No More Learning

Con O'Flanagan, prior of Kilmore of the Shan non, died.
in his neighbourhood; and, as he had done them several injuries, he sent his moveable property across the Shannon eastward into Brefney, and the north Ireland. The lord justice collected the English Meath and Leinster, and marched with
great force Athlone, and from thence into Siol Murray, (Roscommon), while Mac Maurice with the English Connaught and Munster marched
the other side until both armies met Elphin. After having plundered Siol Murray every direction, they summoned them Torlogh, son Hugh, son Cathal Crovdearg, and appointed him king place Felim, son Cathal. After
More, daughter of Donogh O’Dowd, and wife this they plundered the territory Brefney, com
of the Giolla Muinelach O'Boyle, died.
Teige O’Monaghan, lord of Hy Briuin of the
Shannon, died on the 6th day of June, and was interred in Kilmore of the Shannon.
Fingin Mac Carthy waged war, and inflicted
mitted many evils every quarter and carried away therefrom immense booty. They
were twenty days Siol Murray, ravaging and they plundered Lough Key, with islands, and also the Rock. After this the lord justice pro ceeded Meath, while Mac Maurice went
many evils on the English of Desmond.
Pierce Poer, son of Henry, David Drew, and Sligo; and they left Torlogh govern Siol
many other young Englishmen, proceeded with Murray. The presumptive heirs the crown
Mac Feorais (Bermingham), through Connaught, Connaught, Torlogh and Hugh, sons Hugh,
to the castle of Sligo. The son of Felim O'Conor son Cathal Crovdearg, marched with army went to oppose them, and a fierce engagement Ath-na-riogh (Athenry), which they burned and ensued between them, in which Pierce Poer, David plundered about Lady Day Harvest. The Drew, and many others of the English, were slain; sheriff
and their bodies were conveyed for burial to Bally and many
Kilmore, parish the barony Ballintobber, county
Roscommon, where there was abbey canons regular. The Coarb
Fore,
A. D. 1249.
Connaught was before them the town, the English along with him, and they
St. Feichin was either abbot Cong, Mayo, Westmeath.
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68 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1250.
demanded a truce on that day from the sons of river Moy, and returned safe and triumphant,
the king of Connaught, in honour of the Blessed Virgin Mary, as that was her festival day; but this favour was not granted them, for although
Torlogh endeavoured to prevent his people from attacking the town, the chiefs of the army attacked
with much booty and many hostages.
A. D. 1250.
Thomas O’Meallaidh, bishop Enagh Dune,
despite him. When Jordan and the died.
English saw their intention, they marched out The bishop Imleach Iubhair (Emly), died. the town, armed and clad armour, oppose Congalach Mac Cidneoil, bishop Brefney them; and the young soldiers the Irish per (Kilmore), died.
ceiving the English advancing battle array, Torlogh, son Murtogh Muinagh O'Conor, they became dismayed, and fled, through the prior the church SS. Peter and Paul, died. miracles the Virgin Mary, for having refused Felim O'Conor set out from the north, with grant the demanded truce honour her fes great force from Tyrone, and marched into Bres
:-
Roe, son Cormac O’Melaghlin; the two sons (O'Rourke). Both then entered Tir Maine, and
tival. Of their chiefs the following were slain
and from thence into the Tuatha Ros
ney,
namely, Hugh, son Hugh O'Conor; Dermod common), accompanied Conor Mac Tiarnan
O'Kelly; Bryan-an-Doire (of the Oak Wood), son Manus; Carraidh-an-Siubhail (the Travel ler), son Niall O'Conor; Baothghalach (Boe
tius) Mac Egan the two sons Loghlin O'Conor; Donal, son Cormac Mac Dermott;
the Fionnanach Mac Brenan; Cu-mumhan Mac Cassarly, and many others.
drove Torlogh O'Conor out Connaught, who
again sought the protection the English. Felim
collected the moveable property Connaught,
which conveyed northward across the Curlew mountains, but the English sent messengers after
him, and peace being made between them, was
restored his sovereignty.
Donogh O'Gillpatrick (or Mac Gillpatrick), The English put out the eyes the hostages
that the son Anmchadh, son Donogh
the Ossorians, was slain the English, retalia tion for the burnings, plunders, and slaughters
had perpetrated them. This Donogh was one the three Irishmen who committed the greatest number depredations the English; and these
three were Conor O’Melaghlin, Conor Mac
Coghlan the Castles, and the before-mentioned Donogh, who was the habit reconnoitering the
market towns (of the English), visiting them
beggar, carpenter, turner, artist, pedlar, recorded the
Connaught Athlone.
Felim (O'Conor) committed great depredations Cathal O'Conor, and drove him second time
out Connaught.
Cairbre O’Melaghlin was treacherously slain
David Roche.
Dermod O’Hara, lord Lieney, died while imprisoned Fitzgerald.
