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. Lax-weir fishing rights let to Corporation members

   Limerick · city · Limerick · 1679

   After disputes with Sir G. Preston, the Lax-weir was made over to the Limerick Corporation, which let the fishings for £284 5s. a year. Members of the council and freemen were entitled to salmon at the weir-house castle at nominal prices.

   Read the passage

   After long disputes with Sir G. Preston, the Lax-weir being finally made over to the Corporation, they let the fishings, 29th Jan., 1679, for £284 5s. a-year, " all members of this council to have a salmon or more to eat in the weir-house castle at any time for iiothing.^^ All freemen were to have as many salmon as they could eat in the castle, at 9d. each.^

   William Yorke, dying in oflice, a new election was made, 2nd April, 1679, when Mr. Pery gave a double vote, which the Judges of Assize decided to be illegal, and Sir Samuel Foxon voted for himself. The votes were equal ; but by striking off Su* SamueFs, and one of Mr. Pery^s, (given to him) Sir Wilham King was declared elected.

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 118

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Limerick, the Lax-weir was made over to the Corporation after long disputes with Sir G. Preston. On the 29th of January 1679, they let the fishings for £284 5s. a year. Council members could have a salmon or more to eat in the weir-house castle at any time for nothing. Freemen could have as many salmon as they could eat in the castle, at 9d. each. William Yorke died in office, and a new election followed on the 2nd of April 1679. Mr. Pery gave a double vote, which the Judges of Assize ruled illegal. Sir Samuel Foxon voted for himself. The votes were equal, but striking off Sir Samuel's and one of Mr. Pery's, Sir William King was declared elected.

2. Legal challenge to Limerick Corporation river tolls

   Limerick · city · Limerick · 1847

   Joseph Robinson, a merchant, brought an action against the Corporation tenant over tolls on river and water carriage after seizure of Indian corn imported from Kilrush. The Corporation successfully defended the action, protecting nearly four-fifths of the Borough Fund.

   Read the passage

   An action was brought this year, by Mr. Joseph Robinson, merchant, against the tenant of that portion of the Tolls and Customs comprised under the head " Tolls and Customs on river and water carriage", as heretofore collected. The action arose from the seizure of a portion of a cargo of Indian corn, imported into Limerick from Kilrush by a trading vessel during the previous year, after toll had been demanded and refused. Defence was taken by the Corporation. The action involved the whole question of that portion of the revenue of the citizens of Limerick, which went under the head of Tolls and Customs — nearly four-fifths of the Borough Fund — a fund from time immemorial collected, as in Liverpool, Cork, Glasgow, Bristol, etc. The right had been before challenged, but without effect. In 1 823 an action had been brought against the then existing Corporation, to test their right to levy tolls and customs. It was tried in Cork, and a verdict found for the Corporation. The case embracing the greater portion of the Borough Fund, out of which the public markets were maintained, the public charities contributed to, the cleansing, A^atering, lighting of the old town, etc., defrayed, the local courts supported, and the general improvement of the city advanced, it was unanimously resolved to defend the action, which was done successfully.

   This, however, was but the commencement of a more concentrated and powerful attack on the tolls and customs of the Corporation, in a word, on the principal revenue of that body, which eventuated, in 1850, in the loss of the tolls and a verdict in favour of the Great Southern and Western Railway, which disputed the legal right of the Corporation to levy them.

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 290

   As the companion tells it

   Coming through Limerick now. In 1847 this city saw a legal battle over its river tolls that reached into the very pocket of the Corporation. A merchant named Joseph Robinson brought an action against the tenant who collected the tolls and customs on river and water carriage. The dispute began when a trading vessel arrived in Limerick from Kilrush carrying Indian corn. Toll was demanded and refused, and a portion of the cargo was seized. The Corporation took up the defence, because the case touched nearly four-fifths of the Borough Fund. That fund paid for the public markets, the public charities, the cleansing, watering, and lighting of the old town, the local courts, and the general improvement of the city. The right to levy these tolls had been challenged before, without effect. An earlier action had been brought against the then existing Corporation to test their right to collect tolls and customs. It was tried in Cork, and a verdict was found for the Corporation. This time the Corporation resolved unanimously to defend the action, and they did so successfully. But this was only the beginning of a more concentrated and powerful attack on the tolls and customs, the principal revenue of that body, which ended in 1850 with the loss of the tolls and a verdict in favour of the Great Southern and Western Railway, who disputed the legal right of the Corporation to levy them.

3. Limerick as capital of North Munster

   Limerick · city · Limerick

   Limerick was the capital of North Munster (Tuath Mumha), which according to Keating extended from Loop Head to Ballaghmore in Upper Ossory, and from Slieve Aughty to the Tipperary mountains. The kings of Limerick gave tribute to the kings of Cashel according to the Book of Rights.

   Read the passage

   Limerick has been the capital of North Munster (Tuath ]\Ilmmha), which, according to Keating, extended from Leim Choncuhulainn (Loop Head) to Bealacli Mor (Ballaghmore, in Upper Ossory), and from Shebh Echtghe (Slieve Aughty, on the frontiers of the counties of Clare and Galway) to Shebh Ebhlinne (now Sleibhte Eheidhlinmidh, in the county of Tipperary) . The southern boundary of this great territory is still preserved in that of the diocese of Killaloe. The kings of Limerick, accordhig to the Book of Eights, gave tribute to the kings of Cashel.'^

   The notices which occur in ancient writers of the history of Limerick, anterior to the coming of the Danes, are neither numerous nor reliable. It has been supposed to be the Regia of Ptolemy, a writer who derived his information from the discoveries made by the Romans between the age of Augustus and the Antanines,^ but the name of Rosse-de-Nailleagh, as it is designated in the Annals of Multifarnham, is of higher antiquity, and that of Luimneagh, occurring in the Psalter of Cashel, so far back as A.M. 2870, and A.M. 3973, when Ireland was divided, and Luinmeach fixed as the western extremity of the southern half.

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 8

   As the companion tells it

   You are coming through Limerick. This city was the capital of North Munster, what was called Tuath Mumha. According to Keating, that territory stretched from Loop Head to Ballaghmore in Upper Ossory, and from Slieve Aughty, on the frontiers of Clare and Galway, to the Tipperary mountains. The southern boundary of that great territory is still preserved in the boundary of the diocese of Killaloe. The kings of Limerick, according to the Book of Rights, gave tribute to the kings of Cashel. The notices in ancient writers of the history of Limerick before the coming of the Danes are neither numerous nor reliable. It has been supposed to be the Regia of Ptolemy, a writer who got his information from discoveries made by the Romans between the age of Augustus and the Antonines. But the name Rosse-de-Nailleagh, as it is called in the Annals of Multifarnham, is of higher antiquity. And the name Luimneagh occurs in the Psalter of Cashel as far back as 2870 and 3970, when Ireland was divided and Luimneach was fixed as the western extremity of the southern half.

4. Limerick city maces with stolen silver lions

   Limerick · city · Limerick · 1739

   The civic maces of Limerick bore an inscription naming Mayor George Sexton and Sheriffs David Roche and Richard Graves, dated 1739. Each mace originally had eight silver lions supporting a crown, but these ornaments were stolen before the reformed corporation era.

   Read the passage

   George Sexton, Esq., Mayor, David Koche and Richard Graves, Esqrs., Sheriflfa, 1739. They had each eight lions wrought in silver, supporting a crown, on the top, before these appendages were stolen, previous to the time of the reformed corporation.

   There were four Sergeants at Mace in the old Corporation ; and there are but two in the Reformed Corporation. They wear a cocked hat with gold lace, a blue cloth coat, trimmed with gold lace, etc. There were four constables in the old Corporation and two town criers, or bell men. There are two constables and two town criers in the new Corporation. They wear a blue livery with gold lace hat -bands.*

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 414

   As the companion tells it

   Coming up through Limerick now. The city's civic maces carry an inscription: George Sexton, mayor, David Roche and Richard Graves, sheriffs, 1739. Each mace once had eight silver lions wrought into it, supporting a crown at the top. Those ornaments were stolen, sometime before the reformed corporation took over. The old corporation had four sergeants at mace, dressed in cocked hats with gold lace and blue cloth coats trimmed in gold. The reformed corporation keeps only two. The old body had four constables and two town criers, or bell men. The new one has two constables and two town criers, wearing blue livery with gold lace hat-bands.

5. Limerick docks opened by Lord St. Germans

   Limerick · city · Limerick · 1853

   Large docks were opened in 1853 by Lord St. Germans, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, adding accommodation for vessels of heavy burden at Limerick's quays. At spring tides vessels of 600 tons could already moor at the quays.

   Read the passage

   The City of Limerick, the principal part of wHch is bmlt on an island on tlie South side of the Shannon, is situated in 52° 40' north latitude, and 8" 35' west longitude, at the interior extremity of the estuary of the river Shannon, between the counties of Limerick and Clare, and 129 miles W.S.W. from Dublin. It is a maritime coimty of a city, occupying an area of 6 Of square miles, or 38,863 acres, and contained a population of 53,448 in 1851, and of 44,476 in 1861. It is connected by Railway with DubHn, Cork, Waterford, Ennis, Nenagh, Roscrea, and all the intermediate towns, and a line of steamers, the property of the Limerick and London Steam Shipping Company, plies between it andLondon and Glasgow, &c. AtSpring tides vessels of 600 tons burden can moor at its quays ; whilst large docks, which were opened in 1853 by Lord St. Germans, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, add to the accommodation for vessels of heavy burden; and from the advantage and beauty of its situation, and the extent of navigation which it commands, it must have been regarded from the earliest times as a port of great importance, although situated so high up the river, and although its navigation is still partially obstructed. The site may have been selected as the first part of the Shannon fordable above its mouth ; considering its many advantages, it is not surprising that in distant ages it attracted the attention of those adventurous strangers, who, coming from the rugged coasts and islands of the Baltic, found here what they never met in their various wanderings, a good climate, a rich soil, and peculiar facihties for carrying on their commercial enterprises.^ Though known to the annalists, as we shall presently have occasion to remark, long before the Danish invasion of Ireland, the building of the city is generally referred to the same time and cause as the foundation of Dublin and Waterford, the time being after the second coming of the Scandinavians, who on this latter occasion chose the best parts of the island, which they fortified in such a way as the exigencies of the times and the circumstances of the locali-

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 8

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Limerick, you are in a city built on an island on the south side of the Shannon, at the inland end of its estuary, between the counties of Limerick and Clare, 129 miles west-south-west of Dublin. In 1853, large docks were opened here by Lord St. Germans, the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, adding accommodation for vessels of heavy burden. Even before those docks, at spring tides vessels of 600 tons burden could moor at the quays. A line of steamers, owned by the Limerick and London Steam Shipping Company, plied between the city and London and Glasgow. The railway connected Limerick to Dublin, Cork, Waterford, Ennis, Nenagh, Roscrea and all the intermediate towns. The population stood at 53,448 in 1851, falling to 44,476 by 1861. The city occupied an area of 60 square miles, or 38,863 acres. The site may have been chosen as the first place the Shannon could be crossed on foot above its mouth. From the earliest times it was regarded as a port of great importance, despite being so far up the river and despite its navigation being still partially obstructed. Those who came from the rugged coasts and islands of the Baltic found here what they never met in their wanderings: a good climate, a rich soil, and particular facilities for trade. The building of the city is generally placed at the same time and cause as the foundation of Dublin and Waterford, after the second coming of the Scandinavians, who chose the best parts of the island and fortified them.

6. Limerick Scholarships established at Catholic University of Ireland

   Limerick · city · Limerick · 1862–1865

   The Limerick Scholarships were established at the Catholic University of Ireland. Catholics subsequently abandoned the model schools following the Bishop's forcible and repeated condemnation of the system.

   Read the passage

   The last two or three years have also been remarkable for the estabHshment of the Limerick Scholarships in the Catholic University of Ireland. The complete abandonment of the model schools by Catholics soon followed in consequence of the forcible and repeated condemnation of the system by the Bishop. A school of art has been formed at the Athenaeum in Upper Cecil Street, and though its advantages are not widespread, some of the pupils have distinguished themselves. Education, too, has been making rapid progress. Limerick, although it stands alone among cities of its rank in not possessing a public library or a gallery of art, has very good collections of books in its reading rooms, which are well attended. In fact, like other localities. Limerick has witnessed a sort of revival of letters as well as of manufacturing industry; nor has even a political resuscitation been wanting. A crusade against church endowments and in favour of tenant right has been lately inaugurated by the Catholic clergy, and taken in hand latterly by the new Catholic Association ; and the part taken by the men of Limerick in the O'Connell demonstration in Dublin proves that their patriotic feelings are as vivid, if not as demonstrative, as ever. The river Shannon has been recently rendered much more safe of navigation by lights, beacons, and buoys ; and salmon was never so plenty, though the citizens are not the better of its abundance. Limerick saw for the first time a native poetess publishing her works, in 1865, in the person of Mrs. Fisher, wife of Dr. Fisher, a lady who writes with considerable taste and feehng. The city has suffered deeply, owing in a great measiu'e to the want of continuous employment among the labourincp classes : this sad state of things has been the constantly recurring cause of complaint for very many years ; it is, in fact, the normal condition of the labourers in the city, a circumstance which owes its existence to causes which demand the vigilant attention, as well of those locally interested in the peace of society and the contentment of the people, as of the Government. Many sources of employment, no doubt, have been dried up. There has been, also, a considerable falling off in the receipts at the Custom House, which is attributable, to some extent, to the fact that certain commodities which paid custom duties in Limerick in former years, are now brought in by railway, duty paid. A return, with which we have been obligingly furnished by the Collector of Customs, shows the state of the revenue in this respect, as compared with what it had been but a short time since. In the year ending the 31st of March, 1860, the receipts amounted to a sum of £176,305. The number of vessels with cargoes in foreign trade was in that year 116.

