The story of an Irish sept : their character & struggle to maintain their lands in Clare

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. Sir Donell O'Brien of Ennistymon made Sheriff of Clare

   near Ennistimon · town · Clare · 1576

   After his march through Thomond, Sidney appointed Sir Donell O'Brien of Ennistymon as Sheriff of Clare, along with a Provost-Marshal with forces to keep the idle people in restraint. Sidney identified uncertain land grants as the root cause of the region's troubles.

   Read the passage

   The Lord Deputy Sidney made an official visit to Clare in the year 157 1. One of the main objects he appears to have had in view was to suppress the practice of landlords in chargmg their tenants with *^ uncertaine cesses, cuttings, and spendings ''; but this custom among the Irish was of such long standing that even the Lord Deputy could do little in the matter. He states that when he was at Limerick ** two Lords of Thomond, called Mac Nemarroes, came to him lamentinge the niyn and wast of their countries." The Lord Deputy adds *' and ruyned they are indede, craving to have the execution of English lawes and to have Sheriffes planted amongst thera.'^t Again, writing to the Council in April 1576, Sir Henry Sidney observes "that he left L3rmerick on the 37th of February, and entered Thomond attended by Earl of Thomond, and several of the O'Briens, who had in former times been Kings of Limerick, all so neire kinsmen and yet no one of them friende to another." Sidney adds, " I also had with me the twoe MacNemarroghes, by us called East and West Mac Nemarroghes, cheife gentlemen of that countrey, which, if it were in quiet, they might lyve lyke principale knights in England." Among all the chief men Sir Henry Sidney met with in Thomond, he states he " could not find one descended in English race. They all complained of the Obryens for the rujme of their countrey ; and truly in such desolation and wast it is." Sir Henry, after crossing the Shannon, marched through Clare in two dsLjs on his way to Gal¥7ay, so that he really could have seen very little of the country. The Lord Deputy remained for some time in Galway, and bound the O'Briens " by bonds of great sommes," and further he carried off the earl's brother with him to Dublin, where he " still deteined hym in iron.'' Sir Donell O'Brien of Ennistymon was made Sheriffs of Clare. Other officers were appointed, such as a Provost-Marshal, with a proper force to back his authority, and keep the idle people which swarmed in the country in restraint. Sir H. Sidney states that '' the root and origine of all this trouble was the uncerteine grannte, and unstable possession of their landes, whereupon grewe their warres." The Lord Deputy adds,

   Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 76

2. Sir John Macnamara knighted in Dublin

   Dublin · city · Dublin · 1603

   Sir John Macnamara, a large landowner and man of importance in County Clare, was knighted in Dublin on 29 September 1603. He was a grandson of Sioda and son of John, who had declined to enter a second agreement with the Crown regarding his estates during Elizabeth's reign.

   Read the passage

   reign of Elizabeth to enter into a second agreement with the Crown as regards his estates. Sir John Macnamara was knighted in Dublin on the 29th of September 1603; he was a large landowner and a man of importance in his county. It would seem that the Earl of Thomond coveted his property^ aD<i from the following details appears to have organised a scheme for bringing Macnamara to grief and so obtaining possession of his estates.

   We learn from the Protestant Bishop of Limerick that '' Sir J. Macnamara was denounced for frequently harbouring an Irishman, Mac- Grath^ Vicar-General of the Pope over the whole diocese, who took upon him to order priests and dispense in cases of matrimony and other cases as is shown and proved." This was a dangerous proceeding, and placed Sir John in jeopardy of having his property confiscated by the Crown. g

   Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 86

   As the companion tells it

   Dublin, 1603. On the 29th of September that year, Sir John Macnamara was knighted here. He was a large landowner and a man of importance in County Clare, grandson of Sioda and son of John, who had declined during Elizabeth's reign to enter a second agreement with the Crown regarding his estates. But the honour in Dublin did not protect him. The Earl of Thomond coveted his property and appears to have organised a scheme for bringing Macnamara to grief and so obtaining possession of his estates. The Protestant Bishop of Limerick reported that Sir John Macnamara was denounced for frequently harbouring an Irishman, MacGrath, Vicar-General of the Pope over the whole diocese, who took upon him to order priests and dispense in cases of matrimony and other cases, as was shown and proved. This was a dangerous proceeding, and placed Sir John in jeopardy of having his property confiscated by the Crown.

3. Steelboys formed by ejected Belfast-area tenants of Lord Donegal

   near Belfast · city · Antrim

   Lord Donegal, an absentee Ulster landowner, demanded £100,000 in fines from his Presbyterian tenants when leases fell due. Those who could not pay were ejected, and two or three rich Belfast merchants took their lands. The ejected tenants formed the Steelboys organisation, maiming cattle and breaking into houses of the gentry.

   Read the passage

   At the time the Whiteboys were extending so as to embrace a vast number of the Catholics of Munster, an outburst of popular feeling had been roused among the Presbyterian tenants of Lord Donegal, an absentee landowner of Ulster, who, when his leases fell due, in place of renewing them at a moderately increased rent, determined to raise ;^ioo,ooo in fines on his tenants, and, as they could not pay this sum, they were ejected, and two or three rich Belfsist merchants took their lands. The ejected tenants formed an organisation called the Steelboys ; they proceeded to maim cattle and to break into the houses of the gentry. A large body of soldiers was sent against them, and several of

   * •• Burke's Correspondence/' voL L p. 37.

   Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 124

4. Turlough brings stolen skull to Kincora

   near Kincora · monument · Clare · 1070–1086

   Turlough O'Brien brought the skull stolen from Clonmacnoise to his seat at Kincora, where a mouse emerged from it and he fell grievously ill until it was restored.

   Read the passage

   Turlough O'Brien now became King of Munster and Thomond, and after the death of his foster-&ther he assumed the sovereign power over the whole of Ireland ; Ulster at first held out against him, but ultimately paid him tribute as a mark of submission. Turlough would appear to have had no great reverence for the Church, for he not only plundered the rich monasteries of Clonard and Kells, but he also removed firom Clonmacnoise the skull of one of the former kings of Meath, and took it with him to Kincora. It is reported by the annalists that a mouse came out of the skull and ran under Turlough's mantle. The king was at once seized with *^ a sore disease, so that his hair fell off, and he was like to die, until the said skull, together with a certain amount of gold, was restored to the church, when the king began to recover." * In spite, however, of Turlogh making free with church property, Lanfranc, William the Conqueror's Archbishop of Canterbury, addressed the Irish king in a.d. 1070 as ''the magnificent King of Ibemia, to whom God was mercifiilly disposed, and also to the people of Ireland, in giving him royal power over the land." Lanfiranc proceeds to bear testimony as to Turlough's '* pious humility, severe justice, and discreet equity." This letter was sent to Turlough O'Brien through the hands of Patrick, who had been elected Bishop of Dublin by the Danes, and passed over to England to be consecrated by Lanfianc; Dublin, a Danish colony, having before this period placed her ecclesiastical a£rairs directly under the Roman Pontiff.

   Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 45

5. Yellow Dragoons sent to recruit in Clare

   near Clare · population centre · Clare · 1689

   In December 1689, part of the Yellow Dragoons were sent into County Clare to recruit. Sir J. Butler wrote to the Sheriff regarding the regiment's return, directing that dragoons be allowed to purchase beef, mutton, and corn from landlords at reasonable rates, after earlier complaints about troopers' misconduct arose from difficulty procuring food and shelter.

   Read the passage

   In December 1689 a part of the Yellow Dragoons were sent into Clare to recruit, and Sir J. Butler, writing to the Sheriff of the county regarding the return of the regiment, stated, that to avoid a repetition of the complaints formerly made against the troopers, he directs Sir D. O'Brien to take notice that ** dragoons cannot hope to keep their horses in proper condition on hay alone. The men were to be allowed to purchase their own beef, mutton, and com which the landlords must see they are supplied with at a reasonable rate." * From this it would seem that the previously allied misconduct of the troopers arose from the difficulty they had experienced in procuring proper food, and shelter for themselves and their horses. In the following April Colonel J. Mac* namara was employed under Lord Inchiquin to draw up a list of those landowners in Clare who could supply horses for the Government ; and he was directed to make use of his dragoons to seize such persons as refused to comply with this order.

   We must pass over the battle of Aughrim and the details of the secopd siege of Limerick. Suffice it to remark that Teigie Macnamara (of Rathfolan), after the Battle of the Bojme raised a troop of his own and with it garrisoned Clare Castle, which he held for King James until the capitu* lation of Limerick, under the provisions of which it appears that Teigie retained possession of a portion of the Rathfolan estates.

   Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 113

6. 1670 excommunication of rebellious Quin friars

   Quin · town · Clare · 1670

   An excommunication was issued in 1670 by the guardians of Meelick and Ennis against four friars who had rebelled against the guardians of Quin and Limerick priories. This highlights the internal disciplinary struggles within the Franciscan community in County Clare.

   Read the passage

   " Tke Last Friars of Quin, co. Clare. — Quin is one of the few Irish mediaeval fraternities which prolonged its existence to the present century. Despite the execution of so many of its leading monks in 1651-2, the community had reassembled by the reign of Charles IL We find an excommunication, 7th April. 1670, in the names of Eugenius Callinan and Bonaventura Bruodin, guardians of Meelick and Ennis, against four friars who had rebelled against Moriartagh Ogrypha and Thady Broudin, guardians of Quin and Limerick priories (MSS., T.C.D., F. 4, 14), and later on, i8th November. 1689, Thady O'Brien, of Coolreagh, near Scariff, leaves by his will (now at Coolreagh), 'unto Father Daniel Macnamara, towards praying for the salvation of my soul, 5 shillings; to the friars of the Abbey of Quin 5 shillings '; and Daniel, Viscount Clare aoth October, 1690, bequeaths ' /ao to the friars of Quin.'

   '* The burning of the Abbey by Colonel George Stamer, and his brother Henr>', dispersed the monks, but at the time of Lady Chatterton's tour one of them still meditated, prayed, and wrote ' beautifrd lines ' to Lady O'Brien in the desolate cloister. I have known two persons who remembered the last monk, whose tombstone, a plain slab of limestone, in the east cloister walk, bears this inscription :

   Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 114

7. Arthur Young observes Whiteboy organisation in Clare

   near Clare · population centre · Clare · 1776–1778

   Arthur Young visited Clare while the Whiteboy organisation held great power over the people, noting it had existed for ten years despite legal efforts. He remarked on the surprising intelligence and solidarity of the members, who acted as if animated by one soul, with no individual ever betraying the cause.

   Read the passage

   Arthur Young visited Clare when this organisation exercised great power over the people, and he states that it had then been in existence for ten years in spite of every exertion of legal power ; he further remarks that what struck him most was the surprising intelligence of these people ; their system was such that one body of men almost ^' instantaneously " became aware of what their allies were doing in a distant part of the country. Young writes, ** they all seem to be animated by one soul, and not an instance was known in that long course of time of a single individual betraying the cause; the severest threats and the most splendid promises of reward had no other effect but to draw closer the bonds which connected a multitude, to all appearances so desultory. // was thus evident the iron rod of oppression had been far enough from securing the obedienu or crushing the spirit of the people "%

   At the time the Whiteboys were extending so as to embrace a vast number of the Catholics of Munster, an outburst of popular feeling had been roused among the Presbyterian tenants of Lord Donegal, an absentee landowner of Ulster, who, when his leases fell due, in place of renewing them at a moderately increased rent, determined to raise ;^ioo,ooo in fines on his tenants, and, as they could not pay this sum, they were ejected, and two or three rich Belfsist merchants took their lands. The ejected tenants formed an organisation called the Steelboys ; they proceeded to maim cattle and to break into the houses of the gentry. A large body of soldiers was sent against them, and several of

   Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 124

8. Battle of Clontarf and Brian Boru's death

   Clontarf · parish · Dublin · 1014

   On Good Friday, April 23, 1014, the Irish army fought the Danes at Clontarf. Brian's Dalcasian forces, including the Macnamaras, defeated the Danes, but Brian was killed in his tent by fleeing Danes, and his son Morrogh also perished in the battle.