Maurice Fitzgerald, Cathal O'Reilly, Cuchon
acht O'Reilly, and the chiefs Hy Briuin (Cavan and Leitrim), marched with great force
into Tyrone, and remained three nights Tul laghoge, where they met much loss and opposition;
and they did not succeed taking hostages from the O’Neills that expedition. On their return
the different characters following verse:
“He
carpenter,
turner,
learned poet, dealer sometimes; suits his purpose. ”
now
Now man books
good wines and hides, Every thing by turns
they entered Tirconnell; and Maurice made prisoner O'Canannain, lord
Fitzgerald Tirconnell,
Dunmore” was burned Connaught.
the bishop
O'Donnell (i. e. Geoffrey), having led his forces into North Connaught, plundered and devastated
deavouring escape.
Fingin Mac Carthy was slain the English
the country from the Curlew mountains
Dunmore, the county Galway, where the hams, barons Athenry, had castle.
the Desmond.
Berming A. D. 1250.
The bishop O'Carolan was Florence O'Carolan, the bishop Derry.
the sons the king who was under the protection
O’Carolan,' and they slew O’Cananmain while en
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A monastery was erec
Iovar Mac Madden, chief was slain.
Clan Ruadrach,
The lord justice Ireland marched with great
force Armagh; from thence went Iveagh,
and afterwards returned back Cluain Fiachma,"
where Bryan O'Neill submitted him, and gave
his brother Rory O'Neill him hostage.
Tomaltagh Mac Dermott, man eminent for hospitality and gene
Conor, son Cormac, son
rosity, died.
Flaherty O'Carroll, chief Calry,” was slain
by Art, son Art O’Rourke. Muiredhach O’Teige died.
great shower rain fell festival SS. Peter and Paul, round the town Kilmore
A. D. 1251.
Kilnamullach was the ancient name Buttevant,
was this expedition
camp (of the English)
that dispute arose the Dundalk, between the
AIGHNED
mill might grind with the stream which flowed from the rising grounds Ath-ma-faithche, Fenagh, during the time that the vespers were chaunted.
the county Cork, where great Franciscan monastery was founded
by the Barrys, barons Barrymore.
Kilmore Hy Niallain, now the parish
cliff,
ancient district the borders
§. go.
which now known
the
parish
Calry,
county
Kilmore, Calraigh Calrigia, sometimes called Calraigh
the
barony O'Neilland, county Armagh.
Drum Leitrim and Sligo,
REIGN OF HENRY III.
69
A. D. 1251.
Rome.
Florent Mac Floinn (or Flynn), was, on Christ mas day, appointed arch
A-7 bishop of Tuam, on ac count of his greatlearning and wisdom.
who had received the greatest honour and respect, ted at Kilnamullagh," in both from the English and Irish his time, died.
(Reiner), archbishop of Armagh, went on a pilgrimage to
the Two Backs (in
Maodhog O’Beollain, coarb Columkille Drumcliff (in Sligo), man great dignity and affluence, distinguished for his hospitality, and
The castles Caol Uisce," and Moy Coba, were erected by the son Maurice Fitzgerald.
Conor O’Dogherty, chief Ardmiodhair (in
Donegal), the tower hospitality and bravery
the North, died.
Conor Mac Cathmoil, chief Kinel Feredaidh,
more of Hy Niallain. ” people Bryan O’Neill, while defending his
Ardgal O'Flaherty, the torch of bravery and wards against them, being the surety for
the diocese of Cork, by the Barry; and it was after wards selected as the burying place of the Barrys. Giolla Mocoinne, son of Giolla Mocoinne O’Ca
hal, was slain by Conor, son of Hugh, son of Cathal Crovdearg.
Teige, son of Tuathal, son of Murtogh Muinagh
O'Conor, was slain by the English.
The two sons of Rory O'Neill were slain in Kil Tirconnell, Tyrone, and Oriell, was slain by the
Hy Briuin,
that boats floated
men Meath and
the men of Munster were slain.
the the Shannon, and
Flan O'Loughnan, chief
county
Mayo), died.
A. D. 1252.
Maol
hospitality of the north of Ireland, died.
Gillcreest O’Breislen, chief of Fanad (in Done gal), and his brother, were slain by Ceallach
Balbh (the Stammerer) O'Boyle.
Donogh Mac Cathmoil, chief of Kinel Fere
daigh Tyrone),was slainby the people Orgiall.
O'Gormley and O’Kane.
Cuchonacht Mac Consnamha, chief Muintir
and many other districts, the peace-maker
Kenny,” died.
Giolla Iosa O'Carroll, chief cliff, died.
Manus Mac Gillduff, chief bheth,” died.
