No More Learning

917, in a great battle with the Danes of Dublin. Murkertach or Murtogh Mac Neill, was Righ-Damhna or heir apparent to the
throne of Ireland; he resided at the ancient palace of Aileach in Donegal, and was generally styled prince of Aileach. The heroic Murkertach was distinguished for military abilities, and one of the most renowned warriors Ireland has produced ; he was designated Muircertach-na-goochall-geroicenn, signifying Murtogh of the leathern Cloaks or Jackets, from his having invented a particular kind of leathern coverings for his soldiers, which partly served as armour. He kept up a battalion of those warriors perfectly dis ciplined, and at the head of twelve hundred of them, he, in A. D. 941, set out from his fortress of Aileach, made a circuit of Ireland, and compelled all the provincial kings and princes to do him homage and deliver hostages as Roy-Damna or heir apparent to the throne, being the successor elect of Donogh, the then reigning monarch. During his tour Murkertach marched to Dublin, and took with him as a hostage Sitric, a Danish lord of great note, who is called by the Irish writers Sitric-na-Sead, that Sitric the Wealthy, and was son Sitric, the former Danish king
which was situated on the river Greese near Athy, in Kildare. In
A. D. 937 or 939, the Danes took the fortress of Aileach, the cele
brated residence of the kings of Ulster, and having made Murtogh
Mac Neill prince of Aileach, prisoner, they carried him off to their Dublin. Murkertach proceeded Leinster and took with him
ships on Lough Swilly, but he soon after made his escape from them, to the great joy of the Irish. In the same year the Danes under Aulaf, son of Godfrey, left Dublin, through the miracles of
God and St. Mactalius, who was an ancient bishop of Kilcullen in the sixth century, and was a patron saint of Dublin. In A. D. 938 Blacar, son of Godfrey, and brother of Aulaf, came to Dublin, and was king over the Danes there until A. D. 943, when he was driven from Dublin by his brother Aulaf, who returned from Eng land, but Aulaf dying soon after, was again succeeded by Blacar. In A. D. 937 Ceallachan, king of Cashel, with the menof Munster and Danish auxiliaries from Waterford, plundered Meath and car ried off great spoils and many captives. In A. D. 938 Harold, grandson of Ivar, and son of Sitric, lord of the Danes of Limerick, was defeated and slain in Connaught, by the chiefs of Aidhne in Galway.
ter
hostage Lorcan, king that province; from thence marched Munster, made Ceallachan, king Cashel, prisoner, put fet him, and conveyed him away; proceeding thence Con
Battle of Moy Cisi. -In A. D. 939 the Danes of Dublin were
defeated by the men of Offaley, commanded by Amergin their after our time. He had great genius for war any man
prince, and by the people of Kinel Fiachain Westmeath, in a great
battle at Magh Cisi, in which 1000 of the Foreigners with many of their chiefs were slain. In A. D. 940, according to the Annals
that this island has perhaps ever produced. The endowments his heart were still greater; enemies was the most generous, commanders the most affable. Elevated, bene
naught, Concovar, the son Teige, king
him, and having made his submission
With these captive princes Murkertach
that province, came fetter was put him.
returned Aileach,
and they were for nine months feasting there, and then sent
those hostages the monarch Donogh, who then reigned Tara.
Murkertach, mentioned the previous part this article,
fought many fierce battles with the Danish forces during period more than twenty years, and gained many great victories over
them and designated the Four Masters the “Hector Western Europe. ” The character this renowned warrior, equally distinguished for his valour and patriotism, thus elo
quently drawn the Dissertations Charles O'Conor:—“His character lies entombed the history people hardly inquired
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486 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 157
son of Dermod, son of William, son of John Buighe, James Mac Maurice carried on war and conflict and it was by the hand of O'Shaughnessey he was with the English this year, until treaty peace slain; Gort was taken from O’Shaughnessey by was ratified between him and the president the
John Burke, in revenge of the death of his brother.
volent, and captivating, he was unhappily taken off at a time when his character put him in possession of a power which probably would have relieved his country from bondage. ” Cormacan Eigeas, or Cormacan the Learned, who was chief poet of the north of Ire land, and the particular friend and follower of Muircertach, and who died A. D. 948, and is mentioned in O’Reilly's Irish Writers, at A. D. 941, composed a poem on the tour of Muircertach, which is preserved in the Leabhar Gabhala, or Book of Invasions of the O'Clerys, an excellent copy of which is in the library of Sir Wil liam Betham, who has kindly lent it to the translator of theseAnnals for the purpose of making extracts. The poem commences thus:
“A Mhuircheartaigh mheic Neill nair, Roghabhais giallu Innsi Fail. ”
“O Murkertach, son of valiant Niall,
Thou hast taken the hostages of Inis Fail. ”
Faolan, king of Leinster, another celebrated champion distin guished in the battles against the Danes, is mentioned at this time
by the Four Masters, and his death recorded at A. D. 940, in some verses quoted from one of the bards, of which the following is a translation :
“Faolan the terrific, dreaded in war,
Whose mighty voice extinguished the din of battle,
The warlike chieftain of Cualan (Wicklow),
The heroic king of Leinster was slain ;
The strong hand of the Heremonians of Erin,
The champion who conquered the Danish battalions,
A light that shonelike the morning star, Was the valiant warrior Faolan. ”
In A. D. 941 (or 943), the day after Murkertach was slain at the battle of Ardee, Armagh was devastated by the Danes under Bla
car, but in the same year Roderick O'Camannan, prince of Tircon nell, gained a victory over the Danes of Longh Foyle, and in this year also Lorcan, the son of Faolan, king of Leinster, was slain by the Northmen after he had laid waste Dublin, and gained a victory over them in the beginning, for which he is greatly celebrated in verses quoted by the Four Masters.
Battle in Dublin. —In A. D. 942 Congalach, who was after wards monarch of Ireland, with Brann, son of Maolmorda, king of Leinster, and Ceallach, son of Faolan, Roydamna of Leinster, led their forces to Dublin, took its houses, its granaries, ships, and fortifications, all of which they burned, and carried off its women, sons, and common people captives; its warriors and soldiers were slain, youths dispersed through the cities and fortresses Ire land; many people were wounded, some them were drowned, others burned made captives, and only small portion escaped few ships, who went Delganny Wicklow, where
appears the Danes had stronghold. There are verses quoted the Four Masters this battle, from which the following pas
two provinces Munster, precisely Spring;
grandson king Niall Glundubh, and was himself afterwards mo narch Ireland; and the first the northern Hy Niall who took the name O'Neill. this year Blacar, king the Danes, was expelled from Dublin, and his brother Aulaf ruled there after him. Ceallachan, King Cashel, the race the Eugenians Desmond, flourished this time, and makes remarkable figure
the history Munster for period
Battle Desies. —In 941, according the Annals In misfallen, the Danes Waterford and their allies were defeated two battles Desies Waterford, and Ferns Wexford, by the
men Munster, under Ceallachan Cashel, and 2000 reigners were slain. 943 the Danes Limerick, encamped Cloch Beathach, Ossory, now Rathbeagh
kenny, plundered Ferns second time.
