Name: A short history of Ireland from the earliest times to 1608
Author: P. W. (Patrick Weston) Joyce (1827–1914)

Massacre of Scots refugees at Rathlin Island's Bruce's Castle

near Rathlin Island · island or archipelago · Antrim · 1575

Captain John Norris led an expedition to Rathlin Island, attacking the Scots' stronghold, now a ruin known as Bruce's Castle, which held about fifty defenders and 150 refugees including women and children; after a negotiated surrender the soldiers massacred 200 people who came out, and later hunted down and killed 300-400 more hiding in caves and cliffs.

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'Before day they called for a parle, which Captain Norreys, wisely considering the danger that might light upon his company, and willing to avoid the killing of the soldiers . . . was content to accept and hear their offers . . . upon which he [the constable or captain of the castle] came out, and made large requests, as their lives, their goods, and to be put into Scotland, which request Captain Norreys refused, offering them as slenderly as they did largely require — viz. to the aforesaid constable his life, and his wife's, and his child's, the place and goods to be delivered at Captain Norreys' disposition ; the captain to be a prisoner one month; the lives of all within to stand upon the courtesy of the soldiers. The constable, knowing his estate and safety to be very doubtful, accepted the composition, and came out with all his company. The soldiers being moved and much stirred with the loss of their fellows that were slain, and desirous of revenge, made request, or rather pressed to have the killing of them ; which they did, all saving the persons to whom life was promised. There were slain, which came out of the castle of all sorts [i.e. refugees and noncombatants as well as soldiers] 200.' ^
The massacre did not end here, however. The rest

Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 56

Death of King Brian Boru in his tent at Clontarf

Clontarf · parish · Dublin · 1014

During the rout, the Viking Broder came upon the aged king's tent; Brian rose and cut off both of Broder's legs, but the dying Viking cleft the king's head with his axe before falling dead beside him.

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It happened that Broder, who had fled from the battlefield on finding that his coat of mail had lost its virtue, came with some followers at this very time towards the tent. ' I see some people approaching,' said Laiten. ' What manner of people are they ? ' asked the king. ' Blue and naked people,' replied the attendant. ' They are Danes in armour ! ' exclaimed the king, and instantly rising from his cushion he drew his sword. Broder at that instant rushed on him with a double-edged battle-axe, but was met by a blow of the heavy sword that cut off both legs, one from the knee and the other from the ankle. But the furious Viking, even while falling, cleft the king's head with the axe.^
After a little time the guards, as if struck by a sudden sense of danger, returned in haste : but too late. They found the king dead, and his slayer stretched by his side dying.

Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 24

Massacre of the garrison at Smerwick

Smerwick · townland · Kerry · 1580

After 700 Spaniards and Italians landed at Smerwick and fortified Dunanore, Lord Grey besieged the fort and the garrison surrendered; despite disputed promises of mercy, Grey's forces executed 600 people, with the few women found there also hanged afterward.

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After nearly six weeks' effort to collect forces, Lord Grey, breathing vengeance after his recent defeat, arrived at Smerwick, having been joined on the way by the earl of Ormond ; and accompanied also by Sir Richard Bingham and many other experienced captains. At the same time admiral Winter arrived early in November with the English fleet, so that the fort was invested both by sea and land. The siege was now carried on vigorously : trenches were dug and cannons battered the defences ; and at the end of a few days the garrison, seeing they could not hold out, surrendered. The Irish authorities, including the Four Masters, say that they were promised their lives : the English, including Grey himself, assert they surrendered at discretion ; which is very improbable, inasmuch as they had plenty of arms, ammunition, and provisions. But all this seems of small consequence in face of the episode of horror that followed, which may be told in the deputy's own words : — ' I sent streighte certeyne gentlemen to see their weapons and armoires laid down, and to guard the munitions and victual then left from spoyle ; then put I in certeyne bandes who streighte fell to execution. There were 600 slain.' After the execution
Chap. VI. GEIULDINE EEBELLION : SECOND STAGE 455

Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich

Beheading of the Earl of Desmond at Glanageenty

Glanageenty · townland · Kerry · 1583

Tracked to Glanageenty near Tralee by O'Moriartys seeking cattle taken by Desmond's people, the earl was discovered in a hut at dawn; a soldier named Kelly broke his arm and then, despite his plea for mercy identifying himself, cut off his head, which was later sent to the queen and spiked on London Bridge.

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At last he got among his own mountains of Kerry ; and a party of the O'Moriartys, from whom the earl's people had taken some cows for subsistence, traced him to Glanageenty, about five miles east of Tralee. Late on a November evening, Donall O'Moriarty, with a company of soldiers and some others, ascended an eminence and saw a light in the glen beneath ; and one of them going down, discovered a small party in a hut. He returned noiselessly with the news, and they remained there till the dawn of next morning, when they approached the hut and suddenly rushed in with a loud shout. They found however only one venerable looking man, a woman, and a boy : all the rest had made their escape. One of the soldiers named Kelly broke the old man's arm with a blow of his sword ; on which he cried out — ' I am the earl of Desmond ; spare my life ! ' But Kelly dragged him forth and cut off his head. The head was afterwards sent for a present to the queen, who had it spiked on London Bridge.
The Geraldine rebellion as well as the rising in Leinster may be said to have ended with the death of the earl of Desmond. Viscount Baltinglass fled to Spain, where he died broken-hearted. The war had madeMunster a desert. Li the words of the Four Masters : — ' The lowing of a cow or the voice of a ploughman could scarcely be heard from Dunqueen in the West of Kerry to Cashel.'

Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich

Massacre of Ossorian prisoners at Bannow

near Ossory · townland · Laois · 1169

After defeating the Ossorians, Dermot Mac Murrogh had 200 severed heads of the enemy laid before him and, recognizing a personal foe, held up the head and tore at the face with his teeth. His army then ravaged Ossory with fire and sword.

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and obstinate resistance. But tempted by a feigned retreat to issue forth in pursuit of the enemy on the open plain, where the Norman cavahy could attack without obstruction, they were ultimately defeated. Giraldus tells a horrible story of Dermot's conduct on this occasion. After the battle, 200 heads of the Ossorians were ranged out as a trophy before him. He took them up one by one, and gazed at them, till at last recognising the head of a personal enemy, he held it up by the ears and hair and tore the face with his teeth. After this his army ravaged Ossory with fire and sword, till Mac Gilla Patrick was forced to sue for peace and submit to Dermot.
So far King Roderick had taken no steps to stay the progress of the invaders. But now at last he became alarmed ; and summoning the Irish princes with their followers, he marched with a large army towards Ferns, where he found the king of Leinster and his foreign auxiliaries strongly entrenched. Dermot's army had now however become greatly reduced by the desertion of the natives, who were seized with a panic of fear when they heard of the approach of the king of Ireland. But the feeble-minded monarch, instead of promptly attacking the rebel king and his few foreign auxiliaries, sent persuasive messages to win Dermot and Fitzstephen to submission ; and Dermot, seeing he was too weak to resist, agreed to a peace merely to gain time. He was restored to his kingdom on condition — which was kept secret from his new friends — that he should send home the foreigners and bring hither no more of them ; and he gave his favourite son Conor and two other relatives as hostages for the faithful fulfilment of his part of the treaty. Then king Roderick returned to his own province, satisfied that he had fully performed his duty, and quite unsuspicious of the wiles of Dermot.

Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 31

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here in 1169, Dermot Mac Murrogh defeated the Ossorians after drawing them out onto open ground with a feigned retreat, where Norman cavalry could strike freely. What followed was grim. Two hundred severed heads of the enemy were laid out before him as a trophy. He picked them up one by one, studying each face, until he recognised the head of a personal foe. He held it up by the ears and hair and tore at the face with his teeth. After that, his army ravaged all of Ossory with fire and sword, until Mac Gilla Patrick was forced to sue for peace and submit to Dermot. Giraldus is the one who tells this story, and it is a horrible one. The defeat of the Ossorians came because they left their position chasing a retreat that was never real, and the open plain gave the cavalry every advantage. What happened here was not just a battle but a deliberate humiliation of a people who had resisted.

Dunlang O'Hartigan's magic cloak and death at Clontarf

Clontarf · parish · Dublin · 1014

The fairy Eevin of Craglea loved the Dalcassian warrior Dunlang O'Hartigan and gave him a magic invisibility cloak before the battle, warning he would die if he removed it; he cast it off out of shame and was slain at Murrogh's feet.

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friends in battle, threw off the cloak ; and presently he fell slain at the feet of MuiTogh (Wars of the Gaels n-itli the Galls, p. 173: and Feis Tiqhe Chondin, Ossianic Society, p. 98). ' ' Burnt Mai, ii. 336. 2 In the historical tale The Mars of the Gaels with the Galls, from which our account is mainly derived, it is stated that on the day of the battle, the 23rd of April 1014, the tide was at its height at sunrise : — ' They continued fighting from sunrise till evening. For it was at the full tide the foreigners came out to fight the battle in the morning, and the tide had come to the same place again at the close of the day when the foreigners were defeated ' ( Wars of the Gaels yvith the Galls, p. 191). When Dr. Todd, who was preparing to edit the work, observed this statement in the old manuscript, he resolved to test its truth ; and without stating his object, he put this question to the Rev. Professor Haughton of Trinity College : — ' What was the time of high water in Dublin Bay on the 23rd of April, 1014 ? ' Professor Haughton after a laborious calculation, found the time of morning high tide to be half -past 5 o'clock, and of evening tide 55 minutes past 5. Thus the old account was fully corroborated, showing that it must have been originally written by, or taken down from, an eye-witness of the battle. The reader will observe the striking similarity of this incident to that of the solar eclipse of 664 (p. 26). Dr. Haughton's calculation will be found in Dr. Todd's Introduction, p. xxvi.
^ Keating, as well as the author of the Wars of the Gaels with the Galls, and other Munster writers, say that Malachi, though marching

Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 24

Dying Chief O'Donnell Carried on Bier to Battle at the Swilly

near River Swilly · river · Donegal · 1258

The dying O'Donnell ordered his men to carry him on a bier at the head of his people to meet O'Neill's forces at the river Swilly, where his army routed the men of Tyrone while his bier was raised aloft in view of his men.

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On they marched till they met the men of Tyrone face to face at the river Swilly ; and while the bier supporting the dying chief was raised aloft in full view of the Kinel Connell, the two armies attacked each other. After a long and fierce struggle the Tyrone men were routed and fled, leaving many of their men dead on the battlefield. Then the victors set out on their homeward journey ; but had proceeded only as far as Letterkenny when they had to lay down the bier, and the heroic chief died. And the same bier from which he had witnessed his last victory was now made use of to bear him to his grave.
In this year (1258) some of the Irish chiefs, including Teige O'Brien of Thomond, made a feeble attempt to unite against the common enemy ; and they chose Brian O'Neill of Tyrone as their leader. But this confederacy was of short duration ; for two years later, in 1260, in a bloody battle fought at Downpatrick against the English of the north of Ireland, O'Neill was defeated and slain, together with a large number of the chiefs of Ulster and Connaught.

Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 39

Massacre of Shane O'Neill at Cushendun

Cushendun · townland · Antrim · 1567

Shane O'Neill, having lost heart after his crushing defeat, came to the Scots' camp at Cushendun with only fifty followers trusting in their generosity. During a feast the Scots raised a preconcerted dispute, seized their arms, and massacred the chief and all his followers.

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This action, in which 1,300 of his men perished, utterly ruined him. He lost all heart, and the annalists say ' his reason and senses became deranged,' in which they are not far wrong : for the chief now formed the insane resolution of placing himself at the mercy of the Scots, whose undying enmity he had earned by the defeat at Glenshesk two years before. He came to their camp at Cushendun (in 1567) with only fifty followers, trusting in their generosity, having previously sent them his prisoner Sorley Boy to propitiate them. They received him with a show of welcome and cordiality ; but in the midst of the festivities, they raised a dispute, which was probably preconcerted, and suddenly seizing their arms, they massacred the chief and all his followers.^
The body of O'Neill was wrapped up in a shirt and thrown into a pit. Four days afterwards. Captain Pierce, commander of Carrickfergus, who is strongly suspected of having a hand in the plot that led to Shane's destruction, brought the head to Dublin to the deputy, who gave him 1,000 marks, the reward offered in the proclamation. And the deputy caused the head to be impaled on a spike over one of the towers of Dublin Castle. O'Neill's rebellion cost the government £147,407, about a million and threequarters of our present money, besides the cesses laid on the country, and the damages sustained by the subjects.^ At the time of his death he was only about forty years of age.

Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 53

Torture and execution of Archbishop Dermot O'Hurly

Dublin · city · Dublin · 1584

Dermot O'Hurly, consecrated archbishop of Cashel, was captured after two years evading arrest, brought before the Dublin council, and tortured by having his feet toasted in hot boots (Irish accounts say tin boots filled with boiling oil) before being executed in June 1584.