Calry Drum Teallach Gair
Munster, which many Great heat and drought prevailed this summer,
A. D. 1252.
Caoluisge signifies the Narrow Water, and name given
the Newry river; hence this castle was near Newry. Moycoba was the plain district about Downpatrick where the other castle was erected.
Muintir Cinaith, district along Lough Allen, the parish Innis Magrath, county Leitrim, which Mac Consnamba was chief. This name has been anglicised Ford.
Teallach Gairbheith was Tullygarvey barony, the county of Cavan.
Cluan Fiachna, probably Clonfeacle, the barony Dun gannon, county Tyrone.
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70 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1253-54.
so that the people passed with dry feet over the Tyrone to attack O'Neill, but obtained no hos
principal rivers of Ireland. The people commenced reaping the corn twenty days before Lammas, (1st
of August), and the trees became ignited by the heat of the sun.
New money was ordered by the king of England
to be coined in Ireland, and the old money hitherto in circulation was discontinued.
Murogh O’Fallon, high constable of Connaught, was slain by the men of Brefney, in Moyrein.
Geoffrey O’Donnell marched with a predatory
force into Tyrone, and took therefrom much cattle
tages, for they were defeated with great slaughter on that expedition.
Bryan O’Neill, prince of Tyrone, waged war
against the English, and, having gone to Moy Coba
(Downpatrick), demolished castle and many others, burned Stradbhaile (Dundalk), and cleared (from the English) the entire plain Ulidia.
Donal O'Reilly, the Caoch O'Reilly (i. e. the one-eyed O’Reilly), Cathal O'Conor, and Giolla na-neev O'Ferrall, having collected their forces, marched into Muintir Eoluis to attack Cathal
and many hostages; but on his return he was Mac Rannall, and plundered the entire the
overtaken by Bryan O-'Neill, and a fierce battle country. They encamped for two nights Tully
ensued, in which the people of Tyrone were de Alain, and the third night Eanach Dhuibh.
feated with great loss, and many of their chiefs Giolla-na-neev O’Ferrall separated from them
were slain.
Alinn O'Sullivan, bishop of Lismore, died.
David Mackelly O'Gillpatrick, bishop of Clon macnois, died ; and Thomas O'Quinn, a friar minor, was consecrated at Rome his successor.
there, and the O’Reillys, with Cathal O'Conor, proceeded Cluain Conmaicne,” where they re mained encamped for night. When Hugh, son Felim O'Conor, received intelligence this, quickly collected his forces, and followed them Cluain, where fierce engagement ensued, which O’Reilly’s party were defeated, and Donogh, son Giolla Iosa, son Donogh O’Reilly, Mac
A. D. 1253.
Gillkelly O'Ruadhain, bishop of Hy Fiachra Giolla Toedog O’Biobhsaigh, and many others,
(Kilalla), died. John O’Laidig, a friar of the order of St. Dominick, was appointed his succes sor at Kilalla of Hy Fiachra, and was consecrated at Tuam, on the second Sunday in Lent.
A monastery was founded for friars of the order of St. Dominick, in Sligo.
A monastery was founded for the same order of friars at Athleathan,' in Liemey.
A court was built at Kiltesin,” by Tomaltagh O'Conor, bishop of Elphin. .
Owen O'Heyne, lord of Hy Fiachra (in Galway), died.
The daughter of the earl of Ulster, wife of Miles Mac Costello, died, and was buried in the monas tery of Boyle.
were slain.
The monastery St. Francis erected Mac Maurice Kerry.
A. D. 1254.
Maolfinnen O'Beollan, coarb died.
Ardfert, was
Drumcliff,
The English of Ireland, headed by Mac Maurice
(Fitzgerald), marched with a great force into Pierce Ristubard lord Siol Maolruain (in
A. D. 1253.
Athleathan Liemey. Dominican monastery was founded here by the Exeters Mac Jordans, lords Athleathan. This place was situated the present parish Templemore Strade, the barony Gallen, county Mayo, and was the
Cluain Conmaicne, that -Cloone, the barony
county Leitrim. Eanach Dubh, now the parish barony Mohill, county Leitrim.
Conmaicne county Galway,
Athenry, were lords.
Mohill, Annaduff,
ancient territory Lieney, and now the diocese Kiltesin, probably Kiltrustin, the county
where the O'Conors had castle.
Achonry. Roscommon,
A. D. 1254.
Dunmore, now the barony
Murrogh O’Melaghlin was slain by the son Sionagh O’Catharnaigh.
Aindilis O'Henery, the tower generosity the north Ireland, died.
Pierce Pramister (Bermingham), lord Con maicne Dunmore," died.
The monastery the friars St. Dominick Athlone, was burned.
Dunmore, which the Berininghams, barons
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Roscommon), and a baron, was slain on Lough Ree by Murrogh O’Melaghlin.
crossed the sea to confer with the king of England;
and the favours that requested were honour
ably granted him the king; after which re turned home.
