much damage was
committed
between them.
Four Masters - Annals of Ireland
Froin this habitation over Meath
Extend the houses of Temor.
“Temor, from which is named Temor of Bregia,
Was the mound of Tea, wife of the son of Milesius. Neamhnach, to the east, pours stream into the glen,
*
On which the first mill was erected
“Between the cairns the two youths
Cormac.
Desies And north
the Rath
Temor, south Crinna; the great hill
Colman, the brown-haired Damnonian. ”
Kineth O'Hartigan,
wrote poem Tara, contained the Book Ballymote, from which have been translated the following passages:—
“O, beauty, world deceitful
The agreeabledrinking feast hundredheroes; False are its attractions, numerous mention, Except the adoration the King all.
celebrated bard the tenth
century,
also
“Every law recorded has passed away,
Every right under the sun has beendestroyed, And Temor to-day though wilderness,
Was once the meeting place
“Fair was many-sided tower,
Where assembledheroesfamed story;
Many were the tribes which was inheritance, Though to-day but greengrassy land.
“It was famous fortress wisdom; was ennobled with warlike chiefs;
To viewed was splendid hill, During the time Cormac O'Cuinn.
heroes.
of a
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of
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of
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of of
its by
!
:i
!
296 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1477.
The son of Anthony O'Moore was killed at | county), by the son of Pierce Butler, and by Art Ballydaithi (Ballydavy near Maryboro, Queen's O'Conor.
“When Cormac was in his grandeur, Brilliant and conspicuous was his course; No fortress was found equal to Temor, It was the secret of the road of life.
“Strong was the power of hosts
Of that king who obtained Temor;
It is better for us to record the many tribes And the numerous families of his household.
“Nine ramparts or rough strong trenches, With nine surrounding mounds,
With groves of fair trees,
And it was a strong and famous fortress.
“Enlightened was his train of bards,
Who kept their records in careful order,
And what they said was respected by the professors in
each art.
“The household of the hosts let us enumerate, Who were in the house of Temor of the tribes, This is the exact enumeration,
Fifty above a thousand of warriors.
“When Cormac resided at Temor,
His fame was heard by all the exalted, And a king like the son of Art Aenfear, There came not of the men of the world. ”
Tara Deserted. —The Hill of Tara is large, verdant, level at the
top, and extremely beautiful; and, though not very high, com
mands extensive and most magnificent prospects over the great
and fertile plains of Meath. Tara became deserted as a royal residence in the sixth century, and, as already observed, some
earthen ramparts and mounds are all that now remain of its ancient manificence. The circumstances which caused its abandonment by the kings were as follows:—Dermod, monarch of Ireland, who was called Mac Carroll, having taken prisoner and punished a brother relative of St. Ruadhan, who was abbot Lothra, now Lorrha, the county Tipperary, St. Ruadhan laid
“His great house of a thousand heroes, With tribes it was delightful,
A fair bright fortress of fine men; Three hundred feet was its measure.
“Its circuit was well arranged,
Nor was narrow by faulty construction, Nor too small for separate apartments,
Six times five cubits was its height.
“A habitation for king Erin,
which was distributed sparkling wine;
was fortress, rampart, and stronghold;
were three times fifty couches.
“There were fifty warriors with swords, Who were the guards this fortress,
Which truly was noble residence,
And there were two couches each apartment.
Tara; and after the death
no other king resided Tara;
by one the ancient bards
ing passage has been translated :—
“From the reign the brown-haired Dermod,
curse
A. D. 565,
“Grand was the host which attended there,
-
several of the kings were afterwards styled kings
weapons glittering with gold; And their -were -
Though
-
There were three times fifty opold apartments, And each apartment held fifty persons.
Tara, they did not reside there, but took their title from othe
il. . o *: o.
was law ordained by the king
Thatt hnesnhould first drink his onests
“And very great were his guests number,
subsequent
“Seven cubits exact measure,
Were the dimensions the fire-place, Before which the active attendants Lighted the brilliant lamps.
ancient residence the monarchs.
the monarchs, appears, resided Tailtean;
times some and mentioned Tailtean, A. D. 916.
“There were seven splendid chandeliers Of bright and beautiful appearance.
brass,
Niall race, when monarchs the fortress Aileach,
narch Ireland, resided
Ireland, had their chief residence Donegal and Brian Boru, when mo
his palace Kincora, Thomond,
that fair and sunny palace
Of feasts and ornamental goblets.
the banks the Shannon, near Killaloe,
the county Clare.
- - --- -- The southern Hy-: Niall race, who were kings
. . . -- ‘’. -
*. each festive drinking; Three hundred p
*:
artook
Fifty were noble and learned lawgivers company with the exalted upright prince.
. . .
Great
c people n-
very strong,
with rock
Fifty were festive pleasing companions,
and the rest common fortress
earthen ramparts; -and - -
Woo great
Danish king traditionally said have had his chief residence there.
1ng
To attend guards the warlike king.
warrior
s stan
aroun
“Three hundred cup-bearers handed around Three times fifty splendid goblets,
To each the numerous parties there, Which cups were gold silver all
Cemeteries the Pagan Kings—An account the great cemetery the Pagan kings Cruachan, Connaught, near Elphin, has been given the note South Connaught, and account sepulchral mounds, the burial places kings and war riors the Pagan times, will found the first part the note
Moy Liffey and Bregia. There were two great cemeteries Meath, one Tailtean, and the other Brugh-na-Boine; the latter place signifying the town fortress the Boyne supposed some have been situated near Trim, and by others near the place now called Stackallen, between Navan and Slane.
“Ornamented with pure and precious stones. Thirty hundred were entertained
By the son Art each day
- - - -
-
doors-
chief
the shields, near Mullingar,
or. i. Foi.
Son Fergus, son From the judgment There was king
Carroll, Ruadhan
Temor. ”
his house,
the monarch Dermod, and this circumstance
mentioned some verses, from which the follow
that Flann Sionna, monarch Ireland, died
Some the ancient monarchs resided the palace Cruachan,
Connaught; and some the kings Ulster, when monarchs,
resided Emania, now Armagh. The kings Ulster the Hy
Meath, had thei1r residence, called Dun-na-Sciath, signifying the fortress
the banks Lough Ainnin, now Lough Ennell, Westmeath, where Malachy II. , monarch
Ireland, died, A. D. 1022; and the kings
Meath also had for
. ress where they resided, situated high hill, about mile
t
from Castlepollard, and, within about two miles the Ben
Hill Fore. This fortress was
a
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celebrated work called the Psalter of Cashel, which full account will found page 204, the note Ormond. The monarch Cormac, whom account has been already given, was celebrated legislator; and the conventions held his palace Tara, the provincial kings are stated have sat the following order—the monarch himself sitting throne the middle the assembly hall, the king Ulster sitting his right
hand, the kings the two Munsters his left, the king Leinster front, and the king Connaught behind the throne the
ning the first century, and the stone did not resume tomed sound until the inauguration Con the Hundred the second century, he being legitimate monarch.
and his bas the
accus Battles, the beginning the sixth century Fergus Mac Earca, who was brother the then reigning monarch Ireland, Murtogh Mac Earca,
interior of the dome the Four Courts of Dublin. The conven tion Tara, called Feis Teamrach, from Feis, which signifies convention assembly, was ordained by Ollav Fola held
every third year the royal residence Tara, and was attended the provincial kings, princes, and chiefs—the Druids Pagan priests, the Brehons judges, and the bards the Pagan times;
and, after the introduction Christianity, the bishops, abbots, and superior clergy; and great numbers the people also attended
having become king the Irish colonies, settled Dalriada Albany, afterwards called Scotland, requested the Irish monarch
send over the Lia Fail
give security his throne, but O'Flaherty, his Ogygia,
used his inauguration, order
accordance with the old traditions; opinion, that the Stone Des tiny was not brought Albany Scotland until the ninth cen tury, when Aodh Finliath, monarch Ireland, sent his
those assemblies, which were held every third year, the month November. The ancient records and chronicles of the kingdom were ordered written and carefully preserved Tara Ollav Fola, and these formed the basis the ancient
father-in-law Kinneth Mac Alpin, who was crowned king Scotland. The Stone Destiny mentioned Hector Boetius, and other Scottish historians, and the following Irish verse res pecting quoted Keating and Charles O'Conor:—
“Cineadh Scuit, saoran fline, Mun budh breag haisdine, Mar fuighid Liagh Fail Dlighid flaitheas ghabhail. ”
thus rendered into Latin by Hector Boetius:— “Ni fallat fatum, Scoti, quocumquelocatum,
Invenient lapidem hunc, regnare tenentur ibidem. ” thus translated :—
“If fate's decrees not announced vain,
Where e'er this stone found the Scots shall reign. ”
Tara, which was brought the monarch Cormac, the Tara, and other records, was compiled, the latter end the ninth century, Cormac Mac Cullenan, archbishop Cashel and king Munster, the
REIGN OF EDWARD IV. 297
--
history Ireland, called the Psalter complete accuracy the reign
third century; and from the Psalter
!
A great wind happened on the night of the fes tival of St. John the Baptist, in this year, which destroyed an immense deal of stone and wooden
The Tuath De Danan kings and queens were buried chiefly at Cruachan in Connaught, and at Brugh-na-Boine, but some of them also at Tailtean; and the Firbolg kings and queens were buried, someof them at Cruachan, some at Brugh, and some at Tailtean. The Milesian kings and queens in the Pagan times, were also buried in thosethree great cemeteries,and, according to Dorban, an ancient poet of Connaught, there were fifty sepulchral mounds at each of the royal cemeteries of Cruachan, Tailtean, and Brugh, in each of which mounds were buried fifty kings, queens,warriors, and bards. Cormac, monarch of Ireland, is considered to have become a con vert to the Christian faith, and he gave directions that he should not be buried at Brugh-na-Boine with the Pagan kings, but at Ros-na-riogh, with his face turned towards the rising sun or the east, in reference to the birth-place of Christ; this place is now
known as Rosnaree, between Drogheda and Slane, in Meath. Amongst the celebrated persons buried at Tara were the monarch
Laoghaire, in the fifth century, who gave directions that his body should be placed upright in the sepulchral mound, with his spear
in his hand, and his face turned towards the south, as in defiance of his enemies the people of Leinster; and the head of the cele brated hero Cuchulain, chief of the Redbranch knights of Ulster, was buried at Tara, and a sepulchral mound raised to his memory.
buildings, of Cranoges (fortresses on lakes), and corn stacks.
This stone was considered the Scots the palladium their kingdom from ancient prophecy that the Scotic Milesian race would continue rule long was their possession, and was preserved with great care for many centuries Scotland, first the monastery St. Columkille, Iona the Hebrides, afterwards Dunstaffnage Argyleshire, the first royal seat the Scottish kings Irish race, and was removed from thence
the ninth century by Kinneth Mac Alpin, king Scotland, and conqueror the Picts, who placed Scone, near Perth, where was preserved the ancient abbey until the year 1296, when Edward king England, having overran Scotland, took away
the Stone Destiny from the cathedral Scone, carried off trophy victory, and placed under the coronation chair
Westminster Abbey, where still remains. sometimescalled by English writers Jacob's Stone, from some tradition that
part the stone called Jacob's Pillow Bethel, mentioned the Book Genesis, hence some have considered that was first brought Ireland the Danans from the land Canaan.
has been asserted some modern publications Irish antiquities, that the large stone standing uprighton one the mounds Tara the Stone Destiny, but this assertion altogether improbable, and opposed the statements Keating, O'Flaherty, Ware, Dr.
