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

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1. 1605 Dublin judgment abolishes Brehon land customs

   Dublin · city · Dublin · 1605

   A judgment delivered in Dublin in 1605 set aside all Irish customs pertaining to landed property in favour of English common law, abolishing tanistry and gavelkind. This deprived junior family members of inheritances they would have received under the Brehon code.

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   there they lived until prepared to go forth to administer to the religious wants of their countrymen with death or imprisonment staring then in the face.* As the Government were unable to lay hands on thes<| youths in their Continental seminaries, they proceeded to punisr: parents who sent their sons abroad with the object of entering tht priesthood ; and the rules compelling Roman Catholics to attenc Protestant services were rigidly enforced. But it was all to no purpose and the Government, in despair of converting the Irish to the Protestant faith by these means, gave up the attempt. The custom oi tanistry and of gavelkind were abolished by law ; and from a judgment delivered in Dublin in the year a.d. 1605, all Irish customs appertaining to landed property were to be set on one side in favoui of the common law of England; but no means were taken to guard the interests of junior members of families who under the Brehon code would have inherited sufficient land to maintain them and their children in that grade of society to which they belonged. These people, having been deprived of their inheritance by the substitution of English for Irish law, were turned adrift impoverished and unable to gain a living. It was the sudden and untimely application of English law to the condition of the landed proprietors living under the old Brehon code that completely disorganised the land tenure in Ireland, and from which it has never recovered.! The Government soon afterwards re-enacted the law of gavelkind in Ireland, with the express object of sub-dividing the estates of Irish Roman Catholic landowners, so as to minimise their influence in the country, and this Act remained in operation until the time of George III.

   It was necessary to refer thus briefly to matters affecting the general

   Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 94

   As the companion tells it

   As the road passes through Dublin, you are in the city where, in 1605, a judgment was delivered that set aside all Irish customs appertaining to landed property in favour of the common law of England. The customs of tanistry and gavelkind were abolished by law. Under the old Brehon code, junior members of families had inherited sufficient land to maintain them and their children in the grade of society to which they belonged. No means were taken to guard their interests when the substitution came. They were deprived of their inheritance, turned adrift, impoverished, and unable to gain a living. The passage calls it the sudden and untimely application of English law to the condition of landed proprietors living under the old Brehon code. It completely disorganised the land tenure in Ireland, and from this it has never recovered. The broader background the passage gives is one of coercion. The Government had tried to compel Roman Catholics to attend Protestant services, rigidly enforcing the rules. They had also punished parents who sent their sons abroad to enter the priesthood, since they could not lay hands on the youths in their Continental seminaries. All of it was to no purpose, and the Government gave up the attempt to convert the Irish to the Protestant faith by these means. Soon afterwards, the Government re-enacted the law of gavelkind in Ireland, with the express object of sub-dividing the estates of Irish Roman Catholic landowners, so as to minimise their influence in the country. That Act remained in operation until the time of George III.

2. Aengus seeks refuge in the Aran Islands

   near Aran Islands · island or archipelago · Galway · 80–100

   During the conflict between the Firbolgs and the Celts around the end of the first century AD, after the Celts recovered power and slaughtered or drove out great numbers of the old Iberian race, Aengus sought refuge in the isles of Arran.

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   chief of Munster, was also slain in an engagement with the Aryan invaders.* Towards the end of the first century of our era the Firbolgs rose against the Celts ; they had still a chief in Connaught who was of sufficient importance to receive the Celtic king of Ireland, but having invited the king and his attendants into his fort, the Firbolg chief slew the whole of them and then seized the government of Ireland. Their reign, however, was of short duration, for the Celts soon recovered their power, and slaughtered or drove out of the country great numbers of the old race. It was at this period that Aengus sought refuge in the isles of Arran.f From this history we learn that the Iberian stock were still powerful and numerous in Ireland at the commencement of the Christian era ; and we shall find that in the district now known as county Clare, these people were not conquered by the Celts until the end of the fourth or the beginning of the fifth century.

   Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 9

   As the companion tells it

   The Aran Islands lie off the coast of Galway. Their story reaches back to the end of the first century, when the Firbolgs rose against the Celts. The Firbolgs still had a chief in Connaught of sufficient importance to receive the Celtic king of Ireland. They invited the king and his attendants into his fort, and the Firbolg chief slew the whole of them and then seized the government of Ireland. Their reign was short. The Celts soon recovered their power, and slaughtered or drove out of the country great numbers of the old Iberian race. It was at this period that Aengus sought refuge in the isles of Arran. From this history we learn that the Iberian stock were still powerful and numerous in Ireland at the commencement of the Christian era. In the district now known as county Clare, these people were not conquered by the Celts until the end of the fourth or the beginning of the fifth century.

3. Battle of the Abbey aftermath at Corcomroe Abbey

   Corcomroe · barony · Clare

   After the great battle of the Abbey at Corcomroe, wounded warriors who had eagerly marched out of the monastery were carried back speechless and weak. The text calls this the third summit of high emprise achieved by the far-western Dalcasians from the Gael's arrival in Ireland until that day.

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   never had, were they that from their standing posture in the ranks fell fast and lay along. The mail being taken off them, ruddy jets came redly spirting and spouting through their wounds, at their angry hurts' slant open portals, and wide apertures of slashes dealt into the life, so that with those brave men's blood the softly green-grassed spot which they had taken up was all bedabbled and denied. Never was heard muffled sound more lamentable than their diverse companies' confused hum as they lighted on their friends, carefully tended the infirm and called to their leeches; into their fresh wounds stuffed pledgets, expedited their confessions, and tenderly carried off their generous comrades. For now that they found themselves defrauded of the battle, of that brilliant host great plenty that in the very front readily and briskly [for this second time] came out of the monastery all eager to encounter, into the same were lifted back speechless and weak and torpid.

   Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 67

   As the companion tells it

   Corcomroe is the barony you are passing through, and it holds the memory of a great battle at the abbey. After the fighting, men who had marched eagerly out of the monastery were carried back into it, speechless and weak. They had stood in the ranks and fallen fast, and when the mail was taken off them, blood came redly through their wounds, through the slant open portals of slashes dealt into their lives. The green-grassed spot they had taken up was all bedabbled with brave men's blood. A muffled, lamentable hum rose from their companies as they found their friends, tended the infirm, and called for their leeches. They stuffed pledgets into fresh wounds, expedited confessions, and tenderly carried off their generous comrades. This was counted the third summit of high emprise achieved by the far-western Dalcassians from the Gael's arrival in Ireland until that day.

4. Battle of the Boyne maneuvers

   near River Boyne · river · Kildare · 1690

   On July 1, 1690, William of Orange's right wing was detached to cross the River Boyne above the main Irish position, attempting a flanking maneuver. O'Neil's cavalry briefly delayed the crossing but eventually fell back toward the main Irish body.

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   On the ist of July, 1690, the Prince of Orange at daybreak detached a strong force, consisting of the right wing of his army, to cross the Boyne some miles above the position taken up by James II.'s army, and if possible by a flank movement to occupy the king's left wing, and also the road to Dublin. O'NeiFs cavalry did good work on the part of the jlrish, and for some time he prevented the English troops from crossing the river; but O'Neil ultimately fell back and retired towards the main body of the Irish army. They were followed by the English, who, after advancing over very rough ground, found themselves brought to a stand by a bog which intervened between them and the left wing of the Irish. O'Neil's troops crossed the bog over a narrow passage, but it was impossible for the English to follow in the face of a strong opposing force. It would appear that James II. was to some extent ignorant of the ground to the left of his position, and he put himself, therefore, at the head of his French troops to oppose the advancing right wing of

   ' * Rev. A. Hamilton : "The True Relation of the Action of Inniskilling men, ' [published 1699 ; also " Memoirs of James, Duke of Berwick," written by himself, vol. 5. p. 62. ; t General Viscount Wolseley' s" Life of the Duke of Marlborough/' vol. ii. p. 136-

   Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 117

   As the companion tells it

   The River Boyne runs through this part of the country. On the first of July, 1690, at daybreak, the Prince of Orange detached the right wing of his army with orders to cross the Boyne some miles above the position James the Second's forces had taken up. The aim was a flank movement, to seize the king's left wing and also the road to Dublin. O'Neil's cavalry did good work for the Irish. For some time they held the river and prevented the English troops from crossing. But O'Neil ultimately fell back and retired toward the main body of the Irish army. The English followed, advancing over very rough ground, until a bog between them and the left wing of the Irish brought them to a stand. O'Neil's troops crossed the bog by a narrow passage, but the English could not follow in the face of a strong opposing force. James the Second was to some extent ignorant of the ground to the left of his position. He put himself at the head of his French troops to oppose the advancing right wing of William's army.

5. Colonel Macnamara's Cratloe lands given to Peter Creagh

   Cratloe · town · Clare · 1654–1660

   Colonel J. Macnamara of Cratloe petitioned Charles II to recover ancestral estates and had lent the king £100 while in exile in Paris. Despite the king's written acknowledgement, most of his Cratloe lands were handed to Peter Creagh, an Englishman so detested he needed to live near the Limerick garrison for safety.

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   In spite of this assurance, but little could be done for Colonel Macnamara. The greater part of his lands had been made over to Peter Creagh, an Englishman, so detested by the Irish that he had to be provided with a considerable part of the Cratloe property, because it was situated not far distant from the garrison of Limerick.* In spite, however, of the loss of most of his estates, J. Macnamara was elected a Member of Parliament for his county in 1689 ; he was also appointed High Sheriff of Clare. A relation of his, Florence Macnamara, of Dromad, was Member of Parliament for Ennis.f Some other members of the sept also secured portions of their former estates, as, for instance, J. Macnamara, of Creeragh ; Colonel Daniel ; and John, of Moyriesk. Teigie Macnamara, the eldest son of Daniel, of Rathfolan (p. 205), was a distinguished officer in James II.'s army. Under the stipulations of the treaty of Limerick, he held the remnant of his father's property in lower Bunratty; but having mortgaged these lands to Sir D. O'Brien, under failure of redemption, the mortgage was foreclosed, and the last ancient property of Rathfolan passed from the Macnamaras into other hands (a.d. 1703). The castle, which had only been completed by Daniel Macnamara's father, is now a complete ruin.t After parting with the remainder of his former estates, Teigie Mac-

   * White's " History of Clare," p. 267.

   Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 116

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Cratloe, you are travelling through land that once belonged to Colonel J. Macnamara. He petitioned Charles II to recover his ancestral estates, and he had lent the king 100 pounds while in exile in Paris. The king gave written acknowledgement of the debt. But little could be done for him. The greater part of his lands at Cratloe had been made over to Peter Creagh, an Englishman so detested by the Irish that he had to be provided with a considerable part of the Cratloe property itself, because it was situated not far distant from the garrison of Limerick. He needed the garrison close by for his own safety. Despite losing most of his estates, Macnamara was elected a Member of Parliament for his county in 1689, and appointed High Sheriff of Clare. A relation, Florence Macnamara of Dromad, was Member of Parliament for Ennis. Other members of the sept also secured portions of their former estates. Teigie Macnamara, eldest son of Daniel of Rathfolan, was a distinguished officer in James the Second's army. Under the treaty of Limerick, he held the remnant of his father's property in lower Bunratty. But he mortgaged these lands to Sir D. O'Brien, and the mortgage was foreclosed. The last ancient property of Rathfolan passed from the Macnamaras in 1703.

6. Confederation headquarters retreat to Ennis, Clare

   Ennis · town · Clare · 1649–1650

   After being expelled by Cromwell from Kilkenny, the headquarters of the Confederation took up their abode in Ennis, county Clare. The Earl of Ormond felt the Royalist cause was almost hopeless and urged Prince Charles to come to Ireland to rouse supporters.

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

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

   Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 103

   As the companion tells it

   After Cromwell expelled them from Kilkenny, the headquarters of the Confederation came to Ennis in county Clare. The Earl of Ormond felt the cause of the Royalists in Ireland was almost hopeless. He believed Prince Charles alone could rouse the drooping spirits of his father's supporters, and urged Charles to assume command of the attenuated Royalist forces. The Prince, it is said, was actually on his road to Ireland, but was detained.

7. Conor O'Brien inaugurated King of Thomond at Magh Adhair

   near Magh Adhair · monument · Clare · 1242

   In 1242, Conor O'Brien was inaugurated as King of Thomond on Magh Adhair by Sioda Macnamara, chief of Clancuilein. The territory of Thomond at that time extended from Loop Head to Cashel, Parsonstown, and the Bay of Galway.

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   Donough O'Brien was succeeded by his eldest son Conor, who was inaugurated on Magh Adhair (a.d. 1242) King of Thomond, by Sioda (Sheeda) MacNeil Macnamara. The territory of Thomond then extended from Loop Head to Cashel, thence to Parsonstown and the Bay of Galway ; but no longer included South Munster, which had passed to the MacCarthys and other chiefs of Desmond. Conor O'Brien married the daughter of Niel Macnamara, who at the time was chief of Clancuilein, an event which had an important influence on the disturbed state into which Thomond was plunged by two rival sections of the O'Brien family who claimed the leadership of the Dalcasian tribe. By the marriage of the head of one of these factions with the Macnamaras, the most powerful septs of this famous tribe were intimately united, and through many years of terrible strife they maintained their supremacy, although the rival section of the O'Briens was supported by the Anglo-Normans under De Clare, who so soon as he could conquer its chief had been granted possession of Thomond by the King of England.

   The first appeal to arms which Conor O'Brien was called upon to consider was at the request of Henry III., who summoned him, a.d. 1252, to cross over to England and aid in his proposed expedition against the King of Scotland ; before Conor could ascertain the feeling of the Dalcasians as to taking part with the King of England in a warr of this kind, Henry came to terms with Scotland and so the negotiations between him and Conor O'Brien fell through.

   Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 53

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere about Magh Adhair, in 1242, Conor O'Brien was inaugurated King of Thomond. He had succeeded his father Donough O'Brien as eldest son, and the man who placed him in power was Sioda MacNeil Macnamara, known as Sheeda. The Thomond he ruled stretched from Loop Head to Cashel, then to Parsonstown and the Bay of Galway. South Munster was no longer part of it; that had gone to the MacCarthys and other chiefs of Desmond. Conor married the daughter of Niel Macnamara, chief of Clancuilein, and that union mattered. Two rival sections of the O'Brien family were claiming leadership of the Dalcasian tribe, and the marriage bound Conor's faction to the Macnamaras, the most powerful septs of the tribe. Through many years of terrible strife they held their supremacy. The rival O'Brien section had the backing of the Anglo-Normans under De Clare, who had been granted possession of Thomond by the King of England once he conquered its chief. In 1252, Henry III summoned Conor to cross to England and join an expedition against the King of Scotland. Before Conor could find out how the Dalcasians felt about fighting for the King of England, Henry reached terms with Scotland, and the whole matter came to nothing.

8. Death of Joan Macnamara of Quin, wife of MacCarthy of Desmond

   Quin · town · Clare · 1370

   The Annals of the Four Masters record the death in 1370 of Joan, daughter of Macnamara of Quin and wife of MacCarthy of Desmond. In the same period, Philip O'Kennedy, Lord of Ormond, and his wife Aine, also a Macnamara daughter, both died within one week. These marriages linked the major western chiefs through the Macnamara family.

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

   Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 75

   As the companion tells it

   The road takes you through or near Quin, a town in Clare with a name tied to one of its leading families. In 1370 the Annals of the Four Masters record the death of Joan, daughter of Macnamara of Quin and wife of MacCarthy of Desmond. The same annalists tell that Philip O'Kennedy, Lord of Ormond, and Aine his wife, a daughter of Macnamara, both died within one week. These were no ordinary deaths. The four most influential chiefs in the west of Ireland were brought together by marriage through their connection with the Macnamaras: the King of Thomond, the Earls of Desmond, Ormond, and Clanricarde. Marriages of this kind were not confined to the upper classes. For the most part, the married people adopted the language, dress, laws, and customs of the Irish. The writer of this passage felt that if these marriages had been allowed to develop, Ireland would now have been in a different position. He calls the blend of Celt and Saxon a fine race, and says the inhabitants of Ireland would have consisted of such people had the English Government not done all in its power to prevent the blending. They drove those who had formed connections by marriage with the Irish Celts outside their sphere of government and laws, and together with the native Irish regarded them as enemies, to be hunted down and killed whenever they were met. The Government then bestowed the vacant estates created by this policy upon young and untrained Englishmen, who bound themselves to live under rules prescribed by English authorities.

9. Donchadh Macnamara lays waste the lands of Moynoe

   Moynoe · townland · Clare · 1307–1310

   In retaliation for the killing of Sioda's foster-brother during the turmoil at Moynoe, Donchadh, chief of the Macnamara sept, laid waste all the lands of Moynoe, sparing only the church. This act of war provoked the Hy-Blood and other Dalcasian septs of East Clare into open conflict with Clancuilein.

