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. Head of O'Ruarc carried off from Singland

   Singland · townland · Limerick · 1088

   During the 1088 invasion of Munster, the invaders carried off the head of O'Ruarc from its place of public exposure at Singland, near Limerick, where it had been displayed since the battle of 1084.

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

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 20

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere close to Singland, the head of O'Ruarc once hung on public display. It had stood there since the battle of 1084, kept where people could see it. In 1088, a great invasion reached Munster. Domnal M'Loughlin, chief of the Hy-Niells, had enforced homage from the king of Connaught and united that prince's forces to his own. With the combined army, he invaded. Before the northern forces joined with those of Connaught, Rory O'Connor's West Connaught men had already defeated Murtagh O'Brien's fleet on Innishayrcuch, the Horned Island, in the Shannon. Murtagh O'Brien was king of Thomond and nominal king of Ireland. He could not strike back with effect. The invaders burned Limerick. They devastated the country as far as Emly, Lough Gur, and Bruree. They besieged and demolished Kincora. And from somewhere near here, they carried off the head of O'Ruarc from its place of exposure. Murtagh was determined to strike the first blow at the king of Connaught. In 1089, he dispatched a fleet as far as Loughree on the Shannon. He plundered churches on the islands and along the shores of the lake, including Innisclothran, Innisboffin, and Innis-aingin. The Dalcassian troops were intercepted on their retreat by the king of Connaught, who had occupied Inishapcuch and Kughra. Forced to turn back to Athlone, they met Donald O'Melaghlin, king of Meath, who gave them safe conduct to Thomond on condition of leaving behind their vessels. With those vessels, the kings of Meath and Connaught descended the Shannon and invaded Thomond once more.

2. Irish army takes Kilmallock, 1642

   Kilmallock · town · Limerick · 1642–1643

   In 1642 the Irish army under Lord Mountgarret took possession of Kilmallock, which was then unsuccessfully besieged the following year by Inchiquin.

   Read the passage

   1642. The Irish army, under Lord Mountgarret, took possession of the town, which was unsuccessfully besieged next year by Inchiquin.

   1645. Lord Castlehaven, commander-in-chief of the Irish army, deposits

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 432

3. John Lloyd's melancholy death at Moyarta, Co. Clare

   Moyarta · parish · Clare · 1790

   John Lloyd, a native of County Limerick who wrote in Irish and contributed to the collection of the Poets of Munster, resided principally in the west of Clare. His death was attended by melancholy circumstances at Moyarta around 1790.

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   Of Bards who wrote in Irish, natives of the county of Limerick, there have been several, viz., David O'Bruadair (Broderick), who was living in 1692 ; Patrick Kelly, who died in 1741 . John Roberts lived in 1778; Patrick Fennell, a schoolmaster at Ballingarry in 1771; John Lloyd, •whose contributions in Irish fill some pages of the collection of the Poets oj Munstbr, and who wrote a short history of the county of Clare, was a native of the county of Limerick. He resided principally in the west of Clare, and taught in private families there. His death was attended by melancholy circumstances at Moyarta, about the year 1790. John Tuomy, some of whose poems also appear among the collections above referred to, died in 177i5, in Limerick; Maurio* Griffin, who lived at Slevereigh, near Ballingarry, in 1778; James Daly, of Loughmora, who was living in 1770, and who composed several exquisite elegies; Thomas Gleeson, of Adare, an expert Latin and Irish scholar; David O'Clery, of Newcastle; James Kennedy, of Kilmallock ; Andrew M'Mahon, who kept a tanyard at Limerick, and who wrote several satires; Nicholas O'Donnell, a native also, who was "high sheriff of the Appolonian court, Cork". These are among the Irish writing bards. In the present century Patrick O'Kelly, author of Killarney, and other English poems, and mentioned in Lockhart's life of Scott, resided here for many years. He was, we believe, a Roscommon man by birth, Edward Moran, in 1823, wrote and published several meritorious verses which he dedicated to Thomas Moore; Mr. Moran afterwards became attached to the Globe and Traveller newspaper in London, of which he was sub-editor for some years. J. Walsh also wrote some good verses, as has the latest of our local bards Michael Hogan, the " Bard of Thomond", who has published several pleasing ballads, and whose poems have appeared in a collected form.

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 455

4. Jubilee Charitable Fund established across Limerick parishes

   Limerick · city · Limerick · 1810

   On 10 September 1810, a Charitable Society was formed in Limerick for the relief of indigent manufacturers and distressed families, modelled on Dublin's Strangers' Friendly Society. Subscriptions were collected across St. Michael's, St. Mary's, St. John's, and St. Munchin's parishes, raising over £1,112, and the fund continued to flourish with an office at 36 Roche's Street in 1865.

   Read the passage

   On the 10th of September, 1810, a Charitable Society was formed for the relief of indigent manufacturers and families in distress, much on the plan of the Strangers' Friendly Society in Dublin. This excellent Charity was begun on the 2nd of November ; several gentlemen went about in the different parishes, and collected Subscriptions for raising a charitable fund for the relief of the poor ; and it was designated the Jubilee Charitable Fund, in consequence of the time in which it was initiated. The following sums were collected : —

   In St. Michael's Parish ... ... ... ... £554 6 8

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 244

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Limerick, on the 10th of September 1810 a Charitable Society was formed for relief of indigent manufacturers and families in distress, much on the plan of the Strangers' Friendly Society in Dublin. The charity began on the 2nd of November. Gentlemen went about different parishes collecting subscriptions. It was called the Jubilee Charitable Fund, in consequence of the time in which it was initiated. Saint Michael's Parish collected £554. Across Saint Mary's, Saint John's, and Saint Munchin's, the fund raised over £1,112, and was flourishing in 1865 at 36 Roche's Street.

5. Kincora and fort of Boromha demolished by O'Connor

   near Kincora · monument · Clare · 1116

   In 1116 Torlogh O'Connor again invaded Thomond and demolished Kincora as well as the fort of Boromha erected by Brian Boru. The Dalcassians failed to avenge the insult under Dermod O'Brien.

   Read the passage

   tlic plains of CoBha iu Tyrone,' on wliicli occasion the royal tent and marly Valuable jewels were captured.''^ The following years are chiefly occupied with resultless campaigns between Murtagh and Macloughlin, and the interposition of the clergy in bringing about temporary pacifications. In 1114, say the amials/ " a great fit of sickness attacked Murtagh O'Brien, so that he became a living skeleton, and resigned his kingdom; and Diarmuid (his brother) assumed the kingdom of Munster after him without pennission/^ During Murtagh^s absence in Leinster, Thomond was invaded by Torlogh O'Connor, king of Connaught, who plundered the country as far as Limerick, and carried off spoil and prisoners. On this occasion Donald O'Brien, son of Teige, was slain while defending his country against the invaders. In the second year after also, 1116, Torlogh O'Connor again invaded Thomond, and advancing Avithout resistance, demolished Kincora as well as the fort of Boromha, which had been erected by Brian Boru — an insult which the Dalcassians vainly attempted to avenge under Dermod, brother of Murtagh O'Brien, who led an army into Connaught, but was repulsed and obliged to make a precipitate retreat. In 1117, Thomond was again invaded by the forces of Connaught, commanded by Brian, son of Morrogh O'Elaherty, and the son of Cathal O'Connor, who defeated the Munster troops first at Leacan in West Thomond, and afterwards at Latteragh in Ormond, with still greater loss. The death of Dermod O'Brien was followed in a year by that of his brother Murtagh. Tliis event took place in 1119, and this eminent prince, whose character ranked so high in his lifetime that he was often consulted by the king of England, Henry I., was buried in the cathedral of Killaloe, which, from the time of the donation of Cashel to the Church, to the period of the Anglo-Norman invasion, became the residence of the descendants of the illustrious Brian Boru.

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 21

6. Knights Templars at Mungret Castle and Carrigogunnell

   Mungret · town · Limerick

   The Knights Templars occupied the old Castle of Mungret and are still spoken of with great reverence in the neighbourhood for their piety and warlike spirit. Tradition holds they occasionally did garrison duty at Carrigogunnell, and local belief claims a subterraneous passage connected their house with that castle.

   Read the passage

   must have been built somewhat in the style of Columbkill's House at Kells, St. Molua's at Killaloe, and St. Kevin's at Glendalough, was like these venerable stmctures, probably covered with large slate-like stones, several of which have been turned up in the field immediately adjacent to the building. The well known legend of the " wise women of Mungret", monks who disguised themselves in female attire, and who frightened away by their extraordinary learning certain professors from Lismore, who had come to test it, is familiar to every person in the vicinage. It is illustrative too of the admiration always felt for martial prowess by the Irish, that those soldier monks, the Knights Templars, who occupied the old Castle of Mungret, are still spoken of with great reverence in the neighbourhood, not only for their piety but their warlike spirit. If tradition can be relied on, they occasionally did garrison duty at Carrig-o-gunnell, and were well disposed, if not actually bound by engagement, to render military service when called on.'

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 310

7. Land sale with Shannon fishing weirs near Ballina, 1631

   Ballina · town · Tipperary · 1631

   Daniel FitzTerlagh O'Brien sold Dr. Thomas Arthur the fee simple of plow-lands in the Barony of Arra, Parish of Temple-an-Calha, near Ballina, including fishing weirs on the Shannon, for £200. Kennedy M'Donough O'Bryen sold adjoining half-quarters called Mehannach and Droumnakearten for £31 the same day.

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   Land changed hands to a great extent in these troubled and disastrous years ; and bargains were struck, which are hardly paralleled in the cheap dealings of the more modern Incumbered Estates^ Coui't. Dr. Thomas Arthur states,, that Daniel FitzTerlagh O^Brien of Aunagh, in Ormond, Esq., on the 1st of September, 1631, sold him the absolute fee simple of two plow-lands and a quarter, less one-eight and fortieth part of a plow-land, in the Barony or Cantred of Arra, Co. Tipperary, in the Parish of Templean-Calha, near BalKna, with the fishing wehs thereunto belongmg, in the river Shannon, for £200 ! He states moreover, that Daniel's foster brother, Kennedy M^Donough O^'Bryen, sold him on the same day, the half quarter of a plow-land, called Mehannach, and the half quarter of a plowland, called Droumnakearten, for £31 ! ! In order to warrant and defend aU these lands against all persons unto him (Dr. Arthur), his heirs and assigns, Moriartagh O'Bryen, son and heir of Daniel Kennedy M'Donough, procured John O'Kennedy of Douneally, William O'Kennedy of Lissenaragid, and Conor O'Cleary of Bruodyr, " all gentlemen of Ormond," to become bound with them in one thousand pounds bond of the statute staple, acknowledge to him at Limerick, 6th January, 1636. It is a startling fact that in a few years afterAvards, these gentlemen of Ormond, the O^Kennedys of Lissenaragid, and of Dounally, figure in the Book of Distributions as forfeiters.

   WentwortVs progress in Connaught was made in 1635, to try by inquisition the King's title to the counties of Roscommon, Shgo, Mayo, and Galway, and the county of the town of Galway ; in tliis he was successful. Galway alone opposing — but the sheriff and jurors, composed of the principal inhabitants of the county, confessed the King^s right, after they had been sent to the Star Chamber, and gave in their oaths to that effect in the Court of Exchequer.^ The case of tenures upon the Defective Titles was decided in a solemn judgment by all the Irish judges. Five of the judges concurred in the opmion that the holders of the Letters Patent from the King or any of

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 80

8. Large Danish rath at Ardmayle, Longfield estate

   Ardmayle · townland · Tipperary

   A rath of great extent and beauty, attributed to Turgesius and his Danish followers, is located at Ardmayle near the residence of Charles Bianconi on the Longfield estate in County Tipperary. It is cited as an example of Danish fortification and burial custom.

