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. Inhabitants aid Ginkle's artillery at Shallee and Silvermines

   Shallee (Coughlan) · townland · Tipperary · 1691

   As Ginkle's army advanced toward Limerick, local inhabitants at Shallee and the Silvermines reportedly assisted the progress of his artillery. Certain returns were given to parties for services rendered, unlike elsewhere where people fled from the Williamite forces.

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

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 140

2. Irish army encamped near Caherconlish

   Caherconlish · town · Limerick · 1691

   Deserters informed Ginkle that the Irish army was encamped at or near Caherconlish, with foot regiments armed anew from stores in Limerick, and spoke of giving battle before the Williamite army approached the city.

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   supplies for a marching army, which was compelled to carry everything on the axle-tree.^ On the 8th an expedition of horse and dragoons with pioneers, were despatched towards the Silver Mines to mend the roads for Ginkle's heavy carriages ; and a second party went on to the pass at Killaloe to keep a close watch in that quarter. On this occasion seven or eight prisoners were taken ; and Ginkle was informed by deserters, consisting of a brigadier of guards and two horsemen, that the Irish army were encamped at or near Caherconlish ; that the Irish foot regiments were armed anew out of the stores of Limerick, and that they spoke of giving the Williamite army battle before they should approach the city. On the same day a Mr. Eichards appeared in the generaVs camp where he remained a few days j he was the bearer of a message from Baldearg O'Donnell, whose conduct as represented by Storey and the Williamite writers was of the most treacherous nature, and whom Richards, according to these authorities, represented as anxious to sell his country for a mess of pottage to its enemies.^ Eichards proceeded immediately after this interview with Ginkle, to Flanders, where William was at this time, in order to inform him of the progress of events. While at Nenagh Ginkle issued a proclamation offering pardon and employment to such of the people as would come in, and surrender themselves to him ; he gave the most hberal promises to such Irish officers and soldiers as would desert their colours, and give him leave to enrol them under the banner of Orange. The entire army then contimied their march towards Limerick, meeting with no great opposition, with the exception of some shght skirmishing between the advance guards and the Irish, who were posted outside the walls. The approaches were made in the same manner as they had been by WHKam, only, says Storey, " we drew more to the left, and nearer the Shannon, but fixed our camp further from the town.-'-' Two regiments of foot and one of horse had been left until the arrival of the cannon on the next day. When the larger part of Ginkle's men had got up, a detached body of foot, commanded by Lieut.-General Mackey, was ordered to attack Ireton's fort, and the old Church fort, where it was thought by Ginkle that the Irish had lodged a party — a line was made by Giukle's men across the fields, and these were sustained by several full regiments of foot, and a body of horse. An immediate advance was made towards both forts at the same moment — the Church fort had been deserted, and Ireton's fort was now evacunted, and its occupants retired to a small stone fort near the outworks of the city, when the attacking party came within gun-shot. In the afternoon Count Nassau with a party attacked CromwelPs fort, in which there were of the Irish 600 soldiers, from which they were dislodged, and in a

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 141

3. Joseph Ignatius O'Halloran born in North Liberties of Limerick

   Limerick · city · Limerick · 1800

   Joseph Ignatius O'Halloran was born in the North Liberties of Limerick and educated at the Jesuit College of Bordeaux. He became a distinguished professor of philosophy, rhetoric, and divinity there, and after the suppression of the Jesuit order returned to Ireland, preaching and teaching catechism in Cork before dying in Dublin in 1800.

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   " Joseph Ignatius O'Halloran was born in the North Liberties of Limerick, and was educated at the Jesuit's College of Bordeaux. He intended to embrace the medical profession, but after having gone through his course of philosophy and letters with singular success, he entered the Society of Jesus, and passed through all the degrees with eclat. Appointed professor of philosophy, he was the first to open the eyes of the University of Bordeaux to the respective merits of the systems of Descartes and Newton. By his own experiments and by those of the most attentive observers of nature, he sustained the system of the English philosopher. He delivered his lectures in Latin, according to the rules of the university, and would have published them in English if duties of more importance in his eyes, and excessive diffidence had not prevented him. Some fugitive pieces of great merit were written by him while he professed Belles Lettrcs, and were much admired by the University. He was successively professor of Rhetoric, Philosophy, and Divinity, at Bordeaux. In the chair of Theology he shone till the suppression of his order, when he returned home and distinguished himself in the pulpit and in teaching catechism. His sermons alone, when published, will be no small gratification to the friends of religion and morality, and some of his religious tracts have already been published."'

   I supplement this notice from Dr. Oliver and the Memoirs of an Octogenarian. When Father O'Halloran came home, he accompanied Dr. Butler (Lord Dunboyne) to Cork, and was attached to the north chapel for years, where he taught public catechism, preached with great success, was assiduous in the confessional and in preparing children for first communion. From Cork he went to Dublin, where he died in 1800, and was buried in the vault of the Society of Jesus in Dublin. INIoore says of him in his Travels of an Irish Gentleman :

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 383

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Limerick, this is the city where Joseph Ignatius O'Halloran was born, in the North Liberties. He was educated at the Jesuit College of Bordeaux, where he first meant to take up medicine. Instead, after completing his course of philosophy and letters with notable success, he entered the Society of Jesus and passed through all its degrees. He was appointed professor of philosophy and was the first to open the eyes of the University of Bordeaux to the respective merits of the systems of Descartes and Newton. By his own experiments and those of the most attentive observers of nature, he sustained the system of the English philosopher. He delivered his lectures in Latin, according to the rules of the university, and would have published them in English had duties of more importance and excessive diffidence not prevented him. While he professed Belles Lettres he wrote fugitive pieces of great merit, much admired by the university. He was successively professor of Rhetoric, Philosophy, and Divinity at Bordeaux. In the chair of Theology he shone until the suppression of his order, when he returned home. He accompanied Dr. Butler, Lord Dunboyne, to Cork, and was attached to the north chapel for years, where he taught public catechism, preached with great success, was assiduous in the confessional, and prepared children for first communion. From Cork he went to Dublin, where he died in 1800 and was buried in the vault of the Society of Jesus in Dublin.

4. Knockadoon hill and fortresses at Lough Gur

   Knockadoon · sub-townland · Limerick

   In the centre of Lough Gur stands Knockadoon, the hill of castles or fortresses, defended at east and south by two fortifications. The lake is roughly oval, about two English miles in extent.

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   The lake, or Lough Gur, lies embedded between high green hills, rendered in several places precipitous by gray limestone rocks, which stand thick and frequent upon their surface. It is almost of a circular, perhaps, more properly, an oval form, being from west to east. In the centre stands a steep hill, called Knockadoon — the hill of the castles or fortresses ; it being defended at the east and south by two (of which hereafter), around whose base the waters spread like a river, varying throughout but little in their breadth. The whole extent seems to have been about two English miles.^ The view of Garrode's Island from Knockadoon is beautiful. At the north side stands the hill of Knocknasilla. The house of a Mr. Harte, sub-agent of Count de Salis, owner of the property, is passed at the west side, and farther on is a fort or lioss, standing above the water's edge on the hill slope, of about seventy-five feet in diameter, and ten feet above the surrounding level. Ascending this hill still higher, are two natural caves in the rock, about which there are some notices of no interest; thence there is a view of the Black Castle at the opposite side, standing at the northeast base of Knockadoon. A quick descent down the hill, and a walk of about a quarter of a mile, brought me sufficiently near it. It is a square, thick tower, evidently built about the period of the Roses ; its upper story, the bower, as well as the roof and parapets, are gone, so also are the outworks, whose site is occupied by a farmhouse and offices, and near it the handsome residence of Mrs. Cleary, sister of E. J. Synan^ Esq., M.P. Crofton Croker was much mistaken in saying that it stood on an island out of the reach of musketry. It stands on the isthmus which connects Knockadoon with the surrounding country, and was placed there, as well as the castle of Killalough — a little further on — for the defence of that almost isolated spot ; but neither castle could be deemed out of the reach of musketry; neither at the Brufi' side is the country in the least rugged, so as to render the approach of cannon a matter of difficulty. In 1600, Sir George Carew, President of Munster to Queen Elizabeth, reconnoitred the place, then held by 200 men for the Earl of Desmond. He found it

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 425

5. Lacy family settlements in County Limerick

   Ballingarry · town · Limerick · 1500–1600

   Three brothers of the Lacy family settled in Ballingarry, Bruree, and Bruff in the seventeenth century. They were ranked among 'the gentlemen and freeholders' of the county at the end of the sixteenth century, and their descendants achieved renown in European military service.

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   turies ; the •wars against Turkey, in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, those of the f amou» Irish Brigade, the wars by the French against Marlborough, with Catholic Germany against Sweden and Prussia, and the Russians against Turkey — in short, in every leading European event to the Treaty of Adrianople, in 1829, the family of De Lacy of Limerick has supplied a member, and achieved undying renown. From Walter De Lacy, whose daughters were married into the noble house of Fitzgerald, Earls of Desmond and Kildare, descended Hugh Lacy, Bishop of Limerick, in Queen Mary's time ; the family rose and fell with the Fitzgeralds' intestine wars, in the fifteenth, sixteenth, and seventeenth centuries. In the seventeenth century there were three brothers of the family settled in the County Limerick —one in Ballingarry, one in Bruree, and one in Bruff ; and from those descended the famous " Pierce Lacy" who was executed by the Justices in 1617; being one of the five exempted from the pardon of 1601. His descendant, Colonel Lacy, continued the wars in Munster in 1641, and treated with Ireton at the siege of Limerick in 1651, but was excluded from the amnesty. John Bourke, Lord of Brittas, half-brother of Pierce Lacy, was executed in 1607; and in 1618, his relative married to the daughter of the Earl of Inchiquin, was created Baron Brittas; in 16il attainted, restored, 1688 attainted and lost their properties. Cromwell expelled the Lacys root and branch, and only one of the Bruff branch escaped the slaughter by dismounting a horseman. Pierce Lacy was conspicuously engaged in the siege of Limerick, 1691. From these branches sprung the Irish Brigaders, and the French, Spanish, Austrian, Polish and Russian warriors. Marshals and Generals De Lacy and Brown, whose exploits for a century, up to the close of the last century, filled Europe with their fame. In the list of English by descent at the end of the sixteenth century, in the county of Limerick, the Lacys of Ballingarry, of the Brouve (Bruff) and of Bruree, are ranked with "the gentlemen and freeholders" of the county, as contradistinguished from the " meere Irishe," and the factions in Munster, viz. the " McSwines and M'Shees, then in faction" — the latter gallowglasses,* though at the siege at Askeaton in 1641 — "JohnLacie of the Brouff" is denounced, with M'William Bourke, second son of Lord Brittas, and others, by St. Ledger, Lord President of Munster, as among " the Mounster Rebelles."t History teems with the achievements of the De Lacys in Russia and Austria. It was for his remarkable successes in the Council not less than in the Field, that the " famous Marshal De Lascy, the son of an Irish Exile from the county of Limerick, was loaded with so much honor by the rulers of Austria, and received from the Emperor Joseph a letter (written the day before the Emperor's death)" which is translated in his kinsman's "Cornet Pierse's Historical Researches," as follows: — "Vienna, 19th February, 1790. My dear marshal Lacy, I behold the moment which is to separate us approaching with hasty strides ! 1 should be very ungrateful indeed if I left this world without assuring you, my dear friend, of that lively gratitude on which you have so many claims, and which I have had the pleasure of acknowledging in the face of the whole world ! Yes ! you created my army : to you it is indebted for its credit and its consideration. If I be any thing 1 owe it to you. The trust I could repose in your advice under every circumstance, your unbroken attachment to my person, which never varied, your success in the Field as well as in the Council, are so many grounds, my dear marshal, which render it impossible for me sufficiently to express my thanks. I have seen your tears flow for me ! The tears of a great man and a sage are a high panegyric. Receive my adieus ! I tenderly embrace you. I regret nothing in this world but the small number of mv/'-iencis, among whom you certamly are the first! Remember me! remember your sincere and affectionate friend, JOSEPH." A magnificent monument, with his efiigy in bronze, is raised to him in Vienna.

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 189

6. Limerick and Emly burned by Diarmid

   Limerick · city · Limerick

   Diarmid invaded Munster and burned both Limerick and Emly, then defeated Donogh in a severe battle in the glen of Aherlow.

   Read the passage

   Donogh's deposition was now a proximate event. — Diarmid invaded Munster, once more burned Limerick and Emly, and defeated Donogh in a severe battle in the glen of Aherlow. Hugh O'Connor destroyed Kiucora, with the town and Church of KiUaloe ; and Turlogh and the Lagenians once more burned Limerick in the year 1063, and exacted hostages throughout Munster. At last being utterly defeated by Turlogh and the King of Leinster, at the foot of the Ardagh mountains, he abdicated the crown of Munster, thus transferring his royal honors to his nephew. In the hope of atoning for his sins he afterwards set out on a pilgrimage to Eome, where he died with every appearance of sincere penitence, in the Monastery of St. Stephen, in the year 1064. Some writers assert that Donogh not only left the croAvn and regaha of Ireland with the Pope but made him over his kingdom, an empty compliment, if it took place at aU, which is not probable, as it is not mentioned by any of the old annahsts. It is added by those who tell this story, that the crown was afterwards given to Henry the II. by Pope Adiian the Fourth after the Norman conquest.'^

   ' Annals of Four Masters.

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 18

   As the companion tells it

   You are coming through Limerick now. This city was burned more than once in the struggles of the eleventh century. Diarmid invaded Munster and burned both Limerick and Emly, then defeated Donogh in a severe battle in the glen of Aherlow. Hugh O'Connor destroyed Kiucora, with the town and Church of Killaloe. Turlogh and the Lagenians burned Limerick again in the year 1063 and exacted hostages throughout Munster. Donogh was at last utterly defeated by Turlogh and the King of Leinster at the foot of the Ardagh mountains. He abdicated the crown of Munster, transferring his royal honours to his nephew. In the hope of atoning for his sins he afterwards set out on a pilgrimage to Rome, where he died in the Monastery of St. Stephen in the year 1064. Some writers assert that Donogh not only left the crown and regalia of Ireland with the Pope but made him over his kingdom. Those who tell this story add that the crown was afterwards given to Henry the Second by Pope Adrian the Fourth after the Norman conquest.

