No More Learning

Some ascribe its
cell, called St. place pe the time
institution St. Patrick himself, the 5th century; while others Ireland were Lough Derg, Armagh, Downpatrick, and Derry
are opinion that was first instituted the 9th century, about 850, monk named Patrick, one the priors the island but Lanigan considers was not established till the 11th
12th century. St. Patrick's Purgatory became famous place pilgrimage, and former ageswas resorted vast num bers pilgrims, not only from all parts Ireland and Britain,
but even from the continent. recorded Rymer's Foedera, that 1358, King Edward III. granted Malatesta Ungarus, Hungarian knight, and Nicholas Beccario, nobleman Ferrara, Italy, safe conduct through England, visit St. Patrick's Purgatory; and, 1897, King Richard II. granted like conduct Raymond, Wiscount Perilleux, knight Rhodes,
Columbkille, Ulster; Croagh Patrick mountain, Mayo; Aran
Termondabeog,
still continued place pilgrimage, but modern times the place performing penance has been removed from Saint's Island,
another near called Station Island. Lough Derg, the present day, visited vast numbers pilgrims from all parts Ireland, and many from England and Scotland, and some even
from America. The time performing penance from the 1st June the 15th August, and the number who visit annu
ally, late years, estimated from ten fifteen thousand persons; about the year 1825, boat was swamped the lake, by which accident seventy eighty persons were drowned, and their bodies were buried on Saint's Island.
The ancient Irish, amidst all their fierce feuds amongst them selves, and sanguinary conflicts centuries with foreign foes, were still religious race, and imbued with great love litera ture; and their kings, princes, and chiefs founded and amply en
these Annals. and was dedicated were annually held
Lough Derg, often mentioned the course was subject the great abbey Armagh, SS. Peter and Paul; three great festivals
the abbey, the 1st January, the 24th December, honor the patron and founder, St. Dabeoc, who buried there. The abbey continued great note the 17th century, but D. 1632, order
July, and the 16th
the lords justices, sir Adam Loftus viscount Ely, and Richard Boyle earl Cork, the abbey and other buildings the island Lough Derg, were demolished and the friars expelled, by sir James Balfour and sir William Stewart, who were deputed for that pur pose. Some ruins the old abbey still remain, and plate given Ware's Antiquities, the buildings the island.
Galway; the seven churches St. St. Kevin Glendalough Kildare
Tipperary. Many the Irish
have gone pilgrimages the abbey founded by their countryman, St. Columbkille, Iona,
the Hebrides; the course these Annals, many princes and
chiefs are also recorded have gone pilgrimage, the 14th and 15th centuries, the shrine St. James, Compostella,
Spain; others Rome, and some even Jerusalem and the river Jordan.
the Saints, off the coast Kiaran Clonmacnois, and
St. Bridget, and Holycross
kings and princes are recorded
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they took their leave and bade farewell Desmond, whom they had appointed.
the middle month the harvest this year, we have before stated, the Connallians sent their flocks
into the county Sligo, and O’Donnell himself lived Ballymote, from the time had got pos session till after great Christmas. O’Donnell, having called for mustering his forces from all quarters which they were, was the first place joined the Tirconnallians, with their troops, and also Mac William Burke, namely Theobald, the son Walter Ciotach, with those under his command; and those having collected together
O’Donnell Ballymote, the end the month
December precisely, the resolution came was,tomarch into Clanrickard, although the people
that country were dread and their guard; but, notwithstanding their fear and terror him,
proceeded with his forces unnoticed and unper ceived, until arrived silently, and his satis faction, the gate Kilcolgan the barony Dunkellin, county Galway, where there was abbey), the dusk the early morning then
O'Moore, and such those forces were under
his command, proceeded into Leix; Redmond
Burke, with all those the same force who were
engaged and commanded by him, marched into Ormond; the risings out the Ultonians, who
were along with those chieftains, returned their countries and homes, without want treasure booty being the benefit that expedition. Cap
tain Tyrrell remained with the earl Des mond, and the earl was wasting and overrunning
REIGN OF ELIZABETH. - 641
from Dunqueen the county Kerry),
the river Suir, and which was possessed and inhabi ted Englishmen, abounding with dwellings and
immense property, that they did not slay banish out the space seventeen days; nor did they leave, during that time, chief seat, castle,
one sod the Geraldine estates, that they did
not put into the possession the earl Desmond,
except alone Castlemaine, the county Kerry,
Askeaton Hy-Conuill Gabhra (barony Con removing and driving them, until they returned nello, Limerick), and Magheala (Mallow), safe their countries, viz. , Mac William Ty the county Cork. These officers O’Neill rawley, and O’Dogherty Inisowen.
having performed that great duty
short time,
the earl Anthony
When O’Donnell got possession Ballymote,
they passed, until they reached the Umhalls (baro nies Burrishoole and Murrisk, Mayo), unno ticed, and those were the property, herds, flocks and cattle, for the most part, the entire country
Mac William. They collected the property on the mainland, from the small islands outwards, and though great was the gathering and collecting
preys they made, they experienced no obstacle injury their progress, except alone the toil
Munster, and gaining the people during the two remaining months year.
continuation,
The lord Mota Gairett (Mountgarrett, Wexford), namely Edmond, the son Richard, son Pierce Butler, joined O'Neill friendship,
the harvest The lord
this year.
the Third Clonmel (barony
bald, son Pierce, son Edmond (Butler), and the baron Luachmaighi (Purcell, baron Lough moe, the barony Eliogarty, Tipperary), together with great number young men the Butlers, rose war and alliance with the Irish.
O’Donnell, i. e Hugh Roe, sent armed force
from Tirconnell with Mac William (Burke), namely Theobald, the son Walter Ciotach, son John,
country about him, but particularly through the cen tre Clanrickard; one party them arrived the vicinity the district Redmond (Burke), and another party went Dun-Guaire (near Kinvarra,
Galway, the borders Clare), Coill-ua bhFiachrach. Lamentable deaths were occasioned
that party that went Coill-Ua-bhFiachrach, viz. , the two sons Rossa, the son Anthony, son Malachy O'Lochlin (of Burren, Clare),
the end
this
Iffa and Offa,
Iasgaigh (Cahir), namely Thomas, the son Theo sent forth his predatory parties into parts the
Tipperary), and Cathair-Duini
son Oliver, march into Mac William's country,
the harvest this year; sent O’Dogherty, namely Torlogh Buighe and Bryan, were slain;
and large force along with him, namely John
there was also slain gentleman the Clan Don nell galloglasses who was along with Mac William (Burke), that force, namely, young Hugh Buighe, the son Hugh Buighe, son Maolmurry Mac
Oge, the son
Carrach. any country
John, son Felim, son Conor doubtful they were perceived
which they arrived, through which
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642 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1598.
Donnell, who fell by the hand of Torlogh Buighe,
the son of Rossa (O'Loghlin) on that occasion, be fore he himself had been slain ; there were likewise
slain, by another party of O’Donnell’s people, the two sons of William, the son of John (Burke), of Rinn-Mhil, and the son of Theobald, son of Dabog
of Doire-Ui-Domhnaill (places near the town of
Galway), together with his grandson; Mac Ho
berd of Dysert Kelly, namely, William, the son of
Ulick Roe, son of Ulick Oge, was taken prisoner as we have stated, namely, Teige, the son of Co by O’Donnell's brother, i. e. Manus, the son of nor, son of Donogh O'Brien, by whom the bridge
Hugh, son of Manus. Although there were great and vast numbers of retained soldiers belonging to the earl quartered in Clanrickard, O’Donnell was enabled to carry away with him, out of the country, all the immense preys, large herds of cattle, and booty and property, that were conveyed to him, without conflict or battle, and arrived with the en tire back at Ballymote.
of Portcross (O’Brien’s Bridge, in Clare), was taken; and although he was not the first who at tempted to take it from Margaret Cusack, it finally
came into his possession; he took Caislen Cluaine in Iv Caisin (Clonie, in the barony of Bunratty, county of Clare), and Caislen-na-Sgairbhe, in the east of Hy-Bloid (Scariff, in the barony of Tullagh, in Clare), from the Turnae (officer), of the son of the bishop of Meath. Of those also was Conor, the son of Donal, son of Mahon, son of Bryan
The earl of Thomond was an entire Kalend in England this year.
The earl of Kildare, namely William, the son of Gerald, son of Gerald, went to England in the spring.
O'Conor Sligo, namely Donogh, the son of Ca
thal Oge, returned from England in the winter. The following were amongst the gentlemen of
Thomond who were in contention with each other,
There were disputes and contentions between
some of the gentlemen of Thomond, respecting the
partition and joint occupation of their territory and O’Brien, who took Baile-an-Chaisleain, in upper
land, and of their towns and ancient castles, too tedious to be written or recorded.