Battle Roscrea. — About A. D. 942, according Keating and
O'Halloran, was fought great battle with the Danes Roscrea. great annual fair was those times held Roscrea, Ormond Tipperary, which commenced the festival SS. Peter and
Paul, and continued fourteen days; was attended merchants from all parts Ireland, and even from foreign countries. The Danes Limerick, whose chief that time was Tomar, together with those Waterford, and also the Danes Connaught, formed the project attacking and plundering the merchants and people
this fair, and seizing the vast quantities merchandize and treasure collected there. Olfinn, chief the Danes Connaught, was their principal leader, and marched his men secretly possi ble, detached parties, through Galway towards the Shannon,
where embarking their boats they crossed the river great numbers, and were joined the Danish forces Limerick and
Waterford. On their assembling Ormond, alarm was com municated the Irish throughout the entire country, by lighting
fires the hills; and having collected all their forces, and being joined the people the fair, they armed themselves well
possible, and having assailed the Danes with great fury
sides, after fierce and sanguinary conflict the Danish forces were totally defeated, and four thousand them were slain, together
with their general Olfinn, and many other chiefs.
Battle Singland. —About 943, according O'Halloran
and others, the Danish forces Limerick and Waterford were de feated the men Munster, under the command Ceallachan, king Cashel, and about two thousand them slain great battle Saineangal, now Singland, near Limerick. Aulaf, chief the Danes, had his skull cloven through his iron helmet by Ceal lachan himself, with single blow his battle-axe the chiefs under Ceallachah acted with equal valour; O'Sullivan killed single combat, and cut off the head Moran, son the king Denmark; O'Keefe ran his spear through the body Magnus, the Danish standard bearer, and Lochlin, another Danish champion, was slain single combat O’Riordan. About this period, ac cording Keating, O'Halloran, and others, Ceallachan Cashel defeated the Danes many other battles, and stated on one occasion have presented Cashel O'Keeffe, one his princi pal champions, 100 helmets, 100 swords, 100 shields, and 100 cap tives,
sage
translated
“Dublin the Swords was destroyed,
With many its shield-bearing champions; The men Tomar were made tremble, And vanquished the western world.
The warrior Carman considered
reward for his valour various battles.
both
Kildare.
A. D. 943, the Danes Lough Neagh were defeated with
dalk, A. D. 944, against the Danish forces under Sitric, who had treachery taken Ceallachan, king Cashel, prisoner Dublin,
having proposed give him his sister marriage. The chiefs the Eugenians Desmond, and the Dalcassians Thomond,
king
Carman,
spears
Bregia great victories. ”
have been Mullaghmast, and Almain, Allen,
Victor that battle was Brann The invincible champion Almain,
And the
They were discomfited with slaughter; Valiant the defence was Congalach,
Leinster the
great slaughter, and their fleet destroyed, Donall O'Neill, the son of Murkertach Mac Neill above-mentioned. This Donal was
from about 930,
rior, and account
ran, and the Annals
the Danes Waterford, Limerick, and Cork, and gained many great victories over them, but his contentions with the other provincial kings frequently fought alliance with the Foreign ers against his countrymen.
Battle the note
Dundalk. --An account has been given 173, Desmond, the battles fought Armagh and Dun
his death his exploits
given Keating, O'Hallo he fought many battles with
Innisfallen
more than twenty years, 954; was famous war
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REIGN OF ELIZABETH. 487
and it happened, through the miracles of God and his brother, John, who had been in imprisonment the intercession of James, that the earl of Desmond, in London for six years previously, were liberated
namely, Gerald, theson of James, son of John, and
having collected the Munster forces, marched to Ulster for the rescue of Ceallachan, who was kept prisoner at Armagh, then in
by permision of the English council, and they ar
was called Probus by the Latin writers, and who wrote Life
St. Patrick, was burned death the Belfry on that occasion, and amongst the relics was the crozier the patron saint (St. Ercus), and bell superior all others. the same year the Danes Dublin, and other parts Ireland, collected immense for
possession of the Danes. The Munster chieftains defeated the
Danish forces with great slaughter, and took from them the city of
Armagh; the Munster chiefs having at the same time fitted out a
great fleet to attack that of the Danes which was stationed at ces, and marched into Meath under Godfrey, the son Sitric, Ivar, Dundalk, having Ceallachan a prisoner on board, a terrific sea
fight took place between then in the bay of Dundalk, in which, after a slaughter of about two thousand men on both sides, the
and other leaders; Roderick O’Canannan, prince Tirconnell, the head the Irish Ulster, and the men Meath, advanced attack them, and both armies having met the festival St. Andrew the Apostle, namely, the 30th November, fought ter
William Betham, and also another copy the possession Mr. Geraghty, the publisher these Annals.
945, Ceallachan king Cashel, and his son Donogh, proceeded Clonfert Galway, and plundered the Danes. A. D. 946 also, according the Annals Innisfallen, Tomar, earl
splendid victory over the Danish forces, was one the heirs pre sumptive the throne Ireland, and the same race the O'Donnells, princes Tirconnell and, according Charles O'Conor, was one the most distinguished men that age for abilities and valour. The place where this battle was fought was situated some part Meath, and supposed some have been near Ardbraccan. 949, the Danes Dublin, under Godfrey, son Sitric, plundered Kells, Donogh Patrick, Ard braccan, Tulain, now Dulane, Disert Ciarain, and Kills. cire Kil skyre, all places near Kells, together with many other churches Meath, but they particularly devastated Kells, and carried off
from thence more than three thousand persons captives, and took besides abundant spoils gold, silver, many relics, and various
the Danes, came Cealltrach, island
Limerick, from which he proceeded Inis the Shannon, the churches which he
Muic-Inis and Clonmacnois, the islands
burned, and also those
Lough Ree, and other parts the Shannon, and proceeded from
thence Meath, which plundered from one end the other. A. D. 950 Godfrey, son Sitric, proceeded with fleet from Waterford, and took hostages from the people Desmond, far Ros-Ailithre, now Rosscarbery, Cork. A. D. 951, accor ding Innisfallen, Godfrey, son Sitric, was slain, together with 500 his forces, Desies, the Dalcassians and Eugenians.
