A short history of Ireland from the earliest times to 1608

Each story keeps the passage it was read from. Open one to read it as the scan has it, and, where the companion has written its own telling, that too. The passages are read off photographs of the page by machine, so a word here and there comes out wrong; they are kept as the reading produced them, so you can check any of them against the scan.

1. Dermot Mac Murrogh's father buried with a dog in Dublin

   Dublin · city · Dublin

   Dermot harboured an old grudge against the people of Dublin because years earlier they had killed his father and buried his body together with a dog, a deliberate insult that motivated his later vengeance against the city.

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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 Dermot Mac Murrogh never forgave. Years before the events that made his name, the people of Dublin killed his father. They buried his body together with a dog. That was a deliberate insult, and Dermot carried it as an old grudge. The chance for vengeance came when Hasculf of Dublin revolted against him. Dermot and Strongbow marched straight for Dublin with an army of about 4,000 English and 1,000 Irish. They went over the mountains by Glendalough, because Dermot's scouts had told him the roads and passes of the plains were held by King Roderick all the way to Clondalkin. When the citizens saw this army pouring down the hill-slopes toward the city and gathering before the walls, they were terrified. They sent their archbishop, Laurence O'Toole, with conditions of surrender. Through him a truce was agreed until terms of peace could be settled. But even while the negotiations were going on, Raymond le Gros and Miles de Cogan, with a band of followers, forced their way into the city and fell on the unresisting citizens and butchered them without mercy.

2. Destruction of the O'Neill Inauguration Stone at Tullaghoge

   Tullaghoge · townland · Tyrone · 1602

   During his destructive campaign through Ulster, Mountjoy came to Tullaghoge, the ancient inauguration place of the O'Neills for many centuries, spoiled the corn there, and broke down the stone chair in which the O'Neills were traditionally created princes of Tyrone.

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   posited all tlieir plate and other valuables. It was situated in the middle of a great bog in the south of Antrim, near the village of Moira in Down ; and on the first appearance of the English army the little garrison of sixty-two surrendered, and Mountjoy brought away all the treasure. He then returned to Dungannon, still burning and destroying, and having fortified the town, he left it in charge of a garrison. In his destructive progress through the country he came to Tullaghoge, which for many centuries had been the inauguration place of the O'Neills ; ' and there he spoiled the corn of all the country, and Tyrone's own corn, and brake down the chair wherein the O'Neills were wont to be created [princes of Tyrone], being of stone planted in the open field.' ^

   At this time O'Neill was in the great fastness of Glenconkeine in the south of the county Londonderry, a little to the north-west of Longh Neagh, with all that remained of his army — 600 foot and 50 horse. Mountjoy attempted to follow him, but was not able to get nearer than twelve miles. So leaving Sir Henry Docwra and Sir Arthur Chichester there with instructions to ' clear the county of Tyrone of all inhabitants, and to spoil all the corn which he could not preserve for the garrison,' he returned to Dublin.

   Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 72

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere close to Tullaghoge, in 1602, an ancient seat of power was broken. This was the inauguration place of the O'Neills, where for many centuries the chiefs of that name had been made princes of Tyrone. Mountjoy came here during his destructive campaign through Ulster, burning and destroying as he went. He spoiled the corn of all the country, and Tyrone's own corn, and he brake down the chair wherein the O'Neills were wont to be created princes of Tyrone, being of stone planted in the open field. At this time O'Neill was in the great fastness of Glenconkeine, in the south of the county Londonderry, a little to the north-west of Lough Neagh, with all that remained of his army, 600 foot and 50 horse. Mountjoy attempted to follow him but could not get nearer than twelve miles. So he left Sir Henry Docwra and Sir Arthur Chichester there with instructions to clear the county of Tyrone of all inhabitants, and to spoil all the corn which he could not preserve for the garrison. Then he returned to Dublin.

3. Destruction of the sacred inauguration tree at Magh Adhair

   near Magh Adhair · monument · Clare · 982

   In 982 Malachi invaded Thomond and uprooted and destroyed the venerable tree of Magh-Adhair under which the Dalcassian kings had for ages been inaugurated, a deep insult that sparked years of conflict.

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   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.

   During this period, Malachi, while maintaining the struggle against his great opponent, and gaining many victories over other native chiefs, never lost an opportunity of attacking the Danes. In 996 he swooped down on Dublin — then and for long after a Danish city — and plundered it. Among the trophies that he brought away were two heirlooms greatly prized by the Norsemen, the ring or collar of the Norwegian prince Tomar — he who had been killed at Skee-Nechtain 148 years before (p. 194) — and the sword of Carlus, who fell in the battle of Killineer in 8G9 (p. 195). This is the incident referred to by Moore in the words : — ' When Malachi wore the collar of gold which he won from her proud invader.' On the other hand, through all this clash of arms, Brian, though sometimes sustaining defeats, steadily advanced in power. At last the two opponents, having crushed all other competitors, found themselves so evenly matched, that they thought it better to come to an

   Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 23

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere about Magh Adhair, there was once a venerable tree under which the Dalcassian kings had for ages been inaugurated. It stood here until 982, when Malachi, who had ascended the throne of Ireland in 980, came and destroyed it. Malachi, called Melaghlin by some, viewed with jealousy the growing power of the southern king, Brian. Brian's influence had begun to be felt beyond his own province, and more powerful antagonists arose against him. To assert his own supremacy as Ard-ri and to humble Brian, Malachi made an inroad into Thomond in 982 and uprooted and destroyed the tree of Magh Adhair. This was one of the deadliest insults that could be offered to a tribe. It led to a war of skirmishes and plundering expeditions, which continued with varying fortunes for several years. During this period Malachi never lost an opportunity of attacking the Danes. In 996 he swooped down on Dublin, then a Danish city, and plundered it. Among the trophies he brought away were two heirlooms prized by the Norsemen: the ring or collar of the Norwegian prince Tomar, who had been killed at Skee-Nechtain 148 years before, and the sword of Carlus, who fell in the battle of Killineer in 869. This is the incident referred to by Moore in the words: "When Malachi wore the collar of gold which he won from her proud invader." Through all this clash of arms, Brian, though sometimes sustaining defeats, steadily advanced in power. At last the two opponents, having crushed all other competitors, found themselves so evenly matched that they thought it better to come to an understanding.

4. Massacre at Ballyculhane castle

   Ballyculhane · townland · Limerick · 1581

   After David Purcell of Ballyculhane resisted plundering soldiers from Adare, Captain Achen took the castle in Purcell's absence and slew 150 women and children and every sort of person he met with inside and outside the castle.

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   absence, and ' slew 150 women and cliildren, and every sort of persons lie met with inside and outside the castle.' Purcell was captured soon after in Scattery Island by Mac Mahon of Corcobaskin in Clare, who hanged all his followers and sent David himself to Limerick where he was executed.^ ' Thus from year to year the plundering and killing went on, until there was nothing left to plunder, and very few to kill.' ^

   A report now (1581) went round of treason even within the Pale : that there was a plot to seize Dublin Castle and massacre the English. When this came to Grey's ears he took up a number of the supposed conspirators and, as the mania for hanging still possessed him, he sent forty-five of them straight to the gallows ; among others Lord Nugent baron of the Irish exchequer. He also arrested on suspicion the earl of Kildare and his son, and the baron of Delvin, and being probably afraid to hang these powerful persons, sent them for trial to England. But they proved their innocence ; and now indeed it was made clear that many or all of those he had hanged were equally innocent.

   Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere close to Ballyculhane, in 1581, a massacre took place at a castle. David Purcell had resisted plundering soldiers from Adare. Captain Achen took the castle in Purcell's absence, and slew 150 women and children, and every sort of person he met with inside and outside the castle. Purcell was captured soon after on Scattery Island by Mac Mahon of Corcobaskin in Clare. Mac Mahon hanged all his followers and sent David himself to Limerick, where he was executed. Of these years the book says: "Thus from year to year the plundering and killing went on, until there was nothing left to plunder, and very few to kill."

5. Murder of Davells and Carter at a Tralee inn

   Tralee · townland · Kerry · 1579

   Sir Henry Davells and Arthur Carter, sent to Desmond by the lord justice, stopped at an inn in Tralee on their return journey, where John Fitzgerald forced his way in at night and murdered them both in their beds, despite having formerly been intimate friends with Davells.

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   While Fitzmaurice was in Dunanore Sir Henry Davells constable of Dungarvan, and Arthur Carter provostmarshal of Munster, were sent by the lord justice Sir William Drury to the Earl of Desmond, directing him to attack Dunanore. On their return journey they stopped at an inn in Tralee, whither John Fitzgerald followed them, and forcing his way into the inn at night, murdered them both in their beds. It is difficult to discover the motive for this deed, which could not in any possible way serve the cause of the confederates ; and what made it all the blacker was the fact that Fitzgerald and Davells had been before that intimate friends. It was hard for an undertaking to succeed that began with so foul a crime.

   About a week after the expedition had landed, the O'Flahertys, seeing that the Munster people did not rise as they expected, sailed away home; and on the 26th July (1579) Fitzmaurice saw his own three vessels captured before his eyes by a government war-ship. And now the doomed little band, abandoning Dunanore in desperation, fled northwards under the three Fitzgeralds, John, James, and Fitzmaurice, to reach the great wood of Kylemore near Charleville, which had often afforded Fitzmaurice a safe asylum in days gone by. Desmond had invested the fort in accordance with Drury's directions ; but the government believed he was not in earnest, and that he intentionally allowed the little garrison to escape. Nevertheless he now closely pursued them, so that the fugitives were forced at last to separate into three parties headed by the three Fitzgeralds.

   Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 57

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere around here, in 1579, two men were murdered in their beds. Sir Henry Davells, constable of Dungarvan, and Arthur Carter, provost marshal of Munster, had been sent by the lord justice Sir William Drury to the Earl of Desmond with orders to attack Dunanore. They were on their return journey when they stopped at an inn in Tralee. John Fitzgerald followed them there. He forced his way into the inn at night and killed them both where they lay. What made the deed darker was that Fitzgerald and Davells had been intimate friends before that. It is difficult to discover the motive. The killing could not in any possible way serve the cause of the confederates. The source says it was hard for an undertaking to succeed that began with so foul a crime. Around this time Fitzmaurice was in Dunanore, and the wider rebellion was already faltering. The O'Flahertys sailed away home when the Munster people did not rise as expected. On the 26th of July 1579 Fitzmaurice saw his own three vessels captured before his eyes by a government warship. The doomed little band abandoned Dunanore in desperation and fled northwards under the three Fitzgeralds, John, James, and Fitzmaurice, to reach the great wood of Kylemore near Charleville, which had often afforded Fitzmaurice a safe asylum in days gone by. Desmond had invested the fort in accordance with Drury's directions, but the government believed he was not in earnest, and that he intentionally allowed the little garrison to escape. He now closely pursued them, so that the fugitives were forced at last to separate into three parties headed by the three Fitzgeralds.

6. Sir Walter Raleigh's plantation seat at Youghal

   Youghal · town · Cork · 1586

   Sir Walter Raleigh received 42,000 acres in Cork and Waterford under the Munster plantation and resided at Youghal, where his house is still to be seen; the text notes his incessant activity in destroying the peasantry.

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   abode in the castles of the attainted lords and gentlemen. Two of them are well known : Sir Walter Ealeigh got 42,000 acres in Cork and Waterford, and resided at Youghal, where his house is still to be seen; and if incessant activity in destroying the peasantry is to be regarded as a merit, he well deserved the reward. Edmund Sjoenser the poet received 12,000 acres in Cork, and took up his residence in one of Desmond's strongholds, Kilcolman Castle, the ruin of which, near Buttevant, is still an object of interest to visitors.

   In the most important particulars, however, this great scheme turned out a failure. No provision was made for the natives that were to be expelled; but the English farmers and artisans did not come over in sufficient numbers— 20,000 had been expected ; and the undertakers, finding it the cheapest and easiest plan, received the native Irish everywhere as tenants, in violation of the conditions. Some English came over indeed ; but they were so harassed and frightened by the continual attacks of the dispossessed owners, that many of them abandoned their settlements and returned to England. And lastly, more than half the confiscated lands remained in possession of the owners ; as no others could be found to take them. So the only result of this plantation was to root out a large proportion of the old gentry, and to enrich a few undertakers ; the body of the population — that is, the remnant that survived the slaughter — remained much the same as before.

   Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich

   As the companion tells it

   Youghal in County Cork is a town bound to one of the great confiscations of Irish land. In 1586, under the Munster plantation, Sir Walter Raleigh received 42,000 acres across Cork and Waterford. He made his seat here at Youghal, and his house is still to be seen. The record says of him that if incessant activity in destroying the peasantry is to be regarded as a merit, he well deserved the reward. The poet Edmund Spenser received 12,000 acres in Cork and took up residence in one of Desmond's strongholds, Kilcolman Castle, near Buttevant, the ruin of which is still an object of interest to visitors. The great plantation scheme failed in its most important particulars. No provision was made for the natives to be expelled. The English farmers and artisans did not come over in sufficient numbers. 20,000 had been expected. The undertakers, finding it cheapest and easiest, received the native Irish everywhere as tenants, in violation of the conditions. Some English did come over, but they were so harassed and frightened by the continual attacks of the dispossessed owners that many abandoned their settlements and returned to England. More than half the confiscated lands remained in possession of the owners, as no others could be found to take them. The only result was to root out a large proportion of the old gentry and enrich a few undertakers. The body of the population, the remnant that survived the slaughter, remained much the same as before.

7. Carew's murder on the Dublin quays

   Dublin · city · Dublin · 1583

   Shortly after arriving in Ireland in 1583, Sir George Carew murdered a man with his own hand in open day on the quays of Dublin, based on mere hearsay that the man had boasted of involvement in his brother's death. He was never brought to account for this crime.

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   Sir George Carew, though nominally under the authority of Mountjoy, was really as powerful ; he had the confidence of the queen, and the friendship and support of the English minister Cecil. He was a man of great courage and ability, but avaricious, crafty, and unscrupulous ; and he delighted, as he himself says, to accomplish his ends by ' witt and cunning.' It will be remembered that his brother had been killed in 1580 in Glenmalure (p. 454), which inspired him with the most rancorous hatred of the Irish ; and his great comfort on entering on his new position was, as he states, that it gave him an opportunity of taking revenge on those who had a hand in his brother's death. ^ One of his first acts after his arrival in Ireland in 1583 was to murder with his own hand, in open day on the quays of Dublin, in presence of several persons, a man who, he was told on mere hearsay, had boasted of being concerned in the deed. For this he was never brought to account.^

   Before entering on his history let us note another creditable feature of his character. He had considerable literary taste and talent, and he made a very important collection of historical documents relating to Ireland, a work of much labour, which has lately been published in six volumes, commonly known as the Carew Papers, so * Careiv Pajjers, 1515-1574, p. siv, - Ihid. xvi-xix.

   Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 67

   As the companion tells it

   As the road takes you through Dublin, this is the city where in 1583 Sir George Carew committed a murder in open day on the quays. He had just arrived in Ireland that year, entering a position that he himself said gave him the opportunity of taking revenge on those who had a hand in his brother's death. His brother had been killed in 1580 in Glenmalure, which inspired him with the most rancorous hatred of the Irish. Carew was nominally under the authority of Mountjoy, but really as powerful. He had the confidence of the queen, and the friendship and support of the English minister Cecil. He was a man of great courage and ability, but avaricious, crafty, and unscrupulous, and he delighted, as he himself says, in accomplishing his ends by "witt and cunning." One of his first acts after his arrival was to murder with his own hand, in open day on the quays of Dublin, in presence of several persons, a man who, he was told on mere hearsay, had boasted of being concerned in his brother's death. For this he was never brought to account. He had also considerable literary taste and talent, and made a very important collection of historical documents relating to Ireland, a work of much labour, published in six volumes and commonly known as the Carew Papers.

8. Death of Sir Cahir O'Doherty near Kilmacrenan

   Kilmacrenan · town · Donegal · 1608

   O'Doherty's rebellion, sparked by a personal grievance against Sir George Paulett who had struck him, ended when he was shot dead in a skirmish with Marshal Wingfield near Kilmacrenan after holding out from May to July 1608.

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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

   The road takes you through Kilmacrenan, a town in Donegal where a rebellion ended in 1608. Sir Cahir O'Doherty had an altercation that year with Sir George Paulett, the governor of Derry, who was a man of ill-temper and struck him in the face. O'Doherty restrained himself at the time and retired. 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 Harte's wife to dinner. After dinner the governor was treacherously seized by O'Doherty's orders, and threatened with 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. Having supplied himself with artillery and ammunition, 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.

9. De Courcy's bloody entry into Downpatrick

   near Downpatrick · town · Down · 1177

   De Courcy's half-starved freebooters arrived at Downpatrick and plundered, killed, and destroyed until half the town was in ruins. Cardinal Vivian, present in the town, witnessed the outrage and pleaded in vain for withdrawal.

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   Passing northwards with all speed, he arrived on the morning of the fourth day — the 2nd of February 1177 — at Downpatrick, then the capital of the sub-kingdom of Ulidia. So rapid had been his march that the townspeople knew nothing of it till they were startled in the early morning by the martial sounds of bugles and the clattering of cavalry in the streets. The freebooters were half-starved as they entered the town ; and now they fell upon everything they could lay hands on — they ate and drank, plundered, killed, and destroyed, till half the town was in ruins.

   It happened that at this very time Cardinal Vivian, the Pope's legate, was in Downpatrick, and was witness of the whole proceedings. He tried to induce De Courcy to withdraw to his own territories, promising, at the same time, that Mac Dunlevy, the prince of Ulidia, would pay tribute, in accordance with the treaty of Windsor (p. 267) ; but De Courcy rejected the proposal. Whereupon the cardinal, indignant at the outrage on an unoffending people, exhorted the Ulidians to fight for their fatherland, and expel the strangers. At the end of a week, Mac

   Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 35

   As the companion tells it

   Downpatrick, the old capital of the sub-kingdom of Ulidia, is the town the road passes through or near. In the early morning of the 2nd of February 1177, de Courcy arrived after a march so rapid the townspeople knew nothing of it until they were startled by the sound of bugles and the clattering of cavalry in the streets. His freebooters were half-starved. They fell on everything they could lay hands on. They ate and drank, plundered, killed, and destroyed, until half the town was in ruins. Cardinal Vivian, the Pope's legate, was in Downpatrick at that very time and witnessed the whole of it. He tried to persuade de Courcy to withdraw to his own territories, promising that Mac Dunlevy, prince of Ulidia, would pay tribute in accordance with the treaty of Windsor. De Courcy rejected the proposal. The cardinal, indignant at the outrage on an unoffending people, exhorted the Ulidians to fight for their fatherland and expel the strangers.

10. Execution of seneschal John Cotterel in Kerry

    Kerry · county · Kerry · 1345

    Sir Ralph Ufford, seeking to break the power of the earl of Desmond, captured two of Desmond's chief castles in Kerry and hanged the knights commanding them. He also captured Desmond's seneschal John Cotterel, had him hanged, and displayed his limbs and head on spikes.

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    He summoned a parliament, and again Desmond refused to attend : whereupon Ufford, marching south, in 1345, seized his estates, captured two of his chief castles in Kerry, and hanged the two knights who had command of them. Having captured the earl's seneschal, John Cotterel, he had him hanged, and his limbs and head set up on spikes ; and by a piece of treachery he seized Maurice the fourth earl of Kildare, and threw him into prison, because he had been one of the leaders of the parliament held in Kilkenny three years before.

    It would be wearisome to recount all this viceroy's arbitrary proceedings, which caused the ruin of numerous colonists. But he overshot the mark ; and his harshness at last caused a universal uprising against him. The chronicles of the time say that, in addition to his violence, he was dishonest, and enriched himself by robbery and unjust exactions. His wife was worse than himself, and, it was believed, instigated him to some of his worst deeds. He died in 1346 in the midst of his plans for crushing the Anglo-Irish lords — ' to the great joy of everyone '; and so fierce was the rage of the people against him that his wife, who had lived with the grandeur and state of a queen, had now to steal away from Dublin Castle through a back gate, with the coffin containing her husband's body.

    Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 41

    As the companion tells it

    As you travel through Kerry, you're moving through country where Sir Ralph Ufford struck hard in 1345. He was after the earl of Desmond, who had refused to attend a summoned parliament. Ufford marched south, seized Desmond's estates, and took two of his chief castles in this county. He hanged the two knights commanding them. Then he captured Desmond's seneschal, John Cotterel, had him hanged, and set his limbs and head up on spikes. Ufford also seized Maurice, the fourth earl of Kildare, by treachery, and threw him into prison for having led the parliament in Kilkenny three years before. His arbitrary proceedings ruined numerous colonists, but his harshness provoked a universal uprising. The chronicles say he was violent and dishonest, enriching himself by robbery and unjust exactions, and that his wife was worse, believed to have instigated some of his worst deeds. He died in 1346, in the midst of plans for crushing the Anglo-Irish lords, 'to the great joy of everyone.' So fierce was the rage against him that his wife, who had lived with the grandeur of a queen, had to steal away from Dublin Castle through a back gate, carrying his coffin.

11. Turgesius captured and drowned in Lough Owel

    Lough Owel · lake or lakes · Westmeath · 845

    The tyrant Turgesius, who ruled thirteen years as king of the Danes in Ireland and reportedly aimed to extirpate Christianity, was captured in 845 by Malachi, king of Meath, who had him drowned in Lough Owel in Westmeath.

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    Meantime the tyrant Turgesius continued to tighten his hold on the country. As well as we can judge of his proceedings, it would seem that he hoped to make himself king of Ireland, and that he contemplated the extirpation of Christianity and the establishment of paganism in its place. He ruled for thirteen years as undisputed king of the Danes in Ireland. But so far from building up a kingdom, the only use he made of his power was to ravage and destroy : he never seriously attempted to subjugate the native princes in a body : and his career was at last suddenly cut short by the valour of one of the provincial kings. He was taken prisoner in 845 by Malachi king of Meath, who caused him to be drowned in Lough Owel in Westmeath.

    This brave prince succeeded to the throne of Ireland in 846 — as Malachi I. — one year after the death of Turgesius. He followed up his success with great vigour, and the Danes now suffered many disastrous defeats, not only by this king, but by several of the provincial rulers. The news of the tyrant's death seems to have been the signal for a general uprising. In 848 Malachi defeated them at Fore in Westmeath, and slew 700 of them : and in the same year they were routed at Skee-Nechtain, now Carbury Hill, at the source of the Boyne, by Olcovar king of Munster and Lorcan king of Leinster, who slew 1,200 of their chief men, including Tomrar or Tomar the heir to the throne of Norway. They were driven from many of their strongholds, and great numbers were forced to betake themselves to their ships.

    Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 22

    As the companion tells it

    You are coming near Lough Owel here in Westmeath. In 845 the tyrant Turgesius was drowned in this lake. He had ruled for thirteen years as undisputed king of the Danes in Ireland, and as far as we can judge he hoped to make himself king of all Ireland, contemplating the extirpation of Christianity and the establishment of paganism in its place. Yet the only use he made of his power was to ravage and destroy, and he never seriously attempted to subjugate the native princes as a body. His career was cut short by Malachi, king of Meath, who took him prisoner and had him drowned in these waters. Malachi succeeded to the throne of Ireland the very next year, 846, as Malachi the First, and followed up his success with great vigour. The news of the tyrant's death seems to have been the signal for a general uprising against the Danes. In 848 Malachi defeated them at Fore in Westmeath and slew 700 of them. That same year they were routed at Skee-Nechtain, now Carbury Hill, at the source of the Boyne, by Olcovar king of Munster and Lorcan king of Leinster, who slew 1,200 of their chief men, including Tomrar, the heir to the throne of Norway. The Danes were driven from many of their strongholds, and great numbers were forced to take to their ships.

12. Turlogh O'Carolan, born Nobber, blinded by smallpox

    Nobber · town · Meath · 1670–1738

    Turlogh O'Carolan, the great Irish musical composer, was born in Nobber, county Meath about 1670 and died in 1738. He became blind in his youth after an attack of smallpox, after which he learned the harp.

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    A much better known jDersonage was Turlogh O'Carolan or Carolan : born in Nobber, county Meath, about 1670: died in 1738. He became blind in his youth from an attack of smallpox, after which he began to learn the harp ; and ultimately he became the greatest Irish musical composer of modern times. Like the bards of old he was a poet as well as a musician. Many of his Irish songs are published in ' Hardiman's Irish IMinstrelsy ' and elsewhere. A large part of his musical compositions are preserved,

    Chap. XI. MUSIC 97

    Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 12

    As the companion tells it

    This is Nobber, where Turlogh O'Carolan was born around 1670. As a young man he lost his sight to smallpox, and after that he took up the harp. He became the greatest Irish musical composer of modern times, and a poet too, like the bards of old. His Irish songs were published in Hardiman's Irish Minstrelsy and elsewhere, and much of his music is still preserved. He died in 1738.

13. Massacre of civilians in Kylemore, Clonlish and Delliga woods

    Kylemore · street · Tipperary · 1580

    Pelham sent loose marauding parties into the woods of Kylemore, Clonlish, and Delliga, where they killed not only fighting men but blind and feeble men, boys and girls, sick persons, idiots, and old people, according to the Four Masters.

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    found in the woods [i.e. the poor common people fleeing with their families from the destroyers], and wheresoever any house or corn was found, it was consumed by fire.' ^ Here also is the Four Masters' account^ of the same journey: — 'He [lord justice Pelham] sent forth loose marauding parties into Kylemore (in Cork), into the woods of Clonlish (in Limerick), and into the wilds of Delliga (in Cork). These, wheresoever they passed, showed mercy neither to the strong nor to the weak. It was not wonderful that they should kill men fit for action : bat they killed blind and feeble men, boys and girls, sick persons, idiots, and old people.' Those of the country people that escaped the sword, who had nothing to do with the rebellion, being deprived of their means of subsistence, died in hundreds of mere starvation. Great numbers of the English also perished, partly by famine and partly by the avenging reprisals of the peasantry.

    Before the end of the year (1580) the queen received a full account of what was passing in Ireland. She was incensed at the conduct of Pelham in needlessly proclaiming Desmond, and at the destruction of Youghal ; and she wrote him angry letters of censure.^

    Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 57

    As the companion tells it

    In 1580, Kylemore was among the woods where Lord Justice Pelham sent loose marauding parties. He sent them into Kylemore, into the woods of Clonlish in Limerick, and into the wilds of Delliga in Cork. The Four Masters recorded what happened. These parties, wherever they passed, showed mercy neither to the strong nor to the weak. It was not wonderful that they should kill men fit for action, but they killed blind and feeble men, boys and girls, sick persons, idiots, and old people. Those of the country people who escaped the sword, who had nothing to do with the rebellion, were deprived of their means of subsistence and died in hundreds of mere starvation. Great numbers of the English also perished, partly by famine and partly by the avenging reprisals of the peasantry. Before the end of 1580 the queen received a full account of what was passing in Ireland. She was incensed at the conduct of Pelham in needlessly proclaiming Desmond, and at the destruction of Youghal, and she wrote him angry letters of censure.

14. Young earl of Desmond spat upon at Kilmallock church

    Kilmallock · townland · Limerick · 1600

    The Sugan earl's cousin, restored from London and reared a Protestant, was welcomed with joy at Kilmallock, but after attending Protestant service instead of Mass he was railed at and spat upon by the crowd who had earlier longed to see him.

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    Next day, Sunday, instead of accompanying the people to Mass as they expected, he went to the Protestant church, for he had been reared a Protestant in London. They were astonished and shocked ; they crowded round him, and in their own expressive language passionately implored him not to desert the faith of his fathers. But he did not understand one word of Irish, and taking not the slightest notice of their entreaties, he passed on quietly to church. Then their feelings of affection were changed to loathing, and ' after service and the sermon was ended the earle comming forth of the church, was railed at and spet upon by those that before going to church were so desirous to see and salute him.' ^ The people returned to their homes, and never again took the least notice of him ; and as he was useless now to the government, a mere shadow, insignificant and characterless, he was sent back to London in March 1601, where he soon after died.

    The activity of Carew now began to tell on the rebellion all over Munster. The garrison of Kilmallock inflicted on the Sugan earl a crushing defeat, after which he was reduced to the condition of a mere fugitive, fleeing with a few followers from one hiding-place to another, like his uncle some years before. The president ofiered large rewards for taking him alive or dead, and there was scarce a man of note in Munster that he did not tempt to apprehend him.^

    Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 67

    As the companion tells it

    Close to Kilmallock, a young earl of Desmond was spat upon at the church, in the year 1600. He was the Sugan earl's cousin, brought back from London where he had been reared a Protestant. The people welcomed him with joy. They had longed to see him and to salute him. On Sunday, instead of accompanying them to Mass as they expected, he went to the Protestant church. They were astonished and shocked. They crowded round him and in their own expressive language passionately implored him not to desert the faith of his fathers. But he did not understand one word of Irish. Taking not the slightest notice of their entreaties, he passed on quietly to church. Then their feelings of affection were changed to loathing. After service and the sermon was ended, the earl coming forth of the church was railed at and spat upon by those that before going to church were so desirous to see and salute him. The people returned to their homes and never again took the least notice of him. He was useless now to the government, a mere shadow, insignificant and characterless. He was sent back to London in March 1601, where he soon after died. Around the same time, the garrison of Kilmallock inflicted a crushing defeat on the Sugan earl himself. He was reduced to the condition of a mere fugitive, fleeing with a few followers from one hiding-place to another, like his uncle some years before. The president offered large rewards for taking him alive or dead, and there was scarce a man of note in Munster that he did not tempt to apprehend him.

15. Battle of Allen: king Fergal and 7,000 men slain

    Hill of Allen · hill or hills · Kildare · 722

    Monarch Fergal demanded the Boru tribute and raised an army of 21,000 men to enforce it, but was met by a smaller Leinster force at the historic hill of Allen in Kildare. The royal forces were utterly defeated and Fergal himself, along with 7,000 of his men, was slain.

