A short history of Ireland from the earliest times to 1608

Each story keeps the passage it was read from. Open one to read the passage as the book has it, and, where the companion has written its own telling, that too.

1. Execution of David Purcell after capture on Scattery Island

   Scattery Island · townland · Clare · 1581

   David Purcell was captured on Scattery Island by Mac Mahon of Corcobaskin, who hanged all his followers and sent Purcell to Limerick where he was executed.

   Read the passage

   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

2. Fines for absence from Protestant service in Dublin

   Dublin · city · Dublin · 1563

   In Dublin, fines were imposed on those who failed to attend the new Protestant church service under the Act of Uniformity. To avoid the penalty, many attended Catholic Mass in the morning and Protestant church in the evening, but churchwardens tried to prevent this by calling a roll at morning service.

   Read the passage

   In many places the new statute of uniformity was now brought sharply into play. In Dublin fines were inflicted on those who absented themselves from church ; and to avoid the penalty, many went to Mass in the morning and to church in the evening. But the churchwardens tried to prevent even this by calling a roll of the parishioners at the morning service.^ In Kilkenny lord justice Drury bound the chief men to attend service with their wives and children under a penalty of £40.^ And Sir Henry Malbie writes : — ' At this sessions [in Galway] a great number of malefactors were indicted for a Solemn Mass they were at for welcoming William Burcke.' ^

   This persecution prevailed however only in the Pale. and in some few other places. In far the greatest part of Ireland the government had no influence, and the Catholics were not interfered with. Even within the Pale the great body of the people took no notice of proclamations, the law could not be enforced, the act of uniformity was a dead letter, and the greater number of the parishes remained in the hands of the priests.

   Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 51

   As the companion tells it

   As you travel through Dublin, you are moving through a city where, in 1563, the new statute of uniformity was brought sharply into play. Fines were inflicted on those who absented themselves from church. To avoid the penalty, many people went to Mass in the morning and to the Protestant church in the evening. But the churchwardens tried to prevent even this by calling a roll of the parishioners at the morning service. The same pressure was felt elsewhere. In Kilkenny, lord justice Drury bound the chief men to attend service with their wives and children under a penalty of 40 pounds. In Galway, a great number of malefactors were indicted for a solemn Mass they were at, for welcoming William Burcke. This persecution prevailed only in the Pale and in some few other places. In far the greatest part of Ireland the government had no influence, and the Catholics were not interfered with. Even within the Pale, the great body of the people took no notice of proclamations. The law could not be enforced. The act of uniformity was a dead letter, and the greater number of the parishes remained in the hands of the priests.

3. Honourable Burial of Clifford at Lough Key Monastery

   near Lough Key · lake or lakes · Roscommon · 1599

   Sir Conyers Clifford, greatly regretted by the Irish of Connaught for his just and merciful rule, was honourably buried by his former enemies in the monastery of the Holy Trinity on Lough Key.

   Read the passage

   Sir Conyers Clifford was greatly regretted by the Irish, especially the people of Connaught, to whom he was a just and merciful ruler — a complete contrast to Bingham ; and he was honourably buried by the victors in the monastery of the Holy Trinity in Lough Key.

   After the battle O'Conor surrendered his castle and joined the northern confederates ; and O'Donnell with characteristic nobleness of mind, restored his lands and gave him cattle to stock them. Theobald-na-Long, who was O'Conor's brother-in-law, also submitted and entered into friendship with O'Donnell, after which the fleet returned home.

   Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 66

4. O'Doherty slain and Innishowen plundered

   near Inishowen · townland · Donegal · 1196

   De Courcy crossed the Foyle to invade Tirconnell, defeating and slaying the newly elected chief O'Doherty along with 200 of his men, then plundered Innishowen carrying off vast spoils.

   Read the passage

   In 1196 he marclied north-west till he came to the Bann ; and he built a castle at Mount Sandal, on a high bank over the river, a little above Coleraine, which he left in command of an officer named Russell. This Russell, issuing daily from his fastness, devastated all the district ; till venturing too far west, he was intercepted by Flaherty O'Muldory, at Faughanvale on the shore of Lough Foyle, and defeated with great loss. Soon afterwards O'Muldory died ; and De Courcy, apparently taking advantage of this, crossed the Foyle westward to invade Tirconnell. Being opposed by O'Doherty, the newly elected chief, he defeated and slew him, together with 200 of his men; after which he plundered Innishowen and carried off vast spoils.

   Next year (1198) he again marched west from Downpatrick, plundering and burning churches and homesteads as he went along, and encamped at Derry, then a mere village, where he remained nine days devastating all Innishowen. When O'Neill prince of Tyrone heard of this, he sailed to the coast of Antrim and attacked the English settlement there by way of reprisal, prudently avoiding a direct encounter with De Courcy. Whereupon the English of those parts mustered their forces and intercepted him ; but O'Neill defeated them ; and afterwards, during their hasty flight, he routed them five several times before they reached their ships. As soon as intelligence of this reverse reached De Courcy, he hastily left Derry and made his way back to Downpatrick, probably dreading an attack on his head-quarters in his absence.

   Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 35

5. Round forts feared as fairy haunts

   Ireland · place

   The ancient circular forts found throughout Ireland, known as Lis, Rath, Brugh, Dun, Cashel and Caher, are almost universally believed in popular superstition to be haunted by fairies. These structures, some very large, once housed timber dwellings for chiefs and their households.

   Read the passage

   These old circular forts are found in every part of Ireland, but more in the south and west than elsewhere, many of them still very perfect — but of course the timber houses are all gone. Almost all are believed in popular superstition to be the haunts of fairies. They are known by various names, Lis, Rath^ Br ugh [broo], Dim^ Cashel, and Cither — the cashels and cahers being usually built of stone. These are the very names found in the oldest manuscripts. Some forts are very large — 300 feet or more across — so as to give ample room for the group of timber houses, or for the cattle at night. The smaller forts were the residences of the farmers. Very often the flat middle space is raised to a higher level than the surrounding land, and sometimes there is a great mound in the centre, with a flat top, on which no doubt the strong house of the chief stood. In the very large forts there are often three or more great circumvallations. A Dim was the residence of a Ri [ree] or king : according to law it should have at least two surrounding walls with water between. Round the great forts of kings or chiefs were grouped the timber dwellings of the fiulirs and other dependents who were not of the immediate household, forming a sort of village.

   In most of the forts, both large and small, whether with flat areas or with raised mounds, there are underground chambers, commonly beehive shaped, which were probably used as storehouses, and in case of sudden attack as places of refuge for women and children. The Irish did not then know the use of mortar or how to build an arch any more than the ancient Greeks ; and these underground chambers are of dry stone work, built with much rude skill, the dome being formed by the projection of one stone beyond another, till the top was closed in by a single flag.

   Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 14

6. Sacking of Limerick and destruction of Kincora

   Limerick · city · Limerick · 1088

   Donall O'Loghlan marched south, forced O'Conor of Connaught to submit, and together they plundered the Munster plain, burned Limerick city, and demolished the royal residence of Kincora.

   Read the passage

   Donall began the struggle in 1088 by marching southwards ; and having forced O'Conor king of Connaught to submit and join him, they both plundered the great Munster plain extending through Tipperary and Limerick, burned Limerick city, and demolished the royal residence of Kincora. Donall then returned in triumph to Ulster, bringing captive many of the Munster chiefs, who were subsequently ransomed by Murkertagh.

   In the very next year Murkertagh retaliated in an expedition up the Shannon, plundering remorselessly everything on his route, both church and homestead. But his boats were blocked in the river and his army was repulsed by O'Melaghlin king of Meath, so that he had to abandon his fleet and return to Munster.

   Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 25

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Limerick, you are in a city that was burned to the ground in 1088. Donall O'Loghlan marched south that year, forced O'Conor king of Connaught to submit and join him, and together they plundered the great Munster plain across Tipperary and Limerick, burned Limerick city itself, and demolished the royal residence of Kincora. Donall returned in triumph to Ulster, bringing captive many Munster chiefs, who were later ransomed by Murkertagh. The very next year Murkertagh struck back, raiding up the Shannon and plundering church and homestead alike, but his boats were blocked in the river and his army repulsed by O'Melaghlin king of Meath, forcing him to abandon his fleet and return to Munster.

7. Seizure of Conn O'Donnell and his castle of Lifford

   Lifford · townland · Donegal · 1573

   The earl of Essex induced Conn O'Donnell to enter into alliance with him, then treacherously seized him upon his arrival at the English camp, sent him as prisoner to Dublin, and took possession of his castle of Lifford.

   Read the passage

   young chief come to the English camp than the earl, on some pretence or another, seized him, sent him to Dublin a prisoner, and took possession of his castle of Lifford.

   Finding that he was unable to wrest Clandeboy from Brian O'Neill, he made peace with him in 1574; after which O'Neill, glad no doubt to have an end of the strife, invited the earl with a large party to a banquet. When they had spent three days very pleasantly, the festivities came to a sudden and tragical termination. The earl suddenly called in his guards, and — in the words of the Four Masters — ' Brian, his brother, and his wife, were seized upon by the earl, and all his people put unsparinglyto the sword, men, women, youths and maidens, in Brian's own presence. Brian was afterwards sent to Dublin together with his wife and brother, where they were cut in quarters.' ^

   Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 56

8. Siege and starvation surrender of Castlemaine

   Castlemaine · town · Kerry · 1572

   Perrott laid siege to Castlemaine, Desmond's chief Kerry stronghold, and after a gallant three-month defence the garrison were forced to surrender by starvation.