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

   * " Callachan, King of Soutli Mnnster. as.xembling his chiefs, exhorted them to arm everj'- where against the Danep, Mhereupon Limerick was selected for their first attack. A thousand of

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 11

9. Limerick Corporation dissolved by Municipal Reform

   Limerick · city · Limerick

   The Corporation of Limerick was dissolved by the measure of Municipal Reform in 1841. Throughout the years preceding dissolution, the same spoliation of public revenues and reckless admission of freemen marked their proceedings.

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   period at wliicli we have arrived and tlie dissolution of that body by the measure of Municipal Reform in 1841. The same names_, with very few exceptions, constituted the common council; the same spoliation of the public revenues marked their proceedings ; the same reckless admission of freemen was practised. The Mayor was largely reimbursed for " expenses/" of which there docs not appear to have been ever a clear account given.

   At Adare, in October, 1830/ the Duke of Northumberland, then on a visit to Lord Dunraven, was addressed by the Corporation, who proceeded to Adare Manor, headed by the Mayor, when the freedom of the city was] unanimously awarded to his Excellency, as also to Sir Edward BlakeneyJ General Sir Charles Doyle, &c. Early in 1831, the Corporation addressed! the Marquis of Anglesea on his accession to the Viceroyalty.

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 276

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Limerick, you are in a city whose Corporation was dissolved by the measure of Municipal Reform in 1841. For years before that, the same spoliation of the public revenues marked their proceedings, and the same reckless admission of freemen was practised. The common council was made up of the same names, with very few exceptions. The Mayor was largely reimbursed for expenses, of which there does not appear to have been ever a clear account given. In October 1830, at Adare, the Corporation proceeded to Adare Manor, headed by the Mayor, and unanimously awarded the freedom of the city to the Duke of Northumberland, then on a visit to Lord Dunraven, and also to Sir Edward Blakeney and General Sir Charles Doyle. Early in 1831, the Corporation addressed the Marquis of Anglesea on his accession to the Viceroyalty.

10. Limerick council pleads with papal envoy Scarampi

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1643

    The Mayor and Council of Limerick wrote to papal envoy Peter Francis Scarampi explaining their anxiety over his unexpected arrival at the city gates. They feared the bishop's faction would use his presence to sway the populace against them amid domestic political tensions.

    Read the passage

    Meantime, while we were circumstanced in such peril, after we had passed several months suspected, and apprehensive in avoiding and laying stratagems alternately, behold we learned by sudden report that your Lordship would come hither in a few days, which kept us in a state of anxiety and solicitude : for we feared lest some clandestine embassy sent by our adversaries would draw you over to give credit to their attempts by your presence, being sufficiently assured ; and having clearly foreseen that if j-our most illustrious Lordship should influence the minds of the citizens, while hesitating, vacillating, and in suspense, that we should lose our cause, which is so legitimate and of so great moment, and on which our own safety and that of the whole community depends, and that the populace, being won over, would raise some disturbance in the city ; wherefore we judged that it was of the utmost consequence to the public interest, as soon as possible, to entreat you through our envoys, that you would be pleased to make a longer delay at Cashel while we should provide for ourselves and the interests of our community ; which care kept us so anxious and busy employed, and distracted our attention, that we had not time to pay your Lordship the respects due from your humble servants, by suitable honors and adequate preparations ; and that presently when we had transacted the business which was then to be done in the city, that your Lordship's arrival would be most grateful to us. But our envoy having by no means obtained his point, brought us word that your most illustrious Lordship had decided to ride up to our gates for the purpose of seeing our Bishop [Presul] ; from which unexpected reply that former suspicion of ours received a great aggravation, respecting the clandestine and crafty pronouncement of your arrival by our antagonists, which we could not be led to expect would take place, until astonished by the sudden intelligence of your being mounted on horseback before our gates. We at length adopted the resolution, that our envoy should explain to you in what anxiety about present circumstances our Council and people were involved and engaged, and to request in our name, that for that night at least you would go to either of the splendid houses distant not more than one mile, of Mr. Jordan Roch, Town Councillor, or Nicholas Haly, Esq. also a fellow-citizen of ours, where j'ou would be honourably received, and there on the next morning kindly await the further wishes of the Council. Waiting in the meantime to see if we should happen to learn from some of your attendants or household secretaries, something that would remove that scruple about the designs of the adverse faction, and had that happened according to our desires, we would receive you freely, and, as the saying is, with open arms ; but your hasty and more distant withdrawal disappointed both of us in our wishes and expectation.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 87

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, the city carries a story from 1643, when its Mayor and Council wrote to papal envoy Peter Francis Scarampi. They told him they had spent months under suspicion, laying stratagems and avoiding danger, when sudden word came that he would arrive in a few days. This threw them into anxiety. They feared their adversaries had sent some clandestine embassy to draw him to their side, and that if his presence swayed the citizens, who were hesitating and vacillating, the Council would lose a cause they called legitimate and of great moment, on which their own safety and that of the whole community depended. They feared the populace, won over, would raise a disturbance in the city. They sent envoys to ask him to delay longer at Cashel while they sorted their affairs, saying they had not even had time to pay him the honours due from humble servants. Their envoy failed. Word came back that Scarampi had decided to ride up to their gates to see their Bishop. This aggravated their suspicion that their antagonists had craftily arranged his arrival. They resolved to ask him to spend that night at least at one of two splendid houses nearby, that of Mr. Jordan Roch, Town Councillor, or Nicholas Haly, a fellow-citizen, where he would be honourably received, and to await the Council's wishes the next morning. They hoped to learn from his attendants something that would remove their scruple about the designs of the adverse faction, and if that happened they would receive him, as the saying goes, with open arms. But his hasty and more distant withdrawal disappointed them in both their wishes and their expectation.

11. Limerick Dominican convent erected into university, 1644

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1644

    By authority of Pope Julius II and the Chapter Generalissimo of the order in 1644, the Limerick Dominican convent was erected into a university or general study, along with Dublin, Cashel, Athenry, and Coleraine—one for each province.

    Read the passage

    Lombardj, by liis own proper autlioritj, as well as by that of Pope Julius II., and, with four others, it was erected into a university or general study, by the Chapter Generalissimo of the order in 1644. The other places thus favoured were Dublin, Cashel, Athenry, and Coleraine — one for each of the provinces.' Thomas Curchaeus was prior, but in what year is not certain. Considerable endowments were formerly bestowed upon this monastery by James Fitzgerald, Earl of Desmond.^

    Among the remarkable members of the Dommioan order of Limerick convent were : —

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 373

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, there is the story of its Dominican convent. In 1644, the Chapter Generalissimo of the order erected it into a university or general study. This was done by Lombard's own authority, and by that of Pope Julius II. Four other places received the same favour: Dublin, Cashel, Athenry, and Coleraine, one for each province. Thomas Curchaeus was prior of the Limerick convent, though the year is not certain. James Fitzgerald, Earl of Desmond, had bestowed considerable endowments on the monastery in earlier times.

12. Limerick mayoralty vacant four years after surrender

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1651–1655

    After the surrender of Limerick, the mayoralty remained vacant for four years, with the government of the city vested in a governor appointed by Ireton rather than a civilian mayor.

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    The Mayoralty of Limerick continued vacant for four years from the date of the surrender, the government of the city being vested in a governor appointed by Ireton.

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

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 105

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, the city where after the surrender the mayoralty stayed vacant for four years. No civilian mayor held office. Instead the government of the city was vested in a governor appointed by Ireton. In 1653, writing under date May 7th from Chester, he states that they shipped away in the Cardiff frigate £40,000 to Dublin, and that Sir Hardress Waller is gone in the same ship. They proceeded to sea with a fair wind the day before, and it was hoped it would bring them to their desired port speedily. A letter from Tralee on the 19th of April states that there came from Limerick two vessels with near six weeks' provisions of bread for the forces.

13. Limerick see left vacant 1702–1720 amid persecution

    Rathkeale · town · Limerick · 1702–1720

    After the death of Dr. Moloney in 1702, the see of Limerick remained without a Catholic bishop until 1720, governed by a vicar-general, Dr. James Stretch, P.P. of Rathkeale. The vacancy was caused by ceaseless persecutions following King William's success.

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    The see of Limerick, which was governed for many years by a vicargeneral, in the person of the Very Rev. Dr. James Stretch, or Stritch, P.P. of Rathkeale, remained without a Catholic bishop from the period of the death of the Right Rev. Dr. Moloney in 1702, to the year 1720, wholly owing to the ceaseless persecutions which continued to rage after the success of King William, and the passionate vehemence of the dominant faction, which could only satiate its vengeance by depriving the Catholics of every shred of political power and social position, in violation of solemn treaties, and against the dictates of reason and of justice. At length the Court of Rome judged it proper to confer the dignity of the see on Cornelius O'Keeffe, a native of the county Cork, of the ancient family of the O'Keeffes of Clounna-Phricane. He had studied with distinction at Toulouse, where he became a doctor of divinity, and he enjoyed the rectorship of the parish of St. Chronicleu, in the diocese of Nantz, when the Holy See selected him to supply the position which had been occupied by a long line of illustrious men who preserved the faith in the midst of every danger. Denis O'KeefFe, the father of the bishop, was expelled from his old family estate of " Dun", on the river Bride, by the ruthless Cromwell".- After many hardships he settled at Drumkeene, in the county of Limerick, where he left six sons, viz., Daniel, Dermott, Philip, Donatus, Luke, and Cornelius, the bishop. In the year above mentioned, Cornelius O'KeefFe took possession of his see of Limerick, which he carefully governed for the space of seventeen years, his death having taken place in 1737. He founded three burses in the Irish College of Paris for boys of the name of O'KeefFe, of the family he was himself; he prescribed rules for the government of the burses, and

    ' Sir David Nairne's Stuart State Papers iu the Bodleian Librarj. Sir David Nairne was private secretary of King James for many years. ^ D' Alton's Kinr/ James's Army List,

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 355

14. Limerick Union loyal corps formed

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1776

    On 1 February 1776, a loyal corps called the Limerick Union was formed by Mr. Thomas Smyth, with uniform blue faced with buff and motto 'Amicitia Juncta.' The corps, composed principally of Protestant citizens, did garrison duty in the city when regular soldiers were called abroad.

    Read the passage

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

    On the 27th of August in the same year, the Duke and Duchess of Leinster arrived at the house of the Eight Hon. Edward Sexton Pery, speaker of the House of Commons, in Newtown- Pery, as the new portion of the City was now called, and which Twiss, the traveller, in his visits to the city a year afterwards, describes as containing a few" straggling brick houses, and from which he went to view the remarkable lake and antiquities of Lough Gur, within ten miles of the city."*

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 205

15. Limping soldier begging at Howth

    Howth · townland · Dublin · 1690–1691

    The poet observes a limping soldier on the brow of Beinn Eadair (Howth), who battled and bled for the Stuart cause the previous year but is now begging for his bread.

    Read the passage

    All hail to thee, Beinn Eadair ! But, ah, on thy brow

    I see a limping soldier, who battled, and who bled Last year in the cause of the Stuart, though now The worthy is begging his bread !