   Read the passage

   On the morning of Good Friday, April 33, 1014, the Irish army took up their position on the field of battle ; they consisted of the Dalcasians in the van, led by Morrogh, the centre composed of the men of South Munster, and the rear by those of Connaught. The Danes under Sitric

   * We are told that the night before the battle Aibhell, the banshee of the O'Briens, came to the king and told him he would die on the following day ('• Wars of the Gaedhil with the Gail *').

   Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 42

9. Book of Lismore preserves the Colloquy of the Ancients

   Lismore · town · Waterford

   The 'Colloquy of the Ancients,' a dialogue between St Patrick and the last Fenian warrior, survives in an old Celtic manuscript contained in the Book of Lismore. Standish O'Grady translated the text for his 'Silva Gadelica,' making early Irish Celtic philosophy accessible.

   Read the passage

   Mr. Standish H. O'Gnuly, in his •* Silva Gadelica.*' has given us a translation from an old Celtic MS. contafaied in the " Book of Lismore.** •' The Colloquy of the Andents.'* This is stated to have been taken from a still more ancient work, which is now lost, the «*Book of Monasterboice." In this colloquy we have a conversation reported which was supposed to have taken place between St Patrick and the last of the old Feniaof Ireland ; and it is interesting as giving us some idea of the wisdom and philosophy of the early Irish Celts.

   Cadlte the Fenia states that Finn the chief had given the following rules of conduct to his grandson, rules which, according to the narrative, must have been drawn up before the commencement of the Christian era :

   Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 34

10. Burial of Conor O'Brien at Corcomroe Abbey

    near Corcomroe Abbey · monument · Clare

    After his death near Ballyvaughan, the body of King Conor O'Brien was carried to the Abbey of Corcomroe for burial. His tomb remains preserved on the north side of the abbey's chancel.

    Read the passage

    We are informed by the ^ Four Masters ^ that during the latter part of Conor O'Brien's reign, Thomond was not only at peace, but that the seasons were fiivourable and the people consequently prosperous* Magrath confirms this statement, and states that Conor O'Brien had amassed great wealth in his fort at Clonroad, and that a large proportion of the mhabitsmts of the province had '* grown over-rich and in consequence had become turbulent, refusing to pay tribute to their king." In these circumstances Conor directed his brother-in-law, SifidaJfacm* mdiXB, to muster Clancuilein, and the Rineldunal led by Anselis O'Crady, and to proceed into Tipperary to quell the insubordination which had sprung up in that part of Thomond* Sioda seems to have speedily and effectually accomplished die duty he had been called on to perf(»m ; but in the meantime Conor had started off on a similar expedition into Burren, and having penetrated that part of his territory as &r as the valley above Ballyvaghan, he was attacked, and we are told that *' Conor O'Brien together, with Jii&ihird„$on and a da^^ter werejlain.* The body of the king was carried to the neighbourmg Abbey of Cor« comroe, and was there buried ; Conor's tomb is still to be seen in good preservation in the north side of the chancel of this abbey.

    Conor O'Brien had at one time gone near to rival his ancestor Brian Boru in the success of his mUitaxy operations, as Edmund Spenser observes '^ in a short space he possessed all that country beyond the river of Shannon and near adjoining : whence shortly rushing forth like a sudden tempest he overran all Munster and Connaught ; breaking down all the holds and fortresses of the English, defacing and utteriy subverting all corporate towns that were not strongly walled : for those he had no engines or other meanes to overthrow, neither indeed would

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 49

11. Burren's Atlantic coast and smugglers' creeks

    Burren · townland · Clare

    The northern boundary of Burren is formed by Galway Bay, indented with creeks running up to the foot of the hills, long home to numerous smugglers. To the west, the hills form perpendicular cliffs against which the Atlantic breaks, a coast noted for wildness and grandeur.

    Read the passage

    The northern part of the western division of Clare is formed by the district of Burren, which Cromwell's general, LudloW, refers to as not possessing vrater sufficient to drown a man in, wood eilough to hang a man on, or soil sufficient to bury him in. Burren is in fact little more than a series of bare hills, some of them rising a thousand feet above the level of the sea ; the sides of these hills are terraced in a remarkable manner and are of a light slate colour, with patches of exquisitely green grass scattered over their surface ; they are, however, intersected with deep valleys, forming some of the finest grazing lands in the country.^ Burren, with all its barrenness, has singular charms : its northern boundary, formed by Galway Bay, is indented with creeks which run up to the foot of its hills for long the home of numerous smugglers. To the west, the hills of Burren form perpendicular cliffs against which the Atlantic hurls its mighty waves, a coast which can hardly be equalled for the wildness or grandeur of its scenery, and which has been so well described by the Hon. Miss Lawless in her pathetic story of *' Hurrish."

    Up to the dose of the sixteenth century there seems to have been only one road leading through Burren, and now, unless along the coastline it is no easy matter to travel over this part of Ireland. These highlands afforded a safe refuge to the pre-Celtic race, when they were driven westward by the more highly civilised Celt in his advance from the east How well these people defended their lands may be learnt from the investigations of my friend Mr. T. J. Westropp, who has discovered the remains of about two hundred pre-Celtic forts in this part of county Clare. In dose proximity with these remains some of the work of the earliest Christian settlers in Ireland still exist, rude in the

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 8

12. Clancailein elect Coveha Macnamara chief at Magh Adhair

    near Magh Adhair · monument · Clare

    After the death of Sioda, the Clancailein sept assembled at Magh Adhair and elected his son Cumheadha (Coveha) Macnamara as their chief. The annalist praised the choice, saying they had 'taken gold in place of silver.'

    Read the passage

    After the deadi of Sioda, Magrath states that Clancailein assembled at Magh Adhair and elected his son Cumheadha (Coviha) Macnamara as their chief; the hist(man remarks that in ** the choice of Cov6ha astheir head, Oancuilein had not ezdianged a stone for an egg, but had taken gold in place of silver ";* ^ for now the Cu or Wolf-dog's rabiesrose against those that bordered on his confines, towards his opponentshe exalted his humour, and he made his martial deeds to be illustrious throughout neighbouring counties and provinces." Cov£ha was married to Sheilia CyCarroll, daughter of the chief of Ely.f It seems quite certain that the author of the records from which Magrath cam^ piled his history had a strong feeling in fiivour of Covdha Mao* namara, his son Lochlain, and grandson MacCon ; he is never tired of detailing their prowess and feats of arms, although he is by no means sparing in his commendations of other Dalcasian chiefs. Coviha, soon after taking command of his sept, went to visit MacCarthy, chief of Desmond, in the hope^ of obtaining his help in the cause of peace ; De Clare having received intimation of these negotiations sent 'to MacCarthy to offer him a large bribe if he would surrender Macnamara to him. No, replied MacCarthy, MacConnuuu I will not surrender, the wolf-dog, he does not belong to me, and shall not go against hia own wiU.t Covdha, however, finding his mission in the cause of peace was usdess and that a large reward was offered for his life, made his way back to Ui-Caisin with all secrecy and speed.

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 50

13. Clancuilein elects Maccon Macnamara as chief

    Inchiquin · townland · Clare · 1313

    After Lochlain's murder, his sept assembled on 1 June 1313 and elected his son Maccon Macnamara as chief of Clancuilein. Maccon married Mary, a daughter of O'Brien of Inchiquin.

    Read the passage

    Immediately after Lochlain's murder his sept assembled, on the ist of June, 13 1 3, and elected his son Maccon Macnamara as chief of the sept. Maccon married a .daughter (Mary) of O'Brien, of Inchiquin4 Mortough O'Brien, King of Thomond, bemg engaged with the septs west of the river Fergus, De Clare sent a trusted embassy to urge Maccon Macnamara to join his forces with those of the Anglo-Normans, and so effectually to dispose of Mortough, and ensure peace in the country. The sept of Clancuilein, however, on the advice of Maccon,

    ♦ "The Normans in Thomond/' by T. J. Westropp. p. 387 (** Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries for 1891 '*). The poet refers to the Hi-Blood and other septs who had risen in arms against Clancuilein.

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 55

14. Clare's common lands: forest, bog and barren ground

    near Clare · population centre · Clare

    A substantial part of County Clare was once covered with forest trees, bogs, and barren land, all of which formed the common lands belonging to the freemen of the tribe under grazing restrictions. As forests were cleared and waste lands brought into use, this land was appropriated largely by existing landowners to build up private property.

    Read the passage

    No inconsiderable part of Clare was formerly covered with forest trees, bogs, and barren land,t all of which went to form the common lands ; and these, under certain restrictions as to grazing, belonged to the freemen of the tribe. But as the forests were cleared off and waste lands brought into use, it was appropriated to a large extent by the existing landowners, and helped to build up the private property of these individuals.

    The tribal lands were cultivated by the occupiers of the soil ; about sixty acres were supposed to be sufficient to maintain a family in a fidr position in the social scale. Bat the quantity of land was calculated by the amount of seed it required for cultivation and the cattle it could feed rather than by its area. A landlord having an excess of tribal lands beyond that which he required for his own maintenance and that of his fiuorily, handed over so much of the soil as he did not want to his relations. A landholder of this description did not pay tribute

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 24

15. Cornwallis praises Clare and Connaught yeomanry after Killala campaign

    Killala · town · Mayo · 1798

    Lord Cornwallis, in command of English forces, finished the campaign against the French by 9 September 1798. In his general order he praised the yeomanry of Clare and Connaught for their service and for not tarnishing their courage with wanton cruelty.

    Read the passage

    had finished his work and returned to Dublin, the French force in the meantime having either been destroyed or taken prisoners. Lord Comwaliis, in his general order on this expedition, states that, with reference to the Irish troops, especially the yeomanry of Clare, and Connaught, that ''They had rendered the greatest service, and are peculiariy entitled to the acknowledgment of the Government, firom their not having tarnished their courage and loyalty by any act of wanton cruelty towards their enemies or their fellow-subjects."

    We may look back with unmixed satisfaction to this description of our countrymen at the dose of the eighteenth centiuy : the farmers and landowners of the territory west of the Shannon, the home of the Irish Celt Lord Comwallis had seen much service, and he commanded the men he refers to at a time when, undisciplined as they were, we* could readily have understood their giving vent to the feelings of their grosser nature, but as in 1316, at Corcomroe, so in 1798 they revelled in the prospect of active service, but they were no less anxious to assist the Men, whether friend or foe ; in fact, the latter existed no longer, diey were brethren in arms (see p. 125). I have neither attempted to paint these people in borrowed garments or to describe them after some picture formed by imagination, but have given the evidence of unbiassed persons, often Government officials, who knew these Irish Celts, the opinion of such persons having been rec(»rded at the time the incidents they describe occurred, and, farthdr, these witnesses had no motive for maldng any statements on the subject except such as were true.

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 132

    As the companion tells it

    You are coming into Killala in Mayo. In 1798 this was where the French landed, and where the campaign against them was brought to an end. Lord Cornwallis commanded the English forces, and by the 9th of September 1798 the work was finished. He had returned to Dublin. The French force had either been destroyed or taken prisoners. In his general order on the expedition, Cornwallis spoke of the Irish troops, especially the yeomanry of Clare and Connaught. He said they had rendered the greatest service and were peculiarly entitled to the acknowledgment of the Government, from their not having tarnished their courage and loyalty by any act of wanton cruelty towards their enemies or their fellow-subjects. The author of this passage looks back on that description with unmixed satisfaction. These were farmers and landowners west of the Shannon, the home of the Irish Celt. Cornwallis had seen much service, and he commanded these men at a time when, undisciplined as they were, one could readily have understood their giving vent to the feelings of their grosser nature. But as in 1316 at Corcomroe, so in 1798, they revelled in the prospect of active service, yet they were no less anxious to assist the men, whether friend or foe. In fact, the latter existed no longer. They were brethren in arms. The author says he has neither attempted to paint these people in borrowed garments nor to describe them after some picture formed by imagination, but has given the evidence of unbiased persons, often Government officials, who knew these Irish Celts.

16. Cumara Macnamara kills O'Connor king of Kerry

    Kerry · county · Kerry · 1143

    Cumara Macnamara, son of Mac Conmara and chief of Clancuilein, made an incursion into Kerry in 1143. In an encounter with O'Connor, king of that territory, Cumara killed the chief while fighting for Turlough O'Brien.