Clan Cuilein, from Mac Namara Fionn, namely, John, the son of Teige, son of Cumeadha; of those likewise was Torlogh, the son of Mahon, son of Torlogh, son of Mahon of Coill O’bh-Flannchadha, who took Doire Eoghain (Derry Owen), from George Cusack, of which the sons of Awlave, son of Kian O’Shaughnessey, were the first inheritors; and Mahon, the son of Torlogh Buig O’Brien be came established in Coill O’bh-Flannchadha. Of the same gentlemen were Torlogh, the son of Mur
When the queen of England and the council
were informed that the men of Ireland rose in op
position to her, as has been already stated, and the
immense number of her people that were slain this
year, the resolution the sovereign and the council
came to was, to send over sir Richard Bingham,
with eight thousand soldiers along with him, to
maintain and carry on the war here, until the earl
of Essex should arrive, who was commanded at rogh, son of Conor O’Brien of Cathair-Mionain, that time to come to Ireland, from the festival of and his brother, Dermod Roe, who joined in the
St. Bridget forth, with such clothing, treasure and war of the Irish. Of those also was Teige Caoch, arms, the like of which had not been undertaken the son of Torlogh, son of Bryan, son of Donogh
to be sent to Ireland since the time the Saxons had
first invaded it till then. The forementioned sir
Richard was an honourable knight of the queen's
people, who was well acquainted with Ireland, and
Mac Mahon, who, at Christmas, seized on an Eng lish ship, which had been astray for a long time before that, and happened to take port in western Corcabaiscinn, in the vicinity of Carrig-an-Chobh
had been for some years previously governor in the laigh (Carrigaholt, in the barony of Moyarta,
province of Connaught. The earl of Essex we county of Clare), and Teige took the ship, with
person who had made plunders and captures in
the provinces of western Europe, on behalf of the same queen, and by him was taken, shortly before that time, a strong impregnable city in the kingdom
of Spain, the name of which city is Cadiz.
have also mentioned was a man who was esteem
valuable cargo, from the crew; was not long ed, favoured, and honored by the queen, and was a after when profit was light Teige, and the
demand him for took Dunbeag, one
the possession lieu of debt.
was great; the same Teige
his own towns, which was merchant Limerick,
in
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in
its
on
its
REIGN OF ELIZABETH. 643
A. D. 1599. estate of his father; for sir George Bingham gave The earl of Kildare, namely, William, the son of the estate of Mahon O’Brien, after he had put him Gerald, son of Gerald, whom we mentioned, had to death, to the forementioned George, and he gone to England in the foregoing year, prepared (Torlogh), was endeavouring to obtain his patri
men, of the gentlemen of Meath, and of the Eng
lish Pale, and having sailed till out of sight at sea,
none of them were seen alive ever since, and it was
from other countries in two months after that, an
account of the certainty of their deaths came to mond, namely, by the sons of Mamus Oge, the England and Ireland. He did not leave a son or son of Manus, son of Edmond Mac Sheehey ; and brother after him to succeed him in the title, and a that slaying was considered a great loss by the relative of his, namely, Gerald, the son of Edward, earl, for O'Conor himself, i. e. John, and his bro son of Gerald, son of Thomas, son of John Cam, ther, that Donogh, together with those their was appointed by the queen and the council of country, were united with him war.
to return to Ireland in the spring of this year. mony, until he slew George on that occasion; and Having entered a ship accompanied by eighteen he was interred in the monastery of Ennis.
England; he was a captain over soldiers in the queen’s service, until God granted him that title without battle, war, peril or danger.
O'Molloy, (of King's county), i. e. Comall, the
son of Cahir, died in the spring of this year, and his son, Calvach assumed his place, by the power of the queen; there were some gentlemen of his lineage who objected to and opposed him, accord ing to the law of the Irish, (the law of Tanistry), concerning that title.
John, the son the Giolla Duv, son James O'Kennedy, Baile-an-Gharrdha Knock-Sith Una, Ormond, was slain by Hugh, the son Murrogh O'Kennedy, Baile-Ui-Chuirc.
The prior Lothra (Lorrah), Ormond, namely, John, the son John, son Giollapatrick O’Hogan, was slain by party the O’Kennedys,
the month July precisely.
More, the daughter Donal, son Conor, son Torlogh O’Brien, died the month January;
Bryan Oge, and by Hugh Buighe, the son of Fer
feadha Mac Sweeney,they were burned, or hanged,
by O’Donnell, i. e. Hugh Roe, on the top of Sith
Aodha (a hill at Ballyshannon), for their crimes, and unite them in his father’s war in Leinster and according to the law of corporal punishment.
James, the son of Torlogh, son of Tuathal
O'Gallagher, was hanged by O'Donnell, on the top
of the Sith (hill), above Easroe, at Ballyshannon,
on the 4th day of March, after it was proved against
him that he had been engaged in betraying and they were engaged; and there was correspondence
watching O’Donnell, and inducing the English to and friendship carried
between that son the earl Thomond,
Conor O’Brien, each
come to his country.
George Cusack, the son of Thomas, was killed
in the month of July, by Torlogh, the son of Ma hon, son of Torlogh, son of Mahon, the son of the bishop O’Brien (bishop of Killaloe), respecting the
O'Neill and the son namely, Teige, the son side of the Shannon.
|
Torlogh, the son Donal, son Conor O’Brien, took into his service some common and hired sol
The son of O'Conor Kerry, namely, Donogh Maol, son of Conor, son of Conor, son of Conor,
son of John, was slain in the month of August, by a party of the common soldiers of the earl of Des
Fergus, the son of Bryan, son of Bryan, son of she was woman worthy praise, the manners
Roderick, son of Cathal O'Ferrall, died in the month of March, and his death caused lamentation in his country (in Longford).
of women.
The earl Thomond, namely, Donogh, the son
Conor O’Brien, returned from England, the Donal, the son of Niall Meirgeach, son of Maol month January, and remained with the earl
murry, son of Hugh, son of Niall, (Mac Swee Ormond, the country the Butlers, for some
ney), having been slain by Maolmurry, the son of time afterwards.
-
O’Neill, namely, Con, the
One the sons
son Hugh, son
proceeded, the month January, visit friends,
Ferdorcha, son Con Bacach,
Munster, ascertain those them who were firm their friendship and promises O’Neill and
the Irish. He remained the greater part spring those countries, procuring provisions for his
soldiers, and confirming them the war which
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644 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1599.
diers, in the very beginning of this year to aid the queen against her enemies.
The brother of the young earl of Thomond, namely, Donal, the son of Conor, son of Donogh,
son of Maolmurry, son of Niall, all of whom came
with their forces. There came in the same army Maguire, i. e. Hugh, the son of Cuchonacht, son
of Cuchonacht, son of Cuchonacht, son of Bryan, had the controul and command of the earl of Tho son of Philip, son of Thomas; the son of O’Rourke,
mond's people in aiding the queen.
After the taking of that English ship, of which
we have before treated, by Teige Caoch, the son
of Torlogh Mac Mahon, an unfriendly feeling and
an appearance of contention arose between himself Walter Ciotach, son of John, son of Oliver. When and that son of the earl (of Thomond), namely, all these chiefs, with their forces, came to O’Donnell Donal, and that Teige went to the earl of Desmond, at Ballymote, the army was so immense and great and made his friendship with him, like all other
parties who ratified their alliance with him.
After Teige had returned across the Shannon,
February, at Cill-Muire-O'm Bracain (Kilmurry country, from the eastern end of the country of Ibrackane, in Clare); he wounded and took pri the Mac Costelloes (in Mayo), to Umhall of Clan soner Donal, and slew a great number of his hired Giobuin (Clan Gibbon, in Mayo); they took on soldiers; and he (Donal), was conveyed to Dun that occasion Oilen-Leath-Ardain (Locharne, or beag, to be guarded, where he remained imprison Clare Island); they slew eighteen of the chiefs of ed only a week, when he was set at liberty without Clan Gibbon, together with a great number of
he made a nocturnal attack on the young chief
Donal O’Brien, on the 17th day of the month of O'Donnell. This force ransacked and overran the
namely, Teige, the son of Bryan-na-Murtha, son of Bryan Ballach, son of Owen, and the Mac Wil
liam, who had been appointed by O’Donnell him self before that time, namely, Theobald, the son of
that he sent a force into the country of Mac Wil liam, while he himself should be in Thomond, and the chieftains appointed to command this force were Mac William, and Niall Garv, the son of Con
sureties or pledges.
