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. Father Wolfe seizes Limerick city gates against Ormond

   Limerick · city · Limerick · 1646

   Father Wolfe, a Dominican friar, raised a tumult in Limerick to oppose Ormond's entrance, forced or wheedled the keys from Sheriff Rochfort, and seized the city gates, preventing Ormond from entering.

   Read the passage

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

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 94

2. First royal charter granted to Limerick by John, Lord of Ireland

   Limerick · city · Limerick · 1197

   On 19 December 1197, John, Earl of Morton and Lord of Ireland, granted the first royal charter to the citizens of Limerick, giving them the city with all appurtenances and burgages in fee firm, and granting them the same liberties and free customs throughout Ireland as the citizens of Dublin enjoyed.

   Read the passage

   John, Lord of Ireland, Earl of Morton, to the Archbishops, Bishops, Abbots, Earls, Barons, Justiciaries, Bailiffs, and to all his servants and faithful subjects of all Ireland, greeting; Know ye that we have given, and by this charter confirmed, for us and our heirs, unto the citizens of Limerick, that they and their heirs do have and hold the City of Limerick, with all the appurts. and burgages, internal and external, to the City appertaining, in fee firm, by the return which was appointed by Hamond de Valois, with pleas and aiguists, and that they have all the liberties and free customs through all Ireland which the citizens of Dublin have ; Wherefore we will and firmly prescribe, that our citizens of Limerick and their heirs after them do have and hold all the liberties and free customs aforesaid and as presented. For the rest, know ye that [we hold as] ratified and well pleasing, and established for ever, the deliverances [liberatioTies'] of burgages, with all the liberties and prescriptions which Hamond de Valois made in the city of Limerick as he let the aforesaid burgages to my citizens of the same city.

   [Whereof] These are Witnesses, Hugo de Valois,

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 32

3. Fitzgerald family of Ballinruan, Inchicronan parish

   near Ballinruan · townland · Clare

   Colonel Nicholas Fitzgerald, wounded at the battle of Oudenard and died at Ghent, was younger brother of Gerald Fitzgerald, Esq., of Ballinruan in the parish of Inchicronan, county Clare. He was grand-uncle of the Right Hon. James Fitzgerald, father of Lord Fitzgerald and Vesci.

   Read the passage

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

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 353

4. Foraging party annihilated at the Bloody Togher near Moneygall

   Moneygall · town · Offaly · 1690

   A foraging party from Douglas's army sent towards Emmil encountered followers of Long Anthony O'Carroll, who had held Nenagh Castle. All twelve of the foragers were killed, and the site between Moneygall and Emmil became known as the 'Bloody Togher.'

   Read the passage

   a pistol at the drummer who was sent to him to surrender the fortress^ *' These are m?/ terms/^ exclaimed Grace ; " these only will I give or receive ; and when my provisions are consumed I will defend it till I eat my boots/' hoisting a bloody flag at the moment, and beating back a detachment of 3,000 horse and foot that attempted to cross the Shannon, killing Douglas's best gunner, and compelling the enemy to retreat more rapidly than they had advanced. After this defeat before Athlone, Douglas, with the remnant of his forces made an effort to join King William at Limerick. In doing so he was hourly afraid of falling into the hands of Sarsfield, who, he was aware would make short work of his troops if but the opportunity was thrown in his way. Instead, therefore, of taking the direct route to Limerick, he pursued the road by Ballymore and Ballyboy, avoiding Banagher, where he had heard that Sarsfield awaited him; and, passing through Roscrea, he proceeded by Thurles which he sacked and burned, and Holycross, till he reached the camp at CuUen, where he did not arrive before the 8th of August. When he passed Eoscrea, he encamped on the north side of the hiU of Ptathnavaigue, near Dunkerrin, where the army spent a few days at rest. At the De\'il's Bit mountain a message was received by Douglas from William, to hasten his march, the rapparees every where giving him more than enough to think of. The countrypeople brought quantities of poultry and other provisions to the camp,aU of which were paid for; and here an incident occurred which I have heard from the great grandson of the individual who then hved at Kyleanna, near Clonakenny, in the neighbourhood. This gentleman rode to the camp with several others, having been attracted thither by curiosity. He saw that the grenadiers wore four bells on their waist belts for the purpose of frightening away cavaby ; and it was here the following melancholy occurrence took place : — A soldier who had strayed across the hill to look at the country, sat down to rest, and soon afterwards fell asleep, probably from fatigue; some labourers were working near the spot digging a ditch, and their children who were with them, gathered around the sleejiing soldier, and commenced playing with the bells ; the noise awoke him suddenly, when he ran ofi^ to where his firelock lay, a short distance ; the labourers thinking that he took the musket to fire at the children, one of them (the workmen) threw a stone at the soldier, which hit him on the head and knocked him senseless — the others dispatched him with their spades, and buried him on the spot where the occurrence took place. This was not known to the army, which passed on "ndthout making inquiries after the missing man. A foraging party of the same army was sent down from the camp towards Emmil, where they fell in Avith a large body of the followers of O'CarroU — long Anthony O'Carroll Avho had held the Castle of Nenagh — a conflict ensued — not one of the foraging party, about twelve in number escaped — and to this day the place where this occurred is called the " Bloody Togher" — it lies between Moneygall and Emmil — aU in the King's County.

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 122

   As the companion tells it

   As the road takes you through Moneygall, you are near the ground where a foraging party from Douglas's army met its end in 1690. Douglas, with the remnant of his forces, had been making his way to join King William at Limerick after a defeat before Athlone. He feared Sarsfield, who would make short work of his troops given the chance, so he avoided the direct route and Banagher, where Sarsfield waited. He came instead by Ballymore and Ballyboy, through Roscrea, and through Thurles, which he sacked and burned. He passed Holycross and reached the camp at Cullen by the 8th of August. Before reaching Cullen, he had encamped on the north side of the hill of Rathnavaigue near Dunkerrin. The army rested there a few days. The rapparees were everywhere giving him trouble, and word came from William to hasten his march. The grenadiers wore four bells on their waist belts to frighten away cavalry. A soldier who strayed across the hill sat down, fell asleep, and children of labourers digging nearby gathered around him and played with the bells. The noise woke him. He ran to his musket. The labourers thought he meant to fire at the children, and one threw a stone that struck him senseless. The others killed him with their spades and buried him where he fell. The army passed on without inquiry. From that same camp, a foraging party was sent down towards Emmil. There they fell in with a large body of the followers of Long Anthony O'Carroll, who had held the Castle of Nenagh. A conflict ensued. Not one of the foraging party escaped — about twelve in number, all killed. The place where this occurred is called the Bloody Togher. It lies between Moneygall and Emmil, all in the King's County.

5. Garrison officers' outrages against Limerick Corporation and Bishop, 1710

   Limerick · city · Limerick · 1710

   Officers of the Limerick garrison repeatedly insulted the Mayor, Bishop, and Corporation, drinking blasphemous and bawdy healths under the Bishop's house and hunting with dogs through the city during the October 23 anniversary. The city petitioned the Lords Justices on 27 October 1710; the officers were suspended and eventually convicted, submitting a humble petition acknowledging their 'irregularities' committed 'through inadvertency and in excesse of liquour.'

   Read the passage

   Humbly sheweth That your Petitioners were several times of late, in a violent manner insulted by several officers of this garrison, viz.. Major Cheater, Capt. Jephson, Capt. Wright, Capt. Plasto, Lieut. Mason, Ensigne Kelly, and Lieut. Barkley ; that the said officers att one time in the dead of the night, went about this Citty, and under the Bishop's and other Houses, Drank Confusion, Damnation, Plague, Petilence, and ffamine, battle, murder, and sudden death to all Arch Bishops, Bishops, Priests, and Deacons, Doctor Sechivorel and all his adherents, at another time in like manner, drunk such like and Bawdy healths, and at the third time in like manner, with a large pack of Doggs and a ffox hunted through the Citty, first abusing the mayor and Corporation when they were celebrateing the anniversary of the twenty-third of October, all wch. pticalarly appear at large by sevll. Informations taken upon oath before the mayor and magistrates of this Citty hereunto annexed [and by memorial of ye Ld. Bp. also annexed]. And since we Complaine against some officers, we can't but acknowledge and make kuowne by this Petition, that Collonll Kendol commanding officer of this gamson, behaved himselfe oblidging to this Citty, and took great care and pains to rectifie these abusses.

   May it therefore please your Excellencys to order such Releife for your Petitioners in the premisses as your Excellencys in your great Wisdom shall think fitt ; and your Petitionrs wUl ever pray.

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 175

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Limerick, the city you are entering was the scene of a strange disorder in 1710. Officers of the garrison here, Major Cheater, Captains Jephson, Wright, and Plasto, Lieutenant Mason, Ensign Kelly, and Lieutenant Barkley, repeatedly insulted the mayor, the Corporation, and the Bishop. On one occasion in the dead of night they went about the city and under the Bishop's house and others, drank confusion, damnation, plague, pestilence, and famine, battle, murder, and sudden death to all archbishops, bishops, priests, and deacons, and to Doctor Sechivorel and all his adherents. Another time they drank bawdy healths in the same manner. A third time they came with a large pack of dogs and a fox and hunted through the city, abusing the mayor and Corporation while they were celebrating the anniversary of the 23rd of October. The city petitioned the Lords Justices on the 27th of October 1710. Colonel Kendol, the commanding officer, had behaved obligingly and taken care to rectify the abuses. The officers were suspended and eventually convicted. They submitted a humble petition acknowledging their irregularities, committed, in their own words, through inadvertency and in excess of liquor.

6. Gough's City Militia attacks rebel camp near Edenderry

   Edenderry · town · Offaly · 1798

   Lieut.-Colonel Gough of the City Limerick Militia, marching from Edenderry with 100 infantry and 60 cavalry, attacked a rebel camp of 300–400 men behind a strong quickset ditch. The rebels fled across a bog; ten were found dead in a five-mile pursuit. The Limerick troops suffered no casualties.

   Read the passage

   " I take the earliest opportunity of informing you that General Champaigne ordered me to march at 11 o'clock last night with 100 of our regiment, and 60 cavalry, to attack a rebel camp

   404 HISTORY OF LIMERICK.

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 235

7. Grey rifles Ballyclare Castle belonging to Richard Oge Burgh

   near Ballyclare · town · Antrim · 1537

   On 10 July 1537, Grey proceeded to a castle called Bally Clare near Clanrickarde, which he rifled, leaving not even chalice or cross. The castle belonged to Richard Oge Burgh, described as having done much hurt to Galway, and Grey delivered it to Ulick Burke.

   Read the passage

   On the next day, James of Desmond, and O'Brien with their retinue came to him, and on the ' 8th of July, he removed with them into Morrogh O'Brien's country, and there took his castle of Ballyconuel,^ and Clare [Clare More], invaded, burnt and destroyed Morrogh's country that day. On the morrow, because he Avould not conform to good order or reformation towards the king. Gray encamped that night at Clare castle,'* and upon the next day James of Desmonde and O'Brien departed ; and then he proceeded to Clanrickarde, where he encamped that night, and the 10th of July, repaired to a castle called Bally Clare, which he rifled and not chalice or cross left in it belonging to Eichard Oge Burgh, which " did much hurt to your towne of Galway," " and the same dyd take and deliver to Ullyck Oborgh, now lately made Capitayn of that comitre" [and knighted by Gray] . He remained eight days in Galway, where he was entertained by the Mayor, and Ulick Burke gave all the "Iryshe retinue," that was with him in his countrey, " frelye mete, drynk, and lodging. Lyck order, as I toke with the Mayor of Lymyryck, hys brothern, and the Busshop as touching theyr othes to your Majestic, and the refusall of the usurped jaower of the Busshopp of Eome, lyck order toke with the Mayor of Galway, and his brothern and the Busshop." About this time, it would appear a serious dispute arose between the Deputy and Edmond Sexten, who had hitherto been very good friends. We take from the Arthur MSS. an important item of intelligence, which goes to show hov/ matters stood in this instance, and Avhich gives an account of the achievements of Sexten on a very memorable occasion : —

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 49

8. Lilliburlero sung to taunt defenders at Limerick

   Limerick · city · Limerick · 1690–1691

   The satirical ballad Lilliburlero, popular among Williamites, was used at the Boyne and afterwards at Limerick to mock the Irish. In Limerick it had the opposite effect, stiffening the resolve of the defenders to fight for their homes and faith.

   Read the passage

   Of this doggrel and the use made of it at the Boyne and afterwards at Lunerick, it is quite unnecessary to write ; but in Limerick it had no other effect than that of nerving the arm of the defenders to fight for native hearths and native altars and to conquer.

   Boisseleau was now the Governor of Limerick. Lausun and other French

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 123

9. Limerick as departure point for mass emigration to America

   Limerick · city · Limerick · 1863–1865

   Over the previous two years, Limerick served as a station of departure for large numbers of emigrants travelling via Liverpool and Cork to America. The emigrants took wealth from the country, leaving fewer mouths to feed but reducing the labour market and deepening agricultural depression.

   Read the passage

   1865. John Rickard Tinsley, Esq., J.P., succeeded to the office of Mayor on the 1st of January, and at once set about means of obtaining employment for the distressed labouring poor.^ Within the last two years Limerick has been the station of departure en route to Liverpool and Cork for an extraordinary number of emigrants to America, who have taken not a little of the wealth of the country with them, to countries where a better prospect awaits labour and industry. The departure of the producers has no doubt left fewer mouths to fill, but the means of filling them has not been increased; and the labour market has suffered, while the farmers, to add to their difficulty, have had to contend with the results of the inclemency of bad seasons, with high rents, and with the discouragement arising from the want of security of tenure. Reacted on by the state of the country, the city has sufiered from this depression, as well as from the exceptional^ condition of the harbour and the agitations in the money market. Still it is not to be denied that many improvements were perceptible, in promise at least, if not in realization, in the condition of Limerick withm the space to which we refer. The last year has been particularly remarkable for the revival of the flax trade and the establishment of a flax company in imitation of that recently got up in Cork ; and for the advancement of this congenial and hopeful industry the thanks of the city are especially due to the Messrs. Russell and to Mr. Peter Tait, the latter gentleman at the head too of the great army clothing establishment, having inaugurated the manufacture by a public dinner, at which some useful speeches were^ made, and subsequently visited the north of Ireland to procure the best information respecting the best modes of management.

