commander was appointed over every thousand these troops, and the entire force was com pletely armed and admirably disciplined,and each battalion had their bands musicians and bards animate them battle, and
celebrate
their feats arms.
Four Masters - Annals of Ireland
e.
Henry, after the expulsion by O’Don nell the sons Naghtan O’Donnell into Tyrone; O'Neill and Maguire, with the sons
gone to Loch Melge (Lough Melvin, in Leitrim),
took and plundered the Cranoge (the fortress on the lake), of Mac Clancy.
Owen O’Neill was deposed from his lordship by his son, Henry; and the coarb of St. Patrick, together with Maguire, Mac Mahon, O’Kane, and
the O’Neills, accompanied Henry, son Owen, the son Niall Oge, Tullaghoge,” inaugurate
him, and was nominated the O’Neill, according to the usual custom.
Henry, the son O’Neill Claneboy, returned home from his imprisonment with the English.
The castle Athlone was taken from the Eng lish, having been betrayed woman who was
Caislean-na-Sraide (in the parish Street, Westmeath and Longford), was demolished O'Ferrall, and the son Mac Herbert was slain
not halt until they encamped the neighbourhood
Cuil-Mac-an-Treoin (Kilmacreman Donegal). When O’Donnell received intelligence this, he,
with Hugh Roe and his brother, and the son Mac Sweeney, Fanad, i. e. Maolmuire, quickly
repaired their horses, unaccompanied any others, and proceeded Cuil-Mac-an-Treoin garrison the castle there, resist the great force led thither the instance the sons Naghtan;
O’Donnell leaving the town with his few attend ants, was discovered by the other party, who pursued them with possible expedition, and having overtaken them, they did not grant them the chance man man, single combat, but
the host fell on the few, and slew O’Donnell,
namely, Donal the son Niall Garv, there, the 18th May, exactly Friday; and Hugh Roe
and Mac Sweeny's son were taken prisoners; Tor logh Cairbreach, the son Naghtan, then assumed
the lordship Tirconnell.
Fergal, son Conor Mac Dermott, tanist
Moylurg, and Lasarina, his daughter, the wife Carbry O'Conor, died.
A. D. 1457.
Bryan, son Philip the Battle Axe Maguire,
the son the lord Fermanagh, died after having
gained the victory extreme unction and repen tance.
contest arose between Maguire and the sons Roderick Mac Mahon, and Mac Guire mustered
the forces his territory march into Oriel (Mo naghan and Louth). When the Mac Mahons re ceived this intelligence, they fled with their cattle
Stone the Kings, mentioned these Annals A. D. 1432; but this memorial the sovereignty the O'Neills was barbarously broken order the lord deputy, Mountjoy, the reign Eli zabeth. The coarb St. Patrick, above-mentioned, who attended the inauguration O'Neill, was John Mey, archbishop Armagh.
Clan Hugh the Mountain, now called the Clanhugh mountains, the barony and county Longford, which branch of the O'Ferralls were chiefs.
REIGN OF HENRY WI. 263
Torlogh, the son of Philip Mac Guire, having Naghtan, marched into Inisowen, and they did
him taking the castle.
Mulroona, son Mac Rannall, died. Geoffrey, son
Conor, the son
Murrogh Oge, son
Cathal Roe
Murrogh
More, the son Cathal (O'Ferrall), lord Clan Hugh the Mountain,” died.
Owen Mac Dermott Roe, lord the woods (in Roscommon), was slain his own clan.
Maine, the son Malachy Mac Cabe, the
intended constable the two Brefneys (Leitrim and Cavan), Oriel, and Fermanagh, died.
O’Cassidy, Cuile (barony Coole, Fer
managh), died.
Dermod Roe, the son A. D. 1456.
Niall Roe,
O'Neill,
son Niall More, died.
Owen, the son
Niall Oge, the
Tir Eogain, was princes Tyrone. Tois place the parish Desertereight, near Dungannon, the ***inty Tyrone, and the O'Hagans, who were chiefs the dis
Tullaghoge, already stated the note the place inauguration the O'Neills
tri about Tullaghoge, presided chief Brehons Tir Eogain **e* inauguration the O'Neills; and there are still some earthen
***Ports and large stones, the remains the ancient fortress
tha O'Hagans Tullaghoge. There was also seat large rude ****** former times Tullaghoge, which served the corona ti--a chair the O'Neills, and was called Leac-na-Riogh, the
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264 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1458-59.
into their fastnesses, viz. , into Eoganaigh, and the Mac Gauran, Thomas, the son Ferga Mourne Mountains; Mac Guire, and Philip (Mac died.
Guire), proceeded into Dartry of Coininsi Mo naghan), and finding prey before them, they
burned Dartry, and the town Owen, the son Roderick Mac Mahon, viz. , Lis-na-Gabhar, and afterwards returned home.
Philip, the son Thomas Mac Guire, and his sons, marched with force into Brefney O'Rourke, but O’Rourke sent his cattle from them into the
fastnesses the country, and Philip then pro
ceeded the town O’Rourke, which burned,
together with the entire country; O'Rourke over took Philip, and engagement ensued, which Tiarnan, the son Teige O'Rourke, and Mac Ma nus, were slain, and the son Cathal Bodhar O'Rourke, with many others, were put flight
the men Fermanagh, that occasion.
Bryan, the son Murtogh Oge O'Ferrall, lord
Clan Awlave O'Ferrall Longford), died. A. D. 1458.
Tomaltach, the son Conor MacDermott, lor
Moylurg, Artagh, Tir Tuathail, &c. (in Ro
Achaidh Beithe (parish Agha great number valuable books belonging
The church
vea, Fermanagh), was burned, together with
A. D. 1459.
Torlogh, lord Thomond, died.
common), general entertainer
Ireland, great remunerator
retainers, died the eve
the learned military men an
the festival S
Bartholomew, and his lawful son, Cathal Ma
Dermott, having died fortnight before that time
they were both buried the monastery Boyle
Hugh, the son Conor Mac Dermott, succeede
Tomaltach.
Geoffrey, son Edmond, the son Thoma
O'Ferrall, was killed John, son Donal, th son John O'Ferrall, and the sons Cono namely, Lisagh, &c.
Edmond Burke, lord the English Con naught, and many the inhabitants, the mos distinguished the English Ireland form, personal figure, symmetry, nobility, hospitality,
justice and truth, died the latter end this yea Fergal Roe Mac Geoghegan, lord Kine
Fiacha, (in Westmeath), died February.
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– - - - -
vicar-general), namely, Niall, the son of Mac Craith Mac Mahon.
O’Donnell, Torlogh Cairbreach, accom
panied O’Neill, namely, Henry, marched their
forces into the lower part Connaught, from whence they proceeded Brefney, and preyed and burned the country from the mountain westward, and they also burned the town O’Rourke, that
O’Brien,
Cumara Mac Namara was treacherously slain. Connla Mac Geoghegan, lord Kinel Fiacha
was killed by the son Art O’Melaghlin. O’Beirne, Bryan, chief Tir Briuin
Roscommon), died.
Fergal, the son Thomas O’Reilly (of Cavan)
died.
The earl Kildare (Thomas FitzMaurice Fit gerald), gave great overthrow O’Conor Faily namely, Con, the son Calvach, which Co himself was taken prisoner, and the grandson William O'Kelly, with great many his people were slain.
the official (vicar
Drumahaire; they took the hostages Connaught, and they were delivered
the O’Don
nell, after which they returned home.
O'Conor Faily, namely, the Calvach More, the
son Murrogh the victories, lord Offaley, man who never refused hospitality any person,
lord the Leinster men, who received most tri bute from the English and Irish who were oppos
him, died and was buried Killaghey and his son Con O'Conor was appointed his successor.
The Kinel Duachain dered by Bryan, son Maguire.
Moysleacht (Fenagh
Leitrim), were plu Philip, the son Thomas
Leitrim), was plundered
O'Rourke, i. e. Loghlin, the son (the grey), lord Brefney, died.
Teige Liath
by Maguire, Thomas Oge, and the town Mac Gauran the barony Tullaghaw, count Cavan), was burned him that expedition
Art O’Neill, son Owen, the son
Niall Oge,
the most hospitable and brave the men Ty Glaisne, the son Conor O’Reilly (of Cavan)
rone, died.
was killed the sons Roderick Mac Mahon.
REIGN OF HENRY WI. 265
O’Neill, namely, Henry, the son of Owen, led
a force of the English to Caislean-na-hCGhmaidhe
(the castle of Omagh in Tyrone), to wrest it from
the clan Art O’Neill, but they concluded a peace brother, together with Owen Caoch, the son Ma
hon Mac Cabe, and many others were slain; Cathal (O’Reilly) the son Owen, succeeded his place.
Mac Gauran Owen, died.
Roderick Ballach, the son Murtogh O'Conor, died.
Thomas, the son Thomas Burke, who suc ceeded Edmond Burke the Mac William, died. Mac Cabe, Henry, the son Gillcreest,
having gone into Annaly with O'Ferrall, namely, Donal Buigh, died suddenly Lisardabla (Lisard
Longford), and his remains were attended by fourteen score (280) galloglasses, with their battle diocese of Killala, in Connaught, was founded by axes, conveying him his burial place Cavan. Mac Manus Tir Tuathail (in Roscommon),
swith each other.
John Cam, the son of Cu-uladh Mac Ward (in
Donegal), died.
O’Curneen, i. e. Manus, chief historian to
O’Rourke (of Leitrim), died.
Maolmuire O’Keenan, an intended chief histo
rian and poet (of Fermanagh), died. Murtogh O'Daly, a learned poet, died.
A. D. 1460.
The monastery of Moyne' in Tyrawley, in the
The English gave defeat O'Reilly,” namely, John, son Owen, son John, son Philip, son Gillaisa Roe, which O’Reilly, and Hugh his
Mac William Burke, at the request of Nehemias
Roderick, the son Owen Roe Mac Manus, full
O’Donoghoe, the first provincial vicar in Ireland of the Observantine order of St. Francis.
worthy lord
that territory, was killed by Con Con, the son Niall Garv, the the Wine, and by Teige, the son
The bishop O’Brien of Killaloe was killed by O’Donnell,
Bryan of the fleet, the son of Donogh, the son of son Torlogh
Mahon O’Brien, at Inis-Cluana-Ramhfhoda. ” Teige O’Rourke, who were preying the country,
Roderick, son of Manus O’Moghan, parish and they carried off the booty Airgead Glen," and
priest of Elphin, died.
Hugh Roe, the son of Niall Garv O’Donnell,
and Maolmurry, the son of Mac Sweeney Fanat,
were liberated from their imprisonment by O’Neill, O’Malley, and John O'Malley (the O’Malleys
i. e. Henry, after they had been four years in con Mayo), having gone with their shipping along with finement with him, for he considered the sons of the sons O’Brien Corca Baiscinn (in Clare), Naghtan to be more faithful to him than the sons expedition against Mac Mahon, the three of Niall. (O'Malleys) were slain before they reached their
O'Conor Faily, that Con, the son the Cal ships, Donal O’Brien was taken prisoner, and vach, gave the English great overthrow, which Mahon O'Brien was wounded going his ship, the baron Calatrom (Hussey, baron Galtrim), and was drowned before could reach and
and many others were slain.
D. 1460. Moyne Abbey was beautifully situated
near the mouth the river Moy, the parish
Mayo, and some extensive and interesting ruins the abbey and
church still remain. Nehemias O’Donoghoe, above-mentioned, was the first who introduced into Ireland the Reformed Order of Fran ciscan Friars, called De Observantia, that Observantines, Observants, and provincial chapters the order were frequently held the abbey Moyne, the fifteenth and sixteenth centu ries; but the 37th year the reign Elizabeth, grant this friary and its possessionswere given Edmond Barrett, rent
five shillings annually.
Inis Cluana Ramhfhoda, anglicised Clonroad, was the an
cient name the town Ennis, the county Clare, and called from its insular situation on the river Fergus, and the name Clonroad still retained one the suburbs Ennis. The bishop above-mentioned was Torlogh, Terence O’Brien.
their people were slaughtered that expedition.
the head about 2000 the men Brefney, entered Oriel Louth, and attacked and plundered the English settlements. Sir Robert Taaffe, son Sir Nicholas Taaffe, who had beenhigh she riff Louth, having collected the English forces the county, and being joined Ardee the mayor Drogheda, the head
500 archers, and 200 men armed with pole-axes, marched against O'Reilly, and fierce battle was fought Malpas bridge, Louth, which, after long contest with great loss the
English, the Brefnians were length defeated, and O'Reilly's son, with his brother Hugh, Mac Cabe, captain the galloglas ses, Mac Brady, and other chiefs, and 400 their men were slain. For this signal service the men Drogheda, King Ed ward IV. gave the corporation that town sword, carried
before the mayor, and the annual sum £20 for the maintenance of the same.
the western side, Killala, county
O’Reilly. An account this affair given Lodge's len, the borders Leitrim. Peerage the family Taaffe, and appears that the O'Reillys,
the chiefs the Mac Manuses took the booty from them that glen, after Mac Manus had been slain. Donal, the son Dermod O’Malley, William
Airgead Glen, supposed the parish Kilroman, county
the valley the river Arigna, Roscommon, near Lough Al
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266 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1460.
Bryan O'Malley was killed by his brother Hugh, order of St. Francis, and Inis Arcain lies in the
in a dispute between them; they were the sons of country of O’Driscoll.
