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

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

1. Belfast scare of 1778 sparks Ulster volunteer movement

   near Belfast · city · Antrim · 1778

   In 1778, a well-founded report that the French had collected an expedition to land at Belfast found the town almost without a regular garrison. Men initially armed with scythes and agricultural weapons began the volunteer movement in Ulster.

   Read the passage

   In 1778 there was a well-founded report that the French had collected an expedition which was to effect a landing at Belfast, the town had been left almost without a garrison of regular troops, and this was the commencement of the volunteer movement in Ulster, the men at rir-t being armed simply with scythes and other agricultural weapons. The volunteers rapidly increased in numbers, and in the year 17S2 it is stated the force amounted in Ireland to no less than 100,000 officers and men, fairly armed, drilled, and taught to act in large bodies ; they also possessed a small force of artillery. England was powerless in the matter, her hands were more than full with rebellion in her American dependencies, and her shores threatened with the combined forces of France and Spain. It was at such a time the Irish volunteers came to the fore, having no idea of political independence or of ulterior possibilities ; their function was to maintain peace in Ireland, and if possible to save her from being overrun by a foreign army.

   * Hardiman's " History of Galway," p. 1S9. t ItiJ , p. i>ji.

   Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 127

2. Brian Boru at Armagh confirms bishop as metropolitan (1004)

   near Armagh · town · Armagh · 1004

   In 1004 Brian Boru made a circuit through all of Ireland and while at Armagh confirmed its bishop as metropolitan of the country. The record of this act was written by O'Carroll, Brian's former tutor and chief adviser, in the king's presence, and survives in a copy of the Scriptures preserved in the Library of the Royal Irish Academy. Before leaving Armagh, Brian laid twenty ounces of gold as an offering on the altar of St. Patrick.

   Read the passage

   subsequent chief adviser,* was made in the presence of the king, and still exists in a copy of the Scriptures preserved in the Library of the Royal Irish Academy ; before leaving Armagh Brian laid twenty ounces of gold as an offering on the altar of St. Patrick.

   Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 44

3. Colonel Macnamara raises the Clare Yellow Dragoons

   near Clare · population centre · Clare · 1689–1691

   Among the members of the Dublin Parliament were officers in local regiments, including Colonel J. Macnamara, who subsequently raised and commanded the Clare (Yellow) Dragoons. This connects a Macnamara family member to military leadership in the Clare locality.

   Read the passage

   It is necessary to bear this Act in mind, for it was the first expression of the opinion of the landowners of Ireland on this important question : influenced no doubt by Molyneux, who was about this time an active Dublin politician. The more carefully we study the Acts passed by- James in the Dublin Parliament of 1689, the clearer it becomes that its members, most of them Roman Catholics and the direct descendants ot the old landowners of Ireland, worked loyally, and strove to secure the ;rights of property and to do justice to all classes of society. The gentlemen comprising this Parliament were, however, no mere part) politicians; many of them were officers in local regiments, such as Colonel J. Macnamara, who subsequently raised and commanded the Clare (Yellow) Dragoons.

   It was necessary for Parliament to secure ways and means by which King James might be enabled to support his position, and for this purpose it was determined that a land tax should be imposed ; and a Bill was accordingly brought into the Irish landlord's Parliament ; in the preamble of this Bill it was stated that, " as it would be hard on tenants to bear any proportion of this tax, considering that it is difficult for them to pay rent," it was therefore enacted that in all cases where a tenant paid a full value for his lands, that he should be allowed to retain from his rent the whole amount of the tax charged on his holding. If, however, the tenant paid half, or less than half, the value of the land which he held, then, and then only, was he to be called upon to pay one-half of the tax, so that the tenant in all rack-rented farms, or in fact in any holding in which he paid anything above the half value of the land in rent, was not to be called upon to pay any land-tax. It was hardly possible to have devised better terms for tenants than those enacted by the Irish Parliament of 1689. Three of the Macnamaras were appointed assessors under this Act for their county. The members of the sept had

   Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 117

4. Confiscation of the Tulla and Lissofin estates by the Earl of Thomond

   Tulla · town · Clare · 1611

   In 1611, the Earl of Thomond orchestrated the confiscation of the Tulla and Lissofin estates, using Alderman Weston as a proxy buyer to avoid scandal. Weston purchased the estates for £75 and transferred them to the Earl's agent.

   Read the passage

   estates of Tulla and Lissofin should be confiscated, but it would have been too glaring a scandal to make them over to the Earl of Thomond direct ; that nobleman therefore employed another person to purchase this property, which was then handed over to the Earl's agent. O'Gorman states their object in the first instance was " to get the benefit of the forfeiture — for could they only obtain possession of the property, from their power and strength in the country and by reason of the Earl's relations, that it would be a hard matter to dispossess them." An alderman of Dublin, named Weston, was put forward to buy the forfeited estates, which he did for the sum of ^75, although one of them, Tulla, at that time was worth "at least ^500 per annum " (a.d. 161 1), the value of money then being much greater than it is at present. Alderman Weston made the estates over to Roland de le Hoyde, who was the Earl of Thomond's agent. The estate was then divided, the Earl retaining twelve quarters and De le Hoyde four, to compensate him for the part he had taken in the transaction.

   Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 98

5. French landing attempt at Bantry Bay galvanises western volunteers

   near Bantry Bay · bay · Cork · 1798

   In 1798, the French attempted to land in Bantry Bay, prompting the volunteers of Clare and Galway to spring into action alongside the yeomanry. The country was reportedly alive with them, bent on doing their duty against foreign foes.

   Read the passage

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

   Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 127

6. Grammar school at Limerick with 160 scholars, 1589

   Limerick · city · Limerick · 1589

   Robert Payne reported visiting a grammar school at Limerick in 1589 where approximately 160 scholars were assembled, most speaking good English. The scholars had been trained to construe Latin into English, demonstrating the educational infrastructure in the west of Ireland before English takeover.

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   Education. — Sir J. Davis, writing of the Irish inhabitants of Clare ill he early part of the seventeenth century, describes them as being well educated, and as both writing and speaking English with fluency. From he original letter written by J. Macnamara to Lord Burghley, in March .588, we find that not only was his handwriting and phraseology good, gat his style is independent and even dignified ; nevertheless, this ndividual had probably never been east of the Shannon, unless on some nilitary expedition. He had learnt English as it was commonly taught in he schools of the West of Ireland, long before Clare passed into the hands if Englishmen. Robert Payne, writing in the year 15S9, remarks, hat he had visited " a grammar school at Limerick in which a hundred nd three score scholars were assembled, most of them speaking good .nd perfect English, for that they had been used to construe the Latin language into English." Schools of a similar character existed at iCillaloe, and in various other parts of Clare ; it was here that the M.ic lamaras learnt to read the Classics, and gained a good knowledge of English, and frequently of the French language. Champion, writing in * Frost's " History of Clare," p. 634 ; and p. 200 of this work.

   222 EDUCATION, POLITICAL CONDITION

   Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 112

   As the companion tells it

   As the road takes you through Limerick, this city had a grammar school that Robert Payne visited in 1589. He found a hundred and three score scholars assembled there. Most of them, he said, were speaking "good and perfect English, for that they had been used to construe the Latin language into English." This was not an isolated case in the west of Ireland. Schools of a similar character existed at Killaloe and in various other parts of Clare. It was in these schools that the Macnamaras learnt to read the Classics, gained a good knowledge of English, and frequently of the French language. Sir J. Davis, writing of the Irish inhabitants of Clare in the early part of the seventeenth century, describes them as being well educated, and as both writing and speaking English with fluency. A letter from J. Macnamara to Lord Burghley shows not only good handwriting and phraseology, but an independent and even dignified style. This was a man who had probably never been east of the Shannon unless on some military expedition. He had learnt English as it was commonly taught in the schools of the West of Ireland, long before Clare passed into the hands of Englishmen.

7. Lanfranc writes to Turlough O'Brien via Bishop Patrick of Dublin

   Dublin · city · Dublin · 1070

   In 1070, Lanfranc, Archbishop of Canterbury, addressed Turlough O'Brien as 'the magnificent King of Ibernia,' praising his piety and justice. The letter was carried by Patrick, elected Bishop of Dublin by the Danes, who traveled to England for consecration, as Dublin had placed its ecclesiastical affairs under Rome.

   Read the passage

   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

8. Lord Weymouth reports on Irish distress from Dublin

   Dublin · city · Dublin · 1779

   Lord Weymouth, writing from Dublin in May 1779, attributed Ireland's great distress to rising rents drawn from the country by absentee property owners who never resided there, and noted recent clandestine exports of goods to Portugal, the West Indies, and America.

   Read the passage

   Lord Weymouth writing from Dublin in May 1779 on the cause of the great distress at that time existing in Ireland, observes : " That the great and leading mischief is the rise of rents, the whole of which advance is, in addition to the former remittances, drawn from home by persons of property who never reside here. And these circumstances also operate in a degree, with regard to those in general settled in Ireland, who are very much disposed to expend the superfluity of their revenue in foreign countries " ; he adds, "there is reason to believe till quite lately

   * A. Young's "Tour in Ireland," vol. ii. pp. 186, 261.

   Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 124

   As the companion tells it

   Dublin, May 1779. Lord Weymouth was writing from here about the great distress then existing in Ireland. He said the great and leading mischief was the rise of rents, the whole of which advance, on top of former remittances, was drawn from home by persons of property who never resided here. And those settled in Ireland generally, he said, were very much disposed to expend the superfluity of their revenue in foreign countries. He added that there was reason to believe, till quite lately, goods had been clandestinely exported to Portugal, the West Indies, and America.

9. Mac Con proclaims himself monarch at Tara

   Tara · townland · Offaly

   After his crushing victory at Mucramha, Mac Con marched to Tara and caused himself to be proclaimed monarch of Ireland. He adopted the son of the former king, who later became the famous Cormac Mac-Art.

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   Munster, and the allies, led by Eoghan (Olioll's eldest son) and six of his brothers, marched to resist their step-brother Mac Con and his allies.* In the battle which ensued, not only was the monarch of Ireland slain, but also Eoghan and his brothers. So crushing a defeat was at once taken advantage of by Mac Con, who marched to Tara and caused himself to be proclaimed monarch of the country. He adopted the son of the former king, and this lad subsequently became the famous Cormac Mac-Art, to whose opinions reference is made in a former chapter (p. 47).

