Researches in the South of Ireland

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. Beheading of the Earl of Desmond near Tralee

   Tralee · townland · Kerry · 1583

   Pursued for stealing cattle out of desperate need, the Earl of Desmond was tracked to a hovel near Tralee where a soldier named Daniel Kelly struck off his head despite his pleas for mercy; the head was later pickled and sent to England to be spiked on London Bridge.

   Read the passage

   The last scene of the Earl's life is, however, the most tragical. His necessities having compelled him to take some cattle belonging to a poor woman, he was pursued by a few musketeers and kerns in the English pay, who on entering a little grove, in a lonely and mountainous glen, four miles east of Tralee, about midnight, discovered, seated round the fire of a ruinous hovel, four or five of Desmond's known adherents, all of whom immediately fled on their entrance, leaving one venerable and powerless old man : a soldier, named Daniel Kelly, made a blow at him with his sword, and wounded him so severely as almost to dissever his arm; repeating the blow, the old man ejaculated, " Spare me, spare me, I am the Earl of Desmond." But the appeal was made in vain; for Kelly struck off his head and conveyed it to the Earl of Ormond, by whom it was sent over, " pickled in a pipkin," to England, where it was spiked on London Bridge ; and his body, after eight weeks concealment, obscurely interred in the little chapel of Killanamana in Kerry. For this service Elizabeth's " well-beloved subject and soldier, Daniel Kelly," was rewarded with a pension of twenty pounds yearly, which he enjoyed lor many years, but was ultimately hanged at Tyburn.

   The account given by Spencer of the state of Desmond's country, who was a spectator of it, exhibits a dreadful and impressive picture of the calamitous effects of civil warfare. He tells us, that " any

   Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 13

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere close to Tralee, in 1583, the Earl of Desmond met his end. Driven by desperate need, he had taken cattle belonging to a poor woman, and was pursued by a small group of musketeers and kerns in English pay. They came upon him around midnight in a lonely mountainous glen, four miles east of Tralee, seated by the fire of a ruinous hovel. His adherents fled, leaving only the old man. A soldier named Daniel Kelly struck him with his sword, nearly severing his arm. The Earl cried out, "Spare me, spare me, I am the Earl of Desmond," but Kelly struck off his head. The head was sent to the Earl of Ormond, who had it "pickled in a pipkin" and shipped to England, where it was spiked on London Bridge. His body lay concealed for eight weeks before being buried obscurely in the chapel of Killanamana in Kerry. Kelly was rewarded by Elizabeth with a yearly pension of 20 pounds, but was eventually hanged at Tyburn.

2. Lord Inchiquin's Massacre at Cashel Cathedral

   Cashel · townland · Tipperary · 1640–1650

   During the civil war, Lord Inchiquin's forces committed a brutal massacre at Cashel, where three thousand people were put to the sword regardless of sex or age. Priests were reportedly torn from the altars of God and butchered before them inside the cathedral.

   Read the passage

   From what can be collected, Lord Inchiquin's career during the civil war was intemperate in the highest degree, " not sparing his own kindred/' says Ludlow, " but if he found them faulty," (that is, in arms for the cause he had abandoned,) " hanging them up without distinction." His " memorable service" at Cashel partakes of the same spirit, where, regarding neither sex nor age, three thousand were put to the sword by his orders ; and the priests, literally torn from the altars of God, were butchered before them in the cathedral. Had Lord Inchiquin acted from the enthusiastic feeling of the times, his character would have retrieved itself on the page of history, for he was personally brave and frequently victorious ; but he seems to have studiously corrupted the well-inclined, and endeavoured to elevate himself by undermining the nobleness of others.

   The parliament of England, feeling that no dependence could be placed on such a man, voted him a traitor the 14th April, 1649: and Charles II., with a view of creating a revolution in his favour, immediately by letters from the Hague appointed him President of Munster; but the soldiers under his command, disgusted by the inconsistency of his conduct, revolted. Lord Inchiquin, for safety, fled to France, and was soon after raised by Charles to the dignity of an earl ; on whose restoration, when the claims of unbroken allegiance were unrewarded, the sum of 8000/. was bestowed on Lord Inchiquin— " as a mark of his majesty's favourable and gracious consideration of his losses and sufferings."

   Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 48

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere close to Cashel, in the 1640s, Lord Inchiquin's forces carried out what one account calls his memorable service here. During the civil war, his soldiers put 3000 people to the sword, regarding neither sex nor age. The priests were, in the words of the source, literally torn from the altars of God, and butchered before them in the cathedral. Ludlow, a contemporary, said Inchiquin did not spare his own kindred, but hanged them up without distinction if he found them in arms for the cause he had abandoned. He was personally brave and frequently victorious, but he seems to have studiously corrupted the well-inclined and elevated himself by undermining others. The parliament of England voted him a traitor on the 14th of April, 1649, feeling no dependence could be placed on such a man. Charles the Second then appointed him President of Munster by letters from the Hague, hoping to create a revolution in his favour. But his own soldiers, disgusted by the inconsistency of his conduct, revolted. Inchiquin fled to France for safety, and was soon after raised by Charles to the dignity of an earl. On the Restoration, 8000 pounds was bestowed on him, as a mark of his majesty's favourable and gracious consideration of his losses and sufferings.

3. The Witch Trial of Dame Alice Kyteler

   near Kilkenny · townland · Kilkenny · 1325

   In 1325 Dame Alice Kyteler of Kilkenny was accused of sacrificing nine red cocks to her familiar spirit Robyn Artysson at a crossroads, and of sweeping the streets of Kilkenny to draw wealth to her son's house through incantation. Diabolical items including an ointment-smeared coultree used for supposed flight were found among her possessions, and she fled to England while her accomplice Pernill was burned at Kilkenny.

   Read the passage

   The most remarkable Irish witch on record is Dame Alice Ketyll (whose history is to be found at length in Camden). Amongst the charges made against her, when examined in 1325, was the sacrificing nine red cocks to her familiar spirit or imp, named Robyn Artysson, " at a stone bridge in a certaine foure crosse high-way." " Item, that she swept the streets of Kilkenny with beesomes between Complin and Courefew, and in sweeping the filth towards the house of William Utlaw her sonne, by way of conjuring uttered these words :

   Unto the house of William, my sonne, Hie all the wealth of Kilkenny town."

   Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 14

4. Execution and Display of Sir James of Desmond at Cork

   Cork · townland · Cork

   Sir James, brother of the Earl of Desmond, was condemned and executed under martial law, his mutilated limbs then displayed publicly on the gates of Cork as a warning.

   Read the passage

   demned and executed by martial law, and his reeking limbs exposed to the public gaze on the gates of Cork.

   A mutiny amongst the English army was suppressed by openly giving up Desmond's country to plunder instead of their pay ; and the greater part of the population, to escape the revolting cruelties attendant on military exaction, fled for protection and found it, from the bravest and most noble of enemies — a British seaman — Sir William Winter, the Vice-Admiral of England, who was stationed off the coast of Kerry to intercept reinforcements from Spain, receiving many of the despairing fugitives on board his squadron.

   Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 13

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere around here, Sir James, brother of the Earl of Desmond, was executed under martial law, and his limbs were hung on the gates of Cork for all to see. After that, a mutiny broke out among the English army, and it was put down by openly giving up Desmond's country to plunder instead of paying the soldiers. Much of the population fled the cruelties that followed, and many found refuge with a British seaman — Sir William Winter, Vice-Admiral of England, stationed off the coast of Kerry to intercept reinforcements from Spain, who took the desperate fugitives aboard his squadron.

5. Massacre of Prisoners on Wexford Bridge

   Wexford Bridge · townland · Wexford · 1798

   Rebels dragged seventy-five prisoners from the jail and executed them at the bridge of Wexford, only stopping when a priest begged for mercy. A Mr. Cox was pike-wounded and shot while trying to escape by leaping into the water.

   Read the passage

   He had no fear, and vowed he would go with them. Mr. Kearney sent me an assurance that nothing should happen to him. To this delay, under the providence of God, does he owe his life ; whilst he was on the road, a party went to the jail to put the prisoners to death. Mr. Owen, the protestant clergyman, was the first they called for ; not finding him, they took out seventy-five prisoners, and were taking them to the bridge of Wexford, in the opposite direction to the road my brother travelled, when Mr. Kearney (and may God for ever bless him for it!) went to meet him, and desired the guard to follow the crowd, and he would take care of their prisoner: they eagerly ran off. Can I ever cease to be thankful to God ! had my brother been ten minutes sooner, nothing could have saved him ; he must have shared the fate of those unfortunate victims, the murder of whom must ever disgrace this country. The rebels went on murdering their prisoners with the most barbarous ferocity, till a priest (whose name I forget) on his knees implored them to desist, " that surely they had blood enough for that night." A Mr. Cox, after receiving the most dreadful pike wounds, made a strong effort to save himself by leaping over the bridge, when they fired at him till he sunk. At this time we were most fortunately ignorant of all that was passing at Wexford, but I determined on going there next day, to try and bring my brother back.

   Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 58

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere close to Wexford Bridge, in 1798, rebels massacred prisoners taken from the jail. A party went to the jail to put the prisoners to death. They called first for Mr. Owen, the Protestant clergyman. Not finding him, they took out 75 prisoners and led them to the bridge. The rebels went on murdering their prisoners with barbarous ferocity, until a priest, whose name is not recorded, fell on his knees and implored them to desist, telling them "surely they had blood enough for that night." A Mr. Cox, after receiving dreadful pike wounds, tried to save himself by leaping over the bridge. They fired at him till he sank. The passage comes from an account by someone whose brother narrowly missed the same fate. Mr. Kearney had sent word that nothing should happen to the brother. The delay saved his life. The brother was on a road in the opposite direction when the massacre began. Mr. Kearney went to meet him, told the guard to follow the crowd and he would take care of their prisoner, and the guard eagerly ran off. Had the brother been 10 minutes sooner, nothing could have saved him. He must have shared the fate of those unfortunate victims, the murder of whom, the narrator says, must ever disgrace this country. At the time they were ignorant of all that was passing at Wexford, but the narrator determined to go there next day to try and bring the brother back.

6. The Hanged Man Who Returned to the Theatre

   Cork · townland · Cork · 1760–1770

   Patrick Redmond, sentenced to death for robbery, was hanged and cut down as dead. The actor Glover, believing life was not extinct, revived him, and that same evening the resurrected Redmond burst onto the Cork stage to thank his preserver, terrifying the audience.

   Read the passage

   One of the performers named Glover had attended in the morning the execution of Patrick Redmond, a man who was sentenced to be hanged for robbery. After hanging a short time, the body was cut down and delivered to his friends, when Glover, having some knowledge of surgery, and believing the vital spark not to be extinct, recommended the usual methods for recalling animation, which were applied, and proving effectual Redmond speedily recovered. That very evening, inspired by gratitude as well as whiskey, he went to the play-house, and on Glover's appearance, jumped upon the stage and returned thanks to his preserver, to the no small terror and astonishment of the audience.

   Derrick, who always gives his opinion as a person of ton, in one of his letters to Lord Cork, mentions having visited Barry's theatre,

   Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 38

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere around here in the 1760s, a man named Patrick Redmond was hanged for robbery. He was cut down and given to his friends, but the actor Glover, who had some knowledge of surgery, believed life was not extinct and applied the usual methods to revive him. Redmond recovered. That very evening, inspired by gratitude and whiskey, he went to the playhouse, jumped onto the stage when Glover appeared, and returned thanks to his preserver, to the no small terror and astonishment of the audience.

7. Execution of Fathers O'Healy and O'Rourke

   Kilmallock · townland · Limerick · 1579

   The Bishop of Mayo O'Healy and the Franciscan friar O'Rourke had stood as sureties for the Earl of Desmond's loyalty but were executed once Desmond was proclaimed a traitor.

   Read the passage

   The fathers 0'IIealy and O'Rourke, who had become sureties for Desmond's loyalty, were executed, and his infant son was sent a state-prisoner to the Tower of London. Even as an additional goad to drive Desmond to desperate measures, the Earl of Ormond, his former rival, was named to take the field against him. So violent was the animosity existing between these two noblemen, that when, on a former occasion, they had agreed to a public reconciliation under the decision of a Special Commission, an aperture was cut in a door for them to shake hands through, " each fearing to be poignarded by the other."

   To state Desmond's case with impartiality, it is necessary to point

   Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 13

8. A Head on a Spike Over Cork's South Gaol

   Cork · townland · Cork · 1754

   O'Sullivan's body was lashed to the stern of a king's cutter and towed through the water to Cork after his vessel was sunk. His head was then spiked on the south gaol of the city, and his remains buried in a bastion of the New Fort.