Teige O'Malley. The monastery of Inis Corthadh," in Leinster, in
A monastery was founded on Inis Arcain" in the diocese of Ferns, on the banks of the river
Munster, in the diocese of Ross, for friars of the
5. Inis Arcain, now Inisherkan, anciently Iniskiaran, so called from St. Kiaran, an island situated between Cape Clear and the bay of Baltimore, in the county of Cork, on which some ruins still remain of this ancient abbey, which was founded by Florence O’Driscoll.
6. Inis Corthadh, now Enniscorthy, in the county of Wexford, where the above mentioned Franciscan monastery was founded by Donal Mac Murrogh Cavenagh, and of which someruins still re main; its lands were given by Queen Elizabeth to John Travers, who conveyed them for a term of years to the poet Spenser, who was secretary to the lord deputy, Arthur Grey, in the reign of Elizabeth, and Spenser assigned them to sir Henry Wallop, ances tor of the earls of Portsmouth.
I. Moy Liffey and Bregia. -In this article will be given the history and topography of the territories comprised in the present
counties of Dublin and Kildare, together with their chiefs and clans.
Magh Liffe, signifying the Plain of the Liffey, was the name
applied in ancient times to the plains on both sides of the river Liffey, comprising a great part of the present county of Kildare, on both sides of the river Liffey, including the Curragh of Kildare,
which was called Cuireach Liffe, and also parts of Dublin, along the Liffey.
Bregia, in Irish Magh Breagha, which signifies the fair or mag
nificent plain, was the name applied to the immense plain com prising the present counties of Meath and Dublin, extending from Dublin to Drogheda, to Duleek, Slane, Navan, Kells, Trim, Tara, Dunboyne, thence to Dunshaughlin, Cloonee, and Castleknock. In the account of the battle of Clontarf, in the Annals of Innisfallen, it is mentioned that Bryan Boru fell in Bregia, thus the plain of Clontarf was part of Bregia. This extensive territory was di vided into North and South Bregia, as frequently mentionedin the Annals. Doctor Charles O'Conor translates Magh Breagha into
Campus Brigantium, signifying the plain of the Brigantes, as he considered that it was chiefly possessed in ancient times by the Clanna Breogain, or Irish Brigantes, a branch of the Milesians,
of whom an account has been given in the note on Hy Kinsellagh. Fingall, a name still retained, was applied to a large territory, part of ancient Bregia, extending between Dublin and Drogheda,
along the sea coast, and a few miles into the interior, containing
the greater part of the present baronies of Coolock, Nethercross,
and Balrothery, in the county of Dublin, and got its name, ac
cording to various authorities, from a colony of Norwegians who
settled there in the tenth century, and were called by the Irish
Fionn Ghaill, signifying the Fair-haired Foreigners, and the
Danish colony, who are stated to have beenpartly located south of
the river Liffey, near Dublin, were called Dubh Ghaill, signifying
Dark-haired Strangers. In the Annals of the Four Masters Fin hounds into Ireland. Criomthan brought over various other arti
gall is written in the Irish Fine Gall, which signifies a Colony of Foreigners. The territory of Fingall, together with the city of Dublin, was possessed by the Danish and Norwegian colonies for about three centuries, as hereafter explained. All that part of the present county of Dublin north of the river Liffey was, it appears, part of Bregia, and was comprised within the ancient kingdom of Meath, as explained in the note on Meath; and when Hugh de Lacy obtained a grant of the kingdom of Meath from king Henry II. , Hugh Tyrrell, one of de Lacy's friends, was made baron of Castleknock, and another of his barons, namely, Adam Feipo, or Phepoe, obtained Skrine, Santriff, or Santry, and Clontorth, now either Clonturk, near Dublin, or Clontarf. That part of the present county of Dublin north of the river Liffey, being included in the ancient kingdom of Meath, was subject to the kings of Meath; and the part south of the Liffey was subject to the kings of Leinster. A great part of the county of Kildare, as above ex
cles great value, mentioned O'Flaherty’s Ogygia, and the old historians. The ancient Irish chieftains, like their Celtic
Scythian ancestors, and various nations antiquity, fought war chariots, the same manner the Gauls and Britons described Caesar and Tacitus, their battles with the Romans, and our ancient bards and annalists give copious accounts the Irish chiefs fighting their chariots, amongst others the cele brated champion Cuchullin, who was one the chiefs the Red Branch Knights Ulster about the commencement the Chris tian era, and had his fortress Dun Dealgan, now Dundalk; and his cotemporary Meava, the famous heroine and queen Con naught, like the British queen Boadicea, described command ing her own forces person, mounted magnificent gilded chariot, and wearing golden Asion crown her head, and attended great retinue chiefs, also their war-chariots.
the second century, Dublin mentioned by our old historians un
called Slaney, was founded for Franciscan friars. *
plained, was included in Moy Liffey, and the rest of Kildare be longed to different other territories, as shewn in the notes on Meath, Ossory, Offaley, and Leix, partly to the kingdom of Meath,
which contained parts of the baronies of Ikeath and Carbery; partly to Offaley, which contained the two baronies of Offaley, in the principality of O'Conor Failey, and in part of Clanmaliere, or O'Dempsey's country; partly to Leix, which contained the barony of West Narragh and Rheban, in the principality of O'Moore, and partly to the O'Tooles, princes of Imaile in Wicklow, who pos sessed, as shewn in the notes on Hy Kinsellagh and Cualan, parts of the baronies of South Naas, Kilcullen, East Narragh, Kilkea, and Moone.
Ancient History. —The territories now forming the countiesof Dublin and Kildare are connected with some of the earliest events in Irish history. Partholan, the Scythian, who planted the first colony in Ireland, according to our old annalists, about fifteen cen turies before the Christian era, had his residence at Binn Eadair, signifying the Hill of Eadair, now the Hill of Howth, which was also called Dun Eatair, signifying the fortress of Etair, and de rived its name, according to the Book of Dinseanchus, from Eadar, or Eatar, one of the Tuath de Danan queens, who was buried there, and to whose memory a great cairn was raised. This is a more probable derivation for Binn Eadair than that of various writers, who state that it signified the Hill of Oaks. Partholan was cut off at this place by a plague, together with his entire co lony, consisting of nine thousand persons, whom were buried
Moy nEalta, the Plain the Birds, named from the great numbers sea fowl that resorted thither, and afterwards called Clontarf. According O'Brien and others, however, the Partho lanians were buried place called Tamlachta Muintire Partho lain, signifying the burial cairns Partholan's people, which now the Hill Tallaght, near Dublin. Fulman, one the Mile sian chiefs, about one thousand years before the Christian era,
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Suird, now Swords, near Dublin.
monarch the commencement
residence and fortress the Hill
tary expeditions into Gaul and Britain. Criomthan Nianair, mo march Ireland the first century, also had his chief residence and fortress, called Dun Criomthain, the Hill Howth; was
famous warrior, celebrated for his military expeditions Gaul and Britain, and brought Ireland from foreign countries many valuable spoils, amongst other things gilded war chariot, three
tables ornamented with gems, four rich garments, two golden hilted swords, adorned with precious stones, and shields embossed with silver; two hounds coupled together with silver chain, va lued three hundred cows; and, according the Glossary
Cormac Mac Cullenan, this was the first introduction grey
place called Raith-Arda Conary the Great, who was
the Christian era, had royal Howth, and made many mili
The Battle Gaura, called the Irish historians Cath Gabh ra, celebrated the writings the ancient annalists and bards,
mains, which was residence the ancient kings Leinster. The Fenians were the chief troops Leinster, and were Milesians
was fought, according O'Flaherty's Ogygia
ters Tara cording posed
the race
cording
according
Brea,
Gaura, by the Lugnians
tory now called the barony
place mentioned Ath Brea, the Ford Brea, was situated somewhere on the Boyne, between Trim and Navan.
Clanna Morna, called from Morna, one their celebrated chiefs, were the warriors Connaught and the Firbolg race, called Fir Domnians Damnonians, and were afterwards com manded by famous champion named Goll, the son Morna.
the Four Masters,
placed A. D. 296. Gabhra Aichle,
others, the place where the battle was fought that now called Garristown, the county
called the battle
Bregia, and considered Skreen,
but, ac sup Dublin, this
the river Boyne,
tribe who possessed the terri
on the borders Meath; and the circumstances which led battle were as follows:
REIGN OF EDWARD IV. 267 arms, an entertainer of learned men and strangers, a
A. D. 1461.
DWARD IV. " was
proclaimed king of
England, on the 4th of March.
Felim, son of Ow
man who purchased more poems, and possessed a
greater collection of poetry, than any other man in his time: he died, after having gained the victory over the world and the devil.
Hugh, son of Torlogh Oge O'Conor, lord of half Connaught in opposition to Teige O'Conor, a wor thy representative of a king of the province of Connaught, in form and personal figure, in valour,
en, son of Niall Oge in warfare, and in patronage of learned men, and O’Neill, died of a of others who were deserving died Bal sudden fit; and he lintobber St. Bridget (in Roscommon), the
was a man distinguished for hospitality and feats of Ides May, after extreme unction and repentance,
der the name Ath Cliath Dubhlinne, signifying the Ford the tor the famous hero Fionn, the son Cumhall; but according Hurdles on the Black Pool, and called from ford over which O'Conor, his notes the Four Masters, they were called passage was constructed by hurdles, the boggy pool the Baoisgine, being descended from the Milesians who came from Liffey. About the middle the secondcentury, Mogha Nuadhat, Basconia, Spain, now Biscay, the country anciently called called also Eogan More, celebrated king Munster, having long Cantabria. The Fenian warriors were famous military force,
contended for the sovereignty Ireland with the monarch Con forming the standing national militia, and instituted Ireland the Hundred Battles, they length agreed divide the island be the early ages, long before the Christian era, but brought the tween them by line, drawn direct from Dublin Galway, along greatest perfection the reign the celebrated Cormac, monarch the river Liffey Leixlip, thence through Kildare and Offaley, Ireland the third century. None were admitted into this mi
now part of the King's county,
and onward the bay Galway.
according O'Halloran and others,
fortresses, and was called Eisgir Riada, from Eisgir, which signi fies ridge, and chain small hills still traceable along the line this ancient boundary. The southern division Ireland, belonging the king Munster, was called Leath Mogha, Mogha's Half, and comprised the ancient kingdoms Leinster and Munster, and the northern division, called Leath Cuinn, Con's Half, comprehended the ancient kingdoms Meath, Ulster, and Connaught, and these two great divisions Ireland, the poli tical contests various kings, were recognised afterwards for many centuries, several sovereigns were styled kings Leath Cuinn, and others kings Leath Mogha, and these divisions are frequently mentioned our Annals, even down the sixteenth
litary body but select men the greatest activity, strength, sta ture, perfect form, and valour, and, when the force was complete, consisted seven Catha, that battalions legions, each
the Shannon Clonmacnois, This boundary was marked,
ramparts, and chain
battalion containing three thousand men, according O'Halloran and various other historians, making 21,000 for each the five provinces, about one hundred thousand fighting men time
those early times, Ireland the fifth
monian kings Leinster, was the chief commander the Fenian warriors, and his great actions, strength, and valour are celebrated
century. Amongst the notices Dublin
may be mentioned that Laoghaire, monarch
century, had royal residence and fortress
him Dun Laoghaire, afterwards Dunleary,
Many of the most celebrated battles recorded
ancient times, have been fought the great plains Meath, Dub
lin, and Kildare; and many those battles, those Cnucha,
Maistean, Almhain, Athrodain, and Beallach Mughna, have been Kildare, Ailinn, near Old Kilcullen, where great rath still re described the notes Hy Kinsellagh, Ossory, Offaley and Leix.
place called from now Kingstown. Irish history
the ancient Ossian; but Ossian, but mostly fictions fabricated Mac Pherson himself, and containing some passages from the ancient poems. Fionn had his chief resi dence and fortress Almhuinn, now either the hill Allen, near
284; but the Four Mas place situated near
others, the shot
arrow, place called Ath 283, the year before the battle
Meath;
Tara,
Lune, near Tara, Meath; and the
The Fenians, called by the Irish writers Fianna Eirionn, sig
nifying the Fenians Ireland, are mentioned the Four Masters
under the name Fene, Feine, which, according Dr. O'Conor
in his notes the Four Masters, signifies the Phenicians Ire The Red Branch Knights Ulster, called Curaidhe-na land, Feine, according Dr. O'Brien, his Dictionary the
word Fearmoigh, signifies Phenicians; and they were probably called so from the tradition that Phenicians came Ireland the early ages. They are also called by the Irish writers Clann-Ua Baoisgine, and named, according Keating and others, from Baoisgine, who was chief commander thesewarriors, and ances
Craoibhe Ruaidhe, signifying the Warriors the Red Branch, were the chief military force Ulster, principally residing about Emania, where stood the palace the kings Ulster, near Armagh, and highly celebrated the first century under their
champions Cuchullain, and Conall Cearmach Conall the victo rious.
war for the entire kingdom. The Ardrigh, head king Ire land, had, for the time being, chief controul over these forces, but they often resisted his authority.
commander was appointed over every thousand these troops, and the entire force was com pletely armed and admirably disciplined,and each battalion had their bands musicians and bards animate them battle, and celebrate their feats arms. the reign the monarch Cormac, the ce lebrated Fionn Mac Cumhaill, who was descended from the Here
the Ossianic poems, and various other productions bards; called Fingal Mac Pherson's Poems
observed that these are not the real poems
Heremon; and their renowned commander Fionn, ac the Four Masters, was slain the cast javelin, or,
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268 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1461.
in the 63rd year of his age, and was interred at Hugh Roe and Owen, having mustered their Roscommon. forces, marched Fanat (in Donegal), the re
The sons of Niall Garv O’Donnell, namely, sidence Maolmuire, the son Mac Sweeney, The Clanna Deaga, or Degadians, in the first, second, and the bard, the father Osgar, introduced narrating the
third centuries, were the chief warriors of Munster: they were Heremonians originally from Ulster, but settled in Munster in early times, and an account of them has beengiven in the notes on Thomond and Desmond.
