No More Learning

The plundering, and continued cry and portunity escaping with their lives from the wailing of the defenceless, warned the people of field which we are fight. ” That exciting their progress in every place through which they speech delivered by Donal made the desired im passed; they afterwards proceeded by the stone pression his people, and they promised him that road (or causeway) of Currofin, and by the gate of they would make fraternal cause against Inchiquin and Bothar-na-Mac-Righ (the Road of their enemies, and they determined sending the King’s sons), and some of their people took persons
(Kilneboy in Clare), and the violation of the church logh, the son Donogh O’Brien, with their
of the female saint was not an omen of success or forces, remained attentive and watchful beside
victory for the Dalcassians. They afterwards pro
ceeded in a north-western direction through the
wilds of Corcomroe and Burren, and having sent
out predatory parties through the country, they
collected the booty the territory one place
before night, and they then encamped, which how along side them, for the purpose encountering
dear country, and have preyed and plundered our people; moreover, though numerous those are, they are only mixed army composed persons from various quarters, who would quickly
they have marched hither, should they have op
view and reconnoitre the camp that
their camp that night, till day break the following
morning, and the rising the sun they marched forward Slieve-na-Groidheadh, and the left hand Bel-Atha-an-Ghobhann, and the forces the country were the same time marching slowly
ever was not place repose account the crying and wailing women and widows lamenting the loss their plundered properties. When Donal, the son Conor O’Brien, and Teige, the son Murrogh O’Brien, received intelligence that this great force had passed by, they collected
them, and both armies having respectively exhibit their broad-extended banners, they proceeded
the Fearsad (ford) Kill Mainchin (Killnamaheen,
the forces they could muster the moment, the length time they were without engaging with and they encountered Carn-Mic-Tail (probably the other army, for they had marched parallel Carne, the parish Kilcorney, county Clare). direction with each other from Baile-Atha-an-Gob
Those who accompanied them thither were the hann this place. Teige, the son Conor, and
sons Edmond Mac Sheehey, who had come Torlogh O’Brien, proceeded with their forces
three nights previously from beyond the Shannon top the hill Beol-an-Chip, the best position
with select body galloglasses; company
young men the tribe Giolla Duv, the son Conor, son Donogh, son Donal the
and thirties, twos and threes, from that place Beinn-for-Mala. was not the same direction
Victories Mac Sweeny, and also Ulick, the son
Rickard Saxanach, the son Ulick, son Rickard
Burke, who had come the day before visit his
kinsman Teige, the son Murrogh O’Brien.
Having then come unanimous resolution
pursue the forces, Donal, the son ofConor O’Brien, cut them down, and slaughtered them twenties
began excite them act bravely, and thus ad
dressed them: “My brave people, have learned
from sages and historians that not large
army host that victory gained, and the
success battle there are no better authorities; went directly south eastern direction. Both these people have committed too great excesses parties, however, were hotly pursued, and the ca and crimes against us, viz. , attack usin our own valry threw away their baggage from their horses
near Ennistymon, county Clare), exactly
an-Chip. Teige, the son Murrogh, and the forces general, began rebuke Donal O’Brien for
the
appeared them for fighting; the other forces and the people the country were pursuing them up the high rugged slope before them quickly they could possibly go, and before they came within fighting distance the constables Teige and Tor logh became alarmed, terrified, startled, unsteady, wavering, and began give way, and once took
flight; the other party pursued, discomfitted,
that those parties fled, for the horsemen proceeded the right along the sea westward, while the foot
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490 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1574.
quickly as they could, and Torlogh O’Brien, with district Clonmel, called Doire-an-Lair, which
twelve horsemen of his body-guard, made their es
cape by their efforts, and the fleetness of their
horses, and others of his people were wounded and
taken prisoners, amongst whom were Teige, the and the earl Ormond, namely, Thomas, the son son of Conor O’Brien, and his son Torlogh, for
they remained on the hill in expectation that their
people would rally round them; some of the earl’s
own people, who were supposed would get no
quarters, were taken prisoners, and many others
were slain ; clamorous were the crows, birds of march and completely ravage Leth Mogha (Lein prey, fowls of the air, and the wolves of the forest,
over the bodies of brave men, being the result of the slaughter of that day. South Thomond was
the better for a long time after that of they had left prisoners, horses, accoutrements, arms, and ordnance, and also their own cows and cattle
that day.
Maurice O'Clery, namely, the son Giolla Riavach, i. e. the O'Clery, man distinguished
history and general literature, man respect
ster and Munster). They did not halt until they pitched their tents and booths about Derry-an Lair, which they finally took, and guards
were beheaded the lord justice. His people and allies were this time much forsaking the earl Desmond, that he came the resolution
waiting the lord justice, and submit him,
and was compelled surrender him the castles Castlemaine, Dungarvan, and Kenry,
and depredations committed between them were forgiven by both parties.
An amicable treaty peace was concluded be. tween Bryan, the son Felim Bacach O’Neill, and the earl Essex, and Bryan after that gave
invitation feast, and amongst those invited was the lord justice (sir William Fitzwilliam), and the nobles his people, where they enjoyed them
garrisoned with some his own trusty people, guards. When this intelligence reached the
lord justice Ireland, sir William Fitzwilliam,
James, son Pierce Roe, the taking that castle renewed their recent and old animosities
against the sons the earl Desmond, and they
commanded the men Meath and Bregia, the Butlers, and the English settlers general,
and great affluence, died
was buried Fenagh the church of St. Caillin,
Muintir Eoluis, and Moyrein (in Leitrim),
A. D. 1574. Con, the son Calvach, son
Manus O’Don nell, was treacherously taken prisoner by the earl
Essex, the earl’s own camp, and was after selves together mirth and cheerfulness for the wards sent to Dublin. space three days and three nights. At the ter
The earl Desmond continued plunder and mination that time, while drinking and carousing harass his enemies the spring this year, and agreeably together, Bryan, with his brother and defeated Mac Carthy More, namely, Donal, wife, were taken prisoners the earl; and his Donal, son Cormac Ladhrach, and people, without reserve, men, women, sons, and
the son
the son Donal, son
Fingin, namely, Donogh, the son daughters, were put the sword his presence. Fingin, was slain by the earl’s peo Bryan, with his wife and brother, were sent
ple, and his death was the cause lamentation Desmond; they also slew young constable
the chiefs Clan Sweeney, viz. , the Clan Donogh Bacach, the son Maolmurry, son Donogh, son Torlogh, son Owen, son Maolmurry, son Donogh, and many other chiefs besides.
happened that the son the earl Des mond, namely, John, the son James, found
Dublin, where they were cut into quarters, and this was the result of their entertainment. That
monstrous massacre, and detestable and treache rous misdeed, which were perpetrated the lord Clannaboy O'Neill, chief and senior the race Eogan, the son Niall the Nine Hostages, and the greater portion the Gael Ireland,
excepting few, was sufficient cause abomina
tion and disgust the Irish people. "
opportunity taking well fortified castle the The sons the earl Clanrickard, namely,
A. D. 1574.
The O'Neills Clannaboy. —An account the O'Neills,
rone, and the territories possessed them, has been given pp.
21, 441, the notes Ulster, where has been shown that they possessed extensive districts the counties Down and Antrim,
lords Clannaboy, great branch the O'Neills, princes Ty
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REIGN OF ELIZABETH.
A shower of hail stones fell on the Kalends of loathsome diseases and afflicting maladies, namely May in this year, which was so extraordinary and plague, were generated excessive degree uncommon, that there were many persons in Ireland amongst the English and Irish Dublin, Naas who never witnessed such a shower, and there were
William and John, having broken their faith, and was slain
disregarded their affinity towards each other, John the son
Burke engaged in his service a great number which much regretted. of Scots and Irish mercenary soldiers. The earl
of Ormond afterwards obtained protection for him,
and he delivered hostages to the earl as a security
of his allegiance to the queen.
many others whose strong built family residences
were swept away by The corn crops which had been sown three months, half year previous
Many castle between those places was left with out guard, many flock without shepherd, and many bodies, even the nobility, were left unburied, through the effects that distemper.
new lord justice, namely, Henry Sydney, came Ireland the harvest precisely, and
landed first the province Ulster, and found
that time, were left bare without stalk and the same shower left soft blue lumps,
blade, large those
the hail stones that fell, who were struck by them.
the legs
491
Donegal, by Cahir, Tuathal O'Gallagher,
Great heat and extreme drought happened the summer this year, that there was not rain for one hour, either by day night, from May Lammas (August). consequence this drought
contention John, son
Leinster, Ardee, Mullingar, and Athboy.
