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THE DIOCESE OF LIMERICK

ANCIENT AND MEDIEVAL

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PAGE OF THH: black BOOK OF LIMERICK.

The Diocese of LimeriGk Ancient and Medieval

BY *

REV. JOHN BEGLEY, G.C.

ST. MUNCHIN'S

WITH A PREFACE

BY

MOST REV. E. T. O'DWYER

Bishop of Limerick

Xio-tum jtdijxe T3e -] on6]\A x\& liei|AeAnn.

BROWNE & NOLAN, Limited 24 & 25, NASSAU STREET, DUBLIN

BELFAST CORK

4, Berry Street 14, Winthrop Street

9m m?°k'?^P"''''"'^ Library 900 Webster street ^ PO Box 2270

Fort Wayne, (r^46g0i.227o

TO

My Lord Bishop THE MOST REV. E. T. O'DWYER, D D.

This Volume Is Respectfully Inscribed

A PREFACE

BY

THE MOST REV. DR. O'DWYER,

Bishop of Limerick.

This History of the Diocese of Limerick is a welcome addition to the many evidences which we have of the awakening of a new hfe in Ireland. The Gaelic revival is at work, and its influence is felt in the quickening of the intellect of the people, and its direction towards things that are generally supposed to be academic, and specu- lative, but are, in truth, the principles and sources of National life.

The study of our language and our history is the starting point of the new progressive movement amongst our people, and if it is maintained will carry them far on the road of political and material regeneration.

For many years the country has been engaged in intense political agitation, which has resulted in some- what contradictory consequences.

On the one hand there have been very evident and important gams. Religious equality has been achieved in law, if not yet in administration ; freedom of election has been secured through the ballot ; the drastic reform of the Land Laws has worked a revolution in the condition of the agricultural population ; the Labourers' Dwellings Acts, besides removing the squalid hovels that disfigured

Vili DR. O DWYER S PREFACE.

the face of the country, have given the working-men something of a home ; and the whole local government of the country has passed under popular control.

These are great and wonderful changes. If O'Connell, or even Isaac Butt, were to come back now he would hardly recognise the country as that of the down- trodden, unlettered half-slaves for whose freedom he had striven.

Yet how strange it is to observe simultaneously with these profound and far-reaching reforms, not a corres- ponding advance in intellectual activity, and material prosperity, but a persistent decay that threatens us almost with extinction as a people. The incessant stream of emigration, deplorable as it is in itself and in its material results, is still more so as a symptom of the unhealthy condition of the country. The emigrants are being squeezed out by poverty, and by a want of that true patriotism which a living interest in their own country, and its affairs begets in freemen. With all our political reforms it may well be questioned whether we are as a nation not poorer than at any period since the great famine.

And until, within the last few years, the Irish revival set in, we seemed to decline on a similar road of intel- lectual decay. Political excitement and Parliamentary agitation so engrossed the mind of the country in an inevitable struggle for existence, that people forgot in the necessities of the hour the deeper and indispensable sources of national life.

The old thoughts and the old learning — on which the soul of every living nation sustains itself — were being

DR. O'DWYER'S preface. IX

crushed out by the hard material side of things. The Irish language came almost to its last gasp ; the tradition of the great Irish scholars, the O'Clerys, Mac Firbis, Colgan, Keating, was broken, and we were almost as cut off from the past as if we were some new territory in America, instead of having behind us a history as rich, as inspiring, as noble, as any nation in the world.

Between this intellectual life of Ireland, and her political and material life, the connection is closer and more real than many people think. There was one short lucid interval in modern times, during the few years that we had a National and Catholic University. And there is nothing more interesting or more touching in connection with Newman's attempt to estabhsh that University in Dubhn, than the quick and almost spon- taneous growth of Irish studies as soon as they found themselves in congenial conditions. The seed was in the ground. It is always there, ready under the warmth of Irish Ireland to spring into bloom. There are any day plenty of O'Currys and O' Donovans to illustrate the history of our country, and develop the wealth of her language, if they only got a chance.

Now the Irish revival is in so far doing the work of an Irish University and creating conditions which may counteract the pernicious influence of Trinity College, the National system, and all the other agencies estabhshed by England to kill the soul of this poor country, that she is bringing materially to the verge of extinction.

And this history of our Diocese of Limerick is the happy contribution of one of her priests towards this

X DR. O'DWYER'S preface.

revival of Irish studies. Necessarily it deals with local matters, but it shows them in their wider and national import, and through them throws light on the general condition of the Church in Ireland throughout the period with which it deals.

In his Life of St. Patrick, Professor Bury has shown us the importance of this setting of local history in its place in the history of the world, and simply by doing so has once and for ever put an end to the absurd but irritating misrepresentations of the true character of the mission of our National Apostle, which some people so fondly cherished. This history of the Diocese of Limerick wiU probably render similar, if less striking, service for the general history of the Church in Ireland, on which in its most intimate and less known conditions it will throw much light.

With this wider history it is connected from the beginning by our having had the great privilege of receiving the faith through St. Patrick himself. This part of the work is admirably and most accurately done. It was published some years ago as a separate study by the author in an article in the Irish Ecclesiastical Record, and it is no small commendation of the fullness and the accuracy of his information that the Archbishop of Tuam, in the great Life of St. Patrick with which he recently enriched our literature, has accepted it without correction, and embodied it practically in his own work.

In itself, this itinerary of St. Patrick through our Diocese is most interesting, and even fascinating for those who are familiar with the old ruins of churches, and cemeteries, and raths, bv which the author traces the

DR. ODWYERS PREFACE. xl

progress of the Apostle through the county, and with a wealth of local knowledge illustrates the ancient lives of the saints.

In this respect we find a good deal of the spirit in which the Archbishop of Tuam, in the most wonderful and often most ingenious ways, delights us by following up and completing the narrative of the Tripartite, and the other ancient lives, by the topographical evidences of St. Patrick's labours.

Readers of this book will be struck, too, by the astonishing vividness and distinctness by which local tradition has handed down the substantially accurate history of these ancient times. There are numbers of unlettered persons in this city and county who would recount with considerable accuracy the whole course of St. Patrick's mission in Limerick, from Knockea to Singland, thence to Foynes and Knockpatrick, and across the county to Ardpatrick. Not only has the religious history of Ireland stamped itself indelibly on the physical features — hill, and rath, and well — but it seems to have entered into the mind of the people, and to live there from generation to generation.

Those who would wish to find a most striking illustration of this, will read it in the history which the author gives of St. Ita, who lives as truly to this day, in the parish of Killeedy, where, year by year, the people keep her feast at the foot of the Luachra Mountains, as if she still presided over her Sisters in a convent.

In some respects the narrative grows in interest as the author passes from the old monastic organization of the early times, to the period when not only civil

xii DR. o'dwyer's preface.

society, but the whole rehgious hfe of the country felt the influence of the Danes, and then the Normans, whom, by a strange assimilating power, after they had settled down as conquerors, it drew into unity with its own children. Of this a very interesting illustration is the author's account of the origin of the present diocesan organization under the Danes, who, he thinks with much probability, adopted St. Munchin of Bruree, the patron of their allies, the old Irish race of the O' Donovans, as the patron of the city.

The coming of the Normans is very well described, not so much in the flowing style that we associate with history, as in the concise, matter-of-fact form of an annalist, which is not without its own force and eloquence. About this period the Black Book of Limerick, which up to this has not been printed, is a veritable mine of information. One of the first uses which the author makes of it is to give the list of churches which, according to a survey made in the thirteenth century, existed in the Diocese, and with great minuteness, and a close study of localities, and a careful piecing together of scraps of information from various sources, the author has suc- ceeded in identifying almost every one of them. This is good and most useful work. There is scarcely a parish of the Diocese which does not possess one of the ruins of these ancient churches, and their clergy and people will feel very grateful for the light which this work sheds upon their origin and history.

But still more interesting and important for historical purposes is the knowledge of the ordinary working of a diocese in Ireland at this early period, which is supplied

DR. o'dwyer's preface. xiii

by the Black Book. It is like a series of contemporary pictures. We get the whole Ufe — religious, and civil, and political — of the people set before us, unconsciously, by the original author, who did not know what a service he was rendering to future ages. We see the great religious spirit of the whole people showing through all the perpetual feuds and turmoil of an age of violence — great outbreaks of lawlessness on the part of individuals, coupled with great faith, and followed by notable penance ; the close and living authority which Rome all through exercised in the Church, and to which bishop and chief were ever amenable ; the striking devotion of the people to the Mother of God, under whose intercession our Cathedral was dedicated on the Feast of her Assumption ; in fact, so complete and perfect an identity between our Catholic life and theirs, that one can hardly imagine that it has undergone so few and unimportant changes in form, during all the ages that have since elapsed.

W^hat the author has done for this period of our history, which hitherto was little explored, we trust that he will be able to complete in another volume on the history of our Diocese since the changes in religion were begun by Henry VIII and Elizabeth. The Rolls Series will serve him in good stead, and give him command of much information which was wanting to earlier writers.

•i« Edward Thomas,

Bishop of Limerick.

AUTHOR'S PREFACE.

This volume contains the civil and ecclesiastical history of the Diocese of Limerick from remote times to the Reformation. This is a period which hitherto has been little known, as most of the primary sources relating to it were inaccessible to previous writers. Since the publications of O' Curry, O' Donovan, and recent writers of the same school, together with the State Paper Series, a vast amount of new and valuable information has been brought to light and extensively used in the composition of this work. Besides printed books many MS. docu- ments preserved in the Public Record Office, Dublin, in public libraries, and in private collections, have baen utilised, and are referred to in the proper places.

When the narrative of events occasionally differs, as it does, from our local historians, it is because sources of information have been drawn upon which were "m- known or inaccessible to them.

It is unnecessary to point out in detail differences of this kind, as the original authorities for such a divergence of opinion are duly noted. Contemporary authorities, when possible, are quoted for contemporary events, as it was found in collecting materials for this

XVI AUTHOR S PREFACE.

work that the popular writer very often gave a meaning to records that the original did not warrant.

The aim of this volume is to supply accurate in- formation about every locality in the Diocese ; and there is scarcely a spot that has not its history, in many instances, dating back to an early age.

The full and complete treatment of the period covered by this book may be judged from the size of the work, extending over 400 demy octavo pages, while the most comprehensive of our local histories has considerably less than 100 on the same subject.

While being minute in recording events, an attempt has been made to preserve unity — which gives a charm to liistory — in arranging into a consecutive narrative the scattered and often incohesive materials of which the book is composed.

The bewildering variety in the spelling of proper names has been partially retained for obvious reasons, but for the convenience of the reader the modern names are put in brackets wherever it was thought necessary.

I have not given any hteral extracts from the Black Book of Limerick, as the Rev. James MacCaffrey, S.T.L., Professor of Ecclesiastical History, Maynooth College, is about publishing that venerable MS, I have often quoted in the course of the work another MS. called Peyton'' s Survey, the full title of which is : " The book of Survey of the Attainted and Escheated landes in the Countye of Lymerick in the Pro\-ince of Munster, within the Realme of Ireland, made anno 1586 in the XXVII year of the Reign of our Soveraigne Ladye Queen

AUTHOR S PREFACE. XVH

Elizabeth, w''' came into her Ma"= handes by the Erie of Desmonde, John of Desmonde, and James Fitzmorris warre and others their confedrates and associates." (Chr. Peyton, 1586). Preserved in the year 1900 in the Record Office, Dubhn, in Bay i^ , shelf 8^, number 192 in the Custom House collection under the title Survey of Escheated Lands, County Limerick, 1586, by Ch. Peyton and other Commissioners.

This MS. contains the names of the free tenants, castles, townlands and woods of the greater portion of the county with short descriptive particulars of each. It is written in Latin.

The Ordnance Survey Letters are preserved in the Royal Irish Academy and are quoted in the abbreviated form O.S.L. B.B.L. refers to the Black Book of Limerick. S.C.D.L and sometimes S.C. refer to Sweetman's Calendar of Documents relating to Ireland (State Paper Series). Whatever other abbreviations occur in the book are explained in the footnotes. The Memorials ■of Adare is a book that has been privately printed but never published, and for that reason is very rare.

I have now the pleasing duty to return my most grateful thanks to my Lord Bishop, the Most Rev. Dr. O'Dwyer, for the beautiful preface he has written for this work, for the loan of valuable MSS., and for the most cheering encouragement during the progress of my labours.

I have to thank my able and valued friend, Michael J. MacEnery, Esq., B.A., Public Record Office, Dublin, for supplying me with many valuable documents

xviii author's preface.

and for his assistance in interpreting them ; Patrick Weston Joyce, Esq., LL.D., for reading the proof sheets ■ and for some vahiable suggestions ; the Rev. Patrick S. Dinneen, M.A., for correcting the proof sheets of the .■ Provincial Synod of Cashel from Wilkins' Councils in Trinity College Library ; Rev. Timothy Lee, P.P., Croom, who has a unique collection of books and MSS. relating to Ireland, for the loan of some rare works ; Rev. P. Woulfe, C.C, Kilmallock, formerly my fellow curate, whose extensive knowledge of Irish was great assistance to me ; Rev. Patrick Lee, C.C, Kilfinnane, for a loan of a MS. I may call a critical edition of White's Annals of the Diocese of Limerick, by the late Dean Cussen, P.P., Bruff.

With reference to the illustrations that appear in the work, I have to acknowledge my deep obligation to the Council of the Royal Society of Antiquarians, Ireland, for the loan of many blocks that were made from photographs and drawings by Thomas J. Westropp, Esq., who has ably illustrated the history of the Diocese by pen and pencil; Rev. Edward Cahill, S.J., Mungret College, for the loan of some blocks ; the Council of the Cork Archaeological Society for the block of St. Beretc- heart's tombstone ; Dr. George Fogarty for block of Tinnakilla Cromlech, and for some photographs of old churches ; Patrick J. Lynch, Esq., C.E., M.R.I.A., who has drawn the Map of the Diocese, accompanying this volume, with taste and skill.

I regret very much to have to chronicle the death of the Very Rev. Michael Costello, O.P., which occurred

author's preface. xix

on the 5th of March in the Irish Dominican College, San Clemente, Rome, at the ripe age of eighty-two ; instead of having to thank him for his great kindness in lending me that portion of his MS. relating to the Annates of the Diocese of Limerick. The manuscript is written in Latin. I have not given any lengthy quotations from it in that language as the Annates of all the dioceses of Ireland will soon appear in book form.

It only now remains for me to record my appreciation of the kindness I have received from Mr. J.J. MacSweeney and assistants of the Royal Irish Academy.

ScAJo^n O'beA^lAoic. St. Munchin's,

May 2 1st, 1906.

CONTENTS.

Preface by the Most Rfv. Dr. O'Dwyer, Bishop of

Limerick ....... vii

Author's Preface ...... xv

CHAPTER I. Hy Fidhgente, the old name of the territory corre- sponding WITH THE Diocese of Limerick . . i

CHAPTER H.

The Manners and Customs of Hy Fidhgente . . 15

CHAPTER III. Introduction of Christianity . ... 27

CHAPTER IV. The Monastic Foundations . .... 33

CHAPTER V. The Danes in Hy Fidhgente . . .65

CHAPTER VI.

The Normans in Limerick , , . . .81

^birteentb Ccnturg.

CHAPTER VII. The Churches of the Diocese . . . .92

CHAPTER VIII. The Organization of the Diocese .... 128

CHAPTER IX. The Affairs of the City . . • . .147

CHAPTER X. The Anglo-Norman Manors in the Diocese . . 152

Xxii CONTENTS.

^ourteentb Century. page

CHAPTER XI.

The Ecclesiastical Affairs of the Diocese . .188

CHAPTER Xn.

The Civil Affairs of the Country Portion of the Diocese 213

CHAPTER Xni. The Affairs of the City ..... 235

CHAPTER XIV.

The Ecclesiastical Affairs of the Diocese . . 241

ffitteentb Century.

CHAPTER XV. The Affairs of the City . . . . ,314

CHAPTER XVI. The Civil Affairs of the Country Portion of the Diocese 320

CHAPTER XVII. The Medieval Religious Foundations . . •117

CHAPTER XVIII. Iniscathay (Scattery Island) .... 388

APPENDICES.

A. — Pedigree of O'Donovan of Hy Fidhgente . .411

B. — Correspondence between Gillebert and St. Anselm. 417

C— Corpor.\tion Lands ..... 419

D. — A Bull in reference to dispute between Peter Creagh,

Bishop of Limerick, and the Franciscans . 423

E. — Charter of Henry VI to City of Limerick, 1423 . 425

F.— Provincial Synod of Cashel, held in Limerick, 1453 431

G.— White's List of Churches of the Diocese . . 444

H. — List of Provosts, Mayors, and Bailifs of the City,

from 1195 to 1509 ..... 453

Index . . . . • • . 461

CONTENTS.

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.

INSERTED PLATES.

Page of the Black Book of Limerick

Map of Diocese of Limerick

The Old Bridge of Adare .

Tinnakii.la Cromlech

St. :Mary's Cathedral, I-imerick

Facsimile of Plan of Limerick Castle (civca i6i i )

Carrigogunnell Castle

Adare Castle

The Mitre of Cornelius O'Dea

The Crozier of Cornelius O'Dea

Facsimile of Map of Limerick {circa 1509)

Plan of Monasteranenagh Abbey

Askeaton Abbey

Plan of Askeaton Abbey .

Franciscan Monastery, Adare

Trinitarian Abbey and Town of

Frontispiece

Facing page 1

10

31

76

147

186

212

243

244

319

345

357

,. ' ,. 358

360

Adare before

1810 Plan of St. Catherine's ; or, Old Abbey,

Shanagolden Plan of St. Mary's Cathedral, Limerick

Facsimile of Family Arms, etc., in St. Mary's

Cathedral .... ,

Geoffrey Arthur's Tomb, St. Mary's Cathedral ,

362

377 378

382 ^86

ILLUSTRATIONS IN TEXT

KiLFiNANE Moat Mungret Celtic Church iNis Cathaigh KiLLEEDY Church Ardpatrick Church .

XXIV

CONTENTS.

Illustrations in Text — coutinued. St. Beretcheart's Tombstone, at Tullylease, Co. Cork

KiLLOGHOLEHAN ChURCH

The Doorway of Clonelty Church

Ardagh Chalice ....

Dysert Aengus, Church and Round Tower

Kilulta Church ....

The Doorway of Donaghmore Church

Shanid Castle ....

Costumes of Mayors of Dublin, Waterford, Cork and

Limerick, about 1380 •Munster Costume in 13 So . Medieval Church, Mungret

KiLMALLOCK ChURCH AND RoUND ToWER

Mahoonagh Church ....

MoNAGAY Church ....

Kilbradran Church

m0nasteranen.a.gh ....

Dominican Priory, Limerick

Dominican Priory, Kilmallock

Doorway of Old Abbey, Shanagolden

PAGE

99 lOI 104 106 114 118 121

239 240

247

270 279

347 353 374

THE DIOCESE OF LIMERICK.

ANCIENT AND MEDIEVAL.

CHAPTER I.

TOPOGRAPHY.

The Diocese of Limerick ^ is almost co-extensive with the ancient territory of Hy Fidhgente. This tribe was so called from Fiacha Fidhgente, 2 a descendant of Oilioll Olnm, through his eldest son Eoghan Mor, who fell in battle near Athenry in a.d. 250. Fiacha flourished in the fourth century, and received the cognomen of Fidhgente for having constructed a wooden horse at Colman's fair, which was anciently held on the Curragh of Kildare.

Hy Fidhgente is called a tuath,^ a term of indefinite meaning. It originally meant a tribe of people, but after a time came to signify the place where they dwelt. When so used, it designated a district with a complete political and legal administration, and varied consider- ably in extent. When the tuath embraced a large tract of country such as Hy Fidhgente, it was caUed a tuatli mor, and the sub-divisions simply tuaths. The present Diocese of Limerick would fairly represent the one and the parishes the other.

Being descended from Eoghan Mor, the Hy Fidhgente were considered a free state, and exempt from paying

1 Rev. Dr. Reeves quoted in the Memorials of A dare, p. 233. See also Annals of the Four Masters, vol. iii., p. 46, note.

2 Anns. Four Masters, vol. vi., Appendix, p. 2434.

3 O'Curry's Manners and Customs, vol. i., p. 79.

2 DIOCESE OF LIMERICK.

an annual tribute to the King of Cashel,^ but were obliged to supply forces at their own expense to aid him in his wars.

The king generally resided at the royal Dun of Bruree, and received —

From the King of Erin without sorrow,

Ten tunics, brown red,

And ten foreigners without Geadhealga ( Irish) .'^

The territory of Hy Fidhgente was divided into two great divisions, Hy Conaill and Hy Cairbre Eva, and these were further sub-divided into tuaths of smaller dimensions, each enjoying the right of managing their own affairs.

THE HY CONAILL.

The Hy Conaill derive their name from Conall, the third in descent from Fiacha, and were seated m the present baronies of Upper and Lower Connelloe Shanid and Glenquin. The sovereignty of the tribe fluctuated between them and the Hy Cairbre.

The king was accustomed to receive from the King of Cashel —

Ten steeds to the King of Ui Ghabhra, Ten shields, ten swords fit for battle, Ten drinking horns in his protective fort, Without hostages froiu liini, without pledges.^

AND

Entitled is the King of fair Ui Conaill To an Easter dress from the King of Cashel. His beautiful sword of shining lustre, \nd his spear along with it.^

1 Book of Rights, p. 63. 3 ihid., p. jj.

^Ibid., p. 85. ^ Ibid., p. 259.

TOPOGRAPHY. 3

THE SUB-DIVISIONS OF UI COXAILL. Corcoide.

The exact position of the Corcoide sept has not hitherto been identified. At the dawn of Irish history Owen Mor i divided all Ireland into twenty-five parts among his children, and Corcoide fell to the lot of his son Bard. It ranked as one of the free tribes 2 of Erin, at the time of the Aitheach Tuatha rebellion, which is said to have taken place about the beginning of the Christian era.