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Henry Wallop, and examined ; but he positively refused to give information. Archbishop Loffcus, who had the chief management of the business, writes : — ' Not finding that easy method of examination to do any good, we made commission to put him to the torture such as your honour [Walsingham in London] advised us, which was to toast his feet against the fire with hot boots.' ^ There is hardly need to go beyond this : but the Irish accounts say that the boots were of tin, into which boiling oil was poured till the flesh fell off the bones. As he would confess nothing material, Loftus and Wallop, having obtained permission from England, had him executed in June 1584.
CHAPTER VII

Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Dublin, you are near the place where Archbishop Dermot O'Hurly was put to death in June 1584. He had been captured after two years evading arrest and brought before the Dublin council. Henry Wallop examined him, but he refused to give information. Archbishop Loftus, who had the chief management of the business, wrote that they put him to the torture by toasting his feet against the fire with hot boots, as Walsingham in London had advised. The Irish accounts say the boots were of tin, into which boiling oil was poured till the flesh fell off the bones. As he would confess nothing material, Loftus and Wallop, having obtained permission from England, had him executed.

Beheading and mutilation of Ternan O'Ruarc at Hill of Ward

Hill of Ward, Tlachtgha · hill or hills · Meath · 1172

At a treacherous conference on the ancient Tlachtga (Hill of Ward) near Athboy, O'Ruarc was killed by De Lacy's armed followers. His head was later spiked over a gate of Dublin while his body was hung upside down on the city's north side, the first such gruesome public display in Ireland.

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The turmoil began the moment the king had left. Ternan O'Ruarc, Dermot's old adversary, disputed the grant of his territory of Meath to De Lacy ; and they agreed to hold a conference to settle the dispute on the ancient Tlachtga, now the Hill of Ward, near Athboy in Meath. But it appears obvious from Giraldus's account that the meeting was a mere treacherous trap for O'Ruarc ; and the Four Masters state so directly. De Lacy's followers came fully armed, prepared for fight ; a quarrel was provoked ; O'Ruarc was killed in the fray ; and his followers fled. His head was soon after spiked over one of the gates of Dublin, while the body was hung, feet upwards, at the north side of the city — the first of those ghastly exhibitions which subsequently became so common in Ireland ; and after some time the head was sent to England as a present to King Henry.
Strongbow now proceeded to subjugate those portions of Leinster granted to him by the king, and, making Kildare his head-quarters, he sent to O'Dempsey chief of Ofialy to demand submission and hostages, which the chief refused. Whereupon with an army of 1,000 men he devastated Ofialy ; but on his return laden with plunder, O'Dempsey fell on his rear in a narrow pass, slew a number of his men — among them the earl's son-in-law De Quenci, the standard bearer and constable of Leinster — routed the marauding party, and captured the banner. Before Strongbow coi*ld take steps to avenge this defeat he was summoned to England by the king. But he had been only a

Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 33

Bingham drowns women, children and old people at Enniskillen bridge

near Enniskillen · town · Fermanagh · 1594

After Enniskillen Castle was taken by bribery, Sir Richard Bingham executed all the men who fell into his hands and flung the women, children, and old people of the place into the river from the bridge battlements.

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In the following year, 1594, deputy Fitzwilliam, following up his hostilities against Maguire, took his chief castle of Enniskillen, which was built on an island — it was delivered up by the warders for a bribe ; in which he left a strong garrison. And Sir Richard Bingham governor of Connaught, who was present, having executed all the men that fell into his hands, gathered the women, children, and old people of the place, and flung them into the river from the battlements of the bridge.^ But Maguire and O'Donnell laid siege to the town, plundered the adherents of the English in the surrounding country, and cut off" all supplies. At the end of about six weeks, when the garrison had been reduced to great distress, the deputy directed Sir Henry Duke and Sir Edward Herbert with Sir Richard Bingham, to proceed towards the town with a considerable force and attempt to throw in provisions. When news of this reached Enniskillen, O'Donnell, who was becoming impatient at O'Neill's persistence in holding aloof, sent him an earnest and half-angry request for help for Maguire. O'Neill, wishing to avoid an open breach with the government, took no steps in the matter ; but his brother Cormac joined Maguire with a small troop of 400 horse and foot, in such a manner that it was impossible to tell whether or not it was done with the consent of the earl.
With his augmented forces Maguire intercepted the advancing relief party, on the 7th of August, 1594, at a ford on the river Arney, now spanned by Drumane bridge, five miles south of Enniskillen. Here the royal forces were defeated with a loss of 400 men ; and the survivors fled, abandoning all their stores, so that the place was afterwards called Bellanabriska, the ford of the biscuits. When the garrison of Enniskillen heard of this disaster they capitulated ; and Maguire permitted them to depart

Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 62

Death of Murrogh, Brian's son, after single combat

Clontarf · parish · Dublin · 1014

Exhausted Murrogh grappled the Norse leader Anrad, killed him with his own sword, but was mortally stabbed in the process; he lived through the night and received the last rites before dying near Clontarf.

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After the rout of the Danish main body, and when the fortune of the day was decided, scattered parties of Danes, scorning or unable to fly, continued to fight for life with despairing fury at various points over the plain. On one of those groups came Murrogh, still fighting, but so fatigued that he could scarce lift his hands. Anrad the leader of the band, ' the head of valour and bravery of Lochlann,' dashed at him furiously. But Murrogh, who had dropped his sword, closing on him, grasped him in his arms, and by main strength pulled his armour over his head : then getting him under, he seized the Norseman's sword and thrust it three times through his body to the very ground. Anrad, writhing in the death agony, plunged his dagger into the prince's side, inflicting a mortal wound. But the Irish hero had still strength enough left to behead the Dane : and he lived till next morning, when he received the solemn rites of the church.
The heroic boy Turlogh fought valiantly during the day in his father's division, side by side with his elder relatives. After the battle — late in the evening — he was found drowned at the fishing weir of the Tolka, with his hands entangled in the long hair of a Dane, whom he had pursued into the tide at the time of the great flight.

Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 24

Famine and cannibalism witnessed by Spenser in Munster

Munster · province · 1582–1583

Edmund Spenser described the wretched famine-stricken people of Munster after the rebellion, who crept from the woods unable to walk, resembling anatomies of death, eating carrion, watercress, and even resorting to cannibalism.

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brought by the constant destruction and spoiling of their crops and cattle, may be gathered from Edmund Spenser's description of what he witnessed with his own eyes : — ' Notwithstanding that the same [province of Munster] was a most rich and plentiful countrey, full of corne and cattle, yet ere one yeare and a halfe they [the people] were brought to such wretchednesse as that any stony hart would have rued the same. Out of every corner of the woods and glynnes they came creeping forth upon their hands, for their legges could not beare them ; they looked like anatomies of death, they spake like ghosts crying out of their graves ; they did eate the dead carrions, happy where they could finde them, yea and one another soone after, insomuch as the very carcasses they spared not to scrape out of their graves ; and if they found a plot of watercresses or shamrocks there they flocked as to a feast for the time : that in short space of time there were none [i.e. no people] almost left, and a most populous and plentifull country suddainely left voide of man and beast.' ^
It is but justice to observe that Spenser did not write these words — sympathetic as some of them are — with any kind or merciful intention. On the contrary, he suggested, plainly enough though indirectly, that the same thing should be done over again : that the means of subsistence should be destroyed and the people killed off by starvation, not only in Munster but all over Ireland, as the best way to reduce the country to subjection.

Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich

Kildare Admits Burning Cashel Cathedral

Cashel · townland · Tipperary · 1495–1496

The Great Earl of Kildare was accused before Henry VII of sacrilegiously burning the cathedral church of Cashel. He replied bluntly that he would not have done so only he thought the archbishop was inside it, provoking laughter from the king.

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this was no easy matter, for he had made many enemies in Ireland, and he was now to face a whole crowd of accusers. One of the charges against him was that he had sacrilegiously burned the cathedral church of Cashel ; to which he replied, with a rough sort of simplicity, that it was true enough, but that he would not have done so only he thought the archbishop was in it. The archbishop himself w^as present listening; and this reply was so unexpectedly plain and blunt — the excuse being the greatest aggravation of the crime — that king Henry, who we have seen was disposed in his favour, burst out laughing. The king advised him to have the aid of counsel, saying that he might have any one he pleased ; to which the earl, having first obtained the royal pledge that he should have any man he chose, answered that he would have the best counsel in England, namely, the king himself; at which his majesty laughed as heartily as before. At last when one of his accusers exclaimed with great vehemence : ' All Ireland cannot rule this man ! ' he ended the matter by replying : ' Then if all Ireland cannot rule him, he shall rule all Ireland.' ^
Thus the Great Earl triumphed; and the king restored him to his honours and estates, and made him lord lieutenant of Ireland. But as a matter of precaution he kept his eldest son Garrett or Gerald as a hostage in the court for about seven years. The king's confidence was not misplaced ; for earl Garrett during the remainder of his life proved a loyal servant to the crown.

Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 45

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Cashel, around 1495 or 1496, the Great Earl of Kildare stood accused before King Henry VII of sacrilegiously burning the cathedral church of Cashel. He admitted it plainly enough, but said he would not have done so only he thought the archbishop was inside it. The archbishop himself was present, listening. The excuse was so blunt that it aggravated the crime rather than softened it, yet the king, who was disposed in the earl's favour, burst out laughing. The king advised him to take counsel, saying he might have any man he pleased. The earl first obtained the royal pledge, then answered that he would have the best counsel in England, the king himself, and his majesty laughed as heartily as before. When one of his accusers cried out that all Ireland could not rule this man, the earl replied that if all Ireland could not rule him, he should rule all Ireland. The Great Earl triumphed. The king restored his honours and estates and made him lord lieutenant of Ireland, but kept his eldest son Garrett as a hostage at court for about 7 years. Earl Garrett proved a loyal servant to the crown for the remainder of his life.

Murder of the Brown Earl of Ulster near Carrickfergus

Carrickfergus · townland · Antrim · 1333

William de Burgo, the young Brown Earl of Ulster, was struck down from behind and killed while crossing a stream on his way to Carrickfergus church on a Sunday morning. The crime was carried out by his own uncle by marriage, Richard de Mandeville, instigated by the earl's aunt for private revenge. Enraged locals subsequently killed 300 suspected accomplices in vengeance.

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eighteen montlis. How little Lucy, with all his severity, had done to end the feuds of the Anglo-Irish was shown a year after his recall by the murder (in 1333) of William de Burgo the Brown Earl of Ulster, grandson and successor of the Ked Earl of Bruce's days : a crime that caused more fierce indignation than any other in the dark record of those days. The young earl, then only twentyone years of age, was on his way to Carrickfergus church on a Sunday morning, and when crossing a stream, he was struck down from behind by Richard de Maudeville, his own uncle by marriage, and killed by him and his confederates. This crime had been instigated by Mandeville's wife, the earl's aunt, for motives of private revenge ; but it did not pass unavenged like the Bermingham massacre. The Anglo-Irish people of the neighbourhood, with whom the earl seems to have been a favourite, rose up in a wild and passionate burst of vengeance, and seizing on all whom they suspected of having a hand in the deed, killed 300 of them. Many were captured also by the lord justice D'Arcy, and afterwards hanged and quartered.
The murder of this young earl lost a great part of Ireland to the government, and helped to hasten the incorporation of the English with the Irish. He left one child, a daughter, who according to English law was heir to her father's vast possessions in Ulster and Connaught, about one-fourth of the whole Anglo-Irish territory. The Connaught De Burgos, members of the family, refused to be vassals of an infant girl, knowing that whenever she got married the estates would pass from their family to her husband. Accordingly two of the most powerful of them, Sir Ulick (or William) Burke, ancestor of the earls of Clanrickard, and Sir Edmund Albanach Burke, ancestor of Viscounts Mayo, seized the estates, declared themselves independent of England, and adopted the Irish dress and language. ' On the banks of the Shannon, in sight of the royal garrison of Athlone, they stripped themselves of their Norman dress and arms, and assumed the saffron robes of Celtic chieftains.' ^

Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 41

The Flight of the Earls from Rathmullan

Rathmullan · town · Donegal · 1607

At midnight on 14 September 1607, the earls of Tyrone and Tirconnell and about one hundred companions embarked secretly by ship from Rathmullan on Lough Swilly, fleeing Ireland forever for exile on the continent.

