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

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

1. Castleconnell fortress besieged and captured by Williamites

   Castleconnell · town · Limerick · 1690

   An expedition was sent against Castleconnell, the famous old fortress of the De Burgos, which had sustained the national cause through many vicissitudes. The 128 besieged surrendered and were brought as prisoners to William's camp; the fortress was later blown up after the siege was raised.

   Read the passage

   On the remarkable day when the disastrous news reached William's camp, an expedition was sent against Castleconnell, that famous old fortress of the powerful De Burgos, which had sustained the national cause through many vicissitudes. The besieged submitted, and to the number of 128 were brought prisoners to William's camp. Castleconnell was retained in the hands of William till the siege was raised, and then it was blown up.^

   From the moment when the earth shook beneath the volcano at Bal- Irneety, WilKam well knew that the game was up — that the day was lost. Five days had elapsed before Wihiam or his Generals could make a manoeuvre to repair the injuries which this stunnuig blow had inflicted.

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 133

   As the companion tells it

   Coming up through Castleconnell now. Back in 1690, an expedition was sent against the fortress here, the famous old stronghold of the De Burgos, which had sustained the national cause through many vicissitudes. On a day when disastrous news reached William's camp, this place was targeted. The besieged submitted, and 128 of them were brought as prisoners to William's camp. Castleconnell was held by William until the siege was raised, and then the fortress was blown up. Nothing left of it now but the ground you are passing.

2. Danish fleet arrives in Dublin Bay, 1014

   near Dublin Bay · bay · Dublin · 1014

   On Palm Sunday, 18 April 1014, a powerful fleet of 12,000 men under Danish admiral Brodar arrived in Dublin Bay, joined by 9,000 Irish Lagenian allies from Wexford, Carlow, Wicklow, and Kildare, totaling 21,000 men poised for the subjugation of Ireland.

   Read the passage

   On Palm Sunday, the 18th April, 1014, a powerful fleet, containing the contingents furnished from all parts of the world where the Danes resided, including some Norman, French, Belgians, and Britons from Wales and Cornwall, arrived in the bay of Dublin, under the command of Brodar, the Danish admiral. — The entire of these combined forces amounted to 12,000 men, and their Irish allies, the Lagenians, numbered 9,000, in aU 21,000 men — the Lagenians being funiished by the counties of Wexford, Carlow, Wicklow, and Kildare, with part of the Queen^s and King's County, the Princes of which were in aUiauce "with the Danes, and related by blood to Sitric, King of Dublin, whose mother, Gormlaith or Kormloda, the repudiated wife of Brian Boru, is said to have invited the noted pirates, Brodar and Upsoeus, or Upsacus, to join the confederacy against her royal consort.

   About 20,000 men composed the amount of Brian's army, of whom the Dalcassians or troops of Thomond collected from Clare, Limerick, and Tipperary, were commanded by himself in person, by his eldest son Murrogh, aided by his five other sons, Teige, Donagh, Donal, Conor, and Plan, and by Turlough, the son of Murrogh, and fifteen other nephcAvs and relatives of Brian. These constituted the first of the three lines into which Brian's army, as well as that of the Danes, was formed in this famous Battle. The second body composed of the Conacians (Connaught men) under King Teige O'Connor and other chiefs. The third was formed by Desmonians and Desians, under Kian and other chiefs of Desmond. Malachy, King of Meath, who did signal services in this battle, and who subsequently succeeded Brian, was appointed to assist the Dalcassians in the first division, while the Ultonians co-operated with the Desmonians in the third division, as did also Donald and the Scotch Stewards of Lennox, and Marr. The annals of InnisfaUen speak of one of the Maguires of Fermanagh being amongst the Ultonians ; but it does not appear from the Annals of the Poui* Masters or the Annals of Ulster that the north sent any forces.

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 15

3. First Protestant Mayor of Limerick appointed

   Limerick · city · Limerick · 1607

   Around 1607, Sir Henry Bunkard persecuted Catholics; Edmund Fox was deposed as mayor for refusing the oath of supremacy, and Andrew Creagh was chosen as the first Protestant Mayor of Limerick.

   Read the passage

   Sir Henry Bunkard, President of Munster, commenced a truculent persecution against the Catholics; and because Edmund Fox, three weeks before Jlicliaelmiis Day, retu-ed to take the oath of supremacy and go to churcli, he was deposed of his office. '1 he citizens heing driven to a new election, cUoso Andrew Creagh Fitz- Gasper', who was the first Protestant Mayor. Arthur MSiS., and White't MSS., p. 66.

   Andrew Creagh was May )for one month.

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 405

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Limerick, around 1607 Sir Henry Bunkard, President of Munster, began a persecution against the Catholics. Edmund Fox, three weeks before Michaelmas Day, refused to take the oath of supremacy and go to church, and was deposed from his office. The citizens, driven to a new election, chose Andrew Creagh Fitz-Gasper, who became the first Protestant Mayor of Limerick. He served for one month.

4. Fitz-Maurice submits to Sir J. Perrot, 1572

   Kilmallock · town · Limerick · 1572

   Sir J. Perrot, President of Munster, compelled James Fitz-Maurice to surrender in 1572, receiving his submission in the parish church of Kilmallock with the point of the president's sword at his breast, to show that he had his life at the Queen's hands.

   Read the passage

   1572. Sir J. Perrot, President of Munster, compelled James Fitz- Maurice to surrender, and received his submission kneeling in the parish church, with the point of the president's sword at his breast, to show that he had his life at the Queen's hands.

   1579. Sir W. Drury, coming here with 900 men to oppose Sir John ot Desmond, with his Spanish and Irish forces, summons the nobility of Munster to repair to his standard, but dies soon after his defeat at Gortna-Tobrid.

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 432

5. Francis Arthur's yeomanry artillery corps

   Limerick · city · Limerick · 1796–1798

   Francis Arthur, a prominent Limerick merchant, raised a corps of yeomanry artillery under General Smyth's direction in 1796 when French forces were in the Shannon, training it at considerable expense until it was disbanded on 15 May 1798.

   Read the passage

   * Owing chiefly to ths evil influence of the Earl of Clare, was the fierce and terrible persecution which was sustained by Francis Arthur, a merchant of eminence in the cit)' of Limerick, possessed of considerable estates in land, and houses built by himself, daily improving his native city, and adding to its embellishment ; his commercial concerns employing a very considerable capital, requiring credits to the surrounding counties of Limeriek, Clare, Tipperary, and Kerry, and making, from this source, a rapid augmentation to his fortune. His character and conduct had procured him a high degree of estimation among his neighbours, and he appeared distinguished by a zealous attachment to the constitution, in the year 179G, when the French forces were in the Shannon, on which occasion he displayed the utmost activity in the service of government, and among other exertions, raised, under the direction of General Smyth, then commanding in Limerick, a corps of yeomanry Artillery, of which the General obtained for him the command, with the rank of Captain. This corps Avas trained by him with great assiduity, and at considerable expense, till the loth of May, 1798, wnen it was disbanded. There were, nevertheless, points in Mr. Arthur's character which clashed too much with the opinions of other individuals not to render him an object of jealousy, and of something stronger, to those persons. The lioman Catholics of Ireland, under the oppressive penal laws formerly enacted against them, and still suffered to continue on the statute books of the kingdom, resolved to appeal to the breast of their Sovereign for redress, confident that His Majesty would, at all times, attend to the grievances of his people, when humbly and dutifully represented. It was, therefore, deemed expedient to call a meeting of the entire bodj', by its delegates, from every county and town in the kingdoir^ to assemble in i3ublin early iu the year 1793. Circular letters were issued by the committee of the city of Dublin, stating the general purport of the intended meeting, the mode of electing delegates, and soliciting the early attention of the several counties and towns, in its execution. The issuing of these letters caused a general outcry against the claims of the Catholics, and gentlemen high in office, influence, and power, exerted themselves iu all parts of the kingdom, to intimidate and prevent such meetings being held, or delegates appointed. Notwithstanding which, and the violent resolutions of their Protestant fellow-subjects, the meeting took place in Dublin, and an humble address was agreed to and presented, which induced His Majesty to recommend their case with such gracious efficacy to Parliament, and thereby procured relief to that body from many galling and unnecessary restrictions. Among others, John Fitzgibboa, afterwards Lord High Chancellor of Ireland, and Earl of Clare, became conspicuous in his attendance at a meeting of the magistrates and freeholders of the county of Limerick, called by the High Sheriff, at which meeting resolutions were entered into inhnical to the Catholic claims. Mr. Arthur, concurring that his Lordship and the great body of the county would give a patient hearing to such representations as might be urged on the part of the IJoman Catholics, and as chairman of that body in the city of Limerick, engaged a counsellor of eminence, a freeholder of the county, Mr. Powell, to plead the cause of the oppressed community. This gentleman, with the spirit and resolution which ever characterized him, though he very well knew the risk he ran, m his professional pursuits, bj' thus appearing openly in opposition to the measures of the noble Jjord, aischarged the sacred duty he owed his unfortunate clients highly to liis honor. His single opposition, however, availed but little, and the resolutions were carried as proposed, and published

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 228

   As the companion tells it

   Passing through Limerick, you are in the city where Francis Arthur once lived and raised a corps of yeomanry artillery. Arthur was a merchant of eminence, possessing considerable estates in land and houses he built himself, daily improving his native city. His commercial concerns employed a very considerable capital, extending credit to the surrounding counties of Limerick, Clare, Tipperary, and Kerry. His character procured him a high degree of estimation among his neighbours, and he appeared distinguished by a zealous attachment to the constitution. In 1796, when French forces were in the Shannon, he displayed the utmost activity in the service of government. Under the direction of General Smyth, then commanding in Limerick, he raised the corps, and the General obtained for him the command, with the rank of Captain. He trained it with great assiduity and at considerable expense, until the 15th of May, 1798, when it was disbanded. There were points in his character that clashed too much with the opinions of other individuals, rendering him an object of jealousy, and of something stronger. John Fitzgibbon, afterwards Lord High Chancellor of Ireland and Earl of Clare, became conspicuous at a meeting of the magistrates and freeholders of the county of Limerick, where resolutions hostile to the Catholic claims were proposed. Arthur, as chairman of the Catholic body in the city, engaged a counsellor of eminence, a freeholder named Mr. Powell, to plead the cause of that community. Powell discharged the duty highly to his honor, knowing the risk he ran in his professional pursuits by appearing openly in opposition to the noble Lord. His single opposition availed but little, and the resolutions were carried as proposed and published.

6. Irish horse regiments depart Limerick through west Water-gate

   Limerick · city · Limerick · 1691

   On October 13th, 1691, the Irish horse regiments that had declared for France marched through the English-town of Limerick, exiting at the west Water-gate on their way to Cork. The sight drew bitter tears from every beholder as the soldiers looked for the last time on the walls of Limerick.

   Read the passage

   And now came the trying moment of departure ! Passes had been already signed by Lord Lucan for such of his friends as were desirous of visiting their homes and remaining there.* On the 10th a large portion of Ginkle^s army returned from beyond the river, and 1000 Irish horse and dragoons that had gone over to him, were mustered by Allen, a Commissioner. On the 13th the Irish horse regiments that had declared for France, marched through the Enghsh-town, out at the west Water-gate, and on for Cork. Storey states that they were numbered, as they passed the English camp, and were not 1000 strong; but this is evidently a mistake.

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 153

   As the companion tells it

   On October 13th, 1691, the Irish horse regiments that had declared for France marched through the English-town of Limerick, out at the west Water-gate, and on for Cork. Storey says they were numbered as they passed the English camp and were not 1000 strong, though this is evidently a mistake. Three days earlier, a large portion of Ginkle's army had returned from beyond the river, and 1000 Irish horse and dragoons that had gone over to him were mustered by Allen, a Commissioner. Passes had already been signed by Lord Lucan for such of his friends as wished to visit their homes and remain there.

7. Jacobite soldiers shot and hanged without trial at Limerick

   Limerick · city · Limerick · 1691

   After the fall of Limerick, private soldiers who came out of James's quarters were shot down and hanged without trial under the pretence of being Rapparees. The Anglo-Irish militia and Protestant yeomanry, numbering at least 25,000 men, earned an unenviable distinction for these outrages.

   Read the passage

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

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 162

   As the companion tells it

   You are coming through Limerick now, a city that carries the weight of 1691. After the fall of Limerick, private soldiers who came out of James's quarters were shot down and hanged, in many cases without the ceremony of a trial, under the pretence of being Rapparees. The Anglo-Irish militia and Protestant yeomanry, acting in aid of the regular Williamite army and numbering at least 25,000 men, won for themselves an unenviable distinction through these outrages. The Jacobite army was officered from all the Irish septs, native and of English descent. Not one Catholic family in Ireland of eminence is absent from D'Alton's King James's Army List. Lord Macaulay was wrong to describe so many of these officers as plebeian. These soldiers fought against vastly superior numbers, and the resources of England and Holland, besides Protestant Ireland. When they could no longer defend their country, they went into honourable exile rather than submit to one they believed to be a usurper. No stipulation was made in the treaty for prisoners, or for the orphans of those slain in service. Those who left might never visit Ireland again without special permission of the King, on pain of execution. Those who remained faced contempt, poverty, imprisonment, and every misery a conquered nation might expect from implacable enemies. An English authority, Hooke, set the cost to England at 18,000,000 pounds sterling, exclusive of arrears due to the army. The French admiral who arrived too late with supplies at Limerick brought back 16,000 Irish soldiers and several families.

8. Lord Mayo executed after Castlebar surrender

   Castlebar · town · Mayo · 1652–1653

   Lord Mayo was tried and executed by being shot to death for falling on the English and killing among others the Protestant Bishop of Killala and about eighty others, after the surrender of the Castle of Castlebar.

   Read the passage

   and fixed it to a commission he caused to be written in the king's name, that Michael Harrisson, then present in court, and confessing the fact, was the person who stitched the cord or label of the seal with silk of the same colour. Lord Mayo was tried, and executed by being shot to death, for falling on the English, and kilhng among others the Protestant Bishop of Killala, and about eighty others, after the surrender of the Castle of Castlebar. Lord Maguire, notwithstanding his vehement protest, was tried and sentenced in England, and was not permitted the ministration of a cathoHc priest in his dymg moments ! Courts were held in Cork, Waterford, and other places, and about two hundred persons were sentenced to death at the hands of the common hangman.

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 105

   As the companion tells it

   Up ahead is Castlebar, in Mayo. In 1652 to 1653, Lord Mayo was tried here, and executed by being shot to death. The charge was that he fell on the English after the surrender of the Castle of Castlebar, killing among others the Protestant Bishop of Killala and about eighty others. Lord Maguire was also taken, and despite his vehement protest he was tried and sentenced in England, and was not permitted the ministration of a Catholic priest in his dying moments. Courts were held in Cork, Waterford, and other places, and about two hundred persons were sentenced to death at the hands of the common hangman.

9. MacMaurice sons escape King's court in Limerick

   Limerick · city · Limerick · 1581

   The two sons of MacMaurice of Kerry escaped from the King's court in Limerick after the Council resolved to put them to death. They gathered hundreds of kerne supporters and spent the remainder of the year in pillage and insurrection.

   Read the passage

   In this year^ the two sons of MacMaurice of Kerry made their escape from the King's court in Limerick, the Council having resolved to put them to death. They soon found themselves supported by hundreds of kerne, and they spent the remainder of the year in acts of piUage and insurrection. In the winter of this year Dr. Saunders, the Pope's legate, died in a miserable hovel in the woods of Claenglass, worn out by cold, hunger, and fatigue. The government had offered to pardon Desmond if he would give up this eminent ecclesiastic to them, but tliis he steadily refused. His companion in misfortune, the Bishop of Killaloe, who attended him in his last moment, escaped to Spain and died in Lisbon, A.D, 1617. It was to the fastnesses of Caenglass, which is situate in the south of the county of Limerick, and to the adjacent woods of Kilmore, that John Desmond, who still protracted this wretched stmggle, was in the habit of carrying his spoil. In this year Hugh Lacy, Bishop of Limerick, died in gaol. He had been deprived by Queen Elizabeth.

   In 1582^ died Teige O'Brien (founder of the Ballycorick family) " a hero in prowess.'" He had been for some time Tanist of Thomond, but was expelled together with his brother by Donnell. He afterwards went to Spain and France, and thence to England, where he obtained his pardon and his entire share of the territory, except the tanistry alone. He was interred m the monastery of Ennis. Donogh O'Brien (son of Morrogh), who had joined the rebellious De Burgh the year before, having repented, returned back under protection ;* but the Queen's officers detected a flaw in the protection, and hanged him in the gateway of Limerick ; he was buried in the monastery of Ennis. His castles and lands of Lemenagh, Dromoland, Ballyconnelly, and other places, descended to his son Connor and his heirs, amongst whom is the present Lord Inchiquin, who established his right to that title in virtue of his descent from this Donagh, the founder of the family of Dromoland. There was no forfeiture, because Donagh fell a victim to martial l^w, which recognises no forfeitures.