A. D. 953 Clonmacnois was plundered the Danes Limerick, aided by the men of Munster.
Battles Slane and Dublin. —In A. D. 944, according the Four Masters, Clonmacnois, and the churches Meath, with Kil
cullen Kildare, were laid waste the Danes Dublin, and Aulaf Cuaran. 945, Roderick O’Canannan, prince
Tirconnell, with the forces Ulster, marched Meath, where was joined the monarch Congalach, and some Danish auxilia ries, under Aulaf Cuaran, and they fought great battle Slane
against the Danes Dublin, great numbers whom were slain, and
many others drowned the Boyne; the side the Irish fell, the thick battle, Scolaigh O'Aedhagain, lord Dartry;
great plague, Dublin.
On the death Athelstan, king England,
Brunanburgh, the Danish king Dublin, again invaded Eng
land with powerful forces, defeated king Edmond, and recovered the dominion Northumbria; on the death Aulaf, 943,
another Aulaf his cousin, and Reginald his brother, became rulers the Danes Northumbria; Eric and Gormo are mentioned succeeding kings, but 960, Edred, king England, re covered Northumbria from the Danes, which was however again conquered the beginning the eleventh century Sweyn and
li
Danish forces were at length vanquished, and Ceallachan was
berated and led in triumph to Cashel by his valiant countrymen.
Sitric, commander-in-chief of the Danes, and his brothers Tor and
Magnus, with many other chiefs were slain, and many of the
bravest of the Irish chieftains likewise fell in this fierce conflict.
A full and curious account of this expedition for the rescue of
Ceallachan is given in an ancient Irish MS. entitled Toruigheachd
Cheallachain Chaisil, that the Pursuit for the rescue Ceal This celebrated chieftain Roderick O'Canannan, who gained this lachan Cashel, valuable copy which the library Sir
rific battle, which, according the Four Masters, the Danish forces were totally defeated, and six thousand their bravest war riors were slain, with many others inferior note, but towards the end of the conflict the valiant O'Canannan himself was slain the thick battle. Amongst the Danish chiefs fell Ivar, tanist
the Danes, and Godfrey, with the few survivors, fled Dublin.
944, before mentioned, and Blacar, brother Aulaf, again re Garbith, prince Hy Crimthain; and Hugh O'Rourke, the son sumed the government Dublin, but was slain D. 946, above
Tiarnan, prince Brefney. the same year, Dublin was
plundered king Congalach. 946, great battle was
fought Dublin, Congalach, monarch Ireland, with the
forces Meath and Ulster, against the Danes Dublin, com
manded Blacar, son Godfrey their king, which the Danish According the Annals Innisfallen, Godfrey III. was slain
forces were defeated, and 1600 them, together with Blacar
A. D. 951, sians, and
battle Desies with the Eugenians and Dalcas was succeeded his son Aulaf
the Danes. —The Northmen, Danes and Nor
himself, were slain. Some verses, the following effect, battle, are quoted the Four Masters:
this
“On Thursday, Congalach, the leader
At Dublin illustrious was the warrior
He avenged the death the sons noble clans, And with points darts destroyed the Danes. ”
Conversion
wegians Ireland, continued Pagans until this time, worshipped
the same year, the Danes led their forces Druimrath and burned its Dertech, term applied ecclesiastical building,
and 150 it; this place now called Drumrany, where there was celebrated monastery founded century, honour St. Enan.
Westmeath, the sixth
Battle Muinebrocain. —In 948, the Cloicthech, that is, the Belfry, otherwise the Round Tower Slane, which was the time full relics and religious people, was burned the Danes Dublin; Caoinechair, learned lecturer Slane, who
heroes,
idols, and offered sacrifices their gods Odin and Thor, but the time Godfrey III. the Danes Ireland became partly converted
the Christian faith, about A. D. 948 950, according Ware and others; and according the Annals Innisfallen, A. D.
948, the Danes Dublin were converted, and received baptism. According Ware, the monastery the Blessed Virgin Mary
Dublin, afterwards called Mary’s-abbey, was founded this time the Danes for Benedictine monks; the eleventh century, hereafter shown, Christ Church Dublin was founded the Danes, and there were many Danish bishops Dublin, Water
ford, and Limerick.
About 950, according the History Denmark by
Meursius, two famous warriors, Harold and Knut, sons Gormo
other riches and precious articles. this year flux, and famine, prevailed amongst the Danes
941, Aulaf
Canute, kings Denmark. On the death Aulaf IV. , D. 943, was succeeded Danish king Dublin, by his cousin,
Sitric III. , who was slain the great sea fight Dundalk, A. D.
stated, and was succeeded Danish king Dublin God frey III. , son Sitric III. and this Godfrey, according O'Flaherty’s Ogygia, the article Constantine, king Scot land, was grandson Gormo, the Danish king Northumberland.
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488 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1573.
rived in the harbour of Dublin. The earl was and Barrow, Waterford, near Cork), and from
afterwards taken and put under arrest in the town, Bealach Conglais Limerick, that did not
and John was permitted to visit the fair plains of
bring under subjection, and place under the con troul of his soldiers and officers in that one month. He proclaimed the clergy and professional men the restoration their privileges, and replaced the
Munster, and see after his patrimony, and that lived of his followers.
those
The president the two provinces
(sir John Perrott), went England
ning the ensuing harvest, after having pacified cording the Pope’s law, had been customary. and subdued the country, and leaving officers, An intestine commotion arose amongst the Dal
the permission the council, about the festival St. Martin following, and without their knowledge
pute arose between Teige, the son Conor, and Teige, the son Murrogh, who were 'till then united aiding Donal, the son Conor, against the sons Donogh, that they separated; and
Munster the begin
ecclesiastical orders their respective places, ac
councillors, and captains his own, rule and cassians, and those on the one side that conten preside over accordance with his own wishes; tion were Donal, the son Conor O’Brien, and the departure the president was lamented the Teige, the son Murrogh O’Brien; and the poor, the widows, the infirm and indigent the other side were the sons Donogh O’Brien, country. The earl Desmond, after that, having namely, the earl and Torlogh; but the earl himself found opportunity, made his escape without was not the country on that occasion. dis
notice, and travelled three nights from Dublin,
accompanied few, until arrived the very
midst the Geraldines; the victorious chief who
had then arrived among them was welcomed, and
although accompanied only few, was not long namely, the sons Donogh O’Brien, against his
after until he had hundreds caused great commotion
his command, and
brother Donal, the son Conor, and Teige, the son Murrogh, and the people Upper Thomond. Teige, the son Conor, after that, revenge his anger Teige, the son Murrogh, collected sol
from the Meeting the Three Waters Bealach Conglais (from the confluence the Suir, Nore
III. , king Denmark, invaded England and Ireland with great forces; they besieged Dublin, and Knut was killed by the cast
dart, but Harold, having taken the city, remained for some time; he afterwards became king Denmark. About A. D. 952, according the Saga, Eric king Norway, great warrior, ra vaged the Orkneys, Hebrides, Isle Mann, and coasts Ireland,
but was slain battle with the English. About A. D. 956, ac cording the Saga, Trygva, king Norway, invaded Scotland and
Ireland, and thus mentioned one the Skalds:
“The warrior who dyed his sword with blood, The breaker strong shields battle;
The valiant king who came his ships,
And fought might with Ireland's heroes. ”
brother Torlogh, the son Donogh. The place where the entire that army met together was
“The prince whose name struck terror
Into the valiant warriors the islands, Emulous glory, and Erin's conquest.
