No More Learning

In this mannertheserival kings, during their fierce contests of more than 20 years, repeatedly ravaged the various provinces of Ireland. The reign of Murtogh O'Brien is remarkable
years, and retired on a pilgrimage to Rome, and took a religious
habit in the monastery of St. Stephen, where he died in a few for some great regulations made in the church. In A. D. 1001,
years after, in the 88th year of his age.
Torlogh O'Brien, grandson of Brian Boru, on the abdication of
his uncle Donogh, as before stated, became king of Munster in 1064, and on the death of Dermod Mac Maolnambo, in 1072, he was acknowledged as titular monarch, being then the most powerful of the provincial kings, and having collected his forces, and traversed various parts of the kingdom, and received homageand hostages from the kings and princes of Leinster, Meath, and Con
naught, and likewise from Godfrey, Danish king of Dublin, whom he defeated, and appointed his son, Murtogh O'Brier, king over the
Danes. Turlogh made incursions into Ulster, but his forces were defeated by the O'Neills, and that province did not acknowledge his authority. After a reign of 14 years as monarch, and 22 years as king of Munster, Torlogh died at his palace in Kincora, in Clare, in July, 1086, in the 77th year of his age, and was buried in the cathedral of Killaloe, according to the Annals of Inisfallen. Torlogh is celebrated as a wise, just, pious, and valiant prince; a letter ad dressed to him by Lanfranc, archbishop of Canterbury, commences as follows—“Magnifico Regi Hiberniae Tordelvacho,” “To Tor logh the magnificent king of Ireland,” and another by Pope Gre gory VII. , commences thus—“Gregorius Episcopus servus ser vorum Dei, Terdelvaco incly to Regi Hiberniæ. ” “Gregory the Bishop, servant of the servants of God, to Torlogh the illustrious King of Ireland. ”
Murtogh O'Brien. —On the death of Torlogh, the kindom of Munster was divided among his three sons, Teige, Murtogh, and Dermod, but Teige the eldest, dying soon after, and Derinod be
ing banished into Connaught, Murtogh became king of Munster. He led his forces through Leinster and Meath, and reduced their kings to subjection, and likewise the Danes, and appointed his son
Donal as king of Dublin and Fingall. Murtogh thus becameking of Leinster, Munster, and Meath, and had frequent and fierce con tests for the monarchy with Donal Mac Loghlin, king of Ulster; he made hostile incursions into Ulster, and Donal Mac Loghlin, in his turn, joined by the troops of Roderick O'Conor, king of Con naught, marched to Munster with powerful forces, defeated the Momonians, burned Limerick, and likewise the palace of Kincora, the celebrated seat of the kings of Munster, which, in A. D. 1088, he demolished to the ground. Murtogh O'Brien soon after laid waste Leinster and Connaught, and proceeded with a powerful force to Ulster, but in A. D. 1090, he and Mac Loghlin held a con vention on the banks of Lough Neagh, and having amicably ar ranged their disputes, it was mutually agreed upon that Murtogh O'Brien should be king of Leath Mogha, or Leinster and Munster, and Donal Mac Loghlin king of Leath Cuinn, or Meath, Ulster and Connaught. These two great rivals soon after renewed their fierce contests, and in 1094, O'Brien again invaded Leinster and Meath, defeated the forces of the Methians, and slew their king, Donal O’Melaghlin. In the year 1099, O'Brien marched into Ulster with an immense force, and was met near Slieve Fuadh, or
the Fews Mountains, in Armagh, by Mac Loghlin, at the head of
Murtogh convened a great assembly of the chiefs, bishops, and clergy of Munster at Cashel, and solemnly made a donation to the
church in honour of God and St. Patrick, of the city of Cashel, the ancient seat and patrimony of the kings of Munster, and in the year 1111,a great national synod, or council of bishops, clergy, chiefs, &c. , was convened by king Murtogh, at Uisneach in West meath. After he had reigned over Munster, and a great part of Ireland for 30 years, he resigned the kingdom of Munster to his brother Dermod, in 1116, and retired to the monastery of Lismore,
the Ultonians. . Both armies being on the point of engaging in fierce
conflict, were fortunately prevented by the archbishops of Armagh
and Cashel, who, with their clergy, interposed between the en
raged opponents, and succeeded in making peace. In the year Horn of Brian Boru. O'Brien retired in exile to Ulster, where he
1100 war recominencedbetweenthe kings, and O'Brien havingieda was honourably received by Murtogh Mac Loghlin, king of that
where he died in 1119, at an advanced age, and was buried with great pomp in the cathedral of Killaloe.
Donal Mac Loghlin. -As already explained in the account of
the race of Hy Niall, a branch of the O'Neills, kings of Ulster,
took the name of Mac Loghlin, the first prince of that name being Donal, the son of Ardgal, son of Loghlin O'Neill, from whom they
took the surname Mac Loghlin, and some of them also were called
O'Loghlin. This Donal Mac Loghlin, a prince of great abilities
and valour, was head of the North Hy Niall, and had the titles
of prince of Aileach and king of Ulster, and became king of Leath
Cuinn. His contests for the monarchy with Murtogh O'Brien,
king of Munster, have been above related, and, on the death of O'Brien, he was acknowledged monarch of Ireland; he retired to
the monastery of Columkille at Derry, where he died on the 9th of February, A. D. 1121, in the 73rd year of his age, the 11th of his reign as king of Ulster, and 7th as monarch of Ireland. He is extolled by the annalists for his great valour, fine person, wis dom, munificence, and charity.
Torlogh O'Conor. —After the death of Donal Mac Loghlin, there was an interregnum of 15 years, during which there were several competitors for the crown. On the abdication of Murtogh O'Brien, in A. D. 1116, as above stated, his brother Dermod be came king of Munster, and in A. D. 1120, Conor O'Brien, son of Dermod, succeeded his father as king of that province, and having extended his power likewise over Leinster, was styled king of Leath Mogha. Torlogh, son of Roderick O'Conor, king of Con naught, succeeded his brother Donal as king of that province in A. D. 1106, and being a very warlike, politic, and valiant prince, extended his power not only over Connaught, but over parts of Ulster and Meath, and was acknowledged as king of Leath Cuinn. He had various contests with Derinod O'Brien, and his successor Conor O'Brien, kings of Munster, and having finally reduced the kings and princes of Munster, Leinster, Meath, and Ulster, to sub jection after long contests and many fierce battles, he was acknow ledged as monarch of Ireland in the year 1136. Amongst, the great battles he fought with the O’Briens, kings of Munster, may be mentioned that of Moin Mor, near the river Blackwater in Cork, in which the troops of the Dalcassians of Thomond, under king Torlogh O'Brien, were totally defeated, and upwards of seven thousand of them slain in A. D. 1151, as described at p. 149 in the notes to these Annals. The day after that battle Torlogh O'Conor marched with his victorious forces to Limerick, and Tor logh O'Brien submitted, gave him hostages, and did him homage, and was likewise obliged to pay for his liberty a ransom of 200 ounces of gold, with many precious articles, amongst others the
w
4B2
556 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1586.
that castle to avoid the session, and to protect their persons. The governor laid siege to the castle, and sent the crews of four or five boats of the best
province, who in A. D. 1152, collected the forces of Ulster, and marched into Meath, where they were attacked by the troops of king Torlogh O'Conor, and a fierce battle was fought at Fordruim, in which O'Conor's forces were defeated with great slaughter, and many of the Connaught chiefs fell on the field of battle. After this victory Mac Loghlin restored Torlogh O'Brien to the throne of Munster. Torlogh O'Conor having reigned king of Connaught
macnois and other churches. The reign of Torlogh O'Conor is remarkable for the great synod or council of the Irish church held in A. D. 1152, at Kells in Meath, which was attended by the Pope's Legate, cardinal John Paparo, together with 3000 ecclesi astics, bishops, monks, and clergy, at which the four archbishops' sees of Ireland were established, and many other regulations made with respect to the church.
