No More Learning

D. 1588,
1. The Spanish Armada. -In 1588 Philip II. , King of Spain,
drowned those quarters, their ships having been completely wrecked, and the smaller portion
who had been married to Mary, queen of England, irritated at the
assistance given by queen Elizabeth to the States of the Nether
lands, in their revolt against Spain, prepared a powerful naval ar engagements with the English and Dutch fleets, but the Spaniards mament for the invasion of England; this immense fleet was were defeated, and having met many disasters, they resolved re called the Invincible Armada, and consisted of 130 or 140 vessels, turn Spain the northern seas, and sailed round the Orkney 65 of which were of great size, and called Galleons. The soldiers, Islands, where the fleet was overtaken by dreadful storms; many
marines, and officers on board this fleet, amounted to about thirty thousand men, and they had on board 2,431 pieces of artillery,
and vast treasures. This immense Armament, commanded the
their vessels were wrecked, and some driven far northwards,
and dashed pieces the rocks Norway. About their ships were driven the shores Ireland, August and Septem
the same country died, namely, Torlogh, the son Roderick, Doire-Ui-Eidhin
large fleet consisting eight score ships
them returned Spain, and some assert that nine thousand of them were lost on that occasion. "
The lord justice Ireland, namely, Sir John
Duke Medina Sidonia, sailed from Lisbon, the latter end May, but was soon after dispersed by violent storm near Cor unna; the fleet, being refitted, again set sail for England, and
having arrived off Calais and Dunkirk, August, they had some
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5 6 6 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1588.
Perrott, went to England, and Sir William Fitz daughter william, having come to Ireland, succeeded him O’Donnell, as lord justice. the manner
James Mac Donnell, the wife Hugh, the son Manus;
which she effected that killing O'Deadhadh (O'Dea), i. e. Mahon, the son of was follows: Hugh was alliance with
Loghlin, son of Roderick, son of Murrogh, son of
Mahon Buighe, lord of Kineal Fearmaic (barony of Inchiquin, county of Clare), died.
William, the son of Donal, son of Awlave, i. e.
the doctor, son of Donogh O’Niallain (O’Neillan),
the faithful tribe the Calvach O’Donnell, and they were conjointly alliance with O’Neill, namely, Torlogh Luineach, who was contention with O’Donnell, well with her relative by marriage, the earl O’Neill, i. e. Hugh, the son Ferdorcha; moreover, her dear brother Alexander
was slain at the door of Mainistir Innsi by the sons
of O’Griobhtha, namely, the sons of John, son of had been slain John, son of Teige, son of Loghlin. an-Deaganaigh,
former occasion by Hugh Mac we have before stated; she had
The lord justice of Ireland, Sir William Fitz many other causes
william ; the governor of the two provinces of
Connaught, Sir Richard Bionggam (Bingham),
and the president of the two provinces of Munster,
Sir Thomas Norris, joined by the most of the men
of Ireland except those of the province of Ulster,
marched, with a great army, against O’Rourke
and Mac Sweeney of the Districts, who made
friendship and alliance with a portion of the men
of the Spanish fleet we have before mentioned.
Those forces (the English) spoiled every thing
they found before them not belonging to the without considering his treachery criminality, queen's people, from the river Suck to Drowis (at where she was Moy Gaibhlin (in Donegal); Bundrowis, in Leitrim), and from Drowis to the when had come the place, she spoke her river Finn Donegal); but, however, they neither friends the Scots, and told and entreated them took nor endangered O’Rourke Mac Sweeney fulfil what they had promised; this was performed
that occasion. was that expedition that for her, for they attacked the place which Hugh O’Dogherty, namely, John Oge, the son John, was, shooting him with arrows and balls, until
son Felim, son Conor Carrach, and O’Gal they left him dead the spot, and there were
enmity towards him besides that, and was heart-sickness and sorrow
mind her not revenged him for his pride and arrogance; she complained her troubles
and injury the Scottish soldiers, who were both their service and pay, and attendance her places, that they promised her they would prepared, her command, avenge their en
lagher Sir John, the son Tuathal Balbh, were taken prisoners; the lord justice went Dublin, and the men of Ireland returned their homes.
also slain along with him the most endeared him his faithful people.
The son Mac Namara the eastern part Hugh Mac-an-Deaganaigh O'Gallagher, com Clan Cuilein (barony Tullagh, county Clare),
monly called Hugh, the son the Calvach O’Don namely Teige, the son Donal Riavach, son
nell, was put death the Inghean Dubh, the
ber, and them, which contained 5,394 men, were wrecked the coasts Ulster and Connaught, about the counties Antrim, Donegal, Sligo, Mayo and Galway. According Smith, his History Kerry, them, containing 600 men, were wrecked
Wm. Fitzwilliam. As the Spanish vessels contained much treasure, some which fell into the hands the natives the country, was claimed the queen's prerogative, and the lord deputy Fitz william, says Cox, his Hibernia Anglicana, “wishing have finger the pie” went Ulster November look after
Cumeadha, son Donogh, son Roderick, was
upon, says Cox, grew much enraged, that imprisoned Sir
Owen O'Toole, and O’Dogherty Donegal, both whom were
well affected the state; the former kept prison during his
time, and the other detained two years, until was forced purchase his discharge. Some the Spaniards who were ship
near the mouth the Shannon, and more, with about 800 men, were wrecked near the bays Tralee and Dingle, the coast Kerry. Great numbers the shipwrecked soldiers, various places, were taken prisoners, and about 300 them inhumanly put
wrecked entered into the service Hugh O'Neill, and stated Cox and Mac Geoghegan, that one thousand the Spaniards, under Antonio Leva, were hospitably received and relieved by death, being hanged and beheaded order the lord deputy O'Rourke, lord Leitrim; but Bingham, the governor Con naught, and others the queen's officers, endeavoured compel him give up their protection; however, O'Rourke, and Mac Sweeney Donegal, bravely defended the Spaniards, and would not surrender them, and the Spaniards having embarked return their own country, the ship foundered, and they were all
the great charge the queen and the country; but appears did not succeed getting much the expected plunder, where
drowned, sight the harbour, off the coast Sligo.
mity their enemies whenever they should fall with them. happened unfortunately for Hugh come with arrogant boasting and haughty pride,
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REIGN OF ELIZABETH.
567
hanged in Galway. The son of O'Connor Roe time a person whose aid was more thought of than (of Roscommon), namely, the son of Teige Oge, that of Donal, for he was of great strength, and a son of Teige Buighe, son of Cathal Roe, was also leader of a battalion; and it was not heard that he hanged in Galway. had ever turned his back to his enemy in any
O'Kennedy Fionn (the Fair), namely, Bryan, country. The commands of those messengers were
the son of Donal, son of Donogh, died; Anthony, not slowly attended to by Donal, for he immedi
the son of Donogh Oge, son of Hugh, son of ately mustered his forces within his controul, Awlave, and the Giolla Dubh, son of Dermod, and sent back the messengers Hugh, de son of Hugh, son of Roderick O'Kennedy (in sire him to meet them at Sciath-Gabhra-an-tSain
*
Ormond) were in contention and strife with each
other about the lordship, so that the manner in
which they made peace was to divide the lord
ship in two between them, and confer the title on Anthony.