They were renowned for their skill in music, and had the honour of supplyhig the court of the King of Cashel with harpers.3 When the glory of Cashel was no more, they sung the praises of the Earls of Desmond, and when the princely chiefs of that house passed through their territory, they were bound to entertain them for a day and a night, a custom that prevailed to the time of Elizabeth.*

Wiien Boen, the father of St. Palcherius, was expelled from Connaught by his enemies, he obtained a home in the tuath of Corcoide,^ through the influence of Si. Ita,

'^AiDis. Four Masteys, vol. i., p. 74.

2 O'Curry's Manners and Customs, vol. i., p. 27, note.

^ Ibid., vol. iii., p. 208.

* " Lands held by the rimers of the Earl in the mountain of Slewlocra are named Brosenaghe [now Brosna in Kerry, near Mount Collins], and by the rimers of Templay Egleantane [Ternpleglantine], and Ballywroho [Ballymorrough]." The names within brackets are the modern ones.

" Rents and duties when the Earl doth cross the mountain or take his journey betwixt Kerry and Connelough, the foresaid rimers are wont to bear the charge for a day and a night, coming and going." —State Papers Series, Carew MSS., 1515-1574.

5 " Corcoic in the country of Hua-Conaill-Ghabhra." O'Hanlon quoting an old Irish life of St. Pulcherius, translated by Professor O'Looney. — See Lives of Irish Saints, vol. lii., pp. 339, 340.

(Boen) " Venit ad rcgionem Momoniae et habitavit in terra Hua-Conaill-Ghabhra cum suis, in plebe quae dicitur Corcobhais- cinn." — Colgan's Acta Sanctorum Hiberniae, p. 389.

Corcobhaiscinn in the above sentence is evidently a scribe's error for Corcoic, as that territory was confined to the south-west of the present Co. Clare. This will' appear more clearly when we come to the life of St. Senan.

4 DIOCESE OF LIMERICK.

at whose monastery he was employed as a worker in the fine arts. From this it may be inferred that the district was not far distant from Killeedy. O'Heerin thus describes it : —

Corco Oiche of beautiful wood,

A fair surfaced territory of fresh inbhers,

A fair land of best showers.

Under the vigorous hero, O'Macassa.

In" Anglo-Norman documents it is written Corkoyghe, being a slight variation of the original.

In the year 1251, Gerard de Prendegast held of David de Barry a half cantred in Corkoyghe, by the service of one knight, and John FitzThomas held the land of Gerard by the same service, which was never rendered.^

In an inquisition, held in a.d. 1298, relative to the manor of Novo Castro (Newcastle West), the sergeancy or receivership was valued at 6s. 8d., which shows that it was a rather extensive district,''

In a document called the -'Rental of Connelloe,"^ which dates back to the year 1452, one of the divisions is styled Corkoythe ; and the townlands mentioned under that heading furnish the first definite clue to the real identification and extent of the ancient Corcoide. In another MS.* called " Peyton's Survey," which was made in the year 1586, a still more definite description of it is given, under the title Toghe Gortcoythe, a very corrupted form of the word. The names of the townlands at the present day are identical with those mentioned in

1 See Sweetman's Calendar of Documents relating to Ireland, under the year 125 1. As many references are to be made to Sweetman's Calendar, the following abbreviation will be used in future viz • S.C.D.I.

2 Ibid.

3 A document preserved in the Public Record Office, Dublin. * Also in the Public Record Office, Dublin.

TOPOGRAPHY. 5

Peyton's Siirve}'-, and a good many with those in the Rental, and the inquisition of 1298.

From the foregoing authorities the Corcoide would be co-extensive with the poor law parishes of Monagea, Abbeyfeale, and that part of Killeedy parish included in the tow^nlands of Glengort, Knocknadiha, and the district round Mount Collins, which was anciently known as Knockroedermot, a name that is now an alias for Ballybeg. All these places were in the parish of Monagea in the year 1586, which was then written Monagh Adare.

O'Bathan.

Whatever information has come down to us relative to this tuath, is derived from Anglo-Norman sources.

In the inquisition of a.d. 1298,1 concerning the manor of Newcastle, it is first mentioned. In the Rental it is written O'Bathyn, and would correspond with that portion of the county lying between Newcastle and Ardagh, extending westward over Rooska hill as far as the village of Athea.

In Peyton's Survey it is styled Toghe Meaghan, and another part added on, called Toghe Yeaghtragh, or the lower part of the tuath Meaghan, and would be represented by the district running northward as far as Kilcoleman, between Cahermoyle and the mountain.

Cleanglass or Cleanghlais.

Let us proceed across Luachair hither, A journey which is fit for poets ; To the cold and festive Cleanglais, Of the green irriguous wooded land.

— O'Heerin.

In the year 1155, Cuilen of Cleanghlais ^ the lord

1 See S.C.D.I. under that year.

-See Anns. Four Masters, vol. ii., p. 1117, second edition. The one quoted in this work.

6 DIOCESE OF LIMERICK.

X3f Hy Conaill-Gabhra fell by Ui Cinnfhaelaidh (Kinealy ) In 1266 Mahon O'Cuilein 1 (O'Collins), lord of Cleaiiglais, was killed by his own wife, with a stab of a knife, through jealousy. He seems to be identical with ' Macchulan ' O'Kellv de O'Chonyl, who, with other chiefs, received letters from Henry HI to join him in an expedition, to Scotland in 3'ear 1244.-

x\fter iVIahon's death, the Geraldines seem to have appropriated his territory, and the branch of the family that settled down there were known as lords of Cleanglass. The chieftain of this tuath was sometimes elected to the sovereignty of the tribe. The district corresponding to the present parish of Killeedy would fairly represent this tuath. In Anglo-Norman documents it was known as Killeedy. In Peyton's v^urvey it is divided into two half tuaths called Killeedy and Killheylaghe (Killilagh). In another part of the sam^e MS. they are included in the manor of Clenlish,

The Toghe de Tawnaghe.

There is no mention of this tuath in any Irish autho- rity, but it very often occurs in Anglo-Norman documents.

Early in the thirteenth centur}^ Geoffry de Marisco gave land in Waterford to William de Prendegast, in exchange for the tuath of Maccaveni » in Occonil (OConaill).

In an inquisition held into the property of Thomas de Clare,* it is called the manor of Moyavenach, and its extent is fairly defined, as many of the townlands are given, and they are the same as those mentioned in the Rental and Peyton's Survey. It was equivalent to tlie present parish of Mahoonagh. In every document I

i Anns. Four blasters, vol. iii., under that year.

2 See S.C.D.I.

3 Ibid., year 1278. ^ Ihid.. year 1288.

TOPOGRAPHY. 7

have seen the name is spelt somewhat differentl3^ though easily recognisable.

Corca Muichead.

Corca Muichead ranked as one of the free tribes ^ of Erin. O'Heerin thus describes it : —

Maclnnerigh, hero of Gems,

Over the mellow Corca Muichead,

A fine host, who constantly ramify.

Like the white blossom of the branching appletree.

In early Anglo-Norman documents 2 it is called Corkemoyd, and Corkemoyst. It is not mentioned m detail in any document down to Peyton's Survey, where it is styled the Toghe of Clonehennery, in the parish of Ballyin castellanc Corkniohur, i.e., Castletown Corca- mohoid ; and would be co-extensive with the present parishes of Corcomohide, Kilmeedy, DrumcoUogher, and Cloncrew. The chieftain of this district was MacEnery, and the family succeeded in retaining a portion of their ancient patrimony down to the Cromwellian confiscations.

Brughrigh {Brurec).

Bruree was the ancient royal tuath where the king of the tribe usually resided. Judging from the list of townlands in Peyton's Survey, it would correspond to the present parishes of Bruree and Colman's Well.

Gortculligon.

The earliest notice of Gortculligon is to be found in the Rental, where it is mentioned as paying forty shillings when royal service was proclaimed in Hy Conaill, and is there written Gortcolgyn. In Peyton's Survey the different townlands are given in detail, and they are the

1 See O'Curry's Manners and Customs, vol. i., p. 2j, note.

2 See S.C.D.'I. from 1171-1306.

8 DIOCESE OF LIMERICK.

same as those in the present parish of Ballingarry, with which it must have been co-extensive.

Olyhane. .

There is no mention of this tuath in any document earUer than Peyton's Survey. As it is there described it would correspond to that part of Rathkeale parish, south-east of the town.

Croth {Croagh).

Croagh as a tuath is iirst referred to in Peyton's Survey. The name frequently occurs in the Black Book of Limerick, and is the same as Maycroo.^ It would correspond with the present parish of Croagh and parts of the parishes of KilRnny and Drehidtarsna.

N ante nan.

The earliest reference to this district is in the Black Book, and it occurs there in the year 1237.- The name is derived from Neanntanin,^ and means land abounding in nettles. According to the Peyton Survey it would be equivalent to the present parish of Nantenan, and that part of Rathkeale west of the town.

Magreny.

Magreny is first mentioned in the Black Book.* and there is no mention of it in any document until Peyton. In that Survey it is called Treanmoregney, a district corresponding with the parishes of Clonelty and

1 In a document in the Black Book, page 90, Croch is given as a heading to it, and in the body of the same document ]\Ia\Tichro is substituted for Croch. This document is dated 1239.

2 See page 75, where it is written Mayntaney.

3 Ordnance Survey Letters preserved in the Royal Irish Acad'^.my will be abbreviated in future references to O.S.L.

4 See Black Book, page 75, where it is written Mayrj-ne, and in page 93 in an undated document, Magrany.

TOPOGRAPHY. 9

Cloncagh. It is called a half-tiiath, and attached to Askeaton. There is another half-tuath adjoining called O'Gallawhore, which would be equivalent to the present parish of Grange. Perhaps the two originally formed one tuath,

0^ Fergus.

O'Fergus, or Fargus, is mentioned in the Black Book,i and also in the Rental, where some of the town- lands are given in detail. It is called Farrensessergh in Peyton, and the townlands correspond with those in the Rental. It would now be represented by the parish of Clonagh and part of Kilscannell.

Drynan and Lismakerrye. Dry nan 2 occurs in the inquisition relative to the manor of Shanid, in the year 1298. It is there set down as the ' half-tuath of Poble Minter Drynan,' i.e., the half-tuath inhabited by the people called Drynan. I find no other mention of it until Peyton's Survey, where it is also called a half-tuath, and would correspond to the present parish of Kilbradran. The name is now totally forgotten. Lismakerrye (Lismakeery) is set down in Peyton as containing a half tuath, and would be equivalent to the parish of that name. Perhaps both in ancient times formed one tuath.

Eas Geihhtne {Askeaton).

This tuath was considered as one of the unfree tribes. ^

After the Aitheach Tuatha rebellion they were dispersed

through the free clans of Hy Conaill. It is one of the

•earliest places mentioned in Anglo-Norman documents. -^

1 See page 76.

•^See S.C.D.I.

sO'Currv's Manners and Customs, vol. i., p. 2-, note.

4Hmeskefty Castle. See S.C.D.I., year 1215, Xo. 593.

10 DIOCESE OF LIMERICK.

According to the Rental and Peyton's Survey, it would correspond to the present parish of Askeaton and portions of the surrounding parishes.

DHninoyian.

Dunmoylan is mentioned in the inquisition i relating to the manor of Shanid as a tuath. In Peyton's Survey it is set out in detail, and would be equivalent to the parishes of RobertstoNvn, Dunmoylan, and Kilcoleman.

Shanid,

At Shanid,2 in the year 834, the chieftain of Hy Conaill defeated the Danes. This is the first reference to the name that is to be found. It is mentioned early in the thirteenth ^ century as being a cantred, and in possession of Thomas FitzThomas. It is said to be the ancient home of the Geraldines in the county of Limerick, and from it they took their war cry, Shanid aboo.

According to the Rental it would be co-extensive with the manor. In Peyton's Survey the tuath is co- extensive with the parishes of Kilm.oylan and Shana- golden.

Glancorhy {Glin).

It is mentioned in the Black Book * at the beginning of the thirteenth century. In the inquisition relating to the manor of Shanid, in 1298, it is called a half- tuath, and also in Peyton. It would be represented at present by the parish of Kilfergus or Glin. The manor of Loughill, which belonged to the Bishop of the diocese, was probably equivalent to the other half-tuath.

1 See S.C.D.T., a.d. 1298.

2 See War of the Gaedhill ivith the Gaill, pp. 61, 66.

3 Inquisition, 1282. A cantred in Cunvl (Conaill), called Shennede. — See 5.C.Z)./., a.d. 12S2.

"^ Black Book, pp. 27, 28, 116.

TOPOGRAPHY. 11

Cairhre Eva.

The Ui Cairbre i were so called from Cairbre Eva (beautiful), the second in descent from Fiacha. They were located in that part of the diocese east of the Maigue,2 extending northward to the Shannon, and included the barony of Kenry. In the prose portion of the Book of Rights ^ the King of Ui Cairbre was entitled to receive from the King of Cashel —

Seven steeds,

Seven horns from which wine is drunk. Seven swords, it is a happy engagement, Seven serving youths ; seven bondwomen.

In the poem that follows he is styled King of Bruree, indicating that he was King of the Ui Fidhgente at the time the poem was composed, which would be some time in the ninth or tenth century, as it was during those centuries the chieftains of Ui Cairbre principally figure in history ; and that through alliances with the Danes.

Being a rich and fair land, situated for the most part in an open plain, it fell an eas}^ conquest to the Anglo-Normans soon after their arrival in the country. The limits of the tuaths that lay in this district are not so well defined as in Ui Conaill. The information that has come down from Irish and Anglo-Norman sources is very meagre.

SUB-DIVISIONS OF UI CAIRBRE.

Dromin Cleirchm.

The name of this tuath is still preserved in the parish of Dromin. The chieftain * of the sept was king of the

1 Anns. Four Masters, vol. vi., Appendi.x, 2434,

2 See Book of Rights, p. jj, note.

3 Ibid., pp. 71-77.

■^ Anns. Four Masters, vol. ii., p. 77.

12 DIOCESE OF LIMERICK.

tribe in the year 1014,. In Anglo-Norman times it was included in the Manor of Athlacca, and was probably co-extensive with the present parishes of Dromin and Athlacca.

O'Heerin thus describes it : —

The share of the noble Dal Cairbre Eva, Of the Kings of Cashel, of white wattles ; Lasting is his profit of the land, The brave pillar, Cleirchin.

Three septs of high hilarity Are over Desi beg of trees.

Bruff 1 was called Brug na Desi, and was in the northern part of the tuath.

It is stated in an inquisition held in 125 1, that the manor of Tobbernea^ was situated in Desi beg. From other sources 3 we learn that the manor was co-extensive with the parishes of Efhn and Ballingaddy. The old tuath would appear from these statements to be equiva- lent to the parishes of Bruff, Uregare, Effin, and Ballingaddy.

Cliu Mail.'

Clin Mail was like Corcoide, one of the twenty-five divisions made by Owen Mor. It fell to his son, Muireadhach Mai.

According to old authorities it would include the district between Knockainey and the Slieve Riach moun- tains. According to the Annals of the Four Masters, Athneasy was in the centre of this territory. It may

1 See O'Heerin's Topog. Poems and Charter of Magio, where it is called Brug. S.C.D.I. under the year 1201.

2 See S.C.D.I. under 5'ear 1251, p. 478.

3 See Memorials of Adare, p. 280, Appendix :M.

* See Anns. Four Masters, vol. v., p. 1648, note.

TOPOGRAPHY. I3;

be the same as that Anglo-Norman cantred, Fontimel, which occurs frequently in medieval documents.

A dare and Groom.

Adare and Croom are mentioned in Anglo-Norman documents as cantreds. The cantred was used as an equivalent for tuath, irrespective of extent, from which it may be inferred that they were old Irish divisions, though there is no allusion to them in old Irish documents.

E scion or Eschlitana.

This district is mentioned in the State Papers as a manor. In the Black Book ^ of Limerick, about the year 1203, there is reference to it, and at that time belonged to William de Burgo. Early in the fift6enth century it passed under the sway of the O'Briens, and was henceforth known as Pubble Brien, and would, in olden times, include the greater portion of the present barony of that name.

Tuath Lnimnigh.

Tuath I.uimnigh, about the noble Sionain,

Two chiefs are over it on one side.

O'Cadhla (Kealy) and O'Maille (O'Malley) the swift,

Beautiful ravens of the two inbhers.

— O'Heerin.

From other sources that will be mentioned later on we learn that part of O'Malley's land would correspond with the parish of Knocknagaul, from which it would appear that this territory lay round the city m th& direction of this parish.

1 Black Book, pp. 14 and 103.

14 DIOCESE OF LIMERICK.

Caonraighe {Kcnry).

The hero of Caonraighe of fair land.

Is O'Maolcallan (Mulholland) of branches.

■ — O'Heerin,

It lay west of the Maigue, bordering on the Shannon. The present barony of Kenry would include itself and Iverus.

Ui Rosa.

O'Bearga of the fair mansion obtained The cantred of Ui Rossa of rich course.

It would now be represented by the parish of Iveruss, and perhaps part of Kilcornan. The family name of the chieftain seems to be obsolete.

CHAPTER II.

THE MANNERS AND CUSTOMS OF HY FIDHGENTE.

The government ^ of the tribe was vested in the king, who was chosen from one of the princely houses of the two great divisions of Ui Conaill and Ui Cairbre. For this reason the King of Hy Fidhgente is often styled King of Ui Conaill, or Ui Cairbre, indicating that he was a native of one or other of these divisions. If there were more than one aspirant to the throne, 2 every free- man of the rank of Aire had a vote. They met on an appointed day, at the court of the Brewy, or hosteller, of the district, and after three days and three nights' deliberation, they selected the most eligible candidate.

He was inaugurated with great ceremony, promising to rule with justice and preserve the ancient rights and customs of the kingdom. All the chiefs or sub-kings were bound to obey him, and assist in the government of the State.

The Subjects. — The subjects of the king were divided into different grades, namely, nobles, non-noble freemen with property, non-noble freemen without property, and the non-free classes. The first three grades pos- sessed property, and were the privileged classes. A person who belonged to this class ranked as a chief.

The nobles were divided among themselves accord- ing to the amount of landed property each one pos- sessed. The non-noble freemen had no land of their

1 See Anns. Four Masters, vol. vi., p. 2435.

2^See O'Curry's Manners and Customs, \o\. i., and Social History of Ancient Ireland (Joyce), vol. i., chap. iii.

3 For this and following headings see the above books which are furnished with good indexes.

l6 DIOCESE OF LIMERICK.

own, their wealth consisting of cattle and other movable goods; hence they were called Boaires or cow chiefs. When they had no land of their own the Flaiths or nobles supplied the want by letting some of their lands at a certain rent. They were the magistrates that pre- sided at local courts to administer justice, for which they were entitled to certain allowances and privileges according to rank.

The non-noble freemen without property were of the same class, but much poorer ; and if fortune favoured any of them with a sufficient amount of wealth, they could become Boaires,

The non-free classes were that portion of the com- munity who had no claim, to any part of the tribe-land, but were allowed under certain conditions to cultivate little plots for their maintenance. The laws regulating these various ranks of society are minutely laid down in theBrehon Code, with a clearness and precision which reveal the high pitch of civilization that existed in Ireland, long before it was subjected to the influence of foreign states.

Dwellings. — The houses of the inhabitants were built of very perishable and fragile materials, but rich and costly, according to the rank of the occupier. All that now remain of them are the circular mounds popularly known as forts, which are scattered over the country, and generally attributed by the natives to the Danes. Rath, Dun, Lis, were the terms usually apphed to them. The dwelling-house of a chief was surrounded by two or more concentric mounds, the space between the inner circles was filled with water, but of late years the outer ramparts of many of them have been removed by improving tenants for manuring their land.

Where stone abounds some of them were built of that material. These were called Cahers, and generally gave their names to the townlands where they are founds

THE MANNERS AND CUSTOMS OF HY FIDHGENTE. 17

such as the two cahers in Abbeyfeale parish, and Caher- levoy, near Mount ColUns. There are perfect specimens of stone forts, but now nearly covered with brushwood, in the townlands of Coolcappa, and Lissatotan — the only ones existing in that locality. In the west of the county there exists, roughly speaking, one of these old forts for every thirty acres of land ; and when it is borne in mind that they were mostly all intended for human habitations, the population was of considerable extent. They were usually built in a pleasant situation, com- manding a good view, and in sight of each other. Some- times they are to be found in clusters, as at Ballyegna, forming pastoral villages, which would be the nearest approach in ancient Ireland to our modern towns.

Residences were often erected for greater safety in the middle of lakes and marshy places. The house was constructed on beams of timber forming an arti- ficial island, thereby ensuring great security to the occupants. There is a beautiful specimen of this kind of dwelling still to be seen in Lough Gur, and Coolcro- nogue, near Ardagh, suggests the site of another. Judging from the remains that have been found in some of those that have been explored in other parts of Ireland, they are of a very high antiquity, while some have been inhabited as late as the reign of Elizabeth.

The King of Munster ^ had many ro^^al residences in different parts of his dominions, where he was accustomed to spend a part of the year enjoying the hospitality of his subjects. The following are the principal ones that can now be identified in Hy Fidhgente,

Bruree (seat of the kings) was from remote times a seat of royalty. It was also called Dun Eochair Mhaighe (the fort on the brink of the river Maigue). About a mile north of the village, on the western bank of the river, in the townland of Lower Lotteragh, there is a

1 See Book of Rights.

c

l8 DIOCESE OF LIMERICK.

large circular fort with three rings, locally known as Lissoleem,! which signifies the Liss of Olum. King OiUoll Olum, who resided here, and from whom it derives its name, flourished in the second century, a.d. He was the ancestor of the chief families in Munster.

Catherchinchon (Caherkincon), a stone fort, near Rockbarton, in the barony of Small County.

Dungair.2 The ruins of this fort are to be seen on the hill of Doon, overlooking Lough Gur.

Aenach Cairpre, ?.^., the fair of the territory of Cairbre, which is called Aenach Cloghur in old authorities.

Geibhtine. Eas-Geibhtine, now Askeaton on the Deel.