”
He came Dublin, and was married Gyda, sister daughter Aulaf Quaran, Danish prince, and stated that he was converted the Christian faith, and resided long time Ire land. This Aulaf Quaran often mentioned about this period by the Irish writers under the name Aulaf Cuaran, and appears have been chief note, and have been often alliance with the Irish against the Danes Dublin. A. D. 950, the Irish annalists mention great victory gained by the Danes
against the men Albany, Scots, the Britons and Saxons.
the country; the expelled the English
course one month after
forces and hired soldiers who were possession
the fortresses and chief towns of the men of Mun diers and insurgent galloglasses the Geraldines
ter, for that time the president and his Saxons from beyond the Shannon, and took them with possessed Kenry (in Limerick), with castles, him aid the sons Donogh O’Brien, who had Baile na-Martra (Castle Martyr Cork), and along with them great numbers the Butlers, and Castlemaine (in Kerry); those places and their the Mac Sweeneys the country, namely, garrisons were taken the earl, and did not the tribe Donal, the son John Mac Sweeney, leave resident chief any town the country, and also the forces the earl commanded by his
A. D. 951 Clonmacnois was ravaged by the Danes Limerick and Olaf Aulaf, son Trygva, king Norway, also famous war the men Munster, and the same year Aulaf Cuaran laid waste rior, stated the Saga have ravaged the coasts France, Inis Doimhle, and the islands Ulster. A. D. 952, Donal
England, Scotland, and Ireland, and thus described O'Neill, together with the Danes, plundered Bregia. celandic bard
the cause that dissension was through Teige, the son Conor, who went and joined his enemies,
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Teige, the son Conor O’Brien, and Tor
REIGN OF ELIZABETH.
489
Ard-na-goabog, where the river Fergus (in Clare),
falls into the sea; and they afterwards, to revenge
their animosity on South Thomond, marched
through the east of Hy Cormaic, and through the
borders of Hy Fearmaic (both districts in the south
of Clare). The plundering, and continued cry and portunity escaping with their lives from the wailing of the defenceless, warned the people of field which we are fight. ” That exciting their progress in every place through which they speech delivered by Donal made the desired im passed; they afterwards proceeded by the stone pression his people, and they promised him that road (or causeway) of Currofin, and by the gate of they would make fraternal cause against Inchiquin and Bothar-na-Mac-Righ (the Road of their enemies, and they determined sending the King’s sons), and some of their people took persons
(Kilneboy in Clare), and the violation of the church logh, the son Donogh O’Brien, with their
of the female saint was not an omen of success or forces, remained attentive and watchful beside
victory for the Dalcassians. They afterwards pro
ceeded in a north-western direction through the
wilds of Corcomroe and Burren, and having sent
out predatory parties through the country, they
collected the booty the territory one place
before night, and they then encamped, which how along side them, for the purpose encountering
dear country, and have preyed and plundered our people; moreover, though numerous those are, they are only mixed army composed persons from various quarters, who would quickly
they have marched hither, should they have op
view and reconnoitre the camp that
their camp that night, till day break the following
morning, and the rising the sun they marched forward Slieve-na-Groidheadh, and the left hand Bel-Atha-an-Ghobhann, and the forces the country were the same time marching slowly
ever was not place repose account the crying and wailing women and widows lamenting the loss their plundered properties. When Donal, the son Conor O’Brien, and Teige, the son Murrogh O’Brien, received intelligence that this great force had passed by, they collected
them, and both armies having respectively exhibit their broad-extended banners, they proceeded
the Fearsad (ford) Kill Mainchin (Killnamaheen,
the forces they could muster the moment, the length time they were without engaging with and they encountered Carn-Mic-Tail (probably the other army, for they had marched parallel Carne, the parish Kilcorney, county Clare). direction with each other from Baile-Atha-an-Gob
Those who accompanied them thither were the hann this place. Teige, the son Conor, and
sons Edmond Mac Sheehey, who had come Torlogh O’Brien, proceeded with their forces
three nights previously from beyond the Shannon top the hill Beol-an-Chip, the best position
with select body galloglasses; company
young men the tribe Giolla Duv, the son Conor, son Donogh, son Donal the
and thirties, twos and threes, from that place Beinn-for-Mala. was not the same direction
Victories Mac Sweeny, and also Ulick, the son
Rickard Saxanach, the son Ulick, son Rickard
Burke, who had come the day before visit his
kinsman Teige, the son Murrogh O’Brien.
Having then come unanimous resolution
pursue the forces, Donal, the son ofConor O’Brien, cut them down, and slaughtered them twenties
began excite them act bravely, and thus ad
dressed them: “My brave people, have learned
from sages and historians that not large
army host that victory gained, and the
success battle there are no better authorities; went directly south eastern direction. Both these people have committed too great excesses parties, however, were hotly pursued, and the ca and crimes against us, viz. , attack usin our own valry threw away their baggage from their horses
near Ennistymon, county Clare), exactly
an-Chip. Teige, the son Murrogh, and the forces general, began rebuke Donal O’Brien for
the
appeared them for fighting; the other forces and the people the country were pursuing them up the high rugged slope before them quickly they could possibly go, and before they came within fighting distance the constables Teige and Tor logh became alarmed, terrified, startled, unsteady, wavering, and began give way, and once took
flight; the other party pursued, discomfitted,
that those parties fled, for the horsemen proceeded the right along the sea westward, while the foot
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490 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1574.
quickly as they could, and Torlogh O’Brien, with district Clonmel, called Doire-an-Lair, which
twelve horsemen of his body-guard, made their es
cape by their efforts, and the fleetness of their
horses, and others of his people were wounded and
taken prisoners, amongst whom were Teige, the and the earl Ormond, namely, Thomas, the son son of Conor O’Brien, and his son Torlogh, for
they remained on the hill in expectation that their
people would rally round them; some of the earl’s
own people, who were supposed would get no
quarters, were taken prisoners, and many others
were slain ; clamorous were the crows, birds of march and completely ravage Leth Mogha (Lein prey, fowls of the air, and the wolves of the forest,
over the bodies of brave men, being the result of the slaughter of that day. South Thomond was
the better for a long time after that of they had left prisoners, horses, accoutrements, arms, and ordnance, and also their own cows and cattle
that day.