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was about one hundred. At midnight on the 14th of September they embarked, and bidding farewell for ever to their native country, they made for the open sea. After a long, stormy, and perilous voyage, they landed in France, where they were received with great distinction by all, from the king downwards. From France the earls and their families proceeded by leisurely stages to Rome, where they took up their residence, being allowed ample pensions by the Pope and the king of Spain. O'Donnell died in the following year, 1608; and O'Neill, aged, blind, and worn by misfortune and disappointment, died in 1616. His son Henry was mysteriously murdered in Brussels in 1617 ; at whose death that branch of the family became extinct.^
Let us conclude the tale of the flight of the earls by quoting Dr. Richey's weighty and well-considered words : '^ — ' The extreme impolicy of the English government throughout these transactions is remarkable. If, instead of being harassed and insulted by English bishops and garrisons, he had been frankly and loyally dealt with, his services [in maintaining order in Ulster] acknowledged, and his hands strengthened for good, instead of an Ulster reformed by a Scotch and English plantation, we might have an Ulster as thriving and cultivated, but inhabited by the descendants of its original possessors ; and the rising of 1641 and all its consequences might have been spared this country. But the hatred and suspicion of all that was Irish, the desire to utilise the country for the benefit of the English, and the greed for grants of lands and forfeited estates, in this as on many other occasions influenced the conduct of the government, the miserable results of which form the staple of our subsequent history.'

Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 72

As the companion tells it

Up ahead is Rathmullan, the town on Lough Swilly where one of the most famous departures in Irish history took place. At midnight on the 14th of September 1607, the earls of Tyrone and Tirconnell boarded a ship with about one hundred companions, bidding farewell for ever to their native country and making for the open sea. After a long, stormy, and perilous voyage they landed in France, where they were received with great distinction by all, from the king downwards. From France the earls and their families proceeded by leisurely stages to Rome, where they settled on pensions from the Pope and the king of Spain. O'Donnell died the following year, 1608. O'Neill, aged, blind, and worn by misfortune and disappointment, died in 1616. His son Henry was mysteriously murdered in Brussels in 1617, and at his death that branch of the family became extinct. The historian Dr. Richey judged that if O'Neill had been frankly and loyally dealt with instead of harassed and insulted, Ulster might have been reformed without the Scotch and English plantation, and the rising of 1641 and all its consequences spared this country.

Beheading of Hugh de Lacy at Durrow

Durrow · parish · Offaly · 1186

De Lacy had demolished St. Columba's venerable monastery at Durrow and built a castle on the site. While inspecting the works, a young Irishman named O'Meyey beheaded him with a single blow of a battle-axe, allegedly at the instigation of O'Caharny to avenge seized lands and the desecration of the sanctuary.

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De Lacy never lived to clear himself. He had demolished the venerable monastery of Durrow — St. Columba's chief establishment in Ireland, the fame of which even yet survives in the exquisite Book of Durrow (p. 105) ; and he had erected a castle on the site. When the building was nearly finished he came one day to inspect the works, attended by only three soldiers, when a young Irishman named O'Meyey suddenly drew forth a battleaxe which he had concealed under his cloak, and smote off the great baron's head with a single blow, so that body
Chap. Vn. HUOH DE LACY: PKINCE JOHN 281

Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 36

Death of Earl Sigurd and the doomed raven banner

Clontarf · parish · Dublin · 1014

Sigurd's mother had woven him a raven banner with witchcraft that brought victory but doomed its bearer to death; at Clontarf, after several bearers were slain by Murrogh, Sigurd himself took up the banner and was struck down.

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heathen witchcraft. It was in raven's shape, and whenever the wind blew, then it was as though the raven flapped his wings. It always brought victory to Sigurd, but whoever bore it was doomed to death : now in presence of the Christian host it lost the gift of victory but retained its death-doom for the bearer. And when Murrogh — or Kerthialfad as the Saga calls him ^ — approached, he broke through the ranks of the Norsemen and slew the standard-bearer : and he and Sigurd fought a hard fight. Another man took up the banner, but he was instantly slain by Murrogh, and again there was a hard fight between the two. Sigurd now calls to Thorstein to take the banner, to whom his comrade Asmund said : — ' Don't bear the banner, for all who bear it shall get their death.' Sigurd next calls out to Hrafn the Red : — ' Bear thou the banner ! ' ' Bear thy own devil thyself ! ' replied Hrafn. Then the earl himself took the banner and put it under his cloak,^ and again turned on Murrogh. But Murrogh struck off his helmet with a blow of the right hand sword, bursting straps and buckles ; and with the other felled him to the earth — dead.^
' Kerthialfad is evidently intended for Terdelhhach or Turlogh, the name of Murrogh's son, given in the Saga by mistake to the father.

Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 24

Hunting down and slaughter of Rathlin's hidden refugees

near Rathlin Island · island or archipelago · Antrim · 1575

Following the initial massacre, soldiers continued hunting for days, finding and slaying hundreds more people who had hidden in caves and cliffs along the sea at Rathlin.

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' that they be occupied still in killing, and have slain, that they have found hidden in caves and cliffs of the sea, to the number of 300 or 400 more.'
While this frightful work was going on the old chief Sorley Boy stood on the shore of the mainland, from which he could plainly see — some four miles off — the movements of the soldiers ; the smoke of their guns ; the blaze of burning houses ; and the groups of refugees as they rushed to the shelter of the sea-caves ; and he ran about distracted, tearing himself in the madness of his grief and despair. Essex got a full account of the expedition immediately after, including the pathetic incident of the old man's grief, all which he describes in a letter to an English friend. ' Sorley then also,' he writes, ' stood upon the mainland of the Glynnes, and saw the taking of the island, and was likely to run mad for sorrow, tearing and tormenting himself, as the spy sayeth.' It appears from this letter that, as Dr. Richey ^ observes, ' far from being indignant at this butchery, he thought the conduct of the soldiers highly commendable.'

Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 56

Sack of Waterford and slaughter of citizens

Waterford · city · Waterford · 1170

After Raymond breached the wall of Waterford, resistance collapsed and the townspeople, young and old, were slaughtered in vast numbers as they fled through the streets. Strongbow's marriage to Eva took place amid the bloodshed.

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ford, then governed by two Danish chiefs, Smorth and Reginald. The inhabitants made a brave defence, and twice repulsed the assailants ; but at length Raymond, at the head of a small party, made a breach in the wall by pulling down a wooden house ; and through this they rushed in. Then there was little more resistance ; and the people, young and old, were slaughtered in vast numbers as they fled panic-stricken through the streets. At this juncture Dermot Mac Murrogh, whom the earl had sent for, arrived on the scene with Fitz Stephen and Fitzgerald, and saved the lives of the Danish chief Reginald and of O'Faelan prince of the Decies, who had been taken prisoners ; and Strongbow took possession of the town. Then Dermot carried out his promise ; and the marriage of Strongbow and Eva was solemnised while the streets ran red with the blood of the citizens.

Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 32

Starvation and Cannibalism at Carrickfergus Castle Siege

Carrickfergus · townland · Antrim · 1316

During the prolonged siege of Carrickfergus Castle, the garrison agreed to surrender but then treacherously seized thirty Scottish soldiers sent to take possession, casting them into the dungeon where they were starved to death and their bodies devoured by the famishing garrison.

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The band of English who had taken possession of Carrickfergus Castle held out most heroically; and now Bruce himself came to conduct the siege in person. Meantime, towards the end of the year, King Robert arrived from Galloway with reinforcements, and was joyfully received by his brother. The brave garrison were at last driven to extremity by downright starvation ; and they surrendered on condition that their lives should be spared. Our admiration of their bravery is somewhat damped by an act of treachery during the siege. At one time they agreed to surrender the castle ; but when thirty Scottish soldiers were sent to take possession, instead of carrying out their promise, they seized the Scots on entrance and cast them into the dungeon. Here the prisoners were starved to death; and we are told that the famishing garrison devoured their bodies.
The brothers having now an army of about 20,000 Scots, and some Irish, set out early in spring (1317) for Dublin, burning, wasting, and destroying everything on their march. They encamped at Castleknock; but the citizens of Dublin took most determined measures for defence, burning the suburbs in their desjDeration, both houses and churches, to deprive the Scots of shelter ; so that the Bruces did not think it prudent to enter on a siege ; and they resumed their destructive march till they reached Limerick. But as they found this city also well prepared for defence, and as there was still great scarcity ' Four Masters, 1318. - Glyns Annals, 1318.

Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 40

Burning of Refugees in Ardee Church

Ardee · townland · Louth · 1315

As Edward Bruce's forces moved south and stormed and burned Dundalk and Ardee, they set fire to a church in Ardee in which a number of people had taken refuge, burning them all to death.

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nobles, landed at Larne with an army of 6,000 of the best soldiers of Scotland. He was immediately joined by Donall O'Neill, and by numbers of the northern Irish ; and the combined forces overran a great part of Ulster, destroying everything belonging to the English that came in their way, and defeating them in several battles. Moving southwards, they stormed and burned Dundalk and Ardee ; and at this latter place they set fire to the church in which a number of people had taken refuge and burned them all to death.
From first to last the campaign was carried on with great cruelty, and with reckless waste of life and property. All food, except what was needed for the use of the army, was destroyed, though there was a famine and the people were starving all over the country. The Bruces were humane, high-minded men. It is related that on one occasion during the hurried march fi'om Limerick to Ulster described further on (p. 306), a poor washerwoman was taken with the pains of childbirth ; and Robert Bruce, at a time when every hour was a matter of life and death to him, halted the whole army till the woman was fit for travel. Let us not, then, heap more blame on them than they deserve for the barbarous conduct of the campaign. It was the custom of the time ; if indeed that can be accepted as a palliation of inhumanity. Wallace did much the same in England, and the English often enough in Scotland. But it would be satisfactory to have to record a different and more merciful line of action on the part of the Bruces.

Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 40

Death and burial of Art O'Neill under a rock near Glenmalure

near Glenmalur · valley · Wicklow · 1591–1592

After a night and day of exposure to snow and cold while fleeing toward Glenmalure, Art O'Neill died from the effects of frostbite and exhaustion and was buried under the shadow of a rock at the site.

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They raised the unhappy sufferers and tried to make them take food and drink, but neither food nor drink could they swallow, and while the men were tenderly nursing them Art O'Neill died in their arms. And there they buried him under the shadow of the rock. Hugh, being hardier however, fared better : after some time he was able to swallow a little ale, and his strength began to return. But his feet still remained frozen and dead so that he could not stand : and when he had sufficiently recovered, the men carried him on their shoulders to Glenmalure. Here he was placed in a secluded cottage where he remained for a time under cure, till a young chief named Turlogh O'Hagan, a trusty messenger from Hugh O'Neill earl of Tyrone, came for him.
Meantime the council hearing that O'Donnell was in Glenmalure with O'Byrne, placed guards on the fords of the Liffey to prevent him from passing northwards to his home in Ulster. Nevertheless, as O'Neill's message was urgent, Fiach sent O'Donnell away with O'Hagan, and a troop of horse for a guard ; but the young chief's feet were still so helpless that he had to be lifted on and off" his horse. They crossed the Liffey at a deep and dangerous ford just beside Dublin, which had been left unguarded; passing unperceived near the green of Dublin Castle. Here OByrne's escort left them ; and from Dublin they made their way northwards, attended by Felim O'Toole and his brother. Having escorted them to a safe distance beyond Dublin, the O'Tooles ' bade Hugh farewell, and having given him their blessing, departed from him.'

Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 61

Dermot Mac Murrogh's massacre at Kildare abbey

Kildare · town · Kildare · 1135

In 1135 Dermot Mac Murrogh took the abbess of Kildare from her convent and forced her to marry one of his followers; when the townspeople attempted to prevent the sacrilege, he killed 170 of them, including some of the nuns.

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The reader will remember tliat in tlie battle of Moanmore, the men of Leinster, fighting on the side of Turlogh O'Conor, were led by their king Dermot Mac Murrogh (p. 235). This Dermot, who was in after times often called Dermot-na-Gall (of the English), was a man of great size and strength, stern in manner, brave and herce in war; and his voice was loud and hoarse from constant shouting in battle. He was cruel, tyrannical, and treacherous, and was hated in his own day as much as his memory has been hated ever since. His whole life was a record of violence and villainy. In 1135 he took the abbess of E^ldare from her convent and forced her to marry one of his followers ; and when the townspeople attempted to prevent the sacrilege, he killed 170 of them, including some of the nuns. The only good features of his character known to us were that he made himself in a degree popular with the lower classes, and that he was very liberal in founding and endowing churches and monasteries in his own province of Leinster.
In 1152, a few months after the battle of Moanmore, he carried off Dervorgilla the wife of Ternan O'Ruarc prince of Brefney, while O'Ruarc himself was absent from home. This was done with the consent, not only of the lady herself, but of her brother O'Melaghlin prince of Meath ; and she took away with her all the cattle, furniture, and jewels she had brought to her husband as dowry. O'Ruarc appealed for redress to Turlogh O'Conor king of Ireland — the victor of Moanmore — who, although he and Mac Murrogh had hitherto been on good terms, marched with an army into Leinster (in 1153) and forced him to restore Dervorgilla and all her rich dowry. This

Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 30

As the companion tells it

Coming up now is the town of Kildare. In 1135, this was the scene of one of the darkest acts of Dermot Mac Murrogh, king of Leinster. He was a man of great size and strength, stern in manner, brave and fierce in war, and his voice was loud and hoarse from constant shouting in battle. He was cruel, tyrannical, and treacherous, hated in his own day as much as his memory has been hated ever since. His whole life was a record of violence and villainy. That year, 1135, he took the abbess of Kildare from her convent and forced her to marry one of his followers. When the townspeople attempted to prevent the sacrilege, he killed 170 of them, including some of the nuns. The only good features of his character known to us were that he made himself in a degree popular with the lower classes, and that he was very liberal in founding and endowing churches and monasteries in his own province of Leinster. In later times he was often called Dermot-na-Gall, of the English. In 1152, a few months after the battle of Moanmore, he carried off Dervorgilla, the wife of Ternan O'Ruarc, prince of Brefney, while O'Ruarc himself was absent from home. This was done with the consent, not only of the lady herself, but of her brother O'Melaghlin, prince of Meath, and she took away with her all the cattle, furniture, and jewels she had brought to her husband as dowry.