O'Conor, Charles O'Conor, and all other learned Irish antiquarians, The Stone of Destiny. —When the Tuath De Danan colony together with the accounts the Scottish historians, and
cameto Ireland, they brought with them, according to our ancient
probable that the huge stone standing the mound Tara, which six feet above the ground, well many feet under and immense weight, the stone mentioned by many the old Irish
writers, a remarkable stone called Lia-Fail, signifying the Stone
of Fate or of Destiny, and from this circumstance Ireland obtained
the name Inis Fail, or the Island of Destiny. This stone was also
called Cloch-na-Cineamhna, or the Stone of Fate. The Lia Fail the Fians Fenians, connected with the accounts some
was held in the highest veneration, and sitting on it the ancient monarchs of Ireland, both in the Pagan and Christian times, were for many ages inaugurated at Tara, and it is stated that whenever a legitimate king of the Milesian race was inaugurated, the stone emitted a peculiar sound, an effect produced, it is supposed, by somecontrivance of the Druids. In Dr. O'Conor's account of the Irish MSS. at Stowe, it is stated that the Lia Fail was at a remote period removed from the royal Rath at Tara, to the residence of the kings at Cruachan in Connaught, but ceased to emit usual soundcalled Ges, which signifies spell charm, from the time
was profaned Cuchulain, who resented its silence when his friendFiacha Fionnwasappointedmonarch Ireland thebegin
writers under the name Lia-na-bhFian, that the Stone the Fenian warriors.
The Conventions Tara. -The great conventions legislative assemblies Tara were instituted by the celebrated Ollamh Fodhla, king whose reign placed by our annalists and chro nologers about seven centuries before the Christian era. This Ollamh Fodhla was the Irian race, and was king Ulster, and monarch Ireland; and his name, pronounced Ollav Fola, sig nifies the Sage Ireland, derived from Ollamh, sage learned man, and Fodhla, which was one the ancient names Ireland. Ollav Fola celebrated ancient history sageand legislator, eminent for learning, wisdom, and excellent institutions;
historic fame has been recognised by placing his medallion relievo with those Moses, and other great legislators,
be is
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M
298 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1478.
A. D. 1478.
O'Higgin, bishop of Mayo of the Saxons, died.
Thomas Duv O'Carbry, vicar of Aghalurcher Fermanagh), man wisdom and piety, died.
entered the port Ballyshannon, and this pesti lence spread through Fermanagh, Tirconnell, and throughout the province (of Ulster) general; Mac Ward, i. e. Geoffrey Tirconnell, died
and did much destruction throughout the entire province.
Mac Rithbeartaigh (Mac Raverty), Cioth ruadh, chief poet Maguire (of Fermanagh);
The earl succeeded him.
Richard, son
Kildare died, and his son Gerald
Edmond, son Richard Butler,
was killed Fingin Roe (Mac Gillpatrick) the
Ossorians, the son Fingin, the door the Teige Fionn O'Luinin, learned physician and
church Kilkenny. Cormac, the son Donogh Mac Carthy, was blinded his kinsmen, after being imprisoned them for some time.
Donogh, son Bryan Ballach O'Conor, and
Torlogh, son Torlogh Roe O'Conor, died.
The Gilla Duv, son Bryan, son O'Reilly, died.
Thomas, son Pierce Butler, was killed.
Thomas O'Concannan, lord Hy Diarmada (in Roscommon), was killed by his own nephew.
great plague was imported ship which
historian; O’Breslein, Teige, the son Owen,
chief Brehon Maguire; and O’Coffey, Mur togh Bacach, died.
Young Hugh Mac Mahon and his household made attack upon Bryan, the son Redmond Felim Mac Mahon, and they committed great depreda
tions on him, and took Bryan himself prisoner, while pursuit his plundered property.
Malachy, son Hugh Buighe Mac Geoghegan, lord Kinel Fiacha, was killed while asleep by two his own people, the castle Leathratha
archbishop Dublin Leinster, together with great numbers
other bishops, abbots, and clergy. the whole assembly there
were thirteen thousand horsemen, namely, six thousand Con naughtmen, under the O'Conors, Mac Dermotts, O'Kellys,
O'Dowds, and other princes and chiefs; four thousand the men Brefney, now the counties Cavan and Leitrim, with Tiarnan O'Rourke, prince West Brefney Leitrim, and O'Reilly, prince East Brefney Cavan; four thousand men with Donogh O'Carroll, prince Orgiall, from Louth, Monaghan, and Armagh, and with Mac Dunslevy O'Heochy, prince Ulidia,
the counties Down and Antrim two thousand men with Dermod O’Melaghlin, king Meath and one thousand with Reginald, lord the Danes Dublin; Donogh, the son Felan,
refractory spirit which princes.
princes, chiefs, Druids, Brehons, and bards, arranged due order. These triennial legislative assemblies Tara, which were the parliaments ancient Ireland, were held there for many centuries, and continued down about the middle the sixth century, the last convention the states Tara, according the annals Tigearmach, being held, A. D. 560, the reign the monarch Dermod Mac Carroll. Conventions the states legislative assemblies were also held the Hill Uisneach (situated few miles from Mullingar, Westmeath), which was celebrated seat of Druidism. These assemblies were convened the month of May, and, after the abandonment Tara, this was probably one
the chief places for legislative meetings; and may re marked, that great synod national convention bishops, clergy, chiefs, and people, was held Uisneach, Fiodh Mac Aengusa, A. D. 1111, according the Annals the Four Masters, which was attended Celsus, archbishop Armagh, and Maol muire O'Dunain, archbishop Cashel, together with fifty other bishops, three hundred priests, and three thousand persons the clerical order, and also Murtogh O'Brien, king Munster, and various princes and chiefs from different parts the kingdom, make laws and regulations both for clergy and people. the year 1152, great national synod council was convened
prince whose territory not mentioned, brought two thousand men. does not appear that those powerful northern princes, O'Neill and O'Donnell, who ruled over Tyrone, Derry, and Done gal, attended this assembly; and they probably did not acknow ledge the authority
Ceananus, Kells, Meath, which presided Cardinal John Paparo, legate Pope Eugene III. , having been sent Ire
land confer the pallium this synod was attended other clergy Ireland,
the four archbishops Ireland; and the archbishops, bishops, abbots, and great numbers. Great conventions
legislative assemblies, similar those Tara, were held ancient times the other provinces. The states Connaught assembled Cruachan, near Elphin the states Ulster Emania,
Armagh; the states Leinster Naas, Kildare; and the states Munster Cashel. The last great national convention mentioned Irish history was that the states Leath Cuinn,
Meath, Ulster and Connaught, convened Athboy, Meath, A. D. 1167, king Roderick O'Conor, make laws and regula
tions for the church and state which assembly, according
the Annals the Four Masters and other authorities, there
attended vast number the princes, chiefs, clergy, and people throwing the stone, bar, &c. , foot-ball, dancing, together with
Ulster, Connaught, and Meath, together with the Danes horse and chariot racing; and those assemblies were also remark Dublin, who were then under subjection king Roderick. able for the arrangement matrimonial alliances, match-mak Amongst the clergy who attended were Gelasius, archbishop Ar ing, and the ratification marriage contracts. remarkable magh, Cadhla O’Duffy, archbishop Tuam, and Laurence O'Toole, occurrence the assembly Tailtean, the ninth century,
parts Ireland, and are said games Greece, the practice strength and activity, such
have resembled the Olympic various athletic exercises, feats running, leaping, wrestling,
king Roderick O'Connor, actuated by that generally prevailed amongst the Irish
Tailtean, called Aonach Tailtean, from Aonach, which signifies large assembly fair, were held the
plains Tailtean, now Teltown, situated along the river Black
water, between Navan and Kells, Meath. Tailtean got its name from Tailte, daughter Maghmor, king Spain, and wife
Eochy, the last Firbolg king. Tailte was buried this place, and Lughaidh, surnamed Lamhfada, the Long-handed, one
the Tuath De Danan kings, having been his youth fostered and educated Tailte, he, honour the memory that queen,
instituted the assemblies Tailtean, which were held annually the beginning Autumn, and were continued for fifteen days; and said that from this Lughaidh, the First August, Lammas,
the Irish called La Lughnasa the present time. The assemblies Tailtean were attended by vast numbers from all
The Assemblies
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Abbeylaragh, in Longford), and they were burned (for their crime. -
Edmond, son of Conor Mac Rannall, died.
it to the son of Bryan O'Conor; MacWilliam Burke afterwards entered Moylurg, and spoiled the por tion of it which belonged to Roderick Mac Der
“Twelve
great there, habitations were
:-
“One hundred war-steeds were consumed the fortress, Together with the steeds our chief commander,
With their fair and brilliant coverings,
And their polished and gilded bridles.
“Three hundred hunting hounds were consumed, Which were deemed excessive loss;
The beautiful hounds Finn, the son Cumhal, By Garaidh the Rough, within this fortress.
“Three hundred treasure-chests were consumed, Which contained much silver and gold;
And also, stated with truth,
Three hundred goblets and three hundred cups. ”
The note Moy Liffey and Bregia will concluded the next number.
“When I banquetted in the halls of Finn, At each banquet there have I seen
A thousand costly goblets at the board,
And bound on their rims with golden wreaths.
Filled with the mighty battalions
Commandedby the son of the daughter of Teige, At fair Allen of the noble Fenians.
“Twelve constant fires flamed
In each of the princely habitations,
And sitting around by each of those fires Were an hundred of the Fenian heroes. ”
REIGN OF EDWARD IV. 209
“In the fortress were consumed the steeds And his two highly-ornamented chariots;
And great was the loss his noble mansion To Finn the Fenians, the king Allen.
Finn,
“In And
Two Two
were consumed hundred strong shields,
hundred pieces armour incomparable value;
hundred coats mail and two hundred swords, hundred breast-plates and two hundred helmets.
: !
William, son of John O'Ferrall, was killed with mott; Roderick proceeded to Croaghan to take
a blow of a pole by one of his own people. revenge for those acts on Conor Mac Dermott, A great plague raged throughout Ireland, of who was then the Mac Dermott, and an ally to which the baron of Delvin (Nugent), and Maurice Mac William, and he then besieged the Rock (of Airig, died. Loughkea), and he received a mechanical war Fachtna O'Ferrall was killed by the son of engine, which was sent to him from Fermanagh,
Edmond, son of Hoberd D'Alton. and by the cast of a dart from it the only son of Art, son of Colman O’Melaghlin, and Mac Mac Dermott was slain. The Rock was taken
Gauran, i. e. Cathal, the son of Donogh Ballagh, died.
The son of Fergal O'Gara, and Manus Mac
David, were killed by the tribe of Roderick Mac Dermott.
Edmond, son of Teige, son of Loghlin O’Hanley, was killed by his own tribe.