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 64

   As the companion tells it

   Up ahead, the road takes you through Limerick. In 1581, the two sons of MacMaurice of Kerry were held at the King's court here in the city. The Council had resolved to put them to death, but they made their escape. Once free, they gathered hundreds of kerne to their side and spent the rest of the year in pillage and insurrection across the surrounding country. That same winter, Dr. Saunders, the Pope's legate, died in a miserable hovel in the woods of Claenglass, worn out by cold, hunger, and fatigue. The government had offered to pardon Desmond if he would give up this eminent ecclesiastic, but Desmond steadily refused. The Bishop of Killaloe, who attended Dr. Saunders in his last moments, escaped to Spain and died in Lisbon in 1617. It was to the fastnesses of Claenglass, in the south of the county of Limerick, and the adjacent woods of Kilmore, that John Desmond carried his spoil as he protracted the wretched struggle. Also in this year, Hugh Lacy, Bishop of Limerick, died in gaol. He had been deprived by Queen Elizabeth. The following year, 1582, Donogh O'Brien, son of Morrogh, who had joined the rebellious De Burgh the year before, repented and returned under protection. But the Queen's officers found a flaw in the protection and hanged him in the gateway of Limerick. He was buried in the monastery of Ennis. His castles and lands of Lemenagh, Dromoland, and Ballyconnelly passed to his son Connor and his heirs, among them the present Lord Inchiquin, who established his right to that title through his descent from this Donagh. There was no forfeiture, because Donagh fell victim to martial law, which recognises no forfeitures.

10. Political trial of Mr. Arthur in Limerick court-house

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1798

    Mr. Arthur was tried on charges of supporting Lord Edward Fitzgerald, raising men in the west, and concealing pikes and firearms. The chief witness, William Maume, was a convicted man under sentence of transportation, and his evidence was prevaricating. The prisoner was denied counsel and communication, and his witnesses were forcibly kept out of court.

    Read the passage

    The proof of this was to be made ont in three counts. First, offering, although not advancing, money for the use of Lord Edward Fitzgerald, after notice of his rebellious purposes. Second, eniplo-ying one Higgins to raise men in the west. Third, having pikes and fire-arms concealed in hogsheads. The only witness brought to substantiate the first charge was William Maume, a low person then actually under conviction and sentence of transportation for life to Botany Bay, for treasonable practices. In his progress to Waterford for this purpose, he was stopped bvan order of government, and immediatelj-^ taken into the protection and management of Mr, Thomas Judkin Fitzgerald, sheriff of Tipperary, and Colonel Foster, of the Louth militia. Maume from his arrival at Limerick, was handsomely maintained and permitted to go at large. His evidence was prevaricating and inconsistent. The two witnesses to the second and third charges, having nothing but heresay evidence to offer, and declaring their utter ignorance of Mr. Arthur, made no impression on the court. The court declared the prosecution closed on Saturday', and ordered the prisoner back to his confinement under a double guard, with orders to prepare for his defence on the Monday ; but he was not allov/ed in the intermediate time to speak or communicate with any human being, not even tlie turnkey. On Sunday the prisoner was visited by Colonel Cockell, who refused his pressing entreaties for an extension of time, and the means of aid, assistance, or counsel. On the opening of the court on Monday morning, Maume was called in by the president, who, without any suggestion, told the court, that Maume

    of names, of less prominent inhahitants of the county

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 231

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, this is where Mr. Arthur faced his political trial in 1798. The prosecution laid out three charges against him. First, that he offered money for the use of Lord Edward Fitzgerald, after notice of Fitzgerald's rebellious purposes. Second, that he employed a man named Higgins to raise men in the west. Third, that he had pikes and fire-arms concealed in hogsheads. The only witness brought for the first charge was William Maume, a man already convicted and under sentence of transportation for life to Botany Bay, for treasonable practices. On his way to Waterford, Maume had been stopped by order of government and taken into the protection and management of Mr. Thomas Judkin Fitzgerald, sheriff of Tipperary, and Colonel Foster of the Louth militia. From his arrival, Maume was handsomely maintained and allowed to go at large. His evidence was prevaricating and inconsistent. The two witnesses for the second and third charges had nothing but hearsay to offer, and declared their utter ignorance of Mr. Arthur, so they made no impression on the court. The court declared the prosecution closed on Saturday and ordered the prisoner back to confinement under a double guard, with orders to prepare his defence for Monday. But in the time between, he was not allowed to speak or communicate with any human being, not even the turnkey. On Sunday, Colonel Cockell visited him and refused his pressing entreaties for an extension of time, and for the means of aid, assistance, or counsel. On Monday morning, Maume was called in by the president.

11. Rathkeale wedding dues protest and Dr. Tuohy's musical response

    Rathkeale · town · Limerick

    While parish priest of Rathkeale, Dr. Tuohy faced local resistance to paying priestly dues at weddings and baptisms. At a large wedding where attendees stubbornly contributed only a shilling each, Tuohy played music himself and then passed the plate for the musician, shaming the congregation into contributing liberally and ending the combination.

    Read the passage

    struggles of clergy and people with an undivided heart and a resolute spirit. He was gifted witli much wisdom. Besides his numerous other accomplishments, he possessed a taste for music. While parish priest of Rathkeale, the people there entered into certain resolutions against the payment of more than a very trivial and insufficient sum to the pastor as dues at weddings, baptisms, etc. At a large wedding in Rathkeale, when the collection for the priest was being made, each person handed in a shilling, with a dogged determination to give no more. The good pastor took the money in the best humour, and asking the instrument from a performer who was at the feast, he played many airs with a sweetness and truth which were felt by every heart. At length, haying concluded, he took the plate, saying, '' As you have not paid the priest, I am sure you will not forget the musician". This was enough. Every one present experienced a sense of the injustice that had been done, and the utter folly and impropriety of the resolutions. Those who had come to refuse, and who did refuse, were the first to contribute liberally — a considerable sum of money Avas cheerfully given to the wise and zealous pastor, and from that time forward there was an end to the combination against paying the priest, not only in Rathkeale, but everywhere else throughout the diocese where the bad spirit had prevailed. Dr. Tuohy lived on the best terms with the Protestant bishop. Dr. Jebb;^ and the latter spoke in the most earnest and cordial teraas of Dr. Tuohy on several occasions, particulary in reference to his exertions against the Whiteboys. Dr. Tuohy died on the 13th of March, 1828, and was interred like his predecessor, in the ancient cemetery of St. Patrick's, where his remains were placed in the same vault with those of Dr. Young, and where no inscription marks the place of his sepulture.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 366

12. Cromwellian High Court of Justice in Kilkenny, 1652

    Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny · 1652

    The first High Court of Justice to try those accused of murders during the rebellion was held in Kilkenny on 4 October before Justice Donelan. It sat in the house formerly occupied by the Supreme Council of the Confederate Catholics in 1642.

    Read the passage

    The first High Court of Justice to try those who were accused by the Cromwellians of ^' the barbarous murders committed in this rebellion," was held before Justice Donelan, President, Commissary General Reynolds and Justice Cooke, assistants, in Kilkenny on the 4th of October, and it sat in the house occupied by the Supreme Council of the confederates in 1642. Some, as we have already mentioned, were excluded from pardon altogether. The same Court at which Sir Phelim O'Neil was tried, condemned, and ordered to be hung, was held in Dubhn, before Chief Justice Lowther. Sir Phelim confessed he had no commission from the late king Charles for the rebellion of 1641, that he took the seal from a patent he had found at Charlemont,

    > For this purpose to H. Casy, Dr. Arthur paid ... ... ... ... £37 6 0

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 105

13. Destruction of Grianan of Aileach, stones carried to Limerick

    near Grianan of Aileach · monument · Donegal · 1101–1102

    Murtagh led troops into Inishowen, devastated the peninsula, destroyed churches, and demolished the palace of the Hy-Niells at Aileach. He ordered soldiers to carry the very stones to Limerick in their provision bags, later building a parapet on his royal palace as a memorial.

    Read the passage

    It was about the time of this splendid donation to the church that IMurtagh made his famous expedition into Ulster, and, having led a large body of troops into Innis-owen, devastated the peninsula, destroyed the churches, and, in revenge for the destruction of Kincora, utterly demolished the venerable palace of the Hy-niells, called Adeach or the Eagle's Nest, ordering his soldiers to carry away the very stones to Limerick in their provision bags.*

    In the year 1103 Murtagh sustained a decisive defeat from Macloghlin, on

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 21

14. Mary Street gaol built with political prisoner dungeon

    Mary Street · street · Limerick · 1750–1798

    A four-story gaol was erected in 1750 in the middle of Mary Street, with a gloomy dungeon beneath the lower story where felons and political prisoners were incarcerated amid darkness and vermin. In 1798 it was constantly crowded with victims of suspicion and men on the 'black list.'

    Read the passage

    Among the new buildings in 1750, was a gaol, which was erected in the middle of ]\Iary-street, four stories high, with a large plain front close to the street, and nine barred windows in front, and an equal number in the rere. An arched-way led to a lane to St. Francises Abbey, where the County Conrt House was built in 173:i. The gaol had a separate entrance at the northwestern side of the archway ; a gloomy dungeon was placed beneath the lower story ; and in this not only felons, but political prisoners were incarcerated, amid darkness, vermin, and noisomeness indescribable. In 1798, it was constantly crowded with the victims of suspicion and the men on the " black list.''''*

    While the city to some extent was improving in spite of Corporate exaction and neglect, the condition of the country was by no means flourishing. Between landlord and tenant there was not a community of interest, which was clearly shown not many years after this period, when agrarian discontent partook of the characteristics of Whiteboyism. A remarkable circumstance is related to have taken place at this period

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 193

    As the companion tells it

    Along here on Mary Street, a gaol went up in 1750, four stories high, with a large plain front close to the street. It had nine barred windows at the front and nine at the back. An archway led to a lane running to St. Francis's Abbey. The gaol had its own entrance at the northwestern side of that archway. Beneath the lower story lay a gloomy dungeon. There, felons and political prisoners were incarcerated together, amid darkness, vermin, and what the source calls noisomeness indescribable. In 1798, the gaol was constantly crowded with the victims of suspicion and the men on the black list.

15. Baldearg O'Donnell's pompous entrance into Limerick

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1690

    Baldearg O'Donnell made a pompous entrance into Limerick, where his appearance created a tremendous sensation among the city's defenders. Prophecies circulated that an O'Donnell with a red mark would be the liberator of Ireland and would gain a battle under the walls of Limerick.

    Read the passage

    And here we find a character introduced on the stage who had not made his appearance previously — no less a personage than the celebrated Baldearg O^Donnell, who had made his escape from Spain, contrary to the will of Austria, then in league with England. He having come by a circuitous route by which he was enabled to visit Turkey, and arriving at Kinsale just as James had quitted Ireland for France, thousands of the Irish soldiery thronged around him ; Bishops and Priests hailed his advent with ten thousand welcomes ; he made a pompous entrance into Limerick, where his appearance created a tremendous sensation in favor of the cause among the defenders of the city. There were many prophecies afloat that an " O^DomieU. with a red mark was to be the Liberator of his country — that he was to gain a battle under the walls of Limerick.''^ Here then was Baldearg O^Donnell face to face with the enemy. •

    On the remarkable day when the disastrous news reached William's camp, an expedition was sent against Castleconnell, that famous old fortress of the powerful De Burgos, which had sustained the national cause through many vicissitudes. The besieged submitted, and to the number of 128 were brought prisoners to William's camp. Castleconnell was retained in the hands of William till the siege was raised, and then it was blown up.^

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 133

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, this is the city where, in 1690, a man named Baldearg O'Donnell made a pompous entrance that set the defenders alight. He had escaped from Spain, against the will of Austria, which was then in league with England. He travelled a circuitous route through Turkey, and arrived at Kinsale just as James had left Ireland for France. Thousands of Irish soldiers thronged around him. Bishops and priests hailed his coming with what the source calls ten thousand welcomes. His appearance in Limerick created a tremendous sensation in favour of the cause among the defenders of the city. There were prophecies afloat at the time, saying an O'Donnell with a red mark was to be the Liberator of his country, and that he was to gain a battle under the walls of Limerick. Here was Baldearg O'Donnell face to face with the enemy. On the remarkable day when disastrous news reached William's camp, an expedition was sent against Castleconnell, the old fortress of the De Burgos. The besieged submitted, and 128 were brought prisoners to William's camp. Castleconnell was held by William until the siege was raised, and then it was blown up.

16. Battle of Singland between Callachan and the Danes

    Singland · townland · Limerick · 920

    After Callachan's inauguration as King of South Munster, he demanded the Danes surrender Limerick. The Danes marched out in four divisions of 400 armoured men each and met the Irish army at Singland, where a fierce battle ensued. Callachan killed the Danish commander Amlav, and the Irish pursued the Danes into the city, exacting contributions and hostages.

    Read the passage

    " The best of those nobles were the tall graceful Sullivan, at the head of the festive race of Pingham ; and the accompHshed (in arms) Reardon, at the head of the brave Clann Donnohaile ; and the vahant Caelelghe ; and the heroic champion Laindecan ; and the brilliant Daineachaidh ; and the brave Cuilen ; and the lucky Eeertach ; and the sound active L'lganP It was immediately after this inauguration that the King took his resolution to meet the Danes ; Heralds were sent out requiring them to surrender Limerick, and give hostages for their future good behaviour : the reply of those marauders, however, was, " that so far from waiting to be attacked, they would march out of the city to give open battle/^ They were as good as their word. In four divisions they accordingly marched out of the city. Each of the divisions had four hundred men armed with coats of mad, besides hght armed troops, and Singland was the ground on which the memorable battle was fought — Siugland, which we shall see as we proceed, was the place on which other memorable engagements were decided in long ages afterwards. O^Sullivan, who acted as General, under Callaghan, harangued his men in an animated speech, which was answered with a clash of shields and swords by his soldiers. The fight commenced by a discharge of stones from the slings of the troops, by flights of arrows, spears and lances. The heavy armed troops then engaged breast to breast in a dreadful contest, while the Danes left nothing undone to prevent this furious onslaught of the army of the King of South Munster, from making an impression on their troops. Callaghan, at length, singled out Amlav (Auliff) the Danish commander, and by one stroke of his sword split helmet and skull, and laid him dead at his feet. O^'SuUivan followed the bright example and engaged Moran, who was called son to the King of Deiunark, and by a well aimed stroke between the helmet and breast-plate, cut off his head; O'Keefi'e ran Magnus, the standardbearer, through the body ; and after a gallant defence Louchlin was kUled by O^Riordan. The Danes now gave way on every side, and the Irish pursued them into the city, putting numbers of them to the sword in their castles and houses. But instead of keeping possession of the city CaUachan was content with exacting large contributions from the Danes, part of wliich was paid down in gold and merchandise, and hostages taken as security for the remainder. " This success,'^ says Keating, " gave new life to the prospects of the Irish." •

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 12

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Singland, in 920, one of the great battles of early medieval Ireland was fought, between Callachan, the newly inaugurated King of South Munster, and the Danes of Limerick. After his inauguration, Callachan sent heralds requiring the Danes to surrender Limerick and give hostages for their future good behaviour. The Danes replied that far from waiting to be attacked, they would march out of the city to give open battle. They were as good as their word. They marched out in four divisions, each with 400 men armed with coats of mail, besides light-armed troops. O'Sullivan, who acted as general under Callachan, harangued his men in an animated speech, and his soldiers answered with a clash of shields and swords. The fight began with stones from slings, flights of arrows, spears and lances. Then the heavy-armed troops engaged breast to breast in a dreadful contest. The Danes left nothing undone to prevent the fury of the King of South Munster's army from breaking their lines. At length Callachan singled out Amlav, the Danish commander, and by one stroke of his sword split helmet and skull and laid him dead at his feet. O'Sullivan followed that example and engaged Moran, called son to the King of Denmark, and with a well-aimed stroke between the helmet and breastplate cut off his head. O'Keeffe ran Magnus the standard bearer through the body. After a gallant defence, Louchlin was killed by O'Riordan. The Danes gave way on every side, and the Irish pursued them into the city, putting numbers to the sword in their castles and houses. But instead of keeping possession, Callachan was content with exacting large contributions from the Danes, part paid in gold and merchandise, with hostages taken as security for the remainder. As Keating wrote, "This success gave new life to the prospects of the Irish."

17. Bell tolled in Franciscan cupola in Newgate Lane, Limerick

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1809

    Daniel O'Connell advised Franciscan Father Dan Hogan that no penal statute prevented erecting a cupola with a bell at the gable of his house in Newgate Lane. The bell first tolled on 1 June 1809, calling Catholics to Mass for the first time in living memory.

