n miimm'!!i!vniJMnrMiiilm'.M G-^N ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 03130 7645 Begleyj John, The diocese of Limerick, ancient and medieval THE DIOCESE OF LIMERICK ANCIENT AND MEDIEVAL ^.j^p ^re_aH£i>..«i- »-.r.«d> j^ <FBfpp C^3..s>?.u...,D"^A\ ;-' 1^" ..<?ftl,.^ at«..tl..' .f_..r— tf^.-Tv' "^. i iMinAt* ^p-fn^ ($^'«cfj3aig,' rCj<'it^<yirr'v.ia;»(v..Mn^- re« lOttf fvj> -—.-.- *i.^f |>n|«/ tr"»«^it«tir,- i.-».*»M^v— -"*/ ■ 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 concealment ; and yet a tradition lingered among the people that there was some treasure concealed near the Rath. This beautiful work of art is now in the Museum of the Royal Irish Academy in Kildare Street, having been purchased by the Government for £500 from Dr. Butler, late Bishop of Limerick, who -acted as trustee for the Sisters of Mercy, the owners of the property in which THE CHURCHES OF THE DIOCESE. 109 it was found. The farm is now in the possession of the parisli priest of Ardagh. Killmitrillc. Tliis church is in the count}' Kerry. It now forms part of the parish of Ghn. Dr. Young made the following entry in the Black Book of Limerick regarding it : ^ I, John Young, Bishop of Limerick, have recovered the Church of Kilmurly with its appurtenances which for a long time previously had not been in the possession of my pre- decessors but under the jurisdiction of the Bishop of Ardfert. I attach it to the parish of Kilfergus this 13th day of August, 1807. Killcrgussa, Now Kilfergus, better known as Glin. The old ruin is a little south of the town. It is in a very ruinous condition, but judging from what remains, seems to be of considerable antiquity. 2 Magmor. The name of this church is also written Moymore. It lay near the village of Athea, and would correspond with the present townland of Benmore, near which the old ruined church called Temple Athea is situated. The townland is included in the Manor of Shanid in Bealachdroma, 3 or Ballaghdromar as it is sometimes written in documents of this period. This is the only mention of the name in -i-B.B.L., p. 152. 2 See Inquis, 1298, S.C.D.I., Manor of Shanid ; see White's List. Lenihan, Limerick, and other references will be made to it later on, 3 See S.C.D.I. no THE DIOCESE OF LIMERICK. connection with a church. It is set down in the inquisi- tion of 1298 as belonging to the manor of Shanid, and inhabited solely by Irish, which would indicate that it was a large tract lying between Ballyhahill and Athea, and may be the place now called Dromagarrum, where unbaptized children are buried. The site of another old church is pointed out in the townland of Flean where, tradition alleges, three bishops are buried. Leamchael,'^ (Leamh choill elm wood) now Loughill. This is the remains of a primitive Irish church, divided into nave and choir, and was built of large long stones with lime and sand mortar. About 100 yards to the north of the church is a well dedicated to St. Colmog. The parish of Loughill was one of the bishop's manors. Ardiyiwir (western height), now Ardineer, a townland in the parish of Robertstown near Foynes. There in no trace of a church in the present townland, but Robertstown is quite near and may have been originally in Ardineer. Disert Murdcivar,^ now called Dysert, in the parish of Robertstown. Each part of this compound word is still preserved as if they had no relation to each other. The first part m the t inland of Dysert, and the second in that of Morgans, the name of the adjoining parish which originally included Dysert, as the parish is cahed in old documents Dvsert- 2 See Memorials uf Adare, p. 277. 1 See O.S.L. THE CHURCHES OF THE DIOCESE. Ill merogan, Murirogan, and Morgans, as it is now called. It takes its name from St. Muirdebhair the wise, whose feast falls on the 3rd of November, according to the old calendars. The Felire of Aengus calls him a " synod's diadem." The Martyrology of Donegal at the same date has the following notice of him : " Muirdeabhair the wise of Disert Muirdebra in Ui Conaill Gabhra." O'Donovan thought this was the same as Dysert near Adare, but in this list of churches they are clearly distinguished. There is a famous holy well near the townland of Dysert at the head of a narrow creek that runs inland from the Shannon c^alled Borrigone, which is much frequented by the people of the surrounding country. This is the holy well of the saint, but in course of time the " M " was changed into " B," which is of frequent occurrence in place names of this part of the country. There is no trace now of the old church, which must have been near the well. Seiigola,^ Seangualaiun (the old shoulder or hill) now Shanagolden. The old church is to the west of the present village, and was divided into nave and choir. The choir is now in ruins, but the nave was fitted up and embelhshed with a tower for Protestant worship. The parish was dedicated to St. Senan, and his well is near the village. Tomdaili, 2 (Tomdaile, The Bush of the river Deel), now Toomdeely, a parish north-west of Askeaton and bordering on the Shannon. The ruins of the old church do not seem to be older than the fifteenth century. This parish was one of the bishop's manors. 10.5.1., R.I.A. ^O.S.L. THE DIOCESE OF LIMERICK. Jnriasse, now Iverus. The old church is at Beagh, near the castle of that name. Half of Inyscathidch, now Scattery Island. See life of St. Senan. Further reference will be made to this island later on. Kellscanill, i now Killscannell. There is no part of the old church now in existence. The Protestant church is built on the site of the old one. O' Donovan thinks that the patron saint was Scandalius, now unknown. In the townland of Coolnoran in this parish there was a church called Kilmurry, the stones of which were taken to Limerick to build a house about the year 1830. Cluonech (Clonagh).^ (Cluianeach, i.e., insular meadow of horses). The church is built on an elevated position, and in former times the land around it used to be flooded, which accounts for the first part of the name. It consists of a nave and choir, the walls of the former indicate great age, but the choir arch is modern and may have been added on after the coming of the Normans. Near this church is a holy well dedicated to St. Ciaran of Clonmacnoise, whose feast is still kept on the 9th of September in the modern parish of Coolcappa. 1O.5.L. zo.SL. THE CHURCHES OF THE DIOCESE. II3 Rathnascir (Rath na saer, the rath of the Carpenters), now Rath- naseer. The ruins of this church are to be seen a few miles south-east of Rathkeale on the road to BaUingarry Kihnaclugna. This church is now known as Cappa — a plot for tillage. The old church is situated in that townland, and is a very pretty Norman building. Clonsiehra.'^ In medieval documents it is written Clonchener, now Clonshire. It lies between Adare and Croagh. The doorway of the old church is of the cyclopean style of architecture. It was a bishop's manor. Drochetarsna. (Droichet-tarsna, cross bridge), now Drehidtarsna. It gives its name to a parish adjoining Clonshire. Kellnafidnaigi {Kilfinny).- It is locally called Cill Finche, i.e.. Church of Finneach. The old church was in the townland of Ballynakill. St. Ciaran's well is about 40 yards west of the church. ' ( Disertengusa.^ (the Desert of Angus). This church is in the townland of Corrigeen, about one and a half miles west of Croom, in the direction of Adare. The remains of the church 1 o.s.L. 2 Ibid. 3 Memorials of Adave, pp. 210, 2 u, 214. 