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 303

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Limerick, the last few years have been remarkable for the establishment of the Limerick Scholarships in the Catholic University of Ireland. Catholics soon abandoned the model schools, in consequence of the forcible and repeated condemnation of the system by the Bishop. A school of art was formed at the Athenaeum in Upper Cecil Street, and some of its pupils distinguished themselves, though its advantages were not widespread. Education was making rapid progress. Limerick stood alone among cities of its rank in not possessing a public library or a gallery of art, but had very good collections of books in its reading rooms, well attended. Limerick witnessed a revival of letters and of manufacturing industry. A crusade against church endowments and in favour of tenant right was inaugurated by the Catholic clergy and taken in hand by the new Catholic Association. The part taken by the men of Limerick in the O'Connell demonstration in Dublin proved their patriotic feelings were as vivid as ever. The river Shannon was rendered more safe of navigation by lights, beacons, and buoys, and salmon was never so plenty, though the citizens were not the better of it. In 1865, Limerick saw for the first time a native poetess publishing her works, Mrs. Fisher, wife of Dr. Fisher, who writes with considerable taste and feeling. The city suffered deeply from want of continuous employment among the labouring classes. This had been the constantly recurring complaint for many years, the normal condition of the labourers in the city. Many sources of employment had dried up. There was a considerable falling off in receipts at the Custom House, as certain commodities which paid duties in Limerick were now brought in by railway. In the year ending March 31, 1860, receipts amounted to 176,305 pounds, with 116 vessels in foreign trade.

7. Limerick to Tipperary railway opened

   Limerick · city · Limerick · 1848–1854

   The railway line between Limerick and Tipperary was opened in 1848, later extended to Waterford in October 1854. An Act for the Limerick to Carrick-on-Suir railway had been obtained in 1826 but was not realized until this opening.

   Read the passage

   to the sum of £43,333 6s. It was proposed to have two reservoirs of masonry, containing 600,000 gallons of water, with an engine of 40 horse power (or 200 men), for filling the reservoir from the Shannon. The Water Works Company which undertook this giganticwork, obtained an Actof Parliament (6 Geo. IV. c. 172), in the course of the same year, and the project was speedily completed to the entire satisfaction of the citizens. The reservoir was made on the place traditionally known as Cromwell's Fort, and close by those remarkable localities which in the civil wars, from the time of the Danes and downwards, have been famous as the field of sanguinary battles.^ This was an age of speculation and improvement, as well as of political excitement caused by the intense struggle for the obtainment of civil and religious libert3^ An Act was obtained for the purpose of accomplishing the Railway from Limerick to Carrick-on-Suir, in the year 1826, (7 Geo, IV. c. 139). The project v/as not realized at this time ; nor was it perfected until the year 1848, when the line of railway was opened between Limerick and Tipperary, and afterwards to Waterford in October, 1854. The opening of this railway has been followed within very few years by the extension of several other important lines of communication between Limerick and Dublin, also Cork, and more recently nearly every one of the intermediate towns, to Castle Connell, opened 28th of August, 1858 — Ennis, opened viz. : — l7th of January, 1859, to Clare Castle, and afterwards to Etmis — total length to Ennis, 24f miles. — Foynes, opened October, 1859, total length, 26 one-eighth miles. — Cork direct, opened 1st of August, 1862, — Dublin by Nenagh, opened October 5th, 1863, and to Bird Hill Junction, joining the Castle Connell and Killaloe line, in June, 1864. — Hathkeale and Newcastle, length 10 miles, opened in 1865 ; an extension of this line is proposed to Listowel in the County Kerry, length 22 miles. The amount of capital invested in these lines of Railway is enormous.

   Waterford and Limerick line ... ... ... £1,237,759

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 272

8. Limerick Union Workhouse opened for paupers

   Limerick · city · Limerick · 1841–1842

   The Limerick Union Workhouse, formed under the Poor Law Act, was declared fit for reception of paupers on 18th May 1841 and admitted its first paupers on 19th May 1841. Originally built for 1,600 inmates, it averaged 1,302 paupers maintained per quarter ending June 1842.

   Read the passage

   abandoned to utter ruin. The separation of the ancient liberties from the city by the Municipal Bill, at once became a subject of deep interest to the public. In this year (1841) the Limerick Union Workhouse, which had been formed under the Poor Law Act, was opened on the 18th of May for the reception of paupers.* Early in 1842, a memorial was presented to the Lord Lieutenant, in which the Corporation stated, that whereas the liberties, comprising 14,825 acres, were separated from the city, the city now comprised but 816 acres, and taxation should be curtailed as much as possible. There had been a constabulary force of 46 in number, including an inspector, a sub-inspector, and a head constable; and the memorial prayed, among other things, owing to the wonderful decrease in drunkenness, in consequence of the temperance movement, and the general diminution of crime, that twenty sub-constables, with an inspector and sub-inspector, be allocated, as quite sufficient, to the city. Deep distress was suffered during the spring and summer of this year by the working classes, who had no employment ; provisions, too, rated very high ; and a meeting was held early in June for the purpose of applying remedies. In that month an attempt having been made on the life of the Queen in London, the Corporation met and presented an address to her Majesty, to which a gracious reply was returned. Up to 1842, as we have just seen, the reformed Corporation had been placed in an awkward position; but the Act of Parliament which was passed by the influence of the government, effectually removed the difficulties that legal technicality had opposed to the free and immediate introduction of the Mimicipal Act into Limerick ; and from this date the old Corporation may be regarded as extinct, and the reformed body proceeded in its course unfettered by the obstacles which had been thrown in its way for no other object than to subserve a disreputable purpose. Mr. Vereker, the Mayor, submitted ; the Chamberlain, Town Clerk, and Common Speaker, however, continued obstinate ; and it was not until they were forced by law^ to give

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 285

   As the companion tells it

   As you come through Limerick, you are passing the city where the Limerick Union Workhouse was opened on the 18th of May 1841, under the Poor Law Act, for the reception of paupers. The first paupers were admitted the next day, the 19th of May 1841. It had been built for 1,600 inmates, and by the quarter ending June 1842 it was averaging 1,302 paupers maintained. That same year, 1841, the separation of the ancient liberties from the city by the Municipal Bill became a subject of deep public interest. Early in 1842, the Corporation presented a memorial to the Lord Lieutenant. They stated that the liberties, comprising 14,825 acres, had been separated from the city, which now comprised but 816 acres, and they argued that taxation should be curtailed as much as possible. There had been a constabulary force of 46, including an inspector, a sub-inspector, and a head constable. The memorial prayed that 20 sub-constables, with an inspector and sub-inspector, be allocated to the city, arguing this would be quite sufficient, owing to the wonderful decrease in drunkenness from the temperance movement and the general diminution of crime. Deep distress was suffered during the spring and summer of 1842 by the working classes, who had no employment, and provisions were rated very high. A meeting was held early in June to apply remedies. That same month, after an attempt was made on the life of the Queen in London, the Corporation met and presented an address to her Majesty, and a gracious reply was returned.

9. Lord Justice St. Ledger ravages Offaly and burns churches

   Offaly · county · Offaly · 1540–1547

   The Lord Justice St. Ledger went into Offaly to wreak vengeance on the Geraldines, burning churches and monasteries, destroying crops and corn, proclaiming O'Connor and O'More traitors, and confiscating their territories to the King.

   Read the passage

   The Geraldines again gave trouble to the Government in revenge of their expulsion from theii' patrimony. The Lord Justice (St. Ledger) going into Offally, wrought vengeance upon them — he burned churches and monasteries, destroyed crops and corn, proclaimed O'Connor and O'jMorc traitors, and confiscated their territories to the King.'*

   In 1547, just m the crisis of troubles and misfortmics, Maurice Russell of Dublin, gentleman, was appointed curator, bailiff, commissioner, or trustee of the city of Limerick during pleasure, with the like fees as John White or any other received in said office, and the yearly sum of 40s. sterhng out of the fee farm of the city, and was again so appointed the 10th August, 1549.

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 55

10. Lords Justices arrive at Ginkle's camp to confirm articles

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1691

    On the evening of 1st October, the Lords Justices arrived at Ginkle's camp. On the 3rd, Irish officers dined with the Duke of Wirtemberg and the Articles of Limerick were interchangeably signed.

    Read the passage

    At nine o'clock on the evening of the 1st of October, the Lords Justices arrived at Ginkle's camp ; on the 2nd, about two o'clock, p.m. Sarsfield, Wauchop, and the principal generals and pubHc functionaries of Ireland, civil, military, and ecclesiastical, proceeded also to Ginkle's camp ; the French generals kept out of the way, pretending indisposition.* Lord Merrion and Lord Brittas had now come from Kerry ; their party was included in the Articles ; but new debates arose respecting the Eapparees, which occupied the meeting till an advanced hour in the night. On the 3rd, however, the Irish officers again dined with the Dulce of Wirtemberg, when the Articles were interchangeably signed.^ The first about the Surrender of the city was signed by the Generals : and the other about the Privileges granted to

    • Storey — Their names however are signed to the first article.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 146

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, this is where the Articles of Limerick were signed in 1691. On the evening of the 1st of October, at nine o'clock, the Lords Justices arrived at Ginkle's camp. On the 2nd, about two in the afternoon, Sarsfield, Wauchop, and the principal generals and public functionaries of Ireland, civil, military, and ecclesiastical, proceeded also to Ginkle's camp. The French generals kept out of the way, pretending indisposition. Lord Merrion and Lord Brittas had now come from Kerry. Their party was included in the Articles, but new debates arose respecting the rapparees, which occupied the meeting till an advanced hour in the night. On the 3rd, the Irish officers again dined with the Duke of Wirtemberg, when the Articles were interchangeably signed. The first, about the surrender of the city, was signed by the generals, and the other about the privileges granted.

11. Macarthy grants Kerry territory to Maurice Fitzmaurice

    Clanmaurice · barony · Kerry · 1175–1180

    After the treaty of Windsor, Macarthy conferred an extensive territory in County Kerry upon Maurice, son of Raymond. Maurice became powerful through marriage to the daughter of Milo de Cogan and gave his name to the territory of Clan Morris.

    Read the passage

    The treaty of Windsor took place in the year before the defeat of the king of Thomond. Not long after the latter event Macarthy conferred an extensive territory in the county of Kerry upon Maurice, son of Raymond, who became powerful by his marriage with the daughter of Milo de Cogan, and gave his name to the territory of Clan Morris, and to his descendants of Fitzmaurice as represented by the Marquis of Lansdowne.i

    Corafin a territory in the county of Clare, the estate of O'Quinn and O'Heffernan. Corca-Bhaisgin, now the Barouy of Moiarta, in the county of Clare, the ancient territory of O'Baisen and O'Donal, but for some centuries past the estate of the Mac Mahons of Thomond. Corcamruadh, a principality in the county of Clare, the territory of O'Connor-Carcamruadh,

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 29

    As the companion tells it

    You are coming through the barony of Clanmaurice in Kerry. After the treaty of Windsor, Macarthy conferred an extensive territory in this county upon Maurice, son of Raymond. Maurice grew powerful through his marriage to the daughter of Milo de Cogan. He gave his name to the territory of Clan Morris, and his descendants, the Fitzmaurices, are represented by the Marquis of Lansdowne.

12. MacNamara chief buried in Dominican monastery, Limerick

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1503

    The Dux et Capitaneus MacNamara, who died in 1503, was interred in the Dominican monastery in Limerick. The monastery was famous as the burial place of illustrious Irishmen.