A. D. 1589.
Maguire, i. e. Cuchonacht, the son of Cucho
nacht, namely, the coarb, the son ofCuchonacht,
son of Bryan, son of Philip, son of Thomas, died
on the 17th of June; he was a lord in conferring
presents on ecclesiastics, professors, learned men Donal O’Donnell before him when Donal re and poets, and distinguished for his profound ceived intelligence that was Conor who left the learning in Latin and Irish. After the death of notification which we have before mentioned, Maguire, namely Cuchonacht, Conor Roe, the son said that would profit him nothing, and that Hugh of Conor Maguire, considered that the lordship of should be his father’s successor, that was the country belonged to him, in regard to seniority,
but the other party were of opinion that the son
of Maguire, i. e. Hugh, should be the lord after
his father, so that they were in contention with
each other in that manner. Hugh sent messengers
to his kinsman Donal, the son of Hugh, son of Glaisne, died; Bryan, the son Hugh Oge, son Manus O’Donnell, although they had disputed be Hugh, son John Buighe, lord Dartry fore that time, entreating him to come to his aid Oirgiall; Eiver, the son Cu-uladh, lord Far and relief, as was customary with his ancestors, to ney, and the brother the deceased, namely, Hugh assist the tribe of Philip, the son of Thomas Ma Roe, were contention with each other about the guire.
There was not of the Tirconnallians at that
lordship the country. "
county Monaghan, whither his lordship took his journey shortly
A. D. 1589.
Death Mac Mahon. 1588, according Cox, Fynes
Morrison, and Mac Geoghegan, Mac Mahon, that Ross above mentioned the text, lord Monagham, died, who his life time had surrendered into the queen's hands his territory, held under the Irish law Tanistry, and received re-grant
under the broad seal England him and his heirs male, and for default such his brother Hugh Roe Mac Mahon; but Ross, dying without heirs male, his brother, Hugh Roe, came up
after, company with Mac Mahon. “At their first arrival” says Morrison, “the gentleman was clapt bolts, and within two days after indicted, arraigned, and executed, his own house, all done
the council Dublin, that he might
hoping countenanced and cherished
tee, but he found that he could not
promised give 600 cows, for “such” says Morrison, “and other, are the Irish bribes. ” MacMahon, however, was imprisoned, but few days enlarged, with the promise that the lord deputy, sir William Fitzwilliam, would himself go settle him his
freeholders, and them four English soldiers were suffered and come pleasure, but the others, being Irish Kerns, were kept straight and starved ’till they found him guilty. ” The cause, said, for which was condemnedwas, that about two years
before pretended rent was due him out Ferney (Farney, Monaghan), and upon that pretence levied forces, marched into Ferney, and made distress for the same. Mac Mahon's ter ritory was divided between the marshal, sir Henry Bagnall, and captain Henslow, who was made seneschal the county, and got Mac Mahon's chief house; four also the Mac Mahons got some
settled his inheritance, her majesty's paten
admitted 'till had
ridh (Lisnaskea, near Enniskillen, where the Ma guires were inaugurated lords Fermanagh),
expeditiously
without delay (barony Lurg,
could himself proceeded, halting, through Tuath-Luirg Fermanagh), along the margin
Lough Erne, until arrived the foremen tioned place. Conor Roe, with the chiefs the upper part Fermanagh, came the previous day
the same place, and left his notification there, Leathas (documents), order that the title
lord might conferred him the morrow. Hugh came that appointed place, and found
then once his title Flaith (prince chief), was conferred Hugh Maguire Donal O’Don nell and the chiefs his country.
Mac Mahon, Rossa, the son Art, son Bryan-na-Moicheirghe, son Redmond, son
such officers the lord deputy brought with him for that pur pose was found guilty by jury soldiers, but gentlemen
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568 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1589.
Elenor, the daughter of the earl of Desmond, i. e. of James, the son of John, son of Thomas, son of James, son of Gerald, who had been the wife of O’Rourke, and the wife of the son of the earl of Ormond, namely, of Edward, the son of James, son of Pierce Roe, son of James, son of Edmond, died.
The countess of the county of Clare, namely,
Una, the daughter of Torlogh, the son of Murtogh,
son of Donal, son of Teige, son of Torlogh, son of English and Irish soldiers, proceeded command Murrogh-na-Raithnighe (O’Brien), the wife ofthe
earl of Thomond, i. e. of Conor, the son of Donogh,
son of Conor, son of Torlogh, son of Teige O'Brien,
died in Great Clare.
Donal Mac Congail (or Mac Connell, called
Donat Magonail in Ware), bishop of Raphoe, died -
on the 29th of September.
Torlogh, the son of Teige, son of Conor, son of
Torlogh, son of Teige O'Brien, of Bel-Atha-an
Chomhraic (in Clare), died; and the person who there died was much lamented.
Teige-an-Dunaidh, the son of Donogh, son of Murtogh, son of Donogh, son of Murtogh, son of the Ballach, the senior representative of Tuath-na Fearna, i. e. of Corcabaiscinn (Mac Mahon of
Clare), and of the tribe of the Ballach, died; there did not exist in his time so valiant a man in his neighbourhood.
Cormac, the son of Teige, son of Dermod, son of Cormac (Mac Carthy of Cork), of Moy Laithimh, died.
Manus, the son of Con, son of Calvach, son of Manus, son of Hugh Duv O’Donnell, was killed
near the river Finn, on the 20th of September, by John, the son of Manus Oge, son of Manus, son of Hugh Duv O’Donnell.
the lands, under yearly rent the queen, and each them had pay for their shares large bribes the deputy Fitzwiliam, according Cox, which they made complaint the council
England. Morrison says, that Mac Mahon's execution,
heartburnings and loathings the English government began
grow the northern lords, and they shunned much they could admit any sheriffs any English live among them,
fearing similar practices; and also states that Evir Mac Colla Mac Mahon offered the lord deputy Fitzwilliam seven thousand cows make him chief Monaghan. Cox says, that from hence forward the Irish loathed sheriffs, fearing that time they might follow the fate Mac Mahon, and, therefore, the great treaty near Dundalk, January, 1595, they
exempted from garrisons, sheriffs, and other officers.
Maguire Fermanagh. --About this period,
after, Hugh Maguire, lord Fermanagh, learning that sheriff was sent into his county, desired the lord deputy Fitz
were defeated, and himself was beheaded, to
gether with Donal O'Daly, agentleman who had the
command someofthe soldiers; and Redmond Oge, the son Redmond, son John Burke-na-Beinne,
desired
Tireragh the Moy; they were joined
the Clan Donnell galloglasses; Murrogh the Battle-axes, son Teige, son Murrogh O'Fla herty, together with the O'Flahertys and Joyces; so that there was not one of note from the western point Erris Mayo), Traigh Eothuile (near Ballysadare Sligo), Machaire Luighne, Cor ran (both Sligo), and the Plain Connaught
Roscommon), that did not unite opposition
the governor (Bingham). Those insurgents
continued devastate the province Con naught day and night, during the spring.
william let him know his Eric, that might levy the fine his people, for that they would certainly kill the sheriff. But appears, from Cox and Mac Geoghegan, that sheriff was after wards sent into Maguire's county, though Maguire alleged that had paid 300 beeves the lord deputy, Fitzwilliam, bribe free Fermanagh from sheriff during his time, but that, neverthe less, one captain Willis was appointed sheriff, and kept 200 followers, soldiers, idle women and boys, who preyed and plundered the entire country. Maguire rose arms, routed them, and drove them all into church, where, says Cox, would have murdered them, but for the earl Tyrone (Hugh O'Neill), who got their lives spared condition that they should depart from the country. When Maguire expelled the sheriff and his followers, the lord deputy, says Morrison, sent the queen's forces Fermanagh,
took the castle Enniskillen from Maguire, and proclaimed him traitor.
few years
Donal, the son of Owen of the Lake Mac
Sweeny, the constable of Muskerry Cork), died;
the deceased was man good surety, and kept open house hospitality, and was generally praised by the English and Irish.