Teige O'Rourke, was
slain by some the people Brefney, the established peace, union, and friendship between
The son Teige, son
all Ireland one wave war and commotion;
plain Dromahaire.
A. D. 1575.
Roderick, the son Hugh, i. e. the O’Donnell,
the son Manus, son Hugh Duv O’Donnell,
namely, North and South Clannaboy the North comprising the baronies Belfast, Massareen, Antrim, and Upper Toome, the county Antrim; and South Clannaboy containing the baronies Ardes, Castlereagh, Kinealarty, and Lecale, the county
the Tirconnallians and Tyronians, and throughout the province Ulster, was amongst them first landed, and that lord justice expelled Eng land the earl Essex, who had invaded Ulster, and acted treacherously towards Con, the son
After some time, stated the Four Masters, O'Neill invited the earl Essex entertainment, though erroneously
stated by other writers that Essex invited O'Neill. According Curry his History the Civil Wars, and Leland his History
Ireland, after O'Neill and Essex this entertainment had made good cheer together for three days and nights, O'Neill, with his wife and brother, were suddenly seized the earl's order, his friends were slaughtered before his face, nor were the women and
children spared O'Neill himself, with his brother and wife, were sent prisoners Dublin, where they were cut quarters. Le land, his Reign Elizabeth, relates the affair exactly the same manner, and says—“This execution produced universal dis content and horror. ” The earl of Essex unable settle his co lony, soon after went England for fresh forces, and 1576
Down; and many celebrated chiefs have been mentioned the course
the O'Neills Clannaboy these Annals. Bryan O'Neill,
above mentioned the text, lord
the greater part the property
Cox, his Hibernia Anglicana (p. 341), had immense flocks, less
than thirty thousand cows, besides great numbers other cattle, horses, sheep, &c. According Cox, queen Elizabeth 1573, gave grant Walter Devereux, earl Essex, the moiety the
seignories Clannaboy Down and Antrim, with part the Glinns and Routes Antrim, and the queen herself was hold the other
captain-general for seven years, and was plant thousand
English inhabitants his territory. Essex landed with his for ces Carrickfergus August, 1573, and was appointed governor Ulster, and earl marshal Ireland; was accompanied
married his widow, the countess Essex. The English family Savage, long before the reign Elizabeth, settled the county Down, and got extensive possessions Ardes and Lecale, and
some them were styled the lords Savage the Ardes. the
Clannaboy, was possessed his ancestors, and, according
moiety. The earl was obliged indenture thither with 200
horse and 400 foot, and that every horseman volunteer who served
gratis for two years was have 400 acres land, and foot sol
dier 200 acres, two pence acre quit rent. The earl was Dudley, earl Leicester, who, two days after the earl's death, have building timber free from the woods Killulltagh, was
reign Elizabeth, sir Thomas Smyth, Englishman, and his son the lords Dacre and Rich, Henry Knowles, three sons lord Thomas Smyth, got large grants lands, and attempted plant
Norris, and many other Englishmen note. The lord deputy
colony the Ardes and Clannaboy, but after several conflicts with the O'Neills, and the warlike clan the Mac Gilmores, Smyth and his followers were slain, after they had expended ten thousand pounds the expedition. the reign James I. , the territory Clannaboy was seized by the crown, and part was restored Conno'Neill, descendant the old proprietors, but
Fitzwilliam becoming jealous the high authority
only consent his becoming governor Ulster.
Essex, would
Essex his Bryan Mac
arrival with his forces was first kindly received
Felim O'Neill, lord Clannaboy, but learning the object his
arrival plant colony his territory, and deprive him his
hereditary lands, joined the standard Torlogh Lynogh great part Clannaboy soon after passed, shown Lodge's O'Neill, against the English, and the forces Essex encountered Peerage, into the hands the Scotch family named Montgomery, much opposition from the O'Neills, O'Donnells, and others, but who became earls Mount Alexander, and after times there succeeded taking the castle Lifford from Conn O'Donnell. were families. of any note the great O'Neills Clannaboy.
mentioned those Annals, made second expedition Ulster but failed, and was forced retire Dublin, where soon after died, was supposed poison, through the contrivance Robert
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492 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1576.
Calvach (O’Donnell), and Bryan, the son of Felim Bacach (O’Neill).
Con, the son of Calvach O’Donnell, and Con,
the son of Niall Oge O'Neill, who had been im prisoned in Dublin, effected their escape at the
time the lord justice came to Ireland; and Con O’Donnell remained concealed in the wilds and
recesses of his own country, until the lord justice
sent him a pardon. The lord justice afterwards went, in the beginning of winter, through Moy
niors; was interred the burying place his father and grandfather, Tigh-Molaga (Timo leage Cork), and his brother, Owen Mac Car thy, was appointed his successor.
Anthony, the son Hugh O’Dempsey, was
treacherously slain his own town Cluain-na nGamhan (Cloneygowen, barony Philipstown, King's county).
Colla, the son Giolla Duv, son Conor, son Donogh, son Donal the Victories, son
Breagh (Bregia), and Meath, and from thence to
the tributary territories of Leinster, and he made
peace between the English and Irish of Ormond kept house hospitality, and was constable
and Meath, and the race of Rossa Failge (the O'Conors, &c. , of Offaley), and the clans of Conall
Cearnach (the O'Moores, &c. , of Leix); he then proceeded direct south-west to Waterford, Youghal, and Cork, about Christmas, and destroyed and beheaded a vast number of insurgents, and bad subjects, in the countries through which passed.
the Dalcassians, died.
Boetius Oge, the son Boetius, son Mur togh Mac Clancy, chief professor Brehonism
the Dalcassians Thomond), and man who kept open house for general hospitality, died.
Fearna (in Thomond), were plundered and en tirely burned one night’s depredation, including
The daughter O'Boyle, namely Judith junior, the daughter Torlogh, son Niall, was drowned
St. James' day, while learning swim, the river Srath Buighe (in Donegal).
John Modarda, the son Mac Sweeney Ba nagh, died Easter Day, young man whose
death was the most lamented any his tribe that time.
Conor Oge, the son Donogh Maguire, and
number the chiefs Ferlurg (in Fermanagh), were slain Truagh (in Monaghan).
Donal, the son Dermod, son Malachy Mac
Gorman (either Carlow Clare), died the spring, and was the most distinguished man
rank, fame and report, for manual action and for hospitality, any his tribe his time.
The great monastery Cavan, and the entire Cavan itself, from the great castle downwards
the river, were burned the daughter Thomas (O'Reilly), the son the baron, through jealousy;
cattle, corn, and dwellings,
ecclesiastical lands, by that earl. James Mac Maurice, the son
all, both lay and
John, son
the earl (of Desmond), with his wife and family, went France the spring, through fear the English, after the earl and John had made peace with the English.
Hugh, the son Boetius Mac Clancy
mond), buyer Brehons
Tho poetry,
professional lecturer laws and
wine, and one the most upright
territory Ireland, died.
A. D. 1576.
Mac Carthy Riavach, Donogh, the son
Donal, son Fingin, died, and his death was the cause lamentation the clans, sadness the tribes, and sorrow the landed proprietors
his own country; man who yielded obedience
his seniors, but who did not submit his ju Irish towns as there had been there.
Owen, son John-na-Lathaidhe Mac Sweeney, man success fight and conflict, and who
An intestine commotion arose amongst the and general knowledge, the sustaining and sup
O’Briens this year; the sons Conor O’Brien, and the sons Murrogh O’Brien, were engaged
on the one side this contention, and the sons
Donogh the other side, namely, the earl, and
Torlogh, and Tuath-na-mbuilc, and Tuath-ma Conacians on the 16th of November.