   It was necessary to enter into the above details in order to understand the somewhat complicated system of succession to the throne of Munster. Olioll, before his death, appointed, with the consent of his tribe, one of his remaining sons, Cormac Cas, as his tanist. At the time Olioll made this arrangement he did not know that his eldest son had married the night before the battle in which he was killed, and that the result of this marriage was a son. So soon as Olioll was assured of this fact he revoked his former decision, and arranged that Cormac Cas should succeed him ; but he decided that, as Eoghan had a son, he or his heirs must follow Cormac as King of Munster, the province being governed alternately by the family of Eoghan and then by the heirs of Cormac Cas, "without quarrel or dispute."! The descendants of Eoghan formed the tribe known as the Eoghanists, and the descendants of Cormac Cas the tribe of the Dalcasians.J

   Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 39

10. Macnamara lands extended between Fergus and Shannon

    near Clare · population centre · Clare · 1318–1328

    With King Mortough O'Brien's approval, the Macnamara sept's lands were expanded to include almost the whole of Clare situated between the rivers Fergus and Shannon, an area roughly twenty miles east to west and eighteen miles north to south.

    Read the passage

    during the thick of the contest had attempted to crash Clancuilein, and who had put to death their favourite chief, Lochlain Macuamara. The lands of our sept were therefore, with King Mortough's full approval, extended so as to include almost the whole of that part of Clare situated between the rivers Fergus and Shannon, an area occupying some twenty miles from east to west, and eighteen miles from north to south.

    Brian Bane, who had fought for De Clare at Dysert, fled from the field, and, with the consent of King Mortough O'Brien, was assigned lands in Ormond. He here came in contact with the English of the Pale, and entered into an alliance with them such as that which had existed between himself and De Clare. With the aid of his new friends Brian Bane first attacked De Burgo, who was supported by the Macnamaras and O'Briens ; but the latter were defeated, and in the following year, a.d. 1328, Mortough and Mac-con Macnamara were again worsted by Brian and the English. After this, until the time of Mortough's death, which took place in the year 1343, the inhabitants of Clare seemed to have enjoyed comparative peace. We unfortunately lose the assistance of Rory Macgrath at this period of our history, for his work was brought to a close with the death of Mortough O'Brien. Macgrath, however, mentions Mac-con Macnamara as being alive in the year 1343, and we have good reason to believe that he continued as head of his sept certainly as late as a.d. 1365.

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 70

11. Macnamara sept on ancestral tribal lands in Bunratty and Tulla

    near Bunratty · parish · Clare · 1641–1659

    Inquisitions of 1653-54 revealed the Macnamara sept held townlands across Upper and Lower Bunratty (90 townlands) and Upper and Lower Tulla (82 townlands), precisely the same tribal lands assigned to them around AD 420. Petty's 1659 census counted 192 Macnamara landowners of importance in these baronies.

    Read the passage

    in Dublin, abstracts of the inquisitions held in Clare under Cromwell's Act, concerning the forfeiture and distribution of these lands. Mr. Frost gives the names of the various landowners effected by this Act as they existed in the year 1641, that is, before the inauguration of the Irish Confederation. In another column he shows in detail, the names of the individuals to whom these lands passed after their confiscation.'"" From an analysis of these records the interesting fact is established, that the Macnamara sept in the year 1641, were living on precisely the same lands in Clare, which had been assigned to them as tribal lands about the year a.d. 420 (see pp. 36 and 67) ; that is, in the baronies of Upper and Lower Bunratty, and Upper and Lower Tulla.

    From the inquisitions made during the years 1653-54, we find that various families of the Macnamara sept held in fee simple town lands, or portions of the ancient tribal lands, as follows :f

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 105

12. Ormond received by Inchiquin at Cork

    Cork · city · Cork · 1648

    The Earl of Ormond consented to return as Viceroy to Ireland and was received by Inchiquin at Cork, before subsequently taking up residence in his castle at Kilkenny. Rinuccini opposed the move, arguing it would cancel the clergy's achievement in expelling Ormond for being a Protestant.

    Read the passage

    Matters, however, moved on. The Council of the Confederation neither heeded this edict nor the threat of excommunication, but they proceeded to conclude a treaty with King Charles upon the terms above referred to ; and what in the eyes of the Nuncio was a still greater offence, they opened communications with Inchiquin, as a medium through whom they could treat with the Earl of Ormond, and persuade him to return as Lord Deputy to Ireland. Inchiquin had not long previously to these overtures forcibly entered the cathedral of Cashell, and slaughtered some of the priests ; it was not therefore surprising that Rinuccini absolutely refused to have anything to say to him. As to Ormond returning as Viceroy to Ireland, the Nuncio urged that a step of this kind would cancel " the glory reaped by the clergy in expelling him from his office because he was a Protestant." The Earl of Ormond, however, consented to return, and was received by Inchiquin at Cork, and subsequently took up his residence in his castle of Kilkenny. Rinuccini, finding his mission to Ireland was hopeless, took ship at Galway in December 1648, and returned to the Continent.

    The Irish were soon destined to pass under the hands of a very different man, Oliver Cromwell, backed by his veteran soldiers and the resources of England. On this subject Carlyle writes as follows :

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 103

13. Rinuccini praises beauty of Bunratty Castle

    near Bunratty · parish · Clare · 1646–1896

    In a letter to Rome announcing the fall of Bunratty, Nuncio Rinuccini declared it the most beautiful place he had ever seen, with nothing comparable in Italy, praising its magnificent park and three thousand head of deer. The castle walls, built by the De Clares in the thirteenth century, remained nearly perfect and inhabited at the time of writing.

    Read the passage

    In March 1646, some of the ships under orders of the Parliamentarians arrived in the Shannon, and anchored as near as possible to Bunratty Castle, which was then the residence of Barnabas, Earl of Thomond, he invited the officers of the fleet to visit him, and entertained them with great hospitality. Subsequently he handed the castle over to the English commander, and then took his departure for England ; and joined his wife at her residence in Northamptonshire. With an English fleet obstructing the passage up the Shannon to Limerick, and Bunratty garrisoned by Parliamentary troops, the base of operations of the Confederates was so imperilled that it became necessary to dislodge the garrison of Bunratty from its position in Clare. The Confederate forces therefore surrounded the castle from the land side, and as the fleet could not pass up the river on which the castle stands, the garrison, after a brave defence, were compelled to surrender. During the siege the Pope's Nuncio joined the Irish army, and did much to expedite the military operations against the place. The Confederates found much valuable plate and vast quantities of military stores in the castle, "together with a splendid stud of horses." In his letter to Rome communicating the news of the fall of Bunratty, the Nuncio writes " that he had no hesitation in asserting that it is the most beautiful place he 'had ever seen. In Italy there is nothing like it, with its magnificent park and three thousand head of deer." We can well imagine this to be the case ; the walls of this grand old castle, built by the De Clares in the thirteenth century, are still almost perfect, and are inhabited at the present time. Close beneath the castle is a fine stream, with the lower Shannon in the distance, and behind it undulating, park-like lands, beautifully wooded and covered with exquisite green turf.

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 102

14. Sidney summons disputants to Limerick, 1567

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1567

    Sir Henry Sidney charged the parties involved in the Macnamara-O'Brien dispute to meet him at Limerick on the following Thursday. He also rebuked the Earl of Thomond for his lack of duty in the matter.

    Read the passage

    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

    You're coming through Limerick now. In 1567 this city was where Sir Henry Sidney, the Lord Deputy, chose to settle a quarrel between the Earl of Thomond and the Macnamaras. The earl, O'Brien, had been educated in England. His mother and grandmother were Englishwomen. The Macnamaras were still pure Celts, bred and born in Clare. Sidney wrote from Cork on February 1, 1567, to the Council in London. He said he had written to the earl regarding his letter complaining against the Macnamaras, telling him that so soon as they came to Limerick they would consider the complaint. He required the earl to remember the Council's letter and not tangle with the Macnamaras. The earl sent his answer back, declaring he could not do so, for Macnamara had done many things which he could not suffer. The earl affirmed that they had not only taken cattle but also "despatched some knaves," which Sidney observed, "God knoweth, they might spare enough, and her Majesty lose never a good subject." Sidney charged those concerned to meet him at Limerick on the following Thursday. He spared not to tell the earl of his lack of dutie in his letter to his lordship. There was more than a few cattle involved. 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 seem to have quieted for the time. Sidney passed through Clare to Galway, gave orders to abolish coyning and livery and such like cesses, and directed that English law should replace the Brehon code. To aid him, Donald O'Brien of Ennistymon was made governor of Clare. The new ruler signalized his accession to office by hanging.

15. Sioda Macnamara sent to quell insubordination in Tipperary

    Tipperary · town · Tipperary

    Conor O'Brien directed his brother-in-law Sioda Macnamara to muster Clancuilein and the Kineldunal led by Anselis O'Grady, and to proceed into Tipperary to quell insubordination that had sprung up in that part of Thomond.

    Read the passage

    We are informed by the " Four Masters " that during the latter part of Conor O'Brien's reign, Thomond was not only at peace, but that the seasons were favourable and the people consequently prosperous. Magrath confirms this statement, and states that Conor O'Brien had amassed great wealth in his fort at Clonroad, and that a large proportion of the inhabitants of the province had " grown over-rich and in consequence had become turbulent, refusing to pay tribute to their king." In these circumstances Conor directed his brother-in-law, Sioda Macnamara, to muster Clancuilein, and the Kineldunal led by Anselis O'Grady, and to proceed into Tipperary to quell the insubordination which had sprung up in that part of Thomond. Sioda seems to have speedily and effectually accomplished the duty he had been called on to perform ; but in the meantime Conor had started off on a similar expedition into Burren, and having penetrated that part of his territory as far as the valley above Ballyvaghan, he was attacked, and we are told that "Conor O'Brien together with his third son and a daughter were slain." The body of the king was carried to the neighbouring Abbey of Corcomroe, and was there buried ; Conor's tomb is still to be seen in good preservation in the north side of the chancel of this abbey.