The Dalcassians, called by the Irish writers Dal-gdais, from Cormac Cas, a famous king of Munster of the race of Heber in the third century, were the chief warriors of Munster from the third tothetwelfth century,andformedmostlybytheclansofThomond, now the county of Clare, with parts of Limerick and Tipperary; and they are highly celebrated in Irish history, particularly under Brian Boru, who was himself of the Dalcassian race; an account of them has been given in the notes on Thomond and Desmond.
In the reign of king Cairbre Liffeachair, son of the monarch Cor mac, the Fenian forces revolted from the service of Cairbre, and joined the famous Mogh Corb, king of Munster, of the race of the Dal cassians. After the death of Fionn Mac Cumhaill, the Fenians were commandedby his son Oisin or Ossian, the celebrated warrior and bard; and at the time of the battle of Gaura, Osgar, another famous champion, the son of Oisin, commanded the Fenian forces. The army of Munster, commanded by Mogh Corb, a name which signifies the Chief of the Chariot, and by his son Fear Corb, that the man warrior the chariot, was composed the Clanna Deagha and Dalcassian troops, joined the Fenians and their Leinster forces; and stated the Ossianic poems, and
Hanmer's Chronicle, from the Book Howth, that great body warriors from North Britain, Denmark, and Norway, came over and fought the side the Fenians Gaura. The army the monarch Cairbre was composed the men Meath and
Ulster, together with the Clanna Morna, Connaught warriors,
events the battle, follows:
“On our march from Binn Eadair (Howth) The entire of our numbers were
Three hundred Fenian chiefs,
With their respective bands warriors.
“There were thirty descendants
Of the race Fionn the Fenians, Who always bore shields and spears,
the time conflict and slaughter.
“There were the Fenian champions
From Alba (Scotland) and from the king Through their friendship for the Fenians Who joined that great battle.
Britain, Almhuin,
Hugh, King Connaught, son Garadh, the Damnonian race. The Munster forces, Meath, where they were met the com bined troops the monarch Cairbre, and fought one the most
furious battles recorded Irish history, which continued through out the whole length summer's day. The greatest valour
commanded Aodh grandson Morna and Fenians, marched
was displayed the warriors
say which army were victors
was slain single combat
each side, and difficult vanquished. The heroic Osgar
the valiant monarch Cairbre, but
Cairbre himself soon afterwards fell the hand the champion
Simon, the son Ceirb,
Both armies amounted part whom were slain; twenty thousand men,
the race the Fotharts Leinster. about fifty thousand men, the greater
the Fenian forces, who consisted stated that eighteenthousand fell; and
both sides, thirty thousand warriors were slain.
ing year, Hugh, king Connaught, according
Ogygia, defeatedthe Munster forces battle
the mountain Senchua, Muscry, which slew Mogh Corb, king Munster. The tremendous battle Gaura considered
have led the subsequentfall the Irish monarchy, for after the destruction the Fenian forces, the Irish kings never were able muster national army equal valour and discipline those heroes, either cope with foreign foes, reduce sub jection the rebellious provincial kings and princes: hence the monarchy became weak and disorganised, and the ruling powers were unable maintain their authority make sufficient stand against the Danish and Anglo-Norman invaders after times. The following passagesrespecting the battle Gaura, have been literally translated from one the poems attributed Oisin that subject, and supposed have been written the third century, though observed that many the poems called Ossianic were written long subsequent that period, they refer
events which occurred several centuries afterwards, and appear additions the original poems Oisin. The best collection extant the Ossianic poems Irish MS. , with translations into English, are the library William Betham, and published that learned antiquary and Irish scholar, would form valuable contribution towards ancient Irish literature. the poem, Oisin
the follow O'Flaherty's
Spaltrach, near
“From the commander nine upwards,
There were the mighty Fenians Lochlin (Denmark),
that great conflict, the slaughter.
“In this battle Gaura
Fighting against Osgar, my son,
Numbers who joined And who also shared
the Liffey
“There were five battalions from Ulster,
Together with the men Meath
Who joined against us, with Carbry,
And we were unequal the number our foes.
“When my son Osgar had seen
The king Erin taking the lead,
He vowed, himself, slay the monarch And cut him down with his keen sword.
“Then Osgar the Great and Generous Earnestly requestedpermission
To lead the van the battle,
At the head of his own battalions.
“And Beine, the son Breasal,
hero great strength and valour,
Said that he and the Fenians of Britain
Would march the same rank with Osgar. “The son Lughaidh the brave,
Who was always victorious battle, Said that he, accompanied by Cuirioll,
Should lead the army the battle Gaura.
Was the monarch Carbery With all the forces of Erin.
“There was Hugh, the son
With his ten hundred warriors;
The king Connaught and his forces Were against that battle.
spear “Then Cuirioll cast his rage,
At random with fierce
And drove the unlucky dart Through the body the son
Breasal.
“The nobleOsgar, loud voice,
Then demandedfrom Cuirioll,
‘Why hast thou slain my friend,
Thou son Fionn, the son Cumhall? "
“Cuirioll the Fair then made answer violent passion Osgar—
thou be the son of Oisin
wish that thou hadst fallen his stead. ”
fearful blows,
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REIGN OF EDWARD IV. 269
to aid him against O’Donnell, i. e. Torlogh Cairp for his having allied himself to the sons of Niall. reach, who was wreaking his vengeance on the The sons of Niall, and the sons of Mac Sweeney, son of Mac Sweeney, and on the entire of Fanat, held a consultation to determine on what they
“My son was seized with anger On hearing such utterance, And, on the instant, demanded A combat from the champion.
“Then Osgar and Cuirioll
Met each other in conflict,
Whilst I endeavoured to intercede
Along with Faolan and Fiachra.
“With regard to my son, Osgar,
In this contest with Cuirioll, Two hundred of the Fenians fell
In our efforts to appease their anger. “We then raised our standards
To commence the battle of Gaura,
We ourselves, and the Fenians of Leinster,
Against Carbry and the Clanna Morna.
“Then Fergus the poet prepared, The chief bard of the Fenians, To encourage us on to the fight
In advancing to the battle of Gaura.
“‘March onward, O! valiant Osgar, Thou cleaver of the helmets of heroes, And by thy prosperous standard, Obtain renown and victory.
“Acquire fresh conquering courage
Against Hugh, the son of Garaidh,
And against the opposing kings,
And completely subdue them by slaughter. ”
“We advanced closely to the conflict,
And rushed against the king and his forces; And such a sight as then appeared
Will never again be recorded.
“The Fenians of Britain, who fought on our side, Against a thousand men of the son of Garaidh, Were fiercely cut down in that battle;
Oh! unhappy to us was their destruction.
“The Fenians of Leinster were likewise cut down, And the Fenians of Alba, by the son of Garaidh, Ten hundred valiant warriors
In that onset were slaughtered.
“My son then rushed onward
On the battalions of Tara,
Like a hawk amongst small birds, Or like a dashing wave of the ocean.
“He made a fierce charging onset Against the forces of the men of Erin, When three hundred chieftains fell, By Osgar of the powerful strokes.
“Ten hundred, without fear,
Of our determined enemies
Now came on with the son of Garaidh,
Who had not before engaged in the contest.
“The son of Garaidh rushed onward, After arranging his men for battle, To meet Osgar of the purple armour. Brave and terrific were those chiefs.
“Twenty-four wounds were inflicted
On the body of the brave Osgar,
Which he received from the men of Carbry, Before he advanced against the son of Garaidh.
“On the body of the son of Garaidh,
On retiring from the combat with Osgar, Were inflicted three score wounds,
And very deep and dangerous were they.
“From the overwhelming blows of Osgar,
And of the descendants of Morna of combats; You might behold, over the glens,
A flashing fire from the clash of their arms.
“The son of Garaidh was subdued,
And great indeed was the loss,
By Osgar, who was never conquered, Either in combat or in the battle field.
“A dart was cast by the king of Erin,
Who bore in his hand the poisoned arms,
Which pierced the body of the sharp-sworded Osgar, And this fatal wound extended to his heart.
“Osgar, my son, fell to the ground,
Who had never before been conquered,
But before he fell his pointed spear Pierced the body of the monarch Carbry.
“Seven princes in that battle,
Who were eligible to the throne of Erin,
Were slain that day by my son, Before he encountered Carbry.
“Numerous were the pools of blood,
On the extensive plain of Gaura,
And many heads were strewn there,
Severed from their bodies by the carnageof that battle.
“Of the valiant heroes who fell on that plain Were two hundred presumptive heirs,
Who were by right entitled
To royal crowns in Erin.
“With undaunted valour we fought
That dreadful battle of Gaura;
Together the Fenians bravely fell Eighteen of their kings and royal princes.
“Many a polished buckler you might behold,
And standards of chieftains of the finest Srol, Many lifeless heroes, with their shields, Strewed in heaps all over the plain.
“We did not collect the precious ornaments But of heroes famed for victory,
We did not take away from the battle field But the jewels of kings and exalted chiefs.
“From the day of the battle of Gaura
The Fenians never after raised their voices, And there passed neither night nor day, That we did not spend in grief and sighs.
“There has not been found from India in the east To the very extremities of the world
A king who has not been under our controul, Until the time of fighting that battle.
“No foreign invading prince ever came
To the land of Fodhla (Ireland), in our time,
But was forced to return without conquest, And retrace his steps by our valour.
“Lastly we raised the heroic Osgar, Exalted on the shafts of our spears,
We conveyed him to a rising ground,
To warn the Fenians of our sorrowful loss.
270 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1461.
should do in defending themselves against the sons the others for their enmity and their evil deeds. of Naghtan O’Donnell and their forces, for they When O’Donnell and the sons of Naghtan received (the Mac Sweeneys) resolved to be revenged of intelligence that the sons of Niall had gone to
“We constructed the graves of the heroes, And buried them with princely honours, The tombs of the noble and valiant Osgar, And of the son of Gara, the son of Oisin.
“We buried Osgar the brave
On the north side of the great Gaura,
And likewise Osgar, the son of Glonn, And Osgar, the son of the king of Lochlin.
“And the hero who was liberal of gold,
The son of Lughaidh, the great champion. May some delight come over my words, For great is my sorrow this night. ”
The Danes in Dublin. —For a period of more than three hun
dred years, in the ninth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth centuries,
and down to the Anglo-Norman invasion under Strongbow, the
Danish and Norwegian colonies were in possession of the city of
Dublin and of the territory of Fingall, and Danish kings ruled over
Dublin during that time; but they appear to have beenoccasionally
under subjection and tribute mostly to the kings of Leinster, and
sometimes to the kings of Meath ; and in the eleventh and
twelfth centuries, some of the O'Briens, kings of Munster, of the
Mac Murroghs, kings of Leinster, and of the O'Conors, kings of
Connaught, became kings over the Danes of Dublin. In A. D. 1170, the Anglo-Normans, under Strongbow, Raymond le
Gros, and Milo de Cogan, with their Irish allies under Dermod Mac Murrogh, king of Leinster, took the city of Dublin, and expelled Asculph Mac Thorkell, the last Danish king of Dublin, who in the year 1171, having collected a great force of Danes and Norwegians from the Orkneys, the Hebrides, and the Isle of Mann, attempted to recover Dublin, but his forces were defeated by the Anglo-Normans under Milo and Richard de Cogan, and Asculph himself was slain. An account of the Danish kings of Dublin will be given in a future number.
Introduction of Christianity. —Some account of the missions of Palladius and St. Patrick, as intimately connected with the diocese of Dublin, will be necessary in this place.
Palladius, a Roman deacon, and considered to have been a native of Britain, was consecrated a bishop by Pope Celestine,
remained Ireland. Palladius was not altogether one year Ireland, being compelled quit the country the latter end
431, the year his arrival; and having sailed North Britain, died there soon after the land the Cruthneans
who sent him, in the beginning of the fifth century, on a mission
to preach the Gospel to the Irish, then called Scoti or Scots, a
name which was long afterwards applied to the people of that part
of North Britain, now called Scotland. Palladius having departed
from Rome, set out on his voyage, accompanied by Sylvester,
Solinus, Augustine, Benedict, and other missionaries, and landed in
Ireland in the beginning of the year 431, in some harbour either of
Wexford or Wicklow, in the territory then called Hy Garchon, preparing for Ireland; and the year 432, being them the 45th which was part of the ancient principality of Hy Kinsellagh, and
extended along the sea coast, comprising parts of the present counties of Wexford and Wicklow. Proceeding on his mission, he
baptized many persons, and founded a church called Cill Fine, in which he deposited the sacred books, and some relics of SS. Peter and Paul, and other saints, which he had brought from Rome, besides his writing tablets, all of which were long preserved with great veneration. Two other churches were afterwards erected by his companions, one called Teach-na-Romhnach, signifying the house of the Romans, and the other named Domhanach-arda, that the church the height, from which the parish Donard,
the county Wicklow, got its name, and the church was erected the great mountain now called Slieve Gadoe, which there are still some ruins ancient church with holy well, much resorted place pilgrimage honour the missionaries Sylvester and Solinus who were buried there, and whose memory has beenalways held great veneration the people. The pro gress Palladius his missionary labours beingopposed Nathi,
Pagan chief, who was the lord Hy-Garchon, forced Palladius fly from the country, but his companions, Sylvester and Solinus,
year
cessor Gaul,
his age, was consecrated bishop, and appointed suc
Picts, the place now called Fordun, Scotland; and Fordun, under the name was long revered.
