No More Learning

With these combined Danes and Norwegians, Turgesius traversed
many parts of Ireland, ravaged and laid waste the country, plun
dered and burned the churches and monasteries, and had various
conflicts with the Irish forces. In this year is recorded a terrific
battle with the Northmen at Invear-na-m Barc, or the Harbour nals Ulster. Turgesius succeeded establishing his power
great extent Ireland for period about thirty years, and exercised over the natives tremendous. tyranny. He had fleets stationed the great lakes throughout Ireland, Loughs Neagh, Strangford, Foyle, Swilly, and Erne, Ulster, Lough Corrib, Connaught, Lough Ree, the Shannon, Meath, and Lough Dearg Thomond and his forces, proceeding from their ships,
ravaged all parts the adjacent territories. He said have erected throughout Ireland vast number those circular earthen ramparts raths, commonly called forts and Danes' raths, where
he kept his troops encamped, and from which they issued out plunder the towns, churches, and country. stated Keating and others that had chiefs stationed all parts the kingdom, and his soldiers quartered the inhabitants, over whom they ex
ercised the greatest insolence and oppression, plundered and con sumed all their property, cattle, corn, provisions, &c. , and
of the ships, against the Hy Niall of Meath, from the Shannon to the sea, in which the Foreigners were victorious.
Battle of Glasgleann. —Malachy, king of Meath, and the La genians, in A. D. 836, defeated the Northmen in a great battle at Glasgleann, in which 1700 of them were slain; and according to the Four Masters the Foreigners were slaughtered in the same year at Easroe, now Ballyshamnon ; and, according to Keating, they were also defeated in a great battle at Moy Ith, near Raphoe, in Donegal. About the same time the Northmen were defeated with great slaughter by the people of Cianachta, and Saxolb their general was slain. In A. D. 837, the Conacians were defeated in a great battle by the Northmen. In A. D. 839 Armagh and its churches, &c. , were burned by the Danes. -
The Northmen in Dublin. —According to the Four Masters the Northmen first took possession of Dublin in A. D. 836; Tur gesius was then their commander; and in A. D. 840 he and his Norwegians erected a strong fortress at Dublin, on the hill where Dublin Castle now stands; they sent out their forces from thence, and plundered various parts of Ireland, and burned many churches and monasteries, as those of Clonmacnoise, Clonard, Ard-braccan, Duleek, Clonfert, Kildare, Glendalough, Ferns, Lismore, Emly,
&c. , and also the churches of Ulster, as Armagh, Downpatrick, Louth, Clones, Devenish, and the churches Lough Erne and
family Ireland yearly tri not punctually paid, had the punishment, and hence this tax
Four Masters, Carroll, son Dunghall, prince the Foreigners Dublin great battle
Ossory, defeated Carn Brammit,
which 1200 them were slain; and Malachy defeated them great battle, were slain.
846 the monarch which 700 them
Battle of Sciathneachtain. —A. D. 846, the Danes and Nor wegians were defeated great battle Sciathneachtan Desies, on the borders Tipperary and Waterford, by the men Munster, and the Lagenians, commanded by Olchobar, king Cashel and
D. 846, the Northmen were defeated Tigernach, prince Loch Gabhair Meath, great battle Daire Disirt Dachon
na, which 240 them were slain, or, according the Annals Ulster, 1200.
Death Turgesius. -This celebrated Norwegian king, who was
called by the Irish writers Tuirghes, was, according the Four Masters, taken prisoner 843, and drowned Loch Uair, through
the miracles God, Kiaran, and other saints. This event re ferred, by Ussher and others, D. 848, and 844 the An
imposed every house head
bute one ounce gold, which
defaulter's nose slit cut off
was termed by the Irish Airgiod Srona, that is, Nose Money. They destroyed the towns, colleges, and monasteries, massacred many thousands the monks and clergy, and introduced their own Pagan priests and idols; they banished killed the Bards and Brehons, burned their books, and destroyed the various works
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468 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1566.
district of Clonmel, died; he was a man who possess or procure one penny of the property of
obtained the title and inheritance of his estate without contention or battle, a person who did not
the church by right of Pope or Prince; and he was succeeded by his son Theobald.
of art. It seems surprising that Turgesius could for so long a pe
riod have established his power, and maintained his authority in
the heart of the kingdom, but it appears from the many fierce bat
tles fought, and the vast numbers slain on both sides, that during
the time of Turgesius he had powerful forces of Danes and Norwe
gians under his command, probably not less than one hundred thou
sand fighting men; besides, it is to be observed that the Irish
kings and chiefs never made any combined effort, or entered into a
confederacy to expel those foreigners, being continually engaged in
civil war and discord amongst themselves, and many of them also
entered into alliance with the foreign enemies; whereas, if they
had acted in concert, they could have easily annihilated the power
of the Northmen, for the Irish were equal in bravery, and far su
perior in forces to those foreigners, though it must be admitted
that the Danish and Norwegian warriors were not easily vanquished,
for they had from the northern nations, from time to time, very
great and well-disciplined forces; besides, it is to be remarked,
that these valiant and warlike Northmen, in the tenth and eleventh
centuries, subdued the powerful Anglo-Saxon kings of the Hep
tarchy, and became masters of England. Turgesius sometimes
resided in his fortress at Dublin, and, according to some accounts,
also at Tara, but he had his chief fortress and residence, called
Dun Turgheis, or the Fort of Turgesius, situated on a high
hill near Lough Lene and Castlepollard, in Westmeath, within
about two miles of the Ben, or Great Hill of Fore; the hill on
which was erected the fortress of Turgesius, forms on one side a
high precipitous rock, so that his stronghold was almost inaccessi
ble and impregnable; some of the earthen ramparts still remain,
and to this day the story of Turgesius is told in the traditions of
the people. The kings of Meath at that time had their chief resi
dence also in Westmeath, at Dun-na-Sciath, or the Fortress of the
Shields, on the banks of Lough Ainnin, now Lough Ennell, near English made Olave, and latinised Olaus and Aulavus by the Mullingar; and at this time Malachy was king of Meath, a prince
of the Southern Hy Niall, who in A. D. 846, according to Ogygia,
became monarch of Ireland. Turgesius, it is said, in the insolence
of his power, made to king Malachy the dishonorable proposal of
demanding his daughter Melcha as a concubine; the king, indig
nant at the demand, resolved to rid his country of the tyrant, but
pretending to agree to the proposal, he by a well-concerted strata
gem got introduced to Turgesius fifteen valiant and well-armed
youths, disguised as females, who made Turgesius prisoner, and Fochla, the northern part Meath, and vast number them
opened the gates of his fortress to the forces of Malachy, who massacred all the Danish guards, carried off Turgesius himself bound in chains, and drowned him, according to the Four Masters,
were slaughtered.