114 THE DIOCESE OF LIMERICK. measure about 51 feet in length and 16 feet 6 inches in breadth. The building is of the old primitive Irish style of architecture, but parts of it have been rebuilt. The DYSERT AENGUS, CHURCH AND ROUND TOWER, doorway is in the south side of this building, a most unusual circumstance, as it is nearly always to be found in the western gable of churches of this period. Judging from what remains of the jambs, it was narrower at the top than at the bottom. THE CHURCHES OF THE DIOCESE. II5 About 60 feet north of the church stands a round tower in a very good state of preservation, though it wants at least one story, as the four windows facing the four cardinal points that are to be seen in other towers are missing. It is built on a sohd rock, which gives the tower great solidity. It is built of limestone well and strongly put together, the masonry being much superior to that of the church. At present the tower is 67 feet high and 54 feet in circumference at the base and gradu- ally diminishing towards the top. The doorway faces the east and is 15 feet from the ground ; at this height the wall is 4 feet 3 inches thick, and at the top of tower 3 feet 6 inches. The doorway itself is 5 feet 10 inches in height, 2 feet 9 inches wide at bottom, and 2 feet 5 inches at the springing of the arch. This is one of the few doorways in the round towers of Ireland that have pellet or ball moulding. The tower at present contains four stories, which have been floored with timber by Mr. Christy, the late owner of the farm where it is situated. He also placed ladders from one floor to another, so that it is now easy to go to the top, which is covered with ivy. The same gentleman made excavations in the interior of the tower, and went to the solid rock on which it is built. During the process he found human bones, but no coffins, and at the very foundation a quantity of cherry stones. Mr. Brash, in the Kilkenny Archceological Journal expresses a great admiration for the skill dis- played in the erection of this tower. The church and tower are said to be erected by Aengus the Culdee. This holy man was a native of Ulster. He travelled into Munster where he settled down and built this church and tower. There is nothing known of this remarkable man from the general historical records of the country. Whatever information has come down to us concerning him is gathered from a short preface attached to some copies of his Fclire or Calendar of the Saints of Ireland, Il6 THE DIOCESE OF LIMERICK. which is now pubhshed by Dr. Stokes. Aengus spent the greater part of his hfe in the monastery of Ckiaineidhnech, now Clonenagh, Queen's County. He was very fond of retirement, and withdrew from this monastery to a lonely place called Disert, and is now known as Disert Aenos, near Maryborough. In a copy of the Calendar of the Saints of Ireland, which Dr. Petrie had in his possession, it is stated that the thought of writing the Calendar occurred to Aengus as he was coming from Dysert in Munster. Dr. Petrie says if the name of Aengus was at any time attached to this Dysert it would be sufficient to settle the question. Such has been the case, as this hst of churches testifies. There is no holy well in connection with the place, but a part of the old wall that surrounded the buildings is still in existence. Kellhinathan,^ Now Killanahan. The ruins of this church are still pre- served in the townland of the same name in the parish of Killeenoghty in the barony of Pubblebrien. The old church may be seen in the fields to the west of the road leadmg from Crecora to Croom, near Bettivelle. It is generally called Tempul na Sceach or the Church of the Bushes. Tullachhraci 2 (Gentle hill). TuUabracy is the name of a parish near Bruff. South of the ruins of this church there is a well dedicated to St. Mullana. Kellcharli, » Kylkyrely, now Kilcurly, a townland west of Adare in the barony of Kenry. The foundations of this httle church are scarcely visible. 1 0.5./,, 2 0.5./.. 3 os.L. THE CHURCHES OF THE DIOCESE. I 17 Kelldima, Now Kildimo, the church of Dima, a saint who is com- memorated in the Martyrology of Donegal on the 12th of May. Dima, son of Cas ; he is the patron of Kildimo in Kenry, of the county and diocese of Limerick, and has a holiday, a festival and a station. He was also the master of Declan, and he was in the Deisi of Munster. The site of the old church is now occupied by a Protestant church. 1 Kcllallathna {Kellallatan). Kellallatan is identical with that old church which is situated in a little hill in the townland of Glenameade, about a few miles from Palliskenry near the Limerick road. When O'Donovan'- visited the locality it was called Killulta in Irish, which seems to be a corruption of the still older form Kellallatan, or the church of St, Ultan. There are many saints of this name in the Irish calendars. The same writer remarks that it was much the oldest church he had seen in the country. The walls were perfect in the middle of the last century, when the west gable and doorway were blown down by a gale of wind. The church measures internally 16 feet 8 inches by 10 feet. The east window externally is triangular-headed, and measures i foot 6 inches in height, the jambs are 9 inches wide at the bottom and 8 inches at top. The. original height of side walls was 7 feet. They are built of very large stones well cemented together with mortar. It is a real old primitive Irish church and in a fair state of preservation. 'O.S.L. 2 0.S.L. THE DIOCESE OF LIMERICK. KILULTA CHURCH. Killchurnan,^ Now Kilcornan, in the barony of Kenry. The church derives its name from Curnan, a saint who is commemo- rated in the calendars at the 6th of January. The Martyrology of Donegal has the following notice of him : — Curnanbeg of Kill Churnain in Caenrighe, in the County and diocese of Limerick, patron of the parish of Killcurnan in Kenry, in the county and diocese of Limerick, with a fair and holiday. The old church dedicated to the saint was situated in the glebe of Moig East, but was pulled down in the year 183 1, when the present one was erected on its site. There is an old church at Cowpark, but of no great antiquity. 1 o.s.L. THE CHURCHES OF THE DIOCESE. II9 Ardcatni,^ Now Ardcanny, the name of a parish in the barony of Kenry, and bordering on the Shannon. In the townland of Mellon there is an old church called Tempul a Mhullain, but a rather modern ruin, near which is a holy well dedicated to St. Brigid. Kelldackaelum, Now locally forgotten, but the Down survey has a town- land called KillacoUum, containing about 86 acres in the south-east of the parish of Kildimo, and bordering on the Maigue. The old ruined castle standing on a hill to the south-west of the Ferry bridge is called Collum Castle, which is a part of the original name, and near it must have been the old church. Kelimacgoban, Now Kilgobbin, a townland in the north of the parish of Adare. The north, south, and west walls of this old church are still remaining. Its external length was 27 feet and its breadth 9 feet. The stones that have formed the west doorway have been removed. This church is often mentioned in the Black Book, as we shall see later on. Kellnachallichi ^^ — Keilnacailly. This church formerly stood near Clarina Bridge, but now no traces of it remain. It was dedi- cated to St. Ethne. 1 For these churches, see Memorials of Adare, pp. 268-72. ^ Lenihan, p. 559. 120 THE DIOCESE OF LIMERICK. Atnit,^ Now Anhid, the name of a parish on the west bank of the Maigue, and is completely surrounded by the parish of Croom. It was formerly a prebend. Mttngret.- When the Monastic establishment founded by St. Nessan was broken up, the property belonging to it passed into the hands of the bishop. The modern ruin with tower is the remains of the parochial church. Imheolchuir.^ It is mentioned in the Black Book that the church of Crecourvertha (Crecora) was in Ocholchur. This word seems to be the same as the latter part of Imhcol- chuir, and would signify the same place. The church now called Crecora may have been known at this early period by the name of the locality where it was situated. The following are set down as being in the territory of Eschluona, and an inventory of their value was taken before this enquiry. They are Balidorcum ? Ballihi- bebon ? Rachen (Rahina near Kilkeedoy) Raecuam ? Ballyhichum ? I have not been able to locate these names. Domnachmor,'^ Now Donaghmore. The old church is about two miles east of the city. According to the Tripartite life of our National Apostle, all the churches that are called 1 Memorials of A dare. 2 See later on. 3 See B.B.L., pp. 96-7. * See description ol this church by Rev. Michael Malone, late P.P. of Glin, in the Journal, R.S.A.I., p. 77 for year 1872. THE CHURCHES OF THE DIOCESE. 121 Domnach, or the Anglicised form Donagh, were origi- nally founded by St. Patrick, and were so called because he marked out their foundations on a Sunday. This church measures externally 39^ feet by 26 feet. The THE DOORWAY OF DONAGHMORE CHURCH. side walls are about 11 feet high. The doorway is in the western gable, and is 6 feet 4 inches in height, its width at base 3 feet i inch, and at top 2 feet 10 inches. There is also a window in this gable higher than the doorway, but to the right of it, which is considered a very unusual circumstance. It is very narrow from the out- side, but splays inwardly. There is another similar to the one in ]\Iungret church in the south wall near the eastern gable. The gables are thickly covered with ivy, and the church itself is in good preservation, retaining all the characteristics of the primitive Irish church. Sengle, Now Singland. It was here St. Patrick cured the Thomond Prince from his bodily ailment as already 122 THE DIOCESE OF LIMERICK related. It was a very important church and had the right of sanctuary. In old maps it is represented as having a round tower beside it ; both have long since disappeared, but the site is still used as a graveyard, and popularly known as St. Patrick's. Inchoman ? Somewhere near Singland, but now unknown. Kellchuan, Now Kilquan. The ruins of this church are at the Clare side of the Shannon opposite Corbally. There is a frag- ment of the old building still standing, densely covered with ivy. Kelliedmi. Kellideme, also written Kilhadele, now Killeely. This church was situated in the outskirts of Thomond Gate, and is still used as a burial-ground. No part of the old church is now remaining. Its name, said to be derived from Cill Fiadiale,i or the church of St. Fiadail. According to local tradition it was so-called from Lelia a sister of St. Munchin, whose feast was celebrated on the nth of x\ugust. It is difficult to reconcile this tradition with the old form of the word. Kellros, Now Killrush. Some of the ruins of this Church are still standing in the North Circular Road near Barrington's Pier, and known as Old Church. 