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

Cromwell disfranchises Rathkeale

Rathkeale · town · Limerick · 1654

Rathkeale was fixed as the polling place for electing members for Clare, Limerick, and Kerry in Cromwell's parliament in 1654, but Cromwell disfranchised the town because it refused his army provisions. Its privileges were never restored.

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1H54. Fixed as the polling place for electing members for Clare Limerick, and Kerry, in the parliament of Oliver Cromwell, who disfranchised the town because it refused his army provisions. Its privileo^es were never after restored.
A Protestant church is built in the suburb, beyond the Deel Archdeacon Hassard is the vicar; and at present a beautiful CatLolic church is

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 435

Danes arrive at Belfast

near Belfast · city · Antrim · 1690

Early in March 1690, four hundred Danes arrived at Belfast eager to take part in warfare against the Irish.

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

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 121

Daniel O'Connell executed at new County Jail for murder

Limerick · city · Limerick · 1823

A man named Daniel O'Connell was executed in front of the new County Jail in Limerick for murder. He acknowledged being one of the party who broke into the house of Dennis Morrissey on 22 February 1822, but denied firing the fatal shot.

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August 4th. — A man named Daniel O'Connell, who had been tried at the Assizes, was executed in front of the new County Jail for murder. He acknowledged that he was one of the party who broke into the house of Dennis Morrissey, on the 22nd of February, 1822 ; but he denied that he fired the r^hot by which Morissey was killed.
August 7th — Labourers commenced digging the foundations for the New Lunatic Asylam on the A^ aterford and Tipperarj' road. Upper Wiliiara-street.

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 250

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Limerick, this city saw a public execution on the fourth of August 1823. A man named Daniel O'Connell was hanged in front of the new County Jail, sentenced for murder. He admitted he was among the party who broke into the house of Dennis Morrissey on the twenty-second of February 1822, but he denied he fired the shot by which Morrissey was killed.

Danish moats and raths in Kilmealy parish

Kilmaley · townland · Clare

Moats and raths attributed to Turgesius and his Danish followers survive across Ireland, with the greatest concentration found in the parish of Kilmealy, County Clare. They are said to have been raised as fortifications and in some cases as sepulchres for Danish chiefs and captains.

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* Saxo Grammaticus says that Trideltli Froths, and Haco Danos, invested Ireland many j-ears before this time ; and Turgesius, it is certain, not only subdued the greater part of Ulster, but expelled Farnnan, Archbishop of Armagh, together with all the religious and students. Those moats and ratlis which are yet seen in mr.ny parts of the country, and no where, that we are aware of, in such great numbers as in the Parish of Kilmealy, county of Clare, and one of which of great extent and l)eauty is on the estate of Charles Biaiiconi, Iv'q. D.L., Longfield, Co. Tipperary, at Ardmayle, near his residence, are said to have bocti raised by Turgesius and bis followers,' as fortifications, and in some instances, as sepulchres for their great men and captains. Wormius states that tliis was the customary way of burying the chiefs among the Danes. — Wormius i)' Daim Monwiicnlis. Ware, p. .57.
* " Callachan, King of Soutli Mnnster. as.xembling his chiefs, exhorted them to arm everj'- where against the Danep, Mhereupon Limerick was selected for their first attack. A thousand of

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 11

Death of Bishop Cumin Fodha at Limerick, 661

Limerick · city · Limerick · 661

Saint Cumin Fodha, son of Fiachna, Bishop of Clonfert, died at Limerick on 12 November AD 661. His tutor Colman-na-Claisagh composed verses lamenting him, which show the Shannon was then called 'Lumineach.'

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Doubt has existed as to the date of the foundation by St. Manchan of the Cathedral of Limerick, and as to the time the Saint lived, but this arises from the similarity of the name with that of Mancheus, whom the Annals of Ulster call Abbot of Menedrochit, and say that he died in 651 or 652. The commemoration of the death of Mancheus is pointed out under the name of Manicheus, the " Wise Irishman/' in the books de MirablUhus ScriptnrcB, by some erroneously ascribed to St. Augustine. The name too, not onl\^ is not unlike, but the times occur exactly, the festival of St. Manchin being celebrated in January. 1 St. Manchin hved two centuries at least before the period assigned to St. Mancheus by the martyrologies. The Annals of Innisfallen, A.D. 567, state there was a great battle fought here in that year. It was here that Saint Cumin Fodha, son of Fiachna, Bishop of Clamfearta Breainim now Clonfert, died on the 12th of November, A.D. 661, and on this occasion Colman-na-Claisagh, the tutor of Cumin, composed these suggestive and touching verses which show that the Shannon then was called by the name of Lumiueach : —
" The Lumineach did not hear on its bosom of the race of Leathcluinn,

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 10

As the companion tells it

As you come through Limerick, this city carries a story from the seventh century. The Annals of Innisfallen record a great battle fought here in 567. But the event most remembered is the death of Saint Cumin Fodha, son of Fiachna, Bishop of Clonfert, who died at Limerick on the 12th of November, 661. His tutor, Colman-na-Claisagh, composed touching verses lamenting him, and those verses show that the Shannon was then called Lumineach. The lines begin, "The Lumineach did not hear on its bosom of the race of Leathcluinn." The book also notes doubt about the date Saint Manchan founded the Cathedral of Limerick, arising from the similarity of his name with Mancheus, whom the Annals of Ulster call Abbot of Menedrochit and say died in 651 or 652. Mancheus appears under the name Manicheus, the Wise Irishman, in the books de Mirabilibus Scripturae, by some erroneously ascribed to Saint Augustine. Saint Manchin lived two centuries at least before the period assigned to Saint Mancheus by the martyrologies.

Death of Torlough O'Brien at Inchiquin

Inchiquin · townland · Clare · 1542

Torlough O'Brien died in his bed at Inchiquin in 1542, a death specifically noted because of the prevalence of war at the time. He was described as the most expert man at arms and the most famous of his years in his time.

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Whilst the common enemy was thus at work, the old intestine divisions and wars continued to prevail among the leaders of the people. So general were these wars, that the death '^in his bed" of Torlough O'Brien, in 1542, at Inchiquin,2 is specially mentioned, he being "the most expert man at arms, the most famous and illustrious of his years, in his time.''^ The progress of the Reformation was slow, but the plunder of church property and the destruction of churches, went on unchecked, and many rehcs of older times were brought to light.'
The Geraldines again gave trouble to the Government in revenge of their expulsion from theii' patrimony. The Lord Justice (St. Ledger) going into Offally, wrought vengeance upon them — he burned churches and monasteries, destroyed crops and corn, proclaimed O'Connor and O'jMorc traitors, and confiscated their territories to the King.'*

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 55

Desmond confiscations in County Limerick under Elizabeth

Limerick · city · Limerick

During the reign of Queen Elizabeth, no less than one hundred thousand acres of the Earl of Desmond's property were confiscated in County Limerick alone and divided among numerous English families. Trinity College Dublin also owes much of its property to these Desmond confiscations.

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Dr. O'Bricn.i August 31st, UU, 1st Henry VI., tlie Earl of Desmond was appointed Constable of the Castle of Limerick, and in 1444 was appointed Governor of the counties of Limerick, Waterford, Cork, and Kerry, with a liberty to absent himself from Parliament for life,^ on condition of sending a sufficient proxy. He married a daughter of Ulick Burke Mac William Eighter, and he is said by some to have brought the MacShechys into Munster as his life-guards. The MacSheehys, however, were in Munster before hunself. They are given by O'HaUoran as chiefs of BaUyhallinan, in the barony of Pobble Brien, county Limerick.^ Dui'ing the wars of the Roses the attention of the English Govermnent was so much taken up by their domestic quarrels that the Irish were all but left to their o^yn devices. All the power of the Government was unable to keep the native chieftains from collecting theii" " black rent •/' and the Geraldmes, especially the Desmond branch, soon adopted all the peculiar habits of the natives, and were designated by the English as " more Irish than the Irish themselves.^'' In the reign of Queen Elizabeth and of the sixteenth Earl of Desmond, for the word "reign'' is not inappHcable to this powerful chieftain's tenure of power, no less than one hundred thousand acres of his property were confiscated in the county of Limerick alone, and divided between the foUoT\Tng EngUsh famdies : — the Annesleys, Barkleys, Billingsleys, Bourchiers, Carters, Courtenays, Fittons, ]\Iannerings, Stroudes, Trenchards, Thorntons and Uthereds. Trinity College, Dubhn, also owes much of its property to the Desmond confiscations.

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 40

Dismasted vessel arrives at Limerick Quay

Limerick · city · Limerick · 1814

On 15 August a dismasted Welsh brig loaded with slates, bound from Cardigan to Sligo, met a dreadful gale off Slieve Head and put into the Shannon in distress, arriving at the Quay in Limerick.

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August. — The latter end of last month and what has passed of this, uncommonly stormy, wet, and inclement — though in the dog days, the thermometer did not rise above 60 degrees. Oa the 15th a vessel arrived at the Quay, dismasted and almost a wreck ; a Welsh brig loaded with slates, which sailed from Cardigan, and was bound to Sligo, met a dreadful gale off Sline head, and put into the Shannon in distress.
In this month a new fire engine for St. Mary's parish, was purchased by the inhabitants ; it was made by Charles and Thomas Lee, smiths, and was the first ever made in Limerick ; it coat £40, and the materials of the old engine, which was purchased in London, in 1768.

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 247

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Limerick, there is a story from August 1814. The weather that month was uncommonly stormy, wet, and inclement, and though it was the dog days, the thermometer did not rise above 60 degrees. On the 15th, a vessel arrived at the Quay, dismasted and almost a wreck. She was a Welsh brig loaded with slates, which had sailed from Cardigan and was bound for Sligo. She met a dreadful gale off Sline Head and put into the Shannon in distress. That same month, the inhabitants of St. Mary's parish purchased a new fire engine, made by Charles and Thomas Lee, smiths. It was the first ever made in Limerick, cost 40 pounds, and used the materials of an old engine bought in London in 1768.

Donogh M'Grath treacherously hanged in Cork

Cork · city · Cork

O'Sullivan Beare records that Donogh M'Grath, called Donogh an t-Sneachta from his white locks, a learned and hospitable man favourable to the English, was treacherously hanged in Cork by them.

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• O'Sullivan Beare, in his Histoi'ios CatJwlicoe, speaks of a learned and hospitable man named Donogh M'Grath, or Donogh an t-Sneachta ; so called from his white locks of hair, who was treacherously hanged in Cork l)y the English to which he had been favorable.
220 HISTOUY OF LIMERICK.

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 124

Dr. Nihill's consecration witnessed in Limerick, 1784

Limerick · city · Limerick · 1784

Mr. Roche recalls witnessing Dr. Nihill's consecration in 1784, where Father Kirwan (afterwards a Protestant Dean) preached on apostacy, and the Bishop of Cork, afterwards Lord Dunboyne, was one of the assisting prelates.

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Dr. Nihill had a nephew. Father David Magee, who entered the Society of Jesus in 1755, and was distinguished as a classical scholar. He was related to the families of Colonel Macnamara and Of the late Macnamara Calcutt, M.P., and also to the Woulfes, and to the Butlers of Ballyline.' _ Dr. Nihill's seal, which shows he belongs to the O'Neills of the north, is in the possession of Dr. M'Carthy, the accomphshed editor of Dr. O'Renehan's manuscripts. Father Magee was also related to the Arthurs and Roches of Limerick. Mr. Roche, in his Memoirs of an Octogenarian, says : " Dr. Nihill was related to my father, at whose table I recollect him as always a welcome guest, distinguished as a priest, a scholar, and a gentleman. I saw his consecration in 1784". The Rev. Father Kirwan, O.S.F., afterwards a Protestant Dean, preached on apostacy, and the Bishop of Cork, afterwards Lord Dunboyne, was one of the assisting prelates.
Of the Rev. and Honourable John Butler we have already spoken in our lives of the Catholic Bishops. He was supported for the see of Limerick

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 383

Dr. Young's School for the Poor in Newgate-lane

near Newgate Lane · street · Limerick

Dr. Young maintained a school for the poor in Newgate-lane, Limerick, attended with careful assiduity by his sister Miss Young. He also had the catechism translated into Irish and published in bilingual form.