    Read the passage

    Indeed, according to the book of the Friars Preachers already referred to,^ the Dominican monastery of Limerick was famous, among many other circumstances, for being the place of interment of illustrious Irishmen in olden days. It was there, it adds, that its founder 'OomcA'o Cuijibpouc ob]Ai<Mn, as we have already stated, was buried. It was the place of sepulture, according to the same calendar, of De Burgo, alias bujiCATO *' Dux et Capitaneus",* as well as of many other distinguished leaders of the Irish nation, who chose it as their last resting place. Many of the Geraldines were buried there, as we learn on the same authorit3% and their anniversaries were commemorated with due solemnity, as is set forth in the authority in question. The second founder of this convent, viz., James Fitz John Earl of Desmond, was buried there in 1462, and it is recorded that the Friars Preachers were obliged to celebrate a yearly mass for his own soul, and for the souls of his parents and of his wife, and of his successors and their wives. There also, furthermore, was interred the " Dux et Capitaneus"MacNamara, alias "PoilbeAmA,* who died in 1503. The sept of the O'Ryans had a tomb there also, and the Dux et Capitaneus of the sept, viz., Thaddeus Fitz Dermot O'Ryan, who is named in the ancient calendar UutDg ITIc Hi Ann tlleAtt,'^ was interred there, as were also many Roches, otherwise Uoifoe, whose Dux et Capitaneus was Gerald de Rupe Forti, a famous soldier, and able and strong in arms, who was buried there on the 4th Kalend of April, 1349. Many others of the old race and faith were interred there, as Ave find by the Arthur MSS., which mention several citizens of Limerick who directed that their bodies should rest there. In the year 1504' this convent, Avith others in Ireland, was reformed by the IMost Rev. Master of the Order, Vincent BandcUo, of Castro Novo in

    ' Archdale's Monasticon. ^ Win-e. ^ gloane MSS. in British JIuseum, 4793.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 372

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, the road comes near the site of an old Dominican monastery that was famous as a burial place of illustrious Irishmen. According to the book of the Friars Preachers, many distinguished leaders of the Irish nation chose it as their last resting place. The founder of the monastery was buried there. So was De Burgo, called "Dux et Capitaneus." Many of the Geraldines were laid to rest there too, and their anniversaries were commemorated with solemnity. James Fitz John, Earl of Desmond, the second founder of the convent, was buried there in 1462. The Friars Preachers were obliged to celebrate a yearly mass for his soul, and for the souls of his parents, his wife, his successors and their wives. The MacNamara, also called "Dux et Capitaneus," who died in 1503, was interred there. The sept of the O'Ryans had a tomb there as well, and their leader Thaddeus Fitz Dermot O'Ryan was buried in it. Many Roches were buried there. Their leader, Gerald de Rupe Forti, a famous soldier, described as able and strong in arms, was buried there on the 4th Kalend of April, 1349. Many other citizens of Limerick directed that their bodies should rest there too. In 1504, the convent was reformed by Vincent Bandello of Castro Novo, the Master of the Order.

13. Malby subjugates Adare neighbourhood

    Adare · townland · Limerick · 1579

    After destroying the monastery at Askeaton, Sir William Malby proceeded to Adare, where he remained, subjugating the people of that neighbourhood until joined by Sir William Pelham the newly patented Lord Justice, the Earl of Kildare, and the Earl of Ormonde.

    Read the passage

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

    ' Rothe's Analecta.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 60

14. Manister Abbey founded by O'Brien, King of Limerick

    Manister · townland · Antrim · 1148

    Manister Abbey was founded by O'Brien, King of Limerick, in 1148 and populated with Cistercian monks from Mellifont in Louth. At the dissolution it possessed five plowlands, tithes, a mill weir and watercourse on the river.

    Read the passage

    The abbey was founded by O'Brien, King of Limerick, in 1148 and filled with a colony of Ulster monks, of the Cistercian order, from the abbey of Mellefont, in Louth. At the dissolution it was found possessed of five plowlands, together with tithes, oblations, a mill weir and watercourse on the river.

    Holy Cross, a daughter of this house, far excels it in beauty, so do the abbeys of Adare and Kilmallock, though it has been so highly lauded by Fitzgerald and others. The abbey is situate in an open, almost level country, on the banks of the Commogue, neither tree nor shrub about it.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 430

15. Matthew Kennedy executed on the new bridge, Limerick

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1798

    Matthew Kennedy, charged with taking arms from the house of John Evans of Ashroe, was executed on the new bridge in Limerick. His body was buried in the yard of the intended new jail.

    Read the passage

    Matthew Kennedy, charged with taking arms from the house of John Evans, of Ashroe, was executed on the new bridge, and his body buried in the yard of the intended new jail.

    John Moore, convicted of being a rebel captain, was hanged on the new bridge, and buried in the jail yard.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 235

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, this is where the new bridge once stood. In 1798, Matthew Kennedy, charged with taking arms from the house of John Evans of Ashroe, was executed on that bridge. His body was buried in the yard of the intended new jail. John Moore, convicted of being a rebel captain, was hanged there too, and buried in the jail yard.

16. Mayor and sheriffs publicly attended Mass in Limerick

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1626

    In 1626 the Catholic mayor James Fitz-Nicholas Bourke and his sheriffs went publicly to Mass in Limerick.

    Read the passage

    Mayor and Sheriffs went publicly to Mass.

    1627 James Fitz-John Stretch, Andrew Fitz- Andrew Creagh, Peter Fitz-Oliver Dfarrold.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 407

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Limerick. In 1626, the Catholic mayor James Fitz-Nicholas Bourke and his sheriffs went publicly to Mass here, an open act of Catholic worship by the city's own civic leaders.

17. M'Graths of Clare forfeited estates to John Cusack under Penal Laws

    Kilkishen · town · Clare

    The M'Graths of Clare lost their extensive properties—Derrymore, Kilkishen, Clonroad, and part of the Burren—through John Cusack's filing of bills of discovery under the Penal Laws. Cusack acquired a portion of the property through what the author characterises as the persecution and treachery of the times.

    Read the passage

    ' Howard's Special Cases on the Laws to prevent the growth of Popery. 2 M'Graths of Clare, lost their extensive properties, comprising Derrymore, KilkisLcn, Clonroad, and a portion of Barren, by the perfidy of a person named John Cusack, who, so characteristic of the persecution and treachery of the times, made information, filed bills of discovery, and thereby became possessed of a certain portion of the property. Ue was interred in the little cemetery of Clonlea, near Kilkishen in the County of Clare, and even after death an incident occurred to mark his career. Tradition has it, that when od his tombstone was inscribed an Irish epitaph expressive of his character, his friends turned the flag ; however, on the inverted side there soon appeared the following caustic lines; — " God is pleased when man doth cease to sin. The devil is pleased when he a soul doth win. Mankind are pleased when e'er a villain dies. Now all are pleased, for here Jack Cusack lies." This being equally disagreeable to their feelings, they took up the flag at night and having broken it to pieces flung them into a lake near the place.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 171

18. Mitchelstown estate county jurisdiction dispute

    Mitchelstown · townland · Limerick · 1259–1270

    Mitchelstown was then considered part of County Limerick, and a legal suit was raised to determine which county the Prendergast estates fell under. Twelve freeholders from Cork and twelve from Limerick were summoned to decide the point, recorded in the Roll of Justices Itinerant, 44 and 45 Hen. III.

    Read the passage

    • The Prendergasts had large estates in those days at Kilcolman, near Doneraile, and also at Mitchelstown, tlien considered in tlie county of Limerick. There was a suit raised as to what county jjart of their estates was in, and twelve freeholders of Cork, and twelve of Limerick, were summoned to decide the jioint. The record as to this is, Roll of Justices Itinerant, 44 and 45 Heu. III. I presume this branch of the Prendergasts ended iu an heiiess, who carried the estates to the family of the Geraldines known as the White knight >.

    694

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 398

19. M'MMahon defeated at Letterkenny by Sir Charles Coote

    Letterkenny · town · Donegal · 1649

    M'MMahon, the Catholic Bishop of Clogher chosen as leader in place of O'Neil, was defeated with great loss by Sir Charles Coote at Letterkenny. Though brave, he lacked experience and generalship.

    Read the passage

    CromwelLj having taken the field in 1649;, perpetrated the most revolting excesses. The Province of Connaught, however, continued in the hands of the Cathohcs, whilst Waterford, Limerick, and Galway, were so strong as to be capable of resisting the advances of Ireton, the son-in-law and Heutenantgeneral of Cromwell. These cities, too, hoped for succours from sea, and feared no force that could be brought against them. The forts of Duncaunon and Sligo, the castles of Athlone, Charlemont, Carlow, and Nenagh, were in the hands of the Catholics also. Strength and numbers were of no avail, however, without union, and we have seen already how deficient in that essential element were the councils of the Cathohc party — parties, we should say — for the CathoHcs were split up into contending factions. Ormond allowed the Catholics to select a leader in place of CNeil ; the choice fell upon M'Mahon, the Catholic Bishop of Clogher, who not only stood high in the estimation of Ormond, but possessed great favour with the Ulster Irish. ^ M^Mahon saw the necessity of the whole nation uniting together as one man for their defence j he laboured so hard with the clergy that he got them to enter into a superficial union at least, to bury in forgetfulness all that had passed ; to enter into solemn resolutions that for life, fortune, religion, they could expect no security from Cromwell ; to express their detestation of all animosity between the old Irish and the English and the Scotch Eoyalists, and their resolution to punish all the clergy who should encourage them. Brave and courageous in his new capacity, but deficient in experience and generalship, M'^Mahon was defeated with great loss in a battle at Letterkenny, by Sir Charles Coote. Ormond at once cast his eyes on Limerick, " a place of the utmost consequence, and which soon would be attempted by the Parliament forces.''^ Having come to Limerick, he endeavoured to persuade the citizens to receive fifteen hundred infantry soldiers and three hundred cavalry, as the only means of saving the kingdom ; this proposal Avas rejected ; and Ormond attributed its rejection to the influence of the clergy. He summoned twenty-four of the CathoHc Bishops to attend him at Limerick, that he might confer with them and some of the nobility, and resolve, on their advice and assistance, on effectual measures for the advancement of the King^s service and that of the people. A conference was held, in which the Bishops agreed to certain propositions which they presented to Ormond for the removal of the discontents ; they required that the Receiver General should account for the monies levied since the peace, and that a privy council should be composed of the native nobility, spiritual and temporal, to assist the Government. Ormond consented. The Bishops then published a declaration that they would root out of menu's hearts all jealousies and sinister opinions of Ormond and the Government, desiring his further directions, and promising, on their part, the utmost care and industry. These proceedings partially changed the determination of the citizens of Limerick — but events proved that the change

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 93

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up now is Letterkenny, a town in Donegal. In 1649, when Cromwell had taken the field and the Catholics held Connaught, Waterford, Limerick, and Galway, their cause suffered from disunity. They were split into contending factions. Ormond allowed the Catholics to select a leader in place of O'Neil, and the choice fell upon M'Mahon, the Catholic Bishop of Clogher. He stood high in the estimation of Ormond and possessed great favour with the Ulster Irish. M'Mahon saw the necessity of the whole nation uniting together as one man for their defence. He laboured hard with the clergy and got them to enter into at least a superficial union, to bury in forgetfulness all that had passed. They entered into solemn resolutions that for life, fortune, and religion, they could expect no security from Cromwell. They expressed their detestation of all animosity between the old Irish and the English and the Scotch Royalists, and their resolution to punish all clergy who should encourage such animosity. But M'Mahon was brave and courageous in his new capacity, and deficient in experience and generalship. He was defeated with great loss in a battle at Letterkenny by Sir Charles Coote. After this defeat, Ormond turned his eyes to Limerick, a place he called of the utmost consequence, which soon would be attempted by the Parliament forces.

20. Monastery site rented as fish house before demolition

    Limerick · city · Limerick

    The site of the monastery of the Regular Canons at the end of Fish Lane was rented by the corporation as a fish house before its demolition. Not a vestige remained by the time of writing, having totally disappeared nearly a century before.

    Read the passage

    The site of the monastery of the Regular Canons was at the end of the Fish Lane, and near the site of Sir Harry's Mall. It had been rented for some time before its demolition as a fish house by the corporation, the proprietors of the Lax Weir, but not a vestige of it remains at present. _ It totally disappeared nearly a century since. An inquisition was held mto the possessions of this monastery in the 19th Henry VIII f and the grant to Edmond Sexton is set out in the 29th year of that reign.' The priors having, as stated, had the principal voice in the city election, occupied a seat in the court house next the mayor. The last prior before the suppression was Patrick Harrold.

    In the year 1472, a command was given by the Most Rev. Father Aquila, the General of the Order, that " regular discipline" should be observed in the convent of the Augustinian Hermits ; and though in the days of persecution there could hardly have been a regular Augustinian community in Limerick, there can be no question as to the uninterrupted existence of the order in the city. The Augustinian Hermits certainly lived in community in Limerick, even in the reign of George 11. The friars occasionally fled, but they invariably returned. The succession, so to speak, was never broken. The possessions of the convent of the Holy Cross, consisting of lands and houses through town and country, were valued at its suppression at £8 6s. Id., equal to £166 Is. 8d. at present. They are now the property of the Earl of Limerick, to whose

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 370

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, this city holds the memory of a monastery of the Regular Canons, once standing at the end of Fish Lane, near Sir Harry's Mall. Before its demolition, the corporation, who were the proprietors of the Lax Weir, rented the site as a fish house. Not a vestige of it remained by the time of writing. It had totally disappeared nearly a century before. An inquisition into the monastery's possessions was held in the 19th year of Henry VIII, and a grant to Edmond Sexton followed in the 29th year of that reign. The priors had the principal voice in the city election and occupied a seat in the court house next the mayor. The last prior before the suppression was Patrick Harrold. In 1472, a command was given by the Most Rev. Father Aquila, General of the Order, that "regular discipline" should be observed in the convent of the Augustinian Hermits. Though in days of persecution there could hardly have been a regular Augustinian community in Limerick, the order's existence in the city was uninterrupted. The Augustinian Hermits lived in community in Limerick even in the reign of George II. The friars occasionally fled but invariably returned. The succession was never broken. The possessions of the convent of the Holy Cross, lands and houses through town and country, were valued at its suppression at £8 6s. 1d., equal to £166 1s. 8d. at the time of writing. They became the property of the Earl of Limerick.

21. Mongret Gate reopened after long closure

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1616

    In 1616, the mayor of Limerick ordered the reopening of Mongret Gate, a city gate that had been long closed. This event occurred during a period of religious and political tension over the oath of supremacy.