The Lower Burkes, from Tyrawly westward (in Mayo), went their guard, after having refused under the controul the governor Richard
Bingham. Master Brown, with great number
the governor across Bealach-an-Diotruibhe
westward, attack those Burkes; the Burkes
made attack upon them, and when Master
Brown came close engagement, his soldiers
and also great number the soldiers along with them. The power and pride the Burkes in creased through that victory, and they became more violent their insurrection account
the tribe Oliver, the son John Burke Ty rawly, went alliance with them, and the O’Dowds
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galloglasses, they could,
REIGN OF ELIZABETH. 569
the Burkes Mayo), and the Clan Donnell
mustered and collected the people we have before mentioned, the the winter this year, that pedition to the borders of Conmaicne and Machaire there was not one of note from Corrsliabh-na
and a brother's son of Murrogh, i. e. Donal, the
son of Roderick O'Flaherty, went on a hostile ex harvest, and
Riavach (in Galway), on Easter night precisely; Seaghsa (the Curlew mountains, the borders there were two or three hundred Diolmuineachs Roscommon and Sligo), the western point
(hired soldiers), on that expedition, and they began
to seize on much plunder and booty throughout
the country, in the early part of Easter Sunday,
and the people of the country in directions
went pursuit them. On the night previous earl Thomond, namely, Donogh, the son
that one two companies soldiers came
privately and unperceived guard the country,
and having heard the loud report the ordnance,
and the clamour the armed forces, on the fol formed numerous and clamorous camp Kerns lowing day they proceeded narrow pass, Cunga (Cong, Mayo). The Burkes were which could not easily taken avoided, where encamped opposite them the western side, and they lay ambush for the Irish forces; they conferences were held between them, during found Teige O'Flaherty advancing towards them, fortnight, but they could not pacified during
the front the force, and his people close rank that time. At the end that period the go about him; the soldiers having fired volleys balls vernor and the earl proceeded, with ten twelve the van the Irish force,Teige O'Flaherty, toge companies, across Beilgibh inwards, visit
ther with Urun O'Flaherty, Teige Oge, the son Tyrawley and Erris; the Burkes marched Teige O'Flaherty, and great number his sup parallel direction with them, and contemplated
son Dermod, son
Limerick (Cornelius
Conor, i. e. the bishop O'Dea, bishop Limerick
1426, see Ware's Bishops), son
from 1400
Murrogh-an-Dana O'Dea, died, and was buried
Disert-Tola (Dysert O'Dea, the barony Inch iquin, county Clare), his own town Triochad
Cead Kinel Fermaic, the south Dalgais.
A. D. 1590
The Burcaigh Iochtaracha (the Lower Burkes
Iorras, and Umhal (the baronies Erris, Bur rishoole, and Murrisk, Mayo), that did not join
that alliance.
The governor, Sir Richard Bingham, and the
Conor, son Donogh O’Brien, marched with all
their forces, the first month this year, i. e. the month January, attack the Burkes, and they
porters the chiefs Joyce’s Country, and the
Clan Donogh, who were about him, were killed
that discharge, and such the Irish forces were
not slain the first volley, returned, without run ning being alarmed,and were not followed beyond
that place. Edmond, the son Murrogh the Battle-axes O'Flaherty, who was imprisoned Galway, was hanged three days after Teige had been killed; and those sons Murrogh the Battle-axes O'Flaherty had not fallen, conse quence their plundering and insurrection against the sovereign England, their death after that
encounter them Bearnaigh-na-Gaoithe (the Windy Gap, the parish Addergoole, barony Tyrawley, county Mayo); but, however, they did not so, and the pass was let free the go
vernor and the earl; was that expedition that the foot, out from the joint, was taken off Mac
William Burke. The governor returned back Cong, and himself, the Burkes, and Clan Don
nell, made peace with each other; and they de
livered their hostages into the hands the gover nor, and the governor went the town Athlone,
and the men Connaught returned their homes. The governor marched with very great force,
the month March, attack O’Rourke; that army was great, that the governor sent im
mense number his captains, and his companies, Slieve Cairpre, the upper end Muintir Eo
luis (in Leitrim), and another portion the officers his army proceeded the bridge Sligo,
the western side, towards Brefney, and those forces began burn and devastate, kill, and destroy
before them the country general, until they met each other. O’Rourke was expelled that expedition, and received neither shelternor
manner would have been Dermod Oge, the son
great loss.
Dermod, son Denis,
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570 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1590.
protection until he arrived in the Tuatha to Mac Tirconnell opposition her son, Hugh Roe, Sweeney-na-dTuath (of the Districts, in Donegal), who was then imprisoned Dublin, whenever
namely Owen Oge, the son of Owen, son of Owen, God might allow him return from his incarcera
son of Donal, and he remained with him to the end tion, that was on that account she mustered
of this year; and such of his people as did not go those the Tirconnallians who were faithfully into banishment came in and submitted to the obedient her, namely O’Dogherty and his forces;
governor. Donal, the son of Teige, son of Bryan Mac Sweeney the Districts, Owen Oge, with O’Rourke, and Hugh Oge, the son of Hugh Gall his force; Mac Sweeney Fanat and his forces, da, were aiding the English to expel and banish together with great number the Scots. O'Rourke. The country, both waste and inha When Donal O’Donnell received intelligence bited, was under the controul of the governor, to those forces being mustered march against him, the following festival of St. Michael, until Tiarnan he collected his force meet them those who
Baun, the son of Bryan, son of Owen O’Rourke, and Bryan Oge-na-Samthach, the son of that O'Rourke, who had been expelled, came to the country about Michaelmas; these, and the tribes of Brefney and Muintir Eoluis (the Mac Rannalls of Leitrim), and the O’Rourkes, who were before them in the country, went in opposition to the governor, and they continued spoiling that was
under the power the English, every direction they went, the end this year. great fortress, the like of which had not been constructed for long time, was made the governor, between Loch-Ce and Loch-Arbhach (Loch Kea, Ros common, and Loch Arrow Sligo).
The son O’Neill, i. e. Hugh Geimhleach, the son John Dongaileach, son Con Bacach, son Con, son Henry, son Owen, was hanged the earl Tyrone, namely, by Hugh, the son
Feardorcha, son Con Bacach; there was not man his age for long time, the race
joined with him were Mac Sweeney Banagh, namely Donogh, the son Maolmurry, and party the Clan Sweeney Munster, together with the three sons Owen, the son Maol murry, son Donogh, son Torlogh, (Mac Sweeney), with their forces, and O'Boyle, i. e. Teige Oge, the son Teige, son Torlogh, with
fighting, that was slain there Doire Lea Eogan, son Niall, who was more lamented than than (Derrylaghan), near the harbour Teiliond
that Hugh. The son
(Telen Harbour, Donegal). Seldom ever, before that time, had his enemies been victorious, al though the persons by whom was slain had not been actually his enemies until they encountered
Donal, the son Hugh Duv, son
Bundrowes, Leitrim), the people Boylagh together with two hundred the side Donal. and Banagh (the O'Boyles Boylagh, and Mac Walter Ciotach Burke, the son John, son Sweeneys Banagh). was great tribulation Oliver, died, after having made peace with the
O’Donnell, Manus, son
Hugh, son
Hugh Roe, son Niall Garv, son Torlogh the
Wine, began supersede his father, after had on that occasion; and although that Donal was become feeble and helpless, and after his other son
had been imprisoned Dublin, that Donal
brought those from the mountain westward,
Tirconnell, under his power and controul, viz. from
Barnus Drowis (from Barnusmore mountain Owen, the son Maolmurry, son Donogh,
and torment mind the daughter James Mac Donnell, that Donal should have made that declaration, lest might assume the government
English.
Mac Coghlan (of King's county), i. e. John, the
son Art, son Cormac, died; and there was
his forces.
happened
(Banagh),
The place where the son O’Donnell
was the west the eastern side
Tir Boghaine
Gleann. Banagh), with
(Glencolumkille, the barony
those chiefs along with him. The other party did
not halt until they came oppose them that
place, and fierce battle was fought between them;
the Scots shot forth shower of arrows from their
flexible bows, with which immense
pierced and wounded them, the
tember, and those was the son
himself, which was disabled from using arms
not the rightful heir the patrimony, would dishonour for Tirconnell appoint him over
had been ceded him. There were slain that conflict, along with Donal, those three sons
number was 14th Sep O’Donnell
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not a man of his estate, of the race of Cormac Cas, whose mansions, castles, and good dwelling houses,
were better arranged, or more comfortable than
his ; and his son, John Oge, was appointed his Successor.