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

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 53

16. Anthropological survey of Aran Islands inhabitants

    near Aran Islands · island or archipelago · Galway · 1890–1896

    Professors Haddon and C. R. Brown of Dublin visited the Aran Islands and reported that the inhabitants were still largely a peculiar and exclusive race descended from the old Iberian stock, though mixed with mainland Irish. They recorded detailed physical measurements including average height of 5 feet 4½ inches and a cephalic index of 75.1.

    Read the passage

    In the isles of Arran the descendants of the old Iberian stock have probably existed with less intermixations of race than in most other districts of Ireland, except perhaps in parts of Burren, and within the past few years Professors Haddon and C. R. Brown, of Dublin, have visited these islands and reported concerning the people.^ They state that at present the inhabitants of the isles of Arran (Galway), are still largely a peculiar and exclusive race, although mixed with Irishmen who have come from the mainland. The men are short and slight, but athletic in build ; their average height is 5 feet 4§ inches, whereas Irishmen average 5 feet 8| inches. Their hands are small, with short span, and their forearm is often unusually long. The head is well shaped, long and narrow (cephalic index 75.1), but, viewed from above, the sides are slightly bulging, not flat, the height above the ears is considerable, and the top well arched. The forehead is broad, upright, and rarely receding, though not high as a rule, and the superciliary ridges of the brow, that is to say the bone over the eyes, are not prominent ; the face being remarkably long and oval, the chin long and narrow but not angular. The eyes are rather small, close together, and marked at the outer corners by transverse wrinkles. The irises are mostly blue, or blue-grey ; the nose long, straight, and pointed. The lower lip is rather large and full. The ears are not large, but stand well out from the head. In many of the men the length of nose and chin appears

    * We learn from Holinshed's "Chronicles" (vol. vi. p. 2) that it was from this Scota, or Scotach, that the early Irish were known as Scots, a name subsequently given by the Iberian and Celtic settlers in the north of Britain to Scotland, the lands of the Scota. f Professor O'Curry's " Lectures," p. 230.

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 9

17. Chief Justice Aston tries Whiteboys in Tipperary

    Tipperary · town · Tipperary

    Sir R. Aston, Chief Justice of Common Pleas, was sent from Dublin to try Whiteboys in Tipperary. He reported that the disturbances arose from private grievances rather than disaffection to the King, with both Papists and Protestants promiscuously concerned.

    Read the passage

    Sir R. Aston, the Chief Justice of Common Pleas, was sent from Dublin to try a number of Whiteboys in Tipperary, and in reporting on this organisation he states, that it did not appear to him that there was the "least reason to impute those disturbances to disaffection to liis Majesty, or his Government, but they took their rise from grievances of a private nature — Papists and Protestants were promiscuously concerned."*

    The Whiteboys were frequently condemned, and even excommuni cated from Catholic altars, with the effect of rather damaging the priest than the individuals concerned. In Clare if a priest took action of this kind, his congregation were apt to nail up his chapel door, and in one case they buried their priest up to his neck in brambles and thorns for having denounced the Whiteboys. f

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 124

18. Clare yeomanry muster at Ennis on news of French landing

    Ennis · town · Clare · 1796

    When news reached Ennis that a French force was about to land in Bantry Bay, the yeomanry and volunteers turned out to resist the enemy. The Clare troops were under Colonel Francis Macnamara.

    Read the passage

    No sooner had news arrived in Ennis, Galway, and Limerick, that a French force was about to land in Bantry Bay, than the yeomanry and volunteers turned out to a man to resist the enemy. The Clare troops were under command of Colonel Francis Macnamara, who with hi> cousins John, and William Macnamara of Doolin, had taken an active part in drilling, and in the equipment of the troops. The old martul spirit of the people was instantly in wild excitement, and from the accounts left us by those who witnessed the mustering of the Clare volunteers, under the descendants of the old Clancuilein chiefs, we are reminded of some of Magrath's descriptions of the rising of the men o our sept five hundred years previously. General Dalrymple, who was in command at Cork, reported that "all ranks of Irishmen rallied to his support, determined to resist the French from landing. He add,: * Lecky's " History of Ireland in the Eighteenth Century,' vol Ui p. IM

    *H THE WEST OF IRELAND

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 129

19. Dalcais burn Limerick before retreating into Clare

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1051

    The confederate kings of Connaught and Leinster advanced to Limerick, which the Dalcais were unable to hold. They burnt the city before retreating into Clare, marking a major moment in the struggle between Donogh O'Brien and the confederates.

    Read the passage

    The next year Donogh O'Brien again invaded Leinster, looting the " great Church of Lusk " on his march, and carrying away captive those who took refuge in it.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

20. Dermot Brian Roe takes shelter in Bunratty Castle

    near Bunratty · parish · Clare

    After a sharp skirmish in which Mortogh O'Brien and the Macnamaras were victorious, Dermot Brian Roe was again compelled to seek shelter in Bunratty Castle, the Anglo-Norman stronghold.

    Read the passage

    Donough O'Brien was compelled to flee into Burren ; he was closely followed by De Clare. Mr. Westropp remarks that treachery is infectious ; and the same fate awaited King Donough O'Brien as had befallen Donchardh Macnamara; he was slain by one of his own followers, and his army then dispersed over the country. There seems to be no other theory by which we can account for the assassination of the leader of Clancuilein, followed by that of the King of Thomond, unless it be that both these chiefs had been defeated, and seem to have brought disgrace on their followers. It may be that they were considered to be unfit to lead their forces, and that the penalty of defeat was death to men in their position. Richard de Clare and Dermot Brian Roe were now supreme rulers in Clare, and the latter, with the approval of his Anglo- Norman friends, was declared chief of Thomond. Dermot, however, did not long enjoy his honours. The De Burghos and Clancuilein favoured the cause of Turlough O'Brien's son, Mortogh, in opposition to that of Dermot : the former therefore invaded Clare, and met the lately chosen king, who, we are told, with all the Dalcasian septs, " except Clancuilein," offered De Burgho and his allies battle; after a short and sharp skirmish Mortogh and the Macnamaras were victorious, and Dermot was again compelled to seek shelter in Bunratty Castle. Mortogh O'Brien was then conducted to Magh Adhair, and inaugurated King of Thomond, by Lochlain, chief of Clancuilein.*

    Magrath informs us that Sioda Macnamara, younger brother of Lochlain, while on an expedition into Burren caught a miserable sickness, from which he died, " his body he willed to St. Brendan, and his soul to heaven's high King — none ever thought that the descendant of Mogh Corb would have died save on the field of battle." In St. Brendan's churchyard in Burra his body was laid to rest, and "his household mourning for him raised three loud cries of sorrow."

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 61

21. Donogh O'Brien created Baron of Ibrickan

    Ibrickan · barony · Clare · 1543

    As part of the surrender and regrant arrangement, the Lord Deputy recommended that Donogh O'Brien be created Baron of Ibrickan during Morrogh O'Brien's lifetime, after which he would succeed to his uncle's titles and estates. The titles were formally conferred at Greenwich on 1 July 1543.

    Read the passage

    After receiving the submission of Morrogh O'Brien, Henry VIII. wrote as follows to the Lord Deputy : " We think it mete in case he shall repayer to our Parliament, as reason is he shude, that he shuld make humble sute to us to receive some estate and honour at our handes, mete to be placed in our Parliament; for he can neither stand with our honour, nor with state of our Parliament, to have any man placed there as a Pere, but he have indede the state of a Pere, by the right cours and ordre of our lawes." The Lord Deputy therefore recommended that Morrogh O'Brien should be created " Erie of Thomond," and Donogh O'Brien Baron of Ibrickan during Morrogh's lifetime, after which he was :o succeed to his uncle's titles and estates. The O'Briens, Clanricardes, md others, went over to England, and on the 1st of July, a.d. 1543, received their titles from Henry VIII. at Greenwich. To cover O'Brien's expenses to England the Lord Deputy had to lend him " an hundred rounds sterling in harp grotes, in default of other money, for there ys no iterling money to be had within this your realme."

    The day previous to recommending Henry to create Morrogh O'Brien in " Erie," the Lord Deputy addressed a letter to the king, in which, eferring to Sidoa Macnamara's submission, he observes, " and that the >aid M'Nemarro ys a man whose anncestors have in those partes alwayes 3orne a grete swynge, and one that for himself is of honest conformities, whose landes lye holy on the farsyde the Shanan, we most humbly beseech your Majestie to regarde him according to your princly bounty ;o advance him to the honour of a baron by the name of Clancuilein, md that he may holde such landes and possessions as he now hathe." ro this communication Henry VIII. replied, probably at the instigation }f O'Brien, who was at the time at Greenwich, that " we have made the ord of Upper Ossery Macnamarrow a knight." * This title was never issumed by Sioda Macnamara. The Rev. D. White suggests it may have seen lost or sent to some one else, for Sioda Macnamara died as he had ived, simply a landlord of Clare and chief of his sept.

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 83

22. Ennis magistrate reports Clare escaped rebellion contagion

    Ennis · town · Clare · 1798

    A magistrate writing from Ennis observed that county Clare had escaped the contagion of rebellion, despite agents from Ulster frequently being sent to excite the people. Only a few shepherds had been persuaded to join the United Irishmen.

    Read the passage

    W. N. Macnamara, of Doolin, was high sheriff of county Clare during the year 1789, and throughout this memorable period the country west of the Shannon remained " perfectly peaceful."! In Munster, with the exception of some slight disorder near Cork and Limerick, it is stated that " there was no semblance of rebellion." One of the magistrates writing from Ennis at this time, observed that "county Clare had escaped the contagion, although he had discovered that agents from Ulster had frequently been sent to excite the people to rebellion, but beyond a few shepherds no one had been persuaded to join the Society of " United Irishmen."

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

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 130

23. French landing at Killala draws western volunteer response

    Killala · town · Mayo · 1798

    The French succeeded in effecting a landing at Killala, which together with the Bantry Bay attempt prompted volunteers from Clare and Galway to mobilise once more against the invasion.