O’Donnell, i. e. Hugh Roe, the son of Hugh, son
of Manus, was residing at Ballymote, in the county
their people, and carried away preys, booty, and
much property, on their return from the country. As to O’Donnell and his forces, they proceeded to
of Sligo, since the gaining of the battle of Ath march into Thomond, and they did not halt until Buighe, in the very beginning of August, to the they arrived, unperceived, and crossed the river
festival of St. Bridget of this year. He thought it (Suck), into Clanrickard (in Galway); they made too long not to have gone on an expedition into an extensive camp of armed warriors, in the evening some distant country, during that period, and he of the day, at the Ruadh-Beithigh, between Cill did not know to what particular place he should Colgan and Ardraithin (Kilcolgan and Ardrahan,
go, for he had not left a quarter, border, fastness,
or sequestered place in the province of Connaught,
both in the barony of Dunkellin, county of Gal
way). They then held a consultation to determine the best means of attacking the strange country to
he did not plunder or take hostages and sureties
from, except Thomond, in particular. At the ex which they had marched, and, having taken some
piration of that period, he commanded a muster of of their provisions, they went to sleep before un his forces for the purpose of marching into Tho dertaking that great journey and toil, except their
mond; in the first place the Tirconnallians joined sentinels, who were along with them, and in that his gathering; amongst those were Hugh Oge, the state they remained till midnight, when O’Donnell son of Hugh Duv, son of Hugh Roe, son of Niall commanded them to rise forthwith, in order to Garv O’Donnell; Niall Garv, the son of Con, son march into the territory before light of day rose on of Calvach, son of Manus, son of Hugh Duv; them; they immediatelygot up, and then proceeded
O’Dogherty, i. e. John Oge, the son of John, son in the most direct open roads until they arrived, of Felim, son of Conor Carrach; O'Boyle, namely, early in the morning, at the eastern end of Coill Teige Oge, the son of Teige, son of Torlogh, son of O’bhFlannchadha, at Triocha-Ced Ceneoil-Fear Niall; Mac Sweeney Fanad, i. e. Donal, the son of maic, in Thomond (Mac Clancy's Wood, in the Torlogh, son of Maolmurry; Mac Sweeney Banagh, barony of Inchiquin, county of Clare). They de namely, Donogh, the son of Maolmurry Meirgeach, tached their predatory companies there, and sent a
REIGN OF ELIZABETH. 645
sert O'Dea, the barony Inchiquin), and the
gate Baile-Ui-Ghriobhta (the town O'Grivha);
Maguire also advanced with large party the Hy-Fiachra-Aidhne (in the barony Kiltartan, force. O'Donnell proceeded with the main body, county Galway). On the following day
and thick his army, through the centre Coill marched through the upper part Clanrickard, O'Flanchadha, through Bealach-an-Fiodhfail, the gate the town Athenry, and his progress Cill-Inghine-Baoith (Kilneboy), the upper part from thence, until arrived Ballymote, not
Dalcas, where arrived before the noon day; recorded, except that Mac William and Niall Garv
those who had gone the south returned back O'Donnell met him the borders Hy Maine,
northwards Druim-Fionnglaisi, Coradh with much prey and booty, which they had carried
Finn (Corofin), and Kilneboy, meet O’Donnell. off from Mac William’s country. The learned his
The preys the entire Kinel Fearmaic (or torian and Bard Mac Brody, Maoilin Oge,
party of them northward into Boirinn (barony of return back along the chain rugged hills Burren), commanded by Teige O’Rourke, and Mac Burren, the early light the morning, through Sweeney of Banagh; another party southward to Burren, and marched onward Nua-Chongbhail Baile-Ui-Ogain of Coill More (the town of O’Ho (Noghvale), Turlogh (in the barony Burren, gan, of the great wood), to Tully O'Dea Dy
Inchiquin), were brought that place, viz. , those
alleged that was avenge the demolition
the palace Oileach, by Murtogh More, the son Torlogh, son Brian Boroimhe, formerly, that Eich (all which places were about the boundaries God permitted, through the malediction Colum Kinel-Fearmaic, the barony Inchiquin). kille against the O’Briens, the complete plundering
The son O’Rourke, and Mac Sweeney, were and devastation Thomond which was effected by
the borders Galway), the monastery Corcomroe Abbey), Carcair-na-goleireach, and halted that night the Rubha, the west
from Dysert Glen Columkille, Tolaidh-Chu man, Cluaim-Sailchearnaigh, and Leim-an
not able come up him that night with the preys Burren, neither was Maguire able come
O'Donnell on that occasion; and the same Maoilin Oge came O'Donnell, seek for the restoration his property which had been carried off by
from the other side, for these encamped the
different places where the night overtook them. party those forces, and was freely granted O'Donnell having encamped that night Kilne him, which Maoilin composed the following verse
the morrow, before went was into Trio Cill-Fionnabhradh
(Kilfenora, the barony
forth scouring parties from thence, southward
Eidhnigh (Killieney, where there ancient (O’Donnell made this expedition into Thomond
boy, left that town
mid-day, and the direction chat-Ced Corcomruadh,
(see note Aileach, 438):
“It was destined revenge for Oileach, O'Hugh Roe, which the prophet declared,
against Donogh O’Brien, earl Thomond, and others who were alliance with the English).
the first week March, the governor the province Connaught, Conyers Clifford, went
Kilfenora, with their preys and booty, meet
O'Donnell; he remained there until the following number officers and common soldiers; after he
burial place),
and Corcamaigh,
(Innistymon),
lenane), Baile-Paidin, and back again eastward
day, till his forces overtook him from quarters
had been nearly week Galway, sent seven
which they had been the son Mac Sweeney Banagh, came preys Burren; Maguire came
O’Rourke, and him with the him with preys
eight companies the county Clare, and disobedient
English and Irish soldiers
ascertain who were obedient the queen it; appointed
Corcomroe); sent
That your force should come the land Of Magh Adhair, the western territory. ”
Breintir-Fearmacaigh (Brentry),
the gates Innis-Diomain Cill-Easpuig-Lonain (Killaspug
and much booty from the other side. When Theobald Dillon, captain Lyster, and the sheriff O'Donnell beheld the hills becoming crowded and the county Clare, namely, Richard Sgorlog blackened all directions about him with the (Sherlock), command over them, until they
every country should where Torlogh O’Brien was, who was through which his forces had passed, prepared also appointed command over them; after en
droves and numerous flocks
Galway, with large force, consisting great
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646 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1599.
tering the country, they remained the first night captain Lyster quitted the country, having left four at Cill-Caoidi, in the east of Kinel Fearmaic (Kil companies soldiers, sheriff, and sub-sheriff, keady, in the barony of Inchiquin, in Clare). and they also established acknowledgement When these people engaged warfare, who the queen's rent. The earl Thomond,
were alliance with Teige, the son Conor
O’Brien, heard their arrival the country, they
lay ambush for them, and on the march the
queen's people, the following day, through Be proceeded, without sleeping two nights any one alach-an-Fhiodhfhail (between Kilkeady and Kil town, take revenge Teige Caoch Mac Mahon, neboy), westward from Kilkeady, Teige's men at for the dishonour inflicted, and the attack made tacked them, and many were slain between them him his brother; the greater portion the
both sides; and although there were more people the country joined him march into the queen’s people slain, the death any person western Corcbaiscinn, and laid siege Carrig note who fell there has not been recorded on the aholt, the Monday before Easter, the month side the Irish gentleman the O’Briens,
namely, Dermod Roe, the son Murrogh, son
Conor, was slain; besides what happened there,
the pass was let free the queen's people, and they
halted and remained the end the day Kil after the earl took the castle, and the end the neboy. The resolution thatTeige, the son Conor Easter holidays got some ordnance brought
O’Brien, came after that was, come on terms with the queen, and abandon his soldiers, and particularly those who were engaged the fore mentioned conflict; sent his messengers Theobald Dillon, Kilneboy, and the governor
from Limerick, lay siege Dun-Beag (Dunbeg the parish Killard, barony Ibrickane,
county Clare), and having planted the ordnance against the castle, the guards did not wait for one shot being fired them when they surrendered
week after that, came been nearly quarter
the country, after having year the country
Galway. Theobald Dillon and the queen’s the castle the earl, and they got quarter only
people left Kilneboy the following day, and pro during the time they were being conveyed
Gar gallows),
the Butlers; when
arrived Thomond,
April precisely; the property and cattle the
entire country, from Knock Doire Leim-Cucu lainn (Loop Head, the mouth the Shannon), were brought him that camp; four days
ceeded the place Torlogh, the son Donal main-na-Croiche (the scaffold the O’Brien, who was protection and rallying post where they were hanged together
every one
avail themselves they laid siege
couples. the queen's people who wished The earl obtained Dunmore-Mic-an-Fhearmacaigh
it; when they and Torlogh met, (Dunmore, the parish Killard), after the same Cathair-Mionain, the barony manner. After the earl took those castles of the
Corcomroe; that town was den for thieves,
and cover for insurgents, which the plunder
and prey the surrounding country were convey
ed, Torlogh, the son Murrogh, son Conor
O’Brien, gentleman who was that time al had been taken the dishonour the queen, and liance with the Irish; that town was obliged those were Doire-Eoghain, the two towns the surrendered the queen's people. Torlogh and castle Clonie, and Lios-Aodha-Finn (Lisfin
Castle, near Tullagh, county Clare),
Robert Devereux, earl Essex, came Ireland
proceeded eastern Corcobaiscin (barony Clon them have stated that great army had never derlaw), and afterwards Ennis, where they held come into Ireland till that time, since the earl
Theobald left Cathair-Miomain, with their force, and
proceeded into western Corcbaiscin (barony Moy arta), make peace with Teige Caoch Mac Mahon,
about May this year, had been promised, with great deal treasure, arms, ammunition, powder, much prey and booty from the country; they then lead, provisions, and drink, and those who beheld
and when they could not pacify him, they carried off
session for fifteen days, and the gentlemen the country and the county general attended them;
the end that period, Theobald Dillon and
Strongbow and Robert Fitz-Stephen came with Dermod Mac Murrogh, king Leinster, former
days. When the earlof Essex arrived Dublin, many
Corcobasknians, Limerick, and
sent the large ordnance back himself proceeded across the the centre Thomond;
mountain eastward,
restored the rightful inheritors every town which
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advanced Kilmallock, but, his return, was attacked Ard Sciath by the earl Desmond, Butler, viscount Mountgarrett, and Butler, baron Cahir, Purcell, baron Loughmoe, William Burke, and captain Richard Tyrrell, who pursued his forces during the entire day, for eight miles his march, and slew great num
REIGN OF ELIZABETH. 647
things were proclaimed to be done by him, and Pierce Butler, who had been alliance with the first of those was, that every one of the Irish O’Neill previous that time. When the Butlers who was sorry for having gone in opposition to the joined the earl, they proceeded with their forces queen should receive forgiveness and pardon, in into the Third Clonmel (the barony Iffa and every crime they had committed till then; amongst Offa, Tipperary), and they laid siege Cathair
the same proposals was, that any of the men of Ire Duine-Iasgaidh (Cahir castle). Thomas, the son
land who would assert that his castle (or town), ores tate, had been taken from him by the Saxons, through
by that earl to Carrickfergus, to Newry, to Dundalk, to Drogheda, to Wicklow, to Naas of Leinster and
several other towns besides. Having mustered seven thousand soldiers of the best he could select of the
Theobald, son Pierce Butler, was the lord that town, and was for some time previous that
oppression or violence, that a restitution should
be made for the illegality of the same against him,
and that he would be favourably heard on that occa
sion; but, however, not many of the Clanna-Gael
(Irish), availed themselves of that invitation. Garri nearest half them the castle was demolished, sons of soldiers, with all necessary stores, were sent
Leinster, and to attack the Irish of the province of Leinster on that occasion was not as if he were
proceeded pened fall Theobald, son
the border the country, hap with Thomas Burke, the son
William, son Edmond Cas tleconnell, without either being search the the son of Donogh, son of Cahir Carrach Cave other; Thomas had near hundred Irish soldiers
amongst friends in a distant country; these were Donal Spaineach (Donal the Spaniard or Spanish),
nagh; Anthony, the son of Rory Oge, son of Rory along with him, but none O'Moore; the O'Conors Faily; the tribe of Ran himself; the president, mall (O'Byrnes), and many other gentlemen who determined active attack are not recorded. These parties made desperate
horseback excepting beholding him, made
fierce attacks, and severe and irresistible onsets on him, in intricate places and narrow passes in which they encountered each other, and great numbers of the earl’s people were destroyed; but, however, after sustaining the injuries encountered,
length arrived the country the Butlers. The earl of Ormond came and waited on him with
due honor and respect, and also the lord Mount garrett, namely, Edmond, the son Richard, son
