No More Learning

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
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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
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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. Some troops British cavalry dashed onward impetuously into the plain, where O'Neill had dug the trenches and concealed pitfalls, and galloping precipitately into these invisible fosses, many the men and horses were thrown headlong the ground, their limbs and necks broken, and their bodies maimed while the troops were thus disorder, they were fiercely attacked the Irish kerns and pikemen, who slew great numbers both men and horses. Bagnall, undaunted by this discomfiture, pushed forward with his troops into the open plain, and charging the head his cuiras siers, furious conflict took place between them and O'Neill's light infantry, kerns; the cuirassiers were armed with spears, six cubits, about feet length, which rested the right thigh, and they made powerful charges, where able assail their opponents hand hand. The Irish kerns, armed with even longer spears pikes, about feet length, which they grasped the middle with their hands, the weapons resting their right shoulders, rushed the British cavalry, great numbers
whom were slain these encounters. Bagnall, undismayed, still charged onward the head his cavalry, and his infantry, spearmen, and musquetteers, also poured into the plain, while
cavalry consisted mostly Cuirassiers, clad
large force musqueteers, and several pieces
O'Neill had cannon. Bagnall, the head
joined the Anglo-Irish forces the Pale, and the Irish auxilia lines; having levelled part the rampart, succeededfor time
ries, marched from Newry Armagh attack O'Neill, and re
beating back its defenders, and two strong corps having crossed
the entrenchments, burst forward into the level ground, where O'Neill was encamped. At this juncture the right wing the
Irish commanded by O'Neill person, and the left, under O'Don nell, advanced the charge, their standards raised, their Bagpipes playing, and they rushed onward with fearful shouts and fierce battle-cries. O'Neill rode rapidly onward, the head his cavalry, seek out Bagnall, his hated foe, the thick battle. Morrison says “Tyrone pricked forward, with rage envy and settled rancour, against the marshal. ” The heroic Red Hugh O'Don nell, the head his Tirconnallian cavalry, dashed onward into the conflict; the valiant Hugh Maguire led his Fermanagh horsemen, and the Mac Donnells Antrim, and Mac Sweeneys
Donegal, rushed with their galloglasses into the thick the fight, and hewed down whole ranks the British soldiers, cleaving with their keen-edged and heavy battle-axes, even the
cuirassiers, through their iron helmets and coats mail. was now about noon-day, and the battle had raged for some time with great fury both sides. Bagnall, being repulsed, rallied his men and, with powerful body his reserved troops, advanced again
the charge; but raising his helmet take view the battle-field, was shot the forehead with musket-ball, and fell lifeless the ground. About this time, the very tempest
the fight, some barrels gunpowder were accidentally ignited the English ranks unskilful gunner, and terrific explosion
took place, which blew many the British soldiers atoms into the air. The English forces, dismayed this disaster, and the
death Bagnall, seemed give way, and this critical moment O'Neill, making tremendous charge the head his cavalry
and galloglasses, the English troops, and their Irish auxiliaries under Montague, Wingfield, Cosby, Brooke and Fleming, reeled before their impetuous charge, and were put flight. O'Reilly,
the head his troop cavalry, was the last officer wbo re mained the field battle, and was slain while endeavouring cover the retreat, and rally the flying forces. He had much stake contending against his countryumen,and, like many other Irish chiefs, preferred his own private interest that his coun try, but missed the object his ambition, and, that day's de feat lost his life, well the earldom Cavan. the rout, great numbers the British troops were tumbled headlong into the fosse,and trampled death the flying cavalry. The rein nant the British forces, with few cavalry under the columund
lieve the garrison Portmore, which had besieged. The
British forces marched from Armagh before sunrise; the spearmen
were divided into three corps, and formed the main body, while the
wings consisted musqueteers and cavalry, followed by the artil
lery. They advanced boldly, with unfurled banners, while the air,
clear and serene, resounded with the clangor trumpets, and the
shrill tones the “ear piercing fife;” O’Sullivan Beare says “Se reno grato die, vexillis explicatis, tubarum clangore, tibiarum
concentu,” &c. Bagnall delivered address his army, which given O'Conor his Book the Irish Brigades: “Relying your bravery, selected you my companions arms; the undis ciplined left garrisons, the cowardly with Ormond. From your
exertions alone anticipate victory. have often witnessed your
valour. Will thesemen,unarmedandundisciplined, dare encoun ter troops accoutred, armed, trained you are, and inured war
could suppose they would sustain your shock Remember how you drove O’Neill from his camp
Mullaghban.
O'Neill O'Donnell, bestow
delay not the moment victory. ”
delivered animating address
which given by O'Conor: “My hopes victory are not placed tde thunder artillery, but your valour. Recollect how often you have defeated greater forces, nobler commanders, and even Bagnall himself, when less prepared and less disciplined than you are now you are fight for your country, your religion, your wives, your children, and your possessions. Bagnall, the bitterest your enemies, not content with the plunder your properties, seeks exterminate your race. Here must meet the just retribution for his cruelty; here we must avenge our wrongs, and the death
should mad for moment.
On him who this evening brings me the head thousand pounds. March then, and O’Neill, early that morning, also
our companions killed Portmore. prophesied our victory. ” The troops lested over level and open tract
St. Ultan has promised and Bagnall advanced unmo ground, and, about o'clock
the morning, they entered the narrow pass beyond which O'Neill was encamped. Along this pass, screened by trees and thickets, and protected defiles, O'Neill had posted 500 active kerns, who suddenly from their ambuscade attacked the British troops, some pouring them vollies shot, and others rushing them with their long spears and darts; this encounter great numbers the English were slain, but Bagnall, leading the first division, steadily pursued his course, and advanced through the pass, while
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REIGN OF ELIZABETH. 629
Conyers Clifford, and O’Donnell, Hugh noghs, but the conclusion the treaty was, that the Roe, were bidding against each other for the castle, Mac Donoghs gave the town O’Donnell, on and proposing purchase from the Mac Do terms purchase and contract, the middlemonth
Montague, fled towards Armagh, closely pursued Torlogh
O'Hanlon, the standard-bearer, the head O’Neill's cavalry.
