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REIGN OF ELIZABETH, 619
from them; they began to circumvent and harass in want of stores, he collected a very great force, them in fighting, and they continued shooting and for the purpose of proceeding to put provisions,
cutting each other, from the Erne to Moy Cedne, and all other sorts of stores, into the fort; the in Hy Cairpre of Drumcliff (Moy Cedne, in the lord justice, having arrived at Armagh with his barony of Carbury, in Sligo).
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REIGN OF ELIZABETH, 619
from them; they began to circumvent and harass in want of stores, he collected a very great force, them in fighting, and they continued shooting and for the purpose of proceeding to put provisions,
cutting each other, from the Erne to Moy Cedne, and all other sorts of stores, into the fort; the in Hy Cairpre of Drumcliff (Moy Cedne, in the lord justice, having arrived at Armagh with his barony of Carbury, in Sligo).
Four Masters - Annals of Ireland
or of
to inaof
610 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1596.
twenty thousand of paid forces and common sol the son of Rickard Sagsanach, son of Ulick of the diers, for the purpose of carrying on war against Heads, with all his forces, joined their army; the
the Irish. A very great army was afterwards earl of Thomond, namely Donogh, the son of Co mustered by the queen's war general in Ireland, nor, son of Donogh O'Brien, also joined them with
namely, Sir John Norris, to march into the pro his forces, and numerous other forces besides, vince of Connaught, for the purpose of subduing which are not recorded ; but, however, some have all those who had risen in alliance in the war of stated that such an army, belonging to the sove
the Irish. The earl of Clanrickard, namely, Ulick, reign, had not been collected for a long period of
tribes and clans who possessed those territories, as the Belgians, Leinster. The ancient kingdom of Leinster comprised the old ter Danans, Heremonians, Fenians, Temorians, Bregians, Hy-Nielli ritories of Hy-Kinsellagh, Cualan, Ossory, offaley, Leix and Moy ans, Colmasians, Teffians, Annalians, Delvinians, Offalians, Liffey. Accounts of those territories, and their tribes, clans, Moyliffians, Eblanians and Fingallians.
The Kingdom of Ulster. —The name in Irish is Uladh, pro nounced Ulla, and latinised Ultonia; the people were called
princes, and chiefs, have been given in the notes on Leinster, &c. at pp. 194, 217 to 225, 245 to 252,266,267, 343 to 345, 366,457 to 469, 481 to 488, 508 to 516, and 532 to 544. In the above notes accounts are given of the following races, tribes, and clans in Leinster: the Belgians, Galenians, Menapians, Brigantes, He remonians, Cahirians, Hy Kinsellians, Cualanians, Ossorians, Offa lians, Lisians, Fenians, Moy-Liffians, Eblanians, and Danes.
Ultaigh, in Latin Ultonii, and Ultonienses anglicised Ultonians.
This ancient kingdom comprised the counties of Louth, Monaghan,
Armagh, Down, Antrim, Tyrone, Derry, Donegal, and Fermanagh,
and the old territories of Orgiall, Dalaradia, Ulidia, Dalrieda, Tir
Eogain, Tirconnell, and Fermanagh; the county of Cavan, which 2-The Kingdom of Munster. —The name in Irish is Mumha, or was part of Brefney, belonged to Connaught, but was afterwards
added to Ulster, and the county of Louth, which was part of an
cient Ulster, was added to Leinster. In the notes on the above
mentioned ancient territories, and on Ulster, at p. 2, and at pp. 19
to 22, 49 to 52, 78, 79, 146, 337 to 342, 361 to 367, 412 to 417,
436 to 442, 556, and 601 to 608, an account has beengiven of their
extent, and of the tribes, clans, princes, and chiefs who possessed
them. In the above-mentioned notes, accounts are given of the
following races, tribes, and clans in Ulster: the Partholanians, Ne Ely O'Carroll, adjoining Tipperary. The principal divisions of medians, Fomorians, Danans, and Milesians; of the Irians, or Ru ancient Munster were Tuadh-Mumhan, or North Munster, latin dricians, the Emanians, or Red Branch Knights, the Heremonians,
the Hy-Niellians, Eugenians, Conallians, Orgiellians, Ulidians, Dalaradians, Dalriedians, Degadians, Dalfiatachians, Erneans, and Cruthneans, or Picts.
The Kingdom of Connaught. —The name in Irish is Conacht, pronounced Conaght, and latinised Conacia; the people were called Conachtaigh, in Latin Conacii, and Conachtenses, anglicised Conacians. This ancient kingdom comprised the present counties of Galway, Mayo, Sligo, Roscommon, Leitrim, and Cavan, with the northern part of Longford, bordering on Leitrim and Cavan; in ancient times, at different periods, the territory of Clare in Tho mond formed part of Connaught, but was ultimately added to Munster, and the county of Cavan was added to Ulster in the reign of Elizabeth. Connaught comprised the ancient territories of Cruachan, Machaire Chonacht, Moy-Aoi, Siol-Murray, Hy-Fia ehra, Hy-Maine, Moen-Moy, Moylurg, Brefney, Conmaicne, Con namara, Umhall, Ioras, Tyrawley, Clanrickard, &c. An account of those territories, and the tribes, clans, princes, and chiefs who possessed them, has beengiven in the course of these notes on Con naught, Ulster and Brefney, at pp. 75 to 78, 97 to 100, 121 to 132,
ised Tuemonia, and anglicised Thomond; Deas-Mumhan, or South Munster, in Latin Desmonia, in English Desmond; and Oir-Mumhan, or East Munster, latinised Ormonia, anglicised Ormond ; Desies was also an ancient division of Munster, and com prised the greater part of the present county of Waterford. The extent of Thomond, Desmond, Ormond, and Desies, has been described in the notes on Munster, and accounts have been given of the tribes, clans, princes, and chiefs who possessed these terri tories, in the notes on Munster, at pp. 146 to 154, 170 to 180, 194 to 202, and 248. In the above notes, accounts are given of the following races, tribes, and clans: the Heberians, Eugenians, Dalcassians, Kianians, Ithians, Lugadians, Degadians, Menapians, Tuemonians, Desmonians, Desians, Ormonians and Elians.
Ptolemy's Geography—From p. 391 to 394, in the notes, an account has beengiven of the geography and topography of Ire land, in the beginning of the 2nd century, by the celebrated Greek geographer Claudius Ptolemy, of Alexandria in Egypt, who gave a Map of Ireland at that very remote period, with the names of the tribes placed on the different territories, the cities, the promon tories, islands, harbours, lakes, and rivers. In the explanation of this ancient geography, in the above-mentioned notes, an account is given of the following seventeentribes, and their territories, with their original Greek names, which are thus anglicised. The Ebla nians, Caucians, Menapians, Brigantes, Coriondians, Udeans,
341 to 345, 361 to 367, and 606 to 608, In the above-mentioned
notes, accounts are given of the following races, tribes, and clans in
Connaught: the Fomorians and Danans, the Firbolg or Belgians,
Firdomnians, Damnonians, Martineans, Erneans, Attacottians,
Gamanradians and Clanna-Mornians, the Heremonians, Hy-Briu Uternians, or Ivernians, Illiberians or Velabrians, Lucenians, nians, Brefnians, Conmacnians, Hy-Fiachrians, and Manians
The Kingdom of Leinster. —The name in Irish is Laighean, latinised Lagenia ; the people were called Laighnigh, in Latin Lgaenii, and Lagenienses, anglicised Lagenians. In ancient times
Leinster was of much less extent than the modern province; it comprised the present counties of Wexford, Wicklow, Carlow, Kilkenny, and Queen's county, with a great part of the King's county, and the whole of Kildare, except a small portion of Car berry, which belonged to Meath; Leinster also comprised that part of the county of Dublin south of the Liffey, and that part north of the Liffey belonged to Meath. A large portion of the northern part of King's county also belonged to Meath, and some of the southern part of King's county, bordering onTipperary, belonged to Munster. In after times the ancient kingdom of Meath, and also the county of Louth, in Ulster, were added to the province of
Concanians, Venicnians, Robogdians, Darinians, and Uluntians or Ultonians. It may he here observed, that, in the explanation given of Ptolemy's Geography, at p. 392, the promontory called Isamnion, now St. John's Foreland, at the Bay of Dundrum, on the coast of Down, is mentioned, and the Greek name Isamnion was probably derived by Ptolemy from the Irish Magh Seimhne, which sounds very like and was the ancient name plain the territory afterwards called Dalaradia, the same part the county Down. At 392 has been explained that Ptolemy called the lake and river Erne Raious, which probably might have been derived from the Irish Eas-Ruadh, Easroe, which was the ancient name of the cataract the mouth of the river Erne, Ballyshannon, and the word Eas-Ruadh was written Ruadh
Eas, which would have the same signification, would sound very similar to the Greek word Raious.
*Mumhan, pronounced Moo-an, latinised Momonia; the people were called Muimhnigh, in Latin Momonii, and Momonienses, an glicised Momonians. The ancient kingdom of Munster comprised the present counties of Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary, and Wa terford, to which was afterwards added Clare, which formed part
of ancient Connaught; Munster appears also to have comprised a small portion of Ossory, in the county of Kilkenny, bordering on Tipperary, and also a portion of the south of King's county called
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41
REIGN OF ELIZABETH. . . . . . 611
time in Ireland as that, for the greatness of full the Irish; they accordingly did so, and the muster, foreign forces, and their extraordinary general proceeded Galway, from thence Ath equipment and superior power. When those lone, and left soldiers Cong (in Mayo), and had assembled together Athlone, meet the
general, they then marched Roscommon, and afterwards the neighbourhood the monastery
Boyle, and when they did not find the Conacians
there before them, they expected, they returned
back, and proceeded westward Cionn Locha,
into the country Mac William, and Maighin
(Moyne, the parish Shrule, barony Kil
main, county Mayo), and encamped the
banks the river Rodhba (the river Robe, which
flows through Ballinrobe, Mayo). When that Connaught, and they were conveyed Dublin, very great army was threatening march that and from thence they were sent England, and place, Mac William Burke, Theobald, sent his man better than was appointed his successor messengers O’Donnell, entreating him come the governorship the province Connaught,
relieve him, and O’Donnell promptly responded whose name was sir Conyers Clifford; was
likewise Galway, the town Athenry, Mullaghmore Hy Maine, Kilconnell, Bal
linasloe (all the county Galway); Ros common, Tulsk, and the monastery Boyle
(in the county Roscommon).