    Read the passage

    in commandj and, having made an incursion into Kerry, in an encounter with O'Connor, king of that territoiy, this chief was killed by Cumara," A.D. 1 143;* so that while the King of Munster was regaining his power over Leinster, Cumara Macnamara was fighting for him in the south, both having the common object of restoring an O'Brien to supreme power in Ireland. In this purpose Turlough was thwarted by his brother Teige, Prince of Ormond, who entered* into a league with the chiefs of Connaught, Meath, and the MacCarthys of Desmond. Turlough, however, determined to make a desperate effort to overcome the combined forces opposed to him, but failed to hold his own at the battle of Moinmore (a;D. 1151).

    Cumara {Beg) Macnamara seems, with his sept, to have taken a prominent part in the battle of Moinmore, and to have fought with great bravery, but towards the close of the day he was overpowered and slain, a fate which also befell many of his dan.t Turlough O'Brien escaped with difficulty from the field, and fled to Limerick; he was ^ compelled, however, to give the King of Connaught two hundred ounces of gold as a ransom, as well as Brian Bora's drinking goblet, a.d. 1151.

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 45

    As the companion tells it

    As you travel through Kerry, this is the county where, in 1143, Cumara Macnamara made an incursion and met O'Connor, king of that territory. Cumara killed him. Cumara was the son of Mac Conmara, chief of Clancuilein, and he was fighting for Turlough O'Brien. Both shared the common object of restoring an O'Brien to supreme power in Ireland. While the King of Munster was regaining his power over Leinster, Cumara Macnamara was fighting for him in the south. Turlough was thwarted by his brother Teige, Prince of Ormond, who entered into a league with the chiefs of Connaught, Meath, and the MacCarthys of Desmond. Turlough determined to make a desperate effort to overcome the combined forces opposed to him, but failed to hold his own at the battle of Moinmore in 1151. Cumara Beg Macnamara seems, with his sept, to have taken a prominent part in that battle, and to have fought with great bravery, but towards the close of the day he was overpowered and slain, a fate which also befell many of his men. Turlough O'Brien escaped with difficulty from the field and fled to Limerick. He was compelled to give the King of Connaught 200 ounces of gold as a ransom, as well as Brian Boru's drinking goblet, in 1151.

17. Dineley's description of Rosroe and its underground lough

    Rosroe · townland · Clare · 1680

    Dineley, visiting Rosroe in 1680, described it as a fair seat among good lands and orchards with a lough abounding in trout and wild fowl. He noted the lough of Rosroe runs underground for half an English mile between the castles of Rathlahem and Rathfolan.

    Read the passage

    In 1563 the Earl of Thomond was with Sioda Macnamam at his castle of Rosroe, a place to which Dineley refers in his '' Diary," and has also left us a sketch of it as he saw it in 1680. He states ** it was a fair seat, situated among good lands and orchards, with a very pleasant and profitable large port or lough on the one side thereof, abounding with large trout Here are also plenty of wild fowl. About a mile and a half from hence by water, between the castles of Rathlahem and Rathfolan, the lough of Rosroe runs underground for half an English mile, being opposed by hills and rocks." t In this castle the earl had retreated to obtain protection from his relative, Donald O'Brien of Inchiquin ; the latter, however, attacked the castle, but was driven back by Sioda Macnamara, and pursued across the river Fergus.! Donald O'Brien then betook himself to a place near Corcomroe in Burren, and we are informed that a ship containing ^ pirates " landed near Loop Head, and Donald O'Brien seized some of the unfortunate sailors, hung not a few, and burnt others, according to the measure of their crime. § Acts of this •description demonstrate the laxness with which English law and order was administered in Clare at this time. Another instance iUustrating the condition of this part of Ireland in the year 1569 is afforded by a petition which Sir H. Sidney received from Galway, stating that, " on the borders of Thomond certain outlaws, being bastard sons of the Bishop of KiUaloe, robbed all travellers, and had put a raid on a castle which they meant to defend." This bishop was an O'Brien, and after his •death, in 1569, the English Government appointed the first Protestant bishop of KiUaloe, a young man, Morrogh O'Brien, recommended by

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 76

18. Donogh O'Brien loots the great Church of Lusk

    Lusk · town · Dublin · 1051

    Donogh O'Brien invaded Leinster and looted the great Church of Lusk on his march, carrying away those who had taken refuge in it as captives.

    Read the passage

    The next year Donogh O'Brien again invaded Leinster, looting the " great Church of Lusk " on his march, and carrying away captive those who took refuge in it.t While he was thus engaged the King of Connaught invaded Clare by way of the Shannon, and then, striking inland, he passed into Ui-Caisin and to Magh Adhair.^ On this occasion Turlough O'Brien seems again to have accompanied the invading forces. After a fierce encounter with Macnamaras and other Dalcasian septs, the invaders had to effect a hasty retreat, to reappear, however, before long with the King of Leinster. The confederates advanced to Limerick, which the Dalcais being unable to hold, burnt before retreating into Clare.§ Donogh was now growing old and worn out by this constant warfare ; he retired, therefore, to Rome, where he died in the monastery of St Stephen, a.d. 1064. Dpnogh had indeed been beset with difficulties, for we are informed that in consequence of " much inclement weather in Ireland, its com, milk, fruit, and fish were

    * •• The History of Clare." p. 79. by the Very Rev. J. White, P.P., V.G.

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 45

19. Donough Brian Roe assembles forces at Ballyvaughan

    Ballyvaghan · town · Clare

    After failing to gain recognition as King of Thomond, Donough Brian Roe rallied his supporters west of the River Fergus. They assembled on the hills of Burren above Ballyvaughan to prepare for a battle to reclaim their patrimonial rights.

    Read the passage

    Donough Brian Roe, who had already brought such trouble on his country and to the inhabitants of Thomond, having received intimation that De Clare had failed to persuade the government in Dublin to recognise him as King of Thomond, determined again to try what he could do by an appeal to arms ; he therefore threw himself on his former supporters and the chiefs west of the Fergus ; most of these chiefs rallied round him and assembled on the hills of Burren above Ball3rvaughan.

    Dermot O'Brien, in his brother Mortough's absence in Dublin, issued a summons to the chief landholders of his territory to meet him in council ; and having come together they discussed the means by which they might best assail their enemies. Magrath reports that Mac-con- Macnamara was one of the members of this council, and said, '' if the sept of Clancuilein alone were called upon to meet the enemy it would be impossible to keep them from doing so. ' But the Clan Mahons, ClanTeigue (a branch of Clancuilein), the O'Conors, O'Deas, and many other septs were full of enthusiam to join their chief; and after drawing up their plans the council broke up, "without a shadow of misgiving," and its members returned ^* to their homes to get on with all that was needed for the emergency of that formidable encounter on which, towards the recovery of their patrimonial rights, they were resolved; and the place of meeting which they appointed for the last muster before the march was Ruane, of the grass-dad caves." *

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 57

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up now is Ballyvaghan in Clare. It was on the hills of Burren above this town that Donough Brian Roe gathered his supporters, after he failed to win recognition as King of Thomond. De Clare had tried to persuade the government in Dublin to grant him that title, but the attempt failed. Donough Brian Roe, who had already brought trouble on Thomond, resolved to appeal to arms. He threw himself on his former supporters and the chiefs west of the River Fergus, and most of those chiefs rallied round him and assembled on those hills above Ballyvaughan. While this was happening, Dermot O'Brien, in the absence of his brother Mortough in Dublin, summoned the chief landholders of his territory to meet in council. They gathered to discuss how best to assail their enemies. Magrath reports that Mac-con-Macnamara was a member of that council, and he said, if the sept of Clancuilein alone were called upon to meet the enemy it would be impossible to keep them from doing so. The Clan Mahons, ClanTeigue, a branch of Clancuilein, the O'Conors, O'Deas, and many other septs were full of enthusiasm to join their chief. The council drew up its plans and broke up, without a shadow of misgiving. Its members returned to their homes to prepare for that formidable encounter, towards the recovery of their patrimonial rights, on which they were resolved. The place they appointed for the last muster before the march was Ruane, of the grass-clad caves.

20. James II proclaims from Dublin

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 1689

    King James II arrived in Dublin in March 1689 and issued a proclamation requiring absentee subjects to return to Ireland. He also summoned a Parliament to meet in Dublin on the 7th of May.

    Read the passage

    King James landed in Ireland in March 1689, and on his arrival in Dublin issued a proclamation, requiring his absentee subjects to return to Ireland. He exjvessed his determination to suppress any civil disturbance in the country, and to grant religious freedom. Lastly, he summoned a Parliament to meet at Dublin on the 7th of May. The Irish had never abandoned the hope of obtaming a repeal or mitigation of the Acts of Settlement and Explanation ; as late as 1686 they had sent agents over to England to seek the repeal of these Acts ; but these agents were attacked 1^ the London mob, and were glad to make their escape bade to Ireland.

    The Dublin Parliament of 1689, from an historical point of view, is of the greatest interest, but unfortunately the official transactions and Acts were ordered to be burnt by William Prince of Orange, and it was not until 1740 the Bills passed by this Parliament were reprinted. This Parliament was presided over by its legitimate king, and its members were freely elected by the inhabitants of the country. The members of the Upper House were the descendants of some of the former Celtic chiefs of provinces and tribes, the O'Briens, and so on, together with the heirs of Anglo-Norman noblemen, such as the Burkes, Butlers, and many others. The Commons contained representatives of the old septs > for instance, of the four members elected by county Clare, and its borough (Ennis), two were Macnamaras. Many of the members of this

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 111

    As the companion tells it

    Dublin, the city the road passes through, is where King James II landed in March 1689. On his arrival he issued a proclamation requiring his absentee subjects to return to Ireland. He expressed his determination to suppress any civil disturbance in the country and to grant religious freedom. He then summoned a Parliament to meet at Dublin on the 7th of May. The Irish had never abandoned the hope of obtaining a repeal or mitigation of the Acts of Settlement and Explanation. As late as 1686 they had sent agents over to England to seek the repeal of these Acts, but these agents were attacked by the London mob and were glad to make their escape back to Ireland. The Dublin Parliament of 1689, from an historical point of view, is of the greatest interest. The official transactions and Acts were ordered to be burnt by William Prince of Orange, and it was not until 1740 that the Bills passed by this Parliament were reprinted. This Parliament was presided over by its legitimate king, and its members were freely elected by the inhabitants of the country. The Upper House held descendants of former Celtic chiefs, the O'Briens, together with heirs of Anglo-Norman noblemen, the Burkes, Butlers, and many others. The Commons contained representatives of the old septs. Of the four members elected by county Clare and its borough Ennis, two were Macnamaras.

21. Kildare erects fortress in Kilteely

    Kilteely · town · Limerick · 1510

    In 1510, the Lord Deputy erected a fortress in the parish of Kilteely in County Limerick, despite opposition from the Irish. This secured a base for his operations against the Munster chiefs before he advanced towards Thomond.

    Read the passage

    The Earl of Kildare does not seem to have taken advantage of the weakened condition in which the Dalcasians must have been left after the battle of Knocktow ; nevertheless, he felt that so long as this famous tribe remained supreme in the West of Ireland, there could be no sectirity for his countrymen living within the Pale, and still less for extending their rule over the country. In a.d. 15 10 the Lord Deputy erected a fortress in the parish of Kilteely, co. Limerick, in spite of the opposition of the Irish, and having secured this place as a base for his operations, '* attended by the chiefs of the English and Irish of Leinster, and O'Donnell from Donegal, Kildare advanced with his forces into South Munster," with the intention of weakening the power of the chiefs of Munster before striking his final blow at Thomond. Having effected this object, the Lord Deputy passed into the county of Limerick, where he mustered all the English of Munster, Meath, and Leinster, and proceeded to the town of Limerick.