Murtogh Mac Loghlin or O'Loghlin, grand-nephew of Donal, former monarch of Ireland, was then a powerful prince, and car ried on contests with king Torlogh O'Conor for the monarchy, and on the death of Torlogh, was acknowledged as monarch of Ireland by the provincial kings except Roderick O'Conor, king Con naught, the son Torlogh, who carried contests with Mac Loghlin, and many battles were fought between them. Murtogh Mac Loghlin had various contests with Eochy Mac Dunlevey, prince Ulidia, and, the course their conflicts, Eochy was taken prisoner, and his eyes were put out order Murtogh,
men in the camp, at mid-day, to attack the castle, but it was of no avail to them, for some of their
people were slain, and they left after them one of
the Mac Carthys, princes Desmond, and Dermod Mac Murrogh, king Leinster, whom refused acknowledge his authority; but having finally reduced them submission, and having also marched Dublin reduced the Danes subjection, and was then generally acknowledged monarch. 1167, king Roderick assembled great national convention near Athboy, Meath, which was attended many the princes and chiefs Meath, Ulster, and Connaught, together with many bishops and clergy, and immense number the people; according the Four
50 years, and 20 years as monarch of Ireland, died at Dunmore in
Galway, A. D. 1156, in the 68th year of his age, and was buried
with great honours and solemnity in the cathedral of St. Kiaran
at Clonmacnois. He is designated by the historians the Augustus
of Western Europe, and highly praised for his valour, wisdom,
munificence, and piety, and the annalists enumerate various costly
gifts and valuable articles, great quantities of gold and silver, Tailtean, Meath. The abduction Dervorgilla, wife Tiarnan goblets, chalices, vases, gems, &c. , which he bequeathed to Clon
avenge which outrage Donogh the men Brefney and
both armies met, and
Litterluin, near Lough Neagh,
the monarch's forces were defeated, and himself slain, together with many his chiefs, and immense number common sol diers. King Murtogh Mac Loghlin thus fell the 10th year
violation their treaty peace, O'Carroll, prince Oirgiall, joined
the Ulidians, marched the head
rone. King Murtogh having
nine thousand men into Ty the meantime collected his forces,
his reign; was
the Thunderbolt
tor every battle
his solemn vows, fell sacrifice justice. King Murtogh was
munificent benefactor the church, and his time 1157,
Louth, great synod bishops, clergy, princes, and chiefs, convened the consecration that celebrated Cistercian monastery, which occasion king Murtogh gave the monks extensive grants land, together with 140 oxen, and 60 ounces gold; Donogh O'Carroll, prince Oirgiall, also gave 60 ounces gold, and 60 ounces more were presented Dervor
was held Mellifont
vestments, and various ornaments for each the nine altars the great church. This Dervorgilla, called the Irish Helen, was the princess celebrated Irish history, whose abduction from her husband Dermod Mac Murrogh, king Leinster, led the Anglo-Norman invasion under Strongbow and his followers; the death Dervorgilla
specimen, the reign Ethelred, the ninth century:—“Of
the Anglo-Saxon governments, the kingdom Northumbria had been always the most perturbed; usurper murdering usurper, the pervading incident. crowd ghastly monarchs pass swiftly along the page history, we gaze, and scarcely has the sword
the assassin been cleansed from its horrid pollution, before its
recorded D. 1193, these Annals, her age; she spent the latter part her life penitence one the monasteries Drogheda, and was buried
point turned upon master, and
which had just closed upon another.
the last century and half, fewer than
each other from their joyless thrones, and the deaths the
the 85th year
carried the sepulchre this manner, during
at Mellifont.
Roderick O'Conor, king Connaught, son king Torlogh,
sceptred chiefs hurled
1166, fought fierce battle the borders Tyrone, which
valiant prince, and styled the annalists War, and the Hector Western Europe, vic ever fought, but this alone, when, forgetting
gilla, the wife Tiarnan O'Rourke, prince Brefney, and daugh
ter Murtogh O'Melaghlin, king Meath; she also gave
golden chalice for the altar the Virgin, and silver chalices, rich Anglo-Saxons, from which single passage may afford striking
succeeded monarch Ireland, A. 1166, the death greatest number wereaccompanied hecatombs their friends. ” Murtogh Mac hlin; had several contests with the The learned Charles O'Conor, his Dissertations the History O'Neills, kings Ulster, with the O'Briens, kings Thomond, Ireland, makes the following reflections the fall the mo
Masters,
assembly,
notes.
sembly which had been held for many ages ancient times
less than thirteen thousand horsemen attended this which account has been given 298 these 1168, king Roderick revived the celebrated as
O'Rourke, prince Brefney,
Leinster, took place about
neously placed ten years sooner
event led the Anglo-Norman invasion, under Strongbow and his followers, the years 1169, 1170, and under king Henry II. , 1171 and 1172. An account the contests Roderick O'Conor, with Dermod Mac Murrogh, king Leinster, and his Anglo-Norman allies, given the various histories Ireland, and the chief occurrences the English invasion have been men tioned from 40, and also pp. 196, 197, these Annals, and the annotations. Roderick O'Conor, the last Milesian monarch Ireland, after various contests with the Anglo-Norman
died
Fall the Monarchy. —The disorganization and anarchy church and state, and the derangement both civil and ecclesi
astical authority, produced the sanguinary and destructive Danish wars, incessantly continued for more than three centuries, together with the fierce and interminable feuds, discords, and ruinous con tests the kings, princes, and chiefs, amongst themselves, inevi
tably paved the way for the downfall the Irish monarchy. The contests the Irish Kings were fierce, and far longer protracted, than those of the rival Houses of York and Lancaster for the crown
England. During those contests, continued incessantly through the 11th and 12th centuries, from the deposition the monarch Malachy II. , Brian Boru, the year 1002, the reign Roderick O'Conor and the English invasion 1172, period 170 years, probable that, the innumerable conflicts and battles, not less than one hundred and fifty thousand men were slain. But, the middle ages were times tumult, anarchy, and violence, over the various nations Europe, well Ireland, and the contests
the kings the Irish Pentarchy were not more fierce, barba rous, and bloody, than the feuds the Anglo-Saxon kings the Heptarchy, abundantly evident from Turner's History the
Dermod Mac Murrogh, king 1166, though that event erro some modern historians; this
English invaders, abdicated the throne
year his reign, and retired the monastery
where, after religious seclusion years,
according the Ogygia, Sunday, the 27th of November,
the 82nd year his age, and was buried the north side the great altar, the cathedral St. Kiaran Clonmacnois.
nine years after his remains were exhumed, and placed stone coffin, recorded the year 1207 these Annals.
1184, Cong,
the 18th Mayo, 1198,
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REIGN OF ELIZABETH. 557
their boats; and the other party returned to the not to continue guarding any castle against the camp in a drowning condition. After those had sovereign of England, and two boats full of women departed, the resolution the Burkes came to was, and children proceeded to the other side of the
narchy:—“Since the death of Malachy this nation was falling
into state political reprobation; each province set itself,
the monarchy grew indifferent, and the monarch hateful the
majority the chieftains. When Roderick mounted the throne,
their measureofiniquity was full; laboured unite parties, for
common defence, against desperate provincial tyrant (Dermod
Mac Murrogh, king Leinster), and his foreign allies, but the
Oligarchs the time were rather unanimous rejecting their Armagh the Mac Dunleveys, O'Flinns, Magennises, and Mac king, than the common enemy; they loved their country only
the second place; domestic animosities and personal revenge were uppermost, and the gratification these passions they sacri ficed, every consideration, favourable their native country, useful their own common safety. What ensued was very natu ral, although, superficial view, appears extremely surpri sing. The majority the chieftains delivered the nation
prey handful foreign freebooters, and deserted the reigning prince, under whose standard they could have easily preserved
Donegal; conquer Louth,
Ulidia Dalaradia,
Courcy's battles with the Irish
more than 20 years, are recorded Hanmer's Chronicle, which
their liberties. ” Such are the judicious still may observed, that the fall
the 12th century, was not sudden
remarks O'Conor, but
the Milesian monarchy, surprising that
Battles Downpatrick. -Hanmer, hisChronicle, relatestwo Courcy's batties fought Downpatrick with Mac Dunlevey, O'Dunlevey, whom and Cox erroneously call O'Donnell. The
chief commanders the English these battles were Courcy, sir Armoric St. Laurence, and his son, sir Nicholas, Roger Poer, and Geoffrey Montgomery, the standard bearer; their forces consisted cavalry called men-at-arms, who were covered with armour, and armed with spears, swords, &c. , and archers, some whom were mounted horses, and others foot. The Irish galloglasses, heavy infantry, were armed with swords and battle-axes, and the Kerns, light foot, with spears, darts, slings, &c. ; they were commanded chiefly by Mac Dunlevey and Conor O'Loghlin. The battle was fierce and long continued, and the slaughter great both sides, and, amongst the English, Lionel St. Laurence and other leaders were slain; but Hanmer says the Irish were length defeated. This battle was fought
1177, and, according the Four Masters, the same year John Courcy plundered Downpatrick, and erected castle there, and had many conflicts with the Irish chiefs, several whom were
slain, namely, the Mac Dunleveys, O'Donnellys, O'Carolans,
&c. , and the O'Flahertys, who appear have been branch the O'Neills, and, therefore, different from the O'Flahertys Connaught.