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 156

16. Lord George Howard petitions from Clonmel to live in Dublin

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1691

    Lord George Howard of Norfolk, then at Clonmel, humbly petitioned for permission to live in Dublin, offering security for his peaceable demeanour, illustrating the restrictions placed on individuals during the post-Limerick period.

    Read the passage

    noisome dungeon j' while protection was given to the Newports, the Vanhomrighs, the Pelhams, the Trevors, the Guys of the day, the unfortunate natives as well as the descendants of the Auglo-Norman invaders, because they were Catholics, were hunted like wild beasts, or given a permissive existence — like that granted on the humble petition " of Lord George Howard, of Norfolk, then at Cloumel, to live in Dublin, he having oftered security for his peaceable demeanour ihere."'^ During the heat and terror of the war several distinguished natives of Ireland, as well of the Royalist as of the Williamite party, proceeded to England, where they remained until '^peace^' was proclaimed. A long and rather interesting letter was written to Sir Eobert Southwell, and signed by several of those who had gone to reside in Bristol — ^it is dated December 26, 1691, after the reduction of Limerick, when the writers were about to return to Ireland, " but were prevented by the news that the army of Ireland was about to be withdrawn for England, and the quiet of the country effected by native force ^^^ the impracticability of which, in their estimation, the letter enters into at much length. The writers state that they are Irish merchants; but they afford an extraordinary idea of their feelings and prejudices, by the fact that they feared to return to their country unless they came under " the protection^' of Orange bayonets ; and that they speedily succeeded to the fullest extent of their desires there can be no question. It was necessary not only to get up but to keep up alarms at all hazards, and in the teeth of the greatest improbabilities. While the House of Commons was granting enormous sums of money to greedy jobbers " to discharge debts and arrears on the civil list, confirming outlawries and attainders, recommending persons to offices in Ireland," " who merited the notice of the King for their zeal and service in the Protestant cause^"* — throwing sops to noisy placemen — and keeping up, for a purpose, the fear of a French invasion, rumours of conspiracies against William's hfe were quite general. In a letter of September 9th, 1697, Narcissus Marsh, the Anglican Bishop of DubUn, one of the Lords Justices of Ireland, writes :— that one Madden, an ex-officer in Jameses army, had discovered a plot of Toole and Bromfield — and Toole's purpose, he says, was to buy horses and shoot the King in his coach !* This was a mere delusion.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 163

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up through Clonmel now, in Tipperary. In 1691, after the fall of Limerick, this was a place where a man's freedom depended on his religion. Lord George Howard of Norfolk was here at Clonmel, and he humbly petitioned for permission to live in Dublin, offering security for what the record calls his peaceable demeanour there. That word, permissive, matters. Catholics, even descendants of the Anglo-Norman invaders, were hunted or given a permissive existence. Howard's petition was that kind of permission. He had to ask, and offer sureties, simply to reside in the capital. The reduction of Limerick had ended the war, but alarms were kept up. Irish merchants who had gone to Bristol wrote to Sir Robert Southwell on the 26th of December 1691. They were about to return to Ireland, but were prevented by news that the army of Ireland was to be withdrawn for England. They feared to come home unless under what they called the protection of Orange bayonets. The House of Commons was granting sums to discharge debts on the civil list, confirming outlawries and attainders, and recommending persons for service in the Protestant cause. The fear of French invasion and rumours of conspiracies against William's life were kept general. Years later, in 1697, Narcissus Marsh, Anglican Bishop of Dublin and one of the Lords Justices, wrote that an ex-officer in James's army named Madden had discovered a plot by Toole and Bromfield. Toole's purpose, he said, was to buy horses and shoot the King in his coach. That, the author says, was a mere delusion.

17. Mayor obliged to admit new freemen by mandamus

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1814

    On June 8th, the Mayor and Corporation were obliged to admit John Tuthill and James O'Sullivan to the freedom of the city by mandamus from the King's Bench, founded on the Ennis jury verdict of March 11th.

    Read the passage

    June 8th.— The Mayor and Corporate body obliged to admit the following persons to thefreedom of the city, in consequence of a mandamus from the King's Bench, founded on the verdict of the jury at Ennis on the 11th of March previous ;— John Tuthill, Esq., and James O'Sullivan, merchant. Lord Glentworth was likewise entitled, but did not attend to make his claim. Several new claims made. , .„ , . , „ ...

    June 12th Major Stoddart, of the 10th Enniskillen Dragoons, killed by a fall over his horse s

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 246

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Limerick now. In June 1814, the Mayor and Corporation here were obliged to admit John Tuthill and James O'Sullivan, a merchant, to the freedom of the city. It came by a mandamus from the King's Bench, founded on a jury verdict at Ennis on the 11th of March. Lord Glentworth was likewise entitled, but did not attend to make his claim. Several new claims were also made.

18. Mont de Piété pledges and lending activity

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1837–1841

    Between 1837 and 1840, the Mont de Piété in Limerick generated gross profit of £3,940, received 460,895 pledges, and lent £78,595 on pledges. The institution aimed to spare the humbler classes from paying higher interest rates charged in private pawn establishments.

    Read the passage

    In seasons of severe epidemic, as at the outbreak of the cholera morbus in 1832, thehospital was of iucalculablebenefitto the citizens, as ithas been also in all cases of accidents, whenever immediate relief is demanded by the sufferer. It is supplied with a large board room in which there is a well painted portraitofthefounder,snrroundedby his sons,projectingthe charity. The Board Boom is furnished with surgical apparatus, a library for medical reference, and a remarkably well-executed picture of the Barrington family, founders of the Hospital, which was painted by Cregan, President of the Royal Hibernian Academy, There are two other pictures in the Hospital, one of the Good Samaritan, and the other, of Christ healing the Sick, which were painted by John Murphy, a young Limerick artist, and protegee of Sir Matthew Barrington, in London. It would be a great pity that so deservingan institution should decay orfail from want of spirited support. In addition to the hospital, the late Sir Matthew Barrington projected, and in 1837, built a Mont de Pi^te or charitable Pawn office, which while it existed gave relief by way of loan or pledge at a very moderate rate of interest. The Mont de Plete which was founded on the plan of those of the same name in Italy, France, Belgium, &c., has ceased since 1845, to have an existence as such; it is built in close proximity to the hospital, and is an object of architectural ornament to the city. Since 1847 it has been converted into a police barrack. Sir Matthew Barrington's intention in building the Mont de Piete was that the profits which he anticipated would arise from it, should be allocated to the exigencies of the hospital, which even in its incipiency did not meet with the support which it merited. He placed an active manager over the Montde Piete, but though debentures varying from £5 to £500, bearing interest at the rate of six per cent, were freely taken, by which its capital was created, it did not realise the sanguine expectations of its benevolent and enterprising founder. From 1837 to 1840, the gross profit was £3940 10s. 2|d. The total number of pledges received since the openingof the establishment up to March 19th, 1841,was4G0,S95; the amount lent on pledges in four years above stated was £78,595 9s. OJd. — theamount received forreleasedarticles,£71,0058s.7d. Sir MatthewBarrington had another design in establishingthis institution, namely that the humblerclasses whohave been in the habitoffrequentingpawn offices should not pay the higher rate of interest on loans which are charged in private establishments. In the palmiest days, however, of the Mont de Piete there ^ Now and since November, 1847, George's Quay Police Barrack.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 273

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, this city once held a charitable pawn office founded by Sir Matthew Barrington. He projected and built the Mont de Piété in 1837, near the hospital, intending its profits to support that institution. The hospital itself had been founded by the Barrington family and furnished with a library for medical reference, surgical apparatus, and several paintings, including one of the Barrington family by Cregan, President of the Royal Hibernian Academy. Two other pictures, the Good Samaritan and Christ healing the Sick, were painted by John Murphy, a young Limerick artist and protégé of Sir Matthew Barrington in London. The Mont de Piété was founded on the plan of similar institutions in Italy, France, and Belgium. Barrington placed an active manager over it, and debentures varying from £5 to £500, bearing interest at six per cent, were freely taken to create its capital. From 1837 to 1840 the gross profit was £3,940 10s. 2d. The total number of pledges received from its opening to March 19th, 1841, was 460,895. The amount lent on pledges in those four years was £78,595 9s. 0.5d. The amount received for released articles was £71,005 8s. 7d. Barrington's design was that the humbler classes should not pay the higher rates of interest charged in private pawn establishments. The institution ceased to exist as such after 1845, and since 1847 it has served as George's Quay Police Barrack.

19. Murtagh O'Brien possibly died at Armagh

    near Armagh · town · Armagh · 1119

    Keating states his belief that Murtagh O'Brien, the last supreme monarch of his race, died at Armagh.

    Read the passage

    Murtagh had three sons, Domhnal, appointed Governor of DubHn, who embraced a monastic life in 1118 ; Mahon, the ancestor of the Mac Mahons of Corkabaskin, and Kennedy, of whom there is no further notice. Murtagh O'Brien, as Malmsbury, a contemporary author, informs us,"* made aUiances with other foreign princes besides Henry I. of England. He gave one of his daughters to Arnulph de Montgomery, eldest son of the Earl of Arimdel in England, whom he is said to have assisted in his rebellion against Henry I. ; and another to Sicard, son of Magnus king of Norway. Keating states his belief that Murtagh died at Armagh. He was the last supreme monarch of liis race.

    ' Annals of Fonr Masters.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 21

20. National Bank branch established in Limerick

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1834

    In October 1834, the Mayor William Piercey presided at a meeting at the Commercial Buildings in Limerick to establish a National Bank branch. The bank was set up in a house in Brunswick Street formerly the residence of David Roche M.P., with proposed capital of £250,000.

    Read the passage

    ' The Bank was established in the house in Brunswick-street, which had been the residence of Mr. David Koche, M.P., and from it removed to the more spacious premises in George's street in 1850. This house in Brunswick-street is now (1865) the Union Bank.

    June 11th. — The Astrea, filled with emigrants, bound from Limerick to Quebec, reported to be lost, with 240 lives. Supposed that she got upon the ice off Halifax in a fog.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 277

    As the companion tells it

    A National Bank branch was established in Limerick in 1834. Mayor William Piercey presided at a meeting at the Commercial Buildings to set it up. The bank opened in a house in Brunswick Street that had been the residence of David Roche, Member of Parliament. The proposed capital was £250,000. The bank later moved to more spacious premises in George's Street in 1850. By 1865 the Brunswick Street house had become the Union Bank.

21. Octennial Bill elections in Limerick city and county, 1768

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1768

    During the agitation over the Octennial Bill, Limerick was a constant scene of electioneering intrigue, with coffee houses full of rumours and ladies joining discussions at Oyster Clubs. On 1 August 1768, Charles Smyth and Edmond Sexton Pery were elected for the city, while Silver Oliver and Hugh Massy were elected for the county.

    Read the passage

    though each coffee house^ was full of rumours as to who would be his supporters, it was quite clear that against the powerful influence of Smyth and Pery, he had no chance of success. Ladies took a warm interest in these elections, and did not fail to mingle in discussions even at the Oyster Clubs, as to the relative merits of the respective candidates.^ With such aids and exertions, it was no difficult matter to foresee in whose favour fortune Avas most likely to declare. Accordingly, on the 1st of August, 1768, Mr. Charles Smyth was again elected, and with him Mr. Edmond Sexton Pery ; whilst on the same day, Mr. Silver Oliver and Mr. Hugh Massy were elected members for the County of Limerick.''