856, according the Annals
and the Annals of Ulster, in a lake called Loch Uair, now sup
posed to be Lough Hoyle, in Westmeath, or, according to others,
he was drowned in Lough Ainnin, now Lough Ennell, near Mullin Ossory, and Ivar,
gar; on the death of Turgesius the Irish made a general and simul
taneous rising throughout Ireland, and massacred vast numbers of the Northmen.
In A. D. 847, the Danish garrison of Dublin was attacked, and the city plundered, by Malachy, monarch of Ireland, and Tiger
Aradh, over the Kinel the northern part Ire Carroll and Ivar amounted
859, king Malachy de feated the Danes Dublin great battle Drom Damaighe,
year Aulaf, Ivar, and Huailsi, the three chiefs the Danes, and Lorcan, prince Meath, laid waste the country, and the same year there was great slaughter the Foreigners Fert-na-goao
nach, lord of Loch Gabhair, in Meath ; and in the same year a
fleet of 140 ships of the king of the Gaill, or Foreigners, meaning
Danes or Norwegians, came to Ireland, according to the Four
Masters, to attack the Foreigners who were in Ireland before
them, so that between both they disturbed all Erin; or 240 ships
came in A. D. 848, according to the Annals of Ulster. At this pe the eastern Liffey, was slain the Northmen; and the same
riod it appears that the Dubh Ghaill, or black Foreigners, that is the Danes, came with large forces to Dublin, and made great
slaughter on the Fionn Ghaill, or fair-haired Foreigners, that the Norwegians, destroyed their fortress, and carried offmany men
rach Carroll, who cut off and carried away forty 862, Aodh Finnliath, monarch Ireland,
captives, and great wealth and second devastation recorded
A. D. 849, which the Danes took the fortress the Norwe gians Linduachaill, Magheralin, near Moira, the county
their heads. appears conjunction with whom overran the kingdom Meath, then divided into
Down, and slaughtered 1000, according Keating.
vast number them, amounting A. 850, according the Four Masters, the Norwegians with
two principalities; Aodh Hugh put death Lorcan, one
those princes, and the other, named Concovar, was drowned the Boyne, Clonard, his accomplice, Aulaf.
160 ships came battle with the Danes Snamh Eidhneach, now considered Belfast Lough, and having fought with great fury both sides for three days and three nights, the Danes were
length victorious, and the Norwegians were obliged leave
their ships their hands. the same year Armagh was devas tated by the Foreigners Linduachaill, the Sunday after Easter,
but soon after the Northmen were slaughtered eastern Bregia, Fingal, and also Rath Aldain, by the people Cianachta,
and the year following Cathmal, king the half Ulster, was slain by the Foreigners.
853, according Ware and Giraldus Cambrensis, Aulaf, Si tric, and Ivar, three brothers, who were Norwegian princes, came Ireland with great fleet and powerful force Northmen, and
Aulaf becameking all the Danes and Norwegians throughout the country. Aulaf took possession Dublin, Sitric Waterford, and Ivar Limerick; appears according some accounts that
those chiefs came rather peaceable manner, and were per mitted the Irish kings form settlements for the purposes
commerce, but Ware and others are opinion that they took possession those places by force arms. They enlarged and for
tified those cities, and the colonies Danes and Norwegians also afterwards got possession Wexford and Cork, all which mari time cities they held for period more than three hundred years, down the English invasion, towards the latter end the twelfth century, and though the Irish kings frequently reduced the Northmen subjection, appears they were not anxious alto gether expel them from Ireland, but permitted their residence condition their becoming tributaries them. Several
the Danish kings Dublin, whom accounts are hereafter given, were named Aulaf, and the name has been sometimes incorrectly written Anlaf, the Danish Olaf Aulaf, sometimes
Irish writers the name made Amhlaoibh, and latinised Amlafus.
851, according Lochlann, came him hostages, and
the Four Masters, Aulaf, son Ireland, and all the Foreigners took tributes from the Gaels,
the king Ireland gave
Irish. Battle of Fochla. —In 854 fierce war was carried
between king Malachy and the Northmen, who appears had
some Danish allies; and the same year great victory was gained Aodh, the son Niall, over the Foreigners Glen
laf, with the Danes Ireland, gained over Cathal, king that province; and
ing the Four Masters,
the territory the Danes
Fiacha, who were joined
land, and stated that the army to 6400 men.
Battle Drom Damaighe. —In
Ulster, Ivar and Au great victory Munster
the same year, accord victory was gained Carroll, prince
which great numbers them were slain the place signifies the Hill the Two Plains, and was situated the southern part Meath. the same year Maolguala, king Desmond, was stoned death the Danes Cork.
861 Muiregan, prince Nais Naas, Kildare, and
had leagued with Aulaf, the Danish king Dublin,
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REIGN OF ELIZABETH. 469
A shower of fish fell in Tirconnell this year. O’Donnell, i. e. Hugh, the son of Manus,
marched with a force into Tyrone, precisely in the winter, and having committed great depredations, he returned home safe.
A. D. 1567.
O'Donnell, i. e. Hugh, marched with a force
883, Kildare was laid waste by the Danes Dublin, and they carried off 90 men captives their ships, together with Suibhne, the abbot, and all the precious articles the place.
A. D. 885, the Danes Dublin, under Godfrey, son Ivar, defeated the forces Flann Sionna, monarch Ireland, great battle, probably fought Meath, which immense numbers were
slain both sides; and amongst the Irish, Hugh, the son Con covar, king Connaught; and Lergus, bishop Kildare, with many other persons note. About this time, Godfrey was treacherously slain by the contrivance his brother Sitric, who became king the Northmen Dublin; and about A. D. 890, powerful Danish chief named Geoffrey Merle, contested the com mand the Northmen, against Sitric, son Ivar the city was torn intestine factions, and divided into two parts between them, Sitric ruling over one, and Geoffrey Merle over the other.
Battle of Lough Foyle. —In A. D. 864, the Foreigners of
Ulster having assembled all their forces at Lough Foyle, near
Derry, the monarch Hugh Finnliath collected his army and pur the Irish forces near the river Bann Boyne, marched through sued them ; a fierce battle was fought, in which the Foreigners
were defeated, and 1200 of them slain ; and, according to the Four
Masters, 240 heads were collected in one place in the presence of
the king. Numerous chiefs besides those were slain in that great
battle, and many of the wounded were carried into the churches
and baptised after their wounds were healed.
In A. D. 865, a victory was gained by Mac Gathan over the
the Four Masters and others, 878, the Dublin destroyed Duleek, and carried off many
precisely in the spring, and having crossed Lough Foyle, proceeded to Slieve Carbatach, and he com pletely plundered and preyed around him, and returned home safe.