Mearns Kincardine,
St. Paldi, his memory
St. Patrick. -There are various contradictory opinions and controversies amongst the most learned ecclesiastical writers
the birth place St. Patrick, and the point extremely difficult determine. Some contend that he was descended from one the
Roman families Britain, and native North Britain, born the place now called Kilpatrick, near Dumbarton Scotland, but many others, particularly the learned Lanigan, have maintained with greater probability that was native
and born the place called Bononia,” now coast France, part the ancient territory
Armoric Gaul, Boulogne, the Armorica. His family were respectable Roman citizens Gaul, and his father's
name was Calphurnius, and that said have been sister, niece,
the celebrated bishop Tours.
the time his birth and death exists, well concerning the place his nativity. Usher, Ware, Colgan, the Annals the Four
Masters, and other authorities, place his birth 372 373,
and his death 493, the one hundred and twentieth year his age; but Lanigan, from accurate chronological computa
tions, places his birth A. 387, and his death D. 465, the 78th year his age; they agree the day his death, the 17th March, which his festival has been always celebrat
the church. According all our Irish historians, the celebrated Niall the Nine Hostages, monarch Ireland
expedi Ireland
the latter end the fourth century, made many military tions into Gaul and Britain, and one these brought 200 captives, amongst whom was youth named Patrick,
then the 16th year his age, and was sold slave chief nam Milchuo, Milcon, Miliac, who possessed district that
part Dalaradia now the southern part the county Antrim, where he tendedthe flocks of his master beside Slieve Mis Moun
tain. After captivity seven years, admonished Patrick effected his escape, and returned his family
He studied many years and also under St. German great piety; 429
the monastery St. Martin
his mother Conchessa, and she some relative St. Martin,
difference opinion respecting
vision, Gaul. Tours, Auxerre, and becameeminent for his accompanied St. German and Lupus
extirpating
Palladius the Irish mission. Having embarked sailed Britain, where made delay, but proceeded
Troyes Britain, their mission for the purpose the Pelagian heresy; and the year 431 was sent
Rome person,
St. German, who recommended him Pope Celestine
for his piety and virtue, appointed the mission then
Ireland, where arrived pontificate Sixtus III. The place
have been some part the coast
being repulsed the natives, sailed northward, and landed
small island off the coast Bregia, which island was afterwards called Holm Patrick, St. Patrick's Isle, and situated near Skerries, the county Dublin; having rested here for some
time, proceeded northwards and landed Inver Slainge, Dalaradia, now either Strangford Lough the Bay Dundrum, the district then called Magh Inis, peninsula which now forms
the barony Lecale, the county Down. Here converted Dicho, chief that territory, being the first convert he had made the Christian faith; and this place St. Patrick erected church called Sabhal Phadraic, Patrick's Barn, from which the parish Saul, near Downpatrick, derived name; proceeded thence the northern part Dalaradia, the residence his old master Milcho, the land the Cruthmeans Irish Picts, and
432, the first year the his landing supposed
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Fanat, he and his kinsmen, with their forces and the Albanian (Scottish) troops who had joined
him, marched and encamped Ceannmaghair (in Donegal), meet them, and watch the movements
maicne, now parts of Longford and Leitrim, and to Magh Sleacht
in Brefney, now Fenagh in Leitrim, where he destroyed the idols,
and great temple of the Druids, and erected a church on its ruins. Crossing the Shannon, he proceeded onward into Connaught, where
the dispute was amicably arranged, and The remains SS. Bridget and Columkille patrick, and buried there along with those
was buried were removed St. Patrick,
Down. Down which
REIGN OF EDWARD IV. 271
having in vain endeavoured to convert Milcho, who remained an
obstinate Pagan, he determined to proceed to Tara, the chief
seat of the Irish kings. Having set sail from Dalaradia south Life, was man small stature, but great energy, and activity
ward, he landed at Inver Colpa, now the bay or mouth of the river Boyne, near Drogheda, and proceeded onward to Slane,
and thence to the royal residence at Tara, where, on Easter Sun
day, in the year 433, he preached the Gospel in the presence of
the monarch Laoghaire and a great assembly of the chiefs, Druids,
and people; he made many converts, and, amongst others, it is
stated, of some of the bards and learned men, but at the commence
ment of his mission he received much opposition from the monarch
and his chief Druids. On Easter Monday he preached at Tailten,
another royal residence near Tara, and proceeded soon after to
Teffia, now Westmeath, and preached at the hill of Usneagh, a
celebrated seat of Druidism; he then went to Annaly and Con Armagh and Louth, respecting the possession his remains, but
he spent seven years in the conversion of that province, and
erecting churches, and departing thence about A. D. 440, he
crossed the river Drobhaois in Brefney, at the place now called
Bundroos, in the county of Leitrim; and from thence to Easroe, now observed that Patrick was favourite christian name with many
age, according Lanigan, but Ussher and others place his death 493, his 120th year. St. Patrick, according Jocelyn's
mind and body. On the news his death, vast numbers the clergy flocked from all parts Ireland attend his funeral obse quies, which were celebrated with great pomp for twelve succes sive days, and with such profusion lights and torches that
said the nights were rendered bright day. He was buried Dun-da-leath-glas, which was also called Dune, latinised Du
num, and from him called Dun-Patraic, Downpatrick.
Jocelyn depth,
says was buried under great stone,
very deepgrave, being five cubits was feared attempt would
remove his body, for people the county
made great contest arose between the Ulidians,
Down, and the Orgiallians, people
the year 1293. The memory St. Patrick was for many ages venerated
Scotland and the Isle Mann, much Ireland, and many churches were dedicated him these countries; and may be
account has been given note these Annals
Ballyshannon; he crossed the river Erne, and proceeded through
Tirconnell or Donegal, converting great numbers and founding
the Scottish nobility, the Grahams, dukes Montrose; the Drummonds, earls Perth; the Lindsays, earls Crawford; the Lyons, thanes Glamis; the Homes, earls Marchmont; the Boyles, earls Glasgow; the Maules, earls Panmure; the Gordons, earls Aberdeen; the Dunbars, earls March the Murrays, earls Elibank; the Hays, earls Kinnoul; the Crichtons, earls Dumfries; the Oliphants, lords Oliphant.
churches in all those places; he next went to Dalrieda or the
northern part of Antrim; and thence to Dalaradia or Ulidia, which
territories now form the southern parts of Antrim and the county of Down; thence to Tir Eogain, now Tyrone; and to Orgiall, now
the counties of Armagh, Monaghan, and Louth, and onward to
Ardbracan and various other parts of the kingdom of Meath. great number the heads all these families, and others, bore According to Jocelyn the monk, in his Life of St. Patrick, and the name Patrick former times, may seen the Peer some other writers, it is stated that St. Patrick crossed the river ages Scotland, while appears strange that scarcely any the at Finglas; and in the year 448, converted Alphin, son of Eoch old Irish chiefs bore the name Patrick, though the name the great aidh, king of Ath Cliath or Dublin, and baptized him in a patron saint Ireland. full account the numerous lives fountain, near which a church was afterwards erected in the place St. Patrick will found the works Ware, Usher, Colgan, on which St. Patrick’s Cathedral now stands. St. Patrick pro O'Conor's Rer. Hib. Scrip. , and Lanigan, from which the above ceeded to Leinster to the territories of Hy-Garchon and Hy article has been compiled.
Kinsellagh, parts of the present counties of Wicklow, Wexford,
and Carlow; and also to Leix, now the Queen's county; to Naas
and Kilcullen in Kildare; to Ossory, now the county of Kilkenny ;
to Ormond and other parts of Tipperary; and to Cashel, where he
converted and baptized Aongus, king of Cashel; thence to Luim
neach or Limerick, where he converted many of the people of
Thomond; thence to Desmond, or parts of Cork and Kerry, and
spent altogether seven years in Munster, converting kings, parts Ireland, which full accounts may found D'Alton's
princes, and people; returning to Leinster, he crossed the river Brosna, and proceeded into Hy Falgia or Offaley, now the
King's county, where it is stated that a chieftain named Failge, an obstinate Pagan, having determined to assasinate the saint, killed by mistake with the thrust of a spear Odran, his charioteer, who sacrificed his own life to save St. Patrick; hence St. Odran has beenesteemed the first martyr to the faith in
valuable history the county and the archbishops Dublin,
Whitelaw and Walsh's History Dublin, Ware's and Grose's Antiquities, Wallancey's Collectanea, the Topographies Seward and Lewis, Rawson's Survey Kildare, &c.
Cromleacs. -The name Cromleac, signifies the stone Crom; and they were called from being used the worship Crom, one the deities the Irish Druids, said represent Fate, or,
Ireland. St. Patrick having returned through Meath and Orgiall, according Lanigan and others, the god fire, the sun, and
founded many churches, and having lands granted to him by Daire Dearg, a prince of the race of Clan Colla, who possessed the territory about Eamhain Macha, now Armagh, he erected a church or cathedral on the hill called Ard Macha, A. D. 455, and thus founded the see of Armagh, which became the metropolitan see or seat of the primacy of Ireland. According Jocelyn
and others, St. Patrick repaired Rome about 460, give account his mission Ireland Pope Leo the Great, who confirmed his acts, and approved the establishment the metropolitan see Armagh. Having, during mission about thirty-three years, according Lanigan, but much longer accord ing others, converted almost the whole the Irish the
sometimes called Crom Dubh, Black Crom, and Crom Cruach, signifying Crom the Heaps stones Cairns,as quoted Lanigan
from the Tripartite Life St. Patrick; and the Idol Crom Cruach, stated Lanigan and O'Flaherty’s Ogygia, quoting from the
Four Masters, and also the Book Invasions, the O'Clerys, was destroyed by St. Patrick the temple the Druids, on Magh Sleacht Brefney, now Fenagh Leitrim, and the last Sunday summer still called Domhnach Chroim Duibh, the Sunday Black Crom, being sacred St. Patrick the anniver sary commemorating the destruction the idol. This the real origin the name Cromleac, and not from the stones being sloping position, absurdly stated by some writers, and derived
Christian faith, performed many great miracles, consecrated more from the opinions the common people. The chief deities the than three hundred bishops, with vast numbers priests pres Druids were the sun, moon, stars, and winds; and woods, wells, byters, and founded many hundred churches, died Saul, near fountains, and rivers, were also objects adoration. The sun was Downpatrick, above stated, A. D. 465, the 78th year his worshipped under the designation Bel, Beal, Baal, the
St. Patrick first communicated the Irish the Roman Alpha bet and Latin language, but the Irish had their own Celtic Alpha bet, and written language, many centuries before the arrival St. Patrick, though has been absurdly asserted some shallow antiquarians that the Irish had use letters before his time.
Antiquities. —Numerous memorials the most remote ages still exist the counties Dublin and Kildare, all other
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272 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1461.
of the sons of Niall O’Donnell, and of Maolmuire (Mac Sweeney), who accompanied them from his
Phenicians and other eastern nations, and also under the name of Grian. The time dedicated to the worship of the moon was called Samhuin, which was one of their deities; and the wind was worshipped under the name of Gaoth. The sacred fire of Beal was lighted on the eveningof the first day of summer, or May eve, at the temple of the Druids on the hill of Usneagh, situated a few miles from Mullingar in Westmeath; hence that day is still named in the Irish La Beal-Teinme, that the day Beal's fire. The sacred fire Samhuin was lighted the eve the first day winter,
Tlachtga, Meath, another chief seat Druidism, situated place now called the Hill Ward, between Trim and Athboy; and the Irish La Samhna, Samhuin's day, the name applied the first November. No fires were permitted lighted Ireland, but those obtained from the Druids May and November, who delivered their sacred fire the people with great
own country; when the sons of Niall O’Donnell, and the people of Fanat were informed of this,
immense stones stated, that four thousand still remain, formed into numerous concentric circles, and covering area about half mile diameter. Ireland there are cromleacs, and
the common people Ireland, the cromleacs are generally called giants' graves. An account has beengiven the note Brefney the great temple the Druids Magh Sleacht, now
incantations, and for obtaining
silver coin equivalent three pence on every house head family.
tom originating from the celebration
still preserved the May fires lighted Ireland. The oak
was sacred tree were chiefly celebrated Irish Draoi Drui,
the Druids, and the rites Druidism the oak groves; and the name Druid, supposed derived from the Irish
Hill; and the Hills Killiney and Howth. various parts Kildare, particularly about Naas and Kilcullen, are huge pillar stones, considered Drnidical remains; and, according Giraldus Cambrensis, there was former times the Curragh
tion Druid from the Greek language, which their learned men
spoke Caesar's time.
gone to Loch Melge (Lough Melvin, in Leitrim),
took and plundered the Cranoge (the fortress on the lake), of Mac Clancy.
