Name: The story of an Irish sept : their character & struggle to maintain their lands in Clare
Author: Nottidge Charles Macnamara (1832–1918)

Turlough O'Brien cuts through forest between Gort and Athenry

Gort · townland · Galway · 1126–1167

Turlough O'Brien marched from Clare to subdue Connaught and had to cut a path through a dense forest between Gort and Athenry. He destroyed the red birch tree under which the O'Hynes were elected chiefs.

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Turlough O'Brien determined to subdue Connaught, and on his march from Clare had to " cut his way by clearing a path for his followers through a densely thick forest " which covered the route which he took along the line of country between the existing towns of Gort and Atheney. He destroyed the " red birch tree " under which the O'Hynes were elected chiefs, and, having taken the chief of the O'Kellys prisoner, returned via Leinster into Thomond.
" Cumara Macnamara, son of Mac Conmara," we are informed, was at this time " chief of Clancuilein. He was Turlough O'Brien's second

Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 48

Sioda Macnamara buried in St. Brendan's churchyard, Burren

Burren · townland · Clare

Sioda Macnamara, younger brother of Lochlain, died of illness during an expedition into Burren. His body was laid to rest in St. Brendan's churchyard, and his household raised three loud cries of sorrow.

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Magrath informs us that Sioda Macnamara, younger brother of Lochlain, while on an expedition into Burren caught a miserable sickness, from which he died, " his body he willed to St. Brendan, and his soul to heaven's high King — none ever thought that the descendant of Mogh Corb would have died save on the field of battle." In St. Brendan's churchyard in Burra his body was laid to rest, and "his household mourning for him raised three loud cries of sorrow."
Dermot Brian Roe, in the year 1312, seems to have overrun the greater part of Thomond, except the Ui-Caisen territory, which held its own under Lochlain Macnamara ; many a time attempts were made to gain access to their lands, but never once did any captain from such an attempt return, unless altogether penitent.! Throughout the winter, with its cold, its blast, and sough of boisterous gales, this contest was carried on ; and then Lochlain's clansmen exhorted him to set out for Bunratty, he having a safe conduct from De Clare. But this was a trap

Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 61

Banshee apparition at the River Fergus crossing

Fergus · townland · Cork

As De Clare crossed the River Fergus westward, a strange female apparition appeared to him, washing blood-stained robes in the river. She identified herself as Bronach and said she had come from hell to invite De Clare to follow her; he scoffed and passed on.

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In the following year it was decided to hold a conference in Limerick, to again endeavour to arrange terms of peace. De Clare and Mahon Brien attended this assembly, as well as the head of the Butlers and Bourkes ; Mortough O'Brien and Mac-con Macnamara also came to the council, and propounded terms and guarantees of peace to the barons ; but they were not acceptable. De Clare determined, therefore, to make a last effort to overthrow the Celtic chiefs of Clare ; he had played one faction against another for years without success, and it seemed to him necessary now to rally all the Anglo-Normans he could collect, and, in conjunction with such of the Irish as chose to follow him, to do his best to crush the chiefs who had for so long stood between him and the possession of the territory now known as county Clare. De Clare was aided by Brian Bane, grandson of Brian Roe.t He marched to Quin, where he rested for a night, and then he passed over the Fergus westward. While crossing the river, a strange female apparition is said to have appeared to De Clare. Magrath states that she spoke Gaelic ; and so De Clare asked his Irish followers to tell him who she was and what she meant in washing a quantity of such blood-stained robes in the river. The banshee stated she was " Bronach, and abode in the fairy hills of the land, but that her permanent residence was among the dwellers of hell, from which place she had come to invite De Clare to follow her." Sir Richard scoffed at the creature, and passed on ; his object being to attack the stronghold of the O'Deas. That chief was on the look out, and placed a number of his followers in some woods near a causeway and
* "Triumphs of Turlough," p. 120.

Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 68

Battle of Corcomroe at the abbey in the Burren

Corcomroe · barony · Clare

One of the most important battles in the history of Clare was fought near Corcomroe Abbey, surrounded by the hills of Burren, where the Macnamaras distinguished themselves. Magrath's vivid description notes the humane treatment of the wounded, who were considered 'no longer foes but brothers in trouble.'

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Then again the action of Mac-Con (Macnamara) and his clan in the memorable battle of Corcomroe. In the neighbourhood of that beautifu 1 abbey, surrounded by the wonderful hills of Burren, one of the most important battles in the history of Clare was fought, and the Macnamaras covered themselves with honour.! In the remarkably vivid description which Magrath has left us of this battle there is nothing ferocious or barbarous in the practice of war, for instance, with reference to the care of the wounded, he observes, they were " no longer foes but brothers in trouble," the burial of the dead, and other details referred to by this author, contrast favourably with scenes witnessed by the writer, in warfare carried on in our Eastern possessions in the early part of the second half of the present century. The Irish Celt, in his eager pursuit of pleasure, considered fighting as the noblest pastime ; war was one of the chief duties of life, and it was thought honourable to die on the field of battle. The serious side of the subject seldom affected the soul of the jay, light-hearted Irishman.
So long as success in battle depended on a strong arm and individual prowess, the men of Clare held their own against domestic and foreign bes ; but after arms of precision had been introduced these people ;ompletely succumbed. The truth was they had not then the means of purchasing guns, and if they had, there was no one to teach them how to lse them, or to drill them as soldiers ; they could act as individuals, man igainst man, but not against trained bodies of troops. As before remarked, ifter the introduction of powder and shot as destructive agents in war, the Delts of the West of Ireland disappeared as an independent people. J

Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 107

Burning of the fort at Quin by Coveha Macnamara

Quin · town · Clare · 1287–1306

Coveha Macnamara burned the fort at Quin, an act of resistance against Anglo-Norman encroachment. Coveha died in 1306 and was succeeded by Donchard Macnamara, who achieved victory over other Dalcassian septs before being murdered.

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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. i 172— 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. 1 192 — 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. 1242— His daughter married Conor O'Brien, King of Thomond — Importance of alliance — They defeat the English, a.d. 1257 — 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 Coveha or Cumheadha— Mac Carthy of Desmond declines to give Coveha up to De Clare — Coveha 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 Quin by Coveha Macnamara — His death, a.d. 1306 — Donchard Macnamara succeeds — His victory over other Dalcasian septs and his murder.

Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 50

Ceallachan captured near Dublin by Sitric's soldiers

Dublin · city · Dublin · 954

King Ceallachan of Munster, travelling with a small retinue to collect his intended wife, was attacked and made prisoner by Sitric's soldiers as his cavalcade nearly reached Dublin. Kennedy of Thomond then raised forces to rescue him and his own son Dunchan.

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The invaders soon returned in greater numbers than before, and overran the whole country. Kennedy, son of Lorcain, was at this time King of Thomond, and Ceallachan King of Munster. The Norsemen were anxious to obtain possession of these chiefs ; but rather than attack Munster they hoped to entice Ceallachan to Dublin under false pretences, and then make him prisoner. Sitric therefore, who was leader of the Norsemen, entered into negotiations with the king of Munster proposing to give him his sister in marriage. Kennedy, King of Thomond, hearing what was going on and suspecting treachery, warned Ceallachan of the danger of leaving his province, and especially of withdrawing from it any large body of followers to swell his train in Dublin. Ceallachan therefore set out with a few retainers to bring his intended wife home, and among this force was Kennedy's son, Dunchan. The cavalcade had nearly reached Dublin, when they were attacked by Si trie's soldiers and made prisoners. Directly Kennedy heard of this treachery, he assumed command of the forces of Munster as well as those of Thomond to revenge the insult offered to Ceallachan and, if possible, to release him and also his own son from the hands of the Danes. Keating records the fact that " Kennedy resolved to prosecute his designs with the greatest despatch, and he raised in addition to his other forces a body of five hundred Dalcasians, and placed them under command of Esida (Macnamara), chief of Clancuilein." X
Everything being ready, and a fleet having started from Limerick for Dundalk, to which place Sitric had removed his prisoners, the army of Thomond marched for that port. On the approach of the Irish forces, Sitric took the prisoners on board his vessels which lay in the bay of Dundalk, so that when the Irish arrived they could do no more than stand on the shore and curse their enemies. Before long, however, they saw their own fleet, which had been sent from the Shannon entering the harbour, and the Irish vessels at once closed with the Norsemen. The commander of the Irish ran his ship alongside that of Sitric's and

Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 43

Clare Brigade assembles at Quin Abbey before exile

Quin · town · Clare · 1691

After the Treaty of Limerick, the greater number of the Clare Brigade men gathered at a cavalry camp beneath the walls of Quin Abbey before marching to Limerick to embark for France. Eight Macnamara family officers were among those who entered French service with their followers.

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Under the treaty of Limerick it was agreed that the Irish troops who had fought for James II. were to be allowed to leave their country at the Government expense. The greater number of the men of the Clare Brigade assembled at the cavalry camp under the walls of Quin Abbey, and from thence marched to Limerick and embarked for France among their officers were eight of the Macnamara family, who, together with their followers, entered the French service. The residue of St. Ruth's unfortunate army were shipped to France (i69i). In all it is computed that some 19,000 splendid Irish soldiers under the gallant Sarsfield embarked at Cork.f The history of the Clare Brigade has yet to be written, and a most interesting one it would be, not only from a military but also from a social and political point of view. In the last battle the Brigade fought under the orders of Lord Clare, the French army in Piedmont was under the command of Catinat, who, we are told, at the battle of Marsaglia (October 1693), « to support and animate his troops by the example of the Irish soldiers, placed in the right wing of the first line the King's and Queen's Irish Dragoons, numbering some 1400 men. Clare's infantry, three battalions strong amounting to -000 men were placed to the left of the line, and the Limerick regiment 2800 strong, in the centre. Prince Eugene attacked and routed three ot the French regiments posted in the first line. These givin- way their place was taken by Clare's three battalions, with two of the French from the second line, who charged the Germans with such fury that they in their turn were obliged to fall back. The battle was thus restored on the left wing, and the Irish dragoons being equally successful on the right, the day seemed lost to the Allies, when Eugene led up his centre, * Frost's " History of Clare." p. 603. t " Life of the Duke of Marlborough, " by Viscount Wolseley," vol. ii. p. 239.
VICE-ADMIRAL MACNAMARA 2+9

Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 118

Clonmacnoise founded on field of the hogs of Nos

Clonmacnoise · townland · Offaly · 400–500

According to legend, Lugardh the Druid crossed the Shannon into Westmeath and his son Nos remained near him, possessing a field on which his swine fed. The famous monastery of Clonmacnoise was subsequently built on this spot, its Irish name Cluain-mac-nois meaning 'the field of the hogs of Nos.'

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To proceed, however, with the story of the Druid Lugardh. Having been thus deprived of his property, he crossed the Shannon with his sons and cattle and passed into the south-west of Westmeath. On arriving at a certain earn, we are told he built an altar, and on it placed wood, which "he ignited by his Druidic power. From this fire there burst five streams of flame, in five different directions ; and the Druid commanded his five elder sons to follow one each of the fiery streams, assuring them that they would lead them to their future inheritance. One of these sons remained near his father ; his name was Nos, and he possessed a field on which his swine fed, and on this spot was subsequently built the famous monastery of Clonmacnoise (Cluain-mac-nois, the field of the hogs of Nos). In the fifth century, therefore, we find the people continued to believe in "oracles " or soothsaying, and in the production of magical fire by the Druids,* who, as will be observed by the references made in the legend, were not an exclusive caste, but formed a part of the Dalcasian tribe. This legend is, moreover, valuable in that it gives an idea of the social conditions under which these ancient members of Clancuilein came into possession of their tribal lands ; and, further, bears witness to the firm belief which still existed among them regarding the influence possessed by the Druids. The legend is in itself not more marvellous than those related of St. Kieran, who was a neighbour and contemporary of Lugardh.
Of this saint we are told that he was born in Ireland ; he preceded St. Patrick as a missionary, and lived to be one of his most intimate friends. It is related of his mother that in a dream she saw a star which fell into her mouth, and on referring the dream to the Druids for interpretation, she was told that " the child she should bear would be famed for virtue to the end of time." In after-life St. Kiernan renewed life in a dead man ; he went to sea on a rock which he caused to float, and so on, the record of his life being a continuous series of marvellous stories of this description.

Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 47

Dalcasians defeat Anglo-Normans on the plain near Tulla

Tulla · town · Clare

Coveha Macnamara and Donald, brother of King Turlough, led Dalcasian forces against De Clare's Anglo-Normans on the plain near Tulla. A dexterous flank movement broke the Norman main body, routing them completely. Coveha ordered the enemy's arms sent to the King and the knights' gold spurs defaced and returned to De Clare.

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From Magrath we learn that King Turlough and Coveha 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 Coveha Macnamara 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 flank movement broke in upon the main body of the Anglo-Norman forces and completely overcame them, they fled from the field of battle in all directions ; Coveha 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 knights and their shields and armorial bearings he directed should be defaced and returned to De Clare." Turlough followed up this victory by marching through Tradree up to the walls of Bunratty Castle,
* " Wars of Thomond " (T. J. Westropp) : Mac-con, or son of the wolf-dog.

Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 56

Destruction of Bunratty town and bridge over the river

near Bunratty · parish · Clare · 1305

After storming Quin, Coveha Macnamara and Turlough O'Brien destroyed Bunratty town. Turlough then built a precisely fitted plank-bridge across the castle's sea-channel to cut off water-borne supplies, nearly forcing the garrison's surrender before the Earl of Ulster intervened.

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In the following year, Magrath states that the Norman garrison of the M. towering strong-walled castle of Quin, the capital and nursery of the English forces," had a quarrel with some of the neighbouring chiefs, and in a skirmish which ensued some of the Irish were killed, upon which Coveha Macnamara stormed the fortress, " broke in its mighty gates," and plundered all its armour and horses, finally breaking down its flanking walls and burning it, "and a dreadful black furnace it was." Coveha was then joined by Turlough O'Brien, and they proceeded to Bunratty, and destroyed the town. It was then that " Turlough contrived a piece of work such as in all Ireland never before had been set a-going : a plank-bridge, with edges accurately fitted, which [from the Bunratty side of the river below the fortress] spanned its sea -channel to the opposite shore [and cut off its water-borne supplies]. By these measures the garrison of the castle were tired out : and its fall impended when again the Earl of Ulster's instructions overtake Turlough who, from the hour in which the Earl undertook to counsel him, let the castle be."t
Turlough built and endowed the beautiful Abbey of Ennis, the ruins of which still exist in good preservation ; he died on the ioth of April 1306, and was buried in the church he had so lately completed. Turlough O'Brien's son, Donough, was chosen king, and was inaugurated by Coveha Macnamara at Magh Adhair, and " they wished him God's luck and man's luck."

Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 57

Donough O'Brien slain in Burren

Burren · townland · Clare · 1311

After fleeing into the Burren, King Donough O'Brien was closely followed by De Clare. He was slain by one of his own followers and his army dispersed, mirroring the earlier assassination of the Macnamara chief.

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Donough O'Brien was compelled to flee into Burren ; he was closely followed by De Clare. Mr. Westropp remarks that treachery is infectious ; and the same fate awaited King Donough O'Brien as had befallen Donchardh Macnamara; he was slain by one of his own followers, and his army then dispersed over the country. There seems to be no other theory by which we can account for the assassination of the leader of Clancuilein, followed by that of the King of Thomond, unless it be that both these chiefs had been defeated, and seem to have brought disgrace on their followers. It may be that they were considered to be unfit to lead their forces, and that the penalty of defeat was death to men in their position. Richard de Clare and Dermot Brian Roe were now supreme rulers in Clare, and the latter, with the approval of his Anglo- Norman friends, was declared chief of Thomond. Dermot, however, did not long enjoy his honours. The De Burghos and Clancuilein favoured the cause of Turlough O'Brien's son, Mortogh, in opposition to that of Dermot : the former therefore invaded Clare, and met the lately chosen king, who, we are told, with all the Dalcasian septs, " except Clancuilein," offered De Burgho and his allies battle; after a short and sharp skirmish Mortogh and the Macnamaras were victorious, and Dermot was again compelled to seek shelter in Bunratty Castle. Mortogh O'Brien was then conducted to Magh Adhair, and inaugurated King of Thomond, by Lochlain, chief of Clancuilein.*
Magrath informs us that Sioda Macnamara, younger brother of Lochlain, while on an expedition into Burren caught a miserable sickness, from which he died, " his body he willed to St. Brendan, and his soul to heaven's high King — none ever thought that the descendant of Mogh Corb would have died save on the field of battle." In St. Brendan's churchyard in Burra his body was laid to rest, and "his household mourning for him raised three loud cries of sorrow."

Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 61

Dublin Volunteers display Free Trade placards, 1779

Dublin · city · Dublin · 1779

In October 1779, at an assembly of the Dublin Volunteers, placards were exhibited inscribed with the words 'Free Trade or revolution.' Grattan, Sir Lucius O'Brien and other members of the Irish Parliament pressed the matter on the Government, eventually gaining removal of agricultural restrictions in 1780.

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The first real effort made by the Irish people to disentangle the political net by which they were surrounded, was to demand emancipation from the commercial restrictions imposed on the country; this demand was the more urgent in consequence of the terrible agricultural distress which existed throughout Ireland in the year 1778. The Lord Lieutenant went so far as to urge on the Government in London the necessity for concessions in this direction, and after much hesitation the House of Commons consented to allow the agricultural produce of Ireland to be shipped to our colonies without, as heretofore, being first sent over to an English port to be transhipped to America or the West Indies. But even this relief to the starving Irish was violently opposed on the part of the mercantile classes and the landed proprietors in England. It was not, however, the time to heed clamour of this sort, for public feeling was growing high in Ireland, and was soon likely to lead to very decided steps being taken against the restrictions on trade.t For instance, in an out-of-the-way place like Ennis, county Clare, at a meeting held in June 1778, presided over by Colonel Francis Macnamara, High Sheriff of the county, resolutions were first passed expressing the sincere loyalty of the meeting to the Sovereign ; after which it was moved and carried that the meeting pledged itself, and all those it could influence, not to purchase goods manufactured in England until such time as that country chose to grant Ireland Free Trade ; similar meetings were held throughout the country.}: In October 1779, at an assembly of the Dublin Volunteers, placards were exhibited inscribed with the words " Free Trade or revolution." § At the same time, Grattan, Sir Lucius O'Brien, and other members of the Irish Parliament, pressed the matter on the Government, and at length gained their end, for the restrictions on the produce of agriculture were removed in the year 1780. In the same session Bills were passed relieving Dissenters in Ireland from the Sacramental test ; a habeas corpus Act was passed, in truth, England found it necessary to yield to the claims of the Irish, for she was then

Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 128

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Dublin, you are in a city where the Volunteers made a public stand for Irish trade in 1779. The first real effort the Irish people made to loosen the political net around them was to demand freedom from the commercial restrictions imposed on the country. That demand grew urgent because of terrible agricultural distress throughout Ireland in 1778. The Lord Lieutenant urged the Government in London that concessions were necessary. After much hesitation, the House of Commons agreed to let Irish agricultural produce be shipped to the colonies without first being sent to an English port for transhipment to America or the West Indies. Even that relief was violently opposed by mercantile classes and landed proprietors in England. But it was not the time to heed that clamour. Public feeling in Ireland was running high and was likely to lead to decided steps against the restrictions. Meetings were held across the country. In Ennis, county Clare, in June 1778, Colonel Francis Macnamara, High Sheriff of the county, presided over a meeting that pledged those present not to purchase goods manufactured in England until that country chose to grant Ireland free trade. Then in October 1779, at an assembly of the Dublin Volunteers, placards were exhibited inscribed with the words "Free Trade or revolution." Grattan, Sir Lucius O'Brien, and other members of the Irish Parliament pressed the matter on the Government. They gained their end. The restrictions on agricultural produce were removed in 1780. In the same session, Bills relieved Dissenters in Ireland from the Sacramental test, and a habeas corpus Act was passed. England found it necessary to yield to the claims of the Irish.

Earl of Thomond renounces his name at Limerick Cathedral

Limerick · city · Limerick · 1558

After Donald O'Brien was driven into exile in 1558, Donough, the third Earl of Thomond, attended a solemn service at the Cathedral of Limerick. There he publicly renounced the O'Brien name and promised to rule Thomond under English law.

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large a force that the Lord Deputy thought it unwise to risk a battle, and so came to terms with the Dalcasian chief. In the following year, 1558, Sussex again entered Clare and speedily drove Donald O'Brien into exile, replacing him by the lawful heir to the property and title of the Earl of Thomond. When Donough, the third Earl, had thus been placed in a secure position he attended a solemn service in the Cathedral of Limerick, and publicly renounced the name of O'Brien as an appellation or title, promising to be faithful to the crown of England, and to rule the people of Thomond according to the laws of the realm. Important stipulations were on this occasion imposed on certain of the landlords of Thomond, and among them the representatives of one of the principal branches of the Macnamaras, who undertook on behalf of himself and his retainers to be faithful subjects of the English crown, and also to be true to their chief the Earl of Thomond.* A copy of this agreement has been preserved and translated into English by Mr. Hardmian, it runs as follows : f

Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 84

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Limerick, this city saw a turning point in 1558. The Lord Deputy had previously come to terms with the Dalcasian chief rather than risk battle. Then in 1558, Sussex entered Clare again and drove Donald O'Brien into exile. He replaced him with the lawful heir to the property and title of the Earl of Thomond. Once Donough, the third Earl, was secure in his position, he attended a solemn service in the Cathedral of Limerick. There he publicly renounced the name of O'Brien as an appellation or title. He promised to be faithful to the crown of England and to rule the people of Thomond according to the laws of the realm. Important stipulations were also imposed on certain landlords of Thomond. Among them were representatives of one of the principal branches of the Macnamaras, who undertook on behalf of themselves and their retainers to be faithful subjects of the English crown, and to be true to their chief, the Earl of Thomond. A copy of this agreement was preserved and translated into English by Mr. Hardiman.

Fireball Macnamara's death and burial at Quin Abbey

Quin · town · Clare

Fireball Macnamara, a charismatic figure of the clan who could have led his countrymen anywhere, died in a small cottage near Quin. His tomb is located in a corner of the oratory of the old abbey at Quin, on the left-hand side of the high altar.

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to himself the devotion of his countrymen, and could have led them anywhere he pleased. It would be quite possible to fill many pages with anecdotes concerning this individual, but want of space renders this impossible and must be reserved for other hands than mine ; but if properly arranged they would clearly bring out the qualities which have influenced the lives of so many of our clan. Fireball died in a small cottage close to Quin, and his tomb is to be seen in a corner of the oratory of the old abbey at the left-hand side of the high altar.*
Lord Cloncurry in his Memoirs states that when he first came to London, in the year 1795, he was invited to dinner by one of his countrymen, Mr. John Macnamara, who lived in Baker Street, and that on this occasion he met Mr. Pitt, England's great statesman and Prime Minister. Lord Cloncurry was a young man, and had come to study law at the Temple ; at this dinner-party he, for the first time, heard the subject of the Union discussed, and he remarks that " it acted like .1 ferment on him," and led him to publish a pamphlet which he observes 41 cost him a heavy price."!

Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 132

James II arrives in Dublin for 1689 Parliament

Dublin · city · Dublin · 1689

King James II entered Dublin on March 24, 1689, accompanied by the French ambassador D'Avaux and a splendid court. His Parliament assembled on May 7, where he addressed the Commons on his policy of liberty of conscience.

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James II. entered Dublin on March 24, accompanied by D'Avaux as ambassador from France, and with a splendid Court. On May 7 his Parliament had assembled, and the king, "with robe and crown," addressed the Commons ; he pronounced his policy to consist in " liberty of conscience, and against invading any man's property." The king stated he had come to Ireland, " to venture my life with you in defence of your liberties and my own rights." The conditions under which the Parliament of 1689 met therefore were exceptional, the King of Ireland was there to guard and control the deliberations of Parliament, Dublin was predominated by his Court, and full of his English and French friends and supporters. The members of this Parliament met, but many of them had other urgent duties to attend to ; for example, John Macnamara was soon to be Colonel of the " Yellow Dragoons" which he raised in Clare, and led at the Battle of the Boyne ; Florence Macnamara, another member of the Dublin Parliament, was engaged in organising a regiment of infantry raised in his own county. In these circumstances, with the exception of the Act of Attainder, the Dublin Parliament of 1689 did good work, and in a thoroughly business-like manner. Among other matters it laid down the principle that "the English Parliament had not, and never had, any right to legislate for
* See p. 194.

Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 141

James II retreats from the Boyne to Dublin

Dublin · city · Dublin

Fearing his line of communication with Dublin was threatened, James II marched from the battlefield to Dublin instead of supporting his Irish and French troops at a critical moment. The Irish army was directed to cover the king's retreat, which they did in unbroken ranks.

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While William's right wing and James' left were watching one anothei hard fighting had been going on between the centres, and right wings o the English and Irish armies. The old and famous soldier, Duke o Schomberg, commanded William's centre, and after a desperate fighi managed to effect a landing on the opposite bank of the Boyne, in the face of the Irish centre. No sooner, however, had the Duke advanced from the river than his men were repeatedly charged by the Irish cavalry: the fighting between them and the Dutch infantry was very severe ; we are told the Irish charged down on the English and Dutch no less than eleven times. Duke Schomberg was killed, and his men at length fell back and commenced to recross the river. In the mean time William had well-nigh lost his life while fording the Boyne at the head of the left wing of his army. After hard fighting he succeeded in forcing back the Irish right ; they retired in perfect order ; and had they and the centre at this critical moment of the battle been supported by King James with his French allies, the English must have been driven across the Boyne. In place of this, James, fearing that his communication with Dublin was imperilled, marched from the field of battle to Dublin. The Irish were directed to follow and cover the king's retreat ; and this they did with unbroken ranks. But victory remained with the English, and James II. fled from Ireland a few days after the battle. In a memorandum, written subsequently to his arrival in France, the king stated that Lord Dungan, commanding the dragoons, was killed in one of the charges of cavalry at the Battle of the Boyne, after which this regiment could not again be brought to the charge ; and he adds, " Clare's did not do much better." The king, however, describes " the right wing of horse and the Dragoons " advancing with undaunted bravery, and charging William's centre again and again, " evincing a gallantry and determination which would have done honour to the finest cavalry in Europe." And this they subsequently proved themselves to
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Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 117

As the companion tells it

As you come into Dublin, you are near the road James II took when he abandoned the field at the Boyne. The battle had hung in the balance. Duke Schomberg, an old and famous soldier, commanded William's centre. He managed to land his men on the opposite bank of the Boyne in the face of the Irish centre. But once he advanced from the river, the Irish cavalry charged his men repeatedly. The fighting between the Irish cavalry and the Dutch infantry was very severe. The Irish charged down on the English and Dutch no less than eleven times. Schomberg was killed, and his men fell back and began to recross the river. William himself nearly lost his life fording the Boyne at the head of his left wing. After hard fighting he forced back the Irish right. They retired in perfect order. Had they and the centre been supported at that critical moment by King James with his French allies, the English must have been driven across the Boyne. Instead, James feared his line of communication with Dublin was imperilled, and he marched from the field to the city. The Irish were directed to follow and cover the king's retreat, and they did, with unbroken ranks. But victory remained with the English, and James fled from Ireland a few days after the battle. In a memorandum written after he arrived in France, James stated that Lord Dungan, commanding the dragoons, was killed in one of the cavalry charges at the Boyne, after which that regiment could not again be brought to the charge. He added, "Clare's did not do much better." Yet he described the right wing of horse and the dragoons advancing with undaunted bravery, charging William's centre again and again, "evincing a gallantry and determination which would have done honour to the finest cavalry in Europe."

Kildare surprises castle of Ballycullen in Clare

Ballycullen · townland · Clare

The Lord Deputy Kildare marched with his forces into Clare and surprised the strong castle of Ballycullen. His real motive was to punish the O'Briens for supporting Sir James Ormond against him.

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The fifteenth century, so far as Clare was concerned, was not destined to close in peace. Sir James, a natural son of the sixth Earl of Ormond, arrived in the West of Ireland, claiming to be the heir to the title and lands of his father. Sir James was received by the O'Briens and Macnamaras, and also by the Clanricardes, these three families being closely related in marriage with the late Earl, were glad to support an Ormond, in opposition to the Earl of Kildare, who since Ormond's death had assumed paramount power over Ireland, and had been appointed Lord Deputy of that country by Henry the Seventh. Kildare, however, had been recalled to England by the king, and while there married the sister of the lawful heir to the Ormond estates in Ireland. On the Lord Deputy's return to Dublin he raised a pretext for quarrelling with the O'Briens, his real motive being to punish them for the support they had afforded to Sir James Ormond. Kildare marched with his forces into Clare and surprised the strong castle of Ballycullen, which
* Wadding, x. 525. No record of the Bull of Eugene IV. can be found in the Vatican, nor have I been able to discover a copy of any such document as that referred to by Wadding. Mr. W. Bliss has kindly sent me extracts from the records of the Vatican to the following effect : " To the Abbot of the Monastery of Clare, in the diocese of ' Laonien,' on behalf of Mathew Macconmara, priest of the same diocese, upon the perpetual vicarage of the parish of Cluony, vacant by the surrender of Henry O'Grady against Mathew Maccuilean, June 4, a.d. 1431 " ("Roman Transcripts Regetta Pontificum," 1431, an. i. lib. 13, fol. 119, Eugenius IV.). From the same source we learn that a communication was forwarded from the Pontiff on November 10, 1432, " To the bishop of ' Laonien ' on behalf of Tathidu Mac-conmara and Dubcoblaid Inymccma that with them a disposition may be made concerning the contracting of a marriage." Like permission is given to Maurice Mac-conmara and Raynyld Inymettomarra, dated November 1432.

Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 77

Kilkenny garrison submits to Cromwell

Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny · 1649–1650

The garrison of Kilkenny mounted a stubborn defence against Cromwell's forces before submitting, and were allowed to march out of the place with bullet in mouth. Cromwell had issued a proclamation offering merciful consideration to those who submitted.

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Cromwell, upon the faith of this declaration, started to subdue those who resisted his government. The garrison of Kilkenny, after a stubborn defence, submitted, and were allowed to march out of the place " bullet in bouch." Drogheda resisted to the bitter end. It is said that Cromwell wrote to the governor of the place, warning him oi the consequences of resisting, in the following words : " You may prevent effusion of blood " by submitting. " If, upon refusing this offer, that which you like not befalls you, you will know whom to blame." Admitting that Cromwell sent this message, it is more than doubtful if Aston, who commanded at Drogheda, ever received it. However that may be, on the 10th September Cromwell opened fire on the walls of the town and by the following evening had made a sufficient breach to enable him to order a storming party to attempt to enter the place. This party was driven back by the defenders ; Cromwell then put himself al the head of another party, and fought his way into the streets o) Drogheda. Aston, who was defending the breach, fell back and tools up his position with three hundred followers on a mound in the town this was surrounded by Cromwell and his soldiers, and Aston and the whole of his men were slaughtered as they stood. Cromwell ther ordered all who were found with arms in the town to be put to the sword ; a thousand men were thus butchered, and a small party o; eighty took refuge in the steeple of St. Peter's Church. Cromwell firsl requested them to yield ; this they refused to do, and he then directed barrels of gunpowder to be placed beneath the edifice, and endeavoured to blow it up ; but failing in this, he ordered the church to be set on fire, and of the eighty unfortunate human beings in the steeple not one escaped; many were burnt to death, and those who tried to escape the flames were killed by the Puritan soldiers. Cromwell had the letter of the law on his side. At any rate we have the Duke o:
* " Oliver Cromwell's Letters and Speeches," by Thomas Carlyle, vol. ii. p. 45,

Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 103

Kincora — Brian Boru's capital at Killaloe described

Killaloe · town · Clare

Kincora, near Killaloe on the Clare side of the Shannon, became the capital of Ireland under Brian Boru. Its chief buildings were near the head of the wooden bridge crossing the river, with houses of timber and clay extending along the riverbank. Two churches stood near the river, one stone-roofed and still extant to the north of the cathedral. On the summit of the hill above the bridge stood the palace, the chief residence of Brian Boru and his descendants.

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After forty years of more or less strife Brian Boru at length found himself so securely seated on the throneof Ireland that he was able to turn his attention to developing the resources of the country. Kincora became its capital; its chief buildings being near the Clare side of the Shannon, at the head of the wooden bridge which then crossed the river. The houses were built of timber and clay and extended along the river bank for some distance ; near the river there were two churches, the one stone-roofed, which still exists to the north of the cathedral. On the summit of the hill above the bridge stood the palace surrounded by numerous buildings, which was the chief place of residence of Brian Boru and his descendants for many years. Brian's rest and Ireland's peace, however, did not long continue ; for political purposes he thought it wise to make an alliance with the Danes, hoping in this way to promote the harmony of the contending influences under his rule; he therefore married the mother of Sitric, the leader of the Danes of Dublin ; this individual, whose name was Gormflaith, had previously married, first Sitric's father, and then the King of Leinster ; they both became weary of Gormflaith and turned her off, she then fell to the lot of Brian ; he also soon cast off his spouse but permitted her to remain in the palace at Kincora. To this place her brother Mailmoda came bringing with him a present for Brian, consisting of three masts for his ships ; these were carried on men's shoulders, and in crossing a bog the bearers came to grief, whereupon Mailmoda applied his own shoulder to the work, and in doing so tore off one of the silver buttons of his "goldbraided silken tunic," which had been presented to him on a former occasion by Brian. On the arrival of Mailmoda at Kincora he went to his sister Gormflaith and asked her to replace this button ; but she snatched the garment from his hands and threw it into the fire, reproaching him for wearing a garment which was a token of submission to Brian Boru. Mailmoda while stinging under this taunt happened to see Morrogh, Brian's son, playing at chess with another chief; he suggested a move which lost Morrogh the game ; irritated by this, Morrogh turned on Mailmoda and remarked " that, like the advice you gave your friend at Glenmama, it lost the battle." Mailmoda replied, " I will give them advice now, and they will not be defeated a second time." To which Morrogh replied, " Have a yew-tree ready on that * O'Curry : " Manners and Customs of the Ancient Irish," vol. ii. p. 177.

Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 44

Lord Donegal's ejectments and the Steelboys near Belfast

near Belfast · city · Antrim

Lord Donegal, an absentee Ulster landowner, raised £100,000 in fines on his Presbyterian tenants when leases fell due. Unable to pay, tenants were ejected and their lands taken by rich Belfast merchants, leading to the Steelboys organisation that maimed cattle and broke into gentry houses.

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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 ;£i 00,000 in fines on his tenants, and, as they could not pay this sum, they were ejected, and two or three rich Belfast 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. i. p. 37-

Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 124

Lord Grey destroys the bridge at Killaloe

Killaloe · town · Clare

Lord Grey attacked the Irish of Thomond east of the Shannon and destroyed the bridge at Killaloe, completely isolating Conor O'Brien and the Dalcassians of Clare from the rest of the country.

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The Earl of Kildare was at the time Lord Deputy, and, having been summoned to England, he left his son, Thomas FitzGerald, at the head of affairs. Soon after the earl's departure, rumours reached Ireland that he had been seized and executed by command of the king. Fitz- Gerald, without waiting to ascertain the truth of this rumour, threw up his office and renounced his allegiance to the Crown. He took up his quarters with his relations, the O'Carrolls of Ely, and was soon joined by other Irish chiefs ; but Lord Grey, having arrived in Ireland with a considerable force, FitzGerald had to cross the Shannon and take refuge with the O'Briens at Clonroad. Lord Grey, however, attacked the Irish of Thomond east of the Shannon, and, having again destroyed the bridge at Killaloe, he completely isolated Conor O'Brien and the Dalcasians of Clare from the rest of the country. A still more severe blow was to fall on this tribe, for Conor's eldest son turned traitor, and entered into an alliance with the Earl of Desmond, whose daughter he had married. Donogh O'Brien's conduct may best be given in his own words, as they were reported at the time (6th of October 1535) by Lord Butler to Henry VIII.* Donogh is stated to have observed to Lord Butler that :

Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 80

Macnamaras kill O'Shaughnessy chief despite peace compact

Dublin · city · Dublin · 1223

In 1223 the chief of the O'Shaughnessys, a Dalcasian sept, was killed by the Macnamaras despite a solemn compact between the two to keep the peace. The compact had been ratified on the crozier of St. Colum, which is still preserved in the Museum of the Royal Irish Academy in Dublin.