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1 Dr Young possessed the Black Book of Limerick, which bears the marks of his industry in his chronological division of its contents. He had a school for the poor in Newgate-lane, which was attended by his sister, Miss Young, with careful assiduity ; he had the catechism translated into Irish, and the English and Irish version published together by M'Auliff the printer in Quay lane, and several editions of it went through the press. He published the Diocesan Statutes before the close of the last century, and in the commencement of them he gave a succinct account of the state of religion in the diocese, from the time of the Right Rev. Dr. O Keeffe, 'Q 1 '-•. who was the first Catholic Bishop who resided in the city after the last siege. He was a scholar and a divine of the highest order of talent, a great mathematician, an accomplished linguist, an excellent historian : and in love of country he was never cxcellwl. , j^ , T.r
« This college existed until 1830, when the students were drafted to Waterford, Carlow, Olaynooth, (tc, but the building was not removed till the year 1804.

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 241

As the companion tells it

Somewhere about Newgate Lane in Limerick, Dr. Young ran a school for the poor. His sister, Miss Young, attended it with careful assiduity. Dr. Young also had the catechism translated into Irish, and the English and Irish versions were published together by M'Auliff, a printer in Quay lane. Several editions of it went through the press. He possessed the Black Book of Limerick, which bears the marks of his industry in his chronological division of its contents. He published the Diocesan Statutes before the close of the last century, and in the commencement of them he gave a succinct account of the state of religion in the diocese, from the time of the Right Rev. Dr. O'Keeffe, who was the first Catholic Bishop to reside in the city after the last siege. He was a scholar and a divine of the highest order of talent, a great mathematician, an accomplished linguist, an excellent historian, and in love of country he was never excelled.

Election of Coadjutor Bishop at St. John's Church

Limerick · city · Limerick · 1860

In May 1860, parish priests met in the old church of St. John's in Limerick to forward names to Rome for the election of a Coadjutor Bishop. Dr. George Butler was ultimately selected by the Holy See.

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In the year 1860, then grown old, and Avell nigh unable to undergo the cares of duty, the Right Rev. Dr. Ryan had called upon the Holy See to issue its rescript for the election of a Coadjutor Bishop. Accordingly on the 2nd of May in that year, the parish priests met in the old church of St. John's, and forwarded to the court of Rome the names of the Very Rev. Dr. George Butler, Dean of the Diocese of Limerick, and P.P. of St. Mary's ; the Very Rev. Dr. Robert Cusscn, V.G. and P.P. of Bruff ; the Very Rev. John Brahan, V.G., P.P., Newcastle West ; the Very Rev. Dr. O'Reilly, S. J., and the Very Rev. Dr. Kirby, President of the Lish College in Rome. The Holy See at length thought fit to select the Right Rev. Dr. George Butler, the present Bishop of Limerick, to whom all his acquaintances wish a long life of happiness unalloyed and continued usefulness in the ancient Sec of St. Munchm, which has been filled by men of most distinguished lives and services to religion and country. Dr. Butler was born in the city of Limerick in the year 1815. At the age of fourteen years he entered the Diocesan Academy, which was kept by the Rev. Dr. Carey, under the patronage of the Right Rev. Dr. Ryan, where he continued for two years. At the early age ol sixteen, the young student was sent to Maynooth College, and went through the whole collegiate course, on the completion of which, in the year 1838, he was placed on the Dunboyne Establishment. Towards the end of that year, the Bishop of Trinidad in the West Indies went to Maynooth for missionaries for his far distant diocese, the climate of which has been proverbially fatal to Europeans. The zealous and ardent youthful ecclesiastic, George Butler, did not hesitate : he, with a few others, including his brother, the Rev. John Butler, then, also on the Dunboyne Establishment, volunteered their services. The brothers were both ordained in Maynooth College in November in that year by the Bishop of Trinidad, the Right Rev. Dr. Smith, and soon afterwards they set sail for that island, in which one of them was destined in a very short time to find an early and glorious grave. The Rev. John Butler lived but nine months after their arrival. The Rev. George Butler resided for two years in Trinidad : during the greater part of the time he was cure or Parish Priest of San Fernando, one of the chief districts of the island. After the premature and lamented death of his brother, the health of the survivor became affected, and within less than a year he had three severe attacks of fever.

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 368

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Limerick, you are near St. John's, the old church where, in May 1860, the parish priests gathered to send names to Rome for the election of a Coadjutor Bishop. Dr. Ryan, grown old and no longer able to bear the cares of duty, had called on the Holy See to issue its rescript for that election. On the 2nd of May, the parish priests met in the old church of St. John's and forwarded the names of five men: Dr. George Butler, Dean of the Diocese of Limerick and parish priest of St. Mary's; Dr. Robert Cussen, Vicar General and parish priest of Bruff; John Brahan, Vicar General and parish priest of Newcastle West; Dr. O'Reilly of the Society of Jesus; and Dr. Kirby, President of the Irish College in Rome. The Holy See chose Dr. George Butler. Butler was born in the city of Limerick in 1815. At fourteen he entered the Diocesan Academy, kept by the Reverend Dr. Carey under the patronage of Dr. Ryan, and stayed there two years. At sixteen he was sent to Maynooth College. He completed the whole collegiate course, and in 1838 was placed on the Dunboyne Establishment. Towards the end of that year, the Bishop of Trinidad in the West Indies came to Maynooth seeking missionaries for his distant diocese, whose climate was proverbially fatal to Europeans. Butler did not hesitate. He and a few others, including his brother, the Reverend John Butler, volunteered. Both brothers were ordained in November 1838 at Maynooth by the Bishop of Trinidad, the Right Reverend Dr. Smith, and soon after set sail for the island. The Reverend John Butler lived only nine months after their arrival. The Reverend George Butler remained in Trinidad two years, serving as Parish Priest of San Fernando for most of that time. After his brother's death, his own health failed, and within less than a year he suffered three severe attacks of fever.

Expansion of convents in Limerick city under Dr. Ryan

Limerick · city · Limerick · 1825

By Dr. Ryan's time, there was but one small conventual establishment for nuns in Limerick city in 1825. Under his episcopacy, the number grew to five, including the Presentation, two Mercy convents, the Good Shepherd, and the Faithful Companions at Laurel Hill.

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Once freed from the odious trammels to which hostile legislation had for so protracted a period of gloom, despondency, and terror consigned them, he saw that Lish Catholics, placed at length on an equality with their Protestant fellow-countrymen, were prepared to vie with them for the supremacy in every field, and often to win the palm of precedence from those who had so long with impunity trampled upon them, with contumely and scorn. The progress of religion went hand-in-hand with political fieedom. A desire to show forth the results of the independence they had achieved, soon took possesssion of the Catholic heart and intellect; and giving a right direction to the impulse, the Right Rev. Dr. Ryan soon found means not only to extend the blessings of religion and education throughout every parish of his diocese, but to establish and endow convents, to build churches, to advance the position of liis devoted clergy, and to obtain from all that imqualified respect and devotion which accompanied his footsteps wherever he went, and which must have been a solace to him in every one of his undertakings. He felt his task an easy one, whether it was to erect a church or build a cathedral, because it was a pleasure — a delight — to aid him in every way. He had only to ask and to obtain, because he was wise, right-hearted, and true ; and thus it was that nothing impeded him — that when he spoke, a satisfactory answer was given. Thus, though in the year 1825 there was but one small conventual establishment for nuns in the city of Limerick, and we believe we are correct in stating not one elsewhere throughout the diocese, there are now five convents in the city, including the Presentation, the Order of ]\lercy, (2), the Good Shepherd, the Faithfu companions, (Laurel Hill), whilst elsewhere in the diocese there arc several. In the life of Madame D'Houet, foundress of the
I

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 366

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Limerick, you are in a city where Catholic religious life expanded dramatically in the nineteenth century. The Right Reverend Dr. Ryan was bishop when Catholics in Ireland had finally been freed from what the record calls the "odious trammels" of hostile legislation. He saw that Catholics, placed at last on an equality with their Protestant fellow countrymen, were ready to compete in every field. The progress of religion went hand in hand with political freedom. Dr. Ryan gave direction to that impulse. He extended religion and education through every parish of his diocese. He established and endowed convents, built churches, and advanced his clergy. The book says he had only to ask and to obtain, because he was wise, right-hearted, and true. Nothing impeded him. When he spoke, a satisfactory answer was given. In 1825 there was but one small conventual establishment for nuns in the city of Limerick, and the record states not one elsewhere throughout the diocese. By the time of his death there were five convents in the city alone. They were the Presentation, the Order of Mercy, which had two houses, the Good Shepherd, and the Faithful Companions at Laurel Hill. Elsewhere in the diocese there were several more. The people gave him what the book calls unqualified respect and devotion, and that accompanied his footsteps wherever he went.

Faithful Companions school at Laurel Hill

Laurel Hill · street · Dublin · 1854

The nuns of the Faithful Companions established a boarding and day school at Laurel Hill in 1854, described as second to none in the kingdom. They later formed an intermediate school to accommodate Catholic children leaving the Model Schools.

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operation for the requirements of the children of the poor. The nuns ol the Faithful Companions, who had estabHshed an admirable boarding and day school at Laurel Hill, in 1854, for first-class education — a school second to none other in the kingdom for every advantage— these rehgious ladies also met the difficulty by forming an intermediate school, to which large numbers of Catholic children who had frequented the Model Schools ■were now sent. The latest official return of the number of pupils attending the Model Schools shows that, with the exception of the children of teachers and those connected with the schools, and a few dependents on ultra zealot families, those who attended them are chiefly Protestants, Presbyterians, and Dissenters'. It is impossible that a government which pretends to have at heart the peace and well-being of the people, can continue to force a system which wars with the convictions and feelings of the overwhelming majority of her Majesty's loyal subjects— the Catholics of Ireland.
On the 6th of June this year, the Right Rev. Dr. Ryan, Catholic Bishop, who had governed the diocese of Limerick for so many eventful years with prudence, wisdom, and justice, expired at his residence, Park House, at the age of eighty-three years. The remains of the venerable prelate were conveyed in grand funeral procession from Park House to the cathedral of St. John's ; in the procession were the clergy of the city and many of the county, in soutane and surplice ; the religious societies, the Christian Brothers, the pupils of their numerous schools, the citizens in crape, a long line of carriages, etc., were also the funeral cortege.

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 302

Father Butler's visit to Cahir Castle

near Cahir Castle · castle · Tipperary · 1778

In May 1778, Father John Butler received a letter from the Archbishop of Cashel while staying at Cahir Castle. He was visiting his brother, Lord Cahir, and received congratulations along with assurances of a warm welcome from the clergy and laity of Limerick.

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tlve, the Hon. and R,ev. Fatlier John Butler, S.J., signified to liim that all the prelates of Minister except one,' viz. : Dr. Carpenter,^ who desired that Dr. Nihell should be promoted to the mitre,^ and many other prelates had cast their eyes upon him as the most worthy person to fill the vacant see of Lhnerick under the circumstances ; that he hoped his humility would not be alarmed, and that, bearmg in mind the joint postulation of the prelates, the will of Almighty God, he would submit to the order of Providence, and resign himself to a burthen which the Divine grace would render light to him and advantageous to the diocese he was invited to govern. To this communication Father John Butler returned an answer dated Hereford, March 23rd, 1778, in which lie announces his determination to resist the proffered dignity by every means in his power, whilst he expresses his sincerest thanks to all who have been pleased to entertain so favourable an opinion of him. The good archbishop, in his reply to this refusal, states that the postulation had been forwarded to Rome backed by the signatures of three archbishops and twelve bishops of Ireland ; by the Roman Catholic peers of Ireland; by the united letters of the Nuncios of Paris and Brussels; of the first president of the parliament of Paris; and of Monsieur de Vergennes, Ministre des Affaires Etrangcrs, to Monsieur dc Bernis ; and, to crown all, by the letters of the most worthy prelate, Dr. Walmsley,* in his favour. It would appear that a strong opposition, however, had been raised in other quarters to the appointment of Father Butler,^ and that the Propaganda had rejected him as an ex- Jesuit; but the Pope, in attention to the earnest application which the prelates of the province of Munstcr in particular, as well as others, thought it for the interest of religion to make in his favour, overruled the determination of the Propaganda, and named him for the vacant mitre. The Right Rev. Dr. William Egan, Bishop of Waterford and Lismore, resident in Clonmel, wrote a long letter to Father John Butler,*^ in which the right reverend prelate urged him in the strongest possible manner to accept the dignity, to which Father Butler at length submitted on tliis express stipulation, " that whenever the Society of Jesus be restored, I shall be at full and perfect liberty to reenter the same and retire again to my college, the seat of real virtue and happiness".^ In May the archbishop writes to him to Cahir Castle, where he had arrived on a visit to his brother Lord Cahir, congratulating him, and announcing the receipt of a letter from the Very Rev. Dr. Conway, Vicar-Capitular of Limerick, assuring him that he would meet Avith the most pleasing reception there both from clergy and laity, and that all ranks of people were most impatient for his arrival amongst them. On the 10th of July, same year (1778), the archbishop announced that the bulls had arrived for Father Butler, and had been forwarded to him (the archbishop) from Paris the preceding week, but that an indispensable journey on his part had prevented him attending to them before. The Arclibishop adds:

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 361

As the companion tells it

Somewhere about Cahir Castle, in May 1778, Father John Butler received a letter from the Archbishop of Cashel. He had arrived on a visit to his brother, Lord Cahir. The letter congratulated him and told him that the Very Reverend Dr. Conway, Vicar-Capitular of Limerick, had written assuring him he would meet with the most pleasing reception there, both from clergy and laity, and that all ranks of people were most impatient for his arrival amongst them. Father Butler was a Jesuit, an honourable and reverend father, and the prelates of Munster had cast their eyes upon him as the most worthy person to fill the vacant see of Limerick. Dr. Carpenter alone had desired that Dr. Nihell should be promoted instead. Butler had resisted the offer. From Hereford, on March 23rd, 1778, he had announced his determination to resist the proffered dignity by every means in his power, while thanking all who held so favourable an opinion of him. The archbishop replied that the postulation had gone to Rome backed by three archbishops and twelve bishops of Ireland, by the Roman Catholic peers of Ireland, by the united letters of the Nuncios of Paris and Brussels, by the first president of the parliament of Paris, by Monsieur de Vergennes, and by Dr. Walmsley. The Propaganda had rejected Butler as an ex-Jesuit, but the Pope overruled that decision and named him for the vacant mitre. Dr. William Egan, Bishop of Waterford and Lismore, wrote urging him in the strongest manner to accept. At length Butler submitted, on one stipulation, in his own words: "that whenever the Society of Jesus be restored, I shall be at full and perfect liberty to reenter the same and retire again to my college, the seat of real virtue and happiness." On the 10th of July, 1778, the archbishop announced that the bulls had arrived from Paris.

First Faithful Companions convent in Ireland at Laurel Hill

Limerick · city · Limerick

The first convent of the order of the Faithful Companions in Ireland was established in Limerick at Laurel Hill, recognised as a leading educational establishment for young ladies. Dr. Ryan and Dean Cussen were praised for their services to this educational project.

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, this city holds the first convent of the order of the Faithful Companions ever established in Ireland, at Laurel Hill. Since its formation it was recognised as a leading educational establishment of the first class for young ladies. The book credits Dr. Ryan and the Very Reverend Dean Cussen for the wonderful services they conferred on the great educational project in which the holy nun was engaged. Dean Cussen also founded the convent of Saint Mary's in Bruff in 1856, and through his extraordinary sacrifices and exertions a new and beautiful convent was built there, which attained a first-class position as an educational establishment. In 1825 there were but few schools in the city and diocese. The Christian Brothers had been introduced only a short time before by Dr. Ryan's predecessor, Dr. Tuohy. Dr. Ryan gave them every encouragement and 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. Higher schools were extremely few in Limerick even thirty or twenty years ago. By Dr. Ryan's earnest zeal for the promotion of education among the better-to-do classes of Catholics, the Jesuit Fathers were introduced there, and their college became one of the most flourishing in the south of Ireland. He also introduced the Redemptorist Fathers, the sons of Saint Alphonsus, to bestow the blessings of their pious labours on the people. And as if by magic he raised up the grand Cathedral of Saint John's, having only sought assistance, and his most sanguine expectations were more than realised.

Formation of Loyal Limerick Volunteers at Assembly Rooms

Limerick · city · Limerick

The Limerick Union corps under Colonel Thomas Smyth and the Friendly Knot under John Prendergast Smyth met at the Assembly Rooms and resolved to form the Loyal Limerick Volunteers, with Thomas Smyth chosen as colonel. Within a month they appeared in uniform at a civic ceremony and later received 500 stand of arms from the Government.

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

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 205

As the companion tells it

As the road brings you through Limerick, this city holds a story about the forming of a volunteer corps. Colonel Thomas Smyth originated a memorable jubilee here. His corps, the Limerick Union, took a prominent part. The jubilee's most imposing display was a riding of the bounds, or franchises, on the 12th. The rendezvous was on the King's Island, and from there the Corporation and the guilds of trade went all over the city and county of the city. The year after, the Limerick Union corps, with their president Colonel Smyth, and the Friendly Knot, with their president John Prendergast Smyth, met at the Assembly Rooms. They entered into resolutions to form the Loyal Limerick Volunteers, and Thomas Smyth was unanimously chosen colonel. In a month afterwards, they assembled in uniform, red faced with white, at a grand civic ceremony commemorating the accession of the Hanoverian dynasty. On the 7th of August the next year, the Government presented them with 500 stand of arms. The county of Limerick received a present of arms to the same amount at the same time. The times were stirring. A new spirit had begun to operate in the midst of the people. The new town of Limerick was now assuming a shape, notwithstanding the absurd sneer of Richard Twiss, so ludicrously punished by the wits of Cork. Men of enterprise had begun to take ground and build. Patrick Arthur, a merchant, built a quay that soon became the most fashionable part of the city.

Fort at Lough Gur destroyed by Diarmid's expedition (1056)

near Lough Gur · lake or lakes · Limerick · 1056

During an expedition under Diarmid in 1056, the fort at Lough Gur, another of Brian Boru's fortified sites, was destroyed. The expedition finished its ravages by destroying Nenagh.

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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

Franciscan chapel remains in Mary Street

Mary Street · street · Limerick

A fine remain of a chapel, traditionally belonging to the adjacent Franciscan Abbey, survives in the back part of houses No. 18 and 19 Mary Street. Both yards are vaulted underneath, with cloisterlike passages and a perfect holy water font; a cut stone window frame was removed to Old Church by the Hon. Robert O'Brien.

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In Mary Street, within a short distance of Fish Lane, on the left, as you go towards Ball's Bridge, there is a fine remain of a chapel, traditionally said to have belonged to the adjacent Franciscan Abbey, in the back part of the houses No. 18 and 19, now occupied by Messrs. Dargan and Gennane, who have obligingly admitted us to examine the localities. Both yards or gardens are vaulted underneath, and in the part occupied by the former there are cloisterlike passages through the side walls, in one of which the remains of the holy water font are still quite perfect. The occupier, who has still a portion of the old stone baptisterium, gave the cut stone framework of one of the windows in the partition wall to the Hon. Robert O'Brien, of Old Church, who has got them fixed up in the old church — the ancient church oratory in his garden, where the old inscription which they bear, and which is quite clearly cut, though not of high antiquity, attracts much attention. The inscription, which occupies the right, left, and upper lintels, has been studied and copied by several persons, among the rest by the Ven. Dr. Todd, Dr. Petrie, etc., etc., but very few have ever attempted even to guess at the meaning. Some, however, say it is Danish ; but this is a great mistake. It is about fifteen inches long on each side, and bears, according to our reading, the following letters :
" i^jTS foiinirus is mab^ fag fijiff^rons of ^uillinlion'".

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 377

As the companion tells it

Along here on Mary Street, a fine remain of a chapel survives, traditionally said to have belonged to the adjacent Franciscan Abbey. It stands in the back part of houses number 18 and 19, occupied in the author's day by Messrs. Dargan and Gennane, who allowed examination of the localities. Both yards or gardens are vaulted underneath. In the part occupied by Dargan there are cloisterlike passages through the side walls, and in one of those the remains of a holy water font are still quite perfect. The occupier still had a portion of the old stone baptisterium. He gave the cut stone framework of one of the windows in the partition wall to the Hon. Robert O'Brien of Old Church, who had it fixed up in the old church oratory in his garden. The inscription it bears, clearly cut though not of high antiquity, attracted much attention. It was studied and copied by several persons, among them the Ven. Dr. Todd and Dr. Petrie, but very few attempted even to guess at the meaning. Some said it was Danish, but the author calls that a great mistake. The inscription is about fifteen inches long on each side, and bears, according to the author's reading, the following letters: ijTS foiinirus is mab fag fijiffrons of uillinlion.

Franciscan convent dispersed at last siege of Limerick

Limerick · city · Limerick · 1691

Tradition holds that a portion of the Franciscan convent continued to be occupied until the last siege of Limerick, when the community was dispersed and forced to hide from the Orange storm. Some few remains of the abbey itself survive.

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

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 376

As the companion tells it

As you come through Limerick, this is where the Franciscan convent stood. Tradition says a portion of it stayed occupied up to the last siege in 1691, when the community was dispersed and had to hide where best they could from the fury of the Orange storm. There was an ancient oratory on the little island opposite the abbey, now a place for growing sally rods. People crossed the abbey river in boats, particularly on the festival of St. Anthony, the 13th of June. No remains of the oratory survive, but some few remains of the abbey itself do. Four of the fathers are said to have located themselves in a castle in Mary Street, in the portion through which Athlunkard Street was later cut. The ruins can still be seen in Athlunkard Street, and a water tank and fountain erected by Mr. Malcomson occupies part of the walls. Four Franciscan fathers always remained in the city, using the nights to visit the sick and dying and console those who dared to remain within the walls after the siege and surrender. When the storm subsided, the Franciscans opened a school, classical and mercantile, in Quay Lane. It was attended by many of the first Catholics of the city, including the Roches, the Whites, the Kellys, the Gavins, the Rochfords, the Creaghs, the M'Namaras, the Howleys, the Meades, the Ryans, the Fitzgeralds, the Arthurs. There were excellent preachers attached to the convent in Newgate Lane, including Father Burke, an eloquent pulpit orator. The other fathers were Guilfoyle, O'Regan, Hynes, Kelly, and Denis Hogan, the friend of O'Connell. Hogan was a bold man who put up a bell to his convent and laughed at the garrison when they turned out. He told the posse comitatus he had an old deaf woman in his service and was obliged to put up the bell to wake her.

General Duff arrests 29 defenders at Cappawhite

Cappagh White · village · Tipperary

Major-General Duff left Limerick and proceeded to Cappawhite on the border of Limerick and Tipperary, where he arrested 29 persons charged with being Defenders.

Read the passage

General Duff left Limerick on Sunday, 15th of April, having previously arranged that he should be met by some yeomanry corps on the borders of the counties of Limerick and Tipperary. He then proceeded to Cappawhite, and arrested 29 persons charged with being defenders.
A circular letter from Lord Castlereagh was received by the commanders of yeomanry corps stationed in this city, requesting to know what men of approved loyalty, not exceeding 50 in number, they could add to their corps.

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 226

General Sir William Parker Carroll of Tulla

Tulla · townland · Tipperary · 1811

General Sir William Parker Carroll of Tulla, near Nenagh, was noted among the distinguished Limerick men and near-neighbours serving in the Peninsular War under Wellington and Beresford. His gallant conduct attracted immense attention.

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The gallant conduct of several distinguished Limerick men servmg in the Peninsula at this period, under Generals Lord Yiscoimt Wellington and Marshal Beresford, was attracting immense attention. Colonel Roche' was one of these : General Sir William Parker CarroU of Tulla, near Nenagh, may be ranked as a near neighbour, if not a citizen ; John De Lacy of the 48th regiment, a descendant of the illustrious warrior Pierce De Lacy, who did wonders at the battle of Albuera, was another gallant citizen of Limerick.
The year 1811, was rendered memorable in the annals of Limerick, by, several incidents, among others the result of a very important law-suit, which had been pending between the Eev. Archdeacon Hill, as incumbent, and the parishioners of St. Michael's, relative to ministers' money, levied by an act passed in the reign of Charles II. in walled cities and towns. Judgment, on this occasion, was given against the incumbent and his successors, so that the rapid progress of the Newtown was not impeded by an imposition which was as hateful as it was tyrannical, and which a more enlightened spirit in the legislature more recently abolished, when, indeed, the incumbent himself, the Rev. John Elmes, joined in the popular clamour against its continued existence. It would have been a bold stroke of the incumbent in 1811, had he been able to saddle the Newtown with so heavy and intolerable a burden, which would have added enormously to his revenues, and checked the growth of that portion of the city, which, for this reason among others well nigh equally strong, had become the favourite residence of every citizen who was able to build or to rent a house — and house rent now was exceedingly high in the Newtown. On this occasion important evidence was given in sustainment of the opposition of the citizens by the Right Rev. Dr. Young, who produced an ancient manuscript which showed that the Church of St. Michael was outside the walls, and near the water-gate, and that in the

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 245

Gentlemen robbed and Bishop shot near Mountshannon

Mountshannon · townland · Limerick · 1807

On 7 August 1807, several gentlemen returning from a party given by Lady Clare at Mountshannon were robbed and ill-treated by a gang. The gang also fired at the newly appointed Protestant Bishop of Limerick, Dr. Warburton, wounding him with two slugs in the arm and ear.