    Read the passage

    In the year 1616, the mayor ordered the gate call Mongret, which had been long closed, to be reopened, i Hitherto the Cathohcs "had strenuously resisted the appointment of any but Cathohcs to the magistracy, but at last the Viceroy and council promulgated a decree prohibiting any one from discharging any pubhc office, unless he had first taken the oath of supremacy, and solemnly attended the Anghcan service, and this under the penalty called pnemimire. Hence it happened that they elected those whom they expected to be obedient to the king's wishes, whom they now call " conformists,''-' as they call the Catholics "recusants.-" In 1616, Dominick Roche, mayor, John Stritch and Richard Lawless, sheriffs, both conformists. 1617. John Stritch mayor, George James Creagh and Pierce or Peter Harold,^ sheriffs. The two later had conformed.

    certifies the pedigree above referred to, and an endorsement contains the names of Daniel O'Kearney, Bishop of Limerick, 1st of September, A.D. 1776, attesting that this family of the Whites had always remained in the Catholic faith ; of Laurence Nichell, Secretary to the Bishop, and by his command ; and of Michael Peter MacMahon, Bishop of Killaloe, testifying to the same effect. These Whites suffered severely by confiscation. The name of White appears in the city annals at a much earlier period than the fifteenth century. The family had enjoyed very high positions in the city as Magistrates, Mayors, &c. and in the Catholic Church, of which several of them were distinguished dignitaries, including Doctor Jasper White, P.P. who lived in the year 1C68, and compiled important ecclesiastical records, which are extant, and to which I refer in the proper place ; and the Rev. James White, P.P. St. Mary's, compiler of the MSS. Annals of Limerick.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 78

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Limerick, you are on ground where a city gate called Mongret Gate stood. In 1616, the mayor ordered it reopened after it had been long closed. The mayor that year was Dominick Roche, and the sheriffs were John Stritch and Richard Lawless. Both sheriffs were what they called conformists. The reopening came at a time of religious pressure. The Catholics of Limerick had strenuously resisted the appointment of any but Catholics to the magistracy. But the Viceroy and council had promulgated a decree prohibiting anyone from discharging any public office unless he had first taken the oath of supremacy and solemnly attended the Anglican service, and this under the penalty called praemunire. So it happened that they elected those whom they expected to be obedient to the king's wishes. They called these men conformists, as they called the Catholics recusants. The following year, 1617, John Stritch became mayor, and George James Creagh and Pierce or Peter Harold served as sheriffs. Those two had also conformed.

22. Mourne monastery tradition

    near Mourne Mountains · mountain or mountain range · Down

    Storey noted a famous monastery once stood on the summit of one of the highest Mourne mountains, remarking with interest on the antiquities of a country whose ancient race he and his companions had come to exterminate.

    Read the passage

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

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 121

23. Moving bog at Kilmallock, 1697

    Kilmallock · town · Limerick · 1697

    A moving bog, similar to one near Clara in King's County around 1822, caused great excitement at Kilmallock on the 7th of July 1697. Such events were noted as remarkable natural phenomena.

    Read the passage

    Neither in the fauna, flora, nor sylva of tliis county is there anythinix that requires particular notice. Wood is scarce, thougli in this and tlie county Clare the county is famous for orchards, producing the cider called Cacagee. Two of these near Loughmore, have of late years been cut down. The eagles that once frequented Lough Gur are hardly ever seen now, and even the singing birds and other small birds have been nearly annihilated by the severity of past winters. The wild swans have forsaken the marshes of Cahcrcorney, Carrickee, and other parts of the county, and the flights of wild geese are no longer so numerous as of old. The county must have been formerly well wooded, if we are to judge from the oak, fir, beech, and other trees, which we find in the bogs, and which, from their bearing the marks of fire, seem to have been cut and burned by the natives. A " moving bog", like that which created such a sensation about 1822 near Clara, in the King's County, occasioned similar excitement at Kilmallock on the 7th of July, IfiDT. Bones and horns of the L-ish elk have been found near Lough Gur, at Castlefarm, Rathcannon, and at Knockee, one of which, a perfect specimen, Archdeacon Maunsell sent to the Royal Dublin Society. Flint instruments, including celts, spear heads, etc., have been found at Lough- Gur.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 444

24. Mr. Arthur Proposes Thomas Maunsell for Limerick Parliament

    Limerick · city · Limerick

    Mr. Arthur proposed Thomas Maunsell, a respectable banker of Limerick city, as a candidate to represent the city in Parliament, opposing a coalition formed by two principal families to control the borough.

    Read the passage

    at large in the newspapers of the day. The Roman Catholics, to do away, in some measure, with the odium cast upon them by the county resolutions, felt it necessarj^ to lay a statement of their claims and intentions, in their thus persevering to appoint delegates, contrary to the sense of that meeting, before the public ; which statement was signed on the part of the Catholics by Mr. Arthur as chairman, and was published accordingly. This open and avowed conduct of Mr. Arthur drew down upon him the indignation of the Lord Chancellor, who, finding that the Catholics had appointed Mr. Arthur one of their delegates to the general committee of the Catholics of Ireland, to be then shortly holden in the metropolis, was doubly incensed against him, and openly expressed his resentment. Stephen Roche John, Esq., his Lordship's conlidential agent, and Sir Christopher Knight, an alderman of the city of Limerick, and a magistrate for the countj"-, represented to Mr. Arthur how far he had incurred the Chancellor's displeasure ; that, moreover, his Lordship had heard many things to the prejudice of Mr. Arthur, and they cautioned him to take care, in future, how he conducted himself. To these threats, made so early as the year 1792, Mr. Arthur only replied that his conduct would, at all times, bear the strictest scrutiny, little expecting that a time would come when the administration of all law and justice would be suspended, and when everj' honest man who had the misfortune to incur the displeasure of a man in power, would be exposed to the most unwarrantable attempts on his life and property. Perhaps, also, much of Mr. Arthur's unmerited persecution might be attributed to his having had the hardihood to propose a respectable banker of the citj' of Limerick, Thomas Maunsell, Esq., as a proper person to represent that city in Parliament at the general election, in opposition to a coalition (as it appeared to Mr. Arthur) formed by two principal families, for tlie purpose of reducing his native city of Limerick to the condition of a dependant borough,

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 229

    As the companion tells it

    As you travel through Limerick, there is a story from this city about a man named Mr. Arthur and a parliamentary election that turned dangerous. Mr. Arthur had served as chairman for the Roman Catholics of the area. The Catholics appointed him as one of their delegates to a general committee of the Catholics of Ireland, to be held in the metropolis. He signed and published a statement of their claims and intentions in the newspapers of the day. This open conduct drew down the indignation of the Lord Chancellor, who was doubly incensed and openly expressed his resentment. Two men came to Mr. Arthur to warn him. Stephen Roche John, the Chancellor's confidential agent, and Sir Christopher Knight, an alderman of the city of Limerick and a magistrate for the county, represented to Mr. Arthur how far he had incurred the Chancellor's displeasure. They told him his Lordship had heard many things to his prejudice, and they cautioned him to take care how he conducted himself in future. This was in the year 1792. Mr. Arthur replied only that his conduct would, at all times, bear the strictest scrutiny. He little expected that a time would come when the administration of all law and justice would be suspended, and when every honest man who had the misfortune to incur the displeasure of a man in power would be exposed to unwarrantable attempts on his life and property. Much of his unmerited persecution might be attributed to his having had the hardihood to propose Thomas Maunsell, a respectable banker of the city of Limerick, as a proper person to represent that city in Parliament at the general election. He did this in opposition to a coalition formed by two principal families, for the purpose of reducing his native city of Limerick to the condition of a dependant borough.

25. Municipal Act fully introduced into Limerick

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1842

    An Act of Parliament passed in 1842 removed legal difficulties that had opposed the free introduction of the Municipal Act into Limerick. From this date the old Corporation was regarded as extinct, and the reformed body proceeded unfettered.

    Read the passage

    abandoned to utter ruin. The separation of the ancient liberties from the city by the Municipal Bill, at once became a subject of deep interest to the public. In this year (1841) the Limerick Union Workhouse, which had been formed under the Poor Law Act, was opened on the 18th of May for the reception of paupers.* Early in 1842, a memorial was presented to the Lord Lieutenant, in which the Corporation stated, that whereas the liberties, comprising 14,825 acres, were separated from the city, the city now comprised but 816 acres, and taxation should be curtailed as much as possible. There had been a constabulary force of 46 in number, including an inspector, a sub-inspector, and a head constable; and the memorial prayed, among other things, owing to the wonderful decrease in drunkenness, in consequence of the temperance movement, and the general diminution of crime, that twenty sub-constables, with an inspector and sub-inspector, be allocated, as quite sufficient, to the city. Deep distress was suffered during the spring and summer of this year by the working classes, who had no employment ; provisions, too, rated very high ; and a meeting was held early in June for the purpose of applying remedies. In that month an attempt having been made on the life of the Queen in London, the Corporation met and presented an address to her Majesty, to which a gracious reply was returned. Up to 1842, as we have just seen, the reformed Corporation had been placed in an awkward position; but the Act of Parliament which was passed by the influence of the government, effectually removed the difficulties that legal technicality had opposed to the free and immediate introduction of the Mimicipal Act into Limerick ; and from this date the old Corporation may be regarded as extinct, and the reformed body proceeded in its course unfettered by the obstacles which had been thrown in its way for no other object than to subserve a disreputable purpose. Mr. Vereker, the Mayor, submitted ; the Chamberlain, Town Clerk, and Common Speaker, however, continued obstinate ; and it was not until they were forced by law^ to give

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 285

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, the city carries a story from 1842. The Municipal Bill had separated the ancient liberties from the city, and this became a subject of deep public interest. Early in 1842, the Corporation presented a memorial to the Lord Lieutenant stating that the liberties, comprising 14,825 acres, were now separated, leaving the city with only 816 acres, and that taxation should be curtailed as much as possible. There had been a constabulary force of 46, including an inspector, a sub-inspector, and a head constable. The memorial prayed that 20 sub-constables, with an inspector and sub-inspector, be allocated as quite sufficient, owing to the wonderful decrease in drunkenness from the temperance movement and the general diminution of crime. Deep distress was suffered during the spring and summer by the working classes, who had no employment, and provisions rated very high. A meeting was held early in June to apply remedies. That same month, an attempt having been made on the life of the Queen in London, the Corporation met and presented an address to her Majesty, to which a gracious reply was returned. Up to 1842, the reformed Corporation had been placed in an awkward position. But the Act of Parliament passed by the influence of the government effectually removed the difficulties that legal technicality had opposed to the free and immediate introduction of the Municipal Act into Limerick. From this date the old Corporation may be regarded as extinct, and the reformed body proceeded in its course unfettered by the obstacles thrown in its way. Mr. Vereker, the Mayor, submitted. The Chamberlain, Town Clerk, and Common Speaker continued obstinate, and it was not until they were forced by law to give way that the matter was settled.

26. Murder victim's property distributed in Glin, Tarbert and Ballylongford

    Glin · town · Limerick · 1819

    Several articles belonging to the murdered Ellen Hanly were reportedly distributed among persons in Glin, Tarbert, and Ballylongford and the surrounding neighbourhood, some of whom were said to have been privy to the murder.

    Read the passage

    Informant being duly sworn on the Holy Evangelists and examined, deposeth that on the night between the 13th and 14th of July last, informant's daughter, Ellen Hanlj', between 15 and 16 years of age, was seduced to go with John Scanlan and Stephen Sullivan in a boat to cross the river Shannon, from Carrigafoyle to the county Clare, as informant is credibly informed bj' several persons, who will prove the same on being summoned in a proper manner ; and informant sayeth that his said daughter was on the aforesaid night stripped of the clothes she then wore in said boat to her shift, and then tyed her with a rope by binding her legs, thighs, and neck together, and did then and there barbarously and feloniously break her arm, and throw her into the said river Shannon, west of Tarbert, and drowned her ; informant sayeth, one Catherine Hogan, who is kept as a reputed concubine by said Scanlan, had devised, prompted, and put up the said Scanlan and Sullivan to murder and drown said Ellen Hanly as aforesaid, and that the said Catherine Hogan, after the aforesaid murder, had a pair of ear-rings, a locket, a silver thimble, and a gown, and other articles, the property of the said Ellen Hanly, which she was robbed of on the aforesaid night, and that there are several articles of her property distributed among several persons in Glin, Tarbert, and Balljdongford, and the neighbourhood thereof, who were privy to the aforesaid n;iurder, a part of said articles being put and offered for sale by some of the aforesaid persons who sanctioned and encouraged said murder to be committed the day before the aforesaid night the horrid act was perpetrated.

    452 UISTORY OF LIMERICK.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 258

27. Murtagh rebuilds Kincora after pestilence

    near Kincora · monument · Clare · 1095–1098

    Following the pestilence of 1095-1096 that carried off a fourth of Ireland's population, Murtagh occupied himself in rebuilding Kincora before undertaking an expedition to Louth.

    Read the passage

    In the years 1095 and 1096 peace prevailed in consequence of a pestilence which the annalists say spread over all Europe, and carried off a fourth of the population of Ireland, including many persons of distinction, and amongst the rest Godfrey Erenach. In the meantime Murtagh had employed himself in rebuilding Kincora, and, having completed the work of re- edification, once more undertook an expedition as far as Louth, where, however, by the interposition of the bishop of Armagh, the effusion of blood was prevented.