Green-Mouthed Famine Victims in Town Ditches

Tyrone · townland · Galway · 1602

Moryson describes the horrific results of the deliberate famine policy, noting that multitudes of poor people, including women and children, were found dead in town ditches with their mouths stained green from eating nettles and other plants in desperation.

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Next hear Moryson.^ ' Now because I have often made mention formerly of our destroying the rebels' corn, and using all means to famish them, let me by one or two examples show the miserable estate to which the rebels were thereby brought,' He then gives some hideous details, which show, if indeed showing were needed, that the women and children were famished as well as the actual rebels. And he goes on to say : — ' And no spectacle was more frequent in the ditches of towns than to see multitudes of these poor people dead with their mouths all coloured green by eating nettles, docks, and all things they could rend up above ground.'
It will be remembered that after the battle of Kinsale O'Neill and Rory O'Donnell made good their retreat to the north. But O'Neill was not able to make any headway against Mountjoy and Docwra, both of whom continued to plant garrisons all through the province. With the few followers that remained to him, he retired into impenetrable fastnesses ; and far from taking active measures, he had quite enough to do to preserve himself and his party from utter destruction. But he refused to submit, still clinging to the hope of help from abroad.

Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 72

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Tyrone, in 1602, the aftermath of a deliberate famine policy was playing out. English forces under Mountjoy and Docwra had been destroying the rebels' corn and using every means to starve them. After the battle of Kinsale, O'Neill retreated north with his few remaining followers into impenetrable fastnesses, clinging to the hope of help from abroad, but he could not make headway against the garrisons planted all through the province. Moryson recorded what he saw. He wrote that no spectacle was more frequent in the ditches of towns than to see multitudes of these poor people dead with their mouths all coloured green by eating nettles, docks, and all things they could rend up above ground. The women and children were famished as well as the rebels themselves. The green stains on their mouths told the last desperate story of people eating whatever they could pull from the ground before the end.

Sack and Burning of Derry by O'Doherty

Derry · townland · Derry · 1608

After seizing Culmore fort, O'Doherty marched on Derry that same night, took it by surprise, slew governor Sir George Paulett, slaughtered the garrison, and sacked and burned the town.

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On one occasion, in 1608, he had an altercation with Sir George Paulett governor of Derry, who being a man of ill-temper, struck him in the face. O'Doherty, restraining himself for the time, retired ; and under the advice of his foster-brothers the Mac Devitts, and of Niall Garve O'Donnell, he concerted his measures for vengeance. He invited his friend captain Harte the governor of Culmore fort and his wife to dinner. After dinner the governor was treacherously seized by O'Doherty 's orders, and threatened ^vith instant death — himself and his wife and child — if he did not surrender the fort. Harte firmly refused ; but his wife, in her terror and despair, went to the fort and prevailed on the guards to open the gates. O'Doherty and his men rushed in and massacred the whole garrison, sparing Harte and his wife however ; and having supplied himself with artillery and ammunition from the fort, he marched on Derry that same night. He took it by surprise, slew Paulett, slaughtered the garrison, and sacked and burned the town. He was joined by several neighbouring chiefs, and held out from May to July 1608, when he was shot dead near Kilmacrenan in a skirmish with Marshal Wingfield. The rising then collapsed as suddenly as it had begun. Some of those implicated were executed, and others were sent to the Tower of London, among whom were Niall Garve O'Donnell and his son, who were kept there in confinement for the rest of their days.
INDEX

Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 73

Single combat and mutual death of Piatt and Donall at Clontarf

Clontarf · parish · Dublin · 1014

On the eve of battle, the Danish champion Piatt challenged any Irishman to single combat; Donall the Great Steward of Mar accepted, and both men fought before the two armies until each fell dead with the other's sword through his heart.

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On the evening before, a Dane named Piatt, one of the 1,000 in armour, 'the bravest knight of the foreigners, son of the king of Lochlann,' had challenged any man of the Irish army to single combat ; and he was taken up by Donall the Great Steward of Mar. Now stepped forth Piatt on the middle space and called out three times, ' Where is Donall ? ' ' Here I am, villain ! ' answered Donall. And they fought in sight of the two armies till both fell, with the sword of each through the heart of the other.
The first divisions to meet were the Dalcassians and the foreign Danes ; then the men of Connaught and the Danes of Dublin fell on one another ; and the battle soon became general. From early morning till sunset they fought without the least intermission. The thousand Danes in coats of mail were marked out for special attack ; and they were all cut to pieces ; for their armour was no protection against the terrible battle-axes of the Dalcassians.

Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 24

The Pass of the Plumes Massacre near Maryborough

Maryborough · townland · Laois · 1599

Owney O'Moore, chief of Leix, killed 500 of Essex's men in a defile near Maryborough during his disastrous southern campaign. The site was afterwards named the Pass of the Plumes for the English helmet plumes strewn about after the slaughter.

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Soon after his arrival in Dublin he foolishly scattered a good part of his army by sending detachments to various stations through the country. Then probably deeming it not yet quite safe to attempt the reduction of O'Neill, he deliberately disobeyed the queen's instructions by setting out for the south on the 21st May with 7,000 men, chiefly with the object of chastising the Geral dines. Through the whole of this disastrous journey, which occupied about six weeks, the insurgents constantly hung round the army and never gave him an hour's rest, so that he had to fight every inch of his way ; and each successive skirmish resulted in a diminution of his numbers.^ In one of these encounters Owney O'Moore chief of Leix, son of Rory Oge (p. 438), killed 500 of his men in a defile near Maryborough, which was afterwards called the Pass of the Plumes, from the number of English helmet plumes that remained strewn about after the battle. He pushed on to Caher in Tipperary, where he took the strong castle, after a siege of ten days, from Thomas Butler, one of the confederates in alliance with O'Neill : the only successful exploit of the whole expedition. It may be remarked here that this castle was recovered by the rebels in May of the following year, and recaptured by the government three months later.
During the time Essex was in Caher, Sir Thomas Norris president of Munster, while waiting for him at Kilmallock, employed himself in scouring the district all round for the queen's enemies. In one of his excursions he accidentally encountered Thomas Burke of Castleconnell, at the head of a small party at Kilteely, and was mortally wounded in the skirmish that followed. He died in a fortnight after at Mallow.^

Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 66

Battle of Belach-Lechta and death of Molloy

Barnaderg · townland · Mayo · 978

Brian defeated Molloy's army at Belach-Lechta in Barnaderg, the very site of Mahon's murder two years before. Molloy was found hiding in a hut afterward and killed without mercy by Brian's son Murrogh.

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very spot where the great crime had been comraitted two years before. Molloy was defeated with a loss of 1,200 men ; and immediately after the battle he himself was found hiding in a hut, from which he was brought forth and killed without mercy by Murrogh the young son of Brian. Thus were the three murderers dealt with. After this last battle Brian was acknowledged king of all Munster.
But now his influence began to be felt beyond his own province, and other and more powerful antagonists arose against him. While he was in the midst of his victorious career in the south, Melaghlin or Malachi II. ascended the throne of Ireland, in 980, as already stated (p. 199) ; who viewed with jealousy the growing power of the southern king. To assert his own supremacy as Ard-ri, and to humble Brian, he made an inroad into Thomond in 982, and uprooted and destroyed the venerable tree of Magh- Adhair [Moy-Ire] under which the Dalcassian kings had for ages been inaugurated. This was one of the deadliest insults that could be offered to a tribe : and it led to a war of skirmishes and plundering expeditions, which continued with varying fortunes for several years.

Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 23

Battle of Clontarf: massacre and drowning at the shore

Clontarf · parish · Dublin · 1014

During the final rout, the Danes fled along the shore towards the ships but the tide had come in, leaving them trapped between the sea and Malachi's pursuing Meathmen. Most who escaped the sword were driven into the sea and drowned in the greatest slaughter of the day.

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Towards evening the Irish made a general and determined attack ; and the main body of the Danes at last gave way. ' Then flight broke out throughout all the host.' ^ Crowds fled along the level shore between Tom ar's Wood and the sea, vainly hoping to reach either the ships or Duvgall's Bridge. But Malachi, who had stood by till this moment, rushed down with his Meathmen and cut off their retreat. When the battle commenced in the morning there was high tide ; and now after the long day the tide was again at flood, so that the ships la}^ beyond reach far out from shore.''^ The flying multitude were caught between the Meathmen on the one side and the sea on the other, with the vengeful pursuers close behind ; and most of those who escaped the sword were driven into the sea and drowned. The greatest slaughter of the Danes took place during this rout, on the level space now covered with streets from Bally bough Bridge to the Four Courts. This fearful onslaught of Malachi utterly crushed the Danes, and few escaped across Duvgall's Bridge.^

Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 24

Brian Roe O'Brien Torn Apart by Horses

near Clare · population centre · Clare · 1277

Thomas de Clare treacherously seized Brian Roe O'Brien after entering bonds of friendship with him, and had him torn asunder by horses, before taking possession of lands east of the river Fergus and building castles at Clare and Bunratty.

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But soon afterwards he took the other side ; and having inveigled Brian Roe into his power, he treacherously seized him and had him torn asunder by horses.^ Then he took possession of all the district east of the river Fergus, distributed the land among his followers, and built two strong castles at Clare and Bunratty. The sons of the murdered prince however rose up against De Clare, and defeating him in several engagements, drove himself and his father-in-law — Maurice Fitz Maurice Fitzgerald— to take refuge in the solitudes of the Slieve Bloom mountains. Here they were reduced to such want that they subsisted for a time on horseflesh. They had to yield themselves prisoners at last, and were treated by the Irish with more clemency than they had a right to expect : they were set at liberty on engaging to give satisfaction for O'Brien's death, and to surrender the castle of Roscommon.
After the English settlement in 1172 there were two distinct codes of law in force in Ireland — the English and the Brehon. A man might live safely enough under either ; but it was very unsafe and dangerous for an Irishman to live under both. Yet this was the position of a large proportion of the native Irish, viz., of all those who in any way came in contact with the colonists. The English law did not apply to them. An Irishman who was in any manner injured by an Englishman had no redress. He could not seek the protection of English law ; and if he had recourse to the Brehon law, the Englishman need not submit, and would naturally repudiate it. An Englishman might even murder an Irishman with impunity, for Irishmen ' were so farre out of the protection of the Lawe, as it was often adjudged no fellony'to kill a meere Irishman in the time of peace.' ^ Accordingly we find that when Robert de Waleys was put on his trial in Waterford in 1310 for the murder of John Macgillemory, he admitted the murder,

Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 39

Death of Marshal Bagenal at the Battle of the Yellow Ford

Yellow Ford · ford · Armagh · 1598

During the battle at Bellanaboy (the Yellow Ford) on the river Callan near Armagh, marshal Bagenal lifted his visor to look about him, and was instantly killed by a musket ball to the brain. The battle resulted in roughly 2,000 English dead, the greatest defeat suffered by the English in Ireland up to that time.

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on, but had got only a little way when they were charged by a solid body of Irish and utterly overwhelmed. It now appeared that a fatal mistake in tactics had been made by Bagenal. The several regiments were too far asunder, and the men of the vanguard were almost all killed before the second regiment could come up. When at last this second line appeared, O'Neill with a body of horse, knowing that Bagenal was at their head, spurred forward to seek him out and settle wrong and quarrel hand to hand. But they were not fated to meet. The brave marshal, fatigued with fighting, lifted his visor for a moment to look about him and take breath ; but hardly had he done so when a musket ball pierced his brain and he fell lifeless.
Even after this catastrophe the second regiment passed the trench, and were augmented by those of the first who survived. These soon found themselves hard pressed; which Cosby becoming aware of, pushed on with his third regiment to their relief; but they were cut to pieces before he had come up. A cannon had got bogged in Cosby's rear, straight in the line of march, and the oxen that drew it having been killed, the men of the fourth regiment made frantic efforts to free it, fighting for their lives all the time, for the Irish were swarming all round them. Meantime during this delay Cosby's regiment was attacked and destroyed, and he himself was taken prisoner.

Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 65

Defeat and drowning of Scots forces at Ardnaree

Ardnaree or Shanaghy · townland · Mayo · 1586

Bingham surprised a fleet of Scots allied with the Burkes as they lay in camp unprepared at Ardnaree on the river Moy beside Ballina, defeating them utterly; great numbers drowned trying to cross the river and altogether 2,000 perished.

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hearing of their arrival, marched against them, and there was some skirmishing ; till at last, by a quick and wellconcerted movement, he came on them as they lay in camp quite unprepared, at Ardnaree on the river Moy, beside Ballina. Here he defeated them utterly ; great numbers were drowned in attempting to cross the river, and altogether 2,000 of them perished.
After this victory the usual executions followed. Edmond Burke, whose two sons were implicated, was hanged merely because he was their father, though he was so old and decrepit that he had to be carried to the gallows on a bier. Another session was held in Galway in December (1586), and many were executed, both men and women. IBut perhaps the reader has had enough for the present of Bingham's frightful career.

Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Ardnaree or Shanaghy, in 1586, Bingham caught a Scots force allied with the Burkes as they lay in camp quite unprepared on the river Moy beside Ballina. He defeated them utterly, and great numbers drowned trying to cross the river. Altogether 2,000 of them perished. The usual executions followed. Edmond Burke, whose two sons were implicated, was hanged merely because he was their father, though he was so old and decrepit he had to be carried to the gallows on a bier. A session was held in Galway in December 1586, and many were executed, both men and women.

Execution of Marisco's Son by Being Torn Between Horses

Ireland · place · 1234

After Geoffrey Marisco's treacherous plot against Richard Marshal was revealed, his son who had espoused his cause was captured and executed by being torn in pieces between horses.

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gaged with his enemies in front one of the rascals plunged a dagger into his back through a joint of the armour, and he was overpowered. This ended the fight. He was taken to the castle of Kilkenny, where he would have recovered by his native strength of constitution ; but the doctor who attended him — bribed like the others — wilfully killed him with the severity of his treatment. Geoffrey Marisco met some punishment. He was banished by the indignant king, to whom the whole villainous plot had been revealed, and died in exile ; and his son who had espoused his cause, having been captured, was executed by beingtorn in pieces between horses.
Except the small territory conquered by De Courcy, Ulster had up to the present preserved its independence. But here also dissension opened the way for the invader. Maurice Fitzgerald, second baron of Offaly, one of the conspirators in the war of Kildare, who had been twice lord justice, and who had on a former occasion temporarily reduced both O'Neill and O'Donnell, now resolved to bring Ulster completely under English rule. He marched with his army northwards through Connaught in 1257 ; but was intercepted by Godfrey O'Donnell chief of Tirconnell, at a place called Credran-Kill at the Rosses near Sligo town, where a furious battle was fought. The two leaders, Fitzgerald and O'Donnell, met in single combat and wounded each other severely; the English were routed aud driven out of Lower (or North) Connaught ; and Fitzgerald retired to the Franciscan monastery of Youghal, where he died the same year, probably of his wounds.

Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 39

Execution of the Great Earl of Desmond at Drogheda

Drogheda · town · Louth · 1467

In a parliament held at Drogheda, the earls of Desmond and Kildare were attainted for exacting coyne and livery and for alliance with the Irish. Desmond was at once executed, and his two infant sons were also killed by order of Tiptoft, earl of Worcester, known as 'the butcher'.

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caused the earls of Desmond and Kildare to be arrested ; and in a parliament held at Drogheda had them attainted for exacting coyne and livery, and for making alliance with the Irish by fosterage and other ties, contrary to the Statute of Kilkenny. Desmond was at once executed, and his two infant sons were also killed by order of Tiptoft. Kildare was pardoned and set at liberty ; and Tiptoft, having accomplished what he came for, returned to England in the following year. This was all done without the knowledge of the king, who was very indignant on becoming aware of it. As for Tiptoft, he was himself, three years later on, beheaded by the earl of Oxford, whose father ' the butcher ' had executed some years before.

Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 43

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Drogheda, you're in the town where parliament met in 1467 and condemned two of Ireland's powerful earls. Desmond and Kildare were attainted for exacting coyne and livery and for making alliance with the Irish by fosterage, contrary to the Statute of Kilkenny. Desmond was executed at once, and his two infant sons were also killed by order of Tiptoft, earl of Worcester, while Kildare was pardoned and set free. All of this was done without the king's knowledge, and the king was very indignant when he learned of it. Tiptoft himself was beheaded three years later by the earl of Oxford, whose father he had executed years before.

Killing of Brian O'Neill and family at Clandeboy banquet

near Clandeboye · population centre · Down · 1574

After feigning peace, the earl of Essex was invited to a banquet by Brian O'Neill at Clandeboy; after three days of festivities he suddenly called in his guards, seized Brian, his wife and brother, and had all his people put to the sword in Brian's presence, with the family later sent to Dublin and cut in quarters.

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Finding that he was unable to wrest Clandeboy from Brian O'Neill, he made peace with him in 1574; after which O'Neill, glad no doubt to have an end of the strife, invited the earl with a large party to a banquet. When they had spent three days very pleasantly, the festivities came to a sudden and tragical termination. The earl suddenly called in his guards, and — in the words of the Four Masters — ' Brian, his brother, and his wife, were seized upon by the earl, and all his people put unsparinglyto the sword, men, women, youths and maidens, in Brian's own presence. Brian was afterwards sent to Dublin together with his wife and brother, where they were cut in quarters.' ^
But all the other deeds of this planter are thrown into the shade by his treatment of the Scots of Clandeboy and Rathlin Island. How he dealt with these is related in detail by himself in one of his letters to the queen. He first attacked those of Clandeboy, who do not appear to have at that time given any provocation, and defeated them several times, killing them mercilessly whenever they fell under his power ; of which he relates many revolting details. At last their chief, Sorley Boy, finding himself unable to resist any longer, made an offer of submission, asking to be allowed to keep his lands in the service of the queen ; and he sent day by day suing for peace.

Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 56

Mass Starvation Deaths in Tyrone

Tyrone · townland · Galway · 1602

Mountjoy's deliberate policy of destroying crops caused a devastating famine in Ulster. He reported finding nothing but dead, starved bodies throughout Tyrone, with an estimated 1,000 unburied dead between Tullaghoge and Toome and 3,000 total starved in the county.

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And now the famine so deliberately planned swept through the whole country, and Ulster was, if possible, in a worse condition than Munster. For the ghastly results of the deputy's cruel policy we have his own testimony, as well as that of his secretary the historian Moryson. Here is Mountjoy's description of what he found on his arrival in Ulster (written 29th July 1602) : — ' We have seen no one man in all Tyrone of late but dead carcases merely hunger starved, of which we found divers as we
» Pac. Hih. pp. 659, 680.

Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 72

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here, in 1602, a deliberately planned famine swept through Ulster. Mountjoy reported what he found, writing on the 29th of July 1602: "We have seen no one man in all Tyrone of late but dead carcases merely hunger starved, of which we found divers as we" — the passage breaks there. His secretary, the historian Moryson, also recorded the results. Between Tullaghoge and Toome, an estimated 1,000 lay unburied. Some 3,000 starved in the county altogether.

Siege and fall of Maynooth Castle, garrison executed

Maynooth · town · Kildare · 1535

Skeffington besieged Maynooth, Fitzgerald's strongest fortress, for nine days using artillery for the first time in Ireland; after the keep's 37 defenders surrendered expecting mercy, they were executed as an example to others.

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the great keep ; and tlie garrison wlio defended this, now reduced to thirty-seven men, seeing the case hopeless, surrendered, doubtless expecting mercy. How they fared we learn from the report of the deputy himself: — ' Their lives [were] preserved by appointment, until they should be presented to me your deputy, and then to be ordered as I and your council thought good. We thought it expedient to put them to execution, as an example to the others.' ^ Lord Thomas heard the news of the fall of his castle as he was on his way from Connaught with an army of 7,000 men to relieve it ; and from that day his followers gradually deserted him, all but sixteen, with whom he fled south and took refuge with his friend O'Brien of Thomond. He soon returned, however, and with the aid of the Irish chiefs got together another army ; and the war, and ruin, and havoc went on as before. But the fall of Maynooth damped the ardour of his adherents ; and one of his best friends, O'Moore of Leix, was induced by the earl of Ossory to withdraw from the confederacy.
But though O'Moore was now on the side of Skeffington, his sympathies seem to have been still with the rebels ; and the war was prolonged by a feeling of pity for the young nobleman. In some encounters with the government troops, his own immediate followers were spared, while those of his confederates were killed without mercy ; and on one occasion the O'Moores and O'Dempsies, having captured Lord Thomas himself, let him escape.^

Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich

As the companion tells it

Coming up through Maynooth in Kildare, you are passing the site of one of the turning points of 1535. Skeffington besieged Maynooth Castle, the strongest fortress of the Fitzgeralds, for nine days and used artillery in Ireland for the first time. The great keep held out until its garrison was reduced to 37 men. They surrendered, doubtless expecting mercy, but Skeffington reported that their lives were preserved only until they could be presented to him. He wrote that he thought it expedient to put them to execution, as an example to the others. Lord Thomas Fitzgerald heard the news of the fall of his castle while on his way from Connaught with 7000 men to relieve it. From that day his followers gradually deserted him, all but 16, with whom he fled south to O'Brien of Thomond. He returned later and raised another army, but the fall of Maynooth damped the ardour of his adherents. One of his best friends, O'Moore of Leix, was induced to withdraw from the confederacy. Even so, sympathies still ran with the young nobleman. In some encounters with government troops his own followers were spared while his confederates were killed without mercy, and on one occasion the O'Moores and O'Dempsies, having captured Lord Thomas himself, let him escape.

Ambush of Lord Grey's forces at Glenmalure

near Glenmalur · valley · Wicklow · 1580

Lord Grey's infantry marched into the savage, wooded defile of Glenmalure in pursuit of Fiach Mac Hugh O'Byrne's forces; the insurgents ambushed them from hiding among the trees, killing four distinguished officers and forcing Grey to retreat to Dublin.

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Into this dangerous defile Lord Grey, with foolish confidence, eager to signalise himself by some glorious exploit, ordered the main body of his infantry, while he himself encamped on an eminence towards the mouth. Meantime Fiach and the others had placed their men in ambush high up the valley, among the trees on both sides of the stream. The English made their way with the greatest difficulty, perplexed with bogs, rocks, and thick brushwood. Suddenly the silence was broken by a deadly volley, which was repeated over and over again, though not an enemy was to be seen. The advance party were almost all shot down without the possibility of striking a blow, and among them fell four distinguished officers : — Colonel John Moore, Francis Cosby general of the kern
' He was agent to Sir Peter Carew, and wrote a Histonj of Ireland from 154fi to 15S6.

Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich

Butchery of Dublin citizens during truce negotiations

Dublin · city · Dublin · 1170

While negotiations for surrender were underway with Archbishop Laurence O'Toole, Raymond le Gros and Miles de Cogan forced their way into Dublin and fell on the unresisting citizens, butchering them without mercy.

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Scarcely had the ceremony ended when tidings came that Hasculf of Dublin had revolted against Dermot. It should be remarked that Dermot had an old grudge against the people of Dublin ; for, some years before this, they had killed his father and buried his body with a dog ; and now came the opportunity for vengeance. Leaving a sufficient garrison in Waterford, Dermot and Strongbow marched direct to Dublin with an army of about 4,000 English and 1,000 Irish; and they made their way over the mountains by Glendalough ; for Dermot's scouts had reported to him that the roads and passes of the plains were beset by king Roderick all the way to Clondalkin. When the citizens beheld this formidable army pouring down the hill-slopes towards the city, and gathering before the walls, they were so terrified that they sent their illustrious and saintly archbishop Laurence O'Toole with conditions of surrender. Through his mediation a truce was agreed on till terms of peace should be settled. But even while the negotiations were going on, and after the conclusion of the truce, Raymond le Gros and Miles de Cogan, with a band of followers, forced their way into the city, and falling on the unresisting citizens butchered them without mercy. Hasculf and a large number of his people made their
Chap. III. STEONaBOAV 257

Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 32

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Dublin, this is the city where in 1170 a massacre happened during what should have been a peaceful surrender. Dermot marched here with Strongbow and an army of about 4,000 English and 1,000 Irish, coming over the mountains by Glendalough because the roads were held by king Roderick. The citizens were so terrified by the army gathering before the walls that they sent their archbishop Laurence O'Toole with conditions of surrender, and through him a truce was agreed. But while negotiations were still going on, Raymond le Gros and Miles de Cogan forced their way in and fell on the unresisting citizens, butchering them without mercy. Dermot had an old grudge against the people of Dublin. Some years earlier they had killed his father and buried his body with a dog, and this was his vengeance. The trouble began when Hasculf of Dublin revolted against Dermot, giving him the chance he had been waiting for.