   1864. Jan, 12. — A Flax meeting was convened by the High Sheriff.

   Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 302

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Limerick, you are passing through a city that, between 1863 and 1865, became a station of departure for an extraordinary number of emigrants heading to America by way of Liverpool and Cork. They took not a little of the wealth of the country with them, to countries where a better prospect awaited labour and industry. The departure of the producers left fewer mouths to fill, but the means of filling them was not increased, and the labour market suffered. Farmers had to contend with bad seasons, high rents, and the discouragement arising from the want of security of tenure. The city suffered from this depression, as well as from the exceptional condition of the harbour and agitations in the money market. On the 1st of January 1865, John Rickard Tinsley, a justice of the peace, succeeded to the office of Mayor and at once set about finding means of obtaining employment for the distressed labouring poor. Still, many improvements were perceptible, in promise at least, if not in realisation. The last year was remarkable for the revival of the flax trade and the establishment of a flax company, in imitation of one recently got up in Cork. The thanks of the city were due to the Messrs. Russell and to Mr. Peter Tait, the latter also at the head of the great army clothing establishment. Tait inaugurated the manufacture by a public dinner at which useful speeches were made, and then visited the north of Ireland to procure the best information on modes of management. On the 12th of January 1864, a flax meeting had been convened by the High Sheriff.

10. Limerick burned by Thomonians; Sioda Cam slain

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1375

    The Thomonians and MacNamaras burned Limerick, forcing the inhabitants to capitulate with O'Brien. Sioda Cam Macnamara assumed the wardenship of the town but was treacherously killed by the English within it.

    Read the passage

    We resume the Annals of Tliomond, already given in summary. Mahon Maonmaighe O^Brien, tlie eldest son of Murtogh, tlie usurping king of Thomond, who accordmg to the Eour Masters, deposed his uncle Dermod in 1363, is gratefully remembered by nationalists for having compelled the English of North Munster to pay the DubcMos or black rent. Twelve years of this princess reign were spent in feuds, chiefly excited by the intrigues of the English. He was succeeded by his brother Torlogh, surnamed Mael or the Bald. The new king was dethroned and banished from Thomond by his nephew, Brian Catha an Aonaigh, and took refuge in the county Watcrford with Garrett, Earl of Desmond, who, leading an army to reinstate him in his dominions, was met and totally defeated by Brian. This battle was fought on the banks of the Maig, now Monaster Nenagh, in the county Limerick, near the celebrated Monastery founded in 1131 by Tui-logh O^Brien. On this occasion the Earl of Desmond, John Fitz Nicholas, and Sir Thomas Eitzjohn, with many other nobles, were taken by O^Brien and ]\iacnamara of Thomond, in the Abbey. It was from this battle, in which Brian Catha obtained a great victory, that he received the surname of Aonach, from the fair green on which it was fought. The Eour Masters state that on this occasion " Limerick was burned by the Thomonians and the Claincuilen (the MacNamaras), upon which the inhabitants capitulated with O^Brien. Sioda Cam (Macnamara,) son of the daughter of O'Dwyer (of Kilnemanagh) assumed the Wardenship of the io-wa. ; but the EngHsh who were in it acted treacherously towards him and killed him.''^ The same authority states that Brien O'Brien, lord of Thomond, was banished by Turlough, son of Murtogh O'Brien and the Clanrickardes ; from which it appears that Turlogh Mael Avas set up again by the Enghsh. In this feud the Macnamaras followed opposite parties. The death of Turlogh Mael in the English Pale is recorded by the Four Masters as having taken place in 1398, which was the year in which his patron Garrett or Gerald also died. James, the successor of this Earl, obtained a grant of the territory east of the Blackwater from Henry V. in 1413, in which year also he granted to the descendants of Torlogh O'Brien a part of the lands about the Comeragh Mountains, where their posterity are still known as the Waterford O'Briens.*

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 39

    As the companion tells it

    As the road brings you near Limerick, the city carries a story from 1375, recorded in the Annals of Thomond and by the Four Masters. The conflict began among the O'Briens. Mahon Maonmaighe O'Brien, eldest son of Murtogh, the usurping king of Thomond, had deposed his uncle Dermod in 1363. Twelve years of his reign were spent in feuds, chiefly stirred by the intrigues of the English. He was succeeded by his brother Torlogh, surnamed Mael, the Bald. The new king was dethroned and banished from Thomond by his nephew, Brian Catha an Aonaigh. Torlogh took refuge in the county Waterford with Garrett, Earl of Desmond, who led an army to reinstate him. That army was met and totally defeated by Brian on the banks of the Maig, at Monaster Nenagh in the county Limerick, near the monastery founded in 1131 by Turlough O'Brien. The Earl of Desmond, John Fitz Nicholas, and Sir Thomas Fitzjohn, with many other nobles, were taken by O'Brien and Macnamara of Thomond in the abbey. It was from this battle, fought on the fair green, that Brian received the surname of Aonach. The Four Masters state that on this occasion Limerick was burned by the Thomonians and the MacNamaras, upon which the inhabitants capitulated with O'Brien. Sioda Cam Macnamara, son of the daughter of O'Dwyer of Kilnemanagh, assumed the wardenship of the town. But the English who were in it acted treacherously towards him and killed him. The Four Masters also record that Brien O'Brien, lord of Thomond, was banished by Turlough, son of Murtogh O'Brien, and the Clanrickardes, and Torlogh Mael was set up again by the English. The Macnamaras followed opposite parties in this feud. Torlogh Mael died in the English Pale in 1398, the same year his patron Garrett or Gerald also died.

11. Limerick Militia attack fortified camp near Edenderry, 1798

    Edenderry · town · Offaly · 1798

    On 19 July 1798, prior to the victory at Coloony, a party of sixty-five men of the Limerick City Militia attacked and took a fortified camp some miles from Edenderry, losing only two men. Prize money per man amounted to £5 13s. 4d.

    Read the passage

    In Brennnn's Histori/ of Ireland, published some few years ago, the gallant Colonel Vereker and the regiment under his command on that occasion, is touched on in passinj;. In a word, it may be asked with pride by our city regiment, in speaking of their valoui, Quo regi^ in terrlt non plena fortiludinis '? for we find that on the I'Jth July previous to their victory at Coloony, a party consisting of sixty five men, were taken to attack a fortified camp some miles from Edenderry, which, after a severe struggle, they took with the loss only of two men, and brought back with them to Edenderry the greater part of what was in it. The prize money falling to each man for his share in this affair amounting to £5 13s. Hd.

    In August, 1801, the regiment offered to extend its services to any part of the United Kingdom. In May, 1802, the probability of a lasting pace, the regiment was disembodied.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 450

12. Lord Justice's expedition to Adare with Captain Case

    Adare · townland · Limerick · 1580

    The Lord Justice proceeded to Adare and sent Captain Case by land. Both returned after killing many people, including blind, feeble, women, boys, girls, sick persons, and old people, with a prey of twelve hundred cows and as many sheep.

    Read the passage

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

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 62

13. Loughmore seasonal lake near Mungret

    Loughmore · townland · Waterford

    A natural lake covering about 50 acres in the South liberties and Parish of Mungret, within three miles of Limerick. It fills with rain and bog overflow from October, drains through subterranean passages near Mungret Church and the Castle of Mungret, and is dry for four to five months each year, throwing up grass as a commonage for tenantry in summer.

    Read the passage

    * At Loughmore, where these reviews took place, and which is situated in the South liberties, and Parish of Mungret, is a natural curiosity, not noticed, or even mentioned, by any historian or tourist as far as I can learn : — It is situated within three miles of Limerick, and not far from the once famous Abbey of Mungret. It is a lake for several months in each year — in frosty •weather a favorite resort for skating — covering about 50 acres of atiat piece of ground adjoining the Church lands of the see of Limerick, and forms a commonage for the tenantry, for in summer it throws up a great quantity of grass The water usually begins to rise about the 1st of October, but earlier in a wet season ; in a dry season it begins to decrease about the 25th of March, but in a wet season not till the 1st of May; it is not supplied by any river, but by the rains, and the overflowings of the red bog of Anaherrosta, distant about two miles and brought by subterranean passages. When the flat ground is extensively flooded, the water begins to break up through subterranean passages near Mungret Church, and in two other places. These three streams unite in one small river near the Castle of Mungret within one mile of the river Shannon. As soon as the lough becomes dry, these rivers and passages become dry also. It is usually without water between four and five months each j-ear, but much depends on the season. The general depth of the water is from four to five feet. There are no fish of any kind found in it, except in very wet seasons a few eels. A Mr. Launcelot Hill, about fifty years ago. expended large sums of money in endeavouring to make a course for the waters, but failed. This lake much resemblas in quality that of Lindnig in Germany.

    > Maxwell'* Irit^h Rebellioiu

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 222

14. Mayor Thomas F. Wilkinson declared bankrupt

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1814

    In February, Thomas F. Wilkinson, brewer and Mayor of Limerick, was declared a bankrupt — the first such instance for a chief magistrate in Limerick. All his property was seized and sold by creditors in March.

    Read the passage

    In this month Thomas F. Wilkinson, Brewer, and Mayor, was declared a bankrupt. This is mentioned as the first instance of the kind happening to a chief magistrate in Limerick. All his property seized and sold by his creditors in the ensuing month (March).

    In this month an American female named Mrs. Bragshaw, without arms, legs, &c., exhibited, and displayed great ingenuity in embroidery, drawing, cutting cyphers in paper, &c.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 246

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, there is a story from 1814. In February of that year, Thomas F. Wilkinson, a brewer and the Mayor of Limerick, was declared a bankrupt. It was the first instance of a chief magistrate in Limerick suffering that fate. All his property was seized and sold by his creditors the following month, March.

15. Mr. Baylee's attempt to drain Lough Gur and his death

    near Lough Gur · lake or lakes · Limerick

    Mr. Baylee, the landlord, cut a drain to draw off the water of Lough Gur but was killed by a fall from his horse. The peasantry attributed his death to the indignation of the Earl of Desmond at the attempt to drain the lake.

    Read the passage

    Some years ago, near the Black Castle, Mr. Baylee, the then landlord, cut a drain for the purpose of drawing off the water of the lake, but being killed by a fall from his horse, the work was not resumed to any extent, though there has been a considerable quantity of water drawn off. The

    ' History of Limerick,

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 426

16. Nightly incendiarism in the North Liberties of Limerick

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1823

    The north liberties of Limerick were greatly disturbed by nightly insurgents in 1823, with houses set on fire including that of a respectable farmer named Allen, who lost fourteen cows. The blaze of incendiarism was seen from many other rooftrees during several months.

    Read the passage

    cause of the temporary decline may be discerned in the overwhelming miseries which befel the agricultural classes, on whom, in a great measure, the prosperity of the city had always depended. These classes, at this time, were suffering from various causes, and particularly from the fall m prices, the exactions of the tithe system, the oppressions of middle-men who were dying out, and the great changes which had come over the country since the declaration of peace. The Corporation, too, was rapidly on the wane. At the Spring assizes of this year (1823) there were only nineteen names on the City Grand Jury; and among those was the name of Denis O'Brien, Esq. of Newcastle, a Catholic gentleman of fortune, for the first time. At the County of Limerick assizes, a trial of considerable importance and of deep interest took place, that of Patrick Neville and James Fitzgibbon for the mm-der of Eichard Gomg, Esq. They were ably defended by Daniel O'Connell and other leading Counsel. They were, however, found guilty, and on the 14th of March were executed. Eitzgibbon, who is represented to have been a hardened culprit, suffered much owing to the inexpertness of the executioner. The north hberties of Limerick continued to be greatly disturbed by nightly insurgents : houses were set on fire, among others the house of one Allen, a respectable farmer, who lost fourteen cows on this occasion, and the blaze of incendiarism was seen to arise from many other rooftrees during some months. A retui-n to Parbament was now made of the yeomanry corps in the four Provinces,— an inefficient and at all periods a partizan force. The total was 30,753, thus distributed :— In Lemster, 5,915. In Ulster, 20,131.

    In Connaught, 2,356. In Munster, 2,351.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 262

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, this is a city that in 1823 sat under a weight of trouble. The agricultural classes who had long sustained its prosperity were suffering from falling prices, the tithe system, the exactions of middle-men, and the great changes that had come over the country since the declaration of peace. The Corporation itself was in decline. At the Spring assizes that year there were only nineteen names on the City Grand Jury, though among them, for the first time, appeared Denis O'Brien of Newcastle, a Catholic gentleman of fortune. At the County of Limerick assizes a trial of considerable importance took place. Patrick Neville and James Fitzgibbon stood accused of the murder of Richard Going. They were ably defended by Daniel O'Connell and other leading counsel, but were found guilty, and on the 14th of March were executed. Fitzgibbon, described as a hardened culprit, suffered much owing to the inexpertness of the executioner. The north liberties of the city continued to be greatly disturbed by nightly insurgents. Houses were set on fire, among them the house of one Allen, a respectable farmer, who lost fourteen cows on this occasion. The blaze of incendiarism was seen to arise from many other rooftrees during some months. A return to Parliament was now made of the yeomanry corps in the four provinces, an inefficient and at all periods a partisan force, totalling 30,753.

17. O'Connell's lodgings at No. 6 Patrick Street, Limerick

    Limerick · city · Limerick

    Daniel O'Connell lodged during his periodical visits to Limerick at No. 6 Patrick Street, then occupied by Mr. Sheehan, a saddler. He was constantly besieged there by attorneys and clients, and his walks to and from Court attracted enthusiastic crowds.

    Read the passage

    of M'Mahon/ tliat they ought to be kicked out of the room^ an expression for which M'Mahon applauded him. 2 Some of his best speeches were deHvered at Catholic meetings held in Limerick,^ and at the Court House in the defence of prisoners. He lodged, during his periodical visits_, at the house No. G, Patrick- street, then occupied by Mr. Sheehan, a saddler, where he was constantly besieged by attorneys and clients ; and his appearance, as he walked with a thorough air of complete independence, " kicking the world before him,"* to and from Court, or through the city, always attracted a large and enthusiastic crowd of admirers. Going to or returning from his beloved mountain home in Kerry, he usually rested for a night in Limerick ; and it was his usual habit on these occasions to address the throngs by whom his carriage was ever surrounded, when he never began a speech without, in the first place, attacking the local Tory journal, and asking, "How is Andy Watson?" its proprietor. He retained a strong hold on the affections of the citizens up to the very last visit which he paid to Limerick, which v.-as towards the close of the simimer of 1846, when, breaking down in health, and sorely disappointed in hope, he was no longer the eloquent and enthusiastic orator that he had been. During the Clare election, in 1828, Limerick was as it were the centre of operations of O'Connell and his friends. The citizens were absolutely wild with excitement. As O^Connell proceeded to Clare, to open that great county, and strike the final blow for Catholic freedom, the entire population of Limerick became well nigh frantic in their demonstrations in favor of the cause in which the nation and its avowed leader had embarked.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 274

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, you are near Patrick Street, where Daniel O'Connell lodged during his periodical visits to the city. He stayed at number 6, then occupied by Mr. Sheehan, a saddler. There he was constantly besieged by attorneys and clients. Some of his best speeches were delivered at Catholic meetings held in Limerick and at the Court House in the defence of prisoners. When he walked to and from Court, or through the city, with a thorough air of complete independence, what the source calls "kicking the world before him," he always attracted a large and enthusiastic crowd of admirers. Going to or returning from his beloved mountain home in Kerry, he usually rested for a night in Limerick. It was his habit on these occasions to address the throngs surrounding his carriage, and he never began a speech without first attacking the local Tory journal and asking, "How is Andy Watson?" its proprietor. He retained a strong hold on the affections of the citizens up to his very last visit, towards the close of the summer of 1846, when, breaking down in health and sorely disappointed in hope, he was no longer the eloquent and enthusiastic orator he had been. During the Clare election in 1828, Limerick was the centre of operations for O'Connell and his friends. The citizens were absolutely wild with excitement. As O'Connell proceeded to Clare to strike the final blow for Catholic freedom, the entire population of Limerick became well nigh frantic in their demonstrations in favour of the cause.