    Read the passage

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

    ' On the 17th May, an agreement was entered into between the Mayor and Corporation on the one part, and John Meade Thomas, Esq. on the other, for the erection of a main guard-house. On the same day the Mayor was granted a sum of £61 13s. 2^d for clothing the Mayor's Sergeants ! ! and £6 IGs. Gd. were given for three tons of coal ; a sum of ,£'200 was given on the 25th of July, to the Eccorder for his " trouble,'' &c., in preparing a long and voluminous bill. A sum of £67 2s. Od. was voted to Redmond Walsh and Michael Fitzgerald for repairing the piers of Thomond Bridge ; and a small sum was granted for repair of Baal's Bridge.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 240

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, there is a story from 1809 about a bell that rang out here for the first time in living memory, calling Catholics to Mass. For years before that, no bell had tolled from any Catholic chapel in the city. The bell rang from a cupola built onto the north gable end of the house where the Friars of the order of St. Francis lived, in Newgate Lane. The man behind it was Father Dan Hogan, a Franciscan priest remembered by old citizens as someone who won the affections of all classes, popular even with the Protestant party. Father Hogan had help from Daniel O'Connell, who was then a young barrister travelling the Munster Circuit and visiting Limerick. O'Connell's first professional advocacy for prisoners had been in Limerick in 1798, when James Blackwell, then gaoler of the city gaol, was in the habit of retaining his services for people about to be tried. The two men consulted on how the Penal Laws could best be evaded regarding bells in chapels and steeples in Catholic places of worship. O'Connell hit on an expedient. He told Father Hogan that there was no penal statute against erecting a cupola at the gable of his house, and putting a bell there if he chose. The good friar took the hint. Masons and carpenters were set to work. The cupola was made. And on the first of June 1809, the bell tolled, calling Catholics to Mass for the first time in living memory.

18. Bishop O'Brien taken in pest-house and executed at Limerick

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1651

    Bishop Terence Albert O'Brien of Emly was taken in the pest-house during the surrender of Limerick. After refusing Ireton's offer of money and safe conduct, he was dragged to the market place and publicly executed on the gallows on the vigil of All Saints, 1651.

    Read the passage

    " Amongst the priors most deserving of first mention, is the most illustrious and reverend Father Terence Albert O'Brien, a scion of the renowned stock of the ancient kings of Ireland, who having happily completed his studies in the province of Spain, returning to his country, did by his example and word wonderfully improve the vineyard of the Lord, having filled with good fruit the priorship of his native convent of Limerick twice and that of Lorrah once. As provincial he attended the General Chapter (Capitulem Genernlissimem) held at Rome in 1644, where being honored -with the degree of Master by the new General Master of the order. Brother Thomas Turkins, for the merits and zeal which he had intrepidly displayed in defending the unity of the order and just reverence for the supreme head, and being a short time afterwards appointed by Urban VIII. to the Bishoprick of Emly, he devoted his whole energies to it, so that he everywhere constantly united the inviolable maintenance of his order and institute with the dignity of a prelate, and everywhere indefatigably aided the church, which at that time was ever so much in need of such a head in Ireland, by his authority, counsel, and vigilance. And while thus employed, in the year 1651, in the city of Limerick, then pressed with a severe siege by Henry Ireton, son-in-law of Cromwell, and a genuine Cromwellian, proconsul (ProcromuUius of Ireland) set a noble example of integrity and firmness, for, being tempted privately by the above-named leader of the heretics by the offer of 40,000 golden crowns, and free leave to emigrate wherever he might choose, provided only he left the city, magnanimously refused, preferring to assist even unto death his Catholic fellow citizens, than to make a figure elsewhere, by means of a safe conduct granted by heretics, or to pursue pleasure unmolested. Accordingly, when the city was at last taken, being arrested, bound, and dragged to the market place, he there gloriously finished his course, on the very day of the vigil of All Saints, being publicly executed on the gallows.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 100

    As the companion tells it

    As the road brings you through Limerick, this city holds the story of Bishop Terence Albert O'Brien of Emly, who died here in 1651. He was a scion of the ancient kings of Ireland, and he had studied in Spain before returning home. He served as prior of his native convent of Limerick twice and of Lorrah once. As provincial of his order, he attended the General Chapter at Rome in 1644, where the new General Master, Brother Thomas Turkins, honoured him with the degree of Master for his zeal in defending the unity of the order. Shortly afterwards, Pope Urban VIII appointed him to the bishoprick of Emly, and he devoted himself entirely to the role, aiding the church in Ireland with his authority, counsel, and vigilance. In 1651, Limerick was under severe siege by Henry Ireton, son-in-law of Cromwell. Ireton privately offered O'Brien 40,000 golden crowns and free leave to emigrate wherever he chose, provided only that he left the city. The bishop refused. He preferred to assist his Catholic fellow citizens even unto death rather than make a figure elsewhere by means of a safe conduct granted by heretics. When the city was taken, O'Brien was arrested, bound, and dragged to the market place. There, on the vigil of All Saints, 1651, he was publicly executed on the gallows.

19. Carrigogunnel Castle given to Donough O'Brien then retaken

    Carrigogunnel · townland · Limerick · 1536

    In 1536, the Council of Ireland reported that an English garrison was placed in Carrigogunnel Castle, which had been inhabited by the O'Briens for 300 years. The castle was given by indenture to Donough O'Brien, but was subsequently retaken by force by those who had previously possessed it.

    Read the passage

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

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 48

20. Catholic bishop arrested and executed at Limerick

    Limerick · city · Limerick

    A Catholic bishop was arrested at Limerick during the celebration of Mass and, after receiving sentence of death, was brought into court where he professed the Catholic faith. He was executed by hanging from a gibbet after addressing the faithful from a ladder.

    Read the passage

    a tedious confinement, even to these last times of the persecutions he fulfilled the duties of his ministry, with indefatigable zeal, and stoutly opposed himself as a bulwark in defence of the authority of the Apostolic See. At length, being arrested at Limerick, about the very time of the oblation of the unbloody sacrifice, after some hours, having received sentence of death, he was brought into court, and having made a profession of the Catholic faith in the hearing of all, he exhorted the faithful to constancy in preserving the faith of their fathers. Placed on the upper step of a ladder, and presently about to be thrown off, he cheerfully exclaimed, " We have been made a show unto God, angels, and men — to God, may he himself grant, for glory — to angels, for joy — to men, for contempt" — after saying which, being immediately hung from the gibbet, he breathed his last. — From O'Eeyneh Chronological Eplloc/ue,

    ' Castlehaven says that no more than ordinary justice was done in this instance to Fennel! ; he adds, " Some say he was carried to Cork, and there pleaded for his defence, not only the service he did Ireton in betraying Limerick, but how he had betrayed Castlehaven before Youghal ! However, (adds Castlehaven) his judges would not hear him on his merits, but bid him clear himself of the murders laid to his charge." No one can regret the fate of Fennell, terrible though it was.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 101

    As the companion tells it

    The road is bringing you near Limerick, and the city carries the story of a Catholic bishop who was arrested here during the very time of Mass. He had fulfilled the duties of his ministry with indefatigable zeal, the record says, and had opposed himself as a bulwark in defence of the authority of the Apostolic See, even through the last times of persecution. After some hours in confinement, having received sentence of death, he was brought into court. There, in the hearing of all, he made a profession of the Catholic faith and exhorted the faithful to constancy in preserving the faith of their fathers. Placed on the upper step of a ladder, about to be thrown off, he cried out, "We have been made a show unto God, angels, and men — to God, may he himself grant, for glory — to angels, for joy — to men, for contempt." After saying which, he was immediately hung from the gibbet, and breathed his last. The record adds that Castlehaven spoke of a man called Fennell, who was said to have betrayed Limerick to Ireton and betrayed Castlehaven before Youghal. Fennell's judges, Castlehaven wrote, would not hear him on his merits, but bid him clear himself of the murders laid to his charge.

21. Creagh arraigned in Dublin for jail-breaking

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 1560–1565

    Richard Creagh was arraigned in Dublin for being a transgressor of the law and a breaker of the jail. He acknowledged being a Catholic Prelate but denied breaking jail, arguing his keeper had left with him. The jury, after being locked up for days on bread and water, returned a verdict of not guilty, whereupon the jury members were imprisoned and fined.

    Read the passage

    1585. This great and illustrious Prelate and Primate of Ireland, was born in the City of Limerick, of honest and industrious parents. His father was Nicholas Creagh, a merchant, and his mother's name was Joan White ; in his youth he was bound apprentice to a grocer, which calling, as he did not like, it being exposed to commit frauds, he soon obtained his indentures, and applied himself closely to his studies, in which he made a great proficiency. He then went to Louvain, where he studied philosophy and divinity, and argued being made a Bachelor. Being promoted, he returned to his native country and city, where he laboured indefatigably by his private teachings, his public sermons, and by his instructing the children and the ignorant in the rudiments of the faith. After thus exerting himself for some time in the mission, he again went abroad, as well to perfect himself more in his learning, as to embrace a more austere and religious life, for which purpose he went to Rome, but was forbid by Pope Pius V. to become a Regular until His Holiness's will was further signified to him, for the Pope designed him for filling the see of Armagh, then vacant by the death of George Dowdall, Archbishop, which he accordingly did ; and as soon as Richard was consecrated he repaired to Ireland [Dowdall died in June, 1558 — Ware], where in a short time after his landing, he was taken and confined in Dublin. After being some time in fetters, he, together with his keeper, made their escape, and he again retired to foreign countries, where, after breathing a little liberty, and understanding that it was the will of his Holiness that he should again return to the mission of Ireland, he according!}' did so, and there, for a while, he most strenuously laboured for the edification of his flock, until he was again taken and brought to Dublin, where he was arraigned for being a transgressor of the law and a breaker of the jail. He justified himself with great presence of mind, acknowledged himself to be a Catholic Prelate, but denied his breaking the jail, whereas his keeper made off along with him. The judge made a malevolent charge to the jury against him — the jury, according to custom, were locked up, but disagreeing to their verdict, they continued some days shut up, living on bread and water, and at length brought him not guilty ; the jury thereupon were imprisoned and fined. The Prelate was transmitted to England, and fettered in a nauseous dark dungeon of the Tower of London ; he was allowed no more light than what served him to eat his victuals by, but which he served to say his oifice with, and he likewise contrived to save the fat of his victuals, and with a rag to make a kind of a candle whereby to have light to say his office. He was at length brought out of this dark dungeon, and lodged in a more lightsome apartment of the Tower. It was during his abode here that the new Bishops appointed by Queen Elizabeth to fill the sees of England, not being able to find any Catholic Bishop to give them consecration, had resource to Archbishop Creagh in the Tower ; for that purpose they therefore invited him to a neighbouring tavern ; they flattered and caressed him ; they offered him his liberty, the choicest church livings, the Queen's favor, and the highest bribes, if he would but consent to consecrate them ; but all their offers were in vain ; he would not betray the

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 68

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up now through Dublin, where in the early 1560s Richard Creagh was arraigned in a courtroom. He was Primate of Ireland, Archbishop of Armagh, born in Limerick to Nicholas Creagh, a merchant, and Joan White. He had been destined for the see of Armagh by Pope Pius V after the death of Archbishop George Dowdall in June 1558. He was consecrated and returned to Ireland, and soon after landing he was taken and confined in Dublin, in fetters. Together with his keeper, he made their escape, and retired abroad again. When he came back to Ireland once more, he was taken a second time and brought to Dublin, where he was arraigned for being a transgressor of the law and a breaker of the jail. He justified himself with great presence of mind. He acknowledged himself to be a Catholic Prelate but denied breaking the jail, saying his keeper made off along with him. The judge made a malevolent charge to the jury against him. The jury, according to custom, were locked up, but disagreeing to their verdict, they continued some days shut up, living on bread and water. At length they brought him not guilty. The jury thereupon were imprisoned and fined. Creagh was then transmitted to England, and fettered in a dark dungeon of the Tower of London, allowed no more light than what served him to eat his victuals by. He contrived to save the fat of his victuals, and with a rag made a kind of candle to say his office.

22. Daniel O'Brien tricked at Limerick gates by Lord President

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1551–1553

    Lord President Fitton got Daniel O'Brien into Limerick on his oath of free egress, but turned him out of the wrong gate so the river Shannon lay between him and his army encamped in Thomond. Daniel was forced to spend the night in a cabin.

    Read the passage

    2 Sullivan mentions a curious fact whicli is quoted by Cox, in continuation of the wars between Daniel O'Brien and the Earl of Thomond in reference to the estates. He states that the Lord President Fitton got Daniel O'Brien into Limerick upon his oath that he would give him free and easy egress out of the gates ; but the sophistical Englishman turned him out of the wrong gate (" so that there was the river Shenin between him and his army which was encamped in Thomond" and immediately sent the young earl to take possession of the country, which he did; and Daniel, who was so brave a man that many of the old and new Irish courted him to be king of Ireland) was forced to lie that tempestuous night in a cabbin ; but when, according to the Irish fashion, he thought to lead his horse to stable in the same house with himself, the proud beast scorned to stoop, until the footboy whispered the horse in the ear and told him that his master O'Bryan would lodge that night in that cabbin, and desired that he would lower his crest and his crupper, and creep into the house to keep his master company; and the horse being well bred did comply in matter of ceremony ; but when he came to supper he was at a loss, for he was used to wheat, and could not conform to country entertainment, until the footboy whispered him once more that his master O'Bryan, who fed on oaten cake, did command Eosinante to be content with the same fare, and then he fell to it.

    s Arthur MSS.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, there is a story from around 1551 to 1553 that Sullivan records and Cox quotes. The wars between Daniel O'Brien and the Earl of Thomond over the estates were still going on. The Lord President Fitton got Daniel O'Brien into Limerick on his oath that he would give him free and easy egress out of the gates. But Fitton turned him out of the wrong gate, so that the river Shannon lay between him and his army, which was encamped in Thomond. Fitton immediately sent the young earl to take possession of the country, which he did. Daniel, who was so brave a man that many of the old and new Irish courted him to be king of Ireland, was forced to lie that tempestuous night in a cabin. When, according to Irish fashion, he thought to lead his horse to stable in the same house with himself, the proud beast scorned to stoop, until the footboy whispered in the horse's ear and told him that his master O'Brien would lodge that night in that cabin, and desired that he would lower his crest and his crupper and creep into the house to keep his master company. The horse, being well bred, did comply in matter of ceremony. But when he came to supper he was at a loss, for he was used to wheat and could not conform to country entertainment, until the footboy whispered him once more that his master O'Brien, who fed on oaten cake, did command Rosinante to be content with the same fare, and then he fell to it.

23. Dr. O'Moloney reconciles Catholic leaders in Dublin, 1672

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 1672

    After arriving in Dublin in November 1672, Dr. O'Moloney effected a reconciliation between Colonel Patrick Talbot and the Duke of Tyrconnell, two of the most influential Catholics in Ireland, and also between Primate Oliver Plunkett and Archbishop Talbot of Dublin.

    Read the passage

    of his namesake, John O'Moloney. I\i October, 1671, the Congregation do Propaganda Fide entertained the project of uniting the small diocese of Kili'cnora to either of the adjoining sees of Killaloe or Kilmacduagh, and transferring the then Bishop of Kilfenora, Dr. Andrew Lynch, to Cork. It appears by a letter of the intiirnnncio at Brussels, that this project was approved of by Dr. O'Moloney; but Dr. Lynch declined the mitre of Cork, preferring to remain as suffragan to the Archbishop of Kouen; the proposed union, therefore, was for the present postponed. Dr. O'Moloney remained in Paris for some time, afraid of the Duke of Ormonde and his satellites ;^ but the matter having been brought by Dr. Plunkett under the attention of the viceroy, in January, 1672, his excellency replied that as he had no royal order against Dr. O'Moloney, he would not, on account of the enmity of an individual, exclude the subjects of his majesty from the kingdom. During his stay in Paris he made energetic and successful exertions to establish in that city a college specially destined for the education of Irish ecclesiastical students. Owing, however, to the earnest entreaties of the Propaganda to hasten to his diocese, and ultimately to the positive orders to that etiect, which were issued on the 2nd of August, 1672, he at length left Paris, and arrived in Dublin early in November of that year; Dr. Plunkett and Dr. Brennan, Bishop of Waterford, requesting him not to return so soon. He remained in Dublin for some time, where he effected a reconciliation between Colonel Patrick Talbot and Colonel Richard Talbot, Duke of Tyrconnell, who were, at the time, two of the most influential Catholics in Ireland ; as also between the Primate, Oliver Plunkett, and Dr. Talbot, Archbishop of Dublin, between whom, for some time previously, a serious misunderstanding had ex:stcd respecting the primacy, its precedence, right of appeal, and other privileges. He communicated the result to Rome, in a letter dated from Dublin, 17th November, 1672. In the year after, he returned to Paris, resolved to forward his favourite pro ject of the Irish college, and supported on this occasion by the entire hierarchy of Ireland.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 353

    As the companion tells it

    As the road brings you through Dublin, this is where Dr. O'Moloney arrived early in November 1672. He had been in Paris, reluctant to come back to Ireland. He was afraid of the Duke of Ormonde and his circle. But Dr. Plunkett had raised the matter with the viceroy in January of that year, and the viceroy replied that he had no royal order against O'Moloney and would not, on account of one man's enmity, exclude the king's subjects from the kingdom. The Propaganda had been urging him to hasten to his diocese, and on the 2nd of August 1672 issued positive orders to that effect. Dr. Plunkett and Dr. Brennan, Bishop of Waterford, had asked him not to return so soon, but he left Paris and reached Dublin in November. There he remained for some time, and he did something that mattered. He effected a reconciliation between Colonel Patrick Talbot and Colonel Richard Talbot, Duke of Tyrconnell. These two men were, at the time, among the most influential Catholics in Ireland. He also reconciled the Primate, Oliver Plunkett, and Dr. Talbot, Archbishop of Dublin. A serious misunderstanding had existed between them for some time before, concerning the primacy, its precedence, the right of appeal, and other privileges. O'Moloney communicated the result to Rome in a letter dated from Dublin on the 17th of November 1672. The following year he returned to Paris, to push forward his project of an Irish college there, and on that occasion he had the support of the entire hierarchy of Ireland.