O'Neill, i. e. John, the son Con Bacach, son Con, son Henry, son Owen, having mustered very large force for the purpose marching into Tir connell against O'Donnell, namely Hugh, his sis ter's son, the son Manus, son Hugh Oge, son
had various contests with the Irish and Danes Dublin; and the Scots, under their king Gregory, invaded Ireland, defeated
Meath, and took Dublin, but by the intercession Cormac,
then bishop and Scots.
Dublin, peace was concluded between the Irish
According
Foreigners
captives; but Barrith, valiant hero the Northmen, who was their chief counander, was soon after slain and burned Dublin, by the miracles God and St. Kiaran.
Danes of Dublin, in which their chief Odolb Michie was slain. It appears that someof the Danes were converted to Christianity about this time, as it is mentioned in the Four Masters, at A. D. 866, that Commach, abbot of Clonmacnois, who was of the race of the Foreigners, or of Danish descent, died.
Battle of Clondalkin. -Aulaf, the Danish king of Dublin, erected a castle or strong fortress at Cluan Dolcain or Clondalkin, near Dublin; but in A. D. 865, it was set on fire by the Irish, under Mac Gathan, and the son of Ciarnan, and one hundred heads of the chiefs of the Danes were collected in that slaughter; soon after, Aulaf, in revenge, planned an ambuscade, in which were slain or taken prisoners, 2000 of the Irish ; and in A. D. 867, is recorded the death of Maolciaran, the son of Ronan, the most valiant man of eastern Ireland, and a hero terrible to the Foreigners,
Battle of Cill Ua Daighre. —In A. D. 866, a great and celebra
ted battle is recorded by the Four Masters, in which Flann, prince
of Bregia, collected all the warriors of Bregia and Leinster,
together with the Foreigners of Dublin, and marched his army,
amounting to 5000 men, to Cill-ua-Daighre, in Meath, against the
monarch Hugh Finnliath, and they fought a fierce battle, in which A. D. 888, the men North Connaught gained great victory over the monarch was victorious, and vast numbers of the Bregians,
Lagenians, and their allies were slain, together with Carius, the
son of Aulaf, king of the Danes.
In A. D. 867, Aulaf, at the head of the Northmen of Dublin, devastated and burned Armagh, with its churches, &c. , and 1000 persons were either slain or taken prisoners, and he carried off great spoils and treasures.
A. D. 869, according to Ware, the Annals of Ulster, and others, Aulaf and Ivar, with a fleet of 200 ships, and a great force of the Foreigners of Ireland, sailed to England to the assistance of Hingvar, Hubba, and Halfdan, the Danish chiefs, sons of king Ragnar Lodbrog, who at that time invaded England with powerful forces, and conquered Northumbria. Aulaf and Ivar subdued a great part of Scotland, and returned to Dublin in A. D. 870, with their fleet of 200 ships, and an immense booty, together with many captives, Anglo-Saxons, Britons, Scots, and Picts; and in the same year, the Foreigners took the fortress of Dunseverick, in Ulster, which had never been taken before. In A. D. 870, Aulaf died at Dublin, and his brother Ivar became king of the Northmen of all Ireland and of Britain, but died in A. D. 872; and Ostin, the son of Aulaf, became Danish king of Dublin. In A. D. 875, Ostin, with a large fleet, invaded Scotland, and defeated the Scots and Picts with great slaughter, but was himself soon after treacherously slain by his own countrymen; and Godfrid or God frey, son of Ivar, became king of the Northmen in Dublin.
About A. D. ; 880, according to authorities quoted in Hanmer's Chronicle, and also according to Buchanan, the Scots and Picts
A. D. 890, Armagh was laid waste the Danes Dublin, under their chief named Gluniarn, which signifies Ironknee; they
D. 892, Sitric, who had slain his brother Godfrey, was himself killed his own people; and his brother, Aulaf II. , succeeded Danish king. A. D. 885, Heremon, the son Hugh, king
Ulster, was slain by Eloir, chief the Northmen; and
the Foreigners, which their chief Elor, the son Barith, was slain.
burned the cathedral, plundered the churches, and carried off 710 captives. A. D. 891, Flann, prince all Bregia, was slain
Olhha, by the Northmen.
Battle Tirconnell. —In A. D. 891, the Connallians, under
Atdeid, defeated the Foreigners great battle Tirconnell, which 900 them were slain, together with Aulaf, the Danish
king Dublin, grandson Ivar, and Gluntradhna, the son Gluniarn.
A. D. 897, the Northmen Dublin were expelled from their fortress that city, Carroll, the son Muiregan, prince East Liffey, and the men Leinster, aided Maolfinnia, with the men Bregia; and the Foreigners left great number their ships behind them, and half them being slain, the remainder them fled beyond the sea. the same year, famine prevailed amongst the Foreigners Dublin, who were Inis Mac Nechtain, now the island called Ireland's Eye, near Howth. A. D. 898, the death Maolfinna, who was son Flannacan, prince Bregia, recorded the Four Masters; and his memory celebrated one the bards one the most famous heroes that age, who had defeated the Foreigners many battles, and was descendant the renowned warrior Conall Cearnach, chief
the Red-Branch knights Ulster.
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470 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1567.
of Hugh Roe, and to prey and plunder the country
as he had formerly done, when O’Donnell, i. e.
Manus, was not able to defend or protect his prin cipality or country, through infirmity and sickness,
was overjoyed their arrival. Those who came his aid were, the first place, Mac Sweeney the Districts, namely, Murrogh Mall, the son
Owen, son Owen; the sons Mac Sweeney Fanat, Torlogh Oge, and Hugh Buighe, and Mac Sweeney Banagh, Maolmurry, the son Hugh, son Niall; and when these forces had
and the quarrels and conflicts of his own sons with
each other. The place where O’Donnell happened
to be with his few forces, along with Hugh, the
son of Hugh Oge, i. e.