    Read the passage

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

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 127

24. Gaulish merchants trading wine at Clonmacnois

    Clonmacnoise · townland · Offaly · 500–599

    By the sixth century, Gaulish merchants were present at Clonmacnois on the Shannon, in the heart of Ireland, selling wine to Saint Kiaran, who headed the flourishing monastic establishment there. This illustrates early continental trade links reaching deep into the Irish interior via the Shannon river.

    Read the passage

    often be obtained which was easily accessible to the cattle of several homesteads. These guilds were established, under provisions laid down in the Brehon code, for " the mutual benefit and assurance between the co-partners." On entering a guild "each of the members turned to the others and pledged himself that the responsibilities of the united body should be the responsibility of each person."* The great advantage derivable from this institution of guilds was, that by combination or co-operation, persons of an inferior grade in society, and not therefore possessing land sufficient to qualify as witnesses, sureties, or to sue before the Brehons, could by joint action qualify one of the guild to act for them, and so obtain the full rights of citizenship. Artisans, and, in fact, all who lived by handicraft, could in like manner choose a member of their guild to act for them individually ; so that practically no freeman was, under this ancient system, barred from the privileges of those classes of society which were above him in the social scale. It was through the guilds that villages first became established in Ireland, and subsequently developed into burghs. Of towns the Celtic Irish knew but little. They collected in places like Limerick and Galway ; but the trading community of such towns were largely constituted of foreigners, who carried on business with the agricultural population of the interior, exchanging hides and cattle, for wine, silk, brocades, and various other commodities. As early as the sixth century we hear of Gaulish merchants at Clonmacnois on the Shannon, and in the very heart of Ireland, selling wine to Saint Kiaran, who was at the time head of that flourishing establishment.! These early Irish, however, were excellent sailors, and enjoyed the perils of the deep, and still more the excitement and profit which frequently attended their maurauding expeditions on the coast of England, France, and Spain.

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 19

25. Hutchinson at Galway calls out Connaught yeomanry

    Galway · city · Galway · 1798

    Major-General Hutchinson, commanding at Galway, on hearing the French had landed in Mayo, instantly called out the yeomanry of Clare, Galway, and other Connaught regiments. He reported the country along his route was perfectly quiet with people at harvest work.

    Read the passage

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

    * » Narrative of what Passed at Killala in 1798." by an Eye-witness, p. It.

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 130

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, this is where Major-General Hutchinson was commanding in August 1798, when news came that the French had landed at Killala in Mayo. A force of about 1500 French soldiers had come ashore on the 22nd of August, believing all of Ireland would rise to meet them. Instead, the French general found the people indifferent. They would not even help unless paid for their services. A few of the natives let themselves be drilled, for the sake of the clothes and rations the French offered. Hutchinson, on hearing the French had landed in Mayo, instantly called out the yeomanry of Clare, Galway, and other Connaught regiments. They marched towards Mayo, and the General reported that along the whole of his route the country was perfectly quiet, and the people were hard at work on their harvest. This second French expedition had appeared off the west of Ireland just two days after the Battle of the Nile had been fought. It formed the vanguard of a much larger army that was intercepted at sea by Sir J. Warren and never reached Ireland.

26. Inauguration of Thomond kings at Magh Adhair

    near Magh Adhair · monument · Clare

    The inauguration of the Kings of Thomond took place at Magh Adhair as a purely civil ceremony with no ecclesiastical involvement or religious observances. The head of the Macnamara sept officiated at these functions, which were conducted as civil procedures.

    Read the passage

    It is difficult to form an opinion as to what effect the Christian religion may have had upon the lives of individual members of our sept. The invasion of Ireland by the Danes and Anglo-Normans, together with the subsequent war and turmoil going on in Thomond during the twelfth, thirteenth, and fourteenth centuries, must have turned the minds of men towards self-preservation rather than to the practice of religion. Even in important ceremonies, such as the inauguration of the Kings of rhomond on Magh Adhair, no reference is made to ecclesiastics or to any religious observances ; the head of our sept officiated on these occasions, and the function of making the king was a civil procedure. The Macnamaras built Quin Abbey, and other churches on their estates, out they never held Church preferments, as did some of the O'Briens, O'Carrolls, and other Dalcasian families ; nevertheless, in the time of persecution which fell upon the Irish Church in the seventeenth, and eighteenth centuries, by far the greater number of the sept remained ,5taunch to their Church ; some of them, as, for instance, Roger Macnajnara of Quin, rather than renounce their religion willingly yielded up iheir lives.*

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 112

27. Kildare erects fortress at Kilteely

    Kilteely · town · Limerick · 1510

    In 1510 the Lord Deputy Kildare erected a fortress in the parish of Kilteely, County Limerick, despite opposition from the Irish. He used this secured position as a base of operations before advancing with forces from Leinster and Donegal into South Munster to weaken the Munster chiefs.

    Read the passage

    The Earl of Kildare does not seem to have taken advantage of the weakened condition in which the Dalcasians must have been left after i\ the battle of Knocktow ; nevertheless, he felt that so long as this famous tribe remained supreme in the West of Ireland, there could be no security for his countrymen living within the Pale, and still less for extending their rule over the country. In a.d. 1510 the Lord Deputy erected a fortress in the parish of Kilteely, co. Limerick, in spite of the opposition of the Irish, and having secured this place as a base for his operations, " attended by the chiefs of the English and Irish of Leinster, and O'Donnell from Donegal, Kildare advanced with his forces into South Munster," with the intention of weakening the power of the chiefs of Munster before striking his final blow at Thomond. Having effected this object, the Lord Deputy passed into the county of Limerick, where he mustered all the English of Munster, Meath, and Leinster, and proceeded to the town of Limerick.

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

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 78

28. Ludlow shares sour milk with natives in Burren

    Burren · townland · Clare · 1651

    During his raid into Burren, Ludlow encountered a party of the natives and shared a pot of sour milk with them, which he found the most pleasant liquor he ever drank. As a rule, the Irish kept out of his way.

    Read the passage

    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,

    * Lord Taaffe passed over to the Continent after the battle of the Boyne, and took service in the Austrian army. One of his descendants was the late Count Taaffe, Austria's most distinguished and successful minister. The Emperor of Austria spoke of the deceased statesman as " his trusted friend " and as "the self-sacrificing servant of the State"; "the people trusted and almost loved him ; his simplicity and winning manners captivated them."

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 103

29. Macnamaras elected for Clare and Ennis to Dublin Parliament

    Ennis · town · Clare · 1689

    Of the four members elected by County Clare and its borough Ennis to the Dublin Parliament of 1689, two were Macnamaras, representing the old septs. Many members had lost most of their estates under Cromwell's Act twenty-five years earlier.

    Read the passage

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

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

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 117

30. Macnamara's grievance over Earl of Thomond's rent charges on his barony, 1588

    Thomond · street · Dublin · 1588

    In 1588, Sir Richard Bingham, Governor of Connaught, reported that Macnamara, chief of the barony of Denigenyriggin in Thomond, was greatly injured that rents and duties lawfully belonging to him had been cut off and a new rent charge set upon his barony for the Earl of Thomond, to the undoing of Macnamara and his heirs. The Commissioners had impugned this at the time, but Lord Deputy Perrett and Sir Nicholas White manipulated the books in favour of the earl.

    Read the passage

    At the making of the late composition between her Majesty and the lords and inhabitants of this province, Macnamara, chief of the barony of Denigenyriggin in Thomond, found himself greatly injured that such rents, duties, chiefries, and seignories as of right belonged to him and his ancestors, by lawful and ancient course of inheritence, and that they quietly enjoyed for a long time, were cut off and taken away, and a new rent charge and many other things set upon the said barony and the inhabitants of it his tenants, for the Earl of Thomond, which the said earl or his ancestors had not any time before within the same, to the utter undoing of the said Macnamara and his heirs and successors for ever, which indeed myself and others of the Commissioners did much impugn and withstand at that very instant, but the late Lord Deputy Perrett and Sir Nicholas White, who took much upon him in these matters, handled the matter so far in favour of the earl, as after his coming to Dublin they made up the books according to their own pleasure, to the no little hindrance of many a man in the province. The said Macnamara had now of late put up a petition to the new Lord Deputy Fytzwylliam, craving to be freed of the earl, saving of such things as in past right he ought to yield him, and offering, nevertheless, to pay 10s a quarter to her Majesty, so as he may have a reasonable freedo

    " State Papers " (Ireland), vol. for 1586-88, p. 577, and also July 31, 1588.

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 91

    As the companion tells it

    Along here in Thomond, in 1588, a grievance was playing out that reached all the way to Dublin. Sir Richard Bingham, Governor of Connaught, reported it. Macnamara was chief of the barony of Denigenyriggin. When the composition was made between the Queen and the lords and inhabitants of the province, Macnamara found himself greatly injured. The rents, duties, chiefries, and seignories that belonged to him and his ancestors by lawful and ancient inheritance, and that they had quietly enjoyed for a long time, were cut off and taken away. A new rent charge was set upon the barony and upon his tenants, for the Earl of Thomond, though the earl and his ancestors had never held any such thing within that barony before. Bingham said it was to the utter undoing of Macnamara and his heirs and successors for ever. Bingham himself and others of the Commissioners had impugned and withstood this at the very time. But the late Lord Deputy Perrett and Sir Nicholas White, who took much upon himself in these matters, handled it in favour of the earl. After coming to Dublin they made up the books according to their own pleasure, to the hindrance of many a man in the province. Macnamara then put up a petition to the new Lord Deputy Fytzwylliam, craving to be freed of the earl, saving what in past right he ought to yield him, and offering to pay 10 shillings a quarter to her Majesty, so as he may have a reasonable freedom.

31. Turlough O'Brien turns back at Nenagh

    Nenagh · town · Tipperary · 1304

    After reaching Nenagh in 1304, Turlough O'Brien was persuaded by his friend the Earl of Ulster to give up further conquest and return to Clare. This decision shaped the subsequent events in Thomond.

    Read the passage

    After the death of Thomas de Clare, Turlough O'Brien with Clancuilein and other of his allies marched forth (a.d. 1304) "with his colours in the centre, and gilt shields outside," and cavalry in the rear ; and passing through Cashel ravaged the country as far as Thurles, and then turned north, reaching Nenagh. At this point in his career he was persuaded by his friend the Earl of Ulster to give up the idea of further conquest and to return to Clare.