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    The generous action of Finaghta did not end the Boru tribute. After the lapse of two reigns, the monarch Fergal, in spite of his predecessor's solemn decision, demanded the tribute ; and on refusal he raised an army of 21,000 men among theHy Neill to enforce his demand. The Leinster king, who had only 9,000 men, appears to have out-generalled the monarch. Anyhow in the battle that followed — which was fought in 722 at the historic hill of Allen in Kildare — the royal forces were utterly defeated, and king Fergal himself and 7,000 of his men were slain.

    But not long afterwards the Leinstermen paid dearly for this victory. When Aed (or Hugh) Allen, the son of Fergall, became king, he lost no time in raising an army to avenge the defeat and death of his father. He engaged the Leinster army at Ath-Seanaigh [Ath-Shanny], now Ballyshannon in Kildare, and nearly exterminated them : A.D. 738. Nine thousand of their men fell : and Aed Mac Colgan, one of the princes who had led the Leinstermen at Allen sixteen years before, was slain in single combat by king Hugh.

    Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 19

    As the companion tells it

    The Hill of Allen in Kildare saw a battle in 722 that broke a monarch and his army. The monarch Fergal demanded the Boru tribute, which his predecessor Finaghta had solemnly decided to end. On refusal, Fergal raised an army of 21,000 men among the Hy Neill to enforce the demand. The Leinster king had only 9,000 men, but he out-generalled the monarch. In the battle that followed at this hill, the royal forces were utterly defeated. King Fergal himself and 7,000 of his men were slain. But the Leinstermen paid dearly for their victory. When Aed Allen, Fergal's son, became king, he raised an army to avenge his father's death. In 738 he engaged the Leinster army at Ath-Seanaigh, now Ballyshannon in Kildare, and nearly exterminated them. 9,000 of their men fell. Aed Mac Colgan, one of the princes who had led the Leinstermen at Allen sixteen years before, was slain in single combat by King Hugh.

16. Battle of Glenmama and pursuit to Horsepass ford

    Glenmama · valley · Kildare · 999

    Brian and Malachi's forces defeated the Danes and Leinstermen at Glenmama near Dunlavin, killing 4,000 including Harold son of Olaf Cuaran. Fleeing survivors drowned attempting to cross a ford on the Liffey, later spanned by the ruined bridge of Horsepass.

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    Mailmora king of Leinster was not pleased with the terms of this peace, which placed him permanently under the jurisdiction of Brian. In the very next year (999) he and the Danes of Dublin revolted : whereupon Brian marched north over the Wicklow highlands intending to blockade Dublin; and on his way he encamped in the valley of Glenmama near Dunlavin, where he was joined by Malachi. The Danes of Dublin, hearing of the advance of the Irish army, determined to intercept them half-way : and marching from the city with Mailmora, came unexpectedly on the camp at Glenmama. Brian and Malachi were well prepared for an attack ; and in the terrible battle that ensued the Danes and Leinstermen were totally defeated, and 4,000 of them were slain, including Harold son of Amlaff or Olaf Cuaran, the heir of the Danish sovei'eignty in Ireland. After the battle Mailmora was found hiding in a yew-tree and was taken prisoner by young Murrogli. Great numbers of the fugitives were killed or drowned in attempting to recross a ford on the Liffey now spanned by the ruined bridge of Horsepass ; and in every other direction where they fled they were pursued and cut down.^ The victorious army marched straight on Dublin and took possession of the Danish fortress. Here they found treasures of immense value ; and Brian remained in the city upwards of a month, till

    ' For a description of this battlefield see the Rev. John Shearman's note in the Wars of the Gaels n-'itli the Galls, Introd. p. cxiiv. ; and Ireland's Battles and Battlefields, by W. St. J. Joyce, p 5.

    Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 23

    As the companion tells it

    This valley is Glenmama, near Dunlavin. In 999 a battle was fought here that broke the power of the Danes of Dublin in Ireland. Mailmora, king of Leinster, chafed under Brian's overlordship. He and the Danes of Dublin revolted. Brian marched north over the Wicklow highlands to blockade Dublin, and encamped in this valley, where Malachi joined him. The Danes, hearing of the Irish advance, marched out from the city with Mailmora to intercept them, and came unexpectedly on the camp at Glenmama. Brian and Malachi were ready. In the battle that followed the Danes and Leinstermen were totally defeated. 4,000 were slain, including Harold, son of Olaf Cuaran, heir of the Danish sovereignty in Ireland. After the fighting, Mailmora was found hiding in a yew tree and taken prisoner by young Murrough. Great numbers of fugitives were killed or drowned trying to recross a ford on the Liffey, now spanned by the ruined bridge of Horsepass. In every other direction they fled, they were pursued and cut down. The victorious army marched straight on Dublin and took the Danish fortress, where they found treasures of immense value. Brian remained in the city for upwards of a month.

17. Blinding of Murrogh at Athleague

    Lanesborough · town · Longford · 1177

    English forces guided by Murrogh, son of King Roderick O'Conor, were overtaken and killed in great numbers at the ford of Athleague at Lanesborough; the traitor Murrogh was captured and, with his father's consent, had his eyes put out.

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    In the second year of De Burgo's viceroyalty (1177) there was an invasion of Connaught by the English, which was disgraceful to the Irish prince that instigated it, and equally so to the English ; for it must be remembered that Roderick 0' Conor had Connaught secured to him only two years before by the treaty of Windsor (p. 267). Roderick's son Murrogh, having some quarrel with his father, induced Miles de Cogan to head an expedition into the province ; and Morrogh himself was their guide. But the Connaught people, having notice of their approach, retreated to the mountains with their cattle, burned some churches and all the houses, and destroyed whatever provisions they could not bring away or hide. The English advanced hj Roscommon to Tuam, destroying everything — houses, churches, and farmsteads — but soon began to suffer from want of provisions ; and hearing that Roderick was coming down on them with his army, they fled precipitately towards the Shannon. But they were overtaken at the ford of Athleague at Lanesborough before they had time to cross, where a great number of them were killed, and the rest escaped with difficulty. The traitor Murrogh was captured by the Connaughtmen, who with the consent of his father put out his eyes.^

    William de Burgo became at last so unpopular with the colonists that King Henry removed him from the viceroyalty (1178), and appointed Hugh de Lacy in his place, with Robert le Poer to assist him. At the same time the king made a grant of South Munster to Miles de Cogan and Robert Fitzstephen, and another of North Munster to Philip de Braose ; and he appointed Robert le Poer

    Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 36

    As the companion tells it

    This is the town of Lanesborough. In 1177, in the second year of William de Burgo's viceroyalty, the English invaded Connaught, and the shame of it belongs to both sides. Roderick O'Conor had the province secured to him only two years before by the treaty of Windsor. Yet Roderick's own son Murrogh, having some quarrel with his father, induced Miles de Cogan to head an expedition into the province, and Murrogh himself served as their guide. The Connaught people had notice of their approach. They retreated to the mountains with their cattle, burned some churches and all the houses, and destroyed whatever provisions they could not bring away or hide. The English advanced by Roscommon to Tuam, destroying everything, houses, churches, and farmsteads, but soon began to suffer from want of provisions. Hearing that Roderick was coming down on them with his army, they fled precipitately towards the Shannon. They were overtaken at the ford of Athleague at Lanesborough before they had time to cross. A great number of them were killed there, and the rest escaped with difficulty. The Connaughtmen captured Murrogh, and with the consent of his father they put out his eyes.

18. Death and burial of King Magnus of Norway at Downpatrick

    near Downpatrick · town · Down · 1102

    Magnus, king of Norway, landed on the coast of Ulster but was caught in an ambuscade and he and his whole party were slain. His body was treated with great respect by the Irish and buried in the cathedral of Downpatrick.

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    Though the Danes in Ireland were now quiet enough, yet the proceedings of Magnus the powerful king of Norway show that the foreign Danes had not quite relinquished the idea of conquering Ireland. In the year 1102 he made a hostile descent on Dublin, but was confronted by Murkertagh with a large army. Deterred by this reception, he did not fight ; a peace of one year was made ; and Murkertagh gave his daughter in marriage to Magnus's son Sigurd, the newly appointed king of the Hebrides. At the end of the year Magnus renewed his attempt however, by landing on the coast of Ulster ; but he was caught in an ambuscade, and he and his whole party were slain ; whereupon those that remained on board sailed away home with the fleet. The body of the Danish king was treated with great respect by the Irish, and was buried in the cathedral of Downpatrick.^ A circumstance that, on the other hand, indicates the increasing goodwill between the Irish and Danes was the application of the Danes of Man and the Hebrides to Murkertagh (or more probably to his father Turlogh) for a member of his family to be king over them during the minority of their own king. He sent them his nephew Donall O'Brien, who however turned out an intolerable tyrant, and was expelled by his subjects at the end of three years. Another Donall O'Brien, his cousin, ruled the Danes of Dublin about the same time.

    The long contest between these two powerful rivals — O'Brien and O'Loughlin — remained undecided to the last, for neither succeeded in completely and finally crushing the other ; and they are both spoken of as kings of Ireland, reigning with equal authority, though O'Brien was certainly the more distinguished king. Both ended their days in

    Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 25

    As the companion tells it

    Downpatrick is the town you are passing through or near, and it holds the burial place of a king of Norway. In 1102 Magnus, the powerful king of Norway, made a hostile descent on Dublin. He was confronted by Murkertagh with a large army. Deterred by this reception, he did not fight. A peace of one year was made, and Murkertagh gave his daughter in marriage to Magnus's son Sigurd, the newly appointed king of the Hebrides. At the end of the year Magnus renewed his attempt, landing on the coast of Ulster. But he was caught in an ambuscade, and he and his whole party were slain. Whereupon those that remained on board sailed away home with the fleet. The body of the Danish king was treated with great respect by the Irish, and was buried in the cathedral of Downpatrick. His coming had shown that the foreign Danes had not quite relinquished the idea of conquering Ireland, though the Danes in Ireland themselves were now quiet enough. The goodwill between the Irish and Danes was growing in other ways. The Danes of Man and the Hebrides applied to Murkertagh, or more probably to his father Turlogh, for a member of his family to be king over them during the minority of their own king. He sent them his nephew Donall O'Brien, who turned out an intolerable tyrant and was expelled by his subjects at the end of three years.

19. Fitton's massacre at a Connaught castle

    Connaught · province · 1572

    Sir Edward Fitton described his own capture of a rebel castle, in which the entire ward of sixteen men, along with women and children, was put to the sword saving only one person.

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    1,000 Scots, traversed Connauglit and Leinster for more than four months, burning and wasting the settlements of the English and their adherents. Fitton took the field against the rebels ; and the sort of warfare he carried on we know from his own mouth. Describing his capture of one of their castles, he says : — ' And the ward, being sixteen men, besides women and children^ all put to the sword saving one.' ^ The council in Dublin thought better now to liberate the earl ; and as the rebels about the same time met with some serious reverses, there was a brief lull in those Connaught disturbances.

    A small company of Scots had been serving as mercenaries under James Fitzmaurice. With these he crossed the country from the Galtys to Kerry in this same year (1572); but finding on his arrival that Castlemaine, his last stronghold, had been taken, he made his way back to Aherlow after indescribable perils and hardships. In October, the garrison which Perrot had left in Kilmallock surprised his party at night, and slew a number of his Scots. This blow crushed his spirit : he was worn out body and mind ; and on an intimation being sent to him that he would be pardoned if he promised loyalty, he sent to the president early in 1573 to proffer his submission. Two days later, in the ruined church of Kilmallock, he made his submission in humiliating fashion on bended knees before the president, who held a naked sword at the suppliant's breast. Soon after this he fled to France.

    Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 55

    As the companion tells it

    In 1572, the road you are travelling through runs through Connaught, a province that saw brutal warfare in that year. A thousand Scots had traversed Connaught and Leinster for more than four months, burning and wasting the settlements of the English and their adherents. Sir Edward Fitton took the field against the rebels. The sort of warfare he carried on is known from his own mouth. Describing his capture of one of their castles, he said the ward, being sixteen men, besides women and children, were all put to the sword saving one. Sixteen men, and the women and children with them, killed, and only one person spared. After this, the council in Dublin thought it better to liberate the earl. The rebels met with some serious reverses around the same time, and there was a brief lull in the Connaught disturbances. The violence Fitton described was not unusual for the campaigns of that year. James Fitzmaurice had been leading a small company of Scots as mercenaries, crossing from the Galtys to Kerry. Finding Castlemaine taken, he made his way back to Aherlow through great hardship. In October, the garrison left in Kilmallock surprised his party at night and slew a number of his Scots. He was worn out in body and mind, and early in 1573 he submitted on bended knees before the president, who held a naked sword at his breast.

20. Government relief force defeated at Drumane bridge, the ford of the biscuits

    near Drumane · townland · Fermanagh · 1594

    Maguire's forces defeated the royal relief party at a ford on the river Arney, now spanned by Drumane bridge, killing 400 men; the abandoned stores gave the place the name Bellanabriska, the ford of the biscuits.

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    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

    1 O'Sullivan Beare, Hist. Cath. Ihern. ed, 3 850, p. 160.

    Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 62

    As the companion tells it

    Close to Drumane, on the 7th of August, 1594, Maguire intercepted a royal relief party at a ford on the river Arney. He defeated them with a loss of 400 men. The survivors fled, abandoning all their stores, and 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.

21. King Aed beheaded after defeat at Dunboyke

    Dunboyke · townland · Wicklow · 598

    King Aed invaded Leinster to exact the hated Boru tribute, but was met by Branduff at Dunbolg (Dunboyke) near Hollywood in Wicklow. By a stratagem and night surprise, Branduff's smaller army defeated the royal forces, and King Aed was overtaken and beheaded by a Leinster chief while retreating.

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    King Aed perished, a.d. 598, in an attempt to exact the hated Borumean tribute from the Leinstermen. Branduff (Black Raven) the powerful king of Leinster resisted the claim ; whereupon Aed invaded Leinster with a great army. Branduff met him at Dunbolg, now Dunboyke near Hollywood in Wicklow. His army was very much the smaller, but by a skilfully devised stratagem, he took his adversaries in a night surprise. The battle that followed is recorded in all the annals and is celebrated in an ancient Irish historical romance. The royal forces were defeated and slaughtered, and king Aed himself, retreating with his guards, was overtaken and beheaded by one of the Leinster chiefs.

    After a number of short unimportant reigns, Donall the son of king Aed Mac Ainmire ascended the throne a.d. 627. His predecessor (Sweeny Menn) had been killed by

    Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 19

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Dunboyke, in 598, King Aed of the northern dynasty met his end. He had invaded Leinster to force the hated Boru tribute on its people, but Branduff, the king of Leinster, gathered a much smaller army and waited for him here. By a clever stratagem Branduff sprang a night surprise on the royal forces and shattered them. The battle is recorded in all the annals and celebrated in an ancient Irish historical romance. Aed, retreating with his guards, was overtaken and beheaded by one of the Leinster chiefs.

22. Massacre at Sir Edward Butler's house

    Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny · 1569

    After defeating the Butlers near Kilkenny and relieving the city, Carew marched to Sir Edward Butler's house and massacred everyone found there, including men, women, and children.