The castle of Sligo was taken by Mac William Burke from the guards of O'Donnell, and he gave
mentionedin the Four Masters as having taken place in A. D. 806, namely, that in consequenceof the violation of someof the Termon or church lands of the monastery of Tallaght, near Dublin, by the Hy Niall kings of Meath, the monks of Tallaght seized on the chariot horses of Aodh Oirdnidhe, monarch of Ireland, at the celebration of the games of Tailtean, and retained the horses until ample reparation was made to the monastery, and its lands restored, together with additional grants made by the king. These assemblies were held for many ages, but were frequently interrupted during the disastrous period of the Danish wars; they were renewed at intervals by various kings, and some of them are mentionedas late as the twelfth century; and it is stated that, in July A. D. 1126, the great assembly of Tailtean was revived, after it had been discontinued for a century; but it appears that the meetings of Tailtean were entirely discontinued after the English
invasion.
The Fortress of Fionn Mac Cumhaill at Allen. —An account of the celebrated hero, Fionn, the son of Cumhall, commander of the Fenian warriors in the third century, has been given at page 267, in the note on Moy Liffey, and he had his chief residence or fortress at Almhuin, now the Hill of Allen, in Kildare, and this fortress appears to have been of great extent, and surrounded with many other habitations, as the residence of the Fenian troops under his command ; and the place is highly celebrated in the
Ossianic poems, and other productions of the ancient bards; and from one of these, called Buille Oisin, the following passage has
been translated
through the means of that shot, and Roderick assumed the lordship of Moylurg, and expelled Conor.
An awful commotion arose throughout the plain Connaught, between Felim Fionn (O'Conor),
and O'Conor Don on the one side, and the sons Teige O'Conor, the sons Felim, and the sons
Conor Roe the other; the entire plain, both churches and country, was completely spoiled
The destruction the fortress Almhuin, which appears
was burned the third century champion named Garaidh,
son Morna, who was chief the Firbolg Damnonian war
riors Connaught, forms the subject one the Ossianic
poems, from which have been literally translated the following passages:-
“Mournful art thou me, ruined pile
Thou monument that records great disaster.
Deep beneath thee are heroes entombed; Their sad fate well remember.
“Mournful thy destruction me,
Thou memorablepile exalted appearance.
The Clanna Morna are laid low their monuments;
They werethe heroes combats,this one their mounds.
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300 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1479.
between them, and Torlogh Roe, the son of Ro canon the chapter Clogher, parson and derick, son of Felim O'Conor, a worthy prince, prior the Ceile De (Culdees),' sacristan was slain in that contest. Devinish, and official Lough Erne (vicar
Teige, son of Dermod Roe O'Conor, was trea general Clogher), man distinguished for his cherously killed by the tribe of Bryan Ballach. benevolence, piety, great hospitality, and humanity,
An awful wind occured on Christmas night died after having gained the victory over the world
and the devil.
much damage was committed between them. O’Neill made hostile incursion into Tirconnell,
and carried away great booty from the sons Art and from the Connallians that expedition.
which proved a destructive night to many, from
the number of persons and cattle that perished, great contest arose between the Tirconnel and the trees and buildings (and ships) that were lians and Tyronians, for the sons Art O’Neill destroyed both by land and water throughout went into Tirconnell war against O'Neill, and
Ireland.
A. D. 1479. The monastery of Meelick,
Galway) was
Bryan, son Felim O’Neill, was taken prisoner founded by O'Madden, the banks the Shan O'Neill, but afterwards set him liberty
non, the diocese Clonfert, for Franciscan
friars, which selected his own burial place. Pierce, son Nicholas O'Flanagan, who was
A. D. 1479.
The Culdees. —The name Culdee, Irish Ceile De, derived
from Ceile, servant,and De God, andthereforesignified servant God, holy man. By the Latin writers they were called Colidei,
Culdei,andKelidei, andsometimesDeicolae. TheColidei Culdees are mentioned by Cambrensis and various other ancient writers, and by several Scotch historians they are mentioned monks Scot
receiving great ransom for him, and getting
early the fourth and fifth centuries; but the statements Fordun, Hector Boetius, and others, are entirely contra
the Living, from tradition that no person ever died it; was afterwards called Mona Incha, and was situated about three miles from Roscrea, the bog Monela, Tipperary. the
land John
dicted
kille, andJamieson, hishistory
that they were Columbian monks, tuted St. Columbkille, Iona,
time Cambrensis, this island was celebrated place pilgrimage, and their residence was afterwards removed Corbally, place near the lake, where the Culdees becamecanons regular St. Au gustine. Though the Irish Culdees were generally clergymen, yet somepious unmarried laymenjoined their communities. There were also Culdees Britain, particularly the north England, the city York, where they had great establishment called
the Hospital St. Leonard, and were secular canons St. Peter's cathedral, mentioned Dugdale's Monasticon, and got some
the learned Lanigan; Smith, his Life St. Colum
various parts Ireland and they have represented these Culdees very strict and religious order those early times, from the sixth the twelfth century; but Lanigan shews that these
statements are erroneous,and that the Culdees were not mentioned by the venerable Bede, any other ancient ecclesiastical writer,
grants lands tinued York
confirmed them
dees, mentioned Cambrensis, the Island Bardsey, off that coast. Scotland, the Culdees were more celebrated than
Columbian monks, nor the works
five Lives Columkille published
that the Culdees were first instituted
ninth century; and Aongus, surnamed Ceile De, celebrated Irish ecclesiastical writer the eighth century, author Lives Irish Saints, &c. , supposed have been Culdee. The Cul dees are mentioned the Annals the Four Masters, and Ulster, 920, which recorded that Godfrey, king
the Danes Dublin, plundered Armagh, but spared the churches and Colidei. appearsfrom Lanigan and other authori ties, that the Culdees were not, strictly speaking, monks, neither were they members the parochial clergy, but were description
secular priests called secular canons, and attached cathedrals collegiate churches, called prebendaries; and although bound by rules peculiar themselves, they belonged the secular
least down the time their possessions.
clergy, and are
distinguished from the canons regular, monks who sprung up much later period, and
that Constantine III. , king Scotland, who died 943, spent the last five years his life religious retirement amongst the Culdees that city. Chalmers states, that before the introduc tion the canons regular St. Andrew's, the twelfth century, the Culdees alone acted secular canons cathedrals, and dean and chapter the election bishops, and that thenceforth both orders were joined that right, until 1272, when was usurped the canons regular; and he also says, that the Culdees Brechin continued for many ages act dean and chapter that diocese; and according Jamieson, the Culdees
communities
officiated
officiated
lived community, and had
who acted precentor, chief chaunter. The principal institution
the Culdees was there were Culdees
them continued
Armagh, and according Usher and others, all the chief churches Ulster, and some
Armagh down the middle the seven
St. Andrews elected the bishops that see down the election William Wishart, 1271, when the power was abrogated, but those early times appears that the bishops many sees
Scotland were of the order of Culdees.
the chapters secular clergymen
cathedral churches. The Culdees the cathedrals, sung the choir, superior called prior the Culdees,
teenth century. The Culdees had priories and lands various parts Ireland, particularly Devenish Island, Fermanagh,
theCuldees,havemaintained members that order insti the Hebrides, and also
Usher Ware, the Colgan. Lanigan considers
Wales there were Cul
Ireland the eighth
his place, and Bryan war against O'Neill.
and Clones, Monaghan, both
Ardbraccan, Meath and Giraldus Cambrensis gives account
his two sons hostages joined O’Donnell again
the Colidei who lived island lake North Munster, which island was called by the Irish Inis-na-mbeo, the Island
A. 936, the reign
Athelstan, and con Pope Adrian IV. , who
Ireland, had numerousestablishments, and continued there from the ninth century the reformation; and according Chalmers, his Caledonia, the Culdees Scotland are not mentioned his tory till about the commencement the ninth century, the year 800 815, and their first establishment was Dunkeld, under the bishop that see, and they were afterwards placed about A. D. 850, St. Andrew's, where they had their chief establishment for many centuries; and stated by Buchanan,
the diocese Clogher; also
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O’Neill entered Tirconnell in a hostile manner,
the sons Redmond, and the preys were sent into Brefney O’Reilly.
REIGN OF EDWARD IV. 301
A. D. 1480. chonacht Maguire, and Mac Gillfinnen, i. e. Teige,
Maguire, i. e. Thomas Oge, son of Thomas the son Bryan, chief who kept the best house More, son of Philip, son of Hugh Roe, the most hospitality his neighbourhood, died. distinguished in his time for alms-doing, piety, O'Heodhasa (O'Hosey), Aongus, son and hospitality, a man who defended his territory John, learned poet, and Fergal Mac Keogh, against invading foes, a founder of monasteries another good poet, died.
and churches, and a donor of chalices, a man who Cormac, the grandson Art Maguire Coole, was at Rome, and twice visited the city of St. and Philip Riavach, the son Awlave Maguire,
James (of Compostella in Spain), on his pilgrim
age, died, and was interred in the monastery of Art, son Roderick Mac Mahon, was slain Cavan, having selected that as his burying place. the rere prey which carried off night
The son of Manus Maguire, i. e. Cathal Oge, the Fews (in Armagh), the territory Cu son of Cathal More, son of Gillpatrick, son of uladh, the son Hugh O’Neill.
Manus, a worthy landed proprietor, died after the contest arose between the sons Hugh Roe victory of extreme unction and repentance. Mac Mahon, and the sons Redmond Mac
fierce engagement was fought between the sons Edmond Burke, and the sons Rickard and was accompanied by the sons of Art O’Neill Burke, which the sons Edmond were de and the sons of Felim O’Neill; he committed feated, and Colla, the son Mac Dugald Scot
great depredations on Mac Caghwell, in Kinel land, was slain there the cast dart, together
and burned and did much damage there. O'Donnell made a hostile incursion into Tyrone,
died.
*o: Manus Roe O'Donnell was killed by the sons Mahon, and great depredations were committed
Fireadaidh, and they slew Bryan, son of Torlogh
Roe, the son of Henry O'Neill, and James, the
son of Mac Caghwell. O'Neill, with his sons,
happened to be at the time in their neighbour hood, and they and Mac Caghwell pursued the
with many others the same time.
John Mac Gillfinnen (of Fermanagh), the son
Bryan, and thirteen the party the sons Bryan, son Philip Maguire, were slain Bal lach-ui-Mithidhain (Ballaghameehan Rossinver,
prey, and slew Owen, the son of Art O’Neill, county Leitrim), the sons O’Rourke,
who was along with O’Donnell, and was a dis namely, Tiarnan and Bryan Roe, the sons tinguished commander; O'Donnell, however, car Tiarnan, son Teige, the son Tiarnan.
ried away the spoils, and returned home victoriously The English forces marched into Tyrone with with great booty. Con O'Neill, take the castle John Buighe
Owen O’Donnell, i. e. the son of Niall Garv, O'Neill; the English Meath were commanded
was slain by the sons of Naghtan O’Donnell at the earl Kildare, the king England’s Cluain Laogh (in Donegal), on the 29th of Sep deputy Ireland, and John Buighe himself was tember, and Owen Caoch, the son of Manus the castle, and kept and maintained the O'Conor, was slain along with him, and the son castle despite the forces, who were obliged
of Torlogh Carrach O'Conor was taken prisoner return, and John Buighe afterwards made peace on the same occasion. with O’Neill.
Roderick, son of Roderick, son of Naghtan
O'Donnell, was killed by the sons of Niall O’Don nell.