1 See Reeves' Notes on Black Booh MS. in T.C.D. THE CHURCHES OF THE DIOCESE. 123 St. Maenchini, St. Munchin's Church, with its appurtenances, viz., Kie, Karragiedachan, Kelldaire. This old church was near the King's Castle, and its site is now occupied by the Pro- testant church of that name. Kie may have been Kiel, to which in after times Cratloe was added, making Cratloe Kiel, where the ruins of a church are still to be seen. Kerragiedachan {Caherdavin ?) There is the site of an old church in Coonagh near this townland. Kildaire ? Unknown. St. Brigid ? Unknown. St. John's. The present Protestant church occupies the site of this old church. 5^;. Peter's. This old church formerly stood near St. Mary's con- vent, but there is no trace of its ruins now. St. Martin's. Unknown. St. MichaeVs. St. Michael's church was situated outside the west Watergate, but was totally destroyed in the time of Cromwell. The place where it stood is still pointed out. The festival is still celebrated on the 29th of September in the new church dedicated to that Angel. 124 "^"^ DIOCESE OF LIMERICK. St. Maria Rotunda. Is thought by competent authorities to be St. Mary Magdalene. Kilmurry, near the city, is dedicated to the saint ; whether they are the same I cannot say. Claronaedugan ? Unknown. Munimdartha.'^ This is written in another part of the Black Book as Rivvidearta, which I take to be Rathurd. Cliioniduhlach, In two parts, one half in Muhrichroidir, viz., one part in Inergni, and the other Imalduni Balihicihaham. Imail was the ancient name of the district now included in the parish of Knocknagaul, and these places were in the vicinity : — Formail east, perhaps Fearanna Guilleagh, now Rosbrien, Jfagdublacna .^ Balli Marcada ? Ballichorchiam.^ From the Black Book we learn that this is another name for Kilpeacon. Cahirdubdultg. Perhaps Cahervally. Kcllonchon, Now Kellonachan, the name of a parish near Patrick's Well, and means the Church of St. Onchu, whose feast is on the 8th of February. 1 Compare page 115 with 109, B.B.L. 2 See B.B.L. , pp. 109-115. THE CHURCHES OF THE DIOCESE. 12y Balli Mulcatha. In another part of the Black Book it is written Ballecath ; now Ballycahane. The site of the old church is now occupied by a Protestant Church. In the city of Limerick half the fishery of Coadogur (Curraghgour), the mill on the river beside the city walls. Tithes of all the fish caught by the fishermen of Limerick, tithes of corn from the citizens of Cotheum (parish of St. Lawrence), one gallon of ale from every brewing, half a gallon from every making of Medo, i.e., a drink made from honey and water. In this list of churches we find all the ecclesiastical property of the old territory of Hy Fidhgente under the control of the Bishop of Limerick, the name by which it is to be known in future, — even the old monas- teries that flourished from the introduction of Chris- tianity. When the monasteries became desolate all their property passed into the hands of the bishop, who was the generally recognized centre of authority since the Synod of Rathbreasail, and who provided for the spiritual wants of the whole diocese. Nearly every tuath, it may be remarked, was provided with one or more churches, the priests of which administered to the faithful within well defined limits, a system which seems to have been in force long before the Norman invasion, and would correspond to the parochial system of the present day. Most of the parishes in the diocese are called after the townlands on which these old churches were built, or after the churches themselves, which gave a name to the townland and thence to the parish. The old Celtic system seems to have been adopted by the Normans, but in the course of time underwent some modifications. It may be presumed that there were other churches in the diocese at the time this inquisition was held, but 126 THE DIOCESE OF LIMERICK. having no endowments attached to them, they were left unnoticed by the jury. They must have been built in convenient places for the use of the inhabitants, although many of them are now remote from the centres of popu- lation. Some of them have entirely disappeared and their names are forgotten, others were deserted for more commodious buildings, but still survive as interest- ing specimens of early Irish architecture. The characteristic features of the early Celtic ^ Church are to be found in the doorway, windows, masonry, and roof. The doorway was nearly always in the western gable, the jambs inclining from bottom to top, which was covered by a horizontal lintel of massive size. The windows were small, and generally splayed inwards, headed by two small semicircular arches formed of several small stones, or cut out of a single large one. However, the horizontal lentel and the triangular-shaped head were also common. The church was, as a rule, built of very large stones, well cemented together, generally of an oblong shape, and did not exceed sixty feet in length. The roof was of exceedingly high pitch. Good examples of the early stone churches in the diocese may be seen at Donaghmore, Mungret, Killultan, &c. In some of the larger of the older churches a choir was added in Norman times, at least so much may be inferred from the difference in age that exist between both parts as is visible in the old ruin of Clonagh. In many instances the old oblong Celtic church was not changed, but Norman windows and doors were inserted without interfering with the general outline of the build- ing, such as Killogholihane. Inniscathy, Dysert Angus, Kilmallock, and Ard- 1 See Petrie's Round Towers. THE CHURCHES OF THE DIOCESE. 127 patrick churches have round towers attached to them. According to Petrie, whose conclusions are generally accepted with slight modifications by the learned, these towers were of Christian and ecclesiastical origin, and were erected from the fifth to the thirteenth centuries They served the two-fold purpose of belfries, and as places of security for preserving the sacred utensils of the Church ; and also as places of refuge for the ecclesi- astics in cases of sudden attack. They were probably used when occasion required as beacons and watch towers. Ubirtecutb Centur^^ CHAPTER VIII. 1 THE ORGAXIZATION OF THE DIOCESE. The last decree of the Synod of Cashel lays down, " that the Divine office shall be henceforth celebrated in every part of Ireland according to the forms and usages of the Church of England." Donat 2 immediately set about putting this law into force in his diocese. He called together his clergy to deliberate how to enlarge and decorate the Cathedral, to appoint secular canons, according to the English custom, and to set apart benefices for their maintenance. One of the principal reasons that influenced him to establish a chapter, was to have the Mass of the Blessed Virgin Mary daily celebrated in the cathedral church. The chapter consisted of a dean, archdeacon, ' cantor, treasurer, and six canons. He assigned for their support the Church of St. Mary's, Limerick, the sanctuary of the same church, together with all the fruits derived from wills, oblations, &c., reserving, however, half the oblations received when the bishop himself personally sung Mass in the church, and half the oblations on the procession at Pentecost, He also gave them half the tithes of all kinds of fishes, all the tithes of Cotheim (St. Lawrence) outside the city, the churches of St. Mary Magdalen (Killmurry), St. Martin, Dovenathmore (Donaghmore), and Killiadeli. He furthermore gave to P., the Dean, the church of St. Nicholas, with its appurtenances in Prebend. 