7. Limerick city walls widened for defence

   Limerick · city · Limerick · 1691

   In preparation for the expected siege, Limerick's walls were widened, especially towards the south and John's Gate, making them broad enough to serve as a pleasant walk for citizens in later years. The city was put into a complete state of defence.

   Read the passage

   gallant soldier, who had won reputation on foreign fields, would soon follow from France, with clothing and other necessaries for 25,000 men, and that he would place himself at the head of the army. Confidence now gained ground ; and Limerick was put in a complete state of defence. The walls were so widened, particularly towards the south, John^s gate, &c., that they afforded an excellent walk in after years for the citizens, and White pleasantly observes when he wrote : — " those are the walls we now walk on !^'' About the 2Gth of May, a large arrival of war material took place in the bay of Dublin for William^s army, with 500 gun carriage horses, together with Lieutenant-General Scravemoor, Major-General ]\Iackay, and Major-General Ruvigni, and a train of artillery, consisting of 30 pieces of cannon, 6 mortars, and 12 field pieces, which marched from Dublin towards Mullingar on the 26th; Lieutenant-General Ginkle, and the other general officers intending to follow in a few days after. The arms also, which were lately sent from England, were distributed among the Protestants of Ireland — a practice, which has not even in our own day been abandoned whenever the Orange interest requires support. The Irish su|)plied themselves with arms also ; and if even according to Captain Robert Parker, they behaved with wonderful resolution the year before at the Boyne, and with unparalleled bravery at Limerick, they were now determined to fight for native homes and free altars, with more than quondam valour. The campaign quicked into vigorous activity in every quarter. Militia- were posted by WiUiam^s officers wherever their presence might avail. Tijaperary and Cork were almost altogether confided to the militia. A strong Wilhamite garrison was placed in Clonmel. Sir William Cox, who had the command of the militia, advised that a flying camp should be formed at Michelstown, which would so cover the country from all incursions from Limerick, that they could spare troops for the army. It was apprehended that an attack would be made on Waterford by the Irish, because that city was weak in the absence of the guns, which had been withdrawn to other places. Bogers, an expert engineer, reported what was necessary to strengthen Waterford for William; and what he recommended was done. Many of the Irish leaders were summarily seized and disposed of by an order from the Council Board of Williams's government. Everywhere throughout the country the utmost activity prevailed on every side ; but all eyes were turned towards Limerick.

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 140

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Limerick, the city you are entering was put into a complete state of defence in 1691, in preparation for the siege that was coming. A soldier who had won his reputation on foreign fields was expected from France with clothing and other necessaries for 25,000 men, and he would place himself at the head of the army. Confidence gained ground, and the work began. The walls were widened, particularly towards the south and John's Gate, so broad that in later years they afforded an excellent walk for the citizens. White observed when he wrote:

8. Limerick Mayor opposes Confederate Council and Papal Envoy entry

   Limerick · city · Limerick · 1643

   Despite support from Bishop Dr. Arthur, the clergy, and most citizens for admitting the Papal Envoy and Confederate Council, the Mayor and his faction violently opposed their introduction into Limerick, fabricating claims of corn scarcity between Clonmel and Limerick to block their arrival.

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   The conduct of the Mayor and Corporation, and of certain prominent citizens of Limerick in this crisis, was selfish and timid in the extreme ; they desired, as it were, to remain, quiescent spectators of what was passing, rather than take an active part in events of the deepest national interest. The truth is that many of them were secret sympathisers with Lord Inchiquin, and the Earl of Thomond with whom they carried on a constant correspondence. To counteract the mischief which was growing out of this state of things, the Council of the confederation, which was now in Clonmel, despatched Sir Daniel 0''Brien of Dough, and Mr. George Comyn of Limerick, with directions to confirm the party faithful to the confederates in their resolutions, to sift to the bottom of what was agitated, and to prepare the way, if possible, for the coming of the confederate Council to Limerick. But the Major, and those who acted with him, notwdthstanding the opinions to the contrary of the Eight Eev. Dr. Arthur, who was Cathohc Bishop, the Clergy, and the citizens generally, were violently opposed to the introduction of the Council and Envoy, and represented the country to be scarce of corn between Clonmel and Limerick ; that great inconvenience would arise from the crowds which would be certain to arrive if the Council repaired to the city.^ Dr. Thomas Arthur conducted the correspondence on the part of the Mayor, &c. and his letters, two of which from his MSS. I give in a note, testify to the extreme sensitiveness which was felt lest the Papal Envoy and Council should arrive in Limerick. ^

   ' Billing's Fragmentum Historicum in Desiderata Curiosa Hibernica.

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 87

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Limerick, it is worth knowing what happened here in 1643. The Mayor and Corporation acted selfishly and timidly in a national crisis. Many of them secretly sympathised with Lord Inchiquin and the Earl of Thomond, and carried on a constant correspondence with those men. They preferred to watch events unfold rather than take part. The Council of the Confederation was then in Clonmel. They dispatched Sir Daniel O'Brien of Dough and Mr. George Comyn of Limerick to confirm those faithful to the confederates in their resolutions, to investigate what was being agitated, and to prepare the way for the Confederate Council to come to Limerick. The Mayor and his faction resisted. The Right Reverend Dr. Arthur, the Catholic Bishop, the clergy, and the citizens generally supported admitting the Council and the Papal Envoy. But the Mayor and his allies were violently opposed to their introduction. They represented the country to be scarce of corn between Clonmel and Limerick. They warned that great inconvenience would arise from the crowds certain to arrive if the Council repaired to the city. Dr. Thomas Arthur conducted the correspondence on the Mayor's behalf. His letters testify to the extreme sensitiveness felt lest the Papal Envoy and Council should arrive in Limerick.

9. Limerick mortgaged to Duke of Lorraine for £20,000

   Limerick · city · Limerick · 1651

   The city of Limerick was mortgaged to the Duke of Lorraine as security for £20,000 supplied for the King's service. The Duke was to be constituted protector royal of the kingdom of Ireland with power over all Confederate forces until the war was over and his damages satisfied.

   Read the passage

   The antagonist troops lay in tliat position together for some time ; Castlehaven had 2000 horse and foot disposed along the river^ and defended by breastworks^ which had been placed there to obstruct Ireton's passage into Connaught. Ormond^ who had not yet sailed from Galway, wrote " post haste" to Castlehaven to proceed to him, because Stephen De Henin the abbot of St. Catherine was in the harbour, and in his company many officers, with a quantity of arms, ammunition, and other materials of war, which were sent by the Duke of Lorraine, to whom the city of Limerick was mortgaged, and assigned as a security for £20,000 supplied by him for the King's service. The Duke was to be constituted protector royal of the kingdom of Ireland, with power over all the Confederate forces and places, with that title and dominion, till the war was over and his damages satisfied — a regular agreement having been entered into for that purpose. ^ On Castlehaven's almost immediate return, he found all quiet at KUlaloe ; treachery had done its work, the pass had been sold. He was not aware of how the dark deed had been done ; but he received from Ireton, by a trumpeter, a letter which occupied four sides of paper, closely written in a small hand, the drift of which was to set forth " the justness'"" of the Parliament's proceedings ; their great power ; how short a time he (Castlehaven) would subsist ; what bad company he was in; abusing the King most heartily, and after several other sayings, offering Castlehaven, if he would retire and live in England, not only his personal safety and the enjoyment of his estate, but the esteem and favor of the Parliament. Castlehaven showed the letter to Father Peter Walsh, who appears to have been with him at the time ; and by his advice, and by the same trumpeter, he answered every point, rejected the proposition, and desired that no more trumpeters should be sent with such errands.

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 96

   As the companion tells it

   As you come through Limerick, in 1651 this city was mortgaged to the Duke of Lorraine. He supplied £20,000 for the King's service, and the city itself was assigned as security. Under the agreement, the Duke was to be constituted protector royal of the kingdom of Ireland, with power over all Confederate forces and places, holding that title and dominion until the war was over and his damages satisfied. Around the same time, Castlehaven had 2000 horse and foot disposed along the river, defended by breastworks placed there to obstruct Ireton's passage into Connaught. Ormond, who had not yet sailed from Galway, wrote post haste to Castlehaven to come to him, because Stephen De Henin, the abbot of St. Catherine, was in the harbour, and with him many officers and a quantity of arms, ammunition, and other materials of war, all sent by the Duke of Lorraine. On Castlehaven's almost immediate return, he found all quiet at Killaloe. Treachery had done its work. The pass had been sold. He did not know how the dark deed had been done, but he received from Ireton, by a trumpeter, a letter that occupied four sides of paper, closely written in a small hand. Its drift was to set forth "the justness" of the Parliament's proceedings, their great power, how short a time Castlehaven would subsist, and what bad company he was in. It abused the King most heartily, and after several other sayings, offered Castlehaven, if he would retire and live in England, not only his personal safety and the enjoyment of his estate, but the esteem and favor of the Parliament. Castlehaven showed the letter to Father Peter Walsh, who appears to have been with him at the time. By his advice, and by the same trumpeter, Castlehaven answered every point, rejected the proposition, and desired that no more trumpeters should be sent with such errands.

10. Limerick Port trade revival after abolition of harbour dues

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1867–1883

    Following the 1867 Act, oppressive dues on exported goods were abolished and dues on imported goods were largely removed, placing Limerick in a fair position to compete with Dublin, Waterford, and Cork. Tonnage rose from 75,588 tons in 1863 to 158,632 tons by 1882, with revenue increasing from £4,998 to over £10,000.

    Read the passage

    abolished, and the dues on imported goods were also abolished — except on four or five articles. The tonnage and dock dues on coasting vessels were materially reduced, and altogether the Port was placed in a fair position to compete with the rival ports of Dublin, Waterford, and Cork, The removal of the injurious harbour dues has greatly increased the long-sea trade of Limerick, Avhich is proved by the fact, that whilst the tonnage in 1863 was only 75,588 tons, and the revenue only £4,998 12s. 3d. in 1863, the tonnage and dues have increased ever since, until in 1882, the tonnage and revenue were — 158,632 tons, and £10,047 19s. 3d., respectively, and in 1883, was still higher by 183,037 tons.

    The increase in the revenue enabled the Harbour Commissioners to purchase a powerful Dredger for deepening the navigable channel, and to carry on many harbour improvements, and to reduce some dues on food, which could never have been done under the old arrangements.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 464

    As the companion tells it

    As the road carries you through Limerick, this is a port that turned itself around. After the 1867 Act, the oppressive dues on exported goods were abolished, and dues on imported goods were largely abolished too, except on four or five articles. Tonnage and dock dues on coasting vessels were materially reduced. The port was placed in a fair position to compete with the rival ports of Dublin, Waterford, and Cork. The removal of the injurious harbour dues greatly increased the long-sea trade. The tonnage in 1863 was only 75,588 tons, with revenue of just over 4,998 pounds. By 1882 the tonnage had risen to 158,632 tons and revenue to over 10,047 pounds. In 1883 it was higher still, at 183,037 tons. The increase in revenue let the Harbour Commissioners buy a powerful dredger for deepening the navigable channel, carry on many harbour improvements, and reduce some dues on food, which could never have been done under the old arrangements.

11. Lord Lieutenant Harrington visits Limerick

    King's Island · townland · Limerick · 1755

    The Marquis of Harrington, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, arrived in Limerick on 5 June 1755, received with pomp. He reviewed troops on King's Island on 6 June and attended service at St. Mary's Cathedral on 8 June, where Protestant Primate Dr. Arthur Smyth preached.

    Read the passage

    In 1755, on the 5th of June, the Marquis of Harrington, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, arrived in Limerick, where he was received by the authorities with the accustomed pomp and ceremony, and where he reviewed the troops on the King's Island on the 6th, and on the 8th attended Church service at St. Mary's Qathedral, where Dr. Arthur Smyth, Protestant Primate of Ireland, preached. He was the guest of the Protestant Bishop during his visit.

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

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 194

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, the Marquis of Harrington, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, arrived in Limerick on the 5th of June, 1755. He was received by the authorities with the accustomed pomp and ceremony. The following day, the 6th of June, he reviewed the troops here on King's Island. On the 8th he attended church service at St. Mary's Cathedral, where Dr. Arthur Smyth, Protestant Primate of Ireland, preached. He was the guest of the Protestant Bishop during his visit.

12. O'Carroll burns Abington monastery, banishes Saxons

    Abington · townland · Limerick · 1548

    O'Carroll set fire to the monastery of Abington in county Limerick, banished the Saxons from it, and weakened their power. He ordered them all out of his country except a few warders at Nenagh in the tower of Mac Manus.

    Read the passage

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

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

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 55

13. O'Dea's black marble monument moved to cathedral choir, 1621

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1621

    Bishop Cornelius O'Dea was originally buried near the O'Brien tomb under a black marble monument with a statue. In 1621, Earl Donat of Thomond had the monument removed to a bishops' burial place on the south side of the choir of Limerick Cathedral.

    Read the passage

    O'Dea, who was connected by fosterage with tlie royal family of O'Brien, was buried near the tomb of the O'Briens, under a monument of black marble adorned with a statue; but in 1621 this monument was removed to a place set apart for the bishops of Limerick, on the south side of the choir." The following inscription is on the monument : —

    "Hrec est effigies Reverendissimi Viri Cornelii O'Dae Quondam episcopi Limericensis qui ad monumentum Hoc novum Episcoporum Limericensium ad Perpetuandum meraoriam et honorem tantl Prcesulis Translatus fuit ut hie cum fratribus suis requiesceret 14 die Julii, Ano Domini 162L Remotus autem hue evi (qu. fuit?) Sumptibus nobilissimi herois Donati comitis Thomoniaj Tunc Honoratissinii Domini Presidentis provincite Momoiie".

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 329

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, you are near a cathedral with a story that begins with Bishop Cornelius O'Dea. He was connected by fosterage to the royal family of O'Brien, and he was first buried near the O'Brien tomb, under a monument of black marble adorned with a statue. That was not his resting place for long. In 1621, Earl Donat of Thomond had the monument moved to a place set apart for the bishops of Limerick, on the south side of the choir. The inscription on the monument says it was translated so that he might rest here with his brothers, on the 14th day of July, 1621, at the expense of the noble hero Donat, Earl of Thomond, then Lord President of the province of Munster.

14. O'Dell forces parish priest to flee Ballygarry

    Ballygarry · townland · Mayo · 1738–1759

    Thomas O'Dell, the principal man in the parish of Ballygarry, caused Rev. Christopher Bermingham to flee to France because the priest was obnoxious to him, O'Dell preferring the parish be given to another clergyman. This occurred during a period when the gentry ruled with an iron rod irrespective of law or order.