    From " The Four Masters " we learn that " Torlogh O'Brien, Lord of Thomond, with all his forces, together with the Macnamaras and the Clanricardes, mustered another army to oppose Kildare. The Earl —

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 69

22. Lost Book of Monasterboice as source of the Colloquy

    Monasterboice · townland · Louth

    An old Celtic manuscript tradition, the 'Colloquy of the Ancients,' was said to have been taken from a still more ancient but now lost work called the Book of Monasterboice. The colloquy records a conversation between St Patrick and the last of the old Fenians of Ireland, preserving early Irish Celtic wisdom.

    Read the passage

    Mr. Standish H. O'Gnuly, in his •* Silva Gadelica.*' has given us a translation from an old Celtic MS. contafaied in the " Book of Lismore.** •' The Colloquy of the Andents.'* This is stated to have been taken from a still more ancient work, which is now lost, the «*Book of Monasterboice." In this colloquy we have a conversation reported which was supposed to have taken place between St Patrick and the last of the old Feniaof Ireland ; and it is interesting as giving us some idea of the wisdom and philosophy of the early Irish Celts.

    Cadlte the Fenia states that Finn the chief had given the following rules of conduct to his grandson, rules which, according to the narrative, must have been drawn up before the commencement of the Christian era :

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 34

23. Macnamara settlement at Doorus on Kinvarra Bay

    Doorus · townland · Galway

    After fleeing their home in Lower Bunratty, Daniel Macnamara and his family first settled at Dooras on property owned by their friends, the Frenches. Some family members remained in this area on the shores of Kinvarra Bay.

    Read the passage

    The Rev. P. Whiter in his "History of Clare," observes, "that as a youth he had, from many sources, traditions relating to the disappearance of the Rathfolan, or the West Clancuilein fiunily of Macnamaras, the lineal descendants of the founders of Quin Abbey." He adds, that having "made vain resistance, and killed some English troops who were out on a foraging expedition^ the family had to fly precipitately to conceal themselves firom coming vengeance." There is truth in this tradition. The Macnamaras of Rathfolan were dispossessed of their home and estates ; they sought refiige in Burren, a part of county Clare into which there was then only one road, and which is largely constituted of bare limestone mountains or hills. On an inlet of the Bay of Galway^ Daniel Macnamara of Rathfolan, and his large family passed firom their home in Lower Bunratty. They first settled at Dooras, on property belonging to their fiiends the Frenches. Some of the fiunily lingered on in this locality, situated on the shores of Kinvarra Bay; DanieU however, moved westward to a place near Corcomroe Abbey, known as Balinacragga ; whether called after the old castle in Lower Bunratty or not we cannot tell, but this out-of-the-world locality still bears the name of Balinacragga.*

    * Daniel Macnamara succeeded his father in 1665, ^^^ married the daughter of Keatipg, of co. Kildare^

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 99

24. Macnamara tribal lands between Fergus and Shannon

    near River Fergus · river · Clare · 1586–1600

    Sir J. Perrott's commission took extensive evidence on land ownership in Clare. Seventy-two inquisitions referred to lands held by some three hundred Macnamara landed proprietors residing within the area formerly assigned to the Macnamaras as tribal lands, situated between the rivers Fergus and Shannon.

    Read the passage

    Sir J. Perrott's commission took copious evidence concerning the ownership and tenure of land in Clare. Subsequently a number of inquisitions were instituted before the proper authorities, aided by a jury, as to the title under which much of the hmd in Clare was held. These inquisitions extend over a period of several years, and in his history of Clare, Mr. Frost has given us a rSsumS of the evidence then taken, so far as that county is concerned. Among these inquisitions no less than seventy-two referred to lands then held by some three hundred landed proprietors belonging to our sept, who at the time resided within the area formerly assigned to the Macnamaras as tribal lands, situated between the rivers Fergus and Shannoa t Much of this land was at the end of the sixteenth century, such as that which belonged to J. Macnamara, ''freely acquitted and dischaiged from all rents and demands,'^ in fact, freehold property .^

    * " State Papers " (Ireland), vol for 1586-^, p. 576.

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 83

25. Macnamara tribal lands in the baronies of Bunratty

    near Bunratty · parish · Clare · 500–1654

    The Macnamara sept originally obtained their tribal lands in the baronies of Bunratty during the fifth century. They remained in possession of these same lands until at least 1654, a century after their agreement with Henry VIII.

    Read the passage

    When Henry the Eighth accepted the terms proposed by Sioda Macnamara and the other landowners of Clare he directed the Lord Deputy to take special care that ** neany of them suffer any displeasure nor damage hereafter for their submission, but you are to aid diem and see the same revenged as the case shall require." * Sir J. Davies, Mr. Lecky, and other authorities state, und^r the provision of Henry the Eighth's agreement it was assumed, in spite of immemorial usage, that the land was to become the absolute hereditary property of the chiefs who agreed to Henry's terms, to the detriment of their tenants and other landholders, and was, therefore, a ** burning grievance to the humbler clansmen." t So &r as our sept was concerned, however, it is dear that its chie6 urged England to extend her laws to Ireland. They were perfectly weU aware of the nature of the agreement they entered into ''on behalf of themselves and all the rest of the gentlemen and freeholders of the said sept in the baronies of Bunratty, &c." It was in those baronies that the sept originally obtained their tribal lands in the fifth century, and they were in possession of these same lands in the year 1654, or a century after entering into their agreement with Henry the Eighth. The object of this arrangement was to bring the titles of the landed property fix>m under the Brehon laws, into such form that they could be held in conformity with English law. The king thoroughly appreciated the difficulty that existed in granting negotiable titles to Uie owners of the old tribal and other lands on equitable terms ; but whatever the technical

    * " State Papers." vol. iii. p. 476.

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 75

26. Quin Abbey granted by Elizabeth to an O'Brien

    Quin · town · Clare · 1582–1600

    Queen Elizabeth granted Quin Abbey to an O'Brien during the late sixteenth century. This transfer of ecclesiastical property to a lay Gaelic lord illustrates the Crown's redistribution of monastic lands in Clare.

    Read the passage

    O'Neill's rebellion— Desmond, a.d. 1582— Confiscation of the greater part of land of Ulster anfl South Munster by the Crown— Terrible years of war and limine, Z551 to Z582 — Clare and the Macnamaras remained at peace— References to members of the sept by "The Four Masters" — Commencement of trouble between O'Briens and Macnamaras, a.d. 1567 — Sidney's remarks on the dispute— Important inquisition in connection with land tenure^ by Macnamaras^ A.D. 1585— Borome tax existed in Clare at the end of sixteenth century— Macnamara, chief of Clancuilein, refuses to sign Sidney's new plan of land tenure and revenue— Abides by his contract of Henry VIII. 's time — Sir J» Perrott orders tenure of land and amount of rents to be taken in Clare before a Commission^The Macnamaras had to appear before the Commissioners — They decline all change for reasons given by the Lord Deputy who supported Macnamara's contentions— He reports to Lord Burghley that there were no better men or any like the Macnamaras in their country — Correspondence on this subject between Lord Deputy and the Privy Council— J. Macnamara's letter to Lord Burghley — Quin Abbey granted by Queen Elizabeth to an O'Brien— Close of the sixteenth century in Clare attended with inroads from the North and rising of O'Briens of Ennistymon against the Macnamaras

    Pp. 162-174

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 4

27. Shannon as natural barrier for transplantation

    Shannon · town · Clare

    Cromwell's transplantation policy used the River Shannon as a natural physical boundary, beyond which dispossessed Irish chiefly families were to be settled. The aim was to draw a line of physical demarcation between Teutonic and Celtic populations in the western province.

    Read the passage

    Mr. Froude describes this act as a ^' masterly stroke of policy " on the part of Oliver Cromwell ; this historian continues as follows : *' The western province had a natural boundary in the Shannoa Beyond this deep and effectual barrier, the families of the chiefs — ^the middle and upper classes as we should call them, from whose ranks the worst elements of disorder arose — might receive an equivalent of lands of which they were deprived. There livmg among themselves, they might die out or multiply as their lot might be : a line of physical demarcation would then be drawn between the Teutonic and Celtic population." Mr. Froude adds that '' the Catholic priests were judged guilty of high treason and ordered to depart — such of them as did not remove were put on vessels for Spain, and to the Barbadoes — ^finally, when the number arrested were too great to be provided for, they were removed to the islands of Arran, and Inis Bonfin. Romanism, sternly repressed, must have died out, and the lines of difference between the two countries, now as marked as ever, and almost as threatening, would have long ago disappeared."*

    . * " The English in Ireland " (Froude), voL i. pp. 133 and 140 ; see Prendeigast's ^' Cromwellian Settlement," 2nd edit. p. 246.

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 97

28. Shrine of St. Patrick brought to Emly during Norse raids

    Emly · town · Tipperary

    During the Norse invasions under Turgesius, the Abbot of Armagh fled with the shrine of St. Patrick to a district in Thomond east of the Shannon inhabited by the Martini, a Firbolg tribe at Emly, county Tipperary, who maintained their own chief as late as the ninth century.

    Read the passage

    The two first expeditions which the Danes made into the west of Ireland, took place in a.d. 795 and 801, and were both repulsed by the Irish.t But f^m 812 to 835 a vast number of Scandinavians flocked into Ireland, pillaging the churches and committing every conceivable cruelty on the inhabitants of the country.^ At this period, and for some time previously there had been incessant fighting among the ecclesiastics of Armagh for the office of Abbot ; the inhabitants of this monastery, of Clonmacnois, and Durrow, were also firequently at war with one another. Turgesius, the leader of the Norsemen, made short work of these ecclesiastics, for he drove them out of their establishments ; and we are told that the Abbot of Armagh fled, taking with him the shrine of St. Patrick to a district m Thomond east of the Shannon, which was mhabited by the Martini, a Firbolg tribe, who lived as a separate people . under their own chief at Emly, county Tipperary, as late as the ninth century.

    Turgesius was the acknowledged King of the North of Ireland, he hoped to establish a strong government and so to overcome the discord and anarchy which existed in the country; he also desired to banish

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 41

29. Sioda Macnamara of Mountallon surrenders lands to the Crown

    Mountallon · townland · Clare · 1542

    An indenture dated 10 December 1542 formalised the agreement between Sioda Macnamara of Mountallon and Henry VIII. Sioda acted on behalf of all gentlemen and freeholders of the Macnamara sept in the Baronies of Dangan, Bunratty, and Tulla, surrendering lands to receive them back under English law.

    Read the passage

    This indenture made between the Rt HonbL Sir Anthony St Leger Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter Gentleman of the King's Privy Council and Lord Deputy-General of Ireland for and behalf of his most high and tremendous Majestic of the one part and Sioda, son of Mac-con son of Sioda son of Mac-con son of Teigie son of (Lochlain) Mac-con Macnamara of Mountallon in the Principality of Thomond,. Chief Captain elect of his name and sept called Clancuilein in the said principality for and on behalf of himself and of all the rest of the gentlemen and freeholders of the said sept in the Baronies of Dangan,. Bunratty, and Tulla, in the said principality as authorised by the said gentlemen and freeholders under their deede and scale of the other partie.

    Witnesseth that the said Sioda Macnamara doe for himself and all the rest of the said gentlemen and freeholders of the Baronies and places aforesaid for their heirs and assignee covenant, promise, grant, agree, and condescend to and with

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 72

30. Character of the young peasants of Clare

    near Clare · population centre · Clare

    The author describes the young Irish peasants of Clare as physically strong, active, and handsome, skilled in hunting, fishing, and snaring wild fowl. They were deeply loyal to their chiefs and ready to die for them if necessary.

    Read the passage

    In the old Irish home dependants and tenants lived about the master's house, from boyhood — they came and departed as thqr pleased ; much of the summer was passed in helping the old people in their own homeSy in getting in the hanrest, and tending catde on the hills ; the remainder of the year was devoted to the master, following him over the moors, or such of the forests as remained, in hunting expeditions ; mixed with no small amount of dancing, drinking, and fighting, especially on holidays and festivals. These young Irish peasants of Clare were clean-limbed, light, active, and handsome fellows, perfect specimens oS strength and symmetry, and as bold as they were handy in everything appertaining to snaring wild Cowl, netting rabbits, and catching fish, and at all times ready to shed the last drop of their Uood if necessary for the chiefs When they married they obtained a patch of ground firom their patron, on which to fix their own cabin, and settle down to cultivate such an amount of land as would feed them and their family, by the help of their pig and fowls, and, it may be, a cow ; and with this they were perfectly contented and happy ; when trouble came the chief was at hand to help them to the best of his ability. A system of this kind was in fiill operation in the West of Ireland two hundred and fifty years ago, in truUi, existed there up till within the memory of living men, and it was a system which had flourished for certainly twelve hundred years previously.