1 See Giraldus, chap, xxxiv., p. 233 and following. '^B.B.L., p. 109, pp. 108-109. THE ORGANIZATION OF THE DIOCESE. I29 To M., the Archdeacon, the church of St. John's, near the city wall, with its appurtenances, together with the churches of Kildecolum, Kildimo, with land and other appurtenances, and all the spiritual benefices of Ardagh, with their appurtenances. To M. O'Melinus, Chantor, the churches of Sengola (Shanagolden), Ardinir, and Rathnaser in prebend. To Wilham de Cardiff, Treasurer, the church of S'engol (Singland), with the lands of Rathgarellein, with its appurtenances and spiritual benefices. It was written Rathgreylon in later times, and was near the present Rathurd, but the name is now forgotten. Drommoluba, with its appurtenances, as well of fishes, as of all other benefices in prebend. It is also written Dromin, and may be identical with the townland of that name near Parteen. To Colomiregan, Canon, the church of Mungret, with its appurtenances in prebend. To Ricolus, Chaplain, Canon, the church of St. Munchin, with its appurtenances in prebend. To Colomiregan, Canon, the church of St. Michael, together with the spiritual benefices of Kathirdufduli and Kilonchon in prebend. To M. O. Conying, Canon, all the spiritual benefices of Balimacada (Ballycahane), Rwvidearta (Rathurd), Formiliart (Rossbrien), Ardchatin (Ardcanny), and BalU- chorcram (Kilpeacon). To O. O'Mally, Canon, portion of the common fund. To Doneuan O'Conregan, Canon, portion of the common fund. To T. Macreanachanci, portion of the common fund. To Paulinus, Chaplain, portion of the common fund. He also added that the canons should enjoy all the dignities of the Roman Church ; and if it should happen that any of the canons died, the chapter had the power of retaining the revenues of his prebend for the space K 130 THE DIOCESE OF LIMERICK. of a year, to pay his debts. Donat also gave them the use of his woods for procuring fuel, and timber for building purposes. The deed from which the foregoing is taken was witnessed by the Archbishop of Cashel, the Bishops of Cork, Cloyne, Ross, Ardfert, Kilfenora, the Abbots of Manister, Suirey, and Furness, with other dignitaries of lesser importance. Donat w^as a great favourite with King John, who speaks of him as being most zealous in advancing his interests. He died about the year 1207 a.d. Geoffrey. King John made a grant ^ of the See of Limerick to Geoffrey of Dungarvan, after Donat's death, and wrote to Myler- Fitzhenry to use his influence with the clergy of the diocese to elect and receive him as their bishop. This is the only record extant of his appointment. Harris, in his edition of Ware's Bishops, mentions that he was Bishop until 1222 a.d. but this is a mistake, as Edmund was Bishop as early as 1215 a.d.-^ Edmund. When exactly this Bishop was appointed is not recorded, but he is mentioned in 1215 a.d. as receiving a grant of an annuity of ten pounds of silver, receivable at the Exchequer, Dublin, out of the rent and assize of the city of Limerick, for the site of the mill and the fishery of Limerick, which he challenged against the king. 3 The bishop also quit claims to the king the land of 1 See S.C.D.I., year 1207, No. 364 and the Corrigenda. 2 S.C.D.I. under that year, and by looking at this Bishop's name in the Index of volume (i 171-125 1) all that is here related will be found. ^ B.B.L., 46, 95, p. Ill, 114, 119. THE ORGANIZATION OF THE DIOCESE. I3I Drunnannolub (Dromin), given by the king to Edmund's predecessor, and ten marks which the bishop was wont to receive in exchange for that land. The above grant was not punctually paid, and the king had to write to the Justiciary to hasten the pay- Ttient of the arrears to the bishop. There is another mandate, dated the day after, directing that Edmund should receive ten liberates of land within or without the cantred of Limerick, in lieu of the annuity of ten pounds payable at the king's exchequer. The land was granted in the division called O'Mayl, which was situated near Mungret, and the name is given as an ahas for Ballyclogh,! so that it lay in that direction. Edmund; Avith the consent of the chapter, granted this new ac- quisition with its villeins, to John St. John. There is also extant a record of an order being made to the trea- sury to give Edmund a loan of five marks. He died towards the end of a.d. 1222, as the see was vacant in March a.d. 1223. B\^ order of the king, the temporalities were granted during vacancy, to the Prior of Athassel, for which he was to be accountable to the Exchequer. Hubert de Burgh (1223-1250). Hubert 2 was descended from a noble family, and at the time of his elevation to the see of Limerick, was Prior of the Monastery of St. Edmund, king and martyr, at Athassel, Co. Tipperary. At the same time John St. John, treasurer of the church of Limerick, was nominated by the king for the see of Waterford, but not confirmed ; eventually he became Bishop of Ferns, and resigned his office in the chapter of Limerick, and the prebend appertaining to it. 1 This alias is given in m Inquisition taken in 1615. 2 See S. C. under heading Hubert, Bishop of Limerick ; also Ware's Bishops of Limerick. 132 THE DIOCESE OF LIMERICK. The king issued a mandate to the dean and chapter — the office being in his gift — to have it given to Geoffrey de St. John, and to have him inducted, and that a staU in the choir and a place in the chapter should be assigned to him. Hubert during his administration was a great bene- factor to the cathedral. He extended the privileges of the canons and vicars of the diocese, in as much as he allowed them to have their benefices appropriated for a year after death to pay their debts and discharge the- provisions of their wills. He bestowed on the canons and vicars serving in the cathedral all the half tithes reserved by Donat at the formation of the chapter. He also augmented the common fund of the cathedral by grants of certain churches, with specific obligations attached to them. Kileihem ^ (probably Keililin, outside St. John's gate), with the provision that they should pray for the repose of the souls of his ancestors and that of Raymond de Burgh. He reserved, however, the rights of the epis- copal office. By the consent and advice of the chapter he gave to the canons and vicars serving at St. Mary's, the ville of Singland,2 reserving the cure of souls. Influenced by the petition and presentation of Richard of London, lord of the soil or fee, he granted to the common fund of the canons and vicars of St. Mary's all the ecclesiastical benefices of Glyncorby^ (parish of Glin), also the ecclesiastical benefices of the whole land of Kilscoly, Kilgoban, and Kilscalbeg, which were in the parish of Adare. One of the witnesses to this grant was Master Tyrell, Vicar of Adare. He granted to Thomas de Wodeford, Dean of St. Mary's- 1 B.B.L., p. 59 ; Kilethem in B.B.L. 2 Ibid., p. 33. 3 Ibid., p. 46. THE ORGANIZATION OF THE DIOCESE. I33 Church, and his successors in prebend, the churches of St. Nicholas,! Mungret, Maycroo (Croagh), with its chapel, Lysnamuck, and Ballysward (Howardstown, near Bruree). He also conferred many benefices on his own monas- tery of Athassel, which were recovered after much litigation, as will be seen later on. The following were returned by that monastery to Hubert himself, viz. : — the ecclesiastical benefices of the whole tenement of Maynero 2 (Croagh), of the whole tenement of Creavath O'Moyl (Knocknagaul), and Donaghmore. 1237. John de Bineford,^ Procurator in Ireland for the monastery of Keynsham, Somersetshire, England, freely resigned in behalf of that monastery all rights and titles in the following ecclesiastical benefices of the diocese, viz. :— Rathkeale, Rathfergus, :\Ioyntaneny (Nantinan), Mayryne (Kiltanna), Browry (Bruree), Cul- ballysward (Howardstown), Karracnesy (Carnarrie, Cahernarry), Moynco (Croagh), Moymolcally (perhaps Keilnacailly, near Clarina Bridge), Grosser (Iveruss), together with the benefices held by Robert Dundonald, beside Rathkeale, and benefices in the lands of Richard de Cantilup and William Janitoris. How so many benefices were alienated from the diocese, and bestowed on English and Anglo-Irish monas- teries may be explained by the following transactions recorded in the Black Book. Walter Cropp,* who got a grant of land in 1199, including Carnarry, made a grant of the tithes and ■ecclesiastical benefices contained in it, to the monastery of St. Edmund, Athassel. 1 B.B.L., p. 77,. 2 Ibid., p. 80, year 1239. 3 Ibid., p. 75. 4 Ibid., p. 89. 