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   Thomas de Clare was killed in August 1287, and until a.d. 1310 the peace and prosperity of Clare was almost undisturbed, and then the jealousy of the Irish septs amongst themselves was the cause of a small war which broke out in the north-eastern part of the district. The truth was, the Hy-Blood, the Kennedys, Connings, and other Dalcasian septs, had for some time envied the position and importance which Clancuilein had obtained in the affairs of Thomond. This feeling seems to have been rankling in their breasts for a considerable time, and was brought to a climax by the foolish rollicking conduct of two of the younger members of the Donchadh-Macnamara family. These individuals had been on an expedition into Galway, and having fallen out with De Burgho's steward he was killed. Fearing the earl would speedily retaliate they sought protection in the ecclesiastical establishment of Moynoe, some of them resting in the great church ; but they seemed to think they were not properly entertained by the religious community of the place, and they proceeded, therefore, to help themselves and to pillage the neighbourhood for food. Conduct of this kind created an outburst of indignation, and Sioda's foster-brother was killed in the turmoil which ensued. Upon this Donchadh, the chief of the sept, took up the quarrel and laid waste all the lands of Moynoe, sparing only the church. The badge of war being thus thrown down, the Hy-Blood and other Dalcasian septs of East Clare were not slow to accept the challenge given by Clancuilein.

   Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 58

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere near here, in the years around 1310, a small war broke out in the north-eastern part of Clare. The peace that had lasted since Thomas de Clare was killed in August 1287 was broken, not by outsiders, but by the jealousy of the Irish septs among themselves. The Hy-Blood, the Kennedys, the Connings, and other Dalcasian septs had long envied the position Clancuilein had gained in the affairs of Thomond. That feeling was brought to a head by the conduct of two younger members of the Donchadh Macnamara family. They had been on an expedition into Galway, and after a falling out, De Burgho's steward was killed. Fearing the earl would retaliate, they sought protection in the ecclesiastical establishment of Moynoe, resting in the great church. They thought they were not properly entertained by the religious community there, so they helped themselves and pillaged the neighbourhood for food. This caused an outburst of indignation, and in the turmoil that followed, Sioda's foster-brother was killed. Donchadh, chief of the sept, took up the quarrel and laid waste all the lands of Moynoe, sparing only the church. With the badge of war thus thrown down, the Hy-Blood and the other Dalcasian septs of East Clare were not slow to accept the challenge given by Clancuilein.

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

    Lusk · town · Dublin · 1051

    In 1051, 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. Meanwhile the King of Connaught invaded Clare via the Shannon.

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    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

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

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 48

    As the companion tells it

    The road passes through Lusk. In 1051, 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. While he was thus engaged, the King of Connaught invaded Clare by way of the Shannon, and then, striking inland, passed into Ui-Caisin and to Magh Adhair. On this occasion Turlough O'Brien seems again to have accompanied the invading forces. After a fierce encounter with Macnamaras and other Dalcasian septs, the invaders had to effect a hasty retreat, to reappear, however, before long with the King of Leinster. The confederates advanced to Limerick, which the Dalcais being unable to hold, burnt before retreating into Clare. Donogh was now growing old and worn out by this constant warfare. He retired, therefore, to Rome, where he died in the monastery of St. Stephen, in 1064.

11. Donough Brian Roe rallies forces on Burren hills above Ballyvaughan

    Ballyvaghan · town · Clare

    Donough Brian Roe, having failed to secure recognition as King of Thomond, appealed to chiefs west of the Fergus who assembled with him on the hills of Burren above Ballyvaughan to prepare for battle against Mortough O'Brien's supporters.

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

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

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 63

    As the companion tells it

    As the road takes you through Ballyvaghan, it is worth knowing that these hills above the town once gathered men for war. Donough Brian Roe had already brought trouble on Thomond. Word reached him that De Clare had failed to persuade the government in Dublin to recognise him as King of Thomond. So he turned again to arms. He threw himself on his former supporters and the chiefs west of the Fergus. Most of those chiefs rallied round him. They assembled on the hills of Burren above Ballyvaughan. While Donough gathered his forces, Dermot O'Brien acted in his brother Mortough's absence in Dublin. He called the chief landholders of his territory to meet in council. They came together and discussed how best to assail their enemies. Magrath reports that Mac-con-Macnamara sat on that council and said that if the sept of Clancuilein alone were called upon to meet the enemy it would be impossible to keep them from doing so. The Clan Mahons, Clan Teigue, a branch of Clancuilein, the O'Conors, the O'Deas, and many other septs were full of enthusiasm to join their chief. The council drew up its plans and broke up, in the words of the source, without a shadow of misgiving. Its members returned to their homes to get on with all that was needed for the emergency of that formidable encounter on which, towards the recovery of their patrimonial rights, they were resolved. The place of meeting they appointed for the last muster before the march was Ruane, of the grass-clad caves.

12. Flan robs churches of Clonmacnoise, Armagh, Durrow and Kildare

    Clonmacnoise · townland · Offaly

    Flan, though a bishop-king, had just previously attacked and robbed the churches of Clonmacnoise, Armagh, Durrow, and Kildare, and put their clergy to the sword. This casts doubt on the value of the blessing he gave to Lachtna, King of Thomond.

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    bishop of South Monster * Unmindful of the fact that the Dalcais were exempt from paying tribute either to the monarch of Ireland or to Munster Flan nevertheless demanded payment and submission from Lachtna' which was refused, whereupon Phelim marched an army against Thomond and encamped on the eastern bank of the Shannon. Lachtna desired peace and assembled his chiefs, including Maolchuite, who at that period was the head of Clancuilein; they determined to resist the demand for tribute, and against the advice of their king wished to resort to arms in defence of their rights. Thereupon, Lachtna disguised himself and proceeding to Flan's camp he obtained an audience with the King of Munster, and came to an amicable agreement with him ; the chief of Thomond then returned home ; but in the meantime Phelim's mind had been poisoned by a sage he had consulted on the subject of the negotiations which he had been engaged in, and having been persuaded to distrust Lachtna he sent off a messenger in hot haste to recall that chief to his camp. On receiving this message Lachtna at once retraced his steps, "and when Flan saw his good faith he felt full confidence in the chief of Thomond, and as a token of regard gave him his own steed and robes." Flan, we are told, also gave his blessing to Lachtna, which, as Mr. T. J. Westropp observes, could hardly have been accounted of much importance, as this king and bishop had just previously attacked and robbed the churches of Clonmacnoise, Armagh, Durrow, and Kildare,t and put their clergy to the sword.

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 43

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, a king who was also a bishop robbed churches and killed the clergy who served them. His name was Flan, and he ruled as King of Munster. He had attacked and robbed the churches of Clonmacnoise, Armagh, Durrow, and Kildare, and put their clergy to the sword. Flan demanded payment and submission from Lachtna, the chief of Thomond, though the Dalcais were exempt from paying tribute either to the monarch of Ireland or to Munster. Lachtna refused. Phelim marched an army against Thomond and encamped on the eastern bank of the Shannon. Lachtna desired peace and assembled his chiefs, including Maolchuite, who was then the head of Clancuilein. They determined to resist the demand for tribute and, against the advice of their king, wished to resort to arms in defence of their rights. Lachtna instead disguised himself and proceeded to Flan's camp, where he obtained an audience with the King of Munster and came to an amicable agreement with him. He then returned home. But Phelim's mind had been poisoned by a sage he had consulted about the negotiations. Persuaded to distrust Lachtna, he sent a messenger in hot haste to recall him. Lachtna at once retraced his steps. When Flan saw his good faith, he felt full confidence in the chief of Thomond, and as a token of regard gave him his own steed and robes. Flan also gave his blessing to Lachtna. That blessing could hardly be accounted of much importance, given what Flan had done to the churches and their clergy.

13. Ireton crosses Shannon unopposed at Killaloe

    Killaloe · town · Clare · 1651

    Ireton needed to cross the Shannon to cut off Limerick's supplies from Clare. The only fordable point was at Killaloe, where the steep wooded hills of Clare run down to the river, but no effort was made to oppose the crossing and Ireton crossed without difficulty.

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    The Confederates still held Limerick, and Ireton considered it neces sary to obtain possession of the city before disbanding the Parliamentary forces ; to effect this object he had to cross the Shannon and so stop supplies reaching Limerick from Clare. The only place he could attempt to ford the Shannon was at Killaloe, where the steep wooded hills of Clare run down to the banks of the river ; and it would have been easy for the Confederate troops to have resisted the passage of Ireton's army across the Shannon. No effort, however, was made to oppose the passage o the Parliamentary forces, and Ireton, to his surprise, crossed the rive.1 without difficulty, and marched unopposed along its Clare bank unti he arrived opposite to Limerick ; he then dispatched a force of some three thousand men under Ludlow to scour Clare and drive ir supplies of cattle for his army. Ludlow and his men penetrated the county as far as Burren and returned to the main army with droves o! cattle 4

    A passage from Ludlow's memoirs regarding Burren has already been referred to (page 2). He states that in spite of bad roads his men marched forty miles in twenty-four hours. At one place he came across a party of the natives and "he took a share with some of them in a pot of sour milk, which," he observes, " seemed to me the most pleasant liquor I ever drank." As a rule, the Irish kept out of his way,

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 103

    As the companion tells it

    In 1651 the Confederates still held Limerick, and Ireton needed to take the city before he could disband his Parliamentary forces. To do that he had to cross the Shannon and cut off supplies reaching Limerick from Clare. The only place he could attempt to ford the river was at Killaloe, where the steep wooded hills of Clare run down to the banks of the Shannon. It would have been easy for the Confederate troops to resist the passage of his army there. No effort, however, was made to oppose him, and Ireton crossed the river without difficulty, to his surprise. He marched unopposed along the Clare bank until he arrived opposite Limerick. Then he dispatched a force of 3000 men under Ludlow to scour Clare and drive in supplies of cattle. Ludlow and his men penetrated the county as far as Burren and returned to the main army with droves of cattle. In his memoirs Ludlow records that despite bad roads his men marched 40 miles in 24 hours. At one place he came across a party of the natives and, in his words,

14. Irish troops embark at Limerick for France

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1691

    Under the Treaty of Limerick, Irish troops who fought for James II were permitted to leave Ireland at government expense. The Clare Brigade marched from Quin Abbey to Limerick where they embarked for France, including eight Macnamara officers.

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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

    As the companion tells it

    Limerick, 1691. Under the Treaty of Limerick, Irish troops who had fought for James II were allowed to leave Ireland at the government's expense. The men of the Clare Brigade assembled at the cavalry camp under the walls of Quin Abbey, then 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 army was shipped to France that same year. In all, some 19,000 Irish soldiers under Sarsfield embarked at Cork. The Clare Brigade went on to fight its last battle under the orders of Lord Clare. The French army in Piedmont was under the command of Catinat. At the battle of Marsaglia, as the record has it, "to support and animate his troops by the example of the Irish soldiers," Catinat placed the King's and Queen's Irish Dragoons, some 1400 men, in the right wing of the first line. Clare's infantry, three battalions strong, were placed to the left. The Limerick regiment, 2800 strong, held the centre. Prince Eugene attacked and routed three of the French regiments in the first line. Clare's three battalions, with two French regiments from the second line, charged the Germans with such fury that they in turn were obliged to fall back. The battle was restored on the left wing, and the Irish dragoons were equally successful on the right, so the day seemed lost to the Allies, until Eugene led up his centre.

15. Killaloe ford — the only crossing of the Shannon

    Killaloe · town · Clare

    The river Shannon formed Clare's southern and eastern boundary and was only fordable at one point, situated below the town of Killaloe. This ford was the sole weak point in Clare's eastern boundary, contributing to the county's long isolation from the rest of Ireland.

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    Rightly to comprehend the history of the Sept,* whose fortunes we have to follow, it is necessary to know something of the locality in which its members dwelt, and of the stock from which they proceeded, for their surroundings doubtless influenced their mental as well as their physical character, and it is equally certain that their congenital qualities |had an important share in shaping their history. f We shall find that the members of our Sept, from the early part of the fifth to the middle !of the seventeenth century, dwelt in a well defined district of Clare, a (county which until comparatively recent times was isolated from the irest of Ireland ; its southern and eastern boundary being formed by the jriver Shannon, which throughout this part of its course was only fordable at one place situated below the town of Killaloe. To the north, Clare is separated from Galway by a range of high hills (Echtye) 'running from the Shannon westward towards Galway Bay ; between the (extreme western spur of these hills and the bay is a strip of low lying jswampy land, through which the road northward from Clare passed ; this low land as well as the Echtye hills were in former times covered by a dense forest rendering them almost impassable. The geographical position of the county was such as to preserve its inhabitants from successful invasion, or from being occupied by foreigners until late in the sixteenth century ; thus not only did the people of Clare

    * A sept consists of a group of families derived from a common ancestor.

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 7

    As the companion tells it

    The town of Killaloe sits on the Shannon, the river that formed the southern and eastern boundary of Clare. Along that whole stretch of water there was only one place a man could cross on foot, and it lay below the town. That single ford was the only break in Clare's eastern wall of water. Clare was a county cut off from the rest of Ireland. The Shannon guarded its south and east. To the north, a range of high hills called the Echtye ran from the Shannon westward toward Galway Bay, separating Clare from Galway. Between the westernmost spur of those hills and the bay lay a strip of low, swampy ground, and that was where the road north from Clare passed. In older times both that low land and the Echtye hills were covered in dense forest, making them almost impassable. The sept whose story this book tells dwelt in this district of Clare from the early part of the fifth century to the middle of the seventeenth. The county's geography shaped them as surely as their own inherited qualities did. Clare's position kept its people safe from successful invasion, and from occupation by foreigners, until late in the 16th century.

16. L. O'Brien on Clare parishes and clergy, 1764

    Ennis · town · Clare · 1764

    In a speech delivered at Ennis in January 1764, L. O'Brien described Clare as divided into seventy-five parishes with only fourteen Protestant churches, most rectors non-resident, while Roman Catholic priests were diligent in proportion as Protestants were negligent. He argued the nominal clergy should not be paid tithes for doing nothing for those who worked the soil.

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    We must here refer as briefly as possible to the position of the Roman Catholic clergy in Ireland during the latter part of the eighteenth century. The penal laws were still in force against Papists, although practically they had become modified in the course of time, thus Roman Catholic priests not only lived without fear of molestation in all parts of the country, but they freely exercised their functions, and said Mass openly in their churches. Nevertheless, Irish Roman Catholics were neither permitted to enter Parliament nor any of the Government services, nor could they legally purchase land. We obtain an insight into the relative positions of the Protestant and Roman Catholic clergy in Clare at thii period, from a speech delivered at Ennis by L. O'Brien (January 1764) ; he stated that the country had been divided into seventy-five parishes, but that there were only fourteen Protestant churches in these parishes, so that sixty-two of them were sinecures, and of the fourteen parishes with churches as a rule, the rectors were non-resident, leaving their work to curates who they paid at the rate of forty pounds per annum. L. O'Brien remarked that " to regret the non-residence of our cierg> upon mere political grounds was similar to that of the sailor who, when his comrade's head was blown away by a round shot, regretted the up setting of the tot of rum he was drinking at the moment he was struck.'' L. O'Brien stated that the Roman Catholic priest was diligent in pro portion as Protestants were negligent, and he argued that neither by the laws of God nor man, should the nominal clergy be paid the tenth part of the produce of the land for doing nothing on behalf of those who worked the soil.*

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 128

    As the companion tells it

    In 1764, at Ennis, a man named L. O'Brien stood and spoke about the clergy of Clare. The penal laws against Catholics were still in force, though they had become modified in the course of time. Roman Catholic priests lived without fear of molestation in all parts of the country. They freely exercised their functions and said Mass openly in their churches. Nevertheless, Irish Roman Catholics could not enter Parliament or any of the Government services, nor could they legally purchase land. O'Brien stated that the country had been divided into 75 parishes, but there were only 14 Protestant churches in these parishes, so that 62 of them were sinecures. Of the 14 parishes with churches, as a rule the rectors were non-resident, leaving their work to curates whom they paid at the rate of 40 pounds per annum. O'Brien remarked that "to regret the non-residence of the clergy upon mere political grounds was similar to that of the sailor who, when his comrade's head was blown away by a round shot, regretted the upsetting of the tot of rum he was drinking at the moment he was struck." He stated that the Roman Catholic priest was diligent in proportion as Protestants were negligent, and he argued that neither by the laws of God nor man should the nominal clergy be paid the tenth part of the produce of the land for doing nothing on behalf of those who worked the soil.

17. Mac Con's invading army lands near Galway

    Galway · city · Galway

    After being banished from Munster, Mac Con secured ships and troops from the King of Scotland and Britain. The invading army, commanded by Mac Con and Beine, a Prince of Wales, landed in Ireland near the site of the present town of Galway.