REIGN OF HENRY III. 71
Sitrig Mac Seanlaoigh was taken prisoner by
Felim, son of Cathal Crovdearg O'Conor; and
the Seanshaileach Mac Seanlaoigh's eyes were Mahon O’Monaghan was slain Buimlin.
put out by him for his evil intentions, as he had
been informed that they had conspired to betray him.
Donogh Mac Donogh, son of Tomaltagh, and
Awlave O’Biobhsaigh were slain by the Conacians at Cluain Conmaicne.
Manus O'Gara was slain in a quarrel by the people of Felim O'Conor.
Dermod O'Quinn, Awlave his son, and the chiefs
Muintir Giolgain, were slain Faradhan Moy Treagh (in Longford), by Giolla-na-neev O'Ferrall, who afterwards plundered their property.
great conference was held between O'Conor Felim) and Mac William Burke, Tochar Mona Coinneadha. " peace was ratified between them, and his rights and possessions were con
The king of France returned from Jerusalem, ceded to Felim.
after having established a peace of three years' Juliana, daughter the coarb St. Cailin, (at
duration, between the Christians and the Saracens.
The monastery of Kildare was founded by the earl of Kildare; and the family have a splendid
tomb there, in the chapel of St. Mary.
A. D. 1255.
Dunslevey O'Flynn, abbot of the church of SS. Peter and Paul, at Armagh, died; and Patrick
O’Murray, prior of the same house, was elected to the abbacy.
Thomas Mac Dermott, archdeacon of Elphin, died. He was parson of Moylurg, Airteach, and Clan Cuain. -
Fenagh), and Giolla-na-neev, her brother, died. Ragnailt, daughter O'Ferrall, died bath.
A. D. 1256.
Flann (or Florence) Mac Flynn, archbishop Tuam, died Bristuma (Bristol).
party O’Reilly's people were slain Hugh, son Felim (O'Conor), namely, Cathal O’Laidigh, archdeacon of Eanach Dune, died. O'Reilly, lord Muinter Maolmordha and the
Hugh, son of Felim O'Conor, went into Tyrone, tribe Hugh Fionn; his two sons, namely, and made peace between his father and the people Donal Roe and Niall; his brother Cuchonacht; of the north of Ireland; and he brought back the three sons Cathal Dubh O'Reilly, namely, with him all the Conacians who had been in exile Geoffry, Fergal, and Donal; and Annadh, the son there, together with their property, through the Donal O'Reilly, was slain by Conor Mac Tiar midst of his inveterate enemies, namely, the sons nan.
Niall Caoch (the One-eyed) O'Reilly; of Roderick O'Conor and the English, who did Tiarnan Mac Brady; Giolla Michil Mac Taichlich not venture to molest them. (Mac Tully); Donogh O’Biobhsaigh Manus
Mac Carroll assumed the archbishoprick of Mac Gillduff, and upwards sixty other chiefs,
Cashel of Munster.
Florence Mac Flynn, archbishop of Tuam, slecht,” and was fought the border
A. D. 1255.
Tochar Mona Coinneadha signifies the bog pass the con
ference, and obtained its name from the above circumstance, which
Maolmordha was the tribe name the O'Reillys
Maolmordha, one their ancient chiefs. O'Reilly
here the chief the tribe Hugh Finn, that
Fair, ancient king Connaught, who was ancestor the O'Reillys and O'Rourkes, princes both Brefneys, Cavan and Leitrim. An account the other chiefs mentioned here, fight ing under the O'Reillys, given the note Brefney, this Number.
occurred the borders great battle was fought, 1316.
Luke, who had been dean then archbishop Dublin.
mentioned Hugh the
given
A. D.
the Annals under the year 1256.
Roscommon and Galway, where
Cavan, from
St. Martin's
London, was
The archbishop Dublin' died.
Giolla Coimdhe O’Cinfaola, abbot Dune, died.
O'Giollaraine, abbot the church Tuam, died.
Eanach the Trinity
Moy
Moyslecht, where this battle was fought, was the ancient name the plain Fenagh, the county Leitrim. Muinter
were slain. This was called the Battle
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7 2 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1257.
Ath Deirg, at Alt-na-hellte, above Beallach
na-Bethaidhe. The O’Reillys also slew many
of the chiefs opposed to them, among whom were
Dermod O'Flanagan, Flann Mac Oiraghty, Mur Fermanagh, where took goods and hostages,
rogh Fionn O'Ferrall, and many others. The O'Reillys’ Glasslaith (or Green-clad Chiefs), three times broke through the foremost ranks of their op ponents, but at length the main body of the hostile party overpowered O'Reilly's people at Sailten-na ngasan, and pursued them to Ait-Tighe-Meguirin, and from thence to the field of the great battle.