William Oge Mac-an-Ward, chief professor poetry intendent schools, man
the son O’Donnell,
eminent
Cormac, super literature
porting pillar students and men learning,
died Dromore, Torlogh, the son
the 22nd February. Tuathal Balbh O'Gallagher,
distinguished man
his clan, was slain the
and there was not much destroyed any the
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Great depredations were committed by Bryan O'Rourke this yearin Annaly (county of Longford). The lord justice before-mentioned, Sir Henry
their country they disregarded their promise and entered their estate, and some assert that was
the permission their father that they did so. was shortly after when this journey proved
vicious malefactors, bad characters, and rebels,
that one thought necessary watch their cattle close their doors while Donal was office.
The lord justice, after establishing peace among personswherever visitedthroughout Ireland,
came Dublin, and brought with him the sons the earl Clanrickard prisoners, for they had destroyed the queen's people, while de manding the release their father before that time. After the lord justice had arrived Dublin with these prisoners, was seized with strong feeling kindness his heart, and permitted those prisoners respectively, namely, the O'Briens and Burkes, alleviation their minds,
and visit their friends the neighbouring territo
were abandoned by them. Edmond Mac William Burke Castlebar also joined alliance the earl’s sons, the consequence which was that the lord justice took Castlebar from him, and expelled him self, his wife, and family into Clanrickard.
ries, but not country until, permit them
pass the boundary into their own some future period, might so; they promised him they
The earl Essex, who had been expelled the previous year the lord justice, Sir Henry Syd ney, came back governor over the province Ulster this year, and landed Dublin, where, fortnight after, being taken suddenly ill, died; his shirt and heart were sent to his friends con firmation of his death.
new president, namely, William Drury, was
appointed over the two provinces Munster this year, and Thomond being separated from the pro
vince Connaught, was added that Munster. The president took circuit the great towns
Munster, confirm laws and regulations; destroyed malefactors and robbers, and put death Barrett (of Cork), and two noble distin
REIGN OF ELIZABETH. 493
Sydney, and he was a knight by title, nobility,
action, and valour, came about the festival of St. source sorrow his country, for the lord justice
Bridget from Cork to Limerick, and was accom
panied by the nobles of Munster, both English
and Irish, and on the other side was attended there
by the Dalcassians in his retinue. He made peace
between the inhabitants ofthe two provinces of
Munster on that occasion, and abolished and sup
pressed the custom of keeping poets and literary queen; after that the earl was conveyed Dublin, men, public festivals, kerns, Buannadha (called Bo and was confined narrow cell, where could naghts, or retained soldiers), and their leaders; he
then took his departure from the people of Mun ster, and brought the O'Briens to escort him to Gal
way, where the chiefs of South Connaught waited on him, namely the earl of Clamrickard, with his
two sons, Ulick and John ; Mac William Iochtair,
namely, John, the son of Oliver, son of John, and
Murrogh of the Battle-axes, the son of Teige, son
of Murrogh, son of Roderick O'Flaherty, and the
O'Kellys, with their retinues. The result of that
convention at Galway was to hold the Dalcassians
responsible in making restitutions to those who
demanded such from them, except alone Donal earl’s sons their own estate that time; and O'Brien, whom the lord justice selected for his the chieffortified family residences the territory, own service (as high sheriff), over the county of and the bright-sided beautiful hills the country, Clare, to govern which Donal did executing
would act accordingly, but when the sons the
earl of Clamrickard arrrived on the borders of guished young constables the tribe Maol
about five nights afterwards went pursuit
them Athlone, and their father, the earl Clan
rickard, was compelled surrender him the town Loughrea, and all his estate, lands, and. possessions, stone buildings, and castles, and himself was taken prisoner the name the
hear the voice neither friend nor companion. The lord justice left number captains Clan rickard, who, well the sons the earl, began
plunder and completely spoil the country be
tween them, that entire territory was hundred times over disturbed and devastated between them
that occasion. Vast numbers both English and Irish were slaughtered, and immense deal cattle, flocks, and clothing, changed owners
during the autumn and winter this year. The wilds and recesses, the coarse boggy mountains,
and the dense wooded hills, were the portion the
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494 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1577.
murry (Mac Sweeney), the son of Donogh, son of Torlogh, namely, the son of Murrogh, son of Maol murry, and the son of Donal, son of Maolmurry ; from thence he proceeded to Limerick, and hanged a number of the chiefs and of the common people
of the O’Briens, and many others besides.
James Mac Maurice was in France this year. Roderick Oge, the son of Roderick, son of Conal
O'Moore (of Leix), and Conor, the son of Cormac, son of Bryan O'Conor (of Offaly), with their wood kerns, were in opposition to the English at this
time, and those that were living the race
Rossa Failge, and Conall Cearnach, were al
liance with them, and shortly after these people
assembled turbulent hundreds, and they burned
and completely destroyed great portions Leins son John Carrach (Mac Donnell) was slain
ter, Meath, and Fine-Gall (either Fingall, the English settlements).
combat by the son nings, the gateway
Theobald Buighe Mac Jen Galway; and very few
A. D. 1577. Conor, the son Bryan, son
Tiarnan, son Teige, son
Owen, son
Tiarnan More
O'Rourke, man young age, but old hos
pitality and feats arms, died.
O’Kane, Aibhne, the son Cumaighe, son
Roderick the Routes, was drowned the Bann; and Roderick, the son Manus, son
Donogh, was appointed his successor.
Meva, the daughter Hugh Roe O'Donnell,
who was first married Mac Gille Eoain (Mac John), Scotland, and secondly Donal Cle
rach O’Kane, woman who enjoyed this world happiness, prosperity, and affluence, and was highly distinguished fame and excellence, hospitality, and elegant manners, and who spent long time piety Donegal, died, after perform ing many virtuous deeds, the 87th year her age.
tivity, and unsubdued William, the son
Duv O'Kelly, died captain Malby, and Maine was more lamented.
Desmond), Donogh, the son Teige Roe, son An thony, son Cahir, died, and Ceallachan, the son Conor, son Donogh, was nominated the
O’Callaghan.
monstrous and abominable treachery was com
mitted by the English Leinster and Meath, on all those the people Offaley and Leix who were their alliance, and who had remained under their protection, which happened the following
manner: They were invited attend, toge ther with many they could possibly bring with them, the great Rath Mullach Maistean", and after they had come that place, four ranks
ean, agus Midhear meid baoi ina rann fein, agus roan for nionchaibh Uibh Failghe, agus do Laoighis. Ba hamlaidh do ronnadh ind sin. Rotogairmeadh iad uile diattaisbenadh gus lion lia caomhsadaois do thabhairtleogo Raith mhoir Mhul
Niall Oge Mac Sweeney, Banagh, was slain the Babhdhun Maol, by Donal Oge, the son Maol murry; and that Dudley was man distinguished
for noble deeds, for personal figure, good manual action, and hospitality.
Donal, the son Sorley Buighe, the son
passage above translated the Four Masters:—
Dudley, the son the Mac Sweeneys
A. D. 1577. Mullaghmast. —The
The Massacre
this subject follows, the Irish
“Feall urghranna adhuathmhar do dhenamh Gallaibh Laigh
Alexander, son John Cathanach, son Mac
Donnell, was slain by O’Neill.
Onora, the daughter James Mac Maurice,
son Thomas, son the earl (of Desmond), who was the wife Pierce Butler, the son James, son Edmond, son Pierce, died.
The son Bryan Carrach Mac Cormac was slain O'Neill’s forces.
Torlogh Mac Anabaidh O'Dwyer (of Tipperary), ingenious, intelligent man, died, and was greatly
lamented his own country.
Mac Gorman, Thomas Oge, the son Tho
mas, son Malachy Duv (in Carlow
Clare), died, his place. Torlogh,
and his kinsman John was appointed Alexander, the son Calvach, son
galloglasses
more opulent, bountiful, and generous than he.
Teige, the son Murrogh, son Torlogh, son
Teige O’Brien, died, although was not sup
posed would have died upon his pillow
did, having been frequently engaged hard
contested conflicts and dangerous passes, he roic warrior, champion bravery, bear ac
the sons
Ireland that time were
O’Callaghan (of Cork, see note
valour.