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    Olioll had nine sons. Of these, Eoghan, the eldest, and six of his brothers were killed in a battle fought against their half-brother Mac Con, the son of Sabia's former husband, " nursed on the same knee as Eoghan, and at the same breast." Mac Con appears to have been a delicate, peevish child, and, when nothing else would pacify him, those under whose care he was brought the boy to Olioll's favourite wolfhound, who was so tender and fond of children that young Mac Con and the hound became fast friends, so much so that he received the name of Mac Con (son of a hound). When Mac Con had grown to manhood he was entrusted with certain duties by his stepfather, and, having failed in his trust, he was banished by the king from Munster. He sought refuge with the King of Scotland without revealing his name and position, and was received on friendly terms. One day some Irishmen arrived in the Scotch king's presence while he and Mac Con were engaged in a game of chess ; Mac Con questioned the strangers as to the state of affairs in Ireland, and then turned the conversation to that of his own family in Munster. " Oh ! " said the strangers, " with them nothing goes well; they are under the bondage of women;" upon hearing this remark, Mac Con seized some of the heavy chessmen he was playing with and flung them at the strangers. "A fit of affection," exclaimed the King of Scotland ; " it is evident to whom you belong." Mac Con then related his history to the king, and sought his help to regain his position in Ireland. The king accepted this obligation, and, having obtained help from Britain, they assembled " what there were of ships and galleys and barges in the coast of Britain and Saxonland, so that they filled the King of Scotland's ports."! The troops on board these vessels were placed under the command of Mac Con, and Beine, a Prince of Wales. The army landed in Ireland near the site of the present town of Galway. The monarch of Ireland, hearing of the invasion of his country, joined his forces with those of Olioll, King of

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 38

    As the companion tells it

    As you come near Galway, the story here goes back to a time before the town existed. A man called Mac Con landed on this coast with an invading army. His name means son of a hound, and he got it as a child. He was delicate and peevish, and nothing would pacify him until they brought him to Olioll's favourite wolfhound, a hound so fond of children that the boy and the animal became fast friends. Mac Con was Olioll's stepson, nursed on the same knee and at the same breast as Olioll's own son Eoghan. But when Mac Con grew to manhood, Olioll entrusted him with certain duties. He failed in that trust, and the king banished him from Munster. He went to the King of Scotland without giving his name or his position, and was received on friendly terms. One day some Irishmen arrived while Mac Con and the king were playing chess. Mac Con asked them about affairs in Ireland, and then about his own family in Munster. The strangers told him nothing went well with them, that they were under the bondage of women. Mac Con seized the heavy chessmen he was playing with and flung them at the strangers. The King of Scotland said it was evident to whom he belonged. Mac Con told the king his history and asked for help to regain his position in Ireland. The king agreed, and obtained help from Britain. They gathered what there were of ships and galleys and barges on the coast of Britain and Saxonland, filling the King of Scotland's ports. The troops were placed under the command of Mac Con and Beine, a Prince of Wales. The army landed in Ireland near the site of the present town of Galway. The monarch of Ireland, hearing of the invasion, joined his forces with those of Olioll, King of Munster.

18. Macnamara lords complain to Sidney at Limerick, 1571

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1571

    When Lord Deputy Sidney was at Limerick in 1571, two Lords of Thomond called Mac Nemarroes came to him lamenting the ruin and waste of their countries, craving the execution of English laws and the planting of sheriffs among them. Sidney confirmed they were indeed ruined.

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    The Lord Deputy Sidney made an official visit to Clare in the year 1571. One of the main objects he appears to have had in view was to suppress the practice of landlords in charging their tenants with " uncertaine cesses, cuttings, and spendings "; but this custom among the Irish was of such long standing that even the Lord Deputy could do little in the matter. He states that when he was at Limerick " two Lords of Thomond, called Mac Nemarroes, came to him lamentinge the ruyn and wast of their countries." The Lord Deputy adds " and ruyned they are indede, craving to have the execution of English lawes and to have SherhTes planted amongst them." % Again, writing to the Council in April 1576, Sir Henry Sidney observes "that he left Lymerick on the 27th of February, and entered Thomond attended by Earl of Thomond, and several of the O'Briens, who had in former times been Kings of Limerick, all so neire kinsmen and yet no one of them friende to another." Sidney adds, " I also had with me the twoe MacNemarroghes, by us called East and West Mac Nemarroghes, cheife gentlemen of that countrey, which, if it were in quiet, they might lyve lyke principale knights in England." Among all the chief men Sir Henry Sidney met with in Thomond, he states he " could not find one descended in English race. They all complained of the Obryens for the ruyne of their countrey ; and truly in such desolation and wast it is." Sir Henry, after crossing the Shannon, marched through Clare in two days on his way to Galway, so that he really could have seen very little of the country. The Lord Deputy remained for some time in Galway, and bound the O'Briens " by bonds of great sommes," and further he carried off the earl's brother with him to Dublin, where he " still deteined hym in iron.'" Sir Donell O'Brien of Ennistymon was made Sheriffe of Clare. Other officers were appointed, such as a Provost-Marshal, with a proper force to back his authority, and keep the idle people which swarmed in the country in restraint. Sir H. Sidney states that " the root and origine of all this trouble was the uncerteine grannte, and unstable possession of their landes, whereupon grewe their warres." The Lord Deputy adds,

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 85

    As the companion tells it

    Limerick, 1571. Lord Deputy Sidney came here on an official visit to Clare, and one of his aims was to stop landlords charging their tenants with what he called uncertain cesses, cuttings, and spendings. That custom among the Irish was so long standing that even the Lord Deputy could do little about it. He tells us that while he was at Limerick, two Lords of Thomond, called Mac Nemarroes, came to him lamenting the ruin and waste of their countries. Sidney's own words were that they were ruined indeed, and that they craved the execution of English laws and to have sheriffs planted amongst them. Writing later, in April 1576, Sir Henry Sidney said he left Limerick on the 27th of February and entered Thomond attended by the Earl of Thomond and several of the O'Briens, who had in former times been Kings of Limerick, all so near kinsmen and yet no one of them friend to another. He also had with him the two MacNemarroghes, called East and West Mac Nemarroghes, chief gentlemen of that country, which if it were in quiet they might live like principal knights in England. Among all the chief men he met in Thomond, he could not find one descended in English race. They all complained of the O'Briens for the ruin of their country, and truly, he said, in such desolation and waste it is. After crossing the Shannon he marched through Clare in two days on his way to Galway, so he saw little of the country. In Galway he bound the O'Briens by bonds of great sums and carried off the earl's brother to Dublin, where he still detained him in irons. Sir Donell O'Brien of Ennistymon was made Sheriff of Clare. A Provost-Marshal was appointed with a proper force to keep the idle people in restraint. Sidney said the root and origin of all this trouble was the uncertain grant and unstable possession of their lands, whereupon grew their wars.

19. Macnamaras Command Clare Volunteers

    near Clare · population centre · Clare

    Several members of the Macnamara family commanded regiments of Clare volunteers. The privates in these regiments were composed of tenant-farmers and their sons.

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    The volunteers were at first confined to Protestants, but as their numbers increased no questions were asked concerning a recruit's religion, and some of the regiments were entirely formed of men professing the Roman Catholic religion.! Several of the Macnamaras commanded regiments of Clare volunteers; the privates were tenantfarmers and their sons.

    The Right Hon. H. Grattan, who knew these men, especially those to the west of the Shannon, states that they were characterised by " their temperate zeal, their steady moderation, their sobriety, their alacrity to assist the civil powers ; and their readiness to march at a few hours' notice under orders of Government." He adds : " There was a serious, useful, irresistible principle, which seemed to be a part of their existence and success, something which reconciled the fears of the timid, and silenced the murmurs of those who wished their dissolution." J Sir J. Barrington, writing on the same subject, remarks that the intercourse and military training of the Irish farmer and his lads seemed to transform them ; they became different creatures both in appearance and manner ; a striking revolution took place in their minds, and also in their external appearance.'^ The men's minds, like their bodies, were brought under discipline, and elevated by coming into contact with their superiors.§ Francis Dobbs remarks that knowing the volunteers well he could not adequately " express his respect and admiration of what he beheld in this movement ; " he continues : " It has been argued that volunteering wastes the men's time," but, he observes, M I venture to assert there is not a poor man in the kingdom the poorer for being a volunteer, the exercise of arms is his recreation, and no bad substitute for cock-fighting, horse-racing, and so on ; and, moreover, a saving rather than loss, for sobriety and discipline are necessary." ||

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 126

    As the companion tells it

    Not far from this road lies Clare, a place where several of the Macnamara family once commanded regiments of volunteers. The privates in these regiments were tenant-farmers and their sons. The volunteers were at first confined to Protestants, but as their numbers grew, no questions were asked about a recruit's religion, and some regiments were entirely formed of men of the Roman Catholic faith. The Right Hon. H. Grattan knew these men, especially those west of the Shannon. He said they were marked by "their temperate zeal, their steady moderation, their sobriety, their alacrity to assist the civil powers; and their readiness to march at a few hours' notice under orders of Government." He added that there was a serious, useful, irresistible principle in them, something that reconciled the fears of the timid and silenced those who wished the volunteers dissolved. Sir J. Barrington wrote that the military training of the Irish farmer and his lads seemed to transform them. They became different creatures in appearance and manner. Their minds, like their bodies, were brought under discipline and elevated by contact with their superiors. Francis Dobbs, who knew the volunteers well, said he could not adequately express his respect and admiration for what he beheld in the movement. He argued against the claim that volunteering wastes men's time, asserting that no poor man was the poorer for being a volunteer, and that the exercise of arms was his recreation, a saving rather than a loss, for sobriety and discipline were necessary.

20. Molyneux absent from Dublin during James II's Parliament

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 1689–1697

    Mr. Molyneux, author of the influential 1697 work 'The Case of Ireland,' was not in Dublin during James II's Parliament. His famous treatise argued that only the King and Parliament of Ireland could make laws to bind Ireland.

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    Ireland, and that none save the King, and Parliament of Ireland could make laws to bind Ireland." Mr. Molyneux took an active part in politics, but was not in Dublin during James II.'s Parliament ; in his famous work, " The Case of Ireland," which he published in February 1697, and addressed to King William, he argued strongly in support of the proposition laid down by James's Parliament as above quoted ; this work is frequently referred to by those who advocate a repeal of the Union; Molyneux, however, observes: "If from the last-mentioned records it be concluded that the Parliament of England may bind Ireland, it must also be allowed that the people of Ireland ought to have their representatives in the Parliament of England. And this, I believe, we would be willing enough to embrace, but this is a happiness we can hardly hope for."* Nevertheless, Ireland has now been close on a century governed by a Parliament of Irish and English members such as Molyneux advocated but hardly dared to hope for.

    Apart from all political considerations what has been the practical outcome of the union of the Irish and English Parliaments ? In the first place, we find that during the past century all classes of people in Ireland have benefited by the ^50,000,000 which England has advanced for public works and other improvements in that country ; these advances have been made on the security of the political union that exists between the two islands. As a test of the progress made in Ireland we may refer to the amount which the inhabitants of that country had as a reserve fund at their disposal in cash, in June 1894, as follows :

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 142

    As the companion tells it

    Dublin is where Mr. Molyneux was not, during James II's Parliament. He took an active part in politics, but he was away from the city in that period. In February 1697 he published his famous work, "The Case of Ireland," addressed to King William. In it he argued strongly that only the King and Parliament of Ireland could make laws to bind Ireland. The work is still referred to by those who advocate a repeal of the Union. Molyneux observed that if the Parliament of England may bind Ireland, the people of Ireland ought to have their representatives in the Parliament of England. He wrote, in his own words, "this is a happiness we can hardly hope for." His argument supported a proposition laid down by James's Parliament itself: that none save the King and Parliament of Ireland could make laws to bind Ireland. By the time this account was written, Ireland had been close on a century governed by a Parliament of Irish and English members such as Molyneux advocated but hardly dared to hope for. Beyond politics, the union of the Irish and English Parliaments brought advances of 50,000,000 from England for public works and improvements in Ireland, made on the security of the political union between the two islands. As a test of progress, the account refers to the reserve fund in cash available to inhabitants in June 1894.

21. O'Daly of Corcomroe, poet of hospitality, dies 1528

    Corcomroe · barony · Clare · 1528

    In 1528 a poet named O'Daly of Corcomroe died. He was famed among other qualities for keeping a house of general hospitality.

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    Kildare made no further effort to conquer the Dalcasians west of the Shannon, but in 1513 he laid siege to Leap Castle, the residence of the O'Carroll's of Ely, and failing to take the place by escalade, "and being unprovided with heavy ordnance, he was obliged to raise the siege for the purpose of procuring artillery ; he was, however, taken ill, and died in September 15 13. Clare for some years enjoyed peace and hardly appears on the pages of Irish history. We are told that in 1528 one of the inhabitants of this province, O'Daly of Corcomroe, a poet, died ; he was famed, among other qualities, in that he " kept a house of general hospitality," p. 34. In the year 1522 Teigie O'Brien, while leading an attack in support of the O'Carrolls, was killed "by the shot of a ball."* We have already referred to the fact that Kildare had to raise the siege of Leap Castle for want of artillery, which at this time seems to have come into use in Ireland ; it was gunpowder and the cannon of the early part of the sixteenth century that sealed the fate of that country, for the native chiefs had no means of obtaining firearms, and as opposed to such weapons their swords and spears were useless. The last battle had been fought under the old style of warfare by the O'Briens and Macnamaras against the English, and, as on so many previous occasions, they had driven back their foes and so preserved their lands and homes in Clare.

    Torlough O'Brien died in the year 1538, and was succeeded by his son Conor, who was married first to a daughter of Clanricarde, and secondly to a Desmond. The condition of Ireland at this time is described in the State Papers of the reign of Henry VIII., where it is stated that the country was under the rule of some sixty chief captains or princes * " Annals of the Four Masters."

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 79

    As the companion tells it

    The road takes you through the barony of Corcomroe, in Clare, and there is a small story that belongs to this ground from the year 1528. In that year a poet named O'Daly of Corcomroe died. The record says he was famed, among other qualities, in that he kept a house of general hospitality. That phrase is the source's own, and it tells you what mattered about the man. He was a poet, and he kept his doors open. The book that preserves this note places it in a quiet time. After the Earl of Kildare laid siege to Leap Castle in 1513 and failed to take it for want of heavy ordnance, he fell ill and died in September of that year. Clare, the source says, for some years enjoyed peace and hardly appears on the pages of Irish history. It is in that quiet that O'Daly's death is recorded. The peace did not last. In 1522 Teigie O'Brien, leading an attack in support of the O'Carrolls, was killed by the shot of a ball. The source notes that gunpowder and cannon had come into use in Ireland, and that the native chiefs had no means of obtaining firearms. Their swords and spears were useless against such weapons. The last battle fought under the old style of warfare, the O'Briens and Macnamaras against the English, had already been won, and they had driven back their foes and preserved their lands and homes in Clare. But the world was changing. O'Daly of Corcomroe, the poet of the open house, belongs to the years before that change took hold fully.

22. Papal Nuncio Rinuccini lands at Cork

    Cork · city · Cork · 1644

    Archbishop Rinuccini, sent by Pope Innocent X as Nuncio to Ireland, arrived in Cork in October 1644 carrying written papal orders to restore ecclesiastical discipline and reform Catholic habits without prejudicing anyone's temporal dominion.

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    Innocent X. was supreme pontiff at Rome, and in 1642 was kept informed of all that was going on in Ireland by Father Scarampi ; but on ■an appeal for help from the Irish, the Pope, when sending them munitions of war, including considerable sums of money, thought '|proper to appoint one of the ablest ecclesiastics at his command as Nuncio to Ireland. The person selected for this mission was the Archbishop of Ferno, Monsignor Rinuccini ; after considerable delay the Nuncio arrived in Cork in October 1644, with written orders from the Pope "not to go beyond the limits of pure benefit to the Catholic religion, to restore ecclesiastical discipline, and to reform the habits of Catholics relaxed by a long course of free living ; " he was " to have no thought of prejudicing the temporal dominion of any one ; " f but the Nuncio had no sooner arrived in Kilkenny than he found himself overwhelmed in politics and surrounded by a council engrossed in their own squabbles rather than uniting with fixed resolve to fight the battle of those who elected them to office.