A lord justice” arrived in Ireland from the king
of England, and he and Hugh O'Conor had a
conference at Rinn Duin (in Roscommon), when
a peace was established between them, on condi
tion, that while he was lord justice no part of the
territory or lands of Connaught should be taken from O’Conor.
and proceeding thence into Brefney O’Rourke, they submitted his conditions.
A. D. 1257.
Mac Robiss, the abbot Cluan Eoais (Clones), died.
Murrogh, son Maolbride O’Fairchellaidh,
mon was consecrated by the bishop Tomaltagh Roderick O'Gara, lord of Sliabh Lugha (in O'Conor, for the friars St. Dominick.
Athlone and Dun Doighre" were burned one day.
O'Donnell, that Geoffrey, led his forces into
coarb St. Maodhog,' died. Maolpatrick Mac Cele, archdeacon
was slain.
Thomas O'Maolkiaran, chief sage died.
The monastery the Virgin Mary
Kilalla, Ireland, Roscom
Sligo), was slain by David, son of Ricard Cuisin. Hugh, the son of Felim O'Conor, plundered
Con, son Tiarnan O’Rourke, having gone
the residence O'Conor and his sons, ratify peace with them, conceded them their own demand the lands Brefney, together with
the lands of Mac Ricard Cuisin, in revenge for
the death of O'Gara; he demolished his castle,
slew the people that were and took the Cloch Inse-na-d-Torc Lough Fionnmoighe,
entire islands Sligo).
Ramall Mac
Lough Techet (Lough Gara
Brannan, lord Corc Achlann,” died.
into which Hugh, the son Felim (O'Conor), sent garrison.
Cathal Cuirrach, son Hugh, son Cathal Crovdearg (O'Conor), and Hugh, the son Conor, son Hugh, son Cathal Crovdearg, had their eyes put out, by Hugh, son Felim, son Cathal Crovdearg, through hatred and rivalship,
violation the guarantees the clergy, and compact the chiefs Connaught.
Con, the son Cathal O’Reilly, chief Muin tir Maolmordha, died.
Cloch Innse-na-d-Torc Lough Fionnmuighe
was burned O'Rourke, and turned the gar rison out of it.
Hugh O'Conor appointed Sitric, the son Ualgarg O’Rourke, joint lord along with Conor, the son Tiarnan O’Rourke, consequence which Donal, the son Conor, slew Sitric.
Dun Doighre, now Duniry, the barony Leitrim, county Galway, where the Mac Egans had castle.
Mac William Burke marched with predatory force against Roderick O'Flaherty, and plundered Gno More and Gno Beag, and took the entire Lough Oirbsen. ”
Donogh Mac Senlaich died Boyle.
the monastery
great war arose between Hugh O'Conor and Con O’Rourke,that the son Tiarnan, although
they had long been friends before that time; O'Rourke then joined the English, and made peace with them, for himself and for his people, without the concurrence Felim, his son Hugh O'Conor, who plundered O’Rourke's coun try, the Wednesday before Christmas, after which they made peace.
The lord justice who came de Zouch.
this time was Geoffrey Alan
the barony Ballintobber,
A. D. 1257.
St. Maodhog, that successor St. Moeg, who
Corc Achlann, county Roscommon,
district
which the Mac Brannans were chiefs. Loch Oirbsen, that Lough Corrib, county Galway.
Coarb given
Dromlane, the county Cavan, St. Moeg, first bishop Ferns,
Gno More and Gno Beag were two ancient districts west Lough Corrib, the barony Moycullen, county Galway, which the Mac Conrys were chiefs. -OGYGIA II. , 312.
Archdall abbot which abbey was founded
native Brefney. O'Faircheal
the sixth century, who was
laidh was probably the same name O'Farrelly.
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REIGN OF HENRY III. 73
A conference was held between Felim O'Conor Ath-na-Failme, by Giolla Bearaigh O’Lamh
and the lord justice of Ireland, Mac William duibh, one his own people, and the people Burke, and the English chiefs, Athlone, Matthew O’Reilly.
where they made peace.
Hugh O'Conor committed great depredations
on O’Rourke about Easter.
brilliant battle was fought Geoffrey O'Don nell, lord Tirconnell, against the lord justice Ireland, Maurice Fitzgerald, and the English Con naught, Credrain Cille,” Roscede,intheterritory
Carbury, north Sligo, defence his princi
pality. fierce and terrible conflict took place, which bodies were hacked, heroes disabled, and
the strength both sides exhausted; the men Tirconnell maintained their ground, and com pletely overthrew the English forces the en gagement, and defeated them with great slaughter, but Geoffrey himself was severely wounded, having
Cathal O’Mannachain died on the 6th of December.
A. D. 1258.
Abraham O’Conellan, archbishop
received Pallium from the court Rome, which celebrated mass Armagh, the
the month June.