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The country continued very much disturbed at this period ; and on the seventh of August in the same year (1807), several gentlemen who were returning from a party given by Lady Clare, at Mount Shaunon,_ were robbed and ill used by a gang of depredators, who also fired at the Eight Eev. Dr. Warburton, the newly appointed Protestant Bishop of Lunerick, and wounded him with two slugs in the arm and in the ear.
A new trade had been going on for some time before this year : a quarry was opened m Altamira in 1805, and in that and in succeeding years, to 1807, and again to 1809, mill stones of limestone, to the amount of 200 were quarried, and exported from Limerick to England for the purpose of grinding the materials that compose gunpowder, required to supply the army abroad.

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 239

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here, on the seventh of August 1807, several gentlemen were making their way home from a party given by Lady Clare at Mountshannon. A gang of depredators robbed them and ill-used them. The same gang also fired at Dr. Warburton, the newly appointed Protestant Bishop of Limerick, and wounded him with two slugs, one in the arm and one in the ear. The country was very much disturbed at this period.

Geoffrey Arthur's monument in Limerick Cathedral

Limerick · city · Limerick · 1519

Geoffrey Arthur, ninth treasurer of the cathedral, died in 1519. His monument, which puzzled antiquaries and historians, bears a Latin inscription requesting passers-by to say a Pater and Ave for him.

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In 1519, Geoffrey Arthur, the ninth treasurer of the cathedral, according to Dr. Cotton, died, and his monument, which has been a serious puzzle to antiquaries and historians, and which Ferrar and Fitzgerald made ridiculous, deserves particular notice. The following is an exact engraving of a tracing of this monument, made by the author of this work, and which is followed by the contracted Latin of the original, expanded, with a translation : —
" Hie jacet in tumuli fundo sublatus a mundo Galfridus Arture thesaurarius quondam istius ecclesisB xvi. luce maya requievit in pace perpetua. Anno crucitixi domini 1519. Tu transiens cave qui hie dices pater et ave. "Here lies, in the bottom of the tomb, removed from the world, Geoffrey Arture, formerly treasurer of this Clnirch. He rested in perpetual peace on the 16th day of May, in the year of the Crucified Lord 1519. You who pass by take heed that you here say a Pater ai;d Ave".

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 332

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Limerick, the cathedral holds a monument that has long puzzled antiquaries and historians. In 1519, Geoffrey Arthur, the ninth treasurer of the cathedral, died. His tomb bears a Latin inscription, and the words still speak directly to anyone walking past. The inscription says he lies in the bottom of the tomb, removed from the world, formerly treasurer of this church. He rested in perpetual peace on the 16th day of May, in the year of the Crucified Lord 1519. Then comes the request, aimed at the passer-by. Thou who transits, take heed, and say a Pater and Ave. So the dead man asked those who came after him for two prayers, a Pater and an Ave. Ferrar and Fitzgerald made the monument ridiculous, according to the author, but the inscription itself is plain enough. A treasurer of the cathedral, buried in 1519, asking passers-by for a prayer.

Geoffrey Barron executed in 1651 at Limerick

Limerick · city · Limerick · 1651

Geoffrey Barron died in 1651 and was executed, apparently during the Cromwellian capture of Limerick.

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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
Barry of Lemlara (aee^lCelhj), family of, S99,

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 457

As the companion tells it

You are coming through Limerick now. In 1651, when Cromwell's forces took the city, a man named Geoffrey Barron was executed here. That is all the record gives. His death and his execution are noted, nothing more.

Guild of merchants incorporated in Limerick

Limerick · city · Limerick · 1495

In 1495, a guild of merchants was incorporated in Limerick. Every subject with goods worth £20 was required to have a jack, sollet, English bow and sheaf of arrows.

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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.).
1501 This year there were collections made by the mayor to place the cathedral of St. Mary's la repair.

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 402

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Limerick, in 1495 a guild of merchants was incorporated in this city. That year, every subject with goods worth £20 was required to have a jack, a sollet, an English bow and a sheaf of arrows, and every freeholder a horse also, to assist the king.

Henry III grants forty ploughlands to Limerick Leper House

Limerick · city · Limerick

King Henry III granted forty ploughlands by letters patent to the Leper House near the city of Limerick. By the time of the 1615 inquisition, the master of the Leper Hospital still held one ploughland from the original grant.

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s This inquisition shows the grants of King John to the bishops of Limerick ; the grants of Queen Elizabeth of St. Mary's Priory and its lands at 4d. per acre, to Edmond Sexten, and also the lands of Monksland, Clasknagilly, Branlouge and Inshymore, to the said Edward Sexten ; the grants by letters patent of King Henry III. to the Leper House, near the city of Limerick, of forty ploughlands, one ploughland of which the said master of the said Leper Hospital* held when the inquisition was taken — that Gerald, Earl of Desmond held one ploughland in fee of the land called Corbally, parcel of the said forty ploughlands, that he was attainted of high treason, whereby the ploughland became seized by the Queen Elizabeth who granted the same by letters patent to Robert Annislie, one of the undertakers in the Co. of Limerick, for the yearly rent of forty shillings — that Corbally now (1615) is in the possession of Thomas Gould by conveyance and assignment of Annislie, and that no rent is paid out of it to the Ma3-or and commonality of Limerick. The inquisition found that Bealus, alias Courtbrack, was another of the fortj' ploughlands — that the Earl of Desmond held it in fee, that on his attainder it ivas granted by Queen Elizabeth to Robert Annislie at a rent of three pounds per annum ; and that it is now (1615) in possession of the Earl of Thomond, and paid no rent to the mayor &c. The inquisition further found that half a ploughland called Farranygallogh, parcel of the said forty ploughlands, was in the tenure and occupation of the nunnery of Killone, in the County of Clare, which together with the nunnery and its possessions came unto the cro^^Ti, and was by letters patent granted to the said Baron of Insequine, and is now (1615) in the possession of the Earl of Thomond for which no rent is paid to the mayor &c. The inquisition also found that two parts of two ploughlands in three parts divided in Ratwyrd, being parcel of the said forty ploughlands, came into Queen Elizabeth's hands by the attainder of John Browne, and were by the Queen granted to the said Robert Annislie, out of which £G rent is paid to the King, and that three other parcela of land — viz. Gorteardboher, containing ten acres, Gortrebowley, live acres, Rathgreylan, lifteea acres, with three parcels of land, are accounted for one ploughland, parcel of the said forty ploughlands, and are now in tenure and possession of Phillis White, Simon ffanning, and Edmond Burke of Ballasimon, for which they pay no rent to the mayor &c. The inquisition further finds that certain other such parcels of Gowens lying south near St. John's Gate, and the land of Martui Croft, and Clownegonderiske, containing a ploughland, being part of the forty ploughlands, are now in the tenure of the mayor and commonality of the city, and that the mayor and commonality are seized of the following parcels of land being part of the said forty ploughlands : viz. Park, containing ^ths of a ploughland in possession of Thomas Comyn, held by him from the

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni

As the companion tells it

Coming through Limerick now, a city whose old records trace back to a Leper House that once stood near its walls. King Henry the Third granted forty ploughlands to that house by letters patent. By the time an inquisition was taken in 1615, the master of the Leper Hospital still held one of those ploughlands. The rest had scattered wide. Gerald, Earl of Desmond, had held a ploughland called Corbally in fee. He was attainted of high treason, and Queen Elizabeth seized the land. She granted it to Robert Annislie, an undertaker in County Limerick, for a yearly rent of forty shillings. By 1615 it had passed to Thomas Gould through conveyance and assignment from Annislie. Another of the forty was Bealus, also called Courtbrack. Desmond held that too, and on his attainder Elizabeth granted it to Annislie at three pounds per annum. By 1615 it was in the possession of the Earl of Thomond. Half a ploughland called Farranygallogh had belonged to the nunnery of Killone in County Clare. That nunnery and its possessions came to the crown, were granted to the Baron of Insequine, and by 1615 were also held by the Earl of Thomond. Two parts of two ploughlands in Ratwyrd came to Elizabeth through the attainder of John Browne, and she granted them to Annislie, with six pounds rent paid to the King. Other parcels formed one more ploughland: Gorteardboher, ten acres; Gortrebowley, five acres; Rathgreylan, fifteen acres, and three further parcels. These were held by Phillis White, Simon ffanning, and Edmond Burke of Ballasimon. Certain parcels near St. John's Gate, Martui Croft, and Clownegonderiske remained with the mayor and commonality of the city.

Henry VI charter excludes Irishmen from Limerick privileges

Limerick · city · Limerick · 1424

The charter of Henry VI to the city of Limerick explicitly excluded Irishmen from all privileges. In 1424 the charters of Limerick were confirmed and the bishop was summoned to answer certain charges.

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In the charter of Henry VI. to the city, the abominable exclusion of " Irishmen" from all privileges, etc., is expressed.
In 1424, the cliarters of Limerick were confirmed (P. and C. Rolls, 272). The bishop was summoned to answer certain charges (t6. 234).

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 400

As the companion tells it

Limerick, a city on your road. In the charter of Henry the Sixth to the city, Irishmen were excluded from all privileges. In 1424 the charters of Limerick were confirmed. The bishop was summoned to answer certain charges.

Herman Jacob denied then admitted freedom of Limerick

Limerick · city · Limerick · 1759–1761

Herman Jacob, a native of Bremen naturalized in Great Britain and residing in Limerick where he followed merchandize, tendered twenty shillings to be admitted to the freedom of the city. The Mayor and Common Council initially rejected his claim, but after Jacob memorialed the Lords Justices and the Free Citizens supported him, he was admitted.

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Mr. John O'Donnell^ of Liberty Hall, outside Thomond Gate, was Secretary to the Free Citizens, and energetically and ably did he perform his duties. Herman Jacob, a native of Bremen and naturalized in Great Britain, now resided in Limerick, " where he followed merchandize,''^ and tendered twenty shillings to the Mayor and Council, praying to be admitted to the freedom of the city. The Mayor and twenty-eight of the CommonCouncil rejected the claim; but Mr. Jacob memorialed the Lords Justices, and when the Mayor had found that the alien had some friends, who were determined to have his petition forwarded, they thought proper to admit him to his freedom. It was mainly through the instrumentality of the " Tree Citizens'-' that Jacob obtained what he sought. " The Free Citizens" not only pulled together to obtain a release from the oppressions of taxation and monopoly, but they had their social reunions, banquets, &c. They worked with wonderful energy.' Catholics interfered only by sympathy in these demonstrations.
1 Papers of John O'Donnell, Esq. of Liberty Hall.

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 196

As the companion tells it

Coming through Limerick now. Back around 1759, a man named Herman Jacob, a native of Bremen, naturalized in Great Britain, was living here in the city, where he followed merchandize. He tendered twenty shillings to the Mayor and Council, praying to be admitted to the freedom of the city. The Mayor and twenty-eight of the Common Council rejected the claim. But Jacob memorialed the Lords Justices, and when the Mayor found that the alien had some friends who were determined to have his petition forwarded, they thought proper to admit him to his freedom. It was mainly through the instrumentality of the Free Citizens that Jacob obtained what he sought. John O'Donnell of Liberty Hall, outside Thomond Gate, was Secretary to the Free Citizens, and energetically and ably did he perform his duties. The Free Citizens not only pulled together to obtain release from oppressions of taxation and monopoly, but they had their social reunions and banquets. Catholics interfered only by sympathy in these demonstrations.

Hogan captures 71 horses near Cullen

Cullen · townland · Cork · 1691

At his favourite rendezvous near Cullen, Hogan took off seventy-one horses and cars coming in that direction to the English camp. Storey noted that 'he durst not stay to do any further mischief.'

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' At his favourite rendevous, near Cullen, he took off with him seventy-one horses and care whi«h -were coming in that direction to the English Camp ; but Storey, very naively, says " he durst not stay to do any further mischief ," as if the taking of seventy-one horses in the sight of the enemy was not mischief enough for one experiment.
* Storey says that " they went afterwards into the town in a boat rowed by French seamen (" there being then three vessels drawn within the key, and one of them sunk across it, to prevent our coming up the river at night by way of surprise.") " As they rid by the end of the Bridge towards the Boat, a party of their own men were burying the dead killed in the last action ; they stopped and enquired for several people, whom they there found dead ; and the cessation was continued next day at ten o'clock."