   Read the passage

   The vessel employed by O'Sullivan in carrying on his illegal traffic with France was immediately sunk by a king's cutter sent round for the purpose, to the stern of which his body being lashed, was towed through the water to Cork ; his head was afterwards spiked on the south gaol of that city, and his remains interred in a bastion of the New Fort.

   Connell was the confidential servant of this disaffected character. and is reported to have composed and sung the present threnody, tin; night previous to his execution.

   Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 34

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere around here, in 1754, O'Sullivan's illegal trade with France came to an end. A king's cutter was sent to sink his vessel, and his body was lashed to the stern and towed through the water to Cork. His head was then spiked on the south gaol of the city, and his remains were buried in a bastion of the New Fort. A man named Connell, his confidential servant, is said to have composed and sung a lament the night before his own execution.

9. Cursed and Spat Upon: The Apostate Earl at Kilmallock

   Kilmallock · townland · Limerick · 1600–1601

   The young Earl James, raised a Protestant in the Tower of London, was welcomed into Kilmallock in October 1600 by crowds who showered him with wheat and salt. When he attended service in the parish church the next day his followers turned on him as an apostate, cursing and spitting on him before abandoning the town; he returned to England and died in obscurity months later.

   Read the passage

   religion he had renounced. Every mark of ignominy and insult was heaped upon him by the infuriated crowd — they cursed him, they spit upon him ; and abandoning Kilmallock, left the Earl of Desmond to return to England, where he died in obscurity a few months after. His dissolution is announced in the Pacata Hibernia, with an air of the greatest sang-froid. — " The eleventh (January, 1601) the Lord President had intelligence from England that James (the late restored Earle of Desmond) was dead, and that eighteen hundred quarters of oates were sent into Munster for the reliefe of our horses."

   The fate of the Sugan Earl, as he is styled, was little more fortunate than that of his predecessor. After one or two defeats he was hunted from place to place, and so closely followed that it was often known to his pursuers where he had been concealed the preceding night.* The Galtee mountains were the chief retreat of the Sugan Earl ; and his kinsman, the White Knight, being induced by money or fear, perhaps both, betrayed and seized him as he lurked in the cave of Skeenarinky, not far distant from Mitchelstown. Being forcibly carried to Kilmallock, he was thence conveyed to Cork, where he was tried and found guilty of being a traitor, on the 14th of August, 1601. But his life was spared by a piece of state policy ; and the Earl, transmitted to the Tower of London, died there a prisoner, after seven years confinement, and was buried in its chapel. His brother John emigrated to Spain, and was distinguished as Earl or Count of Desmond, which title was also given to his son, Gerald,

   Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 13

10. Deaths from Typhus Fever in Kilmallock Abbey Ruins

    Kilmallock · townland · Limerick · 1817

    During the 1817 typhus epidemic, a fever victim was abandoned in the abbey ruins to die alone, his pleas for drink going unanswered. In a separate incident, an American stranger wandered into the ruins ill with fever and was later found dying, one hand clutching the wall and the other his hat.

    Read the passage

    " In one part of the ruins, where a fine arched side-aisle was still very perfect, my guide showed some terror : I soon learned from him the cause. A person ill of fever had been left there the day before, lest he should communicate the infection to the family where he lodged. — He was left to expire ! His hollow voice plaintively implored some drink; I assured him he should have it, and be taken care of, and hope revived at the moment life was ebbing fast away. In another part of this monastery I saw a hat of a departed victim of fever exposed some time ago, and at our inn I heard the following story : — An American gentleman, totally a stranger, well clad and of pleasing appearance, came a few months ago to Kilmallock. He went to no inn, but wandered about the ruins, till at last entering them he was observed no more, and perhaps forgotten ! He was ill, and fever burned in his veins ; but where can a pennyless and forlorn wanderer turn in a country where he is without friends or money ? — It happened a gentleman was ill at the inn, and required the attendance of a person to sit up every night. The inn-keeper's son performed this humane office frequently ; and very early one morning, as the stars were fading at the approach of twilight, he walked out to the monastery to refresh himself with the morning air ; he heard a murmuring noise as of some human being. It was two or three days after the American gentleman's disappearance. He recollected this, and advanced — but can I go on ? — Extended on his back in a recess of a ruined aisle, the unfortunate stranger lay speechless and expiring ! one hand clenched the mouldering wall, the other his hat. The young man, terrified and shocked, ran for assistance. On his return this victim of misfortune was no more ! — Fever had arrested his steps."

    CHAP. IV. KILMALLOCK. 69

    Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 13

11. Execution and Curse of the Bishop of Emly

    Limerick · townland · Limerick · 1651

    During Ireton's siege of Limerick in 1651, the Bishop of Emly refused a bribe to abandon the city and was condemned to be hanged and beheaded. Before his execution he prophesied Ireton's death, and Ireton indeed died of plague within days, reportedly raving of the bishop's unjust condemnation.

    Read the passage

    " He was so active in persuading the Irish to hold out against Cromwell's forces that Ireton, during the siege of Limerick, offered him forty thousand pounds to desist from his exhortations and quit the city, with a passport to any other kingdom. This offer he refused heroically; in consequence of which he was exempted from pardon, tried, and condemned to be hanged and beheaded ; he bore the sentence Avith resignation, and behaved to his last moments with manly fortitude. He addressed Ireton with a prophetic spirit, accusing him of the highest injustice, threatening him with life for life, and summoning him to the Tribunal of God in a few days. Ireton caught the plague in eight days, and died soon after, (26th November, 1651,) raging and raving of this unfortunate prelate, whose unjust condemnation he imagined hurried on his death."

    In 1690 Limerick again received the Irish forces, as they may be more justly termed than those of James, who had abandoned them.

    Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 6

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here in 1651, during Ireton's siege of Limerick, the Bishop of Emly played a defiant part. He had been so active in urging the Irish to hold out that Ireton offered him 40,000 pounds to quit the city with a passport to any other kingdom. He refused, and for that was exempted from pardon, tried, and condemned to be hanged and beheaded. He bore the sentence with resignation and what the record calls manly fortitude. Before he died he addressed Ireton with a prophetic spirit, accusing him of the highest injustice, threatening him with life for life, and summoning him to the Tribunal of God in a few days. Ireton caught the plague in 8 days and died on the 26th of November 1651, raging and raving of this unfortunate prelate, whose unjust condemnation he imagined hurried on his death.

12. Execution and Quartering of Sir James of Desmond

    Cork · townland · Cork · 1580

    Sir James of Desmond invaded Muskery but was defeated by the Mac Carties, who took him prisoner. He was tried as a traitor by Sir Warham St. Leger and Walter Raleigh, found guilty, and executed, his head and quarters displayed on the gates of Cork.

    Read the passage

    the Mac Carties not only defeated his party, leaving a hundred and fifty dead on the field, but took Sir James prisoner, who was delivered by order of the Lords Judges to Sir Warham St. Leger and Captain (afterwards Sir) Walter Raleigh, by whom, in virtue of a special commission directed to them, he was tried as a traitor, and, being found guilty, was executed, and his head and quarters fixed on the gates of Cork.

    For this service Cormac Mac Teig Carty was knighted by the Lord Justice, and made High Sheriff of the County Cork, with a commission of martial law, and power to grant protection for fifteen days to any but principal rebels.

    Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 52

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here in 1580, Sir James of Desmond met his end. He had invaded Muskery, but the Mac Carties defeated his party, leaving 150 dead on the field, and took him prisoner. He was handed over to Sir Warham St. Leger and Captain Walter Raleigh, who tried him as a traitor under a special commission. Found guilty, he was executed, and his head and quarters were fixed on the gates of Cork. For the victory, Cormac Mac Teig Carty was knighted by the Lord Justice and made High Sheriff of County Cork, with power to grant protection for 15 days to any but principal rebels.

13. Four Thousand Dead at the Battle of Knocknanuss

    Knocknanuss · townland · Cork · 1647

    The battle of Knockninoss was fought on 13 November 1647 between the parliamentary forces under Lord Inchiquin and the Irish under Lord Taaffe. The Irish were completely routed and four thousand men, half their number, were left dead on the field; Inchiquin was rewarded with a pecuniary vote for his conduct.

    Read the passage

    the Awbeg, is raised to the level of the nave by three crypts or vaults, the middle of which is supported by a single pillar, so constructed as to resemble four, with fanciful and well-wrought capitals. — Close to the entrance of the abbey is a large square pile of skulls and bones, the relics of those who perished at the battle of Knockninoss, five miles distant from hence. It was fought on the 13th of November, 1647, between the English or parliamentary forces under the command of Lord Inchiquin, who was complimented by a pecuniary vote for his conduct on that occasion, and the Irish under Lord Taafl'e ; the latter were completely routed, and four thousand (half their number) left dead on the field.

    A party of Scotch highlanders, in the Irish army, headed by Sir Alexander Mac Donnell or Mac Allisdrum, contested their ground in the most determined and gallant manner, and were inhumanly butchered by the victors. The spot of Mac Allisdrum's assassination is pointed out by the country people to this day, who pretend to show the stains of his blood.

    Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 19

14. The American Stranger Who Vanished into the Ruins

    Kilmallock · townland · Limerick · 1817

    A well-dressed American gentleman arrived at Kilmallock, went to no inn, and wandered into the monastery ruins, where he was seen no more. Days later the innkeeper's son, walking out at dawn, heard a murmuring and found the stranger stretched speechless and expiring in a recess of a ruined aisle, one hand clutching the mouldering wall, the other his hat.

    Read the passage

    " In one part of the ruins, where a fine arched side-aisle was still very perfect, my guide showed some terror : I soon learned from him the cause. A person ill of fever had been left there the day before, lest he should communicate the infection to the family where he lodged. — He was left to expire ! His hollow voice plaintively implored some drink; I assured him he should have it, and be taken care of, and hope revived at the moment life was ebbing fast away. In another part of this monastery I saw a hat of a departed victim of fever exposed some time ago, and at our inn I heard the following story : — An American gentleman, totally a stranger, well clad and of pleasing appearance, came a few months ago to Kilmallock. He went to no inn, but wandered about the ruins, till at last entering them he was observed no more, and perhaps forgotten ! He was ill, and fever burned in his veins ; but where can a pennyless and forlorn wanderer turn in a country where he is without friends or money ? — It happened a gentleman was ill at the inn, and required the attendance of a person to sit up every night. The inn-keeper's son performed this humane office frequently ; and very early one morning, as the stars were fading at the approach of twilight, he walked out to the monastery to refresh himself with the morning air ; he heard a murmuring noise as of some human being. It was two or three days after the American gentleman's disappearance. He recollected this, and advanced — but can I go on ? — Extended on his back in a recess of a ruined aisle, the unfortunate stranger lay speechless and expiring ! one hand clenched the mouldering wall, the other his hat. The young man, terrified and shocked, ran for assistance. On his return this victim of misfortune was no more ! — Fever had arrested his steps."

    CHAP. IV. KILMALLOCK. 69

    Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 13

15. The Sack of Baltimore: Algerine Corsairs Carry Off a Town

    Baltimore · townland · Cork · 1631

    In 1631 Algerine corsairs, jealous of the piracies of the O'Driscoll sept along the Cork coast, made a descent on their country. They burned Baltimore, the principal O'Driscoll town, and carried its inhabitants off into slavery. The event caused the greatest consternation in Ireland and checked the O'Driscoll piracies more effectively than the repeated expeditions sent against them from Waterford.

    Read the passage

    The following translation of a spirited Irish song, which has not before been printed, may be worth preserving : it Avas composed for, or on, some of the piratical sept of O'Driscoll, a clan that, with the O'Sullivans, possessed a considerable part of the coast of the county Cork, and urged their trade of maritime plunder to such a formidable and fearless extent, as to rival the Algerines, who became jealous of them, and made a descent, in 1 631, on their country ; burning Baltimore, the principal town belonging to the O'Driscolls, and carrying off the inhabitants into slavery. This event created the greatest consternation in Ireland, and more effectually checked the piracies of the O'Driscolls than the repeated expeditions fitted out against them by the city of Waterford ; as they appeared only to become more daring after each attack, notwithstanding the destruction of their vessels and the ruin of their castles.

