (Eichard Harold also), on which to raise another, but a more convenient place on the lands of Monamuckey,^ nearer to the city, and on a line with the then new road to Dubhn, was chosen in preference, where it was built.

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 193

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Little Island, a second Catholic chapel was built in 1749 in the parish of St. Mary. Dean Creagh had served as parish priest there for several years, but he had had no house of worship. The chapel of St. Mary was built outside the walls, and measured ninety feet in length by twenty-four feet six inches in breadth. This came at a time when there were little or no means among the oppositionists to give expression to their indignation. The liberal Protestants persevered, and their opposition met with success. The year before, in 1748, serious riots had occurred, arising out of the miserable condition of the humbler classes. Their effect was transitory. The Catholics, who had hoped for little social or political advantage, were increasing in numbers and wealth amid the strife and din of a civic war. In the year after the chapel was built, a dreadful storm caused the river to rise to an unexampled height. The water stood two feet over the flooring of the chapel. Four vessels were driven up on the quay, and cattle, corn, and hay were swept through the country by the torrent. In that same year John Fitzgibbon was born, described as one of the most remarkable men of his time and one of the bitterest enemies of his country.

St. Mary's Church built on O'Brien palace site

Limerick · city · Limerick · 1172–1207

St. Mary's Church in Limerick was built on the site of the palace of the O'Briens, with the first stone laid in 1172 by Donald O'Brien. It was largely endowed and consolidated by his son, Donagh Carbragh O'Brien, and internally arranged by Bishop Donat O'Brien.

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DoNAT O'Brien, a.d. 1207, who descended from the royal stock, was the next Bishop after Brictius. He was a prelate in high repute for learning, wisdom, and liberality, in which he was more illustrious even than in birth. He stood high in favour with king John, when that unprincipled monarch had begun to learn to respect the rights of the Church, and to restore those possessions which he had at first unscrupulously alienated from their legitimate owners. Donat internally arranged St. Mary's Church, which was built on the site of the palace of the O'Briens, the first stone being laid in 1172 by Donald O'Brien, and which was largely endowed by his son, Donagh Carbragh O'Brien, who consolidated the work. St. JMary's
' The following is the profession of obedience as given in Usher's Syllorje, pp. 92, 93: — " I, Patrick, being elected to the government of the Church of Limerick, and being now, by the grace of God, about to be consecrated bishop by you, Reverend Father, Theobald, Archbishop of the Holy Church of Canterbury, and Primate of all Britain, do promise, in all things, to pay ray boundon subjection to you, and to all your successors, canonically succeeding you". This profession may be seen in the ancient book in the Cotton Library, wliich formerly belonged to the Church of Canterbury. Ware did not know how long Patrick sat in this see.

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 317

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Limerick, St. Mary's Church stands on the site of the palace of the O'Briens. The first stone was laid in 1172 by Donald O'Brien, and the church was largely endowed by his son, Donagh Carbragh O'Brien, who consolidated the work. The church was internally arranged by Bishop Donat O'Brien, who took the see in 1207. Donat descended from the royal stock and was the next bishop after Brictius. He was a prelate in high repute for learning, wisdom, and liberality, in which he was more illustrious even than in birth. He stood high in favour with King John, when that unprincipled monarch had begun to learn to respect the rights of the Church and to restore those possessions which he had at first unscrupulously alienated from their legitimate owners. The church carries the memory of the O'Brien palace and three members of that family who shaped it over decades, from the first stone in 1172 to the internal arrangement completed under Donat.

St Patrick's angel vision at Singland; holy well and altar

Singland · townland · Limerick · 434

St Patrick is said to have seen a vision of an angel at Singland (Sois Angel) near Limerick. The holy well, stony bed, and altar of St Patrick are still extant at Singland, and tradition speaks of his having preached there.