    In the year 1101 Murtagh convoked a great assembly at Cashel, and made a donation to the church, such as " no king had ever made before,''^ granting Cashel to the " rehgious of Ireland in general without any claim of layman or clergyman upon it,'' as the annalists express it, thus dedicating the seat of the Munster kings to God and to St. Patrick,^ who had there preached the Gospel to ^ngus, king of ]\Iunster and his court.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 21

28. Naming of Lough Corrib after Orbserius

    Lough Corrib · lake or lakes · Galway

    Lough Corrib in County Galway was originally named after Orbserius, son of Allodius, a notable merchant who managed trade between Ireland and Britain. The naming and associated lore are derived from O'Flaherty's Ogygia.

    Read the passage

    ' Lough Corrib, county Galway, is now the name of the place thus indicated. It appears from O'Flaherty's Ogygia (pp. 178-9) that A.M. 2834, this Lake was called after Orbserius, the son of Allodius, who had transacted great commercial affairs between Ireland and Britain. These are the words of the Ogj'gia : —

    "Orbserius (Filius Alladii, A.M. 2884) tnercator erat negotiationibus inter Hiberniam et Brittaniam tractandis insignis; Mananan Mac Lir vulgo dictus : Mananan ob comraercium cum Mannia insula, et Mac Lir i. e. mari satus ob nnndi, atque urinandi peritiam ; quod portuum quoque discrimina apprime calleret ; ac aeria3 prasscius vicisitudinis a tempestatibus p^caveret. Succubuit vero in praelio apud Moycnllen in margine spaciosi lacus Orbsen, qui per Galviura fl avium in sinum Galvorensum exoneratur ab Ulliuno Nuadi regis ilibernise per Thadaeum filium nepote confossus. Pugnae laco L'lUnus laco Orbsenius nomen indidit ; de his ita Flannus a Monasterio — 0' Flaherty's Ogygia pp. 179 — 8.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 11

29. News of Benburb victory reaches Limerick

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1646

    On 13 June 1646, Father Hartigan, S.J., returned to Limerick with news of the great Confederate victory under Owen Roe O'Neill over Monroe at Benburb. He brought thirty-two captured standards, and news that more than 3000 of the British forces were slain.

    Read the passage

    On the 13th of June^ 1646, Father Hartigan, S.J. who had been sent into Ulster as chaplain general to the troops, returned to Limerick with the news of the great victory obtained by the Confederates, under Owen Roe O'Neill, over Monroe at Benburb ; along with the news Father Hartigan brought thirty-two standards, captured from the enemy. More than 3000 of the British forces were slain.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 89

    As the companion tells it

    As Limerick opens up ahead, this is where news of a great Confederate victory arrived on 13 June 1646. Father Hartigan, a Jesuit sent into Ulster as chaplain general to the troops, came back with word that Owen Roe O'Neill had defeated Monroe at Benburb. He brought thirty-two standards captured from the enemy. More than 3000 of the British forces were slain.

30. News of Spencer Perceval's assassination reaches Limerick

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1812

    On 15 May 1812, express news reached Limerick that British Prime Minister Spencer Percival had been assassinated on 11 May in the lobby of the House of Commons by a pistol shot. The assassin, John Bellingham, was executed on 18 May.

    Read the passage

    May 15th. —News by express, reached Limerick, that the Right Hon. Spencer Percival. first Lord of the isritish Treasury, was assassinated on the 11th of May, in the lobby of the House of Commons. It took place at about twenty minutes past five o'clock, p.m., by a pistol shot through the heart— death was instantaneous. The assassin was John Bellingham, a broker of Liverpool, and a native of Huntingdonshire— he was executed for the murder on the 18th of May. 28

    418 UlSlailV OF LIMEUICK.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 238

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, you are on the road where express news arrived on the 15th of May, 1812. Spencer Perceval, first Lord of the British Treasury, had been assassinated on the 11th of May in the lobby of the House of Commons, at about twenty minutes past five in the evening, by a pistol shot through the heart. Death was instantaneous. The assassin was John Bellingham, a broker of Liverpool and a native of Huntingdonshire. He was executed for the murder on the 18th of May.

31. New Town of Limerick placed under Commissioners

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1811–1812

    After a strong parliamentary struggle led by Colonel Vereker's opposition, a bill became law placing the New Town of Limerick under Commissioners who watched, lighted, cleansed, paved and flagged it economically. Citizens contributed cheerfully to the well-managed rates.

    Read the passage

    without any provision made for recompense ; and farther, that though the usual appeal in such cases is inserted in the heads of this hill, yet such remedy is entirely omitted in the bill itself, which constitutes the Commissioners final judges of complaints against the acts of themselves, their officers or clerks, unless persons aggrieved resort for redress to the Court of Queen's Bench, at the distance of more than one hundred and twenty miles from the said city/' Parhamentary opposition was given to the bill by Colonel Vereker, M.P. ; and all that the influence of an enraged faction could do was exerted towards defeating the measure, but without success ; the more the Corporation became vexed, the more did it stimulate the citizens to persevere. Ultimately, and after a strong and earnest struggle, the bill became law ; the New Town was placed under the control of a certain number of Commissioners who watched, lighted, cleansed, paved and flagged it in a manner so faultlessly done, so completely economical, that the rate was not felt as a burden. On the contrary, the citizens always with a ready cheerfulness contributed towards funds which were admirably expended. The Commissioners

    Stone for building a new church at Longhill, in this county, imported from Bath by Stephen Eice, Esq., Church consecrated August 12th, 1812,

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 237

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, the city carries a story from 1811 to 1812 about its New Town. A bill was brought forward to place the New Town under the control of Commissioners, but it faced fierce opposition in Parliament. Colonel Vereker, a Member of Parliament, led the fight against it. The Corporation was vexed, and all the influence of an enraged faction was exerted to defeat the measure. But it only made the citizens more determined to persevere. After a strong and earnest struggle, the bill became law. The New Town was placed under a certain number of Commissioners who watched, lighted, cleansed, paved and flagged it. The work was so faultlessly done, so completely economical, that the rate was not felt as a burden. The citizens always contributed with ready cheerfulness towards funds which were admirably spent. The bill had its critics. The usual appeal in such cases was inserted in the heads of the bill, but the remedy was omitted from the bill itself. The Commissioners were made final judges of complaints against their own acts, unless the aggrieved went to the Court of Queen's Bench, more than 120 miles from the city.

32. O'Connell's first professional advocacy in Limerick, 1798

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1798

    Daniel O'Connell's first professional advocacy on behalf of prisoners took place in Limerick in 1798, when city gaoler James Blackwell retained his services for persons about to be tried.

    Read the passage

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

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

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 240

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, you are travelling through a city where Daniel O'Connell, the young barrister who would become the liberator of his country, made his first professional advocacy on behalf of prisoners. The year was 1798. O'Connell had been going the Munster Circuit for some years before that, visiting Limerick regularly. It was James Blackwell, the gaoler of the city gaol, who first retained his services for persons about to be tried. During this time in Limerick, O'Connell also formed the acquaintance of a Franciscan, Father Dan Hogan. The old citizens remembered Hogan as a priest who had won the affections of all classes, popular even with the Protestant party. The two men consulted on how the Penal Laws could best and most safely be evaded, specifically regarding bells in chapels and steeples in Catholic places of worship. O'Connell hit on an expedient. He told Father Hogan that there was no penal statute against erecting a cupola at the gable of his house and putting a bell there if he chose. The good friar took the hint. Masons and carpenters were set to work, and the cupola was made. A bell now tolled in the cupola attached to the north gable end of the house inhabited by the Friars of the order of St. Francis in Newgate Lane, the first such bell to ring there in a long series of years.

33. O'Connell sketched at City Court-House, Quay-lane

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1810

    A pencil sketch of Daniel O'Connell was taken while he sat in the City Court-House in Quay-lane, Limerick, in 1810, showing him full of life and vigor. O'Connell had become highly popular in Limerick and on the Munster Circuit.

    Read the passage

    At tliis time Daniel O'Connell had become a great favourite on the Munster Circuit, and was highly popular in Limerick : a pencil sketch taken of him while sitting in the City Court-House, Quay-lane, shows that he was then full of life and vigor, and equal to any contest physical or intellectual.* _

    The gallant conduct of several distinguished Limerick men servmg in the Peninsula at this period, under Generals Lord Yiscoimt Wellington and Marshal Beresford, was attracting immense attention. Colonel Roche' was one of these : General Sir William Parker CarroU of Tulla, near Nenagh, may be ranked as a near neighbour, if not a citizen ; John De Lacy of the 48th regiment, a descendant of the illustrious warrior Pierce De Lacy, who did wonders at the battle of Albuera, was another gallant citizen of Limerick.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 245

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, in 1810 this city knew Daniel O'Connell well. He had become a great favourite on the Munster Circuit and was highly popular here. A pencil sketch was taken of him while he sat in the City Court-House on Quay-lane, and it shows a man full of life and vigor, equal to any contest physical or intellectual. At this same period, several distinguished Limerick men were serving in the Peninsula under Generals Lord Viscount Wellington and Marshal Beresford, and their gallant conduct was attracting immense attention. Colonel Roche was one of these. General Sir William Parker Carroll of Tulla, near Nenagh, may be ranked as a near neighbour, if not a citizen. John De Lacy of the 48th regiment, a descendant of the illustrious warrior Pierce De Lacy, who did wonders at the battle of Albuera, was another gallant citizen of Limerick.

34. O'Conoughour extorts tolls from ships at Carrigafoyle

    Carrigafoyle · townland · Kerry · 1541

    O'Conoughour of Carrigafoyle exacted tolls from ships arriving with wine, including taking money and twenty gallons of wine from John Streech Fitzgeorga's ship. Every ship coming to the town with wine was similarly charged.

    Read the passage

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

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 55

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Carrigafoyle, in 1541, this was the ground of O'Conoughour, who took tolls from ships arriving with wine. The record from that time lists him among several lords and gentlemen across Limerick and beyond who exacted such charges from merchants and boats, all of it called extortion. O'Conoughour of Carrigafoyle took from John Streech Fitzgeorga, for his ship coming to that city, three shillings and fourpence and twenty gallons of wine. And so he did from every ship that came to that town with wine. The same record names others doing much the same. Tibbott Bourke of Caherkinlish took sevenpence from William Young of Limerick for seven loads of oats, and twopence from James Fox for ten barrels of wine leaving the city. Mahone O'Bryen of Carrigogunnel took threepence from Domynick Whyte for three barrels of wine, and twenty pence for ten barrels more. Murrough MacMahon took custom on hoggets of herrings and dikers of hides, and from every boat coming by his castle, seven shillings and fourpence. Darmitius M'Morrough of Finies took twelve gallons of wine and eight gallons of honey from every boat passing by his castle. Fineen M'Namara and Taig M'Namara took twopence from every barrel of wine passing out of the city, and the tenth part of all linen cloth, and six shillings and eightpence from every man wearing a cap. The record notes that in times past the Earls of Ormond and Desmond used such customs, which they were now content to remit.

35. O'Donnell sails from Castlehaven to Spain

    Castlehaven · townland · Cork · 1601

    Three days after the battle of Kinsale, Red Hugh O'Donnell sailed from Castlehaven in a Spanish ship for Spain, where he was received with the greatest honors.

    Read the passage

    0''Neill and O'Donnell differed in opinion as to the propriety of attacking the Enghsh cam.p on a certain night, proposed by the commander of the Spaniards, Don Juan Del Aguila, who wrote pressingly to the Irish leaders entreating them to come to his assistance at once; O'Donnell thought they were bound to accede to this request. An immediate attack was resolved on, and by the treacliery of Brian MacHugh. Oge MacMahon, Carew was apprized of the intended onslaught. On the night of the 23rd, the Irish set out in three divisions, Captains Tyrrell, O'Neill and O'Domiell respectively, commanding the van, the centre, and the rere. The guides missed their way, and after wandering through the night, O'Neill found himself separated from O'Donnell, at the very entrenchments of the English, who were fully prepared for the attack. O'Donnell was now at a considerable distance, and just as O'Neill was preparmg either to retreat or put his men in order of battle, the English cavalry charged their broken lines, and notwithstanding the stout resistance of the Irish and the gallantry of the Spaniards, O'Neill's command Avere either cut down or compelled to retreat. O'Donnell came at last and repulsed the English wing. O'Neill made extraordinary exertions to rally his flying troops, but all to no purpose, nearly a thousand of the Irish fell. The prisoners were immediately hung ; and three days after the battle of Kinsale, the heroic Eed Hugh O'Donnell had sailed in a Spanish ship from Castlehaven for Spain, where he was received with the greatest honors. O'Neill returned to Ulster. The Spaniards capitulated, marching out of Kinsale with colors flying, and with arms, ammunition, and all their property. On the return of Don Juan, who was suspected by the Irish of treachery, probably owing to the friendship which suddenly sprung up between Mm and Sir George Carew, he was placed under arrest and died of grief. The famous defence of Dunboy castle by Richard MacGeoghegan and Father CoUins, to Avhom O'SulKvan had committed that fortahce, is an event too well known to require particular description. The President having levelled its fortifications returned to Cork ; and after a series of marvellous adventures and romantic escapes, O'SulKvan, O'Connor Kerry, and William Burke reached the Shannon at T^'erryglass, and having caused their followers to make corraghs or basket boats they crossed the river, and eventually arrived safely in the county of Leitrim, though perpetually harassed by enemies.' Garret Stack still held the Castle of Ballygarry from the Confederates, but Sir Charles Wilmot having advanced from Limerick by water to attack it, the garrison surrendered at discretion.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 71

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Castlehaven, Red Hugh O'Donnell set sail for Spain in 1601, three days after the battle of Kinsale. The trouble began with a disagreement. O'Neill and O'Donnell could not agree on whether to attack the English camp on a night proposed by the Spanish commander, Don Juan Del Aguila, who wrote pressingly to the Irish leaders entreating them to come to his assistance at once. O'Donnell thought they were bound to accede to this request. An immediate attack was resolved on, but by the treachery of Brian MacHugh Oge MacMahon, Carew was apprised of the intended onslaught. On the night of the 23rd, the Irish set out in three divisions. Captains Tyrrell, O'Neill, and O'Donnell commanded the van, the centre, and the rear respectively. The guides missed their way, and after wandering through the night, O'Neill found himself separated from O'Donnell at the very entrenchments of the English, who were fully prepared. O'Donnell was at a considerable distance. Just as O'Neill was preparing either to retreat or put his men in order of battle, the English cavalry charged their broken lines. Notwithstanding the stout resistance of the Irish and the gallantry of the Spaniards, O'Neill's command were either cut down or compelled to retreat. O'Donnell came at last and repulsed the English wing. O'Neill made extraordinary exertions to rally his flying troops, but all to no purpose. Nearly a thousand of the Irish fell. The prisoners were immediately hung. Three days after the battle, Red Hugh O'Donnell sailed in a Spanish ship from Castlehaven for Spain, where he was received with the greatest honors. O'Neill returned to Ulster. The Spaniards capitulated, marching out of Kinsale with colors flying, and with arms, ammunition, and all their property.