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 109

31. Clare population figures after Cromwellian settlement

    near Clare · population centre · Clare · 1659

    By 1659, County Clare's population stood at only 16,474 Catholics and 440 Protestants, despite Irish Catholic families having been imported into the county from elsewhere. The figures illustrate the devastating demographic impact of the Confederation wars and Cromwell's conquest.

    Read the passage

    The eight years' turmoil and war carried on by the Confederation, followed by Cromwell's conquest of Ireland, had wrought frightful havoc among the inhabitants of the country ; the misery and destitution to which they had been brought was appalling. For instance, in Clare in the year 1659, although many Irish Roman Catholic families from other parts of. Ireland had been imported into the country, the total number of its population amounted to 16,474 Catholics, and 440 Protestants; its present population is about i4hA1S P^ple. The Government seems to have recognised the deplorable state to which the people of Clare had been reduced, for in May 1653, it is stated that '^upon the serious consideration of the poverty and disability of the county Clare, and of the starving condidon in which the few remaining inhabitants are, and the impossibility of getting in the monthly contributions charged upon the county, their whole substance being pledged for their arrears hitherto; it is ordered that the said county shall be chaiged with no sum until the frirther pleasure of the Commission in England for the a£fairs of Ireland shall be known therein." It was into this impoverished county, that Cromwell determined, if possible, to transplant the great bulk of the Irish who had not taken part in the late war.

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 97

32. Clare volunteers muster under Colonel Francis Macnamara, 1796

    Doolin · townland · Clare · 1796

    On news of the French fleet in Bantry Bay, the yeomanry and volunteers of Clare turned out under Colonel Francis Macnamara, with his cousins John and William Macnamara of Doolin, to resist invasion. The mobilisation recalled the ancient martial spirit of the Clancuilein sept.

    Read the passage

    No sooner had news arrived in Ennis, Galway, and Limerick, that a French force was about to land in Bantry Bay, than the yeomanry and volunteers turned out to a man to resist the enemy. The Clare troops were under command of Colonel Fhmcis Macnamara, who with his cousins John, and William Macnamara of Doolin, had taken an active part in drilling, and in the equipment of the troops. The old martial spirit of the people was instantly in wild excitement, and from the accounts left us by those who witnessed the mustering of the Clare volunteers, under the descendants of the old Clancuilein chiefr, we are reminded of some of Magrath's descriptions of the rising of the men of our sept five hundred years previously. General Dalrymple, who was in command at Cork, reported that **aU ranks of Irishmen rallied to his support, determined to resist the French fi!om landing.** He adds :

    * Lecky's " History of Ireland in the Eighteenth Century/' vol. iil p. 123.

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 130

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here in 1796, the Clare volunteers turned out under Colonel Francis Macnamara, whose cousins John and William Macnamara of Doolin had taken an active part in drilling and equipping the troops. News had reached Ennis, Galway, and Limerick that a French force was about to land in Bantry Bay. The yeomanry and volunteers turned out to a man to resist the enemy. The old martial spirit of the people was instantly in wild excitement. Those who witnessed the mustering of the Clare volunteers under the descendants of the old Clancuilein chief were reminded of some of Magrath's descriptions of the rising of the men of the sept five hundred years previously. General Dalrymple, in command at Cork, reported that all ranks of Irishmen rallied to his support, determined to resist the French from landing.

33. Confederation headquarters removed to Ennis

    Ennis · town · Clare · 1649–1650

    After Cromwell expelled them from Kilkenny, the Confederate headquarters moved to Ennis in County Clare. The Earl of Ormond considered the Royalist cause nearly hopeless.

    Read the passage

    The headquarters of the Confederation, having been expelled by Cromwell from Kilkenny, took up their abode in Ennis, county Clare ; but the Earl of Ormond felt the cause of the Royalists in Ireland was almost hopeless, and believed that Prince Charles alone could rouse the drooping spirits of his father's supporters ; he, therefore, urged Charles to assume command of the attenuated Royalist forces ; and the Prince, it is said, was actually on his road to Ireland, but was detained by a

    * In the official *' Manual of Military Law " (published by the War Office in 1894), chap. xiv. par. 14, we read : " The first principle of war is that armed forces, so long as they resist, may be destroyed by all Intimate means. The right of killing an armed man exists only so long as he resists ; as soon as he submits, he is entitled to be treated as a prisoner of war.'*

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 95

34. Dalcasians make Clare 'sword lands' by force

    near Clare · population centre · Clare · 366–420

    Lughaid-menn was the first Dalcasian to violently seize part of Thomond, making Clare 'sword lands'—territory taken and held by force. The conquest ignited centuries of fighting between the Dalcasians of Clare and the King of Connaught.

    Read the passage

    space of time, carried on By the Dalcasians of Monster to win the soil on which to this day they are still planted in Thomond ; and this matter was the efficient cause of all the future fighting between the Dalcasians of Clare and the King of Connaught"; the latter held this territory as part of his province. From the MS. above referred to, we learn that *' Lughaid-menn was the first that violently grasped this part of Thomond,*' for which reason he is called Lughaid ; he is said to have made Clare '' sword lands," or, in other words, lands taken and held by the swonL The historian adds, << the country which the Dalcasians acquired was taken by force ; not because they had any title to it; it belonged by right to the province of Connaught."

    Crimthan was foster-father to Connal, son of Lughaid, and died in A.D. 378.* At the time of the king's death, Lughaid seems still to have been engaged in military operations in Clare, so we may assume that this part of Thomond did not come into the possession of the Dalcasians until the close of the fourth or the early part of the filth century.

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 39

35. Daniel Macnamara expelled from Rathfolan to Ballinacragga

    Rathfolan · townland · Clare · 1654

    Daniel Macnamara was expelled from Rathfolan in 1654 and took up his abode at Ballinacragga on the southern shore of Galway Bay. He apparently named his new Burren home after his former residence near Newmarket in Bunratty.

    Read the passage

    Sioda Macnamara, of Henry VIII.'s time, had a brother Rory, and it was his great-grandson Daniel Macnamara, who in 1654 was expelled fVom Rathfolan and took up his abode at Ballinacragga, situated on the southern shore of Galway Bay.t Daniel's eldest son, Teigie, referred to above, had a younger brother named Daniel, who was twice married, his second wife being a daughter of Charles MacEnery of Castletown, county Kildare, this marriage took place in the year 1696; he had several children by his second wife, one of them, Michel, bom in 1707, married the daughter of one of the Ely O'Carrolls in the year 1738. § Michel Macnamara's fourth son, Patrick, was bom in 1752, and Patrick's

    * Dbar MacDonogh, — I congratulate you on your marriage, but trust it will not induce you to retire from the Irish Brigade. I hope you do not forget the memorable day they had at Fontenoy, and the other glorious dajrs in which they had a share. Your promotion goes on, and all are wishing for your return. With your assistance and O'Brien's, the ranks are near filled up. I hope to see you soon. How does my old friend and relation Captain Dermot O'Brien get on? Is he in good health and permitted to live and pray in peace ?— Yours, Clare. To Mons. A. Mac Donogh, co. Clare, Ireland. (Rev. P. White's •• History of Clare," p. 308.)

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 122

36. Death of Joan Macnamara of Quin, wife of MacCarthy

    Quin · town · Clare · 1370

    In 1370, the Four Masters recorded the death of Joan, daughter of Macnamara of Quin and wife of MacCarthy of Desmond. Her marriage linked the Macnamara sept to the powerful MacCarthy dynasty of Desmond.

    Read the passage

    In the year 1370 the ^' Four Masters " notice the death of Joan, the daughter of Macnamara of Quin, and wife of MacCarthy of Desmond. These annalists also inform us that Philip O'Kennedy, Lord of Onnond, and Ain^ his wife, daughter of Macnamara, both died within one week.* The four most influential chiefa in the west of Ireland were thus brought together by marriage through their connection with the Macnamaras, viz., the King of Thomond, the Earls of Desmond, Ormond, and Clanricarde. Marriages of this description were not confined to the upj^ classes ; and, for the most part, the married people adopted the language, dress, laws, and customs of the Irish. One cannot help feeling that if these marriages had been allowed to develop, Ireland would now have been in a different position to that which she occupies ; for there is no finer race than that formed by an amalgamation of the Celt and Saxon; and of such people the inhabitants of Ireland would have now consisted, had it not been for the action of the English Government, who did all in their power to prevent the blending of the two races. They drove those who had formed connections by marriage with the Irish Celts outside their sphere of government and laws, and, together with the native Irish, regarded them in the light of enemies, to be hunted do¥m and killed whenever they were met with. The Government then proceeded to bestow the vacant estates created by this policy upon young and untrained Englishmen, who bound themselves to live under such rules and regulations as were prescribed for them by English authorities.

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 66

37. Dublin Parliament uproar over altered Money Bill

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 1776

    In December 1776, the Dublin Parliament sent a Money Bill to England, only to discover that English officials had altered it and cut the retained force in Ireland from twelve thousand to four thousand men. This created an uproar in the Dublin Parliament and led to demands for a militia force.

    Read the passage

    In December 1776, the Dublin Parliament sent a Money Bill to England for the sanction of the Government. To the astonishment of the Lrish Parliament it was discovered that English officials had altered the original Bill, and cut do?m the force to be retained in Lreland from twelve thousand men to four thousand, it having been previously stipulated that the minimum number of English troops to be retained in Ireland for the defence of the country should be not less than twdve thousand soldiers. This proceeding created an uproar in the Dublin Parliament, and led to the demand for a force of militia being at once raised; the Government declined this proposal, and Charles Ogle, Member of Pariiament for Wexford, and other gentlemen, determined to follow the example set them by the cities of Cork, Limerick, and Galway, and to arm and enrol thdr tenants into volunteer corps. The unifbrms of these corps were scarlet with buff fru:ings. Many of the country gentlemen joined in the movement; and so, in the early part of the year X777» the Kilkenny Rai^rs, and regiments of volunteers in Wexford and Wicklow, were brought into traimng under the orders of non-commiasioDed officers who, having passed through the Seven Years' War, were well acquainted with the details of drill and such like matters. It should be distinctly understood that this volunteer movement commenced in the South of Ireland, and spread to Clare and Connaught in 1766, and in the following ten years was well established over those parts of Ireland* In fiict, before the year 1777 the volunteers had done good work in the South of Irekmd ; for although drawn from the same class as the Whiteboys, when enrolled as soldiers they at once displayed a capacity for order, and a sense of duty which when brought to bear on the Whitebo3rs did more to suppress in a few months the excesses of that Society than the Government had been able to effect in as many years. The volunteers of the South of Ireland had

    * O'Brieii's " Memdrs," pp. 403, ^ ; also Sir J. Barringto&*s " Historic Memories of Ireland," vol. L p. 49.

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 126

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Dublin, this city was where the Irish Parliament sat in December 1776, when it sent a Money Bill to England for the sanction of the Government. To the astonishment of the Irish Parliament, it was discovered that English officials had altered the original Bill, and cut down the force to be retained in Ireland from twelve thousand men to four thousand. It had been previously stipulated that the minimum number of English troops to be retained in Ireland for the defence of the country should be not less than twelve thousand soldiers. This proceeding created an uproar in the Dublin Parliament, and led to the demand for a force of militia being at once raised. The Government declined this proposal, and Charles Ogle, Member of Parliament for Wexford, and other gentlemen, determined to follow the example set them by the cities of Cork, Limerick, and Galway, and to arm and enrol their tenants into volunteer corps. The uniforms of these corps were scarlet with buff facings. Many of the country gentlemen joined in the movement, and so, in the early part of 1777, the Kilkenny Rangers and regiments of volunteers in Wexford and Wicklow were brought into training under the orders of non-commissioned officers who, having passed through the Seven Years' War, were well acquainted with the details of drill. This volunteer movement commenced in the South of Ireland, and spread to Clare and Connaught in 1766. Before the year 1777 the volunteers had done good work in the South, for although drawn from the same class as the Whiteboys, when enrolled as soldiers they displayed a capacity for order that suppressed the excesses of that Society in a few months, more than the Government had been able to effect in as many years.