    ' Gough'3 in Quay-lane, was the fashionable coffee house. — O'Keefe, and after him Fitz-

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 202

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Limerick now. Back in 1768, this whole city was caught up in electioneering over the Octennial Bill. Every coffee house was full of rumours about who would back whom. Gough's in Quay-lane was the fashionable coffee house of the day. Even the ladies took a warm interest, mingling in the discussions at the Oyster Clubs about the merits of the candidates. Against the powerful influence of Smyth and Pery, one man had no chance of success. On the 1st of August 1768, Charles Smyth was elected again, and with him Edmond Sexton Pery, for the city. On the same day, Silver Oliver and Hugh Massy were elected for the County of Limerick.

22. Orange Order Persecution of Catholics in Armagh

    near Armagh · town · Armagh

    Plowden and Madden noted the extermination of 7,000 Catholics in Armagh, an event questioned by Lord Clare and a secret committee regarding the Orange oath of extermination.

    Read the passage

    - Madden — a copy of the oath by •which Orangemen are said to bind themselves to " exterminate the Catholics of Ireland, as far as lies in their power," may be seen in Plowden's "Historical Disquisition on the Orange Societies in Ireland, " 1810, page 54, though its authenticity has been disclaimed by several of the Orange party. But if it is not authentic, why did Lord Clare and the secret committee who acted under their directions, question Arthur O'Connor whether Government had anything to do with their oath of extermination ? Plowden might have added, as Dr. Madden well observes, that the extermination of 70U0 Catholics in Armagh would be impossible if such an obligation did not exist.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 229

23. Patients removed to new County Hospital/Infirmary

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1811

    On 15 June 1811, patients were removed to the new County Hospital or Infirmary, which had 60 beds and cost £7,000 to build. A large room in the rear received bodies of executed murderers for dissection under an Act of Parliament since repealed.

    Read the passage

    On the 15th of June the patients were removed to the new County Hospital or Infirmary. In this infirmary was a large room in the rere for the reception of the bodies of executed murderers, who by Act of Parliament (since repealed) were ordered to be given to the several County Infirmaries of Ireland for dissection. The hospital has 60 beds and can accommodate a large number of patients. The male and female departments are strictly separated. The building cost £7000.

    A windmill in the N. Liberties demolished, and the materials sold. It had been built about six years before, by James Mahon ; it was situate on the right of the Ennis Road, about a mile and a quarter from Thomond Bridge.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 237

24. Peace with France proclaimed in Limerick

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1814

    Peace with France following Bonaparte's banishment to Elba was proclaimed in Limerick on 27 June 1814. Prices that had been unprecedentedly high the month before fell, ruining many speculators.

    Read the passage

    vindicate the rights of petition, and to denounce the conduct of the government. Mr. John Howley, jun.' had presided at the Limerick meeting which took place on the 24th of August, 1812, and which was attended by Daniel O'Connell, Counsellor Casey, Counsellor O'Gorman, &c., and which was a noble meeting, where resolutions were adopted proclaiming the right of petition, thanking the most noble the Earl of Fingal for having taken his proper place at the head of the Cathohcs of Ireland, thanking the honest Protestant, George Lidwell, Esq., and declaring their determination to cooperate with the general committee of the Catholics of Ireland for a redress of grievances. 2 The fight was carried on nobly, unflinchingly, and resolutely. The Catholic Board was formed by Daniel O'Connell, and continued to work zealously ; but on the 4th of June, 1814, the Lord Lieutenant and Privy Council issued aproclamation by which they declared the CathoHc Board an unlawful assembly, and ordered all to abstain from its proceedings ! This did notdampthe ardour of theCatholics. To add to the troubles of the times, an unexpected peace with France was proclaimed, by the banishment of Bonaparte to Elba. The]?eacewasproclaimed on the 27th of June in Limerick, whenprices which the month before had been unprecedentedly high, fell, to the ruin of many speculators. Among themilitiaregimentsdisembodiedinthemonth after,wasthe county of Limerick regiment, whena mutiny had nearly resulted, owing to thefact

    ' The present Mr. Sergeant Howler, Q.C. * State of the Catholic Cause, Dublin, 1812.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 247

    As the companion tells it

    As the road brings you through Limerick, the city carries a story from the summer of 1814. Two years before, on the 24th of August 1812, a great meeting was held here, chaired by John Howley, junior, and attended by Daniel O'Connell, Counsellor Casey, and Counsellor O'Gorman. Resolutions were adopted proclaiming the right of petition, thanking the Earl of Fingal for taking his proper place at the head of the Catholics of Ireland, thanking George Lidwell, and declaring their determination to cooperate with the general committee of the Catholics of Ireland for a redress of grievances. Daniel O'Connell formed the Catholic Board, which continued to work zealously. But on the 4th of June 1814, the Lord Lieutenant and Privy Council issued a proclamation declaring the Catholic Board an unlawful assembly and ordering all to abstain from its proceedings. This did not damp the ardour of the Catholics. To add to the troubles of the times, an unexpected peace with France was proclaimed, following the banishment of Bonaparte to Elba. The peace was proclaimed in Limerick on the 27th of June 1814. Prices that the month before had been unprecedentedly high then fell, to the ruin of many speculators. In the month after, the county of Limerick militia regiment was disembodied, and a mutiny had nearly resulted.

25. Pestilence strikes Limerick, killing Mayor Comyn

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1521–1522

    During his second mayoralty of Limerick, David Comyn died of a terrible pestilence that prevailed all over the city. He was succeeded as mayor by Nicholas Arthur on the 4th of September.

    Read the passage

    Henry 8) David Comyn was for the second time Mayor of Limerick; Nicholas, son of Thomas Fitzwilliam Arthur, was Mayor for the second time in this year also : William Panning and Andrew Harold were Baihffs. David Comyn died during his Mayoralty of a terrible pestilence, which prevailed all over the city ; and on the 4th of September he was succeeded by Nicholas Arthur. Dr. Arthur does not fail to remark that it was now the supreme Pontiff conferred on Henry 8th the title of " Defender of the Paith,^'' in consequence of " the book he pubhshed against Luther -" and that " the Turks invaded the island of Ehodes.-'^'

    It was in this reign (28th Henry 8th, cap. 15) it was enacted that none of the king's subjects shall be shaven above the ears, or wear the hau* on their heads like long locks called Glibhes, or have any hair on their upper hps called a Crommeal, or wear any shirt, smock or kercJier, Beudel Neckerchotir , Mocket or Linnen cap coulr'd with saffron, nor wear above seven yards of cloth in their slivrt or smock, and no woman to wear any coat or kirtle tuckM up, or embroidered with silk or laid with Usker, after the Irish fashion ; and none to wear any mantles, coat or hood, made after the Irish fashion ; a forfeiture of the thing so worn (to be seized by any of the king's true subjects) and also the penalties following : —

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 46

26. Pestilence sweeps Limerick, kills Mayor Comyn

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1521

    In 1521, a terrible pestilence prevailed all over Limerick and carried off Mayor David Comyn, who was succeeded by Nicholas Arthur on the 4th of September.

    Read the passage

    * 1521. 13th Hen. VIII. 1522, David Comyn second time Mayor, Nicholas, son of Thomas William Arthur, William Fanning, Andrew Harrold, bailiffs. A terrible pestilence prevailed all over the city, and carried ofif Mayor Comyn, who was succeeded by Nicholas (F. W.) Arthur on the 4th day of September, ou which day ho was made mayor {Arthur MSS.). It was then that the Supieme Pontiff conferred on Henry VIII. the title of Defender of the Faith, in consequence of the book he published against Luther, and it was then that the Turks invaded the Island of Rhodes {Arthur MSS )

    1505 William Harrold imposed sereral penalties or taxes on the citizens for the repairs, etc., of St. Mary's Church.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 403

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, there is a story from 1521. David Comyn was serving his second term as mayor that year. A terrible pestilence swept across the whole city and carried him off. Nicholas Arthur, son of Thomas William Arthur, succeeded him as mayor on the 4th of September, sworn in that same day. The Arthur manuscripts record it. That same period saw the Pope grant Henry the Eighth the title Defender of the Faith, for a book he wrote against Luther, and the Turks invade the island of Rhodes.

27. Redemptorist Fathers established in Limerick

    Limerick · city · Limerick

    Redemptorist Fathers were established at Bank Place and Circular Road in Limerick, with later foundations at Saint John's and Saint Michael's.

    Read the passage

    752. Bedemptorist Fatheis, 639, 675 ; at Bank Place and Circular Road, 619; inauguration of, 620; at Saint John's, 675 ; at Saint Michael's, 675 ; Church, convent of, 678. Reformation (see Catholic) ; fruits of, 88. Reform measures in l^arliament (see Corporation), 491 ; mayors and sheriffs, 707 ; Act of 1832, effect of, 496. Regia of Ptolemy, 2.

    Religious houses in Limerick, 5. 712 ; seized by English (1629), 143 ; reninns of, 660. Religious establishments, 30 to 34; institutions reestablished (1837), 492; account of, 493. Religiou.s Orders in Liuiei iek, 642 ; thrown overboard (161)2), 129 ; laws as to, 131 ; persecution continued, 133 ; executed (1611). 136. Report of I'arliamei.t un Corporations, 462. Repeal, trades meeting for, 496; petition for 501 ; in 1844, arrest and trial of d'Coniiell (lS4i); Coi'polarion proceniings ihereon ; Smith O'Brien joins, 502; diff ere ices as to (1845) -.03. 504. 60a; the "Y.ung Ireland" party (1846), ^.Oo; banquet to Smith O'Hrien (see O'Cunnell), 505. Revenues of Church. 688 ; of post office and post, 356;

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 457

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, the Redemptorist Fathers were established here at Bank Place and Circular Road. Later foundations followed at Saint John's and at Saint Michael's. There was a church and convent connected with them. The index gives only those names and their page numbers, so there is no more to tell from this record.

28. Redemptorist Fathers establish first Limerick residence at Bank Place

    Bank Place · street · Limerick · 1853

    The Redemptorist Fathers opened their first Limerick residence at Bank Place with a small oratory on the Feast of Saint Andrew, November 28, 1853. This marked the beginning of their permanent presence in the city.