Owen O’Neill was deposed from his lordship by his son, Henry; and the coarb of St. Patrick, together with Maguire, Mac Mahon, O’Kane, and
the O’Neills, accompanied Henry, son Owen, the son Niall Oge, Tullaghoge,” inaugurate
him, and was nominated the O’Neill, according to the usual custom.
Henry, the son O’Neill Claneboy, returned home from his imprisonment with the English.
The castle Athlone was taken from the Eng lish, having been betrayed woman who was
Caislean-na-Sraide (in the parish Street, Westmeath and Longford), was demolished O'Ferrall, and the son Mac Herbert was slain
not halt until they encamped the neighbourhood
Cuil-Mac-an-Treoin (Kilmacreman Donegal). When O’Donnell received intelligence this, he,
with Hugh Roe and his brother, and the son Mac Sweeney, Fanad, i. e. Maolmuire, quickly
repaired their horses, unaccompanied any others, and proceeded Cuil-Mac-an-Treoin garrison the castle there, resist the great force led thither the instance the sons Naghtan;
O’Donnell leaving the town with his few attend ants, was discovered by the other party, who pursued them with possible expedition, and having overtaken them, they did not grant them the chance man man, single combat, but
the host fell on the few, and slew O’Donnell,
namely, Donal the son Niall Garv, there, the 18th May, exactly Friday; and Hugh Roe
and Mac Sweeny's son were taken prisoners; Tor logh Cairbreach, the son Naghtan, then assumed
the lordship Tirconnell.
Fergal, son Conor Mac Dermott, tanist
Moylurg, and Lasarina, his daughter, the wife Carbry O'Conor, died.
A. D. 1457.
Bryan, son Philip the Battle Axe Maguire,
the son the lord Fermanagh, died after having
gained the victory extreme unction and repen tance.
contest arose between Maguire and the sons Roderick Mac Mahon, and Mac Guire mustered
the forces his territory march into Oriel (Mo naghan and Louth). When the Mac Mahons re ceived this intelligence, they fled with their cattle
Stone the Kings, mentioned these Annals A. D. 1432; but this memorial the sovereignty the O'Neills was barbarously broken order the lord deputy, Mountjoy, the reign Eli zabeth. The coarb St. Patrick, above-mentioned, who attended the inauguration O'Neill, was John Mey, archbishop Armagh.
Clan Hugh the Mountain, now called the Clanhugh mountains, the barony and county Longford, which branch of the O'Ferralls were chiefs.
REIGN OF HENRY WI. 263
Torlogh, the son of Philip Mac Guire, having Naghtan, marched into Inisowen, and they did
him taking the castle.
Mulroona, son Mac Rannall, died. Geoffrey, son
Conor, the son
Murrogh Oge, son
Cathal Roe
Murrogh
More, the son Cathal (O'Ferrall), lord Clan Hugh the Mountain,” died.
Owen Mac Dermott Roe, lord the woods (in Roscommon), was slain his own clan.
Maine, the son Malachy Mac Cabe, the
intended constable the two Brefneys (Leitrim and Cavan), Oriel, and Fermanagh, died.
O’Cassidy, Cuile (barony Coole, Fer
managh), died.
Dermod Roe, the son A. D. 1456.
Niall Roe,
O'Neill,
son Niall More, died.
Owen, the son
Niall Oge, the
Tir Eogain, was princes Tyrone. Tois place the parish Desertereight, near Dungannon, the ***inty Tyrone, and the O'Hagans, who were chiefs the dis
Tullaghoge, already stated the note the place inauguration the O'Neills
tri about Tullaghoge, presided chief Brehons Tir Eogain **e* inauguration the O'Neills; and there are still some earthen
***Ports and large stones, the remains the ancient fortress
tha O'Hagans Tullaghoge. There was also seat large rude ****** former times Tullaghoge, which served the corona ti--a chair the O'Neills, and was called Leac-na-Riogh, the
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264 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1458-59.
into their fastnesses, viz. , into Eoganaigh, and the Mac Gauran, Thomas, the son Ferga Mourne Mountains; Mac Guire, and Philip (Mac died.
Guire), proceeded into Dartry of Coininsi Mo naghan), and finding prey before them, they
burned Dartry, and the town Owen, the son Roderick Mac Mahon, viz. , Lis-na-Gabhar, and afterwards returned home.
Philip, the son Thomas Mac Guire, and his sons, marched with force into Brefney O'Rourke, but O’Rourke sent his cattle from them into the
fastnesses the country, and Philip then pro
ceeded the town O’Rourke, which burned,
together with the entire country; O'Rourke over took Philip, and engagement ensued, which Tiarnan, the son Teige O'Rourke, and Mac Ma nus, were slain, and the son Cathal Bodhar O'Rourke, with many others, were put flight
the men Fermanagh, that occasion.
Bryan, the son Murtogh Oge O'Ferrall, lord
Clan Awlave O'Ferrall Longford), died. A. D. 1458.
Tomaltach, the son Conor MacDermott, lor
Moylurg, Artagh, Tir Tuathail, &c. (in Ro
Achaidh Beithe (parish Agha great number valuable books belonging
The church
vea, Fermanagh), was burned, together with
A. D. 1459.
Torlogh, lord Thomond, died.
common), general entertainer
Ireland, great remunerator
retainers, died the eve
the learned military men an
the festival S
Bartholomew, and his lawful son, Cathal Ma
Dermott, having died fortnight before that time
they were both buried the monastery Boyle
Hugh, the son Conor Mac Dermott, succeede
Tomaltach.
Geoffrey, son Edmond, the son Thoma
O'Ferrall, was killed John, son Donal, th son John O'Ferrall, and the sons Cono namely, Lisagh, &c.
Edmond Burke, lord the English Con naught, and many the inhabitants, the mos distinguished the English Ireland form, personal figure, symmetry, nobility, hospitality,
justice and truth, died the latter end this yea Fergal Roe Mac Geoghegan, lord Kine
Fiacha, (in Westmeath), died February.
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– - - - -
vicar-general), namely, Niall, the son of Mac Craith Mac Mahon.
O’Donnell, Torlogh Cairbreach, accom
panied O’Neill, namely, Henry, marched their
forces into the lower part Connaught, from whence they proceeded Brefney, and preyed and burned the country from the mountain westward, and they also burned the town O’Rourke, that
O’Brien,
Cumara Mac Namara was treacherously slain. Connla Mac Geoghegan, lord Kinel Fiacha
was killed by the son Art O’Melaghlin. O’Beirne, Bryan, chief Tir Briuin
Roscommon), died.
Fergal, the son Thomas O’Reilly (of Cavan)
died.
The earl Kildare (Thomas FitzMaurice Fit gerald), gave great overthrow O’Conor Faily namely, Con, the son Calvach, which Co himself was taken prisoner, and the grandson William O'Kelly, with great many his people were slain.
the official (vicar
Drumahaire; they took the hostages Connaught, and they were delivered
the O’Don
nell, after which they returned home.
O'Conor Faily, namely, the Calvach More, the
son Murrogh the victories, lord Offaley, man who never refused hospitality any person,
lord the Leinster men, who received most tri bute from the English and Irish who were oppos
him, died and was buried Killaghey and his son Con O'Conor was appointed his successor.
The Kinel Duachain dered by Bryan, son Maguire.
Moysleacht (Fenagh
Leitrim), were plu Philip, the son Thomas
Leitrim), was plundered
O'Rourke, i. e. Loghlin, the son (the grey), lord Brefney, died.
Teige Liath
by Maguire, Thomas Oge, and the town Mac Gauran the barony Tullaghaw, count Cavan), was burned him that expedition
Art O’Neill, son Owen, the son
Niall Oge,
the most hospitable and brave the men Ty Glaisne, the son Conor O’Reilly (of Cavan)
rone, died.
was killed the sons Roderick Mac Mahon.
REIGN OF HENRY WI. 265
O’Neill, namely, Henry, the son of Owen, led
a force of the English to Caislean-na-hCGhmaidhe
(the castle of Omagh in Tyrone), to wrest it from
the clan Art O’Neill, but they concluded a peace brother, together with Owen Caoch, the son Ma
hon Mac Cabe, and many others were slain; Cathal (O’Reilly) the son Owen, succeeded his place.
Mac Gauran Owen, died.
Roderick Ballach, the son Murtogh O'Conor, died.
Thomas, the son Thomas Burke, who suc ceeded Edmond Burke the Mac William, died. Mac Cabe, Henry, the son Gillcreest,
having gone into Annaly with O'Ferrall, namely, Donal Buigh, died suddenly Lisardabla (Lisard
Longford), and his remains were attended by fourteen score (280) galloglasses, with their battle diocese of Killala, in Connaught, was founded by axes, conveying him his burial place Cavan. Mac Manus Tir Tuathail (in Roscommon),
swith each other.
John Cam, the son of Cu-uladh Mac Ward (in
Donegal), died.
O’Curneen, i. e. Manus, chief historian to
O’Rourke (of Leitrim), died.
Maolmuire O’Keenan, an intended chief histo
rian and poet (of Fermanagh), died. Murtogh O'Daly, a learned poet, died.
A. D. 1460.
The monastery of Moyne' in Tyrawley, in the
The English gave defeat O'Reilly,” namely, John, son Owen, son John, son Philip, son Gillaisa Roe, which O’Reilly, and Hugh his
Mac William Burke, at the request of Nehemias
Roderick, the son Owen Roe Mac Manus, full
O’Donoghoe, the first provincial vicar in Ireland of the Observantine order of St. Francis.
worthy lord
that territory, was killed by Con Con, the son Niall Garv, the the Wine, and by Teige, the son
The bishop O’Brien of Killaloe was killed by O’Donnell,
Bryan of the fleet, the son of Donogh, the son of son Torlogh
Mahon O’Brien, at Inis-Cluana-Ramhfhoda. ” Teige O’Rourke, who were preying the country,
Roderick, son of Manus O’Moghan, parish and they carried off the booty Airgead Glen," and
priest of Elphin, died.
Hugh Roe, the son of Niall Garv O’Donnell,
and Maolmurry, the son of Mac Sweeney Fanat,
were liberated from their imprisonment by O’Neill, O’Malley, and John O'Malley (the O’Malleys
i. e. Henry, after they had been four years in con Mayo), having gone with their shipping along with finement with him, for he considered the sons of the sons O’Brien Corca Baiscinn (in Clare), Naghtan to be more faithful to him than the sons expedition against Mac Mahon, the three of Niall. (O'Malleys) were slain before they reached their
O'Conor Faily, that Con, the son the Cal ships, Donal O’Brien was taken prisoner, and vach, gave the English great overthrow, which Mahon O'Brien was wounded going his ship, the baron Calatrom (Hussey, baron Galtrim), and was drowned before could reach and
and many others were slain.
D. 1460. Moyne Abbey was beautifully situated
near the mouth the river Moy, the parish
Mayo, and some extensive and interesting ruins the abbey and
church still remain. Nehemias O’Donoghoe, above-mentioned, was the first who introduced into Ireland the Reformed Order of Fran ciscan Friars, called De Observantia, that Observantines, Observants, and provincial chapters the order were frequently held the abbey Moyne, the fifteenth and sixteenth centu ries; but the 37th year the reign Elizabeth, grant this friary and its possessionswere given Edmond Barrett, rent
five shillings annually.
Inis Cluana Ramhfhoda, anglicised Clonroad, was the an
cient name the town Ennis, the county Clare, and called from its insular situation on the river Fergus, and the name Clonroad still retained one the suburbs Ennis. The bishop above-mentioned was Torlogh, Terence O’Brien.
their people were slaughtered that expedition.
the head about 2000 the men Brefney, entered Oriel Louth, and attacked and plundered the English settlements. Sir Robert Taaffe, son Sir Nicholas Taaffe, who had beenhigh she riff Louth, having collected the English forces the county, and being joined Ardee the mayor Drogheda, the head
500 archers, and 200 men armed with pole-axes, marched against O'Reilly, and fierce battle was fought Malpas bridge, Louth, which, after long contest with great loss the
English, the Brefnians were length defeated, and O'Reilly's son, with his brother Hugh, Mac Cabe, captain the galloglas ses, Mac Brady, and other chiefs, and 400 their men were slain. For this signal service the men Drogheda, King Ed ward IV. gave the corporation that town sword, carried
before the mayor, and the annual sum £20 for the maintenance of the same.
the western side, Killala, county
O’Reilly. An account this affair given Lodge's len, the borders Leitrim. Peerage the family Taaffe, and appears that the O'Reillys,
the chiefs the Mac Manuses took the booty from them that glen, after Mac Manus had been slain. Donal, the son Dermod O’Malley, William
Airgead Glen, supposed the parish Kilroman, county
the valley the river Arigna, Roscommon, near Lough Al
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266 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1460.
Bryan O'Malley was killed by his brother Hugh, order of St. Francis, and Inis Arcain lies in the
in a dispute between them; they were the sons of country of O’Driscoll.