24. Duke of Ormonde visits Limerick, 1666

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1666

    James Butler, Duke of Ormonde and Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, arrived in Limerick on 1 September 1666 accompanied by nobility. He was lodged at the Mayor's expense during an excessively hot summer.

    Read the passage

    1666 On September 1st, his Grace James Butler, Duke of Ormonde, Lieutenant-General, General-Governor and Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, came to Limerick, Sir William King being Mayor. He was accompanied by many of the nobility: the Earl of Barrymore carried the sword before him; a drummer mounted on horseback beat the kittle drums, which was the first of the kind ever seen in Limerick. He was lodged by and at the expense of the Mayor. It was an excessive hot summer, all commodities exceeding cheap. — White's MSS.

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

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 408

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, you are on ground where, on the 1st of September 1666, James Butler, Duke of Ormonde and Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, came into the city. Sir William King was Mayor. Many of the nobility accompanied him. The Earl of Barrymore carried the sword before him. A drummer mounted on horseback beat the kittle drums, which was the first of the kind ever seen in Limerick. He was lodged by and at the expense of the Mayor. It was an excessive hot summer, all commodities exceeding cheap.

25. Earl of Desmond beheaded at Drogheda, 1467-8

    Drogheda · town · Louth · 1467–1468

    Thomas, Earl of Desmond, was invited to Drogheda to meet Tiptoft, Earl of Worcester, accused of alliances with the Irish, and beheaded on 15 February 1467-8. A young kinsman was executed at the same time, confirming that malice and revenge motivated the killings.

    Read the passage

    The Earl was invited to Drogheda to meet Tiptoft, when taking advantage of the occasion, his enemies accused him of making alliances witli the Irish, " who were the king's enemies, and furnishing them with horses and arms against the king's subjects." He was beheaded on the 15th of February, 1467-8, by order of Tiptoft.* But these were only the pretended reasons given for his destruction. A child of his kindred and name was appointed to be executed at the same time, who besought the executioner not to hurt a boil that was upon his neck; the putting of which child to death confirms the opinion that malice and revenge were the pruicipal reasons why this Earl so unhappily lost his Hfe.^ Edward Plunkett, Esq., was also attainted at the same time for the same alleged charge, and suffered. ■ Tiptoft is said by Cox^ to have been one of the most learned and eloquent men of Christendom. One of the articles of his Parliament of Drogheda was that " none shall purchase Bulls for Benefices from Rome under legal penalty." Between the Desmonds

    ' Annals of the Four Masters. 2 ibid. 3 jbid.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 41

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Drogheda. In 1467 Thomas, Earl of Desmond, was invited here to meet Tiptoft, Earl of Worcester. Once he arrived, his enemies accused him of making alliances with the Irish, described as "the king's enemies," and of furnishing them with horses and arms against the king's subjects. He was beheaded on the 15th of February 1467, by order of Tiptoft. But these were only the pretended reasons. A child of his kindred and name was appointed to be executed at the same time. The boy asked the executioner not to hurt a boil on his neck. The killing of that child confirms that malice and revenge were the principal reasons why this Earl so unhappily lost his life. Edward Plunkett was also attainted at the same time for the same alleged charge, and suffered. Tiptoft, who ordered these deaths, is said by Cox to have been one of the most learned and eloquent men of Christendom. One article of his Parliament of Drogheda was that none shall purchase Bulls for Benefices from Rome under legal penalty.

26. Ellen Hanley murder: overnight stop at Carrigafoyle

    Carrigafoyle · townland · Kerry · 1819

    In July 1819, a boat party including John Scanlan, Stephen Sullivan, and Ellen Hanley put into Carrigafoyle in Kerry due to bad weather. During the night there, Sullivan forcibly removed a gold ring from Ellen Hanley's finger. She was not seen alive again after departing the island the next morning.

    Read the passage

    County of Limerick,) The information of Ellen Welsh, of Glin, taken before John F. Fitzto wit. y gerald, Knight of Glin, and Thomas O'Dell, Esq., Magistrate of said ! ) County. Informant being duly sworn on the Holy Evangelists, and examined deposeth— That on or about the Thirteenth of July last, she left the town of Kilrush, in the County of Clare, in a boat, the property of John Scanlan, son of William Scanlan, Esq., of Ballvcahane, in the county of Limerick, in which boat were said John Scanlan, a young woman named Ellen Hanley, the reputed wife of said Scanlan, Patrick Caze, Stephen Sullivan, the boatman of said Scanlan, James MitcheU and Jack Mangan, intending to go to Glin. Deponent further saith that all said party put into Carrigafoyle, in the county of Kerry, from bad weather and contrary tide, all said party remained that night in Carrigafoyle, during some part of which time Stephen Sullivan forced a gold ring off the finger of the aforesaid Ellen Hanley ; early the nest morning Patrick Caze, James Mitchell, and Jack Mangan, went by land to Glin, leaving deponent on Carrigafoyle Island with the aforesaid John Scanlan, Stephen Sullivan, and Ellen Hanley. Deponent further saith that said Scanlan requested her to remain on the Island until ha returned for her, during which time he said he would get rid of the said Ellen Hanley ; that deponent insisted on being put over the Creek, to enable her to walk to Glin, upon which Seanlan and Sullivan, accompanied by Ellen Hanley and deponent, went across the creek. Deponent then set out on her way to Glin, and saw the boat depart with the aforesaid John Scanlan and Stephen Sullivan and Ellen Hanley. Deponent further saith that said Ellen Hanley shov.'ed her several articles of wearing apparel which were in a trunk in said boat, and some on her person, and a gold ring. Deponent further saith that John Scanlan and Sullivan came very early into Glin the next morning, not having with them Ellen Hanley, saying that they left her at Kilkee ; that the aforesaid ring was on Scanlan's finger. In a few days after deponent saw a silk handkerchief, a grey mantle, a frock, a skirt, two silk spencers, together with several other artiticles, in the possession of Mary Sullivan, sister of Stephen Sullivan aforesaid, and several other persons. All which articles now produced to deponent, she swears are the same she saw in the possession of Ellen Hanley the night they were at Carrigafoyle. Deponent further saith not.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 259

    As the companion tells it

    Near here, in July 1819, a boat put in from bad weather and a contrary tide. It had left Kilrush in Clare, bound for Glin, and aboard were John Scanlan, who owned the boat, Ellen Hanley, called his wife, Stephen Sullivan, his boatman, Patrick Caze, James Mitchell, Jack Mangan, and a woman named Ellen Welsh. They all spent the night at Carrigafoyle. During that night, Stephen Sullivan forced a gold ring off Ellen Hanley's finger. She had shown Ellen Welsh the things in her trunk and on her person, and that gold ring. The next morning, Patrick Caze, James Mitchell, and Jack Mangan walked overland to Glin. Scanlan asked Ellen Welsh to stay on the island until he came back for her, and told her that during that time he would, in his words, get rid of the said Ellen Hanley. She refused and insisted on being put across the creek. Scanlan and Sullivan walked with her and Ellen Hanley across the creek. Ellen Welsh then set out for Glin and watched the boat depart, carrying John Scanlan, Stephen Sullivan, and Ellen Hanley. That was the last time Ellen Hanley was seen alive. Very early the next morning, Scanlan and Sullivan arrived at Glin without her. They said they had left her at Kilkee. The gold ring was now on Scanlan's finger. Within days, Ellen Welsh recognised Ellen Hanley's clothes, a silk handkerchief, a grey mantle, a frock, a skirt, two silk spencers, and other articles, in the possession of Mary Sullivan, Stephen Sullivan's sister.

27. Execution of Murrogh O'Brien at Limerick

    Limerick · city · Limerick

    At the execution of Murrogh O'Brien, described as 'a notable traytor,' at Limerick, his foster mother took up the severed head, sucked the flowing blood, and steeped her face and breast in the gore while shrieking terribly, declaring the earth unworthy to drink it.

    Read the passage

    Extraordinary customs prevailed in this reign, if we are to credit contemporary witnesses. At the execution of Murrogh O'Brien, " a notable traytor" at Limerick, the foster mother of the unfortunate Murrogh took up the head, sucked the blood as it flowed from it, and stated, that the earth was not worthy to drink it. She then steeped her face and breast in the reeking gore, and tore her hair, crying and shrieking most terribly. ^

    We will not follow the Deputy to Gal way, which he describes not flatteringly, neither shall we go through those still continued and apparently endless wars of the Desmonds and O'Briens, which fill so vast a space in the annals of these eventful times. During the Mayoralty of Roger Everard the Deputy arrived, as we have seen, in Limerick, and Ferrar, who is followed by Fitzgerald, erroneously states, on the authority of the Davis MSS. that it was in this year that the sword of state was carried before the Mayor, and that the Cap of maintenance was for the first time worn. The sword had been sought for in the reign of Henry VIII. but refused ; Elizabeth, however, in her charter, which she granted to Limerick in 1582, and not in 1575, not only bestowed the sword, but gave the "hatte of mayntenance" also. For this most important charter see Appendix.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 59

    As the companion tells it

    As the road takes you through Limerick, this is the city where Murrogh O'Brien, called a notable traitor, was put to death. The account comes from contemporary witnesses. What happened after the execution was extraordinary. His foster mother took up the severed head. She sucked the blood as it flowed from it, and said the earth was not worthy to drink it. Then she steeped her face and breast in the reeking gore, tore her hair, crying and shrieking most terribly. The wars of the Desmonds and the O'Briens filled the annals of these eventful times, still continued and apparently endless. During the mayoralty of Roger Everard the Deputy arrived in Limerick. Ferrar, followed by Fitzgerald, states on the authority of the Davis MSS that the sword of state was carried before the Mayor, and that the Cap of Maintenance was worn for the first time. But the date was wrong. The sword had been sought in the reign of Henry VIII but refused. Elizabeth, in her charter granted to Limerick in 1582, not 1575, bestowed not only the sword but gave the hat of maintenance also.

28. Francis Arthur's military imprisonment in Marshalsea prison, Mary Street

    Mary Street · street · Limerick

    Mr. Francis Arthur was arrested by military order, held without warrant in the city Marshalsea prison in Mary Street, Limerick, confined to a narrow third-floor room, denied pen, ink, paper, and visitors. A sentinel posted outside his window fired at a person in a neighbouring house, mistaking him for Arthur.

    Read the passage

    delivered Mr. Arthur without having produced authority or warrant of committal. Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel Garden with officers and a guard of the 34th regiment, then informed Mr. Arthur that he was his (Garden's) prisoner, by order of Major-General Morrison, thus changing the commitment into a military imprisonment, equally illegal. On the arrival of Major-General Morrison, Mr. Arthur informed him that he would hold him personallj' responsible for a sum of one thousand guineas in specie, besides a quantity of paper, and other valuables which were in the house ; and on this intimation Morrison sent for Mrs. Arthur, on the express condition, however, that the seals which he then put on the counting-house and private drawers, (of which he held all the keys) should not be removed. A minute search was then made of the house, cellars, &c., even the vaults were emptied of the fuel by order of Sheriff Lloyd. Nothing having been found, the keys were delivered up to Lieutenant-Colonel Darby of the 54th regiment, then quartered in the garrison. The detention of these keys effectually put a stop to the extensive business in which not only Mr. Arthur was engaged, but in which his father, Mr. Patrick Arthur was a partner. Meanwhile, Morrison with the Mayor, Sheriffs, Constables, and a large body on horse and foot, proceeded to Mr. Arthur's house, bore him off from that to the city Marshalsea prison, in Mary street, where he was confined without commitment or warrant of any sort. Mr. Arthur was imprisoned. He did not applj- for a habeas corpus, because he could not obtain it from the governing powers at the time. Mr. Arthur was confined in a narrow front room of the prison, on the third floor ; he was denied the use of pen, ink and paper, as Avell as the sight of any human being but the turnkey ; and for further security against his escape, a sentinel was placed opposite his window, with positive orders to fire upon him if he approached it. Humanitj' might have dictated the cautioning him against subjecting himself to the danger ; but no intimation was given to him ; and Mr. Arthur, as was natural, did once approach the window, when luckily observing the sentinel cock his musket and present it at him, he retired in time from the danger. That the sentinel was posted merely to intimidate Mr. Arthur and prevent his planning any mode of escape, is the supposition that will present itself to the mind of the reader. But this supposition is removed by the fact that the sentinel, seeing a person come to the next window, which was in another house, (though the uniformity of the building made it appear the same house) mistook him for IMr. Arthur, deliberately fired at him and grazed his skull. After this " accident" the front of Mr. Arthur's room was whitewashed, in order to mark where he was — but Mr. Arthur received not the most distant intimation of this precaution or the reason of it. So hot was the weather and insupportable the wretched room in which Mr. Arthur was confined, that he petitioned for air — and one pane of glass was broken in the window, and on a subsequent occasion a second pane. It was on the occasion of a visit of Mr. Patrick Arthur, father of Mr. Francis Arthur, to the prison, in company with Colonel Cockell, that the second pane was permitted to be broken. It was on this occasion too that Mr. Arthur demanded upon what charge or upon whose accusation he was arrested. The reply of Colonel Cockell was : —

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 230

    As the companion tells it

    Along here on Mary Street stood the city Marshalsea prison, where Francis Arthur was held by military order. Major-General Morrison, with the Mayor, Sheriffs, Constables, and a large body of men on horse and foot, bore Arthur off to this prison, confining him without commitment or warrant of any sort. He was locked in a narrow front room on the third floor, denied pen, ink, paper, and the sight of any human being but the turnkey. A sentinel was posted opposite his window with orders to fire upon him if he approached it, though no one warned Arthur of the danger. He did once approach the window, and luckily saw the sentinel cock his musket and present it at him, and retired in time. The sentinel then mistook a person at the next window of a neighbouring house for Arthur, deliberately fired, and grazed the man's skull. After this, the front of Arthur's room was whitewashed to mark where he was, but Arthur was never told. The weather was hot and the room insupportable, and he petitioned for air. One pane of glass was broken in the window, and later a second pane was permitted during a visit by his father Patrick Arthur and Colonel Cockell. On that occasion Arthur demanded to know upon what charge or accusation he had been arrested.

29. French fleet arrives at Dingle Bay after Treaty of Limerick

    near Dingle Bay · bay · Kerry · 1691

    Three days after the articles of the Treaty of Limerick were signed, a French fleet arrived in Dingle Bay, which some Irish officers argued could have enabled them to raise the siege and recover Ireland. Lords Lucan and Galmoy refused to break the treaty, saying they were honor-bound to deliver up Limerick.

    Read the passage

    Curry, Scully, Parnell, Browne, and other powerful writers, have dissected with great ability the horrible character of these revolting enactments. The great "Edmund Bui'ke, on these and acts of a similar nature, in his letter to a Peer of Ireland, most justly remarks, " I have ever thought the prohibition of the means of improving our rational nature, to be the worst species of tyranny that the insolence and perverseness of mankind ever dared to exercise.-'^2 Iji ^]2at a proud contrast the conduct of the Irish commanders of the garrison of Limerick, stands with that of those on whose faith they placed, alas ! too firm a reliance. *' Some of the officers of the garrison,'' said Mr. Keough, the celebrated patriot and advocate of the Catholic claims, "urged Lord Lucan and Lord Galmoy, the Commanders of the Irish army, to break off the treaty, allegmg that they could now raise the siege (for three days after the articles were signed the Erench Fleet arrived in Dingle Bay), which would soon give such spiiits to the Catholics, and so depress the besiegers, that they might yet recover Ireland ; and the more so as they were certam of more aid from France. What was the reply of Lords Lucan and Galmoy ? They said they considered themselves pledged in honor to dehver up Limerick and Ireland to the Protestants, and they did so depending upon their faith and truth to preserve in\dolate the rights of the CathoKcs under the articles."

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 164

30. Grady libel trial at Limerick Spring Assizes

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1817

    An action for libel was brought against Thomas Grady at the Spring Assizes in Limerick in 1817 over his poem 'The Nosegay' targeting banker Mr. Bruce. The jury awarded £500 damages to Bruce, though £20,000 had been sought. Grady never paid and voluntarily exiled himself.