38. Earl of Thomond's seizure of Tulla estate

    Tulla · town · Clare · 1611

    In 1611, the Earl of Thomond acted to gain possession of the estates of Fermoy, Tulla, and Lissofin in Clare, using the newly introduced English law to deprive the old Celtic Macnamara family of their landed property, as documented by O'Gorman's manuscript.

    Read the passage

    The fiacts regarding this case have been drawn up from official documents, which are still in existence and were collected by the ChevaUer O'Gorman in the year 1782. His original MS. is in the library of the Royal Irish Academy (24 D. 10). In this document O'Gorman traces step by step the evidence given before Inquisitions taken at Ennis in 1585, and subsequently as to the action of the Earl of Thomond in the year 161 1 to gain possession of the estates of Fermoy, Tulla, f and Lissofin in Clare. O'Gorman wished to demonstrate by means of a wellauthenticated case the process taken under the newly introduced English law for depriving an old Celtic fiunily of their landed property.

    It will be remembered that Lochain Macnamara, who was chief of Clan-' culien at the end of the fourteenth century, divided his territory into two portions, East and West Clanculien. At the same time he made over certain lands to a third son, Mahon ; this property was known as that of Tulla and Lissofin. CyGorman states that Mahon Macnamara was '' a religious man or priest " ; and from another source we learn that his son Donogh ** at his own expense built the refectory and sacristy of the monastery at Ennis, and afterwards took the habit of the order " ; the landed pro-* perty of Tulla and Lissofin, however, passed to his tanist, and irom him to his successor, and so on without question until the year 161 1.

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 87

39. Ennis borough represented by Macnamaras in 1689

    Ennis · town · Clare · 1689

    The borough of Ennis sent Macnamara representatives to the Dublin Parliament of 1689, where members of the old septs gathered to repeal the Act of Settlement.

    Read the passage

    The Dublin Parliament of 1689, from an historical point of view, is of the greatest interest, but unfortunately the official transactions and Acts were ordered to be burnt by William Prince of Orange, and it was not until 1740 the Bills passed by this Parliament were reprinted. This Parliament was presided over by its legitimate king, and its members were freely elected by the inhabitants of the country. The members of the Upper House were the descendants of some of the former Celtic chiefs of provinces and tribes, the O'Briens, and so on, together with the heirs of Anglo-Norman noblemen, such as the Burkes, Butlers, and many others. The Commons contained representatives of the old septs > for instance, of the four members elected by county Clare, and its borough (Ennis), two were Macnamaras. Many of the members of this

    * The details above referred to have been collected from the original MS. papers of Mr. J. Macnamara, of Brighton, and the late Col. J. D. Macnamara, of Ayle. See also Frost's ** History of Clare," note. p. 416.

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 111

40. French landing attempts at Bantry Bay and Killala, 1798

    near Bantry Bay · bay · Cork · 1798

    In 1798, the French attempted to land at Bantry Bay and subsequently effected a landing at Killala. On both occasions, the volunteers of Clare and Galway sprang into existence alongside the yeomanry to resist the invasion.

    Read the passage

    laid down their anns which they had voluntarily taken up, and again resumed their station with honour and applause amongst their fdlowmen."* Much has been written of the Irish Volunteers, but they have received no higher praise than that contained in the few words quoted from the pen of the historian of Galway ; the men concerning whom he wrote were known to him, and they were all bred and bom west of the Shannon, many of them grandsons of gentlemen whose lands had been confiscated by the English Government Hoe in Qare and Galway the Roman Catholic Celts were, by Cromwell's directions, to be confined and separated firom the rest of iht worid lest their influence should contaminate the Scotch and English, located over Ulster and Leinster. The descendants of these Scotchmen and Englishmen were at the end of the last century in open rebellion against England, but the Celt was true to his chaiacter, and when Ireland was invaded by England's enemies they loyally pressed forward to resist domestic traitors, and foreign foes. When the time arrived for the English to resume her functions, and replace the self-elected and organised volunteers of the West of Ireland by constituted authorities, the volunteers betook themselves, as was their ancient custom, without a thought of self or their own importance to their farms and agricultural pursuits ; and there they remained until in 1798, when the French attempted to land in Bantry Bay, and subsequently effected a landing in Killala; on both these occasions the volunteers of Clare and Galway again sprang into existence, and the country was alive with them and the yeomanry, bent, as before, <m trying to do their duty.f

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 127

41. Kildare musters forces at Limerick

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1510

    After weakening the Munster chiefs, the Lord Deputy passed into County Limerick and proceeded to the town of Limerick, where he mustered the English of Munster, Meath, and Leinster. Torlogh O'Brien, the Macnamaras, and the Clanricardes then gathered an army to oppose him.

    Read the passage

    The Earl of Kildare does not seem to have taken advantage of the weakened condition in which the Dalcasians must have been left after the battle of Knocktow ; nevertheless, he felt that so long as this famous tribe remained supreme in the West of Ireland, there could be no sectirity for his countrymen living within the Pale, and still less for extending their rule over the country. In a.d. 15 10 the Lord Deputy erected a fortress in the parish of Kilteely, co. Limerick, in spite of the opposition of the Irish, and having secured this place as a base for his operations, '* attended by the chiefs of the English and Irish of Leinster, and O'Donnell from Donegal, Kildare advanced with his forces into South Munster," with the intention of weakening the power of the chiefs of Munster before striking his final blow at Thomond. Having effected this object, the Lord Deputy passed into the county of Limerick, where he mustered all the English of Munster, Meath, and Leinster, and proceeded to the town of Limerick.

    From " The Four Masters " we learn that " Torlogh O'Brien, Lord of Thomond, with all his forces, together with the Macnamaras and the Clanricardes, mustered another army to oppose Kildare. The Earl —

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 69

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, this is where the Earl of Kildare gathered his forces in 1510. He had already erected a fortress in the parish of Kilteely in County Limerick that year, despite Irish opposition, and used it as a base for his operations. Attended by the chiefs of the English and Irish of Leinster, and O'Donnell from Donegal, Kildare advanced into South Munster, aiming to weaken the power of the Munster chiefs before striking his final blow at Thomond. He felt that so long as the Dalcasians remained supreme in the west of Ireland, there could be no security for his countrymen living within the Pale. Having weakened the Munster chiefs, the Lord Deputy passed into County Limerick, where he mustered all the English of Munster, Meath, and Leinster, and proceeded to the town of Limerick. From the Four Masters we learn that Torlogh O'Brien, Lord of Thomond, with all his forces, together with the Macnamaras and the Clanricardes, mustered another army to oppose Kildare.

42. Lord Clare's bequests to friars of Quin, Limerick and Ennis

    Quin · town · Clare

    Lord Clare's will directed Thomas Macnamara to pay twenty pounds each to the friars of Quin and Limerick, and fifty pounds to the friars of Ennis. These bequests reflect the enduring connection between the Clare O'Briens and the religious houses of their native country before the family emigrated to France.

    Read the passage

    Whitefoot. I order that the widow of Daniel Macnamara shall be paid of my own cattle in as many as shall appear she had sorrowfully lost by me or mine ";* he directed Thomas Macnamara to *^ pay twenty pounds a piece to the friars of Quin and Limerick, and fifty pounds to the friars of Ennis." t His eldest son, Colonel Daniel O'Brien, succeeded to the title ; but with his father ended the connection of the ^ Clare O'Briens/' as they were called, with their native country, the fomily passed over to the Continent and settled in France. Many other fiunilies in Clare besides the O'Briens suffered for their loyalty to the man whom they regarded as their legitimate monarch ; and after the surrender of Limerick they found themselves despoiled of everything, with no prospect before them but exile or poverty. Li 1700 when the Court of Claims sat in Dublin to hear petitions from persons claiming exemption from attainder,

    * Frost's •• History of Clare/' p. 609.

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 114

43. Lucas O'Brien's 1763 speech at Ennis on tithe and Whiteboy revolt

    Ennis · town · Clare · 1763

    In early 1763, Mr. L. O'Brien (afterwards Sir Lucas) delivered a speech at Ennis condemning the neglect of Protestant clergy in Co. Clare and the extortion of tithes. He linked the Whiteboy risings directly to these grievances, calling them branches of which clergy neglect and defects in religious institutions constituted the root.

    Read the passage

    There were, however, other causes than those referred to by Mr. Young and Jjord Weymotith which impoverished the small £umers and landholders, and that was the collection of tithes, for these had to be paid in the first place to the Protestant rector of the parish, and, in addition, there was the maintenance of the parish priest, which fdl on the Roman Catholics. We have reference made to this subject by Mr. L. O'Brien (afterwards Sir Lucas) in a speech he delivered at Emiis in the early part of the year 1763, he referred to the lamentable neglect of the Protestant clergy to their duties in co. Clare, and stated that one of the bad consequences of this neglect of the clergy is those risings which have been mentioned to the violation of the law, for who can suppose that men will patiently suffer the extortion of a tithemonger when no duty for which the tithe is claimed has been performed in the memory

    of man "He continues, ^ the insurrections, against which we are

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 124

44. Synod of Armagh abolishes slavery in Ireland

    near Armagh · town · Armagh · 1171

    In 1171, the clergy assembled in synod at Armagh abolished slavery in Ireland. At that time, most of the slaves in Ireland were English lads who had been taken prisoner or sold by people of their own country.

    Read the passage

    All landlords and landholders were freemen in consequence of their possessing land. This possession of land was all important, and it is the survival of this feeling which engenders that intense desire to possess land which is so marked a characteristic of Irishmen even at the present time. In days gone by the landholder was the freeman, the landless man the bondsman, because he had no direct lien on the soil. These bondsmen had no social position, they could neither appeal to a Brehon for redress, or appear to give evidence before him ; but in consequence of the law of tanistry and of gavelkind, it is certain not a few of the landlords' relatives must have been landless, and consequently bondsmen. This fact was of the greatest importance in the tribal system, for there was thus a strong hereditory feeling between the bondsman and the fipeeman of the same locality, and so a tie existed between the higher and lower grades of society which was of vast consequence from a social point of view. It is questionable if these Irish bondsmen were slaves in the way of being bought and sold ; doubtless slavery existed in Ireland until it was abolished by the clergy assembled in synod at Armagh in the year 1171 ; but the slaves of that period were for the most part English lads taken prisoners or sold to Irishmen by people of their own country. Even bondsmen, such as horse-boys, who were of the lowest class, herdsmen, labourers, and others who formed a part of a tribe, could by patient industry hope in the course of time to raise their £Eunilies into the ranks of freemen.t

    From the above statement it appears that from the earliest period of the Celtic invasion of Clare the land was held under two different sjTStems ; under one, a portion of the tribal lands were assigned, on

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 25

45. Tombstone in Killeany records 119-year lifespan

    Killeany · townland · Clare

    A tombstone in Killeany on the Aran Islands records the death of a person who lived 119 years. The islanders are noted for longevity, with births exceeding deaths, though population declines due to emigration.