    Read the passage

    Dr. Lacy, while enjoying the bishopric of Limerick, was appointed administrator of the diocese of Plilfenora, by Dr. Daly, bishop of that see, who remained at Tournay in France. He conferred holy orders, and subsequently, on the 23rd December, 1738, priesthood, on the Rev. James White, compiler of White's MSS. He supplied his diocese with clergy by sending young students to foreign countries to study, where they received sacred orders, and then came home to the mission, which they generally discharged with distinguished fidelity. During his episcopacy the gentry of the country ruled with an iron rod, irrespective of law or order. On one occasion, Thomas O'Dell, Esq., the principal man in the parish of Ballingarry, caused the Rev. Christopher Bermingham to fly to France because he was obnoxious to him, for no other reason than that he, O'Dell, preferred the parish should be given to another clergyman.^ Owing to the terrible famine which prevailed in 1744, Dr. O'Keelfe, and the other bishops of L'eland, granted a relaxation to the people of the Lenten fast. He saw religion, however, revive in some respects. He made a surrender of the old parish chapel outside Thomond Gate, which was tumbling to decay, and when a little more freedom was granted, the clergy were enabled to take a small waste malt house in the Little Island, of which they made a parish chapel, rmtil they were tolerated to build a better, which was the case in 1749, when the

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 357

15. Orrery's proposal for 99-year lease of King's Island

    King's Island · townland · Limerick · 1666

    Lord Orrery proposed that the king grant him a 99-year lease of the king's share of the island at Limerick, offering to pay £38 a-year after his decease. He argued that building on it would enlarge, beautify, and strengthen the city, with the crown retaining benefit of his building forever.

    Read the passage

    to the constable of the castle which is the profit of the king's part of the island. He states that the city stands upon the west part of the island ; the east part is kept for the grazing of the town cattle, and a httle spot of it enclosed and made a bowling green. He alleges that he gives the perquisites to his own deputy governor, and lets the green for £10 a-year, and the grazing one year with another amounts to £28.^ His lordship proceeds — "If by your Grace's favor his majesty would give me a lease of his share of the island for ninety-nine years, I would build on it, which would be an enlargement, beautify and strengthen the city, and after some years an advantage to me and my son, — but that whosoever succeeds in the government may be no loser by my grant, I shall willingly submit to pay to the crown, or to the constable for the time being, during my lease of ninety-nine years £38 a-year after my decease, which is as much as unbuilt it now yields. The crown will be no loser for ninety-nine years. The crown will for ever have the benefit of my building. The city also will thereby be much enlarged, beautified, and strengthened.''

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 115

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to King's Island, in 1666, Lord Orrery put forward a proposal to the crown. The city of Limerick stands on the west part of this island. The east part was kept for grazing the town cattle, with a small spot enclosed as a bowling green. Orrery let the green for £10 a-year, and the grazing, one year with another, amounted to £28. He gave the perquisites to his own deputy governor. His lordship asked that his majesty grant him a lease of the king's share of the island for ninety-nine years. He said he would build on it, which would enlarge, beautify, and strengthen the city, and after some years be an advantage to him and his son. So that whoever succeeded in the government would be no loser by his grant, he would willingly pay to the crown, or to the constable for the time being, during the lease, £38 a-year after his decease. He said this was as much as the island unbuilt then yielded. He argued the crown would be no loser for ninety-nine years, and would forever have the benefit of his building. He said the city would thereby be much enlarged, beautified, and strengthened.

16. Peter's Cell nunnery on Pump Lane

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1171–1798

    A nunnery of the Canonesses of St. Augustine, dedicated to St. Peter, was founded by King Donald O'Brien in 1171 near the town wall at the lower end of Pump Lane (Peter Street). After suppression it became Lord Milton's property, and dissenters rented it as their chapel until 1798.

    Read the passage

    The Canonesses of St. Augustine had a nunnery In Limerick, founded by King Donald O'Brien in 1171, and dedicated to St. Peter, whence its name of Peter's Cell. It stood near the town wall, at the lower end of Pump Lane or Peter Street. After the suppression, it became the property of Lord Milton. The dissenters of Limerick rented their chapel from him mitil 1798. A handsome house was afterwards built on its site, which, with its fine garden, became the residence of Madame O'Dell. This order had also three other establishments in the county, viz., at Cluan-Credhail, founded in the sixth century by St. Ita; at Kilsane, founded by MacSheehy, an Irish gentleman, and dedicated to St. Catherine; and at Monaster-na-Calliaghduif, in the parish of Roberstown, barony of Shanid, founded by the Clangibbons in the thirteenth century. The Knights Templars had a house in Quay Lane, and a Commandery at Newcastle, of which there are still some remains. The Knights of St. John of Jerusalem had a house at Adare, and a preceptory at Any, both founded in the thirteenth century, by Geoffry de Maurisco : they had also another establishment at Hospital.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 371

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, near the old town wall at the lower end of Pump Lane, or Peter Street, there once stood a nunnery of the Canonesses of St. Augustine. King Donald O'Brien founded it in 1171 and dedicated it to St. Peter, which is how it came to be called Peter's Cell. After the suppression of the monasteries, the property passed to Lord Milton. The dissenters of Limerick rented it from him and used it as their chapel until 1798. Later, a handsome house was built on the site, and with its fine garden it became the residence of Madame O'Dell. The same order of Canonesses had three other establishments in the county. St. Ita founded one at Cluan-Credhail in the sixth century. MacSheehy, an Irish gentleman, founded one at Kilsane, dedicated to St. Catherine. And the Clangibbons founded one at Monaster-na-Calliaghduif, in the parish of Roberstown, barony of Shanid, in the thirteenth century. The Knights Templars had a house in Quay Lane and a commandery at Newcastle, of which some remains still stand. The Knights of St. John of Jerusalem had a house at Adare and a preceptory at Any, both founded in the thirteenth century by Geoffry de Maurisco, and another establishment at Hospital.

17. Plain of Shallee near Ennis given as ransom

    Shallee · townland · Clare

    Donough, son of Conor-na-Srona, was compelled to surrender the fertile plain of Shallee, near Ennis, as a ransom when taken prisoner by the two sons of Murrough, ancestors of the Earls of Inchiquin and the O'Briens of Dromoland.

    Read the passage

    and tlie MacCarthys, feelings of animosity prevailed — the young Earl of Desmond was taken prisoner by the MacCarthys ; but he was soon afterwards released. The Prince of Thomond, m these wars between the Desmonds and the Butlers, took an active part with the latter. On the return of the Earl of Kildare to this country after triumphing over his enemies, he marched into North Munster, where he was met by Conor-na-Srona, at the head of the Dal-gais ; battle was given to the Lord Justice, near the Castle of Ballyhicky, in Thomond, a desperate engagement took place, the Earl of Kildare was defeated ; and Conor-na-Srona obtained possession of the Castle above named, and another stronghold belonging to Eineen Macnamara. Conor-na-Srona had two sons — the elder, Teige, killed in a fray by Desmond, son of the Bishop O'Brien, who was immediately put to death by the bereaved father m 1474 . — the second, Donough, father of O'Brien, who was compelled to part with the fertile plain of Shallee, near Ennis, as a ransom when taken prisoner by the two sons of Murrough, ancestor of the Earls of Inchiquin, and of the O'Briens of Dromoland. Terence O'Brien, lord of Arra, died in 1487. ' In the same year, on the night of the Epiphany, a great tempest arose ; it was a night of general destruction to all, by reason of the number of prostrated persons and cattle destroyed, and trees and houses, both on water and land, throughout Ireland. Strange that houses should have been buUt upon water, but the fact is so — the Irish chieftains had their residences thus protected, even during the reign of Queen Eh/abeth, and it was in one of those that O'Neill in that reign, kept his plate, many valuables, &c. In 1488, another dreadful tempest arose, and the summer of this year was so -wet, it was as inclement as wmter, and much of the crops decayed. In the same year, on the 7th of December, James, the ninth Earl of Desmond, was basely murdered at his house of Courtmatriss, near Eathkeale, m the county of Limerick, by his own servants, at the early age of twenty-eight years. The murderers did not escape with impunity ; they were all apprehended and executed by Maurice, who was the tenth Earl, and who being usually carried in a litter, was named Claudus— he joined Perkm Warbeck, and besieged the city of Waterford ;^ but receiving the kmg's pardon, he was granted all the customs, coquets, poundage, and prise wines in Limerick in 1497.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 42

18. Prisoners taken in raid on stone church of Lusk

    Lusk · town · Dublin

    During Donogh's absence in Desmond, his enemy Diarmid invaded Munster with Lagenians and Danes and avenged an earlier raid into Fingal, during which prisoners had been taken in the great stone church of Lusk.

    Read the passage

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

    Donogh's deposition was now a proximate event. — Diarmid invaded Munster, once more burned Limerick and Emly, and defeated Donogh in a severe battle in the glen of Aherlow. Hugh O'Connor destroyed Kiucora, with the town and Church of KiUaloe ; and Turlogh and the Lagenians once more burned Limerick in the year 1063, and exacted hostages throughout Munster. At last being utterly defeated by Turlogh and the King of Leinster, at the foot of the Ardagh mountains, he abdicated the crown of Munster, thus transferring his royal honors to his nephew. In the hope of atoning for his sins he afterwards set out on a pilgrimage to Eome, where he died with every appearance of sincere penitence, in the Monastery of St. Stephen, in the year 1064. Some writers assert that Donogh not only left the croAvn and regaha of Ireland with the Pope but made him over his kingdom, an empty compliment, if it took place at aU, which is not probable, as it is not mentioned by any of the old annahsts. It is added by those who tell this story, that the crown was afterwards given to Henry the II. by Pope Adiian the Fourth after the Norman conquest.'^

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 18

19. Protestant Bishop Casey flees, Hugh Lacy appointed Bishop of Limerick

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1553

    Casey, the first Protestant Bishop of Limerick, fled beyond the seas upon Mary's accession, mirroring Bale of Ossory. Hugh Lacy (or Lees) was constituted Bishop of Limerick by the Pope, bringing an immediate change in affairs.

    Read the passage

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

    • Cox's Hibernia Anglicana, p. 292.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 56

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, the city carries a story from 1553. When Queen Mary took the throne of England, the citizens of Limerick received the news with joy, hoping for the full restoration of their civil and religious rights. Casey, who had been the first Protestant Bishop of the see, fled beyond the seas, much as Bale, Bishop of Ossory, had done. The Pope then constituted Hugh Lacy, or Lees, as Bishop of Limerick, and an immediate change in the aspect of affairs was apparent.

20. Queen Elizabeth grants charter of Limerick fisheries, 1582

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1582

    Queen Elizabeth granted an extensive charter to the citizens of Limerick on 19 March 1582, giving all weirs and pools in the waters of Shannon within the liberties of the city, called the Lex weirs and Fisher's Stent, to the mayor, bailiff, and citizens and their successors forever.

    Read the passage

    And whereas the said City of Lymerich hath been since, in pursuance of the said Articles, surrendered unto Us. Now know ye. That we having considered of the said Articles, are graciously pleased hereby to declare that We do for Us, our Heirs and Successors, as far as in Us lies, ratifie and confirm the same, and every Clause, Matter, and Thing therein contained — And as to such parts thereof, for which an Act of Parliament shall be found to be necessary. We shall recommend the same to be made good by Parliament ; and shall give our Royal Assent to any Bill or Bills, that shall be Passed by Our Two Houses of Parliament to that Purpose. And whereas it appears unto Us that it was agreed between the Parties to the said Articles, that after the Words, Lymerich, Clare, Kerry, Cork, Mayo, or any of them, in the Second of the said Articles, the words following : viz. And all such as are under their Protection in the said Counties, should be inserted, and be part of the said Articles ; which Words having been casually omitted by the Writer, the omission was not discovered till after the said Articles were signed, but was not taken notice of before the second Town was surrendered. And that our said Justices and General, or one of them, did promise that the said Clause should be made good, it being within Intention of the Capitulation, and inse/ted in the foul Draught thereof. Our further Will and Pleasure is, and We do hereby ratifie and confirm the said words ; viz. (And all such as are under the Protection of the said Counties) hereby for Us, our Heirs and Successors, ordaining, and declaring, that all and every Person and Persons therein concerned, shall, and may have, receive and enjoy the Benefit thereof in such and the same manner, as if the Words had been inserted in their proper place, in the said Second Article, any omission, defect, or mistake in the said Second Article, in any ways notwithstanding. Provided always, and Our Will and Pleasure is, that these our Letters Patent shall be enrolled in our Court of Chancery, in our said Kingdom of Ireland, within|the space of one year next ensuing. In witness, &c. Witness Our self at Westminster, the Twenty-fourth Day of February, Anno Regni Eegis & Reginse Guielmi & Marise, quarto, per breve de privato sigillo. Nos autem tenorem prsemissor. prcedict. ad requisitionem Attornat. General. Domini Regis & Dominas Reginae pro Regno HiberniaE!, duximus exemplificandum per prsesentes. In Cujus rei Testimonium has Literas nostras fieri fecimus Patentes. Testibus nobis ipsis apud Westmon. quinto die Aprilis Annoque Regni eorum quarto,

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni

    As the companion tells it

    As Limerick comes up along the road, this city carries a charter from 1582. On the 19th of March that year, Queen Elizabeth granted an extensive charter to the citizens of Limerick. The charter gave all the weirs and pools in the waters of the Shannon within the liberties of the city, called the Lex weirs and Fisher's Stent, to the mayor, the bailiff, and the citizens, and to their successors, forever. The record for this city also speaks of articles of surrender. The city of Limerick had been surrendered under articles, and these were ratified and confirmed. Every clause, matter, and thing in the articles was confirmed. It had been agreed between the parties that certain words should be inserted after the names of Limerick, Clare, Kerry, Cork, and Mayo in the second article: the words concerning all those under their protection in those counties. But the words were casually omitted by the writer. The omission was not discovered until after the articles were signed, and was not taken notice of before the second town was surrendered. The justices and general, or one of them, had promised the clause should be made good, since it was within the intention of the capitulation and had been inserted in the first draft. The charter declared that all persons concerned should receive and enjoy the benefit, as if the words had been in their proper place. The letters patent were to be enrolled in the Court of Chancery in Ireland within one year.