    Read the passage

    It is to be regretted that many passages in his works render them unfit for general perusal. In the year 1816 he published a second edition of the " Nosegay," upon which an action for libel was brought against him at Spring assizes, 1817, and £500 damages given to Bruce, though £20,000 were sought. The following are the names of the jurj* before whom the case was tried : — Hon. George Eyre Massj', Foreman ; Edward Croker ; Stephen Edward Rice ; The Knight of Glin ; De Courcy O'Grady ; Thomas Rice ; Michael Scanlan ; Edward Villiers ; George Tuthill ,- John Greene ; Robert Cripps ; Alexander Rose, Esqrs. The local papers suppressed the trial, but portions of it were printed by A. J. Watson, Limerick, for the Editor, which caused much litigation afterwards. The damages Grady would never pay, and voluntarily expatriated himself for life. He died some few years ago at Boulogne. His works abound in curious anecdotes about Limerick people. The following anecdote about Bernard, Bishop of Limerick, in 1799, will afford a fair specimen of his dry humour :

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 251

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, you are travelling through the city where Thomas Grady stood trial at the Spring Assizes in 1817. He had published a second edition of his poem 'The Nosegay' the year before, and an action for libel was brought against him over it. The target was a banker named Bruce. Bruce sought £20,000 in damages. The jury awarded him £500. The jury included the Hon. George Eyre Massy as foreman, Edward Croker, Stephen Edward Rice, the Knight of Glin, De Courcy O'Grady, Thomas Rice, Michael Scanlan, Edward Villiers, George Tuthill, John Greene, Robert Cripps, and Alexander Rose. The local papers suppressed all report of the trial, but portions of it were printed by A. J. Watson of Limerick, for the Editor, which caused much litigation afterwards. Grady never paid the damages. He voluntarily exiled himself for life, and died some years later at Boulogne. His works abound in curious anecdotes about Limerick people, though many passages render them unfit for general perusal.

31. Grant sentenced to 600 lashes at the Main Guard, Limerick

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1798

    A man named Grant, charged with taking an oath to be true to the French and holding the rank of serjeant in the rebel army, was sentenced by a General Court Martial to receive 600 lashes. 250 were inflicted immediately opposite the Main Guard, with the remainder postponed unless he disclosed his confederates.

    Read the passage

    June 2. Communication with Dublin re-established — General Court Martial assembled at the Council Chamber. A man named Grant, charged with taking an oath to be true to the French, and accused of holding the rank of serjeant in the rebel army, was sentenced to receive 600 lashes, 250 of which were inflicted immediately after, opposite the Main Guard, and the remainder postponed until the ensuing Monday, to be" then carried into effect, unless he, in the interval, consented to give information, and disclose the names of his confederates.

    Mr. Peter O'Eeeffe, George Murphy, John Quin, William Crowe, Anthony Hogan, John O'Hogane, William Hanabury, B. Connors, and P. Clancie, all citizens, were arrested. The first named, Mr. Peter O'Keeffe, charged with administering the United Irishmen's oath, was subsequently tried by Court Martial, and acquitted.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 235

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, there's a story from June 1798. A General Court Martial assembled at the Council Chamber. A man named Grant was charged with taking an oath to be true to the French, and accused of holding the rank of serjeant in the rebel army. He was sentenced to receive 600 lashes. 250 were inflicted immediately after, opposite the Main Guard. The remainder was postponed until the following Monday, to be carried into effect unless he, in the interval, consented to give information and disclose the names of his confederates. That same day, several citizens were arrested. Peter O'Keeffe, George Murphy, John Quin, William Crowe, Anthony Hogan, John O'Hogane, William Hanabury, B. Connors, and P. Clancie. Peter O'Keeffe was charged with administering the United Irishmen's oath. He was later tried by Court Martial and acquitted.

32. Graves of the Leinster Men memorial in Owney and Arra

    Owney and Arra · barony · Tipperary · 1192–1194

    A memorial of the defeats of the English by the king of Thomond survives as 'The Graves of the Leinster Men,' situated in the barony of Owney and Arra near Corbally Slate Quarries, about two miles NE of Derry Castle House. The peasantry regard the graves with veneration and superstition, and disturbance of the bones caused great indignation.

    Read the passage

    * A memorial of these defeats of the English still remains in " The Graves of the Leinster Men," which are situated in the barony of Owney and Arra, not far distant from the Corbally Slate Quarries, about two miles N.E. of Derry Castle House, and in the valley that lies between Thoum-Thinna (the Wave of Fire) mountain and the high lands behind Derry, Ryninch, Castletown, &c., &c. These graves are marked on the Ordnance Survey Map of L-eland, so remarkable and historic are they. The view from the graves is grand and beautiful, embracing the Shannon for several miles, the Holy Islands (Inniscailthra), Scariff Bay, and a great part of Tipperary and Connaught. The people look upon these ancient depositaries of the remains of the invaders with unaccountable veneration or rather superstition. It is only lately that the bones of the occupant of one of the graves were disturbed during some drainage operations, when the peasantry declared they discovered a number of supernatural footprints near the resting places of these venerable warriors, and on the margin of a certain reservoir which was formed on the side of the mountain to drive a wheel. The wanton destruction of one of the graves, some time before, had occasioned great indignation among the people. In the j'ear 1194, the annals record the death of the illustrious Donaldmore, king of Thomond, in the following language : — " Donnell, son of Turlough O'Brien, king of Munster, a beaming lamp in peace and war, and the brilliant star of the hospitality and valour of the Momonians and of all Leth-Mogha, died, and Murtagh, his son, assumed his place.'' — Annals of the Four Masters.

    * The Four Masters mention that in A.D. 1213, O'Donnell having, in pursuit of Muireqgh O'Daly, plundered and laid waste Thomond. followed him to the gates of Limerick, and pitching Lis camp at Moin-ui Donnell (O'Donnell's marsh, so-called from that circumstance), laid siege to the city, upon which the inhabitants, at the command of O'Donnell, expelled Muireagh. — Annals of the Four Masters.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 31

33. Halloran sentenced to transportation under Insurrection Act

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1823

    On 27 March 1823, a special sessions was held in Limerick under the Insurrection Act. John Halloran was indicted for being absent from his house after prescribed hours on the night Allen's cowhouse and cows were burned, and was sentenced to seven years transportation, conveyed to Cork that same evening.

    Read the passage

    On the 27th of March, in consequence of these outrages, a special sessions was held imder the Insurrection Act, when John Halloran was indicted for beino- absent from his house after prescribed hours— he was arrested by the polic^'e on the night of the 22nd of that month, when Mr. Allen s cowhouse and cows were burned. HaUoran was sentenced to seven years transportation and conveyed to Cork at seven o'clock on the same evening— he was the son of an industrious and respectable father, an independent farmer, and neighbour to AUen. A short tune before he had been tried for the murder of AUen's son and was found guilty of manslaughter. The prosecution bemg carried on by the deceased's father, it was generally beheved that he owed Allen what they caHed in this country " Sweet's revenge f but he was not tried for the burning. He was rather in a better class of hfe, and well educated ; his example, it was considered, would strike terror into others. The disturbances, however, not only contmued in and about the liberties and m the counties of Lunerick and Clare, but spread to those parts of the County of Cork, which adjoin Limerick, where there was a great deal of agrarian

    suffering and outrage. .it x- a i

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 262

    As the companion tells it

    Limerick city, on this road. In March 1823 a special sessions was held here under the Insurrection Act. John Halloran was indicted for being absent from his house after prescribed hours. The police had arrested him on the night of the 22nd, the same night Mr. Allen's cowhouse and cows were burned. He was sentenced to seven years transportation and conveyed to Cork at seven o'clock that same evening. He was the son of an industrious and respectable father, an independent farmer and neighbour to Allen. A short time before, he had been tried for the murder of Allen's son and found guilty of manslaughter. The prosecution was carried on by the deceased's father, and it was generally believed that he owed Allen what they called in this country, in the source's words, "Sweet's revenge." But he was not tried for the burning. He was rather in a better class of life and well educated. His example, it was considered, would strike terror into others. The disturbances, however, not only continued in and about the liberties and in the counties of Limerick and Clare, but spread to those parts of the County of Cork which adjoin Limerick, where there was a great deal of agrarian suffering and outrage.

34. Legend of the silver bells of Ardpatrick monastery

    Ardpatrick · townland · Limerick

    Of five silver bells said to have belonged to Ardpatrick monastery, three were found in the tower ruins. Tradition held they were concealed on the monastery's destruction and were heard ringing at midnight on Christmas and Easter, until a wicked woman threw her child into the holy well, after which the bells were never heard again.

    Read the passage

    Of five silver bells, said to have belonged to the monastery, long niissing, three were found in the ruins of the tower, and carried away by the excavators. These bells, which tradition reports, possessed the most ravishing tones, were concealed on the destruction of the monastery, but they used to bj heard ringing in the air at midnight of Christmas and Easter, giving out the most heavenly music, and so year after year they were heard on those nights, until on one occasion a wicked woman in the neighbourhood, wishing to conceal her child, threw it into the holy well to the west of the town, since which the bells were never heard, and the well ceased to be frequented for religious purposes !

    Amongst other curious things said to have been found, was a transparent stone, which being put before the eyes, the most remote objects could be seen, and with wonderful distinctness. As for the coast of Clare, beyond the Shannon, that could be observed as close to you as the next ditcli. Another great curiosity wa? the *' slug of the horn of St. Patrick's little cow". This animal it was that supplied the saint witli his daily milk ; and the cow might be seen painted on many a signboard.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 423

35. Limerick City Militia at Battle of Coloony, 1798

    Collooney · townland · Sligo · 1798

    The Limerick City Militia under Colonel Vereker met the French under General Humbert at Coloony on 5 September 1798 and checked their advance into Ulster. Lieutenant Rumley was killed and Colonel Vereker and four officers wounded; the French abandoned their Ulster invasion and surrendered to Lord Cornwallis.

    Read the passage

    The regiment, then 420 strong, was stationed in the province of Leinster, and was employed in quelling the disturbances in that province. ( )n the invasion of Ireland by the French under General Humbert, in that year, it was ordered to Sligo; and when the French, after the victory at Castlebar, attempted to invade the province of Ulster, the Limerick City Militia, under Colonel Vereker, and supported by some dragoons and fencibles, met them at Coloony, .and checked their advance with so nnich gallantry, that they gave up their intention of entering Ulster, and, raarchino; to the south, came in for the large army under Lord Cornwallis, to whom they were compelled to surrender themselves prisoners of war. Lieutenant Rumley was killed, Colonel Vereker and four officers wounded. The official records of the killed and wounded amongst the non-commissioned officers and men being unfbrtimately lost or incautiously destroyed.

    Of this action, for his gallantry in which Colonel Vereker was granted by his late Majesty George III. the privilege of bearing supporters and other honourable augmentations to his' arms, with the motto " Coloony", the'-Corporation of Limerick marked their opinion by the followins; resolution, dated 8th October, 17'J8:

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 450

36. Maum conspiracy against Mr. Arthur in Limerick

    Limerick · city · Limerick

    A conspiracy was concocted to rob Mr. Arthur of both property and life, with a man named Maum (or Maume) as the instrument. Mr. William Ward's accurate daybook of purchases made by Maum in his shop provided evidence that damaged Maum's testimony, saving Mr. Arthur from execution. Maum later confessed to the plot.

    Read the passage

    There never yet was a fouler, a baser, a more iniquitous conspiracy concocted than that to rob Mr. Arthur not only of property but of life ; and the aim would be attained were it not for the accidents referred to in the course of the trial, there can be no doubt whatever. Mr. Ward did his duty well ; the confession of Maume showed the diabolical nature of the plot of which he was the instrument. Mr. Hare* acted admirably ; the immediate family of Mr. Arthur manifested thorough readiness and the most energetic devotion. An innocent man was saved from the ignominious fate that awaited him at the hands of Mr. Sheriff Lloyd and Mr. Sheriff Webb. Lloyd lived to see a termination of his schemes. Webb was found dead in the gutter one morning, into which he fell and broke his neck the night before, as reeling homeward from a debauch, he missed his footing and stumbled, and was suffocated in the channel, from which there was no sympathising hand to raise him, until the coroner came, and had him brought a black and noisome corpse to his grave. He ate oysters to repletion, washed them down with whiskey punch — it was an awful fate ! Lloyd's common language in 1798, to the poor sufferers

    * Mr Hare was father of the late Major Hare, uncle of Mathew Hare de Courcey, Esq. Treasurer of the Limerick Corporation.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 232

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, there is a story of one of the foulest conspiracies ever concocted, aimed at robbing Mr. Arthur not only of property but of life. A man named Maum was the instrument of the plot. It nearly succeeded. Mr. William Ward did his duty well. His accurate daybook of purchases made by Maum in his shop provided the evidence that damaged Maum's testimony and saved Mr. Arthur from the ignominious fate that awaited him. Maum later confessed, showing the diabolical nature of the plot. Mr. Hare acted admirably. Mr. Arthur's family showed thorough readiness and energetic devotion. An innocent man was saved from the hands of Mr. Sheriff Lloyd and Mr. Sheriff Webb. Lloyd lived to see a termination of his schemes. Webb met an awful fate. He was found dead in the gutter one morning. The night before, reeling homeward from a debauch, he missed his footing, stumbled, fell, and broke his neck. He was suffocated in the channel. There was no sympathising hand to raise him until the coroner came and had him brought, a black and noisome corpse, to his grave. He had eaten oysters to repletion and washed them down with whiskey punch.

37. Murder of Mr. Going near Rathkeale

    Rathkeale · town · Limerick · 1821–1823

    Mr. Going slept at Castletown, the residence of John Waller Esq., and had a choice of three roads leading to Rathkeale, on each of which four ruffians were posted, making escape impossible. Bridgeman appeared to have been the chief planner and was discharged at Spring Assizes 1823 for want of prosecution.

    Read the passage

    14th October, 1821. The culprit acknowledged to be at the murders of Major Hare, and Mr. Bushe. It appeared from the declaration, that the murder of Mr. Going was in contemplation for three months, before an opportunity for executmg it presented itself. Mr. Going, on the night previous, slept at Castletown, the residence of John Waller, Esq. He had choice of three roads which led to Rathkeale, on each of which four ruffians were posted, so that escape was impossible. Bridgeman appeared to have been the chief planner of all the mischief. He had been discharged at Spring Assizes, 1823, for want of prosecution.

    March 26th. — A Mr. Porter of London, on the part of the United General Gas Company, has agreed to light the Parish of St. Michael, from the first October next, with gas— oil being hitherto used in the public lamps. Mr. Porter promises to do so at a saving of £30 a year to the Parish Commissioners, and to furnish the requisite apparatus, «S;c. at his own cost. He anticipates an expenditure of £4000 before the work is completed.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 262

38. O'Connell monument unveiled at the Crescent

    The Crescent · street · Limerick · 1857

    On 15 August 1857, Hogan's bronze statue of Daniel O'Connell was inaugurated at the Crescent in Limerick with a grand civic procession, triumphal arches, and speeches by the Earl of Dunraven and Sergeant O'Brien. The eight-foot statue stands on a thirteen-foot granite pedestal.

    Read the passage

    The project of the O'Connell monument was brought to a successful termination during Dr. Kane's mayoralty; and the 15th of August — Lady Day — witnessed one of the most gorgeous and solemn demonstrations of which Limerick has been the scene ; Hogan's bronze statue of the Liberator being then inaugiu'ated with all the pomp and civic ceremonial befitting the great event, and in the presence of several thousands of the citizens, as well as of the people of the neighbouring counties. There was a procession, in which the clergy were fully represented ; the Mayor and Corporation appeared dressed in civic costume; the trades were active and energetic in doing honour to the occasion ; the public bodies of the city were all present. At the monument a platform was raised, and was occupied by the leading Catholics of city and county, including the Earl of Dunraven, the city member, Sergeant O'Brien, etc. The Mayor presided; and the secretaries, viz., the Rev. R. J. O'Higgin, O.S.F., and Maurice Lenihan, Esq., occupied their places near him. Flags and streamers were thrown across the streets ; trees were transplanted to positions near the carriage way, and triumphal arches were formed, on which patriotic devices were exhibited; the people never appeared more enthusiastic. The Earl of Dunraven, who took part in the procession and the proceedings, made a remarkable speech, in which he bestowed a deserved amount of praise on the memory of the illustrious Irishman in whose honour they had assembled to unveil his statue. In referring to the mighty changes wrought by O'Connell, the noble earl spoke of the fact that an ancestor of his (the Earl of Dunraven's) had changed from the Catholic to the Protestant creed, a century before, in order to retain his property — an act which, he Said deserved his strongest reprobation. The meeting was also addressed by Mr. Sergeant O'Brien, M.P., and other gentlemen. The statue .is eight feet high, and forms a conspicuous object in the middle of the Crescent — a noble likeness of the immortal O'Connell. It is raised ^ a granite pedestal, thirteen feet high; in front of which is cut, in gUi letters : —

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 296

39. O'Connell recalls martial-law executions at Thomond Bridge

    Thomond Bridge · street · Limerick · 1840

    Speaking at the Repeal procession in October 1840, O'Connell pointed to Thomond Bridge and recalled seeing eleven men taken out together for execution under martial law. A militia lieutenant struck Father Hogan, a friar giving spiritual assistance, and was killed by a blow from someone in the crowd.