Battle Glenrighe, 1178,John Courcy, with his foreigners, marched Machaire Conaill, the Plain Louth, which they plundered, and encamped Glenrighe, the vale the Newry river, the borders Louth and Down but they were attacked the Irish forces, under Murrogh O'Carroll, prince
Oirgiall, and Cu-uladh Mac Dunlevey, prince Ulidia; the English were defeated, and 450 them slain, and the Irish 150 fell the field battle. Shortly after, Courcy's forces were defeated with great slaughter the Irish, under Cumidhe O'Flinn, lord Hy Tuirtre, territory near Lough Neagh, the borders Down and Antrim Courcy himself with difficulty
escapedfrom the battle, and fled Dublin, coveredwith wounds. These battles, and many others fought Courcy, Ulster and
Connaught, are recorded by the Four Masters.
Battle Farney. —The circumstances mentioned Hanmer
are follows:–De Courcy having erected many castles
accompanied Ireland his valiant brother-in-law Almeric Tristram, St. Laurence, ancestor the earls Howth soon after their landing Howth, 1177, they marched with their forces Ulster, and were accompanied Roger Poer,
and other chiefs. De Courcy and his forces carried fierce con tests for many years with the northern princes and chiefs, the O'Carrolls, Mac Mahons, and O’Hanlons Louth, Monaghan and
Cartans, Down and Antrim the O'Neills and O'Loghlins
Tyrone; the O’Kanes Derry, and the O’Donnells
but length Courcy and his followers succeeded ing part the country, and madesettlements Oirgiall,
Monaghan and Armagh, and
Down and Antrim. Many chiefs Ulster, for period
parts
these Annals, and some also
the following were the most remarkable.
England the 11th century, under the Saxons, who were subdued,
with Harold their king, one battle Hastings, and the Anglo Saxon sceptre transferred the Normans under William the Con queror single day, while the Anglo-Norman kings and warlike barons,the descendants the Normans France, who quick
made complete conquest England, could only effect partial subjugation Ireland, after fierce contests many cen
turies. Of the contests the Irish kings and chiefs amongst themselves,for many centuries, abundantaccountsare given the
course these Annals, and these contests were continued even with greater violence and fury after the English invasion, which
addedfresh elements discord. appears that the great Anglo Norman families, the Fitzgeralds, Butlers, Burkes, &c. , carried
almost fierce contests amongst themselves the Irish chiefs; and Cox, speaking those dissensions, both the En glish and Irish, amongst themselves and against each other, the 13th century, says—“That appeared some malignant star had influenced all the inhabitants Ireland contention. ”
the various articles preceding notes the Danish wars, has beenshown that those contests were continued more than 300 years; and the wars the Anglo-Normans and English Ireland were continned incessantly for 500 years,thus, for more than eight centuries, violent wars were carried on, with enormousdestruction
property, cattle, corn, &c. , burning churches, cities, and towns, and innumerable fierce contests, furious battles, conflicts, and massacres,took place, that the history Ireland, during period
more than 800 years, through which the people fought against foreign foes, presents continued scene rapine and slaughter. The Anglo-Normans Ulster. —At the commencement
theseAnnals, account given Strongbow and his followers, andtheir progress various parts Ireland. John Courcy,
and his forces, first attacked Ulster, which territory he got grant from King Henry much could conquer. Sir John Courcy was descended from the Dukes Lorraine, France, and his ancestor came England with william the Con Queror; was the most renowned leader the Anglo-Normans
Ireland, man
immensebodily strength, gigantic stature, and Holinshed says, “de Courcy was mighty
Ulster, amongst others, two Farney, them Mac Mahon, chief Farney
gave the guarding Monaghan, who entered 1180 Mac Mahon demo
indomitable valour. limb, and strong
*t
fight, noble and right valiant warrior. ” Campion, his Chro nicle, says, “John Courcy was warrior noble courage, and
body like giant. ” Holinshed and others state that
white horse, and had three eagles painted his
order fulfil prophecy made Merlin the Welsh $nchanter,that knight riding white horse, and bearing
him,
warlike
soldier, field,
the first the and the foremost the
castles; dared so,
Courcy, hearing this, why
pitch rode standards,
was contrary his nature couch himself within cold stones, and that he would much rather live the warm woods. This contemptuous reply enraged Courcy, and having mustered his forces preyed and plundered Mac Mahon's country; the immense prey cattle
sinews, very tall, and broad proportion,
into alliance with
but about
birds shield, would the first the English who, with
force arms, would enter and conquer Ulster. De Courcy was ceeding with them they covered distance three miles. Mac
lished the
demanded
had not promised
which Mac Mahon replied hold stones for him, but land, and that
he
which drove off was divided into three parts, and when pro
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558 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1586.
lake opposite the camp. The governor afterwards Rickard Oge, commonly called Fal-fa-Eirin (the
demolished the castle, and it was in that camp he hanged the son of Mac William Burke, namely,
Mahon collected his forces, and they attacked the English with great fury, and such loud shouts as made the woods ring ; the cows frightened ran furiously on the drivers, and broke through the ranks, overturning men and horses, and great numbers of the
English were trodden to death by the cattle, and many hundreds
of them slain by the Irish. De Courcy, and sir Armoric de St.
Laurence, attacked Mac Mahon's men, and rescued Roger le Poer,
who had been taken prisoner; the Irish, having rallied their forces,
came again to the contest with terrific shouts, and were command
ed by Art Buighe Mac Mahon; the English being environed with
woods, bogs, and marshes, great numbers of them were slain, and
many also of the Irish fell, amongst others Mac Mahon the chief.
Fence of Ireland), who was the son of Rickard, son of John of the Termon; his other brother had
ment taken from the Patent Rolls in the Tower of London, which has been obtained from the Library of Sir William Betham, and not hitherto published, it is shown that king John, in the year 1204, gave a grant of Ulster to Hugh de Lacy the younger, who was son of the first Hugh de Lacy, lord of Meath, and de Lacy was to possess Ulster and earldom fully held Courcy the
The contest continued a great part of the day, and night coming
“Concessio terrae Ultonia Hugoni Lacy (per gladium), salvis tamen Regi Crociis de terra illa. ”
“Rex, &c. , Meilero filio Henrici (Myler Fitz-Henry), Baro nibus Hibernia, &c. Sciatis quod dedimus concessimus Hu goni Lacy pro homagio servitio suo terram Ultonia cum pertinentiis suis, habendum tenendum sicut Johannes Curcy eam tenuit die qua idem Hugo eum campo seisivit, vel die proximo precedente, salvis tamen nobis Crociis terra illa; sciatis quod retinuinus nobiscum predictum Hugonem ipsumque nobiscum ducimus servitio nostro. Et ideo vobis mandamus quod terram suam omnia sua custodiatis manuteneatis de fendatis sicut nostra dominia. Teste meipso apud Windlesor, 2do die Maii, A. D. 1204. ”
on, de Courcy entrenched himself in an old fortress; the Irish re
mained within about half a mile of him, and made great fires in
the woods during the night. The conflict was renewed the next
day and great numbers slain on both sides; according to some ac
counts the English were victorious, but other accounts state that
they were defeated, and de Courcy forced to fly with a remnant
of his forces, and pursued for a distance of 30 miles from the field of battle.
determined bravery, the Irish being commanded by O’Hanlon, and other chiefs; de Courcy displayed great valour, wielding his two
handed sword, with which he cut down many champions; sir Armoric de St. Laurence, and his son sir Nicholas, also fought with great bravery. After a long contest, de Courcy was sorely wounded, and, according to Hammer, the slaughter on both sides was immense, “few of the Irish, and fewer of the English, being left alive. ” After the battle, the Irish forces retired to the Fews, in Armagh, and the English to Dundalk.