18. Parish priests protest Quarantotti rescript at St. Michael's Chapel

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1814

    Thirty-eight parish priests of the diocese of Limerick met in St. Michael's Chapel on 28 May 1814, chaired by Vicar Capitular Charles Tuohy, and resolved that the Quarantotti rescript should not be obeyed by the Catholic Church of Ireland, deeming its principles dangerous to religion.

    Read the passage

    On the 16th of February, in that year, the celebrated rescript of J. B. Quarantotti, Vice-President of the Propaganda, which had been addressed to the Right Rev. Wm. Poynter, Vicar Apostolic of the London district, recommended the amplest submission to the British Minister. It was stated in it that "nothing can be more agreeable to the Apostolic chair than that full concord and mutual confidence should prevail between your government and its Catholic subjects". It went on, "Wherefore we advise all in the Lord, and especially the Catholic bishops, to lay aside all contention, and for the edification of others to set an example of unanimity of sentiment .... and if the law be carried which frees the Catholics from the penalties to which they are subjected that they should receive it with satisfaction; . . . but also return the warmest thanks to his Majesty and his most magnificent council for so great a benefit, and show themselves worthy of it". Copies of the rescript were sent to the Irish bishops, who indignantly, and with nearly unanimous accord, rejected it. The bishops met, the clergy throughout the land met, the resolutions against the Quarantotti manifesto were couched in terms of earnest repudiation. A meeting of the parish priests of the diocese of Limerick was held in St. Michael's chapel on Saturday, the 28th of May, 1814, the Very Rev. Charles Tuohy, Vicar Capitular of the diocese, in the chair. Thirty-eight parish priests were present. They resolved " that the rescript of Quarantotti should not be obeyed by the Catholic Church of Ireland, because they considered its principles dangerous to our holy religion, and contrary not only to the decision of the Irish bishops, but to the express sentiments of the Sacred College itself, promulgated in the year 1805". This was unmistakeable. What was called a Catholic aggregate meeting was held on the 7th of September in the same year (1814), William Roche, Esq., in the chair.^ A series of ambiguous resolutions were passed, and William Roche, John Howley, junr. (the present excellent Sir John Howley, Knight, Sergeant, Q.C., Ex Chairman of Tipperary, etc.), Henry Lyons, and Michael Arthur, Esqrs., were requested to prepare petitions to the legislature in accordance with these ambiguous resolutions, one of which vv^as unmistakably vetoistical, which gave anything but confidence to the people generally, and which are thus spoken of in a periodical of the time :^ —

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 365

    As the companion tells it

    As you travel through Limerick, the city holds a story from 1814. On the 16th of February that year, a rescript was issued by J. B. Quarantotti, Vice-President of the Propaganda. It was addressed to the Right Reverend William Poynter, Vicar Apostolic of the London district, and it recommended the amplest submission to the British Minister. The rescript stated that "nothing can be more agreeable to the Apostolic chair than that full concord and mutual confidence should prevail between your government and its Catholic subjects." It advised all, and especially the Catholic bishops, to lay aside contention and set an example of unanimity, and if the law freeing Catholics from their penalties were carried, to receive it with satisfaction and return the warmest thanks to his Majesty and his most magnificent council. Copies were sent to the Irish bishops, who rejected them indignantly and with nearly unanimous accord. The bishops met. The clergy throughout the land met. Resolutions against the Quarantotti manifesto were written in terms of earnest repudiation. In St. Michael's Chapel, 38 parish priests of the diocese gathered on Saturday, the 28th of May, 1814. The Very Reverend Charles Tuohy, Vicar Capitular of the diocese, was in the chair. They resolved "that the rescript of Quarantotti should not be obeyed by the Catholic Church of Ireland," because they considered its principles dangerous to their holy religion, and contrary not only to the decision of the Irish bishops but to the express sentiments of the Sacred College itself, promulgated in 1805. That September, a Catholic aggregate meeting was held on the 7th, with William Roche in the chair. Ambiguous resolutions were passed, and Roche, John Howley junior, Henry Lyons, and Michael Arthur were asked to prepare petitions to the legislature. One resolution was unmistakably vetoistical, and gave anything but confidence to the people generally.

19. Parliamentarians gain footing on King's Island, Limerick

    King's Island · townland · Limerick · 1651

    Dr. Thomas Arthur's diary records that the Parliamentarians made good their footing on King's Island. Dominick FitzDavid Rice, who defended the city, suffered a severe wound requiring amputation of the lower leg, and Dr. Credanus was struck by a shell that lacerated his hands.

    Read the passage

    From an entry in Dr. Thomas Arthur^s diary, 23rd June, 1651,' it is apparent that the Parliamentarians in their attack on this occasion, made good their footing on the King^s Island ; he states that he professionally attended Dominick FitzDavid Eice, who nobly and strenuously defended the city on the occasion of this invasion of the island by the Parliamentarian army, Mr. Rice having received a severe wound, which demanded amputation of the lower part of the leg. He also saved the life of Doctor Credanus, who was struck by a shell, which lacerated his hands and tendons, and threatened gangrene. He gives the names of several who died of the pestUence which raged through the city, including in the list the names of many distinguished citizens.

    An immediate summons sent in by Ireton for the surrender of the city, was promptly rejected, though at the time, famine and pestilence were doing their deadly work with a greater facihty, than shot and shell did subsequently. At this eventful period Edmund O'Dwyer, Terence Albert O^Brien and all the good men and true of the time, were congregated within the plague-stricken walls, and with the aid of the Brothers of St. Vincent de Paul who were then in Limerick, caused the citizens to be firm. Again the summons was rejected.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 97

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, on King's Island in Limerick, the Parliamentarians made good their footing in June 1651. Dr. Thomas Arthur recorded it in his diary on the 23rd of that month. He attended Dominick FitzDavid Rice, who had nobly and strenuously defended the city against the Parliamentarian invasion of the island. Rice received a severe wound that demanded amputation of the lower part of his leg. Dr. Arthur also saved the life of Doctor Credanus, who was struck by a shell that lacerated his hands and tendons and threatened gangrene. He gives the names of several who died of the pestilence that raged through the city, including many distinguished citizens. Ireton sent an immediate summons for the surrender of the city. It was promptly rejected, though famine and pestilence were doing their deadly work with greater facility than shot and shell did subsequently. At this eventful period, Edmund O'Dwyer, Terence Albert O'Brien, and all the good men and true of the time were congregated within the plague-stricken walls. With the aid of the Brothers of St. Vincent de Paul, who were then in Limerick, they kept the citizens firm. Again the summons was rejected.

20. Siege and capture of Bunratty Castle

    near Bunratty · parish · Clare

    During the Confederate wars, the Confederate army besieged Bunratty. Lt-Colonel MacAdam, a skilled Parliamentarian officer, was killed by an accidental shot from a field piece, and his loss was deemed the main cause of the castle's capture by the Confederates.

    Read the passage

    besieged, and to lodge a number of bis soldiers in a place by wbich a part of the array miglit be enabled to invest the castle ; this was successfully executed, but the soldiers, hearing a noise which they imagined was the approach of cavalry, fled in consternation, the sergeant appointed to command the part}' being the first to take to his heels, relying on too great indulgence hitherto observed in such cases. Lord Muskerry, however, made a stern example — the sergeant and ten soldiers were executed on the spot. To make up for the partial reverse, Lieut. -Colonel MacAdam, who is admitted by Billing to have been a most skilful and couragious officer, whose loss to the Parliamentarians was irreperable, was killed bj' an accidental shot from a field piece that was planted among gabions.* His loss was the main cause of the capture of Bunratty by the Confederate army. Several pages of that very interesting work, " The Memorials of Sir William Penn," (2 vols., Duncan, London, 1833) are occupied with a diary of this seige, and with the proceedings of the Parliamentarians before Bunratty. During the time they attacked the castles of Eossmanaher, Cappagh, Kenane, Captain Hunt's castle, &c., and killed many inoffensive country people, who, in the diary of the operations, are called " IJogues," &c. &c. The progress of the seige was satisfactorily hastened by the presence of Rinunccini, the Papal Nuncio, who remained at Bunratty twelve days, forwarding the batteries, completing the undertaking, and ultimately, when victory crowned the effort with success, causing the English standards to be carried through the streets of Limerick as trophies of the Catholic religion. (^Nunziatura).

    • From the Nunziatura in Irlanda : Florence, 1844.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 89

21. Sir Matthew Tierney of Rathkeale

    Rathkeale · town · Limerick · 1864

    The first baronet Sir Matthew Tierney was a native of Rathkeale, where his father kept a small shop. His brother Edward became a crown lawyer in Dublin and was involved in the famous suit of Earl of Egmont v. Dayrell in 1864 to recover the Egmont estates.

    Read the passage

    Tierney, Dr. Sir Matthew. — The first baronet was a native of Rathkeale, where his father kept a small shop. He rose to great eminence, as did his brother Edward, the crown lawyer of Dublin and the hero of the famous suit of " Earl of Egmont v. Dayrell, baronet", in 1864, to recover back the Egmont estates, which the Tierney family enjoyed under an alleged will of the late earl.

    St. Mary's Cathedral and St. Mary's Church. — In reference to p. 552, and to Myler Fitz- Henry's Inquisition, we see it is in the inquisition of 1201, in the B copy of the Black Book, taken by Dr. Todd St. Jlar. Rotunda. Cum. per.; and the same in a copy from the original, in the possession of the Hon. Robert O'Brien, that is in the inquisition taken before Myler FitzHeury. In Dr. Todd's copy of the second inquisition, before William de Burgo, it is " Eccliam Sci. Marie Eotunda", in the charter of Lord John FitzJohn King of England, and, thei'efoi-e, antecedent to 1201, Singland is granted to the church of the Blessed Mary of Lymerick, and the canons there serving God. These matters have been pointed out to the very eminent antiquarian and writer, Dr. Reeves, of Armagh, and he considers St. Mary Rotimd«, (not Kotundws as printed at p. 552), to be St. Mary Magdalene, which we find assigned in the Black Book by Bishop Donough O'Brien, ante, 1207, for the sustentation of the canons of the church of St. Mary the Virgin, of Lymeric, thus showing there were two St. Mary's churches at that early period, in the city. Kellmurille, near Limerick, is dedicated to St. Mary Magdalene ; but we have no reason to state that it is not the same church. In the heading of chapter liv. the word "taxation" should be "inquisition".

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni

22. Sortie at King's Castle over Thomond Bridge

    Thomond Bridge · street · Limerick · 1691

    Lacey commanded a party from the city that made a disastrous sortie at the King's Castle over Thomond Bridge during the 1691 siege of Limerick. The incident deepened distrust between Irish soldiers and French officers.

    Read the passage

    Tliis was the most disastrous and fearful incident of tlie siege. Lacey was the Commander of the party from the city, who made the sortie at the King's Castle over Thomond Bridge. The incident tended to increase the feelmg of distrust which prevailed among the Irish soldiery towards the French.

    There would have been another story to tell had it not been for those causes which have so clearly manifested themselves throughout. The anger and indignation by which the citizens and the Irish soldiers were now seized, may be better imagined than described. No longer was there confidence in the professions or the good faith of French officers, who appeared, no matter the consequence, bent on the resolve to put an end to the war. The crossing of the Shannon by Ginkle, of which Bartholemew Van Homrigh,^ who appears to have been Commissary-General of William's army in Ireland, was a witness, has been described by that fortmiate adventiurer in glowing terms. He admits that the action of Thomond Bridge was the crowning event on the ]Dart of the Williamites ; it secured a position for the English which they could not have anticipated. According to Van Homrigh it " led to the capture of Limerick ;'' and he indeed, makes a boast which is not warranted iu truth, when he writes that, " not one was lost in the action, that they had taken two pieces of cannon, the Standard of Maxwell, a great part of the accoutrements of their horse, a Heutenant-colonel, and other officers prisoners, and drove their troops to the mountains and bogs.^'^ This is not the fact. Harris admits that there were ninety of the EngUsh killed on the occasion.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 145

    As the companion tells it

    Along here, on this street, stood the King's Castle over Thomond Bridge, where in 1691 Lacey commanded a party from the city in a sortie that became the most disastrous and fearful incident of the siege of Limerick. The incident deepened the distrust that already prevailed among the Irish soldiers toward the French. The anger and indignation that seized the citizens and Irish soldiers can be better imagined than described. There was no longer any confidence in the professions or good faith of French officers, who appeared, no matter the consequence, bent on the resolve to put an end to the war. Ginkle's crossing of the Shannon was witnessed by Bartholemew Van Homrigh, who appears to have been Commissary-General of William's army in Ireland. Van Homrigh described it in glowing terms. He admitted that the action of Thomond Bridge was the crowning event for the Williamites, securing a position for the English which they could not have anticipated. According to Van Homrigh, it "led to the capture of Limerick." He made a boast not warranted in truth when he wrote that "not one was lost in the action, that they had taken two pieces of cannon, the Standard of Maxwell, a great part of the accoutrements of their horse, a lieutenant-colonel, and other officers prisoners, and drove their troops to the mountains and bogs." Harris admits that ninety of the English were killed on the occasion.

23. Storming of Portlahge at Waterford with massacre

    Waterford · city · Waterford · 1169–1170

    The Norman invaders stormed Portlahge in Waterford, putting to the sword the Danish commander Gillemaire (Reginald), Ua Eaelain (O'Phelan) lord of the Deacies, and seven hundred men. Macarthy with the troops of Desmond had earlier gained a victory at Waterford.