O'Conor Sligo arrived Ireland, with great
number English along with him, the harvest this year.
Sir Richard Bingham, and his brethren, were removed from the government the province
the call, for was making ready march into the province Meva (Connaught), before the
messengers had reached him. He sent letters and
written despatches the Irish the province Olnegmacht (Connaught), requesting them
meet him certain place his progress the camp the general, Sir John Norris, and him
self commenced his march with his forces, and proceeded across the rivers Erne and Sligo, and
along the right hand side the river the Ox mountain, through Lieney (in Sligo), and the
territory Gaileang (barony Gallen, Mayo).
The Irish the province (of Connaught), marched the same time without delay that call; the first place came O’Rourke, namely, Bryan Oge,
the son Bryan (na-Murtha), son Owen, son
Bryan; thithermarched O'Conor Roe; O'Kelly;
Mac Dermott Moylurg; there came also the two
Mac Donoghs, the two O’Haras, and O’Dowd.
When those Irish assembled one place, they
did not halt until they pitched their camp, con
fronting Sir John Norris, the opposite side
the same river Robe. There was correspondence
carried on between them from both sides,
through peace and amity, but such truth was
not the case, but inspect, and reconnoitre, and joiced his coming them; they were filled
deceive each other they possibly could. They with vain glory and arrogance, and they began remained that manner confronted, until the En menace and threaten the people Tirconnell. glish came short provisions, and the resolution When O’Donnell received notice of that circum
they came was, decamp from the place where stance, and that they had joined alliance with they were, when they could obtain advantage the English against him, did not wait for col
: -+
man who bestowed valuable presents and property" the English and Irish, and there did not come the English into Ireland, the latter times,
better man. When came Dublin began collect men and arms for the purpose marching into Connaught, and afterwards proceeded with
his troops and forces the town Athlone, and distributed his companies into camps and fortresses over the towns Hy Maine and Clan rickard, viz. , Galway, the town Athenry, Mul laghmore, Cong, and Leith-Inis (Lehinch, the parish Kilcommon, Mayo).
the chiefs the province the governor, and joined him,
account his fame and great renown; those were O'Conor
Roe, namely, Hugh, the son Torlogh Roe, and
Mac Dermott, Conor, and they confirmed their friendship him.
After O’Conor Sligo had returned from England Ireland, set about subduing Connaught
well could, behalf the English, and was joined by the Mac Donoghs Collooney, and
Ballymote was also under his controul the O’Harts likewise joined him, for they were always obedient supporters the man who held his title, and re
great number Connaught went
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ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1596.
lecting a full force, but proceeded with some com time engaged plundering, was taken prisoner mon and paid soldiers across Sligo westward, and the country the Butlers, and was put death
plundered those who were obedient O’Conor, wherever they were, the recesses and retired fast nesses the country, that did not leave them
the least head cattle; and plundered them
alone, although often before had spared them Leix was completely spoiled by him,
on account their defenceless condition, until their insolent talk and arrogance excited him,
that they could not evade O’Donnell’s plundering them on that occasion. is
crops, corn and dwellings, that there was no thing the country, outside the lock gate bawn, but was under his controul. . . gentleman
the Saxons was killed him, who lived Conor, the son Teige, son Conor O'Brien Sraid-Baile-Laoighise (Stradbally Leix, the
Bel-Atha-an-Chomhraic (in Thomond), went Queen’s county), who possessed large tract
into insurrection, and began plunder, for and number the Clan Sheehy had been expelled
from their patrimonies, well the Irish the North (of Connaught). They put the resolu tion returning their country, and proceeded
Clanrickard, Slieve Echtge (Slieve Baughta
Galway, the borders Clare), and the lower part Clan Cuilein (in Clare); they were pursued from one country another, until Conor
was length taken prisoner Coill Mor (or the great wood); was brought before the president,
the first month harvest precisely, and was put death Cork the November term.
Teige, the son Torlogh, son Donogh, son Conor O’Brien, after having been for long
the country, the authority the sovereign,
and whose name was Cosbi (Cosby), the son Master Fraus.
The sons Edmond the Caladh, son James, son Pierce Roe, son James, son
Edmond, son of Richard Butler, also began plunder through malice against the earl Ormond,
and their father, Edmond the Caladh, was ta ken prisoner for their crimes. Edmond, the son Richard, son Pierce Roe, was also taken
prisoner.
Fiacha Mac Hugh (O'Byrne), the son John
Glenmalure (in Wicklow), continued lay waste Leinster and Meath at that time'.
attacked the English the rear, and the entire detachment, thus placed between two fires, was slaughtered. The city was then
surrendered O'Neill, and Stafford was permitted retire with the remnant of his forces to Dundalk.
Battle of Mullaghbrack —General sir John Norris, having
erected fortress since called Mount Norris, the Fews, between Armagh and Newry, placed garrison it; but Hugh O'Neill took the place from the English. Norris advanced from Dundalk with great forces against O'Neill, and both parties having encoun tered Mullaghbrack, the Fews, near Market-Hill Armagh, they fought fierce battle described Mac Geoghegan, which the English forces were rallied three times Norris, but finally defeated with great slaughter, and Norris himself dangerously wounded. Hugh Maguire, lord Fermanagh, commanded O'Neill's cavalry, and, his determined valour, greatly contri buted the victory. This was the last battle Norris fought Ulster, and was soon afterwards sent Munster, where died, mentioned the Annals the year 1597, said from the effects the wounds had received his campaigns against
O'Neill.
by advice the earl Anthony, the son
Ormond.
Roderick Oge, son Ro
Conall O'Moore, was engaged
derick Caoch, son
gentleman the arts war this time and
A. D. 1596.
Armagh. -The following engagements Armagh Mac Geoghegan, O'Sullivan Beare, and Stuart's
Armagh.
chief Ulster, stationed strong body men the church Killother, near Armagh, hut they were attacked the Irish un der Hugh O'Neill, earl Tyrone; and the English forces were de feated with great slaughter, and pursued Armagh. Norris,
passed through the city, left garrison there 500 men, under Francis Stafford, and proceeded himself Dundalk. O'Neill be sieged Armagh, and reduced the garrison great distress,
which Norris forwarded quantity provisions for relief from Dundalk, under the escort three companies foot and troop horse. O'Neill surprised, defeated, and captured this convoy night, and having stripped the English soldiers, equipped their clothes equal number his own men, and posted part them, thus disguised, the ruins monastery
Battles are described
1596 general sir John Norris, the commander-in
the city Armagh, under the command
with the remainder, O'Neill appeared himself
view the garrison, and sham fight was commenced between the troops who were the British uniform, and another body O'Neill's forces. The men each side rapidly fired their guns,
which were only charged with powder, but several the soldiers fell the ground, shot, carry the delusion. Stafford,
deceived the aid
this ruse guerre, sent forth the half the garrison his supposed fellow-soldiers, but when these men ad
the same year, Cox says, the king Spain, would supply them with
the conflict, they were astonished find themselves as the troops whom they had supposed their friends, O'Neill's other forces, and Con O'Neill having rushed out with his men from their ambuscade the ruined church, they
vanced sailed
well
the eastern side Con O'Neill, while,
dawn day, full
-
Succours from Spain and Outlawry the Irish Chiefs. - stated Cox, his Hibernia Anglicana, that, May, 1596, three pinnaces, with about 200 men, and some powder, consigned
O'Donnell, arrived from Spain, and that O'Neill and O'Donnell wrote letters
fering him the kingdom Ireland
three thousand men and some treasure. Cox says that O'Neill “took upon him make O'Reilly. ” This was done conse quence Hugh O'Neill, earl Tyrone, having that time as sumed the authority king Ulster, had been possessed
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REIGN OF ELIZABETH.
A. D. 1597. Ghoirgin, westward Rinn-Mil, Meadhraighe O'Donnell, i. e. Hugh Roe, the son of Hugh, (both the bay Galway), and the gates
son of Manus, was encamped in Brefney of Con Galway; they burned Teagh-Brighde, the door naught, on the western side of Sliabh-da-En' (on Spairri, Galway; O'Donnell and his forces the borders of Leitrim and Sligo), where he plun halted and encamped that night between Uaran dered the adherents of O'Conor (of Sligo), as we Mor (Oranmore), and Galway, Cloch-an-Lin have before stated. He was waiting for his forces sigh precisely. O’Donnell proceeded the next day
and mustering to overtake him from parts
which they were quartered, and after they had
collected him, the end January, they march
edinto Triochad Ced Ua-nOilella (barony Tirer purpose trafficking and purchasing, exchange rill, Sligo); from thence they proceeded
Corran, through the plain Connaught (in Ros common), and into Clan Conmaigh, Crioch
for his preys, their various goods and fine cloths; afterwards resolved returning back, and were
not for the burden the collected preys, the greatness the plunder, and the immensity his booty, probable would not have stopped that expedition, until had gone Gort-Innsi Guaire (Gort, Galway), Kinel-Aodha
Caladh, and the upper part the country, and Echtge. O’Donnell and his forces, with their they brought back numerous herds cattle, and preys, proceeded their return through the very immense preys, O'Donnell, the town Ath centre the province Connaught, the same enry; and although the guards the town endea
voured defend the effort was no avail
them, for O'Donnell’s people applied fire and flames
Hy Maine, When ar
Hy Maine, quick-moving predatory parties through the district
Maine (the territory O'Kelly's Country,
Maine, that Galway).