A. D. 1599.
Battles Munster and Death Norris-Sir Thomas Nor ris, abovementioned, president Munster, was brother John Norris, whose campaigns Ulster, against Hugh O'Neill, have been recorded the years 1595-96, the Annals. According Mac Geoghegan, Thomas Norris, the head 2,500 men, marched from Cork towards Kilmallock, but was attacked place
him, and nearly twenty Thomas’s people were slain that occasion, and many more would have been cut down, were not
alliance with O’Neill and the earl Desmond; the siege carried by the earl and his forces was avail them, until they brought some large
ordnance from Waterford against by which the
after which they were obliged surrender the town the earl Essex and the queen. the days which the earl Essex laid siege Ca hir, the president the two provinces Munster, namely, sir Thomas Norris, came from Cork
army, he marched from Dublin westward directly, Kilmallock wait on the earl, before he should
for he was informed that there was not in Ireland, come Limerick; resided nearly fortnight
of those who were plundering the queen, a party that town waiting for the earl come across the
which could be more easily attacked by him than Suir, and was the habit scouring the hills
the Geraldines, situated as they were on that oc the county Limerick every other day the casion. The earl and his forces did not halt until hope slaying taking prisoners some the
they arrived in the very centre of the province of queen’s enemies; one those days, which
that the president happened wounded, for was directly struck by the thrust pike, which
received between the jaw-bone and the upper part the neck; when his people saw him wound
that manner, they surrounded him, and con veyed him back Kilmallock, where was
confined for six weeks under the hands doctors, until died, the month July precisely".
called Bearrach Abharra by William Burke, who repulsed him, killed many his men, and took his baggage. Norris afterwards
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ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1599.
When Cahir was taken by the earl of Essex, he himself, along with the earl of Ormond and the officers of the army, proceeded to Limerick, and he
formed his camp outside of Limerick. The governor of the province of Connaught, namely, Conyers
Clifford, together with the earl Clanrickard, i. e. Ulick, the son Rickard Saxanach, and the earl Thomond, namely, Donogh, the son Conor O’Brien, joined him that town; when those no
bles concluded their consultation together, the go vernor and the earl of Clanrickard returned back
into Connaught, and the earl Essex, along
Munster on that occasion. On their return east ward the following day, being Monday, near
Baile-an-Eletraigh, they got strenuous hard fight,
and slaughtering dangerous conflict from the
Geraldines, and an immense number of the earl
Essex’s forces were slain that day, together with noble knight great fame and renown,
namely, sir Henry Norris; the earl Essex went after that Kilmallock, and, after having re
mained that town for three nights, directed his course southward Ceann-Feabhrat of Slieve
Caoin the son Dearg Dualach, mountain
Ormond and the earl Thomond,
the barony
the borders (Fermoy,
Cork, the direction proceeded was across Ath-Mainistrech-Fearmaighe (the Ford the monastery Fermoy), through Cona chail, through Moy-Ile, and Lioss-mor-Mochu
da, Lismore Waterford, where monas tery was founded the 7th century, by St. Car
thach Mochuda). The Geraldines continued following and shooting them, attacking, pursuing, slaughtering and wounding them along that dis tance. When the earl of Essex arrived in the
Desies (in Waterford), the Geraldine forces re turned with great joy and gladness their own countries and homes, and when the same earl came
Thomond departed
with the earl
prepared
obtaining
raldines; the first night after leaving Limerick,
the month June, they encamped the banks
the river Adare their march westward through Moin-Robhair, the following day, being
Saturday, the common soldiers and officers
the earl Desmond, and the Geraldine forces, showed them their faces, and fierce and grim was the welcome and reception they gave their sovereign's viceroy, his first visit them, for they shota cloud and smoke black powder, and shower balls from their sure-aiming guns, into their eyes; also
heard the loud shouts, cries, and clamour the
commanders and champions, instead the sub mission, honour, and the mild and bland expres
Coshlea, county Limerick, towards Cork), pass into Roche’s Country Cork); and when was supposed
march into Munster, the hope opportunity attacking the Ge
would
Dungarvan, the earl sions which should used towards him but, from him along the sea
Eochoill (Youghal) thence Limerick. mense numbers of the earl of Essex’s forces were The earl Essex proceeded from Dungarvan
however, the result that conflict was, that im Cork, and from
destroyed, and was not allowed make any progress note that day, and encamped
Waterford, from thence into the country
the Butlers, and into Leinster, and their march through every place they passed from Waterford Dublin, was not fortunate, for the Irish
short distance to the east of Askeaton. On the
following day, being Sunday, the resolution the
earl Essex, together with the earl Ormond Leinster were pursuing and attacking them, sur
and the earl Thomond, came was, send cavalry force put ammunition into Askeaton, and themselves proceed farther westward into
hers before they reached Kilmallock. Norris made another expe dition," with 2,400 foot and 300 horse, against the lord Roche Fermoy, who being joined Donal Mac Carthy Desmond, and Dermod and William O'Conor Kerry, their combined forces amounted 2,500 foot and about 100 horse; both armies continued skirmishing for days, but Norris, having length resolved return Cork, was pursued by the Irish, who killed 200 his men Monaster-na-Mona. Some time after this, Thomas Burke, brother the baron Castleconnell, having left the queen'sparty, joined the Irish, and got from Redmond Burke the command 200 men, with whom proceeded attack some places held by
rounding and circumventing them, that they
slew and destroyed immense numbers them every way and direction through which they
the English Muscry Cuirc, now Clanwilliam, Tipperary, and
having encountered Norris Killtilli, valiantly attacked him, and Norris,
the head 1,200 men, above-mentioned, being spear, young man
wounded the neck with the thrust
named John Burke, the English forces gave way when they saw
their leader fall, and many them were slain. Norris, being mortally wounded, died days after Kilmallock, not Mallow, mentioned Cox and Mac Geoghegan; the place where Norris was killed, called Killtili, Kilteely Listeeley, near Pallasgreen, the county Limerick.
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passed; and the Irish were in the habit of saying that it were better for him he had not gone on that expedition from Dublin to Hy-Conaill-Gaura (the
nogh, the son Cathal Oge, was along with the earl Essex that army, till their march from Munster, we have stated, and on their return eastward from the Connelloes, the county Limerick, was there O'Conor parted with them, and proceeded Connaught, the governor
ict
Siege of Cahir. —Essex next advanced into Kilkenny, and thence into Tipperary, and besieged Cahir castle, on the river Suir, which belonged to Thomas Butler, baron of Cahir, who was against the queen. The earl of Desmond, Redmond, and William Burke, to gether with James Butler, brother of the baron, according to Mac Geoghegan, came with their forces, and had several skirmishes with the troops of Essex, of whom many were slain; they thus retarded the siege, but the small garrison, having no artillery, and the cannon of Essex playing on them, the castle was surrendered, after a siege of ten days; this attack on the castle of Cahir is mentioned at p. 647 in these Annals. Essex placed a garrison in
but about two months after, according Cox, the castle was retaken by James Butler, who put the English garrison the Sword.
Battles Askeaton, &c. —These battles are mentioned
648 the Annals. The earl Essex next proceeded Lime rick, where his progress was opposed by the forces the Geral dines, commanded James Fitzgerald, earl Desmond, who was
s.
REIGN OF ELIZABETH. 649
baronies of Connello, in Limerick), as he was
obliged to return back after the first conflict which
was maintained against him, without receiving
obedience or submission from the Geraldines, and
without having accomplished, in his progress, any
achievement worth notice, except the taking of Ca that time, except one castle belonging the Mac hir-Dun-Iasgaidh. ” O’Conor Sligo, namely, Do Donoghs Tirerrill, which stood near the borders
2. Erpedition of the earl of Essea to Munster. —Robert Deve
reux, earl of Essex, earl marshal of England, cameto Ireland aslord
lieutenant, and landed at 1)ublin on the 15th of April, 1599, accom
panied, says Borlase, with many of the prime gentlemen of England. 2,500 men. Essex was joined the earls Thomond and Or He had, says Cox, “an army as great and as well furnished as
his heart could desire for that service, being at first 16,000 foot,
and 1300 horse, but afterwards increased to 20,000 men complete. ”
The annalists say that so great an army did not coine to Ireland Eletraigh, and by Mac Geoghegan Baile-en-Finitere, which pro
since the days of Strongbow. Essex sent part of his forces to different garrisons in Ulster, and, according to Mac Geoghegan, he dispatched 3000 men to assist sir Conyers Clifford, in Con naught, in his contests with Red Hugh O'Donnell, and he placed 3000 foot and 500 horse under the command of sir Henry Harring ton, to act against the O'Conors, O'Moores, O'Byrnes, O'Tooles, O'Cavenaghs, and other chiefs in Leinster. Some of the Irish chiefs joined Essex, and on these he conferred the honour of knights of the Golden Spur. According to Cox, Mac Geoghegan, and others, Essex himself, with the main body of his army, amounting to 7000 foot and 900 horse, and accompanied by 300 knights and gentlemen, set out from Dublin on the 20th of May, on his march to Munster; the cavalry was commanded by Henry Wriothesly, earl of Southampton.
brated chieftain Anthony O'Moore, of whom an account has been given at p. 632, not Owen O'Moore, as stated by several writers,
bably Ballinelety, near Askeaton.