    As Turlough's army moved along the lovely wooded banks of Loch Derg, Magrath informs us that " they were met by a lone woman who approached them, fair of face she was and of modest mien. From her strange aspect and beautiful form, the whole of Turlough's followers took heed of her : a maid with red lips and taper fingers, long and wavy flowing hair ; her whole being commanded respect." She spoke to the king as follows : " My name is Ireland's sovereignty, and if strangers had not caused thee to turn back, the sovereign rule of the whole of Ireland would have been yours." Such delight had the army in listening to her that they pressed close on her ; but she disappeared in the semblance of a bright cloud, repeating as she passed away a long poem which Magrath has given us in detail. Turlough then deeply repented having followed the Earl's counsel ; nevertheless he ruled the whole of Munster and Thomond as his ancestors had done before him. For no less than nine-and-twenty years Turlough reigned over this province, during which time we are told there was exceeding abundance in the country and " every man was able to attend to and to perform the office of his station." §

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 57

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Nenagh, this is where Turlough O'Brien's march came to its turning point in 1304. After the death of Thomas de Clare, Turlough set out with Clancuilein and his other allies, marching, as the record says, "with his colours in the centre, and gilt shields outside," and cavalry in the rear. He passed through Cashel, ravaged the country as far as Thurles, then turned north and reached the town. At this point his friend the Earl of Ulster persuaded him to give up the idea of further conquest and return to Clare. As Turlough's army moved along the lovely wooded banks of Loch Derg, Magrath tells us they were met by a lone woman, fair of face and of modest mien. Red lips, taper fingers, long and wavy flowing hair. Her whole being commanded respect. She spoke to the king: "My name is Ireland's sovereignty, and if strangers had not caused thee to turn back, the sovereign rule of the whole of Ireland would have been yours." The army pressed close to her, but she disappeared in the semblance of a bright cloud, repeating a long poem as she passed away. Turlough deeply repented having followed the Earl's counsel. Nevertheless he ruled the whole of Munster and Thomond as his ancestors had done before him. For 29 years he reigned over this province, during which there was exceeding abundance in the country, and "every man was able to attend to and to perform the office of his station."

32. Wentworth certifies king's title to Clare by inquisition

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1637

    In August 1637, Lord Deputy Wentworth wrote from Limerick to Secretary Coke that the king's title to the country of Clare and Limerick was found by inquisition with 'strange cheerfulness and contentment.' He credited the Earl of Thomond, Lieutenant-Governor of Clare, for leading others into compliance with the Crown's land claims.

    Read the passage

    the royal approbation was conveyed to Wentworth in a letter fro: Secretary Coke, dated Whitehall, May 3, 1637, as follows: "You may take the opportunity the time offers to you to go on with the plantation in the county of Clare, and from his Majesty you may expect encourage ment and support."* On the 23rd of August 1637, Wentworth wrote as follows from Limerick to Secretary Coke: "I must certify that his Majesty's title to the country of Clare and Limerick is found by inquisition with strange cheerfulness and contentment. I knew it privately by some intelligence. I have among them my Lord of Thomond, Lieu tenant-Governor of that county, who had been exceeding diligent and forward in this service, not only leading himself, but persuading others into good conformity." It will be noticed the officer ruling Ireland in the name of the Sovereign stated that the inquisitions by which the titles to the lands of Clare were proved to be illegal, upon the plea above referred to, are said to have been found " with strange cheerfulness and contentment," whereas this same individual had imposed enormous fines and imprisonment on the sheriff and jurors who had attempted to gainsay his will or refused to sanction the wrong perpetuated in the name of law.

    When the new patents were granted in 1 610 to the Earl of Thomond, for the enormous grants of land he had already received from Government, J. Macnamara of Dangan laid claim to Cratlomore, and other estates which without question had belonged to his family for many centuries, but his claim was dismissed, and the property was granted to the Earl of Thomond. f

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 99

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, this is where Lord Deputy Wentworth was in August 1637. Secretary Coke had written to him from Whitehall on May 3, 1637, telling him to take the opportunity the time offered to go on with the plantation in the county of Clare, with the king's encouragement and support. On August 23, 1637, Wentworth wrote back from this city to Secretary Coke. He said, "I must certify that his Majesty's title to the country of Clare and Limerick is found by inquisition with strange cheerfulness and contentment." He credited the Earl of Thomond, Lieutenant-Governor of Clare, who he said had been exceeding diligent and forward in this service, not only leading himself but persuading others into good conformity. The inquisitions proved the titles to the lands of Clare to be illegal. Wentworth described them as found with strange cheerfulness and contentment, yet this same man had imposed enormous fines and imprisonment on sheriffs and jurors who had attempted to gainsay his will or refused to sanction the wrong done in the name of law. Later, when new patents were granted to the Earl of Thomond for the enormous grants of land he had already received from Government, J. Macnamara of Dangan laid claim to Cratlomore and other estates which had belonged to his family for many centuries. His claim was dismissed, and the property was granted to the Earl of Thomond.

33. Archbishop O'Queely killed attacking Sligo garrison

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1645

    In 1645, Archbishop O'Queely of Tuam, having just assumed command of Irish Confederate soldiers sent against the English Parliamentary garrison at Sligo, was shot dead in his first encounter with the enemy.

    Read the passage

    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

34. Confiscated Clare lands sold at Chester House, Dublin

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 1703

    After the dissolution of the court hearing petitions from displaced Clare families, lands confiscated from James II's partisans were put up for sale at Chester House in Dublin in 1703. Few petitioners had received favourable decisions, destroying all hope of property restoration.

    Read the passage

    a number of petitions were sent in from families who had lived for many generations in Clare, and among them several of the Macnamaras. Mr. Wost has given an abstract of these petitions in his history of Clare (page 570 to 602). In but few cases was the decision of the court favourable to the petitioners, and the court having soon dissolved, the lands confiscated from James's partisans were put up for sale at Chester House, Dublin, in the year 1703. All hope of restoration to their property having thus been destroyed most of the gentlemen concerned left Ireland, and struggled to eke out a miserable existence in the army and navy of foreign countries. Those who remained at home mostly sunk into the condition of peasants, and for a hundred years, under the baneful operation of the penal laws led a life of slavery and degradation.* °

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 118

    As the companion tells it

    Dublin, 1703. confiscated Clare lands went up for sale at Chester House here in the city. Families who had lived in Clare for generations, among them several of the Macnamaras, had sent in petitions after the fall of James the Second's partisans. The court decided in their favour in but few cases, then soon dissolved. With the lands put up for sale, all hope of restoration to their property was destroyed. Most of the gentlemen concerned left Ireland and struggled to eke out a miserable existence in the army and navy of foreign countries. Those who remained at home mostly sank into the condition of peasants, and for a hundred years, under the penal laws, led a life of slavery and degradation.

35. Conor O'Brien buried at Corcomroe Abbey

    near Corcomroe Abbey · monument · Clare

    The body of King Conor O'Brien was carried to the neighbouring Abbey of Corcomroe and buried there. His tomb is still to be seen in good preservation on the north side of the chancel of the abbey.

    Read the passage

    We are informed by the " Four Masters " that during the latter part of Conor O'Brien's reign, Thomond was not only at peace, but that the seasons were favourable and the people consequently prosperous. Magrath confirms this statement, and states that Conor O'Brien had amassed great wealth in his fort at Clonroad, and that a large proportion of the inhabitants of the province had " grown over-rich and in consequence had become turbulent, refusing to pay tribute to their king." In these circumstances Conor directed his brother-in-law, Sioda Macnamara, to muster Clancuilein, and the Kineldunal led by Anselis O'Grady, and to proceed into Tipperary to quell the insubordination which had sprung up in that part of Thomond. Sioda seems to have speedily and effectually accomplished the duty he had been called on to perform ; but in the meantime Conor had started off on a similar expedition into Burren, and having penetrated that part of his territory as far as the valley above Ballyvaghan, he was attacked, and we are told that "Conor O'Brien together with his third son and a daughter were slain." The body of the king was carried to the neighbouring Abbey of Corcomroe, and was there buried ; Conor's tomb is still to be seen in good preservation in the north side of the chancel of this abbey.

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

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 53

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere about Corcomroe Abbey, King Conor O'Brien was buried after he was killed in Burren. The Four Masters tell us that during the latter part of his reign, Thomond was at peace, the seasons were favourable, and the people prospered. Magrath confirms this and adds that Conor had amassed great wealth in his fort at Clonroad. But a large proportion of the inhabitants of the province had grown over-rich and in consequence had become turbulent, refusing to pay tribute to their king. Conor directed his brother-in-law, Sioda Macnamara, to muster Clancuilein and the Kineldunal, led by Anselis O'Grady, and to proceed into Tipperary to quell the insubordination that had sprung up in that part of Thomond. Sioda seems to have speedily and effectually accomplished that duty. But in the meantime Conor had started off on a similar expedition into Burren, and having penetrated that part of his territory as far as the valley above Ballyvaghan, he was attacked. The Four Masters tell us that Conor O'Brien together with his third son and a daughter were slain. The body of the king was carried to the neighbouring Abbey of Corcomroe and was there buried. His tomb is still to be seen in good preservation on the north side of the chancel of this abbey. Conor had at one time gone near to rival his ancestor Brian Boru in the success of his military operations. Edmund Spenser observed that in a short space he possessed all that country beyond the river of Shannon and near adjoining, whence shortly rushing forth like a sudden tempest he overran all Munster and Connaught, breaking down all the holds and fortresses of the English, defacing and subverting all corporate towns that were not strongly walled.

36. Dalcasians plunder Clonmacnoise monastery during incursion

    Clonmacnoise · townland · Offaly · 1044

    During the Macnamara sept's incursion into Meath to avenge Teigue's death in 1044, the Dalcasians plundered the monastery of Cluain-mac-noise (Clonmacnoise). This was part of the wider warfare between Donogh O'Brien and the confederate kings.