The English took refuge within the walls and churches Armagh, where appears, according the Annals, they stood siege three days and nights, and then surrendered, making conditions that the lives their fellow-soldiers, the fort Portmore on the Blackwater, should spared, and O'Neill permitted the troops Portmore depart, with their commander, captain Williams, but they were not allowed carry with them arms, ammunition, any other articles, except that the captain was permitted take away his trunk, and nothing more. Camden, Fynes Morrison, and the other English writers, make the number
the British soldiers slain fifteen hundred, together with marshal Bagnall, and valiant captains; but the Irish writers, with more accurate information, make the numbers slain much more the En glish only reckoned the British troops who fell, which they under rated, and did not enumerate the Irish auxiliaries who were killed. According the Annals the Four Masters, 2,500 the queen's soldiers were slain, together with Bagnall, and distinguished commanders and many inferior officers, the bodies being reckoned
the field battle order O'Neill, and all decently interred. O'Sullivan Beare and others also state, that 2,500 the queen's forces were slain, along with 23 officers note. Along with the 2,500 who fell the field battle, probably not less than 500 more were slain the pursuit, and conflicts Armagh. The en tire number the British forces slain that battle, and the conflicts the three subsequent days, must have amounted
least 3,000 men, besides great numbers must have been wounded and disabled, whom no account given, that appears pro
bable, that out the select army 5,000, under marshal Bagnall,
not more than about 1000 effective men survived and evi but the full vigour middle age. His personal appearance,
dent that O'Neill could have entirely cut off the remnant the English forces, they lost all their artillery, arms, &c. , but
generously permitted them depart, and even had them escorted safe the Pale. The Irish, by this great victory, got into their possessionall the baggage-waggons, with immense quantity provisions and military stores, all the artillery the English, their arms, armour, musical instruments, and 34 military standards,
together with twelve thousand pieces gold. The Irish had only 200 men killed, and 600 wounded this battle. Speed, his History England, says this battle: “Tir-Oen obtained not only
joyous triumph over his private enemy (Bagnall), but withal went away with glorious victory over the English, who, never since they first set footing reland, received great over throw and Tir-Oen was renowned all the realm over, their Horatius, and founder their freedom. ” Camden says: “Never since the English gained footing Ireland had they sustained such loss. ” Fynes Morrison remarks that the Irish obtained great victory, and says that “the English, from their first arrival
that kingdom, never had received great overthrow commonly called the defeat Blackwater;” and again
“Tyrone was among the Irish celebrated the deliverer country from thraldom and “the general voice was
amongst the English, after the defeat Blackwater, Hannibal
character, and abilities are described by Fynes Morrison, and va rious other writers, and Stuart's Armagh. He was man middle stature, but strongly built, active, athletic, enterprising, and admirably adapted for hazardous exploits; patient, hardy, spirited, bold, temperate, vigilant and valiant, great persever ance, and capable enduring the most extreme privations without
murmur; he was polished, affable, and agreeable manners, liberal education, acute intellect, politic, subtle, smooth-tongued, and his megociationsgenerally overmatched the English states men. He had served some years the English army, when young man, acquired great knowledge military affairs, and was favorite at the court of Elizabeth. On his return Ireland he continued some time the service the queen, but having re volted, became the chief leader the northern Irish, and with great perseverance disciplined his forces Tyrone. He had his chief residence Dungannon, and Fynes Morrison states that he imported large quantities lead, apparently for the purpose roofing his castle, but had all cast into bullets. Hugh O'Neill has been called the Irish Hannibal, and was (perhaps with the ex ception his relative, the renowned Owen Roe O'Neill), the ablest general that ever contended against the English Ireland. O'Neill carried the war with great vigour, the end the reign Elizabeth, but became reconciled the state the reign
James however, fictitious charge plot conspiracy, against the government, and Rory O’Donnell, earl Tircon nell, were forced fly from Ireland, 1607, and they retired Rome, where old, blind, and worn down by misfortunes, the heroic Hugh O'Neill, the last representative the ancient kings Ulster, died, the year 1616, and was buried the church
St. Peter's Hill. Rory Roderick O'Donnell, earl Tirconnell, also died exile Rome, 1617, and Hugh O'Neill, baron
Dungannon, son Hugh the earl, died Rome 1641. mo
amongst the Romans, after the battle Cannae. ” Borlase says “a victory the like the Irish never gained since the English first set
foot Ireland. ” Cox says “by this victory the Irish got arms, ammunition, and victuals, and which was more, much reputation
that the English could act only the defensive part, and not that itself, without continual fear and danger. ” Leland says “the illus trious O'Neill was every where extolled the deliverer his coun try, and the disaffected, all quarters, condemned their own weak and passive conduct, which had deprived them the like glory. ” Lingard says, “The O'Neill was celebrated every district the saviour his country; and the whole the indigenous population, with many the chieftains English origin, rose arms assert the national independence. ”
these princes, according Burgo, the St. Peter, Monte Aureo, and givesthe the Supplement his Hibernia Domini
Copious accounts Hugh O’Neill, prince and earl
Tyrone,
nument was erected
Franciscan Church
Latin inscription
cana. Hugh O'Neill was first married sister Red Hugh O'Donnell, and secondly sister the marshal sir Henry Bag
this, says his
Tyrone
and Red Hugh O'Donnell, prince Tirconnell, are given the course of these Annals. O’Donnell was at this time the 25th year his age, and, before-mentioned, was many years im prisoned the English the castle Dublin; after his escape this heroic young man defeated the British forces many battles.
Red Hugh was valiant chief appeared any age; he was
fine figure and tall stature, and was one the handsomest men
his time; was called by the Irish Aodh Ruadh, from the colour his hair and florid complexion.
Red Hugh, After the de 1602, O'Don
feat the Irish forces and Spaniards Kinsale,
nell went Spain, with the hope obtaining fresh forces; he
was treated with distinguished honours, and received much sym pathy and support the country his Milesian ancestors; was well received king Philip, the marquis Caracena, and others the nobility, and was promised large supplies men and money; but O'Donnell never saw Ireland again, for, the midst
his active preparations, was seized with fever, and died Simancas, the 10th September, 1602, the 29th year his
age. He was, by order the king, buried with all honors due distingaished prince, the monastery St. Francis, the city
Walladolid. An account his embassy, and death Spain, given the year 1602, these Annals. Thus terminated,
foreign land, the eventful life the renowned Red Hugh O'Don nell, true patriot and brave chieftain ever fought for freedom, led clan battle.
Hugh O'Neill, earl Tyrone, was the son Ferdorcha, called
Matthew, baron Dungannon, son Con Bacach O'Neill, earl
Tyrone; he was for many years commander-in-chief the northern Irish, the war against Elizabeth; was man
great abilities and valour, and this time was about 55 years old,
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630 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1598.
of the harvest of this year; four hundred pounds The earl of Ormond mustered an immense force (£400), and three hundred cows was the price to put provisions into Port Leix, and they having
O'Donnell gave the Mac Donoghs for the town.
mall, and it appears from the Annals that he was a third time mar ried, his last countess being the sister of Magennis, lord of Iveagh. He married Bagnall's sister, without his consent, in consequence
of which the marshal was ever afterwards his mortal enemy, and a deadly hatred always existed between him and O'Neill, which was only terminated by the death of Bagnall at the Blackwater.
proceeded in that direction, they were met on the
Longford, Kells, Swords, Portlester and Athlone; also Naas, Athy, Woodstock, Rheban, Dunamase, and Maryborough, Kildare and Queen's county, with Birr the King's county, Nenagh Tip perary, and other strong places Leinster and Munster, together with almost all the strong towns and castles Ulster. The commander the Irish Benburb was Owen Roe O'Neill, assisted various chiefs Ulster, acting captains, and colonels, namely, sir Phelim, Torlogh, Bryan, Hugh, Art, Cormac, and Con O'Neill, with their men from Tyrone, Armagh, Down, and Antrim some the O’Hanlons Armagh sir Constantine Con, Art, Rory, and Evir Magennis, and Patrick Mac Cartan Down; Cormac and Hugh O'Hagan, Patrick Mac Neney, Patrick O'Donnelly, and Torlogh O'Quinn Tyrone Manus O’Kane Derry; Alexander Mac Donnell Antrim; Hugh Buighe and Manus O'Donnell, and Miles Mac Sweeny Donegal, with some
Battle of Benburb. —The localities along the Blackwater, on
the borders of Tyrone and Armagh, are amongst the most famous
battle-fields in Ireland, and several engagements are mentioned in
the Annals which took place near that river in the war of O'Neill
against Elizabeth, amongst others the battle of Drumfliuch, near
Bemburb, fought in 1597, and described at p. 616 in the Annals.