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The inhabitants of Clare subsequent to these events remained for some years free from foreign interference, and on the whole enjoyed a fair amount of peace ; although, we are informed by the " Four Masters," that in the year 1223 the chief of the O'Shaughnessys, one of the Dalcasian septs, was killed by the Macnamaras in spite of a solemn compact between the two to keep the peace. This compact was ratified on the crozier of St. Colum, which is still to be seen in the Museum of the Royal Irish Academy, Dublin.*
* We have various references in the Calendar of the Papal Register of this period relating to Ireland, for instance : — a.d. 1225 : Canonization of St. Laurence (O'Toole) by Pope Honorius III., in which document the statement is made " that St. Laurence was son of the King and Queen of Ireland. As to his miracles, the deaf, the dumb, and sick are healed ; he restored seven dead persons to life " (vol. i. p. 104). a.d. 1219 : " Mandate to the Bishop-elect of Norwich, papal legate " to compel the Justiciary of Ireland, if he has, as is asserted, condemned a former papal mandate, to come before the king and give an account of the rents and other goods of the king which he had received (Cal. Papal Reg., vol. i. p. 64),

Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 52

O'Donnell's 1598 cattle raid west of the Fergus

Fergus · townland · Cork · 1598

In May 1598, Hugh Roe O'Donnell marched into Clare to punish the Clare forces for supporting the Queen against him. He swept the whole country west of the Fergus of its cattle and drove them off into Donegal.

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trouble and bloodshed in Clare, for Hugh Roe O'Donnell, the Earl of Tyrone, was at war with England, and he carried his arms into the Pale and the newly settled province of Ulster. To resist O'Donnell's advance towards the south-west Sir Conyer Clifford, Governor of Connaught, in May 1597, called on the Earl of Thomond and also the Clanricardes to assist him with a contingent of Clare men ; and so the natives of the North and West of Ireland were again to meet on the battlefield. At the opening of this campaign the Munster forces were victorious, but subsequently fortune favoured O'Donnell, and O'Brien had to retreat into Clare. The northern chief, however, determined to punish his enemies, for such he considered the Clare forces in consequence of their having espoused the cause of the Queen, he therefore marched into Clare in May 1598, and swept the whole country west of the Fergus of its cattle, which he drove off into Donegal. The following year O'Donnell repeated this practice and made a second raid into Clare • passing along the valley of the Shannon and then turning west he swept through Macnamara's lands and so on to the Fergus, as far as Clare Castle. He then returned home along the Gort line of road as he had done in the previous year.
Seeing the apparent ease with which a raid of this kind could be effected without any effort on the part of the Government to restrain the offending nobleman, some of the younger members of the O'Briens of Ennistymon seem to have thought it well to try on the same game, and so they organised a cattle lifting expedition against Clancuilein. Under command of young O'Brien, they ravaged the lands and farms on either side of the Fergus as far south as Ballyalley, but on their return journey, when laden with spoil, they were met by a " rising out of the country of two cantred of the Macnamaras whose flocks and herds they had robbed. Teigie O'Brien was killed, and the expedition was dispersed."

Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 93

Rathfolan Macnamaras fled to Burren after resisting English troops

Burren · townland · Clare

The Macnamaras of Rathfolan made vain resistance and killed some English troops on a foraging expedition, then fled precipitately to Burren, a remote part of Clare with only one road in and largely bare limestone mountains.

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The Rev. P. White, 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 family 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 from coming vengeance." There is truth in this tradition. The Macnamaras of Rathfolan were dispossessed of their home and estates ; they sought refuge 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 from their home in Lower Bunratty. They first settled at Dooras, on property belonging to their friends the Frenches. Some of the family lingered on in this locality, situated on the shores of Kinvarra Bay ; Daniel, 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, and married the daughter of Keating, of co. Kildare.

Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 105

Thomond army encamps at Corcomroe Abbey before battle

Corcomroe · barony · Clare

Mortough O'Brien's forces marched northward to the Abbey of Corcomroe in Burren, close to Galway Bay, where they secured their cattle within the monastery precincts and spent the night before the impending battle, some sleeping on the church floor and others in cubicles.

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With these words the host was rejoiced, and northward as straight as a pole urged their way towards the enemy, until they arrived at the Abbey of Corcomroe, in Burren, close to the shores of Galway Bay ; within the precincts of the monastery they secured their cattle. During that night many of them slept on the floor of the church, others in the most comfortable cubicles, where they enjoyed soft luxury and secured deep sleep ; others passed the night in mirth, although on the morrow they might die or lose the soul of some dear friend, f
Donough Brian Roe and his force in the meantime had assembled on the hills to the west of Corcomroe ; he told his men to remember that the purpose with which they had come on this perilous expedition was to gain the battle, and so make an end once and for all of the long discussions (of our tribe), either by your antagonists' destruction or your own death one and all. Magrath repeats that Donough explained to his •men that their opponents were children of Cas as they were, of the same blood, " with whom your close embrace of kinship will be that of steel to steel." Then he ordered the advance steadfastly therefore : " children of Cas, now steady be " — and so they came to the shore of Loch Rask, and while all were looking at the shining mere " they saw the monstrous and distorted form of a lone, ancient, hideous hag, that stooped over the bright loch's shore. The loathly creature's semblance was this : she was thatched with elf locks, foxy -grey and rough as heather, long as sea- wrack, inextricably tangled ; that had a bossy, wrinkled, foully ulcerated forehead, every hair of her eyebrows was like a strong fishhook, and from under them, bleary dripping eyes peered with malignant fire between lids all

Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 63

War between the monasteries of Clonmacnoise and Durrow

Clonmacnoise · townland · Offaly · 673–816

In 673, persistent war broke out between the monasteries of Clonmacnoise and Durrow. As late as 816, a scrimmage between these two establishments resulted in some 400 men being slain.

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It was not until the year a.d. 804 that the Irish monastic communities were exempted from military service. During the year 673 there was persistent war between the monasteries of Clonmacnoise and Durrow; and as late as a.d. 81 6, in a scrimmage between these establishments, some 400 men are reported to have been slain. The clergy in the eighth century went about the country and to synods armed, and " often fought pitched battles, in which many were killed with but very small provocation."
Although this state of things existed in Ireland, her monasteries were at the same time sending out missionaries whose devotion to their work in England and many parts of the continent of Europe has never been surpassed. The first rector of the School of Paris was a pupil of Bede, and the second rector of that great school was an Irishman named Clement.? As in the case of St. Columba, the better qualities of the Celtic missionaries were most conspicuously developed when serving in foreign countries ; at home their warlike proclivities often predominated over the principles they professed. But we must not overlook the fact that it was due to the efforts of the early Irish Church that women were emancipated in that country from military service ; and that slavery in its grosser form, that is in the traffic in human beings was abolished.

Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 33

Wentworth declares Clare landowners' titles null and void

near Clare · population centre · Clare · 1632

In 1632, Lord Deputy Wentworth declared the title deeds of Clare landowners null and void because they had not been enrolled in the Court of Chancery, despite the landowners having paid £3000 for that exact purpose. This allowed the Crown to confiscate their estates.

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We must again return to Sir J. Perrott's deed of composition entered into between him on the part of the Crown with the landowners of Clare. Under this agreement the landowners were to make good their titles held under the Brehon laws ; and having surrendered their lands to the Crown, were to receive deeds in exchange from the Crown for their lands, made out in such form and order as to be registerable under English law in the Court of Chancery. It was evident all this was something quite new to the Clare landowners ; they had no knowledge of the English procedure, which for the first time was then extended to the West of Ireland. The landlords trusted the Government, and as the action taken in this matter was the work of the Crown, and not theirs, they naturally supposed the Government officials in charge of the transaction would carry it through in a proper manner. After considerable delay, however, rumours reached Clare that matters were not progressing satisfactorily regarding the issue of the new title deeds. Two of the Macnamaras were deputed therefore to proceed to Dublin and ascertain what was amiss with regard to the documents in question. It then appeared that there was a hitch as to the procedure, which had not been all that was necessary according to law. These difficulties were, however, overcome, and the new title deeds were issued bearing the impression of the Great Seal. Nothing more was heard on the subject until a.d. 1632, when the Lord Deputy Wentworth discovered, that at the time of issuing these title deeds the landowners of Clare had one and all of them failed to enrol the documents in the Court of Chancery. Sir Thomas Wentworth (better known as Earl of Strafford), in consequence of this fault in the legal procedure, declared all these titles to be null and void ; and as the landlords had made their estates over to the Crown, to the Sovereign they belonged, and were accordingly to be confiscated without delay. It was conclusively shown that the Clare landowners had, before receiving their deeds paid the sum of ,£3000 into Court,for the express purpose of having the documents enrolled, and that the officials of the Government therefore were to blame and not the landowners. The Lord Deputy would listen to no plea of

Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 98

Brian Boru takes Limerick and destroys its fortifications

Limerick · city · Limerick · 968

After the Norsemen fled to Limerick following their defeat at Sulcoit, Brian took the town, destroyed its fortifications, and inflicted great loss and injury on the enemy, greatly increasing the prestige of the Dalcasians.

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Mahon, hearing of his brother's desperate condition sent for him, and at a meeting which took place between them Mahon argued in favour of submission to the Norsemen, for he had given up all hope of returning to govern in Cashel. From the old Celtic records we learn that Brian expressed great indignation at sentiments of this kind and even accused his brother of cowardice ; he taunted Mahon by asking him if he thought their father or grandfather would have made peace while an enemy occupied Ireland. Mahon admitted all this, but argued that if they had not the power to resist the invader it was useless holding out against the foe ; he asked Brian if he wished to see the whole of his tribe in the same state as his own followers. To this Brian replied " that such an argument was bad, because it was hereditary for him to die, and for the whole of the Dalcais likewise ; as their fathers had passed away so must they ; but it was not natural or hereditary for the Dalcais to submit to insult or contempt ; their forefathers had never submitted to this, and no power on earth would make him do so."* The tribe on hearing this assembled to resist the invaders, and met them at Sulcoit in Tipperary. In this battle the Norsemen were defeated and fled to Limerick, which town Brian took, and destroyed its fortifications, inflicting great loss and injury on the enemy, a.d. 968.! This victory added so much to the prestige, of the Dalcasians, that their rivals the Eoghanites grew jealous of them, and at the instigation of Malloy, chief of Desmond, they treacherously murdered Mahon, a.d. 976. Brian Boru was not slow to avenge his brother's death ; he first sent a challenge to Malloy to meet him in single combat, and directed his messenger to add, that nothing short of the death of one of them would suffice. Receiving no satisfactory answer, Brian marched his forces into South Munster, and met Malloy ; a battle ensued, in which the latter chief was killed by one of Brian's sons.

Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 43

Dead of Corcomroe buried in the abbey precincts

near Corcomroe Abbey · monument · Clare · 1317

After the battle, the Dalcasians buried their own dead alongside the enemy chief Donough Brien Roe and his chiefs. So numerous were the graves that the precincts of Corcomroe Abbey were ploughed up with burials, as fathers tended sons and sons bore fathers to their graves.

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The bodies of Donough Brien and his chiefs were carefully buried by the Dalcasians side by side of their own dead " branches of the parent vine who had ceased to strive for the chiefry" (Magrath). After this office had been completed, " and hastily binding up of their wounds, fathers, with weak and faltering steps, were engaged in tending their sons, or sons bore their fathers to their abiding places of clayey mould ; so that, with the numerous graves, the precincts of the abbey was ploughed up." Magrath's account of what followed is so characteristic that I have taken the liberty of appropriating it at length from the translation by Mr. Standish H. O'Grady. Our historian states : t
" So the army after their toil and travail had respite : some of the gentlemen triumphing over the foe and counting their own successes [how many and whom they had killed] ; others bewailing their own losses and discussing those they had inflicted ; others equitably dividing the strippings and totting up their gains ; some shaking their actons and washing their mail, while others moaned and hoarsely groaned for the fresh wounds that made them like to swoon.

Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 65

De Clare fortifies Quin: church of St. Finghin and fortress

Quin · town · Clare · 1277–1280

Thomas de Clare strengthened and garrisoned a fort at Quin, an important strategic post in Macnamara territory separated from the chief's residence by the river Rine. He converted a church dedicated to St. Finghin into a church and fortress; the edifice with its massive walls and narrow lancet windows still exists, while De Clare's fort stood on the eastern side of the stream.

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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 Clonroad unopposed ; the Macnamaras were not prepared to meet him single-handed, and they retreated, with their cattle and goods, into the dense forests north of Clare. Several of the Dalcasian septs, however, joined 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 120 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 (1280) 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 "clear 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. Westropp, M.A., (" The Proceedings of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland"); also " Annals of Innisfallen, " 1280.

Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 54

Donchardh Macnamara rallies his sept at Ballycullen hill

Ballycullen · townland · Clare

Donchardh Macnamara, despite having dismissed his forces after peace was declared, recalled his warriors and gathered the sept of Clancuilein. They advanced to the hill of Ballycullen, where he addressed his followers and prepared for battle against enemy forces.

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attacking them. Peace, however, having been declared, Donchadh had dismissed his forces, and his hostages had been given, so that he was deprived of their help ; we are told on hearing this news " his brow lowered and his face flamed with anger. He gathered his household and sped messengers after his scattered warriors to recall them." His sept were, however, disturbed by what appeared to them to be " fickle counsels," first peace and then war, in spite of the precious hostages they had given. " And in all this they saw the destruction of the amity of the Dalcasian tribes, a beginning of Munster's confusion, an end of the kingdom built up by Turlough (O'Brien) and Coveha (Macnamara), the peacemaker."* Nevertheless, the members of the sept in their families hurried in to the call of their chief, and " all craved to be led against the enemy ; they advanced to the dewy, grass-clad hill of Ballycullen." This force was composed of the sept of Clancuilein, and only a small contingent of the O'Dorcons. Donchardh said to his followers : My brave people, whose courage is unquestionable, although your numbers are few ; ye are loyal each to each ; the bond that unites you is a chain of love, and your charge is that of the squealing litter of one sow. Woe to them at whom ye shall let yourselves go — you have the advantage of being led by one head who knows what he is aiming at, while your enemies have many heads, and no one knoivs which of them to obey. Donchardh then set to harness himself for battle. The first piece brought to him was a trusty, well-made acton, dense, close-ridged ; easily did he assume it, and the extent to which it protected him was from his throat to his knees. Over which he was invested with a loose mail shirt of hard rings, close of texture and with gilded borders. A fighting belt, moderately thick and fitted with a chased buckle, this he drew tight over his mail, and in it hung his dirk ready to hand ; it was strong in the point, wide in the blade, thickbacked, and fixed in a decorated wooden haft. Over his shoulders he wore a fine-textured white tippet of proof. He set his strong plated, conical helmet on his head, took his broadsword, deeply fluted, having a golden cross hilt and a tracery-embellished scabbard, which he girded to his side. In his right hand he took the handy dart, to hurl among the enemy ; in his left he grasped the thick-shafted, solid-riveted, great spear that he bore with which to charge the enemy, f

Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 59

Donnybrook Fair described by Sir J. Barrington, 1790

Donnybrook · parish · Dublin · 1790

Sir J. Barrington describes the sociality and fighting at Donnybrook Fair circa 1790. Tents of peeled wattles, some fifty feet long, were scattered over a green flat through which a shallow stream runs under a high bridge. Men wrestled, leapt, cudgelled, and fought in good humour.

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Regarding the light-heartedness of the Irish, we find them bright as ever in 1790, at which date Sir J. Barrington has given us a description of their sociality is witnessed at Donnybrook Fair. Sir J. states, at the outset of his narrative, hat " he does not know any one trait of character conspicuous alike in himself md brother Pat, save that which is their common disgrace and incentive to all /ices, drinking; and even in this the English far surpass the Irish."* There can 3e no question Irishmen (and for the matter of that, their terriers also) have an ndigenous go fit for fighting, and at Donnybrook there was no reserve in this natter. Numerous tents, composed of peeled wattles fixed in the ground at one :nd and bent over and tied together at the other, were covered with quilts of >edclothes and sheets, blankets, and so on ; some of these tents were fiftv feet ong, and scattered over the green flat, through which a shallow stream runs irippling under a high bridge. The tent was furnished with a table and forms ; hese were not very steady, so that when the whisky got the mastery of some onvivial fellow he was apt to fall over, and with him the row of men on his form, rostrating some ten or twenty gallant shamrock boys on their backs. After .1 ertain amount of roaring, laughing, and not a little bad language, the whole pai :;• urned out into the open air and amused themselves with wrestling, leaping,
* Sir J. Barrington's " Personal Sketches," vol. iii. p. 232.

Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 111

Empty county jail at Ennis in 1895

Ennis · town · Clare · 1895

In 1895, the county jail at Ennis stood empty not because of an absence of crime in County Clare, but because it was nearly impossible to bring agrarian offenders to justice, prompting the guarding of landed proprietors by English soldiers.

Read the passage

The Solicitor-General of Ireland could hardly write in these terms of the Celtic Irish at the present day. The county jail at Ennis is empty, not because there is no crime in co. Clare, but because it is well-nigh impracticable in the year 1895, to bring a certain class of agrarian offenders to justice in that country; and only a short time since many of the landed proprietors had to be guarded night and day in their houses by English soldiers. The reason for this is, that the character of the Irish in the nineteenth is precisely what it had been in the sixth century I the people have not altered, but the laws which govern them have changed, and some of their provisions relating especially to that subject of paramount importance to an Irishman — the land — are foreign to the nature of the Celt. No one saw this with greater clearness than Edmund Spenser, who, as secretary to the Lord Deputy of Ireland, and residing as such afterwards among the people, knew them well ; in 1596 he wrote of the wrong England was doing to Ireland in forcing her laws on a people, whose nature and customs were so different from that of Englishmen.* This fact has been ignored by England with reference to the people of Ireland, but in India a different system was fortunately adopted, otherwise our hold on that country would have been an impossibility.
The Irish Celt held their women in tender regard, and so females were treated by them with consideration such as they then received among few other nations. Especially in the case of the lower classes, Irishwomen were never held to be the slaves of men ; they were employed in attending to their children, in weaving, looking after the domestic creatures belonging to the family, and such like occupations. These women were chaste as girls and as wives, and when young.

Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 113

French landing at Killala, August 1798

Killala · town · Mayo · 1798

A French force of about 1500 soldiers landed at Killala on 22nd August 1798, expecting all Ireland to rally to them. Instead, the people were indifferent and would not help unless paid, though a few natives allowed themselves to be drilled for clothes and rations.

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In August 1798, two days after the Battle of the Nile had been fought, a second French expedition appeared off the west of Ireland ; it formed the vanguard of the much larger army which was intercepted by Sir J. Warren at sea, and never reached Ireland. \ A force of some 1500 French soldiers, however, landed at Killala, believing that the whole of Ireland would meet them with open arms, and rush to their standard ; in place of this the French general found the people were indifferent to his movements, nor would they even help him unless paid for their services ; some few of the natives, for the sake of the clothes and rations offered by the French, allowed themselves to be drilled. But Major-General Hutchinson, who commanded at Galway,on bearing that the French had landed in Mayo, instantly called out the yeomanry of Clare, Galway, and other Connaught regiments; they marched towards Mayo, and the General reported that he found along the whole of his route that the country was perfectly quiet, and the people hard a: work on their harvest.§ It is unnecessary to follow the fortunes of the French expedition in Ireland farther than to observe that they landed at Killala on the 22nd of August, and that by the 9th of the follow.n, month Lord Cornwallis, who was in command of the English EMC c,
* » Narrative of what Passed at Killala in 1798." by an Eye-witness, p. It.

Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 130

As the companion tells it

Up ahead is the town of Killala in Mayo, where a French force of about 1500 soldiers came ashore on the 22nd of August 1798. This was the vanguard of a much larger French army that Sir J. Warren intercepted at sea, so it never reached Ireland. The soldiers who did land at Killala believed the whole of Ireland would meet them with open arms and rush to their standard. Instead the French general found the people indifferent to his movements, and they would not even help unless paid for their services. A few of the natives allowed themselves to be drilled, for the sake of the clothes and rations the French offered. Major-General Hutchinson, who commanded at Galway, heard the French had landed in Mayo and called out the yeomanry of Clare, Galway, and other Connaught regiments. They marched towards Mayo, and he reported that along the whole of his route the country was perfectly quiet and the people were hard at work on their harvest. By the 9th of the following month Lord Cornwallis was in command of the English.

Macnamara plots to seize Bunratty Castle

near Bunratty · parish · Clare · 1608

In a letter dated February 1608, Sir John Macnamara wrote to Don Donaldos O'Sulivan in Spain, declaring his intention to take the Earl of Thomond's house at Bunratty when an army arrived at the river of Limerick or the bay of Galway. The letter was intercepted and passed to the Lord Deputy Sir Arthur Chichester.

Read the passage

My honourable brother in Christ — I received your letter since the going away of O'Neale and O'Donnell, and am still according to my faithful vow and promise to you at our being last at Mockheins, wherein I will live and die. The Vicar- General, Mahoura Magralye, is with me still in these borders to perform these actions. And when the army cometh, according to your promise, either to the river of Limerick or the bay of Galwaye, I will presently come to them and take the Earl of Thomond' s house of Bunrattie, for the better performance of my promise to you. I proposed to have gone thither when O'Neale and O'Donnell went away, but I altered my mind for the causes aforesaid. The Earl of Thomond is determined to go for England, and I cannot tell but that I may go with him to learn more news, and so write to you all.
The Baron of Delvin was taken prisoner and committed to the castle of Dublin, when he confessed all the secrets he had, and afterwards made an escape, and hope he is there with you ere now. Yours for ever confirmed,

Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 95

Rinuccini confines Kilkenny Council members in castle

Kilkenny Castle · castle · Kilkenny · 1645–1649

Nuncio Rinuccini, unable to persuade the Kilkenny Council to adopt his views on the treaty with Charles I, ordered the council members to be shut up in Kilkenny Castle and put on low diet. The members took the punishment as a joke and it had no effect on their conduct.

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The affairs of Charles I. and of the Irish Confederation were now) reaching a climax ; the Kilkenny Council, in spite of the protests of | Rinuccini, concluded a treaty with the King of England, by which it was j agreed that the Irish Roman Catholics were to have freedom of religion I so long as they remained faithful to the Crown ; but they were not to be compelled to take the oath of supremacy to the king as head of the Church. The Nuncio at this time was President of the Council of Kilkenny, and he gives an amusing account of a meeting of thati assembly. It seems that as usual there was considerable difference of opinion on a certain subject under discussion, and after debating the question at issue with great animation, the parties concerned became much excited, so much so, that one-half of the assembly jumped up from their seats and rushed out of the council chamber, j The Nuncio discovered that he could neither manage his Council, nor persuade them to adopt his views regarding the treaty with Charles. He determined therefore to try what mild restraint would effect, and so he ordered the members of the Council to be shut up in Kilkenny Castle, and to be put on low diet for a time ; but they took their punishment rather as a joke ; and it had no effect whatever on their conduct.§
There was, however, one other measure left in the hands of the Nuncio, and that was to excommunicate those who refused to follow his advice regarding the government of Ireland. That this act might have full ecclesiastical authority, Rinuccini summoned a synod of the Irish bishops

Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 102

Siege of a Macnamara Castle by Lord Grey

near Clare · population centre · Clare · 1537

The O'Briens and Macnamaras defended a Macnamara castle in Clare against an English invasion led by Lord Grey in 1537. The English artillery breached the keep's walls, forcing the Dalcasians to surrender the castle and the region of Clare, but their bravery secured a twelve-month truce.

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Dalcasians, but they seemed determined to resist the invasion of their lands and homes in Clare, which were again threatened by the English under Lord Grey. The OBriens and Macnamaras took up their position in a castle belonging to one of the latter family, but the artillery of the English battered down the walls of the keep, and after a brave resistance the Dalcasians had to surrender the castle, and with it Clare ; but their conduct on this occasion so favourably impressed Lord Grey that he entered on a truce with the Irish, which was to last for twelve months (a.d. 1537).
Conor O'Brien died in the following year, and was succeeded by his brother Morrogh, who, having joined O'Neill in a futile attempt to resist the English, returned to Clare prepared to give in his submission to Henry VIII.

Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 81

Turlough destroys O'Hynes' election tree near Athenry

Athenry · town · Galway · 1126–1167

On his march through Connaught, Turlough O'Brien destroyed the red birch tree under which the O'Hynes were traditionally elected chiefs, taking the chief of the O'Kellys prisoner before returning via Leinster to Thomond.

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Turlough O'Brien determined to subdue Connaught, and on his march from Clare had to " cut his way by clearing a path for his followers through a densely thick forest " which covered the route which he took along the line of country between the existing towns of Gort and Atheney. He destroyed the " red birch tree " under which the O'Hynes were elected chiefs, and, having taken the chief of the O'Kellys prisoner, returned via Leinster into Thomond.
" Cumara Macnamara, son of Mac Conmara," we are informed, was at this time " chief of Clancuilein. He was Turlough O'Brien's second

Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 48

Battle at Newtown Butler

near Newtown Butler · village · Fermanagh · 1689

During a skirmish near Lismarkea, the Irish took up a defensive position on steep wooded hills along the road to Newtown Butler. They were subsequently routed by English forces, with many infantrymen cut to pieces or drowned in a lake while fleeing.