36. O'Flaherty captured on Lough Ree and brought to Limerick (922)

    near Lough Ree · lake or lakes · Westmeath · 922

    In 922 the Danes captured O'Flaherty, son of Inmameen, on an island of Lough Ree and conveyed him as a prisoner to Limerick, demonstrating the reach of their plundering operations from their Limerick base.

    Read the passage

    The death of Cormac was speedily followed by farther attempts of the Danes to destroy whatever they could lay hands on — to spohate whatever they could plunder — to wreak vengeance on the holy places in which the monks and rehgious dwelled, and to show that nothmg less than wholesale murder and rapine could satisfy their thnst for blood and booty. Freed from the authority of Cormac, they roamed wherever they pleased, curbed but partially by the native princes, who had again then' own intestine feuds to engage them in arms. They now made a successful raid on Clonmacnois, to which they had easy access by the Shannon ; they devastated the islands on Lough Eibh, destroyed the shipping of Limerick, and carried away immense quantities of gold, silver, and all manner of riches from the monasteries and shrines in the islands.' They were so daring, in their ruthless prowess, that in 922 they were able to make prisoner of O^'Flaherty, son of Inmameen, and convey him from the island of Loch Eibh to Lunerick.* These plundering expeditions of the Danes were favorite occupations in which they ever and anon indulged during these troubled years of then- occupation of Limerick. Proceeding from Limerick, their next attempt was on Lough Orisben, and its

    ' Ware, and Annals of Four Masters.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 11

37. Orange riots in Limerick in 1710

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1698–1710

    Orangemen were noted in 1698, and riots involving them occurred in 1710, with depositions and military response recorded.

    Read the passage

    Orangemen in 1698, 296 ; colours on St. Blaise's, 296; riots in 1710, 310 ; depositions, 311 ; letter on, 312; reply of military, 314; dismissal of Major Chaytor. 315,

    Orange institution formed (1796), 393.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 457

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, there is a story here from the early 1700s. Orangemen were noted in the city in 1698. Colours were displayed on St. Blaise's. Riots followed in 1710. There were depositions, a letter, a military reply, and the dismissal of Major Chaytor.

38. Palatine settlement at Rathkeale

    Rathkeale · town · Limerick · 1708

    Palatine settlers arrived in and near Rathkeale in 1708 under the patronage of Lord Southwell, contributing significantly to the town's prosperity. Rathkeale was described as a thriving market town ranking second in the county.

    Read the passage

    a market and post-town, fourteen miles s. w. by w. of Limerick, consisting chiefly of one street, about a mile in length. It is a thrivino-, prosperous town, ranking second in the county, and is finely situated. It owes not a little of its prosperity to the Palatines, who settled in and near it in 1708, under the auspices of Lord Southwell.

    1289. A priory of Augustinian Canons, of the Order of St. Aroasia founded by Gilbert Harvey. It was further endowed by his descendant Eleanor Purcell, who caused it to be dedicated to the B.V.M. The side walls, gable, and towers, are still extant , and some years ago a project was entertained of roofing in the ruins of the ancient church for the purposes of a Catholic parochial church.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 435

39. Patrick Loughlan shot at Commissariat Stores, Clare Street

    Clare Street · street · Limerick · 1812

    On the night of 10 October 1812, Patrick Loughlan of the Galway Militia, while on duty at the Commissariat Stores in Clare Street, Limerick, was fired at and wounded in the hand. Large rewards were offered for discovery of those responsible for the series of attacks.

    Read the passage

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

    I

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 238

    As the companion tells it

    On this street, by the Commissariat Stores, Patrick Loughlan of the Galway Militia was fired at on the night of 10 October 1812 and wounded in the hand. He was not the first soldier targeted that year. On 4 June, Gilbert Keith of the 90th Regiment, on duty as sentinel at the King's Stores, was fired at; his cap was perforated and his head grazed. On 26 September, Robert Thompson of the same regiment was fired at while on duty at those stores. Thompson was wounded and his left leg was amputated. Large rewards were offered for the discovery of the perpetrators of these outrages.

40. Possible pre-Christian vestal fire house at Adare

    Adare · townland · Limerick · 1230

    Behind the Holy Trinity friary at Adare is a circular stone structure about fourteen feet in diameter with walls nearly three feet thick and a domed roof. The country people called it a pigeon house, but some antiquaries believed it to be a vestal fire house predating Christianity.

    Read the passage

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

    In the year 1811, the friary next the bridge of Adare, the Augustinlan Friary, was converted by the same nobleman into a Protestant parish church: it has been roofed, and its ancient ornaments restored. This friary is a beautiful specimen of Gothic architecture ; it underwent many improvements and restorations in more recent years, when several stone coffins were dug up in the nave of the church. The refectory is now a school-house.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 417

41. Potatoes sold at Poor House at three farthings per stone

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1823

    A boat load of potatoes was sold at the Poor House in Limerick at three farthings per stone, illustrating the great depression in the price of basic food articles of life at that time.

    Read the passage

    July 12th — The following will show the great depression in the articles of life. A boat load of potatoes was this daj' sold at the Poor House at three farthings per stone.

    July 26th. — At the Summer Assizes £4000 to be presented in the County for the Insurrection Act to the Judges ; £2000 to the Police.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 250

    As the companion tells it

    Through Limerick, in 1823, a boat load of potatoes was sold at the Poor House at three farthings per stone. The record says this shows the great depression in the articles of life. Later that month, at the Summer Assizes, 4000 pounds was to be presented in the County for the Insurrection Act to the Judges, and 2000 to the Police.

42. Primate Edmund Gaman killed while hearing confession in battle

    near Armagh · town · Armagh · 1598

    In 1598, Edmund Gaman, Primate of Armagh, was killed while receiving the confession of a wounded man during a battle.

    Read the passage

    1598. Edmund Gam-an, Primate of Armagh, was killed, whilst during the time of battle he was receiving the confession of a wounded man,^

    In this year a rateable assessment was recommended for the Irish Corporations, and Limerick was rated as 50 comparatively, and Waterford being assessed at 100, and Cork at 50.^

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 68

43. Provincial bishops' meeting in Thurles condemns Hibernia Dominicana

    Thurles · town · Tipperary · 1775

    On 28 July 1775, a provincial meeting of bishops held in Thurles solemnly disapproved of Dr. Thomas de Burgo's work Hibernia Dominicana, on the grounds that it raised unnecessary scruples among the people and undermined allegiance to the king. Dr. McMahon, Bishop of Killaloe, was the sole dissenter.

    Read the passage

    Dr. O'Kearney also attended another provincial meeting of the Bishops, held in Thuiies, on the 28th of the same month, in which the able and enlightened work, entitled Hihernia Dominicana, and its supplement, written by the Rt. Rev. Dr. Thomas de Burgo, Catholic Bishop of Ossory, were solemnly disapproved of (except by Dr. McMahon, Bishop of Killaloe), on the ground that they tended to weaken and subvert the allegiance, fidelity^

    • Whites MSS,

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 359

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Thurles, in Tipperary, you are near where a provincial meeting of bishops gathered on 28 July 1775. They solemnly disapproved of Hibernia Dominicana and its supplement, written by Dr. Thomas de Burgo, Catholic Bishop of Ossory. The bishops held that the work tended to weaken and subvert allegiance and fidelity. Dr. McMahon, Bishop of Killaloe, stood alone against the decision.

44. Queen Elizabeth grants St. Mary's Priory lands to Edmond Sexten

    Limerick · city · Limerick

    Queen Elizabeth granted St. Mary's Priory and its lands at 4d. per acre to Edmond Sexten, along with the lands of Monksland, Clasknagilly, Branlouge and Inshymore. These grants are recorded in the 1615 inquisition as former monastic properties transferred to private hands.

    Read the passage

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

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni

45. Rebels assembling at Crooked Wood, Westmeath

    near Crooked Wood · population centre · Westmeath · 1798

    During the 1798 invasion crisis, rebels were reported assembling at Crooked Wood in County Westmeath, only 42 miles from Dublin. Had Humbert successfully marched to Dublin, the English occupation of Ireland might have been terminated.

    Read the passage

    assembling at Crooked wood, in the Co. Westmeath, only 42 miles from Dublin.* Such a stroke if successfully accomplished, might have terminated for ever the English occupation of Ireland.

    The nation thus relieved from the terrors of foreign invasion, was not ungrateful to her brave defenders. The thanks of Parliament were voted to Colonel Vereker and the gallant men, who, under his command, had saved this country. Medals were struck with the word " Colooney," and at the return of the Lunerick regiments to their native city, they were received with universal acclamation On Colonel Vereker and his heirs, a royal grant conferred the privilege — one exclusively peculiar to peers, of bearing supporters to the family arms, and adopting as the family motto the word " Colooney."

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 237

46. Richard Creagh taught children in Limerick bishopric

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1565

    During his examination in London, Archbishop Richard Creagh stated that he had been most commonly in the Bishopric of Limerick and had taught children there, before being sent to Rome to take up an archbishopric.

    Read the passage

    While our illustrious Archbishop lay a prisoner in the Tower of London, he underwent a series of interrogations at the hands of Sir William Cecil, as to his going to Rome, and as to the English and Irish subjects who were acquainted with his movements. In Shirley's Original Letters there is a copy of the examination taken from the holograph of Sir William Cecil. The Archbishop gave an account of those with whom he was acquainted, and whom he met in Rome, including Murtough and Donough O'Brien, scholars, Dermod O'Thady, Conor og, Owen Myers, &c. Whilst he was in Korae he was succored by the Pope, both in meat, drink, and house rent, because he was sent thither by the Pope's command, which he was bound to obey by an oath taken when a student in Louvain. On being questioned as to how many English, Irish, and others, he made privy to the cause of his return into Ireland, he replied, that with the exception of an English Jesuit, who was at Dellingen, near Augsburgh, and two friars of St. Francis, an English and an Irishman, whom he met at Antwerp, and one Doctor Clement, who lived in that city, no one knew of the circumstance. Some j'oung Irish scholars had heard in Louvain, perhaps from persons who had come from Rome, of his appointment to the Archbishopric of Armagh. He said that he had spent a portion of his time in merchandise, which was true, — that he carried a letter from the Pope to Shane O'Neil, — that he did not endeavour to procure the Bishopric of Down and Connor for Shane's brother, a young man of twenty-three years of age, and unlearned, — that he was aware the Queen only could found a university, — that he was anxious to convert those who were given to all kinds of iniquities, to murders, &c. He stated that he lost part of a ship, esteemed to be worth nine thousand ducats, by the French gallies in the war in King Henry's time, and that a sum of £32 was taken from his brother by the searcher of Dover -when he was going with the monej' to Louvain, to pay for his (the Archbishop's) school expenses, &c. &c. This examination was taken on the 22nd of February, 1564-'5, and on the 17th of March in the same year, another examination was taken by Richard Ousley, Recorder of London, and Thomas Wilson, Master of St. Katharine's Hospital, which is also given in Shirley's Original Letters. In this examination he stated that David Wolfe, a fellow citizen of Limerick, was the Pope's nuncio — that Wolfe was a professed Jesuit — that he had lived in Rome about eight years — that he was sent from Rome, by obedience, to Ireland, to see what Bishops did duties in this country, what sees were void, and that he himself had been most commonly in the Bishopric of Limerick, and had taught children there. His introduction to the nuncio arose from the fact that the nuncio had heard he was learned — that he so required him to go to Rome, and take upon him the Archbishopric of Cashel, and afterwards the Archbishopric of Armagh being void before his departure, the nuncio charged him to go to Rome for the Archbishopric of Cashel or Armagh, which he could not refuse, because when a bachelor of divinity in Louvain he swore obedience to the Pope, and therefore durst not disobey the nuncio. He stated that the nuncio gave him a letter to Cardinal Morone — that on his coming to Korae he delivered his letters to the superior of the Jesuits, he desiring to enter religion, but he was commanded shortly after by Cardinal Gonzage, who was acting in the place of Cardinal Morone, then at the Council of Trent, that he should not enter into religion till he had known the Pope's pleasure. In answer to further questions, he stated that when he was leaving Ireland the nuncio gave him forty crowns — that the Bishop of Limerick (Hugh Lacy) gave him twelve marks, " the which 12 markes he had as an exibion for his fyndy'g there," and twenty crowns he had of his own, and more he had not by credit or otherwise. On being questioned where the nuncio most commonly kept in Ireland, he stated that he had secretly come to Limerick, and had been the last summer with Shane O'Ncil in TjTone, as he heard, and that the letters he received were delivered to him in Limerick, in the presence of a Priest called Sir Thomas Molam. He stated further that he went out of Ireland two years before — that he came to Rome in January — that in February he was commanded not to enter into religion, and that afterwards be was charged upon the Pope's curse, not to refuse the Archbishopric of Armagh, and about Easter, twelve months after, he was consecrated by Lomelinus (Beneditto Lomellino of Genoa, born 1517, Clerk of the Apostolic Chamber, Bishop successivel}- of Anagui, Vintimiglia, Luni, and Sarzana, and afterwards Cardinal, died in 1579), and another Bishop, in the I'ope's chapel, and so came from Rome in July last past. He repeated that while in Rome the Pope bore all his expenses after he had warning not to enter religion, and had daily meat, drink, and wine, for himself and his servant at the Pope's cost — paying for his house room six crowns by the month, having had at various times from the Pope 700 crowns, of which he had 300 crowns from the Pope when leaving Rome, and 100 crowns from the nuncio — he had apparel of three