Salerna, archbishop Tuam, and
London, died England, having been appointed by the king England those
second day Walter
chief dean
dignities the preceding year. Tomaltach O'Conor, bishop
translated the archiepiscopal see
Gillcreest O'Carmacain, dean
Anmanach O’Cuirnin, man distinguished for
his piety, died.
Matthew, son Giolla Roe O'Roduibh, that
the Master, died.
The bishop's court Elphin, and the court
Kilsesin, were demolished Hugh O'Conor. O’Donnell (Geoffrey), was confined by his mor
Armagh,
Elphin, was
encountered single combat,
the fight Maurice Fitzgerald which they desperately wounded
By this fortunate victory the English
Tuam. Elphin, died.
each other.
and the Geraldines were driven from North
Connaught. Mac Griffin, noble knight, was taken prisoner by the people O’Donnell the
same day, after which they burned and completely plundered Sligo. Donogh, the son Cormac
O'Donnell, was slain the thick the fight. wounds Lough Beathach,' for the space
They (the people Tirconnell), then returned
home consequence the dangerous wounds
O'Donnell, for otherwise would have pursued the defeated English the Moy. On Geoffrey's
return home he demolished the castle Caoluisce,
which had been erected by the English keep the people Tirconnell subjection.
Maurice Fitzgerald, lord justice Ireland, for long period the destroyer the Irish, died.
year after the battle Credrain. When O'Neill (Bryan) received intelligence this, collected
his forces for the purpose marching into Tir connell, and sent messengers O’Donnell
O’Donnell, returned back with possible speed. The king England granted charter (or O’Donnell summoned the Connellians from all
patent) Felim O'Conor, for the five districts the king.
great war arose between Conor O’Brien, and the English Munster, who were slaughtered by him.
Teige O'Brien also committed immense depreda tions the English.
Conor, the son Tiarnan O’Rourke, was slain
Credrain, where this battle was fought, rising ground near the town Sligo, the north.
quarters wait him, and having assembled their lord’s call, ordered them, was not able lead them, prepare for him the coffin which his remains should finally conveyed, place him therein, and carry him the very midst his people; told them fight bravely
was amongst them, and not submit the power their enemies. They then proceeded
demanding sureties, hostages,
from the Tirconnellians, they had lord capable govern them after Geoffrey. The
messengers having delivered their commands
A. D. 1258.
Lough Beathach, probably the lake the parish
near Kilmakrennan, county Donegal.
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74 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1258.
battle array at the command of their lord to meet tains Ireland were expelled the Aithech
O’Neill’s force, until both armies confronted each
other at the river called Suileach (Swilly). They
attacked each other without regard to friend or
relative, until at length the Tyronians were own territory from foreigners, from the day was
defeated and driven back, leaving behind them many of their men, horses, and much property. On the return of the Connellian force from their
victory, the coffin in which O’Donnell was borne was laid down on the place where the battle
inaugurated the lordship the day his death. The monastery Claen (Clane), Leinster,
the diocese Kildare, was founded for brothers the doder St. Francis.
Hugh, the son Felim (O'Conor), and Teige was fought, where his spirit departed, from the O’Brien, marched with great force Caol Uisge
mortification of the wounds he had received in the
battle of Credrain; and his death was not dis honourable, for in his expeditions was vic torious over his enemies. When O’Neill received
intelligence the death O’Donnell, again
sent messengers the Connellians demanding
hostages and submission from them, upon which hostages O’Reilly’s people, and also those the Connellians held consultation to determine Hy Briuin," from Kells Drumcliff, should
Tuatha,” was the return Donal Oge O’Donnell from Albain (Scotland), supporting the rights princes, reconciling chiefs, and defending his
(near Newry,) hold conference with Bryan O'Neill, whom the foregoing chiefs, after making peace with each other, granted the sovereignty over the Irish; and they agreed that the hostages
Hugh O'Conor should given him sure ties for the fulfilment this compact, and that the
what they should do, and decide what chief
they should yield obedience and submission, for
they had acknowledged lord command them
after the death Geoffrey. While thus deli naught with fleet from Insi Gall (the He berating, they beheld Donal Oge,” the son Donal brides), until came Conmaicne Mara (Con More O’Donnell, who had arrived from Scotland, namara), where captured merchant vessel,
noble and intelligent youth, his eighteenth and seized the cargo, which consisted year, whom the Connellians conferred the wine, cloth, brass, and iron. Jordan Dexeter, the
chieftainship. That was proper election, for
was by right their own lawful lord. The
Connellians informed him their choice, and
the same time communicated him the message
they had received from O’Neill, which ex pressed his indignation and contempt; and that
occasion made use that excellent old saying the Albanian Gaelic (Scottish Gaelic), which they used conferring with the messengers, viz. :
“So mbiabh boman pen as Sach Fean. ” “That every man should have his own country. ” Similar to the return of Tuathal Teachtmar over
the seas from Albain (Scotland), when the chief
Donal Oge O'Donnell, the son Donal More, prince Tir connell, was born 1240; his mother was the daughter Cathal Crovdearg O'Conor.