134 THE DIOCESE OF LIMERICK. Some time before the year 1228, Robert Waspail ^ granted to the convent of Keynsham, for the good of his own soul, that of his wife Margaret, his ancestors and successors, the church of Rathkeale. with all its appurtenances as far as he was able to give them by right of advowson and being lord of the soil. It is likely many more Anglo-Norman settlers adopted a similar plan when they acquired a district and had it fairly under control ; then, as feudal lords, they were entitled to certain rights over the churches in their territory, which they exercised in favour of some monas- teries to which they were bound by special ties, like Roger Waspail and Walter Cropp. The whole of the diocese would seem, at this time to have passed completely under the swa^^ of the Normans ; even in all the Church lands the names that occur in the various legal documents of the period are all English. Hubert seems to have maintained friendly relations with Keynsham, as he bestowed upon it, with the con- sent of the chapter, the church of Askeaton,^ reserving one-third of the vicarage for the maintenance of a resi- dent vicar. Having large land possessions in the diocese, Hubert was of necessity mixed up with secular affairs. In maintaining the rights of the Church he was brought into conflict at least with one remarkable nobleman of the time, named Geoffrey De Marisco.^ Geoffrey was. nephew and heir of Montmorris, one of the first batch of invaders, and owned extensive territories in England, Leinster, and Munster. 1208. He led an army of the Irish and colonists against the Viceroy, for which he was pardoned, and his brother Richard, Bishop of Durham, and Chancellor 1 B.B.L., p. 74, at head of this Doc. Robert is given, but in body of it Roger. ^ Ihid., p. 35. 3 See Gilbert's Viccvoys of Ireland for a good account of this- nobleman. THE ORGANIZATION OF THE DIOCESE. I^S of England, became a confidential adviser to King John. 1215. The viceroyalty was first committed to him in the absence of the Archbishop, wiiich he held until 1221 A.D. when he was superseded, as he was unable to furnish a satisfactory account of the revenue of the country, and also as he failed to carry out other agree- ments entered into between him and the king. After Hubert became bishop, Geoffrey ^ paid homage to him for the lands of Kilmallock, Drethenetarse (Drehidtarsna), Kilcurly, Killonehan, Kylcoban, Kilkelbeg, and Kil- cremail, with their appurtenances, and promised to pay as yearly rent 33s. ^d. ; paying 20s. for Kilmallock, and 13s. for the other lands together with three pounds of wax to St. Mary's Cathedral, on the feast of the Assump- tion. 1226, Geoffrey 2 also had the manors of Adare and Knockainey, as he procured a patent for holding a yearly fair at his manor of Adare for eight days, from July 25th to August 1st, and at Knockainey, from 8th to the 15th of September. A dispute arose between him and the bishop, the exact nature of which is not disclosed, but Geoffrey inflicted grevious injury on the property of the diocese and tenants of the bishop. For this he and his son William, with their accompHces, were excommunicated by Hubert, Who applied to Rome to have the sentence confirmed. About the same time reports reached the Holy See that Hubert obtained the diocese of Limerick by unjust means, that he was a minus habens, and so wanting in knowledge that he was unable to discharge the duties of his office .^ Taking into account the fore- going quarrel the report would seem to be sent by ^B.B.L., p. 16-17, Kilturly is the spelling given in document. ^ S.C.D.I., year 1226. 3 Theiner Vetera Monumenta, pp. 27-46. 136 THE DIOCESE OF LIMERICK. Geoffrey, or some one under his influence, as a set-off against the complaints of the bishop. Grififin,'' Bishop of Lismore, was appointed by the Pope to enquire into the damage inflicted on the church of Limerick by Geoffrey and his accomphces, with in- structions to confirm the excommunication if the damages inflicted on the church were not repaired. The enquiry having been made, it was found by Griffin, on the authority of rehable witnesses, that Geoffrey in the first place injured as much as 3,300 head of cattle ; in the second place, Geoffrey, in the name of the church of Limerick had received 100 marks by quit claiming the ville of Kilmallock ; the annual income of said ville was 32 lbs. of silver and half a mark, and that for twenty years and more he detained said ville. He injured the tenants of Mungret, Donaghmore and other lands to the value of 100 lbs. of silver. The imprison- ment and other injuries which he inflicted on clergy and laity, and for which he contemptuously refused to com- pensate, was estimated at 800 marks. He, moreover, violated the sanctuary of the church of vSingland, by ejecting with force those that had taken refuge in it. The damage from this act was valued at 100 lbs. of silver. Griffin having found according to his instructions, that the sentence of excommunication formulated by Hubert was just, confirmed it. He also wrote to the king, beseeching him to avoid Geoffrey, as excommuni- cated. At the same time Hubert ^ wrote to the king praying that he would mercifully regard the oppressions and injuries brought upon the Church of Limerick by Geoffrey and his accomplices, for which he had to visit them with the severest punishments of the Church. ^B.B.L., p. 17. 2 S.C.D.I., year 1235. THE ORGANIZATION OF THE DIOCESE. I37 The fate of the father and son was remarkable- Wilham murdered, before the king's gate at Westminster, a priest, named Henry Clement, who was sent into England with certain complaints against him by Maurice Fitzgerald, then Justiciary of Ireland. For this crime he was outlawed, and, becoming desperate, he conspired against the life of the king. The assassin he employed to carry out his design was accidentally discovered under the straw of the royal bed, by Margaret Biset, one of the queen's maids, while at her devotions at midnight. William is next heard of in the island of Lundy. at the entrance of the Bristol Channel, where he success- fully maintained himself with a piratical band, for a time. But, like all who follow such a life, he was cap- tured, with sixteen of his associates, and ended his •days miserably on the gibbet. Earl,i Richard Marechal, " a learned and valiant knight, that virtue seemed to have vied with nature in his composition," quarrelled with the king, and came to Ireland to claim his possessions. The Irish barons egged on from England, entered into a conspiracy against him, with the hope of sharing in the confiscations of his vast estates. Geoffrey, now an old man, to better carry out the plot, joined the earl as one of his supporters when he landed in Ireland. He aided the earl in cap- turing Limerick after four days siege, and in recovering many of his castles that had been seized by orders of the king. A sham conference was arranged at the Curragh of Kildare, between the earl and the barons- A truce was proposed at the meeting, but the earl refused, acting on the advice of Geoffrey. Both sides then pre- pared for battle, but at a given signal, Geoffrey deserted his lord, taking with him most of the earl's army. Left on the field with only a few faithful knights, hke a true ' See Gilbert's Viceroys of Ireland. 138 THE DIOCESE OF LIMERICK. son of chivalry, he prepared to fight to a finish. He maintained his ground with great success, until his horse was disabled ; being then surrounded he was stabbed in the back. He was immediately conveyed to a neigh- bouring castle, where he died of his wounds. His death evoked a storm of indignation in England and Ireland. When matters cooled down the chief instigators were pardoned, but Geoffrey had to fly the country, and ended his days as an exile in Paris. " Piti- fully," says the chronicler, " yet undeserving of pity for his own treason against the earl and his son William against his king."i 1225. Hubert got permission from the king to have a weekly market every Tuesday, at his manor of Mungret, and also received letters of protection at this time from the king for two years. There is also a record extant that shows that he gave, with consent of the chapter, to John of Cornwall,''^ all the lands of Cloncourtha (Coleman's Well), Gortnetrossi, Kilcurnan, and Garron M'Rogeri to hold on the same terms as the preceding tenant. He received from Henry de Mynet the lands of BaUnmaked,^ B alindonelan, and other lands adjoining the manor of Drumdel (Toomdeely). Hubert had a long and eventful reign over the diocese and ably defended the rights of his church in very trying times. From references made to him while bishop, he seemed to be appreciated by his successors in office. He was many times reported to Rome and commissions appointed to investigate the charges. How far they were true we have now no means of judging, as there is no record surviving. He died in the year 1250, and was interred in the Dominican Convent. heading and Minitar in body of 1 See S.C.L )./., year 122 2 Ibid., p. 28, Mynet document. » Ibid. THE ORGANIZATION OF THE DIOCESE. I39 Robert of Emly (1251-1275).