    Our oars we ply, when seas run high,

    Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 57

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Baltimore, in 1631, the Algerine corsairs came. The O'Driscolls were a piratical sept who held a considerable part of the coast of County Cork along with the O'Sullivans. They pushed their trade of maritime plunder to such a formidable and fearless extent that they rivaled the Algerines themselves. The Algerines grew jealous and descended on the O'Driscoll country. They burned Baltimore, the principal town belonging to the O'Driscolls, and carried off the inhabitants into slavery. This event created the greatest consternation in Ireland. It checked the O'Driscoll piracies more effectually than the repeated expeditions fitted out against them by the city of Waterford. Before that, the O'Driscolls only appeared to become more daring after each attack, in spite of the destruction of their vessels and the ruin of their castles. There is a spirited Irish song composed for or about them that says, our oars we ply, when seas run high.

16. Captain Zouch's Ambush near Castlelyons

    Castlelyons · townland · Cork · 1581

    Captain Zouch, Raleigh's companion in arms, surprised Sir John of Desmond near Castlelyons together with his relative James Fitz John of Strancally. Both men were executed and their mangled remains put on display in barbarous triumph.

    Read the passage

    During this time, the garrison of Kilmallock kept the adherents and forces of Desmond in check, so as to prevent their forming an union with the disaffected of the northern provinces, particularly with Lord Baltinglass, notwithstanding an effort made by Sir John of Desmond and Dr. Saundcrs. in which their attendants were made prisoners ; and shortly after, Captain Zouch, the companion in arms of Raleigh, surprised, near Castle Lyons, Sir John, with his relative James Fitz John, of Strancally, both of whom were executed, and their mangled remains displayed in barbarous triumph.

    Pursued from one retreat to another, the Earl of Desmond, after many ineffectual efforts at reprisal, and several narrow escapes, was forced " to keep his Christmas (1582) in Kilquegg wood, near Kilmallock," where being attacked, his followers were all put to the sword, and he and his Countess escaped by remaining concealed under a bank of the river, up to their chins in water. About the middle of the following year, Desmond's chief force, consisting only of sixty gallowglasses, was surprised in the act of boiling horse-flesh, and half of them slain by a party from Kilmallock, in Harlow or Agherlow wood. On the death of Dr. Saunders, who perished miserably, having fallen a victim to famine and the effects of exposure to the weather, and whose body was discovered partially

    Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 13

17. Mutineers' Last Stand at Glenmire Bridge

    near Glanmire · townland · Cork · 1716

    On 16 January 1716 mutineers from the Cork garrison encamped at Glenmire and were attacked by troops with two field-pieces landed in the harbour that morning. Led by a Dutchman named Garvy, they made a desperate stand near the bridge, firing their coat buttons when their ball cartridge ran out, before being routed. Garvy and two other ringleaders were afterwards tried and shot; relics of the fight were ploughed up in 1807.

    Read the passage

    A severe skirmish took place here, on the 16th January, 1716, occasioned by a mutiny amongst the garrison of Cork, who left their barracks and encamped on the north side of the city for a few days, whence they proceeded to Glenmire, where they took up a position. On being attacked by some troops with two field-pieces that had arrived in the harbour the same morning, the mutineers, headed by a Dutchman named Garvy, made a desperate stand near the bridge, and their supply of ball cartridge failing, they made use of their buttons as a substitute for bullets, but were obliged at last to give way, and retreated in disorder. Garvy was afterwards tried and shot, with two others of the ringleaders. Numerous relics of this action were ploughed up in 1807, of which I remember having seen a rusty halberd and several grapeshot.

    Glenmire with its surrounding scenery affords many pleasing subjects for the pencil, which, although excellent studies, are without any important or peculiar feature. The old parish church, about a mile distant from the village, is called Rathcooney, or the Rabbit's Rath, probably from the number of raths or intrenchments to be seen in its neighbourhood. This church is in ruins and has been long disused for service, yet the little burial-ground attached to it continues to be a favourite place of interment.

    Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 40

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, near Glanmire, a severe skirmish took place at the bridge on the 16th of January 1716. Mutineers from the Cork garrison had left their barracks and encamped on the north side of the city for a few days before proceeding to Glenmire and taking up a position there. Troops attacked them with two field-pieces that had arrived in the harbour that same morning. The mutineers were headed by a Dutchman named Garvy, and they made a desperate stand near the bridge. When their supply of ball cartridge failed, they made use of their coat buttons as a substitute for bullets, but they were obliged at last to give way and retreated in disorder. Garvy was afterwards tried and shot, along with two others of the ringleaders. Numerous relics of this action were ploughed up in 1807, including a rusty halberd and several grapeshot.

18. The Bible-Burning Revolt of 1603

    Cork · townland · Cork · 1603

    On the death of Elizabeth in 1603 the citizens of Cork refused to proclaim James I. A party headed by Mead the Recorder broke into open rebellion, disarmed English and Protestant citizens, burned bibles and prayer books, and several harmless persons were put to death before the city surrendered to Lord Mountjoy on 11 May 1603.

    Read the passage

    On the death of Elizabeth in 1603, the inhabitants, like those of many English cities, were not reconciled to the accession of James the First, being averse to the government of a Scottish king. Although several Protestants, and some of English birth, opposed the authority of James, the Catholics were by far the most violent and numerous, and the affair assumed a character of religious distinction. Sarsfield, the mayor, in answer to the commands of Sir George Thornton, directing the proclamation of the king, stated, that their charter gave the citizens a right to consider if such a proceeding were adviseable, and, to a mild remonstrance on his conduct, insolently replied, thatPerkin Warbeck had been proclaimed King of England in the city of Cork, and the consequences of that step were warfare and disaffection. A formidable party, headed by Mead, the Recorder, broke into open rebellion and committed many outrages; disarmed all the English and Protestants who would not join them ; burned the bibles and common prayer books; and, during these riotous proceedings, several harmless persons were put to death. On the arrival of the Lord Deputy Mountjoy, the insurgents were divided amongst themselves. The Meads, Golds, and Murroghs, who were the popular leaders, advised the defence of the city against the Lord Deputy ; but the aldermen, Terry, John and Walter Coppinger, with the families of Gal way, Verdon, and Martel dissented, and on the llth of May, 1603, Cork was formally surrendered to Lord Mountjoy, who entered it at the head of a large body of troops.

    A variety of causes were urged in excuse of this civic revolt, - of which the most plausible were, the oppressive conduct of the military, and the injury of property sustained by being obliged to receive the base money issued by Queen Elizabeth the preceding year.

    Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 38

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Cork, in 1603, this city rose in revolt. When Queen Elizabeth died, the citizens refused to proclaim James the First, unwilling to accept a Scottish king. The Catholics were the most numerous and violent, though some Protestants and English-born men stood with them. Sarsfield, the mayor, told Sir George Thornton that their charter gave citizens the right to consider whether proclamation was advisable, and answered a mild remonstrance by noting that Perkin Warbeck had been proclaimed King of England in Cork. A formidable party headed by Mead the Recorder broke into open rebellion. They disarmed all the English and Protestants who would not join them, burned the bibles and common prayer books, and several harmless persons were put to death during the riots. When the Lord Deputy Mountjoy arrived, the insurgents were divided. The Meads, Golds, and Murroghs wanted to defend the city, but the aldermen Terry, John and Walter Coppinger, and the families of Galway, Verdon, and Martel dissented. On the 11th of May, 1603, Cork was formally surrendered to Lord Mountjoy, who entered at the head of a large body of troops. They later urged excuses for the revolt, chiefly the oppressive conduct of the military and the damage caused by being forced to accept the base money Queen Elizabeth had issued the year before.

19. The Outlaw Arthur O'Leary Slain Near Macroom

    Macroom · townland · Cork · 1770–1780

    Arthur O'Leary, a Catholic horseman, was targeted under penal laws forbidding Catholics from owning valuable horses, leading to a violent quarrel with a gentleman named Morris. Declared an outlaw and hunted for years, O'Leary was finally shot through the heart by a soldier near Macroom while waving his hat in defiance, believing himself out of musket range. He is buried at Kilcrea Abbey with a long epitaph.

    Read the passage

    So beloved was O'Leary amongst the peasantry, that it became impossible to take him, although his retreats were well known to the military and police; and for three or four years, his popularity baffled the most active efforts of the parties constantly in pursuit of him. He was at last surprized near Macroom, but soon distanced his pursuers by such a space, that he conceived himself completely out of reach of their muskets, when, turning round, he waved his hat in token of defiance, and in that act was shot through the heart by a soldier.

    An avenue of fine old trees leads to the entrance of Kilcrea Abbey, close to Avhich are piled up a vast number'of skulls and bones. The castle is near the abbey, and appears to have been built to protect it.

    Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 51

20. The Slaughter at Kinsale, Christmas Eve 1601

    Kinsale · townland · Cork · 1601

    Lord Deputy Mountjoy assisted the Lord President of Munster at the siege of Kinsale, where on 24 December 1601 the Irish under the Earl of Tyrone and their invading Spanish allies were defeated. Richard Boyle carried the news of the victory from Shandon Castle to the court in London.

    Read the passage

    As clerk of the council he accompanied the Lord President of Munster in his various efforts to reduce the province to submission, and was sent over to London by the Lord Deputy Mountjoy, who assisted the President at the siege of Kinsale, with the news of the victory obtained at that place over the Irish, under the Earl of Tyrone, and the invading Spaniards, on the 24th December, 1601, " in which employment," says Lord Cork, " I made a speedy expedition to the court, for I left my lord president at Shandon Castle near Cork on Monday morning, about two of the clock, and the next day, being Tuesday, I delivered my pacquet, and supped with Sir Robert Cecil, being then principal secretary, at his house in the Strand, who after supper held me in discourse, till two of the clock in the morning, and by seven that morning, called upon me to attend him to the court, when he presented me to her Majesty in her bed-chamber," &c. This very passage, in Lord Cork's account of his fortunes, is sufficient to throw a doubt upon the other statements made by him, as the performance of a journey from Cork to London, in the space of time mentioned (thirty -four hours), must then have been a matter of impossibility, since it is now barely practicable, under the most favourable combination of circumstances ; yet so miraculous a journey is dwelt upon by most of his biographers with unhesitating admiration. Mr. Budgell, in his Lives of the Boyles, adds, indeed, as a comment on this extraordinary piece of travelling, that he " should have made some difficulty of believing the fact, if he had not seen it in his (Lord Cork's) own memoirs, which are evidently wrote without the least affectation, and with a great regard to truth"

    Having kissed the Queen's hand, Mr. Boyle returned to Ireland,

    Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 25

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, on the 24th of December 1601, the Irish under the Earl of Tyrone and their Spanish allies were defeated at the siege of Kinsale. Lord Deputy Mountjoy had come to assist the Lord President of Munster in reducing the province to submission, and it was at this siege that the victory was won. Richard Boyle, clerk of the council, was sent by Mountjoy to carry the news to London. In his own account, Lord Cork describes the journey. He left the Lord President at Shandon Castle near Cork on Monday morning, about two of the clock, and the next day, being Tuesday, delivered his packet and supped with Sir Robert Cecil, then principal secretary, at his house in the Strand. After supper Cecil held him in discourse until two of the clock in the morning, and by seven that morning called upon him to attend the court, where Cecil presented him to her Majesty in her bed-chamber. The author of this account casts doubt on the whole tale. A journey from Cork to London in thirty-four hours would have been a matter of impossibility at that time, since it is now barely practicable under the most favourable circumstances. Yet most of Boyle's biographers dwell on this journey with unhesitating admiration. Mr. Budgell, in his Lives of the Boyles, says he should have made some difficulty of believing the fact, had he not seen it in Lord Cork's own memoirs, which are evidently written without the least affectation and with a great regard to truth. Having kissed the Queen's hand, Mr. Boyle returned to Ireland.

21. Burning of Kilcolman Castle and Death of Spenser's Child

    Kilcolman · townland · Cork · 1598

    The poet Edmund Spenser resided at Kilcolman Castle for about ten years, composing his major works there. The castle was attacked and burned by the Irish, killing an infant child of Spenser's and destroying his valuable property, after which he fled to England and died broken-hearted.

    Read the passage

    It is supposed that this castle was the principal residence of Spencer for about ten years, during which time he composed the works that have chiefly contributed to his fame. But the turbulent and indignant spirit of the Irish regarded not the haunts of the muse as sacred, and wrapped the poet's dwelling in flames. An infant child of Spencer's, together with his most valuable property, were consumed, and he returned into England ; where, dejected and broken-hearted, he died soon after, at an inn in King Street, Westminster.

    The visits of Sir Walter Raleigh to Spencer at Kilcolman increase the interest attached to the place, and are not in the slightest degree questionable. To the advice of Raleigh the publication of the first books of the Eairy Queen has been ascribed ; and the existence of a poetical intercourse between such minds, and in such distracting scenes, is a delightful recollection that almost warms the heart into romance.

    Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 15

22. Execution of Harvey and Colclough

    Wexford · townland · Wexford · 1798

    Mr. Bagnal Harvey and Mr. Colclough, gentlemen of fortune taken prisoner on the Saltees, were condemned and hanged the day after their trial in Wexford's court-house.

    Read the passage

    lion breaking out, endeavouring to convince them of the madness of their conduct in not going into Wexford, as prescribed by the High Sheriff; we heard he had made his escape to Wales. Mrs. Bevan gladly accepted my invitation, and brought her children ; her eldest boy, about eight years old, affected me greatly by asking whenever he found me disengaged, where his papa was ; and was I sure the rebels had not killed him ? Poor Mrs. Bevan's eyes filled with tears whenever she looked at the children ; she began to despair of ever seeing their father again, as I had a letter from Wales, and his name was not mentioned in it. The day after she came to us, Mr. Harvey and Mr. Colclough were taken on an island called the Saltees. She received a letter from Mr. Colclough, requesting she would come immediately to Wexford, to give evidence for him. She complied with his desire, though she had nothing to communicate that could serve him. He and Mr. Harvey were condemned, and hanged next day— they were both men of fortune. On her return to me, she endeavoured to describe the horrid scene she had been witness to in the court-house, but so great was her agitation I could scarcely understand her. There she had seen three of her most intimate friends, without a hope of escaping an ignominious death ! She was in an agony of tears when I brought her into the lawn for a little air; we were not there three minutes before she screamed out, "Here's Bevan ! Here's Bevan ! " We saw him almost flying towards us with two of his children in his arms, the other two clinging by the skirt of his coat. The mixture of happiness and gratitude to God his features expressed, I can never forget ; the little boy's eyes were fixed on his as if afraid of losing him again did they turn on any other object. Poor Mrs. Bevan could only sob out, " Bevan! Bevan ! where have you been — how did you escape ! " I shook him heartily by the hand and turned from them — I thought such a meetingshould be sacred. I partook silently of their happiness. His account was, that on Wednesday morning (the day the rebels took possession of Wexford) he intended, as usual, to ride about his parish and harrangue the peasantry, though they appeared so sulky he despaired of doing any good. Upon riding to his own forge, he saw the smith openly at work making pikes, and a heap of them piled up in a corner of the forge. He galloped off to Wexford to give information, when to his utter astonishment he found the town evacuated by the loyalists, and every one who

    Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 58

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Wexford, in 1798, two men of fortune were condemned and hanged the day after their trial in the court-house. Mr. Bagnal Harvey and Mr. Colclough had been taken prisoner on an island called the Saltees. Before that, a leader who had been trying to convince people to go into Wexford, as the High Sheriff prescribed, had made his escape to Wales. Mrs. Bevan, who was staying nearby with her children, received a letter from Mr. Colclough asking her to come immediately to Wexford to give evidence for him. She went, though she had nothing to communicate that could serve him. He and Mr. Harvey were condemned, and hanged the next day. On her return, she tried to describe the horrid scene she had witnessed in the court-house, but her agitation was so great she could scarcely be understood. She had seen three of her most intimate friends there, without a hope of escaping an ignominious death. She was in an agony of tears. Soon after, her husband Bevan reappeared, almost flying towards them with two children in his arms and two more clinging to the skirt of his coat. He had ridden to his own forge and found the smith openly making pikes, a heap of them piled in a corner. He galloped to Wexford to give information, and found the town evacuated by the loyalists.

23. Execution of Witches at Kilkenny under Sir William Drury

    near Kilkenny · townland · Kilkenny · 1578

    In October 1578, Lord Deputy Sir William Drury caused thirty-six criminals to be executed at Kilkenny, including two women condemned as witches and a blackamoor. At the time there was no positive statute against witchcraft, so they were condemned under the law of nature.

    Read the passage

    death as well as herself, affirming that he, for a year and a day, wore the divell's girdle upon his bare bodie." Kilkenny seems to have been peculiarly fatal to witches. In October, 1578, Cox relates that Sir William Drury, the Lord Deputy, caused thirty-six criminals to be executed there, " one of which was a blackamoor, and two others were witches, and were condemned by the law of nature, for there was no positive law against witchcraft in those days."

    Some more recent account of witches is traditionally preserved in Ireland, particularly of Nanny Steer, whose malign glance produced madness, and the malady of many a wretched lunatic, who wandered about the country, was attributed to her baneful influence.

    Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 14

24. Murder of Reverend Haydon at Enniscorthy

    Enniscorthy · townland · Wexford · 1798

    The narrator's brother learns that his friend, a venerable clergyman named Haydon, was butchered by rebels at Enniscorthy in front of his wife, allegedly assisted by his own butler.

    Read the passage

    * Mr. Haydon was a venerable clergyman in the diocese of Ferns, and my brother's most particular friend. Report said that his own butler assisted in his murder ; having first turned him and Mrs. Haydon out of their house, when they fled on foot to Enniscorthy, where Mr. Haydon was inhumanly butchered in the presence of his wife.

    368 APPENDIX.

    Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 58

25. St. Ruth Falls at Aughrim

    Aughrim · townland · Galway · 1691

    After the successful defence of Limerick, one more effort was made in the field under the French general St. Ruth. He fell in the battle of Aughrim on 12 July 1691, and his death decided the day; the Irish were completely routed by William's troops under General Ginkell.

    Read the passage

    favourable and victorious campaign, and the French officers were willing by every means in their power to protract the war. One more effort was therefore made in the field under the direction of St. Ruth, who fell in the battle of Aughrim on the 12th July, 1691, and whose fate decided that of the day. A misunderstanding which existed between that general and Sarsfield, (created by James, Lord Lucan,) on whom the command devolved, prevented the mutual understanding and co-operation so necessary to the success of an army ; and the Irish were completely routed by the troops of William, commanded by General Ginkell.

    As a last resource Limerick became again the retreat of the adherents of James ; and its former defence encouraged the hope that it might a second time be maintained with equal success. Ginkell, warned by the defeat of William, made his approaches with caution, endeavouring by proclamations of pardon and protection to induce the Irish to lay down their arms. Of this second siege, which occupied about six weeks, the severest feature was an action that took place on Thomond Bridge, where many lives were lost, and in which the conduct of a French officer, Avho hastily ordered the drawbridge to be raised, thus sacrificing a considerable body of the Irish, confirmed the dislike that had existed on the popular side towards their allies.

    Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 6

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Aughrim, on the 12th of July 1691, the Irish made one more effort in the field under the French general St. Ruth. He fell in the battle, and his death decided the day. A misunderstanding between St. Ruth and Sarsfield, whom King James had created Lord Lucan, had prevented the co-operation so necessary to an army's success. With St. Ruth gone, command fell to Sarsfield, but the Irish were completely routed by the troops of William, commanded by General Ginkell. After the defeat here, Limerick became the last retreat for the adherents of James. Its earlier defence had encouraged hope that it might hold a second time. Ginkell, warned by past losses, advanced with caution and tried proclamations of pardon to induce the Irish to lay down their arms. That second siege lasted about 6 weeks, and its severest moment came on Thomond Bridge, where many lives were lost and a French officer's hasty order to raise the drawbridge sacrificed a considerable body of Irish troops.

26. The Drawbridge Raised at Thomond Bridge

    Limerick · townland · Limerick · 1691

    During Ginkell's six-week siege of Limerick in 1691, the severest episode was an action on Thomond Bridge where many lives were lost. A French officer hastily ordered the drawbridge raised, sacrificing a considerable body of Irish troops caught on the far side, and deepened popular hatred of the French allies.

    Read the passage

    As a last resource Limerick became again the retreat of the adherents of James ; and its former defence encouraged the hope that it might a second time be maintained with equal success. Ginkell, warned by the defeat of William, made his approaches with caution, endeavouring by proclamations of pardon and protection to induce the Irish to lay down their arms. Of this second siege, which occupied about six weeks, the severest feature was an action that took place on Thomond Bridge, where many lives were lost, and in which the conduct of a French officer, Avho hastily ordered the drawbridge to be raised, thus sacrificing a considerable body of the Irish, confirmed the dislike that had existed on the popular side towards their allies.

    As the winter was fast approaching, Ginkell determined if possible to secure the place, and on the 23d September, the garrison having beat a parley, a cessation of hostilities was agreed to. Terms were offered by him of so favourable a nature that they were gladly accepted by the besieged, and the articles of the capitulation bear date the 3d October, 1691. These conditions may be found at length in almost every work on Irish history, and their supposed violation has occasioned much political discussion of so severe and intemperate a character that it is difficult even to comment with impartiality on these transactions.

    Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 6

    As the companion tells it

    Close to Limerick, this is Thomond Bridge, where the worst episode of the 1691 siege played out. Ginkell had besieged Limerick for about six weeks, approaching with caution after learning from William's earlier defeat. The severest fighting happened right on this bridge, and many lives were lost. A French officer hastily ordered the drawbridge raised while a considerable body of Irish troops were still on the far side, sacrificing them. It confirmed the dislike the Irish already felt toward their French allies. After that, with winter coming, Ginkell pushed to take the place. On the 23rd of September the garrison beat a parley, and a cessation of hostilities was agreed. Ginkell offered terms so favourable that the besieged gladly accepted them, and the articles of capitulation bear date the 3rd of October, 1691. Those conditions and their supposed violation have caused much political discussion ever since.

27. The Massacre at Buttevant Castle and the Screaming Head

    Buttevant · townland · Cork

    David de Barry captured Buttevant Castle from the Clan of Donegan through the treachery of a garrison soldier, then put the sleeping inmates to the sword and beheaded the traitor as reward. Legend holds that the severed head, bouncing down the tower stairs, screamed the word 'treachery' three times.

    Read the passage

    The Castle of Buttevant is boldly seated on a rock above the Avvbeg, and has been so modernized as to lose much of the contour of antiquity. A legend relates, that this castle was the chief residence of the Clan of Donegan, who rejected every offer of the English to surrender it, and repulsed every attempt made to take it; but it was ultimately surprized and captured by David de Barry, who gained it through the treachery of a soldier of the garrison. De Barry, having made himself master of the place, put its sleeping inmates to the sword, and rewarded the perfidy of the betrayer by striking off his head also. There was a small addition to this story related to me as possessing equal claims to belief; — the dissevered and ghastly head of the betrayer, as it went bounding down the stairs of one of the towers, yelled forth, in a sepulchral and terrible tone, the word — treachery !- — treachery ! — treachery !

    About the year 1812, in planting part of the castle grounds the labourers discovered, a little way below the surface, a human skeleton, with the appearance of a wig on the skull, which mouldered

    Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 19

28. Slaughter of Desmond's Followers at Kilquegg Wood

    Kilmallock · townland · Limerick · 1582

    Forced to spend Christmas 1582 hiding in Kilquegg wood near Kilmallock, the Earl of Desmond's followers were attacked and put to the sword, while he and his Countess escaped by hiding submerged up to their chins in a river.

    Read the passage

    Pursued from one retreat to another, the Earl of Desmond, after many ineffectual efforts at reprisal, and several narrow escapes, was forced " to keep his Christmas (1582) in Kilquegg wood, near Kilmallock," where being attacked, his followers were all put to the sword, and he and his Countess escaped by remaining concealed under a bank of the river, up to their chins in water. About the middle of the following year, Desmond's chief force, consisting only of sixty gallowglasses, was surprised in the act of boiling horse-flesh, and half of them slain by a party from Kilmallock, in Harlow or Agherlow wood. On the death of Dr. Saunders, who perished miserably, having fallen a victim to famine and the effects of exposure to the weather, and whose body was discovered partially

    CHAP. IV. KILMALLOCK. 73

    Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 13

29. The Black Battery Explosion

    Limerick · townland · Limerick · 1690

    During the 1690 siege of Limerick, soldiers of the Brandenburgh Regiment seized a small fortification called the Black Battery. Gunpowder stored there caught fire and most of the soldiers occupying it were blown into the air.

    Read the passage

    The Irish retreating before the storming party, their ardour hurried them on into the town, whilst the regiments ordered to support them stopped short at the counterscarp, and they who led the attack were all either killed or wounded. The defenders, having rallied, returned with renewed and desperate valour to the breach, the women even mingling in their ranks, and sharing in the fight ; and, after three hours uninterrupted firing, " insomuch that the smoke that went from the town reached in one continued cloud to the top of a mountain at least six miles off," the besiegers were forced to retire to their trenches, having expended all their ammunition. Some powder taking fire in a small work called the Black Battery, that had been seized by the Brandenburgh Regiment, most of these soldiers were blown into the air. A truce demanded by King William the next morning, for burying the dead, was refused ; and, notwithstanding he offered the Irish favourable terms, to which Lord Tyrconnell was willing to accede, Boislieu, the governor, determined to hold out to the last, justly regarding, although the cause of James was desperate, the capitulation of Limerick to be fatal to it.