rived the very centre
sent forth
Mainistir-an-Chnuic (or the Monastery the Hill), the gates Galway, and opened
intercourse with the people the town, for the
the strong closed gates the town, and having armed attendants, with some the prey, across brought very large ladders they laid them the Samaoir (the river Erne), northwards. As against the walls, which they went the battle O'Conor Sligo, namely, Donogh, the son Cathal ments the wall, and they then leaped from the Oge, collected very great force English and battlements, and gained the streets the town, and Irish, shortly after the festival St. Bridget, opened the gates for those the outside; they march Sligo. O'Donnell remained Calry, then set about demolish the treasure-houses, and we have before stated, watch them, and he the closed habitations, and took out them all made attack O'Conor's forces before they
the treasure and property they contained, and they had come Sligo; they did not, however, wait remained that night the town. was not easy for him, except small party the rear the
recount enumerate all the brass, iron, cloth, force, which overtook the strand Eothuile, and apparel they carried off from that town the who were slain and drowned the son Mac
following day; was from the same town sent forth preying parties plunder Clanrickard, each side the river; those scouring parties preyed
William, namely, Richard, the son Oliver, son John, together with many others besides, who are not recorded, were slain there. O'Conor re and completely plundered from Leathraith (near turned back, and was not happy mind for
Athenry), Magh-Sean-Comhladh (or the ancient Plain Comhladh, the barony Dunkellin),
recruit themselves after their long campaign, devastated from Baile-an-Riogh, and from Raith having left his retained and paid soldiers the
ancestors, and consequently had power over the appoint one thousand pounds was one time offered by the government ment the princes and chiefs, and appointed Philip O'Reilly for the head O'Neill; but Fynes Morrison says, “Howsoever, prince Brefney. At this time, according Cox, O'Neill, the name O'Neill was reverenced the North, that none O'Donnell, O'Rourke, Maguire, Mac Mahon, and other chiefs, could induced betray him for the large reward set upon his were proclaimed traitors both English and Irish, and the reward head. ”
and the other portion them burned and entirely
way they had gone, and did not halt until they en
camped Calraidhe (parish Calry),
the west side Sligo, and sent his messengers and un
having come that expedition. O’Donnell then returned his home, and dismissed his forces,
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614 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1597.
province of Connaught, under the command of Connaught, namely, Conyers Clifford; after Niall Garv, the son of Con, sons of Calvach having established their alliance with each other,
O'Donnell, to carry on war against O'Conor, and the English who were in alliance with him; these
Theobald brought the governor, and the companies the province Connaught into Tyrawley, and Mac William’s country, and they deposed and ex
continued to plunder and spoil the districts of the
Irish, who rose in alliance with O’Conor and the
English, until a great number of them, along with
Mac Dermott, namely, Conor, the chief of Moy his patrimony O’Donnell; they laid waste and lurg, (barony of Boyle, in Roscommon), returned completely plundered those who remained
back and came on terms of friendship with him the country after him, that were
the second time, and paid him his tribute; the friendship with him, and Theobald chiefs of the districts north of the Curlew moun and the governor, took possession
alliance and the Ships, the country
tains did the same, and gave their hostages and sureties to O’Donnell.
that occasion, after which the governor returned the town Athlone, and the companies retired their garrisons; was impossible relate
Seven score and four (144) barrels of powder
came from the queen to Dublin, in the month of the prey and booty they carried away from Mac
March, for the use of her people; after the powder was landed, it was drawn to Wine-street (Wine tavern-street, near Christ Church), where it was
placed together each side the street, and spark fire got into the powder; was not known the face the earth by what means
that spark came but, however,the barrels exploded into one blazing conflagration, and spreading fire,
the 13th March precisely, that the stone courts, and the wooden dwellings of the street,
William’s country that time. Mac William, after had gone O’Donnell, complain his
left the country sub also left Roderick (Rory) posts, into the air, where appeared the large O'Donnell his own brother, the tanist Tirconnell,
were raised from their firm foundations and binding
mission him and
long beams, and the stones which had long lain there, and the entire bodies persons floating
the air over the town, the explosion the powerful powder, that impossible number, calculate, relate all the people rank, and arti zans all classes, with women, maidens, and sons
gentlemen who came from parts Ireland receive their education the city, who were destroyed; was not regretted the gold,
silver, and valuable property that had been de
stroyed, compared with the number people send the property and cattle the country
who were killed and injured that explosion; and was not that street alone that was demolished
the adjoin
and people, before them across the river Moy Ty rawley, and through Tireragh the Moy, get un
that occasion, but the one-fourth ing part the city.
O'Conor, Donogh, the son
riage, namely, the son Mac William Burke, during the night. As the governor, when that Tepoid-na-Long (Theobald the ships), sent O'Conor and Theobald the Ships, with the son Richard the Iron, son David, son their forces, expel Mac William from the
Edmond, and the governor the province country, mustered his forces meet Mac
Cathal Oge, united alliance and amity his relative mar
der the protection O’Donnell, and having arrived Slieve Gamh (the Ox Mountain), before night, they continued their progress across the mountain
pelled Mac William, namely Theobald, the son Walter Ciotach, son John, son Oliver, from
troubles him, remained with him till the middle month Summer, when O’Donnell march with force into the province Connaught
aid Mac William, and crossed the Moy Ty rawley Mayo), without any danger; the country
not being able oppose him, took their hos
delivered these hostages
tages and sureties, and Mac William, and
with him support him against his enemies, with
great force foot warriors, and common sol
diers, and O’Donnell returned back his country.
O'Conor and Theobald the Ships collected
great force English and Irish after O’Donnell had left the country, avenge their enmity MacWil
liam, and they expelled Mac William, the second
time, and Rory from the country that occasion,
for they had not equal force with them. The
solution that Rory and MacWilliam came was,
their neighbourhood, together with their families
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REIGN ofELIZABETH. '' ' ''''' 615
William and Rory, in a place which they could took a great number of the cattle, but the greater neither avoid or shun. The nobles who accom portion fled from them; a great number of the
panied the governor on that occasion were Ulick, attendants and drivers were slain, and it was on the son of Rickard Saxanach, son of Ulick of the that occasion was killed Maolmurry, the son of Heads, earl of Clanrickard, and his son Rickard, Cu-ula Mac Ward, the most eminent poet of his baron of Dun-Coillin (barony of Dunkellin in Gal own tribe; their own people could give them no way); Donogh, the son of Conor, son of Donogh
O’Brien, earl of Thomond, and Murrogh, the son
of Murrogh, son of Dermod O’Brien, baron of Innsi-Ui-Cuinn (barony of Inchiquin in Clare),
relief, account the numerous force opposed to them; it was a great grief to the governor that
them. The Irish made their escape after that man together with many other gentlemen besides. ner, and arrived beyond the river Erne northwards;
Where the governor remained that night was in the governor returned back, and was not happy in the castle of Colloony, which is situated on the his mind on account of his enemies having
great river to the east of the Ox Mountain, and to
the west of Slieve-da-En, with fifteen hundred
warriors of superior valour along with him there;
escaped from him, as they were so few in number. Fiacha Mac Hugh (O'Byrne), the son of John of Glenmalure, (in Wicklow), was slain in the first
the place where he remained was a general tho month of the summer of this year, in a treacherous
roughfare, which was not easily avoided. Rory attack made on him by his kinsman, at the request
they should have passed him without laying hold of
O’Donnell and Mac William were informed that
the governor was before them on the way which they could not avoid, upon which they resolved,
when they had come within a short distance of the
castle, before morning, to send their cattle and diers, and having received the sword from the lord flocks, their attendants and unarmed people, by a justice, who had been in the government for three way which was more private than the way by years till then, namely, William Russell, de which they themselves intended to cross the river, prived sir John Norris the office which held without being noticed in the neighbourhood of the from his sovereign, viz. , the generalship the war, castle, as they had not equal forces with those of and he himself assumed that office; he afterwards their enemies; they accordingly crossed the issued proclamation the men Leinster and river, unperceived and unheard, until they arrived Meath, and all those who were obedient the on the other side, and they thought that they had queen, from the Meeting the three Waters (at secured and protected their cattle, and attendants; Waterford), Dundalk, meet him, with
but that, however, did not so happen, for the their forces, fully mustered, Drogheda, the bellowing of the cattle herds and animals, and the 20th day the month July. These orders shouts of their drivers, being heard in the early were attended by the earl Kildare, and the morning, troops and companies of the governor's English Meath and Leinster; the lord justice, cavalry went in the direction of the bellowing of with all the forces he could muster, arrived the the cattle, in the hope of capturing them; they same place, and after the forces had met together
A. D. 1597.
1. Death of O'Byrne. —This Fiacha Mac Hugh O'Byrne, called
by various writers Feagh Mac Hugh, was head of the clan of the O'Byrnes of Wicklow, and lord of Ranelagh, and he had his chief fortress at Ballynacor, in the valley of Glenmalure; he was a very valiant leader, and at the head of the O'Byrnes, O'Tooles, and O'Cavenaghs, commanded in various parts of Leinster, in the war against Elizabeth, for a period of about twenty years, during which he had numerous conflicts with the English forces, and frequently defeated them, particularly at the battle of Glenmalure, where he gained a great victory over the lord deputy, Arthur Grey, in 1580, of which an account has been given at that year in these Annals. Many of the exploits of this celebrated chieftain are inentioned by Mac Geoghegan, Cox, Spenser, and others, and also recorded in
the course of these Annals. His valour was long remembered in
the traditions the people, and recorded one their sayings the following effect:
“O'Brainn, O'Tuathail O'Caomhanach Triur do rusgsadh Sasanach. ”
“O'Byrne, O'Toole, and O'Cavenach,
Were three who would thresh the Sasanagh. ”
Lord Arthur Grey, Fitzwilliam, and other deputies, made many attempts, and laid several stratagems seize O'Byrne, but this
formidable chief baffled all their efforts; however, was finally slain, above recorded, through the treachery some his own
the war against Elizabeth.
of the lord justice of Ireland, sir William Russell. " A new lord justice, namely, Thomas, lord
Burrough, came to Ireland in the beginning of the
month of June, with a great deal of arms and sol
people, influenced the bribes the lord deputy, sir William Russell. Fiacha O'Byrne was succeeded by his sons Felim and Redmond, who were also distinguished commanders Leinster,
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616 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1597.
they marched to Tyrone, and proceeded to Avon view the surrounding country, and truly were more (the river Blackwater), without opposition, better for him had not gone, for great
or halting; and what was unusual with O’Neill, an advantage was obtained of his watching, until the lord justice had crossed the river, without battle or opposition, and had arrived on the other side of The lord justice demolished and completely broke up the guarding fort, which O’Neill had the banks of the river, and he raised new fort for himself the opposite side the same river (the fort Blackwater, Blackwatertown, Ar magh), and although that opportunity was gained
O’Neill, through the information and instruction
Torlogh, the son Henry, son Felim Roe O'Neill, the lord justice, any his forces, did
number his officers were slain by O’Neill, and his men; amongst those were the brother the lord justice's wife, the chief officer his forces, together with great number captains and gentlemen besides; some the earl Kildare's people were also slain there, and were not that the camp was near the lord justice, those who escaped would not have survived that conflict.