    Read the passage

    On the aiTJval of Strongbow, which had been preceded by that of Raymond , le laros, the invaders made rapid progress. They took Loughgarnan (Wexford), and entered Portlahge (Waterford) by storm. GiUemaire (or Reginald), a Dane who commanded the tower, and Ua Eaelain (OThelan), lord of the uecies, were put to the sword, -with seven hundred men. The invaders next enforced the submission of the Danish occupants of Dublin. O^Ruarc and U CarroU were obhged to retire after besieging Dublin for three days ; and Asgali, or Asculphus, the Danish ruler, was deposed to make room for King

    ''s\ron<!w''A^^''"H°f'.?''? entrenchments, which are situated near Fethard, are called RaJmoST^ro,7,i. ^,'^^*'^V^''1 of Strongbow's debarkation was at Waterford as that of SStwo ?h,°n, fif R ^""""^Tn- ^^'' '?''"'^ "^ Baganbon is said to be derived from FU,- landing ^ ' *^' '^''^"' '"^ ^'""'' ^'^'^^ ^^^ AnglcNorman adventurers burned after their

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 26

24. Strange visions of armed men seen in Ireland

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1236

    In 1236, extraordinary sights were reported in Ireland where companies of armed men on horseback appeared emerging from the earth in battle array. The people saw them fighting and jousting, and after they vanished, the prints of their feet remained in the ground.

    Read the passage

    * 1236, Mathew Paris -writes, that in Ireland strange and wonderful sights were now seen, which amazed all the beholders, viz. There appeared coming out of the earth, companies of armed men on horse-back in battle array, and encountering together ; this sight appeared several days after each other ; sometimes they seemed to join in battle and to fight violently ; and sometimes they seemed to joust and break staves, as if it had been at a tournament ; the people of the country plainly saw them at a distance, for the skirmish shewed itself so lively, that now and then they might see them come with their empty horses, sore, wounded and bruised, and likewise men mangled and bleeding ; and what seemed most strange, was that after they vanished, the prints of their feet appeared in the ground, and th^ grass was trodden in those places where they had been seen ! ! !

    * Cox's Hibernia Anglicana, Vol. I. p. 43.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 36

    As the companion tells it

    In 1236, the chronicler Mathew Paris wrote that strange and wonderful sights were seen in Ireland, which amazed all who watched. There appeared coming out of the earth companies of armed men on horseback in battle array, encountering together. This sight appeared several days after each other. Sometimes they seemed to join in battle and fight violently, and sometimes they seemed to joust and break staves, as if it had been at a tournament. The people of the country plainly saw them at a distance, for the skirmish showed itself so lively that now and then they might see them come with their empty horses, sore, wounded and bruised, and likewise men mangled and bleeding. What seemed most strange was that after they vanished, the prints of their feet appeared in the ground, and the grass was trodden in those places where they had been seen.

25. Surrender of Limerick to Ireton

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1651

    Hugh O'Neil, governor of Limerick, met Ireton at the city gate and presented him with the keys of the city. About 2,500 non-townsmen soldiers marched out under articles of surrender, many falling dead of the plague as they left.

    Read the passage

    with a draw-bridge over it^ from the EngHsh town. Iretou ordered all the arms and ammunition to be preserved, and the soldiers who were not of the city to be drawn up between it and the Parliamentary army, that such as desired might have convoys to conduct them to their respective parties; and that those who wished to return to their habitations should have passes to that effect. The governor of the city, Hugh O'Neil, met Ireton at the gate, where he presented him with the keys of the city and gave orders for the marching out of the soldiers who were not townsmen, according to the articles. These numbered about 2,500 men, not a few of whom, as they were going out, fell down dead of the plague. Several of them also lay stark dead and were buried in the church-yard. Ireton was shown the stores of arms, ammunition and gunpowder, the quantities of provisions, altogether a three months^ supply. The fortifications were also shown — he was pointed out everything, and told, at the same time, that nine or ten of those who were excepted in the articles, threw themselves on his mercy, and were waiting his orders in a house which the governor (O'Neil) named. The illustrious Terence Albert O'Brien, bishop of Emly, was taken in the pest-house, where Father Wolfe and major-general Purcell were also at the moment. Geoffrey Barron and Sir Geoffrey Galway surrendered. Dominick Fanning, the lionhearted, who had at all times bravely withstood whatever was contrary to principle and to faith, was taken in the church-yard of St. Francis, where he had secreted himself in the tomb of his ancestors^ It is computed that 5000 people died in the city during the siege of the plague and of sickness, but notwithstanding this, the above number of soldiers marched out, and there still remained 4000 Irishmen within, capable of bearing arms.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 100

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, you are moving through a city that surrendered in 1651 to Ireton, commanding the Parliamentary army. The governor, Hugh O'Neil, met Ireton at the gate and presented him with the keys of the city. Ireton had ordered all arms and ammunition preserved, and the soldiers who were not townsmen to be drawn up between the city and the Parliamentary army. Those who wished could have convoys to conduct them to their respective parties, and those who wanted to return home could have passes to that effect. O'Neil gave orders for the marching out of the soldiers who were not townsmen, according to the articles. They numbered about 2,500 men. Not a few of them, as they were going out, fell down dead of the plague. Several lay stark dead and were buried in the church-yard. Ireton was shown the stores of arms, ammunition and gunpowder, and quantities of provisions, a three months supply. The fortifications were shown, and he was pointed out everything. Nine or ten of those excepted in the articles threw themselves on his mercy and waited his orders in a house O'Neil named. Terence Albert O'Brien, bishop of Emly, was taken in the pest-house, where Father Wolfe and major-general Purcell were also. Geoffrey Barron and Sir Geoffrey Galway surrendered. Dominick Fanning, the lion-hearted, who had bravely withstood whatever was contrary to principle and faith, was taken in the church-yard of St. Francis, where he had hidden in the tomb of his ancestors. It is computed that 5,000 people died in the city during the siege of the plague and of sickness. Yet 2,500 soldiers marched out, and 4,000 Irishmen remained within, capable of bearing arms.

26. Telltruth letters denounce Limerick Corporation decay, 1759

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1759

    In 1759, a writer using the pseudonym 'Prince Telltruth Upright' published two letters to Limerick's freemen attacking the Corporation for neglect and financial mismanagement. The letters lament the decay of the Market House, Exchange, Chimes, Blue School, and Alms House, and accuse Corporation leaders of extortion and sinking city credit.

    Read the passage

    worst excesses. A sharp writer,, who was called " Peince Tellteuth Upright/'^ Avrote two letters in 1759, to the freemen of the city, in which he inveighed in a vehement manner against the Corporation. These letters were printed and chculatedj and in the second of them which we have before ns, these questions are asked : — " Is there not a melancholy appearance of decay and neglect throughout the whole city in those several places, which were built and decently supported before him (the leader in the Corporation, Mr. Arthur Eoche), when the revenues thereof were, by a considerable sum less than they are now, and no extortion was used by the collectors of these revenues to enhance them, and of consequence no murmurs were uttered against them ? Witness the Market House, Exchange, 'Chimes,' Blue School and Alms House, and many other places and things, too tedious to relate. Also what has become of the revenues of the city, so greatly increased ? since are not monstrous debts contracted by the Corporation? Is not the city credit sunk so low, that Corporation notes will scarcely yield fifty in the hundred, and large sums have been due on many of them for many years past to the great loss of the poor people they were passed to ? What is become of the large sums borrowed by them ? are houses or lands purchased with them T' Telltruth wrote many other bitter words, and compares " the man who thrives on the ruin of his country to ascarides in the human body, who adhere so closely to the intestines, till they at length destroy that being which affords them noiirishment, if they are not timely ejected by strong purges and emeticks.'"

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 196

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, the city carries a complaint from 1759. A sharp writer using the name Prince Telltruth Upright wrote two letters to the freemen of the city that year, printed and circulated, attacking the Corporation in vehement terms. The second letter survives, and it names Mr. Arthur Roche as the leader in the Corporation. Telltruth asks whether there is not a melancholy appearance of decay and neglect throughout the whole city, in places built and decently supported before Roche's time, when the revenues were considerably less and no extortion was used by the collectors. He calls as witness the Market House, the Exchange, the Chimes, the Blue School, and the Alms House, and many other places too tedious to relate. He asks what has become of the greatly increased revenues, since monstrous debts have been contracted by the Corporation. He says the city credit is sunk so low that Corporation notes will scarcely yield fifty in the hundred, and that large sums have been due on many of them for years past, to the great loss of the poor people they were passed to. He asks what became of the large sums borrowed, and whether houses or lands were purchased with them. He wrote many other bitter words, comparing, in his own phrase, the man who thrives on the ruin of his country to ascarides in the human body, which adhere to the intestines till they destroy the being that affords them nourishment, if not timely ejected by strong purges and emetics.

27. Thanksgiving procession in Limerick for Benburb victory

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1646

    On July 16, 1646, a grand thanksgiving procession was held in Limerick to celebrate Owen O'Neill's victory at Benburb. The procession moved from the Church of St. Francis to the cathedral, with the garrison leading, captured colours carried by nobility, and bishops including the Bishop of Limerick participating, followed by Te Deum and solemn benediction.

    Read the passage

    arles of St. Vincent cle Paul to this country. As a 'matter of course, he joined the Supreme Council of the Cnnfederates as a spiritual peer, and in that capacity secured for himself the esteem of the Pope's nunzio, who in one of his earliest despatches to the lioman Court, speaks of him in a strain of the highest praise. Another letter, dated Limerick, July 16, 164G, and addressed by the same personage to Cardinal Pantilio, mentions the Bishop of Limerick taking part in the grand function solemnized in his cathedral, in thanksgiving for the memorable victory which Owen O'Neill had won at Benburb on the 5th of the preceding month. ' At four o'clock, p.m.' Avrites the nunzio, ' the procession moved from the Church of St. Francis, where the thirty-two stands of colours (taken from the Scotch) had been deposited. The garrison of Limerick led the van, and the captured colours were carried by the nobility of the city. Then followed the nunzio, the Archbishop of Cashel, the Bishops of Limerick, Clonfert, and Ardfert, and after them the Supreme Council, the mayor and magistrates in their official robes. The people crowded the streets and windows, and as soon as the procession reached the cathedral, Te Deuni was sung by the nunzio's choir, and he pronounced the usual prayers, concluding the ceremony with solemn benediction. Next morning Mass /)ro ,^ratiurum actione was sung by the Dean of Fermo, in presence of the aforesaid bishops and magistrates'.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 340

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, you are on the ground where, on July 16, 1646, the city held a grand thanksgiving procession for Owen O'Neill's victory at Benburb on the 5th of the preceding month. The nunzio to the Confederates wrote of it in a letter to Cardinal Pantilio, and the Bishop of Limerick took part in the function solemnized in his cathedral. The procession moved from the Church of St. Francis at four o'clock in the afternoon. Thirty-two stands of colours, taken from the Scotch, had been deposited there. The garrison of Limerick led the van, and the captured colours were carried by the nobility of the city. Then followed the nunzio, the Archbishop of Cashel, the Bishops of Limerick, Clonfert, and Ardfert, and after them the Supreme Council, the mayor and magistrates in their official robes. The people crowded the streets and windows. As soon as the procession reached the cathedral, Te Deum was sung by the nunzio's choir, and he pronounced the usual prayers, concluding the ceremony with solemn benediction. Next morning Mass was sung by the Dean of Fermo, in presence of the same bishops and magistrates.

28. Thomas Arthur fortifies south Limerick and builds choir facade

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1426

    As mayor, Thomas Arthur fortified the southern extent of Limerick with lofty tower walls and funded an elaborate marble choir facade for the church of the Blessed Virgin, which bore the Arthur family escutcheon on its outer door. He also received lands at Rebogh from Thomas Kildare for his wife Johanna Moryagh.

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    Thomas, whom the Mayor's retinue distinguish, had raised the pinnacles of your ancient house. As Mayor, he fortified Limerick where it extends to the south, with lofty tower walls ; at his expense, was built to the Blessed Virgin, the elaborate fa9ade of the choir, of lofty marble. Hence, it bears the escutcheon of the family of Arthur, on the outward door, and near it a work is distinguished, with the pedigree of his wife: — she was Johanna Muryagh, ancestrally descended from Cork, the noble heiress of her sires. To her, being his kinswoman, Thomas, surnamed Kildare, gave at Rebog, meadows, lands, tillage fields and houses. These lands acquired by the valor and might of ancestors, you presently get O'Nicholas,* and many

    * I translate from the quaint Latin of the Arthur MSS. a Statement of curious facts, over which John Banim or Gerald Griflin would have rejoiced, as furnishing abundant materials for the basis of many a life-like national story, certain passages in the life of the above Nicholas. The person respecting whom these romantic details have been recorded by Doctor Arthur seems to have been a leading citizen of Limerick, and one of a class, whose adventures some four hundred years ago, give us a vivid idea of the manners and of the troublesome character of the times in which he lived. The piratical event to which it refers took place about six years after the commencement of the building of the walls of the southern suburbs of Limerick, and two years after the gate dedicated to John the Baptist and the eastern walls had begun. The Duke de Bretagne, who is spoken of in the extract, must have been Jean the V. so remarkable for his vacillating or perfidous policy, which attached him at one time to French, at another to English interests, but which enabled him to save his Duchy until two years preceding the adventure of Mr. Arthur, at which time the Duke of Bedford, Regent of France for the English party, devastated his territory. The early felt importance of the salmon fishery at Limerick is indicated in this famil}' history : —

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 206

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Limerick now. In 1426, Thomas Arthur, as mayor, fortified the city where it extends to the south, with lofty tower walls. At his expense, there was built for the church of the Blessed Virgin an elaborate facade for the choir, of lofty marble. The outward door bears the escutcheon of the Arthur family, and near it a work is distinguished with the pedigree of his wife. She was Johanna Muryagh, ancestrally descended from Cork, the noble heiress of her sires. Thomas, surnamed Kildare, her kinsman, gave to her at Rebog meadows, lands, tillage fields and houses. These were lands acquired by the valour and might of ancestors. These facts survive in the Arthur family manuscripts, written in Latin. The building of the walls of the southern suburbs of Limerick began about six years before a piratical event involving a leading citizen called O'Nicholas, whose adventures four hundred years ago give a vivid idea of the troublesome character of the times. The gate dedicated to John the Baptist and the eastern walls had begun two years before that event. The Duke de Bretagne mentioned in the account was Jean the Fifth, remarkable for his vacillating policy, attached at one time to French, at another to English interests, but able to save his duchy. Two years before Arthur's adventure, the Duke of Bedford, Regent of France for the English party, devastated his territory. The early importance of the salmon fishery at Limerick is also indicated in this family history.

29. Tories beheaded, heads displayed at Mallow, Askeaton, Newcastle West

    Askeaton · townland · Limerick · 1704

    In 1704, three notorious Tories—Connor More O'Sullivan and Philip Connell—infested counties Limerick and Cork until inhabitants rose, pursued, and beheaded them. Their heads were set up at Mallow, Askeaton, and Newcastle West. Laurence Hartnedy lost his life in the affair.