    Read the passage

    Meantime the progress of Catholic institutions, schools, and churches in Limerick, had become one of the most remarkable phases of the year at which we have arrived. An event of great interest, and one that attracted an immense concourse, was the laying of the foundation stone, on the 30th of May, of the new and beautiful church of St. Alphonsus by the Right Rev. Dr. Ryan, who was surrounded by the clergy of the city, secular and regular. The Redemptorist Fathers, who follow the rule of their founder, St. Alphonsus de Liguori, had their first residence in Limerick at Bank Place, where they opened a small oratory on the Feast of Saint Andrew (November 28), 1853. In the May following they had built on the South Circular Road a comparatively small church, which adjoined the site of the present one; and during the years 1856 and 1857, at a cost of £6,000, a conventual establishment, which is one of the architectural ornaments of the city. The walls of the church had been already raised some feet above the surface, and these having been flagged, boarded over, and carpeted, formed a suitable course for this grand rehgious procession. The transept of the church is 73 feet — the nave and side aisles 70 feet wide — the length 176 feet — the height 76 feet from the nave floor to the apex of the ceiling. All the religious orders of the city, and the representatives of every public body, were present. The arrangements were admirable, and the day was brilliant. Two episcopal thrones were placed in suitable positions, one for the bishop of Limerick and the other for the Bishop of Kerry, who, however, was unavoidably absent; these thrones were canopied over with crimson velvet, and were gilded and festooned. The procession left the sanctuary of the small temporary chmrch of the fathers at half-past two o'clock, preceded by cross-bearer, acolytes, standard-bearers, boys in surplices and soutanes, boys bearing the rule and square, the trowel and hod ; lay brothers bearing the banner of

    520

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 298

    As the companion tells it

    Along this street at Bank Place, the Redemptorist Fathers established their first residence in Limerick. They follow the rule of their founder, St. Alphonsus de Liguori. They opened a small oratory here on the Feast of Saint Andrew, November 28, 1853. In the May following, they had built on the South Circular Road a comparatively small church, which adjoined the site of the present one. The foundation stone of the new and beautiful church of St. Alphonsus was laid on the 30th of May by the Right Rev. Dr. Ryan, who was surrounded by the clergy of the city, secular and regular. An immense concourse attended the event. During the years 1856 and 1857, at a cost of £6,000, they built a conventual establishment, described as one of the architectural ornaments of the city. The church walls had been raised some feet above the surface, and these having been flagged, boarded over, and carpeted, formed a suitable course for a grand religious procession. The transept of the church is 73 feet, the nave and side aisles 70 feet wide, the length 176 feet, the height 76 feet from the nave floor to the apex of the ceiling. All the religious orders of the city and the representatives of every public body were present. Two episcopal thrones were placed, one for the bishop of Limerick and the other for the Bishop of Kerry, who was unavoidably absent. The procession left the sanctuary of the small temporary church of the fathers at half-past two o'clock, preceded by cross-bearer, acolytes, standard-bearers, boys in surplices and soutanes, boys bearing the rule and square, the trowel and hod, and lay brothers bearing the banner.

29. Regiment ordered to halt at Fermoy during Cork disturbances

    Fermoy · townland · Cork · 1794

    In March 1794, whilst marching from Birr en route to Cork, the Limerick City Militia was ordered to halt at Fermoy and divide itself between Fermoy, Rathcormack, and Castle Lyons, as the whole county Cork was in commotion.

    Read the passage

    On the receipt of Lieutenant-General Massy's report of the forward state of the regiment, on the day of inspection, the colonel, by order from the adjutant- general (24th October, 1793), was at liberty to grant leave of absence to the officers whenever he may think the service would not suffer by it. In the month of March following, the regiment, whilst on the march from B'rr, tn route to Cork, was ordered to halt at Fermoy, and divide itself between that, Eathcormack, and Castle Lyons— the whole county Cork being then in- commotion.*

    The establishment of the regiment at this time, as per letter of ISth March, 1788, from Messrs. Armit', Borough, and Co., was fixed at: —

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 450

    As the companion tells it

    Close to Fermoy, in March 1794, the Limerick City Militia was marching from Birr, bound for Cork, when orders came to halt here. The whole county of Cork was in commotion at the time. The regiment was told to stop at Fermoy and split itself between Fermoy, Rathcormack, and Castle Lyons. This followed a report from Lieutenant-General Massy on the forward state of the regiment, after which the colonel had been given liberty, by order of the adjutant general dated the 24th of October 1793, to grant leave of absence to officers whenever he judged the service would not suffer for it. But by March the county was restless, and the regiment was divided across these three places instead of pressing on to Cork.

30. Royal grant to build cathedral towards the river, Limerick (c.1294)

    Limerick · city · Limerick

    Edward, eldest son of the King of England, issued letters patent at Westminster on 11 March in the 22nd year of his father's reign, authorising the sheriff and bailiffs of Limerick to permit the canons of the Church of Limerick to build towards the sea (river) and enlarge their courts, as Thomas Cropp and Walter Brim had done.

    Read the passage

    Edward, eldest son of the illustrious king of England, to the sheriffs and bailiffs of Limerick, greeting, wishing to do a special favour to our beloved master Thomas, treasurer of Limerick, and to the other canons, and especially to his just petitions when they appertain to the promotion and honour of the Church, we order you to incline benevolent ears, whereas they wish to build the same house towards the sea (river), and to enlarge their courts, as Thomas Cropp and Walter Brim have done, that you freely permit them, provided the same can be done without prejudice to us or to the city aforesaid. With a view to your doing this more securely, we extend these our letters patent to you. Given at Westminster on the 11th day of March, in the 22nd yaar of the reign of our father".

    We find, in page 1 and 2 of the Black Book, the copy of a deed, by which Robert, Bishop of Limerick, granted, by the advice and consent of the chapter, the town and burgage of Mungaret, under a yearly rent of twelve marks of silver and five pounds of wax, to the Church of St. Mary's, Limerick.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 320

31. Samuel Foxon's brick house at Annaghbeg

    Annaghbeg · townland · Galway · 1666–1785

    Samuel Foxon, a Dutch merchant who had been mayor of Limerick in 1666 and a tenant of the fisheries, owned the lands of Annaghbeg. He built a large brick house there, the ruins of which were visible in 1785. He was knighted by William for certain services.

    Read the passage

    1 Samuel Foxon, a Dutch merchant, who had been mayor of Limerick in 1666, and at one time a tenant of the fisheries, owned the lands of Annaghbeg at this time, on which he built a large brick house, the ruins of which were visible in 1785. He was knighted by William for certain services.

    2 Mr. Robert Holmas of Athlunkard.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 130

32. Sarsfield family estate from Bealogh Favrye to Kilmallock

    Kilmallock · town · Limerick

    Henry Sarsfield came to Ireland, lived in Cork, and married a daughter of Fitzgerald, by whom he obtained lands from Bealogh Favrye to Kilmallock, six miles in length in County Limerick, enjoyed by him and his posterity for many generations.

    Read the passage

    " This Richard had two sons, viz. Sarsfield and Henry, and Sarsfield had a son named Sarsfield, and Henry had a son named Henry, who came to Ireland and lived in Cork for some time, and married the daughter of Fitzgerald, by whom he had the Lands from Bealogh Favrye to Kilmallock, six miles in length in the County of Limerick, which fruitful and pleasant estate he and his posterity enjoyed, together with the said Kilmallock for many generations."

    The Genealogy aforesaid, from Thomas the first of this family of the Sarsfields to John, who lived in the reign of Henry VI. , I had it out of old Irish books, now in the custody of Hugh Mac Curtaiu, alias Curtis, one of the chief Antiquaries of the kingdom of Ireland, and from several other relations of the families, to the j^ear 1640 ; and the rest 1 had out of the books of my own office (there being little or nothing in it) and out of several warrantable authors ; and also from ancient gentlemen of worth and credit In witness whereof, Nostri salitti ftri 1714.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 155

33. Scattery Island steamer grounding during Corporation outing

    Scattery Island · townland · Clare · 1854

    Alderman Watson, exercising Admiralty rights on the Shannon, entertained Corporation members on a river steamer. The vessel grounded briefly off Scattery Island, alarming all on board.

    Read the passage

    exercised the rights of Admiralty on the Shannon ; he entertained the members of the Corporation sumptuously on board the river steamer, which, when off Scattery Island, grounded for a short time, to the alarm of all on board. Alderman Watson was an active chief magistrate, and went loyally with the party to which ho had newly allied himself.

    January 1st, 1855, Henry O'Shea, Esq., Mayor.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 293

34. Shaking fever and bloody flux devastate Limerick country, 1670

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1670

    In 1670 a shaking fever and bloody flux epidemic raged severely in the Limerick area, killing large numbers of people.

    Read the passage

    1670 The shaking fever and bloody flux greatly raged in this country, and swept away numbers. — Ibid.

    The JIaycir of Limerick, Robert Shute, was accused at the assizes of ravishing his maid and of other high crimes. — Ibid.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 408

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, this is a city that knew a grim year in 1670. A shaking fever and bloody flux raged through the country and swept away numbers of people. That same year the mayor, Robert Shute, was accused at the assizes of ravishing his maid and of other high crimes.

35. Shannon bed exposed at Killaloe during gale, 1864

    Killaloe · town · Clare · 1864

    In the summer of 1864, the bed of the Shannon at Killaloe became quite dry for the length of the day during a high gale of wind, when trout and salmon were taken in abundance as they lay without water.

    Read the passage

    A similar occurrence, we may add, happened in the Shannon at Athlone some years ago, when the waters were driven back from their channel, and the bottom exposed, on which occasion many curious antiquarian remains were found; and more recently still, in the summer of 1864, the bed of the Shannon at Killaloe became quite dry for the length of the day during a high gale of wind, when trout and salmon were taken in abundance as they lay without water.

    Throughout this unfortunate reign, the discontent and dissatisfaction of the people throughout Ireland, and particularly in Limerick, were extreme : as we proceed, it will be seen that terrible persecution was suffered by those who expected freedom of conscience at least from the government, but who were trampled upon in the most outrageous manner, by those who deceived, betrayed and persecuted them with unrelenting vengeance.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 116

36. Sidney's 1575 visit to Limerick with sessions and pomp

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1575

    Deputy Sidney visited Limerick a second time in 1575 and was entertained with more pomp than anywhere else. He kept sessions there observing the same methods as at Cork, then marched into Thomond where the country was entirely wasted.

    Read the passage

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

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 59

    As the companion tells it

    As the road takes you through Limerick, you are passing through a city that Deputy Sidney visited twice. In 1569, Limerick was one of the first places where the acts and ordinances of that year's remarkable parliament were ordered to be proclaimed. Sidney made a great hosting in the same year, proceeding from Cork to Limerick, demolishing some of the towns of Munster between those cities. He then proceeded to Connaught, reduced to obedience all the country to Limerick, and named Sir Edward Fitton President, the first President that ever was named in that country. Limerick at this time was in a wasted condition. The next year, the Deputy received the submission of MacIBrien Arra, who was confirmed in the possession of all his manors, castles, lordships, and profits in Duhallow. Sidney visited Limerick a second time in 1575, and was entertained with more pomp than anywhere else. Here he kept sessions, observing the same methods he did at Cork. He then marched into Thomond, which had formerly belonged to the English lords of Clare and was inhabited by many English, but now not a man of English extraction was to be found. Even the O'Briens, though very near relatives, were inveterate enemies one to the other. The country was entirely wasted, and innumerable complaints of murder, rape, burning, robbery, and sacrilege were made to the Deputy. He imprisoned the Earl of Thomond and Teig Mac Murrough until they gave bonds and hostages of their good behaviour. He kept the earl's brother in irons, made Sir Donald O'Brien sheriff, and left a provost marshal and a garrison among them at their request and charge. Upon shewing them that the uncertainty of their tenures was the cause of all their disturbances, they promised to surrender their estates and take patents according to law. Having effected these objects he proceeded to Galway.

37. Sir Valentine Browne's ruined castle at Hospital

    Hospital · town · Limerick

    Queen Elizabeth granted the Hospital of Aney to Sir Valentine Browne, who built a noble castle there. The castle is now in ruins.

