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

Each story keeps the passage it was read from. Open one to read the passage as the book has it, and, where the companion has written its own telling, that too.

1. Tower of Limerick blown up by powder explosion

   Limerick · city · Limerick · 1693

   On 12 February 1693, an old tower in Limerick containing 218 barrels of gunpowder fell, striking the powder and causing a massive explosion that greatly shattered the town, killing about 100 people. Some attempted to attribute the accident to a Popish plot.

   Read the passage

   An accident by which the Tower of Limerick was blown up and destroyed in 1693, February 12, is thus mentioned by Ware :— " The tower of Limerick (being old) fell suddenly, in which were 218 barrels of powder, which by the striking of the stones, took fire and blew up ; it greatly shattered the town, killmg about 100 persons besides the wounded.'' It was intended to make a Popish plot of the accident.^

   In 1694 there was a most severe frost, the ice was nine feet thick on the river Shannon, and the people walked over it with pleasure. In 1696 street lamps were, for tbe first time erected, at the sole expense of Alderman Thomas Eose. Rose was mayor in 1695— Eichard Sexton and George Eoche were sheriffs.^ " On the 7th of September, 1695,'^ says White,^ "there feU a shower which most people took to be bntter, and on the 20th of October there fell at Newcastle, about Limerick, and in many parts of the country, a shower of perfect butter, so that none could doubt of it, and the like was not heard of before in this country.''

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 165

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Limerick, there is a story from the twelfth of February 1693. An old tower stood in the town, and inside it were 218 barrels of gunpowder. The tower, being old, fell suddenly. The stones struck the powder, which took fire and blew up. The explosion greatly shattered the town, killing about 100 persons, besides the wounded. Afterward, some sought to make a Popish plot of the accident, though it was no plot at all, only an old tower that gave way. Ware recorded it, and his words tell the whole of it. The next year, 1694, brought a severe frost. The ice was nine feet thick on the river Shannon, and the people walked over it with pleasure. In 1696, street lamps were erected for the first time, at the sole expense of Alderman Thomas Rose. Rose was mayor in 1695. Richard Sexton and George Roche were sheriffs. On the seventh of September 1695, a shower fell which most people took to be butter, and on the twentieth of October, at Newcastle near Limerick, a shower of perfect butter fell over many parts of the country, so that none could doubt of it.

2. Tradesmen's tokens issued in Limerick

   Limerick · city · Limerick · 1658–1679

   From Cromwell's time up to 1679, tradesmen's tokens were issued in Limerick due to the absence of sterling coin. In 1673 the Corporation ordered farthings stamped in 1658 to pass current at 20s. for 18s., then reissued them at par on 23 October 1673. Few of these coins survive.

   Read the passage

   In Cromwell^s time and subsequently, up to 1679, trademen^s tokens were issued in Limerick. At first they were permitted to circulate owing to the absence of sterling coin. In reference to these coins, I find that at a meeting of the Corporation, held in 1673,^ it was ordered that the Corporation farthings, stamped in 1658, should pass current in the City and Liberties, at the rate of 20s. for 18s. There are not many of these coins now in existence.^ On the 23rd of October, 1673, these farthings were called in by the Corporation and reissued at par.

   So strong was the impression made in France, and throughout Europe generally, by the unspeakable injustices which were flagrantly perpetrated against the too confiding Catholics of Ireland, by Charles IL, and his advisers Lord Clarendon and the Duke of Ormond, that His Most Christian Majesty, the King of France, addressed a remonstrance to Charles IL on the subject, in which he reminded him of the way in which he (the King of France) had treated the Huguenots, whom he himself had treated with perfect impartiality when their claims were brought before him, taking occasion at the same time to acquaint Charles with the feelings, which prevailed universally on the subject of the persecution of the Irish people on account of their religion.'

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 113

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Limerick, this city holds a small piece of monetary history from the 1600s. From Cromwell's time and right up to 1679, tradesmen's tokens were issued here in Limerick. They were allowed to circulate at first because there was no sterling coin to be had. In 1673, the Corporation held a meeting and ordered that the Corporation farthings, which had been stamped in 1658, should pass current in the City and Liberties at the rate of 20 shillings for 18 shillings. Then on the 23rd of October 1673, those same farthings were called in by the Corporation and reissued at par. Not many of these coins survive today. They are a trace of a time when this city had to make its own small money because the official coin of the realm simply was not there. Few of the people who handled them in the streets of Limerick would have imagined how rare they would become.

3. Tradition of Baal's Bridge founding at Singland

   Singland · townland · Limerick

   Tradition holds that Baal's Bridge was originally built in distant antiquity by one Baal, whom St. Patrick converted to Christianity while at Singland. The bridge appears in old maps and legislative enactments under various names.

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   written in Latin Pons Calvus. It is also -written Baal's Bridge. It was known in the fourteenth century,' and is quartered, as already stated, on tiie Galway arms, in reference to the battle that was fought on it in 1361, in which John of Galway was the victor. It is mentioned in the Bibernia Focata as the Ye Bridge, and in old maps printed in Loyden in the seventeenth century, as the Tiiye Bridge, it was a quaint old structnre — a sort of old London Bridge in miniature — with its old-fashioned hruses on both sides, its shops, &c. Tradition speaks of it as having been originally built, in far distant time, by one Baal, whom St. Patrick converte i to Christiani'y when at Singland. It has been frequently the subject of legislative enactment, and in the Acts of Parliament it is called Baal's Bridge.

   • it should be remarked ot the " New Bridge," where the Mathew bridge now stands, of which we have already treated in a previous chapter, that what wasformerly called the New Bridge stood on the site of wiiat is now called the Mathew bridge, forming a direct communication between Quay-lane and Bank-place. Previous to its erection in 1762 for some years, there was a ferry established. It was a bridge of three arches, the centre one forty-one feet wide, being so much larger than the other two, particularly in height, that it was found from the steep nicline of the roadway at both sides of the centre, or crown of the middle arch, not alone to be inconvenient for trathc, but in frosty weather actually dangerous. It was for this reason, (though quite sound in preservation, as the year it was finished), taken down and rebuilt. Like the old Ball's bridge the land arches sprung from the Quay walls, so that what now forms the abutments of Mathew bridge, was formerly part of the water course of the New bridge. Tliere were two iron lamp-posts set opposite each other on the centre of this bridge, which were madefast to the parapets. From their const ruction they wcrefoundtoanswer thepurpose of a gallows, and were used by theauthoriliesin tberebellion of 1798,for hanging purposes.

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 271

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere close to Singland, tradition says a man called Baal built the original Baal's Bridge in far distant time. St. Patrick converted this Baal to Christianity while Patrick was at Singland. The bridge was written in Latin as Pons Calvus. It was known in the fourteenth century. A battle was fought on it in 1361, in which John of Galway was the victor, and it is quartered on the Galway arms in reference to that battle. It is mentioned in the Hibernia Focata as the Ye Bridge, and in old maps printed in Loyden in the seventeenth century as the Tige Bridge. It was a quaint old structure, a sort of old London Bridge in miniature, with old-fashioned houses on both sides and its shops. It has been frequently the subject of legislative enactment, and in the Acts of Parliament it is called Baal's Bridge. The New Bridge stood on the site of what is now called Mathew Bridge, forming a direct communication between Quay-lane and Bank-place. Previous to its erection in 1762 there was a ferry established for some years. It was a bridge of three arches, the centre one forty-one feet wide, so much larger than the other two, particularly in height, that the steep incline of the roadway at both sides of the crown of the middle arch was found to be inconvenient for traffic and in frosty weather actually dangerous. For this reason, though quite sound in preservation the year it was finished, it was taken down and rebuilt. Like the old Baal's Bridge the land arches sprung from the Quay walls. There were two iron lamp-posts set opposite each other on the centre of this bridge, made fast to the parapets. From their construction they were found to serve the purpose of a gallows, and were used by the authorities in the rebellion of 1798 for hanging purposes.

4. Troop review at Newcastle with conspirator Maum

   Newcastle · town · Limerick

   On the morning after Maum made purchases in his shop, Mr. William Ward invited the polished stranger to breakfast and they walked out together to Newcastle to see the troops reviewed. Ward had no idea at the time that Maum was involved in a conspiracy against Mr. Arthur.

   Read the passage

   with America or France ; he had also made himself remarkable in using his influential position in sustainment of the Catholic claims. — Dean Crosbie was a bitter enemy of his, as were all the members of the dominant party at the time. He was a marked man, but one of the means used by Maum to sacrifice this innocent gentleman was that by which Providence confounded the plot ; and to Mr. William Ward's book and accuracy may in the main be attributed the damaging blow inflicted on Maum's evidence and the destruction of the conspiracy. It is proper to observe that Mr. Ward never saw Maum before he came into his shop to make the purchases ; in those old times shopkeepers were hospitable, and Mr. Ward asked Slaum, who was a fellow of polished address and had been a tutor, in to breakfast — it was early in the morning. Maum at once complied ; and after breakfast they walked out to Newcastle to see the troops reviewed ; Mr. Ward little dreaming what a villain he was in company with at the moment. The evidence of Mr. Ward was quite clear as to the facts stated, and saved Mr. Authur's life.

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 232

5. Tuthill chaired in Limerick amid popular triumph

   Limerick · city · Limerick

   Mr. Tuthill was chaired in Limerick after a contested election against Major Vereker, surrounded by an estimated 30,000 people. The procession included tradesmen with banners, allegorical tableaux, and prominent citizens such as William Roche the banker and Mathew Barrington.

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

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 254

   As the companion tells it

   Coming through Limerick now. After a contest between Mr. Tuthill and Major Vereker, Tuthill was chaired here, though Vereker had been victorious. The local Tory paper did not publish a report of it, having always been ranged on the opposite side. But a Dublin paper of the day called it an unparalleled popular triumph. Tuthill was surrounded by at least 30,000 people.

6. Tyrconnell's house near St. Munchin's Church

   Limerick · city · Limerick · 1691

   Tradition states that Tyrconnell lived in a house near St. Munchin's Church in Limerick during the siege, and tradition also claims he was poisoned there. The house was removed within the last sixty years and replaced by humbler dwellings.

   Read the passage

   5 Tradition states that the house in which Tyrconnell lived during his residence in Limerick,

   238 HISTORY OF LIMERICK.

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 135

7. Williamite forces landed in Clare to destroy forage

   near Clare · population centre · Clare · 1691

   On 18 September, orders were sent to English war vessels in the river to land men in County Clare to destroy all forage, as it was harvest time, as part of the siege strategy against Limerick.