    Dean Story has left us an animated account of the siege, and in some measure relieved its horrors by the occasional quaintness of his style. " I remember," writes he, " we were all as well

    Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 6

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, during the 1690 siege of Limerick, the fighting reached a desperate pitch. The Irish defenders retreated before a storming party, but then rallied and returned to the breach with renewed valour, the women even mingling in their ranks and sharing in the fight. After three hours of uninterrupted firing, so intense that the smoke reached in one continued cloud to the top of a mountain at least six miles off, the besiegers were forced to retire to their trenches, having expended all their ammunition. A small work called the Black Battery had been seized by the Brandenburgh Regiment. Powder took fire there, and most of those soldiers were blown into the air. The next morning King William demanded a truce for burying the dead, and it was refused. He offered favourable terms, and Lord Tyrconnell was willing to accede, but Boislieu, the governor, determined to hold out to the last, regarding the capitulation of Limerick as fatal to the cause of James, desperate as that cause already was.

30. The Butchery of Mac Allisdrum's Highlanders

    Knocknanuss · townland · Cork · 1647

    At Knockninoss a party of Scotch highlanders in the Irish army, led by Sir Alexander Mac Donnell or Mac Allisdrum, held their ground with determined gallantry and were inhumanly butchered by the victors. The country people still point out the spot of Mac Allisdrum's assassination and claim to show the stains of his blood, and his wild march is sung and piped across the south of Ireland.

    Read the passage

    A party of Scotch highlanders, in the Irish army, headed by Sir Alexander Mac Donnell or Mac Allisdrum, contested their ground in the most determined and gallant manner, and were inhumanly butchered by the victors. The spot of Mac Allisdrum's assassination is pointed out by the country people to this day, who pretend to show the stains of his blood.

    That wild and monstrous piece of music known by the name of Ollistrum's March, so popular in the south of Ireland, and said to have been played at Knockninoss, should not, it appears to me, be considered as an Irish air. Mr. Walker, in his History of the Irish Bards, justly remarks its similarity to the pibroch or war tune of the Scotch ; and had he more carefully perused the passage in Smith, alluded to by him, he would have had no hesitation in assigning to this singular strain its northern origin. The estimation in which it is held in Ireland is wonderful. I have heard this march, as it is called, sung by hundreds of die Irish peasantry, who imitate the drone of the bagpipe in their manner of singing it. On that instrument I have also frequently heard it played, and occasionally with much pleasure, from the peculiar and powerful expression given by the performer. " It was not without much difficulty," said the lady who gave me the annexed copy, w that I took down Ollistrum's

    Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 19

31. The Poisoning of Tyrconnell

    Limerick · townland · Limerick · 1691

    Lord Tyrconnell, the former agent of despotism who had returned to Limerick from France, became a victim of the violent factionalism among the Irish and French leaders. It is believed poison was administered to him in a cup of ratafia, and he died lamenting the miseries he had brought upon his country.

    Read the passage

    Early in the year 1691, St. Ruth, a meritorious but arrogant officer, arrived from France to replace Boislieu, with a small sum of money, and the promise of extensive succours ; and Tyrconnell, the former agent of despotism and bigotry, also returned from the same country, with inconsiderable supplies, accompanied by Sir Richard Nagle and Sir Stephen Rice. Dissension and intrigue arose between the French and Irish leaders (military as Avell as civil), and the contagion was communicated to those under their controul. The French reproached the Irish with their treachery, meanness and barbarous condition ; and the Irish retorted on the French foppishness, insincerity, and frivolity of disposition, terming the large boots in which they strutted, " leathern trunks ;" — the result was, the most violent disputes and factions, to which Tyrconnell became a victim, poison, as it is believed, having been administered to him in a cup of ratafia. According to Sir John Dalrymple, he died, " lamenting with his last breath the miseries he had brought on his country." Such was the end of him, whom Lord Bellasis describes as " fool and madman enough to ruin ten kingdoms." But of whatever unconstitutional and arbitrary measures Tyrconnell may formerly have been guilty, and he is no doubt with justice accused, his latter conduct appears that of a real patriot, alive to the ruinous effects of civil warfare, and willing to sacrifice his own feelings for the restoration of tranquillity and the general advantage of the nation.

    On the retreat of William, and the successful defence of Limerick, the Irish, ever ardent and enthusiastic, anticipated confidently a

    Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 6

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Limerick, in 1691, Lord Tyrconnell met his end amid the bitter feuding between French and Irish leaders. He had returned from France with meagre supplies, alongside Sir Richard Nagle and Sir Stephen Rice, while St. Ruth arrived to replace Boislieu with promises of extensive help. But dissension spread fast. The French accused the Irish of treachery and barbarous condition, and the Irish mocked the French for foppishness and frivolity, calling their large boots "leathern trunks." Tyrconnell fell victim to these violent factions. It is believed poison was administered to him in a cup of ratafia. Sir John Dalrymple records that he died "lamenting with his last breath the miseries he had brought on his country." Lord Bellasis had once described him as "fool and madman enough to ruin ten kingdoms." Yet whatever arbitrary measures he had formerly been guilty of, his latter conduct appears that of a real patriot, alive to the ruinous effects of civil warfare and willing to sacrifice his own feelings for the restoration of tranquillity and the general advantage of the nation.

32. The Sinking of the Breda in Cork Harbour

    near Cork Harbour · townland · Cork · 1690

    After the surrender of Cork in 1690, about 1,500 prisoners were embarked for England; 200 of them perished when the man-of-war Breda was blown up in Cork harbour, an event some attributed to the treachery of Colonel Barrett.

    Read the passage

    Two vessels were also moored off the city, and threw bombs into it. " In the midst of which puther," to use the expression of Story, Lord Tyrone beat a parley, and surrendered at mercy. The garrison consisted of 4,500 men, and amongst the prisoners of note were the Earls of Clancarty and Tyrone, and many Irish chieftains. About 1,500 of the prisoners were embarked for England, 200 of whom perished in the Breda man of war, which was blown up in Cork harbour, an event that, for the honour of human nature, it is to be hoped has falsely been attributed to the treachery of Colonel Barrett — he and his servant only escaping.

    Although Ireland generally remained inactive in the cause of the Stuarts, some exertions in their favour appear to have been made at Cork.

    Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 38

33. Execution of Perkin Warbeck's Cork Supporters

    Cork · townland · Cork · 1492–1499

    Following Perkin Warbeck's failed rebellion, the Mayor of Cork, John Walters, and Warbeck himself were tried at Westminster and executed, their heads spiked on London Bridge. Cork itself was punished by losing its charter for having repeatedly sheltered the pretender.

    Read the passage

    northern court, and he once more returned to Cork, where, chiefly through the Earl of Desmond's influence, having raised a few soldiers and procured vessels to transport them to England, Warbeck rashly appeared with his small troop before Exeter, and laid siege to that city; this last effort was as ineffectual as his former expedition, for the King's army obliged him to raise the siege. Exhausted by disappointments, and seeing no hope of success, he surrendered himself, and was conducted a prisoner to the Tower of London. Walters, the Mayor of Cork, with his son, who was Dean of Limerick, were arrested as traitors, and being transmitted to England, were tried at Westminster with Warbeck, in November, 1499- Walters the elder and Warbeck being found guilty were executed, and their heads spiked on London Bridge.

    In consequence of the conduct of the chief magistrate, and from having so repeatedly afforded a refuge to the rebellious Warbeck, Cork was deprived of its charter ; but the displeasure of Henry was transitory, for in August, 1500, a new charter was granted with increased privileges, and a promise of the King's forgiveness.

    Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 38

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, Cork paid dearly for backing the wrong man. Perkin Warbeck, a pretender to the English throne, kept returning to Cork for shelter and support, chiefly through the Earl of Desmond's influence. He raised a few soldiers here, procured vessels, and sailed to England, but his siege of Exeter failed and the King's army forced him to withdraw. He surrendered and was taken prisoner to the Tower of London. Walters, the Mayor of Cork, and his son, who was Dean of Limerick, were arrested as traitors and sent to England. In November 1499 they were tried at Westminster with Warbeck. Walters the elder and Warbeck were found guilty, executed, and their heads spiked on London Bridge. Cork itself was punished for having repeatedly sheltered Warbeck, and was deprived of its charter. But Henry's displeasure was short-lived. In August 1500 a new charter was granted, with increased privileges and a promise of the King's forgiveness.

34. Hanged and Quartered: Sir James of Desmond at Cork

    Cork · townland · Cork · 1580

    In 1580 Sir Warham St. Leger was given commission to execute martial law in Munster. Jointly with Sir Walter Raleigh he first carried it into effect at Cork upon Sir James of Desmond, whom they condemned to be hanged and quartered as a rebel.

    Read the passage

    In 1580, Sir Warham was invested by commission with the power of executing martial law, which, jointly with Sir Walter Raleigh, he first carried into effect at Cork, on Sir James of Desmond, whom they condemned to be hanged and quartered as a rebel. After many services against the disaffected Irish, Sir Warham, in February, 1599> riding with a few attendants about a mile out of Cork, was attacked by Hugh Mac Guire, the leader of a small body of rebels, whom he shot, but Mac Guire wounded Sir Warham so severely in the head, that he died soon after ; and his son, Sir William, as a return for the services both of his father and grandfather, was created Lord

    CHAP. VI. AND BUTTEVANT. JO?

    Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 15

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here in 1580, Sir Warham St. Leger was given commission to carry out martial law in Munster. Together with Sir Walter Raleigh, he first put it into effect at Cork, on Sir James of Desmond, whom they condemned to be hanged and quartered as a rebel. Sir Warham went on to render many services against the disaffected Irish, but in February 1599, riding with a few attendants about a mile out of Cork, he was attacked by Hugh Mac Guire, leader of a small body of rebels. He shot Mac Guire, but Mac Guire wounded him so severely in the head that he died soon after. His son, Sir William, was later created a lord, in return for the services of both his father and grandfather.

35. Riot at the Market Cross

    Limerick · townland · Limerick · 1646

    When Dr. Roberts, Ulster King of Arms, arrived at Limerick to proclaim a peace treaty in 1646, a mob incited by religious factions attacked the proclamation party. The mayor was trampled and severely injured, and Dr. Roberts himself was badly wounded and narrowly escaped death.

    Read the passage

    In August, 1646, the Irish having stipulated for a treaty with the Marquess Ormond, it was agreed that hostilities should be mutually suspended, and Dr. Roberts, the Ulster King of Arms, was sent to the principal towns to proclaim the peace ; he arrived at Limerick on the 20th of the same month, but his appearance tended only to excite opposition and outrage. When Dr. Roberts reached the market cross, attended by the mayor and aldermen of the city, for the purpose of reading the proclamation, a vast mob was assembled and a serious riot ensued. Burke the mayor was trodden under foot, and severely wounded; and Dr. Roberts, having received several dangerous cuts, narrowly escaped with his life. These disorderly proceedings, which are ascribed to the religious intrigues of Rinuncini, the papal nuncio, were followed by the deposition and imprisonment of the mayor, whose office was bestowed on Dominick Fanning, the leader of the rioters.

    Lord Ormond, however, considering the possession of Limerick to be of the utmost consequence, endeavoured by various means to become master of it ; but although professing amity to Charles, the confederate Irish, over whom the nuncio and his party had now obtained complete influence, flushed by their momentary superiority, and regardless of future consequences, conducted themselves with insolence and intemperance towards Lord Ormond, meanly doubting and idly hesitating at all offers made by that nobleman, whom they insulted by mock conferences and vexatious quibbles, whilst they openly set his and all other authority at defiance. All endeavours made by Ormond, whether to command or to conciliate, were equally vain. The mandate of a single friar was sufficient with the soldiery to counteract the orders of their leader, and the most trivial

    Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 6

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Limerick, at the market cross, a riot broke out in August 1646 when a peace proclamation went badly wrong. The Irish had agreed a treaty with the Marquess Ormond, and hostilities were to be suspended. Dr. Roberts, the Ulster King of Arms, was sent to the principal towns to proclaim the peace. He arrived at Limerick on the 20th of the month, but his appearance only stirred opposition and outrage. When Dr. Roberts reached the market cross, attended by the mayor and aldermen, a vast mob had assembled and a serious riot ensued. Burke the mayor was trodden under foot and severely wounded. Dr. Roberts himself received several dangerous cuts and narrowly escaped with his life. These disorders are ascribed to the religious intrigues of Rinuncini, the papal nuncio. The mayor was deposed and imprisoned, and his office given to Dominick Fanning, the leader of the rioters. Lord Ormond, considering the possession of Limerick of the utmost consequence, tried various means to become master of it. But the confederate Irish, now under the complete influence of the nuncio and his party, flushed by their momentary superiority, conducted themselves with insolence and intemperance towards Ormond. They doubted and hesitated at all his offers, insulted him with mock conferences and vexatious quibbles, and openly set his authority at defiance. All his endeavours, whether to command or to conciliate, were equally vain. The mandate of a single friar was sufficient with the soldiery to counteract the orders of their leader.