Maolroona, the son of Calvach, son of Donogh, son of John O'Carroll, died.
Fitz-Maurice of Kerry," i. e. Thomas, the son of Edmond, son of Thomas, son of Edmond, died ;
goods, of any man of his rank and patrimony in the most part of Leath-Mogha at that time; and Pa trick, his heir, was then in imprisonment in Dublin.
O'Loghlin (of Burren, in Clare), i. e. Anthony, the son of Malachy, son of Roderick, son of Ana, died; and his son Rossa, and his grandson An thony, were in contention with each other about succeeding him.
REIGN OF ELIZABETH. 57. 1
Sorley Buighe, the son of Alexander, son of John he was the best purchaser of wine, horses, and Cathanach Mac Donnell, died. *
A. D. 1590.
1. Fitzmaurice of Kerry. —An account has been given at pp. 180, 528 of the Fitzmaurices, earls of Kerry, who were descended from Raymond le Gros, the celebrated Anglo-Norman warrior who came to Ireland with Strongbow. Thomas Fitzmaurice, above mentioned, according to Lodge's Peerage, was son of Ed mond, the 10th baron of Lixnaw, in Kerry, by Una, or Winnifred, daughter of Teige or Torlogh Mac Mahon, lord of Corcabascin in Clare. After several of his brothers and relatives had beenbarons, he succeeded as the 16th lord of Lixnaw. When a young man he served at Milan, and other parts of Italy, under the emperors of Germany; on the death of his brother Gerald, the 15th baron, another Gerald Fitzmaurice, supposed to be the next heir male, took possession of the lordship, and held it about a year, when Joan Harman, who had been nurse to the lord Thomas, though then very old, resolved to go in search of him, and, accompanied by her daughter, took ship at Dingle, sailed to France, and, pro ceeding to Milan, she acquainted lord Thomas of her errand, and died on her return home. Lord Thomas came to Ireland, and after some opposition, succeeded to his title and estates in 1552, and was styled lord of Kerry, and captain of his nation. In 1581, he for some time was joined with Gerald, earl of Desmond, in the war against Elizabeth, but afterwards became reconciled to the government; he died at Lixnaw, on the 16th of December, 1500, in the 80th year of his age, and was buried in the toinb of bishop Philip Stack, in the cathedral of Ardfert, as governor John Zouch, who then kept a garrison in the abbey, refused him burial in the tomb of his ancestors. This Thomas Fitzmaurice was a man of great valour and accomplishments, and, according to Lodge, he was the handsomest man of that age, and of such great strength, that not three men could be found in Kerry able to bend his bow. His son, Patrick Fitzmaurice, by a daughter of James, earl of Desmond, succeeded as baron of Lixnaw, and joined the Munster chiefs in the war against Elizabeth ; he died in 1600, and was succeeded by his son Thomas, by Jane, daughter of David Itoche, lord of Fermoy. This Thomas, baron of Lixnaw, and lord of Kerry, was a commander of note in Munster in the war against Elizabeth, and joined the forces of Red Hugh O'Donnell, who came to assist the Spaniards at the siege of Kinsale.
2. The Mac Donnells of Antrim. —An account has beengiven at pp. 22, 417, in these notes, of the Mac Donnells of Antrim and the Hebrides, who were originally descended from the Irish race in Ulster, called Clan Colla; some of their ancestors, of the tribe of Clan Colla, having gone from Ulster in remote times, settled in Scotland, chiefly in Argyle, and the Hebrides, and, according to Lodge's Peerage on the Mac Donnells earls of Antrim, they became the most numerous and powerful clan in the Highlands of Scotland, where they were generally called Mac Donalds. In the reign of Malcolm IV. , king of Scotland, in the 12th century, Somerled, Samhairle, or Sorley Mac Donnell, was Thane of Argyle, and his descendants were styled lords of the Isles or Hebrides, and lords of Cantyre, and were allied by intermarriages with the Norwegian earls of the Orkneys, Hebrides, and Isle of Man. The Mac Don nells continued for many centuries to make a conspicuous figure in the history of Scotland, as one of the most valiant and powerful clans in that country. Some chiefs of these Mac Donnells came to Ireland, in the beginning of the 13th century; the first of them mentioned in these Annals being the sons of Randal, sonof Somer
led, the Thane of Argyle above mentioned, and they, accompanied
by Thomas Mac Uchtry, a chief from Galloway, came, in A. D. 1211, with 76 ships and powerful forces, to Derry; they plun
dered several parts of Derry and Donegal, and fresh forces of these Scots having arrived at various periods, they made some settle ments in Antrim, and continued their piratical expeditions along the coasts of Ulster. The Mac Donnells settled chiefly in those districts called the Routes and Glynnes, in the territory of ancient Dalriada, in Antrim, and they had their chief fortress at Dunluce. They became very powerful, and formed alliances by marriage with the Irish princes and chiefs of Ulster, as the O’Neills of Tyrone and Clannaboy, the O'Donnells of Donegal, the O’Kanes of Derry, the Mac Mahons of Monaghan, &c. The Mac Dounells carried on long and fierce contests with the Mac Quillans, power ful chiefs in Antrim, whom they at length totally vanquished in
the 16th century, and seized on their lands, and their chief fortress of Dunseverick, near the Giant's Causeway Many distinguished chieftains of the Mac Donnells are mentioned in the course of these Annals; they were celebrated commanders of galloglasses in Ulster and Connaught, and make a remarkable figure in Irish history, in the various wars and battles, from the 13th to the 17th century, and particularly in the reign of Elizabeth ; they are some times called Clan Donnells, and by some of the English writers Mac Connells. The Mac Alustrums, or Mac Allisters, of Scotland and Ireland, were a branch of the Mac Donnells, and took their name from one of their chiefs named Alastrum, or Alexander; and as the name Sandy, or Saunders, is a contraction of Alexan der, some of them have anglicised their names to Saunderson. The Mac Sheehys, according to Lodge, were also a branch of the Mac Donnells, who came from Scotland to Ireland, and they also were ceiebrated commanders of galloglasses, particularly in Mun ster, under the Fitzgeralds, earls of Desmond. The Mac Don nells generally fought in alliance with the Irish, as the O'Neills, O'Donnells, &c. , and also along with the Burkes of Connaught, against the English, but very frequently there were fierce contests between the Mac Donnells and the Irish chiefs. The Sorley Buighe, above mentioned, was son of Alexander Mac Donnell, by a daugh ter of O’Kane, and Sorley makes a remarkable figure in Ulster for a period of about 20 years; he was mostly joined with the Irish chiefs in the war against Elizabeth, but he afterwards became re conciled to the government, and his son, sir Randal, was created earl of Antrim by king James I. , and that title has been since held by the family of Mac Donnell. The following passage is taken from a document which has beenkindly furnished by W. D. Ferguson, Esq. , barrister, Dublin, a learned gentleman; it is en titled A Discourse made by Mr. Tremayne, in the reign of king James touching grants lands made by queen Elizabeth the
Scots the Glynnes and Routes Antrim :—“It very dangerous matter, for granted that
the Scots the head and maintenance rebellion
what can more perilous than plant them that place along the sea coast that most apt and the very receptacle receive them thither.
If, therefore, they must needs placed thcre, were good they were divided sundry septs, and not too much granted any one; that there were many freeholders and strait
covenants devised against the receiving any number Scots into that territory. ”
thought
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572 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1590.
Owen Mac Andeaganaigh (a family name an that they began call them the people who
glicised to Dean), died.