Donal Riavach, son Teige
Dublin, while
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REIGN OF ELIZABETH. 495
of foot soldiers and of cavalry forces completely ting them off, so that not one of them to tell the closed round them, who began to slaughter them tale escaped from thence alive.
indiscriminately, killing them and completely cut
laigh Mhaistean agus iar rochtain doibh gus an maighin sin, Ro hiadhadh ceithri sreatha ina nuir timeeall ima couairt do saigh diuiribh, agus do mharcshluagh, agus rogabhadh occa ndiubhrac cadh gan dicheall, occa mudhucchadh, agus occa mormharbhughadh
cona tearmasceolanga, na elaitheach ass a mbeathaidh diobh. ” The place called Mullaghmast is situated in the parish of Nar raghmore, partly in the baronies of Kilkea, Narragh, and Rheban, in the connty of Kildare, within about a mile of the town of Bally
tore, and four or five miles from Athy. The Hill of Mullaghmast is large, and of considerable height, commanding an extensive pros
pect of the surrounding country; on its summit is situated a circular earthen rampart, very large and high, comprising in the
interior an area of about two acres. This Rath was a strong for tress, and the residence of some of the kings or chiefs of Leinster, in remote times, and according to Seward and other topographers,
John, the son of James, son of John, son of the
ference at the great Rath of Mullaghmast, where they assembled to the number of 400, all heads of clans, on New year's day, A. D. 1577, in the 19th year of the reign of Elizabeth, as stated by Rawson in the introduction to his Survey of Kildare, and by vari ous other authorities. On assembling in the Rath, the Irish chiefs were suddenly surrounded by three ranks of horse and foot, and all massacred ; or, according to some accounts, 399 were slain, and only one man escaped alive from the slaughter. In Rawson's Survey of Kildare, published in 1807, are the following passages respecting this massacre:—“Thirty years since a hole was shown
in the Rath where it was said the heads of the victims were buried ; at that time it was twenty feet deep, but now nearly closed. The successful assassins took possession of the properties of the unfor tunate gentlemen, but in such detestation is that act held by the country people, that they believe a descendant from the murderers never saw his son arrive at the age of twenty-one ; and, indeed, the properties so acquired, have melted away, and got into other hands. ” According to the accounts of different writers, and the traditions of the people, the chiefs slain at Mullaghmast were the O'Conors, O'Moores, O'Dempseys, O'Dowlings, O'Dunns, O'Dor ans, O'Kellys, O'Lalors, &c. , and likewise some of the Fitzgeralds, all of whom were heads of clans in Kildare, King's and Queen's counties. Dr. Curry, in his History of the Civil Wars in Ireland, gives in the Appendix a memorial from a M. S. , the original of which is in the library of Trinity College, Dublin, and was written by Captain Thomas Lee, or Leigh, an officer under the govern ment, in A. D. 1594, being the 37th year of the reign of Elizabeth, at which time sir William Fitzwilliam was lord deputy. This
it was a place of assembly for the conventions of the states of
Leinster in ancient days, and it may be remarked that Naas, in
Kildare, was likewise an ancient residence of the kings of Leinster,
and a place where assemblies of the states were convened for legis
lation and other purposes. Raiba, now Rheban, is mentioned on
the map of Ireland, by the Greek geographer, Ptolemey, in the
second century, as one of the ancient cities of Ireland, and was
situated a few miles from Mullaghmast, near Athy, on the banks
of the Barrow. In the districts adjoining Mullaghmast, are
several sepulchral mounds, the burial places of ancient kings and
warriors, and amongst others may be mentioned the Moat of
Ascul, at which, in A. D. 1316, the forces of the English Pale
were defeated in a great battle by the Irish and Scots, under Ed
ward Bruce. There are also some great pillar stones, and other memorial, drawn up by Captain Lee, was addressed to queen
Druidical remains near Mullaghmast, which show it to have been a place of note in remote ages. Mullach Maistean, or the Hill of Maistean, is mentioned by the old annalists, and by Keating and other historians, as the scene of some great battles, particularly
Elizabeth, and is entitled “A Brief Declaration of the Govern
ment of Ireland, &c. , showing its corruptions and discovering the
causes of the discontents of the Irishry. ” After enumerating vari ous acts of cruelty and misgovernment committed against the 1rish, and condemning the course pursued by various governors, he thus alludes to the massacre of Mullaghmast:—“They have drawn unto them, by Protection, three or four hundred of those country people, under colour to do your majesty service, and
two described at pages 221, 245, in the notes to these annals,
on the territory of Leix, which were fought near Maistean,
in the first and second centuries. Amongst the ancient no
tices of Mullaghmast may be mentioned the following curious
passage, given in vol. vi. at p. 38, of Hollinshed's Chro brought them to a place of meeting, where your garrison soldiers
nicles, written in the reign of Elizabeth :—“There is also in the county of Kildare a goodly field, called Mullaghmast, between
the Norragh and Kilkea; divers blind prophecies run of this place, that there shall be a bloody field fought there, between the English inhabitants of Ireland and the Irish; and so bloody, for— sooth, it shall be, that a mill in a vale hard by it shall run four and-twenty hours with the stream of blood that shall pour down from the hill. In the top of this height stand moats or rundles, very formally fashioned, where the strength of the English army shall be encamped. The earl of Sussex being lord lieutenant of Ireland, was accustomed to wish, that if any prophecy were to be fulfilled, it should happen in his government, to the end he might be general of the field. ” The earl of Sussex was lord lieutenant of Ireland in the latter end of the reign of queen Mary, and begin ning of that of Elizabeth—about fourteen years before the affair at Mullaghmast. An account of the massacre above mentioned in the text of the Four Masters, is given by various other his torians, and the circumstances which led to it were as follows:– In the reign of Philip and Mary, A. D. 1558, Thomas Ratcliffe, earl of Sussex, lord lieutenant of Ireland, formed the ancient ter ritories of Offaly and Leix into the King's and Queen's Counties, and the old chiefs, the O'Conors, O'Carrolls, O'Moores, O'Mul loys, Mac Coghlans, O'Dempseys, O'Dunns, &c. , were deprived of mostof their hereditary possessions, which were transferred to yarious English settlers, as the Bellinghams, Barringtons, Bowens, Cosbys, Digbys, Hartpoles, Hovendens, Hetheringtons, Rushes, &c. Many fierce conflicts took place between those British settlers and the old Irish proprietors at various times, in the reigns of Mary and Elizabeth. As mentioned by the Four Masters, and various writers, the Irish chiefs were invited to a friendly con
were appointed to be, who have there most dishonourably put
them all to the sword ; and this hath been by the consent and practice of the lord deputy for the time being. ” The lord deputy at that time was sir Henry Sidney. Fynes Morrison, who was secretary to the lord deputy Mountjoy, in the reign of Elizabeth, in his History of Ireland (folio edition, p. 3. ) as quoted in Curry's Civil Wars, chap. iii. thus speaks on this subject:—“After the 19th year of queen Elizabeth, viz. Anno 1577, the lords of Con naught and O’Rourke made a composition for their lands with sir Nicholas Malby, governor of that province, wherein they were content to yield the queen so large a rent, and such services, both of labourers to work upon occasion of fortifying, and of horse and foot to serve upon occasion of war, that their minds seemed not yet to be alienated from their wonted awe and reverence to the crown of England; yet, in that same year, an horrible massacre was committed by the English at Mullaghmastan, on some hundreds of the most peaceable of the Irish gentry, invited thither on the public faith, and under the protection of government. ” Leland, in his History of Ireland, in the reign of Elizabeth, at A. D.
1573, speaking of the murder of O'Neill of Clannaboy, by the earl of Essex, says, in reference to the massacre of Mullaghmast, as re corded in the Irish annals—“In like manner these annals assure us, that a few years after, the Irish chiefs of the King's and Queen's counties were invited, by the English, to a treaty of ac commodation, but when they arrived at the place of conference, they were instantly surrounded by troops, and all butchered on the spot. Such relations would be more suspicious if these annals, in general, expressed great virulence against the English and their government, but they do not appear to differ essentially from the printed histories, except in the minutemesswith which they record
ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1577. ,
earl (of Desmond) was taken prisoner in Cork by each barony; and that was the first tribute of the the president, William Drury, and was sent to Dalcassians.