    Read the passage

    of IMurrough O'Flahertie of West Connaught, from whom is descended Sir Dominick Browne, whose issue now inherit a considerable estate in and about Galway, and in the County of Mayo. The Browne family of Aney are a different family. Queen Elizabeth granted the Hospital of Aney to Sir Valentine Browne, who built a noble Castle at Hospital, which Castle is now in ruins. Sir Valentine's son, Sir Thomas, married Mary eldest daughter and co-heiress of William Apsley

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 114

38. Skirmish near Cashel: five United Irishmen killed

    Cashel · town · Tipperary

    Collisions between yeomanry and rebels were constant in Tipperary. In one skirmish near Cashel, five United Irishmen were killed and twenty-five taken prisoners, most of whom were severely wounded.

    Read the passage

    March 14th. — Collisions between the yeomanry and rebels were constant, not only in the County of Limerick, but in Tipperary, where, in one skirmish near Cashel, five united Irishmen were killed, and 25 were taken prisoners, most of whom were severely wounded.

    28th March A unanimous meeting of Magistrates was held, to apply to the Lord Lieutenant

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 225

39. Starvation in Limerick's public streets

    Limerick · city · Limerick

    During a period of severe famine, persons died of sheer starvation in the public streets of Limerick and their bodies lay unburied. When provisions were exhausted, people resorted to cats, dogs, mice, carrion, putrid meat, nettles, and dockleaves to sustain life.

    Read the passage

    miseries. Persons died of sheer starvation in the public streets, and their bodies lay imburied. The condition indeed of the people was so terrible, that

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 189

40. St. Mary's Cathedral architecture and Puritan defacement

    Limerick · city · Limerick

    The cathedral features various architectural additions made by bishops and private citizens like the Arthurs. Its eastern wall altars were completely defaced by Republican levellers and Puritans, leaving no vestige behind.

    Read the passage

    The additions made to the original edifice are some of ancient, others ot modern date. The latter became indispensable when the Dean's close was diverted from its original purpose. A Consistorial Court, a Chapter Room, a Sacristy or Vestry Room, had to be provided, and convenience alone was consulted in the few additions then made ; but, before the relormation, much was added, principally by private citizens, who founded chantries in the cathedral, and erected the chapels at their own expense. Of these chapels there were many. The additions made by Bishops D'Eau, or Waters, or by the great prelate O'Dea, at a later period, aided by some families, such as the Arthurs in particular, claim some notice. They harmonize not with the style of the original building ; they bespeak a later style and more modern taste ; but are not Avithout some compensating advantajjes. They do away with the narrow aisles and low exterior walls; they give massiveness and elevation to the whole, internally and externally, which it did not previously possess, and such evidently was the object of those who planned them. No addition appears to have been made to the chancel or transept ; from this point down they commence. On the north side rises a chapel, higher, wider, and longer than the transept parallel to which it runs f and as it juts out six feet beyond the north transept, it appears at first sight, to a person viewing the church from the river, to be the northern extremity of the real transept. This must have been the work of some distinguished family, m.ost probably the Arthurs,_as Ave shall see as we proceed. A less pretentious chapel Hes alongside it. On the southern side, parallel also with the transept, and at right angles also with the nave, are two side chapels, in all four. The eastern wall is entirely bare. The altars, which had been in that place, being pecuharly obnoxious to Republican levellers and Puritanical hate, have been totally defaced,^ not a vestige remaining. In the side walls are the mutilated remains ot several private monuments. Some mutilated statues were found at difierent times, clear indications of what formerly existed ; and we learn from the Arthur MSS. that St. Mary's formerly contained a series of noble monuments. A battlement runs along the aisles externally, and the angles of the tower, the top of which is 120 feet from the ground, are finished off with Irish stepped turrets.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 319

41. St. Munchin, first Bishop of Limerick and cathedral founder

    Limerick · city · Limerick

    St. Munchin (Manchenus), son of Sedna, is said by continuous tradition to have been the first Bishop of Limerick and to have founded a cathedral there, which served as the cathedral of the see until St. Mary's cathedral was founded by Donald O'Brien about the time of the English arrival. The Ostmen are stated to have restored St. Munchin's Church.

    Read the passage

    St. Munchin or Manchenus, above referred to, son of Sedna,^ is said by a continued tradition, which has been followed by the ancient writers, and by Sir James Ware and his authorities, etc., to have been the first Bishop of Limerick, and to have founded a cathedral there, which, rmtil the foundation of St. Mary's cathedral by Donald O'Brien, King of Limerick, about the time of the arrival of the English in Ireland, was the cathedral of the see of Limerick. The Ostmen are stated to have restored St. Munchin's Church. The festival of the saint, who is the patron of the diocese, is observed in the Catholic ritual on the 2nd of January. It is a matter of no small controversy who this Munchin was. We are of opinion that he was that Manchenus, whom Jocelyn ( Vit. Pat, cap. 69) calls " a religious man and one of complete knowledge of the Scriptures", "and whom", as he afiirms, " St. Patrick placed over the subjects of Amalgaid, King of Connaught, then recently converted to the Christian faith". Others confound him with Manchenus, whom the Annals of Ulster call abbot of Menedrochid, and say that he died in 651 or 652. This, however, is improbable. To St. Munchin's sister, St. Lelia, the church of Killeely, in the parish of Killeely, was dedicated. Tradition ascribes to Rose, another

    I

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 313

42. Synod at Waterford denounces Ormond's peace

    Waterford · city · Waterford · 1646

    The nuncio summoned prelates, clergy chiefs, and heads of religious houses to meet him at Waterford, where with the formality of an apostolic visitation or national synod, Ormond's peace was unanimously denounced. Rinuccini promised large assistance from Rome.

    Read the passage

    The negociations and intrigues which followed these events,^ and which ended in the signing of Ormond's peace in 1646, fill a large space in the history of the times. The Nuncio protested with all the vehemence he could employ, and summoned the prelates and other chiefs among the clergy, with the heads of religious houses to meet him at Waterford, where with all the formality of an apostolic visitation, or a regular national synod, the peace was unanimously denounced, the scruples or fears of those who inclined towards it, were set at rest by promises of Pdnnuccini that large assistance would come from Eome, and that the Archbishop of Cashel had given his assent by saying " in verbo tuo laxaho rete."

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 89

43. Thomas Maunsell resided at Derryvillane before 1641 flight

    Derryvillane · townland · Cork · 1609–1641

    Captain Thomas Maunsell RN, who served against the Armada, settled in Ireland in 1609 and resided at Derryvillane until 1641, when he fled to Gloucester where he died.

    Read the passage

    Thomas Maunsell, Captain, RN., served against the Armada, settled in Ireland, 1609, married Aphra, daughter of Sir William Crafford, of Mungium, Kent. He resided at Derryvillane till 1641, and fled thence to Gloucester, where he died. His son, John, was in 1641 a student of the Middle Temple ; he entered Cromwell's service as Captain Lieutenant of the Guard, was severely wounded at Nasehy, came to Ireland, where he obtained a large grant of lands in the Barony of Clanwilliam, County of Limerick. He was Higli Sheriff of Limerick, 1671, he died 1685 ; he married Mary, daughter of George Booth, of Cheshire, and left issue — Thomas Maunsell, of Cloverville : succeeded to the English estates of Thorpe Hall, High Sheriff, 1715, married Thomasine, daughter and coheir of Richard Stephens, LL.D., and had issue Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Maunsell, married Anne, daughter and co-heir with her sister Jane, Mrs. Pery, of William Twigge, Archdeacon of Limerick, and Diana, daughter and heir of Sir Drury Wray, and had issue. Colonel Thomas Maunsell, of Thorpe, died , and William

    Maunsell, Archdeacon of Kildare, who married Lucy, daughter and co-heir with her sister, Elizabeth, Mrs. Coote, of Philip Oliver, M.P., and had issue Colonel Thomas Maunsell, of Thorpe Malor, M.P., married Caroline, daughter of the Hon. W. Cockayne, and co-heir of Viscount Cullen, and had issue George, now of Thorpe Malor, married Theodosia, daughter of Sir John Palmer, Baronet, of Carlton, and had issue Cecil ; second, Maude, daughter of Honorable H. Tollemache.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 461

44. Town Hall fire threatens portrait of O'Connell

    Limerick · city · Limerick

    A portrait of the Liberator by Haverty, suspended in the Council Chamber, narrowly escaped destruction when fire broke out in the Limerick Town Hall. The Corporation had paid 150 guineas for the painting.

    Read the passage

    Mr. Haverty, to paint the -well-known picture of tlie Liberator, wliich has been suspended in the Council Chamber, and which a few years after narrowly escaped the ravages of a fire which broke out in the Town Hall. Mr. Haverty got 150 guineas for the picture.

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

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 291

    As the companion tells it

    As the road brings you through Limerick, there is a story from the Town Hall. A portrait of the Liberator, Daniel O'Connell, painted by a man named Haverty, hung in the Council Chamber. The Corporation had paid 150 guineas for it. A few years after it was put up, fire broke out in the Town Hall, and the painting narrowly escaped destruction. This was a time of revolution abroad and unexampled excitement at home. The Corporation voted an address to the French people on their victorious achievement of liberty. But 1848 brought unhappy events to Ireland, written on a sad page of her history. The grand national organization was broken up. Thousands of troops filled the country. The people continued to fall beneath famine and cholera, and the workhouses were crowded beyond endurance. A soiree was given to Mr. Smith O'Brien, Mr. John Mitchell, Mr. Thomas Francis Meagher, and others at a store in Thomas Street. It ended badly. Fire was set to the windows and shutters, and the lives of those inside were placed in jeopardy. In the autumn of that year, the trial of the State Prisoners took place in Clonmel. Smith O'Brien, Thomas F. Meagher, T. B. Mac Manus, and O'Donoghue were tried before Lord Chief Justice Blackburne, Chief Justice Doherty, and Justice Moore. Those who, as the book says, "loved their country not wisely but too well" were sentenced to the death of traitors. The sentence was commuted to transportation for life. Only one of them, Smith O'Brien, ever returned.

45. Toxeth Roche knocks hat off Catholic merchant in Limerick

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1731

    Toxeth Roche, the civic autocrat of Limerick, knocked off a Catholic merchant's hat because the merchant had not obsequiously removed it while passing him in the street.

    Read the passage

    » It is said of Toxeth Roche, that he knocked o"ff a Catholic merchant's hat, because the owner had not obsequiously done homage to the civic autocrat, bj- humbly taking it off whilst passing him.

    * The persons named in the Charter as of the Corporation of Curriers and Tanners, are Alderman William Ffranklin, William Brett, Thomas Brett, Charles Taweys, Edward Gray, William Benn, James Fortness, and Joshua Tabb. The draft of the Charter, which is .signed by George Koche, Mayor, and Toxeth Roche, Town Clerk, is among the Corporation documents.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 182

    As the companion tells it

    You're passing through Limerick now. In 1731, a man named Toxeth Roche, the civic autocrat of this city, knocked a Catholic merchant's hat off because the merchant had not humbly removed it while passing him in the street.

46. Treasury separates Wellesley Bridge debt from Limerick Harbour

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1861–1867

    After protracted negotiations, the Treasury consented to separate the Wellesley Bridge from the Harbour affairs, commuting the whole debt to £65,000—£55,000 against the Port and £10,000 on Wellesley Bridge—and agreed to lend £20,000 to build a Graving Dock. The Harbour Commissioners initially refused but accepted the settlement under public pressure, leading to the 1867 Act.