A. D. 1481.
O’Donnell held a conference with the sons of Bryan, the son Felim O'Reilly, patron Naghtan, and with Con O’Neill respectively, at learned men, who entertained all travellers, and
Castlefin Donegal), and they made peace with each other, and the tanistship Tirconnell was conferred Eignachan O’Donnell.
who kept house general hospitality, died. Torlogh, son Philip, son Thomas Maguire,
was treacherously killed the 5th October, Redmond Riavach, the son Dun, son Cu his own castle, Donogh Oge, son Donogh,
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302 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1482.
the son of Hugh Maguire; he (Torlogh), was a man highly distinguished for general hospitality, generosity and noble deeds, and he was interred in the monastery of Donegal, having selected that for his burial place.
Con, son of Hugh Buighe O’Neill, a fountain of hospitality, and a general patron of the clergy of Ireland and of Scotland, the chief commander in war, and defender of the rights of his people, and king presumptive of the province (of Ulster),
O’Hanlon (of Armagh), i. e. Felim, a distin died after the victory of repentance.
guished chief for nobleness and good deeds, was slain. -
Cahir Cavanagh, the son of Mac Murrogh, was killed by the people of the county of Wexford. The son of Savadge, i. e. Patrick, was taken
Henry, son of Cu-uladh, son of Hugh, the son of Owen O’Neill, was slain by the English.
Art, son of Donogh Maguire, died.
Maolmora, son of Cathal O’Reilly, was slain by the sons of Hugh O’Reilly, and the sons of Hugh prisoner by Con, son of Hugh Buighe (O'Neill), having returned to the country on terms of peace,
who put out his eyes. were attacked by the sons of Cathal, who stormed Slaine, daughter of O’Brien, the wife of Mac their house, and the two sons of Hugh, and the William of Clanrickard, a vessel full of charity two sons of Felim, the son of Hugh, with many
and hospitality, one of the most accomplished
women in her time, died after having gained the victory over the world and the devil.
Cuchonacht, son of John, son of Cuchonacht
Maguire, and Felim, son of Dunn, son of Cucho
nacht, son of Philip, son of Hugh Roe Maguire, died.
A great contention arose in Tyrone, between
O'Neill and Shane Buighe O’Neill; the sons of
Art O’Neill, and the sons of Felim O’Neill, were
opposed to O'Neill in that contest, and the sons
of Art committed a depredation on the sons of Mac Rannall, was killed by the tribe of Art O'Neill, and the sons of O'Neill committed one O’Rourke.
or two plunders on John Buighe; the sons of Dermod, the son of Loghlin Oge O’Hanley, Shane Buighe pursued them, and slew Hugh, son heir to the chieftaincy of Kinel Doffa, was, along
others were slain.
Bryan, son of Felim O’Neill, was killed by the son of Con, the son of Hugh Buighe, and by the tribe of Henry Aimhreidh (O'Neill), and Bryan was a man distinguished for hospitality and gene rosity, and for purchasing poems and other com positions.
of Cathal, son of Felim O'Conor, and the son of Gillpatrick Mac Caghwell, with many others who are not recorded.
Con, son of O’Neill, i. e. Henry, was taken
prisoner by the sons of Hugh Buighe O’Neill, and
was delivered by them as a hostage to O’Donnell.
James, son of Myler Mac Herbert, was killed
by Gerald, the son of Edmond Geancach Mac Herbert.
A. D. 1482.
The image of the holy cross of Christ having been removed and left on the banks of the lake of Ballinculin, wrought great works and miracles.
with his kinsmen, treacherously slain by the tribe of Gillananeev O’Hanley, in violation of the oath taken on the relick of Connaught, and the sureties of some of the chiefs of that province.
Roderick Buighe O’Hanley, chief of Kinel Doffa, died after having spent a good long life, and Teige, his brother, suceeded him.
Roderick Mac Dermott, lord of Moylurg Roscommon), and Teige Mac Rannall, lord
Conmaicne Moyrein (in Leitrim), marched with hostile force into Kinel Dossa (against the
O’Hanleys), for having violated their compact,
and they burned the hofse O’Hanley, and Donogh, son Siacus Carrach, and the son Conor, the grandson Cormac, but they were
Donogh Oge, the son of Donogh Maguire, by whom Torlogh, the son of Philip Maguire had been slain, was killed himself by the cast of a dart.
Gillcreest O'Fiaich (O’Fea), vicar ofAire Bros however routed and pursued the people the caidh (Derrybrusk in Fermanagh), a learned eccle country far Ballinafad, where Felim Fionn siastic, and a man who kept a house of general O'Conor came up, and prevented their flight. hospitality for the space of a year, died. Bryan Oge, son Bryan, son Cathal Duv
=
Murrogh, son of Teige, the son of Cathal Oge
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REIGNS OF EDWARD V. AND RICHARD III. 303
O'Conor, was slain by the tribe of Teige O'Conor, at Cuireach-an-aragail.
marched with his forces and joined him; they then proceeded along battle array, defiance
Art O'Conor gave Oliver Plunket a defeat at
Ath-ma-geeanaidh, in which he slew many of his Traighbally Dundalk, which they plundered
people, and took Oliver himself prisoner. and burned, and also the surrounding country. ti.
Donal, the son of Roderick O'Conor, lord of The lord justice, i. e. Gerald (Fitzgerald), son # Corcomroe of Ninas (in Clare), died, and was suc Thomas, earl Kildare, went pursuit them
ceeded by his brother Dermod.
Felim, son of Felim O'Conor of Corcomroe, was
treacherously killed by the sons of Conor O'Conor. Carbry, the son of O'Conor Roe (of Roscom
mon), a brave and warlike man, heir to the lord ship of the tribe of O'Conor Roe, died.
with great army the English, and overtook them; but, however, they bravely opposed that great pursuing force, and defeated them, and great many the English were slain. On their own side, Mac Quillan, and the son Torlogh Carrach O’Conor, were killed. O’Donnell after that marched with his forces the town Louth,
Erard O'Maolconry, chief professor of history
and poetry in Siol Murray (Roscommon), a man which burned, and received presents and
learned in the Latin and Irish, died, after having gained the victory over the world and the devil, and was interred at Elphin ; he was succeeded in the office by Siodhraidh O'Maolconry.
Murtogh Mac Clancy, the intended chief pro fessor (Brehon) of Thomond, and Cosnamhach, the son of Conor Oge Mac Clancy, died.
Hugh, son of Carbry O'Conor, was killed by a
payment from the inhabitants for protecting and sparing their town. O’Donnell returned back, and parted Hugh Oge, the son Hugh Buighe, who proceeded Glenree (near Newry), attack Trian Congail Down); himself (O’Donnell)
his return through Tyrone, spoiled and burned the country every direction through which passed, until arrived Avonmore (the great river, probably the Blackwater). His forces cut and cleared their way through very dense and im passable woods, which were along the banks Avonmore, make free and easy pass for his forces through the woods; then com
manded his men construct strong wooden
enemies, their way until they arrived
so. "
party
of his own
people.
A. D. 1483.
Rossa, the son of Thomas Oge Maguire, bishop
of Clogher, a man distinguished for wisdom and
piety, and who kept a general house of hospitality
for persons, died, and was interred the church Aghalurcher Fermanagh), accord
ing his own selection.
Mahon O'Griobhtha (O’Griffa), bishop Kil
laloe, fountain hospitality and wisdom, died, and was interred the monastery the canons
Corcobaiscne (in Clare) with due honours. Donogh, son O’Kelly, and O'Ferrall,
Cumara, died.
Con O’Neill was ransomed his father and kinsmen from O’Donnell and from the Claneboy (O’Neills), and the same Con was afterwards inaugurated lord Tyrone the consent his
bridges (or passes) across the river,
whole his forces, both foot and horse, crossed the stream, without either man horse being drowned; after which they the bridge down the stream, and their enemies could do nothing but behold them from the opposite side, and
O'Donnell then returned home with triumph and victory.
O'Donnell marched with another force against John, the son Philip Maguire, and carried off great preys and booty, and Donal O’Neill, the
following day, committed another depredation the same John.
Art, son Con, son Calvach O'Conor (O'Co nor Faily), defeated Con, son Art, the son Con O’Melaghlin, which the two sons Roderick
father, and the people Tyrone general.
great contest arose between O’Donnell, i. e. Carrach O'Carroll, and many others, were slain.
Hugh Roe, and O’Neill. Con O’Donnell collected
the forces Tirconnell and North Connaught, and Hugh Oge, the son Hugh Buighe O’Neill,
O’Cianain (O’Keenan), i. e. Roderick, chief his torian Maguire, died.
Conor Oge Mac Clancy, chief professor Tho
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who were hanged by O’Kelly for their crimes.
A. D. 1483.
1. Edward V. and Richard III. -King Edward IV. died at
Westminster on the 9th of April, A. D. 1483, in the 42nd year of his age, and was succeededby his son Edward, prince of Wales, as King Edward W. Edward on the death of his father was only in the 12th year of his age, and his uncle Richard, duke of Glou cester, was appointed Protector of the kingdom, but, aspiring to the crown, he had the young king, together with his brother Ri chard, duke of York, then only in the fifth year of his age, con veyed to the Tower, where he had them put to death. King Edward V. reigned but two months and sixteen days, being killed on the 20th of June, 1483. On the murder of his two nephews, Richard, duke of Gloucester, had himself proclaimed king, as Richard III. , on the 26th of June, 1483, according to Sir Harris
John, returned that day with victory and booty.
Nicholas's chronology; but the usurper's reign was very short his forces being defeated, and himself slain at the battle of Bos worth, on Monday, 22nd of August, 1485, by Henry, earl o Richmond, who became king, as Henry VII.
Lords Lieutenant. —Gerald Fitzgerald, earl of Kildare, acted as lord deputy in the reign of Edward W. , and on the death o Edward, King Richard III. nominated his own son Edward, prince of Wales, then only in the 10th year of his age, as lord lieutenant of Ireland, and the earl of Kildare was continued to act as lord deputy. On the death of Edward, son of King Richard, in 1484 John de la Pole, earl of Lincoln, nephew of King Edward IV. , was appointed lord lieutenant, but did not come to Ireland, and the earl of Kildare still continued as lord deputy.
!
- 304 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1484.
mond, a highly accomplished man in literature and Hugh, son of Bryan, the son of Bryan Ballach poetry, died, and was succeeded by Hugh Mac O'Conor, was slain by the tribe of Teige
Clancy.
Conor Mac Brehon (or the son of the Brehon),
the intended chief professor of Muintir Maolruain, died, after a long suffering.
Edward V. " was proclaimed king of England on
the 19th of April, and he reigned two months and eighteen days. -
Richard III. was proclaimed king of England on the 22nd of June.
A. D. 1484.
Nicholas Weston, bishop of Derry, died (see A. D. 1474).
O’Conor.
Donal Mac Gorman (of Clare), a relative of O’Brien, a man who kept a house of general hos pitality, the most wealthy possessor of live stock (grazier), died.
Hugh, son of Bryan O’Brien, and his wife Sabina, the daughter of Teige O'Conor, died.
Roderick Oge, the son- of Roderick Buighe O’Hanley, died. - Malachy, the son of Conor O’Gormley, and
Conor, his brother, were killed by the sons of Owen, the son of Niall O'Donnell.