Hugh Duv, the son of come together they formed no great force, for they Hugh Roe, and his relatives, was at Ard-an did not number more than four hundred. O’Don Ghaire, on the north side of the bay of Swilly, and nell then complained those chiefs his wrongs having received intelligence that O’Neill had and injuries, and said them that would
marched with his forces to the country, he sent messages calling on those chiefs in his neighbour
hood, while he himself remained in expectation of them, but, however, they did not come his call, was very early the day. Such, how ever, were there along with him, unexpectedly beheld distance, the opposite side the Fearsad (or pass) Swilly, mighty force ad vancing towards them troops and companies; they did not halt, but marched onward battle array, and without stopping crossed the pass,
having perceived that, once drew up order and array his small select force, and sent troop his
better and more agreeable for him die the field, rather than suffer the disgrace and ig
nominious treatment exercised by the people Tyrone against himself, his kindred, and relations, such as none of his ancestors had ever endured or
submitted before, but particularly the insult and ignominy which they had then exercised against him, viz. by forcibly expelling and banishing him from his fortress. All these chiefs coincided the senti
ments delivered by the noble prince, and said that the complaints and opinions had expressed were
true, and that they were willing attack O'Neill and his forces. Intrepidly bold and bravely deter mined was the resolution they came to, viz.
the tide was out the time. O'Donnell
cavalry, commanded the son O’Donnell, encounter great hazard and danger awaited
namely Hugh, the son Hugh, attack the front the enemy, order that himself might bring his foot forces across the open plains some secure place where his foes could not circumvent sur round them. O’Donnell's horsemen having en gaged with the advanced cavalry O’Neill, Niall, the son Donogh Cairbreach, son Hugh Oge,
them, but, however, they regarded more their ho nour and their inheritance than they valued their
lives and bodies. With elated unanimity they then returned back well-arranged small body, and amicably united force, attack O’Neill's camp. When O’Neill beheld them advancing directly towards him, was greatly excited his mind with compassion for them, and said, “I am very much surprised and astonished that those peo
son Hugh Roe; Donal Ultach (Mac Dunlevy),
the son the doctor, chief physician O’Don
nell; and Mac Rabhartaigh, the keeper the ple should not find easier submit us, and ac Cathach Columkille (see note A. D. 1497, quiesce our terms, than come before fight 334), were slain O’Neill’s forces, but some, and forthwith annihilated. ” While engaged with
however, state that was by his own people Niall
O’Donnell fell; the side the Tyronians the son of Mac Mahon and several others were slain.
When the son O’Donnell, Hugh, the son Hugh, perceived the great numbers opposed
him, and that his lord had retired place security, followed him, and halted there ex pectation receiving reinforcements from his peo ple overtake him. He had not been long that great suspense when beheld companies
his faithful friends advancing towards him, and
those observations, the troops Tirconnell rushed forward with boldness and impetuosity front O'Neill’s forces; that seemed startling sight
O’Neill’s soldiers, for they were accoutring them selves fast possible until they had marched up
them when they came close view, fierce and ill-favoured were the threatening and grim looks they exchanged with each other from their piercing eye-balls, and having raised aloud their united war-cry, which was sufficient put flight un warlike and faint-hearted soldiers, their rushing
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fully destroy, fell and slay one another for a consi derable time, until men were laid prostrate, war riors cut down, youths covered with wounds, and strong heroes hacked in the slaughter. But, how ever, the Tyronians were at length defeated by superior feats of arms, so that they were forced to
from the field battle, and retreat the same way they had come, although was impossible for
fled, unnoticed any one, southward along the river until passed Ath Tairsi, the neighbour hood Sgariff-Sholais, the guidance party
the O'Gallaghers, who were O’Donnell’s own clans and people, and did not stop, but pro ceeded through every private uninhabited place
until arrived Tyrone. Few houses resi dences, from Carlingford the rivers Finn and Foyle, were without copious weeping and general
REIGN OF ELIZABETH. 471
them return that time, for the sea had flowed lamentation; immense and incalculable was the
over the pass which they had come the early
part the day, which rendered impassable; but
the precipitancy the defeat, and the determina
tion and fierceness their pursuers take revenge
their insults, enmity, and injuries, left them
alternative but face They rushed precipi
tately the flowing tide, that not one took heed
for the safety his kinsman, near relative,
though was refuge from peril danger for
them flee the dark deep ocean bay which was
before them that undertaking was not warming
after cold, nor preservation after peril, for vast num
ber them were drowned the deep flowing tide,
although every one was happy place large fleet, and landed Bun-Abhann-Duine
refuge, thought, from the enemy. Vast (Cushendun bay, Antrim), Ulster, where numbers O’Neill’s forces perished that place, they constructed strong camp, with numerous
entrenchments. When O’Neill received intel were Bryan, the son Henry, son John O’Neill, ligence that large force having come his and his brother; Mac Donnell the galloglass, aid, without taking into consideration his former O'Neill's constable, and great number the Mac enmity towards them, incautiously committed
either slain drowned the most eminent these
Donnells along with him; Dudley O’Donnelly, O'Neill’s foster-brother, one he most esteemed and
himself the protection that fierce and revenge ful clan, without pledge security, order that might avenge his enmity and hatred against the Tirconnallians. The reception got from them, after being their company for some time, and after they had detailed their former animosity and
the world, along with many his kindred
valued
and
and
thirteen hundred of O’Neill’s forces were either
slain drowned that battle; and stated
other books that upwards three thousand
O'Neill’s forces were lost that day. As dead the spot. The race Eogan, son Niall, O'Neill, he escaped from that battle, and would
vast number Muintir Choinne (O'Quinns) Muintir Again (O'Hagans). But short
have preferred that had not, for his mind and faculties were affected ever after it; privately
A. D. 1567.
much lamented the death him who was there slain, for that O’Neill, namely, John,' was their Concovar, provincial King, their Lughaidh
John O'Neill was the son
earl Tyrone king Henry VIII.
Shane-an-Dionnais, John the Proud
each,from being fostered O'Dongaileach, Donnelly, chief Ballydonnelly, Tyrone. John was man fine person, great energy, abilities, and bravery, but extremely proud and insolent;
carried frequent and fierce contests with the O'Donnells,
O'Reillys, Maguires, Mac Mahons, Magennises, Mac Donnells, and other chiefs whom reduced subjection, and called him. self King Ulster; had likewise violent contentions with his illegitimate brother Ferdorcha O'Neill, who was created baron Dungannon, and usually called Matthew the English writers. Matthew was the English interest, and supported them successor Con, earl Tyrone, against John, who was recognised
the Irish under the laws Tanistry, the legitimate represen
Con, who had been created was called the Irish, and also, Shane Dongail
booty, consisting
left possession
casion; was
the Pass Swilly was fought.
horses, arms and acoutrements, the Tirconnallians that oc
the 8th May that battle
After O’Neill had gone Tyrone, we
have before stated, took rest recreation,
nor did sleep wink until sent despatches inviting the sons James, the son Alexander, son John Cathanach, the sons Mac Donnell, from Scotland. That was the cause of shortness
life, and death, for him invite the sons the man who had fallen his hands
former occasion. They accordingly came with
injuries, was suddenly attack him, and instantly cleave him with their swords, that they left him
he
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it
of of
of
of
in
of
of
472 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1567.
entertainment, and was learned in tongues and lan guages; his son James was appointed in his place.