Benburb is on the Tyrone side of the Blackwater, near Battleford
Bridge, and about two miles distant from the battle-field of the
Yellow Ford. The battle of Benburb, famous in Irish history, was
fought on Friday, the 5th of June, 1646, that is 48 years after that
of the Yellow Ford; it is described by various Irish and Anglo
Irish historians, as Borlase, Cox, Carte, Leland, Warner, Mac Mahon, and Niall Mac Kenna Monaghan; colonel Philip Geoghegan, and Taaffe; in the Desiderata Curiosa Hibernica, by O'Reilly Ballinacargy castle, the county Cavan, and Richard Belling, and by Colonel Henry Mac Tully O'Neill, an his relative colonel Miles O'Reilly Kilmore; colonel Philip officer who was engaged in the campaigns Owen Roe O'Neill; O'Reilly was brother-in-law Owen Roe, being married his
ments; those forces were called Parliamentarians, and afterwards
Cromwellians; they were mostly republicans rebellion against
Charles England, and they were joined by many Irish allies.
There was another great party Ireland that time called Royalists, who supported the cause King Charles, and were
commanded by the duke Ormond, but they were not engaged either side Benburb. The Irish Ulster, under O'Neill, rose recover their confiscated lands and national independence. The English and Scotch forces Benburb, and their Irish allies, the British settlers Ulster, were commanded the Scotch general
Robert Monroe, and his brother George Hugh Montgomery, called lord Montgomery the Ardes, the county Down, af terwards earl Mount Alexander, and his relative, colonel sir James Montgomery; colonel lord Edward Conway, Kilultagh,
the confederated Irish Ulster, and co-operation with the old
Anglo-Irish the Pale, the Barnwalls, Prestons, Plunketts,
Flemings, Talbots, Dillons, Darcys, Bellews, Netervilles, Fitz colonel Cunningham, captains Burke, Hamilton, &c. General Eustaces, Fitzgeralds, Whites, &c. , with some the Burkes
Connaught, and Butlers Ormond, Owen Roe defeated the Bri
tish forces more than engagements, overran various parts
Ulster and Leinster, and took most the strong castles and forti
fied towns the old English Pale, those Trim, Athboy,
soldiers, amounting all
ammunition; soon after,
Kinnard, now Caledon
chief the northern Irish, instead his relative sir Phelim O'Neill, who was rather rash, violent and intemperate leader. Owen Roe organised his forces with great regularity, kept up strict discipline, and sternly punished the refractory. For period seven years, from 1642 1649, commander-in-chief
100 men, with supply arms and meeting the chiefs Ulster
Tyrone, was chosen commander-in
the O’Doghertys Imisowen Rory Roger, Bryan, and Donogh Maguire Fermanagh Bryan, Hugh, and Colla Mac
sister, Rose O'Neill; was commander note this war, and gained the brilliant victory Julianstown Bridge, near Drogheda, November, 1641, and many battles afterwards. Colonel Miles
O'Reilly was celebrated commander this time, and, from his great strength and dauntless valour, was commonly called Miles the Slasher. Captains Hugh and Owen O'Reilly also came Benburb, and the entire forces the O'Reillys consisted 500 men, horse and foot, from Cavan, namely the O'Reillys, Mac Bradys, Mac Cabes, Mac Gowans Smiths, Fitzsimons, Fitz patricks, Mac Gaurans, Mac Kermans,&c. The men Leitrim came under Con and Owen O'Rourke, and some from Sligo under Teige and Hugh O'Conor. The men Longford came under Richard, William, and Francis O'Ferrall, and some men from Meath under Edward Betagh Moynalty, and James Fleming Slane, with some the Barnwalls and Plunketts Meath and Louth. Most the above-mentioned chiefs came Benburb, and such did not come sent their forces. According Carte, Leland and others, O’Neill's forces Benburb were 5,000 foot and 500 horse, while the British troops, under Monroe, amounted
reserve, sobriety, and knowledge the world, patriotic spirit,
honest purpose, and the highest honour and humanity his transactions with the enemy. From his great military reputation
and abilities, Owen Roe was invited over from Flanders, 1641, take the command the Irish Confederates Ulster, and having embarked Dunkirk, landed Doe castle, Donegal,
the 13th July, 1642, accompanied by some officers and old
Stuart's Armagh, and Italian the Memoirs the Nuncio Rinuccini, published 1844. The commander-in-chief the Irish Confederates Ulster, the war subsequent the great insur rection 1641, was the celebrated Owen Roe O'Neill; was the son Art, son Ferdorcha, called Matthew, baron Dungan non, son Con Bacach O'Neill, earl Tyrone; his father, Art O'Neill, was brother Hugh, the famous earl Tyrone, though other accounts make Owen Roe the grand-nephew Hugh the earl. He was called by the Irish Eogan Ruadh, that Owen Roe, Red Owen, from the colour his hair; when young man, served some years Catalonia, Spain, and was desig nated the Spaniards Don Eugenio Rufo. He served many years
the Spanish and Imperial Austrian army, with great reputation,
according Carte and Leland; he held the rank colonel, and being appointed governor Arras, was particularly distinguished
for his defence that town, when besiegedby the French 1640. He was man graceful person, agreeable and mild manners, but great strength mind and determined bravery cool, cau tious, and calculating; quick taking advantage favourable
accidents and mistakes his opponents;
arrangements for battle, seldom risking
under advantageous circumstances, and
adapted for defensive and protracted warfare, hence he has been British were far superior him musketeers, and appears designated the Irish Fabius. He was man great prudence,
consumate skill the engagement except genius admirably
6,000 foot and 800 horse, who were much better armed and accoutred than the Irish besides, the British had pieces ar tillery, while not mentioned that O’Neill had any cannon; the
O'Neill’s forces consisted chiefly Swordsmen and Pikemen. The
British troops consisted chiefly Scots, with some English regi
the county Antrim, the family Seymour Conway, earls
Hertford; sir Henry Blayney, baron Blayney Monaghan;
Monroe was encamped the borders Antrim and Armagh, and having heard that O’Neill had advanced the borders Tyrone, marched forward, and arrived the city Armagh, with all
his forces, midnight Thursday the 4th June. Monroe had ordered his brother George proceed with his corps from Cole
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REIGN OF ELIZABETH. 631
Rickard Saxanach (Burke), and by captain Tyrrell, caped after had been wounded. ”
way in which they marched by Athony, the son of
Rory Oge, son of Roderick Caoch O'Moore, by provisions men, horses, and arms, that expe Redmond, the son of John-na-Seamur, son of dition, and was with difficulty the earl himselfes
namely, Richard, the son ofThomas Oge Tyrrell;
raine, with allexpedition, to meet him at Glasslough in Monaghan,
about two or three miles from Benburb where O'Neill was encamped.