    Read the passage

    The Harbour Commissioners thereupon applied in strong terms to the Treasury to have the Harbour affairs separated from the Bridge ; and to have the shipping interests relieved from a debt which really appertained to the Bridge. Considerable correspondence and negociation followed, and finally the Treasury consented to separate the Bridge from the Harbour affairs, and to commute the whole debt to £65,000, charging £55,000 against the Port, and £10,000 on Wellesley Bridge; and they further agreed to lend £20,000 to build a Graving Dock. Seeing that instead of owing money, the shipping interests were justly entitled to receive from the Treasury the sum of £25,000, already mentioned as having been overpaid by the Harbour. The Harbour Commissioners at first refused to accept such an inadequate settlement ; but as a general feeling prevailed throughout the city that the Government offer should be accepted, the Harbour Commissioners accepted it, and the Act of 1867 was passed.

    Under this Act the oppressive dues on exported goods were totally

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 463

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, the city carries an old fight over its harbour and its bridge. The Harbour Commissioners had asked the Treasury in strong terms to separate the harbour affairs from the Wellesley Bridge, and to relieve the shipping interests of a debt that really belonged to the bridge. After considerable correspondence and negotiation, the Treasury agreed. They commuted the whole debt to £65,000, charging £55,000 against the Port and £10,000 on Wellesley Bridge. They further agreed to lend £20,000 to build a Graving Dock. This was though the shipping interests were justly entitled to receive £25,000 from the Treasury, already mentioned as having been overpaid by the Harbour. The Harbour Commissioners at first refused to accept such an inadequate settlement. But a general feeling prevailed throughout the city that the Government offer should be accepted. The Commissioners gave way, and the Act of 1867 was passed.

47. University at Cashel under Cormac Mac Cullenan

    Cashel · town · Tipperary · 901

    Cashel hosted a major university under Cormac Mac Cullenan, King and Archbishop, in the year 901, with 5000 students and six hundred conventual monks. It was one of four principal universities in Ireland.

    Read the passage

    ' There were four principal Universities in Ireland, viz. Ardmagh, Cashel, Lismore, and Dunda-leathglass. In Armagh, under St. Dubthach, Bishop, anno 513, were 7000 scholars. In Cashel, under Cormac Mac Cullenan, King and Archbishop in the year 901, were 5000 students, and six hundred Conventual monks ; the like number were in Lismore and Dun-da-leathglass. Many were the other great schools dispersed throughout the kingdom ; whereas even after the coming of the English at Cluanraid near Ennis, there were 600 Scholars, and 350 Monks, supported by O'Brien, King of Limerick. The Irish in these days made a beginning of the Universitj' of Oxford in England, founded the University of Paris and that of Pavia. Fifty-two Catholic kings reigned in Ireland until the coming of the English, consequently, 197 kings in all reigned in Ireland until that event. Whoever reads the antiquities must be con\'inced that it abounded in gold and silver, as every person of distinction wore a golden ring and a golden chain ; in the reign of Candaridtheach, their helmets were made of silver, all their chalices and Church utensils were made of gold and silver ; and the ounce of gold paid to the Danes yearly, as a tribute for every nose in the kingdom, is a proof of their riches. — Hugh M^Curtin.

    HISTORY OF LIMERICK. 3^

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 25

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Cashel in Tipperary, you are passing the site of one of old Ireland's four principal universities. The others were Armagh, Lismore, and Dun-da-leathglass. In the year 901, under Cormac Mac Cullenan, King and Archbishop, this place held 5000 students and 600 conventual monks. The same numbers attended at Lismore and Dun-da-leathglass. Armagh had been larger, with 7000 scholars under Saint Dubthach, a bishop, in the year 513. Many other great schools were dispersed throughout the kingdom. After the coming of the English at Cluanraid near Ennis, there were 600 scholars and 350 monks, supported by O'Brien, King of Limerick. The Irish in those days, the record says, "made a beginning of the University of Oxford in England, founded the University of Paris and that of Pavia." Fifty-two Catholic kings reigned in Ireland until the coming of the English, 197 kings in all. Hugh McCurtin writes that whoever reads the antiquities must be convinced that it abounded in gold and silver. Every person of distinction wore a golden ring and a golden chain. In the reign of Candaridtheach their helmets were made of silver, all their chalices and church utensils of gold and silver.

48. Violent storm reverses Shannon current for three hours

    Shannon · town · Clare · 1698

    On 30 July 1698 a violent storm arose with such force on the Shannon that its current was stopped for three hours, allowing people to walk over dry. It destroyed so much corn that wheat rose to 6s. 6d. per bushel and barley to 20s. the Limerick barrel.

    Read the passage

    (and those natural born subjects to be maintained by the kingdom) Avere likewise disbanded. To the great reUef of the citizens such Dutch guards and French refugees as had remained were dismissed, and ordered away. WilHam was exceedingly annoyed at this step, and remonstrated against it. He would not allow his faithful Dutch guards to be tampered with, if he could — but the fiat of Lords and Commons went forth, so that the Dutch guards were shipped for Holland.^ In 1698 the Marquis of Winchester and the Earl of Galway, Lords Justices of Ireland, in their progress through the kingdom, arrived in Limerick, and thence went to Galway. On the 30th of July a most violent storm arose, which Lad such force on the Shannon, that its current was sto])ped for three hours, and people might walk over quite dry. It desti-oyed so much corn that wheat rose to 6s. 6d. per bushel, and barley to 20s. the Limerick barrel.^

    A large trade was carried on at this time in serges, between Limerick and Spain and Portugal ; and at this time also the glove trade in Limerick was in such a position as to attract considerable attention.^

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 165

49. Vote of thanks to Limerick heroes in China

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1843

    On 2nd January 1843, the Limerick Council passed a vote of thanks to five Limerick men—Sir Hugh Gough, Captain Gabbett, Major John Sargent, Ensign Sargent, and Captain Thomas Bourchier—for distinguished conduct in China, without expressing opinion on the war's character.

    Read the passage

    As a mark of appreciation of the services of brave Limerick men abroad, a vote of thanks was passed by the Council, on the 2nd of January, 1843, to Sir Hugh Gough, his aide-de-camp. Captain Gabbett,* Major John Sargent,^ and his son, Ensign Sargent,* of the Royal Irish Regiment, and Captain Thomas Bourchier, R.N., five Limerick heroes, for their distinguished and noble conduct in China, but without expressing any opinion on the character of the war in China.

    Certain leases, of which we have already spoken, had been given of corporate property to favourites of the old corporators, and to the corporators themselves, and it became an object of importance to the new Corporation to

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 285

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, the city carries a record from January 2, 1843. On that day the Council passed a vote of thanks to five Limerick men for what the record calls their distinguished and noble conduct in China. They were Sir Hugh Gough, his aide-de-camp Captain Gabbett, Major John Sargent and his son Ensign Sargent of the Royal Irish Regiment, and Captain Thomas Bourchier of the Royal Navy. The Council called them five Limerick heroes, but passed the vote without expressing any opinion on the character of the war in China. It was a mark of appreciation, the record says, of the services of brave Limerick men abroad.

50. William Arthur's hospitality and Desmond friendship at Limerick

    Limerick · city · Limerick

    William Arthur, a skilled harpist and generous host, opened his house to princely men and was bound by friendship to the Earl of Desmond. He served as bailiff of Limerick by popular voice and married Ellen Dathy of Galway.

    Read the passage

    For he (Nicholas) begot six sons, of whom the third was deemed worthy of the Episcopal honor of the city of Limerick, four obtained the rank of city procession (Mayor), and the sixth was bailiff by the voice of the people. One of these brothers shall be celebrated with a dirge of curs — Peter, 0 ! my great, great grandfather, my muse shall sing thee for ever — that John Budstone, whose bells resound in the shrine of the Virgin, had chosen thee for a son-in-law. Alas ! thou wert presently torn from the chaste arms of Margaret, leaving thee two sons as pledges, whom to be brought up for nine lustres (45 years) their careful mother attended to, loving them like a widowed turtle ; and Catherine, the Countess of Kildare, who was given in marriage to Purdon, withdrew them from their mother. And the patrimony which your father Budstone left to his widow, these, your gentle parent, made over to thee, O William,* some houses at Kilmallock, before the doors of the church, situated at the right, as j'ou go to the sacred shrines, and had given thee two monuments of her ancestors, both bearing the name of Budstone, and presenting, added, a fair [just] part of the Chapel which represents the name and aid of Magdalen. In truth, she wisely loved genius and the arts, and the splendid tokens of intelligence which you manifested. Though knewest right skilfully to touch lyre and harp ; thou didst open thy hospitable house to princely men. Hence the mightiest of Earls, the renowned hero of Desmond, bound thee to himself by the tie of friendship. Anon civic honors rejoiced to repose upon thy shoulders— thou wast bailiff bj' the voice of the people. Nor did the Nymph, whom Galway first gave to light, blush at soliciting thy nuptual torch. Ellen Dathy, born of the great John, whom your love drove far from your country.

    Thomas died on the 15th December, 1581 ; he had been married to Johanna Creagh.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 206

51. William Ryan Stephen sentenced to hang at Caherconlish

    Caherconlish · town · Limerick · 1798

    William Ryan Stephen was sentenced by general court-martial to be hanged at Caherconlish for taking arms and swearing people. His body was to be brought back and thrown into Croppies' Hole in the New Jail.

    Read the passage

    Sentences passed by the General Court-Martial — William Ryan Stephen taking arms, and swearing people, to be hanged at Caherconlish, his body to be brought back and thrown into Croppies' Hole in the New Jail.

    Messrs. John O'Hogan, William Crowe, M'Knight, Andrew Kenny, M. Considine, to give bail for their good behaviour.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 236

52. George Fitzgerald murdered on mountains near Bilboa

    Bilboa · townland · Limerick · 1798

    George Fitzgerald, who had given evidence against Thomas Kennedy executed at Doon, was murdered on the mountains near Bilboa in retaliation for his testimony.

    Read the passage

    July l-lth. — George Fitzgerald, who gave evidence against Thomas Kennedy, executed at Doon, was murdered on the mountains near Bilboa.

    The Mayor, Sheriffs, and Corporation passed votes of thanks to Generals Duff and Morrison, and voteel them the freedom of the city. They also passed a vote of thanks to Lieut.-Colonel Darby, and the Officers composing the Court-martials, for their temperate and decided conduct, wisdom and justice.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 236

53. Hugh O'Neill made governor of Limerick

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1646

    Limerick's magistrates asked Ormond that Hugh O'Neill be made their governor. Ormond agreed and offered to put himself in the city and share the citizens' fate, but they refused him entry and insisted on O'Brien's regiment and troops of their own choosing.