not attempt proceed the distance one mile
beyond that into Tyrone; and they were not
allowed rest quiet, sleep peace, from con was appointed his successor. After the lord jus tinued skirmishing and firing carried against tice had completed that new fort the banks them by O'Neill's people, both day and night; the Blackwater, and having considered all lost
defence against the powerful forces Connaught, who invaded Tirconnell,
Newry; but Camden, Cox, and others, say returned Dub lin, and soon after came again with fresh forces Ulster, and having passed through Armagh, attacked O'Neill, who was be sieging Portmore, but soon after fell sick, and, his return towards Dublin, died on the way. This account agrees with the Four Masters, mentioned these Annals, that, the
Conyers Clifford from that time, hereafter O'Neill body Scots from Antrim, under James Mac Donnell, lord the Glynns. The
mentioned there came also the aid
English cavalry, under the lord deputy Borrough, the earl Kil course the same year, namely, 1597, Lord Borrough march dare, and other commanders, advanced attack the Irish, who Armagh, with his forces, relieve with provisions the were strongly posted near the woods between Portmore and Ben garrison Portmore, on the Blackwater, and had some fierce con burb. O'Neill's men, who were two divisions, immediately united, flicts with O'Neill's forces, who defeated and slew great numbers and led himself, his brothers, and other chiefs, rushed the the English, and the lord deputy Borrough, being severely wound encounter, and after fierce conflict, which continued considera one these engagements, died soon after Newry.
ble time, the English forces were routed with immense slaughter,
the earl Kildare, namely, Henry, Gerald, that, either by cause some fever, was obliged set out for his
happened
the son
wound
home, and having arrived Drogheda, died that town; his body was conveyed Kildare, and was buried, with honour and solemnity, the tomb his ancestors; and his brother William
was impossible enumerate relate the im mense numbers the lord justice’s people that were slain and destroyed, and the horses and booty that were taken from them. On cer tain day the lord justice went hill the neighbourhood the camp, reconnoitre and
Battle Druimfliuch, &c. —The battle above mentioned the Annals was fought, the latter end July, 1597, place called Drumfliuch, signifying the Moist Hill, situated near Ben burh Tyrone, and about two miles westward Blackwatertown,
Armagh, which was formerly called Portmore. This battle described Mac Geoghegan and O'Sullivan Beare, and also Stuart's Armagh. 1597, Thomas Borrough, Burgh, lord Borrough, English nobleman, who was distinguished comman
der, and had served the Netherlands against the king Spain, arrived Ireland lord deputy, and proceeded Ulster with powerful forces against Hugh O'Neill, earl Tyrone. The lord deputy, with the English forces, and those the Pale, under the command Henry, earl Kildare; Barnwall, lord Trimlestown, and other officers, marched Drogheda, Newry, and Armagh, took Portmore from O'Neill, and placed garrison the fort. The English crossed the Blackwater, and O'Neill retired short distance, his object being decoy the lord deputy his own side
the river Tyrone. The Irish were commanded the earl O'Neill himself, and his brothers, Cormac and Art O'Neill, aided Mac Mahon Monaghan, and other Ulster chiefs; and some
forces said were sent Red Hugh O'Donnell from Donegal, but could not come himself, being then engaged preparing for
his men, and that he was not suffered advance
into the country farther than that place, put provisions and guards into the fort, and pre pared return back himself; first proceeded
Newry, and from thence Dublin, and his forces returned their homes. ”
and great numbers their troops were drowned the Blackwater, they fled over the river, the place now called Battleford
stated that im vast number the conflicts the hill, many commanders, and an immense number the English soldiers, were
Bridge. the above account the Annals, mense numbers the English were slain, and that
horses, together with great booty, were taken before the battle; and that, the engagement
slain; therefore considered that least 800 the English forces fell these conflicts. In this battle were slain sir Francis
Vaughan, brother-in-law the lord deputy, with sir Robert Tur ner, and sir Thomas Waller, all commanders note, and many other officers. The earl Kildare was struck twice off his horse, and his two foster brothers were killed rescuing him, and assist ing him remount; died shortly after, stated the An nals, and also Lodge's Peerage, from the severity his wounds, his death being hastened grief for the fate his foster brothers; the earl died Drogheda the 31st July, the 33rd year his age. The remnant the English forces retreated Newry, and has been stated several writers that the lord deputy Borrough was mortally wounded this battle, and died soon after
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REIGN OF ELIZABETH.
When the lord justice prepared to march with people, the shot
that army into Tyrone, he sent a written despatch to his mail armour
the governor of the province of Connaught, com through the other arm-pit; could not
manding him to march with all the forces he could helped until fell from his horse into the depth muster to the western side of the province of Ul the stream, and was immediately drowned. The ster against O’Donnell, while he should be in Ty person who was slain there was greatly lamented rone; that command was not slowly attended to among the English and Irish, on account the
by the governor, for he sent for the earl of Thomond, namely Donogh, theson of Conor, and for the baron of Inchiquin, i. e. Murrogh, the son of Murrogh; for the earl of Clanrickard, namely, Ulick, the son
highness his rank, and the nobility his blood, although was young age; and although, by right, his body should have been raised and buried with honours, the forces did not wait for that pur
of Rickard Saxanach, and his son Rickard, the son pose, but proceeded without halting the monas of Ulick, baron of Dunkellin, ; he also requested tery Easroe (at Ballyshannon); was the
the gentlemen, of the counties of Mayo, and Ros 31st the month July they arrived that common to come with their forces; he commanded place, and Saturday; they encamped about the officers meet him the monastery the monastery, inside and outside, and they re
Boyle, the 24th day the month July pre mained there, since they had crossed the Erne
cisely, and that himself, with his companies, would that place before them; those came the forementioned place, the same day, and the number their forces, when they had met together, were twenty-two colours foot, and ten
standards cavalry; from thence they marched Sligo, and afterwards the river Erne, and they
formed numerous warlike camp the banks Samaoir blue streams (the ancient name the river Erne); these forces were elated that they imagined they could not contended with opposed the entire province Ulster. The forces the governor rose very early the fol
before mid-day Saturday, till Monday morning. was Sunday, while they were the monas tery, that the ships which were promised follow
them from Galway with ordnance, large guns, and
stores general, for the purpose supporting
them while they should that strange country, arrived, and those ships took port Inis-Saimh er, before Easroe (the Island Samer, below the Cataract Ballyshannon), and they landed the stores the island, with sufficient guards pro tect it; the ordnance was landed Monday, and was placed before the castle Ballyshannon; they brought their forces from the monastery the top
lowing day cross the river; O'Donnell had Sith-Aodha (the Hill Hugh), opposite the
fortress, and about the ordnance; they continued
firing the castle during Monday, Tuesday, and
Wednesday, with thick flashes fire, and red shot from loud-roaring guns, and immensely large
and heavy ordnance which they planted before the fortress, that their resounding and echoing re
against them but, however, they could not defend
long against the great and numerous forces op distant from them large bands their select
posed them, that the governor and his army warriors proceeded the base the castle, with crossed and arrived the opposite side; how engines for demolishing walls, having their bodies
ever, very lamentable death took place that clad with thick strong iron armour, fine polished day, namely, Murrogh, the son Murrogh, son helmets their heads, and completely guarded Dermod, son Murrogh O’Brien, baron with bright, round, broad bucklers, and shields Inchiquin; was on his horse outside the sol hard iron, protect them against the shot their
diers, the centre, and the depth the river enemies. did not avail them the attack they protecting them from being drowned, and encou made on the fortress, and were better for them raging them past him but fate ordained that they had not come the journey which they
was directly aimed one O’Donnell's made there, for they were assailed from the castle
guards
they got
was
every ford the Erne, but, however, opportunity intricate ford, which viz. , Ath-Cuil-Uain (near Ballyshannon),
and they rushed with energy and might that
ford; the guards began shoot them inces
santly, and defend the ford well they could
ball, the separation the arm-pit, and passed
ports were heard the vaults the air, far and
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618 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1597.
with thick showers of fiery shot from the planted not happy their minds, though their forces were and well directed guns, and their very costly numerous, for having been placed such danger
muskets, while others hurled down rough-sided by their enemies. When the governor, the earls, rocks, immense heavy stones, beams, and rafters, and the officers general, perceived the great
which were placed on the battlements of the castle danger which they were, they held council directly opposite the firing, so that the coverings from the beginning the night Wednesday
which were on the demolishing party were no pro
tection or defence to them; great numbers of
them were slain, while others were disabled by
being deeply wounded, so that they did not wait
to be shot at any longer, and having turned their
backs to their opponents, they were driven back to deep cold stream Leic above Easroe, which the camp, and the guards of the castle continued called Cassan-na-gouraidh (the Rout the Cham firing after them, so that many of them were slain. pions); and they advanced companies and A party of O’Donnell's cavalry defeated the Eng parties, that unknown and unfrequented place, lish cavalry, and it is not ascertained or recorded unnoticed and unheard O'Donnell’s forces; the all those that were slain or wounded between them, stream was strong, and some their forces except O’Conor Sligo, namely Donogh, the son of helpless, and their horses were laden with their Cathal Oge, who was wounded on that occasion; provisions, that immense number their men for he and O'Conor Roe, namely Hugh, the son and women, their weak and feeble people,
of Torlogh Roe, and Theobald of the Ships (Burke), their steeds and horses, and every thing ge were with the entire of their forces along with neral which they had with them, were carried down the governor at that time. O’Donnell, however, by the cataract Easroe westward the sea; was deficient of forces, and had only a few on the they left their ordnance and their stores food Saturday the governor came to the country with and drink the power the Tirconnallians
that great army; his people and forces were mus that occasion; but, however, the commanders and tering and collecting from quarters him, officers the force, and all them who were that the greater portion them arrived before the efficient, crossed the Erne, after great hardship moon day Monday. Maguire, Hugh, and danger. The guards the castle continued the son Cuchonacht, son Cuchonacht, and firing them fast they could, and pursued O'Rourke, namely Bryan Oge, the son Bryan, them the banks the river, the hope
son Bryan Ballach, came with their forces him, and when those chiefs came together, they did not allow the governor his forces much rest
killing their enemies, and sent word O’Donnell
and his forces; when O’Donnell heard the report the firing, and his forces immediately got
quietness, for they carried skirmishing, firing, ready, quickly put themselves fighting order, conflicts, fighting, and defeating attacks against and proceeded the river expeditiously they the camp, every day during the three days they could. When the governor’s forces cleared the
had been engaged their assaults the castle; river, they went into rank and order; they sent O'Donnell's forces often drove the wings the their women, their attendants, their unarmed Conacian camp into very centre, and centre people, their wounded, and the beasts bur into wings, and they did not permit their horses den they had with them, between them and the
cattle feed beyond the limits the camp, sea, and they placed their warriors and musket neither did they let any hay corn come them, eers, their rear, and the other side by land, on account which the governor and his forces for they were sure they would attacked by the were great extremities and distress, for although forces who were pursuit them. O’Donnell's
they wished return, they were not able face any commonford the Erne, from Caol-Uisge (the Narrow Water, near Lough Erne), Ath-Sean
aigh (at Ballyshannon). The commanders were
people promptly proceeded pursuit them cross the river, and the most them did not wait put their armour, outside coats, they were
anxious avenged the forces that fled
the break day the morning Thursday,
being the 15th August, that the resolution they length came the early dawn was, proceed directly onward from that place which they were, Sith-Aodha, the turbulent, rough,
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REIGN OF ELIZABETH, 619
from them; they began to circumvent and harass in want of stores, he collected a very great force, them in fighting, and they continued shooting and for the purpose of proceeding to put provisions,
cutting each other, from the Erne to Moy Cedne, and all other sorts of stores, into the fort; the in Hy Cairpre of Drumcliff (Moy Cedne, in the lord justice, having arrived at Armagh with his barony of Carbury, in Sligo). A shower of rain forces, he proceeded with the cavalry the fell at that time, which was exceedingly heavy, so army about him, some distance defore his soldiers that the forces on either side could not use or fire and companies, the hope taking by surprise
their arms, their powder-pouches and gun locks some O’Neill’s people; when came near the having been wetted, but those showers of rain had Blackwater, fell with troop cavalry and a greater effect on O’Donnell's people than on the company soldiers O'Neill’s people; fierce governor’s forces, for they had left behind them conflict and violent engagement ensued between
their outside coats, as we have before stated, which
was not the case with the other party, who were
clad in armour, besides their outer coverings.