Dublin, and confined in the same place with Rick ard Burke, earl of Clanrickard, and it was not made known what was the cause. The sons of that earl
of Clanrickard came on peaceable terms with the
English, but were at war with the people of Tho mond.
The same president came to Thomond a fort night before the festival of St. John, with a large force of English, and of the nobles of the two pro vinces of Munster, and held a court at Ennis for eight days. The Dalcassians having refused to go under tribute to the sovereign, he left a mar shal, with a violent rash force, to bring them under subjection. The president afterwards returned to Limerick, and commenced beheading the chiefs and common people in the neighbouring cantreds of Limerick, and amongst those was Murrogh, the son of Murtogh, son of Mahon, son of Donogh, son of Bryan Duv O’Brien, the most distinguished man, in fame and excellence, of the heirs of Carrick agonnell and Aherlow.
The earl of Thomond. i. e. Conor, the son of Tonogh, son of Conor O’Brien, went to England to complain to the queen of his troubles and op
pression, and he obtained a patent for his estate and towns, and of most of the church livings of Thomond, and a general pardon for his people; he returned about Christmas, after receiving great
honour and respect from the sovereign, and he thought himself that he had obtained his estate, from that time forth free from the unjust jurisdic tion of any officers, but, however, the marshal, before the earl's return, exercised severe oppres sion on the people, so that they were compelled to
go under taxes to the queen, viz. , ten pounds from
A contention arose between the earl of Des mond, i. e. Gerald, the son of James, son of John, and Fitzmaurice of Kerry, namely, Thomas, son of
Edmond, son of Thomas, and the earl took Bally Mic-an-Chaim (in Kerry), from Fitzmaurice. The young abbot O'Torna having joined the earl, was
killed in the castle door of Lixnaw, by a ball shot after the earl had entered the castle, and had there been no other evil done between them than the
death of that abbot, the loss would have been great enough. A great number of Fitzmaurice's people
were killed and drowned the same day; they car ried on this conflict for a considerable time, until at length they made peace,and Bally-Mic-an-Chaim to
gether with his prisoners, were delivered up to Fitz maurice, with an immense deal of kine and horses.
Hugh Oge, the son of Hugh, the son of John Buighe Mac Mahon (of Monaghan), went to plun
der the people of Mac Mahon, and Mac Mahon himself, namely Art, the son of Bryan of the Early Rising, the son of Redmond, son of Glaisne; and Hugh was slain by MacMahon, and his people, and
it is doubtful if any of the Clan Colla in his time was more to belamented, and in fame and renown he was not inferior to him by whom he had been slain.
A wonderful star appeared in the south-east in the first month of winter, from which extended a long sloping tail, in the form of a bow of effulgent brilliancy, whose light illumined the earth around, and the firmament above; and this star was visible parts western Europe, and astonished persons general. (This was co met which appeared this year).
James Macmaurice was France this year like W1Se.
the local transactions and adventures the Irish; and sometimes they expressly condemn their countrymen for their rebellions
Irish MS. , furnished Charles O'Conor, Belanagare:– “The Kalends January, Tuesday, 1577. this year, the against their prince. ” Mac Geoghegan, his History Ire English Leinster and Meath committed horrid murders such
allude Mullaghmast the fol Cosby being appointed governor
the O'Moores, O'Conors, and others the King's and Queen's
counties kept the peace, sued for protection, and held no cor
respondence with those their kindred who still stood out
arms against the English government. The English published
proclamation, inviting all the well-affected Irish interview the Rathmore, Mullaghmast, engaging the same time for
their security, and that evil was intended. consequence this engagement, the well-affected came the Rathmore afore said, and soon after they were assembled, they found themselves surrounded three four lines English and Irish, horse and foot, completely accoutred, whom they were ungenerously attacked, and cut pieces, that not single man escaped. ”
land, A. D. 1577, appears
lowing passage:—“Francis
Leix, ruled that country
equal him cruelty, wreaked his vengeance inoffensive Catholics, for the hard treatment had received from O'Moore. Having convened meeting the principal inhabitants the castle Mollach, under pretence the public welfare, he had them all murdered by assassins, posted there for the purpose, violating thereby all honour and public faith. One hundred and eighty men the family O'Moore, with many others, were put
death this occasion. ” Dr. Curry, his History the Civil Wars (chap. iii. ) quotes the following account from translation
true tyrant; his son, Alexander,
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chief, who had been left with a small portion of his party, he gave him no quarter, but immediately put him to the sword and slew him on the spot; it would have been better for the Eugenians that they had not gone on that expedition.
Mac Clancy of Dartry (in Leitrim), namely, Ca thal Duv, the son of Feredach, died, and his son,
Cathal Oge, succeeded in his place.
O'Byrne (of Wicklow), namely, Teige Oge, died
at an advanced age ; and Dunlang, the son of Ed mond O'Byrne, was nominated the O'Byrne.
O’Duigenan of Killroman, namely, Dolbh, the
son of Dubhthach, chief professor of Tirerrill (in Sligo), a learned historian, and a man who kept a house of general hospitality, a man of conviviality, cheerfulness, and affability, died, and his son Maol murry succeeded in his place.
Rory Oge,' the son of Rory Caoch, son of Co
A. D. 1578.
1. Rory Oge O'Moore. —An account of the O'Moores, princes and lords of Leix, in Queen's county and Kildare, and descendants of the renowned warrior Conall Kearnach, chief of the Red-branch knights of Ulster, has been given at p. 247 in these notes; they were celebrated chiefs, famous for their valour in their contests with the English, and made frequent incursions into their posses sions, and plundered the Pale, to which the annalists allude in the above passage. This Rory Oge O'Moore defeated the English forces in several engagements, and maintained his independence for
many years in the reigns of Mary and Elizabeth, and recovered a great part of the territory of Leix, possessed by his ancestors, which he held to the time of his death. In the course of his various conflicts with the Hartpoles, Cosbys, and other British settlers, he plundered the English settlements, and burned the towns of Naas, Leighlin-Bridge, Carlow, Rathcoole, &c. , and took great preys
O’Callaghan, namely, Conor the Rock, the son Dermod, son Teige Roe, son Anthony, son Cahir, was appointed his successor.
REIGN OF ELIZABETH.
A. D. 1578.
mall O'Moore, fell by the hand Bryan Oge, the son Bryan Mac Gillpatrick, and that Rory was the chief spoiler and insurgent the men Ireland
HE son of O’Neill, i. e.
Henry, the son of Torlogh,
son of Niall Conallach, son
of Art, son of Con, march
ed with a force into Tir son Pierce, died, and he was the ancient no
his time, and one was was disposed fire shot against the crown for long time after him.
Pierce Butler, the son James, son Edmond,
connell against the son of bility the English Munster.
O'Gallagher, namely Maol O’Callaghan, Callaghan, the son Conor, coba, the son of Cahir, son Donogh, son Teige Roe, was drowned son of Torlogh Oge; when
his forces had proceeded
to carry off prey, and to plunder the town, it hap
pened that the son of O'Gallagher was at that time
outside of the town, and having attacked the young father and his drowning; the son the prior
Avonmore (the river Blackwater, Cork), and was loss his reputation that had departed before spent entire year the enjoyment his patrimony, between the death his grand
and spoils in Kilkenny. In 1578, O'Moore was surprised in one
of fastnesses the woods party the forces Bryan Bearma-Cleitigh, signifying the Pass Plumes, from the great Fitzpatrick, baron Upper Ossory, who had joined the English, quantity plumes left there, which were worn the helmets and after determined conflict with superior numbers, Rory was the English knights who were slain.
mortally wounded, and died the 30th June. The lord deputy, o
Slaney, the daughter Torlogh, son
son Torlogh, son Bryan the Battle
nagh (O'Brien), died; she was the wife
the son Donogh Bacach, son Murrogh Caoch, son Bryan Mac Mahon (of Clare), and woman who spent her life without reproach, until she died
advanced age.