^ The chapter having obtained hcence from the king to elect a bishop selected Robert Neil, or Robert of Emly, as he is occasionally styled, and the following January he was put in possession of the temporalities of the see. He immediately commenced canonical 2 proceedings against the Prior of Athassel for the recovery of the churches of Mayncro (Croagh), Donaghmore, the bene- fices of Crewomayl, and the churches of Carnarthy, Rathsyward (Rathurd), Kilmuchorog (Kilmurry), Kil- bradran, and Kilcoleman, which had passed out of the diocese during the preceding bishop's reign. The Holy See commissioned the Bishop of Cloyne with others, to examine and decide the matter in dispute, with power to sub-delegate his authority to competent substitutes if not able to act himself. The bishop ap- pointed his delegates, vesting them with papal authority to try the case. They cited both parties to meet at the church of Ballycahane, where the matters in dispute would be investigated. After many sittings at the church of Ballycahane and the great church of Kilmallock, the ecclesiastical judges decided that the churches of Mayncro, Donaghmore, the benefices of Crewomayl, the churches of Carnarthy and Rathsyward should be given up to the Bishop of Limerick, and the monastery was allowed to retain for its use and benefit the churches of Kilbrathran, Kilmuchorog, and Kilcoleman. Then Robert granted Thomas de Wodeford, the dean, to augment his living, the churches of Cornarthy and Rathsyward. He was equally zealous in looking after the lands of the diocese, as there are many documents in the Black 1 See S.C.D.I. 2 B.B.L., pp. 80, 81 to 90, 10 1. 140 THE DIOCESE OF LIMERICK. Book relating to them, the principal of which are as follows, viz. : — A final agreement, 1 at the court of the king at Water- ford, before the judges itinerant, between Ceth le Greys and his wife, concerning the land of Clonbalitarsne. which is evidently the same as Knockbalytornse, alias Knocknabualy, now known as Knocknabooly, a town- land in the parish of Loughill. A final agreement made at the court ot the king, before the itinerant judges, between Robert and Andrew Fitzwalter, concerning thirty acres of land at Clonagh. The same between Robert and Margaret, wife of Tyrrell K^xdyi, concerning two carucates of land in Drumdell (Toomdeely). At the same court, and before the same judges, a final agreement between Robert and John le Person, concerning one and a-half carucates of land in Kilmurley and Kilfergus. 1257. A fii'ial agreement before the itinerant judges in the king's court. Limerick, between Robert and John de Inteberge, concerning twenty acres of land in Mungret. An agreement between Henry Mayting and Robert, concerning the presentation of Nantenan, before the itinerant judges in the king's court. Limerick. Richard Fitzwilliam restored to Robert the farm of CoUum. 1263. Thomas O'Regan,^ quit claimed to Robert the lands of Clonnawyl, in the burgess of the tenement of Clonshire. This is one of the very few Irish names that occur in any of the pleas relating to this period. About this time Robert Palmifer quit claimed to Robert his possession in the tenement of Kilscannell, 1 B.B.L., p. 8. This and following and some others are to be found in the B.B. from page 4 to 13, unless otherwise mentioned. 2 B.B., p. 43. THE ORGANIZATION OF THE DIOCESE. 141 which his mother and Robert Sexton received from Geoffrey De Marisco. There is also an agreement extant between the bishop and Reginald St. James, concerning certain lands in Caherasse, together with a fishery in the Maigue.^ 1267. The monastery of Molanfide, or Darnis Island, in the Blackwater, near Youghal, and in the diocese of Lismore, had possession of Dermoho (now Darragh), and granted to Robert and his successors free power of con- ferring half of all the fruits and oblations of this church on the vicar, reserving, however, the other half for the use and benefit of the monastery. From these records it would appear that Robert was a careful and successful administrator of the tem- porahties of the sec. He died in October, 1272. Gerald (1273-1301). After the death of Robert, the chapter of the diocese consisting of Thomas, dean ; Thomas,^ precentor ; Guydo, chancellor ; Richard Brice, treasurer ; Gerald, arch- deacon ; David Cornubiens, Henry Russel, Richard of Limerick, Nicholas De Wodeford, and John Fitzhugh, met at St. Nicholas Church, where they drew up a de- claration of the rights and liberties of the chapter, before proceeding to elect a bishop. They were as follows : — (i.) When the bishop visited the diocese in person, or his officers, they should not receive any procurations, or extort anything by exactions in the places they visited, as they had houses of their own in every part of the diocese to which they could conveniently resort. (2.) When the deanery became vacant, the dean was to be chosen by the election of the whole or the greater 1 B.B.L., pp. 106-113. 2 Ibid., p. 50 and foUowin,^. In this docummt the scribe seems to have mistaken nuUus for uUus. 142 THE DIOCESE OF LHIERICK. part of the chapter ; which election being made accord- ing to the canons, the bishop should ratify and confirm without contradiction. (3.) The bishop should not by any means confer the other dignities of the chapter on strangers when they should become vacant, but upon such of the canons as were remarkable for the regularity of their morals, and that should be done by the advice of the canons or the majority of them. (4.) When the lesser prebends became vacant they might be conferred by the bishop, with the advice of the canons, or the majority of them, on strangers ; but such only as were willing and able to relieve the church in its necessities, and defend it from unjust grievances. (5.) That no future bishop was to alienate in any manner, or transfer the lands of the church or its pos- sessions on any person without a previous treaty with the whole chapter or the greater part of it. (6.) That no bishop was to claim to himself the whole or any part of the common fund granted by pre- ceding bishops, or any others to the dean and chapter of the church of Limerick, or lessen it ; his right to admonish the dean, however, remaining in full force ; and that he should endeavour by all means in his power to enlarge the common fund, dignities, prebends, and their liberties. (7.) That ten chaplains, at least, should be main- tained in the cathedral church henceforth, who besides discharging the due service of the said church, shall be bound to say Mass daily for the living and deceased benefactors of the said church, to whom a competent stipend should be given, according to their merits, from the common fund, due to the chapter and canons by certain persons deputed by the said chapter for that purpose, and that the remainder be deposited in the treasury of said church, to be used for the defence of THE ORGANIZATION OF THE DIOCESE. I43 said church, and whatever share may remain over and above it should be reserved for the use and benefit of the canons. Lest the hberty granted to the dean and chapter by Hubert of happy memory, formerly Bishop of the Diocese, and which was enjoyed in his time and in the time of Robert, his successor, for forty years and more without contradiction, should seem to be lapsed by any dissimulation, we have thought it right to insert It in this present writ, viz. : — That the dean of the cathedral may be enabled freely to visit all the prebends belonging to the aforesaid church by his own authority, and at the time appointed by the law, so that no bishop may claim the right of visiting them either in person nor by his oi^cers. In order that these regulations should have a binding force, each one confirmed them by oath and also bound themselves by the same oath that if any of them were elected bishop, he would uphold the same rights and liberties by his authority, and procure the con- firmation of them by the Pope at the joint expense of himself and the chapter ; but if the bishop delayed to comply with the regulations he was to be branded with the infamy of perjury, and the dean and canons who abided by their oath were to be released from their obedience to him. 1272.1 Gerald, the archdeacon, was appointed bishop, and the king sent an order that the Archbishop of Cashel was to consecrate him. Sometime before the election Gerald was entrusted by the king with the temporalities of the diocese during the vacancy. As bishop 2 he confirmed the declarations of the chapter, and intro- duced some new laws. ' See S.C.D.I., year 1272. ^ B.B.L., p. 57. At p. 55 there are some new regulations re- garding the Diocese. 144 THE DIOCESE OF LIMERICK. There are a number of documents in the Black Book relating to his administration, chiefly referring to the temporal affairs of the diocese, which are here set out in detail : — William Fitzmartin ^ granted to him one carucate of land, lying near Kilmallock to the east, also Gerald Fitzmilon and Claria fil pagan, certain lands near the same town. 1274. John Penrys,2 senior, quit claimed to Gerald all his rights and titles in the whole tenement of Loughill, except two carucates, which he retained with the same rights and titles by which Thomas Browne held them from Robert, late Bishop. A final agreement was made between Hugh Purcell ^ and Gerald concerning half a carucate and thirty-two acres of land, 120 acres of wood, ten acres of turbary and their appurtenances, in Clon- lismore, Clonsderbasse, and Maycro. 