Bryan Roe, the son of Cathal, son of Owen, son of John O’Reilly, died.
Extend the houses of Temor.
“Temor, from which is named Temor of Bregia,
Was the mound of Tea, wife of the son of Milesius. Neamhnach, to the east, pours stream into the glen,
*
On which the first mill was erected
“Between the cairns the two youths
Cormac.
Desies And north
the Rath
Temor, south Crinna; the great hill
Colman, the brown-haired Damnonian. ”
Kineth O'Hartigan,
wrote poem Tara, contained the Book Ballymote, from which have been translated the following passages:—
“O, beauty, world deceitful
The agreeabledrinking feast hundredheroes; False are its attractions, numerous mention, Except the adoration the King all.
celebrated bard the tenth
century,
also
“Every law recorded has passed away,
Every right under the sun has beendestroyed, And Temor to-day though wilderness,
Was once the meeting place
“Fair was many-sided tower,
Where assembledheroesfamed story;
Many were the tribes which was inheritance, Though to-day but greengrassy land.
“It was famous fortress wisdom; was ennobled with warlike chiefs;
To viewed was splendid hill, During the time Cormac O'Cuinn.
heroes.
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296 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1477.
The son of Anthony O'Moore was killed at | county), by the son of Pierce Butler, and by Art Ballydaithi (Ballydavy near Maryboro, Queen's O'Conor.
“When Cormac was in his grandeur, Brilliant and conspicuous was his course; No fortress was found equal to Temor, It was the secret of the road of life.
“Strong was the power of hosts
Of that king who obtained Temor;
It is better for us to record the many tribes And the numerous families of his household.
“Nine ramparts or rough strong trenches, With nine surrounding mounds,
With groves of fair trees,
And it was a strong and famous fortress.
“Enlightened was his train of bards,
Who kept their records in careful order,
And what they said was respected by the professors in
each art.
“The household of the hosts let us enumerate, Who were in the house of Temor of the tribes, This is the exact enumeration,
Fifty above a thousand of warriors.
“When Cormac resided at Temor,
His fame was heard by all the exalted, And a king like the son of Art Aenfear, There came not of the men of the world. ”
Tara Deserted. —The Hill of Tara is large, verdant, level at the
top, and extremely beautiful; and, though not very high, com
mands extensive and most magnificent prospects over the great
and fertile plains of Meath. Tara became deserted as a royal residence in the sixth century, and, as already observed, some
earthen ramparts and mounds are all that now remain of its ancient manificence. The circumstances which caused its abandonment by the kings were as follows:—Dermod, monarch of Ireland, who was called Mac Carroll, having taken prisoner and punished a brother relative of St. Ruadhan, who was abbot Lothra, now Lorrha, the county Tipperary, St. Ruadhan laid
“His great house of a thousand heroes, With tribes it was delightful,
A fair bright fortress of fine men; Three hundred feet was its measure.
“Its circuit was well arranged,
Nor was narrow by faulty construction, Nor too small for separate apartments,
Six times five cubits was its height.
“A habitation for king Erin,
which was distributed sparkling wine;
was fortress, rampart, and stronghold;
were three times fifty couches.
“There were fifty warriors with swords, Who were the guards this fortress,
Which truly was noble residence,
And there were two couches each apartment.
Tara; and after the death
no other king resided Tara;
by one the ancient bards
ing passage has been translated :—
“From the reign the brown-haired Dermod,
curse
A. D. 565,
“Grand was the host which attended there,
-
several of the kings were afterwards styled kings
weapons glittering with gold; And their -were -
Though
-
There were three times fifty opold apartments, And each apartment held fifty persons.
Tara, they did not reside there, but took their title from othe
il. . o *: o.
was law ordained by the king
Thatt hnesnhould first drink his onests
“And very great were his guests number,
subsequent
“Seven cubits exact measure,
Were the dimensions the fire-place, Before which the active attendants Lighted the brilliant lamps.
ancient residence the monarchs.
the monarchs, appears, resided Tailtean;
times some and mentioned Tailtean, A. D. 916.
“There were seven splendid chandeliers Of bright and beautiful appearance.
brass,
Niall race, when monarchs the fortress Aileach,
narch Ireland, resided
Ireland, had their chief residence Donegal and Brian Boru, when mo
his palace Kincora, Thomond,
that fair and sunny palace
Of feasts and ornamental goblets.
the banks the Shannon, near Killaloe,
the county Clare.
- - --- -- The southern Hy-: Niall race, who were kings
. . . -- ‘’. -
*. each festive drinking; Three hundred p
*:
artook
Fifty were noble and learned lawgivers company with the exalted upright prince.
. . .
Great
c people n-
very strong,
with rock
Fifty were festive pleasing companions,
and the rest common fortress
earthen ramparts; -and - -
Woo great
Danish king traditionally said have had his chief residence there.
1ng
To attend guards the warlike king.
warrior
s stan
aroun
“Three hundred cup-bearers handed around Three times fifty splendid goblets,
To each the numerous parties there, Which cups were gold silver all
Cemeteries the Pagan Kings—An account the great cemetery the Pagan kings Cruachan, Connaught, near Elphin, has been given the note South Connaught, and account sepulchral mounds, the burial places kings and war riors the Pagan times, will found the first part the note
Moy Liffey and Bregia. There were two great cemeteries Meath, one Tailtean, and the other Brugh-na-Boine; the latter place signifying the town fortress the Boyne supposed some have been situated near Trim, and by others near the place now called Stackallen, between Navan and Slane.
“Ornamented with pure and precious stones. Thirty hundred were entertained
By the son Art each day
- - - -
-
doors-
chief
the shields, near Mullingar,
or. i. Foi.
Son Fergus, son From the judgment There was king
Carroll, Ruadhan
Temor. ”
his house,
the monarch Dermod, and this circumstance
mentioned some verses, from which the follow
that Flann Sionna, monarch Ireland, died
Some the ancient monarchs resided the palace Cruachan,
Connaught; and some the kings Ulster, when monarchs,
resided Emania, now Armagh. The kings Ulster the Hy
Meath, had thei1r residence, called Dun-na-Sciath, signifying the fortress
the banks Lough Ainnin, now Lough Ennell, Westmeath, where Malachy II. , monarch
Ireland, died, A. D. 1022; and the kings
Meath also had for
. ress where they resided, situated high hill, about mile
t
from Castlepollard, and, within about two miles the Ben
Hill Fore. This fortress was
a
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celebrated work called the Psalter of Cashel, which full account will found page 204, the note Ormond. The monarch Cormac, whom account has been already given, was celebrated legislator; and the conventions held his palace Tara, the provincial kings are stated have sat the following order—the monarch himself sitting throne the middle the assembly hall, the king Ulster sitting his right
hand, the kings the two Munsters his left, the king Leinster front, and the king Connaught behind the throne the
ning the first century, and the stone did not resume tomed sound until the inauguration Con the Hundred the second century, he being legitimate monarch.
and his bas the
accus Battles, the beginning the sixth century Fergus Mac Earca, who was brother the then reigning monarch Ireland, Murtogh Mac Earca,
interior of the dome the Four Courts of Dublin. The conven tion Tara, called Feis Teamrach, from Feis, which signifies convention assembly, was ordained by Ollav Fola held
every third year the royal residence Tara, and was attended the provincial kings, princes, and chiefs—the Druids Pagan priests, the Brehons judges, and the bards the Pagan times;
and, after the introduction Christianity, the bishops, abbots, and superior clergy; and great numbers the people also attended
having become king the Irish colonies, settled Dalriada Albany, afterwards called Scotland, requested the Irish monarch
send over the Lia Fail
give security his throne, but O'Flaherty, his Ogygia,
used his inauguration, order
accordance with the old traditions; opinion, that the Stone Des tiny was not brought Albany Scotland until the ninth cen tury, when Aodh Finliath, monarch Ireland, sent his
those assemblies, which were held every third year, the month November. The ancient records and chronicles of the kingdom were ordered written and carefully preserved Tara Ollav Fola, and these formed the basis the ancient
father-in-law Kinneth Mac Alpin, who was crowned king Scotland. The Stone Destiny mentioned Hector Boetius, and other Scottish historians, and the following Irish verse res pecting quoted Keating and Charles O'Conor:—
“Cineadh Scuit, saoran fline, Mun budh breag haisdine, Mar fuighid Liagh Fail Dlighid flaitheas ghabhail. ”
thus rendered into Latin by Hector Boetius:— “Ni fallat fatum, Scoti, quocumquelocatum,
Invenient lapidem hunc, regnare tenentur ibidem. ” thus translated :—
“If fate's decrees not announced vain,
Where e'er this stone found the Scots shall reign. ”
Tara, which was brought the monarch Cormac, the Tara, and other records, was compiled, the latter end the ninth century, Cormac Mac Cullenan, archbishop Cashel and king Munster, the
REIGN OF EDWARD IV. 297
--
history Ireland, called the Psalter complete accuracy the reign
third century; and from the Psalter
!
A great wind happened on the night of the fes tival of St. John the Baptist, in this year, which destroyed an immense deal of stone and wooden
The Tuath De Danan kings and queens were buried chiefly at Cruachan in Connaught, and at Brugh-na-Boine, but some of them also at Tailtean; and the Firbolg kings and queens were buried, someof them at Cruachan, some at Brugh, and some at Tailtean. The Milesian kings and queens in the Pagan times, were also buried in thosethree great cemeteries,and, according to Dorban, an ancient poet of Connaught, there were fifty sepulchral mounds at each of the royal cemeteries of Cruachan, Tailtean, and Brugh, in each of which mounds were buried fifty kings, queens,warriors, and bards. Cormac, monarch of Ireland, is considered to have become a con vert to the Christian faith, and he gave directions that he should not be buried at Brugh-na-Boine with the Pagan kings, but at Ros-na-riogh, with his face turned towards the rising sun or the east, in reference to the birth-place of Christ; this place is now
known as Rosnaree, between Drogheda and Slane, in Meath. Amongst the celebrated persons buried at Tara were the monarch
Laoghaire, in the fifth century, who gave directions that his body should be placed upright in the sepulchral mound, with his spear
in his hand, and his face turned towards the south, as in defiance of his enemies the people of Leinster; and the head of the cele brated hero Cuchulain, chief of the Redbranch knights of Ulster, was buried at Tara, and a sepulchral mound raised to his memory.
buildings, of Cranoges (fortresses on lakes), and corn stacks.
This stone was considered the Scots the palladium their kingdom from ancient prophecy that the Scotic Milesian race would continue rule long was their possession, and was preserved with great care for many centuries Scotland, first the monastery St. Columkille, Iona the Hebrides, afterwards Dunstaffnage Argyleshire, the first royal seat the Scottish kings Irish race, and was removed from thence
the ninth century by Kinneth Mac Alpin, king Scotland, and conqueror the Picts, who placed Scone, near Perth, where was preserved the ancient abbey until the year 1296, when Edward king England, having overran Scotland, took away
the Stone Destiny from the cathedral Scone, carried off trophy victory, and placed under the coronation chair
Westminster Abbey, where still remains. sometimescalled by English writers Jacob's Stone, from some tradition that
part the stone called Jacob's Pillow Bethel, mentioned the Book Genesis, hence some have considered that was first brought Ireland the Danans from the land Canaan.
has been asserted some modern publications Irish antiquities, that the large stone standing uprighton one the mounds Tara the Stone Destiny, but this assertion altogether improbable, and opposed the statements Keating, O'Flaherty, Ware, Dr.