Aithech Tuatha, name translated Attacots, was applied the Firbolgs, who the second century by temporary insur
rection defeated the Milesians, and set upon the throne Ireland monarch their own race, namely, Cairbre Ceann Cait, but the Milesian monarchy was soon after restored under Tuathal Teacht
mar, Tuathal the Acceptable.
Hy Briuin. This was the name applied the territory both Brefnies, explained the note Brefney; and this pas
sheriff Connaught, pursued Mac Sorley the island which stopped, and near which his ships were anchored. conflict ensued, which Jordan was slain, and also Pierce Agabard, knight belonging his party, with many others. Mac Sorley and his people returned their own country joyfully and enriched.
Donal, son Conor, son Tiarnan O’Rourke, who was kept confinement behalf his father by Felim O'Conor and his son Hugh, was set liberty them, and appointed the lord ship Brefney" the place his father.
Macraith Mac Tiarnan, chief Teallach Dun sage she that Hy Briuin, Brefney, extended from Kells
likewise given Hugh, the son Felim (O'Conor).
Mac Sorley (Mac Donnell) sailed round Con
Meath, counties
Drumcliff, the county Sligo thus comprising the Cavan and Leitrim, with portion Meath, and
part
West Brefney Leitrim, and O'Reilly East Brefney Cavan.
the barony Carbury Sligo, O’Rourke being prince
Brefney. This ancient and extensive territory comprised the present counties Cavan and Leitrim, and was part the king dom Connaught down the reign Elizabeth, when was formed into the counties Cavan and Leitrim, and Cavan was added the province Ulster. Some the earliest events Irish history are recorded having taken place this territory.
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REIGN OF HENRY III. 75
chadha," was slain by Donal, son of Tiarnan brother Cathal, the son of Conor. After that the O’Rourke. The Conacians, and the men of Bref government of Hy Briuin was given to Art, the ney in general, then deprived Donal of the lordship, son of Cathal Riavagh O’Rourke, viz. from the
and the people of Teallach Dunchadha slew his
About nine centuries before the Christian era, according to our
ancient annalists, Tigearmmas, monarch of Ireland, of the race of
Heremon, was the first who introduced Druidism and the worship
of idols into Ireland ; and it is stated, that while worshipping the
idol Crom Cruach, the chief deity of the Irish Druids, along with a vast assemblage of his subjects at Magh Sleacht in Breifne, on
mountain eastward.
the Danes set foot Ireland, since they abound chiefly the interior and remote parts the country, where the Danes never had any permanent settlement. Cavan and Leitrim are many magnificent mountains and extensive bogs, the remains ancient forests, which have been frequently found the huge horns the Irish elk there are also many large and beautiful lakes, and several fine rivers, including the mighty Shannon, which has its source the foot the towering Cuileagh, one the Cavan mountains. Amongst the mountains Brefney may men tioned Sliabh-an-Iarain, the Iron Mountain, Leitrim, famous for its mines of coal and iron.
the feast of Samhuin, (one of their deities, the day dedicated to
whose rites was the same as the last day of October), he himself,
with three-fourths of his people, were struck dead by lightning, as
a punishment from heaven for his introduction of idolatry into the
kingdom. Magh Sleachta signifies either the Plain of Adoration,
or the Plain of Slaughter, and obtained name from the Druidical
rites performed there, from the human sacrifices which the
Pagan Irish offered up the deities Druidism, the Canaanites
offered up their's Moloch. this place stood famous tem
ple the Druids, with the great idol Crom Cruach sur aidh Muighneodhoin, who was monarch Ireland from 358 rounded twelve minor idols, composed pillar stones, and 366, and was the race Heremon. The name Muigh decorated with heads gold. This temple and its idols were meadhoin derived from Magh, plain, which the genitive destroyed St. Patrick, who erected church its site. Of makes Muighe, and meadhoin, which Dr. O'Conor, his translation
these events accounts are given the Life St. Patrick by
Jocelyn the monk, Cambrensis Eversus, O'Flaherty’s Ogygia,
and Vallancy's Collectanea. Magh Sleacht was situated the
present barony Mohill, county Leitrim, and afterwards
received the name Fiodhnach, which may signify wild
woody district. Fenagh after ages had celebrated monastery and college, and was long famous seat learning and religion.
Cromleacs huge stones and other Druidical remains are seen Fenagh this day.