De Courcy and his followers succeeded in making many settle
ments in Ulster, in the counties of Louth, Monaghan, Armagh,
Down, and Antrim, and he erected several castles in Ulster, and
John Courcy and his followers, and the English settlers general from the 12th the 17th century. the course these Annals ample accounts are given the incessant wars waged with those British settlers, and with the English the Pale, the great northern chiefs, the O'Neills Tyrone, the O'Donnells Done gal, the Maguires Fermanagh, the Mac Mahons Monaghan, the O'Reillys Cavan, &c. ; these wars were incessantly con tinued for period 500 years, and vast numbers were slain both sides. The Mac Donnells the Hebrides, styled lords
had his chief castle and residence at Downpatrick; he was cre
the Isles, celebrated Scottish clan, originally frequently came Ulster with powerful forces 12th the 16th century, and made settlements
ated by Henry II. earl of Ulster, and lord of Connaught, and was
also Scottish clan Irish descent, make remarkable figure the history Ulster during the 16th century, famous military commanders, and galloglasses, and generally fought alliance with the Irish against the English, but very often there were fierce contests between them and the Irish chiefs. The Mac Quillans, another powerful clan Antrim, also make considerable figure
king John, on which the king commanded de Lacy to take him
prisoner; and in the year 1203, while de Courcy was performing
his devotions, on Good Friday, at the church of Downpatrick,
he was attacked unawares and unarmed by de Lacy's men, on
which the valiant warrior, having no weapon at hand, seized the
shaft of a wooden cross, with which he slew thirteen of de Lacy's
men; but being overpowered by numbers, he was at length made
prisoner, sent to England, and confined in the Tower; but being land, assumethe sovereignty Ireland, send them some prince
liberated after some time, he went to France, where he died about
the year 1210; his extensive estates and honours were conferred
by king John on Hugh de Lacy, of which an account is given in Lodge's Peerage on the Barons of Kinsale.
Grant of Ulster to Hugh de Lacy. -By the following docu
one of the chief governors of Ireland in 1179; he was married to Afreca, daughter of Godred, king of the Isle of Mann, and from
him were descended the de Courcys, barons of Kinsale, in Cork. De Courcy had various contests with his powerful rivals the de Lacys, lords of Meath, and sir Hugh de Lacy charged de Courcy with disaffection, and with having refused to do homage to
the history Ulster for long time, and had many contests with the Mac Donnells, by whom they were finally vanquished the 16th century.
day was taken prisoner, except the lands the Cross lands, bishopricks, and abbeys, and the king gave charge lord justice, Myler Fitz-Henry, defend and preserve lands as he would the demesnesof the crown.
church the Lacy's
Battle of Lurgan. —About A, D, 1180, de Courcy having sent
to England for some munitions of war, a vessel arrived, which was
driven into a creek in Oriel or Louth, called Torshead, but O'Han
lon, a chief of Armagh, and others, took the ship, and having put
the mariners to death, seized all the cargo ; de Courcy then
marched his forces from Downpatrick to Newry, while O'Hanlon
andthe Irish mustered their men,andencampedsouth of Dundalk,
and north of the river Dondygon. De Courcy, Armoric de St.
Laurence, and Roger le Poer, came with the English forces to
within half a mile of the Irish camp, and having advanced to the
attack, a fierce conflict ensued at the river; de Courcy being di
rected by a Friar to a ford, the English passed over, and the fight
was continued at a broad part of the water, about a mile from Lur
gan, on the south side from Dunnalk.
Both parties fought with families Anglo-Normans who made settlements Ulster under
After the attainder the Lacy's the 13th century, Walter de Burgo, lord Connaught, succeeded the lands and earldom
Ulster, right his wife, who was daughter sir Hugh
Lacy, and the earldom Ulster afterwards passed intermar riage with daughter Walter Burgo, Lionel, duke
Clarence, son king iodward III. next the Mortimers, earls March England, and lordsof Meath, and lastly the earldom Ulster came into the possession the royal family England,
and, modern times, the dukes York are earls Ulster.
the notes Oirgiall, Ulidia, Dalaradia, Dalrieda, Tir-Eogain,
Brefney, and Fermanagh, account has beengiven the chief
Irish descent, Scots from the Antrim the head chiefs the Mac Donnells after times became earls of An trim. These Mac Donnells and the Mac Sheehys, who were
his family,
the crown kings who were
Bruce. —In the beginning the 14th century Tyrone, and several other Irish princes and make more effectual effort shake off the
The Invasion
O'Neill, prince
chiefs, order
English yoke, invited the renowned Robert Bruce, king Scot
they considered the House Bruce had claim Ireland, being descended from the old Scottish Irish Milesian race. consequence this invitation, king Robert sent his brother Edward Bruce Ireland,
and landed Olderfleet, the bay Larne, the coast
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of which copious accounts are given in the course of these Annals. The Plantation of Ulster. —In consequenceof the adherence of the Irish chiefs to Hugh O'Neill, earl of Tyrone, in the war against
Elizabeth, six entire counties in Ulster, namely, Armagh, Tyrone,
sists immensenumber basaltic columns, now admitted volcanic origin; and some basaltic columns are also found along
Derry, Donegal, Fermanagh, and Cavan, were confiscated, and
ticle Knocklade, account
earthquake which took place
castle, the county Antrim,
phenomenon was preceded by noise resembling continued crash
seized by the crown in the reign of James I. , in the beginning of
May, 1788; this remarkable
the 17th century, from A. D. 1610 to 1620. These territories were transferred from the Irish chiefs and clans to various British
colonies; some were English, but most of them were Scottish settlers. They were denominated Undertakers and Planters, hence this project was called the Plantation of Ulster. Accounts of these colonies and undertakers are given in Pynnar's Survey of Ulster, in Harris's Hibernica, in the Historical Tracts of sir John Davis, and in Cox's Hibernia Anglicana. An account of the Plantation of Ulster has been also given in these Annals, in the topographical notes on Oirgiall, Tir-Eogain, Tirconnell, Brefney, and Fermanagh.
The Insurrection of 1641, and the Cromwellian Wars. -In consequenceof the confiscation of the possessionsof the old Irish chiefs in Ulster, and the transfer of their lands to British settlers, they formed a powerful confederacy for the recovery of their ter ritories, and a tremendous insurrection took place on the 23d of October, 1641, which raged incessantly for a period of about seven years,mixed up with the Civil War in Ireland, betweenthe English Parliamentary forces and the adherents of Charles and followed
the Cromwellian Wars, for period about three years, from 1649 1652. The great leaders the Irish these events Ulster were, sir Phelim, and the celebrated Owen Roe O'Neill, the O'Reillys Cavan, the Maguires Fermanagh, the Mac Mahons
Monaghan, &c. , and accounts these wars are given Cox, Leland, Temple, Borlase, Warner, Carte, Curry, Mac Geoghe gan, &c.
Numbers slain the Wars the ancient history Ulster
Ulster. —In the course
the several articles these notes,
estimatemay formed the numbers slain from data afforded the accounts the various wars and battles. the wars the Irish kings and chiefs amongstthemselves,and various battles with foreigninvaders, from the first the eighth century, period
700 years, probable that about 240,000 men were slain. the Danish wars, from the latter end the 8th, the 12th
REIGN OF ELIZABETH.