George Monroe marched from Coleraine along the western shore of
Lough Neagh, towards Dungannon, with his force consisting of stated Stuart that Heber Mac Mahon, bishop Clogher, who 500 foot, according to the Desiderata Curiosa, and also a troop of was O'Neill's camp, addressed the army, and entreated them horse, according to other accounts; but O’Neill, aware of this with great humanity spare the flying soldiers, and give them movement, despatched the day before the battle colonels Bryan quarter. Lord Montgomery, together with officers and 150 Mac Mahon and Patrick Mac Neney, with some horse and foot soldiers, were made prisoners; and stated by Lodge and forces against him, who had an encounter with Monroe near Dun others, that lord Montgomery was confined for some time gannon, in which they defeated his forces, and checked his ad O'Reilly's castle Cloughoughter, near Cavan. Almost all the
vance. General Robert Monroe, early on the morning of Friday, the 5th of June, marched at the head of his forces from Armagh towards the river Blackwater, intending to proceed to Glasslough,
accounts agree the numbers slain, which they make 3,243, who fell the field battle, but great numbers were killed during the pursuit that evening and the following day, and many were
to meet the troops of his brother George. O'Neill, having advice
of their march, drew out all his horse, says Carte, to the top of the
hill at Benburb, where the battle was afterwards fought, and there
took a full view of Monroe's forces, as they passed along the road
on the other side of the Blackwater. The British, finding a ford
on the river at Kinnard, now called Caledon, crossed over, and ad
vancedtowards the Irish camp. As they came forward, they were nel Miles O'Reilly's cavalry; colonels Phelim Mac Tuahal O'Neill met by colonel Richard O'Ferrall, who was posted with some and Richard O'Ferrall were wounded. stated the Deside
troops on the strait or defile about two miles from the camp, to oppose their progress, but colonel Cunningham, with the cannon and 500 musketeers, having opened a fire on them, compelled
O'Ferrall and his men, after a short rencontre, to retreat towards the camp. O'Neill was encamped in a strong position between two hills, his rear secured by a wood, his left by a bog, and his right by the river Blackwater; in his front were hillocks, rough ground, bushes, and brushwood. Carte and Stuart state that the wary O'Neill amused his enemy for four hours with little skir mishes, and firing at a distance, until he had got the sun on his back, which before had been favourable to his opponents, and as it beganto descend in the rear of the Irish, it shed a dazzling glare on their enemies. Monroe stood still all that time, in order of battle, within musket shot of the Irish, says Carte. About 4 o'clock in
the evening, the forces under Mac Mahon and Mac Neney, who
had gone against George Monroe, were perceived at a short dis
tance, advancing towards both armies, and Monroe, on seeing
them, was rejoiced, thinking they were the troops of his brother
George, but he soon found, to his consternation, that they joined
O'Neill, and he appeared to waver, and prepare for a retreat.
O'Neill, with the promptitude of an experienced commander,
seized the auspicious moment for attack, and, according to the
Desiderata Curiosa, he addressed a short harangue to his forces,
exhorting them to fight for their religion, their country, and their
king; his friend, colonel Philip O’Reilly, stood by his side at lip O'Reilly Ballinacargy castle, and was also short time
the time on the hill. O'Neill, keeping Rory Maguire's regiment in reserve, ordered his men to advance, and they came forward ra pidly from the hill; Carte says that O'Neill ordered his men not to fire a piece until they were within pike's length of the enemy, and then to fall on with sword and pike in hand, which would give the victory to the strongest men. The Irish rushed onward with great impetuosity, and hewed to pieces, and piked the British in fantry on sides, and having broken their ranks, they threw them;into disorder, and pursued them with dreadful carnage; O'Neill's horse, after short resistance, routed their cavalry,
directions with immense slaughter. Belling and O'Neill state, the Desiderata Curiosa, that the battle continued two hours, and that Monroe's forces were routed about two hours before night. Lord Blaney's English regiment made determined de
another castle the O'Reillys Drumholme, near Ballyhays, but
was afterwards removed Cloughoughter, strong castle
fence, but they were cut pieces, and was himself slain. Mon roe fled without his coat, hat, wig, and saved his life only the
fleetness his horse; never halted till arrived Lisnagar Vy, now called Lisburn, about ten miles from the field battle. Colonel James Montgomery's regiment retreated with some regu larity, but the rest the British troops fled total disorder.
the earl of Ormond lost more than the value the
O'Neill, (earl Tyrone), sent despatches
Lord Conway, accompanied by captain Burke, and about 40 horse
men, escaped Newry, having two horses killed under him his flight. Great numbers were slaughtered the pursuit, and
drowned their flight across the Blackwater; and stated by colonel O'Neill, the Desiderata, that 4,000 the British forces were slain this battle. O’Neill lost Benburb only the very small number seventy men killed, and 200 wounded; the side O'Neill the officers killed were colonel Manus O'Donnell, the son Niall Garv, and the cornet, standard-bearer colo
rata, that the day after the battle O'Neill ordered the bodies lord Blaney and captain Hamilton buried with due ceremo
nies the church Benburb. got immense booty, consisting
By this great victory the Irish
all the arms and ammunition artillery, vast quantity pro
the enemy, with their pieces
visions enough supply the entire army for two months, 1500 draft-horses, all the tents and baggage, and 32 colours.
O'Neill continued carry the war till 1649, when Cromwell arrived Ireland, but while making preparations meet that
fierce invader, fell sick and died, and after his death the Irish had commanderable copewith Cromwell. O'Neill tradi tionally said have taken some disease his limbs, which after some time caused his death, consequence having danced
pair poisoned boots presented mily, ball Derry, which
him by lady
the Coote fa the Cromwel stated the
lian general, sir Charles Coote,
Desiderata Curiosa, that he was poisoned by pair
russet boots Louth, who boasted that did the English good service dispatching O'Neill out
presented him by one the Plunketts
the world. O'Neill fell sick thew O’Conor, his History
Derry, and stated by Mat the Irish Catholics, that the poi his knees, and that was
soned boots produced defluxion
obliged carried litter.
October, 1649, and spent some time with his relative, colonel Phi
the O'Reillys, situated an island
van and Killeshandra, place
wellians; died here soon after,
November, 1649, about the 50th year his age.
Carte, his Life the Duke
that was buried the abbey
believed that he was interred
situated one the lakes Loughoughter, and about two miles from Cloughoughter castle, but either place memorial marks the grave the gallant O’Neill. The memory the renowned Eogan Ruadh was long celebrated the Irish Bards, and this day his name highly revered the traditions the people Owen Roe was married Rosa, the daughter O'Dogherty, chief
Inisowen she died Brussels 1660, and was buried the Irish Franciscan monastery Louvain, where monument was erected her memory, the inscription which given the
Supplement Burgo's Hibernia Dominicana.
Battles Leiz. -On the death the celebrated chieftain
was invited 1649; but
Owen Roe came Cavan
Loughoughter, between Ca greater safety from the Crom
St. Leonard's Day, the 6th
Ormond, and Cavan, though
traditionally Trinity Island,
the old abbey
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632 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1598.