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 68

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, this is a city that once sheltered a man called Richard Creagh. In 1565, held prisoner in the Tower of London, he was examined by Sir William Cecil and by Richard Ousley, Recorder of London, and Thomas Wilson, Master of St. Katharine's Hospital. In that examination he stated that he had been most commonly in the Bishopric of Limerick, and had taught children there. The examination is recorded in Shirley's Original Letters, from the holograph of Sir William Cecil himself. Creagh told his examiners that David Wolfe, a fellow citizen of Limerick, was the Pope's nuncio in Ireland, and a professed Jesuit. The nuncio had heard that Creagh was learned, and required him to go to Rome to take upon him an archbishopric. The Archbishopric of Armagh being void, the nuncio charged him to go to Rome for Cashel or Armagh. Creagh said he could not refuse, because when a bachelor of divinity in Louvain he had sworn obedience to the Pope, and therefore durst not disobey the nuncio. The Bishop of Limerick, Hugh Lacy, gave him twelve marks, which he had as an exhibition for his finding there, and twenty crowns of his own. The nuncio gave him forty crowns. The letters sending him to Rome were delivered to him in Limerick, in the presence of a priest called Sir Thomas Molam. He stated the nuncio had secretly come to Limerick, and had been the last summer with Shane O'Neil in Tyrone. Creagh went out of Ireland, came to Rome in January, and about Easter, twelve months after, was consecrated by Benedetto Lomellino of Genoa and another bishop in the Pope's chapel. While in Rome the Pope bore all his expenses, giving him at various times 700 crowns, of which 300 came from the Pope when leaving Rome, and 100 from the nuncio.

47. Richard White settles Ballyneety and builds castle and churches

    Ballyneety · townland · Limerick · 1418

    Richard White came from England to Limerick in 1418 and settled at Ballyneety (Whitestown) in County Limerick, acquiring great honor and reputation. He built the castle and church of Ballyneety, began the church of Ballynantly (finished by his son), and his son built a church at Tullybrackey. The family erected stately burying places in these churches and in the Cathedral Church of Limerick.

    Read the passage

    Helenas White, Esq. J. P. of Limerick, possesses a pedigree on illuminated vellum, which shows that Richard White, the first of his family, came from England to Limerick, in A D. 1418, and acquired great honor and reputation. He settled at Ballyneety, so called from his name (Whitestown) in the County of Limerick, says the pedigree, and afterwards acquired the estate of BaUynanty in said count}'. From this Richard White of Ballyneaty descended several families of the name. Richard built the Castle and Church of Ballyneaty, and began the building of the Church of BaUynanty, which after his death was finished by his son and heir, who acquired the estate of Tullybrackey, where he also built a Church. The descendants of Eichard erected stately burying places in the said Churches of Ballyneety or Whitestown, BaUynanty, and Tullybrackey, and in the Cathedral Church of Limerick. Ulster King at Arms, A.D. 171G,

    * Curragower mill was held by several persons from time to time, but early in 1858 it was burned to the ground and not rebuilt. It was then held by Alderman Quinlivan, who worked it for some years, as tenant to the Limerick Harbour Commissioners, who purchased it, A.D. 1839, from the Old Corporation, tn whom thoy gave a sum of £300, and to ivliose Knant, Mr. Cornelius Jvash, they gave £2300, for the interest of his lease.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 77

48. Riding of the franchises of Limerick, 1765

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1765

    On 5–6 September 1765, the Mayor, Sheriffs, and Corporation of Limerick, accompanied by fourteen trade guilds with standards and music, rode the franchises of the city and its liberties. The procession passed from King's Island through the city and visited the SE, SW, and N. liberties.

    Read the passage

    Tlie Order of Franchises of Limerick, rode the f)th and Gth of September, 1765. " On Thursday, the 5th of September, Thomas Smyth, Esq., being Mayor, Alexander Franklin and Counsellor John Tunnadine being Sherifis, the Franchises of the city and liberties of Limerick were rode. Servants, Bailiffs, and Mayor's Sergeants preceded on horseback, with blue cockades in their hats ; then the bands of music belonging to the army, the sword bearer, and water bailiff, with their proper ensigns, the two sheriffs with their rods, the Mayor, richly dressed, with the rod in his hand, rode after ; then followed the rest of the Corporation, John Quin, Esq., carrying the blue Corporation standard, and then followed numbers of other gentlemen well mounted, all having blue cockades in their hats. Then fourteen of the Trades or Corporations rode after them, each trade according to the antiquity of their charters, and each trade was headed by their respective mastei-s and wardens. Each trade had a standard according to the colour of their trade, with the arms of the trade in the centre, and cockades peculiar to the trade, and after their masters, and wardens followed the principal of each trade, all well dressed, well mounted and accompanied with drums and music. On Thursday they rode from the King's island through the city, and visited the S. E. liberties of the city. On Friday they,

    1 Debates in the Irish Parliament, reported by an officer, 2 vols.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 199

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Limerick. In September 1765, this city saw a grand procession called the riding of the franchises. On Thursday the 5th, Thomas Smyth, the Mayor, led it, with Sheriffs Alexander Franklin and Counsellor John Tunnadine beside him. Servants, bailiffs, and the Mayor's sergeants rode out first on horseback, blue cockades in their hats. Then came army bands, the sword bearer, and the water bailiff with their ensigns. The two sheriffs carried their rods. The Mayor, richly dressed, rod in hand, rode after them. Then came the rest of the Corporation, John Quin carrying the blue Corporation standard, followed by other gentlemen well mounted, all wearing blue cockades. After them rode fourteen trades or corporations, each in the order of the antiquity of their charters. Masters and wardens headed each trade. Each carried a standard in the colour of its trade, with the arms of that trade at the centre, and cockades peculiar to it. Drums and music accompanied them. That Thursday they rode from King's Island through the city and visited the southeast liberties. On Friday they continued.

49. Roman bath tickets found at Newcastle castle

    Newcastle · town · Limerick

    Specimens of Roman spinctrse (bath tickets) from the reign of Tiberius, impressed with abominable figures, were dug up about sixty years before publication in or about Newcastle Castle and presented to the late Lord Dunraven. They are now held at Adare Manor museum.

    Read the passage

    1184. Castle erected here, whence the name and origin of the town, by the Knights Templars. A tradition prevails that, owing to the evil repute of the Templars, the people rose up, killed many of them, etc., Lapsed to the crown, and became the property of the Geraldines. Three battles fought near the town. The castle is occupied as the dwelling of the agent of the extensive estates of the Earl of Devon, E. Curling, Esq., and the " Desmond Hall", and other interesting remains of ancient days, are noble memorials of the past. The acorn, the emblem of the Knights Templars, may be seen cut in stone on several of the remains within the castle enclosure. At Adare Manor museum are some specimens of the spinctrse or bath tickets of the ancient Romans of Tiberius's reign, which are impressed with abominable figures, and which, according to the Memorials of Adare, were dug up about sixty years ago in or about the Castle, and presented to the late Lord Dunraven by Mr. Locke.

    1591. Granted after the death of the great earl, to Sir Wm. Courtcnay, wiih instructions to plant English settlers.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 434

50. San Pietro at Duncannon Fort

    Duncannon · town · Wexford · 1646–1648

    The ship San Pietro lay at Duncannon Fort, which had been true to the Nuncio's cause since Catholics captured it two years earlier with the assistance of Father Scarampi. The ship was eventually brought around the coast to Galway for the Nuncio's departure.

    Read the passage

    brokeii the coiiiedemtion, was pronounced a rebel, and guilty of high treason. The effects and property of the Nuncio were taken possession of, and sold by auction in Kilkenny. The Nuncio was in want of a ship. The San Pietro lay at Duncaimon Fort, which had ever been true to the cause of the Nuncio since it fell into the hands of the Catholics two years before, when Preston took it, not, however, without the special assistance and valuable help of Pather Scarampi. Ultimately, however, the San Pietro was got around the coast to Galway, from which he took his departure soon afterwards.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 92

51. Scarampi delayed at Cashel by Limerick envoys

    Cashel · town · Tipperary · 1643

    Limerick's city council sent envoys to Cashel to entreat papal envoy Scarampi to delay his journey there while they managed internal political affairs. The envoy failed to persuade him, and Scarampi rode on toward Limerick.

    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

52. Sir Eyre Coote born at Ash Hill, Kilmallock

    Kilmallock · town · Limerick

    Sir Eyre Coote, the conqueror of Hyder Ali, was born at Ash Hill near Kilmallock. He became one of the notable military heroes associated with the region.

    Read the passage

    Coote, Sir Eyre, born at Ash Hill, Kilmallock; the Conqueror of Hyder Ali.

    Nagle, Admiral Sir Edmund, born near BrufF, and

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 454

53. Sisters of Mercy convent founded on ancient friary site

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1848

    The Sisters of Mercy convent was founded in Limerick on 24 September 1848 on the site of a former Poor Clares convent, in a locality famed for the great medieval Dominican friary. Mrs. Macauley from Baggot Street, Dublin, was the foundress, accompanied by Mrs. Moore as superioress.

    Read the passage

    The progress which religion and religious institutions were making throughout the city was really marvellous. On the 24th of September, 1848, the convent of the Sisters of Mercy on the site of a convent of the Order of Poor Clares, who had been there some years previously, and in a locality famed in ancient days for the great convent of the Friars preachers or Dominicans. Mrs. Macauley, from the Parent House, Baggot-street, Dublin, was the foundress of the new convent ; and was accompanied by Mrs. Moore, a native of Dublin, who became superioress, and who for several years has presided over the laborious duties of her office, with incalculable benefit to the interests of rehgion and of the poor. In the old convent of the Poor Clares were two lay sisters when Mrs. Macauley arrived in Limerick ; and these, with pious solicitude, she admitted into her establishment. The house which was prepared for the accommodation of the Sisters of Mercy was smaU ; four or five ladies joined during the first year. The growth of the establishment became vigorous, fostered as it was by the constant vigilance and munificence of the Eight Eev. Dr. Eyan, who encouraged the pious sisterhood in their unwearied labours, and who gave them the most substantial proofs of the deep interest which he took in their successful progress. The grounds occupied an acre, with room sufficient for building purposes and extended accommodation. School-houses, a Eefuge for Servants, an Orphanage, &c., were soon erected, and brought within the reach of the destitute and the forlorn. Thousands of pounds were expended by the community in increasing the accommodation for these merciful objects ; the Eefuge of Servants was at once prepared and occupied, and in 1865, there are no less than forty servants out of place in the Eefuge.

    In 1844 the Orphanage was founded, within the Convent grounds ; but not having been spacious enough for the accumulating numbers who were

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 281

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, this city holds the story of a convent founded on ground already sacred. On the 24th of September, 1848, the Sisters of Mercy established their convent here, on the site of a former convent of the Order of Poor Clares, in a locality famed in ancient days for the great convent of the Friars Preachers, or Dominicans. Mrs. Macauley, from the Parent House on Baggot Street in Dublin, was the foundress. She was accompanied by Mrs. Moore, a native of Dublin, who became superioress, and who for several years presided over the laborious duties of her office with incalculable benefit to the interests of religion and of the poor. When Mrs. Macauley arrived in Limerick, two lay sisters remained in the old Poor Clares convent, and she admitted them into her establishment. The house prepared for the Sisters of Mercy was small. Four or five ladies joined during the first year. The growth became vigorous, fostered by the vigilance and munificence of the Right Reverend Dr. Ryan, who encouraged the sisterhood and gave them substantial proofs of his interest. The grounds occupied an acre, with room for building. School-houses, a Refuge for Servants, and an Orphanage were soon erected. Thousands of pounds were expended by the community. The Refuge for Servants was prepared and occupied, and by 1865 there were no less than forty servants out of place in it. In 1844 the Orphanage was founded within the convent grounds, but it was not spacious enough for the accumulating numbers.