Teige O'Malley. The monastery of Inis Corthadh," in Leinster, in
A monastery was founded on Inis Arcain" in the diocese of Ferns, on the banks of the river
Munster, in the diocese of Ross, for friars of the
5. Inis Arcain, now Inisherkan, anciently Iniskiaran, so called from St. Kiaran, an island situated between Cape Clear and the bay of Baltimore, in the county of Cork, on which some ruins still remain of this ancient abbey, which was founded by Florence O’Driscoll.
6. Inis Corthadh, now Enniscorthy, in the county of Wexford, where the above mentioned Franciscan monastery was founded by Donal Mac Murrogh Cavenagh, and of which someruins still re main; its lands were given by Queen Elizabeth to John Travers, who conveyed them for a term of years to the poet Spenser, who was secretary to the lord deputy, Arthur Grey, in the reign of Elizabeth, and Spenser assigned them to sir Henry Wallop, ances tor of the earls of Portsmouth.
I. Moy Liffey and Bregia. -In this article will be given the history and topography of the territories comprised in the present
counties of Dublin and Kildare, together with their chiefs and clans.
Magh Liffe, signifying the Plain of the Liffey, was the name
applied in ancient times to the plains on both sides of the river Liffey, comprising a great part of the present county of Kildare, on both sides of the river Liffey, including the Curragh of Kildare,
which was called Cuireach Liffe, and also parts of Dublin, along the Liffey.
Bregia, in Irish Magh Breagha, which signifies the fair or mag
nificent plain, was the name applied to the immense plain com prising the present counties of Meath and Dublin, extending from Dublin to Drogheda, to Duleek, Slane, Navan, Kells, Trim, Tara, Dunboyne, thence to Dunshaughlin, Cloonee, and Castleknock. In the account of the battle of Clontarf, in the Annals of Innisfallen, it is mentioned that Bryan Boru fell in Bregia, thus the plain of Clontarf was part of Bregia. This extensive territory was di vided into North and South Bregia, as frequently mentionedin the Annals. Doctor Charles O'Conor translates Magh Breagha into
Campus Brigantium, signifying the plain of the Brigantes, as he considered that it was chiefly possessed in ancient times by the Clanna Breogain, or Irish Brigantes, a branch of the Milesians,
of whom an account has been given in the note on Hy Kinsellagh. Fingall, a name still retained, was applied to a large territory, part of ancient Bregia, extending between Dublin and Drogheda,
along the sea coast, and a few miles into the interior, containing
the greater part of the present baronies of Coolock, Nethercross,
and Balrothery, in the county of Dublin, and got its name, ac
cording to various authorities, from a colony of Norwegians who
settled there in the tenth century, and were called by the Irish
Fionn Ghaill, signifying the Fair-haired Foreigners, and the
Danish colony, who are stated to have beenpartly located south of
the river Liffey, near Dublin, were called Dubh Ghaill, signifying
Dark-haired Strangers. In the Annals of the Four Masters Fin hounds into Ireland. Criomthan brought over various other arti
gall is written in the Irish Fine Gall, which signifies a Colony of Foreigners. The territory of Fingall, together with the city of Dublin, was possessed by the Danish and Norwegian colonies for about three centuries, as hereafter explained. All that part of the present county of Dublin north of the river Liffey was, it appears, part of Bregia, and was comprised within the ancient kingdom of Meath, as explained in the note on Meath; and when Hugh de Lacy obtained a grant of the kingdom of Meath from king Henry II. , Hugh Tyrrell, one of de Lacy's friends, was made baron of Castleknock, and another of his barons, namely, Adam Feipo, or Phepoe, obtained Skrine, Santriff, or Santry, and Clontorth, now either Clonturk, near Dublin, or Clontarf. That part of the present county of Dublin north of the river Liffey, being included in the ancient kingdom of Meath, was subject to the kings of Meath; and the part south of the Liffey was subject to the kings of Leinster. A great part of the county of Kildare, as above ex
cles great value, mentioned O'Flaherty’s Ogygia, and the old historians. The ancient Irish chieftains, like their Celtic
Scythian ancestors, and various nations antiquity, fought war chariots, the same manner the Gauls and Britons described Caesar and Tacitus, their battles with the Romans, and our ancient bards and annalists give copious accounts the Irish chiefs fighting their chariots, amongst others the cele brated champion Cuchullin, who was one the chiefs the Red Branch Knights Ulster about the commencement the Chris tian era, and had his fortress Dun Dealgan, now Dundalk; and his cotemporary Meava, the famous heroine and queen Con naught, like the British queen Boadicea, described command ing her own forces person, mounted magnificent gilded chariot, and wearing golden Asion crown her head, and attended great retinue chiefs, also their war-chariots.
the second century, Dublin mentioned by our old historians un
called Slaney, was founded for Franciscan friars. *
plained, was included in Moy Liffey, and the rest of Kildare be longed to different other territories, as shewn in the notes on Meath, Ossory, Offaley, and Leix, partly to the kingdom of Meath,
which contained parts of the baronies of Ikeath and Carbery; partly to Offaley, which contained the two baronies of Offaley, in the principality of O'Conor Failey, and in part of Clanmaliere, or O'Dempsey's country; partly to Leix, which contained the barony of West Narragh and Rheban, in the principality of O'Moore, and partly to the O'Tooles, princes of Imaile in Wicklow, who pos sessed, as shewn in the notes on Hy Kinsellagh and Cualan, parts of the baronies of South Naas, Kilcullen, East Narragh, Kilkea, and Moone.
Ancient History. —The territories now forming the countiesof Dublin and Kildare are connected with some of the earliest events in Irish history. Partholan, the Scythian, who planted the first colony in Ireland, according to our old annalists, about fifteen cen turies before the Christian era, had his residence at Binn Eadair, signifying the Hill of Eadair, now the Hill of Howth, which was also called Dun Eatair, signifying the fortress of Etair, and de rived its name, according to the Book of Dinseanchus, from Eadar, or Eatar, one of the Tuath de Danan queens, who was buried there, and to whose memory a great cairn was raised. This is a more probable derivation for Binn Eadair than that of various writers, who state that it signified the Hill of Oaks. Partholan was cut off at this place by a plague, together with his entire co lony, consisting of nine thousand persons, whom were buried
Moy nEalta, the Plain the Birds, named from the great numbers sea fowl that resorted thither, and afterwards called Clontarf. According O'Brien and others, however, the Partho lanians were buried place called Tamlachta Muintire Partho lain, signifying the burial cairns Partholan's people, which now the Hill Tallaght, near Dublin. Fulman, one the Mile sian chiefs, about one thousand years before the Christian era,
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Suird, now Swords, near Dublin.
monarch the commencement
residence and fortress the Hill
tary expeditions into Gaul and Britain. Criomthan Nianair, mo march Ireland the first century, also had his chief residence and fortress, called Dun Criomthain, the Hill Howth; was
famous warrior, celebrated for his military expeditions Gaul and Britain, and brought Ireland from foreign countries many valuable spoils, amongst other things gilded war chariot, three
tables ornamented with gems, four rich garments, two golden hilted swords, adorned with precious stones, and shields embossed with silver; two hounds coupled together with silver chain, va lued three hundred cows; and, according the Glossary
Cormac Mac Cullenan, this was the first introduction grey
place called Raith-Arda Conary the Great, who was
the Christian era, had royal Howth, and made many mili
The Battle Gaura, called the Irish historians Cath Gabh ra, celebrated the writings the ancient annalists and bards,
mains, which was residence the ancient kings Leinster. The Fenians were the chief troops Leinster, and were Milesians
was fought, according O'Flaherty's Ogygia
ters Tara cording posed
the race
cording
according
Brea,
Gaura, by the Lugnians
tory now called the barony
place mentioned Ath Brea, the Ford Brea, was situated somewhere on the Boyne, between Trim and Navan.
Clanna Morna, called from Morna, one their celebrated chiefs, were the warriors Connaught and the Firbolg race, called Fir Domnians Damnonians, and were afterwards com manded by famous champion named Goll, the son Morna.
the Four Masters,
placed A. D. 296. Gabhra Aichle,
others, the place where the battle was fought that now called Garristown, the county
called the battle
Bregia, and considered Skreen,
but, ac sup Dublin, this
the river Boyne,
tribe who possessed the terri
on the borders Meath; and the circumstances which led battle were as follows:
REIGN OF EDWARD IV. 267 arms, an entertainer of learned men and strangers, a
A. D. 1461.
DWARD IV. " was
proclaimed king of
England, on the 4th of March.
Felim, son of Ow
man who purchased more poems, and possessed a
greater collection of poetry, than any other man in his time: he died, after having gained the victory over the world and the devil.
Hugh, son of Torlogh Oge O'Conor, lord of half Connaught in opposition to Teige O'Conor, a wor thy representative of a king of the province of Connaught, in form and personal figure, in valour,
en, son of Niall Oge in warfare, and in patronage of learned men, and O’Neill, died of a of others who were deserving died Bal sudden fit; and he lintobber St. Bridget (in Roscommon), the
was a man distinguished for hospitality and feats of Ides May, after extreme unction and repentance,
der the name Ath Cliath Dubhlinne, signifying the Ford the tor the famous hero Fionn, the son Cumhall; but according Hurdles on the Black Pool, and called from ford over which O'Conor, his notes the Four Masters, they were called passage was constructed by hurdles, the boggy pool the Baoisgine, being descended from the Milesians who came from Liffey. About the middle the secondcentury, Mogha Nuadhat, Basconia, Spain, now Biscay, the country anciently called called also Eogan More, celebrated king Munster, having long Cantabria. The Fenian warriors were famous military force,
contended for the sovereignty Ireland with the monarch Con forming the standing national militia, and instituted Ireland the Hundred Battles, they length agreed divide the island be the early ages, long before the Christian era, but brought the tween them by line, drawn direct from Dublin Galway, along greatest perfection the reign the celebrated Cormac, monarch the river Liffey Leixlip, thence through Kildare and Offaley, Ireland the third century. None were admitted into this mi
now part of the King's county,
and onward the bay Galway.
according O'Halloran and others,
fortresses, and was called Eisgir Riada, from Eisgir, which signi fies ridge, and chain small hills still traceable along the line this ancient boundary. The southern division Ireland, belonging the king Munster, was called Leath Mogha, Mogha's Half, and comprised the ancient kingdoms Leinster and Munster, and the northern division, called Leath Cuinn, Con's Half, comprehended the ancient kingdoms Meath, Ulster, and Connaught, and these two great divisions Ireland, the poli tical contests various kings, were recognised afterwards for many centuries, several sovereigns were styled kings Leath Cuinn, and others kings Leath Mogha, and these divisions are frequently mentioned our Annals, even down the sixteenth
litary body but select men the greatest activity, strength, sta ture, perfect form, and valour, and, when the force was complete, consisted seven Catha, that battalions legions, each
the Shannon Clonmacnois, This boundary was marked,
ramparts, and chain
battalion containing three thousand men, according O'Halloran and various other historians, making 21,000 for each the five provinces, about one hundred thousand fighting men time
those early times, Ireland the fifth
monian kings Leinster, was the chief commander the Fenian warriors, and his great actions, strength, and valour are celebrated
century. Amongst the notices Dublin
may be mentioned that Laoghaire, monarch
century, had royal residence and fortress
him Dun Laoghaire, afterwards Dunleary,
Many of the most celebrated battles recorded
ancient times, have been fought the great plains Meath, Dub
lin, and Kildare; and many those battles, those Cnucha,
Maistean, Almhain, Athrodain, and Beallach Mughna, have been Kildare, Ailinn, near Old Kilcullen, where great rath still re described the notes Hy Kinsellagh, Ossory, Offaley and Leix.
place called from now Kingstown. Irish history
the ancient Ossian; but Ossian, but mostly fictions fabricated Mac Pherson himself, and containing some passages from the ancient poems. Fionn had his chief resi dence and fortress Almhuinn, now either the hill Allen, near
284; but the Four Mas place situated near
others, the shot
arrow, place called Ath 283, the year before the battle
Meath;
Tara,
Lune, near Tara, Meath; and the
The Fenians, called by the Irish writers Fianna Eirionn, sig
nifying the Fenians Ireland, are mentioned the Four Masters
under the name Fene, Feine, which, according Dr. O'Conor
in his notes the Four Masters, signifies the Phenicians Ire The Red Branch Knights Ulster, called Curaidhe-na land, Feine, according Dr. O'Brien, his Dictionary the
word Fearmoigh, signifies Phenicians; and they were probably called so from the tradition that Phenicians came Ireland the early ages. They are also called by the Irish writers Clann-Ua Baoisgine, and named, according Keating and others, from Baoisgine, who was chief commander thesewarriors, and ances
Craoibhe Ruaidhe, signifying the Warriors the Red Branch, were the chief military force Ulster, principally residing about Emania, where stood the palace the kings Ulster, near Armagh, and highly celebrated the first century under their
champions Cuchullain, and Conall Cearmach Conall the victo rious.
war for the entire kingdom. The Ardrigh, head king Ire land, had, for the time being, chief controul over these forces, but they often resisted his authority.
commander was appointed over every thousand these troops, and the entire force was com pletely armed and admirably disciplined,and each battalion had their bands musicians and bards animate them battle, and celebrate their feats arms. the reign the monarch Cormac, the ce lebrated Fionn Mac Cumhaill, who was descended from the Here
the Ossianic poems, and various other productions bards; called Fingal Mac Pherson's Poems
observed that these are not the real poems
Heremon; and their renowned commander Fionn, ac the Four Masters, was slain the cast javelin, or,
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268 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1461.
in the 63rd year of his age, and was interred at Hugh Roe and Owen, having mustered their Roscommon. forces, marched Fanat (in Donegal), the re
The sons of Niall Garv O’Donnell, namely, sidence Maolmuire, the son Mac Sweeney, The Clanna Deaga, or Degadians, in the first, second, and the bard, the father Osgar, introduced narrating the
third centuries, were the chief warriors of Munster: they were Heremonians originally from Ulster, but settled in Munster in early times, and an account of them has beengiven in the notes on Thomond and Desmond.