    Read the passage

    On Wednesday, the 7th October, 1840, the congregated trades of Limerick, attended by a host of other repealers including many from the neighbouring towns, who altogether, according to Mr. O'Connell himself, amounted to some 60,000 persons, marched in grand procession to welcome the Liberator, who drove amidst enthusiastic multitudes to the Treaty Stone, when he was presented by the trades with an address, and made one of his celebrated Eepeal speeches. On this occasion the trades deplored the distressed condition of the citizens and manufacturers, concurring with O^Connell in the declaration, that the only resource was a domestic Legislature. O^Connell pointing to Thomond Bridge, said that he remembered seeing eleven men who were taken out on it together, for execution, under martial law, on which occasion a lieutenant of miUtia struck Father Hogan, a friar who went to give them spiritual assistance, but who was promptly revenged by some one behind the lieutenant who killed him dead with a blow from a " Clealpeeu.''^ One of the most noticeable objects in this procession was a large and highly decorated boat, moved by men on the stem, on which, beneath a richly "festooned canopy, sat one of the strand fishermen who personated Neptune the god of the water. The day's proceedings finished with a grand dinner at the Theatre, at which over 1,000 persons were present. Limerick thus effectually behed the assertion which had been some time made as to its being cold and apathetic in the cause of Eepeal. On this occasion as usual, honest Tom Steele was a conspicuous actor and speaker. He identified himself in a particular manner with the congregated trades, associating himself with the coopers. The spectacle was one of the most remarkable ever witnessed in Limerick.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 283

    As the companion tells it

    Along here at Thomond Bridge, Daniel O'Connell stood in October 1840 and told a crowd what he remembered seeing on this bridge. On the 7th of October that year, the trades of Limerick marched in procession to welcome him at the Treaty Stone. He said the crowd amounted to some 60,000 people. The trades presented him with an address, and he gave one of his celebrated Repeal speeches. They deplored the distressed condition of the citizens and manufacturers, and agreed with him that the only resource was a domestic legislature. Pointing to Thomond Bridge, O'Connell said he remembered seeing 11 men taken out on it together for execution under martial law. A friar, Father Hogan, went to give them spiritual assistance. A lieutenant of militia struck Father Hogan. Someone behind the lieutenant killed him dead with a blow from what the book calls a clealpeen. The procession itself was a spectacle. A large decorated boat was moved by men on the stem, and beneath a festooned canopy sat a strand fisherman personating Neptune. The day finished with a grand dinner at the Theatre, with over 1,000 persons present. Honest Tom Steele was a conspicuous actor and speaker, associating himself with the coopers. The book says the spectacle was one of the most remarkable ever witnessed in Limerick.

40. O'Connell's triumphant return to Limerick after Clare election

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1828

    After his historic Clare election victory, O'Connell was escorted into Limerick city by the congregated trades with banners and laurel wreaths, surrounded by thousands. He addressed the assembled crowds from his hotel in George's Street, abusing the ministry and the corporations of Limerick and Dublin.

    Read the passage

    a majority of 1091, after a contest unequalled since the commencement of Parliamentary elections, the joy that diffused itseK everywhere knew no bounds. On his return to Limerick fi'om Clare on the Monday after his victory, O'Counell was escorted into the city by the congregated trades, with banners and heralds bearing wands wreathed with laurel. A vast concourse of people swelled to thousands the crowds by which his triumphal car was surrounded. He arrived at his hotel in George's- street, i where he addressed the assembled myriads, demanding of them if ever before they had seen a CathoHc member of Parliament ? He bestowed lavish abuse on the ministry, on the corporation of Limerick, as well as on that of Dublin ; he denounced the local Tory press in unmeasured terms. He left town on the 8th of July in a green barouche and four, loudly cheered, and accompanied by " honest Jack Lawless." To shew the extent of the preparations made to quell the people by the Government at this time, there were brought into the Limerick district a brigade of Artillery from Athlone, three troops of the Bays from Carlow, three troops of the third Dragoon Guards from Mayo and Galway, two companies of the 5th Foot from Athlone, three companies of the Gith from Galway, 62nd Regiment from Templemore, 75th ditto from Mullingar, in addition to an enormous strength of military that had been before this in Limerick and Clare. Many of these soldiers sympathised heartily with O'Connell and his cause, and declared their feehngs in terms not to be mistaken.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 275

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, this is the city O'Connell entered in triumph after his Clare election victory in 1828. He had won with a majority of 1091, after a contest unequalled since the commencement of Parliamentary elections. The joy that spread everywhere knew no bounds. On the Monday after his victory, he returned from Clare and was escorted into the city by the congregated trades, with banners and heralds bearing wands wreathed with laurel. A vast concourse of people swelled to thousands the crowds by which his triumphal car was surrounded. He arrived at his hotel in George's Street, where he addressed the assembled myriads, demanding of them if ever before they had seen a Catholic member of Parliament. He bestowed lavish abuse on the ministry, on the corporation of Limerick, as well as on that of Dublin. He denounced the local Tory press in unmeasured terms. He left town on the 8th of July in a green barouche and four, loudly cheered, and accompanied by, as the source puts it, "honest Jack Lawless." To show the extent of the preparations made to quell the people by the Government at this time, there were brought into the Limerick district a brigade of Artillery from Athlone, three troops of the Bays from Carlow, three troops of the third Dragoon Guards from Mayo and Galway, two companies of the 5th Foot from Athlone, three companies from Galway, the 62nd Regiment from Templemore, the 75th from Mullingar, in addition to the military already in Limerick and Clare. Many of these soldiers sympathised heartily with O'Connell and his cause, and declared their feelings in terms not to be mistaken.

41. O'Dwyer consecrated coadjutor bishop of Limerick in France

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1645–1646

    Dr. O'Dwyer was nominated coadjutor to the decrepit bishop of Limerick by papal bull and consecrated by the Bishop of Senlis in the church of St. Lazare in Paris on May 7, 1645. He purchased vestments and books for the diocese of Limerick but was captured by Turkish corsairs on his return voyage and enslaved at Smyrna before being ransomed.

    Read the passage

    " Having purchased a goodly supply of vestments, books, and other requirements for the diocese of Limerick, Dr. O'Dwyer set out for Ireland from one of the French ports ; but he had not been many days at sea when the ship in which he sailed was captured by a Turkish corsair, who carried him and his fellowpassengers as a prize to Smyrna. The bishop, however, when he saw that there was no chance of escaping the pirate, divested himself of all the insignia of his rank, and heaved overboard the valuable vestments and other sacred objects which he had collected at Paris, and which he knew would be desecrated, had the Turks got possession of them. On reaching Smyrna, he was sold as a slave, and condemned to work at a mill, Avith a mask on his face to prevent him eating the flour ; and in this condition he might have lived and died, were it not for a contingency which seems almost miraculous. An Irish lady, wife of a French merchant then living at Smyrna, happened to visit the mill, and on discovering that the poor captive was a countryman of her own, and a bishop in reluctant disguise, she lost no time in reporting the fact to her husband, Avho at once paid a ransom for the prisoner, and sent him back to France, where he soon replaced the sacred furniture which he had flung into the sea, as we have already stated. O'Dwyer returned to Ireland early in the 1646, and, be it recorded to his honour, he was the first bishop who introduced the mission-

    ' Dr. Meehan's Irish Hierarchy in the, Sixteenth Centunj.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 340

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, this is the city where Doctor O'Dwyer became coadjutor bishop in 1645. The bishop of Limerick was decrepit, and O'Dwyer was nominated by papal bull to assist him. He was consecrated by the Bishop of Senlis in the church of Saint Lazare in Paris on May 7, 1645. After his consecration he purchased vestments, books, and other requirements for the diocese of Limerick, and set out for Ireland from a French port. He had not been many days at sea when a Turkish corsair captured the ship and carried him and his fellow passengers as a prize to Smyrna. When he saw there was no chance of escaping the pirate, he divested himself of all the insignia of his rank and heaved overboard the valuable vestments and sacred objects he had collected at Paris, knowing they would be desecrated if the Turks got possession of them. On reaching Smyrna he was sold as a slave and condemned to work at a mill, with a mask on his face to prevent him eating the flour. He might have lived and died there, but for a contingency that seems almost miraculous. An Irish lady, wife of a French merchant living at Smyrna, happened to visit the mill. She discovered the poor captive was a countryman of her own and a bishop in reluctant disguise. She reported the fact to her husband, who paid a ransom for the prisoner and sent him back to France. There he soon replaced the sacred furniture he had flung into the sea. O'Dwyer returned to Ireland early in 1646.

42. Russell family burial traditions at St. John's Church, Limerick

    Saint John's Church · ecclesiastical site · Cork

    St. John's Church in Limerick was the burial place of the Russell family, who interred their dead inside the old church until prohibited by Act of Parliament. The widow of Philip Russell, Miss Fosbery of Clorane, was the last person buried inside the old church; after a daytime burial outside, her remains were secretly removed at night and placed in the family tomb near the communion table.

    Read the passage

    stone of the new Church of St. John's was laid by John Norris Russell, the year that he filled the ofiice of Sheriff. In former days there was a branch of the Russells in Limerick who were of this family, but the connection was remote, having descended from the brother of one of the progenitors of the present family (Philip Russell, born in 1650). They have long since left Limerick, and are at present represented by the Venerable John Russell, Archdeacon of Clogher, whose sister Elizabeth was married to the late Right Rev. Charles Dickinson, Protestant Lord Bishop of Meath. There have been from time to time, and are at present, several of the name residing in Limerick, unconnected with this family. The burial place of the Russells is St. Johu's in Limerick, where for many years they used to inter in the interior of the old Church, until such interments were prohibited by Act of Parliament. The last person whose remai-ns were interred in the interior of the old Church, was the widow of a Philip Russell (Miss Fosbery, of Clorane, in the County Limerick). Consequent on her decease having taken place a short time after the passing of this Act, her remains were interred outside the Church in the morning, and at night, with the sanction of the Vicar of the parish, who was a particular friend of the family, they were secretly removed, and placed in the tomb near the remains of her late husband. The tomb was situated near the passage leading from the communion table to the vestry room in the old Church, on the site of which the new one has been raised. .

    There are now three vaults in the burial ground outside the Church, belonging to diflerent branches of the family, one of which has lately become extinct by the decease of Francis Philip Russell, of St. Thomas's Island. Over the organ loit, in the new church, is a handsome wheel window with richly stained glass, in the centre of which are the arms of the family.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 264

43. Sarsfield's night march from Limerick to Killaloe

    near Haroldscross · population centre · Dublin · 1690

    Sarsfield left Limerick on the night of Sunday, 10 August, leading several hundred horse and dragoons toward Killaloe to intercept William's approaching battering train. Guided by 'Galloping' Hogan, the route passed through Harold's Cross near Blackwater, a spot noted for its picturesque charm.

    Read the passage

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

    ' Those statements are given from popular tradition.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 132

44. Severe destitution observed across Limerick city

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1835

    A distinguished traveller visiting Limerick in 1835 entered forty abodes of poverty and reported scenes of utter and hopeless wretchedness. Commissioners of Poor Enquiry had sat the year before gathering facts on the distressed state of the people.

    Read the passage

    Though this depression was great, the amount of exports had been nearly doubled since 182:1; yet a distinguished traveller,^ who had visited the city this year, admits that no where did he meet with more destitution ; he states that he entered forty abodes of poverty, and that to the latest hour of his existence, he never could forget the scenes of utter and hopeless wretchedness that presented themselves. Commissioners of Poor Enquiry had been sent down the year before, and had sat for several days, obtaining facts as to the distressed state of the people, and public works had been going on, were it not for which the misery would be intensified beyond bearing ; and a system of poor laws was now advocated by many as the grand remedy, though private charity had been constantly put in requisition to mitigate the sufferings of the poor. That system of Poor Laws, which had been supported by Dr. Doyle and opposed by O'Connell, came soon afterwards ; but with what permanent advantage to the poor is a question on which there are conflicting opinions. The blight of the Union had long been felt in the annihilation of manufactures, in the decay of trade, in the exhaustion of the artizan and the labourer ; and though in the march of events, men beloved by the people had become recognised for their worth and merit, and had obtained the guerdon of their deserts at the hands of a now liberal Government, which for the first time sympathised with the masses, the permanent prosperity of the country was not materially affected by legislative improvements.

    On the 3rd of January, 1837, a catastrophe of a most lamentable charac-

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 278

    As the companion tells it

    You are passing through Limerick, where in 1835 a distinguished traveller found destitution he could not forget. He entered forty abodes of poverty and said that to the latest hour of his existence he never could forget the scenes of utter and hopeless wretchedness that presented themselves. Commissioners of Poor Enquiry had been sent down the year before and sat for several days obtaining facts as to the distressed state of the people. Public works had been going on, and without them the misery would have been intensified beyond bearing. Private charity had been constantly put in requisition to mitigate the sufferings of the poor, and a system of poor laws was now advocated by many as the grand remedy. That system of Poor Laws, supported by Dr. Doyle and opposed by O'Connell, came soon afterwards, but with what permanent advantage to the poor was a question on which there were conflicting opinions. The blight of the Union had long been felt in the annihilation of manufactures, the decay of trade, the exhaustion of the artisan and the labourer. Though men beloved by the people had become recognised for their worth and obtained the guerdon of their deserts at the hands of a now liberal Government, which for the first time sympathised with the masses, the permanent prosperity of the country was not materially affected by legislative improvements.

45. Siege of Dunboy encouraged by Jesuit fathers

    near Dunboy · street · Cork · 1602

    Father Archer S.J. and lay brother Dominick O'Calan encouraged 140 Irish to defend Dunboy against thousands, hoping for help from Spain or the north of Ireland. Lord Carew called it the most obstinate defence seen in the kingdom.

    Read the passage

    The Lord President of Munster says, that, about the year 1600, all the Munster cities were bewitched by Jesuits, Popish Priests, and Seminarists ; and a Captain Mostian writes to the General of the Society, that Father Archer, S.J., was more to the Irish in Munster, and in the whole kingdom, than a great reinforcement of troops, for at his nod alone the hearts of men adhere and are held together". This Father Archer was feared by the English, who thought he could lly through the air, and nicknamed him Archdevil; he converted Black Thomas, Earl of Ormonde, the destroyer of the Desmonds ; he collected money for the support of the Irish colleges of Salamanca and Compostella, and " had many seminaries on hand" ; he had been rector of Salamanca, the first Irish college founded abroad, succeeding in that position Father White, S.J., of Clonmel, its founder and first rector. He and his companion, the lay brother Dominick O'Calan, encouraged one hundred and forty Irish to defend Dunboy against thousands, as they hoped that help would come from Spain or the north of Ireland, and so obstinate a defence, said Lord Carew, " hath not been seen within this kingdom". O'Calan was of noble family, and distinguished himself in France as a cavalry officer, under the name of Captain Labranch. When the wars of the League were over, he went in search of glory in Spain, and signalized himself among the first captains of the Royal Fleet. Having spent thirteen years in France, and eight in Spain, he became a Jesuit lay brother, as he thought too humbly of himself to become a priest, though his learning and the will of the Father General marked him out for that position. After his capture at Dunboy he was offered great rewards and honours if he took the oath of allegiance. His relatives were brought to back up these promises by their tears and entreaties— he refused, and by Mountjoy's order was tied to the tails of two horses, and then hanged, drawn, and quartered for the faith, in his native town of Youghal in 1602. He was a man of extraordinary piety, and his life was written by Father D'Oultreman, and Patrignani.^

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 380

46. Sir Hardress Waller's Castletown estate and Lickadoon Castle

    Castletown · townland · Limerick · 1642–1660

    Sir Hardress Waller acquired the Castletown estate by marriage to Elizabeth Dowdall of Kilfenny, and also obtained Lickadoon Castle near Foxborough by grant. After being tried as a regicide at the Restoration, all his property was forfeited and later sold in lots.

    Read the passage

    ' Sir Hardress Waller — " Waller of Castletown" — belonged to an ancient Kent family which bore the shield of the Duke of Orleans pendent from their family crest, in memory of their having made that French Prince of the blood prisoner at the battle of Agincourt. To this family Sir Williaih Waller, the distinguished Parliamentary General, and Edmund Waller, the well known poet, belonged. George Waller, father of Sir Hardress, was its chief (as is now Mr. Waller of Castletown), and marrying a daughter of the ancient family of Hardress, who took the opposite side to him in the civil wars, and obtained a Baronetcy from Charles I. in 1642 ; lie was father of Sir Hardress. This gallant soldier was employed at the taking of Bristol ; and Cromwell says, in his dispatch to Speaker Lenthall, describing the successful assault on the nobly defended house of Basing, " Sir Hardress Waller, performing his duty ivith honor and diligence, was shot in the arm." He afterwards proceeded to Ireland, where he had long before acquired the Castletown estate by marriage with Elizabeth, one of the daughters and co-heirs of Sir John Dowdall, knight of Kilfenny. Here he was made Major-General of the Horse, and was M.P. for the County of Limerick ; he also acquired large estates in the county by grant, which included Lickadoon Castle near Koxborough ; but being one of the judges at the trial of Charles I. he was tried for it at the Restoration. He pleaded guilty, and had not only the gift of his life, but permission to reside with his family. But all his propertj' was forfeited, and granted with that of the other regicides, to the Duke of York, from whom, when King James II., it was again taken at the Revolution, and sold in lots to the Hollow Sword Blade Company and other persons. Lady

    176 HISTORY OF LIMERICK.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 98

47. Sligo threatened with evacuation during French invasion panic

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1798

    Sligo was occupied by about 600 men who, gripped by panic following 'The Races of Castlebar' and fear of the French, were ordered to evacuate the town and retreat. Colonel Vereker, commanding in Sligo, disobeyed the order and instead determined to march out and give battle to Humbert's advancing force.