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    When Sydney heard of the alarming combination of the southern chiefs, and of the proceedings of Sir Edmund Butler, he proclaimed them all traitors (1569), and prepared for a campaign in Munster to break up the confederation. Carew, whom he commissioned to proceed against Sir Edmund Butler, began his operations by taking the Butlers' strong castle of Clogrennan near Carlow. Next marching to Kilkenny, which was then besieged by Sir Edmund, he attacked the Butlers unexpectedly and routed them, killing 400 and relieving the city ; after which he marched to Sir Edward Butler's house and massacred all he found in it, men, women, and children.^

    Sydney himself set out for the south in the autumn oi this year (1569), and after a week's siege he took Castlemartyr in (]ork, one of Desmond's strongholds ; after which he marched to Cork city, where he received the submission of several of the weaker and more timid confederates. Leaving Cork he proceeded towards Limerick, burning and destroying everything on his way, and executing every man he found in arms. In this campaign he was severe, often merciless : but he was mercy itself compared with one of his subordinates, Colonel Gilbert, who himself describes his exploits in a letter to Sydney : — ' After my first summoning of any castle or fort, if they would not presently yield it, I would not afterwards take it of their gift, but win it perforce, how many lives soever it cost, putting man, woman, and child of them to the sword.' ^ And for all this Sydney had nothing but praise for him.

    Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 55

    As the companion tells it

    In 1569 the southern chiefs of Ireland formed what the authorities called an alarming combination, and Sir Edmund Butler was among those leading it. Sydney, the king's representative, proclaimed them all traitors and commissioned a man named Carew to move against Sir Edmund Butler. Carew began by taking the Butlers' strong castle of Clogrennan near Carlow. Then he marched on Kilkenny, which Sir Edmund was besieging at the time. Carew attacked the Butlers unexpectedly and routed them, killing 400 and relieving the city. After that he marched to Sir Edward Butler's house and massacred all he found in it, men, women, and children. Sydney himself set out that autumn and took Castlemartyr in Cork, one of Desmond's strongholds, after a week's siege. He marched to Cork city, where several weaker confederates submitted. Then he headed towards Limerick, burning and destroying everything along the way and executing every man he found in arms. A subordinate of his, Colonel Gilbert, described his own conduct in a letter to Sydney. He wrote that after his first summoning of any castle or fort, if they would not presently yield it, he would not afterwards take it of their gift, but win it per force, how many lives soever it cost, putting man, woman, and child of them to the sword. And for all this Sydney had nothing but praise for him.

23. Massacre of Dursey Island Inhabitants

    near Dursey Island · townland · Cork · 1602

    After O'Sullivan's chief fortress on Dursey Island was taken, its garrison and all the people of the little island—men, women, and children—were put to the sword by Sir Charles Wilmot's forces.

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    3 ' He [Sir Charles Wilmot] sent Captaine Flemming with his pinnace, and certaine souldiers into Osulevans land [Dursey Island]. . . . They tooke from thence certaine cowes and sheepe, which were reserved as in a sure storehouse, and put the churls to the sword that inhabited therein.' — Pac. Hib. p. 659.

    Chap. XVI. THE EETEEAT OF O'SULLIVAN BE ARE 533

    Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 71

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Dursey Island, in 1602, Sir Charles Wilmot's forces took O'Sullivan's chief fortress here. Then they killed the garrison and every person on the little island. Men, women, and children. All were put to the sword.

24. Pelham's massacre march from Shanid towards Glin

    Shanid · electoral division · Limerick · 1580

    In a single day's march from Shanid Castle towards Glin, Pelham's soldiers slew above 400 people found hiding in the woods, mostly common people fleeing with their families, and burned every house and store of corn they found.

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    Pelham and Ormond carried fire and sword through the country, sparing no living thing that fell in their way. The rebels burned and spoiled ; but we find no evidence that they massacred. Hear now the account Pelham himself, writing in March 1580, gives of his manner of carrying on hostilities. In a single day's march from Shanid Castle towards Grlin : — ' Finding the country plentiful and the people but newly fled . . . there were slain that day by the fury of the soldiers above 400 people

    1 See all this related in Carew Pajyers, 1575-1588, pp. 160-164. - Four Masters, 1580. ^ Careiv Papers, 1575-1588, p. 189.

    Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 57

    As the companion tells it

    The road runs through Shanid. In 1580, Pelham marched soldiers from the castle towards Glin. In a single day's march his men found the country plentiful and the people but newly fled. Soldiers fell on those hiding in the woods. Pelham wrote of it in March 1580. He said there were slain that day by the fury of the soldiers above 400 people, mostly common people fleeing with their families. His men burned every house and store of corn they found, sparing no living thing.

25. Plundering of St. Kieran's Monastery at Clonmacnoise

    Clonmacnoise · townland · Offaly · 1552

    English soldiers from Athlone plundered the venerable monastery of St. Kieran at Clonmacnoise, stripping it of bells, images, altars, gems and even window glass. The Four Masters record the totality of the destruction in 1552.

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    The destructive spirit of the Puritans of later times began about this time to manifest itself among the English soldiers. We find it recorded that the venerable monastery of St. Kieran at Clonmacnoise was plundered by the English of Athlone ; so that, as the Four Masters (1552) express it, ' there was not left a bell small or large, an image, an altar, a gem, or even glass in a window that was not carried off.' But there was on the whole little disturbance in Ireland on the score of religion during Edward's short reign. The government officials of Dublin, whose religion was the religion of the king or queen for the time being, adopted the new form of worship without hesitation. But no serious attempt was made to impose it on the general body of Catholics, either of Dublin or elsewhere, and the Reformation took no hold on the country.

    Queen Mary, who succeeded Edward VI. in 1553, restored the Catholic religion in England and Ireland. Archbishop Dowdall was recalled and reinstated ; those of the bishops who had conformed in Edward's reign were removed, or anticipated removal by flight; and, in 1557, the Irish parliament restored to the church the first fruits and tenths. There was as little disturbance in Ireland now as there had been on the accession of Edward ; for the castle officials once again conformed without any trouble ; and the body of the people, being Catholic all through, were not affected, by the change. The property of the monasteries which had been confiscated by Henry YIII. was not restored. On the contrary, those who held

    Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 51

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Clonmacnoise, English soldiers from Athlone plundered the venerable monastery of St. Kieran in 1552. The Four Masters recorded what happened, and their words carry the weight of it. They said there was not left a bell small or large, an image, an altar, a gem, or even glass in a window that was not carried off. Everything was stripped. The destruction was total. This happened during the short reign of Edward. A destructive spirit had begun to show itself among the English soldiers around this time. On the whole, though, there was little disturbance in Ireland over religion during Edward's reign. The government officials in Dublin adopted whatever form of worship the king or queen followed at the time, without hesitation. But no serious attempt was made to impose it on the general body of Catholics, either in Dublin or elsewhere, and the Reformation took no hold on the country. Queen Mary succeeded Edward in 1553 and restored the Catholic religion in England and Ireland. Archbishop Dowdall was recalled and reinstated. Bishops who had conformed during Edward's reign were removed, or fled before removal. In 1557 the Irish parliament restored to the church the first fruits and tenths. But the property of the monasteries confiscated by Henry was not restored.

26. Plunder of Lambay Island, first Viking raid on Ireland

    Lambay Island · townland · Dublin · 795

    In 795 the Norwegian Vikings appeared for the first time on the Irish coast, plundering Lambay Island (then called Beg-Eri), site of a church founded by St. Columba. The wealth of the church likely attracted the raiders.

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    plundered Lambay Island — or BecJiVU as it was then called — near Dublin. St. Columba had long before founded a church on this island, which no doubt had now wealth enough to tempt the rapacity of the pirates.

    After this period their attacks became frequent. At first they came in small detached parties, and their raids were chiefly confined to the islands, a great many of which were then inhabited by colonies of monks (p. 163). But soon, emboldened by success, they fitted out fresh expeditions on a large scale, and often penetrated far inland, burning, plundering, and slaying wherever they came. The first series of invasions terminated in a defeat of the barbarians in 812 by the prince of Owenaght or the district round the Lakes of Killarney. This defeat seems to have been a very decisive one, for it is recorded in the Annals of Eginhard, Charlemagne's tutor, a.d. 812: — 'The fleet of the Northmen having arrived at Hibernia, the island of the Scots, after a battle had been fought with the Scots, and after no small number of the Norsemen had been slain, they basely took to flight and returned home.' ^

    Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 22

    As the companion tells it

    Close to Lambay Island, the Irish coast met the Vikings for the first time. In 795 Norwegian raiders plundered this island, which was then called Beg-Eri. St. Columba had long before founded a church here, and its wealth no doubt tempted the pirates. After this first attack, their raids became frequent. At first they came in small detached parties, and their raids were chiefly confined to the islands. Many of those islands were then inhabited by colonies of monks. But soon, emboldened by success, they fitted out fresh expeditions on a large scale, and often penetrated far inland, burning, plundering, and slaying wherever they came. The first series of invasions ended in a defeat of the Norsemen in 812, by the prince of Owenaght, the district round the Lakes of Killarney. The defeat was decisive enough to be recorded in the Annals of Eginhard, Charlemagne's tutor. He wrote: 'The fleet of the Northmen having arrived at Hibernia, the island of the Scots, after a battle had been fought with the Scots, and after no small number of the Norsemen had been slain, they basely took to flight and returned home.'

27. Siege and Battle at Ballyshannon Castle

    Ballyshannon · town · Donegal · 1597

    Sir Conyers Clifford besieged O'Donnell's castle at Ballyshannon, defended by a small Scottish-led garrison, with three days of cannon bombardment and a failed assault. During the English retreat across a dangerous ford near the Assaroe falls, many soldiers drowned or were killed by the pursuing garrison.

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    O'Donnell had but a small force on the arrival of the president ; but his men increased daily, and he now harassed the English by incessant flying attacks day and night. He stopped the supply of fodder for the horses, so that the president was reduced to great distress, and instead of besieging was now himself besieged. Having held an anxious council of war, which lasted all night, it was agreed to recross the river and retreat. But as it was impossible now to reach the ford of Culuan three miles higher up, they had to take the deep and dangerous ford nearest to them, the old ford of Casan-na-gurra, the ' Path of the Champions,' just above the waterfall of Assaroe beside Ballyshannon. Abandoning all their ordnance, carriages, horses, and stores, they began to ford the river in silence ; but before all had time to cross, the rear was set upon by the garrison ; and what with the frantic haste and the depth and strength of the current, great numbers were swept down over the falls and drowned, and many were killed by the garrison. O'Donnell, hearing in his tent the noise of battle, started up, and crossing the river with his men, pursued the retreating army for four or five miles ; but a heavy rain came on which wetted their ammunition, for in their haste they had left their outer garments behind ; so they gave up the pursuit and returned. And thus governor Clifford accomplished nothing by this expedition.^

    To meet the third detachment from Mullingar, Tyrone despatched a small force of 400 men under captain Tyrrell chief of Fertullagh in Westmeath, a guerilla chief of consummate skill and bravery, who knew every hill, valley, bog, and pass from Dublin to the Shannon. Tyrrell

    Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 64

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Ballyshannon, in Donegal. In 1597, Sir Conyers Clifford came here to besiege O'Donnell's castle, held by a small garrison. But O'Donnell's men grew daily and harried the English day and night, cutting off fodder for the horses until Clifford found himself besieged rather than besieging. After an anxious council of war lasting all night, it was agreed to retreat across the river. They could not reach the ford of Culuan three miles higher up, so they took the deep and dangerous ford nearest to them, the old ford of Casan-na-gurra, the Path of Champions, just above the waterfall of Assaroe beside Ballyshannon. Abandoning all their ordnance, carriages, horses, and stores, they began to ford the river in silence, but before all had crossed, the rear was set upon by the garrison. With the frantic haste and the depth and strength of the current, great numbers were swept down over the falls and drowned, and many were killed. O'Donnell, hearing the noise of battle in his tent, crossed the river with his men and pursued the retreating army for four or five miles, until heavy rain wetted their ammunition and they gave up the chase. Governor Clifford accomplished nothing by this expedition.

28. Starvation Siege of Portmore Garrison

    near Portmore · street · Galway · 1597–1598

    O'Neill besieged the fort of Portmore, held by captain Williams and 300 men, turning the siege into a starvation blockade. The garrison was reduced to eating horses, weeds, and grass before finally capitulating after the battle of the Yellow Ford.

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    render by mere starvation but for the good fortune of having, by some stratagem, seized and brought into the fort a number of O'Neill's horses, on which they now chiefly subsisted. Even with this supply they were so pressed by hunger that they ate every weed and every blade of grass they could pick up in the enclosure : but still the brave captain resolutely held out.

    When tidings of these events reached Dublin, the council sat in long and anxious deliberation. They decided at last, in the absence of marshal Bagenal, to send directions to captain Williams to surrender on the best terms he could obtain. But the marshal, through whom the letters were sent, held them back, and coming direct from Newry to Dublin, persuaded the council, though with some difiiculty, to entrust him with the perilous task of relieving the fort. It was decided to divide the army. Lord Ormond himself was to lead one half against the Leinster insurgents, and the marshal the other half — ' the most choice companies of foot and horse troops of the English army ' — against O'Neill.^ A prudent and skilful strategist would have directed the whole available government forces — about 10,000 men — against O'Neill: the queen would certainly have ordered it had she been consulted ; but Bagenal was filled with a rash confidence that with half the army he could rout the Ulstermen.

    Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 65

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere about Portmore stood a fort under siege. O'Neill had surrounded it, and Captain Williams and his men held out inside. They kept themselves alive by a stroke of fortune: through some stratagem they seized a number of O'Neill's horses and brought them into the fort, and fed on them. Even so, hunger pressed them so hard that they ate every weed and every blade of grass they could pick up in the enclosure. Still the brave captain resolutely held out. When word of all this reached Dublin, the council sat in long and anxious deliberation. They decided, in the absence of Marshal Bagenal, to send directions to Captain Williams to surrender on the best terms he could obtain. But the marshal, through whom the letters were sent, held them back. He came direct from Newry to Dublin and persuaded the council, though with some difficulty, to entrust him with the task of relieving the fort. It was decided to divide the army. Lord Ormond was to lead one half against the Leinster insurgents, and the marshal the other half, described as the most choice companies of foot and horse troops of the English army, against O'Neill. A prudent strategist would have directed the whole available government forces, about 10,000 men, against O'Neill. The queen would certainly have ordered it had she been consulted. But Bagenal was filled with a rash confidence that with half the army he could rout the Ulstermen.

29. Battle of Glenshesk near Ballycastle

    Glenshesk · valley · Antrim · 1565

    Shane O'Neill crossed the Bann in curraghs and, after several conflicts, won a decisive victory over the Scots at Glenshesk near Ballycastle, where 700 of them were slain and two of their three leader brothers were killed or captured.

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    influenced him. But anyhow he now broke with the Scots and made preparations to attack them, whether to please the queen, as he himself asserted, or more probably thinking that they were growing too powerful to be safe as neighbours. In 1565 he crossed the Bann in curraghs, and after several conflicts, gained a decisive victory over them at Glenshesk near Ballycastle, where 700 of them were slain. Of their three leaders — the Mac Donnells, brothers — Angus was slain, and Sorley Boy and James were made prisoners; but James died of his wounds.^

    The news of this victory at first gave great joy to the English, and the privy council sent to congratulate him. But seeing how much it increased his power, their joy soon turned to jealousy and fear. The queen directed Sir Henry Sydney, who had been again appointed deputy in the beginning of this year (1565), to call on O'Neill for an explanation why he went to war without leave, and why he kept the prisoners and the castles he had taken, instead of handing them over to the government, acting as if the country were altogether his own. In the meantime, to make matters worse, he made a successful raid on Tirconnell early in the following year (1566), spoiled Clanrickard, expelled Shane Maguire chief of Fermanagh, and plundei*ed that part of the Pale lying near Newry ; and he also burned the cathedral of Armagh to prevent the English getting shelter there again.

    Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 53

    As the companion tells it

    The valley of Glenshesk was the ground where Shane O'Neill broke the Scots in 1565. He had made common cause with them before, but now he broke with them and prepared to attack, whether to please the queen, as he said himself, or because he thought they were growing too powerful as neighbours. He crossed the Bann in curraghs, and after several conflicts, won a decisive victory over them here at Glenshesk near Ballycastle. 700 of the Scots were slain. Their leaders were the MacDonnells, three brothers. Angus was killed, and Sorley Boy and James were taken prisoner. James died of his wounds. The news of this victory gave great joy to the English at first, and the privy council sent to congratulate him. But their joy turned to jealousy and fear when they saw how much it increased his power. The queen directed Sir Henry Sydney, who had been appointed deputy at the beginning of that year, to call on O'Neill for an explanation: why he went to war without leave, and why he kept the prisoners and the castles he had taken instead of handing them over to the government. He was acting, they said, as if the country were altogether his own. To make matters worse, the following year he raided Tirconnell successfully, spoiled Clanrickard, expelled Shane Maguire chief of Fermanagh, and plundered that part of the Pale near Newry. He also burned the cathedral of Armagh to prevent the English getting shelter there again.

30. Brian destroys Donovan's fortress at Bruree

    Bruree · town · Limerick · 977

    In 977 Brian made a sudden raid into Hy Carbery, capturing Donovan's fortress at Bruree and killing Donovan himself along with Harold and many of their followers, avenging his brother's murder.

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    Donovan now becoming alarmed, made alliance with Harold the son of Ivar, and invited him and his Danes to Bruree. But, in 977, Brian made a sudden and rapid inroad into Hy Carbery, Donovan's territory, captured his fortress at Bruree, and slew Donovan himself, with Harold and a vast number of their followers, both Danes and Irish. It was now Molloy' s turn. Brian sent him a formal challenge to battle, and commanded the envoy to add that no peace would be accepted and no eric for the murdered king — nothing but battle or the surrender of Molloy himself to atone for his crime. Then waiting for a fortnight and having received no reply, he marched south (in 978), and encountered Molloy's army — composed of Danes and Irish — in a place called Belach-Lechta in Barnaderg, the

    206 IRELAND UNDER NATIVE RULERS Pakt IL

    Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 23

    As the companion tells it

    Bruree, in Limerick, was the site of Donovan's fortress. In 977 Donovan had grown alarmed and made alliance with Harold, the son of Ivar, inviting him and his Danes there. But Brian struck suddenly, making a rapid inroad into Hy Carbery, Donovan's territory. He captured the fortress and slew Donovan himself, with Harold and a vast number of their followers, both Danes and Irish. The killing avenged the murder of Brian's brother. He would accept no eric, no compensation. Brian sent Molloy a formal challenge to battle, commanding his envoy to say that nothing but battle or Molloy's surrender would atone for the crime. When no reply came after a fortnight, Brian marched south in 978 and met Molloy's army at Belach-Lechta in Barnaderg.

31. Carew's plot to poison O'Donnell in Spain

    Kinsale · town · Cork · 1602

    In May 1602 a man named Blake offered president Carew to follow O'Donnell into Spain and kill him; Carew eagerly agreed, and when O'Donnell died suddenly at Simancas, Carew wrote gloating to Mountjoy that he believed O'Donnell had been poisoned by Blake.

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    Blake accordingly set out, and after his arrival in Spain he kept Carew well informed of how matters progressed. Meantime O'Donnell was suddenly carried off as related above : and in October of the same year, when news of his death had reached Ireland, Carew again writes to Mountjoy, gloating over the event in this fashion : — ' O'Donnell is dead. . . . and I do tliink it will fall out that he is poisoned by James Blake, of whom

    528 INSUERECTION, CONFISCATION, PLANTATION Part IV.

    Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 69

    As the companion tells it

    You're passing through Kinsale, the town where in 1602 the English president Carew hatched a dark plot. A man named Blake offered to follow the Irish chief O'Donnell into Spain and kill him. Carew eagerly agreed. O'Donnell died suddenly at Simancas, and when news reached Ireland, Carew wrote gloating to Mountjoy: 'O'Donnell is dead, and I do think it will fall out that he is poisoned by James Blake.'

32. Colonel Gilbert's massacre policy

    Cork · city · Cork · 1569

    Colonel Gilbert, serving under Sydney in the Munster campaign, described in a letter how he would put every man, woman and child to the sword if a castle did not surrender promptly.

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    Sydney himself set out for the south in the autumn oi this year (1569), and after a week's siege he took Castlemartyr in (]ork, one of Desmond's strongholds ; after which he marched to Cork city, where he received the submission of several of the weaker and more timid confederates. Leaving Cork he proceeded towards Limerick, burning and destroying everything on his way, and executing every man he found in arms. In this campaign he was severe, often merciless : but he was mercy itself compared with one of his subordinates, Colonel Gilbert, who himself describes his exploits in a letter to Sydney : — ' After my first summoning of any castle or fort, if they would not presently yield it, I would not afterwards take it of their gift, but win it perforce, how many lives soever it cost, putting man, woman, and child of them to the sword.' ^ And for all this Sydney had nothing but praise for him.

    » Care7v Papers, 1575-1588, pp. 310, 314. 2 Froude, Hist, of Eng. ed. 1870, x. 252.

    Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 55

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Cork, this is where in 1569 Colonel Gilbert carried out his policy during the Munster campaign. Sydney had marched south that autumn, taken Castlemartyr, one of Desmond's strongholds, and come here to receive the submission of several weaker confederates. Colonel Gilbert, serving under Sydney, described his own methods in a letter to his commander. In his own words: 'After my first summoning of any castle or fort, if they would not presently yield it, I would not afterwards take it of their gift, but win it perforce, how many lives soever it cost, putting man, woman, and child of them to the sword.' Sydney had nothing but praise for him.

33. Death of Dermot Mac Murrogh at Ferns

    Ferns · townland · Wexford · 1171

    Dermot Mac Murrogh died at Ferns in the spring of 1171. The Annals of the Four Masters and Clonmacnoise state he died of an unknown loathsome disease, impenitent to the last, though the Book of Leinster claims he died penitently after unction and penance.

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    preparing fnrtlier outrages, died at Ferns. The Annals of the Four Masters and of Clonmacnoise state that he died of an unknown loathsome disease and impenitent to the last. But a contemporary writer in the Book of Leinster, who should know better, says he died a natural death, and very penitently : — ' He died at Ferns after the victory of unction and penance, in the 61st year of his age ' : which is no doubt the truth. ^ Immediately after his death Earl Eichard had himself proclaimed king of Leinster.

    The fame of the great conquests made by Strongbow got noised abroad, so that it came to the ears of King Henry. He had at first looked on the whole expedition with indifference and contempt : now that it was attended with success it excited his jealousy : and he dreaded with good cause that Strongbow might found a powerful independent kingdom in his immediate neighbourhood. He at once issued an edict forbidding further intercourse with Ireland, and commanding all his subjects who were there with Strongbow to return home forthwith, under penalty of treason. At the same time he began to lay plans for his own expedition. And now Strongbow found himself reduced to dire distress. He was in want of provisions, and all reinforcements were stopped, so that he was barely able to maintain himself. The little band of Anglo-Normans in the midst of these great difficulties, were soon assailed from every side and were preserved from utter destruction only by their own indomitable bravery.

    Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 32

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, Dermot Mac Murrogh died at Ferns in the spring of 1171. He had been preparing further outrages when he died. The Annals of the Four Masters and the Annals of Clonmacnoise say he died of an unknown loathsome disease, impenitent to the last. But a contemporary writer in the Book of Leinster, who should know better, says he died a natural death, and very penitently. The words from the source are: "He died at Ferns after the victory of unction and penance, in the 61st year of his age." The passage says this is no doubt the truth. Immediately after his death Earl Richard had himself proclaimed king of Leinster. The fame of the great conquests made by Strongbow got noised abroad, so that it came to the ears of King Henry. He had at first looked on the whole expedition with indifference and contempt. Now that it was attended with success it excited his jealousy, and he dreaded with good cause that Strongbow might found a powerful independent kingdom in his immediate neighbourhood. He at once issued an edict forbidding further intercourse with Ireland, and commanding all his subjects who were there with Strongbow to return home forthwith, under penalty of treason. At the same time he began to lay plans for his own expedition. Strongbow found himself reduced to dire distress, in want of provisions, and all reinforcements were stopped, so that he was barely able to maintain himself. The little band of Anglo-Normans were soon assailed from every side and preserved from utter destruction only by their own indomitable bravery.

34. Destruction of Croft's fleet by the MacDonnells at Rathlin Island

    near Rathlin Island · island or archipelago · Antrim · 1551

    Lord deputy Croft sent an expedition of four ships to attack the Scots of Rathlin Island, allies of Shane O'Neill, but the MacDonnells unexpectedly fell upon his army and destroyed it utterly, with only one man surviving as a prisoner.

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    Croft now undertook to reduce the young rebel chief to obedience, and it came to open war : the deputy and the baron on the one side, against Shane and his adherents on the other. Croft made three several attempts in Ulster in quick succession, and failed in all. He first, in 1551, sent an expedition of four ships to attack the Scots of Rathlin Island — the Mac Donnells, who were Shane's allies; but they unexpectedly fell on his army and destroyed them utterly, only one man escaping alive, who was taken prisoner and afterwards ransomed. "-^ Again, the following year, he marched north, but his advance party received a severe check at Belfast by one of Shane's adherents ; and Matthew on his way to join the deputy was surprised at night by Shane himself, and routed with heavy loss. His third attempt was made in the autumn of the same year (1552) ; but the only injury he was able to inflict, a serious one for the poor people, was to destroy a great extent of standing corn.^ These hostilities went on till a great part of Ulster became waste. Still O'Neill showed not the least disposition to yield. On the contrary, the authorities complain that when they went to ' parle ' with him (in 1553) they ' found nothing in Shane but pride and stubbornness.' "* At last they thought it as well to let him alone, and for five or six years after this no serious attempt was made to reduce him.

    Meantime the earl was released at the end of 1552,

    Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 52

    As the companion tells it

    Rathlin Island lies off this coast. In 1551 the lord deputy Croft sent an expedition of four ships to attack the Scots who had settled there, the MacDonnells, allies of the young rebel chief Shane O'Neill. Croft was trying to bring Shane to obedience, and it had come to open war, the deputy and the baron on one side against Shane and his adherents on the other. But on Rathlin the MacDonnells unexpectedly fell on Croft's army and destroyed them utterly. Only one man escaped alive. He was taken prisoner and afterwards ransomed. It was the first of three attempts Croft made in Ulster in quick succession, and he failed in all of them. The following year he marched north, but his advance party received a severe check at Belfast. Matthew, on his way to join the deputy, was surprised at night by Shane himself and routed with heavy loss. Croft's third attempt came in the autumn of 1552, when the only injury he could inflict was to destroy a great extent of standing corn, a serious blow for the poor people. These hostilities went on until a great part of Ulster became waste. When the authorities went to parley with Shane in 1553, they found nothing in him but pride and stubbornness, and at last they thought it as well to let him alone.

35. Destruction of Youghal by Desmond's forces

    Youghal · town · Cork · 1579

    Desmond plundered, burned and utterly ruined the rich and prosperous town of Youghal at Christmas 1579, so thoroughly that when Ormond passed through later he found no human being in the town but one poor friar.

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    Desmond, passing through the territories of the Barrys and the Roches in Cork — who, looking on passively, made no attempt to prevent him and gave no information ^ — plundered, burned, and utterly ruined the rich and prosperous town of Youghal, at Christmas 1579, so that not a house was left fit to live in. So thorough had been the work of destruction, that when the earl of Ormond, in his fearfnl march of havoc, fire, and slaughter, through Desmond's territories, came round that way a little later, he found no human being in the town but one poor friar, who had charitably brought the body of Davells all the way from Tralee to Waterford to have it interred in the family sepulchre. But the town was rebuilt soon afterwards.

    Pelham and Ormond carried fire and sword through the country, sparing no living thing that fell in their way. The rebels burned and spoiled ; but we find no evidence that they massacred. Hear now the account Pelham himself, writing in March 1580, gives of his manner of carrying on hostilities. In a single day's march from Shanid Castle towards Grlin : — ' Finding the country plentiful and the people but newly fled . . . there were slain that day by the fury of the soldiers above 400 people

    Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 57

    As the companion tells it

    This is the town of Youghal, in Cork. At Christmas 1579, Desmond plundered it, burned it, and utterly ruined it. He had passed through the territories of the Barrys and the Roches in Cork, who looked on passively, made no attempt to prevent him, and gave no information. Not a house was left fit to live in. The destruction was so thorough that when the earl of Ormond came round that way a little later, on his march of havoc, fire, and slaughter through Desmond's territories, he found no human being in the town but one poor friar. That friar had charitably brought the body of Davells all the way from Tralee to Waterford to have it buried in the family sepulchre. But the town was rebuilt soon afterwards. After this, Pelham and Ormond carried fire and sword through the country, sparing no living thing that fell in their way. The rebels burned and spoiled, but there is no evidence that they massacred. Pelham himself, writing in March 1580, gave his own account. In a single day's march from Shanid Castle towards Glin, finding the country plentiful and the people but newly fled, "there were slain that day by the fury of the soldiers above 400 people."

36. Great sepulchral mounds of the Boyne

    Newgrange · townland · Meath

    The largest sepulchral mounds in Ireland, containing beehive-shaped burial chambers reached by long narrow passages, are those of Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth on the Boyne, where bodies or urns were placed for distinguished persons.

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    Over the grave of any distinguished person it was usual to heap up a great mound of clay or stones containing, in or near its centre, a beehive-shaped chamber of dry masonry communicating with the exterior by a long narrow passage. The body or urn was placed in the chamber ; in some chambers, rude shallow stone coffins have been found. The largest sepulchral mounds in the whole country are those of Newgrange, Knowth, and Dowth, all on the Boyne, five miles above Drogheda.

    A mound of stones raised over a grave is called a cahii. In old times people had a fancy to bury on the tops of hills ; and the summits of very many hills in Ireland are crowned with cairns, under every one of which — in a stone coffin — reposes some chief renowned in the olden time.

    Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 15

    As the companion tells it

    Close to Newgrange are the largest burial mounds in the whole country. Over the grave of a distinguished person it was usual to heap up a great mound of clay or stones. Inside, near its centre, sat a beehive-shaped chamber of dry masonry, reached from outside by a long narrow passage. The body or urn was placed in that chamber, and in some chambers rude shallow stone coffins have been found. The greatest of all these mounds are those of Newgrange, Knowth, and Dowth, all on the Boyne, five miles above Drogheda. A mound of stones raised over a grave is called a cairn. In old times people had a fancy to bury on the tops of hills, and the summits of very many hills in Ireland are crowned with cairns. Under every one of them, in a stone coffin, reposes some chief renowned in the olden time.