John Burke, the son of John, son of John of the Teeth, the son of Ulick Roe, was slain by some
The earl of Desmond was taken prisoner at Cill son of the earl of Ormond, namely, James junior,
the long hand in valour, their champion in chivalry
and bravery, and it was to record his death that the following was composed:
“Five hundred and sixty seven
And one thousand years exactly, From the time of Christ’s incarnation
To the death of John, the grandson of Con. ”
After the death of John, Torlogh Luineach, the
persons, ill-disposed clowns,
and of the
The son of O’Brien of Thomond, i. e. Teige, the son of Niall Conallach, was nominated the O’Neill. son of Donogh, son of Conor, son of Torlogh; the
the son of James, son of Pierce Roe, and the son of Mac Carthy, i. e. Owen, the son of Cormac Oge, son of Cormac, son of Teige, died this year.
Manus, the son of Edmond, son of Manus Mac Sheehy, was slain by MacMaurice of Kerry, namely, Thomas, the son of Edmond, son of Thomas; and there was not a man of his tribe in his time more distinguished for hospitality and feats of arms.
Mac Pierce (Butler), namely, Edmond, the son
of James, son of Edmond, died; he was a man of justice of Ireland, Henry Sydney, namely, general hospitality, and who kept an open house of Henri Mor-na-Beorach (big Henry the Ale).
Mocheallog (Killmallock in the county of Limerick), by the lord justice, who conveyed him to Limerick, from thence to Galway, to Athlone, and finally to Dublin. This capture was made after the festival of St. Patrick, and in November following his kinsman John, the son of James, came to the English to inquire after the earl, but he was immediately made prisoner, and both were afterwards sent to England.
tative of the illustrious race of O'Neill. John lived in a style of
great magnificence and hospitality, resembling that of the ancient
kings; he kept, says Cox, two hundred tuns of wine in his cellar,
at Dundrum, but Cox probably meant Dungannon, in Tyrone,
which was the chief seat of the O'Neills, and not Dundrum,
which is situated in the county of Down. He had a body guard
of six hundred galloglasses, and kept ready for the field a force
of four thousand foot and a thousand horse. O'Neill fought
various battles against the English forces, under the earl of Sussex,
and other deputies, gained some victories over them, and was, in
his turn, frequently defeated ; in 1560, he marched into Meath,
and laid waste various parts of the English pale. In 1561, by
the advice of his kinsman, the earl of Kildare, he made his
submission to the deputy, and went to England to effect a recon
ciliation with the queen; he was attended by his body guard of Alexander Oge Mac Donnell was encamped with six hundred several hundred galloglasses, consisting of picked men of great
strength and stature, armed with swords and battle-axes, their
long curling locks flowing down their shoulders, their linen vests dyed of a yellow colour with saffron, and wearing woolly cloaks
almost all his attendants revenge the death James Mac their country, they astonished the citizens as they marched Donnell, who had beenslain O'Neill, before stated. William
and short tunics, and thus arrayed in the military costume of
together, but altercation having arisen, Alexander Oge, with Mac Gillespie and many others, furiously attacked O'Neili with
their drawn swords and hewed him pieces, and likewise slew
through the streets of London; Camden says, in his Life of Piers, English officer and agent the court, stated Elizabeth, that the Londoners marvelled much at the strange Stuart's Armagh have excited the Scots assassinate O'Neill;
sight; O'Neill was attended by Mac Sweeney, commander of his
galloglasses; Mac Caffry, his standard bearer; O'Gallagher, his
marshal; O'Gnive, his hereditary bard, and several other officers.
O'Neill was well received by Elizabeth, and entered into a treaty
with her in presence of the ambassadors of Sweden and Savoy; on the top Dublin Castle. “Piero,” says Stuart, “received the queen gave him, at his departure, valuable presents, and lent
him £2500; for some time after his return to Ireland, he sided
with the queen's forces, attacked the Scots, and in 1564 slew,
with his own hand, their commander, James Mac Donnell, and
drove them out of Ulster. O'Neill afterwards resisted the English
rule, and ravaged their settlements; and in 1565, according to
Cox, he resided at his mansion about six miles from Dundalk, and
having mustered his forces, attacked Dundalk, made incursions
into the Pale, and spoiled the English settlements; he afterwards
attacked the English garrison at Derry, and many were slain on
both sides, including colonel Randolph, the governor; in the with the greater part the county Tyrone, were confiscated following April, the ammunition took fire, and blew up the town and seized the crown, and various parts were planted with and fort of Derry, and killed twenty men. In 1566, O'Neill British settlers.
attacked Armagh, and burned the town and cathedral to be
common
earl of Clanrickard’s people.
The bridge of Athlone was built by the lord
revenged, said, his enemy primate Loftus, and prevent the English from lodging within walls, for which archbishop Loftus, according Ware, solemnly cursed, and had sentence
excommunication pronounced against him Dublin. English commissioners were sent treat with him, but he refused the title earl Tyrone, and called himself O'Neill, saying, “that his blood and power were better than the mean title earl, that his ancestors were kings Ulster, that won the province the sword, and would keep by the sword. ”
1567, the Irish chiefs Ulster revolted against O’Neill, and his forces were defeated O'Donnell, stated these Annals; was also attacked the lord deputy, sir Henry Sydney. O'Neill endeavoured form an alliance with the Scots, and for that purpose, proceeded Clannaboy, where
Scots; they received him with apparent friendship, and caroused
and, according Ware and Stuart, after O'Neill had been buried four days, Piers raised the body, cut off his head, and carried pickled pipkin Drogheda, the 21st June, the lord deputy, Sir Henry Sydney, who ordered placed pole
reward one thousand marks for the part had taken stimu lating the Scots this base murder. ” The place where O'Neill was killed was near Cushendun, Antrim, and was buried
ruined church, where his grave said still pointed out.
According Stuart and other authorities, the war with John
O'Neill cost Elizabeth about one hundred and fifty thousand pounds, independent many cesses; and the various con
flicts, 3500 British soldiers and great numbers Irish auxiliaries
were slain. February, 1569, act Attainder was passed against the late John O'Neill, and all his extensive estates, together
of
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REIGN OF ELIZABETH. 473
A. D. 1568. followers along with him, probably not exceeding The countess of Clanrickard, namely, Margaret, fifty men, who had fulfilled their period service;
the daughter of Donogh, son of Conor, son of Tor
logh (O'Brien), a woman of great fame among the
Irish, and the supporter of her friends and rela tives, died.