    Read the passage

    Their sight and hearing is singularly acute. Dr. Kean states that on a clear day any of them could discern, with the naked eye, a small black sailing boat at Black Head, twenty miles distant, before he could see it with his binocular. Some of them live to a great age, and the births exceed the deaths, but the population is decreasing, owing to emigration ; a tombstone in Killeany records the death of one who lived 119 years. They are exceptionally honest, straightforward, and upright in their dealings, and illegitimacy is almost unknown. Mr. P. Lyster, a magistrate of these islands, states that '* The Arran islanders are, as a body, extremely well-behaved and industrious people. If there are disputes among them it is in connection with lands. There are very few cases of drunkenness. I have known two months elapse without a single case being brought before me ; for four years I have not sent more than six or seven persons to gaol without the option of a fine. There is no gaol on the island ; theft is very rare ; I only remember one case of positive stealing sent for trial"* They are singularly unmusical, no piper, fiddler, or musician of any sort being on the islands. Irish is their language, but English can be understood and spoken with strangers. Most of the weddings occur just before Lent. There is no courtship, the young man going straight to the house of an eligible girl and asking her to marry him. If refiised, he goes elsewhere, and a man has been known to ask three girls the same evening before he was accepted. Wakes are held even for those who die abroad. At one time a fimeral procession would be stopped on the road, and the mourners would raise small piles of stones. A corpse is always let out through the back door, for the Arranites believe in fairies, banshees, and ghosts. If at a marriage any one repeats the benediction after the priest and ties a knot on a string at the mention of each of the sacred names, the marriage will be childless for fifteen years, unless the string is burned. Pin-wells and rag-bushes are still firequented, and on the night before emigrating people will sleep in the open beside one of the holy wells, in order to have good fortune where they go. The Evil Eye is believed in, and certain days are counted unlucky, so that even burials do not take place on them.

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 11

46. Donogh Macnamara builds Ennis monastery refectory

    Ennis · town · Clare · 1390–1400

    Donogh Macnamara, son of Mahon, built the refectory and sacristy of the monastery at Ennis at his own expense and subsequently took the habit of the order. The landed property of Tulla and Lissofin, however, passed to his tanist rather than remaining with him.

    Read the passage

    It will be remembered that Lochain Macnamara, who was chief of Clan-' culien at the end of the fourteenth century, divided his territory into two portions, East and West Clanculien. At the same time he made over certain lands to a third son, Mahon ; this property was known as that of Tulla and Lissofin. CyGorman states that Mahon Macnamara was '' a religious man or priest " ; and from another source we learn that his son Donogh ** at his own expense built the refectory and sacristy of the monastery at Ennis, and afterwards took the habit of the order " ; the landed pro-* perty of Tulla and Lissofin, however, passed to his tanist, and irom him to his successor, and so on without question until the year 161 1.

    * *' Calendar of State Papers *' (Ireland, a.d. 1608).

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 87

47. French landing at Killala, 1798

    Killala · town · Mayo · 1798

    The French subsequently effected a landing at Killala in 1798, prompting the volunteers of Clare and Galway to again mobilize alongside the yeomanry to resist foreign invasion.

    Read the passage

    laid down their anns which they had voluntarily taken up, and again resumed their station with honour and applause amongst their fdlowmen."* Much has been written of the Irish Volunteers, but they have received no higher praise than that contained in the few words quoted from the pen of the historian of Galway ; the men concerning whom he wrote were known to him, and they were all bred and bom west of the Shannon, many of them grandsons of gentlemen whose lands had been confiscated by the English Government Hoe in Qare and Galway the Roman Catholic Celts were, by Cromwell's directions, to be confined and separated firom the rest of iht worid lest their influence should contaminate the Scotch and English, located over Ulster and Leinster. The descendants of these Scotchmen and Englishmen were at the end of the last century in open rebellion against England, but the Celt was true to his chaiacter, and when Ireland was invaded by England's enemies they loyally pressed forward to resist domestic traitors, and foreign foes. When the time arrived for the English to resume her functions, and replace the self-elected and organised volunteers of the West of Ireland by constituted authorities, the volunteers betook themselves, as was their ancient custom, without a thought of self or their own importance to their farms and agricultural pursuits ; and there they remained until in 1798, when the French attempted to land in Bantry Bay, and subsequently effected a landing in Killala; on both these occasions the volunteers of Clare and Galway again sprang into existence, and the country was alive with them and the yeomanry, bent, as before, <m trying to do their duty.f

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 127

48. Professor Westwood on the Book of Kells

    Kells · town · Meath

    Professor Westwood of Oxford remarked that the Book of Kells is the most astonishing book of the Four Gospels in the world. He expressed amazement at how men could have gotten tools to work out its intricate designs.

    Read the passage

    of old in their copies of the Scriptures testify to the zeal and value which they set on work of this kind. Professor Westwood, of Oxford, writing on the penmanship of the Irish, remarks of the Book of Kells, that " it is the most astonishing book of the Four Gospels which exists in the world ; how men could have got tools to work out the designs I cannot conceive." He adds "I know almost all the libraries in Europe, but there is no such book in any of them."

    In the larger schools, the students lived in small round cells, laid out in regular order, and accordmg to the tribes to which they belonged* The authorities by no means neglected the care of their students' bodies. Physical training formed a part of their system of education ; beyond this, they encouraged horse-racing, honours were awarded for running, jumping, swimming, and other manly exercises. From the interest which not a few famous Celtic Irishmen took in after-life in their schools, it is certain that, on the whole, a student's career was far from an unhappy one in those early times.

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 21

49. Turlough marches through Tradree to Bunratty Castle

    near Bunratty · parish · Clare

    Following the victory near Tulla, Turlough O'Brien marched through Tradree up to the walls of Bunratty Castle and there compelled De Clare to banish Donough Brian Roe into Desmond.

    Read the passage

    From Magrath we learn that King Turlough and Cov^ha now came to the decision that they must depend entirely on their own resources if they were to be rid of the Anglo-Normans in Clare ; they consequently set about organising their forces, over which Donald, a brother of the king, and Covgba Macnamam were chosen leaders. De Clare was not behind them in warlike preparations, and the opposing forces met on the plain near Tulla ; the Dalcasians by a dexterous fiank movement broke in upon the main body of the Anglo-Norman forces and cornpletely overcame them, they fled firom the fiekl of battle in all directions ; Covgha ordered the arms of the enemy who had been killed to be collected and sent to the King of Thomond, who at the time was occupied to the east of the Shannon ; but the ** gold spurs of the knighu and their shields and armorial bearings he directed should be de&ced and returned to De Clare." Tuiiough followed up this victory by marching through Tradree up to the walls of Bunmtty Casde^

    * ** Wars of Thomond " (T. J. Westropp) : Mac-con, or son of the wolf-dog.

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 50

50. Turlough O'Brien founds Ennis Abbey

    Ennis · town · Clare · 1306

    Turlough O'Brien built and endowed the Abbey of Ennis, the ruins of which still exist in good preservation. He died on 10 April 1306 and was buried in the church he had recently completed.

    Read the passage

    Turlough built and endowed the beautiful Abbey of Ennts, the ruins of which still exist in good preservation ; he died on the loth of April 1306, and was buried in the diurch he had so lately com^deted. Turlough O'Brien's son, Donough, was chosen king, and was inaugurated by Covftha Macnamara at Magh Adhair, and '' they wished him God's luck and man's luck."

    King Turlough O'Brien was speedily followed to the grave by his trusted friend and supporter Cov^ha Macnamara, who was buried near the remains of Turlough in Ennis Abbey, t Magrath states that the following was the dirge sui^ over his body :

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 51

51. Aran islanders noted for honesty and orderly conduct

    near Aran Islands · island or archipelago · Galway

    Magistrate P. Lyster reports that the Aran islanders are extremely well-behaved and industrious, with few cases of drunkenness, rare theft, and no gaol on the island. He recalls only one case of positive stealing sent for trial in four years.

    Read the passage

    Their sight and hearing is singularly acute. Dr. Kean states that on a clear day any of them could discern, with the naked eye, a small black sailing boat at Black Head, twenty miles distant, before he could see it with his binocular. Some of them live to a great age, and the births exceed the deaths, but the population is decreasing, owing to emigration ; a tombstone in Killeany records the death of one who lived 119 years. They are exceptionally honest, straightforward, and upright in their dealings, and illegitimacy is almost unknown. Mr. P. Lyster, a magistrate of these islands, states that '* The Arran islanders are, as a body, extremely well-behaved and industrious people. If there are disputes among them it is in connection with lands. There are very few cases of drunkenness. I have known two months elapse without a single case being brought before me ; for four years I have not sent more than six or seven persons to gaol without the option of a fine. There is no gaol on the island ; theft is very rare ; I only remember one case of positive stealing sent for trial"* They are singularly unmusical, no piper, fiddler, or musician of any sort being on the islands. Irish is their language, but English can be understood and spoken with strangers. Most of the weddings occur just before Lent. There is no courtship, the young man going straight to the house of an eligible girl and asking her to marry him. If refiised, he goes elsewhere, and a man has been known to ask three girls the same evening before he was accepted. Wakes are held even for those who die abroad. At one time a fimeral procession would be stopped on the road, and the mourners would raise small piles of stones. A corpse is always let out through the back door, for the Arranites believe in fairies, banshees, and ghosts. If at a marriage any one repeats the benediction after the priest and ties a knot on a string at the mention of each of the sacred names, the marriage will be childless for fifteen years, unless the string is burned. Pin-wells and rag-bushes are still firequented, and on the night before emigrating people will sleep in the open beside one of the holy wells, in order to have good fortune where they go. The Evil Eye is believed in, and certain days are counted unlucky, so that even burials do not take place on them.

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 11

52. Brian Roe's alliance with De Clare brings war west of Shannon

    Shannon · town · Clare

    Brian Roe, to expel the O'Briens and Macnamaras from their lands, entered into an alliance with De Clare, bringing war to the west of the Shannon. This conflict involved the inhabitants of the region for half a century in bloodshed and untold suffering.

    Read the passage

    When first the Anglo-Normans entered on the conquest of Ireland her provincial kings were so deeply engrossed in their own quarrels that they foiled to resist the common enemy, although it was well within their power had they acted with the ruler of Connaught to have driven the English from Dublin. The King of Connaught, finding he could not enforce his position as head of the provincial chiefs, entered into a compact with Henry II. by which he engaged to make Ireland over to the Crown of England, provided Henry would recognise him as head of the four provincial kings of Ireland. Brian Roe again, to expel the O'Briens and Macnamaras from their lands entered into an alliance with De Clare, and so brought about war to the west of the Shannon ^ich involved its inhabitants for half a century in bloodshed and untold sufferii^. Almost the last battle fought by the Irish Celts under the old order of thinp was the culminating point of the nation's madness; for in this fierce engagement the inhabitants of the North and South of Ireland ' ♦ S«e p. 82. t See p. 28a.

    Digitized by VjOOQIC

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 142

53. Burning of the fort at Quin

    Quin · town · Clare

    Covdha Macnamara burned a fort at Quin, demonstrating the ongoing military conflicts in the locality. This event took place before his own death in 1306, after which the O'Briens and Macnamaras managed to retain their lands and homes.

    Read the passage

    Thomond, on Magh Adhair-— Turlough O'Brien's revolt joined by the Macnamaras— Brian Roe seeks aid of Earl de Clare— Turloogh and Clancnilein (Macnamara) gain a victory — Brian Roe murdered by De Clare— His son, Donogh Brien, succeeds his father and joins de Clare-^Death of Sioda Macnamara at Qain» a.d. 1277 — Succeeded by Covdha or Cumheadha— Mac Carthy of Desmond declines to give Covdha up to De Clare— Cov^ha defeats the Anglo-Normans— The Earl de Clare killed, a.d. 1287— The O'Briens and Macnamaras retain their lands and homes — Burning of fort at Quinby Cov^ha Macnamara— His death, a.d. 1306 — ^Donchard Macnamara succeeds— His victory over other Dalcasian septs and his murder . . . Pp. 94-115

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 2

54. Burning of the fort at Quin by Coveha Macnamara

    Quin · town · Clare · 1300–1306

    Coveha Macnamara burned the fort at Quin, an act of resistance against Anglo-Norman authority in Thomond. Coveha himself died in 1306 and was succeeded by Donchard Macnamara.