    Read the passage

    In the year 1704_, the county of Limerick and county of Cork^ were infested by three appropriators of somewhat different character, viz. : three notorious Tories, or Robbers, who carried every enterprise with a high hand ; Connor More, O'SulUvan, and Phihp Connell. They were, at length, so insufferable m their depredations, that the inhabitants of the various places named, rose against, pursued and beheaded them ; and set up their heads at Mallow, Askeaton, and Newcastle west, county Limerick. Henry Widdenham and Eichard Stephens wrote to J. Dawson, Esq., secretary, DubHn Castle, informing him of the fact, and praying the persons may receive the rewards, particularly the widow of Laurence Hartnedy who lost his life in the affair. 1

    To return to the sales, they were chiefly by "p'ubHc cant;'' the highest bidder was declared the purchaser. The sales in the county and city of Limerick, notwithstanding the extent and character of the confiscations, were comparatively few, the particulars of them are given in the note.^ In Tipperary and

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 168

30. Treaty of Limerick signing location tradition

    Thomond Bridge · street · Limerick · 1691

    Tradition holds that the Treaty of Limerick was signed at or near the Red Gate, within a mile of the city on the Clare side. Tradition does not support the claim it was signed on the so-called 'Treaty Stone,' which long stood on the north side of Thomond Bridge and was originally a mounting stone used by country people leaving town.

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    * The treaty is said to have been signed at or near the Red Gate, within a mile of the city at the Clare side. Tradition does not admit that it was signed on what has been called the " Treaty Stone," which has occupied a place on the North side of Thomond Bridge for many years, and which was originally a stone, used by country people for getting on horses when leaving town. The Cork " Freeholder" of Monday, 11th July, 1814, says, " that the late Miss Dobbin of Brown-street, had in her possession the Table on which the treaty of Limerick was signed ; and :vhich was about being auctioned off on decease of above lady."

    272

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 148

31. Turf transported from Limerick Quays amid flooded bogs

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1799

    After an exceptionally wet autumn, bogs were under water and inaccessible, forcing country people to carry turf from the Limerick Quays to Charleville, Bruff, Tipperary, Rathkeale and surrounding areas up to twenty miles distant.

    Read the passage

    The vulgar tradition, " that if St. Swithin's day (15th July) is wet, it will rain for forty days after," was most completely exemplified this year ; probably a wetter autumn has not been remembered. Turf was taken by the country people from the Quays to Charleville, Bruff, Tipperary, Rathkeale, and all around in the County of Limerick, to the extent of twenty miles, the bogs being under water and inaccessible. At this period (August 26th; the crops are yery luxuriant and promising ; but the heat is only 61 on Farenheit scale, whereas summer, or ripening heat is always 76.

    August 30th.— Henry Rose, Esq. elected to serve the office of sheriff for the ensuing year, in the room of John Cripps, Esq. Jun. who was appointed to that situation on Monday after the 24th of June.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 251

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, it is worth knowing what happened here in 1799. The old saying goes that if St. Swithin's day, the 15th of July, is wet, it will rain for forty days after. That year the tradition was most completely exemplified. A wetter autumn has not been remembered. The bogs were under water and inaccessible. Country people had to take turf from the Quays here in Limerick and carry it out to Charleville, Bruff, Tipperary, Rathkeale, and all around the County of Limerick, to the extent of twenty miles. By the 26th of August the crops were luxuriant and promising, but the heat stood at only 61 on Fahrenheit's scale, where summer ripening heat is always 76.

32. Battle of Colooney — Limerick City Regiment

    Collooney · townland · Sligo · 1798

    The Limerick City Regiment under Colonel Vereker fought gallantly against the French at Colooney on September 5th, 1798. Ensign Rumley was killed, Captain Crips severely wounded, and Colonel Vereker among those slightly wounded. General Humbert praised Vereker as the only soldier among the British generals.

    Read the passage

    " I am extremely happy to find, on enquiry, that although the City of Limerick Regiment has suffered much, in the action which they sustained with the French Force at Colooney, the officers are in general likely to recover from their wounds.

    I congratulate you upon the gallantry manifested by the whole corps upon the occasion, and beg my best compliments may be presented to Lieut. -CoL Gough and all the officers."

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 237

33. Brian Boru defeats Southern Hy-Niall at Athlone

    Athlone · town · Westmeath · 1003

    In 1003, Brian Boru, joined by the men of Leinster and the Danes, defeated Southern Hy-Niall and the Conacians at Athlone, effectively terminating the frequent quarrels between inferior princes and chiefs and subjugating the Danes.

    Read the passage

    This transfer took place at Athlone in 1003, where Brian, joined by the men of Leiuster and the Danes, defeated Southern Hy-Niall and the Conacians; and whether the original motive of Brian's opposition was selfish, as asserted by Tighemach,' who was almost a cotemporary writer, or the exigencies of the time, the consequences were the terminating of the frequent and fatal quarrels between the inferior princes and chiefs, and final subjugation^ of the Danes. On the abdication of Malachy, who still retained the title of King of Meath, and afterwards served under the supreme King, Brian became sovereign in chief, and having received the homage of Cahall O'Connor, King of Comiaught, and other Kings of that province, he set out for Ulster at the head of an army of twenty thousand men,

    Brian's progress to enforce the submission of the Northern Princes appears to have been unopposed until he reached the locahty known as Ballysadare, when the determined attitude of the enemy compelled him to retreat. But in his next expedition he was more successful. Accompanied on this occasion, as before, by the dynasts of Leath Mogah, he traversed Meath, and was honorably received at Armagh by Maelmurry, the Archbishop, and left a gold coUar weigliing twenty ounces, as an ofl'ering on the high altar of the Cathedral. Alter this munificent oblation, the value of which may be estimated as about £800, he proceeded to the royal seat of the Dalriadans in Antrim, called Rathmore-Muige-Line, where he received hostages from the Princes of that territory as well as from the other chiefs of Leth-Cuinn.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 15

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Athlone, the town you are coming to. In 1003 a battle was fought here that changed the shape of power in Ireland. Brian Boru, joined by the men of Leinster and the Danes, defeated the Southern Hy-Niall and the Conacians. Tighernach, a writer who was almost a contemporary, said Brian's motive was selfish. Whether it was that or the pressing needs of the time, the consequences were clear. The frequent and fatal quarrels between the lesser princes and chiefs came to an end, and the Danes were finally subjugated. After this, Malachy abdicated but kept the title of King of Meath and served under Brian as supreme king. Brian received the homage of Cahall O'Connor, King of Connaught, and other kings of that province. He then set out for Ulster at the head of an army of 20,000 men. His march to force the submission of the northern princes met no opposition until he reached Ballysadare, where the determined stance of the enemy forced him to retreat. His next expedition went better. Accompanied again by the dynasts of Leath Mogah, he crossed Meath and was honourably received at Armagh by Maelmurry, the Archbishop. He left a gold collar weighing 20 ounces on the high altar of the cathedral, an offering worth about 800 pounds. From there he went to the royal seat of the Dalriadans in Antrim, called Rathmore-Muige-Line, where he received hostages from the princes of that territory and from the other chiefs of Leth-Cuinn.

34. Brown family of Camas — Imperial military service

    Camas · townland · Limerick · 1716

    George Brown, Baron of Camas, and his descendants served as high-ranking officers in the armies of the Holy Roman Emperors. Ulysses Brown of Camas was Colonel of a Regiment of Horse and was created a Count of the Holy Roman Empire in 1716.

    Read the passage

    A Pedigree of this warlike race, written in Spanish, shows that members of the family of De Lacy served in the armies of Spain after the siege of Limerick, and that in 17'J6, the children of Anna Maria de Lacy, who married Timotheus O'Scanlan, resided in Madrid. The Right Kev. Robert Lacj', Catholic I3ishop of Limerick, who died in 1761, was a member of and an ornament to the Bruree Branch of the De Lacy family. General Maurice de Lacy of Grodno in Russia, and of the County of Limerick, died in 1820.* Not less illustrious were their relatives the Browns — George Brown, Baron of Camas, and his descendants, of whom Ulysses or Ulick Brown of Camas, in the Co. of Limerick, Esq., was Colonel of a Regiment of Horse in the service of the Emperors Leopold and Joseph, created in 1716, by the Emperor Charles VI. a Count of the Holy Roman Empire, (his younger brother George receiving a like dignity at the same time, being General of Foot, Councillor of War, and Colonel of a Regiment of Infantry, under the said Emperors), was father of the deservedly famous Ulysses Maximilian Brown, Count of the Holy Roman Empire, one of their Imperial Majestys' Privy Counsellors, and Councillor of War, Field Marshal, Colonel of a Regiment of Foot, Commander of Prague, Commanding-General of the Kingdom of Bohemia, and Knight of the White Eagle of Poland. He was born in Germany in 1705, and began to serve in 1718, marched with his uncle after the peace of Passarvoviz in Hungary, to Italy, the war having begun that year in Sicily. In the years 1731-2 he served in Corsica, and was grievously wounded at Callasana, which he took sword in hand. In the years 1733-'34 and '35, as Major-General in the wars of Italy, he behaved with great distinction in the battles of Parma and Guastalla.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 189

35. Captain Taylor's provisions for William's camp near Limerick

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1690

    Captain Robert Taylor sent provisions to King William's camp near Limerick on August 20, 1690, including veal, wethers, chickens, butter, cheese, bread, pigeons, ale, and kidney beans, describing it as all the poor country could afford.

    Read the passage

    Letter of Captain Robert Taylor, August 20th, who sends to the Camp near Limerick, " all that this poor country can afford, and all that is left worth his Majesty's eating." The Captain and his wife appear to have been a most loyal pair ; the viands they sent for the King's table were " one veale, 10 fatte weathers, 12 chickinges, 2 dussen of fresh butter, a thick cheese and a thinn one ; 10 loaves of bread, a dussen and a half of pidgeons ; 12 bottles of ale, halfe a barrelle of small ale, some Kidnie beanes."

    3 Cooke's History of Farsonstown gives a very good account of this siege.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 139

    As the companion tells it

    As the road nears Limerick, this goes back to August 20, 1690. Captain Robert Taylor sent provisions to King William's camp near the city. He wrote it was "all that this poor country can afford, and all that is left worth his Majesty's eating." He and his wife sent veal, 10 fat wethers, 12 chickens, 2 dozen of fresh butter, a thick cheese and a thin one, 10 loaves of bread, a dozen and a half of pigeons, 12 bottles of ale, half a barrel of small ale, and some kidney beans.

36. Catholics confined to Connaught and Mile End from Shannon

    Shannon · town · Clare · 1662

    Under the Act of Settlement, the ancient Catholic possessors were hunted to the fastnesses of Connaught and forced to remain within the Mile End, confined to a mile from the Shannon, while regicides were confirmed in their broad lands.

    Read the passage

    Limerick, Galway, Clonmel, Carlow, Athlone, and many other cities and towns, now in the possession of the Royalists, through the operations of Coote and Broughill, only awaited the sign, to pronounce openly in favor of Charles II., who was speedily proclaimed king, and presented, not only a loyal address, but a present of twenty thousand pounds, with four thousand to the Duke of York, and two thousand to the Duke of Gloucester. The CromweUian confiscations, however, laid the foundation of many famihes in the city and county of Limerick, to whom immense grants of land and houses were given, which were afterwards confirmed to them by the monarch whose father some of them helped to bring to the scaffold, and who now, with a weakness and treachery unparalleled in history, betrayed and ruined those who fought and bled, and lost aU because of their attachment to his cause.* It was thus that those were caressed who had enlisted under the banners of the usurper ; whilst the Cathohcs, who expected to see justice done them, were compelled to mourn over disappointed hopes, and to bewail the folly of placing faith in princes. Whilst the rebelHous regicides were confirmed in their broad lands, the ancient possessors were hunted to the fastnesses of Connaught, and forced to remain within the Mile End, that is, at the distance of a mile from the Shannon, to which they were confined by the Act of Settlement ! Broughill was created Earl of Orrery, Coote, Earl of Mountrath; Sir Maurice Eustace, the old friend of the Marquis of Ormond, was made Lord High Chancellor ; and Ormond himself who'had surmounted all his difficulties and dangers, and now basked in the full effulgence of royal

    ^ I have given in the preceding chapter a list of some of those who obtained grants at this period, which grants were subsequently confirmed by Act of Charles II. I annex a few others : —

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 111

37. Crown inquiry favours Sexten over Corporation complaints

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1614

    In October 1614, the Crown instituted an inquiry into a complaint preferred by the Corporation of Limerick against Edmond Sexten regarding his privileges at St. Francis's Abbey. The result was favourable to Sexten, who obtained a confirmation of his privileges.

    Read the passage

    The grants to Sexten were confirmed by patent of King James, dated July, 1609, when not only was St. Francis's Abbey confirmed a part of the county of Limerick, but was exempted from all jurisdiction of the city magistrate. It was in consequence of these grants that Sexten not only enjoyed two votes in the Corporation of Limerick, but that the Mayor, sheriff, with their sergeants at mace, etc., were obliged to wait on him with the first salmon taken in the great sea weir, nor could the Mayor carry his rod into St. Francis's Abbey. An inquiry was instituted by the Crown in October, 1614, into a complaint preferred by the Corporation against Edmond Sexten, but the result was favourable to Sexten, who obtained a confirmation of his privileges.

    We need not go further into the doings of Sexten in this regard. Suffice it to state, that the abbey was lost to its ancient possessors ; but it continued for many years afterwards to be the burial place of eminent men. The old families had their vaults within its hallowed boundaries ; and it was from one of these vaults, as we have seen, that, numbed with cold, and reduced to death's door with hunger, Dominick Fanning, the patriotic Mayor of Limerick, sat to warm himself at the guard fire within the abbey, when he was betrayed to Cromwell's soldiers by a traitorous servant of his own.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 376

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, this city was the stage for a dispute over privilege and power in the early seventeenth century. Edmond Sexten held grants confirmed by patent of King James in July 1609. Under those grants, St. Francis's Abbey was confirmed as part of the county of Limerick and exempted from all jurisdiction of the city magistrate. Sexten enjoyed two votes in the Corporation of Limerick. The Mayor and sheriff, with their sergeants at mace, were obliged to wait on him with the first salmon taken in the great sea weir. The Mayor could not even carry his rod into St. Francis's Abbey. In October 1614, the Crown instituted an inquiry into a complaint preferred by the Corporation of Limerick against Edmond Sexten. The result was favourable to Sexten, who obtained a confirmation of his privileges. The abbey was lost to its ancient possessors, but it continued for many years afterwards to be the burial place of eminent men. The old families had their vaults within its boundaries. It was from one of these vaults that Dominick Fanning, the patriotic Mayor of Limerick, numbed with cold and reduced to death's door with hunger, sat to warm himself at the guard fire within the abbey, when he was betrayed to Cromwell's soldiers by a traitorous servant of his own.