but, however, they did not deem honourable depart from Fitz-Maurice while that predicament. There happened also that town John-na Seoltadh (John the Sails), the son Donal
Mac Mahon, lord of eastern Corcobaiscin (in O’Malley, with the crew long ship, who were Clare), i. e. Bryan Oge, the son of Bryan, son of alliance with the fleet Fitz-Maurice, and who Torlogh, son of Teige, died, and Teige, the son of had come thither pay them visit, freely, and Murrogh, son of Teige Roe, son of Torlogh, son without any engagement, and did not think
of Teige, succeeded in his place. proper forsake him that occasion. Fitz Mac Sweeney of Fanat, i. e. Donal Gorm, the Maurice went consult those chiefs, know
what should done; they answered and said with one accord. “The condition we are placed next death, and we shall receive no relief with the chonacht, the wife of O'Boyle, namely, Torlogh, consent those who are opposed and be
the son of Niall, son of Torlogh, the best chief’s sieging us, and since you are not disposed sub wife in Ulster, died on the 5th of January. mit the son Maurice, the son the earl, what James, the son of Maurice, son of John, son of we recommend you try your luck and the earl (of Desmond), marched with a force, at prosperity for wealth and property this day, and
son of Donal Oge, was treacherously slain by a
party of his own people, viz. , Muintir Sruithein. Cathleen, the daughter of Maguire, i. e. of Cu
receive your portion Ireland that which shall under the feet your opponents, and
attack the Clan Sheeheys, our wrath and an ger are greatest against them. ” Having determined
that resolution, they quickly, with one accord, made themselves ready, and Fitz-Maurice mustered tated, with great expedition, by James and his and put into battle array the small but faithful forces; the greater portion of the inhabitants of party which was about him, and the Mac Sweeneys
the country fled, and carried away with them
the property they possibly could Lic Snamha
(Lixnaw, Kerry). The forces James were
very numerous that constructed two large ex than behold them advancing towards them tensive camps either side the town. He sent that order, for they were better pleased have O'Conor Kerry, and the Clan Sheeheys, with their the opportunity conquering them once than predatory forces, and adequate number chiefs remain any longer circumstanced they were, and leaders from the main body the east side eating green ears corn, and drinking cold water. the town, and himself, along with select party, As Fitz-Maurice and his people, they did not
accompany him, went the western side the deviate from the direct road until they came town, and Fitz-Maurice and his people were contact with the Clan Sheehey, when both parties great difficulties between them. There happened tried with each other the strength their sharp
then very warm weather, and excessive spears, the force their battle-axes, the goodness
Lammas precisely, against Fitz-Maurice of Kerry, namely, Thomas, the son of Edmond. That James
was the leader of the Geraldines, in place of the sons of James, son of John, who were imprisoned
in London for a year before that time. The coun try was preyed and plundered, burned and devas
drought, was customary that season, that the inhabitants and the cattle were obliged drink the brackish tide-water the river, reason
their great thirst. Fitz-Maurice's constable that time was Edmond, the son Giolla Duv, son Conor, son Donogh, son Donal-na-Madh
their swords, and the hardness their helmets.
After having fought desperately for some time, the
brave forces the Geraldines were defeated, and
began retreat, and turned their backs from maintaining the field battle; they were closely
pursued the men Fitz-Maurice Kerry, who man (Donal the Victories), Mac Sweeney, who continued cutting and slaying them, that was
had but small party galloglasses his own not easy enumerate the Geraldines, and
were appointed lead the attack. No estate principality, their opinion, was more acceptable the Clan Sheeheys, and those along with them,
a
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a in
of or let it to
on of be of
in
474 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1569.
the Clan Sheeheys that fell in that defeat; there was slain there O'Conor Kerry, i. e. Conor, the son of Conor, who was greatly lamented, and was at that time one of the most mournful losses sus
tained by the Clanna Rory; he was the enlivening
spark of his race and relatives, and, though a junior,
he obtained the government of his patrimony over his seniors; he was the supporting prop of learned
men, strangers, and professors of denominations,
and was the sustaining pillar war and conflict against neighbouring and distant foes; there also
fell there Edmond Oge, the son Edmond Mac Sheehey, high constable the Geraldines, man
person this year, the English and Irish Mun ster, from the Barrow Carn-Ui-Neid (Cape Clear, Cork), joined and united with him league
against the council the sovereign.
affluence and great wealth, distinguished for his Ireland the same year, made peace for his kins bounty, and for keeping house hospitality; men with the state.
also Murrogh Balbh, the son Manus MacSheehey; Sir Henry Sydney, lord justice Ireland, march Teige Roe O'Callaghan; the son O'Dwyer; with great force the harvest this year, the son the White Knight; Faltach (Wall) against the people Munster, after the peace and Dun Maoilin (Dunmoylan Limerick); and John, league which they had ratified; the direction
the son Gerald Fitzgerald, the heir Leac took was through the south-west Leinster, and Bebhionn Roderick, the son Manus Mac Shee did not halt until entered the territory Hy hey was taken prisoner, and many others were Maccaille (Imokilly, Cork), Munster, and
The earl James, son
Ormond, namely, Thomas, the son Pierce, son James, son Ed
mond, being
the Port and Edward, joined James, the son
England, his two brothers, Edmond
Maurice, and those two sons the earl having gone, Great Lady day, through the fair Innis Cortha', seized immense quantity property, consisting horses, cattle, gold, silver and foreign goods, that fair; the earl having returned
either slain
The bishop Mahon, son
taken prisoners that occasion.
A. D. 1569.
Killaloe, Torlogh, the son
having constructed strong camp active forces
atRaile-na-Martra (Castlemartyr) and remained fora
Torlogh O’Brien, died. O'Shaughnessey, Giolla Duv, the son
every day that week give battle the lord jus tice and his force, which, however, they did not put
Dermod, son William, son John Buighe, the
supporting mound the English and Irish who came his place, died; was, though not learned
the Latin English, the most esteemed and admired man the English his time; and his son John succeeded his place.
Slaney, the daughter Murrogh, the son Teige, son Torlogh O'Brien, died.
Morephecach, the daughter Bryan,son Teige,
into execution. The town was length taken by the lord justice, and garrisoned behalf
the queen; from thence proceeded through Barry's Country (barony Barrymore, Cork), and Gleann Maghair (Glanmire), his way Cork; the Momonians collected from all directions, were met there give him battle; but, however, the lord justice was permitted march onwards, and remained for some time Cork; during that time several the insurgents, adherents James, came seek protection and pardon. The lord justice went from thence Limerick, and destroyed portions the towns Munster, be
son Torlogh, son Bryan the Battle
Nenagh O'Brien, the wife O'Shaughnessey,
i. e. Dermod, the son William, son John
Buighe, woman distinguished for her personal tween Cork and Limerick; Clun Duvain and figure and benevolence, died.
James, the son Maurice, son the earl (of Desmond), having become warlike and turbulent
A. D. 1569.
Inis Corrtha, now Enniscorthy, the county Wexford,
the fair which town, on the 15th of August, according Cox,
Baile-I-Bechain
by the lord justice wards proceeded
Thomond (Clare), were taken that expedition, and after Galway; remained that
week besieging the town, the Momonians threatened
his Hibernia Anglicana, this James, son Maurice Fitz thousand pounds money, besides plate, household stuff, corn
maurice, who was the family the Fitzgeralds, earls Des
and cattle.
mond, committed great outrages; and likewise, according Cox, besieged Kilkenny, and robbed old Fulco Quimerford Cal lan, who had been servant the three earls Ormond, two
of
of ofor byor of of
in in of 1.