Hugh Mac Mahon executed at his own door after a rigged trial

Monaghan · town · Monaghan · 1589

After extracting a bribe of 600 cows from Hugh Mac Mahon in Dublin, Fitzwilliam accompanied him to Monaghan, put him on trial on a trumped-up charge, starved the jury until they convicted him, and had him executed at his own door.

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self by every means in his power. He had not been long in office before he turned the whole of Ulster against the queen's government. Soon after his arrival, in 1588, some shipwrecked sailors belonging to the Armada were treated kindly by O'Ruarc of Brefney and by Mac Sweenyna-Doe. The deputy came to hear of this, and heard moreover what interested him a great deal more — that the Spaniards before re-embarking had buried a tremendous quantity of treasure somewhere near the shore. Without a moment's delay he hastened north, ' wishing,' as Cox expresses it, ' to have a finger in the pie.' But he found no treasure ; neither did he succeed in arresting O'Ruarc and Mac Sweeny, for they had fled on his approach. Enraged at this double disappointment, he seized without any provocation the first two chiefs that came to hand, Sir John O'Gallagher and Sir John O'Doherty, ' who,' as Cox says, ' were the best afi*ected to the State of all the Irish,' and threw them into prison in Dublin. O'Gallagher died of a broken heart in his dungeon, and at the end of two years O'Doherty was set free when at the point of death, and even then only on paying a heavy bribe to the deputy. ' This hard usage of two such Irish persons,' says Ware, ' caused a general dissatisfaction among the gentlemen of Ulster.' O'Ruarc escaped to Scotland, but was given up to the queen by the Scotch and executed soon after. But the deputy did much worse than even this. Hugh Mac Mahon of Farney in Monaghan had occasion to go to Dublin in 1589 to settle in the courts some matters connected with his succession ; when Fitzwilliam, before he would even hear the case, made him pay a bribe of 600 cows. Having settled the affair, he accompanied Mac Mahon in friendly guise to Monaghan, where he suddenly had the unfortunate chief put on his trial on a trumped-up charge, kept the jury without food till they brought in a verdict of guilty ; and had him executed at his own door. Then he proceeded to divide Mac Mahon's estate ; and everyone believed that he got heavy bribes from those to whom he gave the lands. ^ 1 Moryson, i. 24 ; Cox, 399,

Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 62

Massacre at Slane castle

Slane · townland · Meath · 1176

Richard Fleming built a castle at Slane from which raiding parties harassed the district. Provoked beyond endurance, the Irish under Mac Loghlin stormed the castle and massacred all within, including Fleming himself.

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In the very first year of his viceroyalty (1176) a serious disaster befel the English in Meath. Richard Fleming, one of De Lacy's followers, had built for himself a castle at Slane, from which he constantly sent out marauding parties to plunder the surrounding districts. The Irish, provoked at last beyond endurance, marched to Slane, under the leadership of Mac Loghlin, chief of the Kinel- Owen, stormed the castle, and in their cruel rage massacred all the men, women, and children, with Fleming himself, so that not a living being escaped. The Annals of Ulster say that 100 men were killed; the Four Masters 500, which seems unlikely. This created such panic among the English of those parts that they abandoned three other castles — those of Kells, Galtrim, and Derrypatrick — and fled to a place of safety.^
Among all De Burgo's followers not one was so discontented as Sir John de Courcy. He was a man of gigantic size and strength — brave and daring ; and he now resolved to remain no longer inactive, but to attempt the conquest of Ulster, which King Henry II. had granted to him five years before. So gathering round him a small band of knights and archers — to the number of about 320 according to Giraldus,^ all picked men, and as discontented with forced idleness and abstention from plunder as De Courcy himself, he set out from Dublin for the north.

Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 35

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here at Slane, Richard Fleming, one of De Lacy's followers, built a castle in 1176. From it he sent out raiding parties to plunder the surrounding districts. The Irish, provoked beyond endurance, marched to Slane under Mac Loghlin, chief of the Kinel-Owen. They stormed the castle and massacred everyone inside, men, women, and children, including Fleming himself. Not a living being escaped. The Annals of Ulster say 100 men were killed; the Four Masters say 500, which seems unlikely. The panic spread so far among the English that they abandoned three other castles — Kells, Galtrim, and Derrypatrick — and fled to safety.

Massacre at the Battle of Athenry

Athenry · townland · Galway · 1316

Felim O'Conor's army was utterly defeated at Athenry by an English force under William de Burgo and Richard Bermingham, leaving 11,000 men dead on the field including the young King Felim himself, only twenty-three years old.

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Felim O'Conor, having crushed in blood the revolt in Connaught, now declared for the Scots ; and being joined by the chiefs of Connaught and by O'Brien of Thomond, he made preparations to expel the English wholly from the province. Marching to Atbenry with a large army, he was there confronted by an army of English equally numerous, under William de Burgo and Richard Bermingham. The English were well armed, well equipped in every way, and well disciplined ; while the Irish fought as usual in their irregular fashion, clad only in their saffron tunics. The pitched battle that followed was long and desperately contested ; but at length the Irish were utterly defeated, leaving 11,000 men dead on the field. The brave young Felim, then only twenty-three years of age, from whom, as the Four Masters say, the Irish had expected more than from any other Gael then living, fell himself, fighting side by side with his men. This was by far the most decisive and fatal defeat inflicted on the Irish since the invaders first set foot on Irish soil. In it almost all the native
Chap. XI. EDWARD BRUCE 805

Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 40

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Athenry, in 1316, one of the most decisive defeats ever inflicted on the Irish took place. Felim O'Conor had crushed a revolt in Connaught, then declared for the Scots, and marched here with a large army joined by the chiefs of Connaught and O'Brien of Thomond, meaning to drive the English from the province. An English force equally numerous, under William de Burgo and Richard Bermingham, met him. The English were well armed and disciplined, while the Irish fought in their saffron tunics. The battle was long and desperate, but the Irish were utterly defeated, leaving 11,000 men dead on the field. Felim himself fell, only 23 years old, fighting beside his men. As the Four Masters said, the Irish had expected more from him than from any other Gael then living. Almost all the native leadership perished with him.

Massacre of the Culmore Fort Garrison

near Culmore · town · Derry · 1608

O'Doherty treacherously seized his friend captain Harte, governor of Culmore fort, during a dinner visit, and threatened him and his family with death unless he surrendered the fort. When Harte's terrified wife opened the gates, O'Doherty's men rushed in and massacred the whole garrison, though sparing Harte and his wife.

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On one occasion, in 1608, he had an altercation with Sir George Paulett governor of Derry, who being a man of ill-temper, struck him in the face. O'Doherty, restraining himself for the time, retired ; and under the advice of his foster-brothers the Mac Devitts, and of Niall Garve O'Donnell, he concerted his measures for vengeance. He invited his friend captain Harte the governor of Culmore fort and his wife to dinner. After dinner the governor was treacherously seized by O'Doherty 's orders, and threatened ^vith instant death — himself and his wife and child — if he did not surrender the fort. Harte firmly refused ; but his wife, in her terror and despair, went to the fort and prevailed on the guards to open the gates. O'Doherty and his men rushed in and massacred the whole garrison, sparing Harte and his wife however ; and having supplied himself with artillery and ammunition from the fort, he marched on Derry that same night. He took it by surprise, slew Paulett, slaughtered the garrison, and sacked and burned the town. He was joined by several neighbouring chiefs, and held out from May to July 1608, when he was shot dead near Kilmacrenan in a skirmish with Marshal Wingfield. The rising then collapsed as suddenly as it had begun. Some of those implicated were executed, and others were sent to the Tower of London, among whom were Niall Garve O'Donnell and his son, who were kept there in confinement for the rest of their days.
INDEX

Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 73

As the companion tells it

Coming up near Culmore now. In 1608, this was the site of a brutal turn in O'Doherty's rising. O'Doherty had been struck in the face by Sir George Paulett, the governor of Derry, and under the advice of his foster-brothers the Mac Devitts and of Niall Garve O'Donnell, he planned his vengeance. He invited his friend Captain Harte, governor of Culmore fort, and Harte's wife to dinner. After dinner, Harte was treacherously seized on O'Doherty's orders, and threatened with instant death — himself, his wife, and his child — if he did not surrender the fort. Harte firmly refused, but his wife, in her terror and despair, went to the fort and prevailed on the guards to open the gates. O'Doherty's men rushed in and massacred the whole garrison, sparing Harte and his wife. Taking artillery and ammunition from the fort, he marched on Derry that same night, took it by surprise, slew Paulett, slaughtered the garrison, and sacked and burned the town. O'Doherty held out from May to July 1608, when he was shot dead near Kilmacrenan in a skirmish with Marshal Wingfield, and the rising collapsed as suddenly as it had begun.

Storming and massacre at Carrigafoyle Castle

Carrigafoyle · townland · Kerry · 1580

Carrigafoyle Castle, Desmond's strongest fortress on the south shore of the Shannon, defended by fifty Irishmen and nineteen Spaniards under Count Julio, was taken by storm after cannon breached its walls; the whole garrison including women was hanged or put to the sword.

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For the rebels it was a losing game all through. Pelham and Ormond took Desmond's strongholds one by one. Carrigafoyle Castle on the south shore of the Shannon was his strongest fortress. It was valiantly defended by fifty Irishmen and nineteen Spaniards, commanded by Count Julio an Italian engineer : but after being battered by cannon till a breach was made, it was taken by storm about the 27th March. Without delay the whole garrison, including Julio with six Spaniards and some women, were hanged or put to the sword.^ And here it may be observed that the general practice of the English commanders throughout this rebellion was to execute all persons found in castles surrendered after siege. In a few days after the capture of this fortress the garrisons of some others of
1 Carem Papers, 1575-1588, p. 23G. ~ A.D. 1580, p. 1731.

Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 57

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here stood Carrigafoyle Castle, Desmond's strongest fortress on the south shore of the Shannon. In 1580 it was defended by fifty Irishmen and nineteen Spaniards under Count Julio, an Italian engineer. Pelham and Ormond were taking Desmond's strongholds one by one, and they battered this one with cannon until a breach was made. It fell to storm about the 27th of March, and without delay the whole garrison was hanged or put to the sword. Julio himself died with six Spaniards and some women among the dead. It was the general practice of the English commanders throughout this rebellion to execute all persons found in castles taken after siege.

Beheading of Hasculf Mac Turkill after Dublin assault

Dublin · city · Dublin · 1171

Captured Danish leader Hasculf Mac Turkill boasted defiantly to Miles de Cogan after his failed assault on Dublin, prompting de Cogan to order his head struck off on the spot.

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Cogan, passing ont silently with a small party at the western gate, came romid and attacked the Danes in the rear : and when those in the city heard the shouts, Miles again rushing out, fell on them. The Danes, taken front and rear, fell into confusion and fled : John the Mad, fighting desperately, just as he had lopped off the mailed thigh of a knight, was himself killed by the hand of Miles de Cogan. A vast number were slain, and Hasculf was captured just as he was entering his ship on the strand. The captive leader was brought before Miles de Cogan, and with imprudent boldness said to him : ' This is only the beginning : if I am alive we shall come down on this city with a much more numerous band ! ' Whereupon de Cogan ordered his head to be struck off on the spot.
But no sooner was this danger averted than there arose another one much more formidable. The patriotic archbishop Laurence O'Toole seeing the straits of the invaders, and thinking this a good opportunity for a combined effort to expel them, went through the country from province to province, and persuaded the kings and chiefs to join in an attempt to crush the enemy at one blow. And numerous contingents began to march from every side towards Dublin ; so that a great army was soon encamped round about the city, all under the nominal command of king Roderick. And they were joined by a Danish contingent from the Isle of Man and elsewhere, who entered the Liflfey with thirty ships, and cut off communication by sea.

Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 32

As the companion tells it

Dublin in 1171 was the stage for a brief and brutal episode. Miles de Cogan led a small party out silently through the western gate, came round, and attacked the Danes in the rear. When those in the city heard the shouts, de Cogan rushed out again and fell on them. The Danes, taken front and rear, fled in confusion. A warrior called John the Mad fought desperately and had just lopped off the mailed thigh of a knight when de Cogan himself killed him. A great number were slain, and the Danish leader Hasculf Mac Turkill was captured as he was entering his ship on the strand. Brought before de Cogan, Hasculf spoke with what the old book calls imprudent boldness, saying, This is only the beginning: if I am alive we shall come down on this city with a much more numerous band. De Cogan ordered his head struck off on the spot. But the danger was hardly over. Archbishop Laurence O'Toole, seeing the invaders' straits, travelled from province to province persuading kings and chiefs to join a combined effort. Contingents marched towards Dublin from every side, forming a great army under the nominal command of King Roderick. A Danish contingent from the Isle of Man and elsewhere entered the Liffey with 30 ships and cut off communication by sea.