   Read the passage

   Many members of the league surrendered during this year (1570) ; and as time went on it became more and more clear that Fitzmaurice's cause was growing hopeless. Sir John Perrott, a bluff, brave, hasty-tempered old soldier, was appointed president of Munster in 1571, and entered on his first campaign against the insurgents with extraordinary energy, hanging, burning, shooting, and quartering all before him like the others. Fitzmaurice sent him a challenge to single combat, like the knights of old, which Perrott accepted; but the challenger, fearing treachery, failed to appear; and Perrott resumed his murderous progress, threatening 'to hunt the fox (Fitzmaurice) out of his hole.' He battered down with his powerful siege train castle after castle of the Geraldines, and pursued the insurgents through woods, glens, and bogs with untiring activity. He failed in his first attempt on Castlemaine in Kerry, Desmond's chief stronghold in that district; but he laid siege to it again next year, 1572 ; and after a gallant defence of three months, the garrison were forced to surrender by sheer starvation. Meantime at the end of the preceding year Sir Henry Sydney had been recalled at his own request, and was succeeded by Sir William Fitzwilliam.

   Sir Edward Fitton summoned a court in Galway in March 1572, to which came, among many others, the earl of Clanrickard and his sons. These were the same two young men who had formerly given so much trouble (p. 422) : and now hearing some rumour of evil designs on the part of Fitton, they fled from the town ; whereupon the president arrested their father and brought him to Dublin to the lord deputy. This did harm instead of good. The sons were enraged ; and they and Fitzmaurice, who joined them from the recesses of Aherlow, aided by * Four Masters. 1570.

   Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 55

   As the companion tells it

   Coming up now is Castlemaine in Kerry. This was Desmond's chief stronghold in the district, and in 1572 it became the site of a hard siege. Sir John Perrott was appointed president of Munster in 1571. He was a bluff, brave, hasty-tempered old soldier, and he entered his first campaign against the insurgents with extraordinary energy, hanging, burning, shooting, and quartering all before him. Fitzmaurice, the rebel leader, sent him a challenge to single combat, like the knights of old. Perrott accepted, but the challenger, fearing treachery, failed to appear. Perrott resumed his murderous progress, threatening "to hunt the fox (Fitzmaurice) out of his hole." He battered down with his powerful siege train castle after castle of the Geraldines, and pursued the insurgents through woods, glens, and bogs with untiring activity. His first attempt on Castlemaine failed. But he laid siege to it again the following year, 1572. The garrison put up a gallant defence that lasted three months. In the end they were forced to surrender by sheer starvation. By that time many members of the league had already surrendered, and Fitzmaurice's cause had been growing hopeless since 1570. Castlemaine's fall was part of that wider collapse. At the end of the preceding year, Sir Henry Sydney had been recalled at his own request and succeeded by Sir William Fitzwilliam.

9. Archbishop Allen's ship stranded at Clontarf

   Clontarf · parish · Dublin · 1534

   Attempting to escape the siege of Dublin Castle by sea, Archbishop Allen's vessel ran aground at Clontarf during his flight.

   Read the passage

   The archbishop, having good reason to dread the Geraldines, for he had always been bitterly hostile to them, attempted during the siege to make his escape by night in a vessel that lay in the Liffey. But the vessel got stranded at Clontarf ; and the archbishop, who had taken refuge at Howth, was discovered by the rebels, dragged from his bed, and brought half-naked to Artaine to the presence of Lord Thomas and his uncles. There has been some difference of opinion as to how far the young nobleman was responsible for what followed ; but the account given by Cox, who was no friend either to the Geraldines or to the L'ish, may probably be regarded as correct. Cox states that the archbishop threw himself on his knees and implored mercy. Lord Thomas, having compassion for him , but assuming an appearance of sternness, turned aside, saying, in Irish, ' Take away the clown,' meaning that he was to be taken away in custody. But the servants, wilfully misconstruing their master's words, murdered the archbishop in the very act of supplicating mercy. ^ This .fearful crime, which would have sealed the fate of the rebellion even if there had been any chance of success, brought a sentence of excommunication against Lord Thomas and his followers. A copy was sent to the earl in the Tower, but it is doubtful if he ever saw it ; for on first

   1 Cox, History of Ireland, ed. 1689, p. 234. The very words used l)y Lord Thomas, who spoke in Irish, as reported by Cox and others, are, ^ Beir uaim an l)Oclacli,^ literally, ' Take the clown away from me.' These, obviously, did not mean violence to the archbishop.

   Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 47

10. Armagh Church Converted into an English Fort

    near Armagh · town · Armagh · 1595

    After failing to attack O'Neill's fortified camp near Portmore, the English army retreated to Armagh, where they converted the church into a military fort and left a garrison inside before continuing to Newry and Dundalk.

    Read the passage

    The deputy and Norris proceeded with their army to Armagh, and thence towards Portmore ; but when they had reconnoitred the position of the Irish they did not venture to attack. O'Neill on his part did not offer battle in force, but contented himself with continual skirmishing. At last the English returned to Armagh, and converting the church into a fort, in which was left a garrison, they returned to Newry, and thence to Dundalk, harassed by O'Neill the whole way.^

    Yet O'Neill, knowing well the tremendous power he had to deal with, did not wish to follow up this rebellion, if by any other means he could obtain reasonable terms. He wrote to the earl of Ormond and to the treasurer Wallop declaring that he wished to live in peace, provided he and his people were allowed to profess and practise their religion. At the same time, probably at his suggestion, O'Donnell and some other chiefs wrote to the same effect. O'Neill also sent conciliatory letters to the deputy and to Norris, but Bagenal, who did not wish for reconciliation, intercepted them.^ The deputy, knowing nothing of these overtures, proclaimed O'Neill a traitor on the 28th June, 1595, the proclamation, which came from the queen, being worded as usual in the most insulting terms. ^ About this time the English settlements over a great part of Leinster and Connaught were spoiled and wasted by the Irish.

    Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 64

11. Battle and defeat at Faughanvale

    Faughanvale · townland · Derry · 1196

    De Courcy's officer Russell, having devastated the district from Mount Sandal castle, was intercepted by Flaherty O'Muldory at Faughanvale on the shore of Lough Foyle and defeated with great loss.

    Read the passage

    In 1196 he marclied north-west till he came to the Bann ; and he built a castle at Mount Sandal, on a high bank over the river, a little above Coleraine, which he left in command of an officer named Russell. This Russell, issuing daily from his fastness, devastated all the district ; till venturing too far west, he was intercepted by Flaherty O'Muldory, at Faughanvale on the shore of Lough Foyle, and defeated with great loss. Soon afterwards O'Muldory died ; and De Courcy, apparently taking advantage of this, crossed the Foyle westward to invade Tirconnell. Being opposed by O'Doherty, the newly elected chief, he defeated and slew him, together with 200 of his men; after which he plundered Innishowen and carried off vast spoils.

    Next year (1198) he again marched west from Downpatrick, plundering and burning churches and homesteads as he went along, and encamped at Derry, then a mere village, where he remained nine days devastating all Innishowen. When O'Neill prince of Tyrone heard of this, he sailed to the coast of Antrim and attacked the English settlement there by way of reprisal, prudently avoiding a direct encounter with De Courcy. Whereupon the English of those parts mustered their forces and intercepted him ; but O'Neill defeated them ; and afterwards, during their hasty flight, he routed them five several times before they reached their ships. As soon as intelligence of this reverse reached De Courcy, he hastily left Derry and made his way back to Downpatrick, probably dreading an attack on his head-quarters in his absence.

    Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 35

12. Battle at Gort-na-tubbrid (Springfield)

    Springfield · street · Limerick · 1579

    A government force under Drury's command met the Irish army under John and James Fitzgerald at Gort-na-tubbrid (Springfield) in south Limerick, where after a desperate fight the English were defeated with a loss of 300 men.

    Read the passage

    Drury now mustered his forces, and dividing them into several bodies, he despatched them in different directions in search of the insurgents. One of these parties came upon the Irish army under John and James Fitzgerald, at a place called Gort-na-tubbrid or Springfield in the south of the county Limerick ; and after a desperate fight the English were defeated with a loss of 300 men. After this Drury, quite worn out by fatigue, anxiety, and worry, took sick ; and, leaving Sir Nicholas Malbie in

    Chap. YI. GEEALDIXE EEEELLION : SECOXD STAGE 449

    Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 57

13. Cahal of the Red Hand's death at Knockmoy Abbey

    Knockmoy · townland · Clare · 1224

    Cahal Crovderg, who had founded the abbey of Knockmoy in early life, retired there in his last year and died in the habit of a Cistercian monk.

    Read the passage

    Cahal of the Ked Hand was an upright and powerful king, and governed with firmness and justice. The Annals record of him that he relieved the poor as long as he lived, and that he destroyed more robbers and rebels and evil-doers of every kind than any other king of his time. In early life he had founded the abbey of Knockmoy, into which he retired in the last year of his life ; and in this quiet retreat he died in the habit of a Cistercian monk in 1224.

    286 THE PEEIOD OF THE INVASION Part III.

    Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 37

14. Death of Sir Henry Norris at Finniterstown

    Finniterstown · townland · Limerick · 1599

    While Essex's forces passed near Adare, the Sugan earl and other Geraldines attacked at Finniterstown, killing many men including Sir Henry Norris, the third of the distinguished Norris brothers to perish in these wars.

    Read the passage

    and Bruff to Kilmallock. While passing near Adare the Sugan earl and the other Geraldines suddenly set upon him at Finniterstown and killed many of his men, including one of his best officers, Sir Henry Norris, the third of those distinguished brothers who perished in these wars.