    Read the passage

    It would be impossible to describe the universal dismay produced by " The Races of Castlebar." The loyal were paralysed, the disloyal were filled with hope and courage, and the waverers or indifferent were inclined to side with the strong. Meanwhile, the number of the French was exaggerated, and those invincible arms which had swept their enemies on the Continent before them as sheep, appeared destined speedily to expel the British from the island, and to establish an Irish Republic under the protection of France. Flushed with success, Humbert determined to march to the North, to join another body of French troops, whose landing on the coast of Donegal was daily expected, and with that object in view he proceeded towards Sligo. Every hour that passed and every mile he marched he received new accessions of strength, whilst the Royalists were proportionably depressed and weakened. Sligo was at the time occupied by a

    412 HISTORY OF LIMERICK.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 237

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Sligo, the town the road is passing toward. In 1798, this place was seized by panic. "The Races of Castlebar" had shattered the loyal side, filling the disloyal with hope. The number of French troops was exaggerated, and those invincible arms that had swept enemies on the Continent seemed destined to expel the British and establish an Irish Republic under France. Humbert, flushed with success, determined to march north to join another body of French troops expected on the coast of Donegal. He set his course for Sligo. Every hour and every mile brought him new strength, while the Royalists grew weaker. Sligo was occupied by about 600 men. They were ordered to evacuate the town and retreat. Colonel Vereker, commanding in Sligo, disobeyed. He would not abandon the place. Instead he marched out to give battle to Humbert's advancing force.

48. Storm damages new Cathedral spire in Limerick

    Cathedral Square · street · Waterford · 1882–1883

    On 1 October 1882, a violent hurricane struck Limerick the day after the Cathedral spire was completed, carrying away about twenty feet of the spire's top and its scaffolding. Debris was hurled onto the road below, clear of the Cathedral buildings. The spire was subsequently repaired by August 1883 and the main Cross fixed at the apex.

    Read the passage

    Citizens of all classes and persuasions thought only of the spire and its scaffolding. Crowds flocked to the Cathedral Square. A painful impression became general among those assembled that as the scaffold was being broken up by the fury of the storm, and as its beams were being lashed against the apex of the spire, the latter could not long resist. About eleven o'clock, a.m., the gale reached the violence of a hurricane and carried away about twenty feet of the top of the spire and its surrounding scaffold. Fortunately the gale came from the S.AV., and thus the debris was hurled clear of the Cathedral buildings on to the road beneath.

    This calamity caused widespread regret, but the active and zealous administrator, the Reverend James M'Coy (to whose untiring labours much of the success of this great work is due), was not daunted. Unasked-for subscriptions poured in from all sides to form a iund to repair the damage done. It was decided not to commence the works until the following May. After much consideration a contract was entered into with Mr. Massingham, of Newcastle-on-Tyne. To the delight of all concerned he completed his task on the 4th of August, 1883, when he fixed the beautiful main Cross in its i^Iace at the apex of the spire. This he did under the personal supervision of the architect, Mr. M. A. Hennessy, M.R.I A.I., who gallantly mounted to the top of the scaffold to assist at the crowning, as we may say, of this most beautiful structure.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 466

49. Teige O'Brien interred at Ennis monastery

    Ennis · town · Clare · 1582

    Teige O'Brien, founder of the Ballycorick family and former Tanist of Thomond, died in 1582 and was interred in the monastery of Ennis. He had been expelled by Donnell but later obtained his pardon and territory share from England.

    Read the passage

    In 1582^ died Teige O'Brien (founder of the Ballycorick family) " a hero in prowess.'" He had been for some time Tanist of Thomond, but was expelled together with his brother by Donnell. He afterwards went to Spain and France, and thence to England, where he obtained his pardon and his entire share of the territory, except the tanistry alone. He was interred m the monastery of Ennis. Donogh O'Brien (son of Morrogh), who had joined the rebellious De Burgh the year before, having repented, returned back under protection ;* but the Queen's officers detected a flaw in the protection, and hanged him in the gateway of Limerick ; he was buried in the monastery of Ennis. His castles and lands of Lemenagh, Dromoland, Ballyconnelly, and other places, descended to his son Connor and his heirs, amongst whom is the present Lord Inchiquin, who established his right to that title in virtue of his descent from this Donagh, the founder of the family of Dromoland. There was no forfeiture, because Donagh fell a victim to martial l^w, which recognises no forfeitures.

    5

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 64

50. Tomb of the White Knight and the 'Braon Shinsior'

    Kilmallock · town · Limerick

    In the choir of the Dominican Abbey lies a broken slab covering the tomb of the White Knights of the clan Gibbon. A small hollow in the tomb, said to be formed by a continual drop of rain called the 'Braon Shinsior' or hereditary drop, was regarded as a mark of divine displeasure for the White Knight's cruelty to his Catholic countrymen.

    Read the passage

    On the floor lies a broken slab, the covering of the tomb of the White Knights of the clan Gibbon. There is shown a small hollow in this tomb, which is pretended to have been formed by a continual drop of

    ' Wakemaii.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 432

51. Vereker born in old Mayoralty house, Limerick

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1768

    Colonel Charles Vereker, afterwards second Viscount Gort, was born in 1768 in the old Mayoralty house in Limerick, his father Thomas Vereker being at the time Mayor of the city. He later commanded the City of Limerick Militia at the Battle of Colooney.

    Read the passage

    * The Right Honourable Charles Vereker, afterwards second Viscount Gort, was the son of Thomas Vereker of Eoxborough, bj- Julia, daughter of Thomas Smyth, for forty-five years one of the representatives of Limerick in the Irish Parliament, and grand-daughter of Sir Thomas Prendergast, the last Baronet of his illustrious line. He was born in the year 1768, in the old Mayoralty house in Limerick, his father being at the time Mayor of that city. At the age of fourteen, he was entered as a midshipman in H. M. S. Alexander of 74 guns, then under the command of the late Lord Longford. A short time after he had joined his vessel (in 1782), he was ordered to sail for the Mediterranean, to form one of the fleet under the command of Lord Howe. The fleet was destined for the relief of Gibraltar, from that siege, which the heroic defence of General Elliott has engraven for ever on the page of history. The combined French and Spanish fleet were at this time cruising off Gibraltar, in order to prevent any succour from without reaching the straightened garrison. Three of the British vessels, laden with provisions, contrived to elude the vigilance of the enemj--, and to steal unperceived into the bay. Among these was the Alexander, and it is recorded, that foremost in the service of danger, attending the disembarkation of the stores, and indeed the first person, in the first boat's crew to leap ashore, was j^oung Vereker.* The ships having effected their purpose, again put to sea, and a sharp action ensued between the hostile fleets. Here the courage of the young midshipman was again conspicuous, and won for him tlie public acknowledgments of Lord Longford. f The fleet returned after these successful operations to St. Helen's, on the 15th November, 1782. Peace preliminaries were signed on the 30th of the same month, and the force of the navy being largely reduced, young Vereker retired from the service, and accepted a commission in the Ist Royals; which regiment he left on coming of age, in the year 1789, being then a

    * Dublin University Magazine, vol. xix., p. 336. t Ibid,

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 237

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, you are in the city where Colonel Charles Vereker, afterwards second Viscount Gort, was born in 1768, in the old Mayoralty house, his father Thomas Vereker being at the time Mayor. His mother was Julia, daughter of Thomas Smyth, who for 45 years was one of the representatives of Limerick in the Irish Parliament, and grand-daughter of Sir Thomas Prendergast, the last Baronet of his line. At 14, he was entered as a midshipman on HMS Alexander, a 74-gun ship under Lord Longford. In 1782 he sailed for the Mediterranean to join the fleet under Lord Howe, bound for the relief of Gibraltar. The combined French and Spanish fleet was cruising off Gibraltar to prevent any help reaching the garrison. Three British vessels laden with provisions slipped past the enemy and into the bay. The Alexander was among them. It is recorded that the first person in the first boat's crew to leap ashore was young Vereker. The ships put to sea again and a sharp action followed between the fleets. His courage was conspicuous and won him the public acknowledgments of Lord Longford. The fleet returned to St. Helen's on the 15th of November 1782. Peace preliminaries were signed on the 30th of the same month. The navy was largely reduced and Vereker retired from the service, accepting a commission in the 1st Royals. He left that regiment on coming of age in 1789.

52. Volunteers occupy Dublin demanding Free Trade or Revolution

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 1782

    In 1782, 150,000 armed volunteers owing no allegiance to the government silently occupied Dublin in overwhelming force. Their ordnance bore the legend 'Free Trade or Speedy Revolution,' and Grattan's resolution declaring Ireland a distinct kingdom with its own legislature was unanimously passed on 16 April 1782.

    Read the passage

    What Irislimaii is ignorant of the glories of 1782, wlien his country, awaking from a long night of degradation, sorrow, and slavery, rose brilliant and fair as the morning star, radiant with new-born freedom — when liberty spoke the word, and up rose at her call 150,000 armed volunteers — owing no allegiance to the government, and fully equipped with artillery, arms, and all the munitions of war ? Silently, rather than sullenly, the volunteers occupied Dublin in overwhelming force, and the earnestness of the patriotic spirit that animated them is sufficiently evident from the legend inscribed on the scroll that surrounded their ordnance, "Pree Trade or Speedy Eevolution V ^ Then a corrupt Parliament met, largely composed of the pensioners, or place holders of the crown, and the nominees of the proprietors of rotten boroughs. But coerced by the spirit and reahties of the times, they unanimously passed Mr. Grattan's celebrated resolution — • " That the kingdom of Ireland is a distinct kingdom with a Parliament of her own, the sole legislature thereof — that there is no body of men competent to make laws to bind the nation but the King, Lords, and Commons of Ireland— nor any Parliament which hath any authority or power of any sort whatsoever in this country, save only the Parliament of Ireland.''''

    This resolution was unanimously passed by the Irish House of Commons on the 16th of April, 1782; and thus after seven hundred years of subjugation— of woes unmitigated — of sorrows unrelieved — of complaints unheeded — and of tyrrany unparaleUed in the history of nations — Ireland in one bold struggle burst her fetters, and gained her freedom !

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni

    As the companion tells it

    Dublin, 1782. Ireland woke from what the source calls a long night of degradation, sorrow, and slavery. 150,000 armed volunteers rose at the call of liberty. They owed no allegiance to the government. They were fully equipped with artillery, arms, and all the munitions of war. Silently, rather than sullenly, they occupied this city in overwhelming force. The earnestness of their patriotic spirit was written on the scroll surrounding their ordnance: Free Trade or Speedy Revolution. Then a corrupt Parliament met, largely composed of pensioners and place holders of the crown, and the nominees of the proprietors of rotten boroughs. But coerced by the spirit and realities of the times, they unanimously passed Grattan's celebrated resolution. It declared that the kingdom of Ireland is a distinct kingdom with a Parliament of her own, the sole legislature thereof. That no body of men was competent to make laws to bind the nation but the King, Lords, and Commons of Ireland. That no Parliament had any authority or power of any sort whatsoever in this country, save only the Parliament of Ireland. That resolution was unanimously passed by the Irish House of Commons on the 16th of April, 1782. After 700 years of subjugation, of woes unmitigated, of sorrows unrelieved, of complaints unheeded, and of tyranny unparalleled in the history of nations, Ireland in one bold struggle burst her fetters and gained her freedom.

53. Wild Geese sail from Limerick to France

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1691

    After the Treaty of Limerick, Irish Jacobite soldiers departed for France in French ships. A division of 4,736 men under Generals d'Usson and Tesse sailed from Limerick, followed by 3,000 men under Wauchop in eight ships. Sarsfield reached Brest on 3 December 1691.

    Read the passage

    Eustace, Talbot, Bedloe, tlie Prince of Wales, Clanricarde and Colonel Birmingham, no"W joined, and made m aU 618 men. It is said by Storey that as they marched through the Irish-town, all their officers could do could not prevent some of them running away. On the 17th, 18th, and 19th, the InniskiUing regiment which had been in Clare, and other regiments mustered beyond the city and prepared to move for Cork, where the shipping lay to receive them. Sarsfield had vigorously and successfully done his part in reference to the preparations for the embarkation. The "wild geese^^ at length made their flight from old Ireland ; and the songs of their country were sung, as they caught the last glimpse of Erin, the land they loved so well, and on whose green fields the bones of so many thousands of then* brothers in arms and companions in sympathy, were now bleaching ! From Limerick a division of 4736 men, under the command of Generals d^Usson and Tesse, sailed in French ships. Wauchop followed in eight ships from Limerick, with 3000 men. Sarsfield, who had previously gone to Cork, remauied there one month, and reached Brest on the 3rd of December. 1691. A dream occupied the minds of these noble men that they would again see the homes of their deepest afl'ections, and rejoice in the restored liberties of their country. Alas ! it was but a dream. Gloomier days were in store for Ireland, and the waU of grief, which was heard from mountain and valley when they went, was expressed by bard and poet in heart-touching verses, some of which have come down to us from those distant days fresh with unfadingbeauty, and warm with the life of genius. Farewell to Patrick Sarsfield was one of them.i

    " This Peter married Elinor, daughter to Terlogh O'Dempsey, Lord Viscount Glanmalier, and had by her Patrick ; he married Anne daughter to Roger Moor, and by her had Patrick, created Lord Lucan by King James II. anno 1688. This Patrick was General to King James's Army, and married Honora daughter to the Earl of Claorickard, who bore him one son named Jacobvs, Franciscus, Edvardus.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 155

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, you are travelling the same ground from which the Wild Geese took flight in 1691. After the Treaty of Limerick, Irish Jacobite soldiers prepared to leave for France. Eustace, Talbot, Bedloe, the Prince of Wales, Clanricarde and Colonel Birmingham joined together, making 618 men in all. Storey records that as they marched through the Irish-town, their officers could not stop some of them running away. On the 17th, 18th and 19th, the Inniskilling regiment from Clare and other regiments mustered beyond the city and prepared to move for Cork, where the shipping waited. Sarsfield had done his part in preparing the embarkation. The wild geese at length made their flight from old Ireland. The songs of their country were sung as they caught their last glimpse of Erin, the land they loved, and on whose green fields the bones of so many thousands of their brothers in arms and companions in sympathy were bleaching. From Limerick, a division of 4,736 men under Generals d'Usson and Tesse sailed in French ships. Wauchop followed in eight ships with 3,000 men. Sarsfield had gone to Cork, stayed one month, and reached Brest on 3 December 1691. A dream occupied the minds of these men, that they would see the homes of their deepest affections again and rejoice in the restored liberties of their country. Alas, it was but a dream. Gloomier days were in store for Ireland. The wail of grief heard from mountain and valley when they went was expressed by bard and poet in heart-touching verses. "Farewell to Patrick Sarsfield" was one of them.

54. William opens trenches and bombards Limerick city

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1690

    On 17 August, Williamite forces opened trenches before Limerick and levelled the city's high towers with great guns. The garrison disputed every inch of ground, sallying forth on the 20th and slaughtering besiegers, while William's forces threw red-hot bullets and bombs into the city.

    Read the passage

    It was on the 17tli — six days after the glorious acliievement at Balljoieety — that the Williamites began to recover from the crushing blow given by the strong arm of Sarsfield. William was determined to proceed with the siege. He sent to Waterford for another train of artillery, and on the 17th opened the trenches before the city. The high towers were soon levelled to the ground by his great guns — the besiegers who fired into the trenches, took two redoubts and a strong fort, but not without loss, because the garrison disputed every inch of ground with all the valour and resolution imaginable. On the 20th the besieged army made a vigorous sally, which retarded the enemy's works, and were not repulsed until after they had made a regular slaughter of the besiegers, who never ceased all the time throwing red-hot bullets and bombs into the city, a species of missile with which the citizens had been unacquainted, but which did not dishearten them. They had generously resolved to co-operate with the troops, to suffer and die rather than fall into the hands of the cruel and remorseless enemy which approached them. It was now that the troops of William manifested their insatiable hatred. They put nearly every Irishman that came in their way to the sword — others they subjected to torture. William was everywhere. As he was proceeding towards Cromwell's fort, he suddenly stopped his horse to speak to an officer, when a twenty-four pound ball grazed the side of the gap where he was goiug to enter, which certainly must have dashed him to pieces, " had not," says the historian of the campaign, " the commanding God of Heaven prevented it, who still reserves him for greater matters."^ If WilKam had been killed at this spot, as fate was so near having it, the political consequences would have been momentous, both in England and Ireland, and the dynasty of the Stuarts might have had a more protracted tenure.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 134

55. Agricultural procession through Limerick streets

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1753

    On 18 May 1753, thousands of country labourers, cottiers, and husbandmen passed through the streets of Limerick in a grand agricultural procession, with ploughs, harrows, scythes, and flails, celebrating the probability of a good ensuing harvest. The next day the counties of Clare and Limerick joined in similar representations.