Leinster in the first month of the harvest of this year,
requesting Redmond Burke, Anthony O'Moore,
and captain Tyrrell, to leave the guarding of Leins
ter with their other colleaguesin war, and themselves
to go to make captures, and to bring into their
alliance some of the people of the countries who
were opposed to them, by persuasion or by force,
and he also commanded them to go into Munster, from the eastern side the river Suir (in Kilken
at the request of the sons of Thomas Roe, the son ny), and from Clanwilliam (in Tipperary), and their of James, son of John, son of the earl (of Des Irish neighbours were. coming hold conferences mond); after these gentlemen we have mentioned with them, and uniting with them alliance; read the despatches, they proceeded with the those were O'Dwyer Kilnamanagh (in Tippera force and aid they could muster into Ossory, and ry), namely, Dermod, the son Anthony, son
the people that country came them spon Philip the sons Mac Brien Cuanach (barony taneously, except Mac Gillpatrick, namely, Fingin Coonagh, Limerick), namely, the sons (Florence), the son Bryan, son Florence; Murtogh, son Torlogh, son Murtogh the they afterwards proceeded the northern end the O’Ryans, along with Conor-na-Mainge, the son
Dromineer, the barony Lower Ormond,
county Tipperary), the banks the Shan
non, which Redmond Burke held his possession for the purpose maintaining and supporting the
war Clanrickard They remained for two three weeks encamped that country, during
which time preys were brought their camp
William Caoch, son Dermod O'Maoilriain (O'Mulryan, O'Ryan), and the Siol Briain Oge
ance, namely, O'Mulloy, and Conal, the son
Cahir Mac Coghlan, John Oge, the son Tipperary). After these Irish had joined
Slieve Bloom mountains, order get the Irish Ormond and Westmeath join them alli
Duithche Ara (the Mac I-Briens Arra,
John, son Art, son Cormac, and O'Carroll, namely, Calvach, the son William Odhar, son Fergamainm, son Maolroona; although these chiefs had been for some time acting behalf the sovereign, they were better pleased receive peace from those leaders who were traversing every country, and having made peace with them, they directed their course into the two Ormonds, and was not peace friendship they demanded from them, but plunder them forthwith, ac count their enmity against the earl Ormond, and they took five castles the towns Ormond;
those was Druim Aidhneach (the castle
Rory O'Moore, lord Leix, whom account has been given 497, the notes, his son Anthony was brought up his
alliance and friendship with the people O’Neill,
and had united all countries through which they passed league with them, they prepared march,
with the risings out those countries, into the territory the Geraldines, the instigation
the sons Thomas Roe (Fitzgerald), the son the earl (of Desmond). the first instance they proceeded into the county Limerick; the president (of Munster), sir Thomas Norris, was that time Kilmallock, and understanding that
was not prepared fight against the Irish par ties, went Cork avoid them; they then proceeded across the river Mague, westward into
chieftain, the head his clans, and 1500 allies sent his assis
tance Hugh O'Neill, earl Tyrone, besieged Portleix, now friend Fiacha Mac Hugh O'Byrne, chief Wicklow, and when called Maryborough, the Queen's county, which was fortified
age assumed the title lord Leix, and attempted recover from the English that principality, which had been possessed
his ancestors; and, recorded the Annals the year 1596, 612, slew Cosby Stradbally, the Queen's county, one
town, and the English had strong garrison the fortress. Tho mas Butler, earl Ormond, dispatched three thousand men against O'Moore, commanded by his nephew, James Butler, but they were defeated various conflicts; and, according Mac Geoghegan, 1500 them, together with their commander, were slain; but the valiant Bryan O'Moore died soon after his
the chief English possessors who was located on the lands his
ancestors. This chief erroneously called Mac Geoghegan,
Cox, and others, Owney, Owen Mac Rory O'Moore, his name wounds, and Anthony O'Moore succeeded commander. The
Irish being Uaithne, that Anthony, and not Owen, which auxiliaries sent by O'Neill O'Moore were commanded by Red Irish Eogan. Mac Geoghegan and others state, that, 1597, mond Burke Galway, and captain Richard Tyrrell. Port Leix
Warham St. Leger, then governor Leinster, marched his forces into Leix, Queen's county, but being encountered O'Moore, and his allies the O'Byrnes, O'Tooles, O'Cavenaghs, and O'Conors, they had severe engagement, which the English forces were defeated, and 500 them left dead the field battle. 1598,
was taken by the Irish, and, above mentioned the Annals, the earl Ormond's forces were defeated with great slaughter, and himself was wounded; O'Moore and his allies obtained great number horses, with arms, armour, and provisions, on that occa
sion. further account the exploits Anthony O'Moore given above recorded the Annals, many other engagements took the Annals, the year 1599, which he gained great victory
place Leix, between the O'Moores and the English; and Mac over the English, under the earl Essex, Leix, place called Geoghegan mentions that Bryan Riavach O'Moore, another valiant the Pass of Plumes.
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633
the Connelloes (in Limerick), to the borders of Trughenackmy, county of Kerry), and of Glen Slieve Luachra (Slieve Logher, in the barony of Corbraighe (Glyn in Limerick). James, the son of
XIII. Ancient History of Fermanagh. -The following account
of the Maguires, and other chiefs and clans of Fermanagh, is now,
for the first time, translated from the Irish original, a valuable
MS. in the possession of Mr. Geraghty, the publisher of these
Annals; and which is considered to have been compiled towards
the middle of the 18th century, about A. D. 1740, from the old
books of the O'Clerys of Donegal, by James Maguire, a learned the firmament, that one knew where had gone for long writer, a native of Fermanagh. The tract chiefly refers to Fer time, until length they perceived the shape hideous
monster, directing its course towards the lake, and dashed itself into its deep waters, the presence all the beholders, that the bottom the lake was raised surface; and the monster continued sweeping through the lake, and finally directed its course the shore, near which opened its capacious mouth, and cast forth its internal poisonous matter, resembling shower hailstones, over the lake, but chiefly the direction where the saint and his clergy stood, that the clergy became greatly ter
managh, with a short account of the Mac Mahons of Monaghan,
and contains much interesting information connected with the
ancient ecclesiastical history of Fermanagh, and some account of
Lough Derg, and of St. Patrick; of the old traditions, manners,
and customs of the people, the laws of Tanistry and Brehonism, of the ancient tenures and the rents and tributes of the chiefs of the
Maguires, lords of Fermanagh , of the various tribes and clans who
possessedthe country; of the Termons, or church lands, &c. ; and
gives a picture of the manners and customs of the people of Fer rified the monstrous serpent. St. Patrick, perceiving this,
managh, at a remote period, namely, in the 14th century, or about 470 years from the present time. Donn More Maguire, lord of Fer
managh, mentioned in this tract, was probably the same chief recorded in the 14th century, at A. D. 1371, in these Annals. An account of Fermanagh, in ancient times, and of the Maguires, Mac Mahons, and other head chiefs of the Orgiellians, or race of Clan Colla, in Ulster, and of their various tribes and clans, has been already given at pp. 2, 78,417, 602 to 609, in the notes on Orgiall, Fermanagh, and Monaghan. The passages included in parenthe sis, in the following translation, are not in the original, but are additions necessary to elucidate the text; the tract commences as follows:
From Manus and Giollaisa, the sons of Don More, son of Rannall
Mac Uidhir, the Maguires of Fermanagh have derived the name;
he was the son of Searraidh, son of Oirgialla, son of Uidhir, son
of Searraidh, son of Oirgialla, son of Uidhir (from this Uidhir they
took the tribe name of Mac Uidhir, or Mac Guire), son of Cear
nach, son of Lughan, son of Iorgallach ; and Nadhaile, who con
secrated Cill Nadhaille, was the person who baptised Lughan, the
son of Iorgallach, son of Eigniach, son of Cormac, son of Fergus,
son of Aodh, son of Cormac, son of Cairbre-Daimhairgid. (Saint
Naal, or Natalis, above mentioned, was a native of Fermanagh,
and accounts of him are given by Colgan and Lanigan; he was