    Leaving Kilmallock he marched to Ardskeagh, and on by the northern skirt of the Ballyhoura Mountains to Fermoy ; thence through Lismore and Waterford, and next northwards towards Dublin. The Geraldines kept still hanging on his rear, and harassed him as far as the Decies in Waterford, where tbey left him and returned to their own country. But he had next to deal with the Leinster clans — the O'Byrnes, the O'Tooles, and the O'Moores — who attacked him near Arklow and inflicted great loss.

    Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 66

15. Death of the Great Earl of Kildare at Athy

    Athy · town · Kildare · 1513

    After falling ill while preparing to renew his siege of O'Carroll's castle, the Great Earl of Kildare died at Athy in 1513, ending the career of the most powerful nobleman in Ireland of his era.

    Read the passage

    He next made an unsuccessful attempt to take O'Carroll's castle of Lemyvannan, now Leap in the present King's County, near Roscrea; and retiring to collect more forces to renew the siege, he was taken ill, and after a few days died at Athy in 1513.

    This extraordinary man, who occupied the foremost place in the affairs of Ireland in his day, is described by Stanihurst as ' of tall stature and goodly presence ; very liberal and merciful ; of strict piety ; mild in his government ; and passionate, but easily appeased.' And the Four Masters in recording his death say that ' he was a knight in valour, and princely and religious in his words and judgments.'

    Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 45

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up now is Athy, a town the road passes through. It was here in 1513 that the Great Earl of Kildare met his end. He had been making an unsuccessful attempt to take O'Carroll's castle of Lemyvannan, near Roscrea, and retired to collect more forces to renew the siege. But he was taken ill, and after a few days he died here. He was the most powerful nobleman in Ireland of his day. Stanihurst described him as 'of tall stature and goodly presence; very liberal and merciful; of strict piety; mild in his government; and passionate, but easily appeased.' The Four Masters said he 'was a knight in valour, and princely and religious in his words and judgments.'

16. Death penalty for violence at the Fes of Tara

    Tara · parish · Meath

    At the Fes of Tara, elaborate precautions prevented quarrels: anyone who struck or wounded another, used insulting words, or stole anything was punished with death, and attendees were immune from prosecution during the assembly.

    Read the passage

    At the Fes of Tara — as well indeed as at all other important meetings — elaborate precautions were taken to prevent quarrels or unpleasantness of any kind. Anyone who struck or wounded another, used insulting words, or stole anything, was punished with death : and all persons who attended were free for the time from prosecution and from legal proceedings of every kind.

    Maigens or Sanctuaries. The plot of land around the house of a person of rank was a sort of asylum. This was called a Maigen or precinct : and within it no man should break the peace without the consent of the owner. The higher the rank the larger the maigen. The maigen of a ho-aire. the lowest rank entitled to the privilege, was the smallest : it extended the cast of a spear all round his house. That of an aire-desa extended two casts. The extent doubled for each rank upwards to the king of the tnath, whose maigen extended sixty-four casts round his residence. The maigen of a provincial king or of the king of Ireland included the whole plain on which the palace stood. There was also a maigen — varying according to rank — round the dwelling of an ecclesiastic, and also round a church : the sanctuary of a church was often called Termon land. The archbishop of Armagh had the same extent of maigen as the king of Ireland.

    Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 11

17. Destruction of O'Brien's Bridge near Killaloe

    near Killaloe · townland · Clare · 1536

    O'Brien's fortified bridge across the Shannon below Killaloe, long used by the O'Briens to raid English territory, was captured and destroyed by Lord Grey through the treachery of Donogh O'Brien.

    Read the passage

    The disturbances created by the rebellion of Silken Thomas were still kept up in some parts of the country by the chiefs of the Geraldine league. To break up this league was now the main object of the deputy Lord Grey, especially to subdue the two most powerful southern members, O'Brien and the earl of Desmond ; and he entered on the task with great energy. At this time the Shannon was spanned, a little below Killaloe, by O'Brien's Bridge, which was fortified at the ends with great solid towers. This bridge had long been a source of trouble, as it enabled the O'Briens, who had built it, to cross the Shannon whenever they pleased and plunder the English of Limerick and Tipperary. Several unsuccessful attempts had been made to destroy it; but now (1536) at last the deputy succeeded through the treachery of Donogh O'Brien, son of the chief of Thomond. This man was married to the daughter of the earl of Ossory ; and he took the part of the government against his own father. On condition that he should get for himself the strong castle of Carrigogunnell, he led the deputy's men to the bridge by an undefended path hitherto unknown. The first tower was taken by assault, after which the garrison retired across the river and the bridge was destroyed. After this the deputy proceeded to Carrigogunnell, took it after a brave defence, executed all its defenders on the spot, and then gave it up to the traitor Donogh.^

    This is a proper place to observe that one of the wellrecognised and most effectual means of reducing the L^ish chiefs was setting them by bribes to war against each other; and in the very next year (1537) the Irish govern-

    Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 49

18. Docwra's landing at Derry among ruined churches

    Derry · street · Tipperary · 1600

    Docwra sailed up the Foyle and landed at Derry, the site of St. Columkille's establishment, then almost uninhabited, where stood the ruins of a castle and several churches; he began building two forts there, which O'Neill and O'Donnell attacked but failed to dislodge.

    Read the passage

    Meantime Docwra succeeded after some trifling opposition in landing at Culmore at the mouth of the Foyle, where he erected a. fort and left a garrison. Leaving another garrison in O'Doherty's castle of Ellagh a little inland, he sailed up the river and landed at Derry, the site of St. Columkille's establishment, then almost uninhabited, where stood the ruins of a castle and of several churches. Here he began the erection of two forts, intending this to be his principal settlement on the Foyle. In the midst of their work they were attacked by O'Neill and O'Donnell, who had marched towards the Foyle the moment Mountjoy had returned, but the garrison were able to repel the attack and the Irish retired.

    A little later on Docwra sailed still further up the river and landed at Dunnalong, five miles from Derry, at the Tyrone side, where in spite of the opposition of O'Neill he built a fort and left a garrison. After this the two chiefs hovered round the several settlements, attacking at every opportunity and cutting off stragglers ; but through all difiiculties and privations the garrisons bravely held their ground.

    Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 67

19. Fitzstephen imprisoned in Reginald's Tower

    Reginald's Tower · man-made feature · Waterford · 1171

    Men of Wexford delivered Fitzstephen in fetters to King Henry at Waterford, and he was sent back in chains to be imprisoned in Reginald's Tower, before being pardoned days later.

    Read the passage

    Henry sailed from Milford with a fleet of 400 large ships carrying 4,000 men-at-arms and 400 knights with horses and arms, accompanied by Strongbow, Hugh de Lacy, William Fitz Adelm de Burgo, and many others of his barons. On the 18th October, 1171, he landed at Crook, below Waterford. Proceeding to Waterford, he was met there by Dermot Mac Carthy king of Desmond, who was the first Irish prince to submit and pay tribute. While the king was here a number of the men of Wexford came to him bringing Fitzstephen in fetters, saying that they had arrested him, and now delivered him up, because he had dared to make war on them without the royal license, and had in this and in other ways been guilty of perfidy towards the king. They probably dreaded his anger on account of their treatment of Fitzstephen, and they made this hypocritical pretence to pass the matter off. The king's action was as hypocritical as theirs. He pretended to be very angry with Fitzstephen, loudly rated him, and sent him back to Waterford chained to another prisoner, with orders that he should be imprisoned in Reginald's Tower. But after a few days, ' being touched with compas-

    262 THE PERIOD OF THE INVASION Part III.

    Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 33

20. King Conary slain by pirates at Brudin Daderga

    near River Dodder · river · Dublin

    Conary the Great, king at the time of the Incarnation, was killed by a band of pirates in the palace of Brudin Daderga on the river Dodder near Dublin.

    Read the passage

    AccordiDg to the most trustworthy accounts the king who reigned at the time of the Incarnation was Conary I., or Conary the Great. In his time occurred the seven years' war between Maive queen of Connaught and Conor Mac Nessa king of Ulster, described at page 37. Conary was killed by a band of pirates in the palace of Brudin Daderga on the river Dodder near Dublin.

    Some time in the first century of the Christian era the Attacottic or plebeian races, i.e. the Firbolgs, Dedannans, and Fomorians, whom the Milesians had enslaved, rose up in rebellion, wrested the sovereignty from their masters, and almost exterminated the Milesian princes and nobles : after which they chose Carbery Kinncat for their king. But the Milesian monarchy was after some time restored in the person of Tuathal [Toohal] the Legitimate, who, returning from exile, ascended the throne towards the end of the first century.

    Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 17

21. O'Byrnes defeated near Bray, 500 killed

    Bray · town · Wicklow · 1402

    In 1402, encouraged by the arrival of the young duke of Lancaster, the English of Dublin marched south along the coast led by mayor John Drake and defeated the O'Byrnes near Bray, killing 500 people including Munster kern under O'Meagher.

    Read the passage

    After the king's departure, Mac Murrogh's raids became so intolerable that the government agreed to compensate him for his wife's lands, and prayed him for respite till they should send to England for instructions as to other claims he made. In their communication they inform King Henry IV. that Mac Murrogh had given notice that he would never have peace but would make open war unless his wife's lands were restored and his other claims satisfied before the next feast of St. Michael : and they express their fears that he would ultimately destroy the country.^ He seems, however, to have got such satisfaction as kept him quiet for some time. Two years later (1401) he made a terrible raid into Wexford, in which numbers of the settlers were slain. ^ But this was avenged soon after by the English of Dublin. Encouraged probably by the arrival of Thomas the young duke of Lancaster, the new king's son, a boy of twelve years old, who had been sent over as lord lieutenant, they marched south along the coast, in 1402, led by the mayor John Drake, and defeated the O'Byrnes near Bray, killing 500, including some Munster kern who happened to be present under their chief O'Meagher. For this and other services, the king granted to the city of Dublin the privilege of having a gilt sword carried before the mayor.