Hugh Roe O'Donnell, having been incarcerated
in Dublin for three years and three months, was greatly grieved in mind at being in cruel captivity
lived the houses opposite the door the other side the street, and when those came that call, they took out the piece wood which was the chain, and let open the door the people the
after that manner; and it was not on his own ac castle, who, along with great party the citizens, count, but on account of the dire bondage in which went pursuit those persons who had escaped his country and native land, his friends and rela from them; but that was avail them, for tives, were placed, in every quarter throughout they had been outside the walls the town before
Ireland; he was also meditating in his mind on they were missed,
the gates the regal city
what means of escape he could find, but that was
not an easy matter for him, for he was put every
night into a gloomy cell in the castle, to be secured
until the following morning. That castle was so
situated, that it was completely surrounded with a
broad and very deep trench full of water, over
which was a narrow wooden bridge, directly before
the door of the fortress, and a stern party of the journey and flight. As they were wearied and
English inside and outside about the door, strictly
guarding that none could come out
without permission; but, however, there
guarding that advantage may not ultimately did not think safe stop the wood, they
obtained
panions, were,
the beginning
Hugh, with number his com were dread being pursued; but, however,
tached them
wood,
the door, for persons pull out shutting and they thrust strong piece thick filled the hand, through the
the protect
the end winter precisely, night, together, before they had
Hugh was not able proceed with his companions, for his fair and tender feet were torn by the furze
the mountain, his shoes had fallen off, after they were completely ripped the wet, which
they did not receive till then. was great grief his companions that they could not bring him
been put into the strong cells which they were
every night, and they took with them very long
rope, the window which was accessible them,
by which the fugitives descended, until they
alighted the bridge which was before the door
any further with them, and they bade him farewell, and left their blessings with him. He sent his servant certain gentleman the clans the province Leinster, who lived castle neighbourhood, try would defend
the fortress. There was thick iron chain at
chain prevent them from coming out the for tress, pursue them suddenly. There was
him his name was Felim O'Toole, and
was thought, young man Hugh’s faithful people waiting for had gone visit him one time the
for their escape, who met them when they came out,
prison which was Dublin, and they res
pectively confirmed their friendship with each other. The messenger proceeded Felim’s place,
and was experienced battle, and subduer would every good his power for Hugh conflict. As the guards, they did not the but, however, his friends and relatives did not re time notice the escape, but when they discovered commend him conceal him, being dread
they immediately rushed fast they possibly the punishment the English. was afterwards could the door the castle, for they hoped discovered those who had gone pursuit encounter them conflict; after they had come him, we have before stated, that was the the door, they found impossible open wood, and those pursuers having heard that, went
and had two well tempered swords under his gar
ment, which delivered into the hands Hugh,
who gave one these swords brave warrior
the Lagenians, Art Cavenagh, who was near, received him friendly manner, and promised
friend Hugh previous that,
that time, and they had ar the mountain which lay before
were open them
rived the foot
them, viz. , the Slieve Roe (the Red Mountain,
the borders Dublin and Wicklow); fear did not permit them proceed the common road, and they did not stop their course until they crossed the forementioned Slieve Roe, after fatiguing
tired, they proceeded thick sequestered wood,
which lay before them, which they remained till morning, when they prepared depart, for they
and related him the cause his coming, and
it
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YI. , afterwards James England, who then appeared be on friendly terms with the Irish, violation the rights hospi tality, says Mac Geoghegan, ordered O'Rourke seized, and had him. sent prisoner England, conciliate the favour Queen Elizabeth. O'Rourke, after being confined some time
REIGN OF ELIZABETH.
573
in pursuit of him with their troops. As Felim was conveyed him to England, and to London, where sure that he would be found, the resolution that he remained imprisoned for some time till the fol he and his kinsmen came to was, that they them lowing November Term ; having been tried by selves should take him prisoner, and bring him law, he was condemned to death, and was back to the council in the city; they accordingly hanged beheaded, and quartered. The death
did so, and when they came to Dublin, the council of that Bryan was one of the greatest losses the
were rejoiced at their coming to them, and they Irish sustained, for there had not lived of his family considered it of little avail and consequence that the for a long time a person more eminent for bounty,
other hostages and prisonershadescaped from them; good hospitality, excellence, giving rewards for he was put into the same prison again, and iron laudatory poems, liberality, conviviality, mildness, fetters were bound on him as tightly as possible, circumspection, maintaining the field of battle, and they watched and guarded him as closely as defending his patrimony, and protecting strangers, they could. His escape, after that manner, and till his death on that occasion. "
his recapture, was generally heard of throughout the entire land of Ireland, and a great gloom came over the Irish on account of that event (See notes at A. D. 1587 and 1592).
Murrogh, the son of Conor, son of Torlogh, son of Teige, son of Torlogh, son of Bryan of the Bat
Nenagh O’Brien, died Cathair Miomain, the 25th February, and was buried Kilfe
nora (in Clare).
Margaret, the daughter Donal, the son
A. D. 1591.
O’Rourke, i. e. Bryan-na-Murtha, the son of Conor, son Torlogh, son Teige, son Tor
Bryan Ballach, son of Owen, son of Tiarnan, son logh, son Bryan the Battle
of Teige, son of Tiarnan More, had been expelled, the wife Torlogh, the son
as before stated, into Tirconnell, to the Tuatha, Donogh Mac Mahon, died
(Districts), where he remained upwards of a year (Kilmacduane, Clare), and was buried Inis with Mac Sweeny, i. e. Owen Oge. He went cathaidh (Inniscattery Island, near the mouth after that to Scotland, in the hope of receiving the Shannon); and her sister Aine, the wife protection or relief from the king of Scotland; a Torlogh Roe, the son Teige, son Murrogh, party of the queen's people, having taken him, son Teige Roe Mac Mahon, died.
A. D. 1591.
Death O'Rourke—The above mentioned Bryan O'Rourke, lord West Brefney Leitrim, was called the Irish Brian na-Murtha, signifying Bryan the Bulwarks, from some fortresses
had erected during his battles with the English. He was celebrated chieftain, distinguished for his fine person, valour, mu nificence, and hospitality; during period many years maintained his independence, and fought various battles with the English forces, under Nicholas Malby and Richard Bing han, governors Connaught. He was particularly remarkable
his protection the Spaniards, who had been wrecked the
Armada, before mentioned, the year 1588, and this drew
him the vengeance the governor Bingham, who made many
charges impeachment against him, amongst others that had
caused the picture queen Elizabeth tied horse's tail,
and dragged derision through his territory. After many con
flicts with the English under Bingham, who was assisted the
earl Clanrickard, O'Rourke's forces, and those ally Mac
Sweeney Donegal, were length defeated, and, unable main
tain his position, O'Rourke went Scotland, with the hope
Faising some auxiliaries recover territory; but king James ferred British settlers; Williers, duke Buckingham, and the
Scottish family Hamilton, got the principal part O’Rourke's
lands. the great insurrection 1641, sir Owen O'Rourke, at tempting recover the estates his ancestors, had many engage
ments with the English settlers, and seized several their castles; but the Cromwellian confiscations, the ancient race O'Rourke lost the remaining portion the lands their ancestors. At 76, the note Brefney, account has beengiven several
the Tower, was tried Westminster, 1591, and being con
demned for treason, was hanged and beheaded Tyburn,
displaying his execution the most undaunted courage, firmness, the Counts O'Rourke, distinguished the military service and magnanimity. Bryan O'Rourke was the last prince Brefney, France, Austria, Russia and Poland.
for though other chiefs note came after him, none them was able exercise power and authority ancient times; lived his castle Dromahaire, style great munifi
cence, and hospitality, and his memory was long celebrated the
Irish Bards. Many distinguished chiefs the O'Rourkes, princes
and lords West Brefney, Leitrim, are mentioned the course
these Annals. Teige O'Rourke, son the above Bryan, was
commander note the war against Elizabeth, and, 1599,
fought with great bravery conjunction with Red Hugh O'Don
nell, and other chiefs, the battle the Curlew Mountains,
Roscommon, where the English forces were defeated with great loss, and their commander, sir Conyers Clifford, slain. Teige died
about the year 1606, and was succeeded his son Bryan, who, about the year 1615, being summoned appear before the privy
council submit
Hampton Court, the duke Buckingham required him the plantation his estates, that have them British settlers; O'Rourke refused so, which
colonised was sent
the Tower, where was confined upwards 30 years, during which time his estates were confiscated, and trans
Nenagh O'Brien, Bryan, son Kill-Mec-Dubhain
at
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F
| 574 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1592.