Maurice O'Clery, namely, the son Giolla Riavach, i. e. the O'Clery, man distinguished
history and general literature, man respect
ster and Munster). They did not halt until they pitched their tents and booths about Derry-an Lair, which they finally took, and guards
were beheaded the lord justice. His people and allies were this time much forsaking the earl Desmond, that he came the resolution
waiting the lord justice, and submit him,
and was compelled surrender him the castles Castlemaine, Dungarvan, and Kenry,
and depredations committed between them were forgiven by both parties.
An amicable treaty peace was concluded be. tween Bryan, the son Felim Bacach O’Neill, and the earl Essex, and Bryan after that gave
invitation feast, and amongst those invited was the lord justice (sir William Fitzwilliam), and the nobles his people, where they enjoyed them
garrisoned with some his own trusty people, guards. When this intelligence reached the
lord justice Ireland, sir William Fitzwilliam,
James, son Pierce Roe, the taking that castle renewed their recent and old animosities
against the sons the earl Desmond, and they
commanded the men Meath and Bregia, the Butlers, and the English settlers general,
and great affluence, died
was buried Fenagh the church of St. Caillin,
Muintir Eoluis, and Moyrein (in Leitrim),
A. D. 1574. Con, the son Calvach, son
Manus O’Don nell, was treacherously taken prisoner by the earl
Essex, the earl’s own camp, and was after selves together mirth and cheerfulness for the wards sent to Dublin. space three days and three nights. At the ter
The earl Desmond continued plunder and mination that time, while drinking and carousing harass his enemies the spring this year, and agreeably together, Bryan, with his brother and defeated Mac Carthy More, namely, Donal, wife, were taken prisoners the earl; and his Donal, son Cormac Ladhrach, and people, without reserve, men, women, sons, and
the son
the son Donal, son
Fingin, namely, Donogh, the son daughters, were put the sword his presence. Fingin, was slain by the earl’s peo Bryan, with his wife and brother, were sent
ple, and his death was the cause lamentation Desmond; they also slew young constable
the chiefs Clan Sweeney, viz. , the Clan Donogh Bacach, the son Maolmurry, son Donogh, son Torlogh, son Owen, son Maolmurry, son Donogh, and many other chiefs besides.
happened that the son the earl Des mond, namely, John, the son James, found
Dublin, where they were cut into quarters, and this was the result of their entertainment. That
monstrous massacre, and detestable and treache rous misdeed, which were perpetrated the lord Clannaboy O'Neill, chief and senior the race Eogan, the son Niall the Nine Hostages, and the greater portion the Gael Ireland,
excepting few, was sufficient cause abomina
tion and disgust the Irish people. "
opportunity taking well fortified castle the The sons the earl Clanrickard, namely,
A. D. 1574.
The O'Neills Clannaboy. —An account the O'Neills,
rone, and the territories possessed them, has been given pp.
21, 441, the notes Ulster, where has been shown that they possessed extensive districts the counties Down and Antrim,
lords Clannaboy, great branch the O'Neills, princes Ty
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REIGN OF ELIZABETH.
A shower of hail stones fell on the Kalends of loathsome diseases and afflicting maladies, namely May in this year, which was so extraordinary and plague, were generated excessive degree uncommon, that there were many persons in Ireland amongst the English and Irish Dublin, Naas who never witnessed such a shower, and there were
William and John, having broken their faith, and was slain
disregarded their affinity towards each other, John the son
Burke engaged in his service a great number which much regretted. of Scots and Irish mercenary soldiers. The earl
of Ormond afterwards obtained protection for him,
and he delivered hostages to the earl as a security
of his allegiance to the queen.
many others whose strong built family residences
were swept away by The corn crops which had been sown three months, half year previous
Many castle between those places was left with out guard, many flock without shepherd, and many bodies, even the nobility, were left unburied, through the effects that distemper.
new lord justice, namely, Henry Sydney, came Ireland the harvest precisely, and
landed first the province Ulster, and found
that time, were left bare without stalk and the same shower left soft blue lumps,
blade, large those
the hail stones that fell, who were struck by them.
the legs
491
Donegal, by Cahir, Tuathal O'Gallagher,
Great heat and extreme drought happened the summer this year, that there was not rain for one hour, either by day night, from May Lammas (August). consequence this drought
contention John, son
Leinster, Ardee, Mullingar, and Athboy.
Teige O'Rourke, was
slain by some the people Brefney, the established peace, union, and friendship between
The son Teige, son
all Ireland one wave war and commotion;
plain Dromahaire.