    The position of governor of Ireland was in those days not a comfortable one. The young prince governed the country by a council, who found it very hard to get his salary from England, and impossible to raise money in Ireland ; so that after spending every penny of their own

    Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 42

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Bray, this is near where the O'Byrnes were defeated in 1402. The story leading there: after the king's departure, Mac Murrogh's raids became so intolerable that the government agreed to compensate him for his wife's lands and prayed him for respite till they should send to England for instructions. They informed King Henry IV that Mac Murrogh had given notice he would never have peace but would make open war unless his wife's lands were restored and his other claims satisfied before the next feast of St. Michael. They expressed their fears that he would ultimately destroy the country. He seems to have got such satisfaction as kept him quiet for some time. Two years later, in 1401, he made a terrible raid into Wexford, in which numbers of the settlers were slain. But this was avenged soon after by the English of Dublin. Encouraged probably by the arrival of Thomas, the young duke of Lancaster, the new king's son, a boy of 12 years old, who had been sent over as lord lieutenant, they marched south along the coast in 1402, led by the mayor John Drake, and defeated the O'Byrnes near here, killing 500, including some Munster kern who happened to be present under their chief O'Meagher. For this and other services, the king granted to the city of Dublin the privilege of having a gilt sword carried before the mayor.

22. Parthalonian plague at Tallaght, the 'plague-grave'

    near Tallaght · town · Dublin

    According to legend, the Parthalonian colony was destroyed by a plague that killed 9,000 people in one week on Moy-Elta, and they were buried at Tallaght near Dublin, a name which in Irish, Tamlacht, signifies 'plague-grave'.

    Read the passage

    But the curse of the parricide pursued the race ; for at the end of 300 years they were destroyed by a plague, which carried off 9,000 of them in one week on Moy-Elta. The legend relates that they were buried at Tallaght near Dublin ; and we know that this name Tallaght — or as it is written in Irish, Tam-lacht — signifies ' plague-grave.'

    The Nemedians: the second colony, a.m. 2850. After the destruction of the Parthalonians, Ireland remained a solitude for 30 years. Then came Nemed from Scythia, with a fleet of 34 ships. These Nemedians were harassed by the Fomorian pirates, but Nemed defeated them in several battles. After some years he and 3,000 of his followers died of the plague in Oilen-Arda-Nemed (the island of Nemed's hill), now the Great Island in Cork Harbour.

    Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 16

23. Second destruction of Kincora, hurled into the Shannon

    near Kincora · monument · Clare · 1118

    Turlogh O'Conor tore down the palace of Kincora, which had been rebuilt by Murkertagh O'Brien, and hurled all of it, both wood and stone, into the Shannon.

    Read the passage

    He followed up this exploit by marching in the same year to Dublin, from which he carried off" captive the Dublin king, son of O'Melaghlin prince of Meath. The palace of Kincora had been rebuilt by Murkertagh O'Brien in 1096, a few years after its destruction by Donall O'Loughlin (p. 231). O'Conor now turning south and west, again tore it down and hurled all, both wood and stone, into the Shannon.

    Notwithstanding the subdivision of Munster, the

    Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 25

24. Second Yellow Plague kills two joint kings

    Ireland · place · 664–667

    In 664 the terrible yellow plague again swept over Ireland after desolating England, raging for three years. Among its victims were the two joint kings of Ireland, the king of Munster, and many ecclesiastics, leaving only a third of the people alive.

    Read the passage

    Again in 664 the terrible yellow plague swept over Ireland, after having desolated England from south to north. For three years it raged. Among its victims were the two joint kings of Ireland — Dermot and Blathmac — the king of Munster, and a vast number of ecclesiastics ; and when it ceased, the annalists say that only a third of the people remained alive (see p. 151).

    The Irish kings had continued to exact the Boru tribute from the Leinstermen, who struggled manfully against it to the last, sometimes with signal success, and sometimes suffering disastrous defeats. On the accession of Fiuaghta the Festive, in 674, he likewise claimed the tribute ; and when they resisted, he defeated them in battle at Logore in Meath. But the iniquity of the tax, and the evils resulting from it, seem at last to have revolted the public mind ; for soon after, at the earnest solicitation of St. Moling, the monarch solemnly renounced the Boru for himself and his successors. At the close of this century (697). the Mordal or great convention of the

    Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 19

25. St. Finnen of Clonard dies of the yellow plague

    Clonard · town · Meath · 549

    St. Finnen, the great teacher who had thousands of students at his monastery at Clonard on the Boyne, died of the yellow plague in 549. No trace of his once-famous establishment now remains at the site.

    Read the passage

    time he had 3,000 scholars, and Clonard became the most celebrated of the ancient schools of Ireland. Many of the most illustrious fathers of the Irish church were educated by him, among them being the ' Twelve Apostles of Erin.' Ho is called in O'Clery's Calendar ' a doctor of wisdom and the tutor of the saints of Ireland in his time.' He died of the yellow plague in 549. The spot where St. Finnen's great establishment stood is a beautiful green meadow beside the Boyne ; and of all the buildings erected there in old times, not the slightest vestige now remains.

    N.B. The ' Twelve Apostles of Erin ' were : — Kieran of Saigher or Seir Kieran ; Kieran of Clonmacnoise ; Columkille of Ion a ; Brendan of Clonfert ; Brendan of Birr ; Columba of Terryglass in Tipperary ; Molaisse or Laserian of Devenish ; Canice of Aghaboe ; Rodan of Lorrha ; Movi of Glasnevin ; Sinnell of Cleenish in Lough Erne, near Enniskillen ; and St. Nenni of Inishmacsaint in Lough Erne.

    Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 21

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Clonard, a town on the Boyne in Meath. In the sixth century this was the site of the most celebrated school in ancient Ireland. St. Finnen taught 3,000 scholars here, and among his students were the Twelve Apostles of Erin, many of the most illustrious fathers of the Irish church. O'Clery's Calendar calls him a doctor of wisdom and the tutor of the saints of Ireland in his time. He died of the yellow plague in 549. Where his great establishment once stood is now a beautiful green meadow beside the Boyne, and not the slightest vestige of any of the old buildings remains.

26. Surrender of Inisloughlin Fort Garrison

    Inisloughlin · townland · Antrim · 1602

    The strong fort of Inisloughlin, situated in a great bog in south Antrim near Moira, held O'Neill's valuables. When Mountjoy's army approached, the small garrison of sixty-two surrendered without resistance, and Mountjoy took all the treasure.

    Read the passage

    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

27. Sussex Fortifies Armagh Cathedral, Ravages Tyrone

    near Armagh · town · Armagh · 1561

    Sussex marched north and fortified himself in the cathedral of Armagh, sending 1,000 men to ravage Tyrone. Shane O'Neill ambushed the returning party, routing them and restoring the stolen spoils to their owners.

    Read the passage

    In the summer of next year, 1561, Sussex marched north with the forces of the Pale and with some reinforcements he had brought from England, and fortified himself in the cathedral of Armagh, from which he sent a party of 1,000 men to ravage Tyrone. All went well till they were returning laden with booty, when Shane dogged them silently mile after mile ; and falling on them suddenly at a favourable opportunity, he routed them and forced them to relinquish all their spoils, which he restored to the owners. He next made another furious raid into the Pale and wasted Meatli and Louth. Turning his attention to Tirconnell, which had at this time no ruler except the infirm old chief Manus — Calvagh being still a prisoner — he made himself master of it, and now assumed the sovereignty of all Ulster, ' from Drogheda to the Erne.' ^

    At last the lord lieutenant Sussex hit on a plan, which

    Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 53

28. Congalach's capture and destruction of Dublin

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 943

    In 943 King Congalach reduced Dublin to ruin and carried the Danish inhabitants into bondage, though some fled by ship to the island of Dalkey.

    Read the passage

    King Congalach who succeeded Donogh in 944 defeated the Norsemen twice at Dublin : on the first occasion — in 943, the year before his accession — he reduced the city to ruin, and carried the Danish inhabitants into bondage, except a few who fled in their ships to the island of Dalkey ; and on the second (948), he slew 1,600 of them together with their leader Blacar, the very chief who had killed Murkertagh five years before. Yet the Irish, though often capturing Dublin, never attempted to keep it permanently ; and the Danes always regained or were left in possession of it. Eight years later (956) he invaded Leinster — why we are not told. The Leinstermen, when they found themselves unable to expel him, sent word to Amlaff the

    Chap. YII. THE DANISH WARS 199

    Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 22

    As the companion tells it

    In 943, the year before he took the throne, King Congalach attacked Dublin and reduced the city to ruin. He carried the Danish inhabitants into bondage, though a few escaped in their ships to the island of Dalkey off the coast. He struck again in 948, killing 1,600 of them along with their leader Blacar, the chief who had killed Murkertagh five years before that. Yet for all this, the Irish never held Dublin permanently, and the Danes always regained or kept possession of it.

29. Dathi's body buried at Croghan under a red pillar-stone

    Croghan · townland · Roscommon

    After King Dathi was killed by lightning abroad, his soldiers brought his body home and buried it at Croghan under a red pillar-stone which remains in the old pagan cemetery to this day.