    Read the passage

    Teigue (Macnamara) was at this time, a.d. 1044, " chief of Clancuilein, and next in rank to Donogh ; he was slain by the King of Meath." But his sept rose to a man to revenge his death, and " pushing on, burnt Ferns," the chief town of Meath, and killed the king's brother. During this incursion the monastery of Cluain-mac-noise was plundered by the Dalcasians. The King of Leinster, however, held his own, and his province for the time being remained independent under the rule of Melachlin, Turlough's foster-father.*

    The next year Donogh O'Brien again invaded Leinster, looting the " great Church of Lusk " on his march, and carrying away captive those who took refuge in it.f While he was thus engaged the King of Connaught invaded Clare by way of the Shannon, and then, striking inland, he passed into Ui-Caisin and to Magh Adhair. J On this occasion Turlough O'Brien seems again to have accompanied the invading forces. After a fierce encounter with Macnamaras and other Dalcasian septs, the invaders had to effect a hasty retreat, to reappear, however, before long with the King of Leinster. The confederates advanced to Limerick, which the Dalcais being unable to hold, burnt before retreating into Clare.§ Donogh was now growing old and worn out by this constant warfare ; he retired, therefore, to Rome, where he died in the monastery of St. Stephen, a.d. 1064. Donogh had indeed been beset with difficulties, for we are informed that in consequence of "much inclement weather in Ireland, its corn, milk, fruit, and fish were

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 48

37. Donogh Macnamara builds monastery refectory at Ennis

    Ennis · town · Clare · 1393

    Donogh Macnamara, son of Mahon Macnamara of Tulla and Lissofin, built the refectory and sacristy of the monastery at Ennis at his own expense, and afterwards took the habit of the order. This reflects the tradition whereby Celtic Church monks could hold and transmit hereditary property.

    Read the passage

    It will be remembered that Lochain Macnamara, who was chief of Clanculien at the end of the fourteenth century, divided his territory into two portions, East and West Clanculien. At the same time he made over certain lands to a third son, Mahon ; this property was known as that of Tulla and Lissofin. O'Gorman states that Mahon Macnamara was " a religious man or priest " ; and from another source we learn that his son Donogh I at his own expense built the refectory and sacristy of the monastery at Ennis, and afterwards took the habit of the order " ; the landed property of Tulla and Lissofin, however, passed to his tanist, and from him to his successor, and so on without question until the year 1 6 1 1 .

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

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 97

38. Iberian stone monuments on the Aran Islands

    near Aran Islands · island or archipelago · Galway

    The Aran Islands at the entrance to Galway Bay preserve some of the most perfect and remarkable stone works of the Iberian people. One Iberian chief named Aengus took up residence there as the Celts drove the Iberian chiefs westward.

    Read the passage

    The Iberian race, or Firbolgs, as they are called in the ancient records and traditions of Ireland, have left us something more than their bones ; they lived on until long after the invasion of Ireland by the Celts, and many of their massive stone forts still exist in Clare. Mr. T. J. Westropp, in the September number of the " Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland," has described, and given us the ground plan of two of these forts. Some of the most perfect and remarkable work of these people is to be found on the isles of Arran, at the entrance of Galway Bay. As the Celts advanced from the east, the Iberian chiefs of Ireland were driven westward. One of these chiefs, Aengus by name, took up his abode on the isles of Arran ; his brother, Adhar, fixed his home in the centre of Clare, on the lands* subsequently occupied by our Sept; this chief died, and was buried within two miles of the site of Quin Abbey ; and the mound over his remains still exists in a perfect state of preservation. It is known as Magh Adhar, and will be frequently referred to in the following pages as being the spot on which the chiefs of the Dalcasian tribe were inaugurated kings of Thomond.t

    Our knowledge of the Irish Iberians is very imperfect ; when we first have cognisance of their existence in that country, they had passed from their primitive state and developed into a people under the leadership of chiefs. Their consanguinie, near and remote, were classified into categories, and in conversation they addressed one another by terms of relationship, and not by personal names. § At the time of the Celtic invasion of Ireland these people made a vigorous effort to resist the foreigners, and appear to have been led on more than one occasion by female warriors. One of them is referred to in a Celtic poem as

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 9

39. Inauguration of Donough O'Brien at Magh Adhair

    near Magh Adhair · monument · Clare · 1306

    After Turlough O'Brien's death, his son Donough was chosen king and was inaugurated by Coveha Macnamara at Magh Adhair, where they wished him 'God's luck and man's luck.' This was the traditional inauguration site of the O'Brien kings.

    Read the passage

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

    King Turlough O'Brien was speedily followed to the grave by his trusted friend and supporter Coveha Macnamara, who was buried near the remains of Turlough in Ennis Abbey. J Magrath states that the following was the dirge sung over his body :

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 57

40. Limerick citizens raise cavalry regiment

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1766

    In February 1766 the citizens of Limerick raised a regiment of horse, following the pattern set by Cork and other cities of raising volunteer regiments for civil and military protection after the withdrawal of English regular troops.

    Read the passage

    In the year 1 744 England was engaged in war with France ; as a consequence our shores were seriously threatened by the French fleet,, and so great was the danger at this time that the Government felt compelled in self defence to withdraw the greater part of her regular troops from Ireland. The coast swarmed with privateers, and cities like Limerick and Cork found it imperative for their own safety, after the withdrawal of the English troops, to raise regiments of volunteers to serve both as civil and military guardians of the people. In the year 1 744 the inhabitants of Cork formed themselves into the "United Independent, Volunteers." The regiment was dressed in blue uniform with buff facings, and was hence known as the " Cork True Blues." A medal was struck commemorating the first parade of this regiment at Cork.§ In February 1766 the citizens of Limerick raised a regiment of horse

    * Lord Charlemont, who knew Lucas well, maintained that it was through his writing the spirit of Irishmen was raised to the point of determining that nothing should stand in the way of their obtaining such changes in the Government as would secure a limit being placed on the duration of the Dublin Parliament, of freeing the country from the commercial restrictions under which she then laboured, and other necessary reforms, so as again to give Irishmen some freedom of action in political life. Charlemont describes Dr. Lucas, with his " bodily infirmities, his gravity, his uncommon neatness of dress, his grey expressive eyes and hair, blending with a pale but striking countenance which attracted the attention of every stranger who entered the House. He raised his voice in support of his country when all around him was desolation and silence."

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 125

    As the companion tells it

    Limerick is a city the road passes through, and in February 1766 its citizens raised a regiment of horse. This followed a pattern already set by Cork and other cities across Ireland. England had been at war with France, and the danger to Irish shores was serious enough that the Government withdrew the greater part of its regular troops from Ireland. The coast swarmed with privateers, and cities like Limerick and Cork found it imperative for their own safety, after the withdrawal of the English troops, to raise regiments of volunteers to serve both as civil and military guardians of the people. The inhabitants of Cork had already formed themselves into the United Independent Volunteers, dressed in blue uniform with buff facings, and known as the Cork True Blues. A medal was struck commemorating the first parade of that regiment at Cork. Limerick followed, and in February 1766 the citizens raised a regiment of horse. Lord Charlemont, who knew Lucas well, maintained that it was through his writing the spirit of Irishmen was raised to the point of determining that nothing should stand in the way of their obtaining changes in the Government, securing a limit on the duration of the Dublin Parliament, freeing the country from commercial restrictions, and other necessary reforms, so as to again give Irishmen some freedom of action in political life. Charlemont describes Dr Lucas, with his bodily infirmities, his gravity, his uncommon neatness of dress, his grey expressive eyes and hair, blending with a pale but striking countenance which attracted the attention of every stranger who entered the House. He raised his voice in support of his country when all around him was desolation and silence.

41. Maccon Macnamara marries O'Brien of Inchiquin's daughter

    Inchiquin · townland · Clare · 1313

    Following Lochlain's murder, the sept assembled on 1 June 1313 and elected his son Maccon Macnamara as chief. Maccon married Mary, a daughter of O'Brien of Inchiquin, linking the two powerful Clare families.

    Read the passage

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

    * "The Normans in Thomond," by T. J. Westropp, p. 387 ("Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries for 1891 "). The poet refers to the Hi-Blood and other septs who had risen in arms against Clancuilein.

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 61

42. Macnamara tenancy of Quin parish rectory

    Quin · town · Clare

    Dr. Rider, Bishop of Killaloe, complained that his predecessor had let the rectory in the parish of Quin to D. Macnamara for sixty years at just eighteenpence per annum, though it was worth at least two pounds yearly. Sir J. and Daniel Macnamara also held considerable church property.

    Read the passage

    * A vigorous effort was made by the Government to establish what were callecj free schools throughout Ireland ; the Protestant religion was to be made compulsory] in these schools so as to spread the tenets of that form of faith over the country, tc the exclusion of the ancient religion of the people. At the same time strict orders were issued against saying Mass in any church in Ireland, when only the ritual contained in the Book of Common Prayer was to be used. The revenue of the Church appears to have been very irregularly managed, and some of the Macnamaras seem to have been in no way indisposed to take advantage of this state of . affairs ; for instance, Dr. Rider, Bishop of Killaloe, complained that his predecessor had let the rectory in the parish of Quin for three score years to D. Macnamara, on a rental of eighteenpence per annum, but that it was worth at least two pounds a year. We learn that Sir J. and Daniel Macnamara held considerable church property, and that another branch of the family had some twenty-two townlands derived from the same source (White's " History of Clare," pp. 233-234).

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 93

43. Mortagh O'Brien installed at royal rath of Magh Adhair

    near Magh Adhair · monument · Clare · 1086

    Mortagh O'Brien was installed as king by the chief of the Macnamaras at the royal rath of Magh Adhair near Tulla. The Macnamara chief at this period was Mac Conmara.

    Read the passage

    Turlough O'Brien died, at the age of seventy-seven, a.d. 1086, and was buried in the cathedral church of Killaloe ; he was succeeded by his second son, Mortagh. The annalists inform us that "he was installed by the chief of the Macnamaras at the royal rath of Magh Adhair, near Tulla." The chief of our sept at this period was

    Mac Conmara. His death is referred to as follows by the " Four Masters" : "There died, in the year 1099, Cumara, son of Donall, Lord of Clancuilein."t

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 48

44. Rinuccini departs Ireland from Galway

    Galway · city · Galway · 1648

    Finding his mission to Ireland hopeless after the Confederation concluded a treaty with King Charles and opened communications with Inchiquin and Ormond, Rinuccini took ship at Galway in December 1648 and returned to the Continent.