At this place, according Mac Geoghegan, the battle was very bloody, and lasted from
the morning 'till the evening, and great numbers the Eng lish were slain, together with sir Henry Norris, valiant com mander. Essex, after this engagement, encamped for few days
Croom, and then marched towards Waterford; but Mac Geoghe gan says, he was pursued and harrassed during six days by the
Catholic army. these battles, and several others alluded
the Annals, many hundreds the forces Essex were slain the Geraldines and the Irish chiefs.
Battles Leia, Offaley, &c. —Sir Henry Harrington marched with his forces into Leix, against the O'Moores, and, according Mac Geoghegan, the English were defeated great battle, and 1,200 them slain, with all their officers, and amongst the rest Adam Loftus, son the archbishop Dublin. Another great victory was gained over Harrington the O'Byrnes, the glens
Wicklow, after which, Essex, punish the English troops for
want courage, had them decimated. At this time, according Mac Geoghegan, Christopher Blanche was sent Ireland marshal, and marched with his forces into Offaley, King's coun ty; but was met the O'Conors, and fierce engagement ensued, which the English were defeated, and 500 their ca valry slain; the marshal himself escaped with difficulty, having his leg broken the battle.
The earl Essex continued some time Cork, deeply affected
Battle of the Pass of Plumes. —-Essex marched through Kil dare into Leix, on his way to Kilkenny and Tipperary. The cele
determined to oppose his progress, posted in a woody defile 500 of his clansmen, who suddenly attacked from their ambuscade the troops of Essex in the rear, and in a fierce conflict cut off about 500 of the English, and many officers. The place where this battle was fought was afterwards called Bearna-na-goleiteach, signifying the Pass of Plumes, from the great quantity of plumes collected, which had decorated the helmets of the English knights slain there. This conflict is considered to have taken place within a few miles of Maryborough, in the Queen's county. It is above stated in the Annals, at p. 647, that many attacks were made on the troops of Essex in their progress, and there were at least 700 of #. slain by the O'Moores, O'Conors, &c. , in those various con
success his arms. Mac Geoghegan says the English council, which was intercepted
sir Conyers Clifford. O'Conor had none his towns the county Sligo under his controul
alliance with O'Neill, and was commonly called the Sugan earl; Donal Mac Carthy More, Redmond Burke, and other chiefs, also joined Desmond and the Irish, according Mac Geoghegan, had
mond, and the first engagement above-mentioned the Annals, took place between Adare and Askeaton, and the second between Askeaton and Croom, place called the Annals Baile-an
the letter
and
where there an abundance warlike stores, but still unsuccessful; my undertakings have been attended with misfor tune, and not know what this can attributed, except
was the following passage: “I am confined
evil star that has led me here. ” Essex, seeing his forces
various engagements, set forward his his progress through Leinster, Wexford,
discomfited all sides
return Dublin, but
Carlow, and Kildare,
clans, under the Mac Murroghs, O'Cavenaghs, O'Tooles, O'Byrnes, and O'Moores, who, various conflicts, mentioned the An nals, cut off great numbers his men, and ultimately the earl effected his retreat Dublin, where arrived, towards the end
was pursued and harassed by the Irish
July, with shattered remnant his forces. Of the select
army 8000 men, with which Essex set out this expedition, to gether with the troops under Harrington, amounting more than
3000, about 5000 them were slain by the Irish, the various battles Leinster and Munster. Cox, his Hibernia Anglicana,
says that Essex, understanding the queen was angry less expedition into Munster, attributed the fault and his return found his army impaired, that council joined letter for the supply 1000 men.
his fruit the council,
and the
wrote the Irish,
Cork, have been
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650 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1599.
of the great river (Ballysadare river, near Sligo),
the name of which is Collooney. O'Conor having
remained a short time with the governor, he then
proceeded, by day and night, until he reached that period, the earl sent additional forces and soldiers town, in the month of July precisely; when O’Con with the governor, and commanded him, that, or arrived at Collooney, some cattle belonging to after his arrival the town Athlone, request O'Donnell's people which were throughout the Theobald the Ships, the son Richard the country at that time, were brought to O’Conor at Iron, son Edmond, son Ulick (Burke); Mur that town, unnoticed by their owners. When rogh-na-Maor, the son Donal the War, son O’Donnell was informed of that affair, he was glad
that O'Conor had come to the country, and he was
pleased with what he did, in order that he might
be revenged of him for his bad deeds before that
time. O’Donnell commanded his cavalry forces
not wait for their foot soldiers, until they reached
the castle, lest O'Conor might able leave the
town before the arrival the forces; this was ac rive Collooney, and torelieve and release O'Conor cordingly done for him, for truly his commands
danger being slain; but, however, reached
the earl, and they remained for two days and nights together consultation; the termination that
Gilladuff O'Flaherty, and the forces Galway, convey the provisions and drink, and their ma chinery for erecting castles, which had come from England Galway, round along the headlands and coasts northward, the harbour Sligo, and the
governor himself, with his forces, proceed land, the most direct roads, until should ar
durst not disobeyed; the horse forces then pro ceeded, expeditiously they possibly could,
until they arrived the town, and the main force followed quickly, and formed themselves into circle encompassment around the fortress. That castle was impregnable stronghold, and was
Sligo from the strait and predicament which was placed by O’Donnell; the earl also command the governor not return back until had erected strong impregnable castle Sligo, that
not easy watch the person who would inclined
leave for the place where was situated was Ships, Murrogh-na-Maor, and the people Gal
near intricate fastnesses. O'Donnell encamped the outskirts wood which lay the other
side the river, front the town; companies guards and sentinels were appointed by him,
way, that they should proceed by shipping along
the coast Ireland directly from the west Sligo; they did not neglect these instructions, for they prepared come, without delay cessation, and
both by day and night, watch every direction sailed with their fleet along the right hand side
about the fortress, and large troops cavalry were
kept always mounted on guard from the dusk the evening the following morning, order that
O'Conor might not escape from them. These re ports spread throughout Ireland, viz. , that O'Conor Sligo was placed that predicament by O’Donnell
Collooney, and when the earl Essex was in formed that affair, sent dispatches the go vernor the province Connaught (sir Conyers Clifford), and he commanded him come meet him certain day Fercall (O'Molloy's terri tory, the King'scounty). Thegovernorsustained great. loss and opposition his march through
Fercall meet the earl, for great number his common soldiers and officers were slain, and among
those was Richard, the son William, son Richard, son Oliver Burke, gentleman the
Burkes Tyrawley; and the governor himself was *
the land, until they entered the harbour Sligo, from the west, where they remained, they were
ordered, until they should receive information about the forces. The governor himself proceeded Roscommon, and mustered the English and Irish under his controul the adjoining districts, who were the service the queen; those were the sons the earl Clanrickard, namely, Rickard, baron Dunkellin, and Thomas; O'Conor Don,
Hugh, the son Dermod, son Carbry; Theobald Dillon, and Mac Sweeney the Tuatha, namely, Maolmurry, the son Murrogh Mall, son
Owen Oge, who was plundering and oppo sition O’Donnell, alliance with the governor
that time. They afterwards proceeded from Roscommon Tulsk, and they had twenty-eight
colours soldiers their departure from that town, the Sunday before Lammas (the Sunday
would always resist the Ultonians. The governor, having undertaken have these things executed, took his leave the earl, and proceeded the town Athlone, and enjoined Theobald the
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REIGN OF ELIZABETH. 651
before the 1st of August), precisely; the governor, for the salvation of their souls, in the first place, with his forces, arrived before noon of that day at and to deliver them from the great danger which the monastery of Boyle, where they remained to awaited them by the English. During the time the make preparations for the general march, which governor remained at the monastery of Boyle, he was they finally made. As to O’Donnell, when he preparing and threatening, declaring and boasting,
succeeded in establishing and confirming the siege
against the fortress in which O'Conor was to his
satisfaction, so that none would be suffered to go
into or come out of the castle, he left Niall Garv he had promised. When O’Donnell received in
O’Donnell in command of those who were carrying
on the siege, and having given him directions in
every thing necessary to be done, he himself
marched with his forcesto Coir-Shliabh-na-Seaghsa
(the Curlew mountains, on the borders of Sligo
and Roscommon), and he encamped there, in order
to prevent the foreign army from crossing it un ties (musketteers), on one side, with their loud-re
awares, for, from the first time he received intelli porting, sure-aiming guns, their forcible, smooth gence of the governor's intended march towards stringed arrows (the archers), their blood-drawing him, by command of the earl of Essex, he was in sharp spears, and other kinds missile weapons; wait, and on the look out for him, for the space of appointed fighting chieftains, and battle-main two months, till the 15th of August, on the borders taining warriors, command over the men,
of Bealach-Buidhe (the Yellow Pass), on the north closing, pressing, and leading them the con side of the Curlew mountain; but, however, his flict, and push them fight from the rear, forces were dispersed and separated from him, in whenever their weapons became relaxed; placed various places, viz. a party of them besieging the his chiefs, and champions, and steady soldiers (the castle in which O'Conor was, a portion of them galloglasses), the other side, with their strong, stationed before Theobald of the Ships, and the well-tempered, sharp swords, and well-shaped, forementioned fleet, and others of them guarding keen-edged battle-axes, and well-tried, large-headed the passes from Lough Kea, at the eastern extre spears, maintain the force battle; also con mity of Seghais (the Curlew mountain), to Loch verted his cavalry into foot soldiers, and distributed
every day, against the northerns, and promising he would cross the mountain northward, despite of them, and he marched on that day to perform what
telligence of that affair, he commanded his forces to be assembled in one place, to be reviewed, and put in order, and after they were inspected in ranks, he then divided his forces into two bodies. He
arranged his swift and active men, his nimble and expert soldiers (the kerns), and his shooting par
Teicheat (Lough O'Gara, in Sligo), at the western extremity of Seghais. His chiefs and counsellors
told O’Donnell that they had not a force sufficient to oppose the Englishin battle, as they had not their
troops collected together, but he considered their opinion of little weightorconsequence, and said, that
it is not by a host of men a battle is gained, but who
ever confides in the power of God, and has justice
on his side, it is he that must conquer and gain
the victory over his enemies. O’Donnell continued
in that manner till the 15th of August, as we have
stated, and that was the anniversary of the day on
which the Virgin Mary yielded her spirit, and he fast
ed with abstinence in honour of the blessed Virgin the foreign force might not pass unnoticed; Mary, as he was accustomed to do; a Mass was party them happened have been there that celebrated for him, and the forces in general, and day, who were reconnoitering distance the after making his confession, and rigidly repent monastery, and those who were it; while they ing of his sins, he received the Eucharist, and he were thus watching, they perceived the forces taking commanded his forces to pray to God fervently their arms, raising their standards, blowing their
them amongst his warriors, account the diffi culty the groundbefore them. O’Donnell having
disposed his men that manner, commanded the shooting party advance, before the others,
meet the foreign forces, fight and shoot them before they would come across the difficult part the mountain, and that he would be with the other party
certain place prepared give them battle, was sure overcoming them for was defeat them, after they had been first
where
easier
disabled
every day, number sentinels, who were con cealed on the brow the mountain, order that
that party. O’Donnell had watching,
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652 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1599.