    About the time that Rinuccini appeared on the scene in Ireland a very different individual came to the fore. The young Earl of Inchiquir., an O'Brien, a man of wonderful energy, and a thorough soldier, but unstable as the wind : at one time a Protestant and Royalist, at another an officer under Cromwell's government, afterwards a Roman Catholic. He was carried by pirates to Morocco, but he escaped, and was soon heard of fighting, first in the cause of France, and then of Spain. Inchiquin commenced his military training as a lad in the Italian army, and, after active service in that country and in Spain, he returned to Ireland, and came to be on friendly terms with Strafford. He was, at the age of twenty-four, appointed to the command of Charles I.'s troops in Munster, and in that capacity was enabled to afford the king material aid.J Inchiquin, not content with being in command of the king's forces, aspired to become governor of the

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 102

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Cork, this is the city where Archbishop Rinuccini landed in October 1644. He had been sent by Pope Innocent the Tenth as Nuncio to Ireland. The Pope had been kept informed of affairs in Ireland by Father Scarampi since 1642, and when the Irish appealed for help, Innocent sent them munitions of war, including considerable sums of money. But the Pope also thought it proper to appoint one of the ablest ecclesiastics at his command as Nuncio to Ireland. The person selected for this mission was the Archbishop of Ferno, Monsignor Rinuccini. After considerable delay, he arrived in Cork in October 1644, carrying written orders from the Pope. In the words of the source, he was "not to go beyond the limits of pure benefit to the Catholic religion, to restore ecclesiastical discipline, and to reform the habits of Catholics relaxed by a long course of free living." He was also told "to have no thought of prejudicing the temporal dominion of any one." But the Nuncio had no sooner arrived in Kilkenny than he found himself overwhelmed in politics, surrounded by a council engrossed in their own squabbles rather than uniting with fixed resolve to fight the battle of those who elected them to office.

23. Parliament at Limerick for Thomond land agreement

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1542

    In 1542, Lord Deputy St. Leger summoned a Parliament to Limerick to legalise an agreement with the chiefs of Thomond regarding land tenure. Morrogh O'Brien and Sioda Macnamara arrived in Limerick to meet the Lord Deputy and hand over their lands to the Crown in exchange for titles drawn up according to English law.

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    In the year 1542, St. Leger, who was Lord Deputy of Ireland,, summoned a Parliament to meet at Limerick, with the object of legalising an agreement with the chiefs of Thomond regarding the tenure of the land and other questions concerning the legal government of that part of the country. Morrogh O'Brien, and Sioda Macnamara came to Limerick to meet the Lord Deputy, with documents which they had prepared, stating the terms upon which they were willing to hand over their lands to the Crown, the basis of the understanding being that the landlords of Clare should receive their lands back with titles drawn up according to English law and procedure. The following is a copy of the agreement entered into between Sioda Macnamara, and Henry VIII. on this occasion :

    Patent 34, Henry VIII., a.d. 1542, December 10. This indenture made between the Rt. Honbl. Sir Anthony St. Leger Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter Gentleman of the King's Privy Council and Lord Deputy-General of Ireland for and behalf of his most high and tremendous Majestie of the one part and Sioda, son of Mac-con son of Sioda son of Mac-con son of Teigie son of (Lochlain) Mac-con Macnamara of Mountallon in the Principality of Thomond, Chief Captain elect of his name and sept called Clancuilein in the said principality for and on behalf of himself and of all the rest of the gentlemen and freeholders of the said sept in the Baronies of Dangan, Bunratty, and Tulla, in the said principality as authorised by the said gentlemen and freeholders under their deede and seale of the other partie.

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 81

    As the companion tells it

    In 1542, Limerick was where a Parliament met to settle the land of Thomond. Lord Deputy St. Leger summoned it to legalise an agreement with the chiefs of that part of the country regarding the tenure of the land and matters of its government. Morrogh O'Brien and Sioda Macnamara came to meet the Lord Deputy. They brought documents stating the terms upon which they were willing to hand over their lands to the Crown. The understanding was that the landlords of Clare should receive their lands back with titles drawn up according to English law and procedure. The agreement between Sioda Macnamara and Henry VIII was dated December 10, 1542, in the 34th year of the King's reign. The indenture names Sir Anthony St. Leger, Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter, gentleman of the King's Privy Council and Lord Deputy-General of Ireland, acting on the King's behalf. On the other side stood Sioda, son of Mac-con, son of Sioda, son of Mac-con, son of Teigie, son of Lochlain Mac-con Macnamara of Mountallon in the Principality of Thomond. He was Chief Captain elect of his name and sept, called Clancuilein. He acted for himself and for all the gentlemen and freeholders of that sept in the Baronies of Dangan, Bunratty, and Tulla, authorised under their deed and seal.

24. Rathfolan and Ballinacragga in Tradraighe district

    Rathfolan · townland · Clare · 400–500

    Rathfolan and Ballinacragga were situated within the district of Tradraighe in Co. Clare and were subsequently owned by the ancestors of the author of the history. These places are linked to the early Macnamara possession of tribal lands in the territory associated with the Druid Trad.

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    Lugardh Delbaeth (the fire-producer), who was a Druid, had six sons and one daughter called Aeife, and she married Trad, who was a kingly chief and Druid, but without much land. After a time this pair found themselves the possessors of a numerous family. Accordingly, Trad said to his wife, " Go thou and ask a favour of thy father. It would be well for us and our children to get more land. " Aeife therefore went and asked her father to grant her a favour. Then Lugardh consulted his oracles, and said to his daughter, " If thou should order any one to leave his country now he must depart without delay." "Depart thou, then," said she, "and leave us the land thou inheritest, that it may be our property." Whereupon we are told Lugardh her father immediately complied, and with his sons left the lands and assigned them to Trad and his daughter. Professor O'Curry remarks : "I may add that this territory, even at the present day, retains the name of Trad, forming as it does the Deanery of Tradraighe in the present barony of Bunratty, co. Clare, a tract which comprises seven districts in which there are the ruins of five churches built by the Macnamaras. It was in this district that Rathfolan and Ballinacragga were situated, which were subsequently owned by the ancestors of the writer of this history.

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 47

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, two old places called Rathfolan and Ballinacragga once stood within the district of Tradraighe. The story behind this land begins with a Druid named Lugardh Delbaeth, called the fire-producer, who had six sons and one daughter, Aeife. She married Trad, a kingly chief and Druid, but a man without much land. In time they had a large family, and Trad said to his wife, "Go thou and ask a favour of thy father. It would be well for us and our children to get more land." Aeife went to her father and asked. Lugardh consulted his oracles, then told her, "If thou should order any one to leave his country now he must depart without delay." She answered, "Depart thou, then, and leave us the land thou inheritest, that it may be our property." Lugardh complied. He and his sons left the lands and assigned them to Trad and his daughter. The territory still carries Trad's name, forming the Deanery of Tradraighe in the barony of Bunratty, Co. Clare, a tract comprising seven districts where the ruins of five churches built by the Macnamaras remain. Rathfolan and Ballinacragga were in this district, and were later owned by the ancestors of the writer who recorded this history.

25. Scots encamp at Castleconnell, skirmish with Thomond

    Castleconnell · town · Limerick · 1315

    The Scottish forces reached the Shannon and lay at Castleconnell, intending to attack the men of Thomond gathered on the opposite bank. Skirmishing ensued in the river vicinity, during which Hugh mac Donough Macnamara, a noble of the Thomond host, was wounded but recovered.

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    In the following year Donough, who had been elected to succeed Dermot Brian Roe, having been defeated by Maccon Macnamara's sons, fled into Ulster, and in conjunction with some of the chiefs of that province entered into communication with King Robert Bruce, urging him to come over and conquer Ireland. Bruce was willing to accept this invitation, hoping thereby to weaken his enemies the English, and so he despatched his brother, Edward Bruce, with a well-equipped army, into Ireland. The Scotch army, with Donough Brian Roe and his allies, passed southwards from Ulster, ravishing and burning the whole country; as Magrath states, "like a black cloud with vaporous-creeping offshoots and dark mist, hard to meet/'t Edward Bruce ultimately fought his way south as far as Cashel, where he was joined by King Robert Bruce. Donough Brian Roe urged them on to attack Tnomond and sack Limerick, and, so our historian informs us,| " the Scots reached the Shannon's banks, with intent to attack them of Tnomond gathered on the opposite bank, the Scots lying at Castleconnell ; and between the parties ensued some skirmishing in the river vicinity. As for such as were hurt of the * " Triumphs of Turlough," p. 64. t Ibid., p. 83. $ Ibid., p. S3.

    izo EDWARD BRUCE'S DEATH

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 62

    As the companion tells it

    Castleconnell is a town on the Shannon. In 1315 a Scottish army lay encamped there. The story begins with Donough, who had been elected to succeed Dermot Brian Roe but was defeated by the sons of Maccon Macnamara. He fled to Ulster and entered into communication with King Robert Bruce, urging him to come over and conquer Ireland. Bruce was willing, hoping to weaken his enemies the English, and sent his brother Edward Bruce with a well-equipped army. The Scottish forces, with Donough Brian Roe and his allies, passed south from Ulster, ravaging and burning the whole country. The historian Magrath wrote that they came "like a black cloud with vaporous-creeping offshoots and dark mist, hard to meet." Edward Bruce fought his way as far as Cashel, where he was joined by King Robert Bruce. Donough Brian Roe urged them to attack Thomond and sack Limerick. The Scots reached the Shannon's banks, intending to attack the men of Thomond gathered on the opposite bank. They lay at the town, and between the parties some skirmishing ensued in the river vicinity.

26. Sidney's letter from Cork on the Macnamara-O'Brien dispute

    Cork · city · Cork · 1567

    In February 1567, Lord Deputy Sir Henry Sidney wrote from Cork to the Council in London regarding the Earl of Thomond's complaints against the Macnamaras. The Earl accused the Macnamaras of taking cattle and killing men, while Sidney urged restraint and called all parties to meet at Limerick.

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    We hear of trouble between O'Brien (Earl of Thomond) and the Macnamaras in the year 1567. The former had been educated in England, his mother and grandmother having been Englishwomen ; the I Macnamaras, on the other hand, were still pure Celts, bred and born in Clare. In a letter which the Lord Deputy, Sir Henry Sidney, sent to the Council in London, dated from Cork, February 1, 1567, he observes that he had written to "the Earl of Thomond regarding his letter complaining against the Macnamaras, that so soon as we came to Limerick we would consider the complaint and require him to remember your lordships' letter, and not tangle with the Macnamaras. In the mean we received the earl's answer declaring that he could not do so, for that Macnamara had done many things which he could not suffer." Sidney continues, the earl affirms that they (the Macnamaras) had not only taken cattle, but also "despatched some knaves," which, he observes, " God knoweth, they might spare enough, and her Majesty lose never a good subject " ; and, further, he charged those concerned in the matter to meet him at Limerick on the following Thursday ; " he spared not to tell the earl of his lack of dutie in oure said letter to his lordship." f There was, however, much more than a few cattle involved in this matter, for, as we shall discover from subsequent correspondence, the Earl of Thomond, presuming on his position had appropriated lands belonging to the Macnamaras, and on the latter appealing against these proceedings, the earl had attempted to carry the point with a high hand, conduct which the Lord Deputy was not disposed to permit. Matters however seem to have quieted down for the time, and Sir Henry Sidney passed through Clare to Galway. He gave orders to abolish "coyningand livery," and such like cesses, directing that the rules of English law should be substituted for the Brehon code ; and to aid him in effecting this purpose, Donald O'Brien of Ennistymon was made governor of Clare. The new ruler signalized his accession to office by hanging

    * " Annals of the Four Masters," a.d. 1584.

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 89

    As the companion tells it

    Cork, in 1567, was where Lord Deputy Sir Henry Sidney sat down to write to the Council in London about trouble between the Earl of Thomond and the Macnamaras. The Earl was an O'Brien, educated in England, his mother and grandmother both Englishwomen. The Macnamaras were pure Celts, bred and born in Clare. Sidney's letter was dated February 1, 1567. He had written to the Earl of Thomond regarding his complaint against the Macnamaras, telling him that as soon as they came to Limerick they would consider it, and requiring him to remember the Council's letter and not tangle with the Macnamaras. The earl sent back his answer, declaring he could not do so, for Macnamara had done many things which he could not suffer. Sidney goes on that the earl affirms the Macnamaras had not only taken cattle, but also, in Sidney's words, "despatched some knaves," which, Sidney observes, "God knoweth, they might spare enough, and her Majesty lose never a good subject." The earl charged those concerned to meet him at Limerick on the following Thursday. Sidney spared not to tell the earl of his lack of duty in his letter. There was more than cattle at stake. The Earl of Thomond, presuming on his position, had appropriated lands belonging to the Macnamaras. When they appealed, the earl tried to carry the point with a high hand, conduct the Lord Deputy was not disposed to permit. Matters quieted for the time, and Sidney passed through Clare to Galway. He ordered the abolition of "coyning and livery" and such like cesses, directing that English law replace the Brehon code. Donald O'Brien of Ennistymon was made governor of Clare, and the new ruler signalized his accession to office by hanging.

27. Turlough marches through Tradree to Bunratty Castle

    Bunratty Castle · castle · Clare

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

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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

    As the companion tells it

    This is Bunratty Castle, in Clare. King Turlough O'Brien and Coveha had decided they must depend entirely on their own resources if they were to be rid of the Anglo-Normans in Clare. They set about organising their forces, choosing as leaders Donald, a brother of the king, and Coveha Macnamara. De Clare was not behind them in warlike preparations. The opposing forces met on the plain near Tulla, where the Dalcasians, by a dexterous flank movement, broke in upon the main body of the Anglo-Norman forces and completely overcame them. The enemy fled from the field 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 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.

28. Brian Roe O'Brien inaugurated King of Thomond at Magh Adhair

    near Magh Adhair · monument · Clare · 1268

    After Conor O'Brien's death, his second son Brian Roe was inaugurated King of Thomond at Magh Adhair by his uncle Sioda Macnamara. Conor's eldest son had left a nine-year-old heir, Turlough, too young to succeed, so Brian Roe took the throne.

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    Conor O'Brien was succeeded by his second son Brian Roe, who was inaugurated King of Thomond, on Magh Adhair, by his uncle Sioda Macnamara, but his eldest son had left as his heir a lad named Turlough, nine years of age, and consequently too young to succeed to the government of Thomond. Brian Roe, therefore, reigned at Clonroad for nine years, " and fought the English, governing with a strong hand ; " but in the year 1277, Turlough revolted against his uncle, Brian Roe; aided by the Clancuilein sept, who were related to him, his grandmother having been the daughter of Neil Macnamara, they drove Brian Roe out of Clonroad. And after a conference with his supporters Brian determined to seek the aid of the Anglo-Normans ; so he went to " Thomas, the Earl of Clare's son, who was of English race, a man of great consequence, then residing in Cork," who undertook to assist Brian with all the English in Munster, if Brian would grant him possession of all that part of Thomond between the Shannon and a line drawn from Limerick to Athsollus." % These terms having been agreed to, De Clare obtained the help of the Fitzgeralds, the Butlers, and other Anglo-Norman barons, and together with Brian Roe's followers they sallied forth from Limerick

    * Edmund Spenser's " View of the State of Ireland," p. 24.

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 54

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere about Magh Adhair, Brian Roe O'Brien was inaugurated King of Thomond. The year was 1268. He was the second son of Conor O'Brien, and it was his uncle Sioda Macnamara who performed the inauguration. Conor's eldest son had left an heir, a boy named Turlough, only nine years old, far too young to take up the government of Thomond. So Brian Roe took the throne and reigned from Clonroad for nine years. He fought the English and governed with a strong hand. But in 1277, Turlough turned against his uncle. He had the backing of the Clancuilein sept, who were kin to him through his grandmother, a daughter of Neil Macnamara. Together they drove Brian Roe out of Clonroad. Brian consulted his supporters and resolved to seek aid from the Anglo-Normans. He went to Thomas, the Earl of Clare's son, described as a man of English race and great consequence, then residing in Cork. Thomas agreed to help Brian with all the English in Munster, on one condition: Brian must grant him all that part of Thomond between the Shannon and a line drawn from Limerick to Athsollus. The terms were agreed. De Clare brought in the Fitzgeralds, the Butlers, and other Anglo-Norman barons, and together with Brian Roe's own followers they marched out from Limerick.

29. Informers petition against Macnamaras acquiring land in Burren as Catholics

    Burren · townland · Clare · 1690–1700

    In 1690 and 1700, informers forwarded petitions to the Government claiming lands which certain Macnamaras had acquired in Burren, arguing that as Roman Catholics they had no right to hold land. These petitions illustrate the legal disabilities faced by Catholic families even in the remote Burren district.

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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

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, Daniel Macnamara and his numerous family settled along the southern shore of Galway Bay. The inlets for boats at Muckinish and Kenvarra Bays run up to the Burren hills, with caves and dark hiding-places that made the coast a good place for freebooters. The Macnamaras were Roman Catholics, and so excluded from the army, the navy, or any of the liberal professions. But even in this remote Burren district they were not allowed to acquire land in peace. In 1690 and again in 1700, informers forwarded petitions to the Government against them. The informers claimed the lands which certain Macnamaras had acquired in Burren, arguing that these Macnamaras had obtained the lands being Roman Catholics, and had consequently no right to them. Daniel Macnamara's eldest son, Teigie, after the capitulation of Limerick, retired to Smithstown in Burren, near the Atlantic coast, five miles east of Doolin, some thirteen miles south-east of his father's place at Ballinacragga. The petitions show the legal disabilities Catholic families faced, even in a district as remote as this one.