The Dalcassians, called by the Irish writers Dal-gdais, from Cormac Cas, a famous king of Munster of the race of Heber in the third century, were the chief warriors of Munster from the third tothetwelfth century,andformedmostlybytheclansofThomond, now the county of Clare, with parts of Limerick and Tipperary; and they are highly celebrated in Irish history, particularly under Brian Boru, who was himself of the Dalcassian race; an account of them has been given in the notes on Thomond and Desmond.
In the reign of king Cairbre Liffeachair, son of the monarch Cor mac, the Fenian forces revolted from the service of Cairbre, and joined the famous Mogh Corb, king of Munster, of the race of the Dal cassians. After the death of Fionn Mac Cumhaill, the Fenians were commandedby his son Oisin or Ossian, the celebrated warrior and bard; and at the time of the battle of Gaura, Osgar, another famous champion, the son of Oisin, commanded the Fenian forces. The army of Munster, commanded by Mogh Corb, a name which signifies the Chief of the Chariot, and by his son Fear Corb, that the man warrior the chariot, was composed the Clanna Deagha and Dalcassian troops, joined the Fenians and their Leinster forces; and stated the Ossianic poems, and
Hanmer's Chronicle, from the Book Howth, that great body warriors from North Britain, Denmark, and Norway, came over and fought the side the Fenians Gaura. The army the monarch Cairbre was composed the men Meath and
Ulster, together with the Clanna Morna, Connaught warriors,
events the battle, follows:
“On our march from Binn Eadair (Howth) The entire of our numbers were
Three hundred Fenian chiefs,
With their respective bands warriors.
“There were thirty descendants
Of the race Fionn the Fenians, Who always bore shields and spears,
the time conflict and slaughter.
“There were the Fenian champions
From Alba (Scotland) and from the king Through their friendship for the Fenians Who joined that great battle.
Britain, Almhuin,
Hugh, King Connaught, son Garadh, the Damnonian race. The Munster forces, Meath, where they were met the com bined troops the monarch Cairbre, and fought one the most
furious battles recorded Irish history, which continued through out the whole length summer's day. The greatest valour
commanded Aodh grandson Morna and Fenians, marched
was displayed the warriors
say which army were victors
was slain single combat
each side, and difficult vanquished. The heroic Osgar
the valiant monarch Cairbre, but
Cairbre himself soon afterwards fell the hand the champion
Simon, the son Ceirb,
Both armies amounted part whom were slain; twenty thousand men,
the race the Fotharts Leinster. about fifty thousand men, the greater
the Fenian forces, who consisted stated that eighteenthousand fell; and
both sides, thirty thousand warriors were slain.
ing year, Hugh, king Connaught, according
Ogygia, defeatedthe Munster forces battle
the mountain Senchua, Muscry, which slew Mogh Corb, king Munster. The tremendous battle Gaura considered
have led the subsequentfall the Irish monarchy, for after the destruction the Fenian forces, the Irish kings never were able muster national army equal valour and discipline those heroes, either cope with foreign foes, reduce sub jection the rebellious provincial kings and princes: hence the monarchy became weak and disorganised, and the ruling powers were unable maintain their authority make sufficient stand against the Danish and Anglo-Norman invaders after times. The following passagesrespecting the battle Gaura, have been literally translated from one the poems attributed Oisin that subject, and supposed have been written the third century, though observed that many the poems called Ossianic were written long subsequent that period, they refer
events which occurred several centuries afterwards, and appear additions the original poems Oisin. The best collection extant the Ossianic poems Irish MS. , with translations into English, are the library William Betham, and published that learned antiquary and Irish scholar, would form valuable contribution towards ancient Irish literature. the poem, Oisin
the follow O'Flaherty's
Spaltrach, near
“From the commander nine upwards,
There were the mighty Fenians Lochlin (Denmark),
that great conflict, the slaughter.
“In this battle Gaura
Fighting against Osgar, my son,
Numbers who joined And who also shared
the Liffey
“There were five battalions from Ulster,
Together with the men Meath
Who joined against us, with Carbry,
And we were unequal the number our foes.
“When my son Osgar had seen
The king Erin taking the lead,
He vowed, himself, slay the monarch And cut him down with his keen sword.
“Then Osgar the Great and Generous Earnestly requestedpermission
To lead the van the battle,
At the head of his own battalions.
“And Beine, the son Breasal,
hero great strength and valour,
Said that he and the Fenians of Britain
Would march the same rank with Osgar. “The son Lughaidh the brave,
Who was always victorious battle, Said that he, accompanied by Cuirioll,
Should lead the army the battle Gaura.
Was the monarch Carbery With all the forces of Erin.
“There was Hugh, the son
With his ten hundred warriors;
The king Connaught and his forces Were against that battle.
spear “Then Cuirioll cast his rage,
At random with fierce
And drove the unlucky dart Through the body the son
Breasal.
“The nobleOsgar, loud voice,
Then demandedfrom Cuirioll,
‘Why hast thou slain my friend,
Thou son Fionn, the son Cumhall? "
“Cuirioll the Fair then made answer violent passion Osgar—
thou be the son of Oisin
wish that thou hadst fallen his stead. ”
fearful blows,
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REIGN OF EDWARD IV. 269
to aid him against O’Donnell, i. e. Torlogh Cairp for his having allied himself to the sons of Niall. reach, who was wreaking his vengeance on the The sons of Niall, and the sons of Mac Sweeney, son of Mac Sweeney, and on the entire of Fanat, held a consultation to determine on what they
“My son was seized with anger On hearing such utterance, And, on the instant, demanded A combat from the champion.
“Then Osgar and Cuirioll
Met each other in conflict,
Whilst I endeavoured to intercede
Along with Faolan and Fiachra.
“With regard to my son, Osgar,
In this contest with Cuirioll, Two hundred of the Fenians fell
In our efforts to appease their anger. “We then raised our standards
To commence the battle of Gaura,
We ourselves, and the Fenians of Leinster,
Against Carbry and the Clanna Morna.
“Then Fergus the poet prepared, The chief bard of the Fenians, To encourage us on to the fight
In advancing to the battle of Gaura.
“‘March onward, O! valiant Osgar, Thou cleaver of the helmets of heroes, And by thy prosperous standard, Obtain renown and victory.
“Acquire fresh conquering courage
Against Hugh, the son of Garaidh,
And against the opposing kings,
And completely subdue them by slaughter. ”
“We advanced closely to the conflict,
And rushed against the king and his forces; And such a sight as then appeared
Will never again be recorded.
“The Fenians of Britain, who fought on our side, Against a thousand men of the son of Garaidh, Were fiercely cut down in that battle;
Oh! unhappy to us was their destruction.
“The Fenians of Leinster were likewise cut down, And the Fenians of Alba, by the son of Garaidh, Ten hundred valiant warriors
In that onset were slaughtered.
“My son then rushed onward
On the battalions of Tara,
Like a hawk amongst small birds, Or like a dashing wave of the ocean.
“He made a fierce charging onset Against the forces of the men of Erin, When three hundred chieftains fell, By Osgar of the powerful strokes.
“Ten hundred, without fear,
Of our determined enemies
Now came on with the son of Garaidh,
Who had not before engaged in the contest.
“The son of Garaidh rushed onward, After arranging his men for battle, To meet Osgar of the purple armour. Brave and terrific were those chiefs.
“Twenty-four wounds were inflicted
On the body of the brave Osgar,
Which he received from the men of Carbry, Before he advanced against the son of Garaidh.
“On the body of the son of Garaidh,
On retiring from the combat with Osgar, Were inflicted three score wounds,
And very deep and dangerous were they.
“From the overwhelming blows of Osgar,
And of the descendants of Morna of combats; You might behold, over the glens,
A flashing fire from the clash of their arms.
“The son of Garaidh was subdued,
And great indeed was the loss,
By Osgar, who was never conquered, Either in combat or in the battle field.
“A dart was cast by the king of Erin,
Who bore in his hand the poisoned arms,
Which pierced the body of the sharp-sworded Osgar, And this fatal wound extended to his heart.
“Osgar, my son, fell to the ground,
Who had never before been conquered,
But before he fell his pointed spear Pierced the body of the monarch Carbry.
“Seven princes in that battle,
Who were eligible to the throne of Erin,
Were slain that day by my son, Before he encountered Carbry.
“Numerous were the pools of blood,
On the extensive plain of Gaura,
And many heads were strewn there,
Severed from their bodies by the carnageof that battle.
“Of the valiant heroes who fell on that plain Were two hundred presumptive heirs,
Who were by right entitled
To royal crowns in Erin.
“With undaunted valour we fought
That dreadful battle of Gaura;
Together the Fenians bravely fell Eighteen of their kings and royal princes.
“Many a polished buckler you might behold,
And standards of chieftains of the finest Srol, Many lifeless heroes, with their shields, Strewed in heaps all over the plain.
“We did not collect the precious ornaments But of heroes famed for victory,
We did not take away from the battle field But the jewels of kings and exalted chiefs.
“From the day of the battle of Gaura
The Fenians never after raised their voices, And there passed neither night nor day, That we did not spend in grief and sighs.
“There has not been found from India in the east To the very extremities of the world
A king who has not been under our controul, Until the time of fighting that battle.
“No foreign invading prince ever came
To the land of Fodhla (Ireland), in our time,
But was forced to return without conquest, And retrace his steps by our valour.
“Lastly we raised the heroic Osgar, Exalted on the shafts of our spears,
We conveyed him to a rising ground,
To warn the Fenians of our sorrowful loss.
270 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1461.
should do in defending themselves against the sons the others for their enmity and their evil deeds. of Naghtan O’Donnell and their forces, for they When O’Donnell and the sons of Naghtan received (the Mac Sweeneys) resolved to be revenged of intelligence that the sons of Niall had gone to
“We constructed the graves of the heroes, And buried them with princely honours, The tombs of the noble and valiant Osgar, And of the son of Gara, the son of Oisin.
“We buried Osgar the brave
On the north side of the great Gaura,
And likewise Osgar, the son of Glonn, And Osgar, the son of the king of Lochlin.
“And the hero who was liberal of gold,
The son of Lughaidh, the great champion. May some delight come over my words, For great is my sorrow this night. ”
The Danes in Dublin. —For a period of more than three hun
dred years, in the ninth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth centuries,
and down to the Anglo-Norman invasion under Strongbow, the
Danish and Norwegian colonies were in possession of the city of
Dublin and of the territory of Fingall, and Danish kings ruled over
Dublin during that time; but they appear to have beenoccasionally
under subjection and tribute mostly to the kings of Leinster, and
sometimes to the kings of Meath ; and in the eleventh and
twelfth centuries, some of the O'Briens, kings of Munster, of the
Mac Murroghs, kings of Leinster, and of the O'Conors, kings of
Connaught, became kings over the Danes of Dublin. In A. D. 1170, the Anglo-Normans, under Strongbow, Raymond le
Gros, and Milo de Cogan, with their Irish allies under Dermod Mac Murrogh, king of Leinster, took the city of Dublin, and expelled Asculph Mac Thorkell, the last Danish king of Dublin, who in the year 1171, having collected a great force of Danes and Norwegians from the Orkneys, the Hebrides, and the Isle of Mann, attempted to recover Dublin, but his forces were defeated by the Anglo-Normans under Milo and Richard de Cogan, and Asculph himself was slain. An account of the Danish kings of Dublin will be given in a future number.
Introduction of Christianity. —Some account of the missions of Palladius and St. Patrick, as intimately connected with the diocese of Dublin, will be necessary in this place.
Palladius, a Roman deacon, and considered to have been a native of Britain, was consecrated a bishop by Pope Celestine,
remained Ireland. Palladius was not altogether one year Ireland, being compelled quit the country the latter end
431, the year his arrival; and having sailed North Britain, died there soon after the land the Cruthneans
who sent him, in the beginning of the fifth century, on a mission
to preach the Gospel to the Irish, then called Scoti or Scots, a
name which was long afterwards applied to the people of that part
of North Britain, now called Scotland. Palladius having departed
from Rome, set out on his voyage, accompanied by Sylvester,
Solinus, Augustine, Benedict, and other missionaries, and landed in
Ireland in the beginning of the year 431, in some harbour either of
Wexford or Wicklow, in the territory then called Hy Garchon, preparing for Ireland; and the year 432, being them the 45th which was part of the ancient principality of Hy Kinsellagh, and
extended along the sea coast, comprising parts of the present counties of Wexford and Wicklow. Proceeding on his mission, he
baptized many persons, and founded a church called Cill Fine, in which he deposited the sacred books, and some relics of SS. Peter and Paul, and other saints, which he had brought from Rome, besides his writing tablets, all of which were long preserved with great veneration. Two other churches were afterwards erected by his companions, one called Teach-na-Romhnach, signifying the house of the Romans, and the other named Domhanach-arda, that the church the height, from which the parish Donard,
the county Wicklow, got its name, and the church was erected the great mountain now called Slieve Gadoe, which there are still some ruins ancient church with holy well, much resorted place pilgrimage honour the missionaries Sylvester and Solinus who were buried there, and whose memory has beenalways held great veneration the people. The pro gress Palladius his missionary labours beingopposed Nathi,
Pagan chief, who was the lord Hy-Garchon, forced Palladius fly from the country, but his companions, Sylvester and Solinus,
year
cessor Gaul,
his age, was consecrated bishop, and appointed suc
Picts, the place now called Fordun, Scotland; and Fordun, under the name was long revered.