Betrayal and arrest of Mahon at Bruree

Bruree · town · Limerick · 976

In 976 King Mahon was lured to a friendly conference at Bruree, the residence of Donovan, who seized him despite guarantees of safety and sent him to be delivered to Molloy and his Danish allies.

Read the passage

for many centuries the custom that the kings of the Eugenian and Dalcassian families should be, alternately, kings of all Munster. The Dalcassian Mahon king of Thomond, was now king of Munster, and once he was out of the way, Molloy's turn would come next. Accordingly, in 976, Mahon was invited to a friendly conference to Bruree, the residence of Donovan, who on his arrival seized him and sent him to be delivered up to Molloy and his Danish associates. Before proceeding to Bruree, Mahon, as if fearing treachery, had obtained a guarantee of safety from the bishop and clergy of Cork ; and now as an additional safeguard, he wore on his breast a well-known venerated reliquary, the Gospel of St. Finnbarr. The guarantee was violated by Donovan when he seized the king ; and a worse violation was to follow.
Molloy, having been apprised of the arrest of Mahon, sent forward an escort to meet him in the pass of Barnaderg,^ with secret instructions to kill him; and in order to lull suspicion, he sent some clergy along with them, who of course knew nothing of the intended murder. Molloy himself remained behind, within view of the pass, but a good way off. When the assassin raised the sword to strike, Mahon, perceiving his intention, flung the Gospel from him lest it might be stained with his blood : so that it lighted on the breast of one of the clergy. And when Molloy saw in the distance the flash of the naked sword, he knew the deed was done ; and calling for his horse was about to mount. ' What wilt thou have me do now ? ' asked the priest who was with him, not knowing what had taken place. ' Cure yonder man if he should come to thee,' answered Molloy, mocking ; and mounting his horse he fled from the place.

Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 23

Capture of the Sugan earl in Mitchelstown cave

Mitchelstown · townland · Cork · 1601

The Sugan earl of Desmond was hunted as a fugitive and was finally captured hiding in the great Mitchelstown cave, betrayed by his old adherent the white knight for a reward of £1,000. He was tried for treason but not executed and sent to the Tower of London where he died.

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He was at last taken in the great Mitchelstown cave by his old adherent the white knight, who delivered him up to Carew for a reward of £1,000. He was tried and found guilty of high treason; but he was not executed, lest his brother John might be set up in his place and give more trouble. He and Florence Mac Carthy, who had submitted some time before, were sent to the Tower of London, where they remained till their death. With the capture of these two, the most powerful of the Munster confederates, the rebellion in the south came to an end for the time.
While these events were taking place in the south, O'Neill and O'Donnell were kept busy in the north. The' English had a garrison in Carrickfergus, from which they dominated the surrounding country : and the authorities now determined to carry out their long cherished project of bailding forts and planting garrisons on the shores of Lough Foyle, which would enable them to command the north-western districts. For this purpose a powerful armament of 4,000 foot and 200 horse, under the command of Sir Henry Docwra,^ with abundance of stores and building materials, sailed for Lough Foyle in May 1600. At the same time, in order to divert O'Neill's attention and draw off opposition, Mountjoy marched north from Dublin as if to invade Tyrone.

Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 67

Dervorgilla's abduction and later penitent death at Mellifont

Mellifont · townland · Louth · 1152–1193

Dermot Mac Murrogh carried off Dervorgilla, wife of Ternan O'Ruarc, in 1152. She later retired to the abbey of Mellifont where she spent her days in penitence and charity, and died there in 1193 at the age of 85.

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transaction earned for 0 'Conor, and for his son and successor Roderick, the undying hate of Dermot, who ever after, so long as any power remained in his hands, took part with tlie Ulster king O'Loghlin in the struggles of Ulster and Connaught for supremacy. Dervorgilla retired after a little time to the abbey of Mellifont, where she spent the rest of her days doing works of penitence and charity, and where she died in 1193 at the age of 85.
So long as king Murkertagh O'Loghlin lived he befriended Dermot and secured him in possession of Leinster. But when that king was slain — in 1166 — and Roderick O'Conor the son of Turlogh became king of Ireland, then Dermot was left at the mercy of his numerous enemies. In this very year (1166)Ternan O'Ruarc led an army against him, composed of the men of Brefney and Meath, joined by the Dano-Irish of Dublin under their king Hasculf Mac Turkill, and by the incensed people of Leinster. Seeing that resistance was hopeless, Dermot, breathing vengeance against his revolted subjects, fled across the sea, resolved to seek the aid of the great king Henry 11. of England. Then a solemn sentence of banishment was pronounced against him ; and the princes and leaders of the invading army, having appointed a new king of Leinster, returned to their homes, fondly imagining that they had heard the last of the turbulent and hateful Dermot-na-Gall.

Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 30

Drury's mass executions including witches at Kilkenny

Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny · 1576

Sir William Drury, president of Munster, held courts across the province, hanging dozens in Cork, Limerick and Kilkenny; in Kilkenny he also had a blackamoor and two witches executed without trial by 'natural law' since existing law did not reach them.

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Sir William Drury, who was appointed president of Munster in 1576 may be taken as a fair average representative of the class, neither the best nor the worst. In the first year of his office he made a circuit through his province, holding courts as he went along for the trial of those brought before him as evil-doers. In Cork he hanged forty-three and pressed one to death ; in Limerick, twenty-two ; in Kilkenny, thirty-six, besides a blackamoor and two witches who were executed without any regular trial, hy natural laiu, as he found the law of the realm did not reach them. In his second year of office he hanged 400. Yet he thought it necessary to apologise to the government for his excessive mildness and moderation.
But these presidents tortured, hanged, and quartered all to no purpose ; for, as might be expected, they utterly failed in the main object for which they were appointed.

Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 55

Fatal Duel Between Maguire and Sentleger

Inishcarra · parish · Cork · 1600

Near Inniscarra, Hugh Maguire chief of Fermanagh encountered Sir Warham Sentleger and, in personal combat, was mortally wounded by a pistol shot but managed to fatally spear his adversary in the neck before dying shortly after receiving last sacraments.

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While here he lost one of his best officers, Hugh Maguire chief of Fermanagh, who is designated by Sir John Davies ' a valiant rebel, and the stoutest that was ever of his name.' It chanced that Maguire, riding with only three attendants, fell in with Sir Warham Sentleger, one of the two temporary governors of Munster, with a party of horse. Both were renowned for personal prowess, and here meeting face to face, neither would retire. Maguire advanced with poised spear, but was met by a pistol bullet from his adversary which mortally wounded him. Spurring on with his remaining strength he transfixed Sentleger in the neck, and then fought his way through the English lines back to camp. He had barely time to receive the last sacraments when he died : Sentleger survived the encounter only a few days.
For the last two years victory and success had attended the Irish almost without interruption ; and Hugh O'Neill earl of Tyrone had now attained the very summit of his power. But after this the tide began to turn ; and soon came the day of defeat and disaster. In the next five chapters I will relate the waning fortunes of the earl of Tyrone and the waning fortunes of his country.

Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 66

Massacre of the garrison at Glin Castle

Glin · town · Limerick · 1600

On 8 July 1600 Carew took the castle of Glin on the Shannon after an obstinate defence and executed all that remained of the garrison, including, as the Four Masters record, some women and children.

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But Carew, though given to that low cunning he so well describes, was able and vigorous in his military operations. On the 8th of July (1600) he took the castle of Glin on the Shannon belonging to the knight of Glin, one of the confederates, after an obstinate defence, and executed all that remained of the garrison, with — as the Four Masters say — sofae women and children. When O'Conor Kerry heard of this, he was so frightened that he surrendered his castle of Carrigafoyle, also on the
Chap. XIII. MOUNTJOY AND CAREW 511

Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 67

Massacre of Wounded Left at Glengarriff Camp

Glengarriff · townland · Cork · 1602–1603

When O'Sullivan Beare set out on his retreat, he left behind wounded and sick people who could not travel, believing their infirmity would protect them. Instead, Wilmot's soldiers massacred all the wounded men on the spot.

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When setting out from Glengarriff, O'Sullivan left in the deserted camp some weak women and little children, with a number of wounded and sick people who could not be moved, thinking probably that their infirmity would be a sufficient protection. But in this he miscalculated. The women and children were able to escape in time ; but Wilmot had all the wounded men massacred on the spot : — ' Next morniug,' says Carew, ' Sir Charles [Wilmot] coming to seeke the enemy in their campe, hee entered into their quarter without resistance, where he found nothing but hurt and sicke men, whose pains and lives by the soldiers were both determined.' ^
Though Munster was now quiet enough, yet several of the rebels were still at large, and there were rumours of other intended risings. Against these dangers Carew took precautions of a very decided character. Twenty years before, the province had been almost depopulated by war and artificial famine : now the same dreadful work was repeated, though on a smaller scale : the country was

Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 71

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here in 1602, O'Sullivan Beare set out on his retreat from Glengarriff. He left behind in the deserted camp weak women and little children, along with wounded and sick people who could not be moved. He probably thought their infirmity would be protection enough. He miscalculated. The women and children were able to escape in time, but Wilmot's soldiers killed every wounded man where he lay. Carew records what happened. The next morning, Sir Charles Wilmot came to seek the enemy in their camp. He entered their quarters without resistance and found nothing but hurt and sick men, 'whose pains and lives by the soldiers were both determined.' Though Munster was now quiet enough, several rebels were still at large, and there were rumours of other intended risings. Carew took very decided precautions. Twenty years before, the province had been almost depopulated by war and artificial famine. Now the same dreadful work was repeated, though on a smaller scale.

Mass execution at Galway sessions

Galway · city · Galway · 1586

Sir Richard Bingham held a sessions in Galway in January 1586 at which seventy men and women were executed.

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His governor of Connaught, Sir Richard Bingham, was a man of a very different stamp, as may be gathered from the following sketch of some of his proceedings. He held a sessions in Galway in January 1586, and seventy men and women were executed. In the same year he laid siege to Cloonoan Castle, near Corofin in Clare, held by one of the O'Briens, who had shown symptoms of disloyalty ; and when the garrison surrendered after a brave defence, they were all massacred on the spot.
He next attacked the Hag's Castle situated on an island in Lough Mask, in which two of the Burkes had fortified themselves to escape his oppression. In this attack many of his men perished ; but the defenders, believing that they could not hold out, escaped by night in two boats with their wives and children. Then Bingham razed the castle and hanged Richard Burke, one of the defenders who had fallen into his hands. After this he sent seven or eight companies of soldiers through West Connaught in search of other insurgents ; and not succeeding in catching those they wanted, they plundered and ruined the whole country, and slaughtered all they met, young and old, not sparing even those under government protection.

Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Galway, you are on ground where Sir Richard Bingham, governor of Connaught, held a sessions in January 1586. Seventy men and women were executed there. Bingham was, in the words of the record, "a man of a very different stamp," and Galway was not the end of it. That same year he laid siege to Cloonoan Castle near Corofin in Clare, held by one of the O'Briens, and when the garrison surrendered after a brave defence, he massacred them all on the spot. He then attacked the Hag's Castle on an island in Lough Mask, where two of the Burkes had fortified themselves against his oppression. Many of his men perished in the assault, but the defenders escaped by night in two boats with their wives and children. Bingham razed the castle and hanged Richard Burke, one of the defenders who had fallen into his hands. After this he sent seven or eight companies of soldiers through West Connaught in search of other insurgents. Not finding those they wanted, they plundered and ruined the whole country, and slaughtered all they met, young and old, not sparing even those under government protection.

Murder Trial of Robert de Waleys in Waterford

Waterford · city · Waterford · 1310

Robert de Waleys was put on trial in Waterford for the murder of John Macgillemory, admitted the killing but pleaded it was no felony since the victim was a 'mere Irishman'; the plea was accepted and he was let off without punishment.

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After the English settlement in 1172 there were two distinct codes of law in force in Ireland — the English and the Brehon. A man might live safely enough under either ; but it was very unsafe and dangerous for an Irishman to live under both. Yet this was the position of a large proportion of the native Irish, viz., of all those who in any way came in contact with the colonists. The English law did not apply to them. An Irishman who was in any manner injured by an Englishman had no redress. He could not seek the protection of English law ; and if he had recourse to the Brehon law, the Englishman need not submit, and would naturally repudiate it. An Englishman might even murder an Irishman with impunity, for Irishmen ' were so farre out of the protection of the Lawe, as it was often adjudged no fellony'to kill a meere Irishman in the time of peace.' ^ Accordingly we find that when Robert de Waleys was put on his trial in Waterford in 1310 for the murder of John Macgillemory, he admitted the murder,
* Ann. Four Masters, and Ann. Clonmacnoise, 1277. - Davies, BisGoverie, ed. 1747, p. 102.

Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 39

Shane O'Toole's Head Sent to the Lord Mayor of Dublin

Dublin · city · Dublin · 1514

Garrett, ninth earl of Kildare, defeated the O'Reillys and O'Tooles in 1514, killing their chiefs and sending the severed head of Shane O'Toole as a grim trophy to the lord mayor of Dublin.

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the Englisli settlements, he defeated them all in 1514, desolated then- lands, and killed the chiefs of the O'Eeillys and O'Tooles, with many of their minor chiefs — sending Shane O'Toole's head as a present to the lord mayor of Dublin; and he captured after a week's siege in 1516 O'Carroll's castle of Leap, which had baffled his father. In the same year he marched to Clonmel, which was surrendered to him ; after which he returned to Dublin.^
Turning his arms next against the north, he took by storm the castle of Dundrum (1517), which the Irish had some time before taken from the English. Then defeating and making prisoner Magennis lord of Iveagh, he captured and burned the castle of Dungannon, and overran the whole district. In the same year he again defeated the O'Carrolls and demolished their stronghold of Garrycastle in the present King's County.

Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 46

As the companion tells it

Dublin was the destination of a grim trophy in 1514. Garrett, ninth earl of Kildare, defeated the O'Reillys and O'Tooles that year, devastating their lands and killing their chiefs along with many lesser chiefs. He then sent Shane O'Toole's head as a present to the lord mayor of Dublin. It was a brutal gesture of power, delivered to the city's highest English official. Kildare went on to besiege Leap Castle in 1516 and march to Clonmel before returning to Dublin that same year.

Slaughter and pursuit of wounded Dalcassians at Athy

Athy · town · Kildare · 1014

After Clontarf, Mac Gilla Patrick of Ossory attacked the weakened, wounded Dalcassian survivors resting at Athy; though the desperate wounded men tied themselves to stakes to fight, the enemy hung on their rear afterward and killed great numbers.

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our wounds bound up with moss, and let two unwounded men stand by each of us, on the right and on the left. Thus will we fight ; and our companions will fight the better for seeing us.' It was done so. And when the Ossorians saw the Dalcassians marshalled in this manner to receive them, they were seized with fear and pity, and refused to attack such resolute and desperate men ; so the Dalcassians were at last permitted to depart without fighting. Nevertheless on their southward march Mac Gilla Patrick hung on their rear and killed great numbers of them.
After the battle of Olontarf and the death of Brian, Malachi, by general consent and without any formality, took possession of the throne. He reigned for eight years after and gave evidence of his old vigour by crushing some risings of the Danes — feeble expiring imitations of their ancient ferocious raids — and by gaining several victories over the Leinstermen. Feeling his end approaching, he retired to Cro-Insha, a small island in Lough Ennel, to devote his last days to penitence and prayer. Here in presence of the archbishop of Armagh and other eminent ecclesiastics, he died a most edifying death (1022), in the seventy-third year of his age, leaving behind him a noble record of self-denial, public spirit, and kingly dignity.

Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 24

As the companion tells it

The road is bringing you through Athy, in Kildare, and this town holds a story from 1014. After the battle of Clontarf and the death of Brian Boru, the Dalcassian survivors, wounded and weakened, stopped here to rest. Mac Gilla Patrick of Ossory came upon them and prepared to attack. The wounded men devised a desperate plan. They said they would have their wounds bound up with moss, and let two unwounded men stand by each of them, on the right and on the left. Thus will we fight, they said, and our companions will fight the better for seeing us. It was done so. When the Ossorians saw the Dalcassians marshalled in this manner to receive them, they were seized with fear and pity, and refused to attack such resolute and desperate men. So the Dalcassians were at last permitted to depart without fighting. Nevertheless, on their southward march, Mac Gilla Patrick hung on their rear and killed great numbers of them. After Clontarf and Brian's death, Malachi took possession of the throne by general consent and without formality. He reigned eight years, crushed some risings of the Danes, and gained victories over the Leinstermen. Feeling his end approaching, he retired to Cro-Insha, a small island in Lough Ennel, to give his last days to penitence and prayer. He died in 1022, in the 73rd year of his age, in the presence of the archbishop of Armagh and other eminent ecclesiastics.

The Paschal fire on the Hill of Slane defies the pagan law of Tara

Hill of Slane · hill or hills · Meath · 433

Patrick lit the Paschal fire on the hill of Slane on Easter eve, defying a law that no fire should be lit while the king's festival fire burned at Tara on pain of death; the druids warned the king that the fire's kindler would overturn his kingdom.

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At this very time it happened that the king's people were about to light the festival fire at Tara, which was a part of their ceremonial ; and there was a law that while this fire was burning no other should be kindled in the country all round, on pain of death. The king and his courtiers were much astonished when they saw the fire ablaze upon the hill of Slane, nine miles off"; and when the monarch inquired about it, his druids said : — ' If that fire which we see be not extinguished to-night it will never be extinguished, but will overtop all our fires : and he that has kindled it will overturn thy kingdom.' Whereupon the king, in great wrath, instantly set out in his chariot with a small retinue ; and having arrived near Slane he summoned the strangers to his presence. He had commanded that none should rise up to show them respect ; but when they presented themselves one of the courtiers, Ere the son of Dego, struck with the saint's commanding appearance, rose from his seat and saluted him. This Ere was converted and became afterwards bishop of Slane ; and to this day he is commemorated in the name of a little chapel beside the Boyne at Slane, called St. Erc's hermitaofe. The result of this interview was what St. Patrick most earnestly desired ; he was commanded to appear next day at Tara and give an account of his proceedings before the assembled court.
The next day was Easter Sunday. Patrick and his companions set out for the palace, and on their way they chanted a hymn in the native tongue — an invocation for protection against the dangers and treachery by which they were beset ; for they had heard that persons were lying in wait to slay them. This hymn, which is called Faed Fiada, or the Deer's cry, from the legend that Patrick and his companions appeared in the shape of deer to the intended assassins, was long held in great veneration by the

Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 18

As the companion tells it

As you come near the Hill of Slane, this is where Patrick lit the Paschal fire on Easter eve in 433. At Tara the king's festival fire was burning, and there was a law that no other fire should be kindled in the land while it burned, on pain of death. The king and his courtiers saw the blaze on this hill and were astonished. When the monarch inquired, his druids told him, "If that fire which we see be not extinguished to-night it will never be extinguished, but will overtop all our fires: and he that has kindled it will overturn thy kingdom." The king set out in his chariot for Slane and summoned the strangers. He had ordered that no one should rise to show them respect, but one courtier, Ere the son of Dego, was struck by the saint's commanding appearance and stood to salute him. Ere was converted and became bishop of Slane, and is commemorated in a little chapel beside the Boyne called St. Erc's hermitage. Patrick was commanded to appear next day at Tara before the assembled court. That day was Easter Sunday, and on the road he and his companions chanted a hymn for protection against those lying in wait to kill them. It is called the Deer's Cry, from the legend that the party appeared to their would-be assassins in the shape of deer.

Torture and hanging of Bishop O'Haly and Fr O'Rourke at Dingle

Dingle · townland · Kerry · 1579

Three strangers including Dr Patrick O'Haly, bishop of Mayo, and Rev Cornelius O'Rourke were landed at Dingle from a Spanish ship, seized by government officials, and sent to president Drury who tortured them to reveal information about Fitzmaurice, then hanged them when they revealed nothing.

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The earl of Desmond himself, who was timid and vacillating, still held aloof; and though his heart was in the cause, he took great pains to convince the authorities of his loyalty. Long before the expedition of Fitzmaurice, the government had received through their spies alarming information of a projected invasion ; and a month before his arrival at Smerwick, three strangers were landed from a Spanish ship at Dingle: — Dr. Patrick O'Haly bishop of Mayo, the Rev. Cornelius O'Rourke, and another. They were instantly seized by the government officials and brought before Desmond, who sent them straight to president Drury, a man, as he well knew, of merciless severity. By him they were put to horrible torture to force them
Chat'. Vi. GERALDINE REBELLION : SECOND STAGE 447

Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 57

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here, in 1579, three strangers came ashore from a Spanish ship at Dingle. Among them were Dr Patrick O'Haly, bishop of Mayo, and the Reverend Cornelius O'Rourke. Government officials seized them at once and brought them before the earl of Desmond, who sent them straight to President Drury, a man Desmond knew to be merciless. Drury had them put to horrible torture to force them to reveal what they knew about Fitzmaurice and his planned invasion. They gave nothing away. He hanged them.

Bloody six-day battle of Moira

near Moira · town · Down · 637

King Donall confronted Congal Claen and his army of foreign auxiliaries at Moyrath, now Moira in County Down. The sanguinary battle lasted six days and ended in the total defeat and near-annihilation of the invaders, with Congal falling in the fighting.

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Donall had been fully aware of Congal's projected invasion, and had made very deliberate preparations to meet it. He marched northwards at the head of his arm}^, and confronted the enemies of his country at Moyrath, now Moira in the county of Down. Here was fought, in 637, one of the most sanguinary battles recorded in Irish history. It lasted for six successive days and terminated in the total defeat of the invaders. Congal fell fiercely fighting at the head of his forces ; and his army was almost annihilated. An ancient Irish historical romance on this great battle has been translated and edited by John O'Donovan.
Again in 664 the terrible yellow plague swept over Ireland, after having desolated England from south to north. For three years it raged. Among its victims were the two joint kings of Ireland — Dermot and Blathmac — the king of Munster, and a vast number of ecclesiastics ; and when it ceased, the annalists say that only a third of the people remained alive (see p. 151).

Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 19

A short history of Ireland from the earliest times to 1608

The stories, best first

Massacre of Scots refugees at Rathlin Island's Bruce's Castle

Death of King Brian Boru in his tent at Clontarf

Massacre of the garrison at Smerwick

Beheading of the Earl of Desmond at Glanageenty

Massacre of Ossorian prisoners at Bannow

Dunlang O'Hartigan's magic cloak and death at Clontarf

Dying Chief O'Donnell Carried on Bier to Battle at the Swilly

Massacre of Shane O'Neill at Cushendun

Torture and execution of Archbishop Dermot O'Hurly

Beheading and mutilation of Ternan O'Ruarc at Hill of Ward

Bingham drowns women, children and old people at Enniskillen bridge

Death of Murrogh, Brian's son, after single combat

Famine and cannibalism witnessed by Spenser in Munster

Kildare Admits Burning Cashel Cathedral

Murder of the Brown Earl of Ulster near Carrickfergus

The Flight of the Earls from Rathmullan

Beheading of Hugh de Lacy at Durrow

Death of Earl Sigurd and the doomed raven banner

Hunting down and slaughter of Rathlin's hidden refugees

Sack of Waterford and slaughter of citizens

Starvation and Cannibalism at Carrickfergus Castle Siege

Burning of Refugees in Ardee Church

Death and burial of Art O'Neill under a rock near Glenmalure

Dermot Mac Murrogh's massacre at Kildare abbey

Green-Mouthed Famine Victims in Town Ditches

Sack and Burning of Derry by O'Doherty

Single combat and mutual death of Piatt and Donall at Clontarf

The Pass of the Plumes Massacre near Maryborough

Battle of Belach-Lechta and death of Molloy

Battle of Clontarf: massacre and drowning at the shore

Brian Roe O'Brien Torn Apart by Horses

Death of Marshal Bagenal at the Battle of the Yellow Ford

Defeat and drowning of Scots forces at Ardnaree

Execution of Marisco's Son by Being Torn Between Horses

Execution of the Great Earl of Desmond at Drogheda

Killing of Brian O'Neill and family at Clandeboy banquet

Mass Starvation Deaths in Tyrone

Siege and fall of Maynooth Castle, garrison executed

Ambush of Lord Grey's forces at Glenmalure

Butchery of Dublin citizens during truce negotiations

Hugh Mac Mahon executed at his own door after a rigged trial

Massacre at Slane castle

Massacre at the Battle of Athenry

Massacre of the Culmore Fort Garrison

Storming and massacre at Carrigafoyle Castle

Beheading of Hasculf Mac Turkill after Dublin assault

Betrayal and arrest of Mahon at Bruree

Capture of the Sugan earl in Mitchelstown cave

Dervorgilla's abduction and later penitent death at Mellifont

Drury's mass executions including witches at Kilkenny

Fatal Duel Between Maguire and Sentleger

Massacre of the garrison at Glin Castle

Massacre of Wounded Left at Glengarriff Camp

Mass execution at Galway sessions

Murder Trial of Robert de Waleys in Waterford

Shane O'Toole's Head Sent to the Lord Mayor of Dublin

Slaughter and pursuit of wounded Dalcassians at Athy

The Paschal fire on the Hill of Slane defies the pagan law of Tara

Torture and hanging of Bishop O'Haly and Fr O'Rourke at Dingle

Bloody six-day battle of Moira