30. Lady O'Brien of Dromoland and Teigie Macnamara's abbey restoration

    Dromoland · townland · Clare · 1714

    A beautiful poem was composed in the cloisters of an abbey to Lady O'Brien of Dromoland, who had befriended the poet. Captain Teigie Macnamara in 1714 restored the tomb of the founder of the abbey, situated to the north side of the High Altar.

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    in the cloisters a beautiful poem to Lady O'Brien of Dromoland, who had befriended him. Capt. Teigie Macnamara in 17 14 restored the tomb of the founder of the abbey, situated to the north side of the High Altar.

    The eight years' turmoil and war carried on by the Confederation, followed by Cromwell's conquest of Ireland, had wrought frightful havoc among the inhabitants of the country ; the misery and destitution to which they had been brought was appalling. For instance, in Clare in the year 1659, although many Irish Roman Catholic families from other parts of Ireland had been imported into the country, the total number of its population amounted to 16,474 Catholics, and 440 Protestants; its present population is about 141, 475 people. The Government seems to have recognised the deplorable state to which the people of Clare had been reduced, for in May 1653, it is stated that "upon the serious consideration of the poverty and disability of the county Clare, and of the starving condition in which the few remaining inhabitants are, and the impossibility of getting in the monthly contributions charged upon the county, their whole substance being pledged for their arrears hitherto; it is ordered that the said county shall be charged with no sum until the further pleasure of the Commission in England for the affairs of Ireland shall be known therein." It was into this impoverished county, that Cromwell determined, if possible, to transplant the great bulk of the Irish who had not taken part in the late war.

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 105

    As the companion tells it

    Near here, an abbey once stood whose cloisters held a beautiful poem composed to Lady O'Brien of Dromoland, who had befriended the poet. Captain Teigie Macnamara in 1714 restored the tomb of the founder of the abbey, situated to the north side of the High Altar. The country around had suffered terribly before that restoration. Eight years of turmoil and war carried on by the Confederation, followed by Cromwell's conquest of Ireland, had wrought frightful havoc among the inhabitants. The misery and destitution to which they had been brought was appalling. In Clare in the year 1659, although many Irish Roman Catholic families from other parts of Ireland had been imported into the country, the total number of its population amounted to 16,474 Catholics and 440 Protestants. Its present population is about 141,475 people. The Government recognised the deplorable state to which the people of Clare had been reduced. In May 1653, it was stated that "upon the serious consideration of the poverty and disability of the county Clare, and of the starving condition in which the few remaining inhabitants are, and the impossibility of getting in the monthly contributions charged upon the county, their whole substance being pledged for their arrears hitherto; it is ordered that the said county shall be charged with no sum until the further pleasure of the Commission in England for the affairs of Ireland shall be known therein." It was into this impoverished county that Cromwell determined, if possible, to transplant the great bulk of the Irish who had not taken part in the late war.

31. Admiral Burton Macnamara dies in Dublin

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 1877

    Burton Macnamara, who rose from a Doolin lad to Admiral of the Fleet and K.C.B., lived to be eighty-three years of age and died in Dublin in 1877. He was the younger brother of Major William Nugent Macnamara, who represented County Clare in Parliament for many years.

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    * The following year Captain Macnamara was under Nelson's command, and was with him in his engagement with the Spanish fleet off Cape St. Vincent. In 1808 he commanded the Berwick, a 74-gun vessel, and did excellent service in the Baltic ; and at this time he received on board his vessel two young relatives, lads fresh from Doolen, co. Clare, Timothy Nugent and Burton Macnamara, belonging therefore to the Burren branch of the sept. Burton, rose to be an Admiral of the Fleet, and K.C.B. ; he lived to be eighty-three years of age, and died in Dublin, 1877 ; he was the younger brother of Major William Nugent Macnamara, who for many years represented co. Clare in the House of Commons. Timothy Nugent, rose to the rank of Commander in the Royal Navy, and his son, Colonel Nugent Macnamara, of the Royal Marine Artillery, is at present residing at Hove ; his sister Florence, is married to General C. Wallace, both living at Ryde.

    t The letter is addressed to John Macnamara, Esq., Llangoed Castle, Brecon, South Wales.

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 133

    As the companion tells it

    Dublin is where Admiral Burton Macnamara died in 1877, at the age of 83. His story began far from here, in Doolin, County Clare, where he was a lad of the Burren branch of the Macnamara sept. In 1808, Captain Macnamara, commanding the Berwick, a 74-gun vessel in service in the Baltic, took on board two young relatives, lads fresh from Doolin: Timothy Nugent and Burton Macnamara. Burton rose to be an Admiral of the Fleet and K.C.B. He was the younger brother of Major William Nugent Macnamara, who for many years represented County Clare in the House of Commons. Timothy Nugent, who came aboard the Berwick alongside Burton, rose to the rank of Commander in the Royal Navy. His son, Colonel Nugent Macnamara of the Royal Marine Artillery, later lived at Hove, and his sister Florence married General C. Wallace, both living at Ryde.

32. Archbishop of Tuam destroys Mac Dara idol on Aran

    Inishmore · electoral division · Galway

    The Archbishop of Tuam, O'Queely, travelled to the island of Aran in Galway Bay to destroy the idolatrous image of 'Mac Dara,' an object of Druidical-era superstition the people venerated and swore upon rather than on the Gospels. He tore down the image and cast it into the sea.

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    province of Munster, he crossed over to England and met Charles I. at Oxford, in order to urge his claims to this appointment ; the king, however, declined to accede to his request. Inchiquin, therefore, left England and at once offered his services to the Parliamentarians, who eagerly accepted his help and at the same time appointed him governoi of Munster. This conduct on the part of Inchiquin was fatal to the Confederate cause. With a man of his energy and ability as leader in the south of Ireland, and with O'Neill, O'Donnell, and Macdonell in the north, the history of the country in the seventeenth century would probably have been different from that which has been handed down to us. The council of the Confederation at this time must have been hard up for a general, for they appointed the Archbishop of Tuam to lead their troops against the English garrison of Sligo. His name was O'Qucely, and he had, not long previously to taking command of the forces employed against the English garrison at Sligo, done battle in a very different cause, for he had gone over to the island of Aran, in Galway Bay, to destroy the image of " Mac Dara " (Dara meaning " oak "), which the people venerated with idolatrous superstition. It was in vain the Catholic clergy called on them to desist from worshipping this idol, and from swearing on it rather than on the Gospels; to put down this ancient superstition, which was evidently a remnant of the old Druidical worship, the Archbishop of Tuam, coming to the island, tore down the image and flung it into the sea.* He did not, however, long survive this proceeding, for in 1645 this unfortunate prelate, having only just assumed command of the Irish soldiers, was shot dead in his first encounter with the Parliamentary forces. In connection with this event, we find Daniel Macnamara and Sir D. O'Brien, of Ennistymon, appointed by the Irish to effect an exchange of prisoners with the commander of the English troops in Connaughtf

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 102

    As the companion tells it

    On Inishmore, in Galway Bay, there was once an idol the people called Mac Dara. Dara means oak. They venerated it with what the records call idolatrous superstition, an ancient practice that was evidently a remnant of the old Druidical worship. The Catholic clergy called on the people to desist from worshipping this idol, and from swearing on it rather than on the Gospels, but their words had no effect. The Archbishop of Tuam, whose name was O'Queely, came to the island himself to put the superstition down. He tore down the image of Mac Dara and flung it into the sea. He did not long survive this act. The council of the Confederation had appointed him to lead their troops against the English garrison of Sligo, a role for which he may seem an unlikely choice. In 1645, this unfortunate prelate, having only just assumed command of the Irish soldiers, was shot dead in his first encounter with the Parliamentary forces. After his death, Daniel Macnamara and Sir D. O'Brien of Ennistymon were appointed by the Irish to effect an exchange of prisoners with the commander of the English troops in Connaught. The destruction of the Mac Dara idol was, in the end, one chapter in a short and violent time. O'Queely had done battle in a very different cause on Inishmore before the wars of the 1640s caught up with him and ended his life among soldiers rather than among stones and sea.

33. Banshee traditions of the Burren

    Burren · townland · Clare

    The author notes that the Burren district has a long-standing tradition of Banshee sightings, with even recent generations claiming to have witnessed such apparitions. This local folklore context explains why a thirteenth-century chronicler included a supernatural encounter in his account of the battle.

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    As Mr. Westropp observes, remarkable as Magrath's account of the appearance of this supernatural being is, no one who has heard the stories of people living in Burren at the present day can be surprised at his description. In this district circumstantial statements are common as to the visits of Banshees even in recent times, often told by people who had themselves seen such apparitions ; it is no wonder therefore that an author of the thirteenth century should indulge his readers with myths of this description.

    We must, however, return to our historian's account of Dermot O'Brien's force which, as before stated, passed the night before the battle in the Abbey of Corcomroe. At the dawn of day they were awakened by reports of the advance of the enemy with standards displayed, with

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 64

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, in Burren, there is a long tradition of Banshee sightings. Mr. Westropp noted that people living in Burren, even in recent times, told circumstantial stories of Banshee visits, often claiming to have seen such apparitions themselves. This local folklore is why a thirteenth-century chronicler named Magrath included a supernatural encounter in his account. As the author observes, no one who has heard the stories from people in this district can be surprised at Magrath's description of such a being. The chronicler's tale involves Dermot O'Brien's force, which passed the night before a battle in the Abbey of Corcomroe. At dawn they were awakened by reports of the enemy advancing with standards displayed.

34. Battle at Magh Adhair: Sioda Macnamara defeats Flan

    near Magh Adhair · monument · Clare · 877

    In 877, the Monarch Flan invaded Thomond and pitched his camp on the sacred mound of Magh Adhair in Clare. Sioda Macnamara, chief of Clancuilein, followed by Lorcain with a strong force, attacked Flan, who fled into neighbouring forests and surrendered after three days' fighting.

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    Lachtna was succeeded by his son Lorcain as King of Thomond ; this chief was foster-son to, and tanist of Cormac McCullinan, who at the time was King of South Munster and Archbishop of Cashel. Cormac visited Lorcain, and amongst other good advice is said to have "impressed upon him the importance of religious education for children." Flan was at this period "Monarch of Ireland, and having demanded tribute from the Dalcais, which they again refused, he invaded Thomond and entered the Ui-Caisins' territory, a.d. 877. The monarch's bard, McLonain, warned him to be careful not to insult the Dalcasians": Flan, however, marched into Clare and pitched his camp on the sacred mound of Magh Adhair, and having challenged one of his followers to chess they sat down to the game, which he was hardly allowed time to finish, for Sioda Macnamara

    * " Ireland and the Celtic Church," p. 199, by G. G. T. Stokes, D.D., Professor of Ecclesiastical History at the University of Dublin.

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 43

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere about Magh Adhair, a battle was fought in 877. Flan, Monarch of Ireland, demanded tribute from the Dalcais, and when they refused, he invaded Thomond and entered the Ui-Caisins' territory. His bard, McLonain, warned him not to insult the Dalcasians. Flan marched into Clare and pitched his camp on the sacred mound. He sat down to chess with one of his followers, but was hardly allowed time to finish, for Sioda Macnamara, chief of Clancuilein, followed by Lorcain with a strong force, attacked him. Flan fled into neighbouring forests and surrendered after three days' fighting. Lorcain, son of Lachtna, was King of Thomond, foster-son and tanist to Cormac McCullinan, who was King of South Munster and Archbishop of Cashel. Cormac had visited Lorcain and, among other advice, impressed upon him the importance of religious education for children.

35. Brian Boru and Aodh Macnamara storm Scattery Island

    Scattery Island · townland · Clare · 977

    In 977, Brian Boru, assisted by Aodh Macnamara, chief of Clancuilein, stormed the island of Scattery, driving the Danes who had taken refuge there back to their ships and completely clearing Thomond of their enemies.

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    From the " Annals of Innisfallen " we learn that, in the year a.d. 977, Brian Boru, assisted by Aodh (Macnamara), chief of Clancuilein, stormed the island of Scattery, driving the Danes, who had found refuge there, to their ships, and completely clearing the district of Thomond of their enemies.

    Brian Boru X was now proclaimed King of Munster, but Malachy, who

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 43

    As the companion tells it

    Close to Scattery Island, in 977, Brian Boru struck a blow that cleared Thomond of its enemies. Assisted by Aodh Macnamara, chief of Clancuilein, he stormed the island of Scattery. The Danes who had found refuge there were driven back to their ships, and the district was freed of them.

36. Clare landowners surrender lands to the Queen, 1576

    near Clare · population centre · Clare · 1576

    Sir Henry Sidney brought the principal landlords of Clare and Galway to agree to surrender all their lands into the Queen's hands and take them back from her, yielding both rent and service. This was intended to give precision to land tenure beyond the earlier agreement with Henry VIII, effectively imposing English land tenure for the immemorial Irish system.

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    ' I brought them to agree to surrender all their landes into the Queene's landes, and to take it of her Highness agayne, and yeilde both rent and lervice, and therefore I have confidence to make a good reckninge for he Queene."

    The meaning of this arrangement between certain of the principal andlords of Clare and Galway with the Lord Deputy was, that precision iras to be given to the tenure of the land beyond that of the agreement vhich most of them had entered into with Henry VIII. Sir H. Sidney, lowever, had an eye to the revenue ; it was clear if Ireland was to be governed the executive and the military must be paid otherwise than by \ perpetual charge on the English exchequer. The Lord Deputy pro- )osed therefore in place of the cesses and other burdens, that landholders hould pay a fixed sum every year to their landlords, and that the latter vere to yield to the Crown a definite amount per annum in proportion o the extent and value of their landed property ; this, however, was an dtogether different proposal to that contained in the agreement just >efore concluded between the Crown and the landowners of Clare ; it neant the imposition of the land tenure of England for that which had ixisted from time immemorial in Ireland.

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 86

    As the companion tells it

    The road passes through Clare, where in 1576 Sir Henry Sidney, the Lord Deputy, brought the principal landlords of that country and of Galway to agree to surrender all their lands into the Queen's hands, and to take them back from her, yielding both rent and service. Sidney said he had "confidence to make a good reckoning for the Queen." The arrangement gave precision to the tenure of land beyond the agreement most of these landowners had earlier entered into with Henry VIII. Sidney also had an eye to revenue. If Ireland was to be governed, the executive and the military must be paid otherwise than by a perpetual charge on the English exchequer. He proposed that landholders pay a fixed sum yearly to their landlords, and landlords yield the Crown a definite annual amount in proportion to their landed property's extent and value. This was altogether different from the agreement just concluded between the Crown and the landowners of that same country. It meant the imposition of English land tenure for that which had existed from time immemorial in Ireland.

37. Clontarf as first pinnacle of Dalcasian honour

    Clontarf · parish · Dublin

    The battle of Clontarf is cited as the first occasion on which Brian's clans won imperishable victory, where both Gael and Norsemen were exterminated. Though Brian and his son Morrough fell, the Dalcasians rose and put the black Galls to flight when fresh Dublin garrison reinforcements arrived.

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    "Now this made the third summit of high emprise and genuine honour of the far-westerns, achieved [in the interval extending] from the day in which first from blue Spain's rugged coasts the Gael arrived in Ireland, until [this in which] the great battle of the Abbey [was decided]. And it cannot be but that to them of all Erin, besides it is a mischief [grievance] that one and the same noble stock should have ambitioned and attained to said three pinnacles of renown. The first occasion then on which Brian's clans made their own of victory so imperishable was the day of Clontarfs battle, by which both Gael and fresh- come Norseman thickly were exterminated ; but by obstinacy of the Gael it was won after their leaders all were fallen with Brian and his son Morrough. When the white Danes however, quite fresh, and their city's whole garrison [of Dublin] as well [by way of reinforcement], came upon the scene to fall on the freeborn but enfeebled residue which [before they themselves died] the Norsemen had left of the Gael, a fine tale of slaughter there would have been to tell had not the Dalcasians (cut up as they were) risen and put the black Galls to instant flight

    "The second turn at which again the Clancassians took the honours was when, as Brian's son Donough returned from his preyings and with the remnant of his gallant companies was on the march, Ossory in force gathered against the Dalcasians to require hostages of Donough mac Brian. Heart's torment to clanna Chais were these expressions : that by reason of their fewness and debility their own continued and ex origine natural servitors would have pledges of them. Therefore in their weak ones anger rose, valorous disposition in their injured, and in their dilapidated a flame was kindled, when they heard them whom the

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 67

    As the companion tells it

    The parish of Clontarf marks the first of three pinnacles of honour won by Brian's clans. The book calls it the first occasion on which they made their own of a victory so imperishable. On the day of Clontarf's battle, both Gael and freshcome Norseman were thickly exterminated. The victory was won by the obstinacy of the Gael, but only after their leaders had all fallen, with Brian and his son Morrough among the dead. When the white Danes, quite fresh, came upon the scene, and with them the whole garrison of Dublin as reinforcement, they fell on the freeborn but enfeebled residue that the Norsemen had left of the Gael before they themselves died. There would have been a fine tale of slaughter to tell, had not the Dalcasians, cut up as they were, risen and put the black Galls to instant flight. The source ranks this day among three summits of high emprise achieved from the day the Gael first arrived in Ireland from blue Spain's rugged coasts, until the great battle of the Abbey was decided. It says it cannot be but that to them of all Erin it is a grievance that one and the same noble stock should have ambitioned and attained to all three.