abbot of Devenish, in the 6th century, and founded the church of
Kilmaile, now Kinawley, a parish in the diocese of Kilmore, partly
in Cavan and partly in Fermanagh. ) It was in the time of that
Cormac, that he himself, and his brother Nadhsluagh, divided the
territory of Orgiall between them, viz. , from Fionnghlais, in which
bishop Eogan was in the habit of bathing, contiguous to Cluain ruling over Fermanagh, and Mac Mahon over Orgiall Mo eois (Clones, in Monaghan) to Leac-na-Narm, on the north (now naghan), which was rare circumstance Ireland that time; Lack, a town in the north-east of Fermanagh), and from Cara for was customary call every man over territory district Leadna to the gate of Ath-Seanaigh (Ballyshannon, in Donegal), land, chief country Ireland, prince; and the lawful on the western side of the river Erne. Other and more ancient heirs were elected by upright men among the laity and clergy authorities state that this division comprised from Inis-Saimer to every province and every country Ireland, and such had been Drobhais (from Ballyshannon to Bund rowis, in Leitrim), west the form nominating head chief for ages, till the time which
ward, and across from Sgeitheog-an Phreuchain (the crow's bush,
now probably Skeog, in Fermanagh), to Beul-Atha-na-Meird
reach, westward, and as far as Lios-na-d Torc (signifying the fort
of the swine, probably Lisnedorc, in Fermanagh), at which cended all the princes Fermanagh, and from Manus sprung the those two brothers, namely, Cormac and Nadsluagh, had many
feasts, so that it was from the great number of swine slaughtered there this place derived its name; and from that same Lios to Braghaid-na-Caoile (probably Glenkeel, in Fermanagh). If you
wish to be informed why it was called Braghaid-na-Caoile, it is as follows: An extraordinary monstrous serpent, called the Caol (Caol signifies long or slender, and might be applied to an animal
like a serpent), was in the habit of passing time the following manner: came Fionnlough every morning, where remained during the day, till the beginning night, and then proceeded Gleann-na-Caoile (Glenkeel, near Lough Erne, the western side, towards Leitrim), and stated that consumed
great deal the produce that locality for long period, until
the religious champion God, St. Patrick, came Ireland, and namely, the same Manus. The following were the chiefs dis
having received intelligence this monster, he went
the most the time the water,
direct way Fionnloch, where the serpent was
the island the lake; and immediately took
with its devouring mouth opened, and set the lake into
tion boisterous waves; after which gave body very strong bend, and rose into the clouds the air and the shades of
circumscribed the ground with the sign the cross, about himself and the clergy, and invoked the Almighty God defend them against the poison the serpent. The monster having then ad vanced the land, with jaws expanded, intent devouring the clergy, the saint and his clergy went on their knees, and prayed fervently that the poison the serpent might pass them for that time; and St. Patrick having cast his crozier the ser pent, which struck and pierced its breast, and through the miracles
God and St. Patrick, the serpent turned its back them, and proceeded through the lake their presence, while, the same
commo
time, its blood flowed profusely that turned all the water the lake red, from one side the other, and resembled any other blood. After that St. Patrick said that Fionnloch would
called Loch-Dearg, from thenceforth the day judgment; and the name God and St. Patrick was magnified through that miracle. (Fionnloch signifies the white fair lake, and was the ancient name the celebrated Lough Derg, the borders Donegal and Fermanagh; but, from this monstrous serpent being killed there, according the above account, got the name Lough Derg, which signifies the red lake). Thus had Fermanagh and the country Monaghan been divided between those two princes presumptive, namely, Cormac, from whom are descend
the Siol Uidhir (the tribe the Maguires), and Nadsluagh, from whom descended the Mahonians (Mac Mahons Monaghan), and the other tribes which sprung from them respectively. This division has ever since been continued, down the time Manus Maguire, that has not been recorded that any prince has been nominated over Orgiall since the time Manus, but Maguire
those two sons Donn More, the son Raghnall, whom we have above mentioned, namely, Manus and Giolla Iosa, governed con
jointly over this country Fermanagh. From this Gillaisa des
Clan Manus Seanaidh (Mac Manuses Fermanagh) every place they dwell. As my object togive account the heirs, and the distinct history those princely chiefs, regular suc cession from their ancestors, shall not touch the general his tory the clans Colla, any the other large possessions which they had any other country, which they had gained conquest Ireland, the time the high kings, but shall merely
confine myself and the county the country;
that small portion relating Fermanagh Monaghan enumeration the termons
the chiefs districts, from the time Nadsluagh till the present time the sons Donn; the life and death
Manus, son Donn More and the rule and government
Giolla Iosa, during the lifetime and after the death his brother,
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634 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1598.
Thomas Roe (Fitzgerald), came to them in the Con melloes on that occasion, and John, the second of the
tricts at that time in the country, namely, O'Maolruanaidh, from
whom are descended the Clan O'Mulroona, in Uachtar Tire (the
upper country); Mac Donnell of Clan Kelly ; the Clan Mac Uin
sionnain of Tir Kennedy and Fearan Oireachta; O'Muldoon of
Lurg; O'Flanagan of Tura; Mac Gilfinnen of Muinter Fodocain;
and Giolla Coimhde of Bally Mac Giolla Coimdhe. The follow bore a higher reputation with his people, and with every one in ing are the heads of ecclesiastical termons, namely, the three Gow general, than he, during his government. His regal residence was ans of Drom Uilche; O'Corragain of the chapel of Machaire Mil Purt Dubhrain, at Cnoc Ninne (Knockninny), where Nine, the ioch ; O'Coigle (O'Quigley) of Clan Tibhrinn ; Mac I-Maolchuill of
Gabhail Sin, and also O'Donagan ; Muintir Cairbre and Clan
Mac Sgoloige of Aghalurcher; Muintir Olltachain (O’Dunlevy)
ofAghavea; O'Luinin, O’Breslen, and Muintir Bhanain (O'Ba
mans) of Derry vullen; O'Keenan, and O'Corcoran of Cleenish ;
Muinter Murchadha of Sepel-an-Mhuilin (the chapel of the mill);
O'Tully, O'Miothain (O'Meehan), and O'Casey of Devenish ;
O'Cassidy of Bally O'Cassidy; Clan Mac Antagart of Ballymac
sagart; Muintir, Conghuile (the O'Connollys) of Bally connolly;
Muintir Treasaidh (the O'Traceys) of Kiltierney; the Magraths
of Termon Magrath ; Muintir Leanain (Mac Lennons) of Inis
Muighe Samh (Inishmacsaint); O'Fialan (O’Felans) and Magar except being carried his own faithful attendants; and aghans of Bohoe; O'Felan of Lough Mac Gilliasar, and Muintir
sons of Thomas Roe, was along with themselves on those expeditions, leading them to the country. The
he kept a house of general hospitality for a month, in like manner. The chiefs of the country waited on him there, namely, Mac Don
nell of Clankelly, Mac-ui-Maolruana (O'Mulroona), and all his other chieftains. He was so much esteemed by the people of his country, that there was not in Ulster a prince more beloved or
son of Adamnan, had resided, from whom that hill got name (St. Nennidh, abbot Innismacsaint, Fermanagh, the 6th
century). He (Manus) continued after that manner for thirty-five years, ruling and governing those seven territories Fermanagh, becoming prince and lord, without strife contention
among the laity clergy during that period; but usual the termination the government every chief, was seized with great uncommon sickness, and dangerous disease, which
was called Galar-na-n Alt (the disease the joints, gout rheumatism), that fell into such debilitated state and con sumption, that was unable come table bed,
continued that state for three years, consuming those viru lent diseases. When was made known through the territories Fermanagh that his physicians despaired him, that there was
Blathmac of Killassar (parish of Killesher), and of Teampall-an
Aifrin (mass church); Muintir Droma (O’Droms) of Kinawley in
the diocese of Kilmore; Muintir Gormain (O'Gormans) of Temple
Guirmuin and of Calla-Choil (Callow-hill), and those two chapels
belong to the vicarage of Kinnawley in Barnos; Muintir Duna previously, frequent borrowing usually ends title, they chain (O’Donegans) of Damhnach and of Tullagh-na-goaorthan