1298. Maurice le Marescal,* quit claimed to the bishop the land of Ardagh. Adae Flander ^ quit claimed to Gerald whatever rights he possessed in the tenement of Clonylte, and Richard Flander conferred on the church of St. Mary the jus patronatus of the tenement of Magrany (Kiltanna, near Knockaderry). John Fitzgerald ^ quit claimed to the bishop, one and a-half carucates of land in the tenement of Tullach- bracy. During his episcopacy the cathedral received the following grants : — Thomas de Clare " bestowed on the dean and chapter 1 B.B.L., pp. 18, 19, 13. 2 Ibid., p. 32. ^Ibid., p. ii. * Ibid., p. 49. 5 Ibid., pp. 96, 92. 'i Ibid., p. 91. 7 Ihid., pp. 93, 97, 98, 99. THE ORGANIZATION OF THE DIOCESE. I45 the jus fatronatus of the church of Corkomoyd. After his death, his wife, Juhana, a daughter of Maurice Fitzgerald, late justiciary, quit claimed the same church as did John Fitzthomas, who acquired some right over it through his cousin Amabilia, who was sister to Juliana. One of the witnesses to this document was the Prior of Holy Trinity Monastery of Adare. When all these rights were obtained, Gerald united the rectory and vicarage for the benefit of the chapter. 1278. vSimon Fitzwalter,i rector, resigned the church of Crecora, situated in Ocholchur, which was handed over by the bishop to the dean and chapter. 1287. Gerald 2 made the church of Effin, in all its entirety, a prebend of the Church of Limerick, with the consent of the noble Maurice Rochfort, the true patron of said church. Maurice and his heirs should have the right of presenting a fitting priest as often as the prebend should become vacant, and that the bishop should receive him without hesitation or hindrance, and assign him his place in the chapter, reserving to himself the dean's and archdeacon's dues. In order that the aforesaid canon and prebend should have full liberty, the vicars serving in said church should have the whole and entire care of souls in the entire parish for the stipend reserved for their maintenance, and they were bound to personal and continual residence. Moreover, it was arranged that the two vicars should be maintained in the cathedral of St. Mary out of the property belonging to the church of Effin in such a way as that each of them should receive 60s. a year to say Mass every day for ever for the soul of Maurice and his deceased wife, his ancestors, successors. Lords Nicholas and Wilham de Clare, together with their brothers and 1 B.B.L., p. 44, see also 34. 2 Ibid., p. 111-113, also Memorials of Adare. 146 DIOCESE OF LIMERICK. relatives, as often as they shall not be appointed to other Masses, according to the regulations of St. Mary's ; and when deputed to other Masses, they shall say a special Collect for the above intention. In A.D. 1297 Gerald recovered from Robert Meigah (May), one messuage, one plowland, and 400 acres of wood, in the lands of Lisredy (near Loughill), which had been given to him by Robert, late bishop, without the consent of the chapter.* He died in the year 1301, after ruling the see for twenty years. Myles, Bishop of Limerick, grandson of the earl whose death is recorded by the Annals of the Four Masters at the year 1302, must be the same as Gerald le MarescalL- The person called the earl by the Irish annalists was evidently Earl Wilham Marshall. 1 See Ware's Bishops of Limerick, p. 507. 2 See Anns. Four Masters, vol. iii., p. 475. FACSIMILE OF PLAN OF LIMERICK CASTLE (circa 1611) From Pacata Hibernia, Dublin, 1810. The following arc the references:— A Three Round Towers that bear Ordinance; B, The New Bulwark, capable of 506 great peeces; C, Store House: D. Drawbridge; p]. The Aitche ; F, A bally Porte: G Part of Town Wall ; H. The Bridge owcr into Thoiuond ; I, Dores into Tower ; k", An ascent by staires to the footpath on ye wall ; L, A slope ascent to yc platforms on ye bulwark. [ face page 147. XTbirteentb Century. CHAPTER IX. THE AFFAIRS OF THE CITY. When the Normans (1194) became masters of the city they introduced the Enghsh form of government. For the first few years the citizens were governed by provosts, but after receiving a charter from King John in the year 1197, conferring on them the same rights and privileges as the citizens of Dubhn and Bristol ; they were em- powered to form a corporation, and elect a mayor and bailiffs — a form of government tliat has prevailed to our own time. It has been represented from its first appearance in history as a strongly fortified town, and in King John's reign a strong castle was erected and constables regu- larly appointed to guard it. During the vice-royalty of John de Gray (1210-1213), Bishop of Norwich, the citizens received a grant of forty carucates of land lying round the city. The exact posi- tion of these lands can now be accurately determined from an inquisition 2 which was held into the property of the corporation in the year 1615. From it we learn that sixteen carucates were situated at the Clare side of the Shannon, and the names of the townlands are much the same as at present. The following were the sixteen carucates at the Clare side, viz. : — Castleblake, or Castleblathac, as it was called in more 1 S.C.D.I. under year. 2 This inquisition is printed in a book relating to the Limerick Fishery Lawsuit, Maicomson versus O'Dea and Meany, The one I have studied and will be inserted in Appendix. Also in Fitzgerald's History of Limerick, vol. li.. Appendix No. 4, not complete. 148 DIOCESE OF LIMERICK. ancient documents, was granted by the citizens to Henry (1213-1228), Archbishop of Dubhn, who in turn granted it to one Matilda before her marriage with Wilham de Mariscis. When that nobleman became an outlaw the castle and lands were taken into the king's custod}^ In the year 1245 ^ Matilda petitioned the king to have the castle restored to her in right of her grant from the arch- bishop. In Petty's 2 Grant is is called Farranshone alias Castleblake, the name by which it is known at present. The castle has long since disappeared, but the site is still pointed out. Kilrush (part of North Circular Road), Farrangown, or Smithsland (Coolraine ?) Clowin-mackine, (Clon- macken). Four parcels of land, viz. : — Ardnegallag (Knock), Caherdavy (Caherdavin), Shanevolly (Shanabooloy), Fnr- rencoumarry (obsolete). Ballygadynan (Ballygrennan), Clonecunnon, or Cahernefinellic (Clonconane), Cownagh (Coonagh), Clownedrynagh (Clondrinagh), Bally Inaghtenmore (Ballynantymore), Moylish, Bally Inaghtenbeg (Bally- nantybeg). Prior's land, a part of the possessions of St. Mary's House, extending from the Strand Barracks towards Killeely, by the river. Farrenykelly, part of the glebe of Killeely. Knockinishin, Ballycanan, Capaghtiemore, Glenene- grosse, one ploughland in Frybeigh, Crattellaghmoel (Cratloe), Crattellaghkeil, Castledonnell, or Crauellagh- more, and Querenboy. The remaining twenty-four curacutes were situated at the Limerick side of the Shannon, and were, viz. : — 1 See S.C.D.I. 2 See Report of Commissioners of Irish Records (1821-1825). THE AFFAIRS OF THE CITY. 149 Ten caiiicates in Omayl (part of Knocknagaul), formerly granted to Edmund, Bishop of Limerick. The House of Lepers held one ploughland, Corbally, Bealus or Courtbrack (from the Redemptorist Church to the present race-course), Farrenygallagh (Rosbrien), part of Ratwyrd (Rathurd), small parcels lying near St. John's Gate, Park, Renbough (Reboge), Ballysyado (Ballysheedy), parcels called Dwylish, Ballymoldowyn, Rathmicheli, Rathbanc, Crewe Ivvally, alias Ballyclogh, Ardenevedoge. St. Mary's Priory held five carucates at this side of the river, now called South Priorsland, rmd includes that part of the city about the Dominican Church and whatever other part of St. Michael's parish is held by Lord Limerick, who, as a descendant of Sexton, in- herited the possessions of this religious house. The city, under the new order of things, greatly increased in population, and its limits had to be extended. The fortifications had also to be strengthened, if it were still to be of use as a stronghold in the heart of a country whose inhabitants were Irish, and ever ready, when opportunity offered, to shake off the yoke of the stranger. 