38. Connaught king invaded Macnamara territory and took hostages

    near Clare · population centre · Clare · 1331

    The king of Connaught marched into the Macnamara's territory in Munster, took hostages from them, and forced the sept to submit to Connaught, weakening Clancuilein during a period when they had already been depleted by fighting.

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    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.!

    Dermod O'Brien, Mortough's brother, succeeded and died without issue ; he was followed as chief of Thomond by his nephew, who died in 1360, and he was succeeded by Brian O'Brien as King of Thomond. Mac-con Macnamara lived on through all these changes ; his son, we are informed by "The Four Masters," was slain in the year 1356, and, they add he " was the best son of a chieftain of his time ; a youth of great * " Annals of Ulster," a.d. 1331 t " O'Brien Memoirs," p. 130.

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 70

    As the companion tells it

    Not far from here is Clare, and in 1331 it saw the Macnamara sept brought low. Clancuilein had already been much weakened by fighting when the king of Connaught marched into the Macnamara's territory in Munster. He took hostages from them, and as the record says, he "forced the sept to submit to Connaught." This left Clancuilein unable to act when Mortough O'Brien died. They could not support his brother Dermod in pressing for the throne against Brian Bane, who at last seized by force the office of King of Thomond, the prize his father and grandfather had long striven for. Brian held the honour only a few years. In 1350 he was assassinated by one of his own family. Dermod O'Brien then succeeded and died without issue. His nephew followed as chief of Thomond and died in 1360, and then Brian O'Brien became King of Thomond. Mac-con Macnamara lived through all of this. His son was slain in 1356, and the Four Masters add that he was the best son of a chieftain of his time, a youth of great promise.

39. Conor O'Brien defeats English at Galway and East Thomond

    Galway · city · Galway · 1257

    In 1257, aided by Clancuilein and other Dalcasian septs, Conor O'Brien met the English in battle and defeated them, driving them out of East Thomond and from Galway.

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    William de Burgho, who had gained large possessions in Galway, and so, through the weakness caused by the rivalries of the Celtic chiefs, an opening was again effected for the Anglo-Normans to force their way into the west of Ireland. Conor O'Brien, however, determined to face the foreigners in the field of battle, and in a.d. 1257, aided by Clancuilein and other Dalcasian septs, he met the English, and not only defeated them, but again drove them out of East Thomond, and also from Galway.

    The fact seemed at length to dawn on the four provincial kings of Ireland that, if they were to retain their position, it was necessary for them to act together against the common enemy ; and so it was determined they should for the second time meet and take steps to ensure concerted action (p. 88). Conor O'Brien was represented at this council by his son and tanist Teige. The council met (a.d. 1258), but when it came to the point of settling which of the four kings was to be supreme, the choice lay between O'Neil and O'Brien, neither of them would yield ; the council, therefore, broke up without arriving at any decision on the matter for which they had been assembled ; and so terminated the last hope of effective union between the native Irish chiefs to combine and work together for the good of their country. Teige O'Brien died soon after the termination of the council, and his father, Conor, seems to have been crushed by this blow ; " he refused to drink, rejoice, or take comfort, and to such a depth and for so long was his grief prolonged, that his tribe rose against him ; " his sorrow they respected, but when it passed into settled gloom they led their chief to understand that he must make way for some one else, if he desired to indulge in inordinate grief.

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 53

    As the companion tells it

    Galway in 1257 was a place the English had been pushing into. William de Burgho had gained large possessions there, and the rivalries among the Celtic chiefs had opened the way for the Anglo-Normans to force their way into the west of Ireland. Conor O'Brien decided to face the foreigners in battle. Aided by Clancuilein and other Dalcasian septs, he met the English and not only defeated them but drove them out of East Thomond and from Galway itself. After that, the four provincial kings of Ireland began to see that if they were to hold their position, they needed to act together against the common enemy. They agreed to meet for a second time to take steps toward concerted action. Conor O'Brien sent his son and tanist Teige to represent him. The council gathered in 1258, but when it came to choosing which of the four kings would be supreme, the choice lay between O'Neil and O'Brien. Neither would yield, and the council broke up without reaching any decision. The book calls this the last hope of effective union between the native Irish chiefs to combine and work together for the good of their country. Teige O'Brien died soon after the council ended, and Conor was crushed by the loss. "He refused to drink, rejoice, or take comfort, and to such a depth and for so long was his grief prolonged, that his tribe rose against him." His people respected his sorrow, but when it settled into lasting gloom they told their chief he must make way for someone else if he could not leave off his grief.

40. Daniel Macnamara expelled from Rathfolan in 1654

    Rathfolan · townland · Clare · 1654

    Daniel Macnamara, great-grandson of Rory Macnamara (brother of Sioda Macnamara of Henry VIII's time), was expelled from Rathfolan in 1654 during the Cromwellian upheavals and relocated to Ballinacragga on the southern shore of Galway Bay.

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    Sioda Macnamara, of Henry VIII.'s time, had a brother Rory, and it was his great-grandson Daniel Macnamara, who in 1654 was expelled from Rathfolan and took up his abode at Ballinacragga, situated on the southern shore of Galway Bay .J Daniel's eldest son, Teigie, referred to above, had a younger brother named Daniel, who was twice married, his second wife being a daughter of Charles MacEnery of Castletown, county Kildare, this marriage took place in the year 1696; he had several children by his second wife, one of them, Michel, born in 1707, married the daughter of one of the Ely O'Carrolls in the year 1738. § Michel Macnamara's fourth son, Patrick, was born in 1752, and Patrick's

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

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 122

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, in 1654, Daniel Macnamara was expelled from Rathfolan during the Cromwellian upheavals. He was the great-grandson of Rory Macnamara, who was brother to Sioda Macnamara, a man of Henry the Eighth's time. After his expulsion Daniel took up his abode at Ballinacragga, on the southern shore of Galway Bay. Daniel's eldest son, Teigie, had a younger brother also named Daniel, who was twice married. His second wife was a daughter of Charles MacEnery of Castletown, County Kildare, and that marriage took place in 1696. They had several children, one of them, Michel, born in 1707, who married the daughter of one of the Ely O'Carrolls in 1738. Michel's fourth son, Patrick, was born in 1752.

41. Death of King Crimthan at Cratlow

    Cratloe · town · Clare · 378

    King Crimthan of Ireland, having been poisoned by his sister in Connaught, set out for his home in Munster but only reached Cratlow in the south of Clare, where he died in AD 378. His military renown and tragic death made a deep impression on his countrymen, so the date of his decease is well-established.

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    Crimthan, King of Ireland, belonged to the Eoghanite division of Olioll's sons ; he was sixth in descent from Olioll, as also was Lughaid on the Dalcasian side of the family. Crimthan came to the throne of Ireland in consequence of his nephew, the rightful heir, being at the time too young to fill that office ; he was an intrepid soldier, and carried the Irish arms not only into Scotland and Britain, but also iinto the heart of France, and from all these he took hostages and great booty.f He left no children, and the succession to the throne was an open question, a fact which his sister hoped to turn to the advantage of her own son ; and to compass this end she determined to poison her brother, though " it should cost her her own life in doing so." Crimthan was invited to Connaught by his sister, and while there she poisoned his wine ; having first drunk some of this wine, she passed the cup to her brother. The king subsequently feeling that he had been poisoned, and his sister soon afterwards having died, he started for his home in Munster, but only reached Cratlow in the south of Clare, where he died in the year a.d. 378; X his success in arms and tragic death made a deep impression on the minds of his countrymen, so there can be no mistake as to the date of his decease.

    * O'Curry's " Lectures," p. 498 ; see also the " Annals of the Four Masters " for the above date.

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 41

    As the companion tells it

    The town of Cratloe is where one of Ireland's ancient kings met his end. Crimthan was King of Ireland, of the Eoghanite division of Olioll's sons, sixth in descent from Olioll. He came to the throne because his nephew, the rightful heir, was too young to rule. He was an intrepid soldier who carried Irish arms into Scotland, into Britain, and into the heart of France, and from all of these he took hostages and great booty. He left no children, and the succession to the throne was an open question. His sister hoped to turn that to the advantage of her own son. She determined to poison her brother, though, in the words of the source, it should cost her her own life in doing so. She invited Crimthan to Connaught. There she poisoned his wine. She drank from the cup first, then passed it to her brother. The king felt he had been poisoned, and his sister died soon after. He set out for his home in Munster but only reached Cratlow in the south of Clare, where he died in 378. His success in arms and his tragic death made a deep impression on his countrymen, so the date of his decease is well-established.

42. De Clare builds Bunratty Castle at mouth of River Raite

    near Bunratty · parish · Clare · 1277–1280

    Around the same period, Thomas de Clare built Bunratty Castle at the clear-harboured mouth of the River Raite. Part of the building was inhabited in the 1890s by the Irish constabulary.

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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

    As the companion tells it

    In the parish of Bunratty, Thomas de Clare built a castle at the clear harboured mouth of the River Raite. He had advanced from Limerick to Clonroad at a time when Turlough O'Brien was away to the west of the Fergus, receiving the fealty of the MacMahons. De Clare 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 joined Brian Roe and the Anglo-Norman forces. De Clare strengthened and garrisoned a fort at Quin, an important strategical post in Macnamara territory, separated from the residence of the chief of the sept only by the river Rine. There was a church there dedicated to St. Finghin, which De Clare converted into, in the words of the source, a church and a fortress. That edifice still existed when this was written, with its massive walls and narrow lancet windows. De Clare's fort stood on the eastern side of the stream, a courtyard 120 feet square, with walls nearly 10 feet thick and round towers 40 feet broad at three of its angles. The lower parts of those towers and the walls still remained. Within these, De Clare subsequently built a strong castle in 1280, which has since made way for the Franciscan abbey erected on that site. The walls of the old castle and the fort form part of the existing abbey. At this same time, De Clare built the castle of Bunratty at the clear harboured mouth of the River Raite. Part of this building was inhabited in the 1890s by the Irish constabulary.

43. Division of Clare: Burren's defensible valleys assigned to Donough

    Burren · townland · Clare · 1284

    In 1284 the King of Thomond agreed to divide Clare with Donough, who was to rule the territory between the river Fergus and the sea, including its endless forests, sea-shore, and the defensible valleys of Burren. Turlough retained eastern Thomond with its fertile soil, fish-rich lakes, and mountain strongholds.

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    and he there compelled De Clare to banish Donough Brian Roe into Desmond. In the following year the King of Thomond agreed for the sake of peace to divide county Clare with Donough, who was to rule over that part of the territory situated between the river Fergus and the sea, with its " endless forests, the sea-shore, and the defensible valleys of Burren " ; while Turlough was to retain eastern Thomond with its fertile soil, its lakes abounding in fish, and the natural strongholds of its mountains to the north and south-east * This arrangement between the two rival O'Briens was hardly likely to lead to permanent peace, and in fact complications soon arose between them, and led to endless fighting, in which, Magrath states, "that the poet and eye-witness of these scenes affirms that it was Clancuilein that maintained " the cause of Turlough O'Brien.

    In 1284 it was agreed that the contending chiefs should meet and try and settle their quarrels. Donough Brian's coming was after this fashion : " He was sufficiently well drunken with mead to make him noisy, and when he came to the river's opposite bank, he thence gave Turlough O'Brien to feel the rough side of his tongue." t At his violent and bitter words Turlough's face grew red, and the chiefs who had been Donough's friends were so outraged that they passed over to Turlough, and they determined to attack Donough in one or other of the places in which he was sure to sleep that night. Donough hearing of this, mounted his beautiful horse and, followed by a few retainers, attempted to escape from his enemies, but they were too numerous for him. Wounded, he reached the river Fergus and plunged into it, " then it was that Donough, fervently adoring the true God, in hurried act of penance lifted up his hands, and so, with good courage, sank under the river's surface away from his enemies."^

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 56

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Burren, in 1284, rival O'Brien chiefs agreed to meet and settle their quarrels over the division of Clare. Donough had been banished into Desmond. The following year, the King of Thomond agreed, for the sake of peace, to divide county Clare with Donough. Donough was to rule the territory between the river Fergus and the sea, with its "endless forests, the sea-shore, and the defensible valleys of Burren." Turlough retained eastern Thomond, with its fertile soil, its lakes abounding in fish, and the natural strongholds of its mountains to the north and south-east. This arrangement between the two rival O'Briens was hardly likely to lead to permanent peace. Complications soon arose between them and led to endless fighting. Magrath states that the poet and eyewitness of these scenes affirms it was Clancuilein that maintained the cause of Turlough O'Brien. In 1284 it was agreed that the contending chiefs should meet and try to settle their quarrels. Donough Brian came to that meeting "sufficiently well drunken with mead to make him noisy," and when he reached the river's opposite bank, he gave Turlough O'Brien "the rough side of his tongue." Turlough's face grew red. The chiefs who had been Donough's friends were so outraged that they passed over to Turlough, and they determined to attack Donough in one or other of the places in which he was sure to sleep that night. Donough hearing of this, mounted his beautiful horse and, followed by a few retainers, attempted to escape from his enemies, but they were too numerous for him. Wounded, he reached the river Fergus and plunged into it. "Then it was that Donough, fervently adoring the true God, in hurried act of penance lifted up his hands, and so, with good courage, sank under the river's surface away from his enemies."

44. Drim as refuge of the last Franciscan friars from Quin

    Drim · townland · Clare

    After being driven from Quin Abbey, the Franciscan friars took refuge at Drim. The last of them, Rev. John Hogan of Drim, served as an auxiliary to local parish priests and was supported by the pious donations of the faithful until his death in 1820 aged 80 years.

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    " * HERE LIES THE BODY OF THE | REV. JOHN HOGAN OF DRIM | WHO DEPAi . IS LIFE A.D. 1820 I AGED 80 YEARS, THE LAST OF THE FRANCISCAN | FRIAKS IO HAD THEIR RESIDENTS (sk) | AT DRIM THE PLACE OF THEIR REFUGE j WHBM IVEN FROM THE ABBEY OF | QUIN. HE WAS SUPPORTED BY THE | PIOUS PONA- DNS OF THE FAITHFUL | AND SERVED AS AN AUXILIARY TO HIS | NEIGHBOUKIV ■ RISH PRIESTS I IN THE VINEYARD OF THE LORD. HE | KNEW HOW TO ABOUND D HOW TO SUFFER | WANT AS THE LORD WAS PLEASED TO | SEND. HE DIED

    HOLY POVERTY | RESPECTED FOR HIS STRICTNESS IN RELIGIOUS DISCI PI C) I AND VENERATED I BY ALL. 'QUI SEMINAT IN LACHRYM1S EXULTATION ;TET.' I REQUIESCAT IN PACE, AMEN.'

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 118

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Drim, the last Franciscan friars from Quin Abbey found refuge after they were driven out. The last of them was the Reverend John Hogan of Drim. He served as an auxiliary to the parish priests nearby, and he lived on what the faithful gave him. His gravestone says he knew how to abound and how to suffer want as the Lord was pleased to send. He died in 1820, aged 80 years, respected for his strictness in religious discipline and venerated by all. The stone carries the words, "Qui seminat in lacrymis exultatione metet," and the prayer, requiescat in pace, amen.

45. Dublin Parliament of 1689 repeals Act of Settlement

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 1689–1690

    The Dublin Parliament of 1689, freely elected and presided over by King James, passed a repeal of the Act of Settlement that had legalised Cromwellian confiscations, restoring former proprietors to ancestral property and providing compensation for honest purchasers.

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    Parliament, who then possessed the power to legislate for the country, had five-and-twenty years before lost by far the greater part of their estates under Cromwell's Act, and one of the first measures brought before the Dublin Parliament was the repeal of the Act of Settlement, which legalised the confiscations made by Cromwell and his officers.