    Read the passage

    Dathi [Dauhy], Mali's successor (a.d. 405), was the last king of pagan Ireland. He too made inroads into foreign lands ; and he was killed by a flash of lightning at the foot of the Alps, after he had plundered the sanctuary of a Christian hermit named Parmenius. His soldiers brought his body home and buried it at Croghan under a red pillar-stone which remains in the old pagan cemetery to this day.

    Laeghaire [Leary] the son of Niall succeeded in 428. In the fifth year of his reign St. Patrick came to Ireland on his great mission. This king, like many of his predecessors, waged war against the Leinstermen to exact the Boru tribute ; but they defeated him and took him prisoner. Then they made him swear by the sun and wind and all the elements that he would never again demand the ' Moore, Hist, of Irel. i. 150.

    Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 17

30. Death of O'Donnell at Letterkenny

    Letterkenny · town · Donegal · 1258

    After the victory over Tyrone, the returning victors carried the mortally wounded chief only as far as Letterkenny before having to lay down the bier, and he died there, the same bier being used to carry him to his grave.

    Read the passage

    On they marched till they met the men of Tyrone face to face at the river Swilly ; and while the bier supporting the dying chief was raised aloft in full view of the Kinel Connell, the two armies attacked each other. After a long and fierce struggle the Tyrone men were routed and fled, leaving many of their men dead on the battlefield. Then the victors set out on their homeward journey ; but had proceeded only as far as Letterkenny when they had to lay down the bier, and the heroic chief died. And the same bier from which he had witnessed his last victory was now made use of to bear him to his grave.

    In this year (1258) some of the Irish chiefs, including Teige O'Brien of Thomond, made a feeble attempt to unite against the common enemy ; and they chose Brian O'Neill of Tyrone as their leader. But this confederacy was of short duration ; for two years later, in 1260, in a bloody battle fought at Downpatrick against the English of the north of Ireland, O'Neill was defeated and slain, together with a large number of the chiefs of Ulster and Connaught.

    Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 39

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Letterkenny, you are in the town where a mortally wounded chief drew his last breath in 1258. His men had fought the men of Tyrone at the river Swilly, and while the bier bearing the dying chief was raised aloft in full view of his people, the two armies clashed. The Tyrone men were routed and fled, leaving many dead. The victors turned for home, but reached only as far as Letterkenny before they had to lay the bier down, and the chief died. The same bier from which he had watched his last victory then carried him to his grave.

31. Dermot's concealment at Ferns monastery

    Ferns · townland · Wexford · 1168

    After his expulsion, Dermot Mac Murrogh returned by secret ways to Ferns in Wexford, his capital, and remained concealed during the winter in the Augustinian monastery he himself had founded.

    Read the passage

    It was now the end of the year (1188), and Dermot, leaving his new allies to complete their arrangements, returned by secret ways to Ferns in Wexford, his capital, jast two years after his expulsion. Here he remained concealed during the winter in the Augustinian monastery he himself had founded.

    The Anglo-Normans, who are henceforward to play a chief part in our history, came originally from Scandinavia. About the beginning of the tenth century a great expedition led by Hollo, conquered and settled in that part of France still called from them, Normandy. In course of time they became Christians and adopted the French language, dress and customs. After a residence in France of

    Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 30

32. Enniscorthy fair sacked by Sir Edmund Butler

    Enniscorthy · townland · Wexford · 1569

    Sir Edmund Butler marched through Leinster wasting English settlements, then attacked Enniscorthy during its annual fair, spoiling the town and carrying away a vast quantity of booty.

    Read the passage

    Sir Edmund Butler began hostilities by traversing a great part of Leinster, wasting and destroying the English settlements. Then marching to Enniscorthy, where the people were assembled at the annual fair, he spoiled the town and brought away a vast quantity of booty.

    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.^

    Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 55

33. Executions after capture of O'Conor's castles

    Offaly · county · Offaly · 1537

    Lord Grey campaigned against O'Conor of Offaly, capturing several castles and executing all their defenders, forcing O'Conor into submission through sheer distress.

    Read the passage

    Lord Grey next fin 1537) turned his arms against O'Conor of Offaly, who was again in hostility, notwithstanding his late submission, but who was at this time much weakened by quarrels with his brother. He forced some of O'Conor' s sub-chiefs to join his expedition, and with their help captured several castles, executing all their defenders ; so that this chief, forced at last by sheer distress, submitted and obtained pardon. He engaged not to exact any more black rents, and he was permitted to hold his lands from the crown according to English tenure. At this same time the English recovered the castle of Athlone, which had been taken from the English some time before ; a most important stronghold, as it commanded the passage into Connaught.

    In the summer of the next year, 1538, the deputy, attended by several lords of the Pale, as well as by O'Conor and some other Irish chiefs, set out on a military progress through the country south and west, during which he received the submission of the chiefs as he went along, and met with no resistance. ^

    Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 49

34. Prosecution of Mass-goers in Galway

    Galway · city · Galway

    Sir Henry Malbie reported that at sessions in Galway, a great number of people were indicted as malefactors merely for attending a Solemn Mass held to welcome William Burke, showing the criminalisation of Catholic worship.

    Read the passage

    In many places the new statute of uniformity was now brought sharply into play. In Dublin fines were inflicted on those who absented themselves from church ; and to avoid the penalty, many went to Mass in the morning and to church in the evening. But the churchwardens tried to prevent even this by calling a roll of the parishioners at the morning service.^ In Kilkenny lord justice Drury bound the chief men to attend service with their wives and children under a penalty of £40.^ And Sir Henry Malbie writes : — ' At this sessions [in Galway] a great number of malefactors were indicted for a Solemn Mass they were at for welcoming William Burcke.' ^

    This persecution prevailed however only in the Pale. and in some few other places. In far the greatest part of Ireland the government had no influence, and the Catholics were not interfered with. Even within the Pale the great body of the people took no notice of proclamations, the law could not be enforced, the act of uniformity was a dead letter, and the greater number of the parishes remained in the hands of the priests.

    Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 51

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you are in a city where Catholic worship was once treated as a crime. Under the new statute of uniformity, Sir Henry Malbie reported that at the sessions here, "a great number of malefactors were indicted for a Solemn Mass they were at for welcoming William Burcke." The same pressure was felt elsewhere — fines in Dublin for those who stayed away from church, and in Kilkenny, lord justice Drury bound the chief men to attend service with their wives and children under a penalty of 40 pounds. But this persecution held only in the Pale and a few other places. Across most of Ireland the government had no influence, Catholics were not interfered with, and even within the Pale the greater number of parishes remained in the hands of the priests.

35. Royal cemetery and Fes of Tara

    Tara · parish · Meath · 560

    Tara held a cemetery in which many illustrious persons were interred, and the great Fes or Convention of Tara originated in connection with funeral games there. The last convention was held at Tara by King Dermot son of Fergus in AD 560.

    Read the passage

    The most celebrated of all the ancient meetings was the Fes or Convention of Tara. This, like the other great meetings, was originally connected with funeral games ; for there was here a cemetery in which many illustrious persons were interred. The old tradition states that it was instituted by Ollamh Fodla [Ollav Fola]. It was originally held, or intended to be held, every third year ; but within the period covered by our authentic records — since the fourth or fifth century — it was generally convened only once by each king, namely at the beginning of his reign — or if oftener it was on some special emergency.

    This Fes was a convention of the leading ^^eople, not an aenach for the masses : and it represented all Ireland. The provincial kings, the minor kings and chiefs, and the most distinguished representatives of the learned profes-

    Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 11

36. Seizure of Lifford Castle by Niall Garve

    Lifford · townland · Donegal · 1600

    Immediately after deserting to the English, Niall Garve seized the castle of Lifford, one of O'Donnell's own fortresses, and held it for Docwra, prompting O'Donnell to encamp beside it in vain attempt to recover it.

    Read the passage

    But Niall Garve relieved them from all this, and bydirecting them where to send their plundering parties, enabled them to supply themselves with plenty of provisions. In the words of Docwra, 'the garrison both heere [at Derry] and at Dunalong set divers of Preys and of Catle, and did many other services all the winter longe ; and I must confess a truth, all by the help and advise of Neale Garvie and his Followers and the other Irish that came in with Sir Arthur O'Neale, without whose intelligence and guidance little or nothing could have been done of ourselves, although it is true withall they had theire owne ends in it, which were always for private Eevenge, and we ours to make use of them for the furtherance of the Publique service.' Immediately after his desertion Niall Garve, with a detachment of English, seized the castle of Lifford, one of O'Donnell's fortresses, and held it for Docwra.^ Meantime a messenger had been despatched hot haste after O'Donnell to tell him of these proceedings. Amazed and grieved he hastened back and encamped beside Lifford ; but he was unable to recover possession of it, for his traitorous cousin was an able and valiant leader. He remained near the town however for a month to enable the people of the neighbourhood to gather their harvest and secure it from plunder; after which he retired.

    During all this time the deputy Mountjoy was as active in his own district as Docwra and Carew in north and south. He had scarce rested after his destructive raid in Leix (p. 516) when he made another journey north in September, the third to Ulster this year, and encamped at Faughart near Dundalk. Here he remained a month ; and he had to fight almost every day, for O'Neill kept in his neighbourhood the whole time and attacked him at

    Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 68

37. St. Olan's Tomb at Aghabulloge

    Aghabulloge · parish · Cork · 600

    A pillar stone in the old churchyard of Aghabulloge near Macroom is known as St. Olan's stone or Olan's tomb and is much revered by the peasantry. Ogham scholarship identifies the person commemorated as Eolang (Mac Corb), teacher of St. Finnbar of Cork, believed to be buried beneath the stone, dating the inscription to about the year 600.