A. D. 1575.
Roderick, the son Hugh, i. e. the O’Donnell,
the son Manus, son Hugh Duv O’Donnell,
namely, North and South Clannaboy the North comprising the baronies Belfast, Massareen, Antrim, and Upper Toome, the county Antrim; and South Clannaboy containing the baronies Ardes, Castlereagh, Kinealarty, and Lecale, the county
the Tirconnallians and Tyronians, and throughout the province Ulster, was amongst them first landed, and that lord justice expelled Eng land the earl Essex, who had invaded Ulster, and acted treacherously towards Con, the son
After some time, stated the Four Masters, O'Neill invited the earl Essex entertainment, though erroneously
stated by other writers that Essex invited O'Neill. According Curry his History the Civil Wars, and Leland his History
Ireland, after O'Neill and Essex this entertainment had made good cheer together for three days and nights, O'Neill, with his wife and brother, were suddenly seized the earl's order, his friends were slaughtered before his face, nor were the women and
children spared O'Neill himself, with his brother and wife, were sent prisoners Dublin, where they were cut quarters. Le land, his Reign Elizabeth, relates the affair exactly the same manner, and says—“This execution produced universal dis content and horror. ” The earl of Essex unable settle his co lony, soon after went England for fresh forces, and 1576
Down; and many celebrated chiefs have been mentioned the course
the O'Neills Clannaboy these Annals. Bryan O'Neill,
above mentioned the text, lord
the greater part the property
Cox, his Hibernia Anglicana (p. 341), had immense flocks, less
than thirty thousand cows, besides great numbers other cattle, horses, sheep, &c. According Cox, queen Elizabeth 1573, gave grant Walter Devereux, earl Essex, the moiety the
seignories Clannaboy Down and Antrim, with part the Glinns and Routes Antrim, and the queen herself was hold the other
captain-general for seven years, and was plant thousand
English inhabitants his territory. Essex landed with his for ces Carrickfergus August, 1573, and was appointed governor Ulster, and earl marshal Ireland; was accompanied
married his widow, the countess Essex. The English family Savage, long before the reign Elizabeth, settled the county Down, and got extensive possessions Ardes and Lecale, and
some them were styled the lords Savage the Ardes. the
Clannaboy, was possessed his ancestors, and, according
moiety. The earl was obliged indenture thither with 200
horse and 400 foot, and that every horseman volunteer who served
gratis for two years was have 400 acres land, and foot sol
dier 200 acres, two pence acre quit rent. The earl was Dudley, earl Leicester, who, two days after the earl's death, have building timber free from the woods Killulltagh, was
reign Elizabeth, sir Thomas Smyth, Englishman, and his son the lords Dacre and Rich, Henry Knowles, three sons lord Thomas Smyth, got large grants lands, and attempted plant
Norris, and many other Englishmen note. The lord deputy
colony the Ardes and Clannaboy, but after several conflicts with the O'Neills, and the warlike clan the Mac Gilmores, Smyth and his followers were slain, after they had expended ten thousand pounds the expedition. the reign James I. , the territory Clannaboy was seized by the crown, and part was restored Conno'Neill, descendant the old proprietors, but
Fitzwilliam becoming jealous the high authority
only consent his becoming governor Ulster.
Essex, would
Essex his Bryan Mac
arrival with his forces was first kindly received
Felim O'Neill, lord Clannaboy, but learning the object his
arrival plant colony his territory, and deprive him his
hereditary lands, joined the standard Torlogh Lynogh great part Clannaboy soon after passed, shown Lodge's O'Neill, against the English, and the forces Essex encountered Peerage, into the hands the Scotch family named Montgomery, much opposition from the O'Neills, O'Donnells, and others, but who became earls Mount Alexander, and after times there succeeded taking the castle Lifford from Conn O'Donnell. were families. of any note the great O'Neills Clannaboy.
mentioned those Annals, made second expedition Ulster but failed, and was forced retire Dublin, where soon after died, was supposed poison, through the contrivance Robert
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492 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1576.
Calvach (O’Donnell), and Bryan, the son of Felim Bacach (O’Neill).
Con, the son of Calvach O’Donnell, and Con,
the son of Niall Oge O'Neill, who had been im prisoned in Dublin, effected their escape at the
time the lord justice came to Ireland; and Con O’Donnell remained concealed in the wilds and
recesses of his own country, until the lord justice
sent him a pardon. The lord justice afterwards went, in the beginning of winter, through Moy
niors; was interred the burying place his father and grandfather, Tigh-Molaga (Timo leage Cork), and his brother, Owen Mac Car thy, was appointed his successor.
Anthony, the son Hugh O’Dempsey, was
treacherously slain his own town Cluain-na nGamhan (Cloneygowen, barony Philipstown, King's county).
Colla, the son Giolla Duv, son Conor, son Donogh, son Donal the Victories, son
Breagh (Bregia), and Meath, and from thence to
the tributary territories of Leinster, and he made
peace between the English and Irish of Ormond kept house hospitality, and was constable
and Meath, and the race of Rossa Failge (the O'Conors, &c. , of Offaley), and the clans of Conall
Cearnach (the O'Moores, &c. , of Leix); he then proceeded direct south-west to Waterford, Youghal, and Cork, about Christmas, and destroyed and beheaded a vast number of insurgents, and bad subjects, in the countries through which passed.
the Dalcassians, died.
Boetius Oge, the son Boetius, son Mur togh Mac Clancy, chief professor Brehonism
the Dalcassians Thomond), and man who kept open house for general hospitality, died.
Fearna (in Thomond), were plundered and en tirely burned one night’s depredation, including
The daughter O'Boyle, namely Judith junior, the daughter Torlogh, son Niall, was drowned
St. James' day, while learning swim, the river Srath Buighe (in Donegal).
John Modarda, the son Mac Sweeney Ba nagh, died Easter Day, young man whose
death was the most lamented any his tribe that time.
Conor Oge, the son Donogh Maguire, and
number the chiefs Ferlurg (in Fermanagh), were slain Truagh (in Monaghan).
Donal, the son Dermod, son Malachy Mac
Gorman (either Carlow Clare), died the spring, and was the most distinguished man
rank, fame and report, for manual action and for hospitality, any his tribe his time.
The great monastery Cavan, and the entire Cavan itself, from the great castle downwards
the river, were burned the daughter Thomas (O'Reilly), the son the baron, through jealousy;
cattle, corn, and dwellings,
ecclesiastical lands, by that earl. James Mac Maurice, the son
all, both lay and
John, son
the earl (of Desmond), with his wife and family, went France the spring, through fear the English, after the earl and John had made peace with the English.
Hugh, the son Boetius Mac Clancy
mond), buyer Brehons
Tho poetry,
professional lecturer laws and
wine, and one the most upright
territory Ireland, died.
A. D. 1576.
Mac Carthy Riavach, Donogh, the son
Donal, son Fingin, died, and his death was the cause lamentation the clans, sadness the tribes, and sorrow the landed proprietors
his own country; man who yielded obedience
his seniors, but who did not submit his ju Irish towns as there had been there.
Owen, son John-na-Lathaidhe Mac Sweeney, man success fight and conflict, and who
An intestine commotion arose amongst the and general knowledge, the sustaining and sup
O’Briens this year; the sons Conor O’Brien, and the sons Murrogh O’Brien, were engaged
on the one side this contention, and the sons
Donogh the other side, namely, the earl, and
Torlogh, and Tuath-na-mbuilc, and Tuath-ma Conacians on the 16th of November.
William Oge Mac-an-Ward, chief professor poetry intendent schools, man
the son O’Donnell,
eminent
Cormac, super literature
porting pillar students and men learning,
died Dromore, Torlogh, the son
the 22nd February. Tuathal Balbh O'Gallagher,
distinguished man
his clan, was slain the
and there was not much destroyed any the
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Great depredations were committed by Bryan O'Rourke this yearin Annaly (county of Longford). The lord justice before-mentioned, Sir Henry
their country they disregarded their promise and entered their estate, and some assert that was
the permission their father that they did so. was shortly after when this journey proved
vicious malefactors, bad characters, and rebels,
that one thought necessary watch their cattle close their doors while Donal was office.