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   iStill fears filled the minds of the besiegers^ and parties were constantly sent out to harass the country. Ballingarry and Bruree were burned, and Captain John O'Dell^ was posted at Athlacca with mUitia and dragoons. It was quite well known in WiUiam's camp that unless this stratagetic movement was successfully effected, it would be impossible to make a decisive attack upon the city, though shot and shell were vehemently and constantly poured into it from the guns and mortars of the besiegers. So hard pushed had been the besiegers, that it was disputed in WiUiam's camp whether the siege should be raised and a blockade instituted. For a time it was carried m favor of raising the siege, and of abandoning the strong and obstinate old city ; but as an engineer was proceeding to Kilmallock, for the purpose of fortifying it as a place of retreat or for winter quarters, in the event of the abandonment of Limerick, he was countermanded; and on the 18th of September, orders were sent to the men of war and other English vessels in the river, to set some men on shore in the county of Clare, to destroy all the forage, as it was harvest time. Giakle's war materials was literally enormous.^

   A second great passage of the river by Ginkle himself, the Duke of Wurtemburg, Scravemore, " with aU our horse and dragoons, commanded by Major-General Euvigny, (except Colonel Coy^s horse, and fifty out of each regiment of dragoons), with ten regiments of foot and fourteen guns, viz., ten three-pounders and four twelve-pounders, taking also seven days^ provision along, was made over our bridge of boats into the county of Clare, leaving Major-General Mackay and Major-General Talmash to command on this side.'"' Great difficulty was experienced in this movement ; the forts and batteries played upon the movuig colunms with tremendous precision. At twelve o'clock, however, on the 23nd of September, they all passed the river,^ and they must have been compelled to retreat, had it not been that they were so weU sustained. Some small firings continued about four o'clock,

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 143

8. Women drowned and mutilated at Cork embarkation

   Cork · city · Cork · 1691

   Similar scenes of women being dragged off and drowned or mutilated occurred at the embarkation at Cork, as well as at Limerick, when Jacobite soldiers departed for exile.

   Read the passage

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

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 162

   As the companion tells it

   As the road brings you through Cork, this city carries a story from 1691. After the Jacobite war, King James's soldiers departed into exile by ship. The treaty made no provision for prisoners or for the orphans of those killed in service. Those who left could never return to their native soil without the King's special permission, on pain of execution. Those who remained faced contempt, poverty, and imprisonment. The separation of these soldiers from their families produced terrible scenes. According to contemporary Williamite publications, women trying to board the ships with their husbands and relations were dragged off and drowned. Others had their fingers cut off as they held on to the boats. This happened in the sight of the soldiers. The same scenes told of Kerry are told of the embarkation at Cork, and at Limerick similar scenes most probably occurred. The Irish were in many cases attended by their wives and families. A French admiral who arrived too late with supplies at Limerick brought back, according to the contemporary historian Pere Daniel, 16,000 Irish soldiers and several families. The war cost England 18,000,000 pounds sterling, by the account of an English authority called Hooke, exclusive of arrears due to the army. The Anglo-Irish militia and Protestant yeomanry aiding the regular Williamite army numbered at least 25,000 men. Private soldiers from Limerick and other quarters were shot down and hung without the ceremony of a trial, under the pretence of being Rapparees.

9. Baggot, teacher in Ballingarry, chosen for Emmet plot

   Ballingarry · town · Limerick · 1803

   Baggot, described as a teacher in Ballingarry and a man of remarkable energy and resolution, was selected as the instrument to accomplish Emmet's 1803 design to capture Limerick. He was arrested and executed along with his co-conspirators.

   Read the passage

   A temporary check tras given to the happy state of things which was beginning to prevail in the city and throughout the county, by an attempt of the infatuated party of Thomas Addis Emmett^ in 1803^ to capture Limerick ! Baggot, a teacher in Ballingarry, and a man of remarkable energy and resolution, was the instrument chosen for the accomplishment of this design ; he was arrested, as were some of his associates, and he paid the forfeit, as did those who conspired with him on the occasion. The event had but a transient effect in disturbing the friendly relations in which the better ordered among the Protestants had begun to regard their Catholic fellow-citizens. The Emmett party had but few sympathisers among the more dispassionate and right thinking, and the entire affair was soon forgotten.

   Immediately after the detection and defeat of Emmett^s enterprise, the Corporation met on the 4th of March, Joseph Sargent, Esq., Mayor, in the chair, and passed an address to King George III., congratulating his Majesty on the result. On the 13th of May, it Avas resolved in Council "That it is the opinion of this Council that every future Mayor may receive one salmon or two peal per week from the Salmon Weir Company, and no more.''^ It must have been that their Worships trespassed too much on the Weir

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 237

10. Catholic church of Bruff erected

    Bruff · town · Limerick · 1833

    The Catholic church of Bruff, a handsome building in the early English style, was erected in 1833 and completed by Dean Mac Namara. Its scagliola marble altar is embellished with a painting of the Three Marys by J. Haverty.

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    The Catholic church of Bruff, a handsome building in the early English style, was erected in 1833, and completed by the late Very Rev. Dean Mac Namara, P.P., V.G. The altar, which is of scagliola marble, is embellished with a very beautiful painting of the Three Marys, by the late J. Haverty, Esq.

    The beautiful convent of the Faithful Companions of Jesus, a branch of the establishment at Laurel Hill, owes its existence to the great zeal and ability of the late Very Rev. Dean Cussen. It is a first-class educational establishment, with about ninety boarders, and a great number of extern scholars. There is also an admirable school of the Christian Brothers at Bruff, which owes its existence also to the indefatigable zeal and assiduity of the learned and pious Dean, whose remains are interred in the Catholic church, and to commemorate whose estimable services by a pubhc monument, the parishioners have raised a large sum of money.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 425

11. Dermod's army crosses the Shannon near Killaloe against Guare

    Killaloe · town · Clare

    Dermod marched his army along the Shannon, probably to a little above Killaloe, and his horse and foot plunged into the Shannon, forcibly gained the opposite bank, and routed the enemy. Guare eventually surrendered to avoid making his country a scene of war.

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    About the year 549, the holy Comin founded the churches and towers of Inniscalthra, on the Shannon. After the bloody battle of Cuildrheinne, which was fought between Dermod and Cuorrane Mac Aodla, in which the latter was aided by St. Columba, whose asylum he sought, which was invaded by Diurmuid — the victory being attributed more to the prayers of the saint than to the valour of tlie soldiery — Dermod had scarcely recruited the loss of the battle, when he commenced a war against the gallant Guare, King of Connaught. It is believed that he refused to pay the provincial tax, crowning Dermod as a monarch, who marched his army along the Shannon, probably to a little above Killaloe. The mediation of the holy Comin proved fruitless, as all remonstrances were rejected by Guare, who was foretold by the saint that his troops would be routed. The monarch's horse and foot plunged into the Shannon, forcibly gained the opposite bank, routed the enemy, who fled precipitately, yet rallied the following day. Guare, dreading to make his coimtry a scene of war, surrendered himself to the monarch.

    Before St. Columba established his celebrated monastic institution in the Scotch Island of lona, an institution which remained undisturbed for two hvmdred years, an abbey had been founded at Mungret, the ancient Mongairit, about two miles south-west of Limerick, by St. Nessan^ surnamed the Leper, who was confirmed by St. Patrick himself in the abbacy, and who died in 551, according to the Annals of the Four Masters, but according to the Annals of Clonmacnoise, in 561.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 310

12. Edward Bruce besieges and burns Limerick suburbs, 1316

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1316

    In 1316 Edward Bruce besieged Limerick, burned the suburbs, and made the city the rendezvous of his army. Tradition points to the place where he resided during his occupation of Limerick.

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    In 1315 Edward Biiice invaded Ireland. He defeated Eichard Earl of Ulster and Feidhm 0''Connor, who marched against him with 8000 men : the waUs of Athenry are said to have been built by the spoils of the battle. ^ In the following year Bruce besieged Limerick, burned the suburbs, and in the same year, (1316) he made the city the rendezvous of his army. Tradition points to the place in which it is said he resided during his occupation of Limerick. Donough, grandson of Brian Roe O^Brien, was one of the first princes to join Bruce, by whom he was conducted to Cashel, Nenagh, and Castle Connel.

    The chieftams of Thomond, however, who sided with the English, had made formidable preparations to receive him, and having given command of the army to Murtagh, King of Thomond, compelled the Scottish invader to retreat just as he was on the point of crossing the Shaimon.^

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 38

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Limerick, you are passing through a city Edward Bruce besieged and burned in 1316. He had invaded Ireland the year before, defeating Richard Earl of Ulster and Feidlim O'Connor, who marched against him with 8000 men. The walls of Athenry are said to have been built from the spoils of that battle. Then Bruce turned south. He besieged Limerick, burned the suburbs, and made the city the rendezvous of his army. Tradition still points to the place where he is said to have resided during his occupation. Donough, grandson of Brian Roe O'Brien, was one of the first princes to join him. Bruce conducted him to Cashel, Nenagh, and Castle Connel. But the chieftains of Thomond who sided with the English had made formidable preparations. They gave command of their army to Murtagh, King of Thomond, and compelled the Scottish invader to retreat just as he was on the point of crossing the Shannon.

13. Franciscan Rock Abbey founded at Askeaton

    Askeaton · townland · Limerick · 1420–1564

    James, the seventh Earl of Desmond, founded the Franciscan abbey at Askeaton in 1420. The fifteenth earl was buried in the abbey 138 years after its foundation. It was reformed by the Observantines in 1490 and a Franciscan chapter was held there in 1564.

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    The castle was a strongliold of the Earls of Desmond, of whom, in 1420, James, the seventh earl, founded the venerable Franciscan abbey, in which James, the fifteenth earl was buried, 138 years after its foundation.

    1490. Reformed by the Observantincs.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 424

14. Kilcooly Abbey founded in County Tipperary

    near Kilcooly · parish · Tipperary · 1194–1200

    In 1194, Donald founded a Cistertian abbey at Kilcooly in County Tipperary, confirmed by a charter of King Henry III. The records of the Cistertian order mention it as founded in 1200, possibly by his son Donogh Carbrac. It was a daughter house of the abbey of Jerpont.

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

    The Cathedral of Limerick. 1194. About the time of the English first coming into Ireland, this pious king, Donald O^Brien, of Limerick, gave his own palace to the Church and of it made a Cathedral, which before was the small Church of St. IMunchin, now a parochial Church ; he built and endowed this new Cathedral which is dedicated to the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The charter which he granted to Brictius,' bishop of Limerick, about this time, 1194, is as follows : — " Domnald, king of Limerick, to all the faithfid of God, both present and to come, greeting : Know all, that I have given to Brictius, bishop of Lumneach, and his successors, and to the clergy of St. ]\Iary, Lumneach, in free and perpetual alms, the land of Imurgan and the land of Ivamnacham, from the arch of Imuregram to the land of Imalin, and from the ford of Ceinu to the river Sinan, with all its appurtenances, and in confirmation hereof I set my seal. Witness, Mathew, Archbishop of Cashel, and Ruadri va Gradei." See fidly on this subject the chapter devoted to the Cathedral.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 23

15. Knockadoon island castle garrisoned by John Fitz-Thomas

    Knockadoon · sub-townland · Limerick

    An island in a deep lough, encompassed by water the breadth of a culverin shot, held a strong castle manned by John Fitz-Thomas with at least 200 men prepared to defend the place.

    Read the passage

    to be a place of exceeding strength, by reason that it was an island encompassed by a deep lough, the breadth thereof being in the nearest place a culverin shot over. On one side thereof standeth a very strong castle, which at this time was manned with a good garrison, for there was within the island John Fitz-Thomas, with 200 men at least, who showed themselves prepared to defend the place.

    Fitzgerald' says, with some ignorance of the obvious evidence to the contrary afforded by the style of the castle, that it is supposed to have been built during the reign of Elizabeth by Sir George Bouchier, son to the second Earl of Bath, who, he states, built the chapel of ease called New Church on the side of this lake. The style of this chapel refutes the idea, and it was also built by Catholic founders. Carrigcolour, or Pigeon Rock, is the topmost eminence of Knockadoon. Eagles had nests here formerly, but none are now to be seen.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 426

16. Lough Gur druidical circles described

    near Lough Gur · lake or lakes · Limerick

    Near Bruff lies Lough Gur, famed for druidical remains including several stone circles. The south circle, called the Lioss, consists of fifty-eight stones up to nine feet high, with a largest stone named Rounach Crom Dubh.