37. Massacre and plunder of Limerick by Raymond le Gros

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1175

    Raymond forded the deep, rapid Shannon river with his troops, stormed the city of Limerick, and gave it up to slaughter and plunder before leaving a garrison under Miles de Cogan.

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    after the first wild raid on Meath, to disperse and return to their homes. And now Raymond made preparation to avenge on Donall O'Brien the defeat of Thurles. He led his troops to Limerick ; and in the face of enormous difficulties he forded the deep and rapid river, stormed the city, and gave it up to slaughter and plunder. Then, leaving a sufficient garrison under the command of Miles de Cogan, he returned to Leinster.

    Meanwhile Roderick, finding that he could not prevent the daily incursions of English raiders, and despairing of being able to hold his own province, determined to claim the protection of King Henry. Accordingly he sent three ambassadors to England, and a treaty was arranged in 1175 between the two kings. Under this treaty, which was signed at Windsor, it was agreed that Roderick was to remain king of Connaught, which he was to hold directly as vassal to Henry ; that he was to rule the rest of Ireland also as vassal ; and that through him the other kings and chiefs of the country were to pay tribute to King Henry. ^

    Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 34

    As the companion tells it

    The city of Limerick was the scene of a brutal assault in 1175. Raymond le Gros came here to avenge the defeat of Thurles, which had been inflicted by Donall O'Brien. He led his troops to Limerick and faced enormous difficulties in crossing the Shannon, a deep and rapid river. He forded it with his men, stormed the city, and gave it up to slaughter and plunder. Afterward he left a garrison under the command of Miles de Cogan, and then returned to Leinster. The attack was part of the wider struggle between the Norman adventurers and the Irish kings. Around the same time, Roderick, finding he could not stop the daily incursions of English raiders, gave up trying to hold his own province. He sent three ambassadors to England, and in 1175 a treaty was arranged between him and King Henry, signed at Windsor, making Roderick a vassal who was to rule the rest of Ireland and collect tribute for the English king.

38. Massacre at the Battle of Moanmore

    Moanmore · townland · Carlow · 1151

    A terrible battle was fought at Moanmore in 1151 in which the southern army was almost annihilated: 7,000 men were left dead on the field along with a number of leading Munster chiefs, the greatest slaughter in Ireland since Clontarf.

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    The Dalcassian king had meantime been much weakened by the defection of one of his own kinsmen who had joined O'Conor against him ; he was indeed driven for a short time from his throne. Returning now from a predatory incursion into Desmond, he was caught at a disadvantage by unexpectedly meeting O'Conor's great army at a place called Moanmore, which has not been identified, but which is in either Limerick or Tipperary. Here a terrible battle was fought in 1151, in which the southern army was almost annihilated : 7,000 of their men were left dead on the field, with a number of the leading Munster chiefs : the greatest slaughter witnessed in Ireland since

    236 1RELAN13 UNDER NATIVE RULERS Part II.

    Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 25

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Moanmore, a terrible battle was fought in 1151. The Dalcassian king had meantime been much weakened by the defection of one of his own kinsmen who had joined O'Conor against him, and he was indeed driven for a short time from his throne. Returning now from a predatory incursion into Desmond, he was caught at a disadvantage by unexpectedly meeting O'Conor's great army. The southern army was almost annihilated. 7,000 of their men were left dead on the field, with a number of the leading Munster chiefs. It was the greatest slaughter witnessed in Ireland since Clontarf.

39. Mass Execution of English Soldiers After Panic at Ranelagh

    Baltinglass · town · Wicklow · 1599

    After Sir Henry Harrington's soldiers panicked and fled without fighting near Baltinglass, Essex was so enraged that he had the responsible officers cashiered and ordered every tenth man of the soldiers executed.

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    In the month of June, while the earl was still in Munster, Sir Henry Harrington, marching with 600 men from Wicklow against the insurgents of those parts, was intercepted at Eanelagh near Baltinglass and defeated vdth heavy loss by Felim O'Byrne the son of Feagh. In this action the English soldiers, in spite of the exertions of Harrington and some of his officers, threw down their arms and fled in a panic without striking a blow. Essex, on his arrival in Dublin, was so enraged at this disgraceful flight, that he had the officers who were to blame cashiered, and caused every tenth man of the soldiers to be executed.^

    All through this great revolt O'Conor of Sligo had remained in the queen's service. He had fought against O'Neill at the Yellow Ford, and had accompanied Essex during a part of his march through Munster ; after which he

    Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 66

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Baltinglass, you are near where 600 English soldiers under Sir Henry Harrington met disaster in June 1599. Marching from Wicklow against insurgents, they were intercepted at Ranelagh and defeated with heavy loss by Felim O'Byrne, son of Feagh. The soldiers threw down their arms and fled in a panic without striking a single blow, despite the efforts of Harrington and some of his officers. When Essex heard of it in Dublin, he was furious. He had the officers who were to blame cashiered, and ordered every tenth man among the soldiers executed.

40. Queen Ota's desecration of St Kieran's church at Clonmacnoise

    Clonmacnoise · townland · Offaly

    At Clonmacnoise, Turgesius's queen Ota desecrated the venerated church of St. Kieran by seating herself daily on the high altar in derision of the sacred place, performing pagan rites and giving audience there.

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    Tergesius established himself for a time in Armagh, which he sacked three times in one month ; and with much skill he posted parties at important points on the coast, such as Dublin, Limerick, Dundalk and Carlingford. He usurped the see of Armagh and expelled the bishop Forannan, who escaped with St. Patrick's shrine to Munster, where he remained four years. After committing great ravages in the north, he placed himself at the head of the fleet in Lough Ree ; and from this central station he commanded a large part of Leinster and Connaught, and plundered those of the ecclesiastical establishments that lay within reach — Clonmacnoise, Lorrha and Terryglass in Tipperary, and the churches of Iniscaltra in Lough Derg. At Clonmacnoise his queen Ota desecrated St. Kieran's venerated church by seating herself daily on the high altar, in derision of the sacred place, and there performing some of her pagan rites and giving audience to her visitors.

    The Irish princes might indeed have expelled the invaders without much difficulty if they had combined : but that they hardly ever did : on the contrary they fought as bitterly against each other as against the common foe. During the reigns of Hugh Ordnidhe [Ordnee]— 797 to 819 — and of Conor — 819 to 833 — we do not find it recorded that either took any steps to oppose the Danes, though both were engaged in several hostile expeditions against the provincial kings. The most culpable disturber of domestic peace at this time was Felim Mac Criffan king of Munster, of the race of the Owenaghts (p. 203), a very warlike and able, but a very unscrupulous man. He laid claim to the throne of Ireland, and made several incursions northwards to enforce his demands, plundering and burning churches and devastating the country almost as ruthlessly as the Danes themselves. But he never once turned his arms against Turgesius, who was at this very time in the full swing of his terrible career. It is asserted by some, on insufficient authority, that this Felim was arch-

    Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 22

    As the companion tells it

    Close to Clonmacnoise, a Viking named Turgesius left his mark on this place. He had already sacked Armagh three times in a single month and posted his men at Dublin, Limerick, Dundalk, and Carlingford. He drove the bishop Forannan out of Armagh, and Forannan fled with St Patrick's shrine to Munster, where he stayed for four years. Then Turgesius took command of the fleet on Lough Ree, and from that position he controlled a great stretch of Leinster and Connaught, plundering every church within reach — Clonmacnoise, Lorrha, Terryglass in Tipperary, and the churches of Iniscaltra in Lough Derg. It was at Clonmacnoise that his queen, Ota, committed her particular outrage. She desecrated the venerated church of St Kieran by seating herself on the high altar every day, in derision of the sacred place. There she performed her pagan rites and held audience with those who came to her. The Irish princes might have driven the invaders out if they had stood together, but they seldom did. Hugh, who reigned from 797 to 819, and Conor, who reigned from 819 to 833, are not recorded as taking any steps against the Danes, though both fought repeatedly against the provincial kings. Felim Mac Criffan, king of Munster, a warlike and able but unscrupulous man of the Owenaght race, claimed the throne of Ireland and marched north to press his claim, plundering churches and burning the land almost as ruthlessly as the Danes. He never once turned his arms against Turgesius.

41. St. Rodan's Curse on Tara

    Lorrha · townland · Tipperary · 544–560

    A criminal fleeing king Dermot's wrath took refuge in St. Rodan's church at Lorrha, but Dermot violated sanctuary and dragged the fugitive away prisoner. St. Rodan, incensed, went north and pronounced a solemn curse on Tara, after which the kings of Ireland abandoned it as a royal residence.

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    Dermot the son of Fergus Kervall became king of Ireland in 544. In his reign the terrible pestilence called the Grom-Connell or yellow plague, which then prevailed over Europe, desolated Ireland for eight or ten years. The last Fes of Tara was held by Dermot in 560 : after his time the old capital was abandoned as a royal residence. The worst of the misfortunes that befell this king arose from his quarrels with some of the leading ecclesiastics. I have already related (p. 20) how the outrage he committed on St. Columkille brought on the battle of Culdremne, where he was defeated by the men of Ulster and Connaught (in 561). The desertion of Tara came about by another quarrel of a similar kind. A criminal fleeing from the wrath of king Dermot took refuge in the church of St. Rodan at Lorrha in Tipperary : but the king, disregarding the sanctuary, had the fugitive brought forth and carried off prisoner. Whereupon the saint was so incensed that he proceeded north and very deliberately pronounced a solemn curse on Tara. From that time forth the kings of Ireland lived elsewhere — each in his own province : and the place gradually fell into decay. Its abandonment was no doubt an evil, as it tended to break up the unity of the monarchy.

    Aed or Hugh the son of Ainmire reigned from 572 to 598. By him was summoned, in 574, the celebrated convention of Druim-cete [Drum-Ketta], now called the Mullagh or Daisy Hill, on the river Eoe, one mile above Limavady. It was the first national assembly held since

    Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 19

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, in Lorrha, St. Rodan had his church. Dermot, the son of Fergus Kervall, became king of Ireland in 544. In his reign a terrible pestilence called the Grom-Connell, or yellow plague, desolated Ireland for eight or ten years. The last Fes of Tara was held by Dermot in 560, and after his time the old capital was abandoned as a royal residence. This came about through a quarrel with the clergy. A criminal fleeing from the wrath of king Dermot took refuge in the church of St. Rodan at Lorrha in Tipperary. But the king, disregarding the sanctuary, had the fugitive brought forth and carried off prisoner. Whereupon the saint was so incensed that he proceeded north and very deliberately pronounced a solemn curse on Tara. From that time forth the kings of Ireland lived elsewhere, each in his own province, and the place gradually fell into decay. Its abandonment was no doubt an evil, as it tended to break up the unity of the monarchy. The same king Dermot also committed an outrage on St. Columkille, which brought on the battle of Culdremne, where he was defeated by the men of Ulster and Connaught in 561.

42. Treacherous arrest of the Kildare uncles at Kilmainham

    Kilmainham · townland · Dublin · 1535

    Before news of Lord Thomas's arrest reached Ireland, his five uncles were invited to a banquet at Kilmainham by Lord Grey, then seized, manacled and marched to Dublin as prisoners, despite three having opposed the rebellion.

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    it became known in Ireland, his five uncles, having been invited to a banquet in Kilmainham by Grey, now lord deputy in succession to Skeffington, were, on their arrival, seized, manacled, and marched prisoners to Dublin ; though it was well known that three of them had openly discountenanced the rebellion. But the king was determined, so far as lay in his power, to exterminate the Kildare Geraldines, root and branch ; and notwithstanding the promise made to Lord Thomas and that his uncles had held aloof, the whole six were executed at Tyburn in February 1537.

    And this was the end of the rebellion of Silken Thomas, which had been brought about by the villainy of his enemies, and during which, though it lasted little more than a year, the county Kaldare was wasted and depopulated, and the whole Pale, as well as the country round it, suffered unspeakable desolation and misery. It was a reckless enterprise, which no man of sense or capacity would have entered upon, for there never was the remotest chance of success ; the only palliation was the extreme youth and inexperience of Lord Thomas Fitzgerald.

    Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 48

    As the companion tells it

    Close to Kilmainham, in 1535, a betrayal played out that ended a great Irish house. Before word of Lord Thomas Fitzgerald's arrest had reached Ireland, his five uncles were invited to a banquet at Kilmainham by Lord Grey, who had succeeded Skeffington as lord deputy. When the five men arrived, they were seized, manacled, and marched as prisoners to Dublin. Three of them had openly opposed the rebellion, and all five had held aloof from their nephew's rising. It made no difference. The king was determined to exterminate the Kildare Geraldines, root and branch. Despite a promise made to Lord Thomas, and despite the uncles' innocence, all six were executed at Tyburn in February 1537. This was the end of what men called the rebellion of Silken Thomas, brought about, the book says, by the villainy of his enemies. It lasted little more than a year, but in that time the county of Kildare was wasted and depopulated, and the whole Pale suffered what the record calls unspeakable desolation and misery. The only palliation for so reckless an enterprise was the extreme youth and inexperience of Lord Thomas Fitzgerald.

43. Walter Reagh Fitzgerald betrayed and hanged in chains

    Crumlin · townland · Dublin · 1595

    Fitzgerald, while lying wounded in a cave, was betrayed by the physician attending him, captured, and hanged in chains later that year.

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    The first notable exploit of the new deputy, Sir William Russell, was a well-planned attempt to capture ' The firebrand of the mountains' — Fiach Mac Hugh O'Byi^ne. Guided by some of Fiach's false friends, he surprised the castle of Ballinacor one night in January 1595 ; but the chief and his family, having been accidentally alarmed by the sound of a drum, escaped by the back during the forcing of the front entrance. The deputy left a garrison in the castle : but in the August of the following year O'Byrne surprised it in his turn and regained possession. In retaliation for the deputy's attack, Fiach's son-in-law, Walter Reagh Fitzgerald, with some of the old chief's sons, swooped down by night on Crumlin near Dublin, burned the village, and carried off the leaden roof of the church. And though the blaze was plainly seen from Dublin, the party got clear ofi" before there was time to intercept them. Soon after however in the same year (1595), Fitzgerald, while lying wounded in a cave, was taken by the treachery of the physician that attended him, and hanged in chains.

    A couple of months later, the deputy, attended by a party of military, made a journey through Wicklow, of which the sanguinary details are given by himself. Every human being that fell in their way, whom they judged to be a traitor, was killed on the spot and his ' head brought in ' to the camp. Among others they captured the wife of the great chief O'Byrne himself, and sentenced her to be burned alive for treason.^

    Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 63

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Crumlin, in 1595, Walter Reagh Fitzgerald led a night raid that burned this village and stripped the leaden roof from its church. He was the son-in-law of Fiach Mac Hugh O'Byrne, the Wicklow chief the English called "the firebrand of the mountains." Earlier that January, the new deputy Sir William Russell had tried to seize Fiach by surprising his castle at Ballinacor, but the chief and his family escaped. This raid was retaliation. The blaze was visible from Dublin itself, yet Fitzgerald and his party got clear away before anyone could stop them. His freedom did not last. Later that same year, while lying wounded in a cave, he was betrayed by the physician attending him, captured, and hanged in chains. The campaign against Fiach's people turned bloodier still. A couple of months later Russell led an armed party through Wicklow, killing anyone they judged a traitor on the spot and bringing the heads back to camp. They captured O'Byrne's own wife and sentenced her to be burned alive for treason.