    Read the passage

    Now to come to the inscription : the part that concerns us reads, in Ogham, A7im Gorr]jmac Suidd : i.e. ' [a prayer for] the soul of Corb-Mac the Sage.' Corb-Mac is the same as Mac Corb, with the syllables reversed according to a common Oghamic custom. We know that Mac Corb was another name for Finnbar's teacher EoUmg ; and here we have, in the very church named in the Book of Leinster as l^olancjs church, a monument inscribed with his second name Corb-Mac or Mac Corb, and still well known as St. Olan's tomb. No one will hesitate to believe that Eolang or Mac Corb, St. Finnbar's preceptor, lies buried under this pillar stone. Thus the date of the inscription is fixed at about the year 600.

    Ogham was cryptic writing, that is to say, intended to be read only by the initiated. That this was so is proved by many passages in our old writings — Brehon laws, histories, tales, and so forth. It was one of the accomplishments of a champion and of all professional men of

    Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 2

38. Veneration of St. Dympna at Tedavnet, Named for Her

    Tedavnet · townland · Monaghan

    St. Dympna, born most probably near Clogher in Tyrone, is still venerated in parts of Ulster, and the parish of Tedavnet in Monaghan takes its name from her, reflecting her legend of martyrdom and patronage of the insane.

    Read the passage

    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

39. Battle at Thurles against the lord justice

    Thurles · town · Tipperary · 1208

    A battle was fought at Thurles between the colonists, aided by the natives, and Hugh de Lacy the lord justice, in which a great number of the royal troops were killed.

    Read the passage

    The years immediately following the death of Donall O'Brien (in 1194) present a weary record of strife and turmoil. The Irish chiefs were encouraged in their dissensions by the English nobles — though indeed they needed but small encouragement ; and while they continued to enfeeble each other, their watchful enemies gradually extended their possessions and tightened their grasp on the country. These English nobles also quarrelled among themselves ; and their broils caused quite as much devastation and misery as those of the Irish chiefs. Hugh de Lacy became governor as lord justice in 1203 in succession to Fitz Henry. This did not mend matters : for his tyranny in exacting taxes for King John caused great exasperation and several downright rebellions. In 1208 a battle was fought at Thurles between the colonists on the one side, aided by the natives, and the lord justice on the other, in which a great number of the royal troops were killed.

    Even Dublin, the centre of government, felt the effects of the general state of lawlessness. The reader will recollect that Henry II. granted this city to the citizens of Bristol in 1172 (p. 263). The dispossessed people took refuge among their kindred, the O'Byrnes and O'Tooles of Wicklow, brooding over their wrongs and biding the time for vengeance. The settlers were in the habit of resorting for amusement on holidays to a place a little south of the city, then and still called Cullenswood. While they were so engaged on Easter Monday, 1209, a party of the O'Byrnes

    Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 38

    As the companion tells it

    The road brings you near Thurles in Tipperary. In the years after Donall O'Brien died in 1194, Ireland was caught in a weary record of strife. The Irish chiefs were encouraged in their dissensions by the English nobles, though they needed little encouragement. While they enfeebled each other, their enemies gradually extended their holdings and tightened their grasp on the country. Those English nobles quarrelled among themselves too, and their broils caused as much devastation and misery as those of the Irish chiefs. Hugh de Lacy became governor as lord justice in 1203, succeeding Fitz Henry. That did not mend matters. His tyranny in exacting taxes for King John caused great exasperation and several downright rebellions. And so in 1208 a battle was fought here at Thurles between the colonists on one side, aided by the natives, and the lord justice on the other. A great number of the royal troops were killed. It was one more episode in a country where lawlessness had taken hold even at the centre of government in Dublin, where the dispossessed had taken refuge among the O'Byrnes and O'Tooles of Wicklow, brooding over their wrongs and biding their time.

40. Battle near Geashill: Eber-Finn slain by his brother Eremon

    Geashill · town · Offaly

    The brothers Eber-Finn and Eremon quarrelled after settling their kingdoms and fought a battle near Geashill in which Eber was defeated and slain, leaving Eremon sole king.

    Read the passage

    The brothers Eber-Finn and Eremon had no sooner settled down in their new kingdoms than they quarrelled and fought a battle (a.m. 3501) near Geashill, in the present King's County, in which Eber was defeated and slain, and Eremon became sole king. By far the greater number of the Irish pagan kings after Eremon fell in battle or by assassination : a few only of the most distinguished need be noticed here.

    Tighernmas [Teernmas], who began his reign A.M. 3581, was the first of the Irish kings to work gold in a regular way : it was mined and smelted in a woody district on the Wicklow side of the river Liffey. He distinguished the various classes of his people by the numbers of colours in their garments : a slave had one colour ;

    Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 17

41. Battle of Kells and De Lacy Defection

    Kells · town · Meath · 1315

    Edward Bruce routed an army of 15,000 men under Sir Roger Mortimer at Kells, and the De Lacys who had been in the English army stood by taking no part before soon openly joining the Scots.

    Read the passage

    Towards the end of the year he received some reinforcements from Scotland, and having vainly endeavoured to take Carrickfergus Castle, he left a small party to carry on the siege and marched into Meath. At Kells he routed an army of 15,000 men under Sir Roger Mortimer, who had come over from England to defend his Irish lands. The De Lacys, who had been in the English army, stood by and took no part in the fight, and soon afterwards they openly joined the Scots, x^fter the battle the victorious general proceeded with his army to Lough Sewdy,

    304 THE PERIOD OF THE INVASION Part in.

    Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 40

    As the companion tells it

    You are coming through Kells, in Meath, where in 1315 Edward Bruce routed an army of 15,000 men under Sir Roger Mortimer, who had come over from England to defend his Irish lands. The De Lacys, who had been in the English army, stood by and took no part in the fight, and soon afterwards openly joined the Scots. Bruce had marched into Meath after receiving reinforcements from Scotland and leaving a small party to carry on the siege of Carrickfergus Castle.

42. Battle of Pilltown, Kilkenny - Butlers defeated

    Piltown · town · Kilkenny · 1462

    The rivalry between the Desmonds and Butlers led to open war, culminating in a battle fought in 1462 at Pilltown in Kilkenny, where the Butlers were defeated and 400 or 500 of their men were killed.

    Read the passage

    The Geraldines both of Desmond and Kildare, were now in high favour, while the Butlers were in disgrace. These two factions enacted a sort of miniature of the wars of the Roses in Ireland. Sir John Butler, the young earl of Ormond, a Lancastrian, landed with a body of English soldiers, and was joined by his kinsman Edmund Mac Bichard Butler. Then there was open war between the Desmonds and the Butlers. Ormond captured Waterford and took the son of the earl of Desmond prisoner. ' But afterwards they on both sides ordained to deside their variances by sett batle ; and so they have donne, meeting each other with an odious ireful countenance.' This battle was fought in 1462 at Pilltown in Kilkenny, where the Butlers were defeated and 400 or 500 of their men killed.^ As a curious illustration of how completely those Anglo-Irish families had adopted the Irish language and customs, it is worthy of mention that the ransom of Mac Richard Butler, who had been taken prisoner in the battle, was two Irish manuscripts, the Psalter of Cashel and the Book of Carrick. A fragrment of the Psalter of Cashel is still preserved in the Bodleian Library in Oxford, and in one of its pages is written a record of this transaction.- The contest between these two great Anglo-Irish factions continued for long after; the Desmonds had the upper hand for some time, but the Ormonds ultimately regained their position of equality.

    Thomas the eighth earl of Desmond — the Great Earl as he was called — was appointed lord deputy in 1463 under his godson the young duke of Clarence, the king's brother,

    Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 43

43. Battle of South Moytura near Cong

    Cong · town · Mayo

    The Dedannans and Firbolgs fought for four successive days on the plain of South Moytura near Cong; the Firbolgs were defeated and their king slain. The plain remains covered with mounds, cromlechs and other sepulchral monuments marking the battle dead.

    Read the passage

    As soon as they had landed they burned their ships ; and shrouding themselves in a magic mist, so that the Firbolgs could not see them, they marched unperceived to Slievean-Ierin Mountain in the present county Leitrim. And they sent without delay one of their champions to the Firbolgs with a demand either to yield possession of the country or fight for it. The Firbolgs chose battle ; and the two armies fought for four successive days on the plain of South Moytura near Cong. The Firbolgs were defeated, their king was slain, and the Dedannans remained masters of the island.

    The Fomorians still continued to plague the country ; and twenty-seven years after the battle of South Moytura, a battle was fought between them and the Dedannans at North Moytura near Sligo, where the Fomorians were defeated and all their chief men slain. The two plains of Moytura are well known, and both are covered all over

    Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 16

44. Clonmacnoise plundered repeatedly along the Shannon

    Clonmacnoise · townland · Offaly · 838–845

    Clonmacnoise was plundered in 838 along with the whole line of religious houses along the Shannon, again four times in nine years ending 845, and at frequent intervals afterwards.

    Read the passage

    Clonmacnoise : plundered in 838 (with the whole line of religious houses along the Shannon) : again four times in nine years ending 845 ; and at frequent intervals afterwards.