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    My object was to see the druidic circles or temples, and the lake and castle of Lough Gur. Llaving hired a boy to accompany me, I walked on from Bruff to Lough Gur, a distance of about two miles, and the sight of its huge druidical reliques which I got from the road rewarded me for my walk, and in a moment a jump placed me inside the hedge, and within a field of the temples. Before me stood a green hill, here called the Paddock, which shut out the waters of the lake from the view; and at its feet, between it and the road, a rather small distance, now formed into two or three fields, is the site of the circles. The first, which lies nearest to Bruff, I should call the south circle. I could find no other name for it here than the Lioss. It consists of fifty-eight stones or columns' of different forms, never touched by hammer or chisel, and of various heights. Some scarcely appearing above the surrounding surface, whilst others rise to seven and

    ' Fitzgerald says sixty-five large upright stones, but tliers were formerly many more.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 425

17. Noble town houses of Kilmallock

    Kilmallock · town · Limerick · 1600–1700

    Kilmallock was the residence of many nobility and gentry, whose town houses dated from the time of James or Elizabeth. Two mansions still remained, belonging to the Earl of Buckinghamshire and the family of Godsall, though now in ruinous condition.

    Read the passage

    Kilmallock was, as we have said, the residence of many of the nobility and gentry, a few of whose town houses, dating from the time of James or Elizabeth, remained up to a comparatively recent period, but they are now in a ruinous condition. They are distinguished by spacious semicircular arched entrances, opening into small halls; windows small, square, and compartmented, sometimes divided by a cross of stone. The two mansions that still remain, belonged to the Earl of Buckinghamshire and the family of Godsall.'

    Kilmallock was a parliamentary borough before the Union ; the names of the representatives appear in Addenda B, pages 742-3.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 432

18. O'Connell recounts Bank Place incident in Limerick speech

    Limerick · city · Limerick

    Daniel O'Connell related the Bank Place sword-fight anecdote in a speech delivered in Limerick to damage Colonel Vereker's political influence in the city. O'Connell and Vereker differed in politics despite O'Connell's respect for Vereker's opposition to the Union.

    Read the passage

    Daniel O'Connell and the late Lord Gort always differed in politics ; but O'Connell respected Lord Gort's high and honorable character, and felt grateful to him for the good part he had enacted in opposing the Union, and it is a curious fact that the above anecdote might never have founS its way into print, had it not been related by O'Connell in a speech which he delivered in Limerick, for the purpose of damaging Colonel Vereker's political influence in that citv, which he then represented. He, however, carefully avoided, at the same time, the least expression

    * Barrington's Historic Memoirs, Vol. 2, p. 280. f University Magazine, Vol. 19, p. 338.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 237

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, this is where Daniel O'Connell once delivered a speech telling the Bank Place sword-fight story. O'Connell and Colonel Vereker, who later became Lord Gort, always differed in politics. Yet O'Connell respected Vereker's high and honourable character, and felt grateful to him for opposing the Union. The anecdote might never have found its way into print had O'Connell not told it here in Limerick, to damage Colonel Vereker's political influence in the city, which Vereker then represented. O'Connell did, however, carefully avoid any expression that would reflect on Vereker's personal honour.

19. Ormond raids Newcastle West and seizes livestock

    Newcastle · town · Limerick

    The Earl of Ormond led an expedition into Geraldine territory, advancing as far as Newcastle West in County Limerick. He carried off all the flocks and herds he could seize but returned without battle, as the Earl of Desmond was away in Kerry at the time.

    Read the passage

    The Earl of Ormond, in the same week, made a chieftaia's first expedition into the territory of the Geraldines, and proceeded as far as Newcastle West in the county Limerick, whence he carried off all the flocks and herds in the country that he could seize upon, but he returned back without receiving battle or conflict, because that at that time the Earl of Desmond was with his relatives in Kerry.^

    The martyrdom of the holy Bishop of Mayo, Patrick Hely, and his companion. Father O'Rourke, occurred in this year at Limerick by the order of the Deputy, soon after his visit.^ Pope Gregory had earnestly recommended Father Patrick Hely to his flock in Ireland, on account of his " incredible zeal," and had him consecrated Bishop of Mayo. After a certain number of days the Holy Father, having provided him with whatever he required, sent him forward, recommending to him the care and spiritual health of the faithful in this country. The pious bishop proceeded on his journey, and having arrived at Paris he remained there for seven or eight months, where he spent his time, partly in the convent of his own order, and partly in the city itself; and, says my authority, he did not do so without meriting the hearty commendations of all who approached him, as he was not only an example but a perfect mirror for every one to see himself, not as he was, but as he ought to be ; and who was not only admirable for his talents and virtues, but in whom, charity, in particular, burned so strongly, that he may have been said to have been a warming "sun" {helios), who was not deterred by the most imminent dangers from studying the salvation of the Irish. He held a public

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 61

20. Prisoner exchange between Mackey's fort and Limerick city

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1691

    Around 240 English army and militia prisoners held by the Irish were delivered up to the English between Mackey's fort and the city of Limerick during the siege negotiations.

    Read the passage

    Storey states that at this time there were no less than 240 odd prisoners of the English army and militia in the hands of the Irish, and these were dehvered up on the same evening to the English between Mackey's fort and the city. Whilst these proceedings were taking place galloping Hogan was busy in his department with his untiring rapparees, cutting off suppHes from the English wherever he had the opportunity, particularly in the neighbourhood of Cullen and Ballyneety.^ But his "labour of love^^ was destined soon to be brought to a close ! and the stirring and great events which have so long occupied us. Negociations were now proceeding with wonderful rapidity. Amongst the exalted personages who were with the Irish commanders throughout the siege, were Dr. Maguire, the Catholic Lord Primate of all Ireland and Archbishop of Armagh, the CathoHc Lord Bishop of Cashel, and other high dignitaries of the Ancient Church of Ireland. Dr. Molony, Bishop of Limerick, was in France with King James. Lieut.-Gen. Sheldon, Lord Galmoy, Lord Westmeath, Lord Dillon, Lord Trimblestown, Sir Theobald Butler, and several more Irish officers, came on the next day, the 25th, from the horse camp, where they had been, and dined with General Sarsfield.2

    On the following day Wauchop and Sarsfield dined with Ginkle. Such is war — the most conflicting enemies think no more of what has passed — they sup and are cheery over the red graves of the fallen ! It was agreed that hostages should be exchanged, in order to a further treaty ; and accordingly, Lord Cutts, Sir David Collier, Colonel Tiffln, and Colonel Piper were sent into the city ; Lords Westmeath, Iveagh, Trimblestown and Louth were sent out.'

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 146

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, this city holds a story from 1691, during the siege. Storey records that at that time there were no less than 240 prisoners of the English army and militia held by the Irish, and these were delivered up on the same evening to the English, between Mackey's fort and the city. While that exchange was taking place, galloping Hogan and his untiring rapparees were busy cutting off supplies from the English wherever he could, particularly around Cullen and Ballyneety. But his, in the source's words, "labour of love was destined soon to be brought to a close." Negotiations were now proceeding with wonderful rapidity. Among the exalted personages with the Irish commanders throughout the siege were Doctor Maguire, the Catholic Lord Primate of all Ireland and Archbishop of Armagh, the Catholic Lord Bishop of Cashel, and other high dignitaries of the Ancient Church of Ireland. Doctor Molony, Bishop of Limerick, was in France with King James. On the 25th, Lieutenant General Sheldon, Lord Galmoy, Lord Westmeath, Lord Dillon, Lord Trimblestown, Sir Theobald Butler, and several more Irish officers came from the horse camp and dined with General Sarsfield. On the following day Wauchop and Sarsfield dined with Ginkle. As the source says, such is war: the most conflicting enemies think no more of what has passed. It was agreed that hostages should be exchanged for a further treaty. Lord Cutts, Sir David Collier, Colonel Tiffin, and Colonel Piper were sent into the city. Lords Westmeath, Iveagh, Trimblestown, and Louth were sent out.

21. Remarkable skull surgery in Creagh Lane

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1813

    Surgeon John Wilkinson performed an extraordinary operation on a woman named Rourke, aged about 30, living in Creagh Lane, Limerick, removing the whole upper part of her skull. The woman retained her health and spirits afterwards and was the mother of children.

    Read the passage

    Surgeon John Wilkinson performed the wonderful operation of taking off the whole upper part of the skull of a woman named Kourke, aged about 30 years, living in Creagh-lane ; the arches over the eyes, extending not in a direct line, but jagged, and as low on each side and the back, also came off. The woman retained her health and good spirits afterwards, and was the mother of children. A callous substance was growing very fast over the brain in place of the skull ; but Dr. WUkinson did not think it would ossify. The Doctor declared the case to be unexampled in his experience or reading.

    May 27th — The mail from Dublin to arrive this day at 50 minutes after 2, p.m., and to leave Limerick every morning at II o'clock. The Ennis mail coach began to run, leaves Limerick at half-past three o'clock, p.m., each'af ternoon ; and returns at half-past ten o'clock, a.m. each morning.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 246

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, in 1813 surgeon John Wilkinson performed a remarkable operation here. A woman named Rourke, about 30 years old, living in Creagh Lane, had the whole upper part of her skull taken off. The arches over her eyes came off too, not in a direct line but jagged, and as low on each side and at the back. A callous substance was growing very fast over the brain in place of the skull, but Wilkinson did not think it would ossify. He declared the case to be unexampled in his experience or reading. The woman retained her health and good spirits afterwards, and was the mother of children.

22. Strongbow and Prendergast land at Waterford

    Waterford · city · Waterford · 1170

    In 1170, Strongbow and Maurice de Prendergast returned to Ireland with 1,500 men, landing at Waterford on the eve of St. Bartholomew. The event is recorded in the contemporary Anglo-Norman poem 'The Conquest of Ireland.'

    Read the passage

    Dermod M'Morrough eventually became so overbearing to the English, after Strongbow's departure from Ireland, as to disgust many of them, and among others the haughty Maurice de Prendergast. He determined to return to Wales with his retinue, consi Liiig of 200 soldiers. But King Dermod opposing his designs by force and treachery, Maurice joined with Donald, the prince of Ossor}', in attacking Dermod with success. But Donald and his Irish could not act long in cordial alliance with the English, who were under the orders of Prendergast ; and after many adventures, the latter eventually fought his way back to Wales. The next year, 1170, however, saw Strongbow and Prendergast on their return to Ireland, with fifteen hundred men ; where they ^landed on the eve of St. Bartholomew : or, as the Anglo Norman has it ; " Solum le dit as ansciens

    Bien tost apres, Richard li quens

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 28

23. Excavation of Ardpatrick round tower yields oyster shells

    Ardpatrick · townland · Limerick

    Delvers clearing the stump of the round tower at Ardpatrick came upon a bed of earth containing a piece of coarse amber, a small piece of metal sconce, fragments of mortar, a piece of brass, and notably a number of oyster shells. Similar oyster shell discoveries were made at the round tower of Cloyne.

    Read the passage

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

    ' Another discovery of oyster shells was made amongst the similar first strata of the earth of the round tower of Cloyne. — J. Windle's MSS.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 422

24. Limerick canal construction and parliamentary grants

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1755–1761

    Edmund Sexton Pery secured a series of grants from the Irish Parliament totalling £27,500 to improve Limerick, including cutting a canal from Bartlett's Bog to the Shannon at Rebogue, building a new bridge, and improving the city quays. Workmen began cutting the canal on 13 June 1757.