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 146

Hollinshed's etymology of Limerick

Limerick · city · Limerick

Hollinshed explained the name Limerick as 'Loum-nc-augh,' meaning made bare or eaten up by horses, from a tradition that an Irish potentate's cavalry ate up all the grass on the island in twenty-four hours while encamped there during a war against another native king. More authentic enquiries proved this etymology apocryphal.

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Hollmshed, who describes Limerick as being amongst the principal cities of Ireland of his own time, viz., in the middle of the sixteenth century, gives an explanation of the origiri of the name of Limerick which more authentic enquiries prove to be apocryphal. Admitting the building of the city by Yvoms, he says that at an epoch previous to its foundation, the ground which it subsequently occupied was an island stored with grass, upon which in old times one of the Irish potentates, while waging war against another native king, had encamped ; and of which his numerous cavalry eat up the grass in the space of twenty-four hours. From which circumstance he says the place was called " Loum-nc-augh,''' that is to say, made bare, or eaten up by horses. But in a very ancient legend, which is preserved in the Books of Lecan and Balhjmote, and which describes the origin of the name in words translated for us from the original by the late lamented Professor O^Curry, a dialogue takes place ia which, in reply to the question, " Luimneach, why so called V the
' Stanihurat

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 8

As the companion tells it

Coming up along the road is Limerick, the city itself. Hollinshed, writing in the middle of the 1500s, described it as one of the principal cities of Ireland. He gave an explanation for the name that later, more authentic enquiries proved to be apocryphal. He admitted the building of the city by Yvoms, but said that before its foundation the ground it stood on was an island stored with grass. In old times, one of the Irish potentates, while waging war against another native king, had encamped there. His numerous cavalry ate up the grass in the space of 24 hours. From this, Hollinshed said, the place was called Loum-nc-augh, meaning made bare or eaten up by horses. But a very ancient legend, preserved in the Books of Lecan and Ballymote, tells the origin of the name differently. Translated from the original by the late Professor O'Curry, it records a dialogue in which the question is asked, Luimneach, why so called.

Honor of Limerick granted to William of Braosa

Limerick · city · Limerick · 1200

On 12 January 1200, King John granted the honor of Limerick with its appurtenances to William of Braosa by charter given at Lincoln, while retaining the city, bishopricks, and abbeys in royal demesne.

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already granted to Dublin, enabling tbe citizens to choose a Mayor and Duumviri, or two Bailiffs, a designation by wMcb they were named until the reign of James I., when by charter of that monarch, the citizens were allowed to choose Sheriffs in place of Baihffs, etc. — these, with the mayor, performed the municipal government of the city. In 1198, however, the EngHsh were driven out of Limerick by M''Carthy of Desmond ; but soon after they may be said to have held firm possession, though their tenure was frequently disputed. We have on record as to the exact time the walls of the city were first built ; but from the Patent roUs, in the early portion of king John's reign, we find that the city was at that period surrounded by walls, and that the king made several grants to his followers witliin and without the walls.' In the same year he gave to Hamo de Valois, two cantreds of " Hochevele" in the Land of Limerick for the service of ten knights, (Char. Eol, 82). On the 12th of January, 1200, he granted to William of Braosa the honor of Limeiick, with its appurtenances, &c. This charter was given at Lincoln, and bears the signatures, as witnesses, H, Archbishop of Canterbury ; R, Bishop of St. Andrew's ; R, Earl of Chester ; R, Earl of Leicester ; G. Eitzalen, Earl of Essex; William Briwerr, Hubart Bard, Walter de Lascy ; Simon Pateshill. It states that it (the charter) was given by the hand of Symou, Archdeacon of Wells, at Lincoln, granting and confirming to Braosa the honour of Lymerick, Avith all its appui'tenances "retaining in our demesne the city of Lymerick and the Bishopricks and Abbeys, and retainuig in our

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 33

Hutchinson assembles forces at Galway

Galway · city · Galway · 1798

Major-General Hutchinson, commanding in Connaught with Major-General French, was in Galway when the French landing became known, and moved towards the counties of Mayo and Sligo with an imposing force comprising multiple militia regiments and artillery.

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As soon as the landing of the French was known, Major-General Hutchinson, who commanded in the Province of Connaught, and who, with Major-General French was in Galway, moved towards the Counties of Mayo and Sligo. The troops which he eventually led to reinforce the garrison of Castlebar, constituted an imposing force, and comprised the Kerry Militia, a detachment of the Eraser Fencibles, the Kilkenny Militia, the Longford Militia, a detachment of Lord Eoden's Fencible Dragoons, or Fox-hunters as they were called, and four six pounders, with a howitzer.* The garrison of Castlebar,. previous to receiving these important reinforcements, had consisted of the skeleton of the 6th Regiment of foot, a subaltern detachment of the Prince of Wales' Fencibles, a small corps of Galway Yeomanry, Infantry and Cavalry, consisting of the 1st Fencibles, a large body of the 6th Dragoon Guards, (Carbineers), and some Yeomanry Cavalry, with a company of the Royal Irish Artillery. The Earls of Ormond, Longford and Granard,
* Musgrave's History of Rebellion. 2nd Ed., p. 591.

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 237

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Galway, this is where Major-General Hutchinson was stationed in 1798, commanding in the Province of Connaught alongside Major-General French. Word came that the French had landed. Hutchinson moved at once towards the counties of Mayo and Sligo. The force he eventually led to reinforce the garrison at Castlebar was an imposing one. It comprised the Kerry Militia, a detachment of the Fraser Fencibles, the Kilkenny Militia, the Longford Militia, a detachment of Lord Roden's Fencible Dragoons, called the Fox-hunters, and four six-pounders with a howitzer. Before these reinforcements arrived, the Castlebar garrison had been a thin collection: the skeleton of the 6th Regiment of Foot, a subaltern detachment of the Prince of Wales' Fencibles, a small corps of Galway Yeomanry infantry and cavalry, a large body of the 6th Dragoon Guards, the Carbineers, some Yeomanry Cavalry, and a company of the Royal Irish Artillery. The Earls of Ormond, Longford, and Granard were also present.

Irish stand at Limerick

Limerick · city · Limerick · 1690–1691

Despite Ireland being devastated by wars, the Irish made a stand within Limerick for all they cherished most dear.

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

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 125

John Budstone's mural tablet and gift of bells to cathedral

Limerick · city · Limerick

Dr. Thomas Arthur composed an epitaph for a marble mural tablet in his chapel of the Blessed Mary Magdalen in Limerick Cathedral, commemorating his ancestor John Budstone, who gifted four large brass bells to the church. The tablet was sculptured in golden letters.

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"This pious man made a gift, to the church aforesaid, of four large brass bells, as I have found in a writing in a book belonging to my grandfather, William Arthur, grandson of the same, by his daughter :
" Now stay thy steps, and, reader, cast thine eyes. And reskd the fate that waits on thy demise : That fair corporeal mass dissolved and passed. Shadow and dust shalt thou become at last. That shadow passeth not to empty air, Nor into other bodies doth repair,

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 329

As the companion tells it

Coming through Limerick. In the cathedral, a marble mural tablet in the chapel of the Blessed Mary Magdalen remembers John Budstone. Doctor Thomas Arthur composed the epitaph, sculptured in golden letters. Budstone gave four large brass bells to the church. Arthur found record of the gift in a book belonging to his grandfather, William Arthur, who was Budstone's grandson through his daughter. The epitaph bids the reader pause: that fair corporeal mass dissolved, shadow and dust shalt thou become at last.

King James departs from Duncannon via Kinsale to France

Duncannon · town · Wexford · 1690

King James, having travelled by sea from Bray to Waterford, boarded the Lausun, a 28-gun Malouin vessel lying at Duncannon. He sailed to Kinsale where he remained briefly before departing for France.

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they were at liberty to dispose of tliemselves ; and so wath two or three in company, he went to Bray, and along by the sea to Waterford ; having appointed his carriages to meet him another way. 'Tis said he did not sleep tni he got on ship-board; the vessel was the Lausun, a Malouin of 28 gmis, which lay at Duncannon, from which he sailed to Kinsale where he remained a short time and then sailed for Prance/^ ^
When Athlone was summoned to surrender by Douglas, the fiery Governor, Colonel Grace, the younger son of Eobert Grace, Baron of Courtstown, county Kilkenny, the descendant of the great Eaymond le Gros, fired

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 122

King John protects Bishop's lands from Castle encroachment

Limerick · city · Limerick · 1207

King John issued a prohibition before 1207 against any encroachment on the domains of the Bishop of Limerick's Church during construction of the Castle and fortifications. He warned his justices, bailiffs, barons, and soldiers in France, England, and Ireland that the Bishop's rights must be strictly guarded.

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The politic John was resolved to keep on the best terms with the Bishop and Church of Limerick after he had obtained a firm footing within the city. The question of building the Castle and other fortifications, and of strengthening himself as much as possible, was paramount with him ; but he was resolved to do so, not at the expense of the Church, by any encroachment whatever on the domains of the Bishop of Saint Mary^s Church in Limerick. It would appear that certain of his partizans had begun to occupy some of the church lands in their zeal to erect the Castle and fortifications ; but the King, before 1207, issued a prohibition against the slightest encroachment on the church properties, and in earnest and emphatic language warned, in a letter still extant,^ and addressed to his justices, bailiffs, barons, soldiers, and all his faithful subjects, in France, England, and Ireland_, telling them that the rights of his venerable father in Chiist, D. the Bishop of Limerick, should be strictly guarded, in reference to the contemj)lated Castle, and the other muniments and fortifications, and that nothing whatever should be done to interfere with the church property until his arrival in Ireland, when he expressed his determination to see the Bishop fully satisfied in every thing connected with the projected fortifications. The King fm'nished the Castle with every requisite for the defence of his newly acquired city. He not only placed constables vrithin its waUs,^ whom he invested with authority, but he

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 35

King John's bridge at Limerick and Thomond Bridge

Thomond Bridge · street · Limerick · 1207–1340

A bridge was built by King John at Limerick, with an inscription on what became Thomond Bridge. A charter for rebuilding the bridge was granted in 1340.

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Bridge built by Kin? John, SO; inscription on now Thomond bridge, 50; charter for building, 1340, 62 ; bridge built, sixteenth century, 98 ; bridges, repairs of, 208 ; " new bridge", scenes at, 394 ; at Newtown, 1813, 430; bridge abandoned, 434; " Wellesley", grant for, 1824, 468, 4 69; act for 461 ; by Mr. Kennedy, 472; chain bridge, estimate for, 472; Park, 473, 475; new or Mathew, 346, 476, 608 ; Ball's, 469, 476 ; Bald, 475.
Bridges, new and old, 409 ; Athlunkard, 1825, 457, 469, 472, 474 ; Tliomond, 455, 469.

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 457

As the companion tells it

Along here is Thomond Bridge, on this street in Limerick. King John built a bridge here in 1207. An inscription was placed on what became Thomond Bridge. In 1340, a charter was granted for building the bridge.

King's letter undelivered between Limerick and Waterford

Waterford · city · Waterford · 1650

A letter from the king in Scotland expressing regret about relations between Ormond and the Nuncio was brought to Waterford by Captain Roche but was not delivered until too late, allegedly due to the disturbed state of the country between Limerick and Waterford.

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Well indeed may Dr. Prench designate Ormond, " an unkinde deserter of loyal friends.'" Even the king from his retreat in Scotland, sent him a letter in which he expressed regret that a better understanding did not prevail between him and the Nuncio ; but this letter, which had been brought to Waterford by Captain Eoche, Avas not delivered until it was too late, as Colonel Eoche alleged, o"wing to the state of the country between Limerick and that city. The Bishops and Clergy were not supported by the forces they expected from a distance, which Carte attributes to the refractoriness of the Prelates, rather than to the successes of the Cromwellians. A second letter to the same end and purpose was sent by John King, the Dean of Tuam, who arrived from Scotland on the 13th of August, 1650; it conveyed to Ormond irresistible confirmation of the truth, but the fact is, notwithstand-

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 95

Knockpatrick and St. Patrick's kneeling stones

Knockpatrick · townland · Limerick

Knockpatrick, near Foynes, is traditionally said to have been visited by Saint Patrick. On its summit are an ancient church, a cemetery, and certain stones on which tradition states the Apostle knelt in prayer.