trumpets, and mustering for general battle; they were the English routed back the same place
sent speedy information of this to O’Donnell, who, as soon as he heard commanded the party had directed take the lead the pass proceed, with possible speed, onwards, engage with the English before they should come across the intricate parts the slopes the mountain; they then proceeded they were directed, with great ardour, and each man them having the courage
champion, they quickly reached the brow the mountain, before the English; O’Donnell fol
from whence they had come; their flight was pressing, that not one them looked back for friend relative, and did not know whether any those they had left behind them was dead alive, after
they once turned their backs their enemies; and not one them would have escaped tell the tale, were not that those who routed and pursued them were fewer number, for was impossible for them cut down those their power, account the greatness and vastness the num bers who were flying before them; but, however, they did not cease from pursuing them until they
lowed them steadily, with slow pace, attended
the steady warriors, and faithful and strong heroes
whom had selected about him, until they ar went within the walls the monastery from which rived the particular place which they were they had previously come. O'Rourke happened sure they would meet the English, where they have been at that time on the eastern side of the halted to encounter them. As the advanced Curlew mountain, separate camp, and had
force, which was commanded take the van, they promised O'Donnell that would ready at continued proceed the way meet the fo tack the English, conjunction with all others,
reign battalions, until they confronted them; when whenever the opportunity should offer. When they came close each other, the Irish cast heard the loud sounding the trumpets and forth at them destructive showers of well-for drums, the great reports, and the resounding along med, ash-handled darts, flights sharp-pointed the earth the powerful firing, prepared arrows, from their long and powerfully ef proceed from his camp with his warriors, and they fective bows, and thick volleys red flaming having put their battle-arms, they did not halt
flashes, and hot fiery balls lead, from their perfectly straight and sure-aiming guns. These
shooting vollies were answered the English sol diers, and their reports and echoes, and resounding
noise, were heard the woods and waters, and
weapons. The governor, sir Conyers Clifford, was districts; was wonder that the faint-hearted, slain, together with immense number English
the castles and stone buildings the neighbouring
and even the brave, did not fly from the attack and conflict, hearing the battle clangour, and the echoing and resounding the powerful firing. Champions were pierced, and heroes slain either side between them; their chieftains the fight, and their leaders the conflict, commanded O’Don nell’s people not remain standing before the fo– reigners, but circumvent and surround them on
and Irish, and was the beginning the en gagement was laid prostrate the mountain, mortally wounded, and the soldiers were ignorant
who first wounded him but, however, was by ball which passed through him, and none the soldiers recognised him until O’Rourke length came the place where was, and discovered that was the governor, and gave orders be head him; this was accordingly done, that
sides, which they closed around them
every side they were commanded, and they con was mangled trunk after his head was taken off.
tinued cut them down fiercely and actively, and without reserve, until they subdued their battle courage them directions, by the closeness and vehemence the conflict; but, however, the
English length turned their backs the power ful men the North, and the few number de feated the hosts hundreds, and precipitately
The person who was slain there was greatly mented, and was grievous have treated him ignominiously. The Irish the province Meva (Connaught), were not happy his death, for was bestower precious gifts and property
them, and stated falsehood them; was not one place that the governor was conveyed,
their quick progress until they arrived the place where O’Donnell’s forces were fighting the battle, and they commenced cutting and shooting the champions, conjunction with the others, un til the warriors lost vast number of heads and
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from the field of battle, for his body was brought to the road, with expedition, such them
be buried to the island of the Trinity on Lough Kea, vived, until they arrived their homees
in the barony of Moylurg (barony of Boyle), in and sorrow. O'Donnell’s people remained
the county of Roscommon, and his head was af tents that night, and they buried those that were terwards carried to Collooney, in the barony of slain their side; when they learned that the Tirerill, in the county of Sligo. After the defeated English had fled back, they proceeded the cas party had escaped to the monastery, O'Donnell's tle Collooney, where they had left the siege people returned back, carrying with them the heads carrying against O'Conor. When O'Conor was and military weapons of their enemies; and having informed the defeat and fall sir Conyers Clif retired to their encampments with great joy and ford, the battle the Curlew mountains, he gladness, they offered up thanksgivings to God did not believe until the head the governor and the Blessed Virgin Mary for their victory; and was shown him when he beheld the head he
the unanimous voice of the men was, that it was
not by the force of arms the English were defeated,
but through the miracles of God, and the supplica
tions of O’Donnell and his forces, after he had re his submission him that was good resolution ceived the pure essence of the body and blood of for him, for O’Donnell put him the possession Christ, in the beginning of that day, after the fast and government his country, and presented which he had kept the previous day, in honour of him with many gifts horses, cattle, and sorts the Blessed Virgin Mary. As to the English, property, that after that possessed his after O’Donnell’s people returned, they took to country”.
gave up hope being rescued from imprison ment, and what did was, come forth and sur render the mercy O’Donnell, and made
sur grief
their
3. Battle of the Curlew Mountains. —The Curlew mountains foot, with somesquadrons cavalry. above stated the An are situated on the borders of Roscominon and Sligo, about two nals that had colours, and each company, which usually miles north of the town of Boyle, in Moylurg, or Mac Dermott's consisted 100 men, bore colour, the entire the British Country. These mountains, called by the Irish Cor-Slieve, are forces, and their Irish auxiliaries, amounted about 2,800 men.
celebrated in Irish history, their passes being in ancient times the scene of many great battles, several of which have been recorded in the course of these Annals. This battle was fought on the 15th of August, 1599, and is described by the various Irish and Anglo Irish historians, from whom the following particulars have been collected. The Irish were commanded by Red Hugh O'Donnell, and by Bryan O'Rourke, lord of West Brefney, or Leitrim; this Bryan was son of the celebrated chief Bryan-na-Murtha O'Rourke, who, having gone to Scotland for some auxillaries, was treacher ously taken prisoner by King James VI. , afterwards James I. , of England, who sent him to London to queen Elizabeth by whose order he was confined in the Tower, afterwards tried, and hanged at Tyburn ; an account of his death has been given at the year 1591, in these Annals. Amongst the chiefs who commanded on the
side of O'Donnell were sir John O'Dogherty of Inisowen, Owen Mac
Sweeny, and O'Gallagher of Donegal, and Conor Mac Dermott,
chief of Moylurg. O'Donnell assembled his forces at Ballymote,
and sent, says Mac Geoghegan, a garrison of 400 foot, under Mac
Sweeny of Fanat and Mac William Burke, to Sligo, to secure that
The following were the officers under Clifford sir Alexander Rad cliffe, who led the van guard, and Arthur Savage, who brought up the rear; Richard Burke, baron Dunkellin, son the earl Clanrickard, commanded the centre; sir Griffin Markam, and captain John Jephson, commanded lord Southampton's cavalry; colonel Theobald Dillon, baron Kilkenny West, Westmeath; sir John Harrington, captains Lyster, Cosby, and Oliver Burke, were also commanders. Several the Irish chiefs, with their forces, also joined Clifford, Hugh O'Conor Don, and O'Conor Roe Roscommon; Maolmora Mac Sweeny, and sir John Mac Sweeny, who, consequence some quarrels, revolted from O'Donnell, though before that time the Mac Sweenys always fought his side. On the morning the battle, O'Donnell ad dressed his men the mountain animating harangue, the Irish language, the substance which given Taaffe, from O'Sullivan Beare, which are the following passages—“The great dispenser eternal justice has already doomed destruction
town against Theobald of the Ships, who was in alliance with the
those assassins, who have butchered our wives and our children, plundered our properties, set fire our habitations, demo lished our churches, and monasteries, and who have changed the face Ireland into wild uncultivated desert. On this day, more particularly,
English, and sailed towards it with a fleet from Galway ; he also
sent 200 horse, under Niall Garv O'Donnell, to blockade Donogh
trust heaven for protection, day dedicated all saints, whom these enemies religion en day which we have purified our consciences defend honestly the cause justice, against men whose hands are reeking with blood, and who, not content with driving from
O'Conor Sligo, who then held the castle of Collooney for the queen.