559
Mayo), and that castle had the governor, who demolished
been put to death before that for his crimes, namely Thomas Roe, who had Caislen-ne-Nenuige on
Fionnloch-Ceara (Lough Carra, in the barony of
Antrim, on the 25th of May, A. D. 1315, with a fleet of 300 sail and 600 Scots, and being joined by the Irish chiefs of Ulster, he
took from the English various castles and garrisons, as Carrick fergus, Coleraine, Carlingford, Dundalk, &c. , and was crowned
as king of Ireland near Dundalk. He made a victorious progress through the English Pale, with his Scottish forces and Irish allies, took the towns of the English, and plundered and laid waste their territories. During his career in Ireland for about three years and a half, he traversed all the provinces, and is said to have defeated the English forces in 18 battles, but his followers were at length mostly cut off by a dreadful famine. An account of Bruce's progress in Ireland has been given at p. 111 in these Annals; his forces were finally defeated and himself slain in a great battle at Faughart near Dundalk, by the English of the Pale, under the command of sir John Bermingham, who for this signal service was created earl of Louth by king Edward II. The battle of Faughart and death of Bruce took place on St. Calixtus's day, namely Saturday the 14th of October, A. D. 1318, not on the 28th of May, as erroneously stated in Lodge's Peerage, and quoted at p. 111 in these notes, which mistake the reader will please to correct.
The Wars of Elizabeth. -In the latter end of the 16th century,
from1560 to 1600, the wars of the Irish princes and chiefs against
queen Elizabeth, form the most remarkable events in the Anglo
Irish history. These wars were incessantly continued for a period
of about forty years, chiefly in Ulster, during which time the
Northern Irish, under the O'Neills, O'Donnells, O'Reillys, Ma Giants' Causeway, which resembles some vast work art, and con guires, &c. , fought many fierce battles against the English forces,
Kilmain, county given up
had similarly demolished the other castles,
century, period more than 300 years, there were slain Ulster about 100,000 men both sides. the wars with the Anglo-Normans, from the 12th the 14th century, about 50,000 were slain; and the battles during the invasion Edward
Bruce, about 30,000 fell by the sword and famine; the subse quent wars with the English, down the reign Elizabeth, for
period about 240 years, the number slain may about 80,000. the wars Elizabeth, for period
there could not have beenless than 100,000 men slain
Ulster. the insurrection 1641, 1649, and the subsequent Cromwellian wars, from 1649 1652, the many fierce battles,
conflicts, and massacres, including the massacre Cromwell Drogheda, which town was ancient Ulster, there were least 100,000 men slain both sides; and lastly, the war the Revolution, from 1689 1691, the various battles, sieges &c. ,
Ulster, there were probably about 30,000 slain both sides. From these calculations appears that from the 1st the 18th century, there were about 700,000 men slain the various wars
Ulster.
Eruption Lakes and Earthquakes—In the article Uls
the sea coast, that stupendous production nature called the
Seward's Topography, the ar given volcanic eruption and the hill Knocklade, near Bally
the shores Lough Neagh.
thunder, and column fire and smoke burst forth, and as cended about 60 yards into the air, followed shower ashes and stones, which extended quarter mile round the hill; about 46 minutes after the first shock, stream lava poured out, and rushed sheet liquid fire, about 60 yards breadth, down the fields, until entered the adjoining village Ballyowen, where involved the houses and their unfortunate inhabitants conflagration and ruin, none having escaped but one man, his wife, and two children; after the lava had continued flow 39 hours,
then totally ceased.
History Ireland. —In the various articles Ulster, these notes, the course the Annals, not more than outline the history Ulster could given, embracing short account the chief events, and referring various sources for further informa tion, the object being give data for provincial history future writers. One the best modes, probably, illustrating Irish his tory, would give separate histories the five ancient king doms Meath, Ulster, Connaught, Leinster, and Munster, these five kingdoms, constituting the Irish Pentarchy, were distinct their government, each having its own kings, laws, cus toms, regulations, and separate interests, under the old monarchy, down the invasion the English the latter end the 12th century, and even the end the 16th century, when complete breaking up the Irish princes, chiefs, and clans, took place the reign Elizabeth, the five kingdoms the ancient Pentarchy were recognised the Milesian Irish, and representatives still re mained the old kings, princes, and chiefs, who were looked upon
the people their legitimate rulers. From these considera tions, appears that five distinct histories the kingdoms the Irish Pentarchy would probably the best plan illustrate and make intelligible the History Ireland; these provincial histories would most important and valuable works, ably executed,
giving the history each province, and the events from the earliest era, Pagan and Christian, Irish, Danish, and English, military and
estimated years,
both sides
ter, 338, account has beengiven the suddeneruption, very remote times, manygreat lakes that province, Loughs
Neagh, Erne, &c. ; and these phenomena are considered have arisen from volcanic action, earthquakes, and may observed that basaltic strata abound various parts Antrim, particularly
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560 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1586.
after Rickard, the son of Thomas, had been put to man who kept a house of hospitality; they also death. It was at the same time that the governor took prisoner Owen, the son of Donal-an-Chog hanged the two sons of Walter Fada (the Tall), aidh (of the War), the son of Gilladuff, son of
the son of David, son of Edmond, son of Ulick Burke, whose names were Theobald and Myler.
A great number of the people of the province of Connaught united with those Burkes, and joined
them in their treason, after the festival of St. John,
of this year; amongst these were the Clan Don
nell galloglasses (Mac Donnells), and the Seoaigh
of West Connaught (the Joyces of Connemara);
those sent their moveable properties, their women son of Mac Donnell, namely Donal Gorm and and people, into the strongholds and recesses of Alexander, and Gillespuic, the son of Dongall, son the country; the governor having gone to Ballin of Donogh Cam, son of Gillespuic Mac Cailin, to robe to attack them, sent seven or eight companies gether with several other chiefs besides, and their through West Connaught in pursuit of the insur fame and renown were greater than they actually de gents, and when they did not succeed in taking served. They formed camps abounding with provi the despoilers, they plundered Muinter Murchadh sions in the country on which they landed, and the a-na-dTuagh (the tribe-name of the O'Flahertys idle persons, and those who attended on festival of West Connaught, in Galway), and the people of occasions, and useless strollers of the neighbouring the tribe of Owen O'Flaherty, who, as they them districts, were in the habit of visiting them at that selves considered, were then under the law. Those place, and they left no property, either of corn or (the English), slew women, the common inhabi cattle, after them in Inisowen on that occasion. tants, and helpless people; they hanged Theobald They afterwards proceeded along the Finn and
Modharm (the rivers Finn and Mourne in Donegal),
ecclesiastical, civil and political, literary and scientific, arts, anti
quities, laws, &c. with catalogues and lives of the provincial kings,
princes, and distinguished chiefs, and of archbishops, bishops, and
eminent ecclesiastics, &c. For such works there are abundant
materials in the ancient annals, as those of the Four Masters, of
Ulster, Inisfallen, &c. , and in various Irish MSS. now in progress
of publication. After the Provincial Histories, a series of County
Histories, and separate Ecclesiastical Histories of each Diocese,
would, if well executed, be most important works, and are much
wanted. These Provincial, County, and Diocesan Histories,
would furnish materials for a full and general History of Ireland,
which is yet to be written, all those hitherto published being mise
rably defective. The History of Ireland must be written by im works on Irish history already published, and from the various partial Irishmen, if Milesians so much the better, for every people
O’Tuathalain, a supporter of the indigent, and a
should be the writers of their own history, and the writers must know their native language, and be good Irish scholars, otherwise it is a farce to attempt to write the ancient history of Ireland. It must be written free from party views, and anti-Irish prejudices, on the one hand, and on the other it must avoid excessive eulogies of the ancient Irish, and exaggerations of their former greatness. No full or fair history of Ireland has been yet written; one set of our historians are extravagantly anti-Irish and bigotted, distorting and falsifying every event in modern times, and representing our ancient annals, civil, military, and ecclesiastical, asfables, fictions, and legends, while, on the other hand, most of our native histo rians endeavour to give an undue importance to the history of the Irish people, and exaggerate the greatness of their country in other days, which is very injudicious, for as Ireland had in early ages attained considerable civilization, and eminencein the arts, and was particularly distinguished in her religious and literary fame, there fore, the real rank the country held amongst the European nations, in early times, should be shown, and requires no exaggerated embel lishments. Of all our annalists, the Four Masters are undoubtedly the most impartial, and in the extensive range of events which they
works, annals, &c. , now in progress of publication, ample materials could be collected for a full and general history of Ireland, but
Murrogh, son of Owen O'Flaherty, and after taking him they put him to death, and they then returned back to the governor with much prey and booty.