    Read the passage

    in connection with agricultural affairs.' About noon^ on the 18th of May, 1753, some thousands of persons passed through the streets of Limerick. The country labourers, cottiers, and husbandmen had established a new system of husbandry, and there were "great companies of distinction in the several degrees of agriculture;^' common labourers walked first, the men in their shirts, in ranks; the women also with green corn and straw; the plough was driven along, and the harrow; the mowers had their scythes, the reapers, the gleaners, a great number of women, and a great number of men with flails, walked in the procession. Their object was to congratulate themselves on the probability of a good ensuing harvest. This exliibition was admittedly more important than the Corporation processions, accompanied by the several guilds of trade, in their palmiest displays.^ On the next day the counties of Clare and Limerick joined, and were very particular in their representations of personating the several orders of husbandry in all the branches of it.^

    On the 4th of May, the Prince of Wales' birth-day, the troops in Limerick Uned the town walls and proceeded to hedge firing, the great guns also firing all round the walls.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 193

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up through Limerick now, the city where, on the 18th of May 1753, some thousands of people passed through the streets in a grand agricultural procession. The country labourers, cottiers, and husbandmen had established a new system of husbandry. Common labourers walked first, the men in their shirts, in ranks. The women walked with green corn and straw. The plough was driven along, and the harrow. The mowers had their scythes. The reapers, the gleaners, a great number of women, and a great number of men with flails, all walked in the procession. Their object was to congratulate themselves on the probability of a good ensuing harvest. It was said to be more important than the Corporation processions, when the several guilds of trade put on their palmiest displays. On the next day, the counties of Clare and Limerick joined, and were very particular in their representations, personating the several orders of husbandry in all the branches of it.

56. Boom across the Shannon at Mockbeggar-Mear

    Thomond · street · Dublin · 1642

    The Confederate forces constructed a boom of aspen trees fastened with iron links across the River Shannon opposite a place called Mockbeggar-Mear, within musket shot of the castle, to prevent parliamentary ships from supplying the castle's water gate.

    Read the passage

    While Parsons and Ormonde Avere exerting themselves to restrain the mutinous dispositions which were at this time evinced by the soldiers under their command, the Irish national cause, which had sustained some reverses in Leinster and before Cork, were counterbalanced by the capture of Limerick. In the beginning of June a numerous but ill-disciplined body of troops sat down before it, including Lord Muskerry, General Barry, Pierce Butler, and Viscount Ikerin. The citizens evinced the strongest desire to receive the confederates, to whom they at once opened their gates. An attack on the King's castle was immediately decided on, and Captain George Courtenay, who commanded the place, prepared to defend it. This officer, who was the younger son of Sir Wilham Courtenay, had sixty men of his own company, twenty-eight warders and others, in all amounting to two hundred men, to maintain the defence, but they were much distressed for provisions, which they could only procure by stealth from the city. They had only sixty muskets ; the rest of their arms were petronels, pistols, carabines, and fowlmg pieces, and only five or six casks of powder. The confederates commenced their attack by making a boom across the river opposite a place called Mockbeggar-Mear, within musket shot of the castle.^ It was made with long aspen trees fastened with iron links on the Thomond side to two mill stones, and at the opposite or city side to the tower of the Quay. The object of the boom, the completion of which after several interruptions was at last effected, was to prevent Sir Henry Stradling, who commanded some parliamentary ships on the Shannon, from throwing supplies into the water gate of the castle, and notwithstanding Courtenay's guns, the object was attained. The Irish took possession of St, Mary's Church, on which Muskerry ordered a gun to be mounted, from which they kept up a steady fire upon the castle ; but though the surrender of the place was expected to take place immediately, owing to want of provisions and ammunition, the Castle still held out : they accordingly resolved to undermine it.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 83

    As the companion tells it

    Along here in Thomond, a boom once stretched across the River Shannon at a place called Mockbeggar-Mear. In the beginning of June 1642, a numerous but ill-disciplined body of confederate troops sat down before Limerick, and the citizens opened their gates to them. Lord Muskerry, General Barry, Pierce Butler, and Viscount Ikerin were among the commanders. Captain George Courtenay, younger son of Sir William Courtenay, commanded the King's castle with about 200 men, sixty of his own company, twenty-eight warders and others. They were much distressed for provisions, which they could only procure by stealth from the city. They had only sixty muskets; the rest were petronels, pistols, carabines, and fowling pieces, and only five or six casks of powder. The confederates commenced their attack by making a boom across the river, within musket shot of the castle. It was made with long aspen trees fastened with iron links. On the Thomond side it was fastened to two mill stones, and at the opposite, city side, to the tower of the Quay. The object was to prevent Sir Henry Stradling, who commanded parliamentary ships on the Shannon, from throwing supplies into the water gate of the castle. The completion of the boom was interrupted several times but was at last effected, and notwithstanding Courtenay's guns, the object was attained. The Irish took possession of St Mary's Church, on which Muskerry ordered a gun to be mounted, keeping up a steady fire upon the castle. Though the surrender of the place was expected immediately, owing to want of provisions and ammunition, the castle still held out. They accordingly resolved to undermine it.

57. Carnage in John's Street and Ball's Bridge after the assault

    John's Street · street · Limerick · 1690

    The morning after the 1690 assault on Limerick, heaps of slain soldiers in the uniforms of the Brandenburghers and Drogheda's horse lay in John's Street and from Ball's Bridge up to the breach, with streets flowing with blood.

    Read the passage

    Meetings were held within the walls, and in the camp of the enemy on the following morning, which broke over a scene as terrible and as bloody, as ever battle-field exhibited after fierce contention in the deadly struggle. The streets were flowmg with blood — the blood of friends and foes — ^the latter greatly predommating. The uniforms of the Brandenburghers and of Drogheda''s horse were easily discernible among the heaps of slain that made a mount in John-street, and np from Ball's Bridge to the very mouth of the breach. About the Devi?s Tower, too, there was an awful appearance of carnage — here many a Dutchman was made to bite the dust in unavailing agony, as he strove to master a position which defied the united strength of William's trained and weU-equipped veterans. In several other places about the walls, the helmets of horsemen and the curiously formed hats of infantry, all headless, showed that their owners were sleeping the long sleep from which there is no waking ; and, as the event proved, the killed, missing, and wounded of the enemy numbered some thousands, though Storey, and his copyist in this respect, Harris, are unwilling to admit that they amounted to more than eighteen hundred !^ Not a few of the fair forms of those heroines to whom all William's historians attribute the success of the repulse, lay stretched in death, their pure features smiluig in the rigid stillness of the grave, on the victory which they had aided in winning. Wives looked among the slain for husbands and sons ; and as they found them, the salvoes of triumph which thundered from the Avails, were mingled with the heart-piercing wail of sorrow, which ascended from the voices of those who were deprived by the ruthless invader of the prop and stay of many a cheerful homestead, before the hour that William appeared before those walls, which not only roasted apples did not take, but which stood firm against the

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 137

58. Colonel Vereker's last term as Limerick's MP and Constable

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1800–1809

    Colonel Vereker opposed the Act of Union in every parliamentary division and was re-elected as Limerick's sole MP after the Union passed. He was appointed Governor of Limerick in 1802 and Constable of the Castle of Limerick in 1809, the last person to hold that office.

    Read the passage

    This was the fatal parliament whose corrupt members sold in the most shameless manner for peerages and pensions Ireland's nationality, independence, and honour. Colonel Vereker, faithful among the faithless, adhered to his country with unshaken constancy to the last ; and it is recordedf that Lord Castlereagh anxious to win over the popular and brilliant officer, approached him with that bland machinery of patronage and diplomacy which he had so often used successfully with others. But the gallant soldier's reply was simple and dignified — " Having defended my country with my blood, I shall never betray her with my vote !" In every debate Colonel Vereker raised his voice against the Union ; and his name is recorded in every division ; but by the dint of a profuse expenditure of gold the measure passed and Ireland was ruined ! He was again elected M.P. (now the sole one), for Limerick after the Union. Under the administration of Mr, Pitt, he filled the office of a Lord of the Treasury, from May, 1807, to August, 1810. In 1802 he was appointed Governor of Limerick, and in 1S09 Constable of the Castle of Limerick, being the last to hold that office, which he held till his death.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 237

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Limerick, this is a city Colonel Vereker stood for in the parliament that passed the Act of Union. The book calls that parliament's members corrupt, saying they sold Ireland's nationality, independence, and honour for peerages and pensions. Vereker is called faithful among the faithless. Lord Castlereagh tried to win him over with the same bland patronage and diplomacy that had worked on others. Vereker's reply was simple: "Having defended my country with my blood, I shall never betray her with my vote." In every debate he raised his voice against the Union, and his name is recorded in every division. But the measure passed. After the Union, he was elected again as Limerick's sole MP. He served as a Lord of the Treasury from May 1807 to August 1810. In 1802 he was appointed Governor of Limerick, and in 1809 Constable of the Castle of Limerick. He was the last person to hold that office, and held it until his death.

59. Crossbeg estate forfeited and later repurchased

    near Crossbeg · sub-townland · Clare · 1694–1783

    Crossbeg in county Clare was forfeited in 1694 by Daniel O'Brien, third Viscount Clare, and was later purchased back by James Fitzgerald after having been ninety years out of the family descent. Fitzgerald and his son were connected with every measure for relaxing penal laws against Catholics.

    Read the passage

    ' The circumstances here nan-ated make i:s revert to p. 283, and the history of events of which that page forms a portion, in order to mal<e clear a circumstance in reference to one of those distinguished regiments which followed the fortunes of King James to France — we mean the 4tli regiment of Dismounted Dragoons, which was subsequently known in the continental wars as the regiment of Clare. Ths seventh, an infantry regiment of marines (p. 283), of which Colonel Nicholas Fitzgerald was lieutenant-colonel, when he succeeded the Lord Grand Prior Fitzjames as full colonel, was always afterwuids known as the regiment of Fitzgerald. Colonel Nicholas Fitzgerald was wounded at the battle of Oudenard, and died at Ghent in two days afterwards. He was younger brother of Gerald Fitzgerald, Esq., of Balliuruan, in the parish of Inchicronan, county Clare, and was grand-uncle of the Right Hon. James Fitzgerald, father of Lord Fitzgerald and Vesci. O'Callaghan's Green Booh gives a full account of his highly distinguished military life. The Right Hon. James Fitzgerald was descended through his mother, eldest daughter and heiress of Pierce Lynch, Esq., in the fifth degree from Cornelius O'Brien, second Vicount Clare, through his eldest daughter Ellen, the Knight of Kerry being descended from a younger daughter. The 1-light Hon. James Fitzgerald was thus lineally descended in the seventh degree from Gerald Fitzgerald, the sixteenth Earl of Desmond, through his eldest daughter and heiress, Lady Catherine Fitzgerald, who married Daniel O'Brien, fipt Viscount Clare. No descendant of the third Viscount Clare remains in Ireland, his male line having terminated in Charles O'Brien, sixth Viscount Clare, generally known in his after life as Marshal Count Thomond, he being heir to his cousin, the Earl of Thomond, who died in 1741 (see Historical Memoir of the O'Briens). He commanded the Irish cavalry at Fonteuoy, and was mainly instrumental in gaining that battle. The colonelcy of the regiment of Clare had been presented to him by the personal interposition of the French king, who, at the death of his father the fifth viscount, expressed his repugnance to the idea that a family who, in supporting the cause they espoused, viz., that of Janies II. and the Catholic faith, had sacriticed all except their sword and their honour, should lose the command of their proprietary regiment ; the colonelcy was therefore kept for the llight Hon, James Fitzgerald, now represented by his ■ grandson G. F. Vesey Fitzgerald, Esq., of Crossbeg, county Clare, and Moy vane, county Kerry ; Crossbeg having been purchased by ivir. James Fitzgerald, after having been ninety years out of the family descent, having been forfeited in 1694'by Daniel O'Brien, third Viscount Clare, The Right Hon. James Fitzgerald and his son, Mr. Vesey Fitzgerald, were intimately connected with every measure for relaxing the penal laws against Catholics, from the first relief act passed in 1783, which was brought in by Mr, James Fitzgerald, to the passing of the relief act in 1829, which was so closely interwoven with the Clare election, in which public opinion was brought to a crisis on the question by the i-ejection of Mr. Vesey Fitzgerald in favour of Mr. O'ConnelL Mr. Vesey Fitzgerald, notwithstanding the loss of his position as member for Clare, had the satisfaction of supporting the bill in his place hi the Duke of Wellington's cabinet, against the influences which were exerted against it by the king (Geo. IV.) Mr. Vesey Fitzgerald assumed the names and arms of Vesey and Fitzgerald, by royal license in a.d. 1860, in compliance with the wish of his uncle, William Lord Fitzgerald and Vesci. A very large portion of the forfeited estates of Daniel Viscoimt Clare, and which were purchased jointly with Francis Burton and Nicholas Wesby, Esqis., in 1703, by James MacDonnell, Esq., of Kiikee, a captain in Lord Clare's Dragoons in 1689, and a scion of the House of Dunluce, who married Penelope (sister of Honora, second Viscountess Clare), is now held by his descendant William Edward Armstrong Mac Donnell, Esq., of New Hall and Kiikee, J.P., D.L., High Sheriff of Clare in 1853, Major m the Clare Militia, etc., etc., who married in 1858 the Honourable Juliana Cecilia O'Brien, eldest daughter of Lucius, thirteenth Baron of Inchiquin, who has a son and heir, Charles Randal, born on the 29th of March, 18G2, and two daughters, Mary Gertrude, born on the 9th November, 1859, and Honora Grace, born 29th November, 1860.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 353

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere about Crossbeg, in Clare, there was an estate forfeited in 1694 by Daniel O'Brien, third Viscount Clare. The land stayed out of the family for ninety years, until James Fitzgerald purchased it back. Fitzgerald had a claim on the Clare line through his mother, the eldest daughter and heiress of Pierce Lynch, who was descended in the fifth degree from Cornelius O'Brien, second Viscount Clare. He was also lineally descended in the seventh degree from Gerald Fitzgerald, the sixteenth Earl of Desmond, through Lady Catherine Fitzgerald, who married Daniel O'Brien, first Viscount Clare. No descendant of the third Viscount Clare remained in Ireland. His male line ended with Charles O'Brien, sixth Viscount Clare, known as Marshal Count Thomond, who commanded the Irish cavalry at Fontenoy. The French king personally intervened to keep the colonelcy of the regiment of Clare for James Fitzgerald, saying the family had sacrificed all except their sword and their honour in supporting the cause of James II and the Catholic faith. The Right Hon. James Fitzgerald and his son, Vesey Fitzgerald, were connected with every measure for relaxing the penal laws against Catholics. James Fitzgerald brought in the first relief act in 1783. The relief act of 1829 was closely tied to the Clare election, where Vesey Fitzgerald lost his seat to O'Connell. Despite that loss, Vesey Fitzgerald supported the bill from his place in the Duke of Wellington's cabinet, against pressure from King George IV. The estate passed to his grandson, G. F. Vesey Fitzgerald, of Crossbeg and Moyvane in Kerry.

60. De Clare executes Brian Ruadh O'Brien at Bunratty (1277)

    near Bunratty · parish · Clare · 1277

    In 1277 de Clare put Brian Ruadh O'Brien to death, having had him drawn with horses and torn, despite the fidelity of their matrimonial alliance having been ratified by solemn oaths on all the ancient relics of Munster. This triggered the great wars of Thomond.

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    " A short time afterwards, however, in the year 1277, de Clare put the unfortunate Brian Muadh to death, having had him drawn with horses and torn, not"WT.thstanding that the fidehty of the matrimonial alliance had been ratified by the most solemn oaths on all the ancient relics of Munster ; and it was then indeed that the great wars of Thomond commenced in earnest ; for, notwithstanding the treacherous death of their father, the infatuated soul of Brian Ruadh still adhered to de Clare, and the warfare was kept up with varying success till the year 1318, when Robert de Clare and his son were at last killed, in the battle of Disert O^Dea. After this the party of Brian Ruadh were compelled to fly once more over the Shannon into Ara, in Tipperary, where their descendants have ever since remained under the clann designation of the O^Briens of Ara.

    " The brave Dalcassians having thus rid themselves both of domestic and foreign usurpation, preserved their country, their independence, and their native laws and insitutions, down to the year 1542, when Murroch, the son of Tmioch, made submission to Henry the Eighth, abandoned the ancient and glorious title of the O^Brien, and disgraced his hneage by accepting a patent of his territory from an English king, with the title of the Earl of Thomond.''^ This however is anticipating. We now follow the order of events.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 37