Brefney was inhabited the early ages the Fir-Bolgs, who are called Belgae Belgians by various writers, afterwards by the Milesians the race Ir, the Clanna Rory, and lastly the Milesians the race Heremon. The Fir-Bolgs who possessed Brefney, are mentioned the ancient writers under the names Ernaidhe, Ernaians, and Ermaechs, which names are stated have been given them from their inhabiting the territories about Lough Erne. Ptolemy, the great Greek geographer the second century, denominates them Ermidi, Ernidoi, Erdinoi, given his Map Ireland by Ware, O'Conor, and others. These Erneans possessed the entire Brefney, and make remarkable figure
the history the early ages, from the various great battles fought between them and the Milesian kings.
the Annals, renders cultivator; and calls this monarch
Eochius camporum cultor, that Eochaidh the cultivator plains. Bryan, above-mentioned, had twenty-four sons, whose posterity possessed the greater part Connaught, and were called the Hy Briuin race. Of this race were the O'Conors, kings Connaught; the O'Rourkes; O'Reillys; Mac Dermotts; Mac Donoghs; O'Flahertys; O'Malleys; Mac Oiraghtys; O'Fallons; O'Flynns O'Malones; Mac Gaurans; Mac Tiernans, Mac Kermans; Mac Bradys, and some other clans. From Fiachra, brother Bryan, king Connaught, were descended the race Hy Fiachra, whom were the O’Dowds, O'Heynes, O'Shaugh nesseys, and other clans Connaught, hereafter explained. From Niall the Nine Hostages, monarch Ireland, another Bryan's brothers, were descended, mentioned the notes Meath, Tir Eogain and Tir Conaill; the O’Melaghlins, kings Meath the O'Neills, kings Ulster, and princes Tyrone; the O'Donnells, princes Tirconnell, and some other chiefs Ulster: thus these three great branches, descended from Eochaidh Muigh meadhoin, were the chief rulers the kingdoms Meath, Ulster, and Connaught.
The O'Rourkes and O'Reillys derived their descent from Aodh Fionn, Hugh the Fair, king Connaught, who died the beginning the seventh century, 611, and was buried
The name Breifne sometimes also written Brefine, and
Breghne, latinised Brefnia and Brefinia, and anglicised Brefney, Fenagh. This Aodh Fionn was descendant Bryan, king
and generally called the old English writers, the Brenny.
Seward's Topography, the name Breifne derived from Bre, hill,
and therefore signifies the country little hills, the hilly coun
try, derivation which may not appear inappropriate descriptive O'Rourkes, took their name from one their ancient chiefs, Ruarc,
the topographical features are scattered over the counties
the country, innumerable hills Cavan and Leitrim. These hills, round conical form, very beau
who was prince Brefney
the tenth century. The name Ruarc valiant, and arg, champion;
champion, and hence may signify tiful and fertile, producing various crops, and capable cultiva the valiant champion, the red-haired champion. Mention
different sizes, are chiefly
tion their very summits; and many fertile valleys are inter spersed among them. From the productive soil these hills, and
made the Four Masters the tenth, eleventh, and twelfth cen turies many celebrated chiefs the O'Rourkes: these chiefs often contended with the O'Conors for the sovereignty Con
their having been cultivated from the earliest times, the name
Breifne may probably derived from Bre, hill, and feine, naught; and the tenth century, one them, namely, Fergal
husbandmen, and hence may signify the hills the husbandmen; or, may derived from Bre, hills, and fine, people, that the
hills the people, the hills inhabited the people. On vast number of these hills over Cavan and Leitrim are found those cir
cular earthen ramparts called forts raths, and some them very large, which circumstance shews that those hills were inha bited from the earliest ages. As several thousands those raths exist even this day, and many more have been levelled, evident that there was very great population ancient Brefney. The erection these raths has been absurdly attributed the Danes, for evident that they must have formed the chief habitations and fortresses the ancient Irish many centuries before
O'Rourke, becameking Connaught, and reigned from 960, 964, when was killed battle with the men Meath. the twelfth century Tiarnan O’Rourke was king
Brefney, and frequently mentioned these Annals, account the abduction his wife, Dervorgal, (who was daughter Mur togh O'Melaghlin, king Meath), Dermod Mac Murrogh, king
Leinster, which led the English invasion under Strongbow and his followers. The O'Rourkes had the title kings Brefney and Conmaicne, and later times that princes West Brefney, that the county Leitrim, the O'Reillys becoming princes
East Brefney, the county Cavan. Ancient Brefney was, the tenth century, divided into two principalities, the O'Rourkes,
Brefney also bore the name Hy Briuin Breifne, Hy Briune Brefney, from being possessed the race Hy Briuin. The Hy Briuin race derived their namefrom being the descendants
Bryan, king Connaught, the fourth century, son Eoch
Connaught, before-mentioned; and from him the O'Rourkes and
O'Reillys were called Clann Aodha Finn, that the posterity Hugh the Fair. The O'Ruarcachs, O’Ruaircs, O'Ruares,
may derived from Ruadh, from Ruadh, red, and arg,
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76 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A.