    Read the passage

    Matters, however, moved on. The Council of the Confederation neither heeded this edict nor the threat of excommunication, but they proceeded to conclude a treaty with King Charles upon the terms above referred to ; and what in the eyes of the Nuncio was a still greater offence, they opened communications with Inchiquin, as a medium through whom they could treat with the Earl of Ormond, and persuade him to return as Lord Deputy to Ireland. Inchiquin had not long previously to these overtures forcibly entered the cathedral of Cashell, and slaughtered some of the priests ; it was not therefore surprising that Rinuccini absolutely refused to have anything to say to him. As to Ormond returning as Viceroy to Ireland, the Nuncio urged that a step of this kind would cancel " the glory reaped by the clergy in expelling him from his office because he was a Protestant." The Earl of Ormond, however, consented to return, and was received by Inchiquin at Cork, and subsequently took up his residence in his castle of Kilkenny. Rinuccini, finding his mission to Ireland was hopeless, took ship at Galway in December 1648, and returned to the Continent.

    The Irish were soon destined to pass under the hands of a very different man, Oliver Cromwell, backed by his veteran soldiers and the resources of England. On this subject Carlyle writes as follows :

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 103

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you're in the city where Archbishop Rinuccini took ship for the Continent in December 1648, abandoning his mission to Ireland. He had come as papal nuncio, but matters had moved beyond his control. The Council of the Confederation concluded a treaty with King Charles, and worse, in Rinuccini's eyes, they opened communications with Inchiquin, as a medium through whom they could treat with the Earl of Ormond, and persuade him to return as Lord Deputy to Ireland. This was the same Inchiquin who had not long before forcibly entered the cathedral of Cashel and slaughtered some of the priests. Rinuccini absolutely refused to have anything to say to him. As for Ormond returning as viceroy, the nuncio urged that such a step would cancel "the glory reaped by the clergy in expelling him from his office because he was a Protestant." Ormond consented to return regardless, and was received by Inchiquin at Cork, and then took up residence in his castle of Kilkenny. Finding his mission hopeless, Rinuccini took ship here at Galway and returned to the Continent. The Irish were soon destined to pass under the hands of a very different man, Oliver Cromwell, backed by his veteran soldiers and the resources of England.

45. Sidney's 1542 Parliament in Limerick

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1542

    In 1542, Sidney assembled a Parliament in Limerick to legalise the land title proposals of the O'Briens, Macnamaras, and other septs, making them conformable to English procedure. This was the first Parliament heard of in the West of Ireland.

    Read the passage

    In the first place, with regard to a Dublin Parliament, it is doubtful from recent experience in other countries, if parliamentary government is the best form of government to control the affairs of people who inherit a considerable amount of the Celtic nature. Parliaments are •certainly not indigenous productions of the Irish race ; on the other hand, they were imported from England, and their action was for long -confined to the English Pale. The first that we hear of a Parliament in the West of Ireland was in the year 1542, when Sidney assembled his Parliament in Limerick to legalise the proposals of the O'Briens. Macnamaras, and other septs with regard to the titles of their lands being made conformable to English procedure. The first approach

    * See p. 146. t See p. EX.

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 141

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, this city holds a parliamentary first. Parliaments were not native to Ireland. They came from England, and for a long time their reach was confined to the English Pale. The first Parliament heard of in the West of Ireland was in 1542. Sidney assembled it here in Limerick. Its purpose was to legalise the proposals of the O'Briens, the Macnamaras, and other septs regarding the titles of their lands. The aim was to make those titles conformable to English procedure. So this was not a Parliament in the ordinary sense of debate. It was an instrument for bringing the landholding of the western septs into line with English law, and Limerick was where it happened.

46. Siege of Ballyallia

    Ballyallia · townland · Clare · 1641

    During the 1641 rebellion, Donogh and Teigie Macnamara were appointed to keep order in Clare. The English in Clare were not ill-treated, but a siege of Ballyallia took place.

    Read the passage

    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

47. Sioda Macnamara's lands beyond the Shannon

    Shannon · town · Clare · 1543

    In a letter to Henry VIII, the Lord Deputy described Sioda Macnamara as a man whose ancestors had long held great sway in the region, noting that his lands lay wholly on the far side of the River Shannon. The Deputy sought royal favour to advance Sioda to the honour of a baron by the name of Clancuilein.

    Read the passage

    The day previous to recommending Henry to create Morrogh O'Brien in " Erie," the Lord Deputy addressed a letter to the king, in which, eferring to Sidoa Macnamara's submission, he observes, " and that the >aid M'Nemarro ys a man whose anncestors have in those partes alwayes 3orne a grete swynge, and one that for himself is of honest conformities, whose landes lye holy on the farsyde the Shanan, we most humbly beseech your Majestie to regarde him according to your princly bounty ;o advance him to the honour of a baron by the name of Clancuilein, md that he may holde such landes and possessions as he now hathe." ro this communication Henry VIII. replied, probably at the instigation }f O'Brien, who was at the time at Greenwich, that " we have made the ord of Upper Ossery Macnamarrow a knight." * This title was never issumed by Sioda Macnamara. The Rev. D. White suggests it may have seen lost or sent to some one else, for Sioda Macnamara died as he had ived, simply a landlord of Clare and chief of his sept.

    Sioda Macnamara married a daughter of Desmond O'Shagnasie of Gort, ind had four sons, the eldest, John, died in 1570, leaving an infant son, Sir ] ohn Macnamara, who died without issue. Shan, the second son of Sioda, iied on March 31, 1587, leaving five sons his co-heirs under the law of gavelkind, which was still in force in Clare ; the second of these sons, named Teigie, and his son Sioda, was made heir at law by his cousin Sir John Macnamara. It was from this branch of the family that James Macnamara, M.P. for Leicester, and his brother Admiral John

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 83

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

    near Ennistimon · town · Clare · 1576

    After marching through Thomond, Sir Henry Sidney appointed Sir Donell O'Brien of Ennistymon as Sheriff of Clare. Other officers including a Provost-Marshal were also appointed with proper forces to keep the idle people in restraint.

    Read the passage

    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

49. Ulster king's surprise attack on Tara forces Cormac's flight

    Tara · townland · Offaly

    It was customary for the monarch to summon provincial kings to a council at Tara every three years. On one such occasion the King of Ulster launched a surprise attack on Tara, forcing the unprepared Cormac to flee his capital.

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    him. At this time the throne of Leinster was occupied by a king named Cormac, chief of the provincial King of Ireland. It appears to have been the custom for the ruler of Leinster, as monarch of the country, to summon the provincial kings and chiefs once every three years to a council at Tara, in order to regulate the affairs of the kingdom. On an occasion of this kind the King of Ulster determined to seize the sovereign power. Without warning he collected a large force and marched on Tara ; Cormac was unprepared for this invasion, and had therefore to retire in haste from his capital. He then summoned a council of war, and inquired of his chief bard as to what steps it were best to adopt in existing circumstances. The bard replied : " O Cormac, unless that nearer to hand thou hast some battle-winning friend, then of Munster crave a champion, mighty hard-hitting, a lord that may relieve thee of all fear of enemies."* The king then consulted the chief Druid on the subject, and he concurred in the opinion expressed by the bard. So Cormac started off to the King of Munster, " the first of the Dalcasians," and at his hands received a hearty welcome. "The object for which we are come thither," the monarch said, "is to propitiate your good will," which, said the King of Munster, "thou shall right willingly have.' And so it was arranged that the forces of Munster should be placed at the disposal of Cormac, the Dalcasian chief, and his brother, Cian, being entrusted with the command of the forces. A desperate battle followed, in which the King of Ulster was slain, and Cormac restored to his throne, but the men of Munster suffered severely, Cian, their commander, the progenitor of the O'Carrolls of Ely, being killed. His son, named Tiege, was also wounded in this battle, and the surgical treatment which he received has already been described. Cormac Cas was wounded on the head, and for thirteen years, it is said, portions of his brain passed through the wound, but he continued to govern his province. Cormac Cas built himself a fort on the side of a hill, " in the midst of which was a sparkling translucent spring,! about which a royal house was constructed, and the king's couch so placed as to allow cold water being constantly poured over his head, which alone gave him relief from pain." In this place Cormac Cas died, he was buried in the hill where the remains of his father, Olioll, and his mother, Sabia, had already been laid.

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 39

50. Battle of Corcomroe

    Corcomroe · barony · Clare · 1350

    Mac-con Macnamara and his sept fought at the battle of Corcomroe in 1350, where Richard de Clare was defeated and killed, driving the Anglo-Normans out of Clare.

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    Anglo-Normans under De Clare and allies attack the O'Briens and Macnamaras, a.d. 13 1 1 — Lochlain Macnamara, chief of his sept, treacherously seized by De Clare and executed with his nephew, a.d. 1312 — Mac-con (Macnamara) succeeds as head of Clancuilein — Robert Bruce invades Ireland — Appears on the Shannon— Skirmish with Clancuilein — Mac-con (Macnamara) and sept at battle of Corcomroe, a.d. 1350 — Richard de Clare defeated and killed — The Anglo- Normans completely driven out of Clare, a.d. 1332 — Extension of Clancuilien territory from Fergus to Shannon — Mac Con died, 1365 — Cumedha succeeded, followed by Lochlain Mac Con, whose daughter married Brian O'Brien, King of Thomond, a.d. ? 1364 — Appeal of Irish Chiefs to the Pope to establish English laws in Ireland or else leave her alone— Edward III.'s opinion regarding Ireland — Duke of Clarence sent over to subdue country— Successfully resisted by O'Briens and Clancuilein — " Mear Irish " — Kilkenny Parliament, a.d. 1367 — Gerald Fitzgerald sent his son to be brought up by O'Brien and Macnamara in place of the English Court — Second Mac-con (Macnamara) — The most powerful Irish families united in marriage through the Macnamaras, a.d. 1370 — Alteration in tenure of land as shown by Macnamara's rent roll and other documents of the fourteenth century Pp. 116-141

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 3

51. Ballyallia garrison conducted safely to Bunratty

    near Bunratty · parish · Clare · 1642

    After the garrison of Ballyallia capitulated, Donogh Macnamara and his followers conducted those who wished to leave to Bunratty, where they took ship to England. Others returned to their farms and remained in possession throughout the succeeding years of trouble.