The governor and his forces went to Sligo that ceeded the fort, and some have stated that he night, on the following day to the monastery of was not well from that day forth. Having left Boyle, and on the third day to the district of Ath provisions and guards the fort, the following league; the chiefs of Connaught returned to their day, they prepared return back, and they did
countries and homes, and the governor to the town not beyond Armagh that night; of Athlone. The Irish of the province of Ulster carriage the lord justice was conveyed,
was
was
were cheerful and merry, for the lord justice having departed from Tyrone without receiving obedience or submission, and the governor from Tirconnell, in one month, as we have written. ”
On the lord justice leaving Tyrone, as we have
before stated, and having left provisions and guards
either by
in that new fort (Portmore, or Blackwatertown, were slain. They marched from thence Newry,
in Armagh), which he himself raised on the banks
of Avonmore, he proceeded to Dublin. As to
O’Neill, he and his people did not cease, after
that, either by day or by night, endeavouring to
take bystratagem or assault thatfort, and be avenged
on the guards who were in it; one day that they
attacked that place, thirty oftheir people were chief justice the King's Bench, namely, sir slain, and they effected nothing against the fortress. Robert Gardiner, until new lord justice should When the lord justice learned that his guards come from England.
were harassed in that manner, and that they were O’Donnell was grieved that the governor and
Battle Ballyshannon &c. —In the month July, 1597, the Owen Crawford, who had under him 80 men, six whom were governor Connaught, Sir Conyers Clifford, joined O'Brien, Spaniards, and the rest Irish. The attack was very powerful, but
earl Thomond Burke, earl Clanrickard O'Brien baron Inchiquin; Burke baron Dunkellin; Theobald Mac William Burke, O'Conor Sligo, and other commanders, marched with force, amounting four thousand men, together with his Irish auxili aries, according Mac Geoghegan. These combined forces pro ceeded Ballyshannon, act against Red Hugh O'Donnell, and
the castle was defended with great bravery, and the course the siege, Clifford being informed that O'Rourke was advancing one side, and O'Neill the other, relieve the castle, de
camped precipitately, and left behind him three pieces cannon. appears that O'Donnell had but few forces prepared cope with the formidable army under Clifford, but, however, they slew
great numbers them the various conflicts, and also the pur suit, and many were drowned recrossing the river Erne, and Mac Geoghegan states that they lost one day 300 men,
thus co-operate with the army which had marched into Tyrone
the same time, under the lord deputy Borrough, against Hugh
O'Neill, earl Tyrone, before stated. The various conflicts
Sir Conyers Clifford's forces with those O'Donnell, are above killed and drowned therefore considered that altogether
related the Annals. Clifford laid siege the castle Bally shannon, and, according Mac Geoghegan, had four pieces
cannon, and the castle was defended Scottish captain named
there were least 600 the English forces slain. At 622 curious account given the finding the body, and burial the baron Inchiquin, who was slain crossing the river Erne.
them, and many men were slain, and horses lost, the side the lord justice that battle; when
his soldiers came up the lord justice, pro
carried litter his people, that
his relatives friends, without the knowledge the greater portion the forces that day. O’Neill carried firing and skirmishing on the lord jus tice’s camp that night, by which the chief com mander the forces, and many others besides,
and the lord justice died that town, from the effects of the wounds which were inflicted on him
while coming from Armagh the new fort. The keeping the sword state was entrusted the
chancellor (Adam Loftus, lord chancellor Ire land, and archbishop Dublin), and the lord
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620 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1597.
the earls (sir Conyers Clifford and the earls of Tho mond and Clanrickard), should have escaped from him in the manner they had fled; but, however, neither of them attacked the other to the end of
harvest. O’Donnell thought it too long not to make an attack on the English of Connaught, and on those who had risen in alliance with them, and who had formerly made friendship with him ; of those was O'Conor Roe, namely, Hugh, the son of Torlogh Roe, and he (O’Donnell), was meditating how he might prey his territory ; that, however,
was a difficult undertaking for him, unless he came
on him unawares, for where he lived was an intri
cate country, and the place to which he could send
their herds cattle and much booty. O’Rourke
was ashamed for the country being preyed without his having given notice and the governor, sir Conyers Clifford, was not less grieved that the
country which was under his controul and power should have been spoiled and burned.
Maguire, Hugh, the son Cuchonacht, son Cuchonacht, and Cormac, the son Feardorcha,
son Con Bacach O’Neill, marched with force, the instigation the O'Ferralls (of Longford), Mullingar, Meath; they preyed the country
about them, and they completely plundered Mul lingar itself; and they left property the town, gold, silver, brass, iron, cloth, foreign goods,
belonging the people, that could carried conveyed, that they did not take with them; and
their return back they set the town into dark
his cattle and property in general, to secure them
from his enemies, was near him. O’Rourke pro
mised him (O'Conor), that he would not allow
O’Donnell to advance on him, without sending him notice. O’Donnell, having collected his forces,
red blaze returned safe
conflagration, and they afterwards their homes. (Mullingar was then the English the Pale).
marched into Connaught, and halted on the south
east side of Gleann Dallain (Glencar and Glenade,
on the borders of Leitrim and Sligo), where he Ormond, i. e. Pierce Roe, the son James, son
Edmond, son Richard, who was the wife the second earl, who was appointed over Thomond, namely, Donogh the son Conor, son Torlogh O’Brien, died.
Murtogh Ultach (O’Dunlevey Donegal), the the following day, and he did not think that son John, died Druim-na-Loiste, the 10th
encamped. When he learned that friendship ex isted between O’Rourke and O’Conor, the decep
tion he devised against O’Rourke was to send him his messenger, requesting him to come to the camp
where he was; O'Rourke promised to go to him on
O’Donnell should leave the camp until he came to
him ; that was not what O’Donnell did, but, after
having sent his messenger to O'Rourke, he depar ral
ted from his camp, after mid-day, and proceeded
beyond Sligo southward, and did not halt until he
arrived at the Curlew mountains, where he made a
short stay until his men took some of their provi
sions and rested themselves; and moreover, he did for twelve years previous that time; sir John
was seized with disease which suddenly died, the harvest this year, and sir Thomas was
the heir all his property; sir Thomas obtained mountain, and across the river Boyle, through the same office which himself previously held, Moylurg of the Daghda, and through the borders that say, became president after the death
of the day, into the wilds and sequestered places of son Rickard, son Ulick Knock Tuagh, the country, in every direction, so that they did Ballyhilighi, died the summer this year. not leave the least head of cattle, from Ath-Slisean Dudley, the son Tuathal O’Conor, died to Badhgna (Slievebanemountain, in Roscommon), Breac-Chluin (in Roscommon).
and they preyed and burned that lay between Con and Dermod, the sons that Dudley those places, and they then returned back with (O'Conor), and the son Mac Dermott Moy
not wish to cross the mountain southwards by the light of day. When the beginning of the night
came on them, they proceeded southward over the
of the Plain of Connaught before morning; they
sent forth their scouring parties, in the beginning Edmond (Burke), the son Ulick the Heads,
possession
Oilen (Ellen), Butler, daughter the earl
February, after the 89th year his age.
Sir John Norris, who was the queen’s war-gene France and Ireland, went Munster,
after had been deprived his office by the late lord justice (Lord Borough), who had come Ire land; he remained with his brother, sir Thomas Norris, who was president under him Munster
of his brother.
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REIGN OF ELIZABETH. 621
lurg, namely, Maolroona, the son of Bryan, son of lands, on the authority of an old chart of their an Roderick, son of Teige, made an attack on the town cestors. Some of the inhabitants of Kinel Fear of Mac David, i. e. Glinsk (in Galway), and seized maic, viz. , the baron’s estate (the barony of Inchi some booty; on their return from the town with quin in Clare), joined Magaret, to aid and assist her; their prey, Mac David overtook them, on the bor Margaret and this party went with their force and
ders of the river Suck, and defeated them ; he slew Con O'Conor, one of the most worthy cavalry sol
diers in Connaught, and also Maolroona, the son of Mac Dermott, and a great number of other
people to Port-Cross; when intelligence of that was
received by the forementioned Burkes, namely, Tho mas, the son of Theobald, son of William, son of
William, son of Edmond, and Ulick, son of William,
gentlemen besides; and the son of Mac David re son of Edmond, collected all the forces they could
turned to his home, after having gained the victory. Mac William, namely, Theobald, the son of
Walter Ciotach, returned to his country (in Mayo), about November of this year, and he remained for some time in the fastnesses of his estate, despite of his enemies; he plundered the Umhalls (the baro nies of Murrisk and Burrishoole, in Mayo), at that time, and his brother Thomas was slain in Clan morris-na-mbrigh (the barony of Clanmorris in Mayo), on that occasion.