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St. Patrick, on his way to Connaught, passed the Shannon at Limerick ; and it was in the vicmity of the city, in Singland (Sois Angel) the Saint is said to have seen the vision of the angel. The holy well and stony bed and altar of St. Patrick are to this day existing in Singland. IVadition speaks of his having preached here. He appomted first Bishop of Limerick Samt Manchin, " a rehgious man, having a complete knowledge of the Scriptures, and placed him over the subjects of Amailgaid, King of Connaught, then lately converted to the Christian faith. The mountain of Knock Patrick, in the western barony of Connoloe, county of Limerick, the base of which is washed by the Shannon, whose course for sixty miles may be traced from its summit, is the place from which tradition alleges our Apostle to have blessed Connaught.' We thus catch a glimpse, through the dimness and obscurity of distant time, of the halo which encircled the name and character of Limerick. We thus perceive the close acquaintance which its inhabitants made with Christianity, when Europe for the greater part was shrouded in the darkness of Pagan superstition. Were we in search of fm-ther evidences of the early Christian devotion of the people of the district, it is supplied by abundant facts. In the fifth century St. Sinan founded the monastery of Canons Eegulars of St. Augustine at the island of Inniscathy, on the Shannon. In the sixth century St. Ita, an ilhistrious native of the county, "w hose festival is celebrated on the 14th of January, founded at Cluain Credhail (Kileedy), a nunnery of Canonesses Regular of St. Augustine. St. Eden founded CJlum Claidech in the same century, and St. Mochelloch, Kilmaliock, in the seventh century — these two last mentioned were for Canons Regular of St. Augustine.^
' A beautiful sonnet from tbe pen of the late Sir Aubrey tie Vere, Bart, of Curragh Chase, embodies the tradition in lanfjuage of fire and beaiity. — Lamenlntion of Ireland nnd other Poems.

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 9

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Singland, St Patrick is said to have seen a vision of an angel. He was on his way to Connaught, and had passed the Shannon at Limerick. The place itself carries the memory in its old name, Sois Angel. The holy well, the stony bed, and the altar of St Patrick are said to be still to be found here, and tradition speaks of his having preached at this spot. The year given is 434. After the vision, Patrick appointed the first Bishop of Limerick, St Manchin, described as a religious man with a complete knowledge of the Scriptures. Manchin was placed over the subjects of Amailgaid, King of Connaught, who had been lately converted to the Christian faith. The mountain of Knock Patrick, in the western barony of Connoloe, county Limerick, stands at the base of the Shannon. From its summit, the course of the river may be traced for sixty miles. Tradition says it was from there that Patrick blessed Connaught. The material sees in all of this a glimpse, through what it calls the dimness and obscurity of distant time, of the early spread of Christianity in this district, while much of Europe remained, in its words, shrouded in the darkness of Pagan superstition. The same record notes further foundations in the centuries that followed. In the fifth century, St Sinan founded a monastery of Canons Regular of St Augustine on the island of Inniscathy, on the Shannon. In the sixth century, St Ita, whose festival is celebrated on the 14th of January, founded a nunnery at Cluain Credhail, now Kileedy. St Eden founded Clum Claidech in the same century, and St Mochelloch founded Kilmallock in the seventh century.

Teige O'Brien buried at monastery of Ennis (1523)

Ennis · town · Clare · 1523

After Teige O'Brien was killed at the ford of Camus, his dead body was carried by his soldiers to the monastery of Ennis, where several of his race had found a resting place.

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In the year 1523 this Teige O'Brien was killed at the battle of the ford of Camus.^ while attacking Piers Eoe, Earl of Ormond, who was then at war Avith the neighbouring dynast O'CarroU ; and his dead body was carried by his soldiers to the monastery of Ennis, where several of his race have found a resting place.
In 1528 Torlogh Donn, the father of this prince died after a reign of 29 years. He is highly lauded by the Pour Masters for " maintaining war against the EngHsh." He must have been regarded as a person of considerable consequence, for his name is included in a treaty entered into Avith the Earl of Desmond by Francis I. of Prance, to divert the attention of Henry VIII. of England, who was then leagued with the Emperor Charles

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 45

As the companion tells it

Ennis was the burial place of Teige O'Brien in 1523. He was killed at the battle of the ford of Camus while attacking Piers Roe, Earl of Ormond, who was then at war with the neighbouring dynast O'Carroll. His soldiers carried his dead body to the monastery of Ennis, where several of his race had already found a resting place.

Thanksgiving at Limerick for Benburb victory

Limerick · city · Limerick

Upon news of the signal Confederate victory at Benburb, the Council and Papal Nuncio at Limerick rendered solemn thanks to God. The Pope himself attended a Te Deum at Santa Maria Major in Rome for the Catholic success in Ireland.

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2 Among those killed at Benburb was Lord Blany ; Lord Montgomery who commanded the horse, was made prisoner ; in his pocket was found a note of the lists of the army on their way to Kilkenny, where they expected to be in twelve days march. Besides the general joy which so signal a victorj' was to all the confederates, and the solemn thanks which were rendered to God for it by the Council and Nuncio at Limerick, the Pope, as soon as he had heard of it, went in person to Santa Maria Major at Eome, to be present at the Te Deum he caused to be sung for the good success of the Catholics in Ireland. — BilUruj's Fragmenium Ilistoricwn.
3 In a letter to the Father General of the Jesuits, at Eome, the Nuncio complains that the Fathers of the Society in Ireland were the causes of all the commotions against him, and that they raised disobedience to his interdicts. He states, however, that the Eector of the Order in Limerick refused to obey Father Molone, the Superior in Ireland who conducted the intrigues against him. He adds that in Kilkenny, bj' his (the Nuncio's) influence, the Jesuit Fathers obtained the Abbatial Church of St. John, and in Waterford the Church of St. Peter.