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REIGN OF ELIZABETH. 475 town for some time, to bring under subjection the O’Donnell's forces, by Feardorach, the son
Dalcassians and Clan William (Burkes), and West O'Gallagher, and his people, aided
others
Connaught; and on leaving Galway he took Dun
More Mic Feorais (Bermingham's Dunmore), and
also Roscommon; he appointed a president, at the
town of Athlone, over the entire province of Con Loghlin, lord the eastern part
naught, who governed and brought undersubjection (in Clare), died; was noble majestic man, the country from Drobhaois (Bundrowes,
Leitrim), Limerick; was the first president ever appointed over that country, and his name was sir Edward Pitun (Fitton). The lord justice returned into Fine-Ghall (the English settlements
the favourite women and daughters for mirth and gaiety; Donal Riavach, the son Cumeadha,
harvest, after had victoriously brought country under subjection; and viceroy
the holding court the monastery Ennis Tho Ire mond. Teige, the son Murrogh O’Brien, was Sir
land, with such force performed prosperous on that occasion.
he commanded, ever expedition did
riam (Sheriff) the country the time, and was the first sheriff Thomond; laid supply provisions and spirituous liquors the monastery
Ennis, for the use the president; the presi dent afterwards came to the town about the fes
the tribe Donogh O'Gallagher.
Mac Namara, i. e. John, the son Mac Con, son Sioda, son
Sioda, son Teige, son
Clan Cuilein
son Donogh, succeeded him.
The president the province Connaught (sir
Edward Fitton), issued proclamation the
the Pale), and Dublin, the end that O’Briens and the people South Connaught, for
A. D. 1570.
Mac Sweeney Fanat, Torlogh Oge, the son tival St. Bridget. The earl Thomond, Torlogh, son Maolmurry; his kinsman Hugh Conor, the son Donogh, son Conor O’Brien,
Buighe Roe, and Mac Sweeney the Districts, i. e. was that time Clare, and the president
Murrogh Mall, the son Owen Oge, were treach erously slain Dun-na-Long, the presence O'Neill, Torlogh Luineach, the Clan Don nell galloglasses; and the fall those three was
the third day sent for him, and despatched some his officers and body his cavalry request
the earl’s attendance; happened the same hour the day that they and Donal, the son Conor O’Brien, who was also coming
great grievance the hospitality, generosity,
strength, power, defence, and support the north him, arrived the castle gate, and the resolution
Ireland; and the death one them, parti that the earl formed was take Donal prisoner, cularly, was lamentable loss, although the other and all those that were within the chains of the
two were also distinguished persons, namely, Mur gate, and also kill those who were outside; the
rogh Mall, who was eminent above all others
valour;
warrior
men
quering champion the peril conflict, the pro Donogh, the sons Murrogh, son Torlogh tector the treasure house, and the precious (O’Brien), who led and directed him by the most wealth the Mac Sweeneys was that Murrogh; private, sequestered, and intricate ways; the earl, his brother, Owen Oge, succeeded him, and his determined attack, pursued them until they ar other brother Donal was appointed the place rived that night Gort-Innsi-Guaire. " When these
Mac Sweeney Fanat. tidings reached the lord justice became enraged Eignachan, the son Hugh Buighe O’Don and exasperated, and and the council came the
unquenchable fire, the most illustrious the Irish, the chief combatant the Ulster against the men Ireland, the con
nell, was treacherously slain while returning from A. D. 1570.
resolution requesting the earl Ormond, i. e. Tho
speaking any one dis generous Guaire; the O'Shaughnesseys,
Galway.
Gort Innsi Guaire, now Gort, the county
Galway,
into proverb amongst the Irish, who tinguished hospitable man, said was this Guaire was ancestor the family formerly chiefs note who possessed Gort
signifies the field the Island Guaire, and was
Guaire, an ancient king Connaught, the seventh century,
called from who was renowned for his hospitality that his name passed
remainder them fled fast they could, and with the full speed their horses, the president Ennis. The president departed the following day, and was conducted from the country Teige and
3P
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476 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1570.
mas, the son of James, son of Pierce Roe, in the number of captains and their soldiers along with name of the queen, to chastise the earl of Thomond them, and two or three companies of Irish mercena for his very outrageous conduct, for they were near ry soldiers; and there were also there Calvach, the relatives and friends of each other. The earl of son of Torlogh, son of John Carrach, son of Mac Ormond marched forthwith into Thomond with his Donnell, with his two sons and his forces, and a
forces, and the earl (of Thomond), accompanied party of the tribe of Donal, the son of John, son by Conor, came to hold a conference with him, of Owen-na-Laithighe Mac Sweeney, namely, and promised he would be guided by his will and Hugh, the son of Owen, son of Donal Oge, and that of the council; he also gave his castles into Donal, the son of Murrogh, son of Roderick More, the possession of the earl of Ormond, viz. , Clon along with their select companies of galloglasses, road, great Clare, and Bunratty, and Donal and another company of galloglasses of the Clan O’Brien, and the chiefs of Thomond whom the Dougalls; the ordnance and military of Galway
earl had as hostages, were set at liberty, and also were also there, and an active troop of cavalry those hostages belonging to the president in like consisting of three hundred men with their spears
manner. The earl afterwards became sorry and
unhappy in his mind for having parted with his castles, and for having delivered up his hostages,
and coats of mail. When Mac William Burke, namely, John, the son of Oliver, son of John,
received intelligence of that great mustered force for he had no fortress in his possession but that of which the president and the earl had about Shrule, Magh O m Breacain (Ibraken in Clare), in which he was grieved at heart and much troubled in
he placed a strong and faithful garrison, and he came to the resolution never to submit himself to
the laws or mercy of the council of Ireland, and preferred to be proclaimed and outlawed, and
mind at the circumstance, and at once he called to his aid the Burcaidh Iochtaracha (the lower or northern Burkes of Mayo), and the race of Myler Burke; the Clan Donnell galloglasses, and Mur
abandon his estate and patrimony, rather than rogh of the Battle-axes, the son of Teige, son of
make his submission to them. He afterwards
remained privately for some time in Clan Maurice (in Kerry), and proceeded from thence, about the
The same president (sir Edward Fitton, presi termined converting their cavalry into foot
festival of St. John, to France, where he remained
for some time; he afterwards came to England,
where he obtained mercy, pardon, and honour earl, where they consulted among themselves from the queen of England, who gave him letters
to the council of Ireland commanding them to
honour the earl; and he returned to Ireland in the
winter of the same year.
dent of Connaught), and the earl of Clanrickard, namely Rickard, the son of Ulick of the Heads, son of Rickard, son of Ulick of Knock Tuagh, laid siege to Sruthra” in the summer of this year.