Donogh, the son of Murrogh Roe, son of Bryan, son of Teige, son of Torlogh, son of Bryan of the Battle of Nenagh, died on the 8th of February.
William Burke, the son of John, son of Oliver, son of John, was killed by a gentleman of his own
month, namely, John-na-nSeimhleadh (of the Chains), Mac Namara, the son of Mahon, son of Hugh.
More, the daughter of Donogh, the son of John, son of Maolroona-na-Fesoige (of the Beard), son adherents, namely, by Alexander, the son of Hugh of Teige O'Carroll, the wife of Mac I-Brien of
Buighe Mac Donnell.
The son of Mac William Burke, namely, Wal
ter of the Blows, the son of Rickard, son of John
of the Termon, son of Myler, was killed in a noc
turnal attack by a party of his own near relatives
Ara (in Tipperary), died; she was a woman who spent her time well, and departed the world with out reproach or rebuke.
Cathaleen, the daughter of Donal, the son of Fingin, son of Dermod-an-Dunaidh Mac Carthy,
and kindred, aided by some of the Clan Don the wife of Teige, the son of Cormac Oge, son of
nells.
O'Boyle, i. e. Torlogh Roe, the son of Niall,
son of Torlogh, the most eminent of any that lived of his tribe for a long time, the supporting pillar of
Cormac, son of Teige Mac Carthy, a sensible,
pious, charitable and hospitable woman, died after
having gained the victory over the world and the devil.
The son of O’Meagher, i. e John of the Glen,
learned men and strangers, a man who increased
the lands of the church and professors, the Guaire the son of Thomas, died.
of his tribe in generosity and hospitality, the maintainer of the indigent and helpless, died in his
own fortress, about the festival of St. Bridget, and was buried with solemnity at Donegal, in the burial place of his ancestors.
A. D. 1592. - O'Conor Roe, i. e. Teige Oge, the son of Teige Buighe, son of Cathal Roe, was hanged at the
session of Roscommon, in the month of January, on account of the crimes of his sons, who were engaged in plundering and insurrection against the crown of England; and he was at that time in an aged, feeble, and blind condition, although he got his death after that manner.
Mac Dermott of Moylurg, namely Bryan, the son of Roderick, son of Teige, son of Dermod, died in the month of November, and the death of that man was the more to be lamented, as there was not
the like of him of the Clan Maolroona (the tribe name of the Mac Dermotts, princes of Moylurg, in Roscommon), to assume the government as his
SuccessOr.
All the Burkes in alliance with Mac William,
and their adherents, went on their guard, and the governor, Sir Richard Bingham, having received intelligence of proceeded into the county Mayo, that the castles the country, both perfect and dismantled, were under his controul, viz. , Dun-na-Mona (Dunnamone, the barony Carra), Cuil-na-gs'aisiol (in the barony Kil maine), An-Ghaoisideacht (in Carra), and Cluain in. The Burkes attacked the governor Cuil na-goaisiol, but they, their return, sustained more loss than the governor. The governor after that sent large forces companies English and Irish search those Burkes, who were insur rection and plundering, along the rugged-topped hills, and the bushy, close, and intricate woods; they had not been long that search, when they returned the governor with great booty, and capture prisoners, women and men, and great number cows and horses. The Burkes, after that, came and surrendered the governor, excepting Mac-Deamhain-an-Chorrain, namely, Richard, the son Rickard. The governor took possession the castles the country for him
Mac Namara Riavach, lord of the eastern part
of Clan Cuilein, namely, Donal Riavach, the son self, authority the sovereign, and left of Cumeadha, son of Donogh, son of Roderick, son John Bingham, and companies his own
of Mac Conchean More, died on the 11th of guard them.
February ; and he was a warlike, commanding, Red Hugh, the son Hugh, son Manus bountiful, humane man. O’Donnell, remained imprisonment and
A gentleman of Siol Aodha (the tribe name of chains Dublin, after his former escape, till the the Mac Namaras of Clare), died in the same winter this year. He and his fellow prisoners,
of in
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REIGN OF ELIZABETH.
-
Henry and Art, the sons of O'Neill, i. e. of John,
having been together in the early part of the night,
got an opportunity of the guards before they had
been brought to the dining-room, and having taken
off their fetters, they afterwards went to the privy, there, they sent the servant with word to Glenma having with them a very long rope, by which the lure (in Wicklow), where dwelt Fiacha Mac Hugh fugitives descended through the privy, until they (O'Byrne), who was then at war with the English; reached the deep trench which surrounded the that glen was an impregnable stronghold, and a castle; they afterwards gained the opposite side,
and mounted the side of the trench. There was
a trusty servant, who was in the habit of visiting
them, to whom they disclosed their intention, and
he met them at that time to direct them; they
then proceeded through the streets of the city in to him his message, and the condition he left the
discriminately with others, and no one took notice persons in, who had fled from the city, and that they
of them more than of any other persons, for the would not be overtaken alive unless they came to
people of the town did not stop to make their ac relieve them at once. Fiacha immediately com quaintance that time, and the gates of the city manded a number of his friends whom he could
were open. They afterwards passed through every rely on to go to them, one man bearing food, ano intricate and difficult place, until they arrived on ther ale and mead. They accordingly proceeded, the open plain of Slieve Roe (the Red Mountain, and arrived at the place where the men were; but, on the borders of Dublin and Wicklow), by which alas, unhappy and uncomfortable were they on Hugh, in his first escape, had passed. The their arrival, for the manner in which they were
not bring Art farther with them; and since they could not convey him with them, they stopped there,
and stayed under the shelter of a high projecting rock, which stood before them. Having remained
great number of the prisoners of Dublin, when they made their escape, were in the habit of proceeding to that glen, for they considered themselves secure there until they returned to their countries. When the servant arrived at the place of Fiacha, he related
575
darkness of the night, and the swiftness of their flight, through dread of being pursued, separated
the oldest of them from the others, namely, Henry
was that their bodies were covered, as it were, in beds of white hail-stone, like blankets, which were frozen about them, and congealed their thin light dresses, and their thin shirts of fine linen, to their
O'Neill. Hugh was the youngest of them in
age, although he was not so in noble deeds. skins and their moistened shoes and leathern cover
They were much grieved at Henry’s separation from
them, but, however, they continued their progress,
led on by their own man. The night was dropping
snow, so that it was not easy for them to walk,
ings to their legs and feet, so that they appeared
to the people who came as if they were not actually human beings, having been completely covered
with the snow, for they found no life in their mem
for they were without clothes, or outside coats, bers, but they were as if dead; they took them up
having left their upper garments in the privy from where they lay, and requested them to take through which they had come. Art (O’Neill), some of the food and ale, but they were not able to
became more exhausted by the hasty journey than Hugh, for it was a long time since he had been incarcerated, and he became very corpulent from
do so, for every drink they took they cast it up im mediately, so that Art at length died, and was buried in that place. As to Hugh, he afterwards took some of the mead, and his faculties were restored
the length of his residence in the prison; it was
not so with Hugh, he did not exceed the age of after drinking except the use his feet alone, boyhood, neither did he cease in growth, or be for they became dead members, without feeling, come corpulent, and his pace and progress were having been swelled and blistered by the frost and quick and active. When he perceived that Art snow. The men then carried him the glen which became exhausted, and that his pace was slow and we have mentioned, and remained private tardy, he requested him to put his hand on his house, the hidden recesses wood, under cure,
own shoulder, and the other hand on the shoulder
of the servant, and they proceeded in that manner
until they crossed the Red mountain; after which they were fatigued, and wearied, and they could
until messengercameprivately inquire after him from his brother-in-law, the earl O’Neill. After the messenger had come him, prepared de
part, and was difficult for him that jour
it
to he go
to a
to of
on
to
in a
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576 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1592.