36. Skulls and Bones from the Battle of Knockninoss

    Buttevant · townland · Cork · 1647

    Near the entrance of Buttevant Abbey lies a large pile of skulls and bones, the relics of those who perished at the Battle of Knockninoss in 1647. Four thousand Irish soldiers under Lord Taaffe were routed and left dead on the field by parliamentary forces under Lord Inchiquin.

    Read the passage

    the Awbeg, is raised to the level of the nave by three crypts or vaults, the middle of which is supported by a single pillar, so constructed as to resemble four, with fanciful and well-wrought capitals. — Close to the entrance of the abbey is a large square pile of skulls and bones, the relics of those who perished at the battle of Knockninoss, five miles distant from hence. It was fought on the 13th of November, 1647, between the English or parliamentary forces under the command of Lord Inchiquin, who was complimented by a pecuniary vote for his conduct on that occasion, and the Irish under Lord Taafl'e ; the latter were completely routed, and four thousand (half their number) left dead on the field.

    A party of Scotch highlanders, in the Irish army, headed by Sir Alexander Mac Donnell or Mac Allisdrum, contested their ground in the most determined and gallant manner, and were inhumanly butchered by the victors. The spot of Mac Allisdrum's assassination is pointed out by the country people to this day, who pretend to show the stains of his blood.

    Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 19

37. The Bloody Patron of Gougane Barra

    near Gougane Barra · townland · Cork · 1813–1818

    The annual St. John's Eve patron on the island in Gougaun Lake drew immense crowds who prayed, drank and fought through the night. Hostile factions and clans deliberately chose patrons as occasions for combat, and the meetings seldom concluded without the loss of many lives. In 1818 Dr. Murphy, titular Bishop of Cork, expressly forbade the Gougaun assembly.

    Read the passage

    On my second visit to Gougaun, in 1815, I perceived a large stone which had been set up on the island, with a long inscription stating the number of prayers to be repeated at each of the cells, or chapels, and other directions of a similar kind : but about this time, these meetings were publicly discountenanced by the Roman Catholic clergy, and in 1818, Dr. Murphy, the titular Bishop of Cork, expressly forbad that of Gougaun. This special interference became necessary, from the fatal consequences attendant on them, as one seldom concluded without the loss of many lives ; and patrons were professedly selected for the purpose of contest, by hostile factions or clans that met, and, when the rites of devotion were ended, fought —

    — • " in all the rage

    Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 51

38. The Fairy-Abducted Wife's Return to Castletown

    Castletown · townland · Limerick · 1820–1821

    A woman near Castletown on the Shannon claimed to have been taken by the fairies twenty years earlier after being 'fairy struck,' replaced by a changeling, and only released after suffering among the good people; she returned to find her husband remarried and became a fortune-teller. She recounted being carried off by red-capped horsemen and fed only cold potatoes she brought from her own home each night.

    Read the passage

    that they dragged me out of bed, and put an old woman in my place, who took my cratur of a child (creature, a term of endearment) in her arms ! I thought I should die, but I could not speak a word. They took me oft' with them, and there were several horsemen with red caps outside the door, and the women who sat behind them on the horses had blue cloaks. There was a piper on a grey pony that led the way ; and when I got to their dwelling I was given a child to nurse. I ain not allowed to tell any thing that happened while I was there, all I can say is that I never ate one mouthful of their food : if I did I never could have left them. I came every night to my own house for cold potatoes, and I lived on them. Paddy buried, as he thought, the old woman that was put in my place, but she came away to us. I am twenty years from home, and my husband is married again. This is my son's house. When I came home Paddy would not own me, but I soon made him sinsible (convinced him) I was his wife. I have suffered more than I can tell any one while I was with the " good people ;" and I promised the Blessed Virgin, if she would release me, to do six months' pinnance (penance) at a holy well in the King's County, where I am going next week ; if I live to return, my sou will let me pass the rest of my days with him should my husband not allow me.' '

    Dr. Neilson gives us, with every appearance of authenticity, a more intricate matrimonial case than the foregoing, where the woman, on her return from Fairyland, finding her first husband married, marries again herself. The second wife of the first husband dies, and he, having discovered his former spouse, claims her; but her second husband being unwilling to part with her, denies the claim. The question is referred to an ecclesiastical tribunal, where fairy agency will not be acknowledged, and which, under conflicting testimony, is unable to determine the matter. It, however, ultimately terminates in the friendly arrangement, " That both doors of the woman's second husband's house should be set open ; that Joyce (her

    Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 14

39. The Murder Dungeon of Strancally Castle

    Strancally · townland · Waterford

    Strancally Castle on the Blackwater was a Desmond stronghold whose atrocious cruelties led Elizabeth's government to have it blown up. A passage excavated in the rock is said to have led to a dungeon, from which the bodies of slaughtered victims were thrown into the tide.

    Read the passage

    Ballinatry, the seat of another Mr. Smith, is close to Molana; — from the water the gardens appear conspicuous, and seem laid out in the taste of the last century. In the next reach of the river, the remains of Strancally Castle break boldly on the view : Strancally was one of the strong holds of the Desmond family, and the atrocious cruelties committed in this castle called down the particular vengeance of Elizabeth's government, by whose orders it was blown up; the forcible effects of the explosion may still be easily discerned in its shattered fragments; and it is probable, the semi-destruction of Temple Michael was effected by the same means and at the same period. Our boatman pointed out the mouth of a passage excavated in the rock, which is reported to have communicated with a dungeon, stained by

    " Many a foul and midnight murder" —

    Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 21

40. The Sword at Adare Castle

    Adare · townland · Limerick

    During the Elizabethan wars, the castle within Mr. Quin's demesne at Adair was fiercely contested between Irish and Spanish followers of Desmond and the English forces. After the death of Desmond it was seized by Lord Kerry, whose garrison was put to the sword before Captain Zouch forced him to abandon the position.

    Read the passage

    pelled to hazard a desperate excursion into the Knight of Glen's country, where a severe skirmish of eight hours took place, in which the English came off without much loss, having killed fifty of their opponents. Shortly after the death of Desmond it was seized by the Lord Kerry, and the garrison put to the sword, but Captain Zouch obliged him to abandon it.

    Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 10

41. Cromwell Melts the Bells of Cork

    Cork · townland · Cork · 1649

    Oliver Cromwell stayed a few days within the walls of Cork and ordered the church bells taken down and cast into battering cannon. To a remonstrance he replied that since gunpowder was invented by a priest, the best use for bells would be to promote them into cannons.

    Read the passage

    The resistance of Cork, however, before Oliver Cromwell was, like that of most other places in Ireland, nominal. Oliver was a sojourner of a few days within its walls, during which time he directed the church bells to be taken down and converted into battering cannon, and is said to have answered a remonstrance on the subject Avith the facetious remark, " that since gunpowder was invented by a Priest, he thought the best use for bells would be to promote them into Cannons." Charles the Second was proclaimed in Cork by Prince Rupert in 1649 ; but the inhabitants, awed by the parliamentary fleet commanded by Admiral Blake, then off the harbour, and being under a military government established by Cromwell, remained passive, until, instigated by Lord Broghill, they openly declared for the parliament.

    On the cessation of hostilities in 1655, the civil government of Cork was re-established. Protestant magistrates were chosen, and some severe enactments made against the Roman Catholic inhabitants, who were for a time expelled the city.

    Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 38

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here in 1649, Oliver Cromwell spent a few days inside the walls of Cork. He ordered the church bells taken down and cast into battering cannon. When someone objected, he said that since gunpowder was invented by a priest, he thought the best use for bells would be to promote them into cannons. Cork's resistance was nominal, like most places in Ireland at the time. Prince Rupert had proclaimed Charles the Second here that same year, but the inhabitants stayed passive under Cromwell's military government, awed by Admiral Blake's parliamentary fleet off the harbour. Lord Broghill later stirred them to declare openly for parliament. After hostilities ceased in 1655, civil government returned to Cork, Protestant magistrates were chosen, and severe enactments were made against the Roman Catholic inhabitants, who were expelled from the city for a time.

42. The Grave of the Young Strangers at Ballintemple

    Ballintemple · townland · Cork · 1799

    A West Indian officer and his young Creole wife came ashore at Blackrock while his ship was being repaired; he died of fever within days, and his grief-stricken wife died two days later. They were buried together in the churchyard, their identities unknown until the officer's father visited years later and had a small headstone erected.

    Read the passage

    " As the ship lay some miles down the river, he was rowed up in one of her boats towards the city, that he might have medical advice and such attendance as he required, but being pleased with the appearance of our village from the water, resolved on stopping here. He remained at Blackrock about a week ; his health, instead of improving, every day became worse and worse, and oh, Sir, it would be impossible to tell how tenderly the poor young lady nursed him, and how she watched by his bed-side day and night; but it was all in vain ; he was so exhausted from the effects of the fever which he had in the AVest Indies, that he died on the eighth day after his landing.

    " The dear lady sunk under her affliction ; his loss, her destitute situation, alone and in a foreign land, added to the fatigue of her constant attendance on him, altogether so preyed on her that in two days she was a corpse by his side ; and the black servant, who had come over with them, seeing how things were, packed up every article, even their very clothes, and went off on board ship the same night.

    Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 40

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Ballintemple lies the grave of two young strangers. In 1799, a West Indian officer was rowed up the river towards Cork city for medical advice, but he liked the look of the village from the water and stopped at Blackrock instead. He had his young Creole wife with him, and a black servant who had come over with them. He had caught fever in the West Indies, and every day at Blackrock his health grew worse. His wife nursed him tenderly, watching by his bedside day and night, but on the eighth day after he landed, he died. She was broken by it. His loss, her destitution, alone in a foreign land, and the exhaustion of nursing him all preyed on her, and two days later she was dead. The black servant, seeing how things were, packed up everything they had, even their clothes, and went off to the ship that same night. They were buried together in the churchyard, and nobody knew who they were until the officer's father came years later and had a small headstone raised over them.

43. The Severed Head That Cried 'Treachery!' at Buttevant

    Buttevant · townland · Cork

    A further addition to the legend of Buttevant Castle holds that the betrayer's severed head did not fall silent. As it went bounding down the stairs of one of the towers it yelled forth in a sepulchral and terrible tone the word treachery, three times over.

    Read the passage

    The Castle of Buttevant is boldly seated on a rock above the Avvbeg, and has been so modernized as to lose much of the contour of antiquity. A legend relates, that this castle was the chief residence of the Clan of Donegan, who rejected every offer of the English to surrender it, and repulsed every attempt made to take it; but it was ultimately surprized and captured by David de Barry, who gained it through the treachery of a soldier of the garrison. De Barry, having made himself master of the place, put its sleeping inmates to the sword, and rewarded the perfidy of the betrayer by striking off his head also. There was a small addition to this story related to me as possessing equal claims to belief; — the dissevered and ghastly head of the betrayer, as it went bounding down the stairs of one of the towers, yelled forth, in a sepulchral and terrible tone, the word — treachery !- — treachery ! — treachery !

    About the year 1812, in planting part of the castle grounds the labourers discovered, a little way below the surface, a human skeleton, with the appearance of a wig on the skull, which mouldered

    Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 19

44. The Silver Mines Massacre of 1641

    Silvermines · townland · Tipperary · 1641

    During the rebellion of 1641 the Irish, led by Hugh O'Kennedy, laid waste the silver and lead mine at Silvermines and demolished all its works. The English and Dutch workmen employed in melting and refining the ore were put to the sword, only a very few escaping by flight.