    Read the passage

    A want of employmx^nt was now severely felt, not only in Limerick, but throughout Munster. Several projects were launched, including the cutting of the Grand Canal, to afford the needed assistance to the labouring classes. The improvement of Limerick was projected by Mr. Edmund Sexton Pery, who had become a representative of the city. In 1757, a BUI was introduced by him to the Irish House of Commons for the purpose of widening Ball's Bridge, against which Mr. Coulston forwarded a memorial, alleging the ruin of his interests. These improvements, however, were effected. On the 13th of June, 1757, the workmen began to cut the canal at Bartlett's Bog, and in the following year it was opened up to the Shannon at Eebogue. It was mainly through Mr. Pery's influence and exertions that the following grants of public money were made to Limerick by the Irish Parhament : — In 1755, ... ... ... £8,000

    „ 1759, ... ... ... £3,500

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 195

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, you are in a city that was reshaped by one man's efforts in the 1750s. A want of employment was felt severely in Limerick and across Munster, and several projects were launched to give work to the labouring classes. Edmund Sexton Pery, who had become a representative of the city, projected the improvement of Limerick. In 1757 he introduced a bill to the Irish House of Commons to widen Ball's Bridge. A Mr. Coulston forwarded a memorial against it, alleging the ruin of his interests, but the improvements went ahead. On the 13th of June 1757, workmen began to cut the canal at Bartlett's Bog, and the following year it was opened up to the Shannon at Rebogue. Through Pery's influence, the Irish Parliament made grants of public money to Limerick: £8,000 in 1755 and £3,500 in 1759.

25. Appointment of Dr. O'Molony as Bishop of Limerick

    Limerick · city · Limerick

    Dr. O'Molony was appointed Bishop of Limerick by King James II. The text clarifies this appointment using references to the Stuart Papers and O'Renchan's Collections.

    Read the passage

    Pages 612, 617 — A question having arisen, we may state that the Stuart Papers, in the Bodleian Library, Oxford, which make mention of Dr. O'Molony, were written by the Nairnes, secretaries to King James II., and his son the Chevalier. The original letter book is now in Oxford. At one time it was in the Scots College, Paris, and was thought to have perished with other valuable papers at the time of the Revolution, whereas Carte and Mackintosh (the translator of Ossian) and compiler of some papers on the reign of Charles II., James IL, and William III., had previously got tliem by some stratagem. Unquestionably Dr. O'Molony was appointed Bishop of Limerick and administrator of Killaloe. his old see, at the instance of James II. ; and by referring to O'lienehun's Collections, pp. 296-7, we see him paid very bad compliments in a statement of tlie king's on the authority of one of tUp Stuart Papers. There is some mistake in tlie list given in (J'Reiichan, p. 295, as to the bishops stopping at St. Germains, 31st December, 1691 (on the authority of the Theineir M SS.), 'ior our bishop is called James instead of John. Unfortunately, the important letter of Dr.* O'Molony to Bishop Tyrrell of Clogher, dated 6th March, 1689, in King's State of the Protestants of Ireland, bears no subscription.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 456

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, this city carries a story about Dr. O'Molony, who was appointed Bishop of Limerick and administrator of Killaloe at the instance of King James II. The evidence comes from the Stuart Papers, held now in the Bodleian Library at Oxford. These papers were written by the Nairnes, secretaries to King James II and his son the Chevalier. The original letter book was once kept in the Scots College in Paris and was thought to have perished with other valuable papers during the Revolution. But Carte and Mackintosh, the translator of Ossian and compiler of papers on the reigns of Charles II, James II, and William III, had previously got hold of them by some stratagem. O'Renchan's Collections show O'Molony paid very bad compliments in a statement of the king's, on the authority of one of the Stuart Papers. There is a mistake in the list given in O'Renchan, page 295, as to the bishops stopping at St. Germains on the 31st of December 1691. Our bishop is called James instead of John. A letter from O'Molony to Bishop Tyrrell of Clogher, dated the 6th of March 1689, in King's State of the Protestants of Ireland, bears no subscription.

26. Archbishop John O'Grady died and buried in Limerick

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1345

    John O'Grady, Archbishop of Cashel, described as a man of great wisdom and industry, died in Limerick on 8 July 1345 in the Dominican habit and was buried in the Dominican monastery there. He made many donations to his church including a large pastoral staff.

    Read the passage

    1345, John O'Grady, Treasurer of Cashel, and for a time Rector of O'Griffin, in the diocese of Killaloe, succeeded by the election of Dean and Chapter to the Archbishopric of Cashel, and having procured recommendatory letters from the King to the Pope (dated 10th October, 1331) was by his provision placed in that see (Cashel) in 1332. " A mark", says Hogan, the author of the Annals of Nenagh " of great wisdom and industry". He died in Limerick on the 8th day of July, 1345, in th.e Dominican habit, and was buried there in a monastery of that order. He made many donations to his church, and in that particular gave it a large pastoral staff.*

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 372

    As the companion tells it

    As the road takes you through Limerick, this city holds the death and burial of John O'Grady, Archbishop of Cashel. He had been Treasurer of Cashel and Rector of O'Griffin in the diocese of Killaloe before the Dean and Chapter elected him to the archbishopric. He procured recommendatory letters from the King to the Pope, dated 10 October 1331, and by papal provision was placed in the see of Cashel in 1332. Hogan, the author of the Annals of Nenagh, called him a mark of great wisdom and industry. He died in Limerick on 8 July 1345 in the Dominican habit and was buried there in a monastery of that order. He made many donations to his church, including a large pastoral staff.

27. Askeaton parish church, a Knights Templar commandery

    Askeaton · townland · Limerick

    The parish church of Askeaton was a commandery of the Knights Templars. Ruins of the thirteenth-century south transept remain, separated from the nave by two early pointed arches now blocked up, with two towers at the east end, square at the base and octangular above.

    Read the passage

    The parish church was a commandery of the Knights Templars. The ruins of the south transept (date thirteenth century), separated from the nave by two early pointed arches (now blocked up), remain. At the east end rose two towers, square at the base and octangular above. There is an excellent Catholic parochial church close by the town.

    The Franciscan or Rock Abbey, was a splendid cruciform building. The cloisters, of gray marble, which are very perfect, are enclosed on each side by twelve pointed arches, supported by cylindrical columns. The abbey was one of the finest in Ireland. The chapter house forms the burial ground of the ancient family of the Naishes of Ballycullen, the oldest, I believe, Catholic family of the county. There is an old black letter Latin inscription on a monument erected by two ladies of the Brien and Browne families to their husbands, members of the Stephenson family, in the central chapel. Tuesday is market day. Population 1637.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 424

28. Augustinian Convent wins court suit in Limerick

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1691

    A court suit was instituted by the Augustinians of Limerick, who were present during the sieges, against a citizen named Lysaght. Lord Chancellor Sir Charles Porter decided the case in favour of the Augustinians in 1691.

    Read the passage

    many of their names have ceased to exist in the county and city.^ And between the clash of adverse arms, and the din of civil war, a Court suit, which was instituted by the Augustinians of Limerick — who appear to have been in the city during the sieges — against a citizen of the name of Lysaght, was decided in favour of the former by Sir Charles Porter, the Lord Chancellor. 2

    Colonel John Rice behaved badly in these times. At the surrender of Limerick, he brought in to William a regiment of horse upon the public faith of being received into the Enghsh pay. There was a good deal of litigation and acrimony in consequence, as Captain Morgan O^Bryen, Captain Fitzgerald, and others replied to the case' which Rice had made upon obtaining an Act of Parliament for Debentures to be given him for his claims arising out of the Irish wars, the siege of Limerick, &c.' One of the heads of the causes

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 150

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, you are in a city that weathered sieges, and even amid the clash of arms and the din of civil war, a court suit went forward. The Augustinians of Limerick, who appear to have been in the city during the sieges, brought a case against a citizen of the name of Lysaght. It was decided in favour of the Augustinians by Sir Charles Porter, the Lord Chancellor, in 1691. The fighting and the lawsuits ran together. Colonel John Rice behaved badly in these times. At the surrender of Limerick, he brought in to William a regiment of horse upon the public faith of being received into the English pay. There was a good deal of litigation and acrimony in consequence. Captain Morgan O'Bryen, Captain Fitzgerald, and others replied to the case Rice had made upon obtaining an Act of Parliament for debentures to be given him for his claims arising out of the Irish wars, the siege of Limerick, and the rest.

29. Battle and ravaging of Ikerrin

    Ikerrin · barony · Tipperary · 1559

    In revenge for O'Carroll's raid, the Maclbrien proceeded to ravage Ikerrin in Tipperary. However, O'Carroll approached in battle order, dispersed the Maclbrien guards with none escaping by flight, took Maclbrien prisoner, and held him until ransom was paid.

    Read the passage

    Terrible was the commotion in consequence ; for nothing went more to the hearts of the people than an indignity of this kind.* In 1559, Gonor, Earl of Thomond, sat before luchiquin, to oppose the sons of Murrogh O'Brien. Donough, one of the sons of Murrogh was in the town, but Teigh, the other son of Murrough had been constantly in the company of the Earl of Desmond, since the expulsion of Donald O'Brien up to that period. Teigh made a sad complaint of his condition to the Earl of Desmond who assembled his troops and crossed the Shannon. The Earl of Thomond, leaving the camp at Inchiquin empty, proceeded to ask assistance from his trusty friend the Earl of Clanrickarde, which bemg granted, he did not halt until he arrived at the green of Inchiquin, and he returned back the same night to Ballyally. The camps of the Earls were not far asunder on that night. On the morrow, Desmond rose early, and marshalled his youthful warriors. They skirmished and fired on each other until they reached the top of KnockEurchailP where fatebroughtthemtogether,and victory afterafearfulfight declared in favor of Desmond. Gontemporaneously with this event O'Carroll, in accordance with the custom that every Irish chieftain thought it a duty to perform a predatory excursion as soon after his inauguration as possible, made his Captain's first expedition against Turlough Mac I Brien of Arra, on which occasion, he totally devastated and ravaged the country from Ballina, near KiUaloe, to O'Hogan^s mill, near Ardcroney.^ On the same day he slew Morrough Maclbrien, a distinguished Gaptain. In revenge the Maclbrien proceeded soon afterwards to ravage Ikerrin, in Tipperary ; but in this expechtion he was overthrown ; O'GarroU approached in battle order, dispersed the guards of the Maclbriens, not one of whom escaped by flight, took Maclbrien prisoner, who was not set at Hberty until he had paid ransom.' The rebellion of Gerald, the 16th Earl of Desmond, which brought him and Ms family to ruin, not content with his peaceable settlement in the Earldom, began about this time. His first disturbances were (in 1564) against the Earl of Ormond.^ These Earls were ordered to England, and bound by

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 57

30. Bishop Donat establishes secular canons at St. Mary's Cathedral, Limerick

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1207

    Bishop Donat established secular canons in the Cathedral of St. Mary, Limerick, assigning numerous churches across the diocese as prebends for their maintenance. He regulated that the Mass of the Blessed Virgin be constantly celebrated in the cathedral. The churches assigned included St. Nicholas, St. John, Mungret, Shanagolden, Singland, and others.