21. Reform movement against Limerick Corporation

    Limerick · city · Limerick

    The 'Free Citizens' of Limerick were succeeded by the 'Independents,' who fought against the Corporation's monopoly and oppression with manly vigour and success. The movement embraced Catholic and Protestant alike on an equal platform, co-operating for privileges common to all citizens.

    Read the passage

    Colonel Yerekcr was lord paramount — ^he did whatever he thouo-ht proper with the body of which he was the chief, and which he ruled with a strino-ent discipline, which did not permit a murmur to escape the lips of any on'e of his subordinates and creatures, by whom the Common Council of Limerick was composed. In the otherwise generous and admirable traits of character which this gentleman manifested, these spots appear to dim what would be bright and lustrous ; but it cannot be denied, that he not only did not form a becoming estimate of his own position, but that he used those under him for his own party and political purposes. However, whilst he resolutely opposed reform, he conjured up a spirit among the citizens at large, which proved its strength in the progress of important events, and caused'a change m after years, which struck a fatal blow for ever against not only local monopoly and oppression, but against the irresponsible iniquity of Irish municipalities, from one end to the other of Ireland. In the stand made against the Corporation, the " Free Citizens,'^ of whom we have w^-itten so much m a preceding pbTtion of our History, were succeeded by the '' Independents," who fought the good fight with manly vigour and success ; and who, not confined to one class or persuasion, embraced Catholic and' Protestant alike, and gave promise that citizens who difi'ered in religion would co-operate on an equal platform for the attainment of privileges which should be common to all.

    ■?vho came before him, was—" You shall have singing and dancing enough ! !" The singing -(vas the screeches of the victims, as the infernal lash of the drummer tore the flesh from their backs • and the dancing was the dying throes of the victim who swung in the air as he was turned off from the gnllows at the then new bridge— now the Mathew Bridge !

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 232

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, you are in a city where a long fight was waged against the Corporation and its grip on civic life. Colonel Yerekcr was lord paramount over the Corporation. He did whatever he thought proper with the body he ruled, keeping a stringent discipline that permitted no murmur from any of his subordinates or creatures who made up the Common Council of Limerick. The book says he did not form a becoming estimate of his own position, and used those under him for his own party and political purposes. He resolutely opposed reform. But in doing so he conjured up a spirit among the citizens at large that proved its strength in the progress of important events, and caused a change in after years that struck a fatal blow forever against local monopoly and oppression, and against the irresponsible iniquity of Irish municipalities from one end to the other of Ireland. In the stand made against the Corporation, the Free Citizens were succeeded by the Independents, who fought the good fight with manly vigour and success. They were not confined to one class or persuasion. They embraced Catholic and Protestant alike, and gave promise that citizens who differed in religion would co-operate on an equal platform for the attainment of privileges which should be common to all.

22. Royal mint established at Kilmallock, 1482

    Kilmallock · town · Limerick · 1482

    Kilmallock was again incorporated by Edward IV in 1482, and a royal mint was established there.

    Read the passage

    1482. Again incorporated by Edward IV., and royal mint established there.

    1568. Principal military station of the English during the wars in the reign of Elizabeth. Taken by surprise this year by James Fitz-Maurice, who put all the principal inhabitants to death, and burned the town, to prevent its occupation by the Lord Deputy, who was marching against him from Buttevant. Gerald, Earl of Desmond, taken prisoner.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 432

23. Severe overcrowding and destitution in St. Mary's parish

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1834

    On September 27th, 1834, the Rev. Thomas Enraght, curate at St. Mary's, wrote a public letter stating that not less than 25 families were living in one house in that parish, where misery and destitution prevailed to a woeful extent.

    Read the passage

    which he states that not less than 25 families are living in one house in that parish, where misery and destitution prevail to a wof ul extent.

    Mr. Ehodes, Government engineer, who recently surveyed the port and harbour, in order to extend improvements, was this week in Limerick, with a view to acting upon the specifications detailed in his report, under the Wellesley Bridge Amendment Act.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 277

    As the companion tells it

    As the road takes you through Limerick, this is a city that in 1834 held grim conditions in St. Mary's parish. On September 27th of that year, the Rev. Thomas Enraght, the curate there, wrote a public letter stating that not less than 25 families were living in one house in that parish, where "misery and destitution prevailed to a woeful extent."

24. Shannon bridge project abandoned, Thomond Bridge to be widened

    Thomond Bridge · street · Limerick · 1814

    On 20 September 1814 the projected bridge over the Shannon from Custom-House Quay was publicly abandoned. At the same time the north end of Thomond Bridge near Castle-street, only eight feet ten inches wide, was slated for widening and repair.

    Read the passage

    The project of building the projected bridge over the Shannon from Custom-House Quay to the opposite side of the river, was publicly abandoned on the 20th September this year (1814), when an advertisement appeared in the public journals of the city to that effect. At this time the north end of Thoraond Bridge near Castle-street, was only eight feet ten inches wide, though one of the greatest thoroughfares in the kingdom, and a resolution was adopted to widen and repair that ancient bridge.

    The state of the country this year and the following year was deplorable in the extreme : the people were in the greatest distress and misery, and crime consequently prevailed to a lamentable extent. In September, 1815, the several regiments that composed the garrison of Limerick marched under arms to their different places of worship : the County and Liberties of the City had been for a long time disturbed by nightly insurgents, who robbed, flogged, and deprived of their arms, many of the peaceable inhabitants. On the 26tli of the month, an extraordinary Sessions of the Peace was held, and the Magistrates of the County assembled by public advertisement. The County

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 247

    As the companion tells it

    Along here, on Thomond Bridge, a plan was dropped in the autumn of 1814. On the 20th of September that year, an advertisement appeared in the public journals of Limerick: the projected bridge over the Shannon from Custom-House Quay to the opposite side of the river was publicly abandoned. At the same time, attention turned to this bridge. The north end of Thomond Bridge, near Castle-street, was only eight feet ten inches wide, though it was one of the greatest thoroughfares in the kingdom. A resolution was adopted to widen and repair that ancient bridge. The state of the country that year and the next was deplorable. The people were in the greatest distress and misery, and crime prevailed to a lamentable extent. In September 1815, the regiments of the garrison of Limerick marched under arms to their different places of worship. The County and the Liberties of the City had long been disturbed by nightly insurgents, who robbed, flogged, and deprived of their arms many of the peaceable inhabitants. On the 26th of that month, an extraordinary Sessions of the Peace was held, and the Magistrates of the County assembled by public advertisement.

25. Ships from Limerick carrying provisions to Tralee, 1653

    Tralee · town · Kerry · 1653

    A letter from Tralee dated 19 April 1653 reported that two vessels arrived from Limerick carrying nearly six weeks' provisions of bread for the forces stationed there, indicating ongoing military supply lines after the war.

    Read the passage

    Some important occurences took place in this year : — writing under date May 7th, 1653, from Chester, he states that they shipped away in the Cardiff frigate £40,000 to Dublin, that Sir Hardress Waller is gone in the same ship ; that they proceeded to sea, with a fair wind, the day before, and that it was hoped it would bring them to their desired port speedily.^ A letter from Tralee on the 19th of April, states that there came from Limerick two vessels with near six weeks' provisions of bread ' for the forces within

    ' See Proceedings of Kilkennv Arch. Society, Vol. III. New Series, p. 77. » State Papers, No. 2999.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 105

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Tralee, in April 1653, a letter written here on the 19th reported that two vessels had arrived from Limerick carrying nearly six weeks' provisions of bread for the forces stationed in the town. The supply line was still running after the war. The same year saw Sir Hardress Waller sail from Chester on the Cardiff frigate, carrying 40,000 pounds bound for Dublin, with a fair wind the day before, and hopes it would bring them quickly to their desired port.

26. Sidney's hosting devastates Munster, Limerick wasted

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1569

    In 1569 Sidney proceeded from Cork to Limerick, demolishing towns of Munster between those cities, then marched to Connaught reducing all country to Limerick. Limerick at this time was described as being in a wasted condition.

    Read the passage

    In 1569 Limerick was one of the first places where the acts and ordinances of the remarkable parliament held this year were ordered to be proclaimed. In the coui'se of a great hosting which Sidney made in the same year, he proceeded from Cork to Limerick, demolished some of the towns of Munster between those cities, and next proceeded to Connaught, and reduced to " obedience" aU the country to Limerick, naming Sir Edward Phitun (Fitton) President — the first President that ever was named in that country. Limerick at this time was in a wasted condition. In the next year foUowuig the Deputy received the submission of MacIBrien Arra, who, m consequence, was confirmed in the possession of aU his " manors, castells, lordshipps, signiories, rules, hereditaments, commodities, and profits, with all and singular appurtenances^'' in DuhaUow. These expeditions were successful.^ It was about this period that Clare was made a portion of the province of Connaught. The deputy visited Limerick a second time in 1575, and was entertaiaed with more pomp than anywhere else.' Here he kept sessions, and observed the same methods he did at Cork ; he then marched into Thomond, in which, though it had formerly belonged to the English lords of Clare, and was inhabited by many English, now not a man of Enghsh extraction was to be found, and even the O'Briens, though very near relatives, were inveterate enemies one to the other ; the country was entirely wasted, and innumerable complaints of murder, rape, burning, robbery, and sacrilege were made to the deputy,* who imprisoned the Earl of Thomond and Teig Mac Murrough until they gave bonds and hostages of their good behaviour ; he kept the earl's brother in irons, made Sir Donald O'Brien sheriff, left a provost marshal and a garrison among them at their request and charge ; and upon shewing them that the uncertainty of their tenures was the cause of aU their disturbances, they promised to surrender their estates and take patents according to law. Having effected these objects he proceeded to Galway.^

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 59

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Limerick now. In 1569 this city was one of the first places where the acts and ordinances of a remarkable parliament held that year were ordered to be proclaimed. That same year, Sidney made a great hosting. He came from Cork to Limerick and demolished towns of Munster between those two cities. Then he marched on into Connaught and reduced to what the record calls obedience all the country to Limerick. He named Sir Edward Fitton President, the first President ever named in that country. At this time Limerick itself was in a wasted condition. The year after, the Deputy received the submission of MacIBrien Arra, who was then confirmed in the possession of all his manors, castles, lordships, and hereditaments in Duhallow. These expeditions were called successful. It was around this period that Clare was made a portion of the province of Connaught. The Deputy visited Limerick a second time in 1575, and was entertained with more pomp than anywhere else. Here he kept sessions, and observed the same methods he did at Cork. He then marched into Thomond. Though it had formerly belonged to the English lords of Clare, and was inhabited by many English, now not a man of English extraction was to be found. Even the O'Briens, though very near relatives, were inveterate enemies one to the other. The country was entirely wasted, and innumerable complaints of murder, rape, burning, robbery, and sacrilege were made to the Deputy. He imprisoned the Earl of Thomond and Teig Mac Murrough until they gave bonds and hostages. He kept the earl's brother in irons, made Sir Donald O'Brien sheriff, and left a provost marshal and a garrison among them at their own request and charge. He showed them that the uncertainty of their tenures was the cause of all their disturbances, and they promised to surrender their estates and take patents according to law. Having done this, he proceeded to Galway.

27. Sir Richard Power created peer at Curraghmore, 1535

    Curraghmore · townland · Waterford · 1535

    On 13 September 1535, Sir Richard Power, chief of the Curraghmore line, was created a peer of Ireland as Lord and Baron de le Power and Coroghmore. The Curraghmore estates were strictly entailed on the male line by John, the third Lord, who died in 1592.

    Read the passage

    The family name of Power, a corruption of Poher, had its origin from one of the five principalities or small kingdoms existing in Brittany in the sixth century. Comorre or Conmore, a Breton lord, wrested a portion of territory from Budic, Count of Cornouiaille, and established himself at Carhaix ; the surrounding country was called Pou-caer, shortened into Po-her. The county or principality of Poher was governed by its independent sovereigns down to the time of Alain, Count of Poher, who became Duke of Brittany, a.d. 936, and was surnamed " Barbetorte," when Poher was united to the duchy. The name of Poher, or Power, is to be found in the roll of Battle Abbey. In the twelfth century, four of the name came over to Ireland, viz., Robert, Roger, William, and Simon. In 1179, Robert de Poher became Lord of Waterford, and from him have descended the Houses of Donoyle, Kilmaydan, and Curraghmore. On the 13th of September, 1535, Sir Richard Power, Kt., chief of the Curraghmore line, was created a peer of Ireland, under the style and title of " Lord and Baron de le Power and Coroghmore," to him and to the heir male of his body for ever. His grandson, Richard, fourth lord, married the Honble. Katherine de Barry, third daughter and co-heiress of the Viscount of Buttevant, by whom he had issue two sons — John, ancestor of the Earls of Tyrone, and the Honble. Piers Power of Monolargie, who, by the Lady Katherine Butler, his wife, fourth daughter of Walter, eleventh Earl of Ormonde, was the father of Piers Power, attainted on account of the rebellion of 1641. This Piers Power was the father of Colonel John Power, afterwards (in 1704) Lord Power, dejure, and Mayor of Limerick during the second siege.*

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 474

28. Smoke from Limerick siege visible at Keeper Hill

    near Slievekimalta or Keeper Hill · mountain or mountain range · Tipperary · 1690

    During the 1690 siege of Limerick, the continuous fire of great and small shot produced a smoke cloud that reached in one unbroken stream to the top of Keeper Hill, at least six miles away.

    Read the passage

    picture of the siege, but also says the action would have been decisive if Counts Somes and Nassau would have suffered the detachment, that was to second the Grenadiers, to go farther than the counterscarp. Storey, too, admits the truth. " The Irish then ventured upon the Breach again, and from the walls and every place so pestered us upon the counterscarp, that after nigh three hours' resisting, bullets, stones, (broken bottles from the very women, who boldl}- stood in the breach, and were nearer our men than their own) and whatever ways could be thought on to destroy us, our ammunition being spent, it was judged safest to return to our trenches." — Bean Storey's Impartial History of the A fairs of Ireland, p. 129. He adds, " that the Danes were not idle all this while, but fired upon the enemy with all imaginable fury, and had several killed ; but the mischief was, we had but one breach, and all towards the left it was impossible to get into the town when the gates were shut, if there had been no enemy to oppose us, without a great many scaling ladders, which we had not. From half-an-hour after three till near seven, there was one continued fire of both great and small shot, without any intermission; insomuch that the smoke that went from the town reached in one, continued cloud to the top of a mountain at least six miles off." This was Keeper Hill.