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a hamlet beautifully situated on the Shannon, and important as the proposed station for the American mail packets. Good coal plants and shells have been found in the coal shales near Foynes. Near Foynes is Knockpatrick, traditionally said to have been visited by Saint Patrick, on the top of which is an ancient church and cemetery, and certain stones on. which, tradition states, the Apostle of Ireland knelt in prayer. From Foynes there is railway communication with Limerick, and steam boat communication with Kilrush. The first steamer that has left the Shannon direct by Foynes for America, was Mr. Tait's blockade runner, the Evelyn, with clothing made up at his factory in Limerick for the late Confederate army of America.
Seats — Mount Trenchard (Lord Mounteagle).

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 431

Knockpatrick mountain: site of St Patrick's blessing of Connaught

Knockpatrick · townland · Limerick

Knockpatrick mountain in the western barony of Connoloe, County Limerick, its base washed by the Shannon, is traditionally the place from which St Patrick blessed Connaught. From its summit the Shannon's course can be traced for sixty miles.

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

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 9

Lady Mary Butler's nunnery in Dublin given pass to Flanders

Dublin · city · Dublin · 1690

A pass was given on July 23, 1690, for Lady Mary Butler, abbess of a nunnery in Dublin, and the nuns to go to Flanders. The pass was in the autograph of Sir Robert Southwell and is recorded in the Southwell MSS.

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Those who could fly out of the country did so even before the balance inclined in favour of Wilham's arms. Passes were giving to some — among the passes Ave find one mentioned in the Southwell MSS., " for lady Mary Butler, abbess of a nunnery in Dublin, with the nuns to go to Flanders, July 23, 1690.^' This pass was given in the autograph of Sir llobert Southwell.^ Protections were also given — " No officers or soldiers of our army to be henceforward quartered upon John Newport, of Carrick."^ Estates were parcelled out to families — estates taken by the strong arm from the ancient })ossessors — as '' of Sir John Bellew, Lord Baron of Duleeck, and Dudley Bagnall, of Dunleckney, county of Catherlogh, in actual and open rebeUion against us, to Sir John Trevor, Thomas Pelham, and Henry Guy."* Kichard Bellew, commonly called Lord Bellew, was also attainted, but was pardoned April 1st, 1696. With all these rigors and cruelties, the Catholics were not put down in Dublin, or elsewhere, no more than they were in Limerick up to the horrible laws that followed the Treaty. William was every day raising complaints of the outrages, insolence, and daring of the rebelly papists ; and Sir Robert Southwell, on these complaints, writing to Colonel Floyd, governor of Dublin, states, " His Majesty being informed that several papists do walk the streets of Dublin with their arms, and some of them being of very illbehavour towards the Protestants while it was in their power ; His Majesty's ])leasure is that you disarm all that are papists in that place, and that you ]nake an example of half a dozen of the most insolent by clapping them up, according as you shall be informed of the most dangerous."^ There was no need of warrant, of bail, of the Habeas Corpus, of constitutional observance. It was sufficient to be a papist, of high or low degree, to constitute the professor of the old faith, a "rebeUy" monster, to have him thrown into some
' Army List. * Thorpe's Catalogue of the Southwell M.S.

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 162

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Dublin, you are moving through a city where, in 1690, people were already fleeing before William's arms had fully prevailed. Among those who left was Lady Mary Butler, abbess of a nunnery here in Dublin. A pass was issued for her and the nuns to go to Flanders, dated July 23, 1690. The pass was in the autograph of Sir Robert Southwell, and it survives recorded in the Southwell MSS. She was not alone in getting such permission. Others received protections of a different kind. John Newport of Carrick was granted a protection stating that no officers or soldiers of the army were to be quartered upon him. Estates were parcelled out to families, taken from the ancient possessors. Sir John Bellew, Lord Baron of Duleek, and Dudley Bagnall of Dunleckney, county of Catherlogh, were declared to be in actual and open rebellion, and their estates given to Sir John Trevor, Thomas Pelham, and Henry Guy. Richard Bellew, commonly called Lord Bellew, was also attainted, though he was pardoned on April 1, 1696. With all these rigors and cruelties, the Catholics were not put down in Dublin. William was every day raising complaints of the outrages, insolence, and daring of the rebelly papists. Sir Robert Southwell, writing to Colonel Floyd, governor of Dublin, stated,

Lax weir boat passage petition, 1675

Limerick · city · Limerick · 1675

Sir George Preston presented a petition to the Common Council of Limerick in 1675, when it was declared that from time immemorial there had been a passage for boats and cots through the Lax weir. The author notes the Corporation later nearly stopped up the gap and employed expedients to render it inoperative, robbing the fishermen.

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from wliich, among other items of important intelligence, I learn, tliat on the 2nd of October, 1675, Sir George Preston presented a petition to the Common Council, when it was declared that " from time immemorial there has been a passage for boats and cots through the Lax weir/-' This is now a startling fact ; and goes to show at all events, that when in years afterwards, this same Corporation well nigh stopped up the usual gap altogether, and when afterwards, they were compelled to open it — they invented and employed every possible expedient, to render the gap inoperative for its proper purposes, and thus perpetrated an outrage of flagrant injustice, robbing the fishermen, in the assumption of a power to which it could lay no claim. In the following year were seen too blazing stars — the plague soon came — then fire and bloody wars, as White quaintly expresses it.^ About this time a branch of the Brown family settled in the parish of Kilpeacon, within a short distant of the city, on a marriage with a daughter of the Knight of Glen. Of this historic race the genealogy will be found in the note.^
*' grounds and waste pieces of land, called the new Stent, or new extent, called Lex weirs and " Gurgites, Fisher's Stent, &c.," yielding year!}' to us, our heirs, and successors, for and out of the said weirs on the said water of Shannon, called Fisher's Stent aforesaid, 6s. 8d.

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 114

As the companion tells it

As you come through Limerick, this city holds an old story about the river and who controlled it. On the 2nd of October 1675, Sir George Preston presented a petition to the Common Council, and it was declared that, in the words of the record, "from time immemorial there has been a passage for boats and cots through the Lax weir." That passage mattered to the fishermen who worked the river. But in the years that followed, the Corporation nearly stopped up the gap altogether. When they were compelled to open it again, they invented every possible expedient to render it inoperative, robbing the fishermen of the rights the council itself had acknowledged. The plague came the following year, and fire and war followed, but the wrong done at the Lax weir was its own quiet outrage.

Limerick Catholics sign loyal address amid French invasion scare

Limerick · city · Limerick · 1759–1760

Amid government apprehensions about a threatened French invasion of England and Ireland, ninety principal Catholics of Limerick signed a loyal address to the throne at the viceroy's proclamation, though many others refused. Similar addresses were signed in Cork and Waterford.

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a proper person to fill the vacant bisliopric, when they unanimoiisly chose the Very Rev. John Creagh, Dean of the diocese, above mentioned, to be eligible primo loco ; the Rev. David Bourkc in sccundo loco, and the Rev. Rowland Kirby in tertio loco, when an act to that effect was solemnly drawn up and duly signed by the canons and parish priests, and countersigned by the Rev. John De Lacy, Prothonotary Apostolic, and the Rev. James White, Notary Apostolic. Though, as we have stated, the postulation was unanimous, the court of Rome, nevertheless, in consequence of an attestation signed by four bishops in favour of Dr. Daniel O'Kearney, a native of the city of Limerick, a Doctor of the Scibonne, and parisli priest of St. Patrick's, chose Dr. O'Kearney, on the 21st of November, for the mitre of Limerick. At this period there were great troubles and apprehensions entertained by the government respecting a threatened French invasion of England and Ireland. The Duke of Bedford, lord lieutenant, signified, in consequence, to the Irish Catholics, the king's wish that they should manifest a perfect zeal and loyalty ; and in obedience to the proclamation of the viceroy, ninety of the principal Catholics of Limerick signed a most loyal and dutiful address to the tlirone, but many others refused signing it.' In Cork, one hundred and thirty Catholics signed the address, and in Waterford a very large number did the same. It may be observed as a strange fact, that the entire trade and commerce of the city of Limerick were at this time in the hands of Cathohc merchants and traders. By sea and by land the Catholics held uncontrolled the mercantile affairs of the city and port in their exclusive possession.^ But apprehensions were indulged in, which were soon afterwards realized, that through the imprudence and avarice of some of the Catholic merchants, who, for the sake of getting large apprentice fees, took Protestant and Presbyterian apprentices, who began to settle in trade and business in the city, the Catholics would lose their preeminence.^ This, however, is a digression.

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 358

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Limerick, in 1759 the government feared a French invasion of England and Ireland. The Duke of Bedford, lord lieutenant, signified to the Irish Catholics the king's wish that they should manifest perfect zeal and loyalty. In obedience to the viceroy's proclamation, ninety of the principal Catholics of Limerick signed a most loyal and dutiful address to the throne. But many others refused to sign it. In Cork, one hundred and thirty Catholics signed, and in Waterford a very large number did the same. Around this same time, the canons and parish priests of the diocese had unanimously chosen the Very Reverend John Creagh, Dean of the diocese, as their first choice to fill a vacant bishopric, with the Reverend David Bourke second and the Reverend Rowland Kirby third. But the court of Rome, on the strength of an attestation signed by four bishops, chose Dr. Daniel O'Kearney, a native of Limerick, a Doctor of the Sorbonne, and parish priest of St. Patrick's, on the 21st of November. The entire trade and commerce of Limerick were at this time in the hands of Catholic merchants and traders. By sea and by land, the Catholics held uncontrolled the mercantile affairs of the city and port in their exclusive possession. But there were apprehensions, soon afterwards realized, that through the imprudence and avarice of some Catholic merchants who, for large apprentice fees, took Protestant and Presbyterian apprentices, those apprentices would begin to settle in trade and business in the city, and the Catholics would lose their preeminence.

Limerick Corporation delegation to Cork banquet for O'Connell

Cork · city · Cork · 1844

In early 1844, as O'Connell and Repeal leaders stood trial in Dublin, the Limerick Corporation adopted a memorial to the Queen to dismiss her Tory Ministers and voted confidence in O'Connell. A demonstration in Cork featured a grand banquet for O'Connell, attended by the Limerick Corporation headed by the Mayor.

Read the passage

Intense dissatisfaction and great political excitement characterised the opening of the year 1844. O'Connell and the Repeal leaders who had been arrested, were now standing their trial in Dublin, and the intelligence of the proceedings of each day, as they were received in Limerick, created an extraordinary amount of excitement. Alderman Pierce Shannon was sworn into the Mayoralty on the 1st of January, and one of the first movements of the Corporation was the adoption of a memorial to the Queen to dismiss from office Her Majesty's Tory Ministers; at the same time the Corporation voted their undiminished and unlimited confidence in O'Connell, whom persecution was making dearer to the hearts of his countrymen. A demonstration in sustainment of O'Connell was made soon afterwards in Cork, when a grand banquet was given to him, and on this occasion the Corporation of Limerick, headed by the Mayor, proceeded there to compliment the man of the people. Mr. Smith O'Brien, who had liitherto
On«the 5tb of February, 1844, it was resolved to lay out £,1030 on the approaches and walks around the King's Island — one of the approaches at Thomond Bridge ; the other at Park Bridge.

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 287

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Cork, you are in the city where, early in 1844, a grand banquet was held in honour of Daniel O'Connell. It was a year of intense political excitement. O'Connell and the Repeal leaders had been arrested and were standing trial in Dublin, and each day's proceedings, as reported in Limerick, created extraordinary excitement there. On the 1st of January, Alderman Pierce Shannon was sworn into the Mayoralty of Limerick. One of the first acts of the Corporation was to adopt a memorial to the Queen, asking her to dismiss her Tory Ministers. At the same time, the Corporation voted their undiminished and unlimited confidence in O'Connell, whom persecution was making dearer to the hearts of his countrymen. A demonstration in support of O'Connell followed here in Cork, marked by that grand banquet. The Corporation of Limerick, headed by the Mayor, travelled to Cork for the occasion, to compliment the man of the people. Mr. Smith O'Brien, who had hitherto stood apart from the movement, was among those present.

Limerick dock construction and opening

Limerick · city · Limerick · 1847–1853

A third act in 1847 enabled £54,000 to be advanced for the construction of Limerick's existing dock, which was opened in 1853. The dock covers eight acres and can accommodate eighty sea-going vessels, with a depth of twenty to twenty-five feet.