    Read the passage

    to call together his clergy, to establish secular canons in his cathedral church of St. Mary, to deliberate on the subject of the statutes for canonical observance, and not only to adorn but to enlarge the house of the Lord. He proceeded, according to the English custom ;' he laid down a special regulation that the Mass of the Blessed Virgin should be constantly celebrated in the cathedral; and he advanced this as oiie of the reasons which induced him to establish the canons, on whom he bestowed benefices, (which are set out by name at page 11 of the Black Boole), for their maintenance. The dignitaries were the Dean, the Archdeacon, the Cantor, the Treasurer, in addition to whom there were six canons. He gave first to P. the dean, the Church of St. Nicholas, with its appurtenances in prebend.

    To M. the archdeacon, the Church of St. John, below the city of Limerick, with its appurtenances ; the Church of Kildecolum and the Church of Kildimo, with lands and other appurtenances, and all the spiritual benefices of Ardagh, with its appurtenances.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 320

31. Black Battery remnant at hospital corner

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1690–1691

    The remnant of the Black Battery stands at the eastern corner of St. John's Hospital, facing Keeper Hill and the old Slieve Phelim mountains in Tipperary, with an enchanting view.

    Read the passage

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

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

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 136

32. Bow Lane Charity Blue School reported unfavorably

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1855–1858

    The Limerick Bow Lane Charity Blue School, founded on Mrs. Alice Craven's charity with annual revenue of £59 10s. 4d., was reported unfavorably by the commissioners. Part of the revenue came from rent of property granted by Mrs. Craven.

    Read the passage

    4. Limerick Bow Lane Charity Blue School, founded on Mrs. Alice Craven's charity, on which the Commissioners reported unfavourably. The annual revenue of the charity amounted to asumof £59 10s. 4d, of which £27 is thercntof the property or part of the property granted by Mrs. Craven; £11 Is 6d., the interest of £200 lent by the Trustees to the dean and chapter; and £21 8s. lOd., the dividend on a sum which had been recovered by the Commissioners of Charitable Donations and Bequests, after having been lent on private security by the Trustees.

    * Report of the Queen's ConjmUsiouers, etc , etc. A.D. 1858.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 293

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead in Limerick, there was the Bow Lane Charity Blue School, founded on Mrs. Alice Craven's charity. The commissioners reported unfavourably on it. The annual revenue came to £59, 10 shillings and 4 pence. Of that, £27 was rent from property Mrs. Craven had granted. A further £11, 1 shilling and 6 pence was the interest on £200 the trustees had lent to the dean and chapter. And £21, 8 shillings and 10 pence was the dividend on a sum recovered by the Commissioners of Charitable Donations and Bequests, after the trustees had lent it on private security.

33. Castle of Limerick entrusted to Nicholas Arthur

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1461

    Thomas Geraldine, second son of the Earl of Desmond, was entrusted by King Henry VI with the care of the Castle of Limerick. He appointed Nicholas Arthur as his substitute in 1461, sharing the royal salary equally.

    Read the passage

    That noble and powerful man, Thomas Geraldine, second son of the Earl of Desmond, to whose safeguard and fidelity His Most Serene Highness King Henry VI. committed the care of the Castle of Limerick, reposed such confidence in this Nicholas that he appointed him his substitute for the discharge of this duty, and gave him an equal division of the Royal salary thence accruing, according to an arrangement made between them on the 3rd of November, 14G1, in presence of Thomas, Bishop of " KUmacduagh," (sic.) and William, Bishop of Limerick, and Patrick Torger, at that time Mayor of Limerick. To him the government of the city of Limerick was thrice entrusted ; for he was Mayor for the first time 1436 ; second time 1446 ; third, in the year 1452.

    At length yielding to fatal necessity, having made his will on the vigil of the nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, A.D. 1465, and having received the holy viaticum of our Lord's body, and being fortified by the Sacrament of Extreme Unction, he fell asleep in the Lord. Catherino survived him full ten years and seven days, devoted to works of piety and mercy, and at length departed this life for a better on the feast of the exaltation of the holy cross, on the 13th calends of October (14th September), in the year of our Lord's incarnation 1475 ; and her body was laid with that of her husband in the ancestral monument at the left wing of the altar of St. Catherine, " Virgin and Martyr," (in the Church of St. Mary's Limerick.")

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 207

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, the city carries a story from 1461. King Henry the Sixth entrusted the care of the Castle of Limerick to Thomas Geraldine, second son of the Earl of Desmond. Thomas reposed such confidence in a man named Nicholas Arthur that he appointed him his substitute for the discharge of this duty. He gave Nicholas an equal division of the royal salary that came with the post. The arrangement between them was made on the 3rd of November 1461, in the presence of Thomas, Bishop of Kilmacduagh, and William, Bishop of Limerick, and Patrick Torger, who was Mayor of Limerick at that time. Nicholas Arthur was no stranger to governing this city. The government of Limerick was entrusted to him three times. He served as Mayor first in 1436, a second time in 1446, and a third time in 1452. In the end, yielding to fatal necessity, he made his will on the vigil of the nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, in 1465. Having received the holy viaticum of our Lord's body and being fortified by the Sacrament of Extreme Unction, he fell asleep in the Lord. Catherina survived him full ten years and seven days, devoted to works of piety and mercy. She departed this life on the feast of the exaltation of the holy cross, the 14th of September, in 1475. Her body was laid with that of her husband in the ancestral monument at the left wing of the altar of Saint Catherine, Virgin and Martyr, in the Church of Saint Mary's, Limerick.

34. Cathedral churchyard reduced for Bow Lane widening

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1770

    In 1770 several feet of the cathedral churchyard were absorbed into Bow Lane; the verger's house over 'the Bow' was demolished, and the passage walls and gate at the north door were removed, opening a broad carriage approach to the quay. These works exposed the cathedral's façade and improved access from the quay to the church door.

    Read the passage

    In 1770, several feet of the church-yard of the cathedral were taken into Bow Lane ; the verger s house, which stood over " the Bow", was taken down ; the passage, walls, and gate at the north door of the church, which served to hide the beauty of the cathedral, were all removed, by which means a good broad passage has been made to the quay, and carriages can approach close to the church door, which they never could do before.'

    In October, 1809, the passage to the chapter room of the cathedral was opened under the eastern window, communicating with the main street.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 345

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Limerick now. In 1770, several feet of the cathedral churchyard were taken into Bow Lane. The verger's house, which stood over "the Bow", was taken down. The passage walls and gate at the north door of the church were removed. They had served to "hide the beauty of the cathedral." With them gone, a broad passage was made to the quay, and carriages could approach close to the church door, which they never could do before. In October 1809, the passage to the chapter room was opened under the eastern window, communicating with the main street.

35. Catholic services resumed at St. Mary's Cathedral

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1648

    Rinuccini directed the resumption of Catholic Divine service and ceremonies in St. Mary's Cathedral with their olden pomp and splendor. He appointed seculars and regulars as preachers on specially designated days.

    Read the passage

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

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

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 92

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Limerick now. In 1648, the Catholics still held this city, and Rinuccini gave directions for the resumption of Divine service and ceremonies in St. Mary's Cathedral, in their olden pomp and splendor. He appointed seculars and regulars as preachers on days specially set forth. Catholic rectors were in receipt of their rents and dues. It was essential, under the circumstances, that they should not only show their sympathy, but that every prompt and decisive means should be adopted to place the city in a becoming state of defence. Affairs outside, however, were hurrying with rapid strides to a disastrous issue. The Nuncio, who had been making wonderful exertions to sustain the old party of the country, to encourage the timid, to fortify the wavering, to infuse life into the councils of the Confederates, discovered that all his exertions were of no avail. Those who had appeared willing to accept his proposals were among the first to betray him. He found himself in Kilkenny, where he had seen 300 armed horsemen enter at the command of Lord Mountgarret, where the dominion of ill-intentioned persons would, in a few days, have joined hands with an army which was his declared enemy. The commissioners of the council at Kilkenny had agreed to send letters to Prince Charles, to the effect that if he came to them, he should be proclaimed King of Ireland, and ratify the agreement between the council and Ormond. The council, Ormond being present, ordered that a squadron of ships, part of Prince Rupert's Fleet and part of the Irish, should be sent to block up the Bay of Dublin, to hinder provisions from coming thither by water. All the forces they could spare out of garrisons were to march into the field into Leinster, to a general rendezvous within 16 miles of Dublin.

36. Catholic university erected in Dublin despite government

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 1634

    Catholic clergy had the confidence to erect a university in Dublin in the face of the government, which apparently felt limited by instructions from England in how to respond.

    Read the passage

    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

    As you pass through Dublin, you are moving through a city where, in 1634, Catholic clergy did something bold. A proclamation was issued that year against the regular clergy, but it was evaded and turned into ridicule everywhere. In Drogheda, a drunken soldier read it out in such a ridiculous manner that it created great amusement among the inhabitants. The Catholic clergy despised it so thoroughly that they continued to exercise full jurisdiction. They did not only proceed to build abbeys and monasteries. They had, as Cox puts it, 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 Dominican Roman Chapter issued concessions and ordinances appointing that five universities should be erected in Ireland: at Dublin, at Limerick, at Cashel, Athenry, and Coleraine. The same writer notes 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 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.

37. Causeway repaired near Villadora bridge, Limerick, 1666

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1666

    An inscription on a bridge near Villadora recorded that the causeway was repaired by the Commons of Limerick under Mayor Samuel Foxon in 1666.

    Read the passage

    1666. The follov/iug inscription was on the bridge near Villadora:— " This causeway was repaired by the Commons of Limerick, Samuel Foxon, Mayor, a.d. 1666.

    J 669 On May day, some Protestants of the Company of Grocers, would fain bring the Cathohc merchants under quarterage, as other trades practised, and, therefore, would°form themselves into a company, and began to march through the streets with their officers and colours, as others did ; but as they imagined that all other trades should give way to them, they attempted to take the right hand, but they were terribly banged and beaten, which oufht to deter them from the like for the future. — White's MSS. °

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 408

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, there is a bridge near Villadora where an inscription once recorded a repair to the causeway. The words read: "This causeway was repaired by the Commons of Limerick, Samuel Foxon, Mayor, A.D. 1666." That is what remains of the record. The Commons of the city carried out the work under their mayor, Samuel Foxon, in the year 1666.

38. Charter granted to Curriers and Tanners of Limerick

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1731

    During the mayoralty of George Roche in 1731, a Charter of Incorporation was granted to the Curriers and Tanners of Limerick, naming several individuals including Alderman William Ffranklin, William Brett, and others.