Sioda, the son Mac Con, son Sioda, son
Mac Con, son Sioda (Mac Namara), tanist the eastern portion Clan Cuilein (in Clare), was slain Slieve Eachtge, while pursuit prey,
which was carried off the kerns Clanrickard.
O'Heyne, i. e. Roderick the oak-wood, the son Flann, son Conor, son Flann, died; was
man eminent for hospitality and feats arms,
sir Henry Sydney, mentioned Lodge's Peerage the barons
Ossory, one his dispatches states that the baron Ossory was offered one thousand marks, due proclamation the head
O'Moore, but only accepted one hundred pounds, which
divided amongst his men, for their present reward and future en couragement. Amongst the heroic actions Rory O'Moore, Mac
Geoghegan and others mention that on one occasion, having been betrayed and surprised by night his residence the woods Robert Hartpole, the head two hundred the English, the valiant O'Moore alone performed the amazing exploit cutting his way through their ranks with his sword, and escaped safety. His son Owen, generally called Owny Mac Rory O'Moore, was also very valiant chieftain, and celebrated commander the wars against Elizabeth; defeated the English forces many engagements, one which, the year 1599, he cut off great number the troops the earl Essex, defile their pro gress through Leinster, place called from that circumstance
Teige,
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from early life to his end; his brother's son, i. e. Owen Mantach, the son of Edmond, was appointed
in his place.
Myler, the son of Walter, son of John, son of Myler Burke, sheriff of the county of Mayo, was
killed at Caslen-na-Helle (the castle of the Neale, in the barony of Kilmain, in Mayo), in a nocturnal attack made by his kinsman, Edmond, the son of Thomas of the Plain, the son of Myler, in conse quence of some controversy which happened be tween them at an assembly on the previous day.
Leitrim of Muintir Eoluis was taken by an Eng lish captain of the people of Nicholas Malby, from
O'Rourke, in the spring of this year, and Droma Teige, son of Torlogh, son of Bryan of the Battle haire was demolished by O’Rourke, i. e. Bryan, son of Nenagh O'Brien, died, in the 65th year of his
of Bryan, son of Owen. Leitrim was afterwards left age, after a long infirmity, an approved repentance,
-
the son of Art, son of Dermod Lamhdearg (the Red-handed), died.
John, the son of Donal, son of Thomas, son of Teige Mac Clancy, chief professor in Brehonism
to the earl of Desmond, died; and there was not
a Brehon (or judge), of a territory in Ireland at
that time who had a better landed property and mansion than he had.
The earl of Clanrickard was still in confinement in London.
A. D. 1579
| |
|
O’Rourke; but shortly after that the same town men; he was interred with honour and solemnity
|
Thomas, the son of Patrick, son of Oliver Plun
kett, lord of Lughmaighe (Louth), was slain by of Glenmalure; he was a warrior and spoiler Mac Mahon, namely Art, the son of Bryan of against the neighbouring English and Irish. (This the Early Rising, the son of Redmond, son of was Hugh O'Byrne of Wicklow, chief of the branch Glaisne.
-
O’Shaughnessy, i. e. Dermod Riavach, the son
of Dermod, son of William, son of John Buighe,
and his brother’s son William, the son of Giolla
Duv, son of Dermod, fell by each other's hands in
a treacherous attack made by O'Shaughnessy on William in the vicinity of Ard Maoldubhain;
William was slain on the spot, and O'Shaughnessy was wounded, of which he died soon after; John, the son of Gilladuff, was after that nominated the O'Shaughnessy.
ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1579.
by the English in possession of the sons of Teige and having gained the victory over the world and
was taken by O’Rourke, with the permission of the English, and despite of the sons of Teige.
Sir Henry Sydney, lord justice of Ireland, went
to England in November, and was accompanied
thither by captain Malby, and was succeeded by William Drury, president of the two provinces of
Munster. The lord justice took along with him the earl of Clanrickard, namely, Rickard, the son
of Ulick, son of Rickard, son of Ulick, and his son
William Burke, to bring them before the English council.
The earl of Kildare, namely, Gerald, the son of Gerald, who had been under arrest in England for two or three years before that time, came to Ireland about Christmas.
in the monastery of Ennis, and his son Torlogh was appointed his successor; and it was to record his death the following was composed :
“One thousand five hundred, the record is right, Together with nine and seventy years,
From the incarnation of the son of God
To the death of Donal, who was free from fault. ”
Onora, the daughter of Donogh, the son of Co nor, son of Torlogh, son of Teige O’Brien, died,
and she was greatly lamented in Leth Mogha.
Sir Edward Fitton, the treasurer, died.
Roland Eustace, the son of Thomas, son of Richard, died.
Hugh, the son of John, son of Redmond, son of John, son of Hugh, son of Donal Glas, died, and he was the chief of the branch of Raghnall, and lord
The seneschal of the county of Wexford, through
treachery, appointed to hold a conference with Fiacha Mac Hugh (O'Byrne), the son of Redmond, son of John of Gleann Maoilughra (Glenmalure, in
Wicklow); Fiacha discovered that it was through treachery the seneschal appointed that conference,
and he therefore formed a counter plot against
him, and slew one hundred of the young men and
chiefs of the country, with many of the common soldiers.
Bryan, the son of Cahir Cavanagh (of Carlow),
of Rannal, from whom the name Ranelagh was de rived).
Donal, the son
of Conor, son of Torlogh, son of
REIGN OF ELIZABETH. 499
Torlogh of the Wooden Leg, the son of Maol after landing, proceeded from these woods his murry, son of Donogh, son of Torlogh, son of Ro first expedition, with his horse and foot forces,
through the centre Hy-Conaill-Gabhra and Clan William, and they began plunder every place through which they passed. The people the country collected and assembled pursue them, and first all came the sons William Burke, son
Edmond, namely Theobald and Ulick, and Theo bald dispatched messengers the territory Aes Greine, requesting Mac I-Brien Ara come
James, the son of Maurice Duv, son of John,
son of Thomas, son of the earl (of Desmond), re Brien sent force galloglasses and giom turned from France; and it was rumoured that anachs (common soldiers), Theobald; these then he had come with a greater number of ships than pursued the warlike troops, and overtook James, he had actually brought; he landed at Oilean-in who had halted dense solitary wood wait Oir, near Daingean-Ui-Chuis, in Kerry. The earl their approach, and engagement ensued between of Desmond was at this time encamped at Cuillean these respective forces which James was struck
derick Mac Sweeney, fell by the hand of Bryan Ballach, the son of Maolmurry, son of Donogh,
son of Bryan Mac Sweeney, at the gate of Cork. Captain Malby returned to Ireland, with great
presents from the sovereign.
Bryan-na-mbarog, the son of Maolmurry, son of
Donogh Mac Sweeney, brother of Torlogh before mentioned, died.
O-gCuanaigh, where he had commenced to erect a castle, and having heard of the arrival of that fleet
in Kerry, he went to see The chief marshal
the hollow his chest by the shot ball, which caused his death; but, however, he defeated those warlike forces who pursued him. lament
the two provinces Munster, Carter and Master Davidh, and
people Munster also proceeded did likewise the kinsmen the earl
John, son Thomas, namely, John and James Oge, and they were confederacy with James Mac Maurice, and
the two young sons James, son
they made attack
and Master Davidh
them while lying
then brought James
woods Claen-glais and Coill More.