John Oge, the son of Rickard, son of John (Burke), of the Termon, was slain in a nocturnal attack by some of the Clan Donnells, on Oilen-na
Captain Tyrrell, captain Nugent, the O'Cave It happened that the baron of Inchiquin, who naghs, O'Conors Faily, the O’Moores, and the
tribe of Ranmall (O'Byrnes of Ranelagh, in Wick low), carried on great war, plundering, and insurrection, in Leinster, and in the country of the
was slain in Tirconnell, as we have stated, had some
lands in his possession, which were also possessed
by his ancestors before him, on the other (southern),
side of the Shannon, called Port-Croise; when the Butlers, from Lady-day to Christmas of this year; Burkes, along the Shannon, and Clan William of
Aes-Tri-Maighi (the barony of Clanwilliam in the county of Limerick), heard of the death of the baron, the resolution they came to was, to oppose the claims of the baron’s family, and of his mother Margaret, the daughter of Thomas Cusack, to those
Battle of Tyrrell's Pass. -The captain Tyrrell above mention the Annals was Richard Tyrrell, gentleman the Anglo
and it would be tedious to write of they slew and spoiled those countries during that period; they moreover slew two bodies soldiers Port
Norman family the Tyrrells, lords Fartullagh Westmeath
he was one of the most valiant and celebrated commanders of the
Irish the war against Elizabeth, and, during period
12 years, had many conflicts with the English forces various
parts Ireland; was particularly famous for bold and ha the King's county. The baron Trimlestown, having learned
zardous exploits, and rapid expeditions, and copious accounts him are given Fynes Morrison, Mac Geoghegan, and others; after the reduction Ireland retired Spain. The battle Tyrrell's Pass described Mac Geoghegan, and mentioned Leland and other historians; was fought the summer 1597,
place afterwards called Tyrrell's Pass, now the name town the barony Fartullagh, Westmeath. When Hugh O'Neill, earl Tyrone, heard that the English forces were pre paring advance into Ulster, under the lord deputy Borrough, before mentioned, detached captain Tyrrell, the head 400 chosen men, act Meath and Leinster, and thus engaging some the Engligh forces the Pale, cause diversion, and
where Tyrrell was posted, formed the project taking him by surprise, and for that purpose dispatched his son, the head the assembled troops. Tyrrell having received information their advance against him, immediately put himself posture defence, and making feint flying before them they ad vanced, drew them into defile covered with trees, which place has since been called Tyrrell's Pass, and having detached half his men, under the command O'Conor, they were posted ambush hollow adjoining the road. When the English were passing, O'Conor and his men sallied out from their ambuscade, and with their drums and fifes, played Tyrrell's March, which was the signal agreed upon for the attack. Tyrrell then rushed
and they attacked Margaret and the baron’s people; a fierce conflict ensued between them, and though the baron’s people were fewer in number, they bravely defended themselves; some chiefs were slain between them on both sides, and on the side of the Burkes fell Ulick MacWilliam Burke, the son of Edmond, and three or four other chiefs; there also fell, on the other side, Hugh O’Hogan, one of the most worthy chiefs' sons of the county of Clare, in goodness and pre-eminence; also another wor thy chief, namely, Murrogh, the son of Donogh, son of Murrogh Roe Mac Brien, together with the son of Cruise, i. e. Thomas, the son of Christopher.
Nenuigeadh, on Fionn Loch Carra (in Mayo).
Leix (Maryborough, The governor
three companies
Queen's county). " Carrickfergus, together with
soldiers, were slain James,
prevent their joining the lord deputy Borrough, co-operate with Sir Conyers Clifford. The Anglo-Irish Meath assembled
Mullingar, the number 1000 men, under the command Barnwall, baron Trimlestown, intending proceed and join the lord deputy. Tyrrell was encamped, with his small force, Fartullagh, and was joined command young O'Conor Faily
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622 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1597.
the son of Sorley Buighe MacDonnell, in Clanaboy, England, by the earl of Thomond, and whatever about November of this year. ” answer should return in May they were to act upon
The Clan Sheehy, namely, Murrogh Baclamh it accordingly. (This conference was held at Dun ach, the son of Murrogh Balv, son of Manus dalk on the 22nd of December, according to Cox). Mac Sheehy, together with his brother Roderick, O'Conor Sligo, namely, Donogh, the son of and Edmond, the son of Murrogh Bacach, son of Cathal Oge, went to England a short time before Edmond, son of Manus Mac Sheehy, were put to
death by the English, on account of their warring
and insurrection.
After the death of the lord justice, namely, Thomas, lord Borrough, at Newry, from the effects
of his wounds, and after the keeping of the sword of state had been given to the chancellor, and to sir Robert Gardiner, the chief justice of the King's Bench, as we have stated, the person who was ap pointed as commander-in-chief for war and peace, in Ireland, was the earl of Ormond, namely, Tho mas, the son of James, son of Peirce Roe, so that it was on that account a truce took place between the earl and the chiefs of the province of Ulster. It was not long after until the general, namely, the earl of Ormond, and the earl of Thomond, i. e. Donogh, the son of Conor (O'Brien), proceeded into the province of Ulster, in the month of De cember, shortly before Christmas, and they them selves, with O’Neill and O’Donnell, remained together at one place for the space of three nights; and a conference for peace was carried on between those earls on behalf of the queen with the Irish of Leath Cuinn, and the result of the conference was, that peace was made between the English and Irish, on the pledge of those earls, till the following May. The proposals and writings of the foremen tioned Irish, being the subject of the articles and terms on which they would receive peace for them selves and for their allies, in the war, in every place they were located, were sent to the queen, in
them front, and the English, being thus hemmed both sides, were cut pieces, the carnage being great, that out
we have treated (see p. 617), who had been wounded and drowned on the crossing of the river Erne by the governor and the forementioned earls, with their forces, was taken up by Cormac O'Clery, one of the monks of the monastery of Easroe (at Bally shannon), and the body was buried by him in the monastery with due solemnity, on account of which a dispute and controversy arose between the friars of Donegal and the monks ; the friars con tended that by right the body should be buried in their own monastery, because it was in the monas tery of St. Francis in his own country, the ances tors of the baron were interred, for a long period before that time; the monks were claiming him for themselves, so that the friars and monks went be fore O’Donnell, and the two bishops who were in the country, namely, Redmond O'Gallagher, bishop of Derry, and Niall O'Boyle, bishop of Raphoe (nei ther of them is mentioned in Ware), and those nobles decided that the baron, Murrogh, the son of Mur rogh O’Brien, should be buried in a Franciscan mon astery; this was accordingly done at Donegal, for the body was exhumed in a quarter of a year after interment the monastery Easroe, and the friars buried with themselves with due honours and solemnity. (This curious controversy was carried between the Cistercians the abbey Easroe Ballyshannon and the Franciscans the monastery Donegal).
four miles from Carrickfergus, while he marched with another body them towards that town, and leaving the garrison, the governor, sir John Chichester, made sally, when Mac Donnell, seeming fly until had brought sir John the place where had laid his ambuscade, turned him suddenly, and his party being instantly surrounded by the Scots, joined those am bush, they defeated Chichester's forces, and slew great numbers
them. Sir John was taken prisoner, and beheaded on stone the head the Glynn. Mac Donnell many years after,
going one day view the monument the Chichesters, the church St. Nicholas, Carrickfergus, and seeing sir John's
statue, asked “How the de'il came get his head again, for he was sure had once cut off him may here ob served that the Irish kerns and galloglasses generally decapitated
the chiefs they had slain battle, they considered no man ac tually dead until his head was cut off.
the Christmas of this year.
The body of the baron of Inchiquin, of whom
their entire force only one soldier escaped the slaughter, and having fled through marsh, carried the news Mullingar. O'Conor displayed amazing valour, and being warrior great strength and activity, hewed down many their men with his own hand, while the heroic Tyrrell, the head men, repeatedly rushed into the thick battle. Young Barnwall, being taken prisoner, his life was spared, but was delivered O'Neill. curious circumstance mentioned Mac Geoghegan, that, from the heat and excessive action his sword-arm, the hand O'Conor be came swelled that could not extricated from the guard his sabre until the handle was cut through with file.
The Governor Carrickfergus. -In Lodge's Peerage,
the Chichesters, earls Donegal, stated that James Mac Donnell had party Highland Scots concealed cave, about
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REIGN OF ELIZABETH. 623
O'Conor Don, namely, Hugh, the son of Dermod, slain Brefney O’Rourke (Leitrim), while carry son of Carbry, whom O’Donnell had in impri ing off some prey, and Conor Oge, the son Ma sonment for a long time, was set at liberty from lachy Baile-an-Duin (Ballindoon near Ballinafad,
his incarceration by O’Donnell on the 4th of De
cember, after he had paid him his ransom, and he
bound himself and others to give sureties to be
always submissive to O’Donnell, under guarantees
and oaths to God and the clergy, and on these
terms he (O'Conor), gave him the following hos son Thomas (Mac Mahon), Knock-an-Lacha, tages as securities for the fulfilment thereof, namely, the eastern Triocha-Ced Corco-Baiscind (ba his own two sons, the son and heir of O’Beirne, rony Clonderlaw, the western Triocha-Ced the eldest son of O’Hanley, and the heir of being the barony Moyarta county Clare),
O'Flynn, &c.
died the month of March.
Boetius, the son Hugh, son Boetius, son
Murtogh Mac Clancy Knock-Fionn, the
county Clare, died, the month April;
A. D. 1598.
The blind abbot, namely, William, the son of was man oratorical fluency Latin, Irish and David, son of Edmond, son of Ulick Burke, who English.
the barony Tirerrill), was appointed the Mac Donogh.
Ogan, the son John Mac Ogan Ard Croine, died the spring this year.
Murtogh Cam, the son Conor, son Mahon,
called himself the Mac William after the death of
Mac William who preceded him, as lord, i. e. Richard, the son of Oliver, son of John, did not
enjoy that title of lord happily, for he was expelled from his patrimony by Richard Bingham,
Dermod, the son Edmond, son Roderick
O'Dea Tully O'Dea (in Clare), was slain the insurgents the county Clare, the month July.