    Read the passage

    The Irish, headed by Hugh O'Kennedy, brother of John Mac Dermot O'Kennedy, on whose lands the mine was situated, " not content to lay waste the mine, and to demolish all the works thereunto belonging, did accompany this their barbarousness with bloody cruelty against the poor workmen, such as were employed about the melting and refining of the ore, and in all offices thereunto belonging : the which, some of them being English, and the rest Dutch, (because the Irish, having no skill at all in any of those things, had never been employed in this mine otherwise than to dig it, and to do other labours,) were all put to the sword by them, except a very few, who by flight escaped their hands."

    Iron is abundant in Ireland. During the comparatively tranquil reign of James the First many mines were opened, and iron works, particularly in the province of Munster, became exceedingly nu-

    Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 54

45. Hanging of Captain M'Dermot at Cavan

    Cavan · townland · Cavan · 1725

    Captain M'Dermot was hanged at Cavan on 30th March 1725 for murder. In his dying speech he lamented being made an example for the sins of his forefathers despite his education and courtesy.

    Read the passage

    Captain M'Dermot, who was hanged at Cavan on the 30th March, 1725, for murder, explains his situation thus —

    " And I, who was taught to read the Latin, English, and Irish tongues, and was naturally complaisant to all mankind, am here made an example for the sins of my forefathers.''

    Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 35

46. Lord Muskery's Escape from Cork Gaol

    Cork · townland · Cork · 1602

    Accused of treason and of promising Blarney Castle to Spain, Lord Muskery was imprisoned at Cork in heavy irons under repeated warnings to his gaoler. Two days after the last caution he forced himself out of a window between eight and nine in the evening and escaped into the street, where armed mantlemen waited to receive him.

    Read the passage

    charge was repeated and enforced to the gaoler both by the Bishop of Cork and Dominick Sarsfield, the Queen's Attorney for Munster, who commanded him to keep Lord Muskery " in a handlock with his own servant, or some soldier of especial trust." Two days after this last caution Lord Muskery escaped ! He contrived, between eight and nine o'clock in the evening, to force himself out of a window and descend into the street, where " were divers mantlemen to receive him." The alarm was given almost instantly and a vigorous pursuit commenced, but in vain — favoured by a dark night and with a perfect knowledge of the country, protected by a select band of men, (each of whom would have laid down his life in defence of their lord,) and surrounded by hundreds who were willing to favour and assist his flight, it is not surprising that having once passed the iron grate of his prison he should baffle even the most active pursuit. The President immediately issued letters to Sir Charles Wilmot (who still lay before Macroom) that if he could not gain the castle that night he should raise the siege and retreat the next morning ; but almost in the same hour these orders arrived, Macroom Castle accidentally caught fire, and the besieged as a last resource took refuge in the bawn, where most of them (about fifty) were put to the sword.

    On the news of Lord Muskery 's escape, O'Sullivan of Beare, Captain Terril and others in rebellion, offered to support him against the Lord President ; but Lord Muskery, after a conference with the latter, considering that he had little prospect of ultimate success, and that both his family and estates were in the President's power, determined on making terms, and wrote requesting permission to throw himself at Sir George Carew's feet; which request was granted.

    Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 52

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here in 1602, Lord Muskery broke out of Cork Gaol. He had been accused of treason and of promising Blarney Castle to Spain, and was held in heavy irons under repeated warnings to his gaoler from the Bishop of Cork and Dominick Sarsfield, the Queen's Attorney for Munster, who commanded him to keep Lord Muskery "in a handlock with his own servant, or some soldier of especial trust." Two days after this last caution, Lord Muskery escaped. He forced himself out of a window between eight and nine in the evening and descended into the street, where divers mantlemen were waiting to receive him. The alarm was given almost instantly and a vigorous pursuit commenced, but in vain. A dark night and a perfect knowledge of the country favoured him, protected by a select band of men who would have laid down their lives in defence of their lord, and surrounded by hundreds willing to assist his flight. The President immediately issued letters to Sir Charles Wilmot, who still lay before Macroom, that if he could not gain the castle that night he should raise the siege and retreat the next morning. But almost in the same hour these orders arrived, Macroom Castle accidentally caught fire, and the besieged took refuge in the bawn, where about 50 were put to the sword. On the news of the escape, O'Sullivan of Beare, Captain Terril and others in rebellion offered to support him against the Lord President. But Lord Muskery, after a conference with the latter, considering he had little prospect of ultimate success and that his family and estates were in the President's power, determined on making terms, and wrote requesting permission to throw himself at Sir George Carew's feet, which request was granted.

47. Luttrell's Shrieking Spirit on the Shannon

    Thomond Bridge · townland · Limerick · 1691

    Colonel Luttrell was stigmatized as the betrayer of a crucial river passage during the siege, despite being vindicated of the charge in Lord Westmeath's letter. Local fishermen and peasants still believe that on stormy nights his ghost can be heard shrieking over the turbulent waters of the Shannon near Thomond Bridge.

    Read the passage

    the neighbouring fisherman or peasant usually execrates " that traitor Luttrell, whose spirit is abroad shrieking on the waters."

    After the surrender of Limerick nineteen thousand men embarked for France, and were embodied into twelve regiments, which became distinguished in the history of Europe as the Irish Brigade. Amongst the charges strongly brought against the English is the breach of faith in preventing the women from emigrating with their husbands. There is a melody, as yet unpublished, which I have heard Mr. Bunting perform, said to have been sung on this occasion; it consists of a lamentation, and a chorus that interrupts, as it were, by a passionate burst of grief, the mournful wildness of the air.

    Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 6

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, Colonel Luttrell was branded a traitor during the siege of 1691, accused of betraying a crucial passage across the Shannon. Lord Westmeath's letter later vindicated him of the charge, but the local fishermen and peasants would not let the story go. They still say that on stormy nights his spirit can be heard shrieking over the turbulent waters near Thomond Bridge. The source records them calling him "that traitor Luttrell, whose spirit is abroad shrieking on the waters." After the surrender of Limerick, 19,000 men embarked for France and were formed into 12 regiments, the Irish Brigade. The English were also accused of breaking faith by preventing the women from going with their husbands.

48. The Cork Remembrancer: A City's Criminal Record

    Cork · townland · Cork · 1733–1783

    The Cork Remembrancer, published in 1783 and compiled by a Mr. Fitzgerald, records the particulars of almost every execution in the city of Cork during the preceding half century. Fitzgerald was said to have attended the death of every criminal he recorded, generally marching in the procession from the gaol to the gallows, and once petitioned a judge to postpone an execution until illness allowed him to attend as a spectator.

    Read the passage

    The first edition of the Cork Remembrancer, a book which should rather be entitled the Cork Criminal Recorder, published in 1783, and compiled by a Mr. Fitzgerald, contains the particulars of almost every execution in that city, during the preceding half century. I have been told that the author of this singular chronicle made a point of being present at the death of every criminal whose exit he has recorded, and he generally marched in the procession from the gaol to the gallows : on one occasion it is reported of Mr. Fitzgerald, that, being confined to his bed by a severe illness, he actually petitioned the judge to postpone an execution, until he was sufficiently recovered to become a spectator.

    Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 35

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here in Cork, a book called the Cork Remembrancer was published in 1783 by a Mr. Fitzgerald. It recorded the particulars of almost every execution in the city during the preceding half century. Fitzgerald made a point of attending the death of every criminal whose end he recorded, generally marching in the procession from the gaol to the gallows. On one occasion, confined to his bed by a severe illness, he actually petitioned the judge to postpone an execution until he was sufficiently recovered to become a spectator.

49. The Curse on the White Knight's Tomb

    Kilmallock · townland · Limerick

    A local boy tending cattle near the ruined abbey at Kilmallock told the author that the White Knight's broken tomb was a judgment upon him for being 'cruel and bad,' attributing the damage to either a black bull or an evil spirit rather than natural causes.

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    bad man, Sir !" and added, " They say 'twas the black bull that tattered it in this way, your honour ; but 'tis my belief it was none of his doing, but the work of some kind of evil spirit or other. It was just broken and left as it is now four nights ago, and in my opinion 'tis a judgment on the White Knight, for he was the cruel and bad man !"

    My new bare-footed acquaintance showed me an inscribed stone lying in the dilapidated cloisters which, with the armorial fragment copied near the Geraldine tomb, are the only monumental remains to be discerned in this abbey. The inscription in the cloisters has already been printed in Ferrars' Limerick and Mr. Weld's Account of Killarney; but being in itself curious I will not omit it, particularly as there is some slight variation in my transcript from that of the latter gentleman.

    Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 12

50. The Grave of Outlaw Arthur O'Leary at Kilcrea Abbey

    Kilcrea · townland · Cork

    Kilcrea Abbey, founded by Cormac Lord Muskery for Franciscans, became the burial place of many Irish septs including the O'Learies. The grave of the outlaw Arthur O'Leary is specifically pointed out to visitors, marked with a long verse epitaph describing his violent death.

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    " Low Arthur Leary, handsome, young and brave, Slain in his prime, lies in this lowly grave," &c.

    The history of this Arthur O'Leary affords an extraordinary picture of the state of Ireland during the last century. I believe the following account will be found correct in the most important particulars.

    Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 51

51. Wexford hears the North Cork are all put to death

    Wexford · townland · Wexford · 1798

    On Whit-Sunday evening 1798 word reached Wexford that the North Cork militia had been destroyed in an engagement with the rebels, only four escaping and a hundred put to death, Major Lombard among the victims. The soldiers' wives screamed through the streets, every man was put under arms, and the thatch was stripped from the cabins in the suburbs.

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    Whit-Sunday Evening. — Every moment becomes more frightful. An account has just arrived that the North Cork are all put to death, in an engagement with the rebels. The unfortunate soldiers' wives are screaming through the streets of Wexford; every creature that appears is put under arms : and the thatch is stripped off all the cabins in the suburbs of the town. Enniscorthy is burned, and the inhabitants are pouring into Wexford. Women of fortune, half-dressed, some having neither shoes nor stockings, with their children on their backs and in their arms, are in this state endeavouring to get on board ship. I am told there never was a more dreadful scene than Wexford at this moment exhibits. I am assured that only four out of the North Cork have escaped the fury of the rebels : one hundred have been put to death. Major Lombard, whom I think you knew, has fallen a victim. I am told the post cannot proceed to Dublin ; as the roads are all occupied by rebels. Captain Boyd has sent to Waterford for the 13th Regiment. Thank heaven, I wrote to poor Mr. A. and Letty

    APPENDIX. 349

    Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 58

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, on Whit-Sunday evening in 1798, word came into Wexford that the North Cork militia had been put to death in an engagement with the rebels. Only four escaped. A hundred were killed, and Major Lombard fell among the victims. The soldiers' wives screamed through the streets, and every man was put under arms. The thatch was stripped from all the cabins in the suburbs. Enniscorthy was burned, and its people poured into Wexford. Women of fortune, half-dressed, some with neither shoes nor stockings, carried their children on their backs and in their arms, trying to get on board ship. The roads were all occupied by rebels, and the post could not get through to Dublin. Captain Boyd sent to Waterford for the 13th Regiment. The writer said there never was a more dreadful scene than Wexford at that moment.

52. Faction Fight and Fatal Clashes at Ballyvourney

    Ballyvourney · townland · Cork · 1816

    Rival factions, the Lynches and Twomeys, who had long been ordered to attend separate chapels due to their hostility, clashed violently at Ballyvourney on 21 July 1816, armed with guns, swords, scythes and pistols. Even when a sub-sheriff arrived with dragoons to keep the peace, the two factions united to attack the officers, forcing a rapid retreat; such faction fights at fairs and patrons commonly ended with several deaths.

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    On Sunday, 21st July, 1816, two parties, the Lynches and Twomeys, met at Ballyvourney ; they had been for several years unfriendly to each other, and, in consequence of this hostile feeling, Sir Nicholas Colthurst directed his under agent to desire that they should not go to the same chapel on Sundays — that the former should attend the Ballynkeeny Chapel and the latter the Western Chapel ; the Lynches notwithstanding refused to go to the place of worship appointed for them, and, in a body of about a hundred or upwards, armed with guns, swords, scythes, pistols, and various other weapons, remained, whilst mass was saying, outside the chapel appropriated to the Twomeys, shouting violently ; when the Twomeys left the chapel, the Lynches followed and attacked them.

    232 MANNERS AND CUSTOMS. CHAP. XII.

    Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 44

53. Miraculous earth from Father Sheehy's grave

    Clogheen · townland · Tipperary · 1750–1766

    Father Sheehy, executed as the leader of White Boy outrages, had earth from his grave held in great repute for its supernatural curative powers. People took the clay so rapidly that the sexton had to renew the covering more than once.