Asal. This fort was at Knock drum Asal, now Tory- hill, near Groom.

-., . M^ .uf-.,.-4^1.::>a^i4^

.-^_

KILFINANE MOAT.

Treda na righ, i.e., the triple fossed fort of the King, supposed to be the great fort near Kilfinnane.

Ratharda, i.e., the fort of the height, evidently the place called in the Annals Ratharda suird, now Rathurd, a townland in the parish of Donaghmore, near the city.

A great number of these old relics of bygone times are still to be found in every parish of the diocese. Though the houses that once stood within the mounds have long since disappeared, the general outline of^the forts has been carefully preserved by the farmers on whose lands they are situated. In the fosses of some of^them querns and other domestic utensils have been occasion- ally discovered. The mounds are usually clothed with

1 Social Hist, of Ancient Ireland (Joyce), vol. ii., p. 102.

2 See Book of Rights%

THE MANNERS AND CUSTOMS OF HY FIDHGENTE. I9

large whitethorn bushes and other shrubs, which add a •charm to the landscape in summer time, when they are •covered with fohage.

Occupation. — The people devoted the greater part of their time to the cultivation of the soil and tending their flocks. Every householder of the privileged class had some land where he raised corn for the use of the house, and fed his cattle. There was also a commonage where the community grazed their stock in common -during the summer months.

Amusements.— In Hy Fidhgente, as well as in other parts of the country, public meetings were held for various purposes. The Aenach (fair) was the most popular gathering at which all grades of society met for pleasure and enjoyment. It v.^as generally held near the grave of a quasi-historical personage, and had its origin in funeral games. The memory of one of these assem- , blies is still preserved in the name Ballinenagh, better known as the Old Mill, a townland, in the parish of Newcastle West. In the east of the county there was Aenach Clochair, or the fair of Clogher, a place much celebrated in old Irish legends. Horse-racmg was a great attraction at this fair. It is mentioned in an old tale that these races were held at one time m honour of a visit Finn and his companions paid to the King of Cashel. The race-course extended from the Aenach to to the rock, over Lough Gur. The king purchased the winning horse, and presented him to Fmn, who afterwards performed wonderful exploits with this steed in the kingdom of Kerry.

Where exactly this fair was held is a matter of con- jecture. The Abbey of Monasteranenagh (the monastery of the fair) is supposed by some of our antiquarians to be built on the old fair green of Clochair. But this abbey was an Irish foundation, filled with Irish monks, who had a veneration for the time-honoured customs of the

20 DIOCESE OF LIMERICK.

people, and would not think of building their monastery on a spot so dear to the inhabitants, where from time immemorial they were accustomed to meet in good- fellowship. The grant of land made to the monastery i in the year 1200 favours this opinion, as it is dis- tinctly stated that Kenelmegan was the name of the place where the abbey was situated. In the list of townlands in the same grant, there is one called Clughur, now Cloghei. in the parish of Dromin, and not very far distant from Lough Gur and the monastery — evidently the place where this fair was held. Monasteranenagh, may have got its name from having this celebrated fair as part of its possessions.

In an ancient tract, called the History of the Cemeteries of Ireland, it is stated that the men of Munster were in olden times interred at ^Enach Chuli. There is a town- land of that narne mentioned in the grant above referred to, as Enach Chuli in Corballi. In an old document Corballi is given as lying near Knockainey, but both names have now disappeared from the topography of the locality.

Sepulture. — The ancient Irish had two modes of interment, namely, by placing the body whole and entire in a horizontal or upright position in the earth, and by cremation.

When the body was burned the ashes were gathered together, and placed in an urn, which was generally deposited in an artificial chamber, and a monument or cairn raised over it. This mode of interment fell into disuse long before the time of St. Patrick, as there is not the slightest allusion to it in our oldest manuscripts. The Cromlechs or Dolmen, in times gone by, were con- sidered to be druids' altars ; they were popularly known as giants' graves, and sometimes called the beds of Diarmuid and Graine, two well-known characters whO'

1 See S.C.D.I., year 1200.

THE MANNERS AND CUSTOMS OF HY FIDHGENTE. 21

•eloped, and flying through Ireland for a year and a day are supposed to have erected one of them wherever they rested for a night. But from investigation they are found to contain human remains, and were evidently erected over the graves of some remarkable personages.

In the townland of Tinnakilla,i about two miles south of the village of Ballyhahill, in the west of the county, there is still existing a fine specimen of one of these monuments. It consists of a large limestone flag measuring 9 feet 4 inches in length, 7 feet 6 inches in breadth, 2 feet thick at south end, and i foot 6 inches at the north end. It is supported by ten brown field stones. About half a furlong further south there is a standing stone almost in the form of an isosceles triangle, measuring 7 feet in height, 5 feet 9 inches in width, and I foot 2 inches in thickness.

In Friarstown North, there is a large stone 7 feet high, 5 feet broad, and i foot thick, supported by stones set on edge, which being removed, human bones of an extraordinary size were found underneath^the monument.

At Kilpeacon, about a mile distant, there is also one of a similar kind.

Near the south end of the Causeway, leading to the Black Castle, at Lough Gur, there is a fine specimen still in good preservation, and near it another is barely visible.

There is a large earthen ridge, artificially formed and known as the ' Big Man's Bed,' or giant's grave, near Glenquin Castle, townland of Glenmore, and parish of Monagea, which must have been raised over the grave of some distinguished hero whose history is long forgotten.

In the townland of Ballycommane, Cathohc parish of Tournafulla, there are the remains of an old Irish pagan cemetery. There are a great number of httle

1 O.S.L., Limk., R.I. A., also Dolmens of Ireland (Borlase).

22 DIOCESE OF LIMERICK.

mounds, one of which when opened, showed that they are lined with a wall built without mortar, about 3 feet square and the same in depth. In the middle of the square traces of fire were found, and bits of iron in a very corroded state, but no bones or urn. In another, built in the shape of a diminutive cromlech, traces of fire were also found, and calcined bones with a very primitive stone implement like a trowel. i Tradition says that there were large flag-stones lying on the ground near the same place having writing on them like music, but these were afterwards broken up, and placed in drains m a neighbouring field. From this description it may be inferred that they were Ogham stones. There are burial places, called kills or keels, as the people pronounce the word, in many parishes of the diocese, and must belong to very remote times, as there is nO' tradition existing in connection with them.

At Lough Gur, near the Limerick-road, there are very remarkable stone circles, which were formerly considered to be enclosures where the Druids performed their religious ceremonies. But similar circles that have been explored in other parts of the country were found to contain human remains, from which it may be inferred that the Lough Gur circles were erected for a similar purpose, namely, to mark the graves of the dead in prehistoric times.

FuLACHTA FiANN (cookiug places of the Fianna^). — In different parts of the territory, especially in the mountain districts, there are frequently found heaps of burned stones under the surface of the soil, that are called by the above name by the farmers. The most distinguished captain of the Finian hosts was Finn MacCumhil, around whose name a cluster of fables has

1 This is now in the private collection of Rev. Timothy Lee, P.P.,. Croom.

- O'Curry's Manners and Custom of Ancient Ireland, vol. ii., sect. i8.

THE MANNERS AND CUSTOMS OF HY FIDHGENTE. 23

gathered, the growth of many ages. Some genealogists trace his descent from the Corcaoiche,i a well-known sept of the Hy Fidhgente ; but the weight of evidence seems to favour the opinion that he was descended from the Kings of Leinster. He was slain in his old age, near the Boyne, in a.d. 284.

The Fenians in time of peace were dispersed in com- panies through the country, and had to subsist on the fruits of the chase from May to November. The animals they killed in the morning were sent by their attendants to a place already selected, where they were to assemble in the evening to enjoy a well-earned meal. Here they lighted big fires and put into them large quantities of sandstones. Then they dug a trench where they placed the meat, tied in bundles, around which they heaped the hot stones, and kept piling them on until the meat was thoroughly cooked. On one occasion, when the different companies were called together to prepare for battle, a detachment was stationed at Askeaton, under the leadership of Garad. Though their power was broken and their office discontinued long before the intro- duction of Christianity, still their romantic adventures became the favourite theme of the bards in after ages. In our own times many a fireside is enlivened during the long winter evenings by a spirited recital of some of their achievements.

Miscellanea.

The territory is watered by many fine rivers and streams, of which the principal are : —

The river Maigue, with its tributaries, drains the greater portion of the east of the county. The name is

' See Transactions of Ossianic Society, 1856, vol. iv., p. 284.

24 DIOCESE OF LIMERICK

derived from An Maig^ = river of the plain. It bore the several epithets of Maigreach^ = salmon full ; Mall,^ sluggish ; and Na Mart,* of the beeves. It rises in the borders of Cork and Limerick, flows through Bruree, Croom, Adare, and falls into the Shannon a few miles below Carrigogunnel Castle. " The yew tree of the son of Aingcis, at Eas Maigue ; its shadow is seen below in the water, and is not seen itself on the land.''^ This remarkable sight was supposed to be seen at Caherass, near Croom, and ranked as one of the wonders of Ireland:

Its tributaries are the Loobagh, flowmg through Kilmallock; Samair (Morning Star) rises in the south-east of the county, and flows through Bruff ; the Comoge rises near Knocklong, and after a circuitous course joins the Maigue, near Croom.

The other rivers in the east are : — Mulkear, Bilboa, Dead River, Groody, Graigue, Glenminnaan, Awbeg, Keale.

The Deel rises in the County Cork, flows through the west of the county, passing through the village of Mohoonagh, east of Newcastle West, through Rathkeale, and falls into the Shannon below Askeaton.

Tributaries :— Bunoke, Ara, flowing through New- castle West, Daar.

The other rivers in the west of the county are :— The Feale, flowing between Limerick and Kerry.

Its tributaries are the Allaghan, flowing through Tournalulla enters Abbeyfeale parish at Goolbourne bridge, a short distance from which it is joined by the Eaghan river that flows through Templeglantine. It

1 G'Heerin's Topog. Poems, p. 26. ^ Anns. Four Masters, p. 1730. 3 O'Heerin's Topog. Poems, p. 118. '^ Anns. Four Masters, p. 1730.

6 See Irish Version of Nennuis, Irish Arch. Publications, p. 220, note.

THE MANNERS AND CUSTOMS OF HY FIDHGENTE. 25

joins the Feale a short distance to the north of Abbey- feale.

The Caher river joins the Feale at Mount Colhns.

The Oolagh river flows into the Feale, near Purt Castle.

The Gale flows through the village of Athea, and joins the Feale beyond Listowel. All these rivers abound in fish, and the Allaghan and Eaghan are mentioned by Peyton as containing salmon. The White river enters the Shannon at Loughill.

Mowitains.

The range of hills that rise up from the plain at Drumcollogher, and run round the west of the county to the Shannon, were known as the Luchra Mountains down to the time of Elizabeth. This was a generic term, as every district was known by a particular name, but when the situation of such districts was described it was said to be in the Luchra^ mountain. There is a large earthen mound running through this mountain from Abbeyfeale hill through the parishes of Killeedy and Drumcollogher to Charleville. It is called the Cladh Dubh na Ratha, or the black mound of Rath- gogan, the old name of Charleville. This mound was well known by the above name to the working-men who followed its course as a guide to Charleville in the last century when in search of harvest work. Tradition says it runs westward from Abbeyfeale hill to Kerry Head ; if so it must be identical with Clee Ruadg mentioned b}'' Smith in his history of Kerry, and may have been some territorial boundary in ancient times.

The other great range of hills in the county were called the Slieve Riach, and are south of the hill of

1 See Peyton's Survev.

26 DIOCESE OF LIMERICK.

Ardpatrick. Ceannfeabhrat was the ancient name of a part of this range, and remarkable for the great battle that was fought there between OiUoll Olum and his stepson Maccon, who was badly beaten and compelled to fly to Wales.

There are also two historic hills that rise like cones from the plain, namely, Knockdrumasal, now Tory hill, near Croom, and Knockfierna, around whose name many legends cling.

Samhain, n-ow Knock Souna, between Bruree and Kilmallock, is a hill of very little importance in height, but is mentioned here as being the scene of some battles in ancient times. In the middle of the sixth century of the Christian era, the King of Ulster raided Munster, and advanced as far as Knock Samna without opposition. Cathal, King of Munster, happened to be at the time at Bruree, and when his household arose in the morning they saw the enemy encamped on the hill. When Cathal discovered who they were he immediately sent for St. Findchua of Brigown,i to help him in the conflict. When the Saint arrived at Bruree he tried to make peace between the kings, but owing to the obstinacy of the Ulster king, his efforts were fruitless. Findchua then led the Munster forces against the enemy and totally defeated them. The King of Ulidia and his consort fell in the battle, and were buried on the hill.

1 See St. Findchua, Lives of Saints, Book of Ltsmore, Stokes'S- Oxford edition.

CHAPTER III.

INTRODUCTION OF CHRISTIANITY.

St. Patrick during his missionary travels visited the south of Ireland. After baptizing Aengus at Cashel, he went westward through the present diocese of Emly, and Kilteely i is the last place mentioned in connection with him before entering the territory of Hy Fidhgente- Taking, then, that part of the district lying near Kilteely as a starting-point, and tradition as a guide, the first traces of him are to be found at Donaghmore,^ the name itself being a standing memorial of his pre- sence. At Singland, near the city, a holy well is pointed out as sacred to his name, beside it his rocky bed, and a little further on a graveyard where once stood a church dedicated to him, not a vestige of which now remains.

Turning to the south-west of the city traces of him are to be found at Patrick's Well. There does not seem to be any tradition surviving to connect our Saint with any locality between this and Knockpatrick, overlooking Foynes. Here there is an old church, a holy well, and his chair, consisting of five rude stones, all treasured as sacred mementos of his visit.

Ardagh is the only place in the south-west of the county where the tradition of his visit lives in the

1 See Tripaytite Life of St. Patrick, translated by Hennessy. and given in Cusack's life of the Saint ; also Colgan's edition of same life in the Trias.

2 " The Irish word Domhnach (Downagh) which signifies a church and also Sunday is from the Latin Dominica, the Lord's day. Ac- cording to the Trip. Life all churches that have the name Domhnach, or its anglicized form, Donagh, were originally founded by St. Patrick, and were so called because he marked out their foundations on Sunday." — Irish Names of Places (Joj'ce), First Series, p. 318.

28 DIOCESE OF LIMERICK.

memories of the people. Turning to the east, there is a small enclosure in the southern slope of the hill running between Knockaderry and Ballingarry, near Cloncagh church, where it is said he rested for a night. Near Castletown Conyers and in Howardstown, near Bruree, there are wells sacred to his name. In the townland of Ardpatrick his name is wedded to the nomenclature of the county. Scarcely any of these names are to be ound in the Tripartite Life of the Saint, but some of them are substitutes for the old names mentioned therein.

We now take the Tripartite as our guide over the same region. When St. Patrick entered the territory of Hy Fidhgente, he was welcomed by the ruling chieftain, Lonan, and entertained at a banquet on the hill of Knockea, ' over against Carn Feradhaigh on the south.' While the feast was preparing a band of strollers came to the Saint, and asked him for some food. He imme- diately sent them to Lonan and Deacon Mantan, who were looking after the preparation of the repast. Patrick feared, if they were refused, they might spread unfavour- able reports among the people concerning him, which might interfere with the success of his mission. Lonan and Mantan refused to supply the suppliants with food. Just at the time a youth was ascending the hill with his mother, the latter carrying on her back a cooked lamb for the king's supper. Patrick asked the youth for the lamb which he cheerfully gave, though the mother demurred, fearing the wrath of the kmg. He then dis- tributed the meat among the strollers. When they had partaken of it, the earth opened and swallowed them^ and they were seen no more. Patrick then informed Lonan that there would not be a king, heir apparent, or bishop of his family for ever. He told Mantan that his church would not be exalted on earth, but should be the home of the dregs of the people, and that swine and cattle would trample on his remams. But Nessan

INTRODUCTION OF CHRISTIANITY. 29

who saved his honour should be honoured among the nations. Patrick then baptized and ordained Nessan a deacon, he built a monastery at Mungret, and placed him over it.

The situation of Knockea is to be determined from the position of Carn-Feradhaigh or Feradhaigh's sepul- chral mound, which was a well-known historical spot, and the scene of many a battle, as our annalists abund- antly testify. There are many conjectures as to the locality where it lay. The most reliable of our anti- quarians are of opinion that it was situated in the south- east of the county. But in the compound word Carn- Feradhaigh, i the F is silent, and would be pronounced Carnary or Carnarrie, forms that occur in official docu- ments down to the Cromwellian confiscations, when it is written Carnarrie and Cahernarry.^ The latter form of the word has prevailed to our own time, and obscured the origin of the name. Cahernarry, as it is now written, is a well-known hill and parish, about three miles south- east of the city. On its summit are the remains of a large heap of stones, evidently a vestige of the ancient earn that was raised over the grave of Feradhaigh. In the same parish, and about half a mile to the south, is the hill of Knockea, answering exactly to the descrip- tion given in the Tripartite. St. Patrick after leaving Knockea, travelled towards the present city of Limerick, spending some time m the plam at Donaghmore, where he baptized and instructed the inhabitants, and laid the foundations of a church, from which the parish derives its name.

1 In all compound words, whether the first word be an adjective or substantive, the initial of the second is aspirated, if of the aspirable class. The initials of all genitives, singular of all proper names of men and women are aspirated, except surnames of families. — O'Donovan's Irish Grammar, p. 56. At p. 50 he says, F aspirated is silent in every situation.

2 See Abstracts of Lands under Acts of Settlement and Explanation 1 666- 1 684, p. 109. Reports from the Commissioners of Public Records, Ireland, i82i-:825.

30 DIOCESE OF LIMERICK.

While in these parts Cairthen,i gon of Blod, the senior of the Clan Turlogh, whose territory was at the Clare side of the Shannon, came to St. Patrick, and, after making a profession of faith, was baptized by him at Singland. Here, too, he wrought a miracle in favour of Cairthen, by curing his son, Echu Ballderg, from some infirmities he was labouring under. The fame of this miracle no doubt spread from one tribe to another, and mfluenced the men of North Munster to the north of Luimnech, to come in fleets of boats southwards as far as Donaghmore of Maghaine — that is Dun Nocfene — and he baptized them at Terryglass, where he was when they arrived. He afterwards went to Finne, to the north-west of Donaghmore, a hill from which he could see the country to the north of the Luimnech, and blessed their land. Pointing to the green isle in the west in the mouth of the sea, he said that the lamp of the people of God should come into it, who would be the head of the council to this district.

This event is also recorded in the Life of St. Senan,^ and is worth quoting here, as it helps to identify the locality whence the men of North Munster came, as well as the place where they met St. Patrick : —

Now the chief prophet and the chief apostle whom God sent to preach to Ireland, even St. Patrick, prophesied Senan's birth. For when Patrick was preaching to the Hy Fidhgente, and baptizing them at Donaghmore of Cinel Dine, the Corco Baiscinn came with their King Bole, son of Derc, in a great sea fleet over Luimnech from the north, and they besought Patrick to preach to them that day, and baptize them at once. ... St. Patrick repeats the order of baptism on the river which was near them, and all the hosts were bap- tized therein. Patrick said to the Corco Baiscinn : "Is

1 I have here changed the order of the Tripartite by placing the " Baptism of Cairthen " before " the visit of the men of North Munster," as it appears to be the natural sequence of events.

2 The Lives of the Saints, Book of Lismore, Oxford edition, pp.

20I-2.

INTRODUCTION OF CHRISTIANITY. 3 1

there a place from whence your district will be clear to me so that I myself may descry it from my seat and bless it from that spot ? " There is, forsooth, say they. " The hill there that is Fidne." St. Patrick then went to the top of Fidne, and said to them : " Is this your district to the north of Luimnech as far as the ocean in the west ? " "It is," say they. " Doth your territory," said Patrick, "reach the mountain there in the north even Sliab Elbe in the dis- trict of Corcomruod in Ninneus ?" " It reached not," saith they. " It shall reach before the judgment/' said Patrick. " Doth your territory reach the mountain there in the east, that is Echtge in the territory cf Desa ?" " It reached not," saith they. " It shall reach after a long time," saith Patrick. . . . Then Patrick blessed the Corco Baiscinn and said, " Ye need me not to go with you into your country for ye have a child in a woman's womb, and into him your country hath been given by God. After him shall ye be, and him shall ye serve, and this race of the Ui Fidhgente, and the island there in the west in front of the sea that is Tniscathaigh, is there one dwelHng in it?" "There is none," say they, " for there is a terrible monster therein named Cathach who ■doth not allow it to be inhabited."

From both these narratives it may be inferred that the men of North Munster were natives of Corca Baiscinn, a territory in the south-west of the present county of Clare, and originally comprised the baronies of Clon- derlaw Moyarta and Ibricen. They came southwards across the Luimnech, which was the ancient name of the Shannon from the city of Limerick to the sea, and must have landed somewhere in the vicinity of Foynes. They then proceeded to Donaghmore of Maghaine, or Cinel Dine. It would seem as if these descriptive epithets were added on, to distinguish this Donaghmore from another in the territory. It might have been in the district of Shanagolden and disappeared during the Danish wars. After preaching and baptizing them St. Patrick went to the hill of Finne or Fidhne, from which he saw their country and blessed it. From this hill he

32

DIOCESE OF LIMERICK.

also saw the Atlantic ocean ; Slieve Elbe, the ancient name of Slieve Elva, in the parish of Killonaghan, barony of Burren, Co. Clare ; Slieve Echtge, or Aughty, on the frontiers of Clare and Galway ; and Scattery Island in the mouth of the Shannon.