38. De Marisco founds castle at Killaloe and forces English bishop

    Killaloe · town · Clare · 1216–1221

    In 1216, Geoffry De Marisco founded a castle at Killaloe and forced the inhabitants to receive an English bishop, Robert Travers. Travers was deprived in 1221, and thereafter the see was filled almost exclusively by Irishmen until the Reformation.

    Read the passage

    We find the following entry in the Annals of Clonmacnoise for the year 1216: — " Geoffry ^larche (De Marisco) founded a castle at Killaloe and forced the inhabitants to receive an English bishop." The name of this bishop was Robert Travers. He was afterwards deprived (in 1221), and until the time of the Reformation the see continued to be tilled almost exclusively by Irishmen, there having been but one Englishman, Robert de Mulfield, who succeeded in 1409. — f Harris's ]Va7-e, vol. 1, pp. 521-593.

    3 Usher's Primordia, 873.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 31

39. Dominican Abbey of Kilmallock, founded 1291

    Kilmallock · town · Limerick · 1291

    A Dominican abbey on the river Commogue outside the town, founded in 1291 by Gilbert, second son of John of Callan, Lord Offaly. Sir Richard Hoare praised its decoration and sculpture as surpassing any he had seen in Ireland; the cruciform pile includes an elegant east window and conventual buildings.

    Read the passage

    The Dominican Abbey, situated on the Commogue outside the town, is said to have been founded in 1291 by Gilbert, second son of John of Callan, Lord Oifaly. The architecture of the Avhole structure is described by the late Sir Richard Hoare, " as surpassing in decoration and good sculpture any he had seen in Ireland". The form of the pile is cruciform, with a tall steeple rising from the intersection of nave and transept. The east window is very elegant. In the centre of the choir is a fragment of the tomb of the White Knight, which was broken by some treasure seekers from Limerick, soldiers we have heard, then stationed in that garrison. We have already referred to the ecclesiastical antiquities of this ancient manor of the Bishops of Limerick.

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

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 432

40. Dominican church built in Glentworth Street, Limerick

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1816

    The Dominicans, long confined to their small chapel in Fish Lane, undertook building a noble church in Glentworth Street which became the largest in the city for a long period. Rev. Patrick Harrogan, O.P. was prior, and many principal Catholic citizens aided the project.

    Read the passage

    observe the exertions which the Catholics of Limerick continued to make, in order to provide themselves with commodious churches. Early in the year, the foundations of the new Chapel of St. Patrick's were laid in Clare-street, under the directions of the Eev. Patrick Magrath, P.P. ; and the Dominicans, who had been for many years confined to their small chapel in Fish Lane, undertook the building of a noble church in Glentwort.h-street, which, for a long period, was the largest in the city ; the Rev. Patrick Harrogan, O.P. was prior at the time; and many of the principal Catholic citizens aided him in the project.

    The mills on the north bank of the canal, which were buUt by Messrs. Welsh and Uzuld, having become almost a ruin, were fitted up as a brewery by Messrs. Walker and Co. of Cork, at an expense of £E5,000. This now became one of the first establishments of the kind in Munster ; but it did not prosper for any length of time.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 249

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, you're travelling a city where the Catholics kept pushing to build themselves proper churches. In 1816, the Dominicans had spent many years confined to their small chapel in Fish Lane. That year they undertook the building of a noble church in Glentworth Street. For a long period, it was the largest church in the city. The Reverend Patrick Harrogan of the Order of Preachers was prior at the time, and many of the principal Catholic citizens aided him in the project. The same year saw the foundations laid for a new Chapel of St. Patrick's in Clare Street, under the directions of the Reverend Patrick Magrath. Meanwhile, mills on the north bank of the canal, built by Messrs. Welsh and Uzuld and fallen almost to ruin, were fitted up as a brewery by Messrs. Walker and Company of Cork at a cost of 5,000 pounds.

41. Father James Forde's bog hut school

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1656

    In 1656, Father James Forde, Professor of Rhetoric at the Limerick College, chose a spot harder than the rest in the middle of a vast bog and built a hut there. A large number of youths flocked to the site, erected little huts around it, and learned literature and virtue from him.

    Read the passage

    The Father Procurator of the Limerick College, S. J., was Father Nicholas Punch, a man of singular amiability and humility, forty-seven years of age, and nineteen in the society. The Professor of Rhetoric was Father James Forde, a very good and learned man. In 1656, he chose, in the middle of a vast bog, a spot harder than the rest, and built a hut on it. Thither a large number of youths soon flocked, erected little huts all round, learned literature and virtue from the good father, and imitated him in enduring, not merely with fortitude, but also with joy, all the inconveniences of their position.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 381

    As the companion tells it

    As the road takes you through Limerick, this city holds a story from 1656. Father James Forde was Professor of Rhetoric at the Limerick College, a very good and learned man. That year he chose a spot in the middle of a vast bog, harder than the rest around it, and built a hut there. A large number of youths soon flocked to the place. They erected little huts all round it, learned literature and virtue from the good father, and imitated him in enduring, not merely with fortitude, but also with joy, all the inconveniences of their position.

42. Forfeited Limerick houses sold to English adventurers

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1653–1659

    Cromwell's Parliament passed an act permitting English adventurers, officers and soldiers to purchase forfeited houses in Limerick at six years' purchase, granting the city the same privileges as Bristol in England. This followed wholesale confiscations of Irish property.

    Read the passage

    So desperately opjjressed were tlie Irisli now that they petitioned to transport themselves into foreign service^ which several of them were allowed to do. On the 5th of May, 1653, articles of agreement were drawn up between Colonel Theophilus Jones and Colonel Philip Reilly, on behalf of himseK and gentry, by which they got liberty of transportation to Spain, leave to sell their goods, and enjojonent of personal estates, and satisfaction for their houses at reasonable rates ; priests were compelled to quit the country within one month; prisoners of war were set at Hberty within ten days, &c.^ • Colonel Fitzpatrick was allowed to go with his regiment into the service of the King of Spain. Colonel John O'Dwyer, commander-in-chief of the Irish in the counties of Waterford and Tipperary, followed the example. On his departure the celebrated song " John O^Dwyer of the Glen " was written,^ and having entered into a treaty with Colonel Sankey, he obtained leave to possess his estates, and those who submitted with him, received the same privilege, all under the required qualification.^ The sickness prevailed greatly in several parts of Ireland, and particularly about Dublin.* Dalrymple states^ that Cromwell, in order to get free of his enemies, did not scruple to transport forty thousand Irish from their own country, to fill all the armies of Europe with complaints of his cruelty and admiration of their own valour ! Colonel Prittie, who did good service for the Parliamentary cause in several places at this crisis, as well as Captain Jacob at Dundrum, Colonel Abbott and other officers " by whom the Irish were reduced to great extremities, were also rewarded." An act was passed by Crom^n-ell's Parliament permitting the English adventurers, officers and soldiers to purchase the forfeited houses in Limerick, at six years' purchase, and that the city should have the same privileges, franchises and immunities with the city of Bristol in England, &c. The Parliament was summoned by the usur^^er out of England, Scotland and Ireland. Thirty members only were returned from Ireland, who under the pretext of avoiding the evils of election were ^ selected* by commissioners appointed by the government. Sir Hardress Waller sat in this Parliament for the comities of Limerick, Kerry and Clare ; and WiUiam Purefoy, Esq., for the city of Limerick and town of Kilmallock. The latter was succeeded in 1659 by Walter Waller, Esq.; these men, as may well be supposed, were the mere creatures of the government ; and for the more effectual strengthening of his own power, Cromwell dismissed the Irish commissioners from their office, and constituted Fleetwood Deputy for three years. A short time afterwards he sent over his second son Henry, whom he

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 107

43. Humbert's retreat towards Manorhamilton after Collooney

    Manorhamilton · town · Leitrim · 1798

    After the Battle of Collooney, General Humbert believed Vereker's small force might be the advance guard of Lord Lake's army and retreated precipitately towards Manorhamilton in County Leitrim, abandoning artillery along the way.

    Read the passage

    This brilliant action saved Sligo, and crushed the French invasion. Colonel Vereker crossed the Colooney river in good order, and the French General believing from the undaunted courage and confidence displayed by the enemy, that they formed the advance guard of Lord Lake's army, determined to retreat with precipitation, and shaped his course towards Manor-Hamilton, in the County of Leitrim, leaving on the road, for the sake of expedition, three six pounders, and dismounting and throwing five pieces of artillery over the bridge at Drummahair into the river. II Their guns being abandoned, the French army lost its efliciency, and the French invasion may be said to have virtually terminated ; although it was not until some days afterwards that Humbert surrendered to Lord Cornwallis.

    At this distance of time, it is scarce!}' possible to estimate the important effect of this gallant enterprise. Lord Cornwallis, with an army of 20,000 men under his orders, was cautiously wandering in a wrong direction on the banks of the Shannon, and only for the blow he received at Colooney, Humbert might, according to tbe supposition of Sir Jonah Barrington, have marched to Dublin and seized the capital by a bold covp-de-main, joined by 40,000 rebels, who were

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 237

44. John Desmond carries spoil to fastnesses of Caenglass and Kilmore

    Kilmore · townland · Limerick · 1581

    John Desmond, continuing the wretched struggle after the Earl's fall, was in the habit of carrying his spoil to the fastnesses of Caenglass in south County Limerick and the adjacent woods of Kilmore.

    Read the passage

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

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

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 64

45. Limerick Corporation expunges resolution against MP John O'Connell

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1850–1851

    The Young Ireland Party and Conservatives in Limerick Town Council combined to pass a resolution condemning John O'Connell's parliamentary conduct, aiming to oust him. Stephen Hastings led a successful movement to rescind and expunge the resolution from the Corporation's minute book, supported by burgesses from the popular wards of the city.

    Read the passage

    John O'Connell, M.P., the beloved son of Daniel .O'Connell, M.P., the Liberator, represented the city 1850 and 1851. At that time the Young Ireland Party, supported by the Conservatives, were strong in the Town Council of Limerick. They combined and passed a resolution condemnatory of John O'Connell's Parliamentary and public conduct, for the purpose of ousting him from the representation, and making room for a member more suited to their peculiar views. A solicitor uamed Mr. P. Lynch, who had a seat in the Council, proposed a resolution condemning John O'Connell as representative of Limerick, and by a dexterous contrivance had it carried in the Corporation by a small majority. Mr. Stephen Hastings, T.C., (Mayor — 1878), gave notice to have the resolution rescinded and expunged from the Minute Book of the Corporation. He personally waited on the Burgesses in the popular wards of the city and got their signatures to requisition, calling on their representatives in the Council to support him in the patriotic movement he initiated, and declaring that the resolution passed by the Council and proposed by Mr. P. Lynch did not meet with their approval. Mr. Hastings brouo-ht on his resolution to rescind the former one, and it was passed by a large majority, and the former resolution was expunged from the minute book of the Corporation, an unusual, if not unprecedented occurrence.

    Mr. O'Connell wrote the following letter to Mr. Hastings in reference to the matter : —

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 478

    As the companion tells it

    As the road takes you through Limerick, the city carries a story from 1850 and 1851. John O'Connell, member of Parliament and son of Daniel O'Connell the Liberator, represented the city then. The Young Ireland Party, supported by the Conservatives, were strong in the Town Council. They combined and passed a resolution condemning John O'Connell's parliamentary and public conduct. Their purpose was to oust him and make room for a member more suited to their views. A solicitor named Mr. P. Lynch, who held a seat in the Council, proposed the resolution. By what the record calls a dexterous contrivance, it was carried by a small majority. Mr. Stephen Hastings, a town councillor who would later serve as mayor in 1878, gave notice to have the resolution rescinded and expunged from the Corporation's minute book. He personally waited on the burgesses in the popular wards of the city and gathered their signatures on a requisition. It called on their representatives in the Council to support him and declared that the resolution proposed by Mr. P. Lynch did not meet with their approval. Hastings brought on his resolution to rescind the former one. It passed by a large majority, and the former resolution was expunged from the minute book of the Corporation. The record calls it an unusual, if not unprecedented, occurrence. John O'Connell wrote a letter to Mr. Hastings in reference to the matter.

46. Limerick lace factories employing thousands of women

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1853

    In 1853, Limerick showed signs of commercial advancement through its lace industry. The lace factory in Upper Glentworth Street employed 740 hands, Messrs. Forrest's in Abbey Court employed 420, with further establishments in Clare Street and Patrick Street, altogether employing some 8,500 females.

    Read the passage

    Limerick exhibited in this year some cheering signs of remunerative employment and commercial advancement. At the lace factory in Upper Glentworth Street, 740 hands were employed, and in Messrs. Forrest's in Abbey Court, 420, besides establishments in Clare Street, Patrick Street, and from 200 to 300 small job houses throughout the city, altogether employing some 8,500 females. The Messrs. liussell's spinning mill on the North Strand was also rapidly being prepared. The Foynes Railway was projected; and the Sisterhood of the Good Shepherd instructed a number of young women at their convent in making Valenciennes lace. Ornamental art also received a great impetus in the government school of design.

    January 1st, 1854, Henry Watson, Esq., who had been Mayor under the old corporate regime in 182o-'24-'25, was elected Mayor, under the provisions of the Limerick Corporate Reform Act, which, while it abolished the Commissioners of St. Michael's Parish, gave the Corporation increased powers of taxation, etc., changed the boundaries of the wards, limited the number of Aldermen to eight, and gave four Councillors to each of the eight wards. It was a strange sight to witness the exponent of the exploded system of corporate misdeeds chosen as tiie first Mayor of what may be termed the second reformed Corporation; but the liberals of that body not being able to agree among themselves on a candidate of their own party, they chose Alderman Watson, who fell into their ranks and acted with that section of the council. During his mayoralty. Alderman Watson traversed, according to ancient usage, the land and water boundaries of the municipality. In July, accompanied by the Corporation, he

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 292

    As the companion tells it

    As the road takes you through Limerick, the city in 1853 showed what one book called "cheering signs of remunerative employment and commercial advancement." The lace industry stood at the centre of it. At the lace factory in Upper Glentworth Street, 740 hands were employed. Messrs. Forrest's in Abbey Court employed 420. Besides these, there were further establishments in Clare Street and Patrick Street, and from 200 to 300 small job houses throughout the city. Altogether they employed some 8,500 females. The Messrs. Russell's spinning mill on the North Strand was rapidly being prepared. The Foynes Railway was projected. The Sisterhood of the Good Shepherd instructed a number of young women at their convent in making Valenciennes lace. Ornamental art also received a great impetus in the government school of design. On the first of January 1854, Henry Watson was elected Mayor under the provisions of the Limerick Corporate Reform Act. He had served as Mayor under the old corporate regime. The act abolished the Commissioners of St. Michael's Parish, gave the Corporation increased powers of taxation, changed the boundaries of the wards, limited the number of Aldermen to eight, and gave four Councillors to each of the eight wards. It was "a strange sight to witness the exponent of the exploded system of corporate misdeeds chosen as the first Mayor of what may be termed the second reformed Corporation." The liberals could not agree among themselves on a candidate of their own party, so they chose Alderman Watson, who fell into their ranks and acted with that section of the council. During his mayoralty, Alderman Watson traversed, according to ancient usage, the land and water boundaries of the municipality.