ney, feet could not cured, that another person should raise him his horse, and take him between his two hands again when alighting. Fiacha sent large troop horse with him night, until should cross the river Liffey, defend him against the guards who were looking out for him;
for the English Dublin received intelligence that Hugh was Glenmalure, that was therefore
very great foss, were strongly fenced
garden; there was fine residence belonging excellent gentleman the English near the wood,
and was trusty friend Hugh O'Neill. When they had arrived the ramparts, they left their horses, and went into the wood within the foss, for Hugh’s faithful guide was well acquainted with that place; having left Hugh there, went
they placed sentinels the shallow fords the into the fortress, and was well received; having river, prevent Hugh and the prisoners who had obtained private apartment for Hugh O’Donnell,
fled along with him from crossing thence into the brought him with him, and was served and province Ulster. The men who were along entertained his satisfaction. They remained with Hugh were obliged cross difficult deep there until the night the following day, and ford the river Liffey, near the city Dublin,
which they passed unnoticed the English, until they arrived the plain the fortress. He was accompanied by the persons who had former
their horses having been got ready for them the beginning the night, they proceeded across
and they ratified their good faith and friendship proceeded through their horses until they with each other; after bidding him farewell, and arrived the other side; and they were cheerful
giving him their blessing, they then parted with him there. As Hugh O’Donnell, had none
along with him but the one young man the peo ple Hugh O’Neill who went for him the celebrated glen, and who spoke the language the foreigners (the English), and who was also the habit accompanying the earl, i. e. , Hugh O’Neill, whenever went among the English, that knew, and was familiar with every place through which they passed. They proceeded their two very swift steeds, along the direct course the roads Meath, until they arrived the banks
the Boyne, before morning, short dis
and rejoiced for having got over the dangers which lay before them ’till then. They then pro ceeded the Fiodh (the Wood), where lived Torlogh, the son Henry, son Felim Roe O'Neill, rest themselves, and there they were
secure, for Torlogh was friend and connexion his, and and the earl O’Neill were born the same mother; they remained there’till the follow ing day, and then proceeded across Slieve Fuaid (the Fews Mountains, Armagh), and arrived Armagh, where they remained privately that night; they went the following day Dungannon, where the earl, Hugh O’Neill, lived, and was rejoiced their arrival, and they were led retired apartment, without the knowledge any excepting few his trusty people who were attending them, and Hugh remained there for the space four nights, recovering himself from the fatigue his journey and troubles, after which prepared depart, and took leave the earl,
tance
dread was,
the west Drogheda but they were that city, that what they did
along the bank the river place
where poor fisherman usually waited, and who
had small ferrying Curach (Cot, small boat);
Hugh having gone into the Curach, the ferryman
left him the opposite bank, after had given
him his full payment; Hugh's servant having re
turned, took the horses with him through the city,
and brought them Hugh, the other side the
river. They then mounted their horses, and pro
ceeded until they were two miles from the river,
where they saw thick bushy grove before them, nus O’Donnell, was his mother. Maguire was
Sliabh Breagh and through Machaire Conaill (both the county Louth), until they arrived Traigh
occasion forsaken him after his first escape, namely,
Felim O’Toole and his brother, conjunction with
the troops who were escorting him that place, early, they resolved pass through and they
Baile-Mic-Buain (Dundalk), before morning;
the gates the town were opened the morning
the way which they went, surrounded rejoiced his coming, and boat having been
troop horse with him until the eastern side Lough Erne. the country was friend his,
who sent
arrived
The lord
and kinsman by the mother's side, namely, Hugh Maguire, for Nualadh, the daughter Ma
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REIGN OF ELIZABETH. 577
brought to them, into which they went, they order that they might march across Barnus More, then rowed from thence until they arrived at a prey and plunder the country the eastern
narrow creek of the lake, where they landed. A side the mountain, number of his faithful people having gone to meet quarter which they were.
him, they conveyed him to the castle of Ath nell, after had called
they had done the As Hugh O’Don
his country oppose Seanaigh (Ballyshannon), in which were the guards them, when heard the great oppression exer
of O’Donnell,his father; he remained there until all
those in their neighbourhood in the country came
thither to pay their respects to him. His faithful
people were rejoiced at the arrival of the heir to the immediate vicinity the English; the country the chieftancy, and although they owed him sin did not delay coming his call twos and cere affection on account of his family, they had companies, expeditiously they could, inas motives which made him no less welcome to them, much every person esteemed him. He then sent for the country up to that time had been plundered messages the English, desiring them not re
a hundred times over between the English and the
Irish. " There were two distinguished captains,
namely, captain Willis and captain Conwell, who
had previous to this time come from Connaught, should leave after them the plunder and pro with two hundred soldiers, who were spoiling and perty they had belonging the country. They plundering the country in general, so that Tircon were much dread and terrified, that they did nell, from the mountain westward, was under their accordingly they were ordered, and they were control, except the castle of Ballyshannon, and the thankful for escaping with their lives; and they castle of Donegal, in which O’Donnell, with a few again returned into the province Connaught, and people, resided, against which, however, they could the friars afterwards came the monastery. Hugh
cised over the Tirconnallians, and the spoiling and desecrating the monastery, did not, however, wait their gathering, but proceeded Donegal,
main dwell any longer the church, destroy
and that would not prevent them depart any way they pleased, except alone that they
effect nothing, neither was it in their power to take which they might spoil the country. The
place where the English took their quarters and residence was, the monastery the friars Donegal, after those orders and ecclesias
tics had retired the wilds and sequestered places the country, having fled from through fear
being slain and destroyed. After they had been
for some time the monastery, with the few forces
we have mentioned, party them went the
borders the harbour, two thousand paces west obedient his father on the eastern side of the
Donegal, the town O'Boyle, for they con magnificent mountain, viz. , Barnus More Tir sidered themselves secure there, “they had the Hugh, and also mustered those the western hostages the country under their controul. side the same mountain, namely, O'Boyle and They were the habit going twos and threes Mac Sweeney Banagh; was also joined
carry off property and cattle, treasure, and O'Donnell, his father, i. e. Hugh, the son Manus,
booty, from the neighbouring districts the country, their place that town; they were
also sending for additional troops and forces,
A. D. 1592.
The escape O'Donnell. —An account the capture
Red Hugh O'Donnell has beengiven the year 1587, and his
escapeand recapture the year 1590; his final escape took place Philip O’Reilly, who was one the chiefs Cavan. Mac
above related, and Cox states that four considerable prisoners
escapedout the castle Dublin about December, not without the privity great man, who was well bribed; and Leland
Geoghegan mentions that Fiach Mac Hugh O'Byrne Wicklow,
and Edward Eustace Baltinglass, chiefly contributed their escape.