O'Conor, Charles O'Conor, and all other learned Irish antiquarians, The Stone of Destiny. —When the Tuath De Danan colony together with the accounts the Scottish historians, and
cameto Ireland, they brought with them, according to our ancient
probable that the huge stone standing the mound Tara, which six feet above the ground, well many feet under and immense weight, the stone mentioned by many the old Irish
writers, a remarkable stone called Lia-Fail, signifying the Stone
of Fate or of Destiny, and from this circumstance Ireland obtained
the name Inis Fail, or the Island of Destiny. This stone was also
called Cloch-na-Cineamhna, or the Stone of Fate. The Lia Fail the Fians Fenians, connected with the accounts some
was held in the highest veneration, and sitting on it the ancient monarchs of Ireland, both in the Pagan and Christian times, were for many ages inaugurated at Tara, and it is stated that whenever a legitimate king of the Milesian race was inaugurated, the stone emitted a peculiar sound, an effect produced, it is supposed, by somecontrivance of the Druids. In Dr. O'Conor's account of the Irish MSS. at Stowe, it is stated that the Lia Fail was at a remote period removed from the royal Rath at Tara, to the residence of the kings at Cruachan in Connaught, but ceased to emit usual soundcalled Ges, which signifies spell charm, from the time
was profaned Cuchulain, who resented its silence when his friendFiacha Fionnwasappointedmonarch Ireland thebegin
writers under the name Lia-na-bhFian, that the Stone the Fenian warriors.
The Conventions Tara. -The great conventions legislative assemblies Tara were instituted by the celebrated Ollamh Fodhla, king whose reign placed by our annalists and chro nologers about seven centuries before the Christian era. This Ollamh Fodhla was the Irian race, and was king Ulster, and monarch Ireland; and his name, pronounced Ollav Fola, sig nifies the Sage Ireland, derived from Ollamh, sage learned man, and Fodhla, which was one the ancient names Ireland. Ollav Fola celebrated ancient history sageand legislator, eminent for learning, wisdom, and excellent institutions;
historic fame has been recognised by placing his medallion relievo with those Moses, and other great legislators,
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298 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1478.
A. D. 1478.
O'Higgin, bishop of Mayo of the Saxons, died.
Thomas Duv O'Carbry, vicar of Aghalurcher Fermanagh), man wisdom and piety, died.
entered the port Ballyshannon, and this pesti lence spread through Fermanagh, Tirconnell, and throughout the province (of Ulster) general; Mac Ward, i. e. Geoffrey Tirconnell, died
and did much destruction throughout the entire province.
Mac Rithbeartaigh (Mac Raverty), Cioth ruadh, chief poet Maguire (of Fermanagh);
The earl succeeded him.
Richard, son
Kildare died, and his son Gerald
Edmond, son Richard Butler,
was killed Fingin Roe (Mac Gillpatrick) the
Ossorians, the son Fingin, the door the Teige Fionn O'Luinin, learned physician and
church Kilkenny. Cormac, the son Donogh Mac Carthy, was blinded his kinsmen, after being imprisoned them for some time.
Donogh, son Bryan Ballach O'Conor, and
Torlogh, son Torlogh Roe O'Conor, died.
The Gilla Duv, son Bryan, son O'Reilly, died.
Thomas, son Pierce Butler, was killed.
Thomas O'Concannan, lord Hy Diarmada (in Roscommon), was killed by his own nephew.
great plague was imported ship which
historian; O’Breslein, Teige, the son Owen,
chief Brehon Maguire; and O’Coffey, Mur togh Bacach, died.
Young Hugh Mac Mahon and his household made attack upon Bryan, the son Redmond Felim Mac Mahon, and they committed great depreda
tions on him, and took Bryan himself prisoner, while pursuit his plundered property.
Malachy, son Hugh Buighe Mac Geoghegan, lord Kinel Fiacha, was killed while asleep by two his own people, the castle Leathratha
archbishop Dublin Leinster, together with great numbers
other bishops, abbots, and clergy. the whole assembly there
were thirteen thousand horsemen, namely, six thousand Con naughtmen, under the O'Conors, Mac Dermotts, O'Kellys,
O'Dowds, and other princes and chiefs; four thousand the men Brefney, now the counties Cavan and Leitrim, with Tiarnan O'Rourke, prince West Brefney Leitrim, and O'Reilly, prince East Brefney Cavan; four thousand men with Donogh O'Carroll, prince Orgiall, from Louth, Monaghan, and Armagh, and with Mac Dunslevy O'Heochy, prince Ulidia,
the counties Down and Antrim two thousand men with Dermod O’Melaghlin, king Meath and one thousand with Reginald, lord the Danes Dublin; Donogh, the son Felan,
refractory spirit which princes.
princes, chiefs, Druids, Brehons, and bards, arranged due order. These triennial legislative assemblies Tara, which were the parliaments ancient Ireland, were held there for many centuries, and continued down about the middle the sixth century, the last convention the states Tara, according the annals Tigearmach, being held, A. D. 560, the reign the monarch Dermod Mac Carroll. Conventions the states legislative assemblies were also held the Hill Uisneach (situated few miles from Mullingar, Westmeath), which was celebrated seat of Druidism. These assemblies were convened the month of May, and, after the abandonment Tara, this was probably one
the chief places for legislative meetings; and may re marked, that great synod national convention bishops, clergy, chiefs, and people, was held Uisneach, Fiodh Mac Aengusa, A. D. 1111, according the Annals the Four Masters, which was attended Celsus, archbishop Armagh, and Maol muire O'Dunain, archbishop Cashel, together with fifty other bishops, three hundred priests, and three thousand persons the clerical order, and also Murtogh O'Brien, king Munster, and various princes and chiefs from different parts the kingdom, make laws and regulations both for clergy and people. the year 1152, great national synod council was convened
prince whose territory not mentioned, brought two thousand men. does not appear that those powerful northern princes, O'Neill and O'Donnell, who ruled over Tyrone, Derry, and Done gal, attended this assembly; and they probably did not acknow ledge the authority
Ceananus, Kells, Meath, which presided Cardinal John Paparo, legate Pope Eugene III. , having been sent Ire
land confer the pallium this synod was attended other clergy Ireland,
the four archbishops Ireland; and the archbishops, bishops, abbots, and great numbers. Great conventions
legislative assemblies, similar those Tara, were held ancient times the other provinces. The states Connaught assembled Cruachan, near Elphin the states Ulster Emania,
Armagh; the states Leinster Naas, Kildare; and the states Munster Cashel. The last great national convention mentioned Irish history was that the states Leath Cuinn,
Meath, Ulster and Connaught, convened Athboy, Meath, A. D. 1167, king Roderick O'Conor, make laws and regula
tions for the church and state which assembly, according
the Annals the Four Masters and other authorities, there
attended vast number the princes, chiefs, clergy, and people throwing the stone, bar, &c. , foot-ball, dancing, together with
Ulster, Connaught, and Meath, together with the Danes horse and chariot racing; and those assemblies were also remark Dublin, who were then under subjection king Roderick. able for the arrangement matrimonial alliances, match-mak Amongst the clergy who attended were Gelasius, archbishop Ar ing, and the ratification marriage contracts. remarkable magh, Cadhla O’Duffy, archbishop Tuam, and Laurence O'Toole, occurrence the assembly Tailtean, the ninth century,
parts Ireland, and are said games Greece, the practice strength and activity, such
have resembled the Olympic various athletic exercises, feats running, leaping, wrestling,
king Roderick O'Connor, actuated by that generally prevailed amongst the Irish
Tailtean, called Aonach Tailtean, from Aonach, which signifies large assembly fair, were held the
plains Tailtean, now Teltown, situated along the river Black
water, between Navan and Kells, Meath. Tailtean got its name from Tailte, daughter Maghmor, king Spain, and wife
Eochy, the last Firbolg king. Tailte was buried this place, and Lughaidh, surnamed Lamhfada, the Long-handed, one
the Tuath De Danan kings, having been his youth fostered and educated Tailte, he, honour the memory that queen,
instituted the assemblies Tailtean, which were held annually the beginning Autumn, and were continued for fifteen days; and said that from this Lughaidh, the First August, Lammas,
the Irish called La Lughnasa the present time. The assemblies Tailtean were attended by vast numbers from all
The Assemblies
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Abbeylaragh, in Longford), and they were burned (for their crime. -
Edmond, son of Conor Mac Rannall, died.
it to the son of Bryan O'Conor; MacWilliam Burke afterwards entered Moylurg, and spoiled the por tion of it which belonged to Roderick Mac Der
“Twelve
great there, habitations were
:-
“One hundred war-steeds were consumed the fortress, Together with the steeds our chief commander,
With their fair and brilliant coverings,
And their polished and gilded bridles.
“Three hundred hunting hounds were consumed, Which were deemed excessive loss;
The beautiful hounds Finn, the son Cumhal, By Garaidh the Rough, within this fortress.
“Three hundred treasure-chests were consumed, Which contained much silver and gold;
And also, stated with truth,
Three hundred goblets and three hundred cups. ”
The note Moy Liffey and Bregia will concluded the next number.
“When I banquetted in the halls of Finn, At each banquet there have I seen
A thousand costly goblets at the board,
And bound on their rims with golden wreaths.
Filled with the mighty battalions
Commandedby the son of the daughter of Teige, At fair Allen of the noble Fenians.
“Twelve constant fires flamed
In each of the princely habitations,
And sitting around by each of those fires Were an hundred of the Fenian heroes. ”
REIGN OF EDWARD IV. 209
“In the fortress were consumed the steeds And his two highly-ornamented chariots;
And great was the loss his noble mansion To Finn the Fenians, the king Allen.
Finn,
“In And
Two Two
were consumed hundred strong shields,
hundred pieces armour incomparable value;
hundred coats mail and two hundred swords, hundred breast-plates and two hundred helmets.
: !
William, son of John O'Ferrall, was killed with mott; Roderick proceeded to Croaghan to take
a blow of a pole by one of his own people. revenge for those acts on Conor Mac Dermott, A great plague raged throughout Ireland, of who was then the Mac Dermott, and an ally to which the baron of Delvin (Nugent), and Maurice Mac William, and he then besieged the Rock (of Airig, died. Loughkea), and he received a mechanical war Fachtna O'Ferrall was killed by the son of engine, which was sent to him from Fermanagh,
Edmond, son of Hoberd D'Alton. and by the cast of a dart from it the only son of Art, son of Colman O’Melaghlin, and Mac Mac Dermott was slain. The Rock was taken
Gauran, i. e. Cathal, the son of Donogh Ballagh, died.
The son of Fergal O'Gara, and Manus Mac
David, were killed by the tribe of Roderick Mac Dermott.
Edmond, son of Teige, son of Loghlin O’Hanley, was killed by his own tribe.