    ' Dean Storey's Impartial History of the Affairs of Ireland, p. 130. 2 i\,[±

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 137

29. St. John's Cathedral built by Dr. Ryan

    Limerick · city · Limerick

    Dr. Ryan raised up the grand Cathedral of St. John's, having sought assistance and his most sanguine expectations being more than realised. The Rev. William Bourke, administrator of St. John's, is interred in the cathedral he exerted himself to build.

    Read the passage

    order of tlie Faithful Companions, a tribute of just praise is bestowed upon Dr. Ryan and the Very Rev. Dean Cussen for the wonderful services conferred on the great educational ])roject in which that holy nun Avas engaged ; and the first convent of the order in Ireland was established in Limerick, the splendid convent of Laurel hill, which has been recognised since its formation as a leading educational establishment of the first class for young ladies.' In Bruff, the convent of St. Mary's was founded in 1856, and in a few years afterwards, owing to the extraordinary sacrifices and exertions of the Very Rev. Dean Cussen, a new and beautiful convent was built, which has attained a first-class position as an educational estabhshment.^ The open sincerity of Dr. Ryan's heart shone in those features which, even in death, had much grace and benignity impressed upon them. In 1825 there were but few schools in the city and diocese. The Christian Brothers had been but a short time before introduced by his excellent predecessor, Dr. Tuohy. Dr. Ryan not only gave them every encouragement, but he afforded them facilities by which they could extend their usefulness, increase the number of schools, and bring to the child of every poor person in the city all the advantages of an excellent education. As to higher schools, they were extremely few thirty or even twenty years ago in Limerick. By the earnest zeal of Dr. Ryan for the promotion of education among the better-to-do classes of Cathohcs, the Jesuit Fathers have been introduced there, and their college at this moment is one of the most flourishing in the south of Ireland. It was by Dr. Ryan that the unwearied and indefatigable Redemptorist Fathers, the sons of St. Alphonsus, have been introduced to bestow the inestimable blessings and benefits of their most pious labours on a people who know how to look upon them with deserved reverence and affection. As if by magic, too, he raised up^ the grand Cathedral of St. John's, having only sought assistance, and in a moment his most sanguine expectations being more than realised.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 367

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, St. John's Cathedral stands as the work of Dr. Ryan. He sought assistance for the building, and his most sanguine expectations were more than realised. The record says it was done "as if by magic." The Rev. William Bourke, administrator of St. John's, is interred in the cathedral he exerted himself to build. Dr. Ryan's open sincerity of heart showed in features that even in death had grace and benignity upon them. In 1825 there were but few schools in the city and diocese. His excellent predecessor, Dr. Tuohy, had introduced the Christian Brothers a short time before. Dr. Ryan gave them every encouragement and facilities to extend their usefulness, increase the number of schools, and bring to the child of every poor person in the city all the advantages of an excellent education. For higher schools among the better-off Catholics, he brought the Jesuit Fathers to Limerick, and their college became one of the most flourishing in the south of Ireland. He also introduced the Redemptorist Fathers, the sons of St. Alphonsus, to bestow the blessings of their pious labours on a people who looked upon them with deserved reverence and affection. The first convent of the Faithful Companions in Ireland was established in Limerick, the splendid convent of Laurel Hill, recognised as a leading educational establishment of the first class for young ladies. In Bruff, the convent of St. Mary's was founded in 1856, and through the extraordinary sacrifices and exertions of the Very Rev. Dean Cussen, a new and beautiful convent was built, attaining first-class position.

30. St. Munchin's Catholic chapel built near Thomond Gate

    Thomondgate · street · Limerick · 1744

    Catholic parishioners of St. Munchin, lacking a parish chapel and accustomed to resort to St. Mary's chapel outside Thomond Gate, built a small but convenient chapel near Thomond Gate close by the strand in 1744. The chapel later went to ruin and was taken down in 1799.

    Read the passage

    The efforts of the Catholics iu these gloomy times to possess themselves of becoming houses of worship were untiring. Hitherto the Cathohc parishioners of St. Munchin had no parish chapel, but had been accustomed to resort to St. Mary^s chapel, which was placed outside Thomond Gate.^ The parishioners of St. Munchin, therefore, were under the necessity of building a chapel for themselves in 1744, when they raised a small but convenient one near the same place — Thomond Gate — close by the strand. The Eev. Patrick Scaulan was the Parish Priest. ^ In the year following the Right Rev. Dr. Lacy, who had succeeded Dr. O^Kceffe as Catholic Bishop of Limerick, and who was a member of the illustrious family of De Lacy of Bruree, was appointed administrator of the diocese of Kilfenora by the Right Rev. Dr. Daly, Bishop of that see, who was residing at the time at Tournay in France ;^ and on the 19th of September in the succeeding year, the Rev. James White, Parish Priest of the Abbey of St. Prancis, " fixed" a small chapel for the use of his parishioners in the Abbey.* It is a strange fact that while the Catholic religion was at this period extending itself in Limerick, great alarm prevailed in nearly every other corporate city and town throughout Ireland, in consequence of the powerful eflbrts which the young Pretender, the Chevalier Charles Stuart, had been making in Scotland and England to upset the Hanoverian dynasty in the person of the second George.^

    But that the Corporators of Limerick took alarm there can be no doubt ; and that they were making preparations for a wholesale onslaught on the property of the people, is mdisputable. In the years 1747 and 1748, more than two-thirds of the estates of the Corporation, consisting of town-parks and premises, near and adjoining to the city, together with several plots of building ground and houses within the city, fell out of lease, and the Corporators demised amongst themselves the entire of these lands for nine hundred and

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 191

    As the companion tells it

    Along here, in 1744, the Catholic parishioners of St. Munchin built themselves a chapel. Until then they had no parish chapel of their own and had been accustomed to resort to St. Mary's chapel, which stood outside Thomond Gate. Now they raised a small but convenient chapel near that same place, close by the strand. The Reverend Patrick Scaulan was their parish priest at the time. The following year brought changes in the diocese. The Right Reverend Dr. Lacy, who had succeeded Dr. O'Keeffe as Catholic Bishop of Limerick, was appointed administrator of the diocese of Kilfenora. He was a member of the De Lacy family of Bruree. His appointment came from the Right Reverend Dr. Daly, Bishop of Kilfenora, who was residing in Tournay in France. On the 19th of September the next year, the Reverend James White, parish priest of the Abbey of St. Francis, fixed a small chapel there for his parishioners. It is a strange fact that while the Catholic religion was extending itself in Limerick at this period, great alarm prevailed in nearly every other corporate city and town throughout Ireland. The young Pretender, Charles Stuart, had been making powerful efforts in Scotland and England to upset the Hanoverian dynasty in the person of the second George. The corporators of Limerick took alarm too, and were making preparations for a wholesale onslaught on the property of the people. The chapel itself later went to ruin and was taken down in 1799.

31. Teige O'Brien captured at Limerick

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1564

    Teige, son of Murrough O'Brien, was taken prisoner at Limerick by order of the Lord Justice and sent to Dublin. It was universally said that the Earl of Thomond had a hand in his capture.

    Read the passage

    By the dissensions between the Earls of Ormond and Desmond, Munster was almost ruined, especially Tipperary and Kerry. The barony of Ormond was overrun by Pierce Grace ; and Thomond was as bad as the rest by the wars between Sir Daniel O'Brien and the Earl of Thomond.^ Hooker states that there was now no religion ; he means of course amongst those who, in the name of religion, perpetrated unheard-of iniquities. A great battle was to be fought between the Earls of Desmond and Ormond, concerning certain lands in dispute about the Suir and Cashel. The place selected was Bohermore, near Tipperary town ; immense numbers of their respective English and Irish neighbours crowded together from Cork to the Barrow, and from Logh Garman,^ "to the wide, foamy harbour" of Limerick.'* But "When the hosts came front to front and face to face, the Great God sent the angel of peace to them, so that concord was estabhshed between the hosts ; for, having reflected on the dreadful consequences of the battle, they parted without commg to any engagement on that occasion.''® Soon after this event, Teige, the son of Murrough O'Brien, was taken prisoner at Limerick, by order of the Lord Justice, and sent to Dublin to be imprisoned, and it was universally said at the time that the Earl of Thomond had a hand in his capture.^ Teige escaped from his bondage two years afterwards, when meeting Donald O'Brien, who had exerted himself to set aside the Earldom of Thomond before Connor's accession, united in opposition to the Earl, who raised many encampments against them; but the result of the fighting was that the Earl's people were defeated, many of them slain, and Brien, who was taken, was not given up until Shallee, in the barony of Lichiquin, was given to Teige by way of ransom. Ballycarr, the residence of the sons of Murrough, was afterwards taken and demolished by the Earl, who had brought ordnance and forces from Limerick for that purpose.^

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 58

    As the companion tells it

    Limerick, the city you're passing through, was the scene of a capture in 1564 that fed a long feud. Munster was nearly ruined by the dissensions between the Earls of Ormond and Desmond, especially Tipperary and Kerry. The barony of Ormond was overrun by Pierce Grace, and Thomond was as bad, with wars between Sir Daniel O'Brien and the Earl of Thomond. Hooker wrote that there was now no religion among those who, in the name of religion, perpetrated unheard-of iniquities. A great battle was to be fought between the Earls of Desmond and Ormond, over certain lands in dispute about the Suir and Cashel. The place selected was Bohermore, near Tipperary town. Immense numbers of their English and Irish neighbours crowded together, from Cork to the Barrow, and from Logh Garman, in the source's words, "to the wide, foamy harbour" of this city. But when the hosts came face to face, the Great God sent the angel of peace to them. They reflected on the dreadful consequences and parted without coming to any engagement. Soon after, Teige, the son of Murrough O'Brien, was taken prisoner here, by order of the Lord Justice, and sent to Dublin to be imprisoned. It was universally said that the Earl of Thomond had a hand in his capture. Teige escaped two years afterwards. Meeting Donald O'Brien, who had exerted himself to set aside the Earldom of Thomond before Connor's accession, they united in opposition to the Earl. He raised many encampments against them, but his people were defeated, many slain, and Brien, who was taken, was not given up until Shallee, in the barony of Lichiquin, was given to Teige by way of ransom. Ballycarr, the residence of the sons of Murrough, was afterwards taken and demolished by the Earl, who had brought ordnance and forces from the city for that purpose.

32. Theatre built in George's Street, Newtown, Limerick

    near George's Street · street · Waterford · 1810–1821

    In 1810, citizens of Limerick conceived the idea of building a theatre in the Newtown and selected a site in George's Street. The theatre measured 100 feet by 58 feet and exceeded the old theatre's area by 2,608 feet, but it eventually declined and was purchased by Rev. Mr. Cronin of the Augustinian Order in 1821.

    Read the passage

    This state of society contmued for some time longer to give much uneasiness to the Government, but no movement was made to mitigate the miseries of the people. In the years 1809^ and 1810, the same causes produced the same effects.* In this last mentioned year, the citizens conceived the idea of building a theatre in the New-town, and they selected a site for the purpose, in that portion of George's-street,^ which in some years afterwards became the centre of the street, and the principal portion of it for business.

    > An Inquiry into Certain Vulgar Opinions concerning the Catholic Inhabitants and Antiquities of Ireland, by the Eight Rev. J. Milner, D.D. Second Edition, London, 1809. 2 These are described in their proper places.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 244

33. Tithes of fisheries and mills at king's castle of Limerick

    Limerick · city · Limerick

    An inquisition was held by order of the king into whether the tithes of fisheries and mills belonged to the treasury of Limerick or to the chapel of the king's castle of Limerick. Until about sixty years before the book's writing, the first take of salmon and oysters belonged to the Minor Canons of the cathedral.

    Read the passage

    [Inquisition hold by order of our lord the king into the tythes of fisheries — [Until about sitxy years ago, the first take of salmon and oysters belonged to the Minor Canons of the cathedral, as may be seen from their books. The Corporation at present enjoy this privilege.] — and mills, and whether they belong to the treasury of Limerick, or to the chapel of the king's castle of Limerick.]

    LXIII. " Canonica obedientia fca Epo Lymer. per Malachiam rectore eccHe. de Artpatrick".

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 321

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, there is an old question that hung over the city. The king ordered an inquisition into the tithes of fisheries and mills here, and whether they belonged to the treasury of Limerick or to the chapel of the king's castle of Limerick. Until about sixty years before the record was written, the first take of salmon and oysters belonged to the Minor Canons of the cathedral. Their books showed it. At the time of writing, the Corporation enjoyed that privilege instead.

34. Voluntary subscriptions for defence of country at Limerick Tholsel, 1798

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1798

    On March 9th, a meeting of merchants, bankers, traders and inhabitants was held in the City Tholsel to raise voluntary subscriptions for the defence of the country. Large sums were contributed, including £500 per annum from John and Thomas Maunsell and £100 per annum from Stephen Roche John.

    Read the passage

    March 9th. — A meeting of the merchants, bankers, traders and inhabitants, was held in the City Tholsel, for the purpose of getting in voluntary subscriptions for the defence of the country. Resolutions were passed in furtherance of the object. The Mayor, Sheriffs, Right Rev. Dr. Young, R.C.B., the Recorder, Sir Christopher Knight, Eaton Maunsell, Esq., Rev. Thomas Shepherd, and Rev. Michael Seawright, were appointed a committee for carrying the resolutions into effect.

    The sums contributed were large, including £500 per annum, from John and Thomas Maunsell £100 per annum, Stephen Roche, John, £oO, John Howlej', Right Rev. Dr. Young, 1 year £11 7s. Gd. The resolutions, &c. were laid before the Lord Lieutenant, who in a letter from Mr. Secretary Cooke, highly approved of them.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 225

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, you are near the old City Tholsel, where on March 9th, 1798, a meeting of merchants, bankers, traders and inhabitants gathered to raise voluntary subscriptions for the defence of the country. Resolutions were passed. The Mayor, Sheriffs, Right Rev. Dr. Young, the Recorder, Sir Christopher Knight, Eaton Maunsell, Rev. Thomas Shepherd, and Rev. Michael Seawright were appointed a committee to carry the resolutions into effect. The sums contributed were large. John and Thomas Maunsell gave 500 pounds per annum. Stephen Roche gave 100 pounds per annum. John Howley and Right Rev. Dr. Young gave for one year 11 pounds, 7 shillings and sixpence. The resolutions were laid before the Lord Lieutenant, who in a letter from Mr. Secretary Cooke highly approved of them.