    Besides the above and those already named in Chapter VII., the ecclesiastical establishments at the following places were ravaged, nearly all of them frequently ; and it will be seen that neither distance nor seclusion was anj^ protection : — lona ; Inishmurray in Sligo ; Clonenagh ; Killeigh ; Ardbraccan ; Birr ; Seirkieran ; Derry ; Donaghpatrick ; Downpatrick ; Clones ; Darinis ; Skellig Kock off Kerry ; Timolin ; Scattery Island ; Dunderrow ; Kilmolash ; Slane ; Mungret ; Louth ; the two Clonf erts ; Movilla ; Killeedy ; Devenish ; Ferns ; Freshf ord ; Aghaboe ; Durrow ; Eosscarbery ; Kenmare ; Finglas ; Emly ; Kells ; Clondalkin ; and many others too numerous to be mentioned here. In the Annals and in the ' Wars of the Gaels with the Galls,' in addition to these details, we find numerous records such as these : — ' [On one occasion] they plundered the greater part of the churches of Erin ' : ' Magh Bregh was plundered by them, both country and churches ' : ' They destroyed all the churches of Hy Conaill,' &c. On all these occasions numbers of people were killed or carried off into slavery ; every valuable thing was plundered ; and all books within reach were destroyed, by being either burned or ' drowned ' — i.e. thrown into w^ater.

    Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 28

45. Danes routed at Shanid

    Shanid · electoral division · Limerick · 834

    In 834 Donogh, chief of Hy Conaill Gavra, intercepted and routed the Vikings who had taken possession of Limerick and the lower Shannon, defeating them at Shanid with heavy losses.

    Read the passage

    At first the Norsemen had come as mere robbers. They now began to make permanent settlements on several points of the coast, from which they penetrated inland in all directions : and wherever there was a religious establishment likely to afford plunder, there they were sure to appear. They took possession of Limerick and the lower Shannon, from which they plundered the neighbourinodistricts all round, till at last, in 834, Donogh chief of Hv Conaill Gavra, intercepted and routed them at Shanid, ' and it is not known how many of them were slain.' About the middle of the century they established themselves permanently in Dublin, Limerick, and Waterford, where they built fortresses.

    Hitherto there was little combination amono- the Norsemen ; but now appeared the most renowned of all their leaders — Turgesius or Thorgils — who united the whole of their scattered forces. There is some reason to believe that this Turgesius was identical with the celebrated chief Eagnar Lodbrog. He came with a fleet to the north of Ireland in 832 — the last year but one of the reign of king Conor — and was immediately acknowledged king of all the foreigners. Soon afterwards three other fleets arrived one of which, sailing up the Lower Bann, took possession

    Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 22

46. Drury forces church attendance in Kilkenny

    Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny

    Lord justice Drury compelled the chief men of Kilkenny to attend Protestant service along with their wives and children, under threat of a heavy £40 penalty, illustrating enforced religious persecution in the Pale.

    Read the passage

    In many places the new statute of uniformity was now brought sharply into play. In Dublin fines were inflicted on those who absented themselves from church ; and to avoid the penalty, many went to Mass in the morning and to church in the evening. But the churchwardens tried to prevent even this by calling a roll of the parishioners at the morning service.^ In Kilkenny lord justice Drury bound the chief men to attend service with their wives and children under a penalty of £40.^ And Sir Henry Malbie writes : — ' At this sessions [in Galway] a great number of malefactors were indicted for a Solemn Mass they were at for welcoming William Burcke.' ^

    This persecution prevailed however only in the Pale. and in some few other places. In far the greatest part of Ireland the government had no influence, and the Catholics were not interfered with. Even within the Pale the great body of the people took no notice of proclamations, the law could not be enforced, the act of uniformity was a dead letter, and the greater number of the parishes remained in the hands of the priests.

    Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 51

47. Finn Mac Cumal killed on the Boyne

    near River Boyne · river · Kildare · 283

    Finn, son of Cumal, chief of the Fianna and son-in-law of King Cormac Mac Art, was killed on the River Boyne in old age in AD 283.

    Read the passage

    Of the cycle of Finn and the Fena of Erin we have a vast collection of tales. Finn the son of Gumal lived in the third century, and had his chief residence on the Hill of Allen in Kildare. He was killed on the Boyne when an old man, a.d. 283 ; and of all the heroes of

    38 :\rANNEKS, customs, and institutions Pat?t I.

    Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 6

48. Kildare Wounded at the Siege of Birr Castle

    Birr or Parsonstown · town · Offaly · 1533

    The earl of Kildare laid siege to Birr castle, which had earlier been taken from his son-in-law O'Carroll, and received a gunshot wound in the thigh from which he never fully recovered.

    Read the passage

    Kilkenuy ; and at his instigation liis brother James Fitzgerald and his cousin Conn O'Neill entered Louth — a part of the Pale — burned the English villages and drove away the cattle.' In 1533 he laid siege to Birr castle, which had been some time before taken from his son-in-law O'Carroll ; but here he received a gunshot wound in the thigh from which he never after fully recovered.

    All these proceedings were eagerly watched and reported with exaggeration by Kildare's enemies ; and at last the Dublin council, one of whom was the deposed cliancellor archbishop John Allen, sent (in 1533) the master of the rolls, whose name also was John Allen, with three detailed reports to the king and to the English chancellor, Thomas Cromwell.

    Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 46

49. Killing of the Baron of Dungannon

    near Dungannon · town · Tyrone · 1558

    In 1558, the year of Queen Mary's death, the baron of Dungannon, Matthew, was killed by Shane O'Neill's people in a manner some writers describe as assassination, though Shane maintained it was done according to the laws of war.

    Read the passage

    2 The Four Masters' record of the transaction is:— 'A.D. 1558. The baron O'Neill (Ferdorach the son of Conn Bacach) was slain (a deed unbecoming kinsmen) by the people of his brother John.' From the State Paper accomit also it appears obvious that he was killed by Shane's people, while Shane himself was absent. See also Campion, ed. 1809, p. 188.

    Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 52

50. Reference to the Rathlin massacre under Sir John Norris

    near Rathlin Island · island or archipelago · Antrim

    Sir John Norris, appointed to lead reinforcements against O'Neill, is recalled as the officer who, acting on Essex's commission, had earlier massacred the people of Rathlin.

    Read the passage

    There were now many alarming signs and rumours of coming disturbance ; and at the request of the deputy, a force of 3,000 troops was sent over, under the command of Sir John Norris president of Munster, an officer of great ability and experience, on whom was conferred the title of ' lord general.' AVe have already unpleasantly made his acquaintance ; for it was he who on Essex's commission massacred the people of Rathlin (p. 443). O'Neill evidently regarded this movement as the first step towards the subjugation of the whole country, including his own province of Ulster ; and he decided on immediate action. He probably thought too that by taking a bold stand he could exact better terms. Accordingly, no doubt by his direction, his young brother Art, proceeding early in 1595 with a small party to the Blackwater, seized the recently erected fort of Portmore, and having expelled the garrison, he dismantled the fort, thus averting, so far as could be done, the danger of invasion from that quarter. Immediately afterwards the earl committed himself to open rebellion by plundering the town of Cavan and the English settlements of the surrounding district.^

    He next laid siege to Monaghan, and reduced its English garrison to great distress ; but they managed tc send word to Dublin that they wanted provisions. On the receipt of this message, Sir John Norris and his brothei Sir Thomas marched north in the same year (1595) with a large force and reached the town with a store of provisions without meeting any opposition from the Irish. But on their return march to Newry they found O'Neill with his army drawn up on the far bank of a small stream at Olontibret, six miles from Monaghan.

    Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 63

51. The Yellow Plague desolates Ireland

    Ireland · place · 544–560

    During the reign of King Dermot, the terrible pestilence called the Crom-Connell or yellow plague, which prevailed over Europe, desolated Ireland for eight or ten years.

    Read the passage

    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

52. Battle of Ova/Navan: Dermot of Leinster slain

    Navan · town · Meath · 1072

    Dermot, king of Leinster, was defeated and killed by Conor O'Melaghlin in a battle fought at Ova (Navan) in Meath in 1072. This ended a long contention between the two rivals for the monarchy.

    Read the passage

    Conor O'Melaglilin prince of Meatli, the son of Malachi, In the long contention between these two Dermot generally had the upper hand ; but he was at last defeated and slain by Conor in a battle fought in 1072 at Ova or Navan in Meath.

    Turlogh O'Brien was now free ; for during his foster father's lifetime he had abstained from making any claim outside Munster. Without delay he marched north from Kincora and forced the kings and chiefs of all the other provinces and minor states, except Ulster, to acknowledge his authority. But when he attempted to reduce the Ulstermen they defeated him, in 1075, almost on the threshold of their province — near Ardee — so that he had to make a hasty retreat south.

    Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 25

    As the companion tells it

    You're coming into Navan, in Meath. In 1072 a battle was fought here, at a place the records call Ova, and it ended a long rivalry. Dermot, king of Leinster, had generally had the upper hand in the contention with Conor O'Melaghlin, prince of Meath. But Conor defeated and killed him here. After that, Turlogh O'Brien marched north from Kincora and forced the kings and chiefs of every province except Ulster to acknowledge his authority. When he tried to reduce the Ulstermen, they beat him in 1075 near Ardee, and he had to retreat south.

53. Battle of Shrule

    Shrule · townland · Galway · 1570

    A bloody and largely senseless battle was fought at Shrule between Fitton and the Galway Burkes under Lord Clanrickard against the Mayo Burkes and O'Flahertys, resulting in great slaughter on both sides with each side claiming victory.