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    invested by the Irish.* Not having any ordnance, the besiegers conl structed a large wooden shed some thirty feet by nine in size; it wa covered with layers of hides " so as to be impenetrable to musket bullet;J or arrows." This machine was moved up to the walls of the castle and from it workmen commenced to undermine the foundations of tht building. The Irish also made " a leather piece of ordnance about fivd feet long, which, being loaded with thirteen pounds of powder, burst a J the first discharge." So matters went on until one of the Cuffes waji taken prisoner by the Irish in an attempt to procure food for th<: garrison. The Irish then sent a message to the English that unless the) consented to give up the castle, Cuffe j unior would be hanged. Provisions and water were running short, and as no prospect of relief seemed probable, the garrison capitulated. Whatever the feeling may have beer between the English and Irish in other parts of Ireland neither treachery or cruelty was shown them at this time in Clare. Donogh Macnamara and his followers conducted such of the garrison of Ballyallia as wished to leave the country to Bunratty, and they took ship to England ; others returned to their farms and remained in possession of them throughout the years of trouble which succeeded the surrender of Ballyallia.

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 101

52. Cromwell confines Catholic Celts to Clare and Galway

    near Clare · population centre · Clare

    By Cromwell's directions, Roman Catholic Celts were to be confined to Clare and Galway, separated from the rest of the world lest their influence contaminate the Scotch and English settled over Ulster and Leinster.

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

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 127

53. De Clare's agents retreat to Bunratty

    near Bunratty · parish · Clare · 1314–1315

    Agents of Richard de Clare attempted to lure the Clancuilein sept away from supporting their elected king, Mortough O'Brien, offering increased territory. After much excited speech and failure, the agents withdrew to Bunratty.

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    declined to listen to these overtures, or to be tempted by De Clare's offers of an increase of their territory to give up the cause of their elected king and relation, Mortough ; and the agents of De Clare had consequently, after much excited speech, to take himself off to Bunratty.*

    Soon after this attempt to allure Clancuilein from his cause, Mortough O'Brien came into the heart of the Ui-Caisen territory. The sept were right glad to welcome their lord and foster-brother ; and with him they marched eastward to punish the Hi-Blood clan, who had taken an active part in the events which led to the execution of Lochlain ; this deed, in fact, had been perpetrated in the Hi-Blood territory. Mortough O'Brien and his forces were well-nigh coming to grief in this expedition, for the Hi-Blood managed to out-manoeuvre the king, and suddenly appeared in his rear. Maccon Macnamara instantly divided his men into two parties, ordering one to appear as if in flight, while the rest of his followers were to pretend to be in pursuit ; the enemy were thus deceived, and taking those in flight for Mortough's force and their pursuers as a party of their own followers, rushed down in confusion on the rear of Maccon's men, who instantly turned on their enemies, and before they could re-form cut them to pieces. This kind of warfare was carried on throughout the years 1314 and 13 15, Maccon and his sept always being in the thick of the fray.

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 62

54. Inauguration at Magh Adhair

    near Magh Adhair · monument · Clare

    Sioda Macnamara inaugurated Brian Roe as King of Thomond at Magh Adhair. Turlough O'Brien's subsequent revolt was joined by the Macnamaras, leading to a victory for Turlough and the Clancuilein sept.

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    Ireland, on account of her sins, made over by the Supreme Pontiff to Henry II. of England— King of Leinster invited Anglo-Normans to conquer the country and made the Earl of Pembroke his successor, a.d. i 172— Henry II. visited Ireland and received submission of chiefs — Divides the country among his barons to take possession by conquest — Resistance of the O'Briens and Macnamaras— Attack on them by the Lord Deputy effectually resisted, a.d. 1 192 — Henry III. assumed right to govern Thomond, but had no power to enforce his rule — The Macnamaras and other septs refuse to submit to English rule— Niel Macnamara, a.d. 1242— His daughter married Conor O'Brien, King of Thomond — Importance of alliance — They defeat the English, a.d. 1257 — Meeting of provincial kings for combined action futile — Magrath's " History of Wars of Thomond" — Sioda Macnamara inaugurates Brian Roe, King of Thomond, on Magh Adhair — Turlough O'Brien's revolt joined by the Macnamaras— Brian Roe seeks aid of Earl de Clare — Turlough and Clancuilein (Macnamara) gain a victory — Brian Roe murdered by De Clare — His son, Donogh Brien, succeeds his father and joins De Clare — Death of Sioda Macnamara at Quin, a.d. 1277 — Succeeded by Coveha or Cumheadha— Mac Carthy of Desmond declines to give Coveha up to De Clare — Coveha defeats the Anglo-Normans — The Earl de Clare killed, a.d. 1287 — The O'Briens and Macnamaras retain their lands and homes — Burning of fort at Quin by Coveha Macnamara — His death, a.d. 1306 — Donchard Macnamara succeeds — His victory over other Dalcasian septs and his murder.

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn

55. James II arrives in Dublin and issues proclamation

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 1689

    King James II landed in Ireland in March 1689 and on arriving in Dublin issued a proclamation requiring absentee subjects to return, promising to suppress civil disturbance and grant religious freedom, and summoning a Parliament to meet on 7 May.

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    King James landed in Ireland in March 1689, and on his arrival in Dublin issued a proclamation, requiring his absentee subjects to return to Ireland. He expressed his determination to suppress any civil disturbance in the country, and to grant religious freedom. Lastly, he summoned a Parliament to meet at Dublin on the 7 th of May. The Irish had never abandoned the hope of obtaining a repeal or mitigation of the Acts of Settlement and Explanation ; as late as 16S6 they had sent agents over to England to seek the repeal of these Acts ; but these agents were attacked by the London mob, and were glad to make their escape back to Ireland.

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

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 117

56. King of Connaught invades Clare through Ui-Caisin to Magh Adhair

    near Magh Adhair · monument · Clare · 1051

    While Donogh O'Brien was campaigning in Leinster, the King of Connaught invaded Clare by way of the Shannon, then struck inland through Ui-Caisin to Magh Adhair. The Macnamaras and other Dalcasian septs fought the invaders, who retreated but reappeared with the King of Leinster.

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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

57. Limerick river as potential invasion landing point

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1608

    In his February 1608 letter to O'Sulivan in Spain, Sir John Macnamara anticipated the arrival of an army at either the river of Limerick or the bay of Galway, promising to join them and seize Bunratty Castle from the Earl of Thomond.

    Read the passage

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

    The Baron of Delvin was taken prisoner and committed to the castle of Dublin, when he confessed all the secrets he had, and afterwards made an escape, and hope he is there with you ere now. Yours for ever confirmed,

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 95

    As the companion tells it

    As the road takes you through Limerick, the river here was once named as a potential landing point for an army from Spain. In February 1608, Sir John Macnamara wrote to his brother in Christ, O'Sulivan, in Spain. He had received O'Sulivan's letter since the departure of O'Neale and O'Donnell, and he renewed his vow, sworn when they were last at Mockheins, that he would live and die by it. The Vicar-General, Mahoura Magralye, stayed with him in the borders to carry out their plans. Macnamara told O'Sulivan that when the army came, as promised, either to the river of Limerick or the bay of Galway, he would presently join them and take the Earl of Thomond's house of Bunratty. He had meant to go there when O'Neale and O'Donnell left, but changed his mind for the reasons given. The Earl of Thomond meant to sail for England, and Macnamara could not say but that he might go with him to learn more news. He closed with word that the Baron of Delvin had been taken prisoner and committed to Dublin Castle, where he confessed all the secrets he had, then escaped. Macnamara hoped he was already in Spain with O'Sulivan.

58. Lost Book of Monasterboice as source for Colloquy with the Ancients

    Monasterboice · townland · Louth

    An old Celtic manuscript containing 'The Colloquy of the Ancients,' a supposed conversation between St. Patrick and the last Fenian warriors, was translated from the Book of Lismore. The colloquy itself was said to derive from a still more ancient and now-lost work known as the Book of Monasterboice.

    Read the passage

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

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

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 35

59. Macnamara's nephew dies in Ennis after battle

    Ennis · town · Clare

    Mac-con Macnamara's nephew was brought to Ennis after the Battle of Corcomroe, where his body did not recover but his soul found peace, meaning he reconciled with God before death.

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    Mac-con went to Clonroad to be healed, and his nephew was brought to Ennis, where " his body, though it recovered not, yet his soul's cure was the result "; which means that he was at peace with God. The other wounded were borne to their homes ; the whole host, sound and lame, scattered to their dwellings, and then it was that the poet uttered a lay : " Victorious, O progeny of Tal . . . ."

    In the summer following the battle of Corcomroe, under guarantee given by De Clare's wife and son, Mac-con Macnamara, as Mortough O'Brien's representative, went to offer De Clare terms of peace. J Sir

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 68

60. Macnamaras of Doolin drill Clare volunteers

    Doolin · townland · Clare · 1796

    Colonel Francis Macnamara commanded the Clare troops, and with his cousins John and William Macnamara of Doolin took an active part in drilling and equipping the troops during the 1796 invasion scare.

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    No sooner had news arrived in Ennis, Galway, and Limerick, that a French force was about to land in Bantry Bay, than the yeomanry and volunteers turned out to a man to resist the enemy. The Clare troops were under command of Colonel Francis Macnamara, who with hi> cousins John, and William Macnamara of Doolin, had taken an active part in drilling, and in the equipment of the troops. The old martul spirit of the people was instantly in wild excitement, and from the accounts left us by those who witnessed the mustering of the Clare volunteers, under the descendants of the old Clancuilein chiefs, we are reminded of some of Magrath's descriptions of the rising of the men o our sept five hundred years previously. General Dalrymple, who was in command at Cork, reported that "all ranks of Irishmen rallied to his support, determined to resist the French from landing. He add,: * Lecky's " History of Ireland in the Eighteenth Century,' vol Ui p. IM

    *H THE WEST OF IRELAND

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 129

    As the companion tells it

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