The earl Thomond went England the that was fugitive from one country another beginning the month January, with the terms
until died Clan Cuilein (in Clare), the month September, and was interred Quinn,
the burial place Siol-Aodha (Quinn abbey, the barony Bunratty, county Clare, the burial
place the Siol Aodha, Mac Namaras Clare). The Mac William who then governed was Theobald, the son Walter Ciotach, son John, son Oliver, whom O'Donnell nominated Mac William, as we have before written.
O’Kane (of Derry), namely, Roderick, the son
Manus, son Donogh, son John, son Aivne,
died the 14th day the month April, and his
son, Donal Ballach, was appointed his successor. Rickard, the son John, son Thomas, son
Rickard Oge Burke Doire-Mic-Lachtma the barony Clare, county Galway), died the
and writings the Irish general; and Rickard, the son Ulick, son Rickard Saxanach, son Ulick the Heads, baron Dunkellin, also went
England, precisely spring.
After the peace we have before mentioned was
made, from Christmas May, between the Irish Leath Cuinn and the general, the earl Ormond, the Irish the North requested those who were
insurrection Leinster, and Meath, namely, the
O’Cavenaghs, O'Conors, O'Moores, the tribe
Rannall (O'Byrnes Wicklow), the O’Tooles,
Tyrrells, and Nugents, desist henceforth from
their plundering and insurrection, and they accor
dingly obeyed the instructions their chieftains. General, the earl Ormond, permitted them
frequent Leinster, Meath, and Ormond, and
take their meat and drink until they received
instructions from England May, for either peace war. They were, accordingly, through that
cessation, frequenting and inhabiting every country about them, from Kill-Mantain (Wicklow), the
lower part Leinster, the river Suir, and from Loch-Garman (Wexford), the Shannon; was
not easy for those countries bear the oppression they suffered for that time.
August.
Judith Cam, the daughter the earl Des
mond, i. e. James, son John, son Thomas Drogheda, died, the winter this year, having spent many years widowhood, after the extinction her own relatives, and the good and worthy
men to whom she had been married succession. Mac Donogh Tirerrill (in Sligo), namely, Maurice Caoch, the son Teige Triubhas, was
month
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624 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1598.
James, i. e. the brother of the earl of Ormond, the
son of Edward, son of James, son of Pierce Roe
Butler, and the son of Mac Pierce, sheriff of the
county of Tioprat-Arann (Tipperary), together
with many gentlemen, proceeded precisely at Eas
ter, to make an attack on Bryan Riavach O'Moore,
a gentleman of the Irish party, who was spending
the Easter in Ikerrin (in Tipperary), but misfortune
and injury befell the attackers, for a great number
of their gentlemen, common people and soldiers,
were slain, and James, the son of Edmond Butler,
was taken prisoner, but Bryan Riavach delivered
him to the earl of Ormond in a week after, on ac
count of the peace we have mentioned, and it
having been certified, that it was not by the per
mission of the general, i. e. of the earl of Ormond, that attack had been made.
O’Rourke, i. e. Bryan Oge, the son of Bryan, son of Bryan Ballach, son of Owen, was angry with O'Donnell, namely, Hugh Roe, the son of Hugh, son of Manus, on account of his having, contrary
to his wish, plundered O'Conor Roe, as we have before written ; and moreover, he was not in peace with his own brother, namely, Teige O’Rourke, the son of Bryan, son of Bryan Ballach, respecting
from England, but the queen and the council did not consent grant the conditions they demanded, and when they did not agree them the Irish exchanged their amnesty for war, their submission for strife, and their peace for opposition, that they revived the slumbering embers their old wrongs, the beginning the summer this year.
After the governor and O’Rourke had parted peace and friendship, the town Athlone,
May, and when O’Rourke saw that the English and Irish were not peace with each other, and that the English were not more powerful than the Irish on that occasion, he therefore dreaded that his country might plundered by O’Donnell, that he resolved attend his call, and on this
peace with any one who was secretly alliance
with the English; for some time privately en
treated him come back, and another time he
menaced and threatened plunder his country, the Heads, with number his young kinsmen,
unless should return. O’Rourke was receiving those messages from the beginning Spring,
the following May, which period went Ath lone, gave his hostages the governor, and they pledged their vows and promises faithful each other, but though friendly that engagement had been, was not long maintained.
An answer the writings O’Neill, O'Donnell,
and the Irish who were alliance with them came not grant him. O'Neillentertained that com
resolution they preferred
rather than
acted by the advice his people, for the governor opposed them
threatened by O’Donnell’s ven
the partition of the territory and lands between Mullingar, and from Mullingar Baile-Mor
them, so that it was, therefore, O’Rourke ratified his peace and friendship with the governor sir Con yers Clifford. O’Donnell was not happy on re ceiving that intelligence, for the O’Rourkes had
been always friends to his family, and he himself
was a kinsman of his, and he did not wish to make
an attack on him or plunder his territory, as he
would on all others in Connaught, and he was of
opinion, that he must plunder unless would join the Irish again alliance, for was not
Loch-Seimhdidhe, (Ballymore Lough Seudy, Westmeath). O’Rourke marched with another force the first month harvest, and did not halt until arrived Bealach-an Tirialaigh (Tyr
geance, should they remain alliance with the go vernor. After O'Rourke had confirmed his friend
ship with O’Donnell that occasion, O’Rourke
marched with his forces into Meath, the instiga
tion O'Ferrall Baun, namely, Rossa, the son William, son Donal, and they plundered
Westmeath), and Bealach-Chille
rell’s Pass
Brighde
barony
and slew some people Tyrrell's Pass, and returned back his country without receiving wound experiencing danger.
After the peace before mentioned had been ter minated, Redmond Burke, the son John-na Seamar, son Rickard Saxanach, son Ulick
Fartullach (Pass Kilbride, the Fartullagh, Westmeath), took preys,
and hundred men came O’Neill (earl Ty
rone), complain him, that the answer
received from his father's brother, namely, the earl Clamrickard, i. e. Ulick Burke, was, that Red
mond were willing
the inheritance Abhainn-da-Loilghech
accept the breadth cloak patrimony, from Shrule,
(the river the two milch
cows), the conditions peace war, would
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REIGN OF ELIZABETH. 625
plaint of Redmond, and promised to relieve him if pierced by him throughout the pass. A very la in his power; and having given him the command mentable death took place there, namely, James, of some hundreds of soldiers, he gave him permis the son of Edward, son of James, son of Pierce, a sion to plunder and completely devastate every
part of Ireland, that abetted or aided the English;
after Redmond Burke and his kinsmen parted with
O'Neill, they went in alliance with the Irish of fled back in dismay and discomfiture to the earl Leinster, and remained with them during that and to the camp. Bryan Riavach O'Moore himself Suinner. was wounded, and it was not long after till he died
Six hundred soldiers arrived from England, in from the effects of the wounds he had received on
the south of Ireland, to aid against the enemies of that occasion. It was on that very day, after the the sovereign; when they arrived at Dun-Garbh forementioned conflict, that Anthony, the son of ain (Dungarvan, in Waterford), the resolution Rory Oge O'Moore, Redmond, the son of Shane they came to was to join the general, namely, the na-Seamar (Burke), and captain Tyrrell, came and earl of Ormond, and on their march along the encamped opposite the earl’s camp; when it was borders of Leinster they were encountered by a expected that the earl would march into the coun party of the Irish of that country, and a battle en try, what he did was to return back to Kilkenny sued between them, in which four hundred and
ten (410), of them (the English), were slain. '
The earl of Ormond mustered his forces to march
hundred horse, and the earl halted in the evening the peace and war, by the queen’s people. When
on a high hill on the borders of the country; the
earl having been informed that night that there
were only a few to defend the country, he comman
ded his brother's son, namely, James, the son of scarce of provisions, in the last month of summer; Edward, son of James Butler, to march on the intelligence of that having reached Dublin, the following morning, with six or seven companies, resolution the council came to was, to collect across the borders, into the nearest part of the the most faithful, and those who distinguished country, in the hope of performing some exploit themselves most in the war of the queen’s soldiers or achievement; and although James was un in Ireland, in the neighbourhood of Dublin and of willing to go on that expedition, early in the morn Athlone, and when they had come together they ing of Sunday, he nevertheless proceeded at the selected from among them four thousand foot sol command of the earl. The first pass they came to diers, and six hundred horse, and they sent those they found it cut and completely torn up, at which with provisions to Portmua; a full supply of pro Bryan Riavach O'Moore, with a hundred and a visions, of drink, of beeves, of lead (balls), of pow
half of soldiers (150), were planted, who had come
to defend it on the same day; fearful and terrific
was the sight that Bryan and his force displayed
to James and his soldiers, and having attacked
them in front and rear, he began to circumvent Beging (Bagnall), marshal of Newry, was their and surround them, spearing and shooting them, general. When O'Neill learned that that immense so that in a short time bodies were hacked and great army was marching towards him, he sent his
A. D. 1598. 410 of the English forces were slain on their march from Dungar 1. Battles in Leinster. —Mac Geoghegan mentions that, in van to join the earl of Ormond, took place about the same time, in
the summer of 1598, and appears to have been fought about the
borders of Waterford and Kilkenny, as the English forces marched towards Leinster.