    Read the passage

    During his mayoralty in 1731, a Charter of Incorporation was granted to the Curriers and Tanners of Limerick;^ but the star of these Orange Eoches was not destined to remam much longer in the ascendant. _ Systematic plunder and. oppression had been arousing the resentment, not indeed of the Cathohcs alone, but of the Protestants themselves, who were not within the magic cii'cle of the Corporation. The gentlemen of the county commenced a lawsmt against the municipal body, on account of the many illegal exactions which were practised in the collection and in the levying of the Customs and the Gateage. The Catholic merchants, taking advantage of this auspicious occasion, contended with the Corporation about the Small Duties, called Cockett duties, which had been paid to the Corporation on the importation of goods, and which were proportioned according to the duties which they paid the Crown.5 The case went before Parliament; several members of the Corporation were summoned to Dublin; the decision on the point being left to a committee of tAventy-four members of the House. The Corporation had a ready excuse for their misconduct, alleging that many Catholics were living in Lune^-ick, and were not registered in accordance with the act of 1703, and that all such should be turned out of the city. Some of the most prosperous merchants were among this number. This was a dangerous plea, as leave had been just given to Cathohcs to live and trade in Limerick, without registration. The committee, however, decided the question in this way : they decreed that it should be optional with the Catholic merchants to pay the small duties to the Corporation as before, or compound by paying £5 each year in lieu of these small duties. By this decree about"£100 per annum were gained for the Corporation ; and the hberty of dwelling in Limerick, contrary to the Act of 1703, was secured to the Catholics without registry.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 182

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, it is worth knowing that in 1731, during the mayoralty of George Roche, this city saw a Charter of Incorporation granted to the Curriers and Tanners. But the power of these Orange Roches was not to last much longer. Systematic plunder and oppression had been stirring resentment, not only among Catholics, but among Protestants too, those who stood outside the magic circle of the Corporation. The gentlemen of the county brought a lawsuit against the municipal body over the many illegal exactions practised in the collection of Customs and Gateage. The Catholic merchants seized the moment and contested the Small Duties, called Cockett duties, which they had paid to the Corporation on the importation of goods, duties proportioned to what they paid the Crown. The case went before Parliament. Several members of the Corporation were summoned to Dublin, the decision left to a committee of 24 members of the House. The Corporation had a ready excuse for their misconduct. They alleged that many Catholics were living in Limerick without being registered, as required by the act of 1703, and that all such should be turned out of the city. Some of the most prosperous merchants were among those named. This was a dangerous plea, because leave had just been given to Catholics to live and trade in Limerick without registration. The committee decreed that Catholic merchants could either pay the small duties to the Corporation as before, or compound by paying £5 each year in lieu. By this decree, about £100 per annum was gained for the Corporation, and the liberty of dwelling in Limerick, contrary to the Act of 1703, was secured to the Catholics without registry.

39. Charter of Donald King of Limerick granting Mungret lands

    Mungret · town · Limerick · 1194

    Around 1194, Donald (Domnald), King of Limerick, granted the lands of Immungram (now Mungret) and Ivamnach to Brictius, Bishop of Limerick, and the clergy of St. Mary's of Limerick in free and perpetual alms. The charter was witnessed by Mathew, Archbishop of Cashel, and Roger O'Gradei.

    Read the passage

    Domnaldus, or Domnald, king of Lumneach, to all the faithful of God, as well present as to come, greeting. Know ye all that I have granted to Brictius, Bishop of Lumneach, and to his successors, and to the clergy of St. Mary's of Limerick, in free and perpetual alms, the lands of Immungram, (now Mungaret) and the lands of Ivamnach ; that is, from the arch of Imungram to th? lands of Imalin, and from the ford of Ceiu to the Eiver Sinan, with all their appendances. And in ratification of this my grant in frankalmoigne, I confirm it with the impression of my seal. Witness, Lord Mathew, Archbishop of Cashel, and Roger O'Gradei.

    1630. In this year, April 22, the Vicarage of Mungret was taxed at £142. The taxation and boundaries of this as well as of other vicarages of Ireland were made by Francis, Bishop of Limerick, and other commissioners, on October 5th, and fifth of Charles I. The taxation is quoted in Seward's Tip. Bib., ap. p. 22.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 312

40. Corbally leases tied to Park Bridge maintenance

    Corbally · townland · Limerick · 1865

    Old leases of Corbally tenants contained a clause granting an abatement of £2 per acre should Park Bridge fall into disrepair. Rents were raised when the bridge was erected, obliging the landlord to maintain it. After the Athlunkard Bridge Act, Park Bridge became a public approach.

    Read the passage

    1 A curious clause in all the old leases of the Corbally tenants states that they shall have an abatement of £2 per acre in the rental of their lands should Park Bridge at any time go

    . out of repair. The rents were raised when the Bridge was erected, and the landlord was obliged to keep the Bridge in repair, &c. The rental of Corbally in 1865 is £6 : 16 : 6 an acre. Since the passing of the Athlunkard Bridge Act, Park Bridge has been one of the approaches to Athlunkard Bridge, and has ceased to be a private bridge, and the roadway over it is maintained by the Athlunkard Bridge Commissioners.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 270

41. Corkanree embankment and fuel for the poor

    Corkanree · townland · Limerick · 1861

    Mayor Thomas M'Sheehy made energetic efforts to embank Corkanree as a promenade and park for Limerick's citizens. During his year of office, £1100 was collected to provide fuel for the poor, and he also advocated for unemployed labourers and artizans.

    Read the passage

    Thomas M'Sheeliy, Esq., J.P., of Shannon Lawn, who was sworn into office on the 1st of January, and who, by his vigilant discharge of duty, and the earnestness with which he interested himself on behalf of the unemployed labourers and artizans, merited well of the citizens. Mr. M'Sheehy was presented with a valuable silver testimonial on his leaving office. The exertions he made for the embankment of Corkanree, as a promenade and park for the citizens, were of the most energetic character. A sum of £1100 was collected during his year of office to provide fuel for the poor.

    On the 25th of July this year the consecration of the Right Rev. Dr. Butler, as coadjutor Bishop of Limerick, took place in the new Cathedral of St. John's, which was opened for the first time. It was an event worthy of remembrance. The cathedral was crowded with the hierarchy of Munster, headed by his Grace the Lord Archbishop of Cashel, the clergy of the diocese of Limerick, and a vast congregation of the laity. The grandeur and solemnity of the sacred occasion impressed every beholder. The Bishop of Kerry preached the consecration sermon.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 301

42. Corporation of Limerick honours Coloony veterans

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1798

    On 8 October 1798 the Corporation of Limerick resolved to thank the Limerick City Militia for their gallantry at Coloony, voting fifty guineas towards a piece of plate for the officers' mess and medals for non-commissioned officers and privates. On 5 December they also ordered a sword of honour for Colonel Vereker.

    Read the passage

    " Hksolved — That the sum of fifty guineas be paid by our chamberlain towards raising a fiind to purchase a piece of plate for the officers' mess, and proper medals for such of the noncommissioned officers and privates of the regiment as were engaged in the action of that day".

    Relative to the disposal of the French prisoners in the hands of the regiment after the battle, J. Taylor, then A D.C. to Major-General French, writes on the 30th November, saying:

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 450

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, you are in a city that honoured its militia after the battle of Coloony in 1798. On the 8th of October the Corporation voted fifty guineas, in their words, "towards raising a fund to purchase a piece of plate for the officers' mess, and proper medals for such of the non-commissioned officers and privates of the regiment as were engaged in the action of that day." On the 5th of December they also ordered a sword of honour for Colonel Vereker.

43. Cromwellian military government in Limerick replaced by Puritan corporation

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1656

    After Cromwell's conquest, Limerick city remained under military government until 1656, when Cromwell mandated the election of twelve Puritan aldermen. In June of that year, Colonel Henry Ingoldsby was elected Mayor of Limerick.

    Read the passage

    In the city of Limerick the government was military until 1656/ when by mandate from Cromwell the Puritan party elected twelve aldermen, who in the month of June in that year, elected Colonel Henry Ingoldsby Mayor.2

    Large grants were made in the city and Kberties of Limerick, and in particular in the North Liberties, to Sir William Petty, ^ surveyor-general, for the services performed in the celebrated Down Survey under which the

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 108

44. Danish occupants of Dublin forced to submit

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 1169–1171

    After storming Waterford, the Norman invaders enforced the submission of the Danish occupants of Dublin. O'Ruarc and O'Carroll were obliged to retire after besieging Dublin for three days, and the Danish ruler Asgali (Asculphus) was deposed.

    Read the passage

    On the aiTJval of Strongbow, which had been preceded by that of Raymond , le laros, the invaders made rapid progress. They took Loughgarnan (Wexford), and entered Portlahge (Waterford) by storm. GiUemaire (or Reginald), a Dane who commanded the tower, and Ua Eaelain (OThelan), lord of the uecies, were put to the sword, -with seven hundred men. The invaders next enforced the submission of the Danish occupants of Dublin. O^Ruarc and U CarroU were obhged to retire after besieging Dublin for three days ; and Asgali, or Asculphus, the Danish ruler, was deposed to make room for King

    ''s\ron<!w''A^^''"H°f'.?''? entrenchments, which are situated near Fethard, are called RaJmoST^ro,7,i. ^,'^^*'^V^''1 of Strongbow's debarkation was at Waterford as that of SStwo ?h,°n, fif R ^""""^Tn- ^^'' '?''"'^ "^ Baganbon is said to be derived from FU,- landing ^ ' *^' '^''^"' '"^ ^'""'' ^'^'^^ ^^^ AnglcNorman adventurers burned after their

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 26

    As the companion tells it

    Dublin was a Danish city when the Normans reached it. Strongbow had arrived in Ireland, preceded by Raymond le Gros, and the invaders moved fast. They stormed Waterford, where Reginald, a Dane who commanded the tower, and O'Thelan, lord of the Decies, were put to the sword with 700 men. Then they turned on Dublin and enforced the submission of its Danish occupants. O'Ruarc and O'Carroll had been besieging Dublin for three days, but they were obliged to retire. Asculphus, the Danish ruler of Dublin, was deposed to make room for the king.

45. Desmond castles recovered except Askeaton, Castlemaine, Mallow

    Askeaton · townland · Limerick · 1598–1599

    During the Munster insurrection, all the castles of Desmond were recovered by the confederates except those of Askeaton, Castlemaine, and Mallow. English settlers on Desmond lands abandoned their dwellings and suffered dreadfully.

    Read the passage

    quarter. Most of the Englisli settlers, who occupied the lands of the Earl of Desmond, now abandoned their dwellings and were exposed to dreadful sufferings. The plantations was left without defence, and to add to the terrors of the insurrection, the country was menaced with a foreign invasion ; all the castles of Desmond were recovered, except those of Askeaton, Castlemain and Mallow, and the insurrection having thus attained most formidable proportions in Munster, the Leinster and Ulster confederates returned home, leaving Tyrrell to organise the forces of the new Earl of Desmond.

    In this year (1598-99), 41st Elizabeth, when James Cromwell was Mayor, and Philip Eoche and Thomas Burke were Bailiffs, James, the son of Thomas Geraldine began to wage war — against whom, Robert, Earl of Essex, Vicegerent of the queen, came to Limerick at the head of a great many of the most honorable of the nobihty and with an immense army, and having proceeded with his army to Moneroura, and Adare, he fought fiercely there. ^

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 68

46. Desmond's Castle at Adare

    Adare · townland · Limerick

    Desmond's Castle stands on the brink of the river with its bawn wall nearly perfect and a keep wofully battered. A fosse near the door reveals access was by drawbridge, and a nearby ancient chapel served as burial place for members of the Quin family.

    Read the passage

    Desmond's Castle — stands within view on the brink of the river, its bawn wall nearly perfect. The keep had been wofully battered. A tower just over the river is in better preservation, and much had been done to repair the numerous breaches in it. A fosse has been opened near the door of the keep, which shows that access must have been by a drawbridge. The space covered is considerable. An ancient chapel stands at a little distance from the castle, but has no characteristic interest. In the centre is a high gable, surmounted by a double ope for bells. In this chapel several members of the Quin family were buried.

    The castle of the Earl of Dunraven is a magnificent Tudor castellated structure of cut limestone, with bay windows of stone, mullions, etc., flanking towers, etc. The stone-cutting admirable, the ornaments, etc., grotesque, and of excellent pattern, all executed by local workmen, etc. The situation at the river-side is beautiful, in the midst of a noble demesne, finely planted, and commanding views of abbeys and castles. The whole of these buildings would well occupy the pencil for days. The schools of the Christian Brothers, the convent schools of the Sisters of Mercy, etc., also merit a visit, and afibrd a further proof of the munificence of the Earl of Dunraven,

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 418

47. Dorrington issues proclamation from Limerick

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1690

    On 16 December, Brigadier Dorrington of the Irish army issued a proclamation from Limerick stating that accommodation was ready for those wishing to transport themselves to France. He inveighed against William and his government's conduct during the crisis.