The castle of Sligo was taken by Mac William Burke from the guards of O'Donnell, and he gave
mentionedin the Four Masters as having taken place in A. D. 806, namely, that in consequenceof the violation of someof the Termon or church lands of the monastery of Tallaght, near Dublin, by the Hy Niall kings of Meath, the monks of Tallaght seized on the chariot horses of Aodh Oirdnidhe, monarch of Ireland, at the celebration of the games of Tailtean, and retained the horses until ample reparation was made to the monastery, and its lands restored, together with additional grants made by the king. These assemblies were held for many ages, but were frequently interrupted during the disastrous period of the Danish wars; they were renewed at intervals by various kings, and some of them are mentionedas late as the twelfth century; and it is stated that, in July A. D. 1126, the great assembly of Tailtean was revived, after it had been discontinued for a century; but it appears that the meetings of Tailtean were entirely discontinued after the English
invasion.
The Fortress of Fionn Mac Cumhaill at Allen. —An account of the celebrated hero, Fionn, the son of Cumhall, commander of the Fenian warriors in the third century, has been given at page 267, in the note on Moy Liffey, and he had his chief residence or fortress at Almhuin, now the Hill of Allen, in Kildare, and this fortress appears to have been of great extent, and surrounded with many other habitations, as the residence of the Fenian troops under his command ; and the place is highly celebrated in the
Ossianic poems, and other productions of the ancient bards; and from one of these, called Buille Oisin, the following passage has
been translated
through the means of that shot, and Roderick assumed the lordship of Moylurg, and expelled Conor.
An awful commotion arose throughout the plain Connaught, between Felim Fionn (O'Conor),
and O'Conor Don on the one side, and the sons Teige O'Conor, the sons Felim, and the sons
Conor Roe the other; the entire plain, both churches and country, was completely spoiled
The destruction the fortress Almhuin, which appears
was burned the third century champion named Garaidh,
son Morna, who was chief the Firbolg Damnonian war
riors Connaught, forms the subject one the Ossianic
poems, from which have been literally translated the following passages:-
“Mournful art thou me, ruined pile
Thou monument that records great disaster.
Deep beneath thee are heroes entombed; Their sad fate well remember.
“Mournful thy destruction me,
Thou memorablepile exalted appearance.
The Clanna Morna are laid low their monuments;
They werethe heroes combats,this one their mounds.
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300 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1479.
between them, and Torlogh Roe, the son of Ro canon the chapter Clogher, parson and derick, son of Felim O'Conor, a worthy prince, prior the Ceile De (Culdees),' sacristan was slain in that contest. Devinish, and official Lough Erne (vicar
Teige, son of Dermod Roe O'Conor, was trea general Clogher), man distinguished for his cherously killed by the tribe of Bryan Ballach. benevolence, piety, great hospitality, and humanity,
An awful wind occured on Christmas night died after having gained the victory over the world
and the devil.
much damage was committed between them. O’Neill made hostile incursion into Tirconnell,
and carried away great booty from the sons Art and from the Connallians that expedition.
which proved a destructive night to many, from
the number of persons and cattle that perished, great contest arose between the Tirconnel and the trees and buildings (and ships) that were lians and Tyronians, for the sons Art O’Neill destroyed both by land and water throughout went into Tirconnell war against O'Neill, and
Ireland.
A. D. 1479. The monastery of Meelick,
Galway) was
Bryan, son Felim O’Neill, was taken prisoner founded by O'Madden, the banks the Shan O'Neill, but afterwards set him liberty
non, the diocese Clonfert, for Franciscan
friars, which selected his own burial place. Pierce, son Nicholas O'Flanagan, who was
A. D. 1479.
The Culdees. —The name Culdee, Irish Ceile De, derived
from Ceile, servant,and De God, andthereforesignified servant God, holy man. By the Latin writers they were called Colidei,
Culdei,andKelidei, andsometimesDeicolae. TheColidei Culdees are mentioned by Cambrensis and various other ancient writers, and by several Scotch historians they are mentioned monks Scot
receiving great ransom for him, and getting
early the fourth and fifth centuries; but the statements Fordun, Hector Boetius, and others, are entirely contra
the Living, from tradition that no person ever died it; was afterwards called Mona Incha, and was situated about three miles from Roscrea, the bog Monela, Tipperary. the
land John
dicted
kille, andJamieson, hishistory
that they were Columbian monks, tuted St. Columbkille, Iona,
time Cambrensis, this island was celebrated place pilgrimage, and their residence was afterwards removed Corbally, place near the lake, where the Culdees becamecanons regular St. Au gustine. Though the Irish Culdees were generally clergymen, yet somepious unmarried laymenjoined their communities. There were also Culdees Britain, particularly the north England, the city York, where they had great establishment called
the Hospital St. Leonard, and were secular canons St. Peter's cathedral, mentioned Dugdale's Monasticon, and got some
the learned Lanigan; Smith, his Life St. Colum
various parts Ireland and they have represented these Culdees very strict and religious order those early times, from the sixth the twelfth century; but Lanigan shews that these
statements are erroneous,and that the Culdees were not mentioned by the venerable Bede, any other ancient ecclesiastical writer,
grants lands tinued York
confirmed them
dees, mentioned Cambrensis, the Island Bardsey, off that coast. Scotland, the Culdees were more celebrated than
Columbian monks, nor the works
five Lives Columkille published
that the Culdees were first instituted
ninth century; and Aongus, surnamed Ceile De, celebrated Irish ecclesiastical writer the eighth century, author Lives Irish Saints, &c. , supposed have been Culdee. The Cul dees are mentioned the Annals the Four Masters, and Ulster, 920, which recorded that Godfrey, king
the Danes Dublin, plundered Armagh, but spared the churches and Colidei. appearsfrom Lanigan and other authori ties, that the Culdees were not, strictly speaking, monks, neither were they members the parochial clergy, but were description
secular priests called secular canons, and attached cathedrals collegiate churches, called prebendaries; and although bound by rules peculiar themselves, they belonged the secular
least down the time their possessions.
clergy, and are
distinguished from the canons regular, monks who sprung up much later period, and
that Constantine III. , king Scotland, who died 943, spent the last five years his life religious retirement amongst the Culdees that city. Chalmers states, that before the introduc tion the canons regular St. Andrew's, the twelfth century, the Culdees alone acted secular canons cathedrals, and dean and chapter the election bishops, and that thenceforth both orders were joined that right, until 1272, when was usurped the canons regular; and he also says, that the Culdees Brechin continued for many ages act dean and chapter that diocese; and according Jamieson, the Culdees
communities
officiated
officiated
lived community, and had
who acted precentor, chief chaunter. The principal institution
the Culdees was there were Culdees
them continued
Armagh, and according Usher and others, all the chief churches Ulster, and some
Armagh down the middle the seven
St. Andrews elected the bishops that see down the election William Wishart, 1271, when the power was abrogated, but those early times appears that the bishops many sees
Scotland were of the order of Culdees.
the chapters secular clergymen
cathedral churches. The Culdees the cathedrals, sung the choir, superior called prior the Culdees,
teenth century. The Culdees had priories and lands various parts Ireland, particularly Devenish Island, Fermanagh,
theCuldees,havemaintained members that order insti the Hebrides, and also
Usher Ware, the Colgan. Lanigan considers
Wales there were Cul
Ireland the eighth
his place, and Bryan war against O'Neill.
and Clones, Monaghan, both
Ardbraccan, Meath and Giraldus Cambrensis gives account
his two sons hostages joined O’Donnell again
the Colidei who lived island lake North Munster, which island was called by the Irish Inis-na-mbeo, the Island
A. 936, the reign
Athelstan, and con Pope Adrian IV. , who
Ireland, had numerousestablishments, and continued there from the ninth century the reformation; and according Chalmers, his Caledonia, the Culdees Scotland are not mentioned his tory till about the commencement the ninth century, the year 800 815, and their first establishment was Dunkeld, under the bishop that see, and they were afterwards placed about A. D. 850, St. Andrew's, where they had their chief establishment for many centuries; and stated by Buchanan,
the diocese Clogher; also
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the sons Redmond, and the preys were sent into Brefney O’Reilly.
REIGN OF EDWARD IV. 301
A. D. 1480. chonacht Maguire, and Mac Gillfinnen, i. e. Teige,
Maguire, i. e. Thomas Oge, son of Thomas the son Bryan, chief who kept the best house More, son of Philip, son of Hugh Roe, the most hospitality his neighbourhood, died. distinguished in his time for alms-doing, piety, O'Heodhasa (O'Hosey), Aongus, son and hospitality, a man who defended his territory John, learned poet, and Fergal Mac Keogh, against invading foes, a founder of monasteries another good poet, died.
and churches, and a donor of chalices, a man who Cormac, the grandson Art Maguire Coole, was at Rome, and twice visited the city of St. and Philip Riavach, the son Awlave Maguire,
James (of Compostella in Spain), on his pilgrim
age, died, and was interred in the monastery of Art, son Roderick Mac Mahon, was slain Cavan, having selected that as his burying place. the rere prey which carried off night
The son of Manus Maguire, i. e. Cathal Oge, the Fews (in Armagh), the territory Cu son of Cathal More, son of Gillpatrick, son of uladh, the son Hugh O’Neill.
Manus, a worthy landed proprietor, died after the contest arose between the sons Hugh Roe victory of extreme unction and repentance. Mac Mahon, and the sons Redmond Mac
fierce engagement was fought between the sons Edmond Burke, and the sons Rickard and was accompanied by the sons of Art O’Neill Burke, which the sons Edmond were de and the sons of Felim O’Neill; he committed feated, and Colla, the son Mac Dugald Scot
great depredations on Mac Caghwell, in Kinel land, was slain there the cast dart, together
and burned and did much damage there. O'Donnell made a hostile incursion into Tyrone,
died.
*o: Manus Roe O'Donnell was killed by the sons Mahon, and great depredations were committed
Fireadaidh, and they slew Bryan, son of Torlogh
Roe, the son of Henry O'Neill, and James, the
son of Mac Caghwell. O'Neill, with his sons,
happened to be at the time in their neighbour hood, and they and Mac Caghwell pursued the
with many others the same time.
John Mac Gillfinnen (of Fermanagh), the son
Bryan, and thirteen the party the sons Bryan, son Philip Maguire, were slain Bal lach-ui-Mithidhain (Ballaghameehan Rossinver,
prey, and slew Owen, the son of Art O’Neill, county Leitrim), the sons O’Rourke,
who was along with O’Donnell, and was a dis namely, Tiarnan and Bryan Roe, the sons tinguished commander; O'Donnell, however, car Tiarnan, son Teige, the son Tiarnan.
ried away the spoils, and returned home victoriously The English forces marched into Tyrone with with great booty. Con O'Neill, take the castle John Buighe
Owen O’Donnell, i. e. the son of Niall Garv, O'Neill; the English Meath were commanded
was slain by the sons of Naghtan O’Donnell at the earl Kildare, the king England’s Cluain Laogh (in Donegal), on the 29th of Sep deputy Ireland, and John Buighe himself was tember, and Owen Caoch, the son of Manus the castle, and kept and maintained the O'Conor, was slain along with him, and the son castle despite the forces, who were obliged
of Torlogh Carrach O'Conor was taken prisoner return, and John Buighe afterwards made peace on the same occasion. with O’Neill.
Roderick, son of Roderick, son of Naghtan
O'Donnell, was killed by the sons of Niall O’Don nell.