35. Wellesley Bridge Act receives Royal assent

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1823

    The Wellesley Bridge Act received the Royal assent in 1823, and public notice was given by the directors of the Chamber of Commerce in Limerick. A meeting of forty-eight commissioners named in the Bill was convened to elect additional new commissioners.

    Read the passage

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

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 262

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, this is the city where, in 1823, the Wellesley Bridge Act received the Royal assent. Public notice was given by the directors of the Chamber of Commerce, and a meeting of the forty-eight commissioners named in the Bill was convened to elect additional new commissioners. The background was contentious. On the 6th of May, in the House of Commons, Mr. Rice's Bill for the better regulation of the city of Limerick was read a second time. Captain O'Grady, one of the County representatives, stood up and moved that the bill be read that day six months. When O'Grady sat down and the Speaker asked who seconded the motion, there was dead silence. Rice stood up again and made many animadversions on the conduct of the hon. and gallant member. The Corporation now began to set its house in order, distributing among its members the remnant of the citizens' property that had survived. The Regulation Act was passed in the teeth of insolent opposition, but two days before it came into operation the Corporators made a lease for ever to Sir Christopher Marrett, Knight and Alderman, at the rent of thirty-four pounds, two shillings and sixpence Irish, of the ancient island of Scattery, granted to the Corporation by Queen Elizabeth. The island contains 103 acres, of which four had been purchased from the Corporation in 1810 for the Ordnance Service. The Chamber of Commerce had paid the Corporation fifteen hundred pounds a year for all their claim on tolls on corn and potatoes, renewing the bargain annually from 1808 to 1823.

36. Corbally: purchase by Alderman Pierce Shannon, 1833

    Corbally · townland · Limerick · 1833

    The greater portion of the suburban townland of Corbally was purchased by Alderman Pierce Shannon in 1833 for £22,000 from Colonel William Thomas Monsell of Tervoe. Several handsome residences were built there, including that of Shannon's grandson.

    Read the passage

    fore this period there had been no means of communication between the northern and eastern parts of these counties and the city of Limerick; and Park Bridge,' aplaiu structure of three arches, which crosses the Abbey river a short distance above the Abbey slip, and leads to the beautifully improved suburban townland of Corbally, the greater portion of which was purchased by the late Alderman Pierce Shannon, in 1833, for £22,000, from Colonel William Thomas Monsell,^ of Tervoe — led only to Corbally, where the

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 269

37. £5,000 collected in Limerick for famine relief

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1846

    A sum of £5,000 was collected in the city of Limerick to meet the exigencies of the dreadful potato failure and its terrific consequences in 1846, despite some agricultural philosophers dismissing the danger.

    Read the passage

    A sum of £5,000 was collected in the city to meet the exigencies of the dreadful case, which was thought so little of, however, by some of the agricultural philosophers at the dinner just referred to, that Mr. Smith, of Deanstown, expressed himself to the effect that the blackening of the potato would be attended with no danger, and that its effect would pass away speedily, and leave no injurious result to deplore.

    A demonstration in sustainment of Mr. W. S. O'Brien, M.P., took place on Thursday the 6th of June, when a magnificent reception was given to him on his first visit to Limerick after his confinement by order of the House of Commons. On this occasion there was a procession of the congregated trades, the temperance societies, the Corporation, including the Mayor, the Aldermen, and Councillors, a long line of pedestrians and equestrians to the number of 20,000. Trees were brought from the country to form triumphal arches. The neighbouring towns furnished addi-

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 289

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, this is a city that saw five thousand pounds collected in 1846 to meet what the record calls the exigencies of the dreadful case, the potato failure and its consequences. Some agricultural philosophers thought little of the danger. At a dinner just referred to in the source, Mr. Smith of Deanstown said the blackening of the potato would be attended with no danger, that its effect would pass away speedily and leave no injurious result to deplore. The five thousand pounds said otherwise about what people here faced. The book also records a demonstration on Thursday the 6th of June in support of Mr. W. S. O'Brien, M.P., on his first visit to Limerick after his confinement by order of the House of Commons. There was a procession of the congregated trades, the temperance societies, the Corporation including the Mayor, the Aldermen and Councillors, a long line of pedestrians and equestrians to the number of 20,000. Trees were brought from the country to form triumphal arches. The neighbouring towns furnished additional support.

38. Adare scene of Rockite and other outrages

    Adare · townland · Limerick · 1786

    In 1786, 1793, and during the time of the Rockites, Adare was the scene of many outrages, indicating recurring agrarian and political disturbance in the area.

    Read the passage

    In 1786, 1793, and in the time of the Rockites, Adare was the scene of many outrages.

    In the year 1809, the friary of the Holy Trinity was given by Richard Valentine Lord Adare, for the purpose of a parish Catholic church, and its ancient architectural ornaments were restored. This house was founded in 1230, in the reign of Edward I., by John, Earl of Kildare, for the redemption of Christian captives. In the rere of this building is a singular piece of antiquity — the country people call it a pigeon house, but it was tliought by some antiquaries to be nothing less than a vestal fire house, built prior to the introduction of Christianity. It is still entire, except the stone over the door, which is wanting ; it is perfectly circular, about fourteen feet in diameter externally, the walls nearly three feet thick ; the inside at least consists of a species of fire stone, certainly brought from the shore of the sea, as many marine particles are still visible in them. The top is covered with a dome, and a circular opening, about eighteen inches in diameter, well secured by a ring of carved stone work, admits the light in the centre. In the Earl of Dunraven's Memorials of Adm^e it is described as a dove-cot attached to the monastery.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 417

39. Admiralty jurisdiction over the Shannon granted to Limerick Corporation

    near River Shannon · river · Cavan

    The Charter confers an exclusive Admiralty jurisdiction, both criminal and civil, over the River Shannon extending three miles north-east of the city to the mouth of the main sea, including all creeks, banks, and rivulets. A Court of Admiralty was to be held every Monday before the Mayor, Recorder, and Aldermen.

    Read the passage

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

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 73

40. Ancient monuments and earthworks at Lough Gur

    near Lough Gur · lake or lakes · Limerick

    Lough Gur was surrounded by very early, ancient, and interesting monuments including large earthen works of the military class, detached graves known as giant's beds, caves, and islands. Fossil remains, bones, and horns of the great Irish deer, as well as bog butter, were also found there.

    Read the passage

    and very early, ancient, and interesting monuments on the banks and hill screens of Lough Gur, and within a large circuit around it, large earthen works, chiefly of the military class, as at Friarstown ; circular moats, duns, intrenched forts, raths, etc., occur in various districts, the largest raths being at Bruree, Kilpeacon, and Kilfinnan, and one in sesrments near Shanid Castle. At Caher Park, Caherconlish, are the traces of an ancient city. Of religious houses not in the city, there were thirty -five, chiefly founded by the Desmond family. Seven monastic establishments were on the banks of the Comraogue. The most interesting remains of religious houses are at Adare, Askeaton, and Kilmallock, Manisternenagh, Kilshane Abbey, Mungret, Galbally Friary, Kilflln monastery, and the fine old abbey in the parish of Rochestown.

    Ruined Castles. — Of these there are nearly one hundred, as at Shanid, Croom, Carrigogunnell, Castleconnell, Cappagh, etc.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 416

41. Andrew Cherry apprenticed at the Limerick Journal

    Limerick · city · Limerick

    Andrew Cherry, the comedian and author of 'The Soldier's Daughter' and 'The Travellers,' served his apprenticeship in the printing office of the Limerick Journal. He often printed play bills for his own strolling company and was sometimes reduced to starvation.

    Read the passage

    in the dignity of " Seneschal of Parteen" — had a small -ware shop at the opposite corner. Andrew Cherry, the comedian, and author of the " Soldier's Daughter," and the "Travellers," to which Dibdin wrote the songs, &c., served his time as an apprentice in the printing-office of the Limerick Journal. Cherry often printed the play bills for his own poor strolling company ; and underwent many trials, having been reduced to the verge of starvation on some occasions.- In " Familiar Epistles" to Edward Jones, Esq.,* who succeeded Mr. Kichard Daly, the successor of Mr. Heaphy, as Patentee of the Theatres Royal of Limerick, Cork, and Dublin, (after Daly had realized a protit of £5,000 a year by them) — Cherry's plays are thus uncomplimentarily referred to by the Satirist : —

    " There is a burning chauldron's blaze

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Limerick, this is the city where Andrew Cherry, the comedian and author of "The Soldier's Daughter" and "The Travellers," served his apprenticeship in the printing office of the Limerick Journal. Dibdin wrote the songs for his plays. Cherry often printed the play bills for his own poor strolling company, and underwent many trials, having been reduced to the verge of starvation on some occasions. The Theatres Royal of Limerick, Cork, and Dublin had been run by Mr. Heaphy, then Richard Daly, who realized a profit of £5,000 a year by them, and then Edward Jones succeeded Daly. Cherry's plays were uncomplimentarily referred to by the Satirist, who wrote of "a burning chauldron's blaze."

42. Athlone magazine fired by lightning, castle blown up

    Athlone · town · Westmeath · 1697

    On 27 October 1697, the magazine at Athlone was fired by lightning, blowing up the castle and several houses, and killing fourteen persons.

    Read the passage

    * It is said in White's MSS. that the Sheriff (Bowman) was among the number of those killed, and that 240 men, women, and children were killed and wounded, and that Counseller John Lacy, Arthur Lillis, Attorney, Mrs. Butler, and Zachary Holland died of the fright ; the explosion not only shook the whole city, but was distinctly heard twenty miles off. This lower is placed in the old maps and plana of Limerick, which are preserved in the British Museum, at the corner of the Quay, not far from the present County Court House. It is curious to add that in a few vears afterwards, viz., on the 27th of October, 1G97, "the magazine of Athlone fired by lightning, blew up the Castle and divers houses, and fourteen persons were killed."

    3 Lamps' must have been as great a curiosity at this period as gas was 45 or 50 years ago ; and I had the fact from a very aged citizen of Limerick,* that in the last century, before the new town was built, so well was the Englishtown lighted that one could pick a pin off the streets at night— so bright were they, not only with lamps, but with the light that gleamed from the shop windows of the citizens, who, at that period, took the greatest pains in endeavouring to snow off their wares, by candle-light especially. In this instance fashion has undergone a complete revolution.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 165

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Athlone, there is one event from 1697 worth hearing. On the 27th of October that year, lightning struck the magazine. The explosion blew up the castle and several houses, and fourteen people were killed.

43. Attacks on soldiers at King's Stores, Limerick, 1812

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1812

    On 4 June 1812, sentinel Gilbert Keith of the 90th Regiment was fired upon while on duty at the King's Stores in Limerick; his cap was perforated and his head grazed. On 26 September, Robert Thompson of the same regiment was shot at the same stores, wounded, and had his left leg amputated. Large rewards were offered for discovery of the perpetrators.

    Read the passage

    On tlie 4th of June, 1812, Gilbert Keith of the 90th Regiment, on duty as sentinel at the King's Stores, was fired at — his cap was perforated and his head grazed. Robert Thompson of the same regiment was fired at while on duty at said stores on the 2(jth of September. Thompson was wounded, and his left leg was amputated. On the night of the 10th October, same year, Patrick Lougblan, of the Galway Militia, while on duty at the Commiss-iriixt Stores, in Clarestreet, was tired at and wounded in the hand. Large rewards were offered fur the discovery of the perpetrators of these outrages.

    I

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 238

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, soldiers at the King's Stores were attacked in 1812. On 4 June, Gilbert Keith of the 90th Regiment, on duty as sentinel at the stores, was fired at. His cap was perforated and his head grazed. On 26 September, Robert Thompson of the same regiment was fired at while on duty at the same stores. He was wounded and his left leg amputated. On the night of 10 October, Patrick Loughlan of the Galway Militia, on duty at the Commissariat Stores in Clare Street, was fired at and wounded in the hand. Large rewards were offered for discovery of the perpetrators.

44. Barrington's Hospital established in Limerick

    Limerick · city · Limerick

    Barrington's Hospital in Limerick was established by act of parliament, becoming a notable institution in the city.

    Read the passage

    mercial, 488; Provincial, 488. Banks, Mrs., liberality of, 429. Baptisms in eleventh century, 21. Bardwell, Mr., his improvements in Cathedral, GOO. Barracks, completed lSii7, 418; new, described, 4C5. Barrington, Daniel, monument to, 600. Barrington, Sir Jonah, noticed, 386. Barrington's Hospital, act for, 469 ; established, 473. Barrington, Sir Mathew, notice of, 477; memorial to

    him and his wife, 603. Barrington, Sir Joseph, notice of, 478. Barrington, Samuel, monument to, in 1C93 596. Barron, Geofl'i ey, death> in 1651, 181, 182 ; execution

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 457

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, you are in the city where Barrington's Hospital was established. An act of parliament was passed for it. The material gives no date for the founding, only that the act and the establishment are recorded in the history of the city. The Barrington name also appears on monuments and in notices of several members of the family in Limerick's records.

45. Bells removed from Black Friars by Robert St. Leger, 1541

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1541

    On 22 January in the 32nd year of Henry VIII, Mr. Robert St. Leger took both the great bell and the small bell from the Black Friars (Dominican friary) of Limerick, part of the ongoing dissolution of monastic property.