Knockpatrick, overlooking Foynes, is the only hill in the territory from which all these places so far distant from each other could be seen as St. Patrick saw them. In the metricali life of St. Senan, this event is said to have taken place while St. Patrick was in Hy Conaill. Foynes seems to be a modern form of the ancient Finne or Fidhne. In the Rental of Conaill it is written Foynd, and in Peyton's Survey there is a wood called Kyllfoyne in the locality. Tradition points the route St. Patrick followed from Knockpatrick, namely, through Ardagh and Knockaderry, to the east of the county. Here, in the southern part of Desibeg, which apparently he visited for the first time, he laid the foundations of a church on a hill now known as Ardpatrick. While engaged in the blessed work he was opposed by the ruling chief, who after a little persuasion, consented to allow the Saint to finish the church, provided he would remove the moun- tain called Cen-Abhrat, that intercepted the view of Lough Limga, in the barony of Fermoy. When St. Patrick caused the mountain to dissolve and formed the pass called Belach Legtha (or Melted Pass), Derball the chieftain became more obdurate, declaring that he would not believe, no matter what the Saint might accomplish.

After spending a considerable time in the territory baptizing and teaching the people, he went to evangelize other districts, leaving behind him well-trained mis- sionaries, as was his custom, to organize and minister to the spiritual wants of the newly-formed Christian community.

1 Colgan, Acta Sanctorum Hiberniae, 8th March.

CHAPTER IV.

THE MONASTIC FOUNDATIONS. MUNGRET.

MuNGRET is the oldest and, perhaps, the most celebrated of the monastic schools that sprang up in the territory under the benign influence of Christianity. It was situated on a rising eminence overlooking the Shannon,

MUNGRET CELTIC CHURCH.

about three miles south-west of the city. The place where it stood is now marked by the ruins of three ancient churches. The oldest of these venerable relics of antiquity is the one on the roadside. Its style of architecture is that which was prevalent in Ireland during the tenth century. It measures inside about 41 feet in length and 23 in breadth ; the walls are in a

34 DIOCESE OF LIMERICK.

fair state of preservation, being repaired some years ago by the Board of Works. The side walls are 2 feet 10 inches in thickness, 14 feet in height, and built of good stones, cemented with excellent mortar. The gables are remarkably high and sharp pointed, the doorway is in the western gable, after the fashion of the Irish churches It is 6 feet 8 inches in height ; at bottom 3 feet 7 inches in width, at the top 3 feet 4 inches, and it is covered with a lintel 7 feet 10 inches in length, i foot 4 inches in depth, extending i foot 9 inches into the thickness of the wall. There were two windows in the south side, both, however, now filled up, but the round head of one is still visible. In the eastern gable there is a rude round-headed window, about 10 feet from the ground.

A little ti the south of this building are the ruins of another small church, about 14 feet wide in the inside. The length cannot now be determined, as the western gable has long since disappeared, and in its place a modern wall has been erected. The walls are built of large square stones cemented with mortar, and are about 2 feet 6 inches in thickness. This ruin is considered to be of later date than the one already described. The remaining church belongs to the Anglo-Norman period, where it will be noticed.

Very little is known about St. Nessan after establish- ing his monastery, except what can be gleaned from incidental allusions in the lives of some of his holy contemporaries.

St. Cuimen of Down says that he never told a lie out of his mouth : —

Nessan the holy deacon, Angelic pure devotion, Never came outside his teeth What was untrue or guileful.

By another authority he is compared to Laurentius the deacon, in his habits of life. It is stated that on one

THE MONASTIC FOUNDATIONS. 35

occasion he paid a visit to St. Ailbe of Emly.i to know whether a monk should receive or reject the offerings of the faithful. When Nessan arrived at the monastery it was the hour of None, and the community were chant- ing the office in the church. Nessan declined to go into the guest-house until he should see Ailbe and put him the question. Ailbe, however, continued in prayer from the hour of None until Tierce the next day, and no one went into him except the guest-master. At length he gave an answer to Nessan. " Go," said he, " and tell Nessan this verse : —

Gifts of God are not to be refused (But) possession is not to be retained of them If they are offered you shall accept them, But you shall not boast (of) you shall not conceal (them)." ^ He is classed among the second order of Irish saints, and never aspired to a higher rank in the Church than that of deacon. He had a great reputation for learning and sanctity. Cummian Foda, in his Paschal epistle, refers to him as one of the Fathers of the Irish Church. He died on 25th July, a.d. 551.

Dr. Lanigan3 is of opinion that the statements re- garding our Saint's connection with St. Patrick cannot be true, as Nessan, according to that, would be 140 years old when he died. But when it is remembered that the learned Doctor fixed the death of St. Patrick at the year 465, instead of 493, the more probable date, the difficulty disappears.

The history of the monastery from Nessan's death to its dissolution is very meagre, consisting chiefly of short entries, broken lights, to show that it still flourished. The following are the principal events that occur in the Annals relating to it.

1 Life of St. Ailbe, A. S. Hib. ex Codice Salmanticcnsi, p. 21:7.

2 See Most Rev. Dr. Healy's lyeland's Schools and Scholars, p. 508,

3 See Dr., now Cardinal Morau's Essays on the Early Irish Church, chap, iv., p. 46.

36 DIOCESE OF LIMERICK.

A.D. 752. Bodhghal, son of Fergal, Abbot of Mungret was killed.

A.D. 762. Ailill, son ofCreevaghan, Abbot of Mungret, died.

A.D. 820. Mungret destroyed and plundered by the Danes.

A.D. 834. Mungret plundered by the Danes.

A.D. 840. Again burned and wasted by the Danes.

A.D. 843. Again burned and wasted by the Danes.

A.D. 903. Cormac MacCullenan, Archbishop of Cashel and King of Munster, did by his last will bequeath to the Abbey three ounces of gold, an embroidered vestment, and his blessing.

A.D. 909. Mulcashel Abbot, died.

A.D. 993. Muirgheas, son of Muireadach, Abbot of Mungret, died.

Reachan, son of Dunchad Erenach, died. Caicher, son of Maenach, Abbot of Mungret,

NiaL son of Deargan Erenach, died. Died, Art O'Donoghoe Erenach, of the Abbey

Con O'Mulpatrick Erenach of Mungret and Dysert Enos, died.

A.D. 1070. Casey, son of Carbury, Abbot of Mungret, head of the clergy of Munster, died.

A.D. 1080. The Abbey suffered much this year from fire.

A.D. 1088. Donal McLoughlain, with the forces of Ulster, destroyed this Abbey.

A.D. 1 100. Con, son of Gillaboy, Abbot of Mungret, a wise Doctor, head of the clergy of Ireland, died.

A.D. 1102. On the 5th of October, died, at this Abbey, the blessed Mugron O'Morgair, principal professor of Divinity of Armagh, and of all the West of Europe. He was father of Malachy, Archbishop of Armagh.

A.D. 1107. Mungret plundered by Murtagh O'Brien.

A.D. 1 134. The Chronicon Scotoritm says a shower of hail- stones fell which destroyed everything on which it fell from Mungret to Limerick ; each of them was the size of an apple. A.D. 1837. An old Irish bell was dug up at Loughmore

A.D.	994.
A.D.	1006.
died.
A.D.	IOI4.
A.D.	1028.
of Mun	gret.
A.D.	1033-

THE MONASTIC FOUNDATIONS. 37

beside the abbey. It was of very rude workmanship, and composed of mixed metal hammered and riveted together, but much corroded by time. A drawing of it may be seen in the Dubhn Penny Journal.

In early times there were six churches attached to this monastery and 1,500 monks in its cloisters ; of these one- third were preachers, one-third were constantly engaged in celebrating the Divine Office, and the remaining third were employed in the schools or labouring for the community.

According to tradition the learning of the Mungret women was proverbial, as we learn from the following story which has come down to us. A controversy arose between Mungret and a neighbouring school as to which of them were the most learned. It was agreed that the most scholarly of both parties should meet at Mungret on a given day, and hold a public disputation. As the time drew near the Mungret scholars, to make sure of victory, had recourse to stratagem.

A number of them, dressed as women, went to a neighbouring stream, and began washing clothes at a point where they were sure to meet their rivals coming to the monastery. They were not long engaged at the work when the strangers came and accosted the washer- women in the vernacular, but they were answered in Latin and Greek. The visitors were greatly surprised to find that the washerwomen of the locality showed such familiarity with the classic languages, and enquired how they came to be so well instructed. " Oh," said they, "' everybody about here speaks Latin and Greek, mere crumbs from the monks' table. Would you like to have a talk about philosophy and theology with us ? " When the visitors saw such learning displayed by the women, they naturally concluded that the monks would have an easy victory over them. To avoid defeat they pru- dently returned home, leaving the victory to the " wise women of Mungret." ^

1 See interesting essay " Mungret Abbey," Journal, R.S.A.I., 18S9.

38

DIOCESE OF LIMERICK

Inis Cathaigh. When the men of Corca Baiscinn i had received the sacrament of Baptism, and felt the joy of God's grace in their hearts, they earnestly implored St. Patrick to cross the Shannon with them, and communicate the same blessings to their wives and children. He declined the invitation, as he could not leave the Hy Fidhgente until they were more fully instructed and provided with churches and good pastors. Being filled at the same time

INIS CATHAIGH.

with the spirit of prophecy, he said there was no need that he should visit their country in person, since God had already provided an illustrious and beloved patron, who in the course of time would be born among them. His name would be Senan. He would not alone be a patron to them, but also to the Hy Fidhgente, and after his own departure, by the grace of God, Senan would be their bishop. Senan was born about the

1 Colgan, A. S. Hib. Secunda Vita S. Senani. I mav remark that the page is marked 612, but it should be 530; also O'Hanlon, I.ivei of Irish Saints, 8th March, vol. iii.

THE MONASTIC FOUNDATIONS. 39

year 488 of noble and Christian parents, named Ercan and Comgella, at Magh Lacha, about four miles north- east of Kilrush, where a lake and ancient church still bear his name.

From his childhood he was remarkable for great self- denial, and the practice of every virtue. His father, Ercan, though of noble birth was still a subject, and bound to send his son in the hostings of the chief. This was much against the will of the holy youth, who loved a quiet and retired life rather than that of a soldier. He had, however, to join his clansmen in an expedition against the neighbouring territory of Corcomroe. Instead of taking part in the pillage he hid himself in a stack of corn, where he fell asleep and was discovered by the enemy after his clansmen had retired. They were attracted to the place by a bright light that shone round it.

When found he immediately acknowledged that he was one of the invading army. But his manner and the wonderful circumstances just mentioned convinced the men that the boy was a friend of heaven, and enraged though they were, they allowed him to depart in peace.

Some years after this occurrence, owing to a singular manifestation of Providence in his favour, Senan resolved to quit the world, and devote the remainder of his life to the service of God.

Accordingly, he placed himself under a holy abbot named Cassidan, that resided in the western part of his native territory. Here he went through his earlier studies and religious exercises until he received the monastic habit. He then betook himself to the school of St. Natahs, Abbot of Kilmanagh, in Ossory. During his sojourn in this retreat he worked many miracles, which showed that in the designs of Providence he was destined to fill a higher office than that of an ordinary monk. After leaving this abode of sanctity he travelled

40 DIOCESE OF LIMERICK.

to Rome and Tours. On his way home he paid a visit to St. David of Menevia, with whom he formed a Hfe- long friendship. From the fact of St. David presenting him with a crozier it is conjectured that Senan became a bishop during his wanderings abroad.

On his return to Ireland he landed at the great island in Cork harbour, proceeded thence to Iniscarra on the river Lee, where he founded a monastery, and placed one of his disciples over this new foundation, leaving himself free to continue his missionary labours elsewhere.

We next find him settled in an island on the Shannon, called Inisluinghe, where he built a church. While here two daughters of Brendan, chieftain of Hy Fidhgente, came to him, and consecrated themselves to God by religious vows. They are styled the first fruits of the Eoghanachts of Gabhra that he consecrated to the service of God. After their religious profession he bestowed great care in properly instructing them in monastic dis- cipline. He then removed to another island, supposed to be Deer Island at the mouth of the Fergus, where he established a religious community.

After founding many such houses he finahy selected Inis Cathaigh (Scattery Island) as a permanent home for the remaining years of his life.

A fierce monster kept possession of the island pre- venting man or beast from living in it. Nothing daunted, Senan landed, and after a brisk encounter succeeded in driving this ferocious beast from the island.

When Mactail, the ruler of the Hy Fidhgente, who was still a pagan and a cruel tyrant as his actions show, heard that the monster was destroyed, he immediately claimed the island as part of his territory, and ordered the Saint to leave at once. Senan refused to obey such a peremptory command. Mactail, to punish the Saint, ordered some of his soldiers, together with two of Senan's brothers, to proceed to the island and eject him by

THE MONASTIC FOUNDATIONS„ 4I

force. They failed to execute the order. Mactail then employed his druid, and finally came himself to the island, wickedly declaring that he cared no more for Senan and his God, than he did for a shorn sheep. Next day, still intent on his wicked purpose, as he was passing the confines of a wood a shorn sheep frightened his chariot horses, who took flight, overturning the chariot, and killing Mactail on the spot.

Ciaran of Clonmacnois, and Brendan of Birr, paid a visit to Inis Cathaigh, and made Senan their confessor. When they arrived at the monastery there was a scarcity of food, which was soon supplied by Nectan Kennfhoda, prince of Hy Fidhgente, who brought a boatful of pro- visions to the island. The Saints met him on the shore, and after a hearty welcome they blessed him and his posterity.

Senan lived during the time of the second order of Irish Saints, and strictly observed the rule forbidding women to enter the enclosure of the monastery.

St. Cannera, a native of Bantry, feeling her end approaching, wished to receive the Holy Viaticum from Senan, and a grave in the island, in consequence of a vision she had. When she came near the island her landing was opposed by the Saint as contrary to rule, but she was advised to go to his mother, who lived near, where she would be hospitably received. Cannera, how- ever, succeded, after some persuasion, in effecting her purpose. After receiving the last Sacraments, she ex- pired, and was buried near the sea shore, where her grave is still pointed out.

After a life of prayer and penance our Saint was returning from a visit to the relics of St. Cassidan, his old preceptor, when he felt death coming upon him. He turned aside to a convent of nuns called Killeochaille, where he died the death of the just, on the ist of March, about the year 544, though his feast is kept on the 8th.

42 DIOCESE OF LIMERICK.

Next day his remains were removed to Iniscathy. His obsequies were attended by a great number of bishops and clergy, and lasted for eight days.

Senan's Episcopacy.

As already stated St. Patrick foretold that Senan would be Bishop i of Corca Baiscinn and Hy Fidhgente in years to come. This prophecy is recorded in the lives of both Saints. It may be objected to as an interpola- tion of after ages, when these lives were remodelled as some critics assert. If so, it only proves that the Abbot of Inis Cathaigh then exercised jurisdiction over these territories, and perhaps was given as an explanation of how it originated. Either view tells in favour of Inis Cathaigh. A good deal of evidence may be adduced to show that Senan and his successors were the spiritual rulers of Hy Fidhgente.

The religious reception of the daughters of Brendan, ruler of this territory, is the first episcopal act recorded of him after returning to Ireland. He acquired a per- manent settlement in Scattery, an island belonging to the same territory. When Ciaran and Brendan visited Senan there was a scarcity of food in the monastery, which was supplied by the ruling chieftain of Hy Fidh- gente. If we divest this occurrence of the extraordinary circumstances related in the life of Senan, the chieftain appears to have only discharged an obligation imposed by Brehon law.'-

The biographer of St. Ita mentions that she was adopted Patroness 3 of Hy Connail ; he is careful, however, to add that Senan was also Patron of the same district.

iColgan, Vita Secunda. — Trip. Life of St. Patrick.

■^Ancient Laws of Ireland, vol. iii., pp. liii. and 30-35.

3"Tu (Ita) enim patrona gentis Hua Conaill eris quae gens tibi et S. Senano data est a Domino." An angel is supposed to have spoken this to St. Ita.— See Colgan, 15 Jan., chap. vi.

THE MONASTIC FOUNDATIONS. 45

The organization of the Irish Church was modelled on the tribal system, and the land set aside for the maintenance of the Church was vested in the Patron and his successors, which placed him at the head of an artificiai clan within the tribe. As time went on the spiritual and temporal sway of the territory became vested in the successor of the Patron.

Flaherty, Abbot of Scattery, was chief councillor to Cormac MacCuillenan, and after that king-bishop's death he became King of Munster. According to the laws of the country, he must have had some secular standing to elevate him to such a position besides being Abbot of Iniscathy. The only Eugenian tribe that he seems to be connected with was the Hy Fidhgente, and that owing to the office he held in the monastery of Iniscathy.

This monastery was an episcopal foundation, and the successors of Senan that are mentioned in the Annals, namely, Odran, who flourished in a.d. 580, and Aidan, who died in a.d. 651, are styled bishops, as the religious communities endeavoured to have a superior as like as possible to the founder. In the same way the monas- teries that were founded by priests usually had the abbot of the same ecclesiastical rank, though, occasion- ally owing to the rules governing the election and the confusion of the times, the idea could not always be carried out. During the Danish wars Iniscathy suffered severely, and the election of a superior must oftentimes have been accomplished under great difficulties. Hence, in 861, there is mention of another Aidan as Abbot, the title by which the heads of this religious house were known during the tenth century. They may have been bishops also. But when peace was restored after the subjection of the Danes, any of the superiors that are mentioned in our Annals down to the final suppression of the see are called bishops.

44

DIOCESE OF LIMERICK.

CILLEEDV CHURCI

Killccdy.

In the western angle of the great plain south of Newcastle West once stood the flourishing monastery of St. Ita,i " the white sun of the women of Munster." She was born in the Desi territory, which was situated in the present county of Waterford, and perhaps at Rossmide, where she is still venerated.

Her father was of noble origin, being descended from Felim the Lawgiver, at one time monarch of Erin. The exact date of her birth has not been ascertained, but judging from the fact that she was foster-mother of St. Brendan, it must have taken place about a.d. 470, or earlier.

Her Christian name was Dorothea, 2 but owing to her great thirst for heavenly things, it was changed by

iFi7aS/.7/a, 15th Jan. Colgan, J.S.7/. O'Hanlon, vol. 2 Colgan, A.S.H., p. 72.

15 Jc

THE MONASTIC FOUNDATIONS. 45

one of her disciples into Ita.i By this and its various forms, Ida, Ide, Mide,2 she was known in her own and succeeding ages. The variations in the name are thus explained. Where the ancient writers use t the modern use d, hence the change of Ite into Ide. When a saint was held in special veneration by the people they pre- fixed the monosyllable mo, signifying " my " as a term of endearment, which is well illustrated in the word Kilmeedy, meaning the " church of My Ite."

From the baptismal font, our Saint was full of the Holy Ghost, her modesty and reserve was the theme of every tongue. Even in those tender years she observed the fasts prescribed by the Church. When she spoke all were edified with the purity and innocence of her conversation, which always savoured of virtue and was a discouragement to vice. In this manner she spent the days of her youth, in her father's house a burning and a shining light to all who were blessed with her acquaintance.

Having arrived at that time of life when it was necessary to select a permanent station in life, she ex- pressed a wish to become a nun, and earnestly besought her mother to obtain permission from her father to embrace that state. He was very much opposed to the idea of his daughter becoming a religious, especially as a neighbouring young chief sought her in marriage and an alliance of that kind was not to be despised in those primitive times, when the sword was mightier than the pen.

The mother and some influential friends again en- treated the father to give her permission to follow her "vocation, but this had only the effect of making hin? more obdurate. Ita, hearing that all the appeals were

1 The Irish word Ita denotes thirst. Colgan, Vita St. Ita note (3). P- 71.

2 Colgan. Vita St. Ita, notes (2) and (3), p. 71.

46 DIOCESE OF LIMERICK.

fruitless, calmly said to those around her, " Leave my father alone, and you will see though he now refuses later on he will persuade and even command me, because our Divine Lord will compel him to leave me go wherever I please to serve God." She then fasted three days and three nights, and during the time she was constantly assailed by the enemy of mankind whom she resisted with calmness and fortitude. The third night the father was admonished in his sleep to allow his daughter to select the state of life she was so desirous of embracing.

Next day the father consented to have her become a nun, and go where she pleased to serve God. Matters being now satisfactorily arranged, she retired to a neigh- bouring church where she consecrated her life to the service of her Creator. Having obtained the wish of her heart, she earnestly prayed that God might direct her to the place where she might best serve Him. In answer to her prayer, she was directed to settle down in Cluain Credhuil, now known as Killeedy, in the western part of Hy Conaill, beneath the shadow of theLuachra mountains.

When the chieftain of the territory heard that such a great saint had come to live in the locality, he went with a multitude of his subjects to welcome the holy virgin. As a mark of esteem, he presented her with a large tract of land adjoining the monastery. Not wishing to be too much engrossed with worldly affairs, she refused to accept more than a few acres, which would serve as a garden to supply the wants of her community.

A number of maidens from the surrounding district immediately placed themselves under her spiritual guid- ance, and became members of her convent.

Another instance of our Saint's disregard for worldly wealth may be mentioned here. A rich man brought to the monastery a large sum of money which he pressed

THE MONASTIC FOUNDATIONS.

47

Ita to accept, but she refused. While speaking to the man she happened to touch the money, and at once called lor water to wash the hand that was soiled by its contact with corruptible silver.

She practised great austerities, often passing four days without food. Cumin of Down says : —

Mide loved great nursing, Great humility without ambition ; Her cheek on the pillow she never laid For the love of the Lord.

Many miracles of an extraordinary kind are attri- buted to her. She was endowed with the gift of pro- phecy, with a knowledge of people she had never seen, and of distant and secret occurrences. When Colum- banus, a Leinster bishop, was on his way to visit her monastery without giving any previous warning, Ita ordered an entertainment to be got ready for him. When he arrived she sent for his episcopal blessing before she could have known 'in an ordinary way that he was a bishop.

She had a knowledge of things that took place in the other world, a remarkable instance of which is thus related. Her uncle, who dwelt in the Desi territory, died. Ita sent for his sons, and when they waited on her, she said to them : " Your father, who was my uncle, is now, alas ! suffering in Purgatory, i and the nature of

' The Latin for this phrase is in the text of her life in Colgan, " heu nobis in poenis infernahbus pro commissis suis torqnetur."