night upon the marshal Tralee, and they beheaded
their couches and beds; they
shore, and
went the James, soon
- Landing the Spaniards and death Mae Maurice. —The
A. D. 1579.
celebrated James Mac Maurice, often mentioned this period,
named Thomas Stukely, Englishman, who was supposed
was James Fitzgerald, son sir Maurice Fitzgerald, who was natural son king Henry VIII. , but nothing certain was known
brother James, the fifteenth earl Desmond. James Mac his family; he was military adventurer, and appears Maurice called various writers Fitzmaurice, which has led have been man considerable abilities. At this time Philip II. ,
Maurice, conjunction with his cousin Gerald Fitzgerald, six mand Hercules Pise; Stukely was also appointed one
the commanders, and, according Cox, had conferred him
the titles Marquess Leinster, earl Wexford, and Carlow,
viscount Murrogh, and baron Ross; and, the head 800 sol diers, set sail from Civitta Vecchia, the Papal states, for Lisbon, where was appointed he should meet James Mac Maurice, with other forces raised Spain and Portugal. Stukely, his arrival with his fleet Lisbon, instead coming Ireland, was induced join Sebastian, king Portugal, who was then preparing for expedition Africa; their arrival Africa, fierce battle was fought, which three kings were slain, namely, Sebastian, king
Portugal, and his ally Mahomet, son Abdallah, king Fez,
some mistakes about him, and has been sometimes confounded with the family Fitzmaurice, earls Kerry. The following particulars the affairs above-mentioned the Annals, have been
Mary, queen England, conjunction with the Pope, assist the Irish Catholics, collected from Cox's Hibernia Anglicana, Mac Geoghegan's Ire and 2000 men, according Mac Geoghegan, were raised the land, Lodge's Peerage, and various other sources. James Mac states the church for the expedition Ireland, under the com
teenth earl Desmond, and several others the nobility and chiefs Munster, having resisted the Reformation, and taken up arms against queen Elizabeth, became the military leaders that province, and make remarkable figure the course these Annals. Mac Maurice was very valiant commander, and du ring period about ten years, leader Munster, had va rious fierce conflicts with the English forces; he went France 1575, and having remained there for about two years endeavouring
obtain some troops from king Henry III. , which, however, did not succeed, went from thence Rome, where, Mac Geoghegan says, was received with distinction Pope Gregory
expel the traitor from the country. Mac
name Arthur able loss took place there, for Theobald Burke was the queen's slain, young warrior who was worthy heir
that fleet, Desmond,
earldom, valour, command force, and his knowledge the English language, and
the ancient Irish. James Mac Maurice had not
passed far from the field battle when the weak ness death came over him, upon which made his will few words, and ordered his faithful people, that his death they would cut off his head, order that his enemies might not discover him, recognise mutilate him. "
The lord justice Ireland, sir William Drury,
XIII. Rome becameacquainted with Cornelius O'Mulrian, O'Rian, titular bishop Killaloe, and also with gentleman
king Spain, who had been married was variance with Elizabeth, and according Cox, prepared troops
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500 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1579.
was at that time in great Cork of Munster, and the son of Ugaine (in the baronies of Connello, county earl of Kildare and sir Nicholas Malby, with their of Limerick), where he took his death-sickness, forces, were along with him there; they proceeded and he left captain Malby to carry on the war to Limerick, and encamped in the neighbourhood against the Geraldines, and he himself was con
of Kilmallock; the earl of Desmond waited on veyed in a carriage to Waterford, where he died.
them, and endeavoured to convince them that he The lord justice selected at the court of Dublin
had no part in bringing over James Mac Maurice, to succeed him was a gentleman of the queen’s
nor in any of the evil deeds committed by his people, who had arrived that very week, namely,
kinsmen, and he gave his only son and heir to the William Pelham, who had come for the purpose lord justice as security for his allegiance and loyalty defending the territory Bregia, Meath, and
to the crown of England. The earl was promised the English Pale, against the O’Neills and the that his country should not thenceforth be spoiled, Irish the North Ireland and Leinster,
but although promised, it was not fulfilled, for his
people and cattle were afterwards destroyed, and
his corn and dwellings were burned. The lord jus
tice then departed from the camp at Kilmallock,
accompanied by three or four captains, and four
hundred English and Irish soldiers, to search the
great wood inexpectation of discovering some of the
enemy; it so happened that they encountered the diers, and from thence went Easgebtene young sons of the earl of Desmond, namely, John (Askeaton, Limerick), and happened the and James Oge, at Gort-na-Tiobrad, where a fierce very day which the young sons the earl engagement ensued between them, in which the Desmond came into the county Limerick fight
lord justice's forces were defeated, and three of
their captains were slain, namely, captain Herbert,
captain Eustace, and captain Spris (Price), together
with three hundred of their men, and the remnant
fled with the tidings to the camp. The lord jus encountered and fought the Irish forces, and tice after that removed his camp to Belatha-na length defeated them; and Thomas, the son nDeise, in the very centre of Cliu of Mal, the John Oge, son John, son Thomas, son the
and Abimelec, king of Morocco; Stukely, and the greater part of the Italians, fell in this battle fighting under the standard of Se bastian. Mac Maurice having coine from Spain to Portugal, found with indignation that his cause had been betrayed by Stukely ; he collected the remnant of the Italians who had re turned from Africa, and beingjoined by some Cantabrians, and a few English and Irish exiles, he set sail for Ireland, and landed at Smerwick in Kerry, in the latter end of July, 1579, with three ships, and a small force, only amounting to about eighty or one hundred men ; he was accompanied by Nicholas Saunders, an English ecclesiastic, who was appointed the Pope's Nuncio or Le gate in Ireland, and by another ecclesiastic named Allen. The place where Mac Maurice landed was called Ardnacant, in the har bour of Smermick, in the west of Kerry; and in the harbour is a small rocky island which forms a natural fortress; this is the place mentioned above in the Annals, under the name of Oilean-an-Oir, or the island of the Gold, and the fortress erected there by another body of the Spaniards who arrived in the following year was called Fort del Or. Daingean-I-Chuis, mentioned in the text, is Dingle
I-Couch, or Dingle, from which the harbour of Smerwick is about six or eight miles distant; the other places mentioned in the text are Hy-Conaill-Gabhra, now the two baronies of Connello, in
Limerick, and the woods of Claenglais were about the same place, on the borders of Limerick and Kerry, where the battle was fought. James Mac Maurice, on his arrival in Ireland, was joined by the forces of his cousins, sir John of Desmond, and sir James Fitz
gerald, his brother, who, with their troops, attacked the English garrison Tralee, which they dispersed, and slew Henry Davell, who above mentioned under the name Davidh, and also Car
whilst the lord justice who died, and captain Mal by, had been engaged bringing the people
Munster subjection. The earl Ormond came Ireland the same week, after sojourn three years England. Captain Malby, after the death
the lord justice, proceeded Limerick re model his army, and procure provisions for his sol
and make captures. They and the captain met each other front front, although they could have shun
ned and avoided him; fierce conflict took place between them, and the captain's people bravely
ter, the other commander. Mac Maurice's three ships were ta ken by captain Courtnay, and himself intending proceed Connaught raise more forces, was his progress, above unen tioned the text, attacked by the Burkes Clanwilliam and Castle Connell, Limerick, and Mac I-Brien Ara, Tip perary, who were the side the queen; and both parties hav ing encountered, had fierce conflict the barony Connello Limerick. Mac Maurice gained the victory, but was mortally wounded, and, according Mac Geoghegan, slew the en gagement, with his own hand, Theobald Burke, cleaving his head
with beth,
single blow; Burke's brothers also fell, and queen Eliza console sir William Burke for the loss his sons, settled
yearly pension 200 marks, and created him baron
him
Castleconnell. The valiant Mac Maurice died six hours after the engagement, and when found was mortally wounded, made the remarkable request that his friends would, soon
died, cut off his head that his body might not recognised and mutilated by his enemies; does not appear whether they com plied with his singular request, but stated by Lodge and others, that his body being found the English, was hanged upon the market-place Kilmallock. further account the second landing and massacre the Spaniards Kerry, 1580, given under that year.
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|
REIGN OF ELIZABETH. 501
earl, and Owen, the son of Edmond Oge, son of themselves returned their homes. The entire Edmond, son of Torlogh Mac Sheehey, along with country, however, was not tranquil state, from a great number of the constables of the Clan Shee Luachair Deadhaidh (in Kerry), the river Suir, hy, and also many of the party of the sons of the and from Ceann Febrad (in Limerick), the earl, were slain. A vast deal of booty, consisting Shannon, for there was not fortress town, any ofarms and accoutrements, fell into the hands of corn, dwelling, between those places, which
the sons the earl had come, that they did not demolish, destroy, burn, and completely consume by fire, lest the English should possess them; and the English, retaliation against the Geraldines, left not house dwelling, rick, corn-stack
the captain's party on that occasion. It was at
Aonach Beag that battle was fought, and the cap
tain remained nearly a week after that at Askeaton,
during which time the Geraldines daily threatened
to give him battle, but however they did not do so.