44. Attempted Poisoning of Shane O'Neill

    Benburb · townland · Tyrone · 1563–1564

    After the peace at Benburb, an agent named Smith sent Shane O'Neill poisoned wine as a gift; the chief and his family and guests drank it and nearly the whole household was brought to death's door, though none actually died. Smith confessed but was set at liberty.

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    Almost immediately after this a determined attempt was made to poison him, and well nigh succeeded. The time was skilfully chosen — after the peace — when Shane would naturally be unsuspicious, and there is scarce a doubt that it was planned by Sussex, though there is no absolute proof. Sussex had in his employment a man named Smith, whom he often sent as a confidential messenger to O'Neill.^ This man was the agent in the attempt. He sent the chief some wine from Dublin as a present, which Shane and his family and guests unsuspectingly drank at table. But the assassin missed the main mark ; for though all that drank were taken sick, and nearly the whole household were brought to death's door, no one actually died. The crime was traced to Smith, who confessed his guilt, but protested that he did it on his own responsibility — w^hich no one believed. He was of course arrested, and much noise was made about his ' horrible attempt ' as the queen called it : but he well knew he had nothing to fear ; and early in the following year he was set at liberty.^

    For some time after this, Shane was left very much to himself; w^e read of no further attempts to assassinate him ; and the country enjoyed unusual quiet.

    Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 53

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Benburb, a peace was made, and almost immediately after it, a determined attempt was made to poison Shane O'Neill, and well nigh succeeded. The time was skilfully chosen. After the peace, Shane would naturally be unsuspicious, and there is scarce a doubt that it was planned by Sussex, though there is no absolute proof. Sussex had in his employment a man named Smith, whom he often sent as a confidential messenger to O'Neill. This man was the agent in the attempt. He sent the chief some wine from Dublin as a present, which Shane and his family and guests unsuspectingly drank at table. But the assassin missed the main mark. For though all that drank were taken sick, and nearly the whole household were brought to death's door, no one actually died. The crime was traced to Smith, who confessed his guilt, but protested that he did it on his own responsibility, which no one believed. He was arrested, and much noise was made about his, as the queen called it, "horrible attempt." But he well knew he had nothing to fear, and early in the following year he was set at liberty. For some time after this, Shane was left very much to himself. We read of no further attempts to assassinate him, and the country enjoyed unusual quiet.

45. Beheading of St. Dympna's Companion Priest Gerebern

    near Clogher · town · Tyrone

    When Dympna, daughter of an Irish pagan king born near Clogher in Tyrone, fled her father's incestuous demands, the elderly priest Gerebern who had baptised her and accompanied her into exile was put to death by her pursuing father.

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    her companions at Gheel in Belgium. Her father followed her, and after a long search discovered her retreat. The old priest (Gerebern) was instantly put to death : and the raging king having in vain sought to bring her to his purpose, ordered his attendants to behead her ; but as they one and all refused, he became outrageous and beheaded her himself. It is believed that the holy virgin suffered martyrdom some time in the seventh century. In course of time Dympna came to be regarded as the tutelar saint of those afflicted with insanity ; and innumerable cases are recorded of insane persons obtaining relief by visiting her shrine. For more than a thousand years Gheel has been a sanatorium for persons subject to nervous and mental disorders, where they are treated with great success. In certain parts of Ulster this virgin is still held in veneration : and one parish in Monaghan has taken its name from her — Tedavnet.

    St. Moling of St. Mullins and of Ferns was a native of Hy Kinsellagh in Leinster. Having entered on a monastic life, he founded a monastery about the middle of the seventh century at a place near the Barrow, which is now called St. Mullins. He also erected a church in Kildare which still retains the name Timolin (Moling's house). He ultimately became bishop of Ferns, and induced the monarch Finaghta to remit the Boru tribute (p. 153). Died in 697.

    Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 21

    As the companion tells it

    The town of Clogher in Tyrone is connected to the story of Dympna, a holy virgin born nearby, the daughter of an Irish pagan king. Her father pursued her with incestuous demands, and she fled into exile accompanied by an elderly priest named Gerebern, who had baptised her. They reached Gheel in Belgium. Her father followed, and after a long search he discovered where she was hiding. Gerebern was instantly put to death. The raging king sought in vain to bring her to his purpose, and ordered his attendants to behead her. They one and all refused. He became outrageous and beheaded her himself. Her martyrdom is believed to have taken place sometime in the seventh century. In time Dympna came to be regarded as the tutelar saint of those afflicted with insanity, and innumerable cases are recorded of insane persons obtaining relief by visiting her shrine. For more than a thousand years Gheel has been a sanatorium for persons subject to nervous and mental disorders, where they are treated with great success. In certain parts of Ulster this virgin is still held in veneration, and one parish in Monaghan has taken its name from her, Tedavnet.

46. Citizens burn Limerick rather than surrender it

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1178

    As De Braose and his party approached to take possession of Limerick, the citizens set fire to the city rather than let strangers occupy it, intimidating De Braose into abandoning the district.

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    constable of Waterford and Wexford. De Cogan and Fitzsteplien proceeded to Cork, where they were well received; and they made an allotment between them of their new territory. They then marched towards Thomond with De Braose and a large party, to help him to take possession of his district. But when they approached Limerick they saw the city in flames ; for the citizens had set fire to it rather than let strangers take possession of it. Whereupon De Braose was so intimidated that, in spite of the expostulation of his friends, he at once returned to Cork and left the country for the time.

    Soon after De Lacy's appointment he married (in 1180) a daughter of King Roderick O'Conor. This marriage greatly increased his power and influence among the Irish, insomuch that it excited the jealousy and suspicion of the king, who in consequence dismissed him from his office. But De Lacy yielded up his authority with such prompt obedience that the suspicions of his royal master were for a time allayed, and after three months he was reinstated (in 1181). During the whole time of his administration he busied himself with great energy in building castles at points of vantage, not only in his own principality of Meath, but all over Leinster ; of which the ruins of many remain to this day.

    Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 36

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Limerick now. In 1178, De Cogan and Fitzstephen had proceeded to Cork, where they were well received, and they made an allotment between them of their new territory. They then marched towards Thomond with De Braose and a large party, to help him take possession of his district. But when they approached Limerick they saw the city in flames. The citizens had set fire to it rather than let strangers take possession of it. De Braose was so intimidated that, in spite of the expostulation of his friends, he at once returned to Cork and left the country for the time. Soon after, De Lacy, on his appointment, married in 1180 a daughter of King Roderick O'Conor. This marriage greatly increased his power and influence among the Irish, so much that it excited the jealousy and suspicion of the king, who dismissed him from his office. But De Lacy yielded up his authority with such prompt obedience that the suspicions of his royal master were for a time allayed, and after 3 months he was reinstated in 1181. During his whole administration he busied himself with great energy building castles at points of vantage, not only in his own principality of Meath but all over Leinster, of which the ruins of many remain to this day.

47. Death and burial of St. Columba at Iona

    Derry · townland · Derry · 597

    St. Columba, founder of Derry and many other Irish monasteries before departing for Iona, died kneeling before the altar of his own church there in 597 at the age of seventy-six, and was buried within the monastery.

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    Scotland. Here he settled and founded the monastery which afterwards became so illustrious. He converted the Picts, who then inhabited that part of Scotland lying beyond the Grampian Hills ; and he traversed the Hebrides, preaching to the people and founding churches wherever he went. After a life of unceasing labour in the service of religion, he died kneeling before the altar of his own church of lona, in the year 597, in the seventy-sixth year of his age, and was buried within the monastery (see pp. 19, 20, 121, 152).

    St. Fintan or Munna of Clonenagh was born in Leinster in the early part of the sixth century. While still a young man he founded his monastery at Clonenagh in a fertile spot surrounded by bog and marsh — about the year 548. Here he gathered round him a community of monks, who lived under very severe discipline, and supported themselves by labour. St. Fintan was held in great esteem by St. Columkille ; and several distinguished Irish saints were for a time under his instruction at Clonenagh. He died some time near the end of the sixth century. Clonenagh lies between Maryborough and Mountrath, two miles from the latter : it now contains a single, not very ancient, church ruin ; but the place is known as the Seven Churches of Clonenagh. St. Fintan is still profoundly reverenced round all that neighbourhood.

    Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 21

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, Columba founded Derry before he ever left for Scotland. He was a man of monasteries, not just one. Derry was among the Irish houses he established, and from these shores he departed to settle in Scotland, where he founded the monastery that afterwards became so illustrious. He converted the Picts, who then inhabited that part of Scotland lying beyond the Grampian Hills, and he traversed the Hebrides, preaching to the people and founding churches wherever he went. It was a life of unceasing labour in the service of religion. He died kneeling before the altar of his own church of Iona, in the year 597, in the seventy-sixth year of his age, and was buried within the monastery. The material also notes that St. Fintan of Clonenagh, who founded his monastery around 548 and lived under severe discipline, was held in great esteem by St. Columkille, as Columba was also called. Several distinguished Irish saints were for a time under Fintan's instruction at Clonenagh.

48. Death of John the Mad at Cork Hill, Dublin

    Cork Hill · street · Dublin · 1171

    During the assault on Dublin's east gate near the present Cork Hill, the fearsome Danish commander John the Mad was killed in combat by Miles de Cogan after lopping off a knight's mailed thigh.

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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

    This is Cork Hill in Dublin, where in 1171 the Danish commander John the Mad met his end. Cogan passed out silently with a small party at the western gate, came round, and attacked the Danes in the rear. When those inside the city heard the shouts, Miles rushed out again and 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. Hasculf was captured just as he was entering his ship on the strand. Brought before Miles de Cogan, he said with imprudent boldness: "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 another arose, 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. He persuaded the kings and chiefs to join in an attempt to crush the enemy at one blow. 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. They were joined by a Danish contingent from the Isle of Man and elsewhere, who entered the Liffey with 30 ships and cut off communication by sea.

49. De Burgo brothers renounce English dress on the Shannon at Athlone

    Athlone · town · Westmeath · 1333

    In defiance of English rule following the earl's murder, Sir Ulick and Sir Edmund Burke seized Connaught estates and declared independence, symbolically stripping off their Norman dress in sight of the royal garrison. They adopted the saffron robes of Celtic chieftains at Athlone.

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    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.' ^

    ' Richey, Short History, p. 202.

    Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 41

    As the companion tells it

    The road takes you through Athlone now. In 1333, the murder of a young earl who left only an infant daughter as heir set the Connaught De Burgos against English rule, since they refused to be vassals of a girl whose husband would one day take the estates. Two of the most powerful, Sir Ulick Burke and Sir Edmund Albanach Burke, seized the lands and declared themselves independent of England. The source records that "on the banks of the Shannon, in sight of the royal garrison," they stripped themselves of their Norman dress and arms and assumed the saffron robes of Celtic chieftains. The earl's murder had lost about a fourth of all Anglo-Irish territory to the government, and this defiance helped hasten the incorporation of the English with the Irish.

50. Deputy Russell's bloody march through Wicklow

    Wicklow · townland · Wicklow · 1595

    During a journey through Wicklow, Russell's soldiers killed every person they judged a traitor on the spot and brought their heads into camp, part of a sanguinary campaign whose details Russell himself recorded.

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    A couple of months later, the deputy, attended by a party of military, made a journey through Wicklow, of which the sanguinary details are given by himself. Every human being that fell in their way, whom they judged to be a traitor, was killed on the spot and his ' head brought in ' to the camp. Among others they captured the wife of the great chief O'Byrne himself, and sentenced her to be burned alive for treason.^

    » Carerv Papersi, 1589-1600, p. 228.

    Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 63

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here in 1595, the deputy Russell made a journey through Wicklow with a party of soldiers. Russell himself recorded what happened. Every person they met whom they judged a traitor was killed on the spot, and the head brought in to the camp. Among others, they captured the wife of the great chief O'Byrne himself, and sentenced her to be burned alive for treason.

51. Deputy Russell's surprise attack on Ballinacor Castle

    Ballinacor · townland · Wicklow · 1595

    Guided by false friends of Fiach Mac Hugh O'Byrne, deputy Russell surprised his castle of Ballinacor one night in January 1595, though the chief and his family escaped through the back as the front was being forced.

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    The first notable exploit of the new deputy, Sir William Russell, was a well-planned attempt to capture ' The firebrand of the mountains' — Fiach Mac Hugh O'Byi^ne. Guided by some of Fiach's false friends, he surprised the castle of Ballinacor one night in January 1595 ; but the chief and his family, having been accidentally alarmed by the sound of a drum, escaped by the back during the forcing of the front entrance. The deputy left a garrison in the castle : but in the August of the following year O'Byrne surprised it in his turn and regained possession. In retaliation for the deputy's attack, Fiach's son-in-law, Walter Reagh Fitzgerald, with some of the old chief's sons, swooped down by night on Crumlin near Dublin, burned the village, and carried off the leaden roof of the church. And though the blaze was plainly seen from Dublin, the party got clear ofi" before there was time to intercept them. Soon after however in the same year (1595), Fitzgerald, while lying wounded in a cave, was taken by the treachery of the physician that attended him, and hanged in chains.

    A couple of months later, the deputy, attended by a party of military, made a journey through Wicklow, of which the sanguinary details are given by himself. Every human being that fell in their way, whom they judged to be a traitor, was killed on the spot and his ' head brought in ' to the camp. Among others they captured the wife of the great chief O'Byrne himself, and sentenced her to be burned alive for treason.^

    Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 63

    As the companion tells it

    Close to Ballinacor, Sir William Russell, the new deputy, made his first notable exploit: a well-planned attempt to capture the man called

52. Drury's mass hangings in Cork and Limerick

    Cork · city · Cork · 1576–1577

    In his province-wide circuit as president of Munster, Drury hanged forty-three people and pressed one to death in Cork, and hanged twenty-two in Limerick, later hanging 400 in his second year of office.

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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

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Cork, you are on ground where Sir William Drury held court in 1576. He had been appointed president of Munster that year, and he made a circuit through his province trying those brought before him as evil-doers. In this city he hanged 43 people and pressed one to death. He went on to Limerick, where he hanged 22, and Kilkenny, where he hanged 36 besides a blackamoor and two witches executed without regular trial. 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. The torturing, hanging and quartering these presidents did was all to no purpose, for they utterly failed in the main object for which they were appointed.

53. Gunpowder Explosion and Rout at the Yellow Ford

    Yellow Ford · ford · Armagh · 1598

    During the battle, a waggon of gunpowder exploded in the midst of the fourth English regiment as they tried to reach the trench, killing great numbers and throwing the army into disorder, which O'Neill exploited with a furious charge leading to a general rout.