The phrase, " infernal pains," affords a very strong proof of the antiquity of this Life, whereas for many centuries back, the Western Church has, instead of it, generally expressed such pains by the name of Purgatory. A similar phrase is still retained in one of the prayers of the Mass for the dead, "Libera Domine animas omnium fideliuni defunctorum de poenis inferui et de profundo lacu," etc. I need not tell the reader that the 'infernus ' or 'infernahbus ' in the now quoted passages does not refer to the hell of the damned out of which the Church never expected any deliverance. This manner of speaking was used in consequence of an opinion held by

48 DIOCESE OF LIMERICK.

his sufferings has been revealed to me. I therefore desire each of you to give alms for the repose of his soul and return to me at the end of a year." When they returned at the appointed time she informed them that their father was partly relieved from his torments, and she again exhorted them to spend another year doing good works for the same purpose. When they visited her at the expiration of that time, she informed them that their father was released from his pains, and already in the enjoyment of eternal rest.

She went on one occasion in disguise to the monastery of Clonmacnoise, to receive the Body and Blood ot Christ, 1 from a very holy priest. When it became known that she had been there, the priest, who immolated the Host she had received, immediately set out with some companions to visit our Saint at Killeedy. While they were on the journey one of the party lost his sight, but on their arrival at the monastery it was instantly re- stored through the intercession of St. Ita.

She asked the same priest to sing Mass 2 in her pre- sence, and when he had finished, she ordered the vestment he wore while immolating should be given to him as a

many theologians, that not only the devils and the damned, but likewise the souls in a state of purgation are confined in subterraneous regions. Yet with this difference, that the former are kept in its lowermost cr deepest parts, while the place for the latter though contiguous to it is supposed to be Ijigher up. (See Bellarmm. De Purgatorio, lib. ii., cap. vi.) But as this place was considered as under the earth, the name 'infernus,' which signifies a lower region or tract, was often applied to it, in the same manner as it hasil*!>n used also for the grave. Tertullian alluding to a soul which. would at last be removed to heaven, writes {Lib. de Anima, cap. xvu.), " in carcerem te mandet infernum unde non dimittaris nisi modico quoqiie delicto mora resurrectionis expenso." Lanigan, Ec. H. Ireland, vol. u., p. 86, note (11).

1 ■' Rogavit Beata Ita Deum ut manu digni sacerdotis corpus et sanguinem Christi acceperet ... ad civitatem Cluainmicnois et accepit de manu digni sacerdotis Corpus et sanguinem Domni sicut ipsa voluit " (text, Colgan). This shows the behef of the early Iri& Church in the Catholic dogma of the real presence of the body and blood, soul and divinity of Jesus Christ in the Blessed Eucharist.

^ " Ut missam canare ante se."

THE MONASTIC FOUNDATIONS. 49

present. At first he refused to accept, saying that the abbot forbade him to take anything except her blessing. Then she told the priest some circumstances that were to be related to the abbot when they returned, and that he would not be displeased, but would accept the present with joy. She was held in high esteem by a great number of saints who were her contemporaries, and was often visited by them.

According to the Annals of the Four Masters, many of the Corcoiche were slain at the battle of Cuilne, in A.D. 546, through the prayers of St. Ita.

It is related in her life that the sept in whose tuath she resided came to the monastery, and asked her prayers and blessing before going to battle against a great army that was preparing to invade their territory. Having received the blessing and a promise of her prayers for their success, they went forth with great confidence, and having encountered the enemy they defeated them with great slaughter. Evidently this is the same as the one mentioned in the Annals. If so, it was the sept of Cleanglass that invoked her prayers, the enemy were the neighbouring sept of the Corcoide, perhaps reinforced by some battalions from West Munster, and the battle- field must have been the present Cullina, a townland beside Newcastle West, which was in ancient times a part of the Corcoide t|iath.

After a long life of self-denial and good works, one day Ita called her Sisters together, and told them that her end was approaching. Soon after she was seized with her last illness, and on her death-bed invoked a blessing on the clergy and people of Hy Conaill, who adopted her as their Patroness. She died on the 15th of January, a.d. 570.

A great multitude assemMed round her remains, and many rniracles took place on the occasion, giving testi- mony to the great sanctity for which she was remarkable

50 DIOCESE OF LIMERICK.

through life. After a solemn requiem Mass she was laid to rest in her own church. Her life, as published by Colgan, is a document of the seventh century, and is very valuable for the light it throws on the doctrine and practice of the early Irish Church, as there is special mention made of the Real Presence i in the Blessed Eucharist, Purgatory, the sacrament of Penance, and Holy Mass.

Ita was not only a great saint, but the nursing mother of great saints, whose lives are an ornament to the land of their birth.

They were Brendan, Pulcherius, and Cummian Foda, who was brought up in the monastery after her death. A short sketch of their lives will be inserted here owing to their close connection with St. Ita and her religious establishment.

Brendan.

Brendan the Voyager, 2 as he is frequently called, to distinguish him from Brendan of Birr, was born about the year 484, on the sea coast to the west of Tralee. His parents were noble, and were Christians. At the time of his birth they were living under the spiritual jurisdiction of Bishop Ere. When Brendan was born this good bishop baptized him at Wedder's Well, which has given its name to the townland of Tibbrid, near Ardfert, and is still regarded as a holy well by the people of North Kerry and West Limerick, by whom it is much frequented.

When he was a year old he was taken by Bishop Ere and placed under the fostering care of St. Ita,

1 See preceding notes for Blessed Eucharist, Holy Mass, Purgatory. For Penance see Colgan's life, A.S.H., chap, xxvii., p. 70 and note.

2 See Father O'Donogbue's Brendaniana.

THE MONASTIC FOUNDATIONS. 5l

where he remained for five ^.'ears. Then he passed under the care of Ere, with whom he remained until he reached the age of manhood, spending his time acquiring knowledge and sanctity.

With the consent of his master, and the blessing and advice of his foster-mother Ita, he went to see how some of the holy fathers of Erin lived.

He travelled to Connaught, and spent some time under St. Jarlath. He next went to Roscommon, where it is said he wrote his rule at the dictation of an angel. Having visited the most renowned schools of Ireland, he returned to Tralee, and was ordained priest by his old master. Ere.

Influenced by the spirit of the age, he built a cell, and founded a religious community. But the most remarkable event in connection with Brendan was his voyage in the Atlantic ocean. It is said that he wandered seven years in that great ocean, and that he reached America, a land of delight and wonders as it is depicted in his biographies. After his return the news of his voyage and discoveries made him famous. He again visited not only the great schools of Erin, but those of Wales and Brittany. Finally, he settled down at Clon- fert, on the western bank of the Shannon, where he was soon surrounded by a multitude of disciples. He died while on a visit to his sister's convent at Annaghdown, on the shore of Lough Corrib, in the ninety-fourth year of his age.

St. Pulchcrius.'^

Owing to some political disturbances in Connaught, Boen, a very worthy man, sought refuge in Munster, to avoid the malice of his enemies. He found a home

1 Colgan's A.S.H., t 3th March. Also O'Hanlon's Lives of the Irish Saints, vol, iii.

52 DIOCESE OF LIMERICK.

in the tuath of Corcoide, near the monastery of St. Ita. where he was employed as an artificer in wood and stone. Here he became acquainted with St. Ita's sister, Nessa, whom he married with St. Ita's approval. About a.d. 550, a son was bom to them, and at baptism received the name of Coemghin (Kevin, beautiful offspring), which was changed into Mochoemog (My Kevin) by St. Ita. He is now known as Pulcherius, the Latin equivalent. In his infancy he was nursed at the monastery like St. Brendan, where he was trained up in the practice of every virtue until he reached his twentieth year. Then he left Killeedy to perfect himself in ecclesiastical science at the great school of Bangor, under St. Comgal.

Here Pulcherius distinguished himself so much by his learning and piety that Comgal advised him to found a monastery wherever the Lord should direct him. After completing his studies at this famous seat of learning, he returned to Munster, where he was intro- duced to the chieftain of Ely O'Carrol, who gave him a site for a monastery in his territory.

He selected a lonesome spot in a thick forest called Leithmore (great grey spots), now known as Leamo- kevoge, four miles from Thurles, in the parish of Four- mile-Borris, where the ruins of his church (580) are still to be seen. When it became known that Pulcherius had selected this particular place as his residence a great number of disciples flocked round him. The pious chieftain that gave the site of the monastery soon died, and was succeeded by a ruler who was hostile to Pul- cherius. He carried his enmity so far as to attempt to expel the Saint from his district whicli Providence, however, prevented him from doing.

Several miracles are attributed to him. He had the celebrated Dagan at one time as his pupil. He was very intimate with St. Molua, who was of the same sept, and with many other holy men who lived near his

THE MONASTIC FOUNDATIONS. ^3

Tiionastery. According to the Chronicon Scotorum, he died on the 13th March, 648, which is regarded as the correct date.

St. Cummian Foda.

Ciimmian Foda (tall), the most learned scholar of the Irish Church in the seventh century, also received his early training at St. Ita's monastery. 1 He was the son of Fiachna, King of West Munster, and shortly after his birth was exposed in a small cummian, or basket, near the monastery. When the nuns found the child thus abandoned they took him under their care, and called him Cummian, as he was found in a basket.

After spending his youth at Killeedy, he went to the great school at Cork, founded by St. Finnbarr. He took a leading part in the Paschal question, and wrote an epistle of great learning in favour of the new method of computing Easter time, which he addressed to the Abbot of lona. This remarkable letter not alone shows the great scholarship of the author, but also the high standard of efficiency that the Irish schools had reached at this period.

In after years he become Abbot-Bishop of Clonfert, which was founded by his distinguished countryman, St. Brendan. He died a.d. 661,2 ^^ ^^g ^ge of seventy- two years, in his native Kerry, and was taken up the Shannon in a boat to be interred at Clonfert, as the following poem testifies : —

The I.iiimneach did not bear on its bosom of the race of

Munster into Leath Chuinn A corpse in a boat so precious as he, as Cuimmine, son of

Fiachna,

1 See Ireland's Schools and Scholars, p. 228, by Most Rev. Dr. Healy, Archbishop of Tuain.

2 Anns. Four Masters under that year 661.

54 DIOCESE OF LIMERICK.

If anyone went across the sea, to sojourn at the seat of

Gregory (Rome), If from Ireland, he requires no more than the mention ol

Cummine Foda ; I sorrow after Cummine, from the day his shrine was covered My eyehds have been drooping tears ; I have not laughed,

but mourned since the lamentation at his barque.

St. Ita's monastery, like St. Brigit's of Kildare, seems to have had a community of men in close proxi- mity to the convent, as the death of Cathasach (Casey) Abbot of Killita, is recordedi as having taken place in A.D. 8io, and that of Abbot Finnacha in a.d. 833.

It was repeatedl}^ plundered and burned, like all similar institutions, during the Danish invasions. The church is the only remnant of the numerous buildings that must have composed the ancient monastery. It consists of a nave and choir, the one is 47 feet 3 inches in length, and 29 feet 2 inches in breadth in the inside ;. the other is 27 feet by 18.

The choir was modernized and fitted up as a Pro- testant church and used as such, until about the be- ginning of the last century, when it was burned down by the Whiteboys. The nave is in the primitive Irish style, and in all probability a part of the ancient church of St. Ita. The west gable is levelled wdth the ground. O'Donovan states that when he visited the place he met some people who saw part of it standing, and who described the doorway as having been constructed of concentric arches. The side walls of the nave are 3 feet thick, and built of large stones well cemented with mortar.

The choir arch is in a good state of preservation, but contains no feature of the ancient work. The grave of St. Ita is pointed out at the Epistle side of the church, where the nave and choir-arch walls meet. In summer

^A>ins. Four Masters.

THE MONASTIC FOUNDATIONS. 55

the place is strewn with flowers — votive-offerings of the pious pilgrims at the shrine of their beloved Patroness. It is much frequented by married women, who cultivate a special devotion to the Saint, and before leaving the church, perform a peculiar ceremony.

About four miles south-west of Killeedy, on the northern slope of a hill called Seeconglass, there is an oval- shaped enclosure, containing about an acre of land. It was originally surrounded by a dry wall of the cyclopean style of architecture the debris of which are still there, and just inside the entrance the foundation of a small build- ing is visible. Boolaveeda or Ita's dairy, is the name it is called by the inhabitants of the locality. Tradition says that the milk that was used in the convent was brought every day from this dairy by a donkey. One day, as the poor beast was passing through the town! and of Tournafulla with his accustomed burden, a cruel- hearted native attacked him with dogs. The donkey, flying from his pursuers, jumped across the river that flows by the townland, leaving the impress of his hoofs on a ledge of rock which is still pointed out. When St. Ita saw the donkey on his arrival, all torn and bleeding, in her anger she cursed the place where the outrage was committed.

In the taxation rolls of a.d. 1306, there is a chapel called De Monte Maledictionis, or the " Chapel of the Mountain of the Curse," which is mentioned as belonging to the church of Killeedy. In the townland of Tour- nafulla, the site of an old church is still pointed out, evidently the place where the above chapel was built, as there is no other locality in that part of the country having such a tradition. If anyone is so sceptical as to doubt the truth of this story, he must at least admit that it has an antique setting.

Many centuries have gone by since St. Ita flourished ; yet the principal events of her life are fresh and green in

56 DIOCESE OF LIMERICK.

the memories of the present inhabitants of the plain once sanctified by her presence. In the dark days of persecution they met on the mountain side and in the glen to keep her festival. Now they meet in the broad daylight, on the eve of the Feast, in the parochial church, where the neighbouring clergy assemble to hear con- fessions. Next morning young and old receive Holy Communion. Later in the day High Mass is celebrated, at which a panegyric of the vSaint is preached by a special preacher. When the service in the church is over, the whole congregation, headed by the parish priest, visit the grave of St. Ita, where they renew their devotions. Then the assembly engage in friendly chat, and as the day draws to a close they disperse in groups to their respective homes, happy and contented.

In answer to a petition from Dr. Butler, late Bishop of the diocese, the Holy See granted a special Office and Mass in honour of the Saint. In nearly every family in the west of the county there is some female member called after her, the most enduring way of keeping alive her name and good works among the people.

She has been specially venerated in the city of late years, and a beautiful statue has been erected in St. Michael's Church to perpetuate her memory.

As a child of the plain, may I say with St. Brendan : —

Oh ! Ita, mother of my heart and mind, My nourisher, my fosterer, my friend.

St. Molua.

Molua,! another great saint of the Corcoide territory, and contemporary of Pulcherius, was born in the year 554. His father, Carthach, was of a distinguished family,

1 See Lives of Saints in A.S.H. ex Codice Salmauticensi. Printed at the expense of John Marquis of Bute, 1888. Blackwood, Edin- burg. Also O'Hanlon, vol. viii., 3rd August.

THE MONASTIC FOUNDATIONS. 57

and his mother, Sochla, was a native of Ossory. At the baptismal font he received the name of Lua, Latinized Lugidus. In his childhood days he gave promise of that great holiness, for which he became so remarkable in after years.

When Comgal, Abbot of Bangor, visited Munster, he became acquainted with Lua, who was then a mere youth. Being greatly struck with the appearance and unostentatious piety of the child, with the consent of the parents, he took him to Bangor, where he remained many years acquiring learning and virtue. When Lua reached the age of manhood he embraced the clerical state, and so great was his reputation for sanctity that Comgal made him his confessor. After a time the Abbot recommended him to form a community for himself, and nourish the servants of the Lord.

Accordingly, he returned to his native territory with the intention of founding a monastery, but Feolan, the dynast of the place, advised him not to remain in his own country. Acting on this suggestion, he went to Mount Bladhma (Slieve Bloom) where] his maternal relations resided. Here he founded a monastery which is now called Kyle, the ruins of which are not far from Borris-in-Ossory, in the parish of Offerlin, Queen's County. The situation, like all the old monastic sites, commands a beautiful prospect over the rich valleys of the Nore and Suir.

After putting this foundation on a permanent basis, Molua returned with many disciples to Hy Fidhgente, where he founded many monasteries, and where his name still lives as Patron of two holy wells — one at Ardagh, near Newcastle West, the other at Emlygrenan, in the east of the county.

Many instances are given of his dealings with those placed under him, which show that his rule and manner, though severe, were tempered with gentleness and mercy.

58 DIOCESE OF LIMERICK.

He was very intimate with the leading saints of his time. St. Eimen of New Ross, who hailed from his own country, often visited him. St. Canice was also a great friend of our Saint, and he was confessor to other distinguished holy men, such as

David across the tranquil sea.

And to Maedhog, and Mochamhog, and to Comgal. ^

He wrote a rule for the guidance of his disciples, which St. Dagan took to Rome. It was presented to St. Gregory the Great, who after reading it said in pre- sence of his court : " The Saint who composed this rule hath drawn a hedge round his family which reaches to heaven." This remarkable rule is now lost, but we are informed that it divided the day into three parts, one devoted to prayer, another to reading or study, and the third to manual labour. There was a special clause excluding women from the enclosure, which indeed was a characteristic of all the saints of the second order.

When Molua felt that his end was near at hand, he paid a visit to St. Dagan, who informed our Saint that his successor would be Latan. Soon after he went to see St. Cronan, who lived near Roscrea, at Sean Ross, near the lake now known in its dried-up form as Mona Hincha, where he received Holy Communion. Imme- diately he left for his own monastery, but growing weary on the journey he rested somewhere on the eastern side of the bog extending from Roscrea to Clonfert Molua. Here his last sickness came upon him, and Stellan, his companion, at once administered to him the last Sacra- ments after which Molua's pure spirit passed out of this world to join the " family of Heaven." His death took place in the year 608.

When the corpse was taken to a neighbouring cell,

' Alartyology of Donegal, 3rd August.

THE MONASTIC FOUNDATIONS. 59

a contention arose between the Munster and Leinster men, as to which province the body belonged. It was decided, however, that the body belonged to Leinster. whither it was carried, and interred in a specially- prepared tomb, amid the deep and universal sorrow.

Many miracles are recorded as having been per- formed by Molua, notably when his corpse was lying in state. St. Munchin visited the cell to which Molua was taken, and when he touched the coffin the sight of one of his eyes, which had been lost, was immediately restored.

Cummian Foda mentions Lua among the fathers of the Irish Church in his Paschal epistle. He is also mentioned as one of the second order of Irish saints.

Cumin of Down says : —

Molua the fully miraculous, loves Humility noble pure,

The will of his tutor, the will of his parents, The will of all, and weeping for his sins.

I have not been able to identify the localities where the following saints were venerated : —

January 15.— Aitche, Patron of Cill Aitche, in the diocese and county of Limerick, barony of Kenry. A holiday and station there. 1

July 20.— Cuirbin the Pious, in Ui Fidhgente, in Munster. 2

October 6.— Sineach, daughter of Fergna of Cruachan Magh-Abhna, in Caenraighe (Kenry). She was of the race of Eoghan Mor, son of OilioU Olum. At page 423 she is called Finnseach, Virgin of Cruchan of Magh Abhna, and her feast is entered at November 9.^

1 Mart, of Donegal, p. 361.

2 Ibid.

3 Ibid.

■60 DIOCESE OF LIMERICK.

Internal Arrangement of the Monasteries.'^

Having now dealt with those monasteries whose history has come down to us, we proceed to give a sketch of their internal arrangement.

The monastic buildings were surrounded with a strong rampart like the forts of the district, and was of stone or earth, according to the abundance of either material. The church was the principal building within the enclosure, beside it stood another edifice which served as a sacristy for keeping the sacred utensils of the church. The abbot's house was a short distance from the church, and the monks of the community lived in separate cells, in convenient places within the ramparts. These huts were sometimes built of stone, had one entrance, and no window. They measured about ii feet in dia- meter and 7 in height, oftentimes they were built of wood or wicker-work, which constituted better material for a comfortable dwelling than stone. The monks slept generally on the bare ground, on a skin, but in some of the monasteries they had beds of a very inferior kind.

The refectory where the monks assembled for meals, and the kitchen which stood near it, were also inside the enclosure. Probably the smithy and carpenter's shop were there also. Another very important building in connection with the monastery was the hospice, where strangers were hospitably entertained, but this was generally outside the rampart, as was the stone house for provisions and the mill for grinding the corn. Such were the different buddings that composed an ancient Irish monastery.

The abbot, who was the principal superior, lived apart from the other monks, and was waited on by one or more brothers.

' See Reeves' Adamnan, p. 339, A.S. Publications, also Most Rev. Dr. Healy's Ireland's Schools and Scholars, chap, vii., p. 144.

THE MONASTIC FOUNDATIONS. 6r

He frequently had many religious houses under his jurisdiction, but usually resided in the mother house, while the others were governed by priors whom he occasionally visited.

When the abbot was only a priest, a bishop resided in the community who performed the function apper- taining to his office, but as a member of the community was subject to the abbot. The monastic family em- braced priests, deacons, inferior clergy, and lay brothers, all yielding the strictest obedience to the abbot. The members had all things in common, as they embraced holy poverty for the love of their Divine Master, whom they endeavoured so zealously to imitate.

Chastity was one of their characteristic virtues, which they stictly guarded, and care was taken to exclude women from entering the enclosure except in very exceptional circumstances.

They observed silence in their ordinary duties, and when they mixed in conversation it was with the greatest reserve. Humility, a virtue so necessary for the recluse, was specially enforced, as the opposite vice of spiritual pride is particularly dangerous to religious communities.

They were very abstemious in the use of food, which was of the simplest kind. Their clothing consisted of a habit of coarse undyed wool, with a hood ; sometimes they wore underneath a short garment. In the monas- tery they went generally barefoot, but v/hen going on a journey they were allowed the luxury of sandals. The time that elapsed between the religious exercises was spent in reading, writing, and manual labour.

Holy Wells.

In ancient Ireland, as well as in other countries, well-worship was ver}'' common before the introduction of Christianity. St. Patrick blessed many of these foun-

62 DIOCESE OF LIMERICK.

tains, and utilized them for the baptism of his converts. During his stay beside them the simple faith of many a convert was the means of curing some bodily ailment from which he suffered, as in the case of the Prince of Thomond, already related. There are a great number of such wells in the diocese which perpetuate the memory of saints who are otherwise unknown, except from the bare mention of their names in the Martyrologies.