    Read the passage

    Item, wee finde that John Comyns house in the Key lane, do beare yearly to the house of Keilmanani, twoe shillings of yeaily rent and noe most. Item, wee finde that Patrick Fanning's house lynge in Creagh lane, doe bearre to the house of Keilmanam twelf pence of yearly rent. And of Patrick Lange's house, next unto the same of yearly rent twelf pence, and a gardine lyeing by the spitle twelf pence of yearly rent. Item, wee doe find that in the 30th yeare of King Henry the Eighth, Edmond, Archbishop of Cassell, and Walter Cowley, the king's solicitor taking uppon them to be the king's commissioners, did take of the image of the holly roods, shoes of silver, wheing twentie seaven unces troy weight wherein weare divers stones the value whereof wee cannot tell. And alsoe did take the image of our Ladj-e of the said church showes of silver weighing six unces with divers stones, and lifteene buthons of silver, valued at three shilling, 9d. str. And neyne crosses of silver, valued at neyne shillings. And a peare of beades of silver, weighing six unces. Item, the said commissioners did take of the black fryers of Lymerick the day and yeare above said Sanict Sunday, his showes of silver weighing tenn unces, with divers stones, the value whereof wee cannot tell. And 4 stones of cristall bound with silver to our estimation weighing 2 unces. And foure score pound of wax as wee doe think rather more than less, being in the said chappele then. And iron being in the said chappell to the sum of twentie stones, And above. Item, the 22nd day of Januarii, in the 32 yeare of our sovereigns Lord King Henry the Eighth, Mr. Eobert Saintlager did take both the greate bell and the small bell out of the same place. Item, we find that David Michell of Lymerick, marchant, have a challice of silver, of the grey fryars in his keeping, delivered unto him, by one John O'Linge, at that tyme fryer of the said house, which challice was delivered to Humphrey Sexten. Item, wee find that John Skeolan of Lymerick, merchant, have two candlesticks of brass, of the said abbey in gage they doe say. Item, wee find that John M'Skyddiy of Lymerick, taylor, have a booke of the said fryars in gage for eight pence. Item, wee find that Stephen Crevagh, hath certain glasses of the said fryars which he hath delivered to Humphray Sexten. Item, George Sexten hath a vestment of chamlet red with a cross of velvet thereon. Item, John P.j'ce hath a vestment of Ameistock of the said fryers. Item, Humphrey Sexten have received of Leonard Crevagh, one challice of silver of the grey fryers. Item, wee finde that Stephen Harrold have a gardine of the said fryers by lease for years, paying therefor yearly sixteene pounds which is within the churchyard of the said fryers. Item, Steephen Crevagh hath a particle of the same churchyard, and in lease for yeares paying therefor, yearlj', sixpence. And Christopher Crevagh hath the rest of the said churchyard by lease for years, paying yearly therefor, 2s. 8d. Item, Steephen Crevagh hath a garden of the said fryers, within the moore of the said fryers by lease, paying yearly therefor, 2s. Item, James Harrold hath a garden of the said fryers, by lease, paying therefor, yearly, 3s. 4d. Item, John Nagle hath a gardine within the precincts of the said freeres, by lease paying therefor, yearly, 3s. 4d. Item, John Nagle hath a little medowe of the said freeres, paying therefor, yearly, 3s. Item, more wee find that John Skoylane hath another gardine in the said moore, by lease, paying therefor, yearly, 23. Item, Nicholas Stretch hath a gardine by the little Hand by lease, paying yearly therefor, 8s. sterling. Item, Andrew Harrold hath a gardine in the said moore by lease, paying yearly therefor, 2. 4d. James Fox hath a garden hy lease and within the precincts of the freeres church, paying yearly therefor 8s. Item, Leonard Creagh hath another gardine payeing yearly therefor Is. Item, Dominick Comyn hath one stone house of the said freeres, named the fish house, by lease, paying therefor yearly sixteen pence. Item, John Nagle hath one other gardine within the said precinct by lease, payeing therefor j'earlie IGd. Item, John Stretch Fitzgeorge hath one other gardine by lease without the moore, paying yearly therefor 2s, More, the said John hath one house which did appertayne to the said freeres, by lease, payinge therefor 2s. Item, Christopher Crevagh hath one tenement or voj-de place by lease, payeing therefor yearley 4s. and another voyde place, payeing therefore yearly 8s. 4d. Item, wee fjTid that there are tenn acres of land in Luithagh, more the two parts of the teythe of the same in Theobot Boorke's country, and three acres in Brarnblock and twoe parts of the teythe of the same, and twoe acres in the great croft and the twoe parts of the teythe of the same, and tenn acres in Claishcuigilly with the 2 partes of the same, whych lands and teythes appertayne to the same freeres. Item, wee fynd that the church of ScaintePeter and the churchyarde of the same is a chappell in Keilrone,inO'Bryens countrye,and all lands and tenements within the cittie of Lymerick, appertayning to the saide Sainct Peters hereafter followe. Item, wee find that Christopher Harrold hath one gardine and orchard by lease for certaine yeares paying therefor yearly 2s. And one house by lease which lease doth mansion that all rent thereof is payed before hand. Item, Elian Whyte widdowe hath one orcharde by lease payeing therefor yearly, 2s. And Elinor Arthur widdowe hath one gardine and one house

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 55

    As the companion tells it

    As the road carries you through Limerick, this is a city where the dissolution left its marks in the record. In the 30th year of King Henry the Eighth, Edmond, Archbishop of Cashel, and Walter Cowley, the king's solicitor, acting as the king's commissioners, came and took silver from the churches. They took the shoes of silver from the image of the holy rood, weighing 27 ounces troy, with stones whose value the record does not state. They took the silver shoes from the image of Our Lady, six ounces with stones, 15 silver buttons valued at three shillings and ninepence, nine silver crosses valued at nine shillings, and a pair of silver beads weighing six ounces. From the Black Friars of Limerick, on the same day, they took silver shoes weighing ten ounces with stones, four crystal stones bound with silver weighing two ounces, 80 pounds of wax, and 20 stone of iron from the chapel. Then on the 22nd of January 1541, in the 32nd year of Henry the Eighth, Mr. Robert Saintleger took both the great bell and the small bell out of the Black Friars. The friars' goods scattered into the hands of Limerick people. David Michell, merchant, had a silver chalice of the Grey Friars delivered to him by John O'Linge, a friar of that house, and it passed to Humphrey Sexten. John Skeolan, merchant, had two brass candlesticks in gage. John M'Skyddiy, a tailor, had a book of the friars in gage for eight pence. Gardens and lands around the friary were leased out, year by year, to Stephen Crevagh, James Harrold, John Nagle, and many others.

46. Bishop Cornelius O'Keeffe appointed to diocese of Limerick

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1720

    In 1720, after many years without a Catholic bishop following the death of Dr. Moloney in Paris, the Holy See appointed Cornelius O'Keeffe to govern the diocese of Limerick. His arrival was a moment of great joy for the long-suffering Catholic clergy and people of the city.

    Read the passage

    Notwithstanding the presisting enmity of the Orange faction irrespectively of every consideration of decency, truth, and honor, and the contumely and scorn with which Cathohcs and the Catholic Clergy continued to be treated, the old faith lived in the hearts of the people, and the year 1720 became remarkable in the Annals of Limerick in a pre-eminent degree. Until that year there had not been a Catholic Bishop appointed to the diocese of Limerick since the death in Paris, of the Right Rev. Dr. Moloney ; when the Court of Rome at length adjudged it proper to appoint a Bishop to govern the diocese. The selection of the Holy See was made in the person of the Right Rev. Cornelius O'KeefFe, a native of the diocese of Cork, and of the family of the O'KeefFes of Clouna Phircane, in that county.* The day that witnessed the advent of a Catholic Prelate to a clergy and a people, who had been so long severely suffering, and so many years without a spiritual ruler, was a joyous one indeed. While to all the Cathohc citizens of every degree, nothing could have been more acceptable.

    Almost contemporaneously with the arrival of Dr. O'Keeffe a partial relaxation was experienced in the rigors of the penal code. An order was

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 181

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, you are in a city where 1720 was a remarkable year in its annals. For many years before that, there had been no Catholic bishop appointed to the diocese, not since the Right Reverend Dr. Moloney died in Paris. The old faith still lived in the hearts of the people, even though Catholics and the Catholic clergy continued to be treated with contumely and scorn, and the Orange faction kept up its enmity without regard for decency, truth, or honour. In 1720 the Court of Rome at length judged it proper to appoint a bishop to govern the diocese. The Holy See chose the Right Reverend Cornelius O'Keeffe, a native of the diocese of Cork, of the O'Keeffe family of Clouna Phircane in that county. The day that saw a Catholic prelate arrive to a clergy and people who had been so long suffering, and so many years without a spiritual ruler, was a joyous one. Nothing could have been more acceptable to the Catholic citizens of every degree. Almost at the same time as Dr. O'Keeffe's arrival, a partial relaxation was felt in the rigours of the penal code. An order was

47. Brian's fortress at Kincora

    near Kincora · monument · Clare

    Brian Boru frequently brought resisting chieftains to his fortress at Kincora, including the Lord of Kinel Connel who refused to give hostages, which Brian eventually extorted by force from the Kinel Eoghaia.

    Read the passage

    Brian made various expeditions of this character, and frequently brought away such chieftains as resisted him to his fortress at Kincora — amongst others, the Lord of Kinel Connel upon his refusing to give hun hostages, which Brian at last extorted by force from the Kinel Eoghaia, thus completing the subjugation of the illustrious house of the northern Hy-NiaUs. This event took place about six years after Brian's offering at Armagh which, occurred in 1004, on which occasion he signed a confirmation of the usual grant to the Clergy of Armagh, under the style of " Imperator Scotormn," an entry which is still extant in the Book of Armagh.

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

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 15

48. Bridge built by FitzAndrew Creah broken down

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1691

    The Irish broke down a bridge erected some forty or fifty years earlier by FitzAndrew Creah near Limerick, in an attempt to hinder the Williamite advance after the Shannon crossing. The demolition proved of no advantage.

    Read the passage

    Clifford, it is certain, was aided by Henry Lutterel in the work of treachery, both having agreed as to what was to be done. It is impossible to depict the dismay and consternation into which these successful movements of the enemy threw the Irish army and the citizens. Sarsfield could have easily prevented the passage of the river; but he had heard nothing until all was over. He had been at the horse camp, and it was too late, when he became acquainted with the disastrous result. The Irish now broke down the bridge, which had been erected by PitzAndrew Creagh some forty or fifty years before ; this movement however was not attended with any advantage. An attempt was made to seize the records, the chief personages of the Irish government, the treasure, and the ladies who occupied a house about a mile from Thomond bridge ; but this did not succeed. ^ At the Castle on the Salmon Weir, au ensign and twenty men were posted ; these were made prisoners. A small garrison on St. Thomases Island submitted, and two brass field pieces were taken. It had been made a matter of boast that the English lost but one sergeant, and that there were but twenty of theirs men wounded throughout the day. Captain Taaff, another deserter, reported to Ginkle that the city was almost without bread, and that the shell and shot had done mischief to an extraordinary extent. Ginkle at this juncture issued a proclamation in the names of WiUiam and Mary, offering ''Pardon of then* offences, Kestitution of their Estates, Reward of their Services, and all the Benefits promised by the Lords Justices in their Proclamation of the 7th of July,^^ if they submitted within eight days, " from which they are not debarred by any Act of Parhament, as they are falsely made to believe by some persons who live by sacrificing their country to the Tyranny and Ambition of Prance, and ought for that reason be excluded from Mercy by both sides.'^ The Irish leaders spurned the proposal.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 142

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, you come near where a bridge once stood, built by FitzAndrew Creagh some forty or fifty years before 1691. In that year, after the Williamites crossed the Shannon, the Irish broke it down to hinder their advance. Clifford was aided by Henry Luttrell in the work of treachery, both having agreed as to what was to be done. The dismay and consternation these successful movements threw the Irish army and the citizens into was impossible to depict. Sarsfield could have easily prevented the passage of the river, but he had heard nothing until all was over. He had been at the horse camp, and it was too late when he became acquainted with the disastrous result. The Irish broke down the bridge FitzAndrew Creagh had erected, but the demolition was not attended with any advantage. An attempt was made to seize the records, the chief personages of the Irish government, the treasure, and the ladies who occupied a house about a mile from Thomond bridge, but this did not succeed. At the Castle on the Salmon Weir, an ensign and twenty men were posted, and these were made prisoners. A small garrison on St. Thomas's Island submitted, and two brass field pieces were taken. It was made a matter of boast that the English lost but one sergeant, and that twenty of their men were wounded throughout the day. Captain Taaff, another deserter, reported to Ginkle that the city was almost without bread, and that the shell and shot had done mischief to an extraordinary extent. Ginkle at this juncture issued a proclamation in the names of William and Mary, offering pardon of their offences, restitution of their estates, reward of their services, and all the benefits promised by the Lords Justices in their proclamation of the 7th of July, if they submitted within eight days. The Irish leaders spurned the proposal.

49. Building of St. John's Gate, Limerick

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1494

    In 1494, the citizens were engaged in building St. John's Gate. A treasurer was appointed and bailiffs were bound to preside over watchers at St. John's and Thomond Gates every night.

    Read the passage

    1494 They were then engaged in the building of the St. John's Gate, and Wm. Donnyll (?) [this name is Daniel, or O'Donnell, an ancient family represented now by General Sir Charles O'Donnell and his relatives] appointed treasurer of that gate ; and the bailifiFs were bound to preside alternately over those who watch this and Thomond Gate every night (Arthur MSS.).

    1495 A guild of merchants was incorporated in this city, audit was exacted in this year that every subject having goods to the value of £20, must have a jack, sollet, an English bow and sheaf of arrows, and every freeholder a hone also, to assist the king (Irish Stat.).

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 402

    As the companion tells it

    In 1494, as the road takes you through Limerick, the citizens were engaged in building St. John's Gate. William Donnyll, of the O'Donnell family, was appointed treasurer of that gate. The bailiffs were bound to preside alternately over the watchers at St. John's Gate and Thomond Gate every night. The Arthur manuscripts preserve the record.

50. Carmen Garryoweniense — the Garryowen boys' Latin poem

    near Garryowen · population centre · Limerick

    A Latin poem celebrates the Garryowen boys of Limerick, describing their street fighting, lamp-breaking, and defiance of authority. It names John O'Connell as a stalwart of Garryowen and references their conflicts with magistrates and jurors.

    Read the passage

    Juvenes sumus qui talia curent — Frangere lychnos dum splendide urunt Et Limericenses in plateis jurant Nos cunctos depugnare !

    Fenetris domoram et foribns caesis, Et ternis quaternis vigilibus Issis, Signa iaspiciat medicus necis

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 236

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up near Garryowen, in Limerick. A Latin poem celebrated the boys of this place, youths who broke lamps while they still burned and swore to fight all Limerick men in the streets. They smashed windows and doors, and left three or four watchmen down. John O'Connell was a stalwart here, and their conflicts reached the magistrates and jurors.

51. Castle Connell land mortgage and Lady Margaret Thornton's rent

    Castleconnell · town · Limerick · 1635–1650

    Edmond, Lord Baron of Castle Connell, attorned tenant to Dr. Arthur for mortgaged lands and paid £100 per annum rent during his life. After his death, Lady Dowager Margaret of Castle Connell paid rent until Easter 1642, then withheld rent until deserting the land around 1650.