A Scottish fleet landed at Inisowen, on the es tate of O'Dogherty, in the north-eastern angle of Tirconnell; the chief commanders and head con stables of that fleet were the two sons of James, the son of Alexander, son of John Cathanach, the
record, they give faithful representations of affairs, as far as they go, showing the vices as well as virtues of their countrymen, and
give a fair view of things; but their narrative is too concise, and a more full account of events must be collected from numerous other
sources. Though many of our historians are excessively anti Irish, and others too Irish, yet they all contain immense and important information, and a vast mass of valuable materials,
which could be made available for a History of Ireland, if selected, arranged, and compiled with judgement. All the histories hitherto written are extremely defective, none of them containing a sixth part of the history of Ireland, and what they do contain is full of mistakes and misrepresentations. From the numerous
four large quarto volumes would be required for the purpose, two volumes for the antiquities, arts, military, civil, and political his
tory, and two more for the ecclesiastical, literary, and legal history. In order to execute such a great work, it would be necessary that the undertaking should receive the most extensive public patron age and national support; no one man could ever accomplish such a task, and it would be required to employ, in its execution, at least four of the ablest men who could be got in different depart ments, such as a profound Irish historian, who was at the same time a topographer and antiquary, and also had an extensive knowledge of the ancient history of various nations; secondly, a learned ecclesiastical historian; thirdly, an able Irish scholar, who must have a thorough knowledge of the history and ancient topography of Ireland; and fourthly, a first-rate classic scholar, writer, and critic. Such a work could not be adequately accomplished except at great cost; but if well executed, the pecuniary outlay would be fully
repaid, after some time, by the sale of the work, and it would ultimately produce ample remuneration.
REIGN OF ELIZABETH. 561
to Termon Magrath (parish of Templecarne, in those places fora fortnight, without either attacking
the baronies of Tirhugh, and Lurg, in Donegal the other. The Scots prepared depart the and Fermanagh), to Tuath Luirg (barony of beginning wet and very dark night, and they Lurg, in Fermanagh), and to Miodhbulg, (in proceeded north-westerly direction through the barony of Tirhugh, in Donegal), until they Tirerrill, cross the bridge Cul-Maoile (Colloo arrived at the very borders of the Erne. When the ney); there were three companies the governor's forementioned Burkes, who were engaged in the people guarding the bridge that night, and the plundering and insurrection, namely, Richard Scots having encountered them, fierce conflict Burke, the son of Deamhan-an-Chorrain; the sons ensued between them, but the Scots, however, of Edmond Burke, and the Clan Donnell gallo were obliged abandon the bridge, and cross the glasses, received intelligence about the Scots, they ford the west side they went that night quickly sent messengers inviting them to come to Sliabh-Gamh (Ox mountain, the barony them, and stated that they would obtain great Lieny, county Sligo), and the following day booty, and as much estate as they would require Ard-na-Riagh (Ardnaree Ballina). The go in the province of Connaught, if they themselves
could defend it against the people of the sovereign.
tween Dubh and Drobhais (the rivers Duff and much forces could, during which time Drowis, on the borders of Sligo and Leitrim), they had spies and reconnoiterers out after the Scots; commenced spoiling Dartry and Carbury, and when had collected the requisite forces,
were joined there by Richard (Burke), and the marched from the monastery Beand Fhada sons of Edmond. The governor (sir Richard Luighne Connaught (now Banada, village Bingham), proceeded to Sligo to oppose them, the parish Kilmacteige, barony Lieny, county and the Scots having departed from that district,
The Scots proceeded across the Erne with those
guides, and having arrived on the first night be nued through Connaught for fifteen days collecting
proceeded southward of Dartry, along Beanna Bo (Benbo Hill, near Drumlease), in Brefney, and
remained three nights in Dromahaire; from thence
Sligo, where there was ancient monastery), the beginning very dark night harvest,
they proceeded to Braid-Sliabh (Braclieve moun without warning notice being given the Scots. tain, in the barony of Tirerrill, county of Sligo, on The manner which those were before him was
the borders of Leitrim and Roscommon), and did their sleeping places, without fear, and unguarded, not halt till they arrived at Cill-Romain, (parish of just the strange country into which they had Kilronan, barony of Boyle, county of Roscommon), come was their own, without opposition. The first
at which place they arrived on the borders of Bref thing which they were roused from their deep mey, Moylurg, and Hy nOilella (Leitrim, and the slumber was the cry their sentinels, who were baronies of Boyle and Tirerrill, in Roscommon and attacked by the governor's people throughout the
Sligo). The governor came from the west to Bel town; the Scots then quickly arranged themselves am-Atha-fada in Tirerill (Ballinafad, north of the order well they possibly could, combat Curlew mountains, a village on the road from with the governor’s people; that, however, was
Boyle to Sligo), and both parties remained in benefit them, for they had more than dis
A. D. 1586.
1. Battle of Ardnaree. —In 1586, according to Cox, the Burkes
of Mayo collected their forces, and were joined by two thousand Scottish auxiliaries, who had landed in Ulster; with these com bined forces, amounting to about 3000 men, they endeavoured to expel the English out of Connaught, and the Scots having marched forward, they crossed the river Erne, near Ballyshannon; they were followed by the earl of Clamrickard and Richard Bingham, with the English forces, and having marched Sligo, the Irish returned through Leitrim, and over the Curlew mountains, through Roscommon, towards Mayo. Bingham pursued them, and having
marched through Roscommon, came with them, and appears have taken the Scotch and Irish surprise, being quite un
prepared for battle; the forces both sides encamped and fought severeengagement Ard-na-Riagh, Ardnaree, the banks the river Moy, the county Sligo, adjoining Ballina, Mayo. The Irish and Scots were defeated, and 2000 them slain. Sir Richard Bingham, the earl Clanrickard, Bermingham, and O'Kelly, according Cox, soon after marched with their com
bined forces, and having attacked and defeated the Burkes
Mayo, they took from their country prey four thousand cows, which they divided three thousand amongst their men.
vernor departed from Ballinafad another direc tion from them, on the following day,
were not actually pursuit them, and conti
and did not halt, either day night, until ar rived, the mid-day the morrow, Ardnaree",
4 C
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562 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1586.
charged the first volley of their darts, when they
were most precipitately routed towards the river which was in front of them, namely, the agreeable
murmuring Moy; men were prostrated while they
were making for the river, and when they arrived at it they did not stop there, but immediately plunged into depth, for they preferred being drowned, rather than slain the governor’s peo ple; but, however, brief, nearly two thousand
mond Burke were not that battle, for they had
gone the day before that defeat search prey for the Scots, and having heard those tidings, they
separated asunder, and the sons Edmond Burke remained the fastnesses of their own estate.
Those the Ultonians that escaped, and the
Scots that were along with them, proceeded pass
into Ulster, and the greater portion these even had been taken. Felim Duv, the son Art,
them were slain that time. The sons of Ed
women were put death, and Edmond Oge, the son Edmond, son Manus Mac Sheehy, and eight the mercenary soldiers the Geraldines, were put death along with him, having been
discovered that they had been with the Scots who were slain at Ardnaree.
Con, the son Art Oge, son Niall son Art, son Con, son Henry, son Owen
(O'Neill), having gone predatory expedition into the territory Maguire, from Lough Erne eastward, the son Maguire, Hugh, the son
Cuchonacht, son Cuchonacht, with small
party cavalry, overtook Con, and fierce con flict took place between them Beal-Atha-Sain redhaigh, and Con, along with the greater part
were either hanged killed every country
through which they passed before they had crossed the Erne. The father the forementioned sons,
namely Edmond, the son Ulick, son Edmond,
was, aged, feeble, and unable obliged them carry him
him the gallows.
son Con O’Neill, territory the tribe
Hugh, the son Mac Sweeney
Bryan Oge, the son 18th May, Maolmurry, son
son Rickard Ui-Chuairsge, was hanged governor after that defeat; the condition
accomplished man the
Art, and his son, were slain Maguire.