Read the passage

In the year 1834' a new act was procured, under which a sum of £45,000 was raised by loan from government, and was expended uppn an engineering project, which was subsequently abandoned as impracticable. This project had for its end the construction of a dam across the river, and the conversion of the stream into a large floating dock. _ Engineers, however, of eminence reported that such a dock would occasionally lay a great part of the city under water. The advantage derived by the city from the £45,000 thus expended was the construction of a noble line of quays. In 1847, a third act was procured ; and an additional sum of £o4,000 was advanced, which was expended in the construction of the existing dock, which was opened, as we have stated in the first chapter of this work, m 1853. The dock covers a space of eight acres, and was constructed by John Long, Esq., C.E. The dock is capable of accommodating eighty seagoing vessels, large and small, and is entered by dock gates seventy feet wide. The depth is from twenty to twenty-five feet. The total cost was £54,000, a moderate expenditure on a work of such extent and depth.
When the original act of 1824 was procured, the estimate was that the income of the port would be £1,025, and of the bridge about £6,000 a year. The income from the bridge is almost nothing, but that from the port has risen from £1100 in 1825 to over £9,900 in 1856.

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 267

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Limerick, the dock has a story. Back in 1834, a new act was procured, and £45,000 was raised by loan from government and spent on a plan to build a dam across the river and turn the stream into a large floating dock. Engineers of eminence reported that such a dock would occasionally lay a great part of the city under water, and the project was abandoned as impracticable. The advantage the city derived from the £45,000 was the construction of a noble line of quays. In 1847, a third act was procured, and £54,000 was advanced for the construction of the existing dock, opened in 1853. The dock covers eight acres and was built by John Long, a civil engineer. It can accommodate eighty sea-going vessels, large and small, entered by dock gates seventy feet wide. The depth runs from twenty to twenty-five feet. The total cost was £54,000, described as a moderate expenditure for a work of such extent and depth. When the original act of 1824 was procured, the estimate was that the port's income would be £1,025, and the bridge about £6,000 a year. The bridge income is almost nothing, but the port income rose from £1,100 in 1825 to over £9,900 in 1856.

Limerick-Kilrush river steam packet service

Kilrush · town · Clare · 1817–1820

Before 1817, river conveyance between Limerick and Kilrush was by turf boats. Around 1817 three sailing packets were established, later supplemented by a steamer called the Lady of the Shannon, which proved a failure and was broken up.

Read the passage

* Previous to 1817. the only mode of river conveyance between Limerick and Kilrush, was >)y turf boats. About that period three sailing packets, the Royal George, Lady Frances, and Vandeleur, were established for the conveyance of goods and passengers ; and in some
years after a steamer, called the Lady of th ; Siiannon commenced to ply (she was the

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 265

As the companion tells it

As you come through Kilrush, this was the Clare end of the river packet service to Limerick. Before 1817, turf boats carried goods on that route. Then three sailing packets were established, and later a steamer, the Lady of the Shannon, was added. She proved a failure and was broken up.

Louth expedition averted by bishop of Armagh

Louth · town · Louth · 1097–1098

Murtagh undertook an expedition as far as Louth, where the effusion of blood was prevented by the interposition of the bishop of Armagh.

Read the passage

In the years 1095 and 1096 peace prevailed in consequence of a pestilence which the annalists say spread over all Europe, and carried off a fourth of the population of Ireland, including many persons of distinction, and amongst the rest Godfrey Erenach. In the meantime Murtagh had employed himself in rebuilding Kincora, and, having completed the work of re- edification, once more undertook an expedition as far as Louth, where, however, by the interposition of the bishop of Armagh, the effusion of blood was prevented.
In the year 1101 Murtagh convoked a great assembly at Cashel, and made a donation to the church, such as " no king had ever made before,''^ granting Cashel to the " rehgious of Ireland in general without any claim of layman or clergyman upon it,'' as the annalists express it, thus dedicating the seat of the Munster kings to God and to St. Patrick,^ who had there preached the Gospel to ^ngus, king of ]\Iunster and his court.

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 21

Mahone O'Brien extorts customs at Carrigogunnel

Carrigogunnel · townland · Limerick · 1541

Mahone O'Brien of Carrigogunnel in County Limerick extorted customs from Limerick merchants, taking payment for barrels of wine departing the city into the country. This was part of a widespread pattern of extortion by local chiefs against city merchants.

Read the passage

by lease payeing yearly 16d. Item, Oliver Arthur Fitzrobert, hath one gardine by lease, paying yearlie therefor 8d. Item, that Ellen Stacpol widdowe hath one gardine by lease payeing yearly 8d. Item, that Donogh O'Donnell hath one house bj' lease paj'eing yearly therefor, 16d. Item, there is half one plowland named Ballj'nagalleagh in the south side of the Curry there is underwood and pasture belonging to the same. Item, there is by Loughgair a towne called Ballynagalagh in the countye of Lymerick that pertayneth to the said nunnery and house of Keiloine aforesaid. Item, M'ee finde that one Michael Arthur, merchant, deceased the 10th day of May, 32nd yeare of King Henry the Eighth, and that one Morris Herbert, archdeacon of our laidies church of Lymerick, did refuse and would not take of one David Arthur, and Genett Whyte executor of the said Michael Arthur, but according as it hath been paid of ould time contrary to the forme of the statute there in provided. Item, wee find that Tibbott Bourke of Caherkinlish in the county of Lymerick Gentl., the 10th day of Januarii, to 33 yeare of King Henry the VIII. and divers before and after did take of one William Young of Lymerick, merchant, for seaven loads of oaths, 7d. and so of divers others of the sayd cittie daylie. And of James Fox of the same for ten barrells of wyne departinge out of the same cittye into the countrie 2d. in extortion. Mahone O'Bryen of Carrigogunnel in the countie of Lymerick, gentl. did take of Domynick Whyte of Lymerick, niercht. the 10th daye of December, Sord Henrci 8, for 3 barrells of wyne 3d. and for ten barrell of Avyne 20d. and soe from day to day, from divers others of the said cittj^ in extortion. And so did Murrough MacMahon of Balliolman of Christopher Creagh Fitzpatrick of Lymerick, merchant, for custom of 2 hogsetts of hearings 3s. 8d. and for 5 dykers of hydes 7s. id. and of every boath that cometh to that cittye by his castle 7s. 4d. and soe of divers others. And O'Conoughour of Carigfoyle did take of John Streech Fitzgeorga for his ship coming to that citty 3s. 4d. and 20 gallouns of wyne, and soe of every ship that Cometh to that towne with wyne. Shiekus O'Cahaine of Keilruish in the countriey of Corkavaskin, the 10th day of December and 33rd H. 8, did take of every ship that cometh to that cittye and in especiall of John Fanning, 6s. 6d. by extortion. Donogh Gowe of Corrugraige, constable of the same under the Earl of Desmond, the 4th day of March and 33rd H. VIII. did take of Kobert Heay, of Lymerick, merchant, for his boath of oysters that came to the citty a hundred oysters, and soe of every boath that cometh likewise. Darmitius M'Morrough of Finies, the 10th day of Februarii, and 33rd of Henry VIII. did take of William Yong of Lymerick, merchant, for one boath passing by the castle of Ffinies, 12 gallons of wyne and eight gallons of hony, and of every boath that passeth by the same, to the said citty. Item, Fineen M'Namara, and Taig M'Namara did daiely take of every barrell of wyne that passes out of the said cittie into the countrey b}' them 2d. and of every cow and horse passing by them to the said citty, 2d. and the tenth parte of all Linnen cloath passing by them to the said citty, and of every man passing by them to the said citty havinge a capp on his head, 6s. 8d. in extreame manner. Alsoe O'Bryen, doth levye and take all such things as aforesaid, except the 6s. 8d. for the capp. Item, in tyme past the Earls of Ormond and of Desmond have used such like customes which nowe they be content to remitt. Item, Donogh O'Bryen doth take of every pack that passeth from Lymerick to Waterfourd, 20d. and of every horse.load of wares coming from Waterfourd to Lymerick 5d. And that the said Donnogh the loth day of Januarii last past tooke from John Harold, Nicholas Harold, Patricke Kochfort, and Kichard Verdon for packs aleaven duccats and soe of divers others."

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 55

Malby destroys monastery at Askeaton

Askeaton · townland · Limerick · 1579

After the battle of Monasternenagh, Sir William Malby remained nearly a week at Askeaton, with the Geraldines threatening to give him battle daily. Malby destroyed the monastery of Askeaton before proceeding to Adare.

Read the passage

The Irish were well commanded by Spanish officers, and fought with such fury that the battle was a long time doubtful. The Earl of Desmond, who, with Lord Kerry, had viewed the action from the neighbouring eminence called Tory Hill, on perceiving the result, retired into his strong castle at Askeaton, where Malby remained nearly a week, the Geraldines every day threatening to give him battle, though they did not do so.^ Malby destroyed the monastery of that town, and then proceeded to Adare, where he remauied, subjugating the people of that neighbourhood until he was joined by Sir William Pelham the newly patented Lord Justice, the Earl of Kildare, and the Earl of Ormonde.'* During the engagement the Irish and Spanish soldiers took shelter in the abbey of Monasterncnagh, which suffered greatly from the
' Rothe's Analecta.

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 60

Marquis of Antrim escapes Carrickfergus

near Carrickfergus · town · Antrim · 1643

The Marquis of Antrim, whose dowager had been reduced to poverty by the wars, escaped from Carrickfergus and returned to Kilkenny. He proposed to raise troops to assist Montrose in Scotland, and the Confederates agreed to furnish arms and 200 barrels of oatmeal to be shipped by a Kilkenny merchant.

Read the passage

The war, in its very beginning, produced great changes in the circumstances of some of the highest personages in the land. The Marquis of Antrim, whose Dowager is stated to have been reduced to such a state of poverty by the war,^ returned to Kilkenny this year, having effected his
no prudent person ought to persuade, or even propose that your Lordship should expose yourself to the uncertainty of the weather, the inclemency of the winter, and the inconveniences of so long, muddy, and deep a journey. Wherefore our mayor, and the other leading men of the council intreated me to write in their names to your most illustrious Lordship, and in the first place recall the memory of their due respect towards you, their most humble request that, since your Lordship is pleased to adhere firmly to j'our first point, and commendable purpose, and to be induced by no intreaties to anticipate that time, which is so suitable, and which you will appear to have more prudently taken forethought for your health, exposed to very many inconveniences, on account of the unusual variety of climate, soil, and food, and to do a most acceptable thing to our mayor and the rest of our council, preoccupied in collecting very large sums of money, as well for promoting the expeditions of those led into England, and the army (intended) for Ulster, as well as towards the third collection of £30,000 sterling, to be paid to the King, as well as (preoccupied) by other cares arising out of present circumstances. Wishing your most illustrious Lordship every success,

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 88

Mayor Fox deposed for refusing oath of supremacy

Limerick · city · Limerick · 1605

In 1605, Mayor Fox of Limerick was removed from office for refusing to take the oath of supremacy, and Andrew Creagh was appointed as the first Protestant mayor of the city.

Read the passage

Jameses reign as we have seen, was rendered remarkable in Ireland, not only by the wholesale plunder of Cathohcs, but by their savage persecution. The question of the kiug^s supremacy created great disturbances among the corporators, and it was not until the accession of Charles the 1st in 1635, that the execution of these unjust and cruel laws were so far relaxed, that the mayor and sheriffs, viz. James Bourke, James Stackpole, and George Burke of Limerick, went publicly to mass : so far back as 1605, Fox the mayor was deposed for refusing to take the oath, and Andrew Creagh was appointed the first Protestant mayor. In 1617, a proclamation was issued for the expulsion of the Catholic clergy, and the city of Waterford, whose corporation had, like that of Limerick, resolutely refused to take the oath of supremacy, was in consi^quence deprived of its charter.
In the year 1616, the mayor ordered the gate call Mongret, which had been long closed, to be reopened, i Hitherto the Cathohcs "had strenuously resisted the appointment of any but Cathohcs to the magistracy, but at last the Viceroy and council promulgated a decree prohibiting any one from discharging any pubhc office, unless he had first taken the oath of supremacy, and solemnly attended the Anghcan service, and this under the penalty called pnemimire. Hence it happened that they elected those whom they expected to be obedient to the king's wishes, whom they now call " conformists,''-' as they call the Catholics "recusants.-" In 1616, Dominick Roche, mayor, John Stritch and Richard Lawless, sheriffs, both conformists. 1617. John Stritch mayor, George James Creagh and Pierce or Peter Harold,^ sheriffs. The two later had conformed.