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A regiment of horse was raised, and also a regiment of infantry in Clare, for service under James II. Among the list of cavalry officers we find the names Colonel J. Macnamara (commanding), also Captain Fineen and a second John Macnamara. In the infantry were the names oi Captains Donogh, and Teigie, and also Lieutenants John and Daniel Macnamara. These regiments were enlisted during the spring of 1689, and in July of the same year they were called upon to take the field and fight against Dutch and English soldiers, who had served in military operations on the Continent. Neither officers nor men of the Irish levies had the slightest knowledge of drill or the use of firearms; they were raw recruits drawn from agricultural pursuits, and utterly unfit to fight on equal terms with veteran soldiers. But such as they were, the Clare, among other levies, were directed in July 1689 to join Lord Mountcashel's troops, and attempt to drive the English out of the north of Ireland. On July 30, a portion of these raw levies arrived within ten miles of Enniskillen, the force in that town being under the command of Colonel Wolseley, who sent Colonel Berry with a detachment of troops to watch the movements of the Irish army. Colonel Berry came unexpectedly on a large body of Irish Dragoons and infantry, he retired therefore towards a place called Lismarkea, sending off an express to Wolseley for reinforcements. Berry's road led him across a narrow causeway over a bog, at the further side of which was a quantity of thick brushwood ; here he drew up his forces, covering his men in the bushes to await the approach of the enemy, who were under the command of Colonel Hamilton. As the Irish advanced over the narrow causeway Hamilton and his second in command were shot down by Berry's men, and as a number of the Irish fell they retreated from their position and fell back on the advance guard of their army ; this movement on the part of the Irish was effected about nine o'clock in the morning. At eleven a.m. Colonel Wolseley arrived on the scene accompanied by a considerable force of cavalry and infantry. The Irish took up a strong position on the side of steep wooded hills, through which the road passed to Newtown Butler, in front of them was a bog crossed by a causeway which was defended by the artillery of the Irish • Frost's " History of Clare," p. 568.

Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 117

Brian Bane fled from Dysert and was assigned lands in Ormond

Dysert · townland · Clare · 1318

Brian Bane, who had fought for De Clare at the battle of Dysert, fled from the field and, with the consent of King Mortough O'Brien, was assigned lands in Ormond where he entered into alliance with the English of the Pale.

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Brian Bane, who had fought for De Clare at Dysert, fled from the field, and, with the consent of King Mortough O'Brien, was assigned lands in Ormond. He here came in contact with the English of the Pale, and entered into an alliance with them such as that which had existed between himself and De Clare. With the aid of his new friends Brian Bane first attacked De Burgo, who was supported by the Macnamaras and O'Briens ; but the latter were defeated, and in the following year, a.d. 1328, Mortough and Mac-con Macnamara were again worsted by Brian and the English. After this, until the time of Mortough's death, which took place in the year 1343, the inhabitants of Clare seemed to have enjoyed comparative peace. We unfortunately lose the assistance of Rory Macgrath at this period of our history, for his work was brought to a close with the death of Mortough O'Brien. Macgrath, however, mentions Mac-con Macnamara as being alive in the year 1343, and we have good reason to believe that he continued as head of his sept certainly as late as a.d. 1365.
Clancuilein had not only been much weakened by the fighting they had passed through, but they were at this time invaded from Connaught, the king of that province he "marched into the Macnamara's territory in Munster, from whom he took hostages, and thus forced the sept to submit to Connaught."* In consequence of this state of things, on the death of Mortough O'Brien, Clancuilein was not in a position to support his brother Dermod to obtain possession of the throne, in opposition to Brian Bane, who at length found himself able to take by force the office of King of Thomond, which his father and grandfather had so long striven to obtain. Brian, however, only enjoyed his honours for a few years, for in 1350 he was assassinated by one of his own family.!

Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 70

Chiefs' council at Limerick to resist the Scots

Limerick · city · Limerick · 1315

A meeting of English and Irish chiefs was summoned in Limerick at a critical moment during the Scottish invasion. Mortough O'Brien was unanimously selected to command the united forces against the Scotch, and the army advanced against the enemy's position, prompting the Bruces to retire.

Read the passage

At this critical moment a meeting of English and Irish chiefs was summoned in Limerick, and it was determined with all speed to collect an army to resist the Scotch. Mortough O'Brien was unanimously selected, both by the Irish chiefs and by all the Anglo-Norman barons who were present, to command the united forces. The Irish and their allies seem to have been rapidly brought together, and they at once advanced against the enemy's position. The Bruces, however, thought it prudent to retire. Soon afterwards King Robert gave up the idea of conquering Ireland, and returned home; his brother Edward being subsequently defeated and killed in an engagement with the English at Dundalk. The " Four Masters," referring to the Scottish invasion of Ireland, observe : " Edward Bruce, the destroyer of the people of Ireland, both English and Irish, was slain by the English. No achievement had been performed in Ireland for a long time before from which greater benefit had occurred to the country than from this ; for during the three and a half years Bruce spent in Ireland a universal famine prevailed to such a degree that men were wont to devour one another." It is impossible to add to the force of this account of the misery produced by this invasion of Ireland ; the progress of the Scotch throughout the country was followed by a fearful outbreak of the plague, which cut off a vast number of the famine-stricken population. AVe cannot overlook the fact that the English, who had assumed the right to govern Ireland, practically stood on one side for three years, while the Scotch destroyed the inhabitants of the greater part of that country. County Clare escaped much of this suffering, for we are expressly told that neither the invaders nor the plague reached the people of that province.

Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 62

Court of justice at Ennis Monastery, 1570

Ennis · town · Clare · 1570

Sir Edward Fitton, president of Connaught, proposed holding an eighteen-day court in the Monastery of Ennis to administer justice and reduce the Dalcasian septs to order. Teigie O'Brien, the first sheriff of Clare, supplied food and drink for the president's use.

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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 sheriffs were instituted, and a nucleus formed from which a regular 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 system 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 president; 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."! Queen 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 from Clare and take refuge in France. He subsequently obtained pardon from 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. t Ibid. a.d. 1570.

Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 84

Edward Bruce defeated and killed at Dundalk

Dundalk · town · Louth · 1318

After King Robert Bruce abandoned the conquest of Ireland and returned home, his brother Edward Bruce was defeated and killed in an engagement with the English at Dundalk. The Four Masters recorded that during Bruce's three and a half years in Ireland, universal famine prevailed and a plague followed, devastating the population.

Read the passage

At this critical moment a meeting of English and Irish chiefs was summoned in Limerick, and it was determined with all speed to collect an army to resist the Scotch. Mortough O'Brien was unanimously selected, both by the Irish chiefs and by all the Anglo-Norman barons who were present, to command the united forces. The Irish and their allies seem to have been rapidly brought together, and they at once advanced against the enemy's position. The Bruces, however, thought it prudent to retire. Soon afterwards King Robert gave up the idea of conquering Ireland, and returned home; his brother Edward being subsequently defeated and killed in an engagement with the English at Dundalk. The " Four Masters," referring to the Scottish invasion of Ireland, observe : " Edward Bruce, the destroyer of the people of Ireland, both English and Irish, was slain by the English. No achievement had been performed in Ireland for a long time before from which greater benefit had occurred to the country than from this ; for during the three and a half years Bruce spent in Ireland a universal famine prevailed to such a degree that men were wont to devour one another." It is impossible to add to the force of this account of the misery produced by this invasion of Ireland ; the progress of the Scotch throughout the country was followed by a fearful outbreak of the plague, which cut off a vast number of the famine-stricken population. AVe cannot overlook the fact that the English, who had assumed the right to govern Ireland, practically stood on one side for three years, while the Scotch destroyed the inhabitants of the greater part of that country. County Clare escaped much of this suffering, for we are expressly told that neither the invaders nor the plague reached the people of that province.

Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 62

Fireball Macnamara wounded at Vinegar Hill

near Vinegar Hill · hill or hills · Wexford · 1798

John 'Fireball' Macnamara is supposed to have fought incognito at the Battle of Vinegar Hill with the peasantry, where he was wounded in the thigh and remained lame for the rest of his life.

Read the passage

Colonel F. Macnamara of Moyrisk was elected member for Clare in 1790; he had previously been an officer of the yeomanry and Clare volunteers, and held a prominent position in the county; he entered the Dublin Parliament as a supporter of the Government, and was a cotemporary of John Macnamara, M.P.; they were neighbours in Clare as boys, and probably on terms of friendship. Colonel F. Macnamara died in the year 18 14, and was succeeded by his son Major Macnamara, who was Daniel O'Connell's second in the duel when he shot the unfortunate Mr. D'Esterre in 18 15. Major Macnamara was urged to stand as Member of Parliament for county Clare, on Mr. Fitzgerald's promotion (he being member for Clare) to the Secretaryship of the Board of Trade; the major, however, declined the offer, in consequence "of his friendship for the Fitzgerald family."* Major Macnamara's brother John, "Shawn Bwee," as he was called, or " Yellow John," on account of his swarthy complexion, lived at Moyrisk during his father's lifetime, and added much to the pleasure ofthe rollicking society which always crowded the rooms of that hospitable mansion. His father kept a pack of hounds, and more than one team of horses filled his stables, and with an establishment in proportion he ran up heavy debts, which ultimately led to the property being sold. But during the early part of this century the future was the last thing which Colonel Macnamara and his sons thought of. John, or as he was better known, Fireball Macnamara, was a great favourite throughout Clare j he is said to have fought fifty-seven duels during his early years, besides standing second in numerous affairs of honour. He is supposed to have fought incognito at the Battle of Vinegar Hill with the peasantry, and was then wounded in the thigh, and so was lame for the rest of his life. Fireball's name is at the present time a household word in Clare, and among the people numberless tales are told of his deeds 3 for he evidently exercised a fascinating influence over his neighbours and friends, and was overflowing with brave and generous sentiments a keen lover of sport of every kind. The tender side of Fireball's nature was brought out in his chivalrous devotion to his charming sister, Fair Mary of Moyrisk, who seems not only to have been a remarkably beautiful young woman, but was also held in the highest respect by all who came under her influence. There was much in John Macnamara's character which reminds us of the qualities displayed by so many of his ancestors, who were chiefs of one of the principal families of our sept. Fireball was the last of the Moyrisk Macnamaras, and, like many of those who had preceded him he attached * Very Rev. P. White, P.P., V.G. : " History of Clare," p. 337.

Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 131

Ludlow's famous description of Burren's barrenness

Burren · townland · Clare

Cromwell's general Ludlow described Burren as lacking water enough to drown a man, wood enough to hang a man, or soil sufficient to bury him. Despite this reputation, Burren's terraced hills are intersected with deep valleys forming some of the finest grazing lands in the country.

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 water sufficient to drown a man in, wood enough 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 close 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 close proximity with these remains some of the work of the earliest Christian settlers in Ireland still exist, rude in the

Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 7

Mac-Con Macnamara founds Quin Friary

Quin · town · Clare · 1400–1433

Around the beginning of the fifteenth century, Mac-Con Macnamara, prince of Clann-Cullin, founded the monastery at Quin for the Observantine Brethren. Pope Eugene IV issued a bull confirming this foundation in 1433, addressing Mac-Con as prince of Clann-Culin.