The lord justice, after establishing peace among personswherever visitedthroughout Ireland,
came Dublin, and brought with him the sons the earl Clanrickard prisoners, for they had destroyed the queen's people, while de manding the release their father before that time. After the lord justice had arrived Dublin with these prisoners, was seized with strong feeling kindness his heart, and permitted those prisoners respectively, namely, the O'Briens and Burkes, alleviation their minds,
and visit their friends the neighbouring territo
were abandoned by them. Edmond Mac William Burke Castlebar also joined alliance the earl’s sons, the consequence which was that the lord justice took Castlebar from him, and expelled him self, his wife, and family into Clanrickard.
ries, but not country until, permit them
pass the boundary into their own some future period, might so; they promised him they
The earl Essex, who had been expelled the previous year the lord justice, Sir Henry Syd ney, came back governor over the province Ulster this year, and landed Dublin, where, fortnight after, being taken suddenly ill, died; his shirt and heart were sent to his friends con firmation of his death.
new president, namely, William Drury, was
appointed over the two provinces Munster this year, and Thomond being separated from the pro
vince Connaught, was added that Munster. The president took circuit the great towns
Munster, confirm laws and regulations; destroyed malefactors and robbers, and put death Barrett (of Cork), and two noble distin
REIGN OF ELIZABETH. 493
Sydney, and he was a knight by title, nobility,
action, and valour, came about the festival of St. source sorrow his country, for the lord justice
Bridget from Cork to Limerick, and was accom
panied by the nobles of Munster, both English
and Irish, and on the other side was attended there
by the Dalcassians in his retinue. He made peace
between the inhabitants ofthe two provinces of
Munster on that occasion, and abolished and sup
pressed the custom of keeping poets and literary queen; after that the earl was conveyed Dublin, men, public festivals, kerns, Buannadha (called Bo and was confined narrow cell, where could naghts, or retained soldiers), and their leaders; he
then took his departure from the people of Mun ster, and brought the O'Briens to escort him to Gal
way, where the chiefs of South Connaught waited on him, namely the earl of Clamrickard, with his
two sons, Ulick and John ; Mac William Iochtair,
namely, John, the son of Oliver, son of John, and
Murrogh of the Battle-axes, the son of Teige, son
of Murrogh, son of Roderick O'Flaherty, and the
O'Kellys, with their retinues. The result of that
convention at Galway was to hold the Dalcassians
responsible in making restitutions to those who
demanded such from them, except alone Donal earl’s sons their own estate that time; and O'Brien, whom the lord justice selected for his the chieffortified family residences the territory, own service (as high sheriff), over the county of and the bright-sided beautiful hills the country, Clare, to govern which Donal did executing
would act accordingly, but when the sons the
earl of Clamrickard arrrived on the borders of guished young constables the tribe Maol
about five nights afterwards went pursuit
them Athlone, and their father, the earl Clan
rickard, was compelled surrender him the town Loughrea, and all his estate, lands, and. possessions, stone buildings, and castles, and himself was taken prisoner the name the
hear the voice neither friend nor companion. The lord justice left number captains Clan rickard, who, well the sons the earl, began
plunder and completely spoil the country be
tween them, that entire territory was hundred times over disturbed and devastated between them
that occasion. Vast numbers both English and Irish were slaughtered, and immense deal cattle, flocks, and clothing, changed owners
during the autumn and winter this year. The wilds and recesses, the coarse boggy mountains,
and the dense wooded hills, were the portion the
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494 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1577.
murry (Mac Sweeney), the son of Donogh, son of Torlogh, namely, the son of Murrogh, son of Maol murry, and the son of Donal, son of Maolmurry ; from thence he proceeded to Limerick, and hanged a number of the chiefs and of the common people
of the O’Briens, and many others besides.
James Mac Maurice was in France this year. Roderick Oge, the son of Roderick, son of Conal
O'Moore (of Leix), and Conor, the son of Cormac, son of Bryan O'Conor (of Offaly), with their wood kerns, were in opposition to the English at this
time, and those that were living the race
Rossa Failge, and Conall Cearnach, were al
liance with them, and shortly after these people
assembled turbulent hundreds, and they burned
and completely destroyed great portions Leins son John Carrach (Mac Donnell) was slain
ter, Meath, and Fine-Gall (either Fingall, the English settlements).
combat by the son nings, the gateway
Theobald Buighe Mac Jen Galway; and very few
A. D. 1577. Conor, the son Bryan, son
Tiarnan, son Teige, son
Owen, son
Tiarnan More
O'Rourke, man young age, but old hos
pitality and feats arms, died.
O’Kane, Aibhne, the son Cumaighe, son
Roderick the Routes, was drowned the Bann; and Roderick, the son Manus, son
Donogh, was appointed his successor.
Meva, the daughter Hugh Roe O'Donnell,
who was first married Mac Gille Eoain (Mac John), Scotland, and secondly Donal Cle
rach O’Kane, woman who enjoyed this world happiness, prosperity, and affluence, and was highly distinguished fame and excellence, hospitality, and elegant manners, and who spent long time piety Donegal, died, after perform ing many virtuous deeds, the 87th year her age.
tivity, and unsubdued William, the son
Duv O'Kelly, died captain Malby, and Maine was more lamented.
Desmond), Donogh, the son Teige Roe, son An thony, son Cahir, died, and Ceallachan, the son Conor, son Donogh, was nominated the
O’Callaghan.
monstrous and abominable treachery was com
mitted by the English Leinster and Meath, on all those the people Offaley and Leix who were their alliance, and who had remained under their protection, which happened the following
manner: They were invited attend, toge ther with many they could possibly bring with them, the great Rath Mullach Maistean", and after they had come that place, four ranks
ean, agus Midhear meid baoi ina rann fein, agus roan for nionchaibh Uibh Failghe, agus do Laoighis. Ba hamlaidh do ronnadh ind sin. Rotogairmeadh iad uile diattaisbenadh gus lion lia caomhsadaois do thabhairtleogo Raith mhoir Mhul
Niall Oge Mac Sweeney, Banagh, was slain the Babhdhun Maol, by Donal Oge, the son Maol murry; and that Dudley was man distinguished
for noble deeds, for personal figure, good manual action, and hospitality.
Donal, the son Sorley Buighe, the son
passage above translated the Four Masters:—
Dudley, the son the Mac Sweeneys
A. D. 1577. Mullaghmast. —The
The Massacre
this subject follows, the Irish
“Feall urghranna adhuathmhar do dhenamh Gallaibh Laigh
Alexander, son John Cathanach, son Mac
Donnell, was slain by O’Neill.