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    Sir Richard Musgravc mentions that earth from the grave of Father Sheehy, who was executed about the middle of the last century as the leader of some White Boy outrages, was held in great repute, and taken away so rapidly, on account of its supernatural powers, that the sexton had more than once to renew the covering. Recent cases may be named, where this custom has been carried to such lengths that it was interdicted under the threat of exemplary punishment.

    The wake of a corpse is a scene of merriment rather than of mourning. The body lies exposed in the coffin for two or three nights previous to interment, surrounded by many candles, and with the face uncovered. To avert misfortune arising from the death of the heads of families, when a man dies his head is placed at the foot of the bed ; but this ceremony is not deemed necessary with women, and they are allowed to remain in the usual position. In the evening a general assembly of the neighbours takes place, when they are entertained with whiskey, tobacco and snuff. On these occasions songs are sung and stories related, while the younger part of the

    Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft

54. Raleigh's Bold Capture of Lord Roche at Castletownroche

    Castletownroche · townland · Cork · 1585

    Sir Walter Raleigh, tasked with securing the head of the suspect Roche family, marched through the night with only ninety men to Castle Town Roche. With a small party admitted under pretense, Raleigh's men seized the castle and he arrested Lord Roche after dinner, carrying him and his lady across the mountains to Cork.

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    Alarmed at the approach of English soldiers, a show of defence was immediately made by the inhabitants, that subsided when Raleigh, attended only by six men, confidently advanced to the castle gates, and requested permission to speak with Lord Roche, who, though surprized at the visit, received him with apparent cordiality ; and while Sir Walter detained that nobleman in conversation on indifferent matters, the men admitted with him contrived to give the entire of Raleigh's party entrance, each of whose muskets, we are told, was loaden with two balls. Lord Roche, perceiving his castle occupied by an overpowering force and resistance impossible, addressed Sir Walter with increased kindness, ordered refreshments for his men, and invited him to dinner. After the banquet, Raleigh informed his entertainer of the cause of his coming, and exhibited a commission for his apprehension. Lord Roche made some slight remonstrances, but ultimately surrendered ; and Sir Walter, with the same promptness of manner that had already proved so eminently successful, carried his noble prisoner, together with his lady, across the mountains to Cork the same night, which proved dark and stormy in the extreme, and thus again escaped encountering the Seneschal of Imokilly. But the charge of disloyalty against Lord Roche proved unfounded, and he afterwards became distinguished for his support of the English cause in Ireland, three of his sons and many of his followers having lost their lives in the service of Elizabeth.

    During the rebellion of 1641, the greater part of the estates of this family were forfeited, and Maurice Lord Roche was attainted and outlawed, having refused a composition offered by Cromwell. His lady, in 1649, defied the parliamentary forces, and heroically defended Castle Town Roche for some days, until compelled to surrender by a heavy fire from a battery raised in a field on the opposite side of the river, still called the Camp Field, and from whence Mr. Nicholson's drawing was made.

    Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 22

55. The Hanging of Mayor Coppinger at Youghall

    Youghal · townland · Cork · 1579

    After Youghall was recaptured for Lord Ormond, Sir William Pelham ordered Mr. Coppinger, the mayor who had surrendered the town to Desmond, to be hanged at his own door as punishment for his surrender.

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    several men, by the Seneschal of Imokilly, who defended the town for his relative the Earl of Desmond — at which temporary success that nobleman was prodigiously elated — but as, in consequence of being plundered, the place was deserted by its inhabitants, only one poor friar remaining within the walls, Fitzgerald the Seneschal was obliged to abandon it for want of provisions, and it was immediately garrisoned with three hundred men by order of Lord Ormond, who invited the fugitive citizens to return, and Sir William Pelham directed Mr. Coppinger the mayor, who had surrendered the town to Desmond, to be hanged at his own door.

    Three years afterwards (1582) the Seneschal of Imokilly endeavoured to regain Youghall, but was defeated with the loss of fifty of his followers. In 1645, Lord Cork maintained the town for nearly ten weeks, against a large body of the Irish forces under Lord Castlehaven, and compelled him to raise the siege.

    Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 23

56. Blacksmith Supple's Grave-Robbing Dream at Ballybeg Abbey

    Ballybeg · townland · Cork

    A blacksmith named Supple, guided by a dream, dug among the ruins of Ballybeg Abbey searching for treasure. He disturbed the bones of old monks and found a stone coffin containing a skeleton adorned with gold cross and chains, which he sold to a Cork goldsmith to be melted down.

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    of the inn, at Buttevant, gave me an account of a curious discovery made at Ballybeg Abbey, about five-and-twenty years back, by a blacksmith named Supple, who was induced, from a dream, to dig amongst the ruins in search of money, a superstition so prevalent with the lower orders of Irish, as to cause them, like the Arabs, to excavate near almost every ancient building, in expectation of finding concealed treasure. Supple, after some laborious days spent in disturbing the bones of the old Fathers, came to a stone coffin, containing a skeleton adorned with a cross and chains of gold, and a thin plate of the same precious metal stamped with a representation of the crucifixion. These relics were carried by the finder to Cork, and disposed of to a goldsmith, by whom they were consigned to the crucible ; and the stone coffin converted to a pig-trough at the cabin of a farmer near the abbey. The accuracy of this narrative has been corroborated by a son of Supple's, whom I met accidentally, and entered into conversation with on the spot.

    Buttevant, called by Borlase " an old nest of abbots, priests, and friars," though formerly a town of importance and opulence, is now a poor place. It was walled, and governed by a corporation, and traces of its consequence may still be seen in the solid old walls and ruins scattered amongst the mean houses of which it is at present composed. The abbey is rapidly sinking into decay; its present exterior appearance Miss Nicholson's drawing will illustrate: but the fall, about three years since, of a high square tower that stood on a light and graceful arch in the centre of the building has lessened its dignity, and covered, with a mass of confused rubbish, great part of the interior —

    Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 17

57. Desecration of the Graves at Adair Abbey

    Adare · townland · Limerick

    To prevent the ruined abbey within Mr. Quin's demesne at Adair from being used as a burial ground, the proprietor ordered the ground within its walls levelled and the tombs destroyed. Local peasantry, fearing a superstitious curse on those who disturbed the dead, refused to do the work, so soldiers had to be brought from Limerick to carry it out.

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    Some years since, the ground within its walls was levelled, and most of the tombs and inscriptions destroyed by order of the proprietor, to prevent the abbey being used as a burial ground. A pious superstition deterred the peasantry from disturbing the ashes of the dead, and no one could be procured to perform so sacrilegious an act — as if they feared the fulfilment of Shakspeare's threatening epitaph would be the consequence of the violation :

    " Blest be the man that spares these stones, And curst be he that moves my bones."

    Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 10

58. Execution of Connell, servant of O'Sullivan, in Cork

    Cork · townland · Cork · 1754

    Connell, the confidential servant of Morty Oge O'Sullivan, was captured after the siege at Beerhaven and composed a lament the night before his execution in Cork, lamenting his master's death and his own impending hanging.

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    " The great God is good and merciful ! I ask his grace and pardon, and his support, for I am to be hanged at the gallows to-morrow without doubt ; the rope will squeeze my neck, and thousands will lament my fate, but may the Lord have mercy upon my master ! it was for his sake that I am now in their power."

    " Kerryonians (Kerrymen), pray for us ! sweet and melodious is your voice, my blessing I give to you, but you will never see me again amongst you alive ; our heads will be upon a spike as a shew,

    Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 34

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Cork, in 1754, a man called Connell spent his last night composing a lament. He was the confidential servant of Morty Oge O'Sullivan, captured after the siege at Beerhaven. His words survive:

59. Lord Muskery's Imprisonment and Daring Escape

    Cork · townland · Cork · 1602

    Lord Muskery was arrested on suspicion of treason and imprisoned in Cork gaol, heavily ironed and closely guarded. Despite these precautions he forced himself out of a window and escaped into the night, aided by loyal followers who helped him evade pursuit.

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    charge was repeated and enforced to the gaoler both by the Bishop of Cork and Dominick Sarsfield, the Queen's Attorney for Munster, who commanded him to keep Lord Muskery " in a handlock with his own servant, or some soldier of especial trust." Two days after this last caution Lord Muskery escaped ! He contrived, between eight and nine o'clock in the evening, to force himself out of a window and descend into the street, where " were divers mantlemen to receive him." The alarm was given almost instantly and a vigorous pursuit commenced, but in vain — favoured by a dark night and with a perfect knowledge of the country, protected by a select band of men, (each of whom would have laid down his life in defence of their lord,) and surrounded by hundreds who were willing to favour and assist his flight, it is not surprising that having once passed the iron grate of his prison he should baffle even the most active pursuit. The President immediately issued letters to Sir Charles Wilmot (who still lay before Macroom) that if he could not gain the castle that night he should raise the siege and retreat the next morning ; but almost in the same hour these orders arrived, Macroom Castle accidentally caught fire, and the besieged as a last resource took refuge in the bawn, where most of them (about fifty) were put to the sword.

    On the news of Lord Muskery 's escape, O'Sullivan of Beare, Captain Terril and others in rebellion, offered to support him against the Lord President ; but Lord Muskery, after a conference with the latter, considering that he had little prospect of ultimate success, and that both his family and estates were in the President's power, determined on making terms, and wrote requesting permission to throw himself at Sir George Carew's feet; which request was granted.

    Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 52

    As the companion tells it

    Close to Cork, in 1602, Lord Muskery was held in the gaol here on suspicion of treason. The Bishop of Cork and Dominick Sarsfield, the Queen's Attorney for Munster, ordered the gaoler to keep him in a handlock with his own servant or some soldier of especial trust. Two days after that last warning, he escaped. Between eight and nine in the evening he forced himself out of a window and dropped into the street, where divers mantlemen were waiting to receive him. The alarm went up almost instantly and a vigorous pursuit followed, but it was no use. A dark night, his perfect knowledge of the country, and a select band of men — each willing to lay down his life for their lord — saw him baffle every effort to catch him. The President at once sent orders to Sir Charles Wilmot, who still lay before Macroom, to raise the siege if he could not take the castle that night. Almost in the same hour those orders arrived, Macroom Castle accidentally caught fire, and the besieged took refuge in the bawn, where about fifty of them were put to the sword. O'Sullivan of Beare, Captain Terril, and others in rebellion offered Lord Muskery their support against the Lord President. But after a conference with the President, seeing little prospect of success and his family and estates in the President's power, he chose to make terms and wrote asking permission to throw himself at Sir George Carew's feet. That request was granted.

60. Siege and Surrender of Lough Gur Castle

    near Lough Gur · townland · Limerick · 1600

    Sir George Carew reconnoitered Lough Gur Castle in 1600, finding it garrisoned by over 200 soldiers under James Fitz Thomas, a relative of the Earl of Desmond. After a show of force, the castle's surrender was purchased for sixty pounds from its defender Owen Grome.

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    stood on an island, being out of the reach of musketry, and the ruggedness of the surrounding country rendering the approach of cannon a matter of difficulty. Sir George Carew, in the beginning of 1600, shortly after he assumed the government of Munster, reconnoitered Lough Gur Castle, and found it garrisoned by more than two hundred soldiers, commanded by James Fitz Thomas, a near relative of the Earl of Desmond, to the history of whose ruinous fate the present chapter is chiefly devoted. On observing the President's approach, a few shots were fired from the castle, but without effect, and Sir George Carew returned to Limerick, where, after much parade in the preparation of ordnance to reduce Lough Gur, its surrender was purchased for sixty pounds from Owen Grome, who had been entrusted with its defence by James Fitz Thomas.

    An Irish topographical manuscript without date, the writer of which I have reason to believe was John M'Donald, or Shane Clarah, mentioned hereafter, is at present in my possession, and lies before me with a translation. In it " Lough Guir" is described as more than eight miles distant from Limerick, and remarkable on account of a beautiful and verdant hill, almost in the centre of the lake. " On the foot of this hill," (I copy literally the translation r) " at the north side, is a stately castle in the Gothic fashion. The hill is about an English mile and a half in circumference, and on its south-west side is the largest part of the lough; there, at the distance of three or four hundred yards from the shore, formerly stood a square castle rising out of the water, on the vault of which was planted, as I was told by Mr. Baily the owner of the place, five or six apple trees which then bore fruit ; and on the edges of the vault he caused battlements to be raised to prevent their destruction by the undulation of the waters. I have been," continues the writer, " at this extraordinary orchard and vault, the owner of which partly supports himself by what money he receives from the curious who visit this place; there is but one causeway to the hill, no doubt

    Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 11