    Read the passage

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

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 140

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, this is where, on the 16th of December 1690, Brigadier Dorrington of the Irish army issued a proclamation. He stated that all needful accommodation was in readiness for those who chose to transport themselves to France. In the same proclamation, he inveighed vehemently against William and his government, and the conduct of William's partisans everywhere during this crisis. That December, new commissions had been given to the judges, who did not spare the Irish. Nefarious laws were enacted. One of William's first acts on arriving in London was to open Parliament with a speech from the throne. He spoke of his successes in Ireland, notwithstanding the want of pay his soldiers had endured, of his relations towards France, the raising of a million on the forfeited estates in Ireland, and the maintenance of 67,636 men, a strong navy, and new ships. It was suggested that a return be given of the names of all those in rebellion in England and Ireland, for the confiscation of their estates, the proceeds to bear the charges of the war. William proceeded against his father-in-law, James II, in open rebellion, declaring rebels those who drew the sword against his usurpation. The forfeited estates question was held over for another session on the recommendation of the House of Lords. William went to Holland. New Popish plots were discovered. Catholics of high position were assassinated under cover of law. Lord Preston and Mr. Ashton were tried and condemned in England for being favourable to James. In Limerick, Waterford, Cork, and Tipperary, brisk actions took place between Williamite troops and rapparees. Towards Nenagh, Lieutenant-Colonel Lillington secured a bridge half a mile from the town, sent a detachment to occupy a pass towards Limerick, and entered Nenagh with the rest. The Irish fled to the Castle. He set fire to the houses and stores of malt and meal, and plundered 300 head of black cattle. Forty or fifty Irish fell.

48. Earl of Desmond submits to Sussex

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1557

    The Earl of Desmond made his submission to Lord Deputy Sussex on June 21st. To strengthen bonds of fealty, Sussex became godfather to Desmond's son on the 26th, naming the child James Sussex and giving him a chain of gold.

    Read the passage

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

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 57

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, this city saw Lord Deputy Sussex arrive in 1557, near the close of the Queen's reign. He came to suppress a revolt among inferior branches of the O'Brien family against their chief. Sussex mustered an army to march into Munster, and O'Brien raised another to oppose him, but they made peace. On that occasion, 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. The Irish, from the Barrow to the Shannon, swore on the part of O'Brien, and the English of Munster on the part of the Lord Justice. Sussex brought with him 500 soldiers and an order to coin brass money, made current by proclamation. On the 14th of June 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 relics in the church, book, bell, and candle light, to continue loyal to the Queen and to perform their agreements with the Lord Deputy. The Earl of Desmond made his submission on the 21st of June. To strengthen the bonds of fealty, the Deputy became godfather to the Earl's son on the 26th, naming the child James Sussex and giving him a chain of gold. He gave another chain and a pair of gilt spurs to Dermot McCarthy of Muskerry. In this same year, Turlough O'Brien, son of Turlough, son of Teigh-an-Chomaid, died.

49. Faction in Limerick informs against honest Catholics

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1650

    A party of Catholics in Limerick not only failed to prepare for the emergency but painted honester men in odious colours and secretly informed Ormond's excellency that they were to be suspected. Those informers proved to be the real traitors while those they accused remained true to God, country, and king.

    Read the passage

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

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

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 95

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, this city holds a story from 1650. Cromwell had already carried out the massacres of Drogheda and Wexford, and his name was a terror to the entire people of Ireland. The kingdom was becoming an easy prey to him. Edmond Dwyer, Bishop of Limerick, showed great talent for public affairs and wrote a powerful document defending the position he held. Other bishops kept struggling against the tide that threatened every moment to overwhelm them. But there was a faction in the country that still adhered to Ormond, and by their divisions they gave aid to Ireton, enabling him in a short time to prove the danger of divided councils. Here in Limerick there was a party of Catholics who not only failed to provide for the emergency, but painted honester men than themselves in odious colours. They secretly informed Ormond's excellency that those men were to be suspected and feared. Yet it was those who spoke this way who became the real traitors. And those they covered with suspicion proved honest men, true to God, to country, and to king. Ormond had appointed Clanrickard to command in his absence as the King's Deputy, and the nation showed him all due obedience and submission, which was a manifest argument that Ormond was not banished out of the kingdom by the confederate Catholics, since he named a commander for them before he left.

50. Father Hayes preaches at Franciscan Church, Newgate Lane

    near Newgate Lane · street · Limerick · 1814–1815

    Father Richard Hayes, O.S.F., arrived from Rome and preached in the Franciscan Church in Newgate Lane with such force that the people became nearly frantic with excitement. His sermon put an end to the vetoists in Limerick.

    Read the passage

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

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 377

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere about Newgate Lane stood the Franciscan Church, where Father Richard Hayes of the Franciscan Order preached a sermon of such fire and force that the people became nearly frantic with excitement. He put an end to the vetoists in Limerick. This was around 1814 to 1815. Father Hayes was a celebrated pulpit orator, sent to Rome by the Catholic Board to expostulate against the veto, immediately after the restoration of Pius the Seventh. He got permission to preach before the Pope and the cardinals, but his speech was so strong that he had to leave Rome in consequence. He came first to Limerick. Before his arrival, the church and convent here had their own history. Nuns had been brought from Galway and Dublin, among them Miss Lloyd, Miss Crumin, the Misses Shannon, nieces of Father Walsh of Thomond Gate, and Miss Meade, a lady of large fortune. The order continued 19 years in the city, but their funds were in the hands of parties who failed, and they suffered. Their superioress was Mrs. Clancy of Galway. At her death the convent broke up, and the nuns went to other convents. The convent then fell to the Very Reverend Father Michael Malone, who called a meeting and handed it over to Doctor Ryan, the Bishop of Limerick, for the benefit of the city. A branch of the Presentation Order came for a short time but was not successful. Then the Sisters of Mercy took possession, and Father Malone deservedly obtained the best thanks of the citizens. The Poor Clares had educated the children not only in reading and writing but in spinning and knitting.

51. Father Wolf arrives in Limerick as papal nuncio

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1560–1561

    In August 1560, Father David Wolf arrived in his native city of Limerick as papal nuncio to Ireland. He wrote from Limerick to the Cardinal Protector giving details of his tour and recommending priests to fill vacant sees, including assessments of Christopher Bodkin, Archbishop of Tuam, and the Dean of Raphoe.

    Read the passage

    In August, 1560, Father Wolf arrived in his native city as nuncio " to the most illustrious princes and to the whole kingdom of Ireland", and he at once notified his arrival to the whole island. He visited the four chief princes of the kingdom, and other leading men ; he visited the bishops and priests, and helped them in every ^ay ; he guarded the people against false ministers ; he endeavoured to establish grammar schools, monasteries, and hospitals ; he risked his life for religion, and took no reward, even as an alms. In May, 1561, Elizabeth refused to admit the Pope's ambassador into England, because —

    "The Pope hath even at this instant in Ireland a legate who is publicly joined with certain traitors, and is occupied in stirring up rebellion, having already by his acts deprived the Queen of her right and title there".

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 379

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up through Limerick now. This is Father David Wolf's native city. In August 1560 he arrived here as papal nuncio, sent, in the words of his commission, to the most illustrious princes and to the whole kingdom of Ireland. He notified his arrival to the whole island, then visited the four chief princes of the kingdom and other leading men. He visited bishops and priests and helped them in every way. He guarded the people against false ministers. He tried to establish grammar schools, monasteries, and hospitals. He risked his life for religion and took no reward, not even alms. By May 1561 Elizabeth refused to admit the Pope's ambassador into England, because, she said, the Pope had in Ireland a legate publicly joined with certain traitors, stirring up rebellion, having already deprived the Queen of her right and title there.

52. Fine organ erected in St. Michael's Chapel, Limerick

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1816

    In January 1816, a very fine organ built by Evans of London was erected in the Parish Chapel of St. Michael at a cost of £1000, described as the finest ever seen in the city. The chapel had been recently ornamented, enlarged, and beautified by Rev. Patrick Hogan, P.P.

    Read the passage

    1810, January. — Early in this month, a very fine organ, built by Evans of London, erected in the Parish Chapel of St. Michael, it cost J^IOOO, and is certainly the finest ever seen in this city ; the Chapel lias been recently very much ornamented, enlarged and beautified by the Rev. Patrick Hogan, P.P.

    In this month, an American screw arrived in Limerick from New York, having the figure head of an Indian chief, with his pipe of peace, string of wampum and other pacific emblems of his nation. The history of this vessel is interesting; it appears that the owner had sometime since lost a vessel on a remote coast of America, where a chief named Samopett ruled ; this chief afforded every kind of protection to the shipwrecked crew, and used his utmost efforts in preserving their property, and sending them safe back to their own port. The owner built this new vessel, and in gratitude for favours received, named her the Samopett.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 249

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, the city saw something remarkable in January 1816. A very fine organ, built by Evans of London, was erected in the Parish Chapel of St. Michael. It cost £1000 and was called the finest ever seen in this city. The chapel had been recently ornamented, enlarged, and beautified by the Reverend Patrick Hogan. That same month, an American vessel arrived in Limerick from New York, carrying the figurehead of an Indian chief with his pipe of peace, string of wampum, and other pacific emblems of his nation. Her history was this. The owner had lost a vessel on a remote coast of America, where a chief named Samopett ruled. That chief afforded every protection to the shipwrecked crew, used his utmost efforts to preserve their property, and sent them safe back to their own port. The owner built this new vessel, and in gratitude, named her the Samopett.

53. First Methodist sermon at Parade Castle Barrack

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1748–1763

    The first Methodist sermon in Limerick was preached on the Parade Castle Barrack by a Mr. Swindall shortly after 1748 or 1749. John Wesley subsequently visited, a society was formed, and they rented the old Church of St. Francis' Abbey.

    Read the passage

    The Methodists. — Shortly after 1748 or 1749, when the first Methodist sermon was preached upon the Parade Castle Barrack by a Mr. S wind all, the celebrated Mr. Wesley visited Limerick, and a society being formed, they rented the old Church of St. Francis' Abbey, where they continued until 1763, when they erected a handsome brick house, near the city court house, at the expense of £600. It w^as supported by four columns of the Tuscan order. The congregation subsequently removed to the new town.

    The Methodist Wesleyan Chapel. — In 1812 this very neat preaching house was erected in George Street. It is built of cut stone, with a flight of steps and balustrade of cast iron. The interior is neat and conveniently arranged. After the disputes respecting the expediency of sacramental administrations by the preachers in 1815, the Metliodists divided into the Wesleyan Methodists, who kept possession of the new house in George Street, while the Primitive Wesleyan Methodists retained

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 395

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, you are in the city where Methodism first took hold. Shortly after 1748, a man named Mr. Swindall preached the first Methodist sermon on the Parade Castle Barrack. Then the celebrated John Wesley himself visited Limerick. A society was formed, and they rented the old Church of St. Francis' Abbey, where they continued until 1763. That year they erected a handsome brick house near the city court house, at a cost of £600. It stood on four columns of the Tuscan order. The congregation later removed to the new town. In 1812, a neat preaching house went up in George Street, built of cut stone with a flight of steps and a balustrade of cast iron. After disputes in 1815 over whether preachers should administer the sacraments, the Methodists divided. The Wesleyan Methodists kept the George Street house, and the Primitive Wesleyan Methodists retained the old one.