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 89

As the companion tells it

As the road takes you through Limerick, this city carries a chapter of the Benburb story. When news of that signal Confederate victory arrived, the Council and the Papal Nuncio rendered solemn thanks to God. Lord Blany was killed, and Lord Montgomery, who commanded the horse, was taken prisoner. In his pocket they found a note of the army lists, bound for Kilkenny, where they expected to be in twelve days' march. The joy was general among the Confederates. The news travelled to Rome. The Pope himself, as soon as he heard of it, went in person to Santa Maria Major, to be present at the Te Deum he caused to be sung for the good success of the Catholics in Ireland. The Nuncio wrote to the Father General of the Jesuits in Rome, complaining that the Fathers of the Society in Ireland were the causes of all the commotions against him, and raised disobedience to his interdicts. He named Father Molone as the Superior in Ireland who conducted the intrigues against him. Yet the Rector of the Order in this city refused to obey Molone. By the Nuncio's influence, the Jesuit Fathers obtained the Abbatial Church of St. John in Kilkenny, and the Church of St. Peter in Waterford.

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

The stories, best first

Limerick City Militia raised and embodied, 1793

Limerick Corporation reform bill thrown out in England

Limerick glove manufacture by the Lyons family

Limerick Mayor's loyalty address to George I, 1715

Limerick working class wretchedness petitioned to Parliament

Lord Viscount Dillon's fatal fall and monument in Limerick

Maurice Bagott of Baggotstown excepted from Ireton's pardon, 1651

Mayor exercises Admiralty rights at Scattery Island

Mayor Hannon's rejoicings for Prince of Wales birth

Mayor of Limerick Edmond Sexten falls from loosening bridge

Mayor's Chain with Honan's Reform Act medal

Meyler Bermingham besieges and takes Limerick by force

Michael Pitzsimons executed in Cornmarket, Dublin

Midnight sortie from Limerick against Bishop of Killaloe

Municipal Reform Act comes into operation in Limerick

Murder of Francis Fitzgerald of Kilmallock

Murtagh's fleet plunders churches on Lough Ree islands

Na Clouna Tower and walls near St. John's Gate built

Name 'Luimeuach' transferred from Shannon to Limerick city, 861

New Theatre opened in George's-street

O'Brien's Bridge guarded by Williamite troops

O'Connell Monument committee meeting in Limerick

O'Connell's 1821 letters published in the Limerick Herald

Old bridge stone commemorating Sidney and Shane O'Neill

Owen Grace betrays Loughgur Castle for bribe

Palatine settlement near Rathkeale

Papal commissioner Scarampi arrives at Confederate Kilkenny

Parliament held in Limerick under Queen Mary

Patent for markets and fairs at Rothgogran and Ballymartra

Patrick O'Neill executed at Askeaton

Pierce Creagh deprived of Adare estate

Pierce Lacy, Lord of Bruff, slain in ambush

Pope's Jubilee opened in Limerick

Projected Catholic universities for five Irish towns

Punitive money levies on Limerick citizens after siege

Queen's forces assembled at Rathkeale

Rejoicings in Limerick city over free trade

Rev. Nicholas Sheehy's refuge at Appletown, Co. Limerick

Riding of the bounds on King's Island by Corporation and guilds

Riots in Limerick including Orange riots of 1710

Royal Castle of Limerick entrusted to Nicholas Arthur

Russell mills and famine relief supply

Scandinavian foundation of Limerick

Schonberg at Carrickfergus

Sellers of Croom, cast-steel specialist for hooks

Seventeen gates of Limerick reduced to one by 1787

Sheriff John Halpin deposed for refusing oath of supremacy

Sir Drury Wray married Anna Casey of Rathcannon

Sir W. Drury musters forces at Kilmallock, 1579

Sir William Sarsfield knighted at Christ Church, Dublin

Sir William Sarsfield served as Mayor of Dublin

Soiree for Young Ireland leaders ends in arson at Thomas Street

St. John's Cathedral architectural description and construction

St. John's Cathedral project begun 1854 by Dr. Ryan

St. John's Church built 1843 on siege battleground

St. Mary's Catholic chapel built on Little Island

St. Mary's Church built on O'Brien palace site

St Patrick's angel vision at Singland; holy well and altar

Teige O'Brien buried at monastery of Ennis (1523)

Thanksgiving at Limerick for Benburb victory