    Read the passage

    The reckless and overbearing conduct of president Fitton roused the people of Connaught to resistance everywhere : even Conor O'Brien earl of Thomond, hitherto the friend of the English, was driven to revolt, and Fitton had to fly for life, pursued as far as Galway by the enraged earl. But the deputy Sydney intervened, and the earl was in his turn forced to fly to France. Here through the mediation of the English ambassador Norris wdth the queen, he obtained his pardon ; after which he returned to Ireland and again became a loyal subject. Meantime Connaught, under Fitton's rule, continued as disturbed as ever ; and a bloody battle was fought in the summer of this year (1570) at Shrule on the borders of Galway, by * Richey, Short History, p. 516,

    430 INSURKECTION, CONFISCATION, PLANTATION Part IV.

    Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 55

54. Capture and Burning of Dungannon Castle

    near Dungannon · town · Tyrone · 1517

    The earl of Kildare defeated and captured Magennis, lord of Iveagh, then captured and burned the castle of Dungannon, overrunning the entire surrounding district.

    Read the passage

    Turning his arms next against the north, he took by storm the castle of Dundrum (1517), which the Irish had some time before taken from the English. Then defeating and making prisoner Magennis lord of Iveagh, he captured and burned the castle of Dungannon, and overran the whole district. In the same year he again defeated the O'Carrolls and demolished their stronghold of Garrycastle in the present King's County.

    This career of uninterrupted success excited the jealousy of some of the other Anglo-Irish lords, especially the Butlers, the hereditary foes of his house. Pierce Butler earl of Ormond — Pierce Roe (the Red) as the Irish called him — though his wife was Kildare's sister, employed every means in his power to turn the king against him : and the lady was still more bitter than her husband. But Kildare counteracted all these schemes so skilfully, that for a long time his enemies were unsuccessful ; till at last Ormond managed to gain the ear of Cardinal Wolsey, then in the full swing of his great power. Through his influence Kildare was summoned to England, in 1519, to answer charges of enriching himself from the crown revenues, of holding traitorous correspondence with the Irish enemies, and in general of ' seditious practices, conspiracies, and subtle drifts.'^

    Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 46

55. Deputy Borough's Death at Newry

    near Newry · town · Down · 1597–1598

    Lord deputy Borough, wounded or sickened during the northern campaign, had to be carried back on a litter and died at Newry.

    Read the passage

    of which it was the centre led ultimately to the battle of the Yellow Ford. No sooner had lord deputy Borough turned southward (p. 490) than O'Neill laid siege to it ; and watching it night and day, tried every stratagem ; but the vigilance and determination of Williams completely baffled him. At last he attempted a storm by means of scaling ladders : but the ladders turned out too short, and the storming party were met by such a fierce onslaught that they had to retire discomfited, leaving thirty-four of their men dead in the fosse. After this O'Neill tried no more active operations, but sat down, determined to starve the garrison into submission. But lord deputy Borough, when he heard how matters stood, marched north, and after some sharp fighting succeeded in throwing in supplies. Returning thence he had to be borne on a litter, either on account of sickness or of wounds, till he reached Newry, where he died.^

    Near the end of the year (1597) the earl of Ormond was appointed lord lieutenant, with command of the army. He had instructions to bring about a peace if possible, and on the 22nd of December he held a conference at Dundalk with O'Neill, who handed in a formal submission, with a petition in which the very first thing asked for was liberty of conscience. A truce was agreed on till May (1598), and a formal pardon was sent to him, but he never made use of it.^ He appears to have again intentionally delayed the negotiations, using them as a means of gaining time ; for he still hoped for help from Spain. But on expiry of the truce he suddenly broke off negotiation, and appeared again in person before Portmore, ' swearing by his barbarous hand that he will not depart till he carry the fort.' Having already had suflicient experience of captain Williams, he ventured no more assaults, but turned the siege into a blockade. When this had continued for some time, Williams and his men began to suffer sorely; and they would have been driven to sur-

    Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich

56. Great cemetery and grave of King Dathi at Croghan

    Croghan · townland · Roscommon

    An important fair-assembly was held at the great cemetery of Croghan in Connaught, gathered around the grave and monumental pillar-stone of King Dathi. Ancient aenachs were believed to have originated in funeral games, held at cemeteries of buried kings and heroes.

    Read the passage

    The Aenach or Fair was an assembly of the people ot every class belonging to a district or province. Some fairs were annual ; some triennial. According to the most ancient traditions, many of these aeimclis — perhaps all — had their origin in funeral games ; and we know as a fact that the most important of them were held at ancient cemeteries, where kings, or renowned herops, or other noted personages — of history or legend — were buried. One was held at the great cemetery of Croghan in Connaught round the grave and monumental pillar-stone of King Dathi. A triennial fair was held at Carman or Wexford, which lasted for a week — the first week in August. At Tlachtga, now known as the Hill of Ward near Athboy in Meath, there was a yearly fire-festival beginning on the eve of Samin (1st November). In the fire kindled here the druids burned their sacrifices ; and while it lasted all other fires in Ireland were to be extinguished or covered. A fairmeeting was held in the month of May every year on the Hill of Ushnagh in Westmeath : and during this time it was the custom all through Ireland to light fires through which cattle were driven as a preservative for the coming year against disease. This old pagan custom of driving cattle through fire on May day, subsisted in some parts of the country within my own memory. The most remarkable of all those fairs was held yearly on the 1st August and the following days at Tailltenn, now Teltown on the Blackwater, midway between Navan and Kells. This was originally instituted — according to the old legend — by the Dedannan king Lugad of the Long Hand, in commemoration of his foster mother Tailltin from whom the place took its name. At all these places there are ancient cemeteries : at the three last named — Tlachtga, Ushnagh, and Tailltenn — Tuathal the Legitimate, king of Ireland in the second century, built three royal forts, selecting these sites no doubt on account of their celebrity from immemorial ages. Fairs of less importance were held in

    » View of fJie State of Ireland, ed. 1809, p. 126.

    Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 11

57. Malachi's victory at Fore

    Fore · townland · Westmeath · 848

    In 848 King Malachi defeated the Danes at Fore in Westmeath, slaying 700 of them.

    Read the passage

    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.

    Malachi's successes were so decisive that he sent ambassadors to Charles the Bald king of France, to acquaint him of his victories over the barbarians. This embassy is recorded by a French chronicler : — ' The Scots breaking in upon the Northmen, by God's help victorious, drive them

    Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 22

58. Milesian battle at Tailltenn (Teltown)

    Teltown · townland · Meath

    The Milesians defeated the Dedannans in a battle at Tailltenn, now Teltown on the Blackwater in Meath, securing their conquest of Ireland.

    Read the passage

    perished, and the remaining three, Eremon, Eber-Finn, and Amergin, landed with the remnant of their people. Soon afterwards two battles were fought, one at Slieve Mish near Tralee, and the other at Tailltenn, now Teltown on the Blackwater in Meath, in which the Dedannans were defeated ; and the Milesians took possession of the country. The two brothers Eber-Finn and Eremon now (a.m. 3501) divided Ireland, Eber-Finn taking the two Munsters and Eremon Leinster and Connaught. And they gave Ulster to their nephew Eber, son of their brother Ir who had perished in the magic storm. As for Amergin, he, being a seer, got no land for himself; but he was made chief brehon and poet of the kingdom. From that time forward Ireland was ruled by a succession of Milesian monarchs till the reign of Roderick O'Conor who was the last native over-king.

    Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 16

59. Nemed and followers die of plague on the Great Island

    near Great Island · townland · Cork

    After years of conflict with Fomorian pirates, the chief Nemed and 3,000 of his followers died of plague on Oilen-Arda-Nemed, now known as the Great Island in Cork Harbour.

    Read the passage

    The Nemedians: the second colony, a.m. 2850. After the destruction of the Parthalonians, Ireland remained a solitude for 30 years. Then came Nemed from Scythia, with a fleet of 34 ships. These Nemedians were harassed by the Fomorian pirates, but Nemed defeated them in several battles. After some years he and 3,000 of his followers died of the plague in Oilen-Arda-Nemed (the island of Nemed's hill), now the Great Island in Cork Harbour.

    The Fomorians were a race of sea-robbers, who, according to some, came originally from Africa. Their two chiefs, More and Conang, lived in a wonderful fortress-tower called Tor-Conang, on Tory Island off the coast of Donegal ; and after the death of Nemed they tyrannised over his people and made them pay an intolerable yearly tribute of corn, butter, cattle, and children. So the Nemedians, unable to

    Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 16

60. St. Camin's Death on Iniscaltra

    near Inishcaltra or Holy Island · townland · Clare · 653

    St. Camin founded a church on Iniscaltra (Holy Island) in Lough Derg, where disciples gathered around him, and he died there in 653. The island still contains an interesting group of ruins including a nearly perfect round tower.

    Read the passage

    St. Camin of Iniscaltra was born a little after the middle of the sixth century, and was half-brother of Guary the Hospitable, king of Connaught. He founded a church on Iniscaltra in Lough Derg on the Shannon, where a number of disciples gathered round him, attracted by the fame of his learning and piety. He died in the year 653. Iniscaltra or Holy Island — as it is now more commonly called — lies in the southern extremity of Lough Derg in a beautiful situation near the Galway shore. It contains an interesting group of ruins, including a round tower almost perfect, and several small churches and oratories.

    St. Dympna or Domnat of Gheel in Belgium and of Tedavnet in Monaghan, daughter of an Irish pagan king, was born most probably in or near Clogher in Tyrone. When little more than a child she secretly became a Christian. When she came of age her father made an unnatural proposal to marry her, whereupon she fled in horror from her home to the Continent with the venerable priest who baptised her and with a married couple as servants, and took up her residence with

    Internet Archive shorthistoryofir00joycrich, Chapter 21