Banagh (in Donegal), namely Maolmurry, was slain the
Niall Meirgeach, the son Hugh.
the which move, bier conveying
his people, was slain by the son Maguire, who brought back the prey the people from whom
Hugh, the son
Owen, son Donal
the chief constable
person who then died was hero stature, and
champion bravery.
Alexander, the son Sorley Buighe, son
Alexander, son John Cathanach, the son Mac Donnell Scotland, who was brother the
Inghean Dubh (the Dark haired daughter), the wife O’Donnell, and mother Hugh Roe, son
Hugh, son Manus, was slain captain
Merryman, and Hugh, son the dean O'Gal lagher, the month May precisely. ”
session was held Galway, the month December this year, which many men and
Death Alexander Mac Donnell. —In 1586, Alex
deal nuts this year.
The Parliament of Dublin was concluded this
year, and, above things that were enacted
the heirship the earldom Kildare was ratified
the crown England.
Owen Ultach (O’Dunlevey), the son Donogh,
namely, the Doctor, died, and that Owen was
doctor learning, for was the most accom
plished the medical doctors Ireland the time he lived.
The official Mac Congail (Mac Connell), namely,
Owen Ballach, died the festival day Brid get precisely.
Owen, son
Donal, son
walk
the Victories (Mac Sweeny), Clanrickard, died; and the
galloglass, who took the name Merriman, and fought with ander Mac Donnell, chief commander the Scots Ulster, hav Mac Donnell; after fierce combat, which Mac Donnell was
ing proceeded with his forces attack Strabane, Tyrone, the English, under the command captains Stafford and Merriman,
marched thither oppose them, and both parties having encoun tered, Mac Donnell sent challenge Merriman, the English commander, decide the battle single combat. The English
captain pretended accept the challenge, but, according Cox and Mac Geoghegan, order secure the victory, employed
wounded, Merriman's champion was length slain, on which captain Merriman himself, perceiving Mac Donnell exhausted from his encounter with the swordsman, entered the lists sword
hand. Mac Donnell bravely fought for some time against his fresh antagonist, but being weakened by his former wound, was
length slain, and his head being cut off, was sent Dublin, placed pole, and exposed public view.
on
Cormac, the son Donal Mac Connell, died the 17th of March.
Five hundred Irishmen left Ireland aid the
Wet weather,
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A. D. 1587
semblance peace and spy and observe, and
maturity, the disturbance the whole island Ireland would arise through him, and through the earl Tyrone, should they engaged the one side, and that they would carry the sway, being
alliance with each other we have before stated that was for these reasons the lord justice and
who had arrived; the merchants said that they had no more wine with them than what was neces
sary for the crew; and that they would let more from them land for any person; but, however, that few chiefs would come them
REIGN OF ELIZABETH. 563
queen of England in the war of Flanders, and al Mac Sweeney Fanat, the hereditary marshal though the most of them were lost in that country, the lord Tirconnell. This ship having been their fame and renown spread throughout Europe moored there by her anchors, party the crew as being distinguished for valour and bravery. came land
The son of O’Donnell, i. e. Hugh Roe, the son and they stated that they had wine and strong of Hugh, son of Manus, was taken prisoner by drink with them their ship and when Mac the English, and the manner in which that cap Sweeney and his people received intelligence ture occurred was thus: The English, along with this, they commenced buying and drinking the the lord justice Sir John Perrott, and the council wine until they were intoxicated. When the peo in general, became greatly afraid of the earl ple the adjoining district heard that ship, they O'Neill, i. e. Hugh, the son of Feardorcha, al flocked from quarters The forementioned though he had been submissive to them, through Hugh Roe, who was then his career careless the intrigues and complaints of O’Neill, namely, simplicity, and his youthful visit and amuse Torlogh Luineach, the son of Niall Conallach, ment, happened then the neighbourhood,
who was also in contention with him; and on and the unthinking playfellows who were along
account of Siobhan (Judith), the daughter of with him prevailed him that place; O’Donnell, namely, of Hugh, the son of Manus, his imprudence indeed was excusable that time,
who was the spouse of the earl of Tyrone. At one for had not then completed his fifteenth year, time, however, the fame and renown of the fore and there was none his experienced counsellors, mentioned youth, namely Hugh Roe, the son of his tutors, his professors along with him, Hugh, spread throughout the five provinces of direct him his proceedings, offer him ad Ireland, even before he had arrived at the age of vice. When the spies heard that had come manhood, as being distinguished for wisdom, in the town, they immediately returned back their tellect, personal figure, and noble deeds; and ship; this was perceived by Mac Sweeney, and persons general said that was truly prodigy, the chiefs general, and they sent servants and and that, should allowed arrive the age
their ship, they should get much wine and the English Dublin determined their council strong drink they required. When this infor what kind plot they should adopt respecting mation was communicated Mac Sweeney, was
that circumstance which they dreaded, and the ashamed himself, that the resolution he came
resolution they came was ship, with crew, and cargo
tuous liquors, and send Ireland north eastward,
out Dublin was bring Hugh along with him the ship, wine and spiri and having decided that resolution, they went
the left-hand side into small boat which was the verge the were they went strand, and they rowed over the ship; having
traffic, and take port some harbour the been welcomed, they were conveyed down coasts Tirconnell. The ship afterwards came cabin the middle the ship, without delay with fair wind from the west, without delay ceremony, and they were served and administered impediment, until arrived the old harbour until they were cheerful and merry; while they Suilidh (Lough Swilly, Donegal), exactly oppo were regaled there, the hatch-door was closed be site Rath Maolain (Rathmullen), town which hind them, and their arms having been stolen from had been formerly founded the sea shore them, the young son, Hugh Roe, was made pri
small boat, under the appearance
traffic, and
and they began
bargain with the people who were sent
amity,
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564 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1588.
soner on that occasion. The report of that capture having spread throughout the country in general,
they flocked from parts the harbour, see they could devise any stratagem against those who had committed that treachery, but that was
impossible, for they were the depth the har
the wife that Cumeadhea, namely, the daughter
bour, after having weighed their anchor, and they geach, the son
had neither shipsnorboatsattheircommand re Niall, was slain by Donogh, the son Maolmurry
venged them. Mac Sweeny the Districts, Meirgeach, son Maolmurry, son Niall,
common with all others came the shore; he was foster-father that Hugh, and proffered
other hostages and sureties lieu him, but was no avail him, for there was not hostage
Doirinis, the festival Bridget precisely. The manner which that happened was, that
after Bryan Oge had been slain, we have before
stated, Niall Meirgeach, Donogh and his fol the province Ulster they would take his lowers were expelled into Connaught by Niall also,
stead. With respect the ship, and the crew and having been for some time joined with the which were when they had procured the most English, and for some time with O’Neill, he, after desirable them the inhabitants the country, long distant period, made attack Niall they sailed with full tide until they arrived the Meirgeach, which Niall did not expect, for
sea, and continued the course passage by which hoped that Donogh would not return the coun they had come, and landed the harbour Dub try while should live it; after Donogh had lin. His arrival after that manner was immediately been for three nights the recesses and seques known over they city, and the lord justice and the tered places the country, received intelligence council were delighted his having come, although
juries and troubles, and treating the persecu tions carried against the noble and highborn sons Ireland general. "
Mac Sweeny, was killed party Mac Sweeny, namely Donogh.
Niall Oge the followers
The son Mac Namara,
Clan Cuilein, (barony
namely, Cumeadha, the son
son Cumeadha, son Cumara, son John, died; and his son, were slain by Teige Oge, the son
A. D. 1587.
The capture Red Hugh O'Donnell. —This mentioned follows by Cox and Mac Geoghegan:
sent merchant vessel, under the command
John Bingham, who had board fifty armed men, and cargo wine and other merchandize; having sailed the coast Donegal,
above mentioned the text, they cast anchor Lough Swilly, and having decoyed board young Hugh O'Donnell and some
other chiefs, they treacherously made them prisoners, and carried
the western part Bunratty Clare), John, son Teige,
gal), died.