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 78

Mayor perambulates Gravelines with boys of Limerick, 1672

Limerick · city · Limerick · 1672

In 1672 Mayor John Bourin gathered all the boys of Limerick and perambulated the Gravelines with them for two days.

Read the passage

1672 John Bourin, the Mayor, collected all the boys of the town, and perambulated the Gravelines with them for two days.
1672 November 10, The Earl of Thomond admitted to ye freedom of this citty, and ye same presented to him in a silver box, in Latin. Cor. Book'm British Museum from 1G72 to 1680.

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 408

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Limerick, you are near the Gravelines. In 1672 the Mayor, John Bourin, gathered every boy in the town and walked the Gravelines with them for two days.

Mayor Robert Smith rebuilds King's Island gate and tower

King's Island · townland · Limerick · 1685

In 1685, Mayor Robert Smith rebuilt the King's Island gate and tower, cutting a Latin inscription over the gate himself. He also placed a brass table on a pillar in the Exchange, later known as 'The Nail,' now in the Town Hall of Limerick.

Read the passage

Ilobert Smith being Mayor in 1685, he flagged the City Court-house, made the jury-room at the east end of it, and framed in the place of judicature ; he newly built the King's Island gate and tower, and with his own hands he cut on the stone fixed over the gate at the island side these words, "Eeedificata 1° Jacobi 3'^* Eoberto Smith Pretore, sumptibus civium.''^ He also, at his own cost, set up in the Exchange, a brass table standing on a short pillar, and himself engraved this inscription on it : " Ex dono Eoberti Smith majoris Limericencibus civibus.''^ It was afterwards placed in the new Exchange, and was called " The Nail,'"' being intended for a public place for paying down money on, though not applied to that use.^
On the 1st of August, same year, Lieut.-Coloucl Anthony Hamilton* came to Limerick as Governor, in place of Sir Wdliam King, who was deposed. HamUton was the first Governor who for 35 years before publicly went to Mass. On the 21st of September Lord Clarendon, who was Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, an-ived in Limerick ; for an entire month before ten troops of horse were quartered on the inhabitants ; they were the first army who, for forty years before Avent publicly to Mass. Mass was puMicly said in the yard of the King's Castle, and in the citadel near St. John's gate for the army who every Sunday went to hear it, marching thither in order with their drums and hautboys. The Lord Lieutenant remained in Limerick but two nights and one day.^

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 118

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here on King's Island, Robert Smith was mayor in 1685. He flagged the City Court-house, made the jury-room at the east end of it, and framed the place of judicature. He newly built the King's Island gate and tower, and with his own hands he cut on the stone fixed over the gate at the island side the words, "Aedificata 1 Jacobi 3 Roberto Smith Pretore, sumptibus civium." He also, at his own cost, set up in the Exchange a brass table standing on a short pillar, and himself engraved on it, "Ex dono Roberti Smith majoris Limericencibus civibus." It was afterwards placed in the new Exchange, and was called "The Nail," being intended for a public place for paying down money on, though not applied to that use. On the 1st of August the same year, Lieutenant-Colonel Anthony Hamilton came to Limerick as Governor, in place of Sir William King, who was deposed. Hamilton was the first Governor who for 35 years before publicly went to Mass. On the 21st of September Lord Clarendon, who was Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, arrived in Limerick. For an entire month before, ten troops of horse were quartered on the inhabitants. They were the first army who, for 40 years before, went publicly to Mass. Mass was publicly said in the yard of the King's Castle, and in the citadel near St. John's gate for the army, who every Sunday went to hear it, marching thither in order with their drums and hautboys. The Lord Lieutenant remained in Limerick but two nights and one day.

Murder of John Kelly at Knocksentry

Knocksentry · townland · Limerick · 1848

John Kelly was murdered at Knocksentry in September 1848, the crime for which William Ryan ('Ryan Puck') was subsequently tried and executed at Limerick jail.

Read the passage

In the beginning of the year a Special Commission sat in Limerick, when several prisoners were tried, including William Ryan (commonly called Ryan Puck), who was hanged in front of the county Limerick jail on the 7th of February, for the murder of John Kelly at Knocksentry in the previous September. Other prisoners were sentenced to transportation, among whom was William Frewen, who was transported for life for harbouring Ryan Puck. The Lord Chief Justice and the Lord Chief Baron presided. Sir David Roche was High Sheriff of the county.'
Alderman John Boyse filled the office of Mayor in 1849 ; he presented an address of the Corporation to her Majesty the Queen, at a levee which was held in Dublin in August.^ He laid the foundation of the new floating docks, for which he was presented with a silver trowel. He was a thorough liberal, a solicitor of eminence, and an energetic member of the independents. He died during his mayoralty about November, and was succeeded for the remainder of the term by Laurence Quinlivan, Esq.

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 291

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here, in September 1848, a man named John Kelly was murdered. Kelly was killed at Knocksentry, and the crime led to a Special Commission that sat in Limerick at the beginning of the following year. Several prisoners were tried before it. Among them was William Ryan, commonly called Ryan Puck, who was convicted of the murder. Ryan Puck was hanged in front of the county Limerick jail on the 7th of February. The Lord Chief Justice and the Lord Chief Baron presided over the proceedings. Other prisoners received sentences of transportation. One of them was William Frewen, who was transported for life, his offence being that he had harboured Ryan Puck. Sir David Roche served as High Sheriff of the county at the time. So the killing of John Kelly at Knocksentry brought several men to the courts and the gallows within a matter of months.

Murtagh O'Brien captured at Limerick

Limerick · city · Limerick · 1208

In 1208, Murtagh O'Brien, son of Donell, Lord of Thomond, was taken prisoner by the English at Limerick, in violation of the guarantee of three bishops, and by order of his brother Donough Cairbreach.

Read the passage

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

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 36

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Limerick, this is a city whose walls saw a bitter betrayal in 1208. The years before had been violent. Meyler the younger, son of Meyler Bermingham, besieged the city and took it by force, and dissensions arose among the English. Cowley Mac Convey Leyghaghkan, chief of Silronan, was killed, with many hurts done among the English themselves. It was in 1208 that Murtagh O'Brien, son of Donell, Lord of Thomond, was taken prisoner by the English at Limerick. The treachery of it was this: it was done in violation of the guarantee of three bishops. And it was carried out by order of his own brother, Donough Cairbreach. The Annals of Clonmacnoise also record this fact. Two years later, in 1210, William De Burgo, having received severe usage from the Connacians, to whom he and his people had gone to obtain their wages, returned to Limerick. That same year, the King divided Leinster and Munster, the only parts he had actually in possession, into counties, including Dublin, Kildare, Meath, Uriel, Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Waterford, Cork, Limerick, Tipperary and Kerry, and appointed sheriffs and officers over them after the manner of the English. By 1215, a grant was made to Edmond, bishop of Limerick, connected to the salmon and eel fisheries of the Shannon, a grant that remained a subject of interest to every class and party among the citizens down to the book's own day.

New Barracks, Limerick: military complex and prison

Limerick · city · Limerick · 1798–1865

The New Barracks in Limerick were built in 1798 and occupy about a square mile on an elevation to the south-west of the city, capable of containing about 1,000 men. A district Military Prison was added in 1843, with 87 prisoners and a staff of warders by 1865.

Read the passage

1 These Barracks were built in 1798, and occupy about a square mile. They are capable of containing about 1000 men, including officers' quarters. They are on an elevation to the south-west of the city. In 1843 a district Military Prison was added, which in 1865 coutams 87 prisoners, and a staff consisting of chief warder and seven warders and servants. The prison consists of three corridors and fifty-nine cells.
July 27th Prospectus of an Irish Provincial Banking Company issued ; local committees

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 263

As the companion tells it

Limerick's New Barracks were built in 1798, occupying about a square mile on rising ground south-west of the city, built to hold about 1,000 men. A district military prison was added in 1843. By 1865 it held 87 prisoners with a staff of warders.

Newry burned and people flee

near Newry · town · Down · 1689

Newry was burned by Schonberg's forces, and the people fled in terror from their homes, leaving them a prey in the hands of the spoiler.

Read the passage

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

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 121

O'Carroll's raid from Ballina to Ardcroney

Ballina · town · Tipperary · 1559

O'Carroll, following the custom of a predatory excursion after inauguration, made his first expedition against Turlough Mac I Brien of Arra. He totally devastated and ravaged the country from Ballina near Killaloe to O'Hogan's mill near Ardcroney, and slew Morrough Maclbrien.

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

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 57

O'Connell at the Limerick bar mess: the M'Mahon shoe incident

Limerick · city · Limerick

In Limerick, O'Connell ordered the bar mess waiter to remove Mr. M'Mahon's shoes from the fireplace, declaring they ought to be kicked out of the room. M'Mahon, later Sir William M'Mahon, Master of the Rolls, applauded the remark.

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

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 274

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Limerick, there is a story from the bar mess that has come down. O'Connell had great affection for this city. It was here in 1821 that he issued two of his most remarkable letters, in a controversy with Mr. Shell over Mr. Plunket's Bill regarding the Catholic Clergy, published in a local journal that has long since ceased to exist. But the tale people remember is from the bar mess. An obsequious barrister had put Mr. M'Mahon's shoes inside the fender by the fire to air. O'Connell ordered the waiter to take them from the fireplace, saying they ought to be kicked out of the room. M'Mahon, who later became Sir William M'Mahon, Master of the Rolls, applauded the remark.

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

The stories, best first

Cromwell disfranchises Rathkeale

Danes arrive at Belfast

Daniel O'Connell executed at new County Jail for murder

Danish moats and raths in Kilmealy parish

Death of Bishop Cumin Fodha at Limerick, 661

Death of Torlough O'Brien at Inchiquin

Desmond confiscations in County Limerick under Elizabeth

Dismasted vessel arrives at Limerick Quay

Donogh M'Grath treacherously hanged in Cork

Dr. Nihill's consecration witnessed in Limerick, 1784

Dr. Young's School for the Poor in Newgate-lane

Election of Coadjutor Bishop at St. John's Church

Expansion of convents in Limerick city under Dr. Ryan

Faithful Companions school at Laurel Hill

Father Butler's visit to Cahir Castle

First Faithful Companions convent in Ireland at Laurel Hill

Formation of Loyal Limerick Volunteers at Assembly Rooms

Fort at Lough Gur destroyed by Diarmid's expedition (1056)

Franciscan chapel remains in Mary Street

Franciscan convent dispersed at last siege of Limerick

General Duff arrests 29 defenders at Cappawhite

General Sir William Parker Carroll of Tulla

Gentlemen robbed and Bishop shot near Mountshannon

Geoffrey Arthur's monument in Limerick Cathedral

Geoffrey Barron executed in 1651 at Limerick

Guild of merchants incorporated in Limerick

Henry III grants forty ploughlands to Limerick Leper House

Henry VI charter excludes Irishmen from Limerick privileges

Herman Jacob denied then admitted freedom of Limerick

Hogan captures 71 horses near Cullen

Hollinshed's etymology of Limerick

Honor of Limerick granted to William of Braosa

Hutchinson assembles forces at Galway

Irish stand at Limerick

John Budstone's mural tablet and gift of bells to cathedral

King James departs from Duncannon via Kinsale to France

King John protects Bishop's lands from Castle encroachment

King John's bridge at Limerick and Thomond Bridge

King's letter undelivered between Limerick and Waterford

Knockpatrick and St. Patrick's kneeling stones

Knockpatrick mountain: site of St Patrick's blessing of Connaught

Lady Mary Butler's nunnery in Dublin given pass to Flanders

Lax weir boat passage petition, 1675

Limerick Catholics sign loyal address amid French invasion scare

Limerick Corporation delegation to Cork banquet for O'Connell

Limerick dock construction and opening

Limerick-Kilrush river steam packet service

Louth expedition averted by bishop of Armagh

Mahone O'Brien extorts customs at Carrigogunnel

Malby destroys monastery at Askeaton

Marquis of Antrim escapes Carrickfergus

Mayor Fox deposed for refusing oath of supremacy

Mayor perambulates Gravelines with boys of Limerick, 1672

Mayor Robert Smith rebuilds King's Island gate and tower

Murder of John Kelly at Knocksentry

Murtagh O'Brien captured at Limerick

New Barracks, Limerick: military complex and prison

Newry burned and people flee

O'Carroll's raid from Ballina to Ardcroney

O'Connell at the Limerick bar mess: the M'Mahon shoe incident