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    The fourth regiment, at last leaving their cannon, made a dash for the trench ; but scarcely had they started when a waggon of gunpowder exploded in their midst,

    Chap. XI. THE BATTLE OF THE YELLOW FORD 497

    Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 65

    As the companion tells it

    A battle site, the Yellow Ford, in Armagh. In 1598 the fourth English regiment left their cannon and made a dash for the trench. Scarcely had they started when a waggon of gunpowder exploded in their midst, killing great numbers and throwing the army into disorder. O'Neill exploited it with a furious charge, and the English were routed.

54. James Fitzgerald hanged and quartered in Cork

    Cork · city · Cork · 1580

    James Fitzgerald, Desmond's youngest brother, was captured while raiding Sir Cormac Mac Carthy's territory, sent to Cork where he was hanged and quartered, and his head spiked over one of the city gates.

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    James Fitzgerald, the earl's youngest brother, was captured while making a raid on the territories of Sir Cormac Mac Carthy the sheriff of Cork. He was straightway sent to Cork where he was hanged and quartered ; and his head was spiked over one of the city gates.

    How thoroughly odious the authorities had made themselves in Ireland is evidenced all through the State Papers of this time : ^ even their own servants secretly sympathised with the rebels. Pelham writes repeatedly that there was a settled hatred of the English government, and believed that if only a fair opportunity should offer, such as the landing of even 1,000 Spaniards, the whole body of chiefs, native and Anglo-Irish, would rise in rebellion. His manner of providing against this contingency was quite characteristic. He invited the lords and gentlemen of Munster to a conference at Limerick ; men who had never given any indication of sympathy with the rebels : and no sooner had they unsuspectingly presented themselves than he had them all arrested ; and he kept them locked up till such time as he thought they could be liberated with safety.^

    Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Cork, this is the city where James Fitzgerald met his end in 1580. He was the youngest brother of the earl of Desmond. He was captured while making a raid on the territories of Sir Cormac Mac Carthy, the sheriff of Cork. He was sent straight to Cork and hanged and quartered, and his head was spiked over one of the city gates. The authorities had made themselves thoroughly odious across Ireland. Even their own servants secretly sympathised with the rebels. Pelham wrote repeatedly that there was a settled hatred of the English government, and believed that if even 1,000 Spaniards should land, the whole body of chiefs, native and Anglo-Irish, would rise in rebellion. His way of guarding against that was characteristic. He invited the lords and gentlemen of Munster to a conference at Limerick, men who had never shown sympathy with the rebels. Once they unsuspectingly presented themselves, he had them all arrested and kept locked up until he judged they could be released with safety.

55. Lady Eleanor shelters the fugitive Gerald at Kilbrittain

    near Kilbrittain · street · Cork · 1537

    When Thomond became unsafe, young Gerald Fitzgerald was sent by night to Kilbrittain in Cork to his aunt Lady Eleanor Mac Carthy, who protected him with unwavering loyalty while he was a hunted fugitive under sentence of death.

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    When Thomond became an unsafe asylum, he was sent by night to Kilbrittain in Cork, to his aunt Lady Eleanor Mac Carthy, widow of Mac Carthy Reagh and sister of the boy's father, who watched over him with unshaken fidelity. While he was under her charge, Manus O'Donnell, who had lately succeeded his father as chief of Tirconnell, made her an offer of marriage ; and she consented, mainly, it is believed, for the sake of securing a powerful friend for her outlawed nephew. In the middle of June 1537 the lady travelled with young Gerald all the way from Cork to Donegal, through Thomond and Connaught, escorted and protected everywhere by the chiefs through whose territories they passed. The illustrious wayfarers must have been well known as they travelled slowly along, yet none of the people attempted to betray them ; and the journey was performed without the least accident.

    Some suppose that the deputy, though pretending to be very active for his nephew's arrest, connived at his escape ; and as a matter of fact this was one of the charges subsequently brought against him. Whoever reads his letters however wall be convinced that he was in downright earnest in his efforts to arrest the boy ; and judging from his own words he was not particularly scrupulous in his methods. Early in 1539 he had arranged to meet at a friendly conference O'Neill and O'Donnell, who promised to bring Gerald : but they never came. Soon afterwards Grey writes to the king that if they had brought the boy

    Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 48

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere about Kilbrittain, a young fugitive once found shelter. When Thomond became unsafe, young Gerald Fitzgerald was sent by night to his aunt Lady Eleanor Mac Carthy. She was the widow of Mac Carthy Reagh and sister of the boy's father, and she watched over him with unshaken fidelity. While he was under her charge, Manus O'Donnell, who had lately succeeded his father as chief of Tirconnell, made Lady Eleanor an offer of marriage. She consented, mainly, it is believed, for the sake of securing a powerful friend for her outlawed nephew. In the middle of June 1537 the lady travelled with young Gerald all the way from Cork to Donegal, through Thomond and Connaught, escorted and protected everywhere by the chiefs through whose territories they passed. The illustrious wayfarers must have been well known as they travelled slowly along, yet none of the people attempted to betray them, and the journey was performed without the least accident. Some suppose that the deputy, though pretending to be very active for his nephew's arrest, connived at his escape, and this was one of the charges subsequently brought against him. But whoever reads his letters will be convinced that he was in downright earnest in his efforts to arrest the boy, and not particularly scrupulous in his methods. Early in 1539 he had arranged to meet at a friendly conference O'Neill and O'Donnell, who promised to bring Gerald, but they never came.

56. Landing at Smerwick and capture of Dunanore Fort

    Smerwick · townland · Kerry · 1579

    James Fitzmaurice landed at Smerwick in Kerry in 1579 with Spanish soldiers and clergy, taking possession of the fort called Dunanore ('the fort of gold'), perched on a rock jutting into the sea. He was joined there by Desmond's brothers and O'Flaherty forces expecting a general Munster rising.

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    Meantime Fitzmaurice embarked for Ireland (1579) in three small ships which he had procured in Spain, with about eighty Spaniards, accompanied by Dr. Allen, a Jesuit, and by Dr. Sanders, a celebrated English ecclesiastic, the Pope's legate. Expecting to meet Stukely on the Irish coast, he landed in 1579 at the little harbour of Smerwick in Kerry, and took possession of a fort called Dunanore — the fort of gold ; which the Spaniards, translating the name into their own language, called Fort-del-or ; perched on top of a rock jutting into the sea. Here he was joined by Desmond's two brothers, John and James Fitzgerald, and by 200 of the O'Flahertys of West Connaught, who had come round by sea expecting all Munster to rise in arms.

    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

    Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 57

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Smerwick, James Fitzmaurice came ashore in 1579. He had crossed from Spain in three small ships with about 80 Spaniards, a Jesuit named Dr. Allen, and Dr. Sanders, an English ecclesiastic who was the Pope's legate. He had been expecting to meet a man called Stukely on the Irish coast, but Stukely never appeared. Fitzmaurice landed at this little harbour in Kerry and seized a fort called Dunanore, which means the fort of gold. The Spaniards translated the name into their own language and called it Fort-del-or. It stood on top of a rock jutting into the sea. There he was joined by Desmond's two brothers, John and James Fitzgerald, and by 200 of the O'Flahertys of West Connaught, who had come round by sea expecting all Munster to rise in arms. The Earl of Desmond himself held aloof. He was timid and vacillating; his heart was in the cause, but he took great pains to convince the authorities of his loyalty. The government had already learned through spies of a projected invasion. A month before Fitzmaurice's arrival, three strangers were landed from a Spanish ship at Dingle: Dr. Patrick O'Haly, Bishop of Mayo, the Reverend Cornelius O'Rourke, and another. They were seized at once and brought before Desmond, who sent them straight to President Drury, a man he knew for merciless severity. Drury had them put to horrible torture.

57. Malachi's defeat at Drinan near Swords, son slain

    Drinan · townland · Dublin · 1013

    Malachi was defeated at Drinan near Swords by the combined armies of Mailmora and Sitric, leaving 200 of his men dead on the field, including his own son Flann.

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    And now the threatened war-cloud broke over the country. The confederates began by attacking Malachi's kino-dom of Meath, as he was now one of Brian's adherents. He defended himself successfully for some time : but he was at last defeated at Drinan near Swords by Mailmora and Sitric, with the united armies of Danes and Leinstermen, leaving 200 of his men, including his own son Flann, dead on the field. Mailmora and Sitric followed up this victory by an expedition into the very heart of Meath, which they plundered as far as the monastery of St. Fechin at Fore ; and they returned with ' captives and cattle innumerable,' some taken in violation of sanctuary from the very termon of the saint. Malachi, finding himself unable to defend his kingdom against so many enemies, sent messengers to Brian to demand the protection to wliich, as a tributary king, he was entitled — 'to complain that his territory was plundered and his sons killed, and praying him not to permit the Danes, and the Leinstermen, and the men of Brefney, and those of Carbury, and the Kinel- Owen, to come all together against him.'

    Brain had hitherto remained inactive ; but moved by

    Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 24

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Drinan, in 1013, Malachi was defeated in battle by Mailmora and Sitric, with the united armies of Danes and Leinstermen. He had defended his kingdom of Meath successfully for some time against the confederates who attacked it, but here at Drinan near Swords he was at last overcome. Two hundred of his men were left dead on the field, including his own son Flann. Mailmora and Sitric followed up the victory by marching into the heart of Meath, plundering as far as the monastery of Saint Fechin at Fore. They returned with captives and cattle innumerable, some taken in violation of sanctuary from the termon of the saint. Malachi, unable to defend his kingdom against so many enemies, sent messengers to Brian. He demanded the protection he was entitled to as a tributary king, with words from the source: 'to complain that his territory was plundered and his sons killed, and praying him not to permit the Danes, and the Leinstermen, and the men of Brefney, and those of Carbury, and the Kinel-Owen, to come all together against him.'

58. Malachi's victory and Danish captivity liberated at Dublin

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 980

    Malachi the Great captured Dublin after a three-day siege in 980, taking immense booty and liberating 2,000 captives including the king of Leinster; the Four Masters called this bondage 'the Babylonian captivity of Ireland.'

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    Donall was succeeded in 980 by Malachi II., or Malachi the Great as he is often called, the most distinofuished kingf who had reigned for many generations, second only to his great contemporary Brian Boru. The year before his accession he defeated the Danes in a great battle at Tar a, where vast numbers of them were slain, includingf Ranall son of Amlaff Cuaran the Danish king of Dublin. Following up his success he marched straight on Dublin, which he captured after a siege of three days, took immense booty, and liberated 2,000 captives, among whom was Donall Claen king of Leinster. And Malachi now issued his famous proclamation : ' Everyone of the Gael who is in the territory of the foreigners in service and bondage, let him go to his own territory in peace and happiness.' The Four Masters who record this proclamation, add : — ' This captivity was the Babylonian captivity of Ireland : it was next to the captivity of hell.' The great Danish king of Dublin, AmlafF Cuaran, was so heartbroken by this disaster that he left his kingdom to his son Sitric of the Silken Beard and went on a pilgrimage to lona, where he died.

    "We shall now interrupt the regular course of our narrative in order to trace the career of the man who was destined to crush the power of the Danes for ever.

    Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 22

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Dublin, you are on ground that changed hands in 980. Malachi the Great had already defeated the Danes at Tara the year before his accession, killing Ranall son of Amlaff Cuaran, the Danish king of Dublin. He then marched straight on the city and captured it after a siege of three days, taking immense booty and liberating 2,000 captives, among them Donall Claen king of Leinster. Malachi issued a proclamation: every one of the Gael held in the territory of the foreigners in service and bondage should go to his own territory in peace and happiness. The Four Masters called this captivity the Babylonian captivity of Ireland, second only to the captivity of hell. The great Danish king Amlaff Cuaran was so heartbroken by the disaster that he left his kingdom to his son Sitric of the Silken Beard and went on pilgrimage to Iona, where he died.

59. Memorials of the slain at Clontarf: mounds and Brian Boru's Well

    Clontarf · parish · Dublin

    The neighbourhood of Clontarf still bears names like Danesfield, Conquer Hill, and Brian Boru's Lodge; a spring long known as Brian Boru's Well survives as a fountain, and mounds where the dead were buried remain, including the large Brian Boru's Mound.

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    many otlier such names. A fine spring well lias been known from time immemorial as Brian Boru's Well ; but it is now turned into a modern drinking fountain, still known however by the old name. According to some accounts the Dalcassian heroes retired to this well when thirsty and weary at intervals during the day to drink : but this is all modern : there is nothing of it in the old accounts. There are still many mounds where the dead were buried ; and one very large one is called ' Brian Boru's Mound.'

    The battle of Clontarf was the last great struggle between Christianity and heathenism.

    Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 24

    As the companion tells it

    The parish of Clontarf still carries the marks of a great battle. A spring known from time immemorial as Brian Boru's Well survives as a modern drinking fountain, still called by its old name. Some accounts say the Dalcassian heroes retired to this well when thirsty and weary during the day to drink, but that is all modern telling. There is nothing of it in the old accounts. Many mounds remain where the dead were buried, and one very large one is called Brian Boru's Mound. The battle of Clontarf was the last great struggle between Christianity and heathenism.

60. Night Slaughter at the Battle of Knockavoe

    Knockavoe · hill or hills · Tyrone · 1522

    O'Donnell launched a surprise night attack on O'Neill's camp at Knockavoe hill near Strabane, resulting in furious hand-to-hand fighting in pitch darkness and the deaths of 900 of O'Neill's men, in one of the bloodiest battles ever fought between the Kinel Connell and Kinel Owen.

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    Marching silently in the depth of night, he took O'Neill by surprise ; and almost before the sentinels were aware of how matters stood, the two armies were fighting furiously in pitch darkness in the midst of the camp. After a long and fearful struggle, in which men found it hard to distinguish friend from foe, the O'Neills were routed with a loss of 900 men ; and O'Donnell took possession of the camp, with an immense quantity of booty. Making no delay, he next marched rapidly back again through Barnesmore to Sligo. The besiegers here, having heard of what had taken place at Knockavoe, sent to the victorious chief to sue for peace ; but such was their terror of Mm that they broke up camp before the messengers had time to return, and fled in a panic clear out of danger.^

    This battle of Knockavoe, which was one of the bloodiest ever fought between the Kinel Connell and Kinel Owen, did not end the quarrel. Kildare tried hard to make peace ; but in spite of his efforts the war continued for many years afterwards, causing quite as much ruin and misery among the poor country people as any of the ordinary wars of the English invasion.

    Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 46

    As the companion tells it

    The hill of Knockavoe, near Strabane, was the scene of one of the bloodiest battles ever fought between the Kinel Connell and the Kinel Owen. It was 1522. O'Donnell marched silently through the depth of night and took O'Neill by surprise. Almost before the sentinels knew what was happening, the two armies were fighting furiously in pitch darkness, right in the middle of the camp. It was a long and fearful struggle. Men found it hard to tell friend from foe. The O'Neills were routed with a loss of 900 men. O'Donnell took possession of the camp and an immense quantity of booty. He made no delay. He marched rapidly back through Barnesmore to Sligo. The besiegers there heard what had happened at Knockavoe and sent messengers to sue for peace. But such was their terror of O'Donnell that they broke up camp before the messengers had time to return, and fled in a panic clear out of danger. The battle did not end the quarrel. Kildare tried hard to make peace, but in spite of his efforts the war continued for many years afterwards, causing as much ruin and misery among the poor country people as any of the ordinary wars of the English invasion.