Mearns Kincardine,
St. Paldi, his memory
St. Patrick. -There are various contradictory opinions and controversies amongst the most learned ecclesiastical writers
the birth place St. Patrick, and the point extremely difficult determine. Some contend that he was descended from one the
Roman families Britain, and native North Britain, born the place now called Kilpatrick, near Dumbarton Scotland, but many others, particularly the learned Lanigan, have maintained with greater probability that was native
and born the place called Bononia,” now coast France, part the ancient territory
Armoric Gaul, Boulogne, the Armorica. His family were respectable Roman citizens Gaul, and his father's
name was Calphurnius, and that said have been sister, niece,
the celebrated bishop Tours.
the time his birth and death exists, well concerning the place his nativity. Usher, Ware, Colgan, the Annals the Four
Masters, and other authorities, place his birth 372 373,
and his death 493, the one hundred and twentieth year his age; but Lanigan, from accurate chronological computa
tions, places his birth A. 387, and his death D. 465, the 78th year his age; they agree the day his death, the 17th March, which his festival has been always celebrat
the church. According all our Irish historians, the celebrated Niall the Nine Hostages, monarch Ireland
expedi Ireland
the latter end the fourth century, made many military tions into Gaul and Britain, and one these brought 200 captives, amongst whom was youth named Patrick,
then the 16th year his age, and was sold slave chief nam Milchuo, Milcon, Miliac, who possessed district that
part Dalaradia now the southern part the county Antrim, where he tendedthe flocks of his master beside Slieve Mis Moun
tain. After captivity seven years, admonished Patrick effected his escape, and returned his family
He studied many years and also under St. German great piety; 429
the monastery St. Martin
his mother Conchessa, and she some relative St. Martin,
difference opinion respecting
vision, Gaul. Tours, Auxerre, and becameeminent for his accompanied St. German and Lupus
extirpating
Palladius the Irish mission. Having embarked sailed Britain, where made delay, but proceeded
Troyes Britain, their mission for the purpose the Pelagian heresy; and the year 431 was sent
Rome person,
St. German, who recommended him Pope Celestine
for his piety and virtue, appointed the mission then
Ireland, where arrived pontificate Sixtus III. The place
have been some part the coast
being repulsed the natives, sailed northward, and landed
small island off the coast Bregia, which island was afterwards called Holm Patrick, St. Patrick's Isle, and situated near Skerries, the county Dublin; having rested here for some
time, proceeded northwards and landed Inver Slainge, Dalaradia, now either Strangford Lough the Bay Dundrum, the district then called Magh Inis, peninsula which now forms
the barony Lecale, the county Down. Here converted Dicho, chief that territory, being the first convert he had made the Christian faith; and this place St. Patrick erected church called Sabhal Phadraic, Patrick's Barn, from which the parish Saul, near Downpatrick, derived name; proceeded thence the northern part Dalaradia, the residence his old master Milcho, the land the Cruthmeans Irish Picts, and
432, the first year the his landing supposed
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Fanat, he and his kinsmen, with their forces and the Albanian (Scottish) troops who had joined
him, marched and encamped Ceannmaghair (in Donegal), meet them, and watch the movements
maicne, now parts of Longford and Leitrim, and to Magh Sleacht
in Brefney, now Fenagh in Leitrim, where he destroyed the idols,
and great temple of the Druids, and erected a church on its ruins. Crossing the Shannon, he proceeded onward into Connaught, where
the dispute was amicably arranged, and The remains SS. Bridget and Columkille patrick, and buried there along with those
was buried were removed St. Patrick,
Down. Down which
REIGN OF EDWARD IV. 271
having in vain endeavoured to convert Milcho, who remained an
obstinate Pagan, he determined to proceed to Tara, the chief
seat of the Irish kings. Having set sail from Dalaradia south Life, was man small stature, but great energy, and activity
ward, he landed at Inver Colpa, now the bay or mouth of the river Boyne, near Drogheda, and proceeded onward to Slane,
and thence to the royal residence at Tara, where, on Easter Sun
day, in the year 433, he preached the Gospel in the presence of
the monarch Laoghaire and a great assembly of the chiefs, Druids,
and people; he made many converts, and, amongst others, it is
stated, of some of the bards and learned men, but at the commence
ment of his mission he received much opposition from the monarch
and his chief Druids. On Easter Monday he preached at Tailten,
another royal residence near Tara, and proceeded soon after to
Teffia, now Westmeath, and preached at the hill of Usneagh, a
celebrated seat of Druidism; he then went to Annaly and Con Armagh and Louth, respecting the possession his remains, but
he spent seven years in the conversion of that province, and
erecting churches, and departing thence about A. D. 440, he
crossed the river Drobhaois in Brefney, at the place now called
Bundroos, in the county of Leitrim; and from thence to Easroe, now observed that Patrick was favourite christian name with many
age, according Lanigan, but Ussher and others place his death 493, his 120th year. St. Patrick, according Jocelyn's
mind and body. On the news his death, vast numbers the clergy flocked from all parts Ireland attend his funeral obse quies, which were celebrated with great pomp for twelve succes sive days, and with such profusion lights and torches that
said the nights were rendered bright day. He was buried Dun-da-leath-glas, which was also called Dune, latinised Du
num, and from him called Dun-Patraic, Downpatrick.
Jocelyn depth,
says was buried under great stone,
very deepgrave, being five cubits was feared attempt would
remove his body, for people the county
made great contest arose between the Ulidians,
Down, and the Orgiallians, people
the year 1293. The memory St. Patrick was for many ages venerated
Scotland and the Isle Mann, much Ireland, and many churches were dedicated him these countries; and may be
account has been given note these Annals
Ballyshannon; he crossed the river Erne, and proceeded through
Tirconnell or Donegal, converting great numbers and founding
the Scottish nobility, the Grahams, dukes Montrose; the Drummonds, earls Perth; the Lindsays, earls Crawford; the Lyons, thanes Glamis; the Homes, earls Marchmont; the Boyles, earls Glasgow; the Maules, earls Panmure; the Gordons, earls Aberdeen; the Dunbars, earls March the Murrays, earls Elibank; the Hays, earls Kinnoul; the Crichtons, earls Dumfries; the Oliphants, lords Oliphant.
churches in all those places; he next went to Dalrieda or the
northern part of Antrim; and thence to Dalaradia or Ulidia, which
territories now form the southern parts of Antrim and the county of Down; thence to Tir Eogain, now Tyrone; and to Orgiall, now
the counties of Armagh, Monaghan, and Louth, and onward to
Ardbracan and various other parts of the kingdom of Meath. great number the heads all these families, and others, bore According to Jocelyn the monk, in his Life of St. Patrick, and the name Patrick former times, may seen the Peer some other writers, it is stated that St. Patrick crossed the river ages Scotland, while appears strange that scarcely any the at Finglas; and in the year 448, converted Alphin, son of Eoch old Irish chiefs bore the name Patrick, though the name the great aidh, king of Ath Cliath or Dublin, and baptized him in a patron saint Ireland. full account the numerous lives fountain, near which a church was afterwards erected in the place St. Patrick will found the works Ware, Usher, Colgan, on which St. Patrick’s Cathedral now stands. St. Patrick pro O'Conor's Rer. Hib. Scrip. , and Lanigan, from which the above ceeded to Leinster to the territories of Hy-Garchon and Hy article has been compiled.
Kinsellagh, parts of the present counties of Wicklow, Wexford,
and Carlow; and also to Leix, now the Queen's county; to Naas
and Kilcullen in Kildare; to Ossory, now the county of Kilkenny ;
to Ormond and other parts of Tipperary; and to Cashel, where he
converted and baptized Aongus, king of Cashel; thence to Luim
neach or Limerick, where he converted many of the people of
Thomond; thence to Desmond, or parts of Cork and Kerry, and
spent altogether seven years in Munster, converting kings, parts Ireland, which full accounts may found D'Alton's
princes, and people; returning to Leinster, he crossed the river Brosna, and proceeded into Hy Falgia or Offaley, now the
King's county, where it is stated that a chieftain named Failge, an obstinate Pagan, having determined to assasinate the saint, killed by mistake with the thrust of a spear Odran, his charioteer, who sacrificed his own life to save St. Patrick; hence St. Odran has beenesteemed the first martyr to the faith in
valuable history the county and the archbishops Dublin,
Whitelaw and Walsh's History Dublin, Ware's and Grose's Antiquities, Wallancey's Collectanea, the Topographies Seward and Lewis, Rawson's Survey Kildare, &c.
Cromleacs. -The name Cromleac, signifies the stone Crom; and they were called from being used the worship Crom, one the deities the Irish Druids, said represent Fate, or,
Ireland. St. Patrick having returned through Meath and Orgiall, according Lanigan and others, the god fire, the sun, and
founded many churches, and having lands granted to him by Daire Dearg, a prince of the race of Clan Colla, who possessed the territory about Eamhain Macha, now Armagh, he erected a church or cathedral on the hill called Ard Macha, A. D. 455, and thus founded the see of Armagh, which became the metropolitan see or seat of the primacy of Ireland. According Jocelyn
and others, St. Patrick repaired Rome about 460, give account his mission Ireland Pope Leo the Great, who confirmed his acts, and approved the establishment the metropolitan see Armagh. Having, during mission about thirty-three years, according Lanigan, but much longer accord ing others, converted almost the whole the Irish the
sometimes called Crom Dubh, Black Crom, and Crom Cruach, signifying Crom the Heaps stones Cairns,as quoted Lanigan
from the Tripartite Life St. Patrick; and the Idol Crom Cruach, stated Lanigan and O'Flaherty’s Ogygia, quoting from the
Four Masters, and also the Book Invasions, the O'Clerys, was destroyed by St. Patrick the temple the Druids, on Magh Sleacht Brefney, now Fenagh Leitrim, and the last Sunday summer still called Domhnach Chroim Duibh, the Sunday Black Crom, being sacred St. Patrick the anniver sary commemorating the destruction the idol. This the real origin the name Cromleac, and not from the stones being sloping position, absurdly stated by some writers, and derived
Christian faith, performed many great miracles, consecrated more from the opinions the common people. The chief deities the than three hundred bishops, with vast numbers priests pres Druids were the sun, moon, stars, and winds; and woods, wells, byters, and founded many hundred churches, died Saul, near fountains, and rivers, were also objects adoration. The sun was Downpatrick, above stated, A. D. 465, the 78th year his worshipped under the designation Bel, Beal, Baal, the
St. Patrick first communicated the Irish the Roman Alpha bet and Latin language, but the Irish had their own Celtic Alpha bet, and written language, many centuries before the arrival St. Patrick, though has been absurdly asserted some shallow antiquarians that the Irish had use letters before his time.
Antiquities. —Numerous memorials the most remote ages still exist the counties Dublin and Kildare, all other
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272 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1461.
of the sons of Niall O’Donnell, and of Maolmuire (Mac Sweeney), who accompanied them from his
Phenicians and other eastern nations, and also under the name of Grian. The time dedicated to the worship of the moon was called Samhuin, which was one of their deities; and the wind was worshipped under the name of Gaoth. The sacred fire of Beal was lighted on the eveningof the first day of summer, or May eve, at the temple of the Druids on the hill of Usneagh, situated a few miles from Mullingar in Westmeath; hence that day is still named in the Irish La Beal-Teinme, that the day Beal's fire. The sacred fire Samhuin was lighted the eve the first day winter,
Tlachtga, Meath, another chief seat Druidism, situated place now called the Hill Ward, between Trim and Athboy; and the Irish La Samhna, Samhuin's day, the name applied the first November. No fires were permitted lighted Ireland, but those obtained from the Druids May and November, who delivered their sacred fire the people with great
own country; when the sons of Niall O’Donnell, and the people of Fanat were informed of this,
immense stones stated, that four thousand still remain, formed into numerous concentric circles, and covering area about half mile diameter. Ireland there are cromleacs, and
the common people Ireland, the cromleacs are generally called giants' graves. An account has beengiven the note Brefney the great temple the Druids Magh Sleacht, now
incantations, and for obtaining
silver coin equivalent three pence on every house head family.
tom originating from the celebration
still preserved the May fires lighted Ireland. The oak
was sacred tree were chiefly celebrated Irish Draoi Drui,
the Druids, and the rites Druidism the oak groves; and the name Druid, supposed derived from the Irish
Hill; and the Hills Killiney and Howth. various parts Kildare, particularly about Naas and Kilcullen, are huge pillar stones, considered Drnidical remains; and, according Giraldus Cambrensis, there was former times the Curragh
tion Druid from the Greek language, which their learned men
spoke Caesar's time.