54. Four men executed for murder of crown witness Buckley

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1822

    At the resumed assizes on September 4th, Thomas Halpin, John Dogan, Patrick Hennessey, and Edmond Hennessey were convicted of the murder of Buckley, a crown witness at a former assizes. They were executed on September 9th at the front of the new County Gaol.

    Read the passage

    September 4. — The assizes resumed, pursuant to adjournment ; there were several convictions, among which were Thomas Halpin, John Dogan, Patrick Hennessey, and Edmond Hennessey, convicted of the murder of Buckley, a crown witness at a former assizes. These men were executed on the 9th of September, at the front of the new County Gaol ; they all confessed their guilt, except Dorgan, who declared that he was not of the party. Same assizes, seventeen convicts under sentence of death, respited.

    Sept. 17th. — The new church of Chapel Russell, West Pallaskenry, Co. Limerick, consecrated.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 260

    As the companion tells it

    Limerick, September 1822. The assizes resumed on the 4th, and among the convictions were Thomas Halpin, John Dogan, Patrick Hennessey, and Edmond Hennessey, found guilty of murdering Buckley, a crown witness from a former assizes. They were executed on the 9th, at the front of the new County Gaol. All confessed their guilt except Dogan, who declared he was not of the party. Seventeen others under sentence of death were respited at the same assizes.

55. Franciscan school in Quay Lane after siege

    near Quay Lane · street · Galway · 1691

    After the storm following the siege had subsided, the Franciscans opened a classical and mercantile school in Quay Lane, attended by many leading Catholic families of the city including the Roches, Whites, Kellys, Gavins, Creaghs, and others.

    Read the passage

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

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 376

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere about Quay Lane, after the last siege of Limerick in 1691, the Franciscans opened a classical and mercantile school. The Franciscan community had been dispersed during the siege, and they had to hide where they could from the storm that followed. Four of the fathers are said to have located themselves in a castle or fortress in Mary Street, in the portion through which Athlunkard Street was later cut. Those four fathers remained in the city, and were accustomed to take advantage of the nights to visit the sick and dying, and administer consolation to those who dared to remain within the walls after the siege and surrender. As soon as the storm had subsided and they could go abroad, the Franciscans opened the school in Quay Lane. It was attended by many of the first Catholics of the city, including the Roches, the Whites, the Kellys, the Gavins, the Rochfords, the Creaghs, the M'Namaras, the Howleys, the Meades, the Ryans, the Fitzgeralds, the Connells, the Arthurs, and others. There were excellent preachers attached to the convent in Newgate Lane, including Father Burke, an eloquent pulpit orator. The other fathers were Guilfoyle, O'Regan, Hynes, Kelly, and Denis Hogan, the friend of O'Connell, a bold and courageous man who put up the bell to his convent and laughed at the garrison when they turned out in consequence.

56. Galway family monument in Limerick Cathedral

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1470

    Sir Geoffrey Galway's monument in the cathedral bears the arms of the De Burghs distinguished by a bend, impaling those of Stritch and Arthur. Galway had been proscribed by Ireton during the Commonwealth period.

    Read the passage

    of the Commonwealth, Sir Geoftrcy Galwa}^ of whom we have ah-eacly written so much (see p. 127), having been one of the citizens proscribed by Ireton. The coat of arms, which surmounts the monument, seems to have been placed above the tomb many years after the erection of the latter. The arms of the Galway family are those of the De Burghs, distinguished by a bend. On a shield at the right, over the tomb, are the arms of Galway, impaling those of Stritch ; and on a second shield, at the left, are the Galway arms impaling those of Arthur. There is a third shield under the apex of the monument, but we have not been able to ascertain with correctness to whom it belongs. The inscription, as far as it can be at present made out, is as follows : —

    vu' Ricardus xx. . . .

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 332

    As the companion tells it

    As the road takes you through Limerick, the cathedral holds a monument to Sir Geoffrey Galway, a citizen proscribed by Ireton during the Commonwealth. The coat of arms surmounting the monument seems to have been placed there many years after the tomb itself was erected. The Galway family arms are those of the De Burghs, distinguished by a bend. On a shield at the right over the tomb are the arms of Galway impaling those of Stritch. On a second shield at the left are the Galway arms impaling those of Arthur. A third shield sits under the apex of the monument, but it could not be ascertained to whom it belongs. The inscription, as far as it can be made out, begins with the name Ricardus.

57. Henry II receives submissions at Cormac's Chapel, Cashel

    Cashel · town · Tipperary · 1171–1172

    Henry II proceeded to Cashel where, in Cormac's Chapel, he received the submission of Donald O'Brien, king of Thomond, who surrendered the city of Limerick and promised tribute. Other Munster chiefs including Donchad of Ossory and O'Faolan of the Desies followed suit.

    Read the passage

    after a brief sojourn, he proceeded to Cashel, where, in Cormac^s Chapel, he received in succession the submission of Donald O^Brien, king of Thomond, who surrendered to him his city of Limerick, promised tribute a>nd swore fealty — an example which was followed by Donchad of Ossory, OTaolan (Phelan) of the Desies, and other chiefs of Munster. We have already mentioned that King Eoderick O'Connor had dispatched an army into Thomond to punish the defection of O'Brien, who had formed an alliance with Macmon-ogh, and had fought several battles with the Irish monarch, being assisted by Fitzstephen, who was now a prisoner in Reginald's Tower at Waterford,^ whither he had been brought by the men of Wexford. On returning to Waterford, however, Hemy set Fitzstephen free, inflicted severe punishment upon his treacherous enemies, and annexed Wexford and the adjoining territory to his royal domain. There is no authority whatever in the native annals for the statement that Henry was now recognised by a meeting of the states of Ireland ; nor that all the Archbishops and Bishops of Ireland now waited upon Henry, and not only tendered their own submission, but gave him letters signed and sealed, and making over to him and his heirs for ever the sovereignty of Ireland.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 26

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Cashel, this is where Henry the Second came, in 1171 or 1172. He made his way to Cormac's Chapel, and there he received the submission of one chief after another. Donald O'Brien, king of Thomond, surrendered his city of Limerick, promised tribute, and swore fealty. Donchad of Ossory followed his example, and O'Faolan, called Phelan, of the Desies, and other chiefs of Munster did the same. King Roderick O'Connor had already sent an army into Thomond to punish O'Brien for his defection. O'Brien had formed an alliance with Macmonogh and fought several battles with the Irish monarch, helped by Fitzstephen, who was now a prisoner in Reginald's Tower at Waterford, brought there by the men of Wexford. When Henry returned to Waterford he set Fitzstephen free, inflicted severe punishment on his treacherous enemies, and annexed Wexford and the adjoining territory to his royal domain. The native annals give no authority for the claim that Henry was now recognised by a meeting of the states of Ireland, nor that all the archbishops and bishops of Ireland waited upon him and tendered their own submission, giving him signed and sealed letters making over the sovereignty of Ireland to him and his heirs for ever.

58. High Mass for O'Connell at St. Michael's Church

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1847

    On 8 June a solemn Office and High Mass was held at St. Michael's Parochial Church for the repose of O'Connell's soul. The Mayor, though Protestant, joined a procession to the crowded church with most council members.

    Read the passage

    On the 8th of June there was a solemn Office and High Mass at St. Michael's Parochial Church, for the repose of the soul of O'Connell. The Mayor, though a Protestant — to show his respect for the memory of the Illustrious Dead, with a large majority of the members of the council, etc., went in procession to the Church, which was crowded with citizens. There never was more heart-felt sorrow than on this occasion. It must, however, be stated, that among a small section of the people, feelings antagonistic to the policy and principles of the Liberator had been finding expression in various Ibrms. In July of this year, a resolution was brought forward in the Corporation, to the eiFect that it was contrary to the honest advocacy.of Repeal to seek for place under any government. This proposition was regarded in the light of a slur on the memory of the deceased patriot, and an insidious attack on his family and the admirers of his policy ; yet at the general election John O'Brien, Esq., and John O'Connell, Esq. (the beloved son of the Liberator), were returned for the city as Members of ParHament. An amendment to the resolution, moreover, was adopted by the Council to the eflect

    " That the charge ungratefully made against the late illustrious Liberator and his patriotic family, of having abandoned the honest advocacy of repeal by the solicitation or acceptance of favours from the Government, is unjust and unfounded— a slander upon the memory of the dead and the character of the living ; and believing the resolution now proposed to be indirectly a repetition of that charge, we reject it".

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 290

    As the companion tells it

    As the road passes through Limerick, this is where, on the 8th of June 1847, a solemn Office and High Mass took place at St. Michael's Parochial Church, for the repose of the soul of O'Connell. The Mayor, though a Protestant, went in procession to the church with a large majority of the members of the council, to show his respect for the memory of the Illustrious Dead. The church was crowded with citizens, and there never was more heart-felt sorrow than on this occasion. Among a small section of the people, however, feelings antagonistic to the policy and principles of the Liberator had been finding expression. In July of that year, a resolution was brought forward in the Corporation to the effect that it was contrary to the honest advocacy of Repeal to seek for place under any government. This was regarded as a slur on the memory of the deceased patriot, and an insidious attack on his family and the admirers of his policy. Yet at the general election, John O'Brien and John O'Connell, the beloved son of the Liberator, were returned for the city as Members of Parliament. The Council adopted an amendment rejecting the resolution, calling the charge against the late illustrious Liberator and his patriotic family, in their words, "unjust and unfounded — a slander upon the memory of the dead and the character of the living."

59. House of Industry founded on North Strand

    North Strand · street · Dublin · 1774

    The House of Industry was founded on the North Strand in 1774 by Grand Jury Presentments on the County and City, supplemented by £200 from Dr. Edward Smyth of Dublin towards providing thirteen cells for the insane.

    Read the passage

    The House of Industry was founded on the North Strand in 1774, by Grand Jury Presentments on the County and City, to which was added £200 by Dr. Edward Smyth of Dublin, towards providing thirteen cells for the insane.^

    The condition of Ball's Bridge had been for some time rather dangerous ; but a high tide on the 4th of February, 1775, did considerable damage to that ancient structure.^ On the 1st of Eebruary, 1776, a loyal corps, called the Limerick Union, the uniform of which was blue faced with buff, and the motto, " Amicitia Juncta '^ was formed by Mr. Thomas Smyth ; a troop of horse and a company of foot were raised ; and enrolled in this corps, were the principal citizens — all of the Protestant persuasion. The exigencies of the times caused the regular soldiery to be called away to more active and stirring duties abroad, and the Union did garrison duty "in the city.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 205

60. Inchiquin castle under Henry VIII

    Inchiquin · townland · Clare

    The castle of Inchiquin is noted during the reign of Henry VIII, with a military camp established there.

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    Inchiquin, castle of (Henry VIU.), 92; camp at, 96; lord, created, 74 ; commands Munster against Catholics, 150 ; memorial against the truce, 156 ; appointed president of Munster, 156 ; marches to Cahir and Cashel, 160; his atrocities, 161; reduces Munster, 161; correspondence with Ormond, 166; absconds to France with Ormond, 170; in France in 1651; adventures there, 187; returns to Ireland, 187; death in 1674, ibid. ; present Lord, 758.

    Independents, subscription to, 461 ; chapel, 689.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 457