A. D. 1481.
O’Donnell held a conference with the sons of Bryan, the son Felim O'Reilly, patron Naghtan, and with Con O’Neill respectively, at learned men, who entertained all travellers, and
Castlefin Donegal), and they made peace with each other, and the tanistship Tirconnell was conferred Eignachan O’Donnell.
who kept house general hospitality, died. Torlogh, son Philip, son Thomas Maguire,
was treacherously killed the 5th October, Redmond Riavach, the son Dun, son Cu his own castle, Donogh Oge, son Donogh,
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302 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1482.
the son of Hugh Maguire; he (Torlogh), was a man highly distinguished for general hospitality, generosity and noble deeds, and he was interred in the monastery of Donegal, having selected that for his burial place.
Con, son of Hugh Buighe O’Neill, a fountain of hospitality, and a general patron of the clergy of Ireland and of Scotland, the chief commander in war, and defender of the rights of his people, and king presumptive of the province (of Ulster),
O’Hanlon (of Armagh), i. e. Felim, a distin died after the victory of repentance.
guished chief for nobleness and good deeds, was slain. -
Cahir Cavanagh, the son of Mac Murrogh, was killed by the people of the county of Wexford. The son of Savadge, i. e. Patrick, was taken
Henry, son of Cu-uladh, son of Hugh, the son of Owen O’Neill, was slain by the English.
Art, son of Donogh Maguire, died.
Maolmora, son of Cathal O’Reilly, was slain by the sons of Hugh O’Reilly, and the sons of Hugh prisoner by Con, son of Hugh Buighe (O'Neill), having returned to the country on terms of peace,
who put out his eyes. were attacked by the sons of Cathal, who stormed Slaine, daughter of O’Brien, the wife of Mac their house, and the two sons of Hugh, and the William of Clanrickard, a vessel full of charity two sons of Felim, the son of Hugh, with many
and hospitality, one of the most accomplished
women in her time, died after having gained the victory over the world and the devil.
Cuchonacht, son of John, son of Cuchonacht
Maguire, and Felim, son of Dunn, son of Cucho
nacht, son of Philip, son of Hugh Roe Maguire, died.
A great contention arose in Tyrone, between
O'Neill and Shane Buighe O’Neill; the sons of
Art O’Neill, and the sons of Felim O’Neill, were
opposed to O'Neill in that contest, and the sons
of Art committed a depredation on the sons of Mac Rannall, was killed by the tribe of Art O'Neill, and the sons of O'Neill committed one O’Rourke.
or two plunders on John Buighe; the sons of Dermod, the son of Loghlin Oge O’Hanley, Shane Buighe pursued them, and slew Hugh, son heir to the chieftaincy of Kinel Doffa, was, along
others were slain.
Bryan, son of Felim O’Neill, was killed by the son of Con, the son of Hugh Buighe, and by the tribe of Henry Aimhreidh (O'Neill), and Bryan was a man distinguished for hospitality and gene rosity, and for purchasing poems and other com positions.
of Cathal, son of Felim O'Conor, and the son of Gillpatrick Mac Caghwell, with many others who are not recorded.
Con, son of O’Neill, i. e. Henry, was taken
prisoner by the sons of Hugh Buighe O’Neill, and
was delivered by them as a hostage to O’Donnell.
James, son of Myler Mac Herbert, was killed
by Gerald, the son of Edmond Geancach Mac Herbert.
A. D. 1482.
The image of the holy cross of Christ having been removed and left on the banks of the lake of Ballinculin, wrought great works and miracles.
with his kinsmen, treacherously slain by the tribe of Gillananeev O’Hanley, in violation of the oath taken on the relick of Connaught, and the sureties of some of the chiefs of that province.
Roderick Buighe O’Hanley, chief of Kinel Doffa, died after having spent a good long life, and Teige, his brother, suceeded him.
Roderick Mac Dermott, lord of Moylurg Roscommon), and Teige Mac Rannall, lord
Conmaicne Moyrein (in Leitrim), marched with hostile force into Kinel Dossa (against the
O’Hanleys), for having violated their compact,
and they burned the hofse O’Hanley, and Donogh, son Siacus Carrach, and the son Conor, the grandson Cormac, but they were
Donogh Oge, the son of Donogh Maguire, by whom Torlogh, the son of Philip Maguire had been slain, was killed himself by the cast of a dart.
Gillcreest O'Fiaich (O’Fea), vicar ofAire Bros however routed and pursued the people the caidh (Derrybrusk in Fermanagh), a learned eccle country far Ballinafad, where Felim Fionn siastic, and a man who kept a house of general O'Conor came up, and prevented their flight. hospitality for the space of a year, died. Bryan Oge, son Bryan, son Cathal Duv
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REIGNS OF EDWARD V. AND RICHARD III. 303
O'Conor, was slain by the tribe of Teige O'Conor, at Cuireach-an-aragail.
marched with his forces and joined him; they then proceeded along battle array, defiance
Art O'Conor gave Oliver Plunket a defeat at
Ath-ma-geeanaidh, in which he slew many of his Traighbally Dundalk, which they plundered
people, and took Oliver himself prisoner. and burned, and also the surrounding country. ti.
Donal, the son of Roderick O'Conor, lord of The lord justice, i. e. Gerald (Fitzgerald), son # Corcomroe of Ninas (in Clare), died, and was suc Thomas, earl Kildare, went pursuit them
ceeded by his brother Dermod.
Felim, son of Felim O'Conor of Corcomroe, was
treacherously killed by the sons of Conor O'Conor. Carbry, the son of O'Conor Roe (of Roscom
mon), a brave and warlike man, heir to the lord ship of the tribe of O'Conor Roe, died.
with great army the English, and overtook them; but, however, they bravely opposed that great pursuing force, and defeated them, and great many the English were slain. On their own side, Mac Quillan, and the son Torlogh Carrach O’Conor, were killed. O’Donnell after that marched with his forces the town Louth,
Erard O'Maolconry, chief professor of history
and poetry in Siol Murray (Roscommon), a man which burned, and received presents and
learned in the Latin and Irish, died, after having gained the victory over the world and the devil, and was interred at Elphin ; he was succeeded in the office by Siodhraidh O'Maolconry.
Murtogh Mac Clancy, the intended chief pro fessor (Brehon) of Thomond, and Cosnamhach, the son of Conor Oge Mac Clancy, died.
Hugh, son of Carbry O'Conor, was killed by a
payment from the inhabitants for protecting and sparing their town. O’Donnell returned back, and parted Hugh Oge, the son Hugh Buighe, who proceeded Glenree (near Newry), attack Trian Congail Down); himself (O’Donnell)
his return through Tyrone, spoiled and burned the country every direction through which passed, until arrived Avonmore (the great river, probably the Blackwater). His forces cut and cleared their way through very dense and im passable woods, which were along the banks Avonmore, make free and easy pass for his forces through the woods; then com
manded his men construct strong wooden
enemies, their way until they arrived
so. "
party
of his own
people.
A. D. 1483.
Rossa, the son of Thomas Oge Maguire, bishop
of Clogher, a man distinguished for wisdom and
piety, and who kept a general house of hospitality
for persons, died, and was interred the church Aghalurcher Fermanagh), accord
ing his own selection.
Mahon O'Griobhtha (O’Griffa), bishop Kil
laloe, fountain hospitality and wisdom, died, and was interred the monastery the canons
Corcobaiscne (in Clare) with due honours. Donogh, son O’Kelly, and O'Ferrall,
Cumara, died.
Con O’Neill was ransomed his father and kinsmen from O’Donnell and from the Claneboy (O’Neills), and the same Con was afterwards inaugurated lord Tyrone the consent his
bridges (or passes) across the river,
whole his forces, both foot and horse, crossed the stream, without either man horse being drowned; after which they the bridge down the stream, and their enemies could do nothing but behold them from the opposite side, and
O'Donnell then returned home with triumph and victory.
O'Donnell marched with another force against John, the son Philip Maguire, and carried off great preys and booty, and Donal O’Neill, the
following day, committed another depredation the same John.
Art, son Con, son Calvach O'Conor (O'Co nor Faily), defeated Con, son Art, the son Con O’Melaghlin, which the two sons Roderick
father, and the people Tyrone general.
great contest arose between O’Donnell, i. e. Carrach O'Carroll, and many others, were slain.
Hugh Roe, and O’Neill. Con O’Donnell collected
the forces Tirconnell and North Connaught, and Hugh Oge, the son Hugh Buighe O’Neill,
O’Cianain (O’Keenan), i. e. Roderick, chief his torian Maguire, died.
Conor Oge Mac Clancy, chief professor Tho
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A. D. 1483.
1. Edward V. and Richard III. -King Edward IV. died at
Westminster on the 9th of April, A. D. 1483, in the 42nd year of his age, and was succeededby his son Edward, prince of Wales, as King Edward W. Edward on the death of his father was only in the 12th year of his age, and his uncle Richard, duke of Glou cester, was appointed Protector of the kingdom, but, aspiring to the crown, he had the young king, together with his brother Ri chard, duke of York, then only in the fifth year of his age, con veyed to the Tower, where he had them put to death. King Edward V. reigned but two months and sixteen days, being killed on the 20th of June, 1483. On the murder of his two nephews, Richard, duke of Gloucester, had himself proclaimed king, as Richard III. , on the 26th of June, 1483, according to Sir Harris
John, returned that day with victory and booty.
Nicholas's chronology; but the usurper's reign was very short his forces being defeated, and himself slain at the battle of Bos worth, on Monday, 22nd of August, 1485, by Henry, earl o Richmond, who became king, as Henry VII.
Lords Lieutenant. —Gerald Fitzgerald, earl of Kildare, acted as lord deputy in the reign of Edward W. , and on the death o Edward, King Richard III. nominated his own son Edward, prince of Wales, then only in the 10th year of his age, as lord lieutenant of Ireland, and the earl of Kildare was continued to act as lord deputy. On the death of Edward, son of King Richard, in 1484 John de la Pole, earl of Lincoln, nephew of King Edward IV. , was appointed lord lieutenant, but did not come to Ireland, and the earl of Kildare still continued as lord deputy.
!
- 304 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1484.
mond, a highly accomplished man in literature and Hugh, son of Bryan, the son of Bryan Ballach poetry, died, and was succeeded by Hugh Mac O'Conor, was slain by the tribe of Teige
Clancy.
Conor Mac Brehon (or the son of the Brehon),
the intended chief professor of Muintir Maolruain, died, after a long suffering.
Edward V. " was proclaimed king of England on
the 19th of April, and he reigned two months and eighteen days. -
Richard III. was proclaimed king of England on the 22nd of June.
A. D. 1484.
Nicholas Weston, bishop of Derry, died (see A. D. 1474).
O’Conor.
Donal Mac Gorman (of Clare), a relative of O’Brien, a man who kept a house of general hos pitality, the most wealthy possessor of live stock (grazier), died.
Hugh, son of Bryan O’Brien, and his wife Sabina, the daughter of Teige O'Conor, died.
Roderick Oge, the son- of Roderick Buighe O’Hanley, died. - Malachy, the son of Conor O’Gormley, and
Conor, his brother, were killed by the sons of Owen, the son of Niall O'Donnell.
Bryan Roe, the son of Cathal, son of Owen, son of John O’Reilly, died.