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Mac-Con Macnamara, prince of Clann-Cullin, constructed and founded, about the beginning of the fifteenth century, the noble and magnificent monastery of Cunnyeh (Quin), for the Observantine Brethren, and the Bull of Eugene IV. is seen bearing upon this point, under the year 1433. " Dilecto filie nobito viro. Mac-Con-Macnamara Duct de Clann-Cullyan, &-c. &-c.,'\.e., to " His beloved son, to the noble man, Mac-con-Macnamara, Prince of Clann-Culin, &c. &c." This house hath never ceased to rule the Principality of Clann-Culin up to the middle of the sixteenth century, a time in which finding itself aggraved by the continuous incursions of the supporters of the English Reformation, and much enfeebled by the betrayal of its parent, the chief of the House of O'Brien to the common cause, in submitting himself as well as his estates to Henry VIII., and accepting from this Sovereign the title of Count of Thomond, it judged it prudent to submit likewise, as well as its principality, to Queen Elizabeth, and to receive from this princesss the Investiture thereof, with this difference, that it had rather, without altering its illustrious character, to hand down to its posterity the title of chief of this ancient house, than to receive it anew from the English Court, which up to that time was to it a stranger. At all times this illustrious house has made sacrifice of itself for the support of religion, and for the maintenance of the power to which it hath been attached, many of whose members have lost their life and their property in the service of Charles I., decapitated in 1649, for whom they raised two regiments at their expense. They made the same efforts for James II., and passed with him into France, where James III. gave them an authentic testimony of their services, and the antiquity and nobility of their birth, by a patent dated at St. Germain en Laye, the 7th of April, 1704. They have exhibited in our regards the same sentiments of honour and love for us personally ; in a word, ever since that period of time, they have served us with the same zeal and distinction. Wishing therefore to give on all occasions the testimony of our satisfaction of the signal services which the brave Irish nobility has rendered to the kings who preceded us, and which it still continues to render to ourselves, we have resolved to adorn our well-beloved, the said Henry Pantaleon Macnamara, or Macnemara, with the title of Count of our kingdom, reversible for ever to the chief of the branch of this house, established in our said kingdom, as a distinctive mark due to his high nobility. For this purpose, &c*

Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 118

Macnamara sept burns Ferns to avenge Teigue's death

Ferns · townland · Wexford · 1044

In 1044, Teigue Macnamara, chief of Clancuilein and next in rank to Donogh O'Brien, was slain by the King of Meath. His sept rose to avenge him, burning Ferns, the chief town of Meath, and killing the king's brother.

Read the passage

Teigue (Macnamara) was at this time, a.d. 1044, " chief of Clancuilein, and next in rank to Donogh ; he was slain by the King of Meath." But his sept rose to a man to revenge his death, and " pushing on, burnt Ferns," the chief town of Meath, and killed the king's brother. During this incursion the monastery of Cluain-mac-noise was plundered by the Dalcasians. The King of Leinster, however, held his own, and his province for the time being remained independent under the rule of Melachlin, Turlough's foster-father.*
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.f 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. J 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. Donogh had indeed been beset with difficulties, for we are informed that in consequence of "much inclement weather in Ireland, its corn, milk, fruit, and fish were

Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 48

Macnamara stands rooted at the Battle of Corcomroe

Corcomroe · barony · Clare · 1317

At the Battle of Corcomroe, Maccon Macnamara held the centre of the Dalcasian position, dealing death to his enemies while his sept parried blows for him. Nicol Macnamara and the young Hugh mac Donough Macnamara fought desperately alongside him, though Hugh was ultimately slain among twenty-one principal leaders of Clancuilein.

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darts and arrows. The two sides then met hand to hand with ringing cheers, and spears well to the fore. Magrath gives a detailed account of the battle and of the valour shown by the chiefs of the various septs engaged, which may best be read in Mr. O'Grady's translation of Magrath's history.* As regards Clancuilein, he states that on Macnamara "fell the task of keeping the battle braced together; there he stood rooted and held the key of the position, dealing death to his enemies. For out of the West hardly was there come champion or great chief's son, chieftain or noble captain of Clan Brian Roe but continually and wildly cried out for Macnamara " — and in response to them his chiefs, one after the other, sprang to meet his challengers. Maccon had no easy game to play, as he found himself planted in the centre of the fight, encircled with a trusty band of his sept, who parried many a blow for him — among these, Nicol Macnamara fought desperately — and the feats that he performed, which, but for his shield, that proved his salvation, could never have been carried through. Hugh mac Donough Macnamara likewise did doughty service, though but a stripling, and so on with other members of the sept.f At length Donough Brian Roe was slain, and his followers were completely defeated by Dermot O'Brien and the Clancuilein and other septs of the Dalcasian tribe under his command. Dermot addressed his soldiers, urging them not to be overcome by the grief for the friends that had been slain. His words are reported as follows :

Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 65

Mahon and Brian hide in forests between Lough Derg and the Fergus

near Lough Derg · lake or lakes · Clare · 890–968

Mahon and Brian Boru, with the Dalcasians, crossed the Shannon into Clare to escape the Norse invaders and dispersed themselves among the forests and woods between Lough Derg and the River Fergus, over the Macnamara territories, from which they sallied forth to kill the foreigners.

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The west of Ireland, from the year a.d. 890, was overrun with Norsemen, who, we are informed, occupied the homes of the Irish, so that the owners had not even power to "give milk or eggs to a sick or infirm man; the foreigners claimed the right over everything." The Norsemen were far better armed than the native Irish, who at the time were utterly unable to withstand them.t It was in circumstances of this kind that Mahon and his brother Brian, the sons of Kennedy appeared on the scene. From its geographical position, and in consequence of the dense woods which covered its hills and plains, Clare was not so completely occupied by the Norsemen as other parts of Ireland. At any rate, from the account given in the wars of the Gaedhil with the Gail, we learn that Mahon and Brian, with the greater part of the Dalcasians living to the east and south of the Shannon crossed the river into Clare so as to escape from the invaders of their country ; and they " dispersed themselves among the forests and woods situated between Loch Durge and the Fergus," or, in other words, over the Macnamara territories ; from this locality the Irish proceeded to sally forth and kill all the foreigners they could lay their hands on. The effect of these tactics were to compel the Norsemen to concentrate their forces on the Shannon, where they built a fort in the district of Tradraighe, which at that time belonged to our sept and was subsequently the site of the Anglo-Norman castle of Bunratty. In these operations Brian Boru's forces suffered fearfully from constant fighting and want of food ; and

Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 43

O'Brien cattle raid to Ballyallia and death of Teigie O'Brien

Ballyallia · townland · Clare

Young O'Briens of Ennistymon organized a cattle-lifting expedition against Clancuilein, ravaging lands along the Fergus as far south as Ballyallia. On their return laden with spoil, two cantreds of Macnamaras rose against them; Teigie O'Brien was killed and the expedition dispersed.

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Seeing the apparent ease with which a raid of this kind could be effected without any effort on the part of the Government to restrain the offending nobleman, some of the younger members of the O'Briens of Ennistymon seem to have thought it well to try on the same game, and so they organised a cattle lifting expedition against Clancuilein. Under command of young O'Brien, they ravaged the lands and farms on either side of the Fergus as far south as Ballyalley, but on their return journey, when laden with spoil, they were met by a " rising out of the country of two cantred of the Macnamaras whose flocks and herds they had robbed. Teigie O'Brien was killed, and the expedition was dispersed."
All this turmoil and bloodshed in Clare occurred without the slightest intervention on the part of the Government, who thus signally failed to fulfil the agreement they had made with the members of our sept in 1545, "to protect them against their enemies," and to preserve order and justice in Clare.

Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 93

River Shannon as Cromwell's barrier against the Irish

Shannon · town · Clare · 1653–1654

Froude described Cromwell's transplantation policy as using the Shannon as a natural and effectual barrier, beyond which the families of the Irish chiefs would receive equivalent lands. A line of physical demarcation would be drawn between Teutonic and Celtic populations.

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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 Shannon. 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 the> were deprived. There living 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 Prendergasfs *' Cromwellian Settlement," 2nd edit. p. 246.
202 MACNAMARAS OCCUPIED ORIGINAL

Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 105

Second enemy host threatens Dalcasians at Corcomroe monastery

near Corcomroe Abbey · monument · Clare · 1317

While the Dalcasian army rested and tended their wounded at the monastery of Corcomroe after the battle, a hurried messenger warned them of a fresh, overwhelming enemy force approaching to attack them. The leaders rallied their men to arm and come forth from the monastery.

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" It was but a short time that they had been devoted to these strange occupations when there came to them a hurried messenger, and : ' let your gentlemen arise to fall you in,' he cried, ' and your chiefs to get you into position ; with all speed armour your champions, bustle up your kerne ; in silence but resolutely, promptly, come forth of the monastery ; for to attack you comes on a very torrent of enemies, a battle-armed flag-flying array, and smooth-panoplied over-numerous formidable mass, of anything but friends.'
" By these words pleasurable feelings were evoked both in leaders and in men, and they [the former] answered : ' not for a mere random while, not for a brief spell only, fortune escorts and follows you, from the day when good luck has conveyed your enemies to fall on you here. And whereas on this field many a one of you fought hard without preconceived special enmity to your opponents, now on the contrary not a man of you but feels for them abiding rooted detestation because of your companies fallen by their captains ; [while they regard us in the same light] because of their supreme chief and foremost notables perished at our companies' hands. Neither in this present strait should we find coming against us " heads of battle " equal to the chiefs of a while

Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 65

Steelboys captured and tried at Carrickfergus

near Carrickfergus · town · Antrim · 1772–1773

Members of the Steelboys protest movement were captured and put on trial at Carrickfergus, but no local jury would convict them. An Act was consequently passed removing them for trial to Dublin, though this obnoxious Act was repealed in 1773, after which the organisation speedily subsided.

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the Steelboys were captured and tried at Carrickfergus, but no local jurj would convict them ; so that an Act was passed removing them for trial to Dublin. But in 1773 this obnoxious Act was repealed, and the organisation speedily subsided. Thousands of the Steelboys emigrated to America, and were afterwards found in the ranks of the American army.* Mr. Lecky observes this sudden subsidence of a formidable insurrection in the north of Ireland is a remarkable contrast to that of the persistence of the Whiteboys in the south. To my mind, however, the difference is to be accounted for in the diversity of character of the two peoples. The Catholic Celts of the south were a distinct race from the Presbyterians of the north of Ireland, who had not that intense love of land and brotherhood which characterised the agricultural population of Munster.
I wish, however, to draw special attention to Arthur Young's description of the Whiteboy movement, for if we analyse it we find it contains, in a concise form, as applied to a widely disseminated movement in the west of Ireland, the characters which we have seen specialised in the individual members of our sept before they had been driven from their old home in county Clare (see Chapter XV.).

Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 124

Turlough O'Brien's army ravages from Cashel to Thurles

Cashel · town · Tipperary · 1304

In 1304 Turlough O'Brien marched with his army through Cashel, ravaging the countryside as far as Thurles before turning north. The march was part of a wider campaign through Munster and Thomond.

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After the death of Thomas de Clare, Turlough O'Brien with Clancuilein and other of his allies marched forth (a.d. 1304) "with his colours in the centre, and gilt shields outside," and cavalry in the rear ; and passing through Cashel ravaged the country as far as Thurles, and then turned north, reaching Nenagh. At this point in his career he was persuaded by his friend the Earl of Ulster to give up the idea of further conquest and to return to Clare.
As Turlough's army moved along the lovely wooded banks of Loch Derg, Magrath informs us that " they were met by a lone woman who approached them, fair of face she was and of modest mien. From her strange aspect and beautiful form, the whole of Turlough's followers took heed of her : a maid with red lips and taper fingers, long and wavy flowing hair ; her whole being commanded respect." She spoke to the king as follows : " My name is Ireland's sovereignty, and if strangers had not caused thee to turn back, the sovereign rule of the whole of Ireland would have been yours." Such delight had the army in listening to her that they pressed close on her ; but she disappeared in the semblance of a bright cloud, repeating as she passed away a long poem which Magrath has given us in detail. Turlough then deeply repented having followed the Earl's counsel ; nevertheless he ruled the whole of Munster and Thomond as his ancestors had done before him. For no less than nine-and-twenty years Turlough reigned over this province, during which time we are told there was exceeding abundance in the country and " every man was able to attend to and to perform the office of his station." §

Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 57

As the companion tells it

In 1304, after the death of Thomas de Clare, Turlough O'Brien marched through this town of Cashel at the head of Clancuilein and his allies, his colours in the centre, gilt shields outside, and cavalry in the rear. He ravaged the country as far as Thurles, then turned north and reached Nenagh. At that point the Earl of Ulster, his friend, persuaded him to give up the idea of further conquest and return to Clare. As Turlough's army moved along the wooded banks of Loch Derg, Magrath tells us they were met by a lone woman, fair of face and of modest mien. From her strange aspect and beautiful form, the whole of Turlough's followers took heed of her: a maid with red lips and taper fingers, long and wavy flowing hair; her whole being commanded respect. She spoke to the king: "My name is Ireland's sovereignty, and if strangers had not caused thee to turn back, the sovereign rule of the whole of Ireland would have been yours." The army pressed close on her in their delight at listening, but she disappeared in the semblance of a bright cloud, repeating as she passed away a long poem which Magrath has given us in detail. Turlough then deeply repented having followed the Earl's counsel. Nevertheless, he ruled the whole of Munster and Thomond as his ancestors had done before him. For 29 years Turlough reigned over this province, during which there was exceeding abundance in the country, and "every man was able to attend to and to perform the office of his station."