These wells are to be found in the vicinity of the ruined monasteries and churches scattered over the diocese, and bear the names of the holy men and women who used them in times long gone by for the altar, baptism, and other holy offices. The monasteries and churches have long since been deserted, but these spots that were hallowed by their founders' footsteps are still frequented by the people as befitting places to invoke the aid of the saints of their race who are now before the throne of God.

The principal wells that are still frequented, as far as I can discover, are here set down. Some of them will be referred to later on when treating of the churches to which they belong.

St. Patrick's, or Pennywell, is situated near the city, and much frequented by the citizens. Some re- markable cures have taken place at this well in recent years. Its water is brought to invalids who rarely drink any other beverage during their illness, such is their simple faith in the intercession of its Patron, St. Patrick. A. beautiful grotto was erected over this well in the year 1904, by the exertions of the Rev. Cornelius Conway, P.P., St. Patrick's, his curate. Rev. David O'Carroll, and some pious laymen.

Lickadoon, a holy well.

Cahernarry, a holy well, dedicated to St. Senan.

Killmurry, a holy well dedicated to St. Mary Magdalen.

Kilbreedy Major, a holy well dedicated to St. Brigid.

THE MONASTIC FOUNDATIONS. 63

Emlygrenan, a holy well dedicated to St. Molua.

Ballymacshanboy, Tobur rig na Domhnaigh (the Well of the King of Sunday).

Athlacca. In the south-west of Tullerboy there is a httle church called Kill Bruaine, and a well called Bruaine's Well.

Rathkeale, at Ballyallinan Castle, a holy weh dedi- cated to St. Bernard.

Nantenan, St. James's Well, in Ardgoul.

Kilcoleman West, Colman's Well.

Ardagh, St. Molua's Weh.

Shanagolden, St. Senan's Well.

Knockpatrick, St. Patrick's W^eh.

Loughih, St. Colmog's Weh.

Castlemahon, about a mile east of the village, there is a holy well dedicated to St. John the Baptist.

Clonelty, Ita's Weh in Lisenaska.

Cloncagh, St. Patrick's Well.

Monagea. In the townland of Ballyshane, there is a beautiful well called Banbhan, and much frequented by pilgrims. There is a Banbhan mentioned in the Mar- tyrologies^ at the ist of ]May. He was of the same race as St. Ita, and probably the patron of this well. There is another Banbhan called the "wise," at the 9th May.

St. Mary's WeU at Rathcahih, the feast of whose patronage is still kept on the 15th of August, when all the country-side visit the weU after last Mass at the parochial church. The well is on the roadside surrounded by a high wall.

St. Brigid's, Shangarry.

There are two other wells in the Templeglantine part of the parish.

Abbeyleafe — KiUenagh. To what saint this well is dedicated I am unable to say, but the Rev. William

1 See Mart, of Donegal, A.S. Publication.

64 DIOCESE OF LIMERICK.

Casey, P.P., informed me that the old people used to say it was to St. Ita.

Corcomohide. St. Gobinet's Well, in townland of the same name. Here until recently a cattle fair used to be held every nth February, the feast of the Saint, when many came to pay rounds, and invoke St. Gobinet or Deborah, as she is called here. There is no church or ruin near the well. It may be of interest to relate that close to the well there is a fort called the " boys' fort," on which whoever stood on Gobinet's day would be married during the coming year. The fort has been levelled by a road contractor, who carted away the most of it for road metal. During the process a large quantity of human bones were discovered which showed that it was formerly a burial ground ; perhaps also it- was the site of a church.

CHAPTER V.

THE DANES IN HY FIDHGENTE.

Towards the close of the eighth century a new and formidable foe to Irish social and religious independence appeared on the Irish seas. They were the Danes, and natives of the countries bordering on the west of the Baltic. At first their raids were intermittent, and prin- cipally confined to the seaboard. When they became more familiar with the coast, they effected permanent settlements, and making those the basis of operation, they plundered and burned the country. Finally, they endeavoured to gain complete mastery over its inhabi- tants. The struggle continued for well nigh two cen- turies, and eventually ended in the political suppression of the foreigners, leaving the Irish though victorious, very weak and disorganized, and thus paving the way for another and more formidable foe, whose yoke is felt even unto this day.

Though the Danes ^ made their first attack on holy Ireland as early as the year 795, they do not appear to have advanced far into the country until between the years 825 and 835, when they divided themselves into small parties, and simultaneously landed in different parts of the country. It was during these raids that they first visited the County Limerick, and plundered

1 The works consulted regarding the Danes in this volume are principally The War of the Gacdhill ivith the Gaill, edited by Dr. Todd (Rolls' Series). It has a good index which obviates special reference. See also a very full and interesting essay, " The Northmen of Limerick," by the Rev. Timothy Lee, P.P., Croom, in Journal, Roya' Society of Antiquarians, Ireland, for the year 1889.

F

66 DIOCESE OF LIMERICK.

Kilpeacon and Mungret. A fleet entered the Luimnech, as the Shannon was then called, from the city to the sea, and devoted their attention to the treasures of Hy Conaill Gabhra. This tribe, under the command of their chieftain Donnchadh, head of the Hy Fidhgente, assisted by Niall Son Cennfaeladh (Kenealy), encoun- tered and defeated them at Shanid, near Shanagolden, in the year 834.

845. A fleet landed an army in North Kerry, who plundered the country as far as Kill Ita (Killeedy). In the meantime the party on the Shannon were actively engaged in the east of the county, where they captured Farannan Comharba of Armagh, who was at Cluain Comairdi (Colman's Well), and took him to the fleet- Farannan was forced to fly from his see by Turgesius, who usurped the primacy, and held it till his death, which took place this year. Farannan was then libe- rated, and allowed to return to Armagh.

857. Another fleet landed a host of Danes in North Kerry, who plundered Kill Ita for the second time, and extended their depredations as far as the Shannon, and eastward as far as Cashel. Then came a cessation of invasions for a period of forty years, but the foreigners were not idle all this time, as history informs us that they were seeking fresh fields along the coast of southern Europe.

916. They again returned to our shores, and divided themselves into three parties and ravaged all the south of Ireland. It was by them fell Gebennach, King of Ui Conaill ; after killing him they took away his head.

Great is the pity, O God of Heaven ! That the people of Tomar should have it ; Behold the head of Gabhra's king is taken from you, Illustrious gem of the west of the world !

THE DANES IN HY FIDHGENTE. 67

922. Tomar,! a sea king, came into the Shannon, and landed at Inis Sibhton, now called the King's Island, and there encamped, laying the foundations of the present city of Limerick. Having fixed his head- quarters on the island, he ravaged all the holy places on the Shannon from Lough Derg to Lough Ree, drown- ing their shrines and books. About this time Munster was teeming with them, " so that there was not a harbour nor a landing place nor a dun nor a fastness without fleets of Danes and pirates." The old chronicle gives a pathetic description of the sorrows and cruelties they inflicted on our fathers : —

They demolished the beautiful ornamented temples, for neither veneration nor honour nor mercy for Termon, nor protection for church or for sanctuary for God or for man was felt by this furious ferocious, ruthless pagan people. Many were the blooming lively women, and the most comely maidens . . . and the gentle, well brought up youths and valiant champions that were carried off into oppression and bondage over the broad green sea. Alas ! many were the bright and brilliant eyes that were suffused with tears and dimmed with grief and despair at the separation of son from father, and daughter from mother, and brother from brother and relatives from their race and tribe.

930. Yet another fleet of Danes, led by Ivar and his three sons Dubhcenn (Blackhead), Cu AUaidh (Wild Hound), and Aralt, or Harold, landed at Inis Sibhton, and seemed to act in concert with Tomar's party, as both lived on the island together, apparently in peace and good fellowship. Ivar's party showed themselves eager to possess " the pure smooth-plained sweet grassy land of Erin." They plundered Munster, and organized a body of tax-gatherers, whom they billetted in every house,

1 Th£ raids of the Danes of Luimnech mentioned before 922 seem to refer to the fleets on the Shannon.

68 DIOCESE OF LIMERICK.

as they seem to have completely subdued the surround- ing country, " so that none of the men of Erin had power to give even the milk of a cow, or a clutch of eggs of one hen in succour or in kindness to an aged man, or to a friend, but was forced to preserve them for the foreign, steward or bailiff."

Brian Borumha and his brother Mahon commenced a. guerilla warfare against the oppressors of their country- men in the woods of Thomond. No quarter was given on either side.

At length, growing weary of this kind of warfare Mahon made a truce with the enemy, but Brian refused to recognize it, and continued single-handed an unequal contest until his force w^as reduced to fifteen men. Mahon hearing the sad plight of his brother had an interview wdth him ; the result of which was that Mahon assembled the tribe, and having stated the whole case, put it to them whether they would have peace or war. The unanimous voice was for war. The two brothers imme- diately commenced an active and determined opposition to the foreigners which aroused the Limerick Danes.

Ivar, their king, invited all his vassals, both GailL and Gaedhill, to rally to his standard as he intended crushing once for all the power of the Dalgais. It would seem that at this period a close alliance existed between Ivar and Donovan, son of Cathal, King of the Cairbre and other Eugenian chiefs ; not that they were so much in love with the Danes, as jealous of the growing power of the Dalgais, who were asserting their claims to the kingship of Cashel, which was so long denied them.

968. Both armies met at Sulchoit (now Solohead), near the Limerick Junction, and " they were from sun- rise till mid-day striking and slaughtering each other." The Danes were routed, and fled in all directions, the main body retreated to Limerick. The Dalcassians pursued them into the fort and slaughtered them in the

THE DANES IN HY FIDHGENTE. 69

streets and in the houses. They then took away their jewels and their saddles, beautiful and foreign ; their gold and their silver, their beautiful woven cloth, both scarlet and green." The captives were collected on the hills of Singland, and everyone that was fit for war was put to death, and every one that was fit for a slave was enslaved.

Mahon to make his victory secure immediately entered the territories of the Danish allies, and took hostages from Donovan of Ui Fidhgente and Molloy, King of Desmond, the representatives of the Eugenian race. He went to the west of the county, and made a slaughter of the Danes at Shanagolden, where they seem to have had a strong settlement. During his absence the remnant of the Limerick Danes and their fellow-countrymen of Waterford united their forces and plundered Emly, where they remained encamped for two days. Here they were attacked by Mahon and again put to flight. He then burned Limerick, and banished Ivar over the sea, where he remained for a year. When he returned he settled down on the western part of the Shannon, whence he made many spoils and battles.

Mahon now assumed the sovereignty of Cashel, and his enemies being no longer able to resist him on the field had recourse to treachery. In this act of Mahon's the Eugenians saw their hopes of attaining the sovereignty of Munster pass away for ever which they regarded as their birth-right after centuries of usurpation.

At the instigation of Ivar Donovan and Molloy entered into a conspiracy against the life of Mahon. When the plot was matured Donovan invited Mahon to his house, giving an assurance before-hand that no harm would befall him during his visit. While enjoying the hospitality of his host he was seized and handed over -to Molloy's soldiers, who received orders to put him to

70 DIOCESE OF LIMERICK.

death, which instructions they faithfully executed at Red Chair, a pass between the counties of Limerick and Cork, near Ardpatrick.

The last state of the conspirators was worse than the first, as Brian succeeded to the throne, and " he was not a wisp of hay in the place of a club," but a hero whose valour was beyond that of his brother. He immediately commenced hostilities against them. Ivar with his followers entrenched themselves in Scattery Island, as their head-quarters, concealing their women in the other and more remote islands, awaiting aid from their countrymen. Here Brian and the O'Donnells of West Clare attacked and slew Ivar and his two sons. A great spoil of gold and silver was found in those islands, that were then inhabited by the Danes. Harold the third and surviving son was made king of the foreigners of Munster, and Donovan, knowing what he was to expect from Brian, invited Harold to his house.

Brian lost no time in turning his arms against Donovan. Having entered Hy Fidhgente he drove off his cattle (978), took the fortress of Cahair Cuan,i and slew Donovan and his ally Harold, and made a great slaughter of the Danes. He then proceeded against MoUoy, whom he encountered and slew at the very same pass where his brother Mahon was so cruelly murdered a short time before.

The enemies of the Dalcassians being now subdued,, and the murderers of Mahon punished, Brian became undisputed King of Munster. He made a circuit of his newly acquired dominions, and fortified the forts of Kilfinane, the island in Lough Gur, Dun Eochair Maigue, (Bruree), and Dunchath, in the County Limerick. Being

' In Sweetman's CD. I., year 1200, p. 21, in the grant to the Monastery of Monasteranenagh there is mentioned a Cahircuain which would be near Bruff, and evidently the same as this one judging, from the similarity of the words.

THE DANES IN HY FIDHGENTE. 71

a prince of restless ambition he aspired to the throne of Ireland, which he ultimately secured, not only by the aid of native troops but also by the foreigners, who entered into a treaty with him. This great man re- stored peace and good order during his reign. He was slain at the battle of Clontarf, on the 23rd of April, 1014, and with him fell the flower of his house and most of the chivalry of Munster.

Christianity among the Danes. After the decisive battle of Solloghed, the Limerick Danes gave up the profession of arms in a great measure, and turned their attention to commercial pursuits. For many a year a close intimacy existed between them and the Donovans, chieftains of Hy Fidhgente, who, it would appear, secured that position by their aid. Both princely houses were intermarried, and many of the lower order of the Danes no doubt followed the example of their leaders which had the effect of bringing them into more friendly relations with the natives, and softening their prejudices against Christianity. When they embraced Christianity they naturally received their missionaries from, and adopted the patron saint of the sept they were friendly with, having none of their own.

The patron saint of Bruree was St. Munchin, whose feast is still kept there, and has been from time imme_ morial, on the 2nd of January. The feast of the St. Munchin that is venerated in the city is kept on the same day, a coincidence which goes to prove that they are identical. The first Christian missionaries that con- verted the Limerick Danes would, on the above suppo- sition, have been from O' Donovan's country, and when they built a church for the accommodation of their converts in the city they would naturally dedicate it to the patron saint of their native tuath, which in this instance was Munchin.

72 DIOCESE OF LIMERICK.

The Martyrologies ^ mention a Munchin the Wise, of Disert Mic Cuihn, in Laegis of Leinster, at the 2nd of January, which is sufficient to show he is the same as the above-mentioned, especially as there is no other saint of the name given at that date. The Annals record his death at the year 652, and call him Abbot of Menadrochet. The tract where this place is situated was formerly called Disertchuillin. It is now known as Monadrehid, about a mile from Borris-in-Ossory, Queen's County. Munchin, or Manchan, is the diminutive of Manach, a monk, and means a little monk. There is, no hfe of him extant. Perhaps he may have been a native of the tuath of Bruree, and in early years left his native place for a home near Slieve Bloom, like his fellow-tribesmen Molua and Pulcherius.

The arguments advanced in favour of the other saints of the name are based on the supposition that the city of Limerick was a centre of authority from remote times.

But it grew hke Dublin and Waterford, from a Danish fort to a city, and hke them, when converted to Chris- tianity, elected its own bishop, whose jurisdiction did not extend beyond the city and adjacent country. The Danes did not coalesce with the natives but formed a distinct rehgious community, and so far did they carry this distinction that they sent their bishops to Canter- bury for consecration, as they looked on the Normans as their kith and kin.

The erection of Limerick into a bishopric is very

1 Mart, of /Engus, January 2nd, " Mainchine of splendid Eirge," page 26, and in a note page 31 in same book the following note taken from the Leabhar Breac is given : " Mainchine of splendid Eirge, i."., of Disert Mic Cuilind in Leix of Leinster, Mamchme, i.e., son of Luimnech (Limerick) or Mainchini, i.e., a river that is in west of Leinster in Leix and Airic its names." Edited by Whitly Stokes.

Mart, of Tallaght, January 2nd, Mancheni Sapiens (Mainchen the wise).

Mart, of Donegal, January 2nd, Mainchin Sage of Disert-mic- Cuilinn in Laeighis of Leinster.

THE DANES IN HY FIDHGENTE. 73

obscure. But if we regard the manner in which their kinsmen acted in Dubhn and Waterford, it may be safely asserted that the same method was adopted in Limerick.

Dunan,! or Dunatus, an Irishman, the first Bishop of Dubhn, was elected by Sitric, the king of that city, who endowed the newly-built cathedral under the patronage of the Holy Trinity. He was consecrated in Ireland, as the Normans did not come to England until the year 1066. But after Dunan's death, which occurred in 1074, his successor Patrick, went across to Canterbury, and was consecrated by Lanfranc.

Waterford - was made an episcopal see in the year 1098. The clergy and laity of the city selected Malchus an Irishman, and Benedictine monk of Winchester. This election met the approval of Murtagh O'Brien, King of Munster, and many bishops. They also wished to be connected with Canterbury in spirituals. O'Brien consented, and joined them in forwarding a letter ^ to Anselm. Malchus set out with this epistle, and was graciously received by Anselm, who consecrated him. When Malchus returned he built a cathedral by the aid of his Danish flock, and dedicated it to the Holy Trinity.

A few years later we find Gillebert set down as Bishop of Limerick. How his election was carried out there is no record, but as it took place about the same time as Waterford and under the same auspices, it must have been similar. He was consecrated in Ireland, perhaps owing to the fact that Anselm was then in exile (1103- 1106).

Gillebert travelled on the Continent many years before he became bishop, and made the acquaintance of

1 See Ware's Bishops, Edited by Harris, vol. i., pp. 300-1, Dublio, 1764. The edition quoted in this volume. See also Lanigan's Ecc. Hist, of Ireland, vol. iii., 433, etc.

2 Ware, vol. i., p. 526 ; Lanigan, vol. iv., p. 15.

3 See Usher Sylloge, letter 38, Dublin edition, 163^.

74 DIOCESE OF LIMERICK.

Anselm at Rouen. He renewed the acquaintance after becoming Bishop of Limerick, as he wrote congratulating Anselm ^ on having at last induced the untamable Normans to submit to the regular decrees of the Church with regard to the election and consecration of abbots and bishops. He thanks God for enabling Anselm to gain this victory, and as token of attachment sends a little present of twenty-five small pearls, and requests that he will not forget him in his prayers. Hence it may be inferred that this letter was written shortly after Henry I had, in 1106, settled his disputes with Anselm, and it may also be inferred that Gillebert was Bishop of Limerick at the time the letter was written, and perhaps a few years earlier.

Anselm replied to the above letter thanking Gillebert for congratulations and present. He also reminds him of their mutual affection since they had known each other at Rouen. He says that since he now knows that Gillebert has been raised to the episcopal dignity in Ireland, that he will exert himself in correcting what- ever abuses exist in the Church, and endeavour to induce the king and bishops of the country to co-operate with him in the good work.

Accordingly, Gillebert-'set to work with great zeal in abohshing the variety of offices that had been intro- duced into the Irish Church principally by the second order of Irish saints, and to establish instead of them, the oface used at Rome. To effect this change he wrote a tract called De usu Ecclesiastico, the date of which is unknown, but must have been some time before he became Papal Legate, judging from the prologue of the work, which is extant. He addresses this tract to the bishops and priests, saying that it was composed at the request of many of them. In deference to their

1 See Appendix.

THE DANES IN HY FIDHGENTE. 75

wishes he wrote out the canonical custom of saying the hours and in performing the offices of the whole ecclesi- astical order, that the various and schismatical orders with which all Ireland was bewildered might yield to the one Catholic Roman office.

No doubt such a variety of offices required some limitation, but in describing them as schismatical Gille- bert erred, as a similar variety exists in the Church at the present day, especially among the religious Orders, such as the Carthusians, Benedictines, Dominicans, and Carmelites, whose Masses and offices differ from each other, and from the secular clergy. His zeal and ability in correcting abuses and bringing the Irish Church in matters of discipline in conformity with Rome, the mother and mistress of all the Churches, must have been well known at the Papal Court, and influenced the reigning Pontiff to confer on Gillebert the exalted and responsible office of Papal Legate.

Murtagh O'Brien, also acting on the advice of Anselm, exerted himself in the interests of religion. He called together a synod of the noblemen of Erin, both clergy and laity, and many laws were made for the benefit of the Church.

When Gillebert was made Papal Legate Murtagh had a wise guide, who was throughly conversant with the Continental form of Church government, and no doubt impressed on him the necessity of bringing the whole Irish Church into conformity with it, as the monastic system which flourished so long in the country was almost effaced owing to the confusion created by the Danish invasion. Thus a favourable opportunity pre- sented itself for carrying out the much needed reform. Accordingly, a general synod was held at Rathbresail the modern name of which would be Mountrath ; accord- ing to O' Donovan, Keating states that it was held in A.D. mo, but Lanigan places it as late as the year 1118.

76 DIOCESE OF LIMERICK.

Gillebert, as Papal Legate, presided, and for the first time the exact boundaries of the various dioceses were defined, and the number of bishops considerably- restricted. The whole of Ireland was divided into two ecclesiastical provinces, based on the old divisions of Leath Mhogha and Leath Chuin. It may be taken for granted that the same principle — which is clearly proved in many instances — was adopted in dividing the pro- vinces into dioceses.

Limerick,! according to this synod, was bounded on the east by " the Mulkern River, the ford opposite Lodan (Ludden), Lough Gur, Lathach (Ballynalahagh, in the parish of Knockainey), and westwards from Ani (Ivnock- ainey), taking in Ardpatrick, Belach Febradh (the mountains south of Ardpatrick) and Tullylease, towards the south as far as the Feale River, Tarbeit, including Cuinchi (Ouin) and the crosses on Slieve Oighedhan Rig (Cratloe mountain), and the Blackwater." The limits of the diocese as here defined are almost the same as at the present day, and substantially agree with those of the territory of Hy Fidhgente, as laid down in old authorities. Immediately after the enumeration of these boundaries the following clause is added, namely : *' If any person go beyond these limits he will act in violation of the will of the Deity, and of St. Peter, St. Paul, and St. Patrick, and the men who have succeeded these Saints in the Church, and the temple of St. Mary is the cathedral church."