Onora, the daughter James Mac Maurice,
son Thomas, son the earl (of Desmond), who was the wife Pierce Butler, the son James, son Edmond, son Pierce, died.
The son Bryan Carrach Mac Cormac was slain O'Neill’s forces.
Torlogh Mac Anabaidh O'Dwyer (of Tipperary), ingenious, intelligent man, died, and was greatly
lamented his own country.
Mac Gorman, Thomas Oge, the son Tho
mas, son Malachy Duv (in Carlow
Clare), died, his place. Torlogh,
and his kinsman John was appointed Alexander, the son Calvach, son
galloglasses
more opulent, bountiful, and generous than he.
Teige, the son Murrogh, son Torlogh, son
Teige O’Brien, died, although was not sup
posed would have died upon his pillow
did, having been frequently engaged hard
contested conflicts and dangerous passes, he roic warrior, champion bravery, bear ac
the sons
Ireland that time were
O’Callaghan (of Cork, see note
valour.
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REIGN OF ELIZABETH. 495
of foot soldiers and of cavalry forces completely ting them off, so that not one of them to tell the closed round them, who began to slaughter them tale escaped from thence alive.
indiscriminately, killing them and completely cut
laigh Mhaistean agus iar rochtain doibh gus an maighin sin, Ro hiadhadh ceithri sreatha ina nuir timeeall ima couairt do saigh diuiribh, agus do mharcshluagh, agus rogabhadh occa ndiubhrac cadh gan dicheall, occa mudhucchadh, agus occa mormharbhughadh
cona tearmasceolanga, na elaitheach ass a mbeathaidh diobh. ” The place called Mullaghmast is situated in the parish of Nar raghmore, partly in the baronies of Kilkea, Narragh, and Rheban, in the connty of Kildare, within about a mile of the town of Bally
tore, and four or five miles from Athy. The Hill of Mullaghmast is large, and of considerable height, commanding an extensive pros
pect of the surrounding country; on its summit is situated a circular earthen rampart, very large and high, comprising in the
interior an area of about two acres. This Rath was a strong for tress, and the residence of some of the kings or chiefs of Leinster, in remote times, and according to Seward and other topographers,
John, the son of James, son of John, son of the
ference at the great Rath of Mullaghmast, where they assembled to the number of 400, all heads of clans, on New year's day, A. D. 1577, in the 19th year of the reign of Elizabeth, as stated by Rawson in the introduction to his Survey of Kildare, and by vari ous other authorities. On assembling in the Rath, the Irish chiefs were suddenly surrounded by three ranks of horse and foot, and all massacred ; or, according to some accounts, 399 were slain, and only one man escaped alive from the slaughter. In Rawson's Survey of Kildare, published in 1807, are the following passages respecting this massacre:—“Thirty years since a hole was shown
in the Rath where it was said the heads of the victims were buried ; at that time it was twenty feet deep, but now nearly closed. The successful assassins took possession of the properties of the unfor tunate gentlemen, but in such detestation is that act held by the country people, that they believe a descendant from the murderers never saw his son arrive at the age of twenty-one ; and, indeed, the properties so acquired, have melted away, and got into other hands. ” According to the accounts of different writers, and the traditions of the people, the chiefs slain at Mullaghmast were the O'Conors, O'Moores, O'Dempseys, O'Dowlings, O'Dunns, O'Dor ans, O'Kellys, O'Lalors, &c. , and likewise some of the Fitzgeralds, all of whom were heads of clans in Kildare, King's and Queen's counties. Dr. Curry, in his History of the Civil Wars in Ireland, gives in the Appendix a memorial from a M. S. , the original of which is in the library of Trinity College, Dublin, and was written by Captain Thomas Lee, or Leigh, an officer under the govern ment, in A. D. 1594, being the 37th year of the reign of Elizabeth, at which time sir William Fitzwilliam was lord deputy. This
it was a place of assembly for the conventions of the states of
Leinster in ancient days, and it may be remarked that Naas, in
Kildare, was likewise an ancient residence of the kings of Leinster,
and a place where assemblies of the states were convened for legis
lation and other purposes. Raiba, now Rheban, is mentioned on
the map of Ireland, by the Greek geographer, Ptolemey, in the
second century, as one of the ancient cities of Ireland, and was
situated a few miles from Mullaghmast, near Athy, on the banks
of the Barrow. In the districts adjoining Mullaghmast, are
several sepulchral mounds, the burial places of ancient kings and
warriors, and amongst others may be mentioned the Moat of
Ascul, at which, in A. D. 1316, the forces of the English Pale
were defeated in a great battle by the Irish and Scots, under Ed
ward Bruce. There are also some great pillar stones, and other memorial, drawn up by Captain Lee, was addressed to queen
Druidical remains near Mullaghmast, which show it to have been a place of note in remote ages. Mullach Maistean, or the Hill of Maistean, is mentioned by the old annalists, and by Keating and other historians, as the scene of some great battles, particularly
Elizabeth, and is entitled “A Brief Declaration of the Govern
ment of Ireland, &c. , showing its corruptions and discovering the
causes of the discontents of the Irishry. ” After enumerating vari ous acts of cruelty and misgovernment committed against the 1rish, and condemning the course pursued by various governors, he thus alludes to the massacre of Mullaghmast:—“They have drawn unto them, by Protection, three or four hundred of those country people, under colour to do your majesty service, and
two described at pages 221, 245, in the notes to these annals,
on the territory of Leix, which were fought near Maistean,
in the first and second centuries. Amongst the ancient no
tices of Mullaghmast may be mentioned the following curious
passage, given in vol. vi. at p. 38, of Hollinshed's Chro brought them to a place of meeting, where your garrison soldiers
nicles, written in the reign of Elizabeth :—“There is also in the county of Kildare a goodly field, called Mullaghmast, between
the Norragh and Kilkea; divers blind prophecies run of this place, that there shall be a bloody field fought there, between the English inhabitants of Ireland and the Irish; and so bloody, for— sooth, it shall be, that a mill in a vale hard by it shall run four and-twenty hours with the stream of blood that shall pour down from the hill. In the top of this height stand moats or rundles, very formally fashioned, where the strength of the English army shall be encamped. The earl of Sussex being lord lieutenant of Ireland, was accustomed to wish, that if any prophecy were to be fulfilled, it should happen in his government, to the end he might be general of the field. ” The earl of Sussex was lord lieutenant of Ireland in the latter end of the reign of queen Mary, and begin ning of that of Elizabeth—about fourteen years before the affair at Mullaghmast. An account of the massacre above mentioned in the text of the Four Masters, is given by various other his torians, and the circumstances which led to it were as follows:– In the reign of Philip and Mary, A. D.