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    be given them b}- me, my heyres, executors or assignes, pay us in whole sum and entyre payment the sum of one thousand and fiftie pounds, sterling, with all the arrears of the interest thereof, then the said lease to be expired. William Brickdale, Esq., and George Conessis. Esq., are bound with his honor in bonds of the statute staple for the warrantie and performance of covenants. His honor by a special note under his hand is bound to save me from all subsidies and other country charges to be imposed upon that land during that mortgage, Edmond, Lord Baron of Castle Connell, who, in right of his wife, the Lady Margaret Thornton, the relict of Dunnough O'Bryen of Carrigogunnil, was tenant to the said Earl in the premises, did atturne tennant unto me, and payd me during his life a hundred pounds rent thereout, per annum. And since his death, the said Lady Dowager Margaret, of Castle Connell, payed me duly every year one hundred pounds sterling rent thereout until Easter, 1642, inclusively. But ever since thea payed me no rent thereout, and yet detained the land until she deserted it in ano. 165- (perhap.? 1650) In a marginal note the land is said to contain : in Kilelypsh, 250 profitable, 183 unprofitable acres, 22 acres one-tenth profitable, Portreigue in Kilfentenan Parish, 243 acres profitable, 58 acres one-tenth unprofitable, in ano. 1687, in Stratford's tyme. These plow-lands in. the survey made in the Earl of Stratford's tyme contained 720 acres. The Civil Survey Jurors, March, 2nd, 16o5, were these : Robert Starkey, Torlough MacMahonne, Paul MacNemara, Neptune Blood, Thomas Hickman, Captain Thomas Cullen, Thomas Clanchy, George Clanchy, Thomas Fanning, George M'Nemara."

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 80

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up through Castleconnell in Limerick, you are passing through a place whose lands were once mortgaged and held under a hundred pounds a year in rent. Edmond, Lord Baron of Castle Connell, held these lands in right of his wife, Lady Margaret Thornton, who was the relict of Dunnough O'Bryen of Carrigogunnil. Edmond was tenant to the Earl in the premises, but he attorned tenant to Dr. Arthur, and paid a hundred pounds rent per annum during his life. William Brickdale and George Conessis were bound with his honour in bonds of the statute staple for the warranty and performance of covenants. His honour was bound by a special note under his hand to save Dr. Arthur from all subsidies and other country charges imposed upon the land during the mortgage. After Edmond's death, the Lady Dowager Margaret of Castle Connell paid a hundred pounds sterling rent every year, until Easter 1642 inclusively. After that she paid no rent, yet detained the land until she deserted it, in about 1650. The land contained 250 profitable acres and 183 unprofitable acres in Kilelypsh, with 22 acres and one-tenth profitable. In Portreigue, in Kilfentenan Parish, there were 243 acres profitable and 58 acres and one-tenth unprofitable. In 1687, in Stratford's time, these plow-lands contained 720 acres.

52. Castle on the Maine near Castlemaire Bay taken

    Castlemaine Harbour · bay · Kerry

    After taking the castle of Pails, the forces took another castle on the banks of the Maine (Noer Mang), near the Bay of Castlemaire, County Kerry, before returning to Limerick.

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

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 44

53. Chancellor of Limerick diocese tried for treason, Bishop confined

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1580

    At Limerick, the chancellor of the diocese was found guilty of high treason for corresponding with Desmond, but managed to obtain a pardon. The Bishop of Limerick, also suspected, was confined to his house.

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    was again apprehended and confined, until by letters from London, the government was assured of his being enlarged there. Upon his return to his own country he retired from the noise of the world, and built, for himself, near the side of a lonesome wood, a Httle cabin made up of wattles, wherein he spent the remainder of his days in divine meditations, in consoling his distressed flock, in administering the sacraments, and in aU other works of piety and charity ; at length, consumed with labour and overcome by many hardships, he died, in the odour of sanctity, in the year 1579, and was buried in a convent of Franciscans in Muskerry, called the Cellecrea.* Nor were these dreadful crimes perpetrated on such men only as Doctor Hely, and his companion. Father 0''Rourke, and the Bishop of Ross ; the terrors of the time are indescribable. On the 11th of February, a commission of martial law was sent to Sir Warham Saint Ledger, then the Lord Justice, who remained three weeks at Waterford, whence he went to Clonmel, where Ormond met him, and thence to Limerick. His baggage was carried a great part of the way on men^s shoulders for want of carriage horses, or because of the badness of the way, or both; and at Limerick, the chancellor of the diocese was found guilty of high treason, for corresponding with Desmond, but he made a shift to get a pardon, while the Bishop of Limerick, who was also shrewdly suspected, was merely confined to his house.^ On the 10th of March, Ormond and the Lord Justice met at Rathkeale ; next day they passed over the bridge of Adare, and returned at night and invaded ConneUoe, and having done what mischief he could there, proceeded to Carrigfoyle, which he took, and hanged Captain Julio, an Itahan engineer, who commanded the garrison ; and on the 3rd of April, 1580, laid siege to the castle of Askeaton, one of the most magnificent castles in the country, which the garrison deserted, and which the Lord Justice partially destroyed by gunpowder, leaving the towers untouched, as they remain to this day. Askeaton and Ballyheige castles, in Kerry, which were taken at the same time, were the last castles of the great Desmond. Having left four companies at Askeaton, the Lord Justice returned to Limerick on the 5th of April ; Ormond proceeded to Kilkenny, Malby to Connaught, and the others to Dublin.^ But the Lord Justice did not rest in Limerick. He proceeded (" by sea" ?) to Adare, and sent Captain Case by land, where, we are told, they both returned " after the slaughter of many traytors, with a prey of twelve hundred cows and as many sheep."* On the 15th of May he received a commission from Elizabeth to be Lord Justice, and another to make Sir Wilham Burke Baron of CastleconneD, with a yearly pension of a hundred marks during life.^ On the 13th of this month Pope Gregory the Thirteenth granted to all Irishmen who would fight against the Queen, the same plenary pardon and remission of all their sins, as to those that were engaged in the Holy War against the Turks. ^

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 62

54. Col. Neale O'Grady of Kilballyowen at Battle of Aspern

    Kilballyowen · townland · Limerick · 1809

    Colonel Neale O'Grady, of the Kilballyowen stock, commanded an infantry regiment at the battle of Aspern between the Austrians and Napoleon in 1809, receiving public thanks from the Archduke.

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    O'Grady, Col. Neale, of the Kilballyowen stock, commander of an infantry regiment at the battle of Aspern, fought between the Austrians and Napoleon in 1809, and was amongst the officers who received public thanks from the Archduke.

    To these might be added the names of many who in the recent war in the Crimea have proved worthy of honourable mention; Massys, Westi'opps, and Mr. Martin Gubbins, whose "noble conduct" is mentioned by the late General Havelock, etc., etc.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 454

55. Colonel John Rice surrenders regiment at Limerick

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1691–1697

    Colonel John Rice surrendered a regiment of horse to William at the surrender of Limerick on the public faith of English pay. This led to litigation as other officers disputed Rice's claims for Debentures.

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    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

    Coming up through Limerick now. Back at the surrender of Limerick in 1691, Colonel John Rice brought a regiment of horse to William on the public faith of English pay. Then there was a good deal of litigation and acrimony. Captain Morgan O'Bryen, Captain Fitzgerald, and others replied to the case Rice had made after obtaining an Act of Parliament for Debentures to be given him for his claims arising out of the Irish wars and the siege of Limerick.

56. Coote marches against Galway after Athlone

    Galway · city · Galway · 1651

    After taking Athlone, Sir Charles Coote marched against Galway. The Earl of Castlehaven was called to assist Galway with four thousand men, but a party left to defend the Shannon pass was overpowered and fled.

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    Ireton, having now made all provisions for an early campaign^ and received some reinforcements from England^ resolved to begin by besieging Limerick. Sir Cbarles Coote was directed to advance towards Sligo^ in order to pierce into Connanght, that Limerick migbt be invested on all sides. ^ The Irish were preparing to relieve the city, when Coote_, drawing off his men, passed suddenly over the Curlew mountains, and invested Athlone. Clanrikarde was unable to make head against Coote, who took Athlone, and marched against Galway. The Earl of Castlehaven was called to the assistance of Galway, and he had marched but a few miles, at the head of four thousand men, when a party he had left to defend the pass over the Shannon, suffered themselves to be overpowered by the enemy, and fled precipitately — but we anticipate events.

    O^Neil was now appointed Governor of Limerick, and he did his duty with a courage and true nobility of soul which brooked no compromise. Sh Geofirey Galway, the son of him who had been persecuted in the days of Queen Ehzabeth ; Geoffry Barron, whom French calls an ornament to his country ; Alderman Domhiick Panning, Alderman Thomas Stritch, Dr. Higg-ins, and many others of the citizens, held counsel within, and would listen to no overture that came from Ireton or his partizans. There was no one more prominent than Terence Albert O'Brien, Bishop of Emly, in preparing the citizens and soldiers for the storm, and in urging them to leave nothing undone to conquer Ireton and his merciless mjTmidons. They were nobly seconded by the indomitable Dominick Fanning, the zealous Father Wolfe, who had prevented the city accepting Ormondes peace, by General Purcell, and others.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 96

    As the companion tells it

    As you come near Galway, this is the city Sir Charles Coote marched against in 1651. Ireton had resolved to besiege Limerick and directed Coote to advance towards Sligo, to pierce into Connacht, so that Limerick might be invested on all sides. The Irish were preparing to relieve the city, when Coote drew off his men, passed suddenly over the Curlew mountains, and invested Athlone. Clanricarde was unable to make head against Coote, who took Athlone, and then marched against Galway. The Earl of Castlehaven was called to the assistance of Galway. He had marched but a few miles, at the head of four thousand men, when a party he had left to defend the pass over the Shannon suffered themselves to be overpowered by the enemy, and fled precipitately. The story then turns back to Limerick. O'Neil was appointed Governor there, and did his duty with a courage and true nobility of soul which brooked no compromise. Sir Geoffrey Galway, son of him who had been persecuted in the days of Queen Elizabeth, Geoffry Barron, Alderman Dominick Fanning, Alderman Thomas Stritch, Dr. Higgins, and many other citizens held counsel within and would listen to no overture from Ireton or his partisans. Terence Albert O'Brien, Bishop of Emly, was prominent in preparing citizens and soldiers for the storm, urging them to leave nothing undone to conquer Ireton. They were seconded by Dominick Fanning, Father Wolfe, who had prevented the city accepting Ormonde's peace, General Purcell, and others.

57. Corcomroe Abbey granted to Donnell O'Brien

    Corcomroe · barony · Clare · 1564

    The magnificent abbey and abbey lands of Corcomroe, with rents and church livings, were given to Donnell O'Brien as compensation for the lordship of Thomond to which he would have succeeded by Tanistry.

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    It was in this year that the magnificent abbey and abbey lands of Corcomroe, with their rents and customary services, and acquirements of land in the territories of Thomond, and its church livings, were given to DonneU O'Brien, as a compensation for the lordship of Thomond, to which he would have succeeded by Tanistry.®

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

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 58

58. Cormac Mac Cullenan unites sees of Cashel and Emly, 901

    Cashel · town · Tipperary · 901

    Cormac Mac Cullenan ascended the throne of Cashel in 901 and wore the mitre of the united sees of Cashel and Emly. He aimed to curb Danish insolence from Limerick and quell intestine dissensions among the Irish.

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

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 10

    As the companion tells it

    As you come up on the town of Cashel, you are approaching a place where, in 901, a learned and warlike man named Cormac, son of Cullenan, ascended the throne and wore the mitre of the united sees of Cashel and Emly. Cashel had long before embraced the Christian faith. Two of its bishops before Cormac were kings as well as bishops: Olchobar, who died in 851, and Cenfelad, who died in 872. Their jurisdiction extended to Emly. They were the predecessors of Cormac, who derived from Engusa Nafrach, the first son of the king of Cashel who was baptised by St. Patrick. The Danish occupation along the Shannon was a source of intense dissatisfaction and perpetual war. The invaders were everywhere regarded with horror, and nowhere more detested than in the neighbourhood of the Shannon, which they tried to monopolise for their exclusive possession. In 884 the Connacht men attacked and destroyed numbers of Danes. But the day was approaching when the Irish, by their strong arms, were to win protection and tranquillity for a season. The aggressions of the Danes of Limerick had become so intolerable that Cormac resolved to curb their insolence. His grand aim was to reduce the people to order, to quell their intestine dissensions, and to show the results of those insane divisions which had rendered the Irish feeble when opposed by a united enemy. He ascended the throne of Cashel in 901, during the heat of conflicts and troubles, and wore the mitre of the united sees of Cashel and Emly. His example and influence were all-powerful in the achievement of the grand object on which he had set his princely heart.

59. Cornet Pierse's brother from Newcastle

    Newcastle · town · Limerick · 1840

    Cornet Pierse's brother, who saved the crown jewels at the great fire at the Tower of London in 1840, was a native of Newcastle, County Limerick, and nephew of General Maurice Da Lacy, described as a good Catholic.

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    Page 333. — Cornet Pierse's brother saved the crown jewels at the great fire at the Tower of London in 1840; and he was held back by force, as represented to the commissioners; he was rewarded with — munificent thanks! The Duke of Wellington was his patron. He was a native of Newcastle, county Limerick, and nephew of General Maurice Da Lacy, " a good Catholic".

    Page 214. — Schonberg, Duke of. A strong contest in the English Courts of Equity arose in 1843, regarding a portrait of Schonberg, bequeathed by will of the Duke of Leeds. The case is reported in the Law Journal, under the title of " Duke of Leeds v. Earl Amherst".

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni

60. Count George Brown at Rathcahill, 1752

    Rathcahill · townland · Offaly · 1752

    Count George Brown, who married the daughter of the Russian Duke Whitteuhoof and was connected to the Brown and De Lacy families of County Limerick, was present at Rathcahill in 1752.

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    Field Marshal U. M. Brown called to Hungary by his uncle, was wounded at the battle of Prague, and died 1757. Count John Brown was killed at the siege of Prague ; Count George Brown, who married the daughter of the Russian Duke Whitteuhoof, was at Rathcahill, in the County Limerick, in 175)2. Connected also with the De Lacys and Browns, as also with the Courtneys, Earls of Devon, were the Herberts of Rathkeale, in the Countj' of Limerick, who descended from Sir William Herbert, Lord of Cardiff and Earl of Pembroke, the fifth of

    * The Biographio Universelle — Michaud — A Paris — gives an interesting memoir of Count Peter Lacy and his son.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 189