    Read the passage

    Ireland, on account of her sins, made over by the Supreme Pontiff to Henry II. of England — King of Leinster invited Anglo-Normans to conquer the country and made the Earl of Pembroke his successor, a.d. 1x72 — Henry II. visited Ireland and received submission of chiefs — Divides the country among his barons to take possession by conquest — Resistance of the O'Briens and Macnamaras — Attack on them by the Lord Deputy effectually resisted, a.d. 1x92 — Henry III. assumed right to govern Thomond, but had no power to enforce his rule— The Macnamaras and other septs refuse to submit to English rule — ^Niel Macnamara, a.d. i242~His daughter married Conor O'Brien. King of Thomond— Importance of idliance — They defeat the English, a.d. X257 — Meeting of provincial kings for combined action futile— Magrath's '* History of Wars of Thomond" — Sioda Macnamara inaugurates Brian Roe. King of Thomond. on Magh Adhair— Turlough O'Brien's revolt joined by the Macnamaras—Brian Roe seeks aid of Earl de Clare— Turlough and Clancuilein (Macnamara) gain a victory — Brian Roe murdered by De Clare — His son, Donogh Brien, succeeds his father and joins De Clare — Death of Sioda Macnamara at Quin. a.d. 1277— Succeeded by Cov^ha or Cumheadha— Mac Carthy of Desmond declines to give Cov6ha up to De Clare — CovSha defeats the Anglo-Normans— The Earl de Clare killed, a.d. 1287 — ^The O'Briens and Macnamaras retain their lands and homes — Burning of fort at Qtdn by Cov&ha Macnamara — His death, a.d. 1306 — Donchard Macnamara succeeds — His victory over other Dalcasian septs and his murder.

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 47

55. Clonmacnoise as a renowned seat of learning

    Clonmacnoise · townland · Offaly · 400–1000

    Clonmacnoise, described as in close relation to Clare, was one of Ireland's most famous seats of learning with several well-known schools. Distinguished historians emerged from this district, evidence that Irishmen were culturally advanced from the fifth to the tenth century.

    Read the passage

    There is one other point we must refer to in connection with the history of our sept, and that of many other Irishmen of the period ; it is that, although they lived in wattle and clay houses, rode horses without saddles, and allowed the hair of their head and face to grow to its natural length, they were nevertheless far from being mere barbarians. One of Ireland's most famous seats of learning was at Cionmacnoise, in close relation to Clare, and in that part of Ireland there were not only several well-known schools, but from this district some of Ireland's distinguished historians proceeded, and there can be no question as to the remarkable development of the intellectual powers of numerous Irishmen of this period. It is impossible that men of this stamp could have been produced in a society consisting of barbarians ; in fact. Irishmen were more cultured than almost any other people in Europe from the fifth to the tenth century. No question the development of their civilisation was checked during the time their country was overrun by Norsemen, and subsequently by the invasion of the Anglo-Normans.. In proof of this idea we may refer to the evidence afforded us by the history of Irishmen, such as Johannes Scotus Erigena, and many other distinguished scholars of this period (p. 54).

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 46

56. Connaught president returns to Ennis and establishes laws

    Ennis · town · Clare · 1571

    The following year the president of Connaught came to Ennis accompanied by a strong force, establishing laws and rules and abolishing injustice and lawlessness in the district.

    Read the passage

    Henry VIII. had determined to establish courts of justice in Ireland, which were to be constituted of the bishop of the diocese and some of the principal landowners. ,The officers forming these courts were to be charged with extensive powers, embracing military operations ; at the same time sheriff were instituted, and a nucleus formed from which a T^ular system of judicial authorities might have developed to enforce law and order in the province. Beyond this, free schools were established, to be maintained by local cesses raised for the purpose. But there was as yet no adequate S3rstem provided for enforcing these salutary reforms ; they were largely arrangements the outcome of good intentions, but wanting in material support to carry them into effect For instance, Sir E. Fitton had been appointed president of the province of Connaught, and in a.d. 1570 he proposed holding a court of eighteen days' duration, in the Monastery of Ennis, county Clare, *'to administer justice," and to reduce Clancuilein and other Dalcasian septs to order. Teigie O'Brien was appointed the first 'Sheriff of Clare, and he placed a •quantity of food and drink in the monastery for the use of the presi- -dent ; and with that he seems to have been content For on the following day, when Sir Edward arrived, he sent off messengers to the Earl of Thomond to summon him to Ennis. On receiving this message, the Earl, we are informed, " came to the resolution of making a prisoner of these officers of the law; and the English president, finding his monastery becoming rather uncomfortable, made his escape on foot from the place, and was fortunate enough to find a guide to conduct him through the narrow passes and wild, intricate ways of the district."! <2ueen Elizabeth, however, who had just come to the throne, would not tolerate this kind of thing, and she directed the Earl of Ormond to proceed at once into Clare with a well-equiped force. This action had the desired effect, and the Earl of Thomond not only had to abandon his forts, but to retire fix>m Clare and take refuge in France. He subse* quently obtained pardon firom the Queen, and returned to Ireland. The following year the president of Connaught came to Ennis, accompanied by a strong force, ''and established laws and rules, and abolished injustice and lawlessness." To secure obedience to these laws, he * " Annals of the Four Masters," a.d. 1559. f Ikid. a.d. X570.

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 75

57. Cormac Cas's hill fort built over a healing spring

    Tara · townland · Offaly

    After being gravely wounded in battle, Cormac Cas built a fort on a hillside over a translucent spring, with water constantly poured over his head for relief. He died there and was buried in the hill alongside the remains of his father Olioll and mother Sabia.

    Read the passage

    him. At this time the throne of Leinster was occupied by a king named Cormac, chief of the provincial King of Ireland. It appears to have been the custom for the ruler of Leinster, as monarch of the country, to summon the provincial kings and chiefs once every three years to a council at Tara, in order to regulate the afOedrs of the kingdom. On an occasion of this kind the King of Ulster determined to seize the sovereign power. Without warning he collected a laige force and marched on Tara ; Cormac was unprepared for this invasion, and had therefore to retire in haste from his capital. He then summoned a council of war, and inquired of his chief bard as to what steps it were best to adopt in existing circumstances. The bard replied: ^'O Cormac, unless that nearer to hand thou hast some battle-winning friend, then of Munster crave a champion, mighty hard-hitting, a lord that may relieve thee of all fear of enemies."^ The king then consulted the chief Druid on the subject, and he concurred in the opinion expressed by the bard So Cormac started off to the King of Munster, ^^ the first of the Dalcasians," and at his hands received a hearty welcome. *'The object for which we are come thither," the monarch said, *^ is to propitiate your good will,** which, said the King of Munster, "thou shall right willingly have.* And so it was arranged that the forces of Munster should be placed at the disposal of Cormac, the Dalcasian chief, and his brother, Cian, being entrusted with the command of the forces. A desperate battle followed, in which the King of Ulster was slain, and Cormac restored to his thro^ie, but the men of Munster suffered severely, Cian, their commander, the progenitor of the O'CarroUs of Ely, bemg killed. His son, named Tiege, was also wounded in this battle, and the surgical treatment which he received has already been described. Cormac Cas was wounded on the head, and for thirteen years, it is said, portions of his brain passed through the wound, but he continued to govern his province. Cormac Cas buOt himself a fort on the side of a hill, " in the midst of which was a sparkling translucent spring,t about which a ro3ral house was constructed, and the king's couch so placed as to allow cold water being constantly poured over his head, which alone gave him relief from pain.'* In this place Cormac Cas died, he was buried in the hill where the remains of his father, Olioll, and his mother, Sabia, had already been laid.

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 37

58. De Clare builds castle at Bunratty

    near Bunratty · parish · Clare · 1277–1280

    Thomas de Clare built the castle of Bunratty at the mouth of the River Raite. Part of this building was still inhabited at the time of writing by the Irish constabulary.

    Read the passage

    At the time of De Clare's advance from Limerick to Clonroad,Turlough O'Brien was away to the west of the Fergus receiving the fealty of the MacMahons, and De Clare therefore entered Qonroad unopposed; the Macnamaras were not prepared to meet him single-handed, and they retreated, with their cattle and goods, into the dense forests nordi of Clare. Several of the Dalcasian septs, however, jomed Brian Roe and the Anglo-Norman forces, and he strengthened and garrisoned the fort which before Conor's time seems to have been erected at Quin (p. 99), an important strategical post in the Macnamaras' territory ; in fact, it was only separated from the residence of the chief of our sept by the river Rine. There was a church in this place dedicated to St Finghin, which De Clare converted into '' a church and a fortress." This edifice still exists, with its massive walls and narrow lancet windows ; but De Clare's fort was on the opposite or eastern side of the stream. It consisted of a courtyard some 1 20 feet square, with walls nearly 10 feet thick, and round towers 40 feet broad at three of its angles. The lower part of these towers and the walls of this fort still remain ; it was within these that De Clare subsequently (1380) built a strong castle,* which has since made way for the beautiful Franciscan abbey erected on the site occupied by the castle within the fort of Quin. In fact, the walls of the old castle and of the fort constitute part of the existing abbey. De Clare at this time also built the castle of Bunratty at the ''dear harboured mouth of the River Raite." Part of this building is inhabited at. the present time by the Irish constabulary.

    ♦ •• The Normans in Thomond,*' by T. J. Wcstropp, M. A., (" The Proceedings of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland*') ; also " Annals of InnisfKllen/' xaSob

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 49

59. Dr. Lucas's origins in Corrofin

    Corrofin · town · Clare

    Dr. C. Lucas, a political writer who significantly influenced Irish parliamentary reform, was a native of Corrofin, County Clare. He later settled in Dublin, left medicine for politics, and was eventually elected to represent the city.

    Read the passage

    The work published by Dr. C. Lucas, made a greater impression on Irishmen than either of the above-named authors. He was a native of Corrofin, county Clare, and settled in Dublin. Leaving medicine, he took to politics. In 1741 Dr. Lucas published his ideas regarding the history and constitution of Parliament. This work brought down on him the anger of Dublin Castle, and he was compelled to seek refuge in England. In London, Lucas became acquainted with Dr. Johnson, who wrote of him as follows : " The Irish Ministers drove Dr. Lucas from his native country by a proclamation in which they charged him with crimes which they never intended to call upon him to answer, and oppressed him by methods equally irresistible by guilt or innocence. Let the man thus driven into evil for having been a fnend of his country be received in every other place as a confessor of liberty, and let the toob of power be taught to learn that they may rob, but cannot impoverish such men." On the death of George I. Lucas returned to Dublin, and was received with great acclamation. He was elected

    * ** The Case of Ireland being Bound by Act of Parliament in England,*' by W. Molyneux. A new edition and excellent Preface to a Lifie of Molsmeux has recently been published by Very Rev. John Canon O'Hanlon, P.P., M.R.IA.

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 125

60. Earl of Thomond's council at Ennis, January 1642

    Ennis · town · Clare · 1642

    Barnabas, Earl of Thomond, summoned Clare's principal landowners to a council at Ennis in early January 1642 to devise means of preserving peace. There he invested Teigie and Donogh Macnamara with military authority over the civil population and appointed Donogh as his chief captain.

    Read the passage

    despair of protection from their Government, to wiite and take arms for their necessary defence and preservation of their lives.''* In Clare the news of the rising in Ulster against the English was first heard at the fidr held at Qiiin in 1641, and gave rise to such excitement that BamabaS; Earl of Thomond, considered it necessary to take immediate steps to prevent an outbreak against the English residents in his county. With the object of maintaining order he called a council of the principal landowners to meet him at Ennis early in January 1642, to consult as to the means best calculated to preserve peace. The Earl, at this meeting, invested Teigie and Donogh Macnamara with military authority over the civil population ; he also appointed the latter gentleman as his chief captain and adviser. The militia of the county were enrolled, and a tax levied on the inhabitants for their support.

    The English formed a very small proportion of the population of Clare, and were for the most part engaged as farmers on the estates of the Earl of Thomond. Hearing of the cruelties perpetrated by the Irish on their countrymen in the north, they naturally began to take measures for their own safety, and many of them assembled in a castle (Ballyallia) belonging to an Englishman, Mr. Maurice Cufife. The Earl of Thomond was not trusted by the English ; they accused him of favouring the Irish, and some time previously Wentworth had objected to the Earl being appointed Governor of Munster, because the Lord Deputy believed that he " merited nothing, as bis brother, the late Earl, did." Lord Thomond issued an order to the effect that the English in Clare were to give up their arms for the use of the militia ; but when men were sent to enforce this order, the English assembled at Ballyallia refused to obey it Cuffe fortified and provisioned his castle, and the Irish then invested it, hoping to starve out the garrison rather than storm the castle, which, without artillery, would have been a risky proceeding, defended as it was by a body of well armed Englishmen.

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 91