(Tullykeeran); they do not, however, count it as a church, but it was merely built by the vicar, Mac Murrogh, with the consent of
Maguire, for the convenience of the Clan Connolly, as they were not sufficiently accommodated at the other parochial churches,
and it was consecrated by the bishops to make it a burial place; and also the chapel of Teampul-mhoil-an-ghleanna, which be
longs to the parochial church of Clones (in Monaghan); it is not
right to omit them, namely Muintir Coisigle (Mac Cosglys), viz. ,
the termonachs of Derrybrusk. Such was the number of termo
machs in Fermanagh, during the time of those sons of Donn More,
the son of Raghnall. With respect to those sons, namely, Manus
and Gillaisa, we shall state a few of their great exploits, and the
manner in which the country was under their rent and tribute
during their time and government; as also of their heirs to the
present time. Manus, the son of Donn More, while he governed as
prince of Fermanagh, collected his regal rents once in every year,
and he always commenced collecting them at the lower (northern)
part of the county, at Leac-na-n Arm, namely, on Rathmore (the great rath) of Miodhluc; he would send, on those occasions, for
the chiefs of the country, namely, O'Flanagan of Tura (in the ba rony of Magheraboy), O'Muldoon of Lurg (barony), and would also send for his brother, i. e. O'Donnell, for they were born of the same inother, who had been the queen of O'Neill, and she was also mar ried to Donn More (Maguire) after the death of O’Donnell. Manus kept a house of general hospitality, on the great Rath of Miodh luc, where he gave numerous feasts and banquets to those chiefs
conceived within their deceitful and malicious minds that their lord's sons were feeble, young, and incapable fighting defence their country, and they therefore put the resolution not pay rents any one, until he himself should come receive them
the usual manner. Upon some his lordship's sincere friends hearing this, they disclosed him, after which commanded that his retinue troops, collectors, should sent collect the rents throughout the country, who immediately set out, and the first place proceeded O'Flanagan, who returned them answer that would not pay rent until should see the lord, whom
about him during the time he was engaged in collecting that rent
there, and made large presents to the laity, clergy, literary men,
professors, and to all classes of people, for persons of good autho
rity have stated that there had not been in Ulster, in his time, a
lord who had greater wealth and property than he, particularly
of cows and cattle, herds, horses and flocks, and of every kind of
wealth and property. He usually remained a month at the house
of the Rath, receiving his rents from his head chieftains of the
lower part of Fermanagh; and at the end of that period, after
taking his leave of those nobles, he proceeded to Bun Abhan of
Termon, to the residence of Magrath (Termon Magrath, in the the absence the chiefs the lower part the country, and parish of Temple Carne, on the borders of Fermanagh and Done
gal), where he partook of a great banquet, and was in the habit of remaining a night there. At this place he embarked in one of the boats or vessels of his fleet, and the second place where he took up his quarters, to meet the nobles of Uachtar-an-Tire (the upper or southern part of the county), was at Gabhail Liuin, where
likely that O'Muldoon, and the other clans his tribe, will go opposition you, O'Flanagan has already done; and, there
hope for restoration his health, and that there had not been penny their lord’s rents collected from them for long time
might deliver
securities holding
answer O'Flanagan,
perty, cows and cattle,
tants throughout the territory. The O'Flanagans and their clans
his feast, and that they were not better than himself. When the troops heard this they proceeded seize the goods, pro every description, from all the inhabi
pursued them across Slieve-da-Con, and overtook the collec tors the Glaic-Manchaidh, place called Amodhclais-an Chairn, and both parties attacked each other, and many were slain each side, among whom was O'Flanagan himself, and many his people, together with fifteen the lord's relatives, and many others who are not recorded, and the peasants and common people Tura drove back the cattle while the fight was carried on. Those who survived the conflict conveyed tidings
the prince
the beginning
also informed
Fermanagh, concerning all that had happened, from the end, and all that were slain there; was the fifteen his own relatives who were killed,
and Manus Maguire was very much grieved that. He then
country and household, his historians and physicians, and the leading men the county, such them were near him, with whom sat consultation and council; after having revealed them the disobedience O'Flanagan, the slaying his people, and all the evils which resulted therefrom, asked those great nobles, both lay and ecclesiastical, what resolution they should come concerning that affair O’Breslin answered and said, “You, my lord, have here assembled the greater portion the chiefs your country, such we consider loyal you,
sent for his chief counsellors, namely, the ecclesiastics his
fore, let private council held here these nobles present, both lay and ecclesiastical, and let them consult on the matter, and determine what Eric (fine) should decided for the death your people, for disloyalty you have experienced respecting
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Gamhnach (full-grown heifer or milch cow), the pence; the Lair-groigheadh (brood-mare), was Bo-ionlaogha (cow in calf), were given for six given for three pence, and the very best hog for a
your own lawful rents. ” (The O'Breslins were chief Brehons to
the Maguires). This proposition of O’Breslin was approved of by
all, and those nobles sat in private council, and the decision they
came to was, that no reparative eric should be given from either
party to the other, because there were many slain on both sides,
and particularly as O'Flanagan himself had fallen, so that such as
were living should live, and let the dead rest; and they requested
O’Breslin to deliver this decision, after which they proceeded to
the presence of the prince of Fermanagh, to the bedside in which
Brefney, came him and asked what were the tidings re ceived, through which his countenance and whole frame had undergone great change. “My beloved father,” said he,
he lay. “Well, noble chiefs,” said he, “how have you decided that case? ” O’ Breslin answered and said : “Whatsoever we
might do concerning all that has happened, we cannot forgive the shedding of blood, or the death of those people; but, should it
seem pleasing to you, the decision we have come to that
eric demanded for your people, for the fifteen men who were
slain from you, and more especially the loss Tura, the
death O'Flanagan, sufficient reparation we have therefore
freed them from you, but receive your regal rents from them
henceforth. ” “That not just judgment you deliver, O'Bres evince disposition set themselves opposition him, for
lin, for you are inclined favour O'Flanagan, because you your self and your ancestors before you are from Fanaid (in Donegal), and accuse you, the spot, that you have given false judg ment, for certain that every subject should yield obedience his lord, and pay him his lawful rights, and (O'Flanagan) had not yielded submission obedience his lord, not giving me my right, therefore just they should give me eric for the death my people, they shall yet do. ” After that those highnobleswereentertainedwith feastsandbanquets, theregal fortress Dobhran (Purt Dobhran), for three days and three nights; then, having taken leave the prince Fermanagh, they departed for their respective homes. After those nobles had de parted, Manus (Maguire, prince Fermanagh) sent privately for
Luininn and O'Cassidy; and, their arrival, brought them
his bedside, and asked them their opinion the various arguments used thosenobles behalf O'Flanagan. “What infer, my lord,” said Luininn, “is that you feel the want your health, and the incurable disease which affects you; and that this encouraged them what they have done, evident yourself and every other person understanding, for they have never risen, day night, opposition you, while you en
joyed your health, nor since you have assumed the rank your
ancestors. ” “O’Luininn,” although those chiefs
have present
my time there was not prince Ulster who keep from him his own rights, not even
the wrong. not, however, consider that any importance, but am surprised, and will greatly won dered all persons, and the lords Ireland, that any