Clare deputies refuse dress conformity in Dublin Parliament

Dublin · city · Dublin · 1584

During a parliament convened in Dublin in 1584, the Lord President attempted to persuade the members from Clare to adopt the dress of the other deputies. They declined, with one remarking that the next step would be giving his chieftain petticoats to walk the streets in.

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Dress. — As late as 1584, in a Parliament convened at Dublin, the Lord President endeavoured to persuade the members from Clare to conform in dress to that of the other deputies of the Senate ; but they declined, one of them replying, that the next thing would be to "give his chieftain petticotes to walk the streets in, so that the rabble might laugh at them both."* Some fifty years later Rinuccini stated, that most of the better classes of Irish wore the costume of their country. That the poorer classes of the West of Ireland had but few wants, living largely on trefoil and butter, their drink being milk, and for a great treat, whisky ; nevertheless, he adds, " they have shoes, some few utensils, and woollen mantles which cover them, but they are much more careful of their swords and muskets than of their bodies."
The Military Force of the Irish has been described by J. Dymmock in his account of Ireland, written a.d. 1600. He states that " theire forces consist of Horsemen, Galloglasses and Kerne, the horsemen being armed with headpiece, shirtes of mayle, a sworde, a skayne, and a spearc. They rode on paddes or pi Howes without styrops, they beare the spear or lance by the middle and so encounter ; every horseman hath two or three horses, and every horse a knave : his horse of service is allwaies led spare, and his knave, which caryeth his harness and speare, rydeth upon * Macgeoghegan's " History of Ireland," p. 48a.

Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 113

As the companion tells it

Coming through Dublin now, and this city was where the parliament of 1584 convened. The Lord President tried to persuade the members from Clare to conform in dress to the other deputies of the Senate. They declined. One of them replied that the next thing would be to give his chieftain petticoats to walk the streets in, so that the rabble might laugh at them both. Some 50 years later, Rinuccini stated that most of the better classes of Irish still wore the costume of their country. He said the poorer classes of the west of Ireland had but few wants, living largely on trefoil and butter, their drink being milk, and for a great treat, whisky. He adds that they have shoes, some few utensils, and woollen mantles which cover them, but they are much more careful of their swords and muskets than of their bodies. The military force of the Irish was described by J. Dymmock in his account of Ireland, written in 1600. He states that their forces consist of horsemen, galloglasses and kerne, the horsemen being armed with headpiece, shirts of mail, a sword, a skayne, and a spear. They rode on pads or pillows without stirrups, and bore the spear or lance by the middle and so encountered. Every horseman had 2 or 3 horses, and every horse a knave.

Cumea Macnamara killed in battle with Macarthy

Tuam · town · Galway · 1133–1134

In 1134, while Connor O'Brien was absent, Macarthy of Desmond invaded the province and in an engagement with the Dalcais headed by Cumea Macnamara of Ui-Caisin, Cumea was killed. The annalists called it a just judgment for his plundering of Tuam cathedral the previous year.

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Cumea Mor Macnamara. — During the year 1134, Connor O'Brien, King of Thomond, being absent from his territory, Macarthy, chief of Desmond, invaded the province, "and in an engagement with the Dalcais, headed by Cumea Macnamara of Ui-Caisin,"f that chief was killed. His death is referred to by the annalists as follows : they state " it was a just judgment on Cumea for having plundered, during the previous year, the great cathedral church of Tuam." Macarthy, after having slain the chief of Clancuilein, was returning with great booty to South Munster, but was overtaken by the Macnamara sept, who recaptured their property and slew Macarthy. It was during Connor's reign that Cormac, Prince Bishop of Cashel, built the beautiful chapel which still exists on the rock in that place, a very gem of massive architecture, which, together with the wonderful missals and other penmanship of the time, demonstrate the fact that, amidst all the fighting and turmoil going on in Ireland, the arts were not neglected ; the work of the twelfth century in iron, gold and silver, not only shows taste in design but skill in workmanship.
Turlough O'Brien determined to subdue Connaught, and on his march from Clare had to " cut his way by clearing a path for his followers through a densely thick forest " which covered the route which he took along the line of country between the existing towns of Gort and Atheney. He destroyed the " red birch tree " under which the O'Hynes were elected chiefs, and, having taken the chief of the O'Kellys prisoner, returned via Leinster into Thomond.

Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 48

Benjamin Franklin visits Dublin

Dublin · city · Dublin · 1771

Dr. Benjamin Franklin, one of America's most thoughtful and independent statesmen, visited the City and Parliament of Dublin in 1771. At the time of signing the treaty of American Independence he wished Ireland to be excluded from the agreement, observing that 'that country is much our friend.'

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t Dr. Benjamin Franklin, one of America's most thoughtful and independent statesmen, visited the City and Parliament of Dublin in 1771. At the time of signing the treaty of American Independence he wished Ireland to be excluded from this agreement, because he observed "that country is much our friend"; the proposed agreement " was to be against England, to ensure change of measures, and not to hurt Ireland."
J Rockingham's " Life of Albemarle," vol. ii. p. 300.

Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 125

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Dublin, you're tracing a road Benjamin Franklin walked in 1771. Dr. Franklin, one of America's most thoughtful and independent statesmen, visited the city and its Parliament. Later, at the signing of the treaty of American Independence, he wished Ireland excluded from the agreement. He observed that "that country is much our friend." The agreement, he said, "was to be against England, to ensure change of measures, and not to hurt Ireland."

Clancuilein elect Coveha Macnamara chief at Magh Adhair

near Magh Adhair · monument · Clare

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

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After the death of Sioda, Magrath states that Clancuilein assembled at Magh Adhair and elected his son Cumheadha (Coveha) Macnamara as their chief; the historian remarks that in "the choice of Coveha as their head, Clancuilein had not exchanged a stone for an egg, but had taken gold in place of silver";* "for now the Cu or Wolf-dog's rabies rose against those that bordered on his confines, towards his opponents he exalted his humour, and he made his martial deeds to be illustrious throughout neighbouring counties and provinces." Coveha was married to Sheilia O'Carroll, daughter of the chief of Ely.f It seems quite certain that the author of the records from which Magrath compiled his history had a strong feeling in favour of Coveha Macnamara, 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. Coveha, soon after taking command of his sept, went to visit Mac Car thy, chief of Desmond, in the hopes 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, MacConmara I will not surrender, the wolf-dog, he does not belong to me, and shall not go against his own will. J Coveha, however, finding his mission in the cause of peace was useless and that a large reward was offered for his life, made his way back to Ui-Caisin with all secrecy and speed.

Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 56

Cumara Macnamara kills O'Connor, king of Kerry

Kerry · county · Kerry · 1143

Cumara Macnamara, chief of Clancuilein and Turlough O'Brien's second in command, made an incursion into Kerry and killed O'Connor, king of that territory, in 1143.

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in command, and, having made an incursion into Kerry, in an encounter with O'Connor, king of that territory, 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 clan.f 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 Boru's drinking goblet, a.d. 1151.

Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 48

As the companion tells it

As you travel through Kerry, this county was the scene of a killing in 1143. Cumara Macnamara, chief of Clancuilein and second in command to Turlough O'Brien, made an incursion into Kerry. In an encounter with O'Connor, king of that territory, Cumara killed him. This was part of a wider struggle. Turlough O'Brien and Cumara shared a common object: 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 made 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 and his sept took a prominent part in the battle and fought with great bravery, but towards the close of the day he was overpowered and slain, as were many of his clan. Turlough O'Brien escaped with difficulty and fled to Limerick. He was compelled to give the King of Connaught 200 ounces of gold as ransom, and Brian Boru's drinking goblet, in 1151.

Daniel Macnamara of Rathfolan settles in Burren as a smuggler

Burren · townland · Clare · 1654–1750

Daniel Macnamara, having been expelled from his estates at Ballinacragga and Rathfolan near Newmarket, found refuge in Burren where he and his numerous family engaged in smuggling along the southern shore of Galway Bay, exploiting the inlets and caves of Muckinish and Kinvara Bays.

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eighteenth century. In consequence of the crushing export duties levied by England on Irish wool and other agricultural produce, the temptation to smuggle was vastly augmented, and the profit to be derived from it greatly increased. The southern shore of Galway Bay, with its snug inlets for boats, such as Muckinish and Kenvarra Bays, which run up to the Burren hills, with their wonderful caves and dark hiding-places, would seem to be an ideal place for freebooters; and here Daniel Macnamara and his numerous family settled.* They were Roman Catholics, and therefore excluded from the army, navy, or any of the liberal professions ; but even in this world-forsaken Burren district they were not allowed to acquire land, for we find in 1690 and in 170 c that petitions were forwarded to the Government against them by informers, who claimed the lands which certain Macnamaras had acquired in Burren, because they had obtained these lands being Roman Catholics, and had consequently no right to them.f
Daniel Macnamara's eldest son, Teigie, after the capitulation of Limerick (p. 246) had retired to Smithstown, Burren, situated near the Atlantic coast, five miles east of Doolin, some thirteen miles south-east of his father's place at Ballinacragga.

Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 122

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

The stories, best first

Turlough O'Brien cuts through forest between Gort and Athenry

Sioda Macnamara buried in St. Brendan's churchyard, Burren

Banshee apparition at the River Fergus crossing

Battle of Corcomroe at the abbey in the Burren

Burning of the fort at Quin by Coveha Macnamara

Ceallachan captured near Dublin by Sitric's soldiers

Clare Brigade assembles at Quin Abbey before exile

Clonmacnoise founded on field of the hogs of Nos

Dalcasians defeat Anglo-Normans on the plain near Tulla

Destruction of Bunratty town and bridge over the river

Donough O'Brien slain in Burren

Dublin Volunteers display Free Trade placards, 1779

Earl of Thomond renounces his name at Limerick Cathedral

Fireball Macnamara's death and burial at Quin Abbey

James II arrives in Dublin for 1689 Parliament

James II retreats from the Boyne to Dublin

Kildare surprises castle of Ballycullen in Clare

Kilkenny garrison submits to Cromwell

Kincora — Brian Boru's capital at Killaloe described

Lord Donegal's ejectments and the Steelboys near Belfast

Lord Grey destroys the bridge at Killaloe

Macnamaras kill O'Shaughnessy chief despite peace compact

O'Donnell's 1598 cattle raid west of the Fergus

Rathfolan Macnamaras fled to Burren after resisting English troops

Thomond army encamps at Corcomroe Abbey before battle

War between the monasteries of Clonmacnoise and Durrow

Wentworth declares Clare landowners' titles null and void

Brian Boru takes Limerick and destroys its fortifications

Dead of Corcomroe buried in the abbey precincts

De Clare fortifies Quin: church of St. Finghin and fortress

Donchardh Macnamara rallies his sept at Ballycullen hill

Donnybrook Fair described by Sir J. Barrington, 1790

Empty county jail at Ennis in 1895

French landing at Killala, August 1798

Macnamara plots to seize Bunratty Castle

Rinuccini confines Kilkenny Council members in castle

Siege of a Macnamara Castle by Lord Grey

Turlough destroys O'Hynes' election tree near Athenry

Battle at Newtown Butler

Brian Bane fled from Dysert and was assigned lands in Ormond

Chiefs' council at Limerick to resist the Scots

Court of justice at Ennis Monastery, 1570

Edward Bruce defeated and killed at Dundalk

Fireball Macnamara wounded at Vinegar Hill

Ludlow's famous description of Burren's barrenness

Mac-Con Macnamara founds Quin Friary

Macnamara sept burns Ferns to avenge Teigue's death

Macnamara stands rooted at the Battle of Corcomroe

Mahon and Brian hide in forests between Lough Derg and the Fergus

O'Brien cattle raid to Ballyallia and death of Teigie O'Brien

River Shannon as Cromwell's barrier against the Irish

Second enemy host threatens Dalcasians at Corcomroe monastery

Steelboys captured and tried at Carrickfergus

Turlough O'Brien's army ravages from Cashel to Thurles

Clare deputies refuse dress conformity in Dublin Parliament

Cumea Macnamara killed in battle with Macarthy

Benjamin Franklin visits Dublin

Clancuilein elect Coveha Macnamara chief at Magh Adhair

Cumara Macnamara kills O'Connor, king of Kerry

Daniel Macnamara of Rathfolan settles in Burren as a smuggler