    Under Act 4, of James II. 's Parliament, it was settled that all persons entitled to any lands or whose ancestors possessed such lands on the 2nd October 1641, shall and may take action for recovering the same. Commissioners were appointed to determine the claims, and have power to award injunctions for putting such persons as shall appear to them to have established their claims in possession of such lands. The former proprietors were thus to be restored to their ancestral property; and "honest purchasers of lands under the Acts of Settlements" were to be compensated for the loss of their lands, from the lands held by persons in rebellion against their lawful Sovereign (James II.) since the 1st of August 1688 ; the commissioners were to allot and distribute such reprisals. If a purchaser had obtained lands in the province of Connaught, including county Clare,* other lands were to be provided from the estates of forfeited lands or otherwise. Tenants were not to be disturbed in their holdings by the change in the owners of their lands, unless in the case of the mansion-house of the old proprietor or his heirs and the demesne belonging thereto. The blot in this Act was that no provision was made for the families of these adventurers, who having been for twenty-five or thirty years in possession, and residing on the estates they had purchased, had rights to citizenship.

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 117

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Dublin, this is the city where the Parliament of 1689 met, freely elected and presided over by King James. Its members had lost the greater part of their estates under Cromwell's Act five-and-twenty years before. One of their first measures was the repeal of the Act of Settlement, the law that had legalised the confiscations made by Cromwell and his officers. Under Act 4 of James the Second's Parliament, it was settled that all persons entitled to any lands, or whose ancestors possessed such lands on the 2nd of October 1641, could take action for recovering them. Commissioners were appointed to determine the claims and had power to award injunctions to put those persons in possession. The former proprietors were thus to be restored to their ancestral property. "Honest purchasers of lands under the Acts of Settlements" were to be compensated for the loss of their lands, from lands held by persons in rebellion against their lawful Sovereign James since the 1st of August 1688. The commissioners were to allot and distribute such reprisals. If a purchaser had obtained lands in the province of Connaught, including county Clare, other lands were to be provided from forfeited estates or otherwise. Tenants were not to be disturbed in their holdings by the change in owners, unless it was the mansion-house of the old proprietor or his heirs and the demesne belonging to it. The blot in this Act was that no provision was made for the families of these adventurers, who having been 25 or 30 years in possession and residing on the estates they had purchased, had rights to citizenship.

46. Ennis public meeting asserts Irish legislative independence (1782)

    Ennis · town · Clare · 1782

    A public meeting held at Ennis in 1782 passed a vote of thanks to the local volunteers and resolved that no power had any right to make laws to bind the kingdom save the Lords and Commons of Ireland. The meeting reflected the political aspirations of the Irish people and echoed principles from earlier Irish parliamentary traditions.

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    With regard to the political aspirations of the Irish, we may learn something from speeches made at a public meeting held at Ennis in 1782. The first resolution passed was a vote of thanks to the local volunteers for their services and excellent conduct. It was then resolved that " no power had any right to make laws to bind the kingdom save the Lords and Commons of Ireland." This was going back to the principle contained in Act iii. of James II.'s Dublin Parliament, and to much that followed in the works of Molyneux, Swift, Lucas, and other political writers. Opinions of this kind were urged on the Government by Grattan, Flood, and others in the Parliament sitting in Dublin, and in the House of Commons by Edmund Burke. It was largely through their influence, backed by the people of Ireland, that C. Fox carried the Bill by which Act vi. of George I. was repealed. This Act had reasserted the right of England to legislate for Ireland. At the same time, the duration of Irish Parliaments were curtailed from an indefinite period to a term of eight years ; and it was further enacted that the Irish Parliament was to have the same authority over local affairs in Ireland as the English legislative assembly had over the affairs of that country. A Mutiny Act was also passed; and for all these favours Ireland willingly supplied England with some twenty thousand young fellows to help to man the Royal Navy.

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 128

    As the companion tells it

    Ennis, in County Clare, was the setting for a public meeting in 1782 that tells you something of what the Irish people wanted for their own country. The meeting passed a vote of thanks to the local volunteers, for their services and their excellent conduct. Then the gathering resolved that no power had any right to make laws to bind the kingdom save the Lords and Commons of Ireland. That principle went back to Act 3 of James the Second's Dublin Parliament, and to much that followed in the works of Molyneux, Swift, Lucas, and other political writers. The same opinions were urged on the Government by Grattan, Flood, and others in the Parliament sitting in Dublin, and in the House of Commons by Edmund Burke. Through their influence, backed by the people of Ireland, Charles Fox carried the Bill that repealed Act 6 of George the First. That Act had reasserted the right of England to legislate for Ireland. At the same time, the duration of Irish Parliaments was curtailed from an indefinite period to a term of 8 years. It was further enacted that the Irish Parliament was to have the same authority over local affairs in Ireland as the English legislative assembly had over the affairs of England. A Mutiny Act was also passed. And for all these favours, Ireland willingly supplied England with some 20 thousand young fellows to help man the Royal Navy.

47. Expulsion of Macnamaras to Burren

    Burren · townland · Clare · 1654

    Of 293 principal Macnamara families living on their lands in 1654, only six were permitted to retain part of their estates. The remainder were expelled to the Burren or the West Indies.

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    Charles I.'s and James II.'s opinion as to state of Ireland in their time — Cause of rebellion of 1641 — Donogh and Teigie Macnamara appointed to keep order in Clare — English in Clare not ill-treated by Irish — Siege of Ballyallia — Donogh Macnamara sent on a mission to O'Neill — Roman Catholic Confederation — Two of the Macnamaras appointed by people of Clare to represent them in Confederate Council — The Pope's Nuncio Rinuccini arrives in Ireland — Lord Inchiquin — Surrender of Bunratty Castle — The Macnamaras at the battle of Knockmoness — Rinuccini leaves Ireland, a.d. 1648 — Cromwell's rule in Ireland — Siege of Limerick — Teigie Macnamara surrenders the place to the Parliamentary forces — Daniel Macnamara signs treaty on behalf of the Clare Brigade — Quin Abbey — Its destruction by Cromwell's soldiers — Roger Macnamara — Importation of Catholic Irish into Clare — Confiscation of the Macnamara estates — They held the same lands in 1654 which had been granted to them in the fifth century ; and no lands outside boundary of former tribal lands — Of two hundred and ninety-three principal families of the Macnamara living in these lands in 1654 only six were permitted to retain a part of their estates — The remainder expelled to Burren, the West Indies, or left to labour on the property formerly their own — Rathfolan and Ballinacragga family expelled to north of Burren Pp. 188-205

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 5

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Burren, in the year 1654, one of the great clearances of Irish families took place. The Macnamaras had held these lands since the fifth century, the same ground, never moving beyond the old tribal boundary. By 1654 there were 293 principal Macnamara families living on that ground. Only six were allowed to keep any part of what had been theirs. The rest were expelled here, to the Burren, or sent to the West Indies, or left behind to labour on land that had once been their own. The Rathfolan and Ballinacragga families were among those driven to the north of Burren. What led to this was Cromwell's rule in Ireland. Before that, the Macnamaras had tried to hold Clare together. Donogh and Teigie Macnamara were appointed to keep order. The English in Clare were not ill-treated by the Irish. Ballyallia was besieged. Donogh Macnamara was sent on a mission to O'Neill. Two Macnamaras were chosen by the people of Clare to represent them in the Confederate Council. The Pope's Nuncio Rinuccini arrived in Ireland, then left in 1648. Bunratty Castle surrendered. The Macnamaras fought at the battle of Knockmoness. Cromwell's soldiers destroyed Quin Abbey. Teigie Macnamara surrendered Limerick to the Parliamentary forces. Daniel Macnamara signed the treaty on behalf of the Clare Brigade. Then the estates were confiscated, and the families were driven out.

48. First Protestant Bishop of Killaloe appointed

    Killaloe · town · Clare · 1569

    After the death of the O'Brien bishop of Killaloe in 1569, the English Government appointed the first Protestant bishop of Killaloe, a young man named Morrogh O'Brien, recommended by the Lord Deputy to Elizabeth because he was a Protestant educated at Oxford.

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

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 85

    As the companion tells it

    Killaloe is a town the road passes through. In 1569, its bishop died, and the English Government appointed the first Protestant bishop of Killaloe, a young man named Morrogh O'Brien, recommended by the Lord Deputy to Elizabeth because he was a Protestant educated at Oxford. The bishop who had died that year was an O'Brien, and his sons had been a problem. A petition reached Sidney from Galway, reporting that on the borders of Thomond certain outlaws, bastard sons of the Bishop of Killaloe, had robbed all travellers and raided a castle they intended to defend. This was the condition of Clare in 1569. English law and order was administered with what the source calls laxness. Years before, in 1563, the Earl of Thomond had retreated to Sioda Macnamara's castle at Rosroe to seek protection from his relative Donald O'Brien of Inchiquin. Donald attacked the castle, but Sioda Macnamara drove him back and pursued him across the river Fergus. Donald then went near Corcomroe in Burren, where a ship carrying pirates landed near Loop Head. He seized the sailors, hung some, and burnt others according to the measure of their crime. Against this background, the English Government reached into Killaloe with the appointment of Morrogh O'Brien. The name was O'Brien, the family of the old bishop, but this O'Brien was a young Protestant, educated at Oxford, and recommended by the Lord Deputy to Elizabeth.

49. Flan camps on the Shannon demanding tribute from Thomond

    Shannon · town · Clare

    Phelim, King of Munster, demanded tribute from the Dalcais, which was refused by Lachtna, King of Thomond. Phelim marched an army against Thomond and encamped on the eastern bank of the Shannon, leading to negotiations in which Lachtna disguised himself and visited Flan's camp to reach an amicable agreement.

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    bishop of South Monster * Unmindful of the fact that the Dalcais were exempt from paying tribute either to the monarch of Ireland or to Munster Flan nevertheless demanded payment and submission from Lachtna' which was refused, whereupon Phelim marched an army against Thomond and encamped on the eastern bank of the Shannon. Lachtna desired peace and assembled his chiefs, including Maolchuite, who at that period was the head of Clancuilein; they determined to resist the demand for tribute, and against the advice of their king wished to resort to arms in defence of their rights. Thereupon, Lachtna disguised himself and proceeding to Flan's camp he obtained an audience with the King of Munster, and came to an amicable agreement with him ; the chief of Thomond then returned home ; but in the meantime Phelim's mind had been poisoned by a sage he had consulted on the subject of the negotiations which he had been engaged in, and having been persuaded to distrust Lachtna he sent off a messenger in hot haste to recall that chief to his camp. On receiving this message Lachtna at once retraced his steps, "and when Flan saw his good faith he felt full confidence in the chief of Thomond, and as a token of regard gave him his own steed and robes." Flan, we are told, also gave his blessing to Lachtna, which, as Mr. T. J. Westropp observes, could hardly have been accounted of much importance, as this king and bishop had just previously attacked and robbed the churches of Clonmacnoise, Armagh, Durrow, and Kildare,t and put their clergy to the sword.

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 43

    As the companion tells it

    Near the town of Shannon in Clare, there is an old story of tribute and trust between two kings. The Dalcais were exempt from paying tribute to the monarch of Ireland or to Munster, yet Flan, who was also called Phelim, king and bishop of South Munster, demanded payment and submission from Lachtna, king of Thomond. Lachtna refused. Phelim marched an army against Thomond and encamped on the eastern bank of the Shannon. Lachtna desired peace. He assembled his chiefs, including Maolchuite, who was then the head of Clancuilein. They were determined to resist the demand for tribute, and against their king's advice wished to resort to arms in defence of their rights. Lachtna instead disguised himself and went to Flan's camp, where he obtained an audience with the king of Munster and came to an amicable agreement with him. The chief of Thomond then returned home. But in the meantime Phelim's mind had been poisoned by a sage he had consulted about the negotiations. Persuaded to distrust Lachtna, he sent a messenger in hot haste to recall him to the camp. On receiving the message, Lachtna at once retraced his steps. The source says, "when Flan saw his good faith he felt full confidence in the chief of Thomond, and as a token of regard gave him his own steed and robes." Flan also gave his blessing to Lachtna, though that blessing could hardly have counted for much, as this king and bishop had just previously attacked and robbed the churches of Clonmacnoise, Armagh, Durrow, and Kildare, and put their clergy to the sword.

50. Formation of Kilkenny Rangers

    Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny · 1777

    In early 1777, following the example of southern cities, the Kilkenny Rangers volunteer regiment was established and brought into training by non-commissioned officers experienced in the Seven Years' War.

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

    » O'Brien's " Memoirs," pp. 402, 3 I also Sir J. Barrington's " Historic Memories of Ireland," vol. i. p. 49.

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 126

    As the companion tells it

    The road takes you through Kilkenny. In December 1776, the Dublin Parliament sent a Money Bill to England for the Government's sanction. To the astonishment of the Irish Parliament, English officials had altered the original Bill. They cut down the force to be retained in Ireland from 12,000 men to 4,000, though it had been previously stipulated that the minimum number of English troops to be retained in Ireland for the defence of the country should be not less than 12,000 soldiers. This created an uproar in the Dublin Parliament, and led to the demand for a force of militia being raised at once. The Government declined this proposal. Charles Ogle, Member of Parliament for Wexford, and other gentlemen, determined to follow the example set by the cities of Cork, Limerick, and Galway, and to arm and enrol their tenants into volunteer corps. The uniforms of these corps were scarlet with buff facings. Many country gentlemen joined in the movement. In the early part of 1777, the Kilkenny Rangers, and regiments of volunteers in Wexford and Wicklow, were brought into training under the orders of non-commissioned officers who, having passed through the Seven Years' War, were well acquainted with drill and such matters. The volunteer movement commenced in the South of Ireland. Before 1777 the volunteers had done good work there. Though drawn from the same class as the Whiteboys, when enrolled as soldiers they displayed a capacity for order and a sense of duty which, brought to bear on the Whiteboys, did more to suppress their excesses in a few months than the Government had been able to effect in as many years.

51. Inquisition at Galway on Macnamara's property, 1585

    Galway · city · Galway · 1585

    An inquisition held at Galway before Sir R. Bingham on 27 January 1585 investigated the property of the recently deceased John Macnamara. It revealed that neither the owner nor anyone else knew the rental amounts, and documented ancient customs including the Borome tax still being collected in Clare.

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    Before referring to the important steps taken by Sir Henry Sidney at Galway, in relation to the land belonging to the members of our sept, we may with advantage refer to an inquisition made at Galway, before Sir R. Bingham, on January 27, 1585, as it throws much light on the nature and scope of the Lord Deputy's proposal concerning the tenure of land.* This inquisition was made with reference to the property of John Macnamara, who had recently died. We learn in the first place that, although J. Macnamara was an extensive landlord, he had no idea of what his rental was, for it is stated in this document that " neither the owner of the land, nor any one else, knew for certain how much rent they had or ought to pay on any of the said quarters of land." In these circumstances the commission had to refer the matter " to those who knoweth best how much the said rent should be." The estates referred to belonged to one of the chiefs of our sept, the son of the Sioda Macnamara who had signed the agreement with Henry VIII. on behalf of a number of the freeholders of his clan. It would seem to us almost incredible that a person in this position, as late as the sixteenth century, should have been unable to state the amount of his rental. The truth was, he had never received any rent, according to our meaning of the term. Lands which he did not require for his own purposes he made over to his family or relations to cultivate, they supplying him with a certain quantity of stock and grain to enable him to keep open house, and live as one of the chief men of his sept. The management of the property was still conducted on the conjoint family principle, modified according to the necessities of the times. The out-turn of the soil was consumed by man and beast living upon the land which produced the stock and grain. There was no idea of sending gold and silver derived from the sale of stock to London or Dublin to be spent by individuals who had no personal interest in the land, and, in not a few instances, who had never even seen it. Englishmen, however, had discovered that land in Ireland was worth having, from their point of view, which was to make money out of it. When this fact had been realised a rush of all sorts and conditions of men passed into Ireland from the east, and the confiscated estates of Ulster and Munster offered them an opportunity of which they were by no means slow to avail themselves.

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 89

    As the companion tells it

    In 1585, Galway was the setting for an inquisition before Sir R. Bingham, held on January 27, into the property of John Macnamara, who had recently died. Macnamara was an extensive landlord, yet the inquisition found that "neither the owner of the land, nor any one else, knew for certain how much rent they had or ought to pay on any of the said quarters of land." The commission had to refer the matter to those who knew best. Macnamara was one of the chiefs of his sept, the son of the Sioda Macnamara who had signed an agreement with Henry VIII on behalf of a number of freeholders of his clan. By the sixteenth century it seems remarkable that a man in his position could not state the amount of his rental. The truth was, he had never received rent in the English sense. Lands he did not need for himself he made over to family and relations to cultivate. They supplied him with a certain quantity of stock and grain so he could keep open house and live as one of the chief men of his sept. The management of the property still followed the conjoint family principle. What the land produced was consumed by the people and animals living on it. There was no thought of sending gold and silver to London or Dublin for spending by people with no personal interest in the land. Englishmen, however, had discovered that land in Ireland was worth having, from their point of view, which was to make money out of it. A rush of all sorts and conditions of men passed into Ireland from the east, and the confiscated estates of Ulster and Munster offered them an opportunity they were not slow to take.