Donal, the son Niall Roe, son Niall O'Boyle,
circumstance the lord deputy person named
them off Dublin.
years the Castle
soon after retaken
from which finally escaped, about year after,
Edmond, the son
Mac Sweeny
James Mac Pierce, died.
A. D. 1588.
Banagh, namely, Niall Meir Maolmurry, son Hugh, son
indeed was not for love him, and they com
manded have him brought before them; having brought back word
been accordingly brought, they discoursed and come up across the strand the morrow he, conversed with him, scrutinizing and eliciting all with his forces, were prepared attack him, the knowledge him they could for long time; that where they encountered each other was the they length, however, ordered him put forementioned Doirinis (in Donegal), and fierce
strong stone castle which was the city, where conflict having ensued between them, Mac Sweeny,
great number the noble sons the Milesians with great number his followers and the Clan were chains and captivity, well some Sweeny Munster, were slain there; Mac Sweeny the Fionn Ghaill (Normans English), whose was beheaded, and his head was sent Dublin; chief subject conversation both by day and Donogh was then nominated the Mac Sweeny. night was complaining each other their in John Modardha, son Hugh, son
that Mac Sweeny was
the lower part Boylagh, reconnoitre him, and they
and sent spies
Hugh, the son Niall Roe, son
Torlogh Bearmach O'Boyle, tanist Boylagh (in Done
Donogh that would
After being incarcerated for more than three Dublin, O'Donnell made his escape, but was Wicklow, and again imprisoned the Castle, which cir
cumstances full account given the years 1590 and 1592, these Annals.
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REIGN OF ELIZABETH. 565
Teige, son of Torlogh O'Boyle, on Traigh Sain not consider that honourable, and said he surely readhaigh, in Trian Iochtar, precisely in harvest. would not attack an earl in the darkness of night, Calvach Oge, the son of Con, son of Calvach but that in the full clearness of the light of day he O’Donnell, was slain by a party of the people of would fight a fierce battle with him ; this he ful Donal, the son of Hugh, son of Manus O’Donnell, filled, for he attacked the earl on the morrow, and
namely, by Manus Oge O'Sraithein, near the defeated him, and an earl lost many people, river Finn. together with horses and much property in general,
Maolmurry, the son of Edmond, son of Maol which event took place on the 1st of May.
murry, son of Donogh Mac Sweeny, was slain by Mac Geoghegan, lord of Kinel Fiacha (in West Niall Garv, the son of Con, son of Calvach O’Don meath), namely, Conla, the son of Conor, son of nell. Laigne, son of Conla, son of Hugh, died, and
The earl of Tyrone, namely, Hugh, the son of there was not since the times of old a man of the
Ferdorcha, son of Con Bacach, son of Con, mus race of Fiacha, the son of Niall (Niall of the Nine tered a very great force to march against O’Neill, Hostages), who was more lamented than he ; and
i. e. Torlogh, and the earl did not halt until he came, with his forces, across the rivers Mourne and Derg, and halted at Carraig Leth (in Tyrone). O'Donnell, i. e. Hugh, the son of Manus, came to
his son Bryan, and Niall the son of Rossa, were in
contention with one another about the lordship of the country.
Owen Manntach, the son of Edmond, son of join the earl, his relative by marriage, with a num Flann, son of Conor O'Heyne, lord of Hy Fiachra ber of his forces, but, however, he did not come fully Aidhne Galway), died, and his son, Hugh
prepared. O’Neill, i. e. Torlogh, collected and Buighe, was appointed his successor; the tanist
mustered a great force in opposition to the earl and
O'Donnell; those who joined O'Neill were Art
Oge, his son, with numerous retained troops;
William Mussten (captain Mostin), the son of (160), came the sea from the king Spain this Robert, with a company of soldiers, and a party of year, and some say was their intention take the Clan Sweeny of Munster, with Murrogh-na harbour, and land the coasts England, should Mart (of the Oxen), the son of Maolmurry, son of they obtain opportunity; but that they did Donogh, and many others besides; Niall Garv, not succeed, for the queen's fleet encountered them and Hugh Mac-an Deaganaigh O'Gallagher, com sea, and took four their ships, and the rest
monly called at that time Hugh, the son of the the fleet was scattered and dispersed along the Calvach O'Donnell, with the entire tribe of Cal coasts the neighbouring countries, viz. , the vach, and with their followers, were joined and eastern side England, the north eastern united with O’Neill, and where they were was at shores Scotland, and on the north western coast Caislen-na-Finne (Castlefin, in the barony of Ra Ireland; great number the Spaniards were phoe, county of Donegal). Some of his people were
entreating Hugh to make a nocturnal attack on the earl, for the earl was preying and plundering the
country between those rivers, namely the Finn and Mourne; through pride and magnanimity he did
A. D. 1588,
1. The Spanish Armada. -In 1588 Philip II. , King of Spain,
drowned those quarters, their ships having been completely wrecked, and the smaller portion
who had been married to Mary, queen of England, irritated at the
assistance given by queen Elizabeth to the States of the Nether
lands, in their revolt against Spain, prepared a powerful naval ar engagements with the English and Dutch fleets, but the Spaniards mament for the invasion of England; this immense fleet was were defeated, and having met many disasters, they resolved re called the Invincible Armada, and consisted of 130 or 140 vessels, turn Spain the northern seas, and sailed round the Orkney 65 of which were of great size, and called Galleons. The soldiers, Islands, where the fleet was overtaken by dreadful storms; many
marines, and officers on board this fleet, amounted to about thirty thousand men, and they had on board 2,431 pieces of artillery,
and vast treasures. This immense Armament, commanded the
their vessels were wrecked, and some driven far northwards,
and dashed pieces the rocks Norway. About their ships were driven the shores Ireland, August and Septem
the same country died, namely, Torlogh, the son Roderick, Doire-Ui-Eidhin
large fleet consisting eight score ships
them returned Spain, and some assert that nine thousand of them were lost on that occasion. "
The lord justice Ireland, namely, Sir John
Duke Medina Sidonia, sailed from Lisbon, the latter end May, but was soon after dispersed by violent storm near Cor unna; the fleet, being refitted, again set sail for England, and
having arrived off Calais and Dunkirk, August, they had some
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5 6 6 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1588.
Perrott, went to England, and Sir William Fitz daughter william, having come to Ireland, succeeded him O’Donnell, as lord justice. the manner
James Mac Donnell, the wife Hugh, the son Manus;
which she effected that killing O'Deadhadh (O'Dea), i. e. Mahon, the son of was follows: Hugh was alliance with
Loghlin, son of Roderick, son of Murrogh, son of
Mahon Buighe, lord of Kineal Fearmaic (barony of Inchiquin, county of Clare), died.
William, the son of Donal, son of Awlave, i. e.
the doctor, son of Donogh O’Niallain (O’Neillan),
the faithful tribe the Calvach O’Donnell, and they were conjointly alliance with O’Neill, namely, Torlogh Luineach, who was contention with O’Donnell, well with her relative by marriage, the earl O’Neill, i. e. Hugh, the son Ferdorcha; moreover, her dear brother Alexander
was slain at the door of Mainistir Innsi by the sons
of O’Griobhtha, namely, the sons of John, son of had been slain John, son of Teige, son of Loghlin. an-Deaganaigh,
former occasion by Hugh Mac we have before stated; she had
The lord justice of Ireland, Sir William Fitz many other causes
william ; the governor of the two provinces of
Connaught, Sir Richard Bionggam (Bingham),
and the president of the two provinces of Munster,
Sir Thomas Norris, joined by the most of the men
of Ireland except those of the province of Ulster,
marched, with a great army, against O’Rourke
and Mac Sweeney of the Districts, who made
friendship and alliance with a portion of the men
of the Spanish fleet we have before mentioned.