The see of Iniscathy is not mentioned in this synod, but its possessions are included in the dioceses of Limerick and Killaloe, and that evidently with the consent of Murtagh O'Brien, who took a great interest in the wel- fare of the Church, especially in his own dominions. Gillebert naturally expected strong opposition to such

' See Mahony's edition of Keating's History of Ireland; also Kelly's Camb. Ev. vol. ii., Appendix c.

THE DANES IN HY FIDHGENTK. yj

an arrangement, and doubtless got this clause enacted as a safeguard to the decree. St. Mary's is set down as the Cathedral Church of the diocese, and if there be any truth in the statement that it was founded on the palace of the O'Briens it must have been Murtagh that bestowed the gift, and not Donald, as is commonly asserted. The dedication of the cathedral i of the newly formed diocese to the Blessed Virgin Mary may have been an expedient to avoid whatever friction was likely to arise from either of the sections striving to get their own patron acknowledged as patron of thc^. whole diocese.

Another very important law was made at this synod namely, " that all the churches of Ireland were given up in full possession to the Irish prelates, who were henceforth to hold them for ever free from authority or rent of any temporal lord."-

In the old tribal system the lands set apart for the maintenance of the Church were vested in the patron and his successors, who ministered to the spiritual wants of the faithful. Sometimes it happened that the patron's successor was only an abbot, and the bishop employed to discharge the duties appertaining to his office was subject to the abbot. By this decree the bishop was made centre of authority and jurisdiction, as in other parts of the Church, irrespective of whatever obligations he might be under to a religious community if he should happen to belong to it before his nomination to the episcopacy.

As long as Murtagh O'Brien ruled, Gillebert was able to enforce these decrees, at least within the limits of his own diocese, but as to how he fared afterwards history is silent. Growing old and feeble he resigned the

' FE 1 According to White St. Munchin was only recognized as Patron of the whole city. — Lenihan, p. 558. 2 Chrontcon Scotorum.

yS DIOCESE OF LIMERICK.

office of Papal Legate, in 1139, ^^^ died in the year 1 145. It is likely, owing to the confusion of the times, that this arrangement did not last longer than his life-time, as we find his successor, Patrick, going to Canterbury for consecration. He made a profession of obedience to the Archbishop of Canterbury before he was consecrated, which is still extant in a MS. in the Cotton Library that formerly belonged to Canterbury, and is as follows : —

I, Patrick, elected to the government of the Church ol Limerick, and now by the grace of God about to be con- secrated bishop, by you, Father Theobald, Archbishop of Canterbury and Primate;of Britain, do promise in all things to pay my bounden subjection and canonical obedience to you, and all your successors canonically succeeding you.

The bishop lived only for a short time, and the year of his death is not known. Iniscathy again recovered some of its ancient prestige, as it was recognized as a see at the Synod of Kells, which was held in 1152, not many years after Gillebert's death.

Harold.

Harold, ^ an Ostman, was the next bishop, but noinmg concerning him has come down to our times. He died in the year 1151.

T urge si us.

Turgesius - was also a Dane, and was present at the Synod of Kells, presided over by Cardinal Paparo^ During his occupancy of the see the city was besieged and taken by Murdoc of O'Lochlain. Turgesius died in the year 1167. It would appear that the Danish colony

1 Usher, Sylloge, p. 120.

2 Ware's Bishops of Limerick.

THE DANES IN HY FIDHGENTE. 79

of Limerick and the Irish of the surrounding districts were much estranged during these eventful years.

Domestic Affairs of Ui Fidhgente.

Having traced the Danish colony at Limerick so far, we now return to the history of the Hy Fidhgente.

The sovereignty of the tribe fluctuated between the chieftains of Lli Conaill Gabhra and the Ui Cairbre, which was regulated by well established principles of Brehon Law. But in the confusion and demoralization that followed on the wake of the Danish invasion these principles were lost sight of and anarchy reigned supreme.

Every petty chief aspired to the sovereignty of the tribe, and every means that was calculated to secure success was employed regardless of consequences. The meagre details that our native Annals furnish regarding the domestic affairs of the Hy Fidhgente are here set down in chronological order : —

1014. 1 Cairbre, son of Cleirichen, Lord of the Hy Fidhgente, was treacherously slain by Malcolm of Kenry. Cleirchen was the ancestor of the O'Cleireachains, anglicized Cleary and Clarke, names still extant in the Co. Limerick.

1027. Donnchadh, son of Brian, led an army into Ossory, where he was defeated, and there were slain on that occasion the two sons of Cuilen, son of Conchobhar, Lord and tainist of Ui Conaill.

1031. He renewed the attack and was again defeated, leaving many of his associates, amongst them the two royal heirs of Ui Conaill and Malcolm of Kenry.

1045. Gluniarn Na Clercen (Clery), Lord of Ui Cairbre, died.

1049. Conor Ua Cinnfhaelaidh (Kinealy), Lord of Ui Conaill Gabhra, was slain by the Eugenians of Killarney.

1088. Domhnall, son of MacLochlain, King of Ireland,

1 Antis. Four Masters under the respective years.

80 DIOCESE OF LIMERICK.

and Roderic O'Connor of Connaught, burned Limerick and plundered the plain of Munster, that is Emly. Lough Gur, Bruree, Dun Aiched (probably Dunachip in the parish of Dysert near Croom) Drummin, and they carried away the head of O'Ruaric from the hills of Singland. It wasjn this raid they demolished Kincora.

1099. Roderic O'Connor again returned to Munster and burned Dun Aichet.

iioi. It is probable that Murtagh O'Brien, King of Munster, removed his residence to the city of Limerick after Kincora was destroyed. The first opportunity that offered he marched with a large army into Ulster, and demolished the Grennan of Ely in revenge for Kincora, and his soldiers brought the stones to Limerick where they were inserted on the parapet of the palace.

1 105. Maelruanaidh Ua Bilraighe, Lord of Ui Cairbre and tutor of Turlogh O'Brien, died. The family of O' Bilraighe (O'Billery) were of the same race as the O' Donovans, but sunk into obscurity after this period.

O'Heerin says of them : —

O' Bilraighe who used to bestow cows Over Lli Conaill of the field of Gabhra King of truth of fair lands The smooth dells of heavy fruit.

1 1 27. Turlough O'Connor plundered Ui Conaill at Faing (Foynes Island) from his fleet, and in the following year repeated the attack on two occasions.

Hy Fidhgente must have been reduced to poverty and the spirit of its people broken after so many raids from outside. These, together with the domestic dissen- sions of its chieftains, were unconsciously preparing an easy conquest for the adventurers that were soon to appear on the horizon and blot out that name for ever more from the topography of the country.

CHAPTER VI.

THE NORMANS.

The two great rulers, spiritual and temporal, that divided the honours of Limerick between them when the Normans invaded the country, were Brictius, the bishop who succeeded Turgesius, and Donald, King of Thomond.

1168. When Donald became King of North Munster he engaged in a fierce contest with Turlough O'Connor, which after a display of much wasteful energy, ended in a truce.

1168.1 In the meantime Dermot MacAIurrough, who had been driven out of his kingdom of Leinster, repaired to the court of Henry II., King of England, to invoke the aid of that powerful prince in restoring him to his lost inheritance.

Having succeeded in enhsting some Welsh knights in his favour, he returned to Ireland, and was soon followed by a band of these adventurers, who imme- diately overran Leinster, and secured Dermot in his possessions. More reinforcements soon landed, and as their numbers increased their ambition widened. Though coming as mercenary troops they now determined to place the whole country under their rule.

Roderic, the Ard-Righ, realising the situation, sum- moned the kings and chiefs of the country to his standard, so that by a combined effort they might be able to rid the country of such unwelcome and ill-conditioned visitors^ O'Brien instead of obeying the call of his superior, like

1 See Conquest of Ireland, by Gerald Cambrensis, Bohn's edition, p. 184, etc.

a

82 DIOCESE OF LIMERICK.

a true patriot, saw in the movement a favourable oppor- tunity to renew hostilities against O'Connor. To better effect his purpose he had recourse toDermotMacMorrough, his father-in-law, who sent to his assistance a detach- ment of Normans under the leadership of FitzStephen. This contingent united with Donald's forces, and after several engagements succeeded in driving back O'Connor to his own territories.

1 170. It was during this expedition, Cambrensis gravely informs us, that a woman was seen at the court of King Donald with a beard, and a mane hke a horse's upon her back.

1172. At the close of the year 1171 Henry came to Ireland, accompanied by a great retinue of knights and men-at-arms. He landed at Waterford. M'Carthy of Desmond was the first Irish king to welcome him. He then did homage and swore fealty to Henry as his lord, and gave hostages as security for the regular payment of a yearly tribute.

At Cashel Henry was met by O'Brien, who sued for peace, which was willingly granted. He also became tributary to the king, and swore fealty which he pro- mised faithfully to observe. It is said Henry then appointed his own governors and officers in the cities of Limerick and Cork. The leading kings and chiefs, excepting those of Ulster, not long afterwards made a kind of submission to the English monarch.

The clergy in consequence of the action of their temporal lords were bound to follow suit, and met the king at Cashel, where a synod was held. After six months' stay in the country, Henry returned to England, leaving behind a host of greedy adventurers, who at once set about aggrandizing themselves at the expense of the natives, instead of settling down quietly in the enjoy- ment of their already acquired estates.

THE NORMANS. 83

The native princes at length assembled their forces to protect their patrimony against such unjustifiable proceedings. O'Brien joined O'Connor (1174), and met the army of Strongbowat Thurles,i where tliey inflicted a crushing defeat on the invaders.

O'Brien now became very active against the new- comers, and being a man not wanting in ability did much to wipe out the disgrace of submission by his subsequent action.

Raymond le Gros assembled a strong force and marched on Limerick, which was Donald's stronghold. When they reached the city all the bridges were broken down, and the river surrounding it was deep and rapid. However, having found a ford, they were soon at the other side. The inhabitants retreated within the walls, but were quickly followed "W the Normans, who signal- ized the victory by a slaughter of the citizens. Having placed a garrison in the town, Raymond went to another part of the country, where his services were required {1176). Immediately O'Brien succeeded in getting the city again into his possession, but had to evacuate it on the return of the Norman forces. Raymond now remained for a considerable time to refresh his troops. During the interval he had an interview, in the neigh- bourhood of Killaloe, with O'Brien and Roderic O'Connor, both of whom again renewed their allegiance to the King of England, and gave hostages for their good behaviour.

1177. When Strongbow died, Raymond was sum- moned to Dublin. Before leaving, he appointed Donald governor of Limerick, as a mark of respect, and perhaps as a means of conciliating him. No sooner had the English crossed over the bridge than it was broken down behind them, and they beheld with grief that noble city, so well fortified and containing such fair

'See Anns. Four Masters, vol. iii., p. 17.

84 DIOCESE OF LIMERICK.

buildings and stored with all manner of provisions collected from all quarters, given to the flames, fire being set to it in four places by Donald, who declared that Limerick should be no longer a nest for foreigners.

When the King of England was informed of the results of this enterprise he is reported to have said, " the attack of Limerick was a bold adventure, its relief a greater, but its evacuation an act of pure wisdom."

Donald being now free from the Normans, turned his arms against the Eugenians, laying waste their country with fire and sword. He compelled them to seek shelter in the woods and fastnesses of West Cork, on the south side of the Lee. It was in this expedition he routed the Donovans of Cairbre, beyond the mountain of Manger- ton, to the westward part of the County Cork (1178),^ where they settled down in new homes, and where some of their descendants, after the vicissitudes of centuries, are to be found in opulence. By this inroad the martial spirit of L^i Fidhgente was quenched, and the name even dropped out of use, although the Annals mention that O'Colean- of Cleanglass plundered the country'' near Lough Gur this very 3^ear, but it may have been before Donald's attack,

Donald was engaged in many conflicts which have no direct bearing on the history of Limerick. In most of them he was victorious, and succeeded in maintaining the independence of Limerick up to the time of his death, which took place in the year 1194. He was a brave and skilful adversary, but like most of his des- cendants thoroughly selfish. When he encountered the invaders on equal terms he was always victorious. If he maintained the same determined policy against the enemies of his country in the earlier years of his reign

1 See Anns. Four blasters, vol. iii., p. 45, notes.

2 Ibid.

THE NORMANS. 85

that he displayed in his dechning years, the fate of Ireland might have been different.

Brictius, the Bishop of Limerick, after Donald's surrender to Henry, went to the Synod of Cashel, and promised to put in force in his diocese the disciplinary canons that were passed at that synod. He also assisted at the General Council of Lateran. On his way he had to pass through England and take an oath that he with his companions would do nothing at that Council against the interests of the king. From the State Papers i we learn that he travelled with St. Laurence O'Toole, Arch- bishop of Dublin, and that the king paid their passage. 1 188. It was during his reign that Hugh Beaghan, Bishop of Scattery, died, and then, with the help of the new powers, Brictius was able to put on a permanent basis the laws passed by Gillebert regarding the extent of his diocese. He was ahve in 1194, as he is supposed to have received in that year a grant of land from Donald O'Brien The document is still extant, and runs as follows : —

Donald, 2 King of Lumneach, to all the faithful of God as well present as to come, greeting. Know ye all that I have granted to Brictius, Bishop of Limerick, and his suc- cessors, and to the clergy of St. Mary's, Limerick, in free and perpetual alms the lands of Imungram (Mungret), and the lands of Ivamnach ; that is from the arch of Imungram to the lands of Imahn (now Knocknagaul), and from the ford of Cein, to the river Shannon, with all their appendices, and in ratification of this my grant in Fronkalmoigne, I confirm it with the impression of my seal.

Witness, Lord Matthew, Archbishop of Cashel, and Roger O'Grady.

This grant is substantially the same as the present parish of Mungret, which will be treated of more fully when we come to the Bishop's Manors. The exact date

'< S.C.D.I., year 1178-79, No. 56. ^ B.B.L., page 21.

86 DIOCESE OF LIMERICK.

of this good bishop's death is unknown, but it is thought to have taken place about the year 1199.

The Early Norman Settlements in Limerick.

1 1 79. Henry watched closely the career of his Norman, subjects in Ireland, and fearing they might shake off their allegiance he appointed his son John, Lord of the country. John parcelled out Leinster and Munster amongst some of his most powerful nobles. The lands lying between Cork and Lismore were given to De Cogan and FitzStephen. The kingdom of Limerick ^ was granted to Herbert Fitzherbert, who resigned it in favour of Philip de Braosa (Bruce), who is thought to be the same as Philip of Worcester. Cogan and FitzStephen having secured their new possessions, marched with a large army to establish Philip in his new kingdom. When the Limerick people saw the army approaching they at once set fire to the city. Braosa perceiving the determina- tion of the enemy did not risk the chance of defeat» especially as his followers were for the most part drawn from the scum of South Wales, who came for plunder rather than fight.

The English became again masters of the city soon after Donald's death, as we find that John Strafford, a man of that nation, was appointed Provost in the year 1195. History does not relate how this change came about.

John, as Earl of Morton, took a great interest in the welfare of the city. While residing at Killaloe, in the year 1197, he granted a charter to it which conferred great privileges on the citizens.'^

' See Geraldus Camb., p. 284-5.

' True copy of this charter : —

John, Lord of Ireland, Earl of Morton, to the Archbishops, Bishops, Abbots, Earls, Barons, Justiciaries, Bailiffs, and to all his servants and faithful subjects of all Ireland greeting : know ye that we have given, and by this Charter confirmed for us and our heirs unto the citizens of Limerick, that they and their heirs do have and hold the

THE NORMANS. 8/

1 198. They were not long in the enjoyment of this royal boon, when M'Carthy, King of Desmond, cap- tured the city, and put the English to flight. The reverse of fortune was only temporary.

Most of the documents relating to Limerick during Richard's reign are missing, but from the position of affairs as revealed in King John's time, it seems that the invaders were actively engaged in subduing and exterminating the natives. Hamo de Valoignes legally secured them in those newly made-conquests, and John, as Earl of Morton, and afterwards as king, formally sanctioned them.

When John became King of England, he still paid a good deal of attention to the affairs of Ireland. He appointed as Justiciary Myler Fitzhenry, who was one of the first batch of invaders, and remarkable for the bravery he displayed in the early campaigns against the Irish. Perceiving the necessity of fixing his power in Munster on a soUd footing. King John gave formal sanction to all who had acquired possessions there during the vice-royalty of Hamo. To carry out the design of the king, Wilham de Burgo, marched into

City of Limerick with all the appurts, and burgages internal and ex- ternal to the city, appertaining in fee farm by the return which was appointed by Hamond de Valois with pleas and aiguists, and that they have all the liberties and free customs through all Ireland which the citizens of Dublin have ; wherefore, we will, and firmly prescribe that our citizens of Limerick and their heirs after them, to have and to hold all the liberties and free customs aforesaid and as presented. For the rest know ye that [we hold as] ratified, and well pleasing, and established for ever, the deliverances of burgages with all the liberties and prescriptions which Hamond de Valois made in the city of Limerick, as he let the aforesaid burgages to my citizens of the same city.

[Whereof 1 these are witnesses, Killaloe, i8th day of December, in the Ninth Year of King Richard's reign (a.d. 1197-98).

Hugo De Valois.

Richard De Force.

Fulke De Carolupo.

Hubert De Burgo. (Translated from the Arthur MSS.) Lenihan's History of Limerick. p. 47 n.

88 DIOCESE OF LIMERICK.

Munster, and effected a permanent settlement at Limerick, which has since defied the power of the Gael.

John granted De Burgo the custody of the city, a portion of the country round Castle Connell, and in 1199, he alsr- received a grant of Ardpatrick, with the residue of the cantred of Fontimel. According to the Black Book of Limerick he was Sheriff of Munster. While at Limerick he won over to his side the sons of Donald O'Brien, With these new allies and the English of Munster he marched as far as Cork, where he spent a week plundering the Gaels and laying waste their lands

About this time the O'Connors of Connaught began to quarrel amongst themselves. Taking advantage of this dispute De Burgo enforced his claim to the lands granted to him by King John in that country. The usurper at once complied with the demand in order to secure the help of such a powerful ally. De Burgo 1 then marched into Connaught, and after some stiff fighting placed his friend on the throne.

After returning to Limerick he became more or less an independent chief, making peace and war at his own good pleasure. Fitzhenry, the Justiciary, became alarmed at these proceedings, and marched into Munster to curb the ambition of this noble, who acted more like a royal potentate than a subject. On the march he was joined by the exiled Connaught chief, and of course an O'Brien of Thomond. This was the first time that an English governor was seen leading the Gael to suppress his own countrymen. Myler immediately invested the city When De Burgo saw the great superiority of the opposing forces he surrendered to the representative of his king. He was then sent to the court of John,^ but before

1 See Anns. Four Alasiers, vol. iii., year 1199, also year 1201 notes, also Leland, History of Ireland, vol. i. chap. 6, Dublin, Third Edition, 1774.

2 See 5.C.£>.7., vol. i. (1171-1251), Nos. 181, 187, 213, 214, 230. See also Anns. Four blasters, vol. iii., pp. 144-5, notes.

THE NORMANS. oQ

leaving was compelled to place hostages in the Viceroy's keeping, as a guarantee of good faith. The king received his old friend graciously, and wrote to Myler that De Burgo was to be restored to all his possessions, including the castles of Killefeacle and Askeaton, but still to retain the hostages.

1204. After a short trip to Normandy with his royal master he returned to Ireland, and was reinstated in all his property. He died towards the end of the same year, and was interred in a monastery founded by him- self, under the invocation of St. Edmond, king and martyr, for Augustinian Canons at Athiseal (low ford), in the county of Tipperary, on the west bank of the Suir, in the barony of Clanwilliam.

The grants of land that are mentioned in the State Papers as having been made at the close of this century ia Limerick, are here set down :—

1199.1 Hamo de Valoignes, an Anglo-Norman knight of Suffolk, was justiciary of the country from 1197 to 1 199. During his term of offtce he got a grant of two cantreds of land in Hockenil (Hy Conaill) to hold of the king by the service of ten knights. In a letter written by the king in the 3'ear 1200 he refers to Hamo as being disabled by infirmity to execute his employments in England. The custody of his Irish property was granted to Hugh de Neville, and subsequently to Wilham de Burgh. The castle of Hinniskisty (Askeaton) was part of the property, a fact which clearly shows that the two cantreds lay in the neighbourhood of that castle. The estate was restored to Hamo's son and heir in the year 1212.

1199.- Robert Sergant got a grant of one knight's fee

' See Index to first volume, S.C.D.I., where under Valoignes, Hamo de, all the references to him will be found.

2 See S.C.D.I. under year 1199 for this and following grant.

go DIOCESE OF LIMERICK.

at Clonhuhirdecan (Caherdavin ?) and Clonomincan (Clonmakin ?), in the fee of Huertheru. He also received four burgages, two of which were in the island and two between the city and the bridge, at each side of the latter, near the wall ; all being outside the city.

A grant to Walter Crop of one knight's fee at Karvthi (Carnarr}^), and Kalke, in the fee of Hoctierne, in the cantred of Huhene.i

1200.2 William de Breouse (Bruce) nephew to PhiHp before mentioned, received a grant of the honor of Limerick for 5,000 marcs. He had already large pos- sessions in Normand}^ England, and Wales, to which peculiar immunities and privileges were attached- For many years he stood high in the confidence of the king, into whose hands he delivered Prince Arthur of Bretagne, the rival claimant to the English crown, who had been captured while besieging his grandmother, the old Queen Eleanor, in the fortress of Mirabeau, in Poitou His wife had the reputation of being a prudent and virtuous lady. His sons and daughters were married into the flower of the English aristocracy.

Philip deferred for some years the payment of the money he promised the Crown. Hence disputes arose between him and the king which reached a climax when the latter, to secure himself against Papal excommuni- cation, required the English nobles to place their children in the royal custody as pledges of their fidelity. Breouse's wife refused to comply with this mandate, and was reported to have said that the sons of her kinsfolk would not be safe in the custody of John, as it was publicly rumoured that he murdered with his own hands Prince Arthur, the son of his elder brother and rightful heir to the throne of England. John immediately seized Breouse's

' Also Black Book, p. 89.