52. O'Brien power established from Limerick to the Cliffs of Moher

    near Cliffs of Moher · cliff or cliffs · Clare · 1332

    After the Battle of Dysert O'Dea and the taking of Bunratty, Mortough O'Brien lived to see his power established from Limerick to the cliffs of Moher, marking the full extent of restored Gaelic control over Clare.

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    It is true the English, after the battle of Dysert-O'Dea, assigned the :astle and estate of Bunratty to Matelda, wife of Robert de Wells, and mother sister of De Clare's, and appointed R. Sutton to hold the castle is a safeguard to the traders of Limerick, but in 1332, eleven years Defore Mortough O'Brien's death, the place was attacked and taken by Mac-con Macnamara, and so the king lived to see his power established irom Limerick to the cliffs of Moher.f

    Our sept had taken a leading part throughout the long years of warfare n Clare, so that we are not surprised to hear at the termination of the struggle they annexed the territory of the Hybloids and other septs who

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 69

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere about Cliffs of Moher, you are coming near the western edge of what Mortough O'Brien held. After the Battle of Dysert O'Dea, the English assigned the castle and estate of Bunratty to Matelda, wife of Robert de Wells, and appointed R. Sutton to hold it as a safeguard for the traders of Limerick. But in 1332, eleven years before Mortough O'Brien's death, Bunratty was attacked and taken by Mac-con Macnamara. The king lived to see his power established from Limerick to these cliffs. The sept had taken a leading part throughout the long years of warfare in Clare, and at the end of the struggle they annexed the territory of the Hybloids and other septs.

53. O'Brien's speech on tithe extortion at Ennis

    Ennis · town · Clare · 1763

    In early 1763, Mr. L. O'Brien (later Sir Lucas) delivered a speech at Ennis condemning the neglect of Protestant clergy in County Clare and linking it to Whiteboy risings against tithe extortion. He argued that insurrections were rooted in the shameful neglect of clergy and defects in religious institutions.

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

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

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 124

    As the companion tells it

    Ennis in County Clare was where Mr. L. O'Brien, later Sir Lucas, delivered a speech in early 1763. He spoke about the neglect of the Protestant clergy in the county and connected it to risings against tithe collection. Small farmers and landholders were impoverished by tithes, which had to be paid first to the Protestant rector of the parish. In addition, Roman Catholics bore the maintenance of the parish priest. O'Brien referred to the lamentable neglect of the Protestant clergy to their duties in County Clare. He said one of the bad consequences of this neglect was those risings that had been mentioned, the violation of the law. He asked who could suppose that men would patiently suffer “the extortion of a tithemonger” when no duty for which the tithe is claimed has been performed in the memory of man. He continued to speak of the insurrections.

54. Perrott's Commission inquisition at Ennis, 1585

    Ennis · town · Clare · 1585

    Sir John Perrott's Commission began investigating the titles by which Clare landlords held their estates at Ennis in 1585. The process required title deeds to be examined under English law, giving the Earl of Thomond's agents an opportunity to find flaws in the Macnamaras' titles to Tulla and Lissofin.

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    In the year 1585 Sir John Perrott's Commission commenced its investigation as to the titles by which the landlords of Clare held their estates. The original titles were to be made over with the lands to the Crown, and to be received back by the owners with titles registerable in the Court of Chancery, and in conformity with English procedure. An inquiry of this kind made it necessary that the title deeds should be examined, and gave the agents of the Earl of Thomond an opportunity for discovering any flaw which might exist according to English law in those titles, with the object of upsetting them and having such lands confiscated, when they were either sold, or, as in this case, would most probably have been made over to the Court favourite, the Earl of Thomond.

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 97

    As the companion tells it

    In 1585, a royal inquiry reached this town. Sir John Perrott's Commission began investigating how the landlords of Clare held their estates. The original titles were to be surrendered with the lands to the Crown, then received back by the owners with titles registerable in the Court of Chancery, following English procedure. Such an inquiry meant title deeds had to be examined. That gave the agents of the Earl of Thomond an opportunity. They could search for any flaw that existed according to English law in the titles of others, with the object of upsetting those titles and having the lands confiscated. The confiscated lands would then be sold, or, as in this case, most probably made over to the Court favourite, the Earl of Thomond. The Macnamaras' titles to Tulla and Lissofin were among those at risk.

55. Quin monks flee to Drim after Cromwellian destruction

    Drim · townland · Clare · 1651

    After the Cromwellian destruction of Quin Abbey, the remaining monks fled to Drim, not far from their abbey. There they aided the parish priest and lived unmolested by the government.

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    We learn from Mr. T. J. Westropp's interesting notes on Quin Abbey, that its community, taking advantage of the freedom of religious worship granted by the Roman Catholic Confederation of 1641, repaired and re-opened the college which had been connected with the monastery, and that in the course of a short time no fewer than eight hundred Irish youths •were receiving instruction, under the guidance of the Franciscan fraternity of Quin. One of these scholars was the historian Anthony Bruodin, together with eighteen members of his family. From this author we learn some facts relating to the College of Quin, and further of its destruction by Cromwell's soldiers. There seems good reason to believe that a Major William, and Henry Stainer, seized the abbey while the monks were celebrating Mass, and the former attempted to drag the officiating priest from the altar, but the old friar with uplifted arm found time to curse his assailant, and foretell the extinction of his race. Stainer burnt down the building, and according to one account hanged the celebrant (T. J. Westropp's "History of Quin Abbey"). The Cromwellians seized the head of the college, Eugene O'Cahan, who they first scourged and then hung. Another of the community, Roger Macnamara, is referred to as follows : " This friar was a learned professor of the College of Quin Abbey, which his ancestors had built, and was ever a model of a simple and pious man. God determined to reward his piety, and so permitted him to be seized by soldiers, and by them taken to the town of Ennis, where, having refused to abandon his religion, he was first shot and then his head was severed from the body." The remaining monks of Quin fled to Drim, not far from their abbey, and aiding the parish priest, lived unmolested by the Government. One of the Quin monks clung to his old home till the middle of the last century, and wrote

    * At present the seat of Lord Dunboyne. The keep of the old castle is still inhabited.

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 104

    As the companion tells it

    Near here, in Drim, the surviving monks of Quin Abbey found refuge after Cromwell's soldiers destroyed their monastery. The story of how they came here runs back to 1641, when the Roman Catholic Confederation granted freedom of religious worship. The Franciscan community at Quin seized that chance. They repaired and re-opened the college connected to their monastery, and before long 800 Irish youths were studying there under the friars' guidance. One of those scholars was the historian Anthony Bruodin, along with 18 members of his own family. It is from Bruodin that we learn what followed. The Cromwellian destruction fell hard on Quin. A Major William and Henry Stainer seized the abbey while the monks were celebrating Mass. William tried to drag the officiating priest from the altar, but the old friar raised his arm and cursed his assailant, foretelling the extinction of his race. Stainer burnt the building down. One account says he hanged the celebrant. The soldiers also seized the head of the college, Eugene O'Cahan, whom they scourged and then hanged. Another of the community, Roger Macnamara, a learned professor and a man described as ever a model of simple piety, whose ancestors had built the abbey, was taken to Ennis. There, having refused to abandon his religion, he was shot and his head severed from his body. The remaining monks fled to Drim, not far from their abbey. Here they aided the parish priest and lived unmolested by the Government. One of the Quin monks clung to his old home till the middle of the last century.

56. Richard II lands at Waterford with large army

    Waterford · city · Waterford · 1394

    Richard II landed at Waterford in October 1394 with an army of 34,000 men, intending to subdue Ireland. Despite the massive force, the expedition failed to extend English dominion or revenue.

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    Richard the Second having determined to cross over to Ireland with the object of subduing that country, landed at Waterford, in October 1394 with an army of 34,000 men ; the O'Brien and the other chiefs recognised the hopelessness of resisting a force of this kind, and they met King Richard at Drogheda and promised obedience to his rule ; this was all that was demanded from them by the English king, with the exception of the King of Leinster, who, together with the entire native population of the province were ordered to leave their homes and lands by a certain date so as to make way for English settlers. Richard soon afterwards left the country and returned home, as Sir J. Davies observes, " having spent huge masses of treasure, yet did he not increase his revenue thereby one sterling pound, nor enlarge the English border the breadth of one acre of land ; neither did he extend the jurisdiction of his courts of justice by one foot further than the English colonies wherein it was used and exercised before." *

    Brian O'Brien after visiting King Richard at Drogheda, and subsequently in Dublin, returned to Clonroad ; he died in the year 1399. " Brian had by Slaine, daughter of Lochlain Macnamara, three sons. * Sir J. Davies' " Historical Tracts," p. 51.

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 76

    As the companion tells it

    Waterford is where King Richard the Second chose to enter Ireland. In October 1394 he landed here with an army of 34,000 men, determined to subdue the country. The O'Brien and the other chiefs recognised the hopelessness of resisting a force of that size. They met King Richard at Drogheda and promised obedience to his rule. That was all the English king demanded of them, with one exception: the King of Leinster, together with the entire native population of the province, was ordered to leave their homes and lands by a certain date, to make way for English settlers. Richard soon afterwards left the country and returned home. Sir J. Davies observed that he had spent huge masses of treasure, yet did he not increase his revenue thereby one sterling pound, nor enlarge the English border the breadth of one acre of land. Brian O'Brien, after visiting King Richard at Drogheda and subsequently in Dublin, returned to Clonroad. He died in 1399. Brian had by Slaine, daughter of Lochlain Macnamara, three sons.

57. Sir John Davis's 1606 visit to Clare

    near Clare · population centre · Clare · 1606

    Sir John Davis, Solicitor-General, reported on conditions in Clare (Thomond) in May 1606, noting that the people were 'mere Irish' but spoke English and understood legal proceedings. He established freeholders' possessions disturbed during the rebellion and noted the Macnamaras and O'Lancyes as the principal families after the O'Briens.

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    condition of the Irish in the early part of the seventeenth century in order to understand the history of our sept at this period. Sir John Davis was then Solicitor-General, and Speaker in the Irish Parliament ■ and in a letter to Lord Salisbury, dated May 4, 1606, he states that he had just returned from an official visit to Clare, "which is called Thomond," where he "beheld the appearance and fashion of the people. I would," he remarks, " I had been in Ulster again j for these are mere Irish as they, and their outward form not much unlike them ; but when we came to dispatch business we found that most of them speak English, and understand the course of our proceedings well.'' Sir J. Davis continues as follows: "After the despatch of the gaol, which contained no extraordinary malefactors, our principal labour did consist in establishing sundry possessions of freeholders in the country, which had been disturbed in the time of the rebellion, and had not since been settled. The best of the freeholders next the O'Briens, are the Macnamaras, and the O'Lancyes, the chiefs of which families appeared in civil habit and fashion ; the rest not so refined as some of the people of Munster." Sir J. Davis goes on to state that one of the provosts of Clare was brought before him on the charge of murder. This man's name was Downing, and Sir John writes : " It happened that an idiot fool belonging to the Earl of Thomond, with another of the same quality, a follower of J. Macnamara, a knight of Thomond, came straggling into the village where Downing dwelt ; he, meeting them on a Sunday morning, took them immediately and hanged them both." Lord Thomond stated that Downing not only knew the men to be idiots, but also that one of them belonged to him, and so had executed him maliciously. Sir John Davis, however, forgave Downing, although the jury convicted him of murder, " upon which a few words of passion passed between the Earl and the Lord Deputy, Sir A. Chichester, and there the matter ended."*

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 95

    As the companion tells it

    Clare, called Thomond in older times, was visited in May 1606 by Sir John Davis, the Solicitor-General and Speaker of the Irish Parliament. He wrote to Lord Salisbury on the 4th of that month, describing what he found. He said he had beheld the appearance and fashion of the people, and wished he had been back in Ulster, for these were, in his words, "mere Irish" as those in Ulster were, and their outward form not much unlike them. But when it came to dispatching business, he found that most of them spoke English and understood the course of proceedings well. After dealing with the gaol, which held no extraordinary malefactors, his principal labour was establishing the possessions of freeholders in the country, possessions that had been disturbed in the time of the rebellion and not since settled. The best of the freeholders next the O'Briens were the Macnamaras and the O'Lancyes. The chiefs of those families appeared in civil habit and fashion. The rest were not so refined as some of the people of Munster. A provost of Clare named Downing was brought before him on a charge of murder. An idiot fool belonging to the Earl of Thomond, and another of the same quality, a follower of J. Macnamara, a knight of Thomond, came straggling into the village where Downing dwelt. Meeting them on a Sunday morning, he took them immediately and hanged them both. Lord Thomond said Downing knew the men to be idiots and knew one belonged to him, and so had executed him maliciously. The jury convicted Downing of murder, but Sir John forgave him. A few words of passion passed between the Earl and the Lord Deputy, Sir A. Chichester, and there the matter ended.

58. Some 200 pre-Celtic forts discovered in Burren

    Burren · townland · Clare

    T. J. Westropp discovered the remains of about two hundred pre-Celtic forts in the Burren region of county Clare. These forts attest to how well the pre-Celtic race defended their upland lands when driven westward by the advancing Celts.

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    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

    * " Memoirs of the Geological Survey," Sheets 114 to 123 (Ireland).

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 7

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, in the Burren of County Clare, the ground holds the traces of a people pushed to the edge. Up to the close of the 1500s there seems to have been only one road leading through Burren, and unless you stick to the coastline it is no easy matter to travel over this part of Ireland. These highlands gave a safe refuge to the pre-Celtic race when they were driven westward by the more advanced Celts pressing on from the east. How well these people defended their lands may be learnt from the work of T. J. Westropp, who discovered the remains of about 200 pre-Celtic forts in this part of County Clare. Close by these remains, some of the work of the earliest Christian settlers in Ireland still exists, rude in form.

59. Synod at Armagh abolishes slavery, 1171

    near Armagh · town · Armagh · 1171

    The clergy assembled in synod at Armagh in the year 1171 abolished slavery in Ireland. The slaves of that period were for the most part English lads taken prisoners or sold to Irishmen by people of their own country.

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

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

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 26

    As the companion tells it

    Armagh is a town the road passes through or near. In the year 1171 the clergy assembled here in synod abolished slavery in Ireland. To understand what that meant, you have to know how society was ordered. All landlords and landholders were freemen because they possessed land. That possession was everything. The landless man was the bondsman, because he had no direct lien on the soil. These bondsmen had no social position. They could neither appeal to a Brehon for redress nor appear to give evidence before him. Because of the law of tanistry and of gavelkind, not a few of the landlords' relatives must have been landless, and consequently bondsmen. This mattered greatly in the tribal system, for there was a strong hereditary feeling between the bondsman and the freeman of the same locality, a tie between the higher and lower grades of society. It is questionable if these Irish bondsmen were slaves in the way of being bought and sold. Slavery did exist in Ireland until the clergy ended it at Armagh in 1171. But the slaves of that period were for the most part English lads, taken prisoner or sold to Irishmen by people of their own country. Even bondsmen of the lowest class, horse-boys, herdsmen, labourers, and others who formed part of a tribe, could by patient industry hope in time to raise their families into the ranks of freemen.

60. Turlough O'Brien plunders monasteries of Clonard and Kells

    Clonard · town · Meath · 1064–1086

    Turlough O'Brien, having become King of Munster and Thomond, showed little reverence for the Church. He plundered the rich monasteries of Clonard and Kells, and removed from Clonmacnoise the skull of a former king of Meath, taking it to Kincora.

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

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 48

    As the companion tells it

    Clonard in Meath is a town the road passes through or near. It was here, in the time between 1064 and 1086, that Turlough O'Brien plundered one of the rich monasteries for which the place was known. Turlough had become King of Munster and Thomond, and after the death of his foster-father he assumed sovereign power over the whole of Ireland. Ulster held out against him at first, but in the end paid him tribute as a mark of submission. He would appear to have had no great reverence for the Church. He not only plundered the rich monasteries of Clonard and Kells, but he also removed from Clonmacnoise the skull of one of the former kings of Meath, and took it with him to Kincora. The annalists report that a mouse came out of the skull and ran under Turlough's mantle. The king was at once seized with a sore disease, so that his hair fell off, and he was like to die, until the skull, together with a certain amount of gold, was restored to the church, when the king began to recover. In spite of Turlough making free with church property, Lanfranc, William the Conqueror's Archbishop of Canterbury, addressed the Irish king in 1070 as the magnificent King of Ibernia, to whom God was mercifully disposed. Lanfranc bore testimony to Turlough's pious humility, severe justice, and discreet equity. The letter was sent through the hands of Patrick, who had been elected Bishop of Dublin by the Danes and passed over to England to be consecrated by Lanfranc.