O’Donnell returned again Ballyshannon, and procured doctors cure his feet, but they could not cure him until he lost his toes, and he was not perfectly well the end the year; was laid up that manner with the sores his feet, from the festival St. Bridget the month April. When that oppressive period melancholy time terminated, considered
confined his ailment, and tering and assembling
too long had been called for the mus
son Hugh Duv, accompanied his spouse, namely, the daughter James Mac Donnell, his mother. The appointed place where these chiefs
mentions that the lord deputy Fitz-William favoured the escape the prisoners. Cox states that, together with Red Hugh
O'Donnell, two sons Shane O'Neill made their escape, and also
those who were
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578 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1592.
met was at Cill-Mic-Nenain (Kilmakrennan, in to which place he likewise came. Hugh O'Don Donegal), and it was there O’Donnell was usually nell was accompanied thither by Mac Sweeny of inaugurated in the lordship over the Tirconnallians, Fanat, namely, Donal, the son of Torlogh, son of
XI. The Bards and Brehons. —As many Bards and Brehons ruins their castle still remain Kilbarron, near Ballyshannon
have been mentioned in the course of these Annals, it will be ne cessary to give some account of them. Bards and poets flourished in every country, from the earliest ages, and Homer, Pindar, and Anacreon, amongst the Greeks, were designated Bards, their chief
Donegal, the shore the Atlantic. The word Bard also the Irish Bard; Ollamh, pronounced Ollav, was the name applied by the Irish professor, sage, learned man, poet, and Ard Ol lamh High Poet, was, according O'Brien, the designation the chief Bard the king, Poet Laureate. The name Ollamh re
themes being love and war, but the term Bard was more particularly
applied to the poets of the Celtic Nations, as the Gauls, Britons, Dan was applied designate poet professor poetry, the Irish, &c. , though some of the Teutonic Nations, as the Germans, word Dan signifies poem; the term Ollamh-re-Seanchas was Saxons, and Scandinavians, also had their Bards. The office of
the Bard was chiefly to compose war songs and poems in praise of
men distinguished for their valour, patriotism, hospitality and
other virtues, and to satirize bad men, and denounce their vices.
The Roman poet Lucan thus describes the office of the Bard:—
“Vos quoque, qui fortes animas belloque peremptas
Laudibus in longum vates dimittitis oevum, Plurima securi fudistis carmina Bardi. ”
Thus translated by Rowe:–
“You too, ye Bards ! whom sacred raptures fire, To chaunt your heroes to your country's lyre; Who consecrate, in your immortal strain, Brave patriot souls in righteous battle slain. ”
Tacitus, in his Germania, gives an interesting account of the Bards of the German nations, and says, that by the recital of their battle
songs, which he calls Barditus, they greatly excited the valour of their warriors, the songs being recited with furious vociferation, and a wild chorus, interrupted at intervals by the application of their bucklers to their mouths, which made the sound burst out with redoubled force. The Bards of the Scandinavians, called Skalds, were highly celebrated amongst the northern nations, Danes, Swedes, and Norwegians; and an account of them has been given at p. 459 in these notes. Amongst the Gauls the Bards were highly honoured, and accounts of them are given by Diodo rus Siculus, and Strabo, who designate them Bardoi in the Greek. The Bards were highly celebrated amongst the ancient Britons, particularly in Wales; and in the works of Warton, Gray, Jones, Pennant, Evans, Owen, Davies, &c. , and in Turner's Anglo-Sax ons, copious accounts are given of the great Cambrian Bards, Aneurin, Taliessin, Myrgin, Meigant, Modred, Golyzan, Llywarch, Llewellyn, Hoel, &c. , who sung the praises of the renowned Arthur, king of Britain, and other heroes,as Ossian, the Irish Orpheus, did the mighty deeds and fame of the Fenian warriors of Ireland at an earlier time. In Ireland the Bards were a famous order from the earliest ages amongst the Milesians, and Amergin, one of the sons of Milesius, was appointed chief Bard of the kingdom ; in subsequent times, many even of the kings and princes compos ed poems, and attained the high honour of being enrolled amongst the Bards. In the institutions of the country the Bards held a rank equal to the princes and chief nobility ; the Bards and Brehons were permitted to wear six colours in their garments, the kings wearing seven, while military commanders and various other public officers, according to their rank and dignities, wore only five, four, three, and two colours, and the common people were allowed to wear only one colour. The Bards and Brehons assisted at the inauguration of kings and princes, and had some of the highest seats appropriated to them at the banquet. The Bards attended on battle-fields, recited their war songs, and ani mated the champions to the contest, and they recorded the heroic actions of the warriors who fell in the conflict. They were held in high esteem, had many privileges, and extensive lands were allotted to their own use. In Sir John Davis's account of Ferma nagh, in the reign of James says the lands that county were made into three great divisions, one part being the Mensal land Maguire, another the Termons, church lands, and the third division belonged the chroniclers, rhymers and gallogiasses.
The O'Clerys, who were hereditary historians and Bards the O'Donnells, princes Tirconnell, had extensive lands, and the
applied the chroniclers, and historians, the word Seanchas sig nifying history genealogy. The term Seanchuidhe, derived from Sean, old, was also applied historians, antiquaries, and genealogists, hence the name was anglicised Senachies; File, the plural Filidhe, anglicised Filea and Fileas, were also names applied poets Bards. The Bards became numerous body Ireland, very early period, and from their undue power
the state excited the jealousy and enmity some the kings and princes. the reign the monarch Conaire about the com mencement the Christian era, the Bards were proscribed and expelled from Munster and Leinster, and fled Ulster, where they found refuge, and were protected and patronised Concovar Mac Nessa, the celebrated king Emania, which event an ac count given the Dissertations the learned Charles O'Conor.
the latter end the sixth century, remarkable contention arose between the Bards and Aodh, Hugh, son Ainmireach, monarch Ireland, who resolved suppress their order, which had become too powerful and dangerous the state, and this time, according Keating, they were one thousand number. great national convention, described 439, these notes, was held 590 Dromceat Derry, regulate the disputes between the monarch and the Bards, which assembly St. Colum kille came from Iona the Hebrides, and having advocated the cause the Bards, adjusted the contention, thus preventing the order from being abolished, and advising their continuance, under proper regulations, important national institution.
the beginning the 17th century, remarkable literary conten tion arose between the Bards Leath-Cuin, Meath, Ulster and Connaught, and those Leath-Mogha, Leinster and Munster, which full and very interesting account given the year 1600, O’Reilly's Irish Writers. This curious collec tion poems entitled Iomarbhaidh-na-n Eigeas, the Con tention the Learned; there are copies various libraries, and would form interesting work translated and published. The Bards Ireland were for many centuries proscribed and per secuted, and great numbers them put death by the English government, and many penalties were enacted against them the parliaments, the statute Kilkenny, &c. Bardism and Bre honism, like many other offices Ireland, were hereditary certain families, each the kings, princes and chiefs having his own Bards and Brehons. Accounts of the chief Bards from the earliest ages, are found O'Reilly's Irish Writers, and throughout the Annals the Four Masters, great number eminent Bards, historians and Brehons have been recorded. The following were the chief Bardic families Ireland, and many them were eminent historians:—The O'Clerys Donegal, the celebrated authors the Annals the Four Masters, were here ditary Bards and historians the O’Donnells. The Mac Wards were also distinguished Bards and historians Donegal and Ty rome the O'Donnells and O'Neills. The Mac Conmidhes, anglicised Mac Conways and Mac Conveys, and the O'Gnives, were Bards the O'Neills, princes Tyrone and lords Clan naboy. The O'Hoseys were Bards the Maguires Fermanagh, and the Mac Mahons Monaghan. The O'Donnellys were poets
Tyrone and Monaghan. The O'Dalys, O'Mulligans, and O’Far rellys Cavan, were Bards and historians the O'Reillys. The O'Cuirneens were Bards and historiographers Brefney, under the O'Rourkes. The O'Maolconry's O'Conroys, were the here ditary Bards and historians the O'Conors, kings Connaught. The Mac Firbises were famous Bards and historians North
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REIGN OF ELIZABETH. 579
Roderick, and Mac Sweeny of the Districts, i. e. Owen Oge, the son of Owen ; there were some discontented persons of the Tirconnallians who
Connaught. The O’Duigenans of Kilronan, were Bards and his torians to the Mac Dermotts of Roscommon, and Mac Donoghs of
Sligo.