the greatest deavour vilify;
These detachments reduced O'Donnell's forces to about 1,500 men;
having possessed himself of the defiles of the Curlew mountains, he had many large trees felled, and placed on the passes to obstruct
the advance of the English. O'Donnell then encamped on the
adjoining plain ; his forces consisted, as usual, of Kerns and tains Dunaveeragh. But, brave Irishmen, you burn for revenge. galloglasses, with some bodies of musketeers and archers, whose Scorning the advantage this impregnable situation, let rush weapons are well described in the Annals. He had some troops of down, and show the world, that, guided by the Lord life and cavalry, which he dismounted and ordered to fight on foot, as they | death, we exterminated those oppressors the human race. He
could not otherwise act with advantage on the slopes of the moun tain. Sir Conyers Clifford, governor of Connaught, marched with
the British forces from Athlone to Tulsk, and thence to Boyle, where he was joined by the garrison of that town, and deter mined to attack O'Donnell, and assist his ally O'Conor Sligo. His army, according to Mac Geoghegan and others, amounted to 2,500
who falls will fall gloriously, fighting for justice, for liberty, and for his native land; his name will remembered, while there
Irishman the face the earth; and who survives will pointed at, the companion O'Donnell, and the defender his country. The congregation shall make way for him the altar, saying, that hero fought the battle Dunaveeragh. ” The
our native plains, come hunt like wild beasts into the moun
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654 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1599.
When Theobald of the Ships received intelli roll, Tipperary, and King's county), namely,
gence of the defeat of the English, and of the fall of the governor, and that O'Conor had been released from the castle as we have stated, the resolution he
Calvach, the son William Odhar, son Fear ganainm, the spring this year; and when the
time paying their stipend arrived, O'Carroll and
came to was, not to fight against O’Donnell any his people went them by night, and slew them
longer, and he afterwards confirmed his friendship with him, and O’Donnell permitted the fore-men tioned ships to return back again to Galway.
Some gentlemen of the Mac Mahons of Oirgiall
(in Monaghan), together with a hundred soldiers,
were employed for pay by O'Carroll (of Ely Car ster and the governor the province Connaught,
British forces advanced from Boyle towards the mountain, in the Collooney, O'Conor Sligo, the Roman general, dismay morning, and, about 1 o'clock, the conflict commenced, and con the Carthaginians, had cast before their advanced guards the head tinued for a considerable time very fiercely on both sides. Sir Asdrubal. O'Conor, dismayed the death Clifford, sur
Alexander Radcliffe, at the head of his men, made some advance up the hill, towards a bog and wood, from which he was attacked by the Irish, and, after fighting about an hour and a half, it is said Radcliffe's men had expended their powder and shot, and the van guard, pressed on by the Irish, wavered, wheeled about, and were routed on all sides. Radcliffe received a wound in the face, and another in the leg, and was soon after slain. The van guard being routed, sir Conyers Clifford himself endeavoured to animate his men to the contest, and laboured to rally them by his voice and example, but in vain, and the brave veteran, rushing onward, was shot through the body with a ball, and slain in the thick of battle. Sir Griffin Markham was shot through the arm and nearly killed. Sir John Harrington (the translator of Ariosto), who was a captain in the queen's service, gives an account of this battle in his Nugae Antiquae, and he and Morrison state, that the cavalry under Jeph son gave a desperate charge up the hill, among rocks and bogs, but they were mostly cut to pieces by the fierce onsets of the Irish Kerns and galloglasses, and all their colours were taken. The valiant O'Rourke, being posted at a distant part of the mountain, to guard a pass to Sligo, did not arrive on the field till about the middle of the battle, but he then fell on with great fury, animated with the recollection of old wrongs, and revenge for the death of his father; he led on his kerns and galloglasses, and they rushed impetuously down the hill, with terrific shouts and clashing of arms, pouring on the English ranks like a torrent, and they piked and hewed their way through them on all sides, with unrelenting rage, and pursued them with great slaughter. The English were pur sued as far as Boyle, where the remnant of their forces found refuge that night, but fearing O’Donnell, they, early the next morning, retreated to Athlone. Morrison says, “but the lord of Dunkellin, sir Arthur Savage, captain John Jephson, and many of the best judgement, considering that, as the governor was lost, our troops utterly dismayed, and O'Donnell come down with all his forces into these parts, they thought our men should retire their gar risons. So captain Jephson all that night kept the ford (at Boyle), while our foot, the silent night, retired, and the morning, when they were safety, he, with the horse under his command, went softly after them the castle Athlone. ” Mac Geoghegan states, that the English forces 1,400 were slain, but least
1,500 fell the battle and pursuit; and the Four Masters say, that the pursuers had not been few number, compared those who fled, that few the English would have escaped
rendered the castle O'Donnell, and sued for pardon.
stated Taaffe, that the day after the battle O'Donnell ordered O'Rourke pursue O'Conor Don, but O'Rourke refused, saying, “O'Conor Don my brother-in-law, and have enemies but those foreigners and Saxons who murdered my father. ” O’Don mell himself marched Ballintobber, and O'Conor's clans, awed
his name, forsook their own chief, who had joined Elizabeth. O'Donnell had, said, but one piece artillery, brass cannon which was sent present him from Spain, and, assisted by O'Conor's men, this gun was placed the heights Bally finne gan, batter the castle Ballintobber, when O'Conor surrender
discretion. O'Donnell generously forgave O'Conor Sligo, and restored him his possessions, and and O'Conor Roe gave up the queen's cause, and joined their countrymen; but O'Conor
Don took active part against the English. D'Alton's An nals Boyle some interesting particulars are given about this battle, and, amongst other matters, the following letter, which was sent Mac Dermott the constable Boyle, with the body
sir Conyers Clifford, giving permission have buried the monastery the Holy Trinity Boyle. Sir John Harrington condemns the Latin bad, but says the sense was civil. “Con stabulario Boyle salutem. Scias quod ego traduxi corpus Gubernatoris ad Monasterium Sanctae Trinitatis propter ejus di lectionem alia causa; velitis Inihi redire meos captivos ex predicto corpore, quod paratus sum conferendum vobis ipsum, alias sepultus erit honeste predicto Monasterio, sic vale. Scriptum apud Gaywash 15th August, 1599. Interim pone bonum linteamen ad predictum corpus, velitis sepelire omnes alios
nobiles non impediam vos erga eos. ” The Latin not good, but may excused, written hurry the day battle, and probably dictionary hand, but the purport appears
follows: “To the constable Boyle, health. Know that have
their sleeping places, and their inns; some
them were hanged but, however, party
the nearest trees him, town them escaped,
despite O'Carroll. After the president
the two provinces Mun
the Mac Dermotts, lords Moylurg, and the venerable ruins tell the tale. As Morrison, Cox, Leland, and other Anglo which still remain show its former magnificence. appears that, Irish writers, they give most absurd and confused accounts this time, this ancient abbey was converted into military de this battle, and appear have had no accurate information pot, and was one the chief garrisons the English Connaught. May, 1601, according Fynes Morrison, the lord deputy
the subject, and they did not even know that O’Donnell was the commander. this battle O'Donnell lost only about 150 200 men killed and wounded. The Irish obtained immense booty, amunition, arms, armour, colours, horses, &c. Mac Geoghe gan says that O'Neill was advancing assist O'Donnell, but
arrived too late by two days share the glory the victory. The body sir Conyers Clifford being recognized amidst the slain,
O'Rourke had his head cut off, and O’Donnell sent the castle
Mountjoy, and the council, appointed that 1000 foot and horse should left the abbey Boyle, under the command the earl Clanrickard, with instructions infest O'Conor Sligo, and prevent O'Rourke from joining O'Donnell, which served, says,
further their new plantation Ballyshannon, where garrison was placed, and Henry Folliott appointed governor.
sent the body
out respect
my prisoners,
confer with you honourably buried
Written Gaywash, &c. ;
the aforesaid body, and will not prevent you doing
the meantime put good burial clothes you wish bury all the other nobles, towards them. ” The celebrated
the governor the monastery the Holy Trinity,
him, and other reasons; you wish restore exchange for the aforesaid body, am ready the subject; all events, the body will
the aforesaid monastery, and farewell.