47. Lord Deputy Grey extorts £40 from Abington abbot

    Abington · townland · Limerick · 1540

    In 1540, Lord Deputy Grey was impeached for holding secret correspondence with the Earl of Desmond and forcing the abbot of Abington to pay £40 to insure his abbey against spoliation. At the dissolution, the last abbot was found seized of several rectories.

    Read the passage

    1540. One of the articles of impeachment brought in this year against the liord Deputy Grey was, that he held secret correspondence with James, Earl of Desmond, and went to visit him in his tent in his night gown, and forced the abbot of this house to give him the sum of £40 for the purpose of insviring his abbey against spoliation. At the dissolution the last abbot was fomid seized of this rectory, then valued at £1 ; also of the rectories of Thurles, annual value £11 ; Enagh, in Ormond, £4; Arklow, £4; Tullowfelim, £4, etc., etc.

    1550. The abbey was burnt by O'Carrol.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 419

48. Lough Gur legend of the rebel Earl of Desmond

    near Lough Gur · lake or lakes · Limerick

    Garret Fitzgerald, the rebel Earl of Desmond, is the guardian spirit of Lough Gur, held by enchantment. He is seen riding over the lake surface once every seven years; when his horse's silver shoes wear out, he will return to life.

    Read the passage

    Garret Fitzgerald, the rebel Earl of Desmond to Queen Elizabeth, is the guardian spirit of this lake. He is held there by enchantment, which will cease when the silver shoes of his horse, whom he is seen riding over the surface of the lake once every seven years, are worn out, and he will thence once more return to life.^ This legend strongly resembles that of I 'on Sebastian, King of Portugal. There are no trout in the lake; it contains pike and roach in abundance.

    Not a tree or shrub occurs anywhere near the lake, except a few near the Black Castle adjoining the farm, and on the small tufted islet called Garrod's Island, which is an object of deep interest, and on which are the ruins of a castle. The hills have a great irregularity of outline, assuming the forms of miniature mountain ranges. They are said to have been hunting grounds of the ancient Irish.*

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 426

49. Mayor of Limerick arms thousand citizens for Lord Justice Pelham

    Fanningstown · townland · Limerick · 1579

    Nicholas Stritch, Mayor of Limerick, presented Sir William Pelham the Lord Justice with a thousand well-armed citizens. Sir William marched to Fanningstown, where the Countess of Desmond delivered letters excusing her husband's non-obedience, which were met with evasions.

    Read the passage

    In the same year Nicholas Stritch, Mayor of Limerick, presented Sir William Pelham the Lord Justice with a thousand citizens well armed ; with these forces Sir WilUam marched to Fanningstown, where he was presented with letters by the Countess of Desmond, to excuse her husband for not obeying the Lord Justice ; these were Med with evasions and trifling excuses. Desmond was proclaimed a traitor, and the army was ordered to enter his country with fire and sword, if he did not within tAventy days, surrender. In their progress they hanged the Mayor of Youghal at his own door.^

    In this year was fought the celebrated battle of Manister or Monasternenagh, five miles to the north-west of Bruff — a battle of which such singularly discrepant accounts have been given by O^Daly in his History of the Geraldines, and by Camden. The latter, who has been followed by Ware, Cox, and Leland, asserts that Sir John of Desmond was defeated with the loss of two hundred and sixty of his army, together with the famous Dr. Allen the Jesuit who was left dead on the field. Allen and Sanders, the Jesuit and Papal Legate, had arrived from Spain at Smerewick, on the coast of Kerry, in the previous year, with three ships, men and money, &c. O'Daly, who mentions the loss of Thomas Geraldine, Johnston, and Thomas Brown, Knight, says nothing about Allen. The Irish force assembled here by Sir John Fitzgerald, brother of the Earl of Desmond, consisting of 2000 Irish and Spaniards, headed by Father Allen, and aided by the abbot of the monastery, Avere attacked by Sir William Malby at the head of 150 cavalry, of 600 infantry, and defeated with great slaughter, including a great number of the Clann-Sheehy.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 60

50. North Tipperary militia mutiny at Nenagh

    Nenagh · town · Tipperary

    A mutiny took place in the North Tipperary Regiment of militia at Nenagh on the disembodiment of that regiment, when the men were refused their clothes. The mutiny was quelled by Major-General Chatterton, Commander of the Limerick Garrison.

    Read the passage

    ' In more recent years, a mutiny absolutely took place in the North Tipperary Regiment of militia in Nenagh, on the disembodiment of that regiment, when the men were refused their clothes, through a miserable economy also. On this occasion the mutiny was quelled by Major-General Chatterton, Commander of the Limerick Garrison.

    the constellation of Hercules, near to the Corona Borealis ; its motion to the east very perceptible, and as far as the eye could guide, uniformly accellerated ; it shot from the place where it originated, through the milky way, entering it in Beta eygon, passing through epsilon Cygani, through the south of Lacura, through Andromeda, between Beta and Gamma of that Constellation, through the bright star of Caput Medusaa, and terminating in Persaeus near Auriga ; all of which stars were obscurely seen through its radiance ; it receded slowly to the south, and disappeared about two degrees further from the Zenith, than where it was first observed.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 247

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up now is Nenagh, in Tipperary. Back when the militia was being stood down, the North Tipperary Regiment was disembodied here, and the men were refused their clothes. The book calls it a miserable economy that brought it on. Whatever was behind that decision, the men of the regiment mutinied over it. Major-General Chatterton came to quell the trouble. He was the Commander of the Limerick Garrison, so they sent for him from down the road. That is what the record gives us here in Nenagh.

51. Old pear tree linked to King William and Sarsfield

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1690–1691

    An old pear tree near the citadel gate, partly covered by raised ground, is spoken of as having furnished fruit for King William and often for Sarsfield during the siege.

    Read the passage

    ' The to^vn gate of the citadel is at present the entrance gate to the yard of St. John's Hospital ; the wall is seven feet thick at this place, and -wall-flowers in season bloom above the gate, and all along the wall until it meets the newly built enclosure of the Hospital on the western side. The country or outer gate of the citadel is the western portion of the Hospital, of which it forms what we may call a wing — and the lower part of the gateway is now used as a storehouse for the convenience of the Hospital : the wall is extremely strong, thick, and is fitted with a groove through which the heavy door was raised or let down by chains. The ground in front is considerably raised, and reaches so high as to cover the greater part of the trunk of an old pear tree, which is spoken of as having furnished fruit for King William in. and often for Sarsfield. The remnant of the Black Battery is at the eastern corner of the hospital, and faces Keeper Hill and the old Slieve Phelim mountains in Tipperary. The view from it is really enchanting. A masked batterj', concealed by wool-bags, sand, timber, and whatever was available, was placed at what is now the extreme corner of Curry's Lane, near the same locality, exactly opposite the breach. The ancient wall of the citadel ran several feet out from the present enclosure of the hospital, and is now level with the roadway ; but on the foundations of it skulls and bones were found in abundance on a recent occasion, as laborers were laying down gas-pipes.

    On the wall of the hospital is an ancient tablet which was picked up from the ruins about, and which was placed in its present position b}-, I believe, W. J. Geary, Esq. M.D,, J.P. when the Fever Hospital was undergoing enlargement. The tablet contains the following legend : —

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 136

52. Origin of Bishop O'Moloney

    Kiltannon · electoral division · Clare · 1687

    Dr. O'Moloney, who succeeded as Catholic Bishop of Limerick in 1687, was the second son of John O'Moloney of Kiltannon. The O'Moloney family were landed gentry of County Clare.

    Read the passage

    The Right Rev. Dr. O'Moloney succeeded in 1687. He was second son of John O'Moloney, Esq., of Kiltannon, county Clare. James O'Moloney, Esq., son of the elder brother of the bishop, served first in King James's army and afterwards in tliat of King William.' A James Moloney, most probably the officer in question, appears as lieutenant in the infantry regiment of Colonel Charles O'Bryan, a distinguished regiment, which was principally formed of the gentry of Clare, "while m the sarae^ regiment Daniel Moloney appears as captain, whose property was sold in 1703 by the Commissioners of Forfeitures to Thomas St. John, of

    ^ Dr. Moran's Life of Oliver Plunhett. t Ibid.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 352

53. Park: King William's route to the Shannon, 1690

    Park · townland · Limerick · 1690

    King William is said to have passed through the old road of Park to the Shannon in 1690, inspecting the river to learn the passage, which Ginkle successfully crossed the following year. The site of the King's gate (CÁth na Sge), dividing Park from Corbally, was still pointed out near the river.

    Read the passage

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

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 269

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, King William is said to have passed through the old road of Park to the Shannon in 1690. He came to inspect the river, to learn the passage of it. The crossing he studied was carried out the following year by Ginkle, who effected it successfully. The site of the King's gate, known as CÁth na Sge, which divided Park from Corbally, was still pointed out within a short distance of the river. It was from there that William passed. The people who live on this ground have their own older history. The MacNamaras are said to have settled here after they were driven from Clare in the wars of the seventeenth century. The names you would hear among the residents include Cunneen, Hannan, Quilligan, Clancy, and MacNamara. The Cunneen name is one of the most ancient in the south of Ireland. Tradition holds that Saint Patrick dwelt with a chieftain of that name when he visited Singland, which forms part of the parish of Saint Patrick in which Park is situated. Not far from here, at Corbally, there is an ancient cemetery in the Killeen field. It has ceased for many years to be a burying place. Recently, fragments of cannon balls and human bones have been found in that field.

54. Penal laws and family conversions in Limerick, Clare, Tipperary

    Limerick · city · Limerick

    The author discusses how the penal laws caused many principal Irish families in Limerick, Clare, and Tipperary to change from Catholic to Protestant faith, often resulting in the substitution of junior for elder branches and altering family politics and social status. Conformist records were obtained from Egerton MSS in the British Museum.

    Read the passage

    While recording the social, material, and political progress of Limerick, we cannot omit an important element in the construction of the frame-work of society, which has hitherto not received the attention to which it has a just claim for the effects which it has produced in the domestic relations, the position of families, and the transfer of property from one line to another. It is a curious fact in this age of exhaustive enquiry and patient investigation, that except a passing reference to changes of religion, we have nothing that at all resembles an account of how or when many of our principal Irish families changed their faith from the Catholic to the Protestant, although it is well known that change was in many cases attended by very important consequences, not only to the parties immediately concerned, but to the society to which they belonged; for not to multiply examples, the adoption of the new , creed in several instances occasioned the substitution of the junior for the elder branches in some of our great Irish houses ; and the intermarriages into Protestant families by the new conformist, gave a completely different colour to the tastes, the feelings, the habits, the politics, and the social status of the descendants of the original conformist, who from being more Irish than the Irish themselves, was often, or rather always converted into a most determined stickler for English interests, and for the promotion of his newly adopted views. Until we enjoy what England already in a great degree possesses, the advantage of county and family histories, we do not expect that this original and interesting department of history wiU receive any particular attention, more especially as the subject is what is generally considered a delicate one, and unless for those who have access to family memorials and public libraries, one which is attended with very considerable difficulty. The following documents Avill, we are convinced, possess a very high degree of interest for the general as well as the local reader. They have been obtained from the Egerton MSS. in the British Museum, and may be received with undoubting faith as the legalised and authentic records of the chief conformists in the counties of Limerick, Clare, and Tipperary, as well as in other localities with which these counties have been associated by intermarriage and other means. We are not aware that any similar document has ever been published, or even exists in a collective form, and we hope that any of our readers who may have occasion to avail themselves of it will acknowledge the source from which they have derived their information. From the reign of Queen Anne to the time at which we are now arrived.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 210

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, you are moving through country where the penal laws reshaped families in ways people seldom talk about. The laws pressed many principal Irish families in Limerick, Clare, and Tipperary to abandon the Catholic faith and adopt the Protestant creed. The consequences went far beyond what religion a person said in church. In several of the great Irish houses, the change brought about the substitution of the junior for the elder branch. The new conformist married into Protestant families, and that gave a completely different colour to the tastes, the feelings, the habits, the politics, and the social status of the descendants. The author puts it plainly: the original conformist, who had been more Irish than the Irish themselves, was, as he says, converted into a most determined stickler for English interests and for the promotion of his newly adopted views. The subject is a delicate one, and difficult to trace without access to family memorials and public libraries. The records that survive were obtained from the Egerton Manuscripts in the British Museum. They are described as the legalised and authentic records of the chief conformists in the counties of Limerick, Clare, and Tipperary, and in other localities linked to these counties through intermarriage. The author says no similar document has been published or even exists in collective form. The period covered runs from the reign of Queen Anne to the time of writing. What you are passing through here is a landscape where property moved from one line of a family to another, where social standing shifted with creed, and where the old Irish houses took on what amounted to a new identity.

55. Plan to burn boats from Limerick to Loop Head

    Loop Head · promontory · Clare · 1666

    Lord Orrery intended, upon hearing of a French landing, to seize and burn all boats from Limerick to Loop Head to cut off communication between the Irish of Clare and Connaught with the rest of the country.

    Read the passage

    The result was, that the report of the committee appointed to consider the act was delayed until the parliament was prorogued. In the meantime, such was the dangerous condition of the kingdom that Ormonde beheved it imperative on him to use every means to counteract their operations. For this purpose he spared no expense to procure proper intelhgence to assist him to provide for the defence of the kingdom, and with this view he sent Captain Arthur and Captain James Archer to France and the Low Countries, to get intelhgence of the negociations carried on Avith those powers by the disaffected. From these agents he learned that there was no disposition on the part of the King of France or his ministers to hearken to the solicitations of the persecuted Irish, who had endeavored to induce them to make a descent upon Ireland — which it appears was exactly the view that Orrery took of it, though he did think it lilvcly that the French would send a small force with a good supply of arms and ammunition, to secure some position near the sea, from which the Irish could be supplied with munitions of war. It was Orrery's own intention, directly he had heard of the French landing, to seize and burn all the boats from Limerick to Looj) Head, in order to cut off communication between the Irish of Clare and Connaught with the rest. In a letter addressed to Ormoud,' May 28, 1666, after describing the priu-

    ' Orrery's State Letters, 1 p., 276 » Carte's Ormond, 2 vol, 2 p., 323.