54. Sisters of Mercy enter Union Workhouse Hospital

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1861

    The Sisters of Mercy were introduced to the Limerick Union Workhouse Hospital on 4 January 1861. A Widows' Asylum for 18 widows, founded by Very Rev. W. A. O'Meara, was also begun near the Mount St. Vincent Orphanage in 1861.

    Read the passage

    daily offering themselves for admission^ the Sisters of Mercy founded a new Oqihanage, Mount St. Vincent, on the 3rd of April, 1850. On the 5th of July, 1851, the foundation stone of the present really ornamental and commodious building was laid at Mount St. Vincent by the Et. Eev. Dr. Eyan, who was attended on the occasion by a large number of clergymen connected with the city. The Limerick Convent has established several foundations, including Kinsale, 15th April, 1844; Killarney, 30th April, same year; Mallow, 13th October, 1845; Glasgow, August, 1849; and Edinburgh, 7th July, 1858. The branch convents in immediate connection "ndth the Limerick house, are, St. Catherine's (Newcastle West), 24th October, 1849; Eathkeale, opened 19th August, 1850; Eoscommon, 1853; Ennis, 1851; Adare, 1854. The handsome Convent of Adare has been built near the Cathohc parochial church, at the sole expense of the Earl of Dunraven. The Sisters of Mercy were introduced to the Union Workhouse Hospital on the 4th of January, 1861. A Widows' Asylum, founded by the Very Eev. W. A. O'Meara, O.S.E., for 18 widows, was begun near the Orphanage of Mt. St. Vincent, in 1861. The Tipperary branch house was opened on the 6th of October, 1864. The community now (1865) numbers 60 nuns, who devote their time to the instruction of the children of the poor, to the visiting of the sick, &c. During his life-time, the Eight Eev. Dr. Eyan gave very large sums to the Orphanage, to the Convents of Newcastle, E,athkeale, &c. The following is a hst of the schools under the care of the Sisters of

    Mercy : —

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 281

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, this city holds a particular chapter from 1861. On the 4th of January that year, the Sisters of Mercy were introduced to the Union Workhouse Hospital. They were a community already long established in Limerick. They had founded the Mount St. Vincent Orphanage on the 3rd of April 1850. The foundation stone of its present building was laid on the 5th of July 1851 by Dr. Ryan, attended by a large number of clergymen connected with the city. The Limerick Convent had also established several foundations beyond the city: Kinsale on the 15th of April 1844, Killarney on the 30th of April the same year, Mallow on the 13th of October 1845, Glasgow in August 1849, and Edinburgh on the 7th of July 1858. The branch convents in immediate connection with the Limerick house were St. Catherine's at Newcastle West, opened the 24th of October 1849, Rathkeale, opened the 19th of August 1850, Ennis in 1851, Roscommon in 1853, and Adare in 1854. The handsome convent at Adare was built near the Catholic parochial church at the sole expense of the Earl of Dunraven. Also in 1861, a Widows' Asylum for 18 widows, founded by the Very Rev. W. A. O'Meara, was begun near the Mount St. Vincent Orphanage. By 1865, the community numbered 60 nuns, who devoted their time to the instruction of the children of the poor and to the visiting of the sick. During his lifetime, Dr. Ryan gave very large sums to the Orphanage and to the convents of Newcastle, Rathkeale, and others.

55. Sixty-eight Limerick gentry attainted of high treason

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1689

    In King James II's Parliament, sixty-eight of the gentry of the county and city of Limerick were attainted of high treason.

    Read the passage

    In King Jameses ParHament sixty-eight of the gentry of the county and city of Limerick were attainted of high treason ; and it may be added that

    > The Common Council of Limerick, January 30, 1687, in which year and the following one, King James altered all the Corporations of Ireland — Harris's Life of King William.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 149

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, this is the city where in 1689, King James II's Parliament attainted sixty-eight of the gentry of the county and city of high treason. The year before, on January 30, 1687, the Common Council of Limerick sat, and King James altered all the Corporations of Ireland in that year and the next.

56. Sole Catholic clergyman apostacy in County Limerick under Penal Laws

    Limerick · city · Limerick

    During the Penal Law persecutions in County Limerick, only one Catholic clergyman is said to have fallen from the faith. The horror of his apostacy was so widely felt that members of his own family refused to receive him after his fall.

    Read the passage

    statute was directly contrary to the ninth article of the Treaty of Limerick. No priest, though registered, could perform any sacerdotal office except in the parish for which he was registered. A priest removed, or dead, was not to have a successor. Ample rewards were given to the priest-catcher, the schoolmaster-hunter, and the persecutor of every degree and kind. In the county of Limerick, amid these terrible trials, it is related that but one Catholic clergyman fell before the tempest; and that such was the horror widely entertained of his, alas ! unfortunate apostacy, that the members of his own family refused to receive him after his fall. Even the Protestant bishop. Dr. Smyth, does not appear to have encouraged him, while Dean Daniel sent him off with '^five thirteens/'^ In 1710, a complaint, with the nature of which we are unacquainted, was forwarded against Dr. Smyth — who appears ever to have been in hot water — to the Duke of Ormonde, who he was told, " since his lordship is unwilhng to come to town, to wait on the Lord Lieutenant, he is afraid his Excellency will make him a visit at Limerick. It is said with assurance, that he designs a progress through Munster, and will set forward the 20th current, the day after ye recess begins. He goes by Kilkenny, so to Clonmell, Cork, Kingsale, and Limerick.'"

    In a postscript, it is said, " to promote one Mr. Smedly of Cashel, to the vicar-generalship of Cork; this was ye occasion of ye motion for bringing in heads of a bill against Simony, &c., was caused by the Protestant bishop of Cork having broken his promise to the Lord Lieutenant."

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 172

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Limerick now, you are in a city that holds a remarkable record from the days of the Penal Laws. The statutes bore hard on Catholic clergy. A registered priest could perform his sacerdotal duties only in the parish for which he was registered. When a priest was removed or dead, no successor was allowed. Rewards were given to the priest-catcher, the schoolmaster-hunter, and the persecutor of every kind. The statute was directly contrary to the ninth article of the Treaty of Limerick. Amid all these trials in the county of Limerick, it is related that but one Catholic clergyman fell. Such was the horror widely felt at his apostacy that the members of his own family refused to receive him after his fall. Even the Protestant bishop, Dr. Smyth, does not appear to have encouraged him. Dean Daniel sent him off with five thirteens. Dr. Smyth seems ever to have been in hot water. In 1710, a complaint of unknown nature was forwarded against him to the Duke of Ormonde. He was told that since his lordship was unwilling to come to town to wait on the Lord Lieutenant, he was afraid his Excellency would make him a visit at Limerick. It was said with assurance that the Lord Lieutenant designed a progress through Munster and would set forward on the 20th of the month, the day after the recess began. He would go by Kilkenny, then to Clonmell, Cork, Kinsale, and Limerick.

57. Southern suburb walls and Cromwell's Tower area built

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1441

    In 1441, accounts were rendered for building the walls of the southern suburbs. Part of the town wall near Cromwell's Tower was built, and joinings in the wall visible at Mr. Robert Carr's house show it was built at several different periods.

    Read the passage

    In 1441, 20th Hen. VI., Wilham Arthur, mayor, Robert Nangyle and Richard Galway, bailiffs the'y furnished an account of the expenses incurred in building the walls of the southern suburbs {Arthur MSS.). White's MSS. state : " In this year part of the town wall near Cromwell's Tower was built, and add that the different joinings in the wall, to be seen at Mr. Robert Carr's house, prove that this wall was built at several different periods".

    1449 This year the Tholsel (which afterwards was converted into a gaol) was building. The fact is told in rhyme in the Davis MSS.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 401

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, those southern suburb walls you can glimpse go back to 1441. That year, under Henry the Sixth, the mayor William Arthur and the bailiffs Robert Nangyle and Richard Galway furnished an account of the expenses incurred in building them. Part of the town wall near Cromwell's Tower went up then too. The different joinings in the wall, to be seen at Mr. Robert Carr's house, prove it was built at several different periods. Eight years later, in 1449, the Tholsel was building, which afterwards was converted into a gaol.

58. St. Manchan's Cathedral of Limerick foundation

    Limerick · city · Limerick

    Doubt exists about the date St. Manchan founded the Cathedral of Limerick and when the Saint lived, partly due to confusion with Mancheus, Abbot of Menedrochit, who died in 651 or 652. St. Manchin lived at least two centuries earlier than the period assigned to St. Mancheus by the martyrologies.

    Read the passage

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

    " The Lumineach did not hear on its bosom of the race of Leathcluinn,

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 10

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Limerick now, and this city holds an old cathedral foundation whose origins are tangled in a confusion of names. St. Manchan is credited with founding the Cathedral of Limerick, but the date is uncertain, and the reason is a similarity of names. The Annals of Ulster speak of a Mancheus, Abbot of Menedrochit, who died in 651 or 652. Some have taken this Mancheus for the same man, and his commemoration appears under the name Manicheus, the Wise Irishman, in the books de Miraculis Scripturae, which some erroneously ascribed to St. Augustine. The festival of St. Manchin falls in January, and the times seem to align. But St. Manchin lived two centuries at least before the period assigned to St. Mancheus by the martyrologies. The Annals of Innisfallen record a great battle fought here in 567. And it was here that Saint Cumin Fodha, son of Fiachna, Bishop of Clonfert, died on the 12th of November, 661. On that occasion Colman-na-Claisagh, the tutor of Cumin, composed verses which show that the Shannon was then called by the name of Lumineach. The words are: the Lumineach did not hear on its bosom of the race of Leathcluinn.

59. St Manchin appointed first Bishop of Limerick

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 434

    St Patrick appointed St Manchin as the first Bishop of Limerick, describing him as a religious man with complete knowledge of the Scriptures, placing him over the subjects of Amailgaid, King of Connaught.

    Read the passage

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

    ' A beautiful sonnet from tbe pen of the late Sir Aubrey tie Vere, Bart, of Curragh Chase, embodies the tradition in lanfjuage of fire and beaiity. — Lamenlntion of Ireland nnd other Poems.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 9

    As the companion tells it

    As you travel through Limerick, you pass through one of Ireland's earliest Christian foundations. In the fifth century, St. Patrick crossed the Shannon here on his way to Connaught. In the vicinity of the city, at a place called Singland, or Sois Angel, the saint is said to have seen a vision of an angel. The holy well, the stony bed, and the altar of St. Patrick are said to exist there to this day. Tradition also speaks of his having preached at this place. It was here that Patrick appointed Saint Manchin as the first Bishop of Limerick, describing him as a religious man, having a complete knowledge of the Scriptures. Patrick placed him over the subjects of Amailgaid, King of Connaught, who had been lately converted to the Christian faith. The mountain of Knock Patrick stands in the western barony of Connoloe, county of Limerick, its base washed by the Shannon, and from its summit the course of the river may be traced for sixty miles. Tradition holds that from this mountain the apostle blessed Connaught. The book from which this comes sees in these traditions a glimpse through the dimness of distant time, a halo encircling the name and character of Limerick, and a sign of how early its people came to Christianity, at a time when much of Europe was still shrouded in the darkness of pagan superstition.

60. St. Mary's Catholic Church on Little Island, built 1749

    near Little Island · townland · Cork · 1749–1760

    St. Mary's Catholic Church, a large plain cruciform edifice, was built in 1749 on the Little Island. Its altar, composed of different kinds of architecture, was erected in 1760 at the expense of John Kelly, merchant, who also presented a copy of Michael Angelo's Crucifixion.

    Read the passage

    St. Mary's CathoHc Church, a large plain cruciform edifice, was built, in 1749, on the Little Island. The altar exhibits three styles of architecture, finely combined, and has a fine copy of Michael Angelo's picture of the Crucifixion, presented by John Kelly, Esq., merchant, at whose expense was also built the altar, which was composed of several different kinds of architectine, and erected m 1760. The church has lately undergone various improvements, with a new tabernacle, and grounds enclosed by a fine iron balustrade.

    St. Patrick's, Penny Well, was erected in 1750, chiefly at the expense of Mr. Harrold. The new church was built in 1816. It is in the form of the letter T, and is small, but neatly fitted, having the entrance surrounded by trees. The building was much improved in 1835, and the Rev. Dr. Meehan, the present parish priest, has lately fitted up an apartment at the eastern side for a school-house. The chapel of Monaleen, a neat but small building, about two miles from Limerick, is attached to this parish.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 388

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Little Island stands St. Mary's Catholic Church, a large plain cruciform edifice built in 1749. The altar, erected in 1760, exhibits three styles of architecture, finely combined, and was composed of several different kinds of architecture. It was built at the expense of John Kelly, a merchant, who also presented a fine copy of Michael Angelo's picture of the Crucifixion to the church. The church has lately undergone various improvements, including a new tabernacle, and the grounds have been enclosed by a fine iron balustrade.