    Read the passage

    According to appointment these aldermen met him at the mayor's stone — stating the city had accepted his proposals^ with the exception of the guards. He sent them back with assurances that the guards he meant to take with him, should consist of but 100 foot and 50 horse, all Eoman Catholics, such as had constantly been of the Confederacy, and ^yeve interested in all the benefits of the articles of the peace.' But when near the city gates, the same aldermen came to him, with an account that Father Wolfe, the Dominican Friar, who had distinguished himseK before, when peace was proclaimed, had raised a tumult in the city to oppose his entrance, and having forced or wheedled the keys from Eochfort, the sheriff, had seized the gates ; so that it was impossible for him to come until the tumult had ended. The same night, Dominick Panning called in Colonel Murtagh O'Brien, a man entirely devoted to the old Irish party, whose cause Fanning and Wolfe had so zealously espoused, with his regiment increased by 200 recruits ; but though the mayor opposed his entrance at the gates, they forced their way in, seized the corn laid up for the supply of the army, which Ormond thought would be at his disposal, and a quantity of corn which belonged to Ormond exclusively. Ormond forthwith retired to Shanbally, four miles from the city. The bishop followed liim with a proposal to forgive Colonel Murtagh O'Brien, to which he consented, if they submitted to his proposals, which not being done, the Commissioners of Trust and the Marquis of Clanrickard insisted that the bishop should excommmiicate Fanning and O'Brien, which he peremptorily refused. Soon after Ireton advanced with his troops towards the city, and threatened to besiege it. The magistrates asked Ormond that Hugh O'Neill might be made their governor ; he agreed, offering also to put hunself in the city and share the fate of the citizens, but they refused, insisting particularly on O'Brien's regiment, and troops of their oatu choosmg. Being near at hand in Clare, Ormond sent orders to the mayor and Hugh O'Neill to seize on Colonel O'Brien, and dehver him a prisoner to the guard appointed to receive him. The mayor who took a week to consider, answered that the government of the city was intrusted to Hugh O'Neill, who wrote in turn to say, that he was merely a cypher, not suffered to stir, except as the mayor and toAvn council thought fit. Ormond was ready to forgive O'Brien, though hejnsisted that he should not hold command; but the citizens would on no account admit Ormond inside the walls ; and under these circumstances it was impossible to keep the body of his army together, as to attempt it, except at the other side of the Shannon, and near Limerick, with the absolute command of the city to secure it, would have been utterly ruinous, and to have done it in the county of Clare or north side of the river was impossible, since the ground work of the army, must be raised and supported from thence; which, whilst forming, would have exhausted all the substance of Clare, and not have effected the work*'^ Galway also refused to receive him; he was thus shut out from every expected advantage. The dominant men in the city, and the clergy, knew him too well, to repose the slightest faith in any one of his principles. It was urged by him, that they had received proposals and listened to overtures from the Parhamentarians, without his consent, or so much as giving him notice. They denied sympathy with the Parliamentarians, but he came to the conclusion that his protracted stay in

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 94

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, you are in a city that in 1646 was the scene of a bitter struggle over who would command it. The magistrates asked Ormond that Hugh O'Neill be made their governor. Ormond agreed, and offered to put himself inside the city and share the fate of the citizens. They refused him entry and insisted on O'Brien's regiment and troops of their own choosing. The trouble had begun when aldermen met Ormond at the mayor's stone. They accepted his proposals, except for the guards. Ormond said his guards would be only 100 foot and 50 horse, all Roman Catholics, men who had been of the Confederacy. But as he neared the gates, the aldermen came back with word that Father Wolfe, a Dominican friar, had raised a tumult in the city, forced or wheedled the keys from the sheriff Rochfort, and seized the gates. That same night, Dominick Fanning called in Colonel Murtagh O'Brien, a man devoted to the old Irish party, with his regiment increased by 200 recruits. They forced their way past the mayor, seized corn laid up for the army and corn that belonged to Ormond himself. Ormond retired to Shanbally, four miles away. A bishop followed him with a proposal to forgive O'Brien. Ormond consented, if they submitted to his proposals. They did not. The Commissioners of Trust and the Marquis of Clanrickard insisted the bishop excommunicate Fanning and O'Brien. He refused. Then Ireton advanced toward the city and threatened to besiege it. Ormond sent orders to the mayor and Hugh O'Neill to seize Colonel O'Brien. The mayor took a week and answered that the government of the city was entrusted to Hugh O'Neill. O'Neill wrote back that he was

54. Park: MacNamara settlement after Clare wars

    Park · townland · Limerick · 1600–1699

    The MacNamaras of Park were said to have settled there after being driven from Clare during the wars of the seventeenth century. Resident family names in Park included Cunneen, Hannan, Quilligan, Clancy, and MacNamara.

    Read the passage

    • Park is a townland within the municipal boundary of Limerick. Park House is the residence of the Catholic Bishop of Limericlf. The inhabitants of Park are among the most thrifty and industrious in any part of Ireland. They pay from ^£8 to wf 10 an acre tor their patches of land, the largest holders not renting more than from three to four acres. They cultivate vegetables, witli which they supply the citizens ; they rear cattle and pigs, and grow potatoes and turnips to feed their cattle and pigs, and for their own use also. They manure the land very highly, and being within the Borough they are subject to high rates and taxes. There has been nmch emigration from Park in recent years, of youngmen andyoung women especially. 'J'he names generally of the residents are Cunneen, or O'Ounneen, one of the most ancient names in the South of Ireland, tradition having it that it was with a chieftain of that name Saint Patrick dwelt when he visited Singland, which forms part of the parish of St. Patrick in which Park is situated ; Hannan, or Haimeen, Quilligan, Clancy, and MacNamara, or by abbreviation Mac, of which there are a great number in Park. The AlacNamaras are said to have settled in Park since they were driven from Clare in the wars of the seventeenth century. It was through the old road of Park that King William is said to have passed to the Shannon in 1690, when he made his inspection of the river, in order to obtain a knowledge of the passage of it, which was effected so successfully the year afterwards by Ginkle. The site of the ^^C AU ^ee, or the King's gate, which divided Park from Corbally, and from which William passed, is yet pointed out, within a short distance of the river. There are several very handsome residences at Corbally, including the beautiful one of Pierce Shannon, Esq., grandson of Alderman Pierce Shannon. The ancient cemetery of Killeen is situated in the " Killeen field," at Corballj'. It has ceased for many years to be a burying place. Recently fragments of cannon balls and human bones have been found in this field.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 269

55. Defenders repulsed at Bruff

    Bruff · town · Limerick · 1793

    In 1793 a large body of Defenders attempted to seize the town of Bruff but were repulsed by the 34th Regiment, with many slain on both sides.

    Read the passage

    1793. Large body of Defenders attempted to seize the town, but repulsed by the 34th Regiment, after many being slain on both sides.

    1822. The Rockites attempted to burn the church and several private buildings, but frustrated by the determination of the gentry and the nobility.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 425

56. Mungret Abbey ruins on the Shannon

    Mungret · town · Limerick

    The ruins of Mungret Abbey, situated on the south side of the Shannon, consist of church walls described in detail: a west end 47 feet by 16, a nave 33 by 28 feet, a small square tower with ruined battlements, and a solidly built house bearing marks of fire. Extensive foundations are frequently found by the plough in adjoining fields.

    Read the passage

    of wliom 500 were learned preachers, 500 psalmists, and 500 wholly employed in spiritual exercises. The ruins of the abbey, which was situated on the south side of the Shannon, consist of the walls of a church which by no means bespeak their former splendour. The west end is 47 feet long by 16 broad, with a plain narrow window. The centre or nave is 33 feet by 281; and the communication from this to the east end is by a small arch. On the north side of the nave is a small porch or entrance. The west end is 12 feet by 22, on the north side of which is a small square tower, with ruined battlements. There are no ancient tombs to be found there. To the eas1 of this are the ruins of another church, and about 300 yards distant from it, the remains of a tower and gateway. About 150 yards north of the church is a soHdly built house, which we have spoken of as bearing marks of lire. It is of considerable extent, with lofty walls and jointed gables, with a narrow circular-headed window at the east end, and entered %y a square ladder doorway on the west. In the adjoining fields extensive foundations are frequently found by the plough, and are also met with at Temple Mungret, which stands about half a mile north of the Protestant church, which was originally the hospital of the Knights Templars, and afterwards the manor house of the Bishop of Limerick.

    The bell of Jklungret — one of those ancient objects so interesting to the Christian arch^ologist— was dug up at Loughmore, in the same_ parish, near the abbey of Mungret; it Is described in a popular periodical,' m which it is also pictorially represented, as of a square form, as a specimen of very rude workmanship, much corroded by time, and composed of a mixed metal, hammered and riveted together. The bell of Mimgret is alluded to

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 311

57. Shannon runs salt water to the Quay in drought year

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1723

    In 1723, a very dry year, there was little or no water in the river Shannon, which commonly flowed salt water up to the Quay in Limerick. A ling was caught between the two towers of the Quay, and there was a second growth of fruits.

    Read the passage

    > The next year (1723) was a very dry year, there was little or no water in the river Shannon ; it commonly liowecl salt water up to the Quay ; a linge was catch't (ling caught) between the two towers of the Quay, and there was a second growth of fruits — Whiia's MSS.

    « White's MSS.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 182

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Limerick. In 1723, a very dry year, there was little or no water in the river Shannon. It commonly flowed salt water up to the Quay. A ling was caught between the two towers of the Quay, and there was a second growth of fruits.

58. Adare granted murage to enclose town with stone wall

    Adare · townland · Limerick · 1310

    In 1310 Edward II granted murage and customs to the bailiffs and good men of Adare for three years, enabling them to surround the town with a stone wall. This indicates the town was incorporated sometime before this date.

    Read the passage

    1310. Some time before this date, the town appears to have been incorporated. In this year a grant of murage and customs was made by Edward II. to the " bailiffs and good men of the town of Adare". The customs were for three years, to enable them to surround it with a stone wall. {Rot. Par. 3 and 4 J^d. 11. , note Grace's Annals).

    131^. John Thomas Fitzgerald knighted Nicholas Fitz- Maurice and Robert Clahull at Adare (Grace's A7inals).

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 417

59. Administration of the See of Killaloe by O'Molony

    Killaloe · town · Clare

    Dr. O'Molony served as administrator of Killaloe, his old see, after being appointed Bishop of Limerick by James II. The text references Stuart Papers and O'Renchan's Collections regarding this.

    Read the passage

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

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 456

60. Ancient oratory on island opposite Franciscan abbey

    Limerick · city · Limerick

    An ancient oratory on the little island opposite the Franciscan abbey in the Abbey River was a place of devotion, especially on the feast of St. Anthony (13 June), when crowds were ferried across in boats. No remains of the oratory survive, though some few remains of the abbey itself exist.

    Read the passage

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

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 376

    As the companion tells it

    In Limerick, there was once an ancient oratory on a little island in the Abbey River, opposite the Franciscan abbey. The island is now given over to growing sally, but the oratory drew great crowds, particularly on the festival of St. Anthony, the 13th of June, when people were ferried across the river in boats. No trace of the oratory survives, though few remains of the abbey itself can still be seen. The oratory belonged to the Franciscan convent. Tradition holds that a portion of the convent stayed occupied by the Franciscan Fathers up to the last siege of Limerick, when the community was dispersed and had to hide where best they could. Four fathers took shelter in a castle or fortress in Mary Street, in the part through which Athlunkard Street was later cut. The ruins of that castle can be seen in Athlunkard Street, and a water tank and fountain erected by Mr. Malcomson occupies a portion of the walls. Four Franciscan Fathers are said to have remained in the city, visiting the sick and dying by night and administering consolation to those who dared stay within the walls after the siege and surrender. When the storm subsided, the Franciscans opened a classical and mercantile school in Quay Lane, attended by many of the leading Catholic families of the city. There were excellent preachers attached to the convent in Newgate Lane, including Father Burke. The other fathers were Guilfoyle, O'Regan, Hynes, Kelly, and Denis Hogan, the friend of O'Connell. Hogan put up a bell to his convent and laughed at the garrison when they turned out. He told the posse comitatus he was able for them, saying he had an old deaf woman in his service and was obliged to put up the bell to wake her.