4L
1598, sir Samuel Bagnall was dispatched from England, with 2000 foot and 100 horse, and these forces having landed at Wexford,
were attacked in their march by the Irish, who slew great num bers of them. The battle above-mentioned in the Annals, in which
man on whom the people relied most of any of his age living of the Butlers at that time; and such of his people as were not cut down in that place
Port-Nua (Portmore, now Blackwatertown, on into Leix, in the month of June ; his forces num the river Blackwater, in Armagh), of which we bered twenty-four companies of foot, and two have before written an account, was guarded, during
before noon on the following Monday, and he sent his soldiers into their garrisons.
the English and Irish did not continue the peace between them in the beginning of summer, O’Neill laid siege to the fortress, until the guards became
der, and of every kind of stores in general, was sent with them. They then marched to Drogheda, from thence to Dundalk, to Newry, and to Armagh; they remained at Armagh that night, and sir Henry
626 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1598.
messengers for O'Donnell, entreating him to come eign people,than totakepossession the property
to his aid against this excessive foreign force, any other person force, after being expelled from which was coming to his country. O’Donnell their own dear country. That inciting harangue,
immediately proceeded with the entire muster of his warriors, both horse and foot, along with a great force from the province of Connaught, to aid his relative against the oppressors who were marching on him; the Irish of the entire province of Ulster joined the same army, so that they were
prepared meet the English before they ar rived Armagh. They constructed deep earthen trench against the English, the common way by which they expected them march towards them. As the English, after they remained night Armagh, they rose early the following
day, and the resolution they came was leave their provisions, drink, women, young persons, horses, baggage, attendants, and common people,
that town Armagh; they ordered every person for service, both horse and foot, march
gainst their enemies, wherever the marshal and
the officers the army general commanded them as not usual for those who lose their comman
delivered the chiefs, made the desired impression, and their men and the soldiers declared that they were ready suffer death, rather than allow their fear prevent them from encountering the enemy. As the marshal and his English, when they saw the Irish before them, they displayed not the slightest symptom fear, but advanced boldly straight forward, until they rushed across the first broad deep trench which lay before them, and some them were slain crossing The Irish
forces then made charge mently, with greatfierceness,
der, and their chief leader and counsellor, maintain the battle field, the general’s men were ultimately repulsed, by force arms and fighting,
across the earthen pits, and the broad deep ditch over which they had come, and the pursuers bravely
their front and rear, and
their van was obliged bear the shock, remain
be cut down, and submit be shot, until their close ranks were thinned, their officers reduced, and their warriors subdued; but short the gene ral was slain, namely, the marshal Newry; and
them, very vehe
and they raiseda shout all sides them;
go; they then formed into rank and order, perfectly they could, and proceeded the most
direct road before them, large solid bodies, and
close compact companies, until they arrived
the hill over Beul-an-Atha-Buidhe. Having reach
that place, they beheld O'Neill and O’Donnell, and actively continued fighting, discomfitting,
the Iveachians Ulidia (Magennises Iveagh, the county Down, &c. ), and Oirgiellians (Mac
Monaghan, Maguires Fermanagh,
&c. ), together with the chieftains, leaders, valiant
warriors, and champions the North, one dense
mass before them, planted and arranged the
particular passes by which they expected they match into the powder the barrel, exploded would march on them. When the commanders of up high into the air, together with every barrel the North observed the very great danger which nearest succession, and also the great gun which threatened them, they began incite and exhort they had there; great number the people who their people fight valiantly, and they told them, were about that powder were blown up like that unless they were victors that day, pro manner, and the rising ground all around them perty would remain them after and that they appeared one dense, dark, gloomy mass clouds, themselves would slaughtered and destroyed for considerable part the day after that. Such without reserve, while others them would be cast the queen’s forces escaped from being slaugh into prisons, and bound chains, the Irish had tered, destroyed, burned and annihilated, fled often been on former occasions, and that such back Armagh, and were unrelentingly pursued, might escape from that battle, would dispossess during which they were reduced, surrounded, slain,
and banished into strange distant countries; and cut down twos, threes, twenties, and
they told them, moreover, that was easier for them thirties, until they passed within the walls Ar defend their patrimonies against that strange for magh. The Irish besieged the town direc
Mahons
one
the queen’s soldiers, who had consumed the powder about him by his vast firing, should
routing, and cutting them pieces. was then that God willed, and the Trinity permitted, that
the next barrel powder fill his measure, and pouch, and spark having dropped from his
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the parish Clonfeacle, near Portmore, now called Blackwater town, which led the old road from Armagh Dungannon; has been some writers called the battle the Blackwater, being fought near that river, which separates the counties Tyrone and Armagh; but by the Irish writers the battle-field was named Beal-an-Atha buidhe, signifying the Mouth the Yellow Ford, from stream turbid yellow waters which flowed from the marshy ground near
The Irish were commanded by Hugh O'Neill, earl Tyrone, and Red Hugh O'Donnell, prince Tirconnell, together with Hugh Maguire, lord Fermanagh, and various chiefs the following families, the head their clans, the O'Neills Tyrone, and
the same names who fought under O'Neill and O'Donnell,
side the Irish. The O'Reilly, who joined Elizabeth, mentioned, was Maolmora, Miles O'Reilly, the son
O'Reilly Cavan, who was young man great valour and am bition, and, from his bravery and fine person, was called the
the Fews Armagh, and Clannaboy, Down and Antrim the Magennises and Mac Cartans Down the O’Hanlons Armagh; the O'Hagans, O'Quinns, and O’Donnellys Tyrone
the O’Kanes Derry; the Mac Donnells Antrim the O'Don nells, O'Doghertys, Mac Sweeneys, O'Boyles, and O'Gallaghers
the before sir John
REIGN OF ELIZABETH.
627
tions around and they were firing, and shooting both sides abide these terms, and they each other, for three days and three nights, sent number of their officers from either side
until the English length ceased: and the end hold conference with the guards the fort, and that time they sent messengers the Irish, having communicated with those, they delivered inform them that they would evacuate the fort (of the place O’Neill, they were commanded.
Portmore, Blackwatertown), the guards who The captain and the guard came Armagh, were should permitted come them, join such those their people survived, and
that town Armagh, without being slain in escort was sent with them from Armagh
jured, and that after they came there, protection and quarter should given them, and that they were escorted safety from the country until they arrived secure territory, they would even eva cuate Armagh itself. When these messages were delivered the Irish, the chiefs held council determine how they should act respecting that proposal; some maintained that the English should not suffered escape from the dilemma
which they were placed, until they were either slain, perished by starvation; but, however, they length decided permitting them de part from those places which they were, con dition that they should not take with them pro visions, drink, armour, arms, ordnance, powder, lead, from the fort, except that the captain
might take his trunk and arms. They consented
The Battle of the Yellow Ford. —This battle described Camden's Britannia, Speed's History England, Fynes Morrison's History the War Elizabeth, Cox's Hibernia Anglicana, Bor lase's Reduction Ireland, O'Sullivan Beare, Mac Geoghegan, Stuart's Armagh, Taaffe, and O'Conor's Military Memoirs, History the Irish Brigades. was fought Thursday the 10th August, 1598, the county Armagh, towards the bor ders Tyrone, about five miles north-west the city Armagh,
Newry, and from Newry until they entered the English Pale. After these had left Tir-Eogain,
O'Neill directed particular persons count the officers and common soldiers slain on the field
battle, and bury them, and their entire num ber, when counted, was two thousand and half (2,500), along with the general and eighteen cap tains, with great number gentlemen whose names have not been recorded. The queen's people were dispirited and sorrowful, while the Irish were cheerful and rejoiced, from the result
that battle; was the 10th day the month August that battle Ath-Buidhe was fought; the chiefs Ulster returned their homes, after having committed great slaughter, and gained complete victory, although they lost many men. ”
loglasses, heavy infantry, who were the grenadiers the Irish, were chiefly armed with swords and battle-axes, but few, except the chiefs, wore armour. The combined forces the Irish amounted
4,500 foot and 600 horse. The English army, under the com mand Marshal sir Henry Bagnall, amounted nearly the same number, namely,4,500 foot and 500 horse, there were 10,000
select men engaged both sides this battle. Bagnall was commander great valour and experience for many years Ire land, and was assisted by several brave and able officers, Cos by, Wingfield, Billing, Brooke, Montague, Fleming, &c. the English army there was great body Irish auxiliaries, under Fitzpatrick Ossory, who said have carried the standard, O'Reilly, and others, and during the entire war great numbers the Irish chiefs joined the standard Elizabeth, O'Brien, earl
Thomond, and O'Brien baron Inchiquin, Niall Garv O'Don nell, Conor Roe Maguire, &c. , hence those and others are often mentioned this time the queen's O'Brien, the queen's O’Don nell, the queen's O'Reilly, the queen's Maguire, the queen'sO'Han lon, the queen's O’Molloy, and on, there were other chiefs
Donegal; the Maguires Fermanagh; the Mac Mahons Mo Irish Maolmora Breagh, that Miles the Brave Handsome; naghan the O'Reillys Cavan captain Richard Tyrrell having gone London, made terms with the queen, and got Fartullagh, Westmeath, who commanded 200 Ulstermen, and from her, according Mac Geoghegan and others, grant by Theobald Mac William Burke Mayo, the head the Con Letters Patent the county Cavan; he commanded troop naught forces; and Teige O'Rourke, with some tooops from Bres cavalry her service, and was called the queen's O'Reilly, dis ney. Torlogh O'Hanlon, chief Orior Armagh, attended tinguish him from the other chiefs the O'Reillys who fought standard-bearer Ulster. O'Neill's forces were composed the side the Irish; for stated Fynes Morrison, his Kerns, Galloglasses, and cavalry, with some musqueteers, but Catalogue the Irish forces, that the O'Reillys Brefney brought had artillery. The Kerns, light foot, were armed with long the standard O'Neill 800 foot and 100 horse. O'Neill, with spears pikes, bows and arrows, darts, skians, &c. , and the gal the main body his forces, was encamped about mile from Port
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628 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1598.
Ballymote (in Sligo), which had been in the ritors, the summer this year, namely, the
possession of the queen's people for thirteen years 'till this time, was taken by own original inhe
more, Blackwatertown, the way towards Armagh, place where the plain was narrowed pass causeway, secured one side marsh, and the other moor bog, and wood. Across this strait O'Neill had thrown up strong earthen rampart, four feet high, and sunk front fosse deep ditch. By stratagem similar that devised by Bruce Bannockburn, O'Neill had deep pitfalls and trenches cut the plain, front his position, and carefully covered over with wattles, green sods, and grass, and posted 500 active Kerns, concealed the woods and thickets, along the pass. These matters were arranged the day before the battle, O'Neill having received intelligence that Bagnall had advanced far Armagh. Stuart, O'Conor, and others, mention curious incident, that O'Neill's Bard, O'Clery, assured him, the faith an old prophecy made Ultan, who was bishop Ardbraccan the 7th century, that great battle would fought with foreigners Yellow Ford near the river Blackwater, which the Irish would victorious. This information being communicated the forces, gave them great con fidence, and their enthusiasm was further excited by animated harangue addressed them by O'Neill. Bagnall's army was
composed chiefly veteran British troops who had served France, and the Netherlands, against the Spaniards, and the
Mac Donoghs Corran, that Tomaltach and Cathal Duv. The governor (of Connaught),
the kerns retired towards the camp O'Neill. The centre divi sion, under Cosby and Wingfield, with the rear and cavalry led Montague, Billing, Brooke, Fleming, and O'Reilly, pushed forward into the open ground front O'Neill's entrenchments.