Cistercian abbey Boyle was founded, and amply endowed, by
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REIGN OF ELIZABETH. 655
were slain, as we have stated, in their proper son of Awlave, son of Donogh O'Neillan, a man
places, the earl of Essex, and O’Neill, i. e. Hugh,
the son of Feardorcha, son of Con Bacach, went
to meet each other, to hold a conference, on the
first days of the month of September, and the re Bunratty), in the county of Clare.
sult of their conference was, that peace was ratified Castlemaine (in Kerry), was taken by the earl between them for the space of two months, and of Desmond, about the November of this year, that the English and Irish should hold their own from the queen's people, on account of the guards places respectively during that period. " When being in want of the necessaries of life.
the earl of Essex made peace with O’Neill, on that Loch Gair (in the barony of Small County, in occasion he proceeded to Dublin, but did not stop Limerick), was also taken by the same earl from long there until he went to England, after having the queen's people.
displayed the most splendid regal state ever exhi O'Conor Sligo, namely Donogh, the son of Ca
bited by the Saxons in Ireland; he left Ireland thal Oge, remained in the friendship and alliance without peace, tranquility, lord justice, governor, . . of O’Donnell, from the time in which the governor
or president, except alone that he left the care of was slain to the end of this year; that was a the sword of state with the chancellor and sir Ro beneficial change and an advantageous protection bert Gardiner. (According to Cox, the lords jus against adversity for him to join in that friendship, tices were Adam Loftus, lord chancellor, and sir and abandon the slow, unprofitable promises made George Cary, treasurer-at-war). It was not known to him (by the English) from year to year till then; to any of the Irish whether the earl had left Ireland when O'Conor became obedient to O’Donnell, he with the intention of returning back again, or to gave O'Conor an immense deal of cows, horses, remain beyond (in England).
O'Kennedy Fionn, namely, Anthony, the son of
Donogh Oge, son of Hugh, son of Awlave of Baile ui-Eachdach, in Lower Ormond, in the county of
Tipperary, died in the month of November, and
Giolla Duv O'Kennedy was nominated the O’Ken nedy.
Master Neillan, i. e. James, the son of Donal,
Devereux, earl Essex, marched towards Ulster, by Kells and the Henry Ovington advanced the ford. The earl Essex came borders Cavan, with 2700 horse and 300 foot, against Hugh down meet them, attended by the earl Southampton, sir O'Neill, earl Tyrone. O'Neill was posted with his forces for several George Bourchier, sir Warham St. Leger, sir Henry Danvers, sir
cultivate and inhabit the country, after had been waste, without dwellings habitations, for
long time till then.
O’Donnell went, the month December,
make peace between the Clan William (Burkes Connaught), their dissensions, viz. , between
to, provided the chiefs who came did not exceed six. The earl count of this conference given by Camden, Cox, Fynes Morrison, O'Neill, with his brother Cormac, accompanied by Magennis, and MacGeoghegan. the beginning September, 1599, Robert Hugh Maguire, Evir Mac Colla Mac Mahon, Niall O'Quinn, and
Conference between O'Neill and the earl of Esser. —An ac
days the hills Monaghan, the borders Louth and Armagh, Edward Wingfield, and sir William Constable. The earls saluted and said he sent one his officers, named O'Hagan, the earl each other with great respect, and, after some conversation, was Essex, requesting conference the next day ford called agreed that certain deputies should next day treat about peace. was finally concluded between them, that truce for six weeks
Ballaclinch, not far from the town Louth, and near the castle Gerald Fleming. Leland says that captain Thomas Lee, Eng lish officer under Essex, acted internuncio between him and O'Neill; this Lee was author the celebrated memorial the state Ireland addressed queen Elizabeth, and given Curry's Civil Wars. Essex having agreed the interview, sent persons before him examine the place, and they met O’Neill near the
ford, and informed them that though the river was much swell by the rains they could easily converse with each other across the stream. Essex came down the banks the river alone,
should take place from that day, renewed every six weeks’till the 1st May, yet that both sides should liberty, upon
days' notice, renew the war, and any O'Neill's confede rates refused consent this, should leave him pursued the lord deputy. This conference took place the river La gan, which separates Monaghan from Louth, and Garrett Fleming's
having planted troop horse the next hill. O'Neill was the opposite bank, and boldly rode his horse up his middle into the river; much conversation passed between himself and
Farney
naghclint, and that was here the interview took place, though,
Essex Ford, the parish Killany, the river Glyde, near the Lagan. Essex was the Louth side, and Essex for about hour, but there were persons within O'Neill advanced the Monaghan side the Lagan, Farney.
hearing them. This interview took place about the 7th
8th of September, according various accounts; each the earls returned their troops, and Con O'Neill, Tyrone's son, following Essex, requested further conference,which agreed
The conference between O’Neill and Essex forms the subject an excellent historical painting by Doyle, Irish artist, and was exhibited during the present summer (1846), the Royal
Hibernian Academy.
who kept a house of general hospitality, and who was skilled in the arts, died in the month of Octo ber at Baile-Ui-Aille, in the barony of Quinn (now
and of every sort of cattle and flocks, also of corn, and of other necessary things required
castle was situated near the Ardee road. Shirely’s History
according others, and supposed some
stated that the ford Ballaclinch now called An
was appears that the earl
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656 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1599.
Mac William, i. e. Theobald, the son of Walter dread of him were generally felt from that place to Ciotach, and Theobald of the Ships, the son of Leim-Cuculain (or the Leap of Cuculin, now Loop
Head, in Clare), he did nothing more on that oc casion, but returned back into Ulster.
however, he did not go beyond Oranmore on that
occasion, and he encamped for three nights in the ready to overflow, or an unruffled wave, in this vicinity of Machaire Riavach and of Galway; a year, without danger of battle, preying, fighting, prey was brought to him from the Spaire of the or capture, from any quarter of Ireland, while, in great town (Galway), and although the fear and truth, their terror was over every country.
Thomas Norris, in the campaigns in Ulster against Hugh O'Neill,
had always a force of from 3000 to 5000 men; and sir Richard Bingham, governor of Connaught, and his brother George, had
great forces in their battles with O'Donnell, O'Rourke, &c. In 1596, when O'Neill, O'Donnell, and the other Irish chiefs, at the
great convention held at Foghart, near Dundalk, refused to ratify any peace with the English, except on conditions of being allowed their full rights, and the free exercise of the Catholic religion, ac cording to Mac Geoghegan, with a restoration of the greater part of their ancient territories, it is stated at p. 610, in these Annals, that an immense army of no less than twenty thousand men was sent to Ireland by the queen. In 1598 and—99, the marshal sir Henry Bagnall, in Ulster, and sir Conyers Clifford, governor of Con naught, had each an army of 5,000 men, but their forces were cut to pieces by O'Neill and O’Donnell, in the great battles of the Yel low Ford, and of the Curlew mountains. During this war, there were marshals or military governors, called presidents, in the four provinces, and each of them always had an army of about 3,000 men under their command. In the year 1599, at p. 642 in these Annals, it is mentioned that sir Richard Bingham, who had been governor of Connaught, returned to Ireland with a force of 8000 men from England. In 1599, on the 15th of April, Robert Deve reux, earl of Essex, came to Ireland as lord lieutenant, and landed at Dublin with a great army; Cox says he had “an army as great and as well furnished as his heart could desire for that service, being at first 1,300 horse and 16,000 foot, which was afterwards in creased to 20,000 men complete. ” About 5,000 of these forces, as before stated, were cut off by the Irish chiefs, during the expedition of Essex into Leinster and Munster. From 1600 to 1602, the lord deputy Mountjoy got about 20,000 men from England; he had about 3000 men under his own command, and from 1000 to 2000 men each were commanded by sir Warham St. Leger, and sir George Carew, the presidents of Munster. Sir Arthur Savage, president of Connaught, had about 2000 men, and the earls of Clamrickard and Thomond had each a force of about 1000. In 1600, it is stated by Morrison, that sir Henry Docwra brought more than 3000 men from England, and that he had afterwards 4000 foot and 200 horse at Lough Foyle and Derry; but the Four Masters state that he had 6000. In 1601, according to Cox, a force of 2000 men from England landed at Waterford and Cork, and in the same year 2000 foot and some horse came from England, and landed at Waterford. In the same year the admirals Levison and Preston came, with ten ships of war, and 2000 foot, to Cork, and also a large supply of artillery, arms, ammunition, &c. The combined
British forces, under lord Mountjoy, sir George Carew, and other commanders, in 1601, amounted to 16,950 foot, and 1487 horse.
The entire of the forces that came from England, in the reign of Elizabeth, for a period of more than 40 years, from 1560 to 1600,
Richard of the Iron, and after having established
peace, he proceeded to march into Clanrickard, but,
The province of Ulster was as a full pool, a well
I. The English Forces in War of Elizabeth-The kings of Eng land sent immense forces to Ireland, at various times, under different lords-lieutenant, deputies, and marshals, of which accounts have been given in the course of these notes. In 1171, King Henry II. , landed at Waterford, with a fleet of 240 ships, and a force of 4,000 cavalry, or men-at-arms, and archers, with 500 Knights. In 1185,
prince John, son of king Henry II. , came to Ireland with a fleet of 60 ships, and great forces, and landed at Waterford ; and again, in A. D. 1209, the same John, being king of England, landed at
Waterford, with a great fleet and army, for the reduction of Ire land. In 1394, king Richard II. , having resolved on the conquest of Ireland, collected an immense army, and landed at Waterford, with a fleet of 200 sail, and a force of thirty-four thousand soldiers, consisting of 4,000 cavalry, or men-at-arms, and 30,000 archers, besides a great number of Knights and noblemen. King Richard returned to England the following year, after having obtained the submission of some of the Irish princes and chiefs. In 1399, king Richard again invaded Ireland, and landed at Waterford, with a great fleet and an immensearmy, amounting to between thirty and forty thousand men, but great numbers of his forces were cut off in various conflicts with the Irish chiefs of Leinster, under Art Mac Murrogh, king of that province; Richard returned to England in the same year, without effecting the conquest of the country.