There were in that force along with the president a selection of chiefs, powerful warriors, equestrian heroes, and champions of South Connaught, from Moy Aoi to Echtge, and from Galway to Athlone; there were also in the president’s camp a great
The Battle Shrule. —The engagement above-mentioned
soldiers, whom they arranged close and regular
order, and they bound themselves each other
was fought, according village the parish Mayo, near Headford,
the ambalists, near Sruthra now Shrule, Shrule, barony Kilmaine, county
the counties Mayo and Galway. the name Moy Aoi the text was mon, and Echtge was the appellation
The place mentioned under plain called Roscom
the road from Galway Westport; the river called Blackwater which runs through the village, separates
the mountain now called Slieve Baughta, the borders Galway and Clare.
Murrogh, son of Roderick O'Flaherty. These
having come with they could possibly muster together Scots and Irish soldiers, and young
warriors, did not halt until they arrived hill which was near the camp the president and the
the best plan adopted attack and put flight those formidable strong forces which had come thither attempt deprive them their country and estates. They, the first place, de
not disperse
were defeated commanded,
break that order whether they should conquer; they were also should son kinsman theirs mind them, but pass
fall before them, not
them over once
mies; and they marched
other army. the president and the earl,
they were unknown ene that order meet the
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they arranged their artillery, their soldiers, their halberd men, and their men in armour on foot, on the dangerous narrow passes by which they ex
pected the other party would attack them, and they placed alongside of them the Clan Sweeneys,
the Clan Donnells, the Clan Dougalls, and all the foot forces in general, while they themselves, with
477
which they had been formed the beginning
the day; they however returned after having slaughtered, defeated, and conquered their enemies.
One thing, however, which they neglected com plete their victory, since they had cleared the field battle after defeating their enemies, was not have remained that night the camp, for had they
directly forward, and tried the full force
their spears, the high temper their swords, and
Donnell), and many others whose names are not recorded. On the other side fell Walter, the son John, son Myler Burke, who was generally
REIGN OF ELIZABETH.
the brave active cavalry they had, took up their remained, there would have been dispute about position the other wing the army. was the fame and renown having gained complete enterprise difficulty, and arduous attempt victory. As the president and the earl Clan for the warriors West and North Connaught rickard, and the Clan Donal Mac Sweeney, who
advance against that formidable position. Ne had not given way their opponents that day, vertheless they marched forward, but did not pro they remained with some their soldiers the
ceed far when they got their sides perforated, and camp that night; they were afterwards engaged their bodies lacerated, by the first volley fiery recognising and burying their relatives and friends,
shot discharged them from the guns, and (of and relieving their wounded over the field bat arrows) from the well-formed flexible bows; they, tle. On the side the English great loss was however, took neither fear nor flight, and neither sustained by the death Patrick Cusack, and daunted nor disordered the wounds there were also slain the same side Calvach, those vollies, but advanced with intrepidity the son Torlogh, son John Carrach (Mac
the weight their battle-axes the heads and
crests their antagonists, who did not long with called Cluas-le-Doininn (or Ear the Storm); stand the attack, but gave way precipitately and also Randal, the son Mac Donnell the gallo
abrupt flight, glasses; the two sons John Eireanach, two con that the powerful party who attacked them stables the Clan Donnells Scotland, and gained the entire the ground which they had immense number both the Irish and Scots
occupied, and continued cutting down those the Clan Donnells, Mac Sweeneys, and the ad before them; and, pursuing the flying party, they herents the Burkes, were also slain there. The pressed closely and hard after the defeated com northern forces who conquered before them, but panies for the space two miles from the camp, who did not, however, keep possession the field,
along which they cut down and slaughtered great were persuaded that they had gained the battle, numbers. After Mac William Burke's forces had while the lords who remained that might the
broke their ranks the rear with
passed the cavalry which had been drawn
one side, companies those cavalry charged the
rear the pursuing party, and cut down great
number their people, and many more would James, son Pierce Roe, marched with force have been destroyed were not for the closeness the harvest this year westward across the and firmness their ranks, and the good order Suir Cliu-Mail-Mac-Ughaine,” Hy Conaill
Cliu Mail Mac Ughaine, signifying Cliu Mal, the son
Ugaine, was territory called from being possessed Mal,
the son Ugaine More, Hugony the Great, monarch Ire
land about three centuries before the Christian era, and who divi
ded Ireland into twenty-five portions amongst his sons; appears
from the text that this territory Cliu Mail was situated Hy
Conaill Gabhra, which was the ancient name the district which
now forms the baronies Upper and Lower Connello, the
county Limerick, and some adjoining parts Kerry. Ciar the son Daire, was name applied one the ancient raidhe Luachra, signifying Kerry the Rushes, was the ancient provinces divisions Munster.
name great part Kerry bordering Limerick, and appears
camp were the same
The earl
Ormond, namely, Thomas, the son
opinion that they were entitled having obtained the victory.
have comprised the baronies Iraghticonnor O'Connor's
country, Clanmaurice, Trughenackmy, Corkaguiney, and Magoni
hy, and the name still retained that part called Slieve Logher mountains, the barony Trughenackmy. Leamhain
the river Lein Lane, which flows out Lough Lein, one the Lakes Killarney, and falls into the bay Castlemaine, there fore Dun Loich, now Dunlogh Dunloe, was some castle situa ted near that river; the province Conrai Mac Daire, Conry,
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478 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1571.
Gabhra, and to Ciarraidhe Luachra, and did not by very fierce attack made the warlike troops halt until he took and demolished Dunloich (Dun the Mac Sweeneys and Mac Sheehys, who were
They pro above Leamhain, in the south of the province of ceeded divide among themselves the gold, sil Conry Mac Daire; he took hostages and much ver, various riches and precious articles, which the booty on that expedition, and returned back by father would not have acknowledged his heir,
loe or Dunlogh, at the Mac Gillycuddy Reeks), the service James Mac Maurice.
the same rout without battle or opposition, and the mother her daughter the day before; the reason was that the sons of the earl of Des they were engaged for three days and nights mond were imprisoned in London, and James carrying away every kind treasure and precious Fitzmaurice (or the son of Maurice), was alone of goods, including cups and ornamented goblets, his tribe opposed to the English and the Geral upon their horses and beasts burden, the dines, and the entire country was in opposition to woods and forests Aharlow, and sent some him ; and another cause why the earl got no op them privately their friends and wives. After
position was, that he was aided by the queen's forces on that expedition.
A. D.