chiefs should presumptuous set themselves opposition their lord, for merely demanding his own rents from them. ” After that the entire the regal household, but particularly the
messengers, were entertained with banquets, and all were happy and merry; after which Gillaisa (Maguire), rose up and went
his knees before his grandfather, and asked his blessing, which he heartily gave him then proceeded the most direct way, and nothing recorded his journey until arrived the regal fortress his brother, namely, Purt Dubhrain, and all the mem bers the princely household went meet and receive him, and kissed him the most cordial and friendly manner. The messen gers went their lord, and they told him that Gillaisa had arri ved; “bring me,” said he, “my garments until am carried forth amongst the household receive him;” his faithful military offi cers surrounded him and carried him amongst his household, and Giollaisa rose meet him, and they cordially and affectionately kissed each other, and then sat together, and viands the most delicious description and the best flavoured drinks were supplied,
that all the nobles and common people that princely fortress, were merry and happy. After that Manus spoke and said, “My brother, your coming great source restoring my faculties and
and sooner had comprehended their purport, than his coun tenance becamegreatly altered, and redness pervaded all round his eyes and eye-halls, that the entire the household his grandfather trembled and became alarmed the change which came over him from the tidings which he received. He then called him his guards and attendants, and commanded them make ready their horses, and having taken his arms, quickly buckled them on. After that his grandfather, namely, the prince
“that cannot tell you, and since cannot, read these letters yourself, and you will learn all the information am possessedof. ” The prince Brefney having then read these letters, said was
melancholy circumstance which his own people had reduced the prince Fermanagh, deprived was the use
his feet, and the power his hands, “and evident that such his condition, when the chiefs Fermanagh dared attempt
certain that would attempt
said Manus, “and known you, Fermanagh may think the contrary, efficient heir, through whom this county
that
shall
were
public examples those that would manifest the neighbour
ing countries; but, since am not so, glory God, have this, tables various colours the regal fortress were laid out, successor, rightful heir, subdue those chiefs Fermanagh,
governed unto the seventh generation after me; and my health, was three years ago, would make
health, and think, that should more your kind come me, would the means completely restoring my health. ” After
and who will not receive O'Breslin's judgment, without getting eric, and this person my brother Giollaiosa Maguire; and, O’Lui ninn, write thou letters my brother up Brefney, and after this manner you shall write them, viz. , let him come me without delay this place, and immediately despatch my own messenger with these letters inform him of the disobedience of the chiefs
Fermanagh. ” O’Luininn and O'Cassidy retired write these letters they were directed, and after having written them they returned their lord, and having read them, was pleased with the manner which they had been done, and his hand was obliged
held while was signing his name them, because his hand shook. After that two his couriers were called him, and having given them gold and silver for their travelling expenses, they proceeded the shortest direction through every place after leaving the regal household, partaking feasts and banquets, and rejoicing mirth and pleasures each other's company; and nothing remarkable recorded the journey those messengers until they arrived the house O'Reilly Brefney (co. Cavan), where Gillaisa Maguire was then staying, namely, the heir the principality Fernanagh, and they delivered him those letters his brother; took the letters and reud them,
on which were placed the choicest viands; when was time for them sleep, Manus ordered that bed should prepared for Giollaisa his own sleeping chamber, order that they might hold consultation with each other, which was accordingly done, and they remained together till the following morning, when Manus spoke and said—“My brother, Giollaisa, you have already heard how those chiefs Fermanagh have rebelled against me, and the evils arising therefrom, viz. , the slaying fifteen my dearest friends that commotion, and my rents unpaid for length
were somewhat
have sent for you, though independently that you may take revenge for the death my people, and get eric for them, and also that you may
daries this territory Fermanagh, all around tion, am old and incapable looking after
time, and the reason we are glad see you,
bring me my rents despite those chieftains. ” “It certain, bro ther,” said Giollaisa, “that all things you require shall done that affair, amprepared your will. ” “Ifso"said Manus, “my advice you not delay to-morrow morning until you go Slieve-da-Chon, viz. , mountain which lies on the borders this territory and Brefney O'Rourke (Leitrim); and, brother, essentially necessary for you know and informed
govern efficiently, and therefore you are more likely enjoy all the emolu
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*
636 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1598.
penny, and these bargains were proclaimed and When the earl of Ormond received intelligence of offered at every camp in which they had been. the military progress of those warlike parties, he
ments due to me from the country, than myself; and it will be also necessary,for you frequently to seek for information of those from whom you may expect to obtain and get acquainted with the
ancient venerable names those places, such that Slieve-da Chon, for was from two hounds belonging Fionn (Mac Cumh aill), which were lost that mountain by some demonism enchantment derived the name Slieve-da-Chon (the Mountain
the Two Hounds); was formerly called Glean Caoin, until Fionn imposed this name on after he had lost his two hounds by the enchantment the sons Lir, and therefore thou
gers O'Boyle, O'Gallagher, and the three MacSweeneys, re
questing their attendance Ballyshannon with all their forces;
those forces without delay marched Ballyshannon, and having all assembled there, their number amounted seven hundred men armed armour, and prepared for battle. “Q'Donnell,” said Giol laisa, “I will now command these brave forces, and meet confer them some mark commendation, their services are
guided by the instruction verse, viz. :-
the wise man who composed this
present required,” after which he himself and O’Donnell went secondtime review them, and Giollaisa, the midst those forces said aloud, distinct and clear-toned voice,"Come with me now, my brave men, lucky hour and period, but shall not, the same time, ask one day night your service, until give you before hand the value your services, previous your going perform them. ” After that O'Donnell said, “March my brave forces those pledges the son the prince Fermanagh, with my blessings, and known you, that my instructions you are, obey every command which Giollaisa Maguire shall deliver you, until you return again, similar manner you would, concerning me were the predicament
the constables leaders
Don Maguire, not afraid
faithful thee, for we shall give you
faithful thee should have been
engaged with you this expedition. ”
with one accord and unanimity lucky hour and period Leic na-narm, and did not halt until they arrived Slieve-da-Chen, where Manus's flocks and cattle were the care his own herds, and Giollaisa ordered them collect those eattle together, which was accordingly done, and Giollaisa then gave cow each the seven hundred forces which were along with him, and those leading chiefs sent drivers with them their own estates Tirconnell, after which himself (Giollaisa), and those forces marched forward through Tura, that there was lead house that territory but was sent bound chains Purt-Dobhran;
o**Ifthou "'Intelligent The light
The door
You should not, therefore, lose sight of, neglect these precepts, and make delay now until you go
will then send for O'Gallagher, O'Boyle, and the three Mac Sweeneys, and for all the other constables his pay, and bring thou with thee sufficient force them Glen-da-Chon, where. have seven chiefs. ” Give milch cow or heifer to each man before you ask them for day's service, and also each. constable proportionately until they are satisfied, and let them selves send persons drive them Tirconnell.