2 See S.C.D.I., year 1200, also Gilbert's Viceroys of Ireland, p. 68- and following.

THE NORMANS 9 1

property in lieu of the money due for the honor of Limerick. He next endeavoured to capture de Breouse himself. After many attempts he succeeded in getting the wife and his son Wilham into his hands, and im- prisoned them in Windsor Castle, where they were starved to death. The husband was more fortunate, as he escaped to France in the disguise of a beggar, where he died soon afterwards (1214), and was buried in the Abbey "of St. Victor, by his brother Gillies, Bishop of Hereford.

Henry III made amends for his father, by restoring in 1277 all Philip's possessions in Munster to his son Reginald, who swore fealty,

1206. Myler Fitzhenry got a mandate from the king to hold an inquisition by the liegemen of the kingdoms of Cork and Limerick, whether the castle of Kilmallock, and the cantreds of Karbery, Wahtrah, Slevardat, Cumsy, etc., belong to the kingdoms of Cork or Limerick. There is no account extant of the result of this inquisition. But as some of those places were then and now in the county of Limerick, it proves that some territorial divi- sions such as counties, were made at a very early period of the Norman occupation. ^

1 S.C.D.T., vol. i., No. 2S9.

XTbirteentb (Xenturv^

CHAPTER VII.

THE CHURCHES OF THE DIOCESE.

At the opening of the thirteenth century Donat O'Brien, a scion of the royal house of that name, was bishop of the diocese.

In the year 1201,1 Myler Fitzhenr}' ordered an in- quisition to be held regarding the ecclesiastical property of the diocese. William de Burgh presided over the inquiry, with a jury composed of twelve Irish, twelve English, and twelve Danes. The three races that formed the population of the city and county were equally re- presented. It proves what a strong settlement of Danes must have been in the city and county when they were entitled to such a representation. This is a very valuable document, as it throws great light in the early history of the Church in Limerick. At the end of the list of cliurches there will be given a more detailed comment on this document, which is taken from the Blazk Book.

Imlcchdroinggi.

The first church mentioned in the inquisition is Imlcchdroinggi, and like all Irish words of this period has many forms, such as Imlachdreyn, Imlachdreyng, &c. It is now written Emlygrenan, which means (Bile- Ghroidhnin),! " Grenan's ancient tree." The name is taken from the townland where the church was built, and in the course of time applied to the present parish. The graveyard of that name marks the site of the ancient

1 See B.B.L., p. 14.

2 See Irish Names (Joyce), ist Series.

THE CHURCHES OF THE DIOCESE. 93

church which was dedicated to St. Mohia, and may have been one of his numerous foundations in the territory of Hy Fidhgente. The wall surrounding the graveyard was built by the Kilmallock Board of Guardians, and is constructed of very large stones, evidently taken from the old ruin, thereby demolishing what ought to have been preserved.

St. Molua's Well i is in the middle of a green field near the graveyard, without bush or tree of any kind near it. There is a well worn path made around it by the constant tread of the pilgrims that frequent the place to invoke the aid of the patron. It is generally frequented by people afflicted by ague or some kindred diseases. The recognised custom coming down from remote times is for the pilgrims who visit this shrine to come on three successive Saturdays, and while walking the path, to recite six Paters and six Aves. Then they kneel beside the well and say together one third of the Rosary. They then drink of the water some of which is taken to invalids at home. The local festival, called the Pattern, is kept on the 3rd of August, when the people of the surrounding country assemble to honour the saint, and place themselves under his special pro- tection for the coming year.

Many in distant lands, suffering from diseases, have been known to write to their friends, living near the well, to perform the rounds for them. By the effiicacy of their prayers the invalids have been known to be restored to health.

Kylmechelloc ^ {Kilmallock). Kilmallock derives its name from St. Mocheallog-

1 See O'Hanlon, Lives of Irish Saints, vol. viii., p. 69 ; 4th August has been generally assigned as the Saint's feast, see O'Hanlon, vol. viii., p. 65.

2 See Colgan, A.S.H., p. 749 ; also O'Hanlon, vol. iii., March 26th.

94 DIOCESE OF LIMERICK.

There is no regular life of this saint extant, but from allusions to him in the lives of other saints we learn that he flourished in the end of the sixth and begin- ning of the seventh centuries. He is usually styled Mochelloc of Cather-mac-Conchaigh, an ancient city of Lismore. In his younger days he studied under St. Declan. Some authorities say he was both bishop and abbot. 1

The ruins of the church he founded are situated on a gently rising eminence, about one mile north-west of the present town of Kilmallock. There are only about two feet in height of the walls of the old church standing, and they are nearly covered with earth and grass. The length of the building, judging from what remains, would be 22 ^ feet long, and 12 feet 3 inches wide. The thickness of the walls would be about 3 feet. The few stones of the foundations that are visible are large, and no lime discernible between them.

There is a graveyard attached to the ruin, but it is now scarcely ever used. St. Mocheallog died some- time between the years 639 and 656. According to the Calendars his feast day falls on the 26th March. Very little is known about the monastery founded here by our samt, except the following entries which occur in the Annals of the Four Masters : —

1028. Flaithnia Ua Tighernain, lector of Cill-Dacheallog died.

1050. Conall, airchinneach of Cill-Mocheallog and its lector previously, died. [He was the officer or steward who regulated the lands belonging to the monastery. After deducting his own expenses, gave the remainder to the church and the poor. He was bound to keep the church in repair. The Airchinneach was usually a layman, and the office as a rule was hereditary.]

lO.S.L.. R.I. A.

THE CHURCHES OF THE DIOCESE.

95

Ardmacwelan, now known as Ardevolan, near Kilmallock. There was no church there in 1615.

Brugrinuysi (Bruree) or Brugriminsi {perhaps Brugrimiinsi). The old church was near the present village of Bruree. There is a well in the village dedicated to St. Munchin, whose festival is kept as a holiday in the parish.

ARDPATRICK CHURCH.

Ardpatrick.^ The ruins of this church are to be seen on the hill of that name about four miles south of Kilmallock, and command a pleasant prospect. St. Patrick built a church here, which in the course of time developed into a monas- tery, the history of which has been completeh^ lost. The old church is a plainly built structure, with walls of great thickness. The doorway was surmounted by a

I O.S.L., R.I.A. ; O'Hanlon, vol. iii., p. 700.

q6 diocese of limerick.

bartizan. A similar contrivance may be seen in the old castles, which is called by the people a " murdering hole." It projected from the highest part of the wall, and the corbels that supported it are still there. This mode of defence was used for throwing boihng water,. melted lead, or such things on people endeavouring to force the church door.

A short distance to the west of the church there is a stump of a round tower, which must have been one of the finest in Ireland in its day, judging from the site. There is also a well near the tower said to be forty feet in depth and lined with stones, but now closed up.

The following entries are taken from the Annals of the Four Masters : —

1 114. Ardpatrick was burned.

1129. Celsus, successor of St. Patrick, a son of purity and Archbishop of the West of Europe, the only head whDm the foreigners and the Irish of Ireland, both clergy and laity, obeyed ; after having ordained bishops, priests, and persons of every degree, after having consecrated many churches and cemeteries, after bestowing jewels and wealth, after having estabhshed rules and good morals among ah, both laity and clergy ; after having spent a Hfe of fasting and prayer and Mass celebration, after unction and good penance, resigned his spirit to heaven at Ardpatrick in Munster, on the first day of April, on Monday precisely, in the fiftieth year of his age. His body was conveyed to Lismore Macuda in accordance with his own will. It was waked with psalms, hymns, and canticles, and interred with honour on the Thursday following.

Kilcomgai7i,'^ otherwise Kilconegan, alias Kilquane. This church

1 See B.B.L., p. 104 ; also Memorials of Adare, p. 289.

THE CHURCHES OF THE DIOCESE. 97

formed part of the Prebend of St. Munchin's, and was in the deanery of Kilmallock.

Calathawa.^

There was a townland formerly called Ballycallowe, in the parish of Uregare. Perhaps they are the same.

CUiencomarda -

— (Lawn of the sign or token). This church is now known as Coleman's Well, and about two miles or so to the south of Bruree parish. The Coleman that is honoured here at present is Coleman of Kilmacduagh, whose feast is kept on the 29th of October. Dr. Young,=^ Bishop of the diocese, says in a note in White's MS. that the patron is Coleman of Cloyne.

Coleman was Bishop of Cloyne, and descended from the royal family of Munster, He was remarkable for his poetical talents, and is the author of the metrical Life of St. Senan. St. Ita foretold his conversion to St. Brendan of Clonfert, which took place about the middle of the sixth century, after assisting at the in- auguration of the King of Cashel as a royal bard. He died in the year 601 or 604, on the 24th of November.

Tullachless *

— Tullach Leas — the hill of the huts. It is now known as Tullylease, in the diocese of Cloyne, Co. Cork, about one mile south of Drumcollogher. The patron saint of

1 See Census of Ireland MS. in R.I. A., attributed to the year 1659. I made a copy of it in 1902.

2 See War of the Gaedhill with the Gaill, chap, iv., note 3.

3 See Lenihan, History of Limerick, p. 560.

* See an Essay by Dr. Reeves in Ulster Journal of Archceology, July, 1858 ; O'Hanlon, LJI/C5 of Irish Saints, vol. ii., p. 625.

H

C)8 DIOCESE OF LIMERICK.

this church is St. Beretchert, locally called Benjamin. According to the Annals of the Four Masters his death took place in the year 839, " Berichter of Tulach-leis, died 6th December." He was brother of St. Gerald of Mayo, and son of a Saxon prince. They are represented as leaving England after the Synod of Whitby, and came over to Ireland with a great many followers. The name is a Saxon one, and variously written. Local tradition asserts that he came to TuUylease from the parish of CuUen, where he lived and died, as his tomb- stone is yet to be seen leaning against the east wall of the old church.

It is a plain flag of sandstone, measuring 3 feet in length and 2 in breadth, elaborately finished, and the edges well defined. The upper corner of the right side has been broken off, and many careful searches have been made for it without success. Some fragments of stones were found having circular patterns of great age smiilar to those on the slab. There can be no doubt but the part broken off contained the letters " I H S Jesus," as a counterpart to "X P S Christus," which occupies the other angle. The inscription is written in a rude form of Irish letter, near the base of the old Celtic cross on the slab. It is as follows : —

Qui cumque hunc titulo

legerit orat pro

Berechtune,

Dr. Reeves explains the strange spelling of the saint's name in the inscription as the result of ignorance or carelessness of the sculptor. This is one of the very few inscribed stones to be met with in this part of the country, and deserves more care than is bestowed upon it.

There is another coffin-shaped stone near the slab leaning against the same wall, on which is engraved

THE CHURCHES OF THE DIOCESE.

99

the figure of a man with a curled head of hair, a swallow- tailed coat, breeches, and boots, under which is cut in

ST. BERETCHEART'S TOMBSTONE, AT TULLYLEASE, CO. CORK.

modern letters, Berichert. The figure was made by a stone-cutter of Charleville, about the year 1830, and has

100 DIOCESE OF LIMERICK.

been much injured of late by the scratching of a cross with a rough stone by some of those who frequent the place to pay rounds.

The old church looks hke a thirteenth century building, but the foundations of a much older one are pointed out. Near the church is the holy well, much frequented by the people of the counties of Limerick and Cork.

At the dissolution of monasteries in Ireland, it formed a portion of the possessions of the monastery of Kells, Co. Kilkenny.

The feast of the saint has been unaccountably trans- ferred from the 6th of December to the i8th of February. This must have taken place a long time ago, as there is no one alive who remembers the change. On the patron's day great multitudes assembled at the station, when Mass used to be celebrated, but is now dis- continued.

The O'Nunans were hereditary wardens of this church and proprietors of the land of Tullylease, Castleishen, and Muscary O'Noonan i (parish of Drumcollogher). They were bound to keep the church in repair, and defray the expenses of Divine service, for which the lands were originally granted. 2

Kildeochaliathain

— Killogholehan. This old church is situated in a narrow valley, south of the village of Broadford, and gives its name to a parish. It is a very ancient ruin, and in a fair state of preservation, as it was repaired some years ago by the Board of Works. At one time it was a- pure Celtic church, measuring about 50 feet long and 30 feet wide. After the coming of the English »

1 Peyton's Survey.

2 O'Brien's Irish Dictionary, last page.

THE CHURCHES OF THE DIOCESE. lOI

windows and doors of the Norman style were inserted, but it still preserves the outline of the primitive style. At the Gospel side of the altar, which is in a fair state of preservation, there are the remains of a tomb of an elaborate kind erected over some person of consequence in his day, but now forgotten.

KILLOGHOLEHAN CHURCH.

Like Tullylease, it belonged to the monastery ot Kells. There are very few burials there now. It was dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary ad Nives, 5th August.i

Clucncrema {Clo)icrew).~

Cluain Creamha (a meadow of wild garlic). This church is a few miles east of Drumcollogher, and gives its name to a parish. It belonged to the archdeacon, and in Elizabeth's time it is set down as one of the old church

1 See Lenihan's History of Limerick, p. 564.

2 0.5.L.. R.I. A.

102 DIOCESE OF IIMERICK.

tiiaths 1 which was exempted from taxes. It was dedicated to St. Borthanus.

DrumcollechaeUi .^

Drum-coU-coille, height of the hazel wood or Hazel- mount, now Drumcollogher. This church was in the tuath of Corkomoyd, and in after years became a chapel to the church of that name, and was served by a resident chaplain. It was burned dow^n about 1303. The present ruin is near the town at the south side, and probably dates from the burning of the older one. It was dedi- cated to St, Bartholomew.

Cluenclaidmcch.

Some of our antiquarians erroneously identify this church with Cloncagh. The following references to it are to be found in the life of St. Maidoc* of Ferns.

Maidoc, having heard that some of his countrymen were imprisoned in Hy Conaill, went to visit the chief of the district where they were confmed to obtain their release. When he arrived at the rath of the chieftain, he was not permitted to enter the enclosure nor allowed to see the chief. The saint remained near the rath for some days in prayer. After a striking manifestation of God's power through the in- strumentality of Maidoc this chief relented, and miade an humble apology to the saint for his harsh treatment of him. As a proof of the sincerity of his repentance he bestowed the rath on Maidoc to found a monastery.

The place where this remarkable event took place is called in Colgan's life of the Saint, Cluainclaidheach^ which cannot be identified with Cloncagh, as that

1 See Peyton's Sityvey. 2O.S.L., R.I. A. ^S.C.D.T., year 1306.

4 See Colgan A.S.H., p. 213, chap, xxxviii. ; O'Hanlon, vol. i., chap, v., p. 556.

THE CHURCHES OF THE DIOCESE. IO3

church occurs further on in this Hst. From its position in this hst, between DrumcoUogher and Clonelty, it must be the old church corresponding with Mahoonagh. In the townkmd of Balhnakill, as the name suggests, there was an old ruin, and evidently the one referred to. There is the remains of an old church in Ballydoorty. It is related in the same life, that Maidoci on another occasion paid a visit to Hy Conaill to meet his confessor, St- Molua, who was then on a visit to his friends in the neighbouring tuath of Corcoide. The name of the monastery he stopped at is not given, but from the nearness to Killeedy it must have been this one. While staying there he heard a great ringing of bells, and enquiring what was the reason, he was informed that a beloved sister of St. Ita's community was dead. He sent one of the monks with his crozier and ordered him to lay it on the breast of the dead sister. The disciple did as the saint directed and the nun was immediately restored to life. Cluainclaidheach would only be about three miles from Killeedy.

The present ruined church of Mahoonagh is a Norman building dating probably from the foundation of the Manor.

Clondti iCloncliy)." The rums of this church are about three miles east of Mahoonagh. The church took its name from the town- land where it is built. Clonelty is derived from Cluain, an insulated meadow and eiht, a doe, and gives its name also to the parish. The old church is now popularly known as BaUinoe, and has the appearance of being very old. It was partly modernized and fitted up for Pro- testant worship after the Reformation. It was never

1 Colgan, A.S.H., p. 215, chap. liv. ; O'Hanlon, chap, vi., p. 564, vol. i. Irish Saints.

2 O.S.L.. R.I. A.

104

DIOCESE OF LniERICK.

divided into a nave and choir, but forms one oblong building. It measures about 50 feet in length and 21 feet in breadth. The eastern gable has almost entirely disappeared, but the western one is in a fair state of pre- servation and covered with ivy. In the southern wall, about 3 feet from the eastern gable there is a small window

Extends the

wliole thickness

of the wall

THE DOORWAY OF CLONELTY CHURCH.

which measures in the inside 4 feet 6 inches in height, and 4 feet 2 inches in breadth. It forms a flat arch at top, and its sides are built of cut freestone. On the out- side it is rectangular in shape and constructed of cut limestone. The west gable contains a semicircular headed doorway measuring 6 feet 11 inches in height, and 2 feet 7 inches in width where the arch springs, and

THE CHURCHES OF THE DIOCESE. 105

2 feet 10 inches at bottom. O'Donovan, who visited this place, looked on it as a very curious specimen of our ancient architecture, and well worth preserving.

Clonki,^

Now Cloncagh (battle-field). The old church is in a state of great dilapidation, but judging from what remains it seems to be of great antiquity, but invested with a fictitious importance, since it was thought to be the church in connection with Maidoc's monastery. It is built in a large moat containing seven acres of land. According to a local legend this moat was surrounded by an enormous serpent whose head reached to its tail when St. Patrick visited the locality. This serpent had a habit of putting his tail into his mouth and springing into the air in the evenings to the great terror and dismay of the natives. One evening when St. Patrick saw the monster taking his usual exercise, he struck him with a missal and killed him.

There is a holy well near the church dedicated to St. Patrick where rounds are performed.

Kilitc, now Killeedv, see life of St. Ita.

ArdacJi^^

Ardagh (high field). This church is about two miles north of Newcastle West. The old ruin is beside the Catholic church, quite close to the railway station. It measures about 20 feet in breadth, but its length cannot be well determined, as the western gable has entirely disappeared. Judging, however, from what remains, it was considerable, as 72 feet of the south wall remains.

1 O.S.L,, R.I. A. See Archdall, and after him Petrie. Round Towers, O'Donovan, etc.

■■'O.S.L.. R.I. A.

ro6 THE DIOCESE OF LIMERICK.

About one hundred and fifty paces to the south of the church there is a holy weU dedicated to St. Molua, who probably founded one of his monasteries here. In times gone by the well was shaded by an aged ash tree measuring 4 feet 6 inches in girth at the base, which has now disappeared. It is still frequented by the parish- ioners who pay rounds there on the 3rd of August, th3 eve of the saint's feast. About 50 years ago the 4th of August was kept as a parish holiday in honour of St. Molua, but the custom has fallen into disuse.

ARDAGH CHALICE.

The Ardas!h Chalice.^

In the month of September, 1868, a young man named Quin was digging potatoes at the south-western side of a fort called Reerasta, beside the village of Ardagh

1 See Lord Dunraven's Essay, R.I. A. Publications. See Most Rev. Dr. Healy, Ireland's Schools and Scholars, p. 562. Xtian In- scriptions in the Irish Language, Edited by M. Stokes.

THE CHURCHES OF THE DIOCESE. 10/

and near the Carrigkerry road. When he reached the bank close to a thorn bush he found the surface soft, and driving his spade down between the roots of the thorn, he found it strike something hard. His curiosity being aroused, he cleared away the earth, and at the depth of 3 feet found a beautiful cup now known as the Ardagh chalice. In the cup there was a smaller one made of bronze and five iibulae. The chalice is considered to be " the finest specimen of Celtic art ever yet found." It has two handles, and was probably used for the com- munion of the laity, when the Eucharist was admin- istered under the species of bread and wine. This cup, which combines classic beauty with the most exquisite examples of almost every variety of Celtic ornamenta- tion, is 7 inches in height and g^ inches in diameter. The foot is 64- inches in diameter, the depth of the bowl is 4^ inches, and it would contain three pints of liquid. It is composed of gold, silver, bronze, brass, copper, and lead. It is made up of 354 pieces, including 20 rivets. There is a beautiful band running round the outside of the bowl on which is engraved the names of the twelve Apostles in the Roman uncial letters. The shape of some of them is very peculiar and only to be found in our most ancient MSS. The Earl of Dunraven, after examining every detail of its composition, pronounced it to be a work of art of the ninth or tenth century. There is nothing known of the history of this precious relic of a lost art, or how it came to be buried in the Rath. It is suggested that it is one of the valuable cups that were stolen from Clonmacnoise, in the year 1125, by a Limerick Dane, who was captured and hanged the following year. Be that as it may. A few years ago I had occasion to call on an old lady in St. Munchin's parish. I found on the parlour table an old timber cross of the Celtic type, measuring about 8 inches in length. I asked her the history of it. She told me her son was very intimate

I08 THE DIOCESE OF LIMERICK.

with Dr. O'Connor, parish priest of Ardagh, and while on a visit to that clergyman the articles that were found at the Rath were brought to the parochial house. The cross was one of them, and Dr. O'Connor gave it to her son, who died a young man, and she kept it ever since, and that if I wished I could take it, which I did. The image of our Saviour is carved on one side, and has an antique appearance. On the other side the emblems of the Passion are cut by a later and ruder artist, be- neath which are the figures 727, evidently intended for 1727, the date of the year.

The fact of such a cross being found with the chalice proves that the date of concealment must have been after the year 1727. Perhaps it may have taken place about the year 1740, as the penal laws were rigorously enforced at that time in the county Limerick. Tradition says that Mass used to be said in the Rath where they were found, in the penal times.

The chalice may have been used on these occasions to distribute communion to the multitude that assembled there. Perhaps when the alarm was given, and in the hurry of the moment, these precious relics of bygone times were hidden to prevent them from falling into the hands of the enemy. The condition in which they were found, there being no case or covering to protect them, suggests that they were buried in a hurry. The priest or person who placed them in the earth, may never have got an opportunity of returning to the place to point out the exact spot of their