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 115

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere about Loop Head, in 1666, a plan existed to seize and burn every boat along this coast. The kingdom was in a dangerous condition, and Ormonde believed it imperative to use every means to counteract the operations of the disaffected. He spared no expense to procure intelligence, and sent Captain Arthur and Captain James Archer to France and the Low Countries, to learn of the negotiations carried on with those powers by the disaffected Irish. From these agents Ormonde learned that the King of France and his ministers had no disposition to hearken to the solicitations of the persecuted Irish, who had endeavored to induce them to make a descent upon Ireland. Lord Orrery took exactly the same view, though he did think it likely that the French would send a small force with a good supply of arms and ammunition, to secure some position near the sea, from which the Irish could be supplied with munitions of war. It was Orrery's own intention, directly he had heard of the French landing, to seize and burn all the boats from Limerick to Loop Head, in order to cut off communication between the Irish of Clare and Connaught with the rest. A letter to Ormonde, dated May 28, 1666, describes the plan.

56. Rapparee Hogan cuts off English supplies near Cullen and Ballyneety

    Ballyneety · townland · Limerick · 1691

    During the Siege of Limerick, 'galloping Hogan' and his rapparees cut off supplies from the English, particularly in the neighbourhood of Cullen and Ballyneety. At his favourite rendezvous near Cullen he captured seventy-one horses heading for the English camp.

    Read the passage

    Storey states that at this time there were no less than 240 odd prisoners of the English army and militia in the hands of the Irish, and these were dehvered up on the same evening to the English between Mackey's fort and the city. Whilst these proceedings were taking place galloping Hogan was busy in his department with his untiring rapparees, cutting off suppHes from the English wherever he had the opportunity, particularly in the neighbourhood of Cullen and Ballyneety.^ But his "labour of love^^ was destined soon to be brought to a close ! and the stirring and great events which have so long occupied us. Negociations were now proceeding with wonderful rapidity. Amongst the exalted personages who were with the Irish commanders throughout the siege, were Dr. Maguire, the Catholic Lord Primate of all Ireland and Archbishop of Armagh, the CathoHc Lord Bishop of Cashel, and other high dignitaries of the Ancient Church of Ireland. Dr. Molony, Bishop of Limerick, was in France with King James. Lieut.-Gen. Sheldon, Lord Galmoy, Lord Westmeath, Lord Dillon, Lord Trimblestown, Sir Theobald Butler, and several more Irish officers, came on the next day, the 25th, from the horse camp, where they had been, and dined with General Sarsfield.2

    On the following day Wauchop and Sarsfield dined with Ginkle. Such is war — the most conflicting enemies think no more of what has passed — they sup and are cheery over the red graves of the fallen ! It was agreed that hostages should be exchanged, in order to a further treaty ; and accordingly, Lord Cutts, Sir David Collier, Colonel Tiffln, and Colonel Piper were sent into the city ; Lords Westmeath, Iveagh, Trimblestown and Louth were sent out.'

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 146

57. Royal patent empowers Limerick city to wage war and parley with Irish enemies

    Limerick · city · Limerick

    A royal letters patent, witnessed at Trim on 8 March in the eighth year of the reign, granted the mayor, bailiffs, and commonalty of Limerick city power to raise forces in the county and marches, wage war on Irish enemies and English rebels, and make armistices and truces with them. The patent also granted immunity from impeachment to those who participated in such actions.

    Read the passage

    gentes) for defence, both horse and foot of the county of Limerick and marches of the city and county aforesaid, and to lead these people with them in resistance to the malice of said enemies and rebels, to make "war upon and to chastise and punish them according to, their demerits, and to be able with God's assistance to make head against them. And we also of our special favour grant that neither the aforesaid mayor, bailiff, and commonalty, or their successors the mayors, bailiffs, and commonalty of Limerick city, neither any of them, nor any one of any of the county and marches aforesaid, who shall thus have gone hereafter with the aforesaid mayor, bailiffs, and commonalty, and with their successors the mayors, bailiffs, and commonalty of the said city, against the said enemies of ours, and English rebels who are to be curbed in the manner and form aforesaid, be impeached, nor any of them be impeached or in any way be aggrieved by our heirs, officers, or servants, or any of our heirs hereafter whatever in the causes aforesaid, or any of them. And we further of our fuller favour grant unto the same mayor, bailiffs, and commonalty of the said city for ever, the power of treating and parleying with the aforesaid our Irish enemies dwelling about the city, county, and marches aforesaid, and to restore them to peace with us, or of our heirs, and as often as they please to make armistices and truces with them, without impeachment on the part of us, our heirs, officers, or servants, or of our heirs whatever hereafter, providing, hoAvever, that such treating be not to our prejudice or that of our faithful people. In testimony whereof we have caused to be made these our letters patent. Witness our beloved Thomas Straunge, Knight Deputy ; our beloved and faithful John Sutton, Knight, our Lieutenant in our land of Ireland. Trim, the 8th day of March, in the eighth year of our reign, Sutton, by petition by the Deputy himself and the whole coiincil, and sealed with the privy seal".

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 331

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Limerick, there is a story from the old legal record of this city. A royal letters patent, witnessed at Trim on the 8th of March, in the eighth year of the reign, granted the mayor, bailiffs, and commonalty of Limerick city the power to raise forces, both horse and foot, from the county of Limerick and the marches. They were to lead these people in resistance to the malice of Irish enemies and English rebels, and the patent said they were to make war upon them and to chastise and punish them according to their demerits, and to be able with God's assistance to make head against them. The king also granted, of his special favour, that neither the mayor, bailiffs, and commonalty of Limerick, nor their successors, nor any one of the county and marches who went with them against these enemies and English rebels, should be impeached or in any way aggrieved by the heirs, officers, or servants of the crown. The grant went further still. It gave the mayor, bailiffs, and commonalty, for ever, the power of treating and parleying with the Irish enemies dwelling about the city, county, and marches, and to restore them to peace, and as often as they pleased to make armistices and truces with them, again without impeachment from the crown or its officers. The one condition was that such treating should not be to the prejudice of the king or of his faithful people. The patent was witnessed by Thomas Straunge, Knight Deputy, and John Sutton, Knight, the king's Lieutenant in the land of Ireland. It was made by petition of the Deputy and the whole council, and sealed with the privy seal.

58. Sedan chairs in Limerick streets

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1790–1830

    Sedan chairs were a common mode of transport in Limerick for ladies going to balls and for bringing judges to court. Their stand was located on George's Street near William Street, with eight or ten typically ranged there; forty years earlier the stand had been at the Exchange in Mary Street. They fell out of use by 1830.

    Read the passage

    ' This year (1830) saw the last of the sedan chairs. Bringing the judges fully robed to court in sedan chairs was an old custom in Limerick, only given up about the year 1809. Sedan chairs were much used by ladies going to balls, and were found a great convenience by daj- in bad weather. A sedan chair was aa upholstered seat, completely covered in, with a door in front about five feet high, with glass in it ; outwardly it was covered with leather,* and was carried bj* two men between poles, who moved at a tolerable pace, in a kind of trot, equal to perhaps four miles an hour. They continued in use until 1830, their stand being in George's street, near William-street, where there were generally eight or ten of them ranged. Forty years before their stand was at the Exchange, in Mary-street.

    affair of Muchleegawn, attack on Cawnpore mutineers in Kookee jungle, and pursued to Nagowar —meritioned in despatches — medal and clasp."

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 276

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, the streets here once saw sedan chairs carried by two men between poles, moving at a kind of trot, perhaps four miles an hour. They were upholstered seats, completely covered in, with a door in front about five feet high with glass in it, and leather on the outside. Ladies used them going to balls, and found them a great convenience by day in bad weather. Bringing the judges fully robed to court in sedan chairs was an old custom in Limerick, given up about 1809. Their stand was in George's Street, near William Street, where there were generally eight or ten of them ranged. Forty years before that, the stand had been at the Exchange in Mary Street. The year 1830 saw the last of them.

59. Siege of Ballyally Castle near Ennis, 1642

    Ballyally · townland · Cork · 1642

    On 10 January 1642, Hugh O'Grady raised his clan and began hostilities against English settlers in Clare. On 4 February, with Connor O'Brien and others, they attacked Ballyally Castle near Ennis, held by the widow of Maurice Cuffe. The siege was raised on 27 February after a successful sally.

    Read the passage

    1559. Donoughoge, son of Donough, and grandson of Nicholas, Archdeacon of Killaloe, died. The Annals do not tell us, but we know by other records, (Patent Rolls, 9th July, 1553) that he was the chief of the O'Gradys, and had a confirmation of the estates from the Crown, with the honor of Knighthood by Patent. 1582, Donough, son of the above Donough, " a man of great power," died. He was Dean, probably of Killaloe, as the dignities in that Cathedral were kept in the same families for generations. The last notice I find of the OGrady family in the county of Clare, and one which shows that the Limerick branch acted in concert with their kinsmen in that county, is in the verA- curious journal of the siege of Ballyally Castle, near Ennis, printed in 1841 for the Camden Society. This castle was held by the widow of Maurice Cuffe (an Englishman, and a merchant in Ennis), assisted by her sons, one of whom was ancestor of the Earl of Desart. On the 10th January, 1642, Hugh O'Grady, of Stradnegalow, raised his clan, and began hostilities against the English settlers in the county of Clare, and on the 4th February they, with Connor O'Brien of Lemeneigh, Sir Donell O'Brien, and a few others of that name, (but without the approval of the Earl of Thomond,) and aided by the Mac Namaras, O'Loghlens of Burren, O'Hogans, O'Shaughnessj'S, and others, made an attack on Ballyally castle. " Captain Henry Gradey, of Cnockaney, in the County of Limerick," was one of those 60 engaged — and being one of the chief leaders in the undertaking, he was deputed (being then styled in the Narrative " Captain Henry O'Gradey,") to summon the castle — " and being demanded by some that were upon the battlement warding, what athorety hee had to demand it, or right or claime he could laie to it. Whereupon hee anshwerd that hee had commission from his majesty to banesh all the Protestants of the kingdom of Ireland. Heere upon without furthar exeamenation, there was a bullet sent from the castell by one of the wardars to exeamen his cumishon, which went through his thigh, but he made shift to rumble to the bushes and there fell downe, but only laye by it sixteene wickes, in which time, unhapely, it was cured."

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 38

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here is where Ballyally Castle stood, near Ennis. On the 10th of January 1642, Hugh O'Grady of Stradnegalow raised his clan and began hostilities against the English settlers in the county of Clare. On the 4th of February, they, along with Connor O'Brien of Lemeneigh, Sir Donell O'Brien, and a few others of that name, though without the approval of the Earl of Thomond, and aided by the MacNamaras, the O'Loghlens of Burren, the O'Hogans, the O'Shaughnessys, and others, made their attack on Ballyally Castle. The castle was held by the widow of Maurice Cuffe, an Englishman and a merchant in Ennis, assisted by her sons, one of whom was ancestor of the Earl of Desart. Captain Henry Gradey of Cnockaney in the county of Limerick was one of the chief leaders in the undertaking, and he was deputed to summon the castle. He was asked by some upon the battlement what authority he had to demand it, or what right or claim he could lay to it. He answered that he had commission from his majesty to banish all the Protestants of the kingdom of Ireland. Upon that, without further examination, a bullet was sent from the castle by one of the warders to examine his commission. It went through his thigh, but he made shift to crawl to the bushes and there fell down. He lay by it only sixteen weeks, in which time it was cured. The siege was raised on the 27th of February after a successful sally from the castle.

60. St. Alphonsus Church benefactors and Quin-street

    Limerick · city · Limerick

    The Church of St. Alphonsus in Limerick was enriched by numerous benefactors, with John Quin standing out for funding the high altar, communion rails, organ, and a tower with a peal of nine bells. Quin also purchased land and laid out a road connecting Henry-street with the Military-road, which was named Quin-street in his memory.

    Read the passage

    The altar of our Lady of Grace is the gift of three sisters, Mrs. Murphy, Mrs. Eochf ord, and Miss White ; the altar of St. Joseph and the altar of our Lady of Perpetual Succour were given bj Dr. Enright ; but the Chapel of Our Lady was thegiftof many subscribers, especially of the Confraternity of the Holy Family ; the chapels of the Sacred Heart and of Our Lady of Dolours were built and decorated at the expense of the two Misses Kelly ; the pulpit was presented by Mr. Patrick Sheehan, the Stations of the Cross by Mr. Malachy Slattery, the organ by Mr. John Quin. This great benefactor of St. Alphonsus Church, in addition to the high altar, communion rails, and organ, laid out, at his own expense, the front of the church, purchased land and made a road opposite the church entrance, connecting Henry-street with the Military-roacf. This has been named Quin-street, in his memory. But his last great gift surpassed in magnitude all the preceding, being the tewer and peal of nine bells. This work was designed by Mr. Goldie of Kensington, and built by Mr. Ryan of Waterford. Many other benefactors have contributed stained glass windows, statues, lamps, and candelabra, as well as permanent decorations, that make this church one of the finest in Ireland.

    In 1871, Father Bridgett was succeeded by the Very Rev. Edward O'Donnell, who remained rector until 1881, when through ill health he was compelled to resign, and died in February, 1882, at Perth, in Scotland. His place was again taken by Very Rev. Father Bridgett, who left for Clapham Convent on 15th of May, 1884, and wag succeeded by the Very Rev. Father O'Connell

    Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 468

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, you are near St. Alphonsus Church, a building shaped by many hands. Three sisters, Mrs. Murphy, Mrs. Eochford, and Miss White, gave the altar of Our Lady of Grace. Dr. Enright gave the altar of St. Joseph and the altar of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour. The Chapel of Our Lady was the gift of many subscribers, especially the Confraternity of the Holy Family. The two Misses Kelly built and decorated the chapels of the Sacred Heart and of Our Lady of Dolours. Patrick Sheehan presented the pulpit. Malachy Slattery gave the Stations of the Cross. But the great benefactor of this church was John Quin. He gave the high altar, the communion rails, and the organ. He laid out the front of the church at his own expense. He purchased land and made a road opposite the church entrance, connecting Henry-street with the Military-road. This road was named Quin-street, in his memory. His last great gift surpassed all the rest: a tower and a peal of nine bells. The tower was designed by Mr. Goldie of Kensington and built by Mr. Ryan of Waterford. Many other benefactors gave stained glass windows, statues, lamps, and candelabra, making this church one of the finest in Ireland. In 1871, Father Bridgett was succeeded by the Very Rev. Edward O'Donnell, who remained rector until 1881, when ill health forced him to resign. He died in February 1882 at Perth, in Scotland. Father Bridgett returned, then left for Clapham Convent on the 15th of May, 1884, and was succeeded by the Very Rev. Father O'Connell.