The captain having demolished the monastery of
the town proceeded from thence to Adare, where
he remained, to bring the neighbouring people un between them without corn dwellings. After der subjection, until the new lord justice, sir Wil this the earl Desmond, and his kinsmen, with
liam Pelham, the earl of Kildare, and the earl of Ormond, had arrived to relieve him, and they encamped Connello. The earl Desmond did not join them that occasion, for his estate was completely spoiled, and inhabitants were awfully plundered, although had been promised him be fore that his country should not spoiled. ”
When the earl had joined his kinsmen, the re solution the English came was, garrison his towns, viz. , Loughgair, Rathmore, Castlemuirisin, Adare, and Kilmallock (all Limerick), and they
Battles Gortnatibrid and Mainistir Nenay, &c. —In 1579, the death James Mac Maurice, before stated, his cousins, sir John Desmond, and James Fitzgerald his brother, becamethe chief commanders of the Irish Munster. The lord
they could muster together, proceeded devas tate fire and sword Roche’s and Barry’s coun tries Hy Liathain and Imokilly (in the baronies
Barrymore and Imokilly, county Cork); they
encamped before Eochoille (Youghal), and length took the town, and immense were wealth and treasures; the Geraldines seized upon every
thing they could lay hold
much the gold and silver
and burgesses had sent away
town was taken. Many poor and needy persons
Croom, Limerick, and both parties having encountered, had severe conflict, which great numbers were slain each side; Mac Geoghegan says that Desmond remained master the field
Butlers, lords Ormond, Mountgarrett, and Dunboyne, and Fitz ach Beag, and called by various other writers the battle patrick, baron Ossory. On arriving Kilmallock, the deputy Monasternenay, being fought adjoining the celebrated Cistercian
monastery that name near Croom, the county Limerick; and stated that the abbot the monastery was the engage ment the side Desmond, and also Father Allen, before men tioned, who was killed the conflict, and his body was found amongst the slain, with the consecrated banner grasped firmly
his hand. Some the Irish and Italian soldiers this engage ment took refuge the abbey, which the English with their can non afterwards destroyed, and demolished walls, but someruins still remaining show its former magnificence. The earl Des
deputy, sir William Drury, marched with his forces Munster,
Desmond, and others whose loyalty sus his camp; Desmond came, and was delivered the lord marshal, but soon after set liberty, his brother, sir John Desmond, who was en camped with his forces Slievelogher Kerry. The deputy proposed attack sir John Desmond, who collected his forces
from Kerry and from Connello, Limerick, and advanced meet the deputy's troops; Desmond posted himself the castle Gortantibrid, the barony Connello, Limerick, near forest
requested the earl pected, come
into the custody through fear
–called the Blackwood, according Mac Geoghegan, and both mond, said, was spectator the battle fron neighbouring
parties having encountered, had sharp engagement, which the English forces were defeated, and three hundred them slain, together with two their captains, Herbert and Price, and the victory was gained chiefly means ambuscade placed the wood by John Desmond.
Soon after fresh forces came from England, under captains Ca rew, Bourchier, Dowdall, &c. , and sir John Perrott arrived
hill, but did not join his brother's forces, and retired his castle Askeaton. The troops sir John Desmond, according Mac Geoghegan, next marched towards Aherlow, Tipperary,
and defeated their progress the English garrison Kilmallock, which had sallied out attack them. Desmond also defeated ten English battalions place called Gort-na-Pisi, the Field the Peas; next made incursions into Ormond, and defeated all
Cork with six ships protect the coast. The lord deputy Drury the forces the Butlers, and their English allies, fierce con retired Waterford, where, from the fatigues his campaign, flict the Hill of Knock-Raffan, Tipperary, place situate soon after died, September, 1579. Sir Nicholas Malby was between Cashel and Cahir, where there great mound and
appointed marshal the forces Munster, and having collected was celebrated residence some the kings Munster his troops, amounting according Cox, more than 1000 men, remote ages.
marched against John Desmond, who was encamped near
their course, that they did not destroy after the same manner, that the country was laid waste
battle, with the cannon and baggage; and Cox says that the Irish lost 260 men; and, according other accounts, nearly the accompanied Bagnall, Malby, Wingfield, Fitton, Masterson, and same number the English were slain. This battle was fought, other commanders, and was also joined the earl Kildare, the according the text the Four Masters, place called Aon
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502 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1580.
became enriched, and the rich became poor by the spoils of that town. Gloom was cast over the sun
shine of that town by the Geraldines, and they de molished its courts and castles, and its stone and
wooden buildings, so that it was not inhabitable for
vernment in place of John, without the permission of the sovereign.
The son of O’Donnell, i. e. Cathbhar, the son of Manus, son of Hugh Duv, son of Hugh Roe, ta nist of Tirconnell, a man distinguished for his great donations and hospitality, the patron of the exiles,
along period after that, and it was at Christmas pre
cisely these affairs took place. The earl of Ormond and of the professors of the schools of the North
marched with a powerful force in the same week into the country of the Geraldines, and arrived at Newcastle, and he carried away every thing he
laid hold on in the country, both flocks and cattle, and returned back without fight or conflict, because the earl and his kinsmen were at that time in Kerry.
Conall Buighe, the son of Gillpatrick, son of Pierce O’Moore, was slain at Birr, in the territory
of Ely, and it was well he was killed, for it was to plunder the town he had gone there.
Oliver Roe, the son of John-na-Beinne, son of John Roe, son of John of the Teeth (Burke), died. The earl of Clanrickard was still in England
this year.
A. D. 1580.
Conor, the son of Donogh, son of Conor, son of
Torlogh, son of Teige, son of Torlogh, son of Bryan of the Battle of Nenagh O’Brien, earl of Thomond, who was the first of the race of Cormac Cas who
of Ireland, died on the 15th of October, in his own residence, at Scariff Sholais, and was interred at Donegal.
O’Beirne (of Roscommon), i. e. Teige Oge, the son of Teige, son of Carbry, son of Malachy, a man eminent in learning, in music, and in the canon law, died, and was buried at Elphin, and his brother Carbry succeeded in his place.
The son of Mac Donogh of Tirerrill Sligo), namely, Murrogh, the son Cathal, son Owen,
spirited and convivial sportsman, who was fierce enemy, but kind friend, died.
Teige Riavach, the son Owen, son Conor,
son Teige O’Dowd (of Sligo), died.
Donal, the son Teige, son Conor O’Brien,
died, and was interred the monastery Ennis.
son Conla, son Conor, son Laighne, was succeeded his father over the portion of Munster unkindredly slain by his brother Bryan; was
belonging to the tribe of Lughaidh Meann, a junior
who took and regulated the government of his pa
trimony from the hands of his senior, according to
the rules, laws, and ordinances of the sovereign of greater portion the men Ireland. The father England, died in the meridian of his age, having
completed forty-five years and a half from his birth
to his death, of which he spent twenty-two years
and a half in the chief government of his tribe, and
in the command of his people, as the following verse certifies :
“Twenty years he had been, and five half years in full,
those sons was taken prisoner the lord justice, for was rumoured that he was concerned in that fratricide.
James Oge, the son James, son John, son Thomas the earl (of Desmond), the course his insurrection made predatory incursion into Mus
son That Conor was interred in the monastery of Carthy, lord the country, collected his forces
An earl over the land of Adhar, a champion like Conn was Conor. ”
Cormac Oge, son Cormac, son
Ennis, and his son Donogh was appointed in his place.
Mac William Burke, i. e. John, the son of Oliver, son of John, a man of generosity and great afflu ence, who preferred peace to war, and who always aided the sovereign, died; and Richard of the Iron, the son of Edmond, son of Ulick, assumed the go
together oppose him that night, and Cormac
having been informed that James had passed him into the country, proceeded certain place which expected James would pass, and having perceived James coming towards him with prey,
attacked and slew and destroyed the greater portion his people; James himself was taken
Owen, son Raphoe, died
Tuathal Balbh O'Gallagher, dean the 22nd day the month
October.