1237.1 The king accordingly granted the customs of the city for six years to the " good men of Limerick," to enable them to carry out the projected works, at the same time reminding them that they ought to contribute more liberally their own money to such a praiseworthy- object. The list of the articles coming into Limerick that were taxed is interesting, as it gives us a far-away glimpse of the articles of commerce in those days, and are here set out, viz. : — For every crannock of wheat coming into the city on sale, \d. ; every crannock of oats, ^rd. ; every horse or cow, id. ; every four hogs, jd. ; every six sheep, id. ; 1 .S.C.D.I. 150 DIOCESE OF LIMERICK. every last of hides, 2od. ; every sack of wool, ^d. ; every hogshead of wine, 2d. ; every wey of iron, 2d. ; every cartload of lead, 2d. ; every truss of cloth or other mer- chandise, ^d. ; every crannock of salt, ^d. ; every cran- nock of wood, every wey of onions or cheese, ^.d. ; every hogshead of honey or butter, 4^. ; every mease of herrings^ hd. ; every horse burden of salmon, id. ; every hundred of wares, 2d. In 1252 a mint was established in the city for regu- larly coining money, which must have greatly facilitated commercial dealings, and greatly increased the pros- perity of the citizens who, judging from the names of the period, were a medley of many nations. 1274.1 At the latter end of this century their pros- perity would seem to be on the decline, as they were forced to petition the king to relieve them from certain grievances, viz. — (i) They received from ^Maurice Fitzgerald, who was justiciary in the year 1244, a certain weir in the Shannon at Limerick, for three years, and no longer ; since then they were compelled to pay for and maintain the weir, very much against their will. (2) That the forty carucates they held without the city had been encroached upon by the Irish, who took away all the " fruits and uses " of it, and they were no longer able to pay the rent, which was £40 per year. (3) James de Aldideleg and other justiciaries took several prizes from the citizens, and no compensation had been made to them. (4) When Richard de la Rokel, a former justiciary, with other magnates of Ireland, were in Limerick for the purpose of suppressing the Irish, the city took fire and was burned. To recoup them for their loss on that occasion it was decided that each county of Ireland 1 S.C.D.I. THE AFFAIRS OF THE CITY. 151 under English rule would contribute twenty marks to cover the damage. King Edward ordered Geoffrey de Genvylle, then justiciary, to hold an inquisition into the alleged griev- ances, and forward to him the result of the enquiry. The inquisition was held immediately by a jury of the citizens on their oath, who furnished a very full and accurate report, which confirmed the truth of the griev- ances already brought under the notice of the king. The report was despatched by the viceroy to the king, advising him to confer some favour on the citizens, as the city held an important place against the enemy, and suffered much in the past from the Irish, also from the " prizes " taken by the justiciaries. In a few years the king released them from the burden of the weir, and set it to a tenant. In 1291 ^ he granted them a charter in answer to their petition, and set out definitely the privileges and liberties of the city. It is stated that the charter of Dublin was examined to know exactly what the privileges were, and are now mentioned in detail for the Limerick citizens, viz. : — That no citizen of Limerick shall plead without the walls of the city to any plea except pleas of exterior tene- ments which do not appertain to the court of the hundred of said city, and that they be quieted of murder within the bounds of said city, and that no citizen engage in duel in the same city, or any appeal which anyone may make against him, but shall clear himself by the oaths of forty men of the same city who are legal, and for the advantage of said city to be built upon. The citizens were allowed to have the annual fair, as heretofore, from the eve of St. James the Apostle and twelve subsequent days, with all the liberties and free customs pertaining to such a fair. 1 S.C.D.I. Xlbirteentb Centui*v\ CHAPTER X. THE ANGLO-NORMAN MANORS IN THE DIOCESE. There are only a few records extant relating to the Anglo-Norman settlements in the coimtr}^ portion of the diocese, in the close of the twelfth and beginning of the thirteenth century, and these principally refer to places near the city. Though there are no records to show when they first secured a permanent footing in the county, it is evident that they must have acquired fixity of tenure in the early part of this century, as there is evidence of a well established form of government and observance of law, as it was known in those times. However, it is only in the latter half of the century that we are able to get any definite information regarding the families and the lands they possessed. This information is supplied by inquisitions taken during the minority of the heirs of certain manors, which were taken into the king's hands initil the minors arrived at their majority. The Geraldincs. The first of the noble family of the Gcraldines who settled down in the County Limerick, and laid the foundations of the house of Desmond, was Thomas Fitzmaurice,! who died in the year 1215. He left a son and heir, John Fitzthomas,^ whose wardship and marriage was purchased from the crown by 1 See Earls of Kildare by Marquis of Kildare ; .ilso I,ynch's View of the Legal Institutions, etc., in Ireland, p. 232, etc. 2 S.C.D.I. THE ANGLO-NORMAN MANORS IN THE DIOCESE. I53 his mother for 5,000 marks. The following year it was granted to Thomas Fitzanthony, Seneschal of Leinster, and County Waterford, where he had large estates. Fitz- anthony died in 1229, leaving one daughter, who married John Fitzthomas while in ward. John at the time of the marriage seems to have been of age, as he received a summons from the king to attend him, with other nobles of England and Ireland. In 1232 1 he is entered as paying the relief due on his wife's share of her father's inheritance, and also for paying some debts due to the Crown by his father-in-law. In 1244 a grant was made to him and his heirs for ever of free chase and warren through his estates in Okonyl (Connelloe). No one had the right of entering on these privileges without his or his heirs' permission. Being (1258) now well secured in his Limerick estates, he resolved to extend his possessions by annexing some of Thomond, then in the patrimony of the O'Briens. He gathered his retainers, and entered that country, where he effected a temporary settlement, but the turmoil and confusion that followed not only rendered his acquisition of little value, but endangered the inde- pendence of the city of Limerick. When Prince Edward obtained the Lordship of Ireland from his father (1260), Fitzthomas crossed over to England, and succeeded in obtaining from that prince the lands of Decies and Desmond, together with the castle of Dungarvan. After a long and eventful career he was slain in an engagement with the MacCarthys, at Callan,2 near Kenmare, and with him fell his son, Maurice Fitzjohn who, by Matilda de Barry, his wife, left one son, Thomas Fitzmaurice,^ a mere infant. 1 See S.C.D.I., where most of the mformation relating to this lamily is found, unless otherwise mentioned. 2"i26i Anns. Four Masters, see vol. iii., p. 382, note. 3 See Gilbert's Viceroys of Ireland. 154 DIOCESE OF LIMERICK. When the news of the defeat reached Tralee the child's nurses fled in terror from the castle. A large domestic ape took the deserted baby to the roof of the castle and round the battlements, to the great dismay of the spectators, and afterwards placed him tenderly in his cradle. From this circumstance the boy as he grew to manhood was called by the Irish, Thomas N'Apa» or Thomas of the Ape. This is said to account for the ape in the Geraldine arms. The MacCarthys followed up their victory by invading the Geraldine territory, and levelled their castles in Kerry. Then they proceeded into the County Limerick and wasted their possessions in Ui Conaill Gabhra, also burned and levelled the castles there and put their English warders to death. During the minority of Thomas his lands were taken into the king's custody. When he became of age, in the year 1282, he prayed restoration of his inheritance. The king ordered an inquisition to be held concerning the lands occupied by his grandfather, John, whose heir he was. It was found that he held vast estates in the counties of Kildare, Waterford, Cork, Kerry, and Limerick. He held in the County Limerick a cantred in Cunyl (Connelloe), called Shamnede (Shanid) of the king, i)i^ capite, for the service of two knights, worth at the time of his death, ;^ioo. Half a theodum (tuath) at Glenogra, which he held of Maurice Fitzgerald, 1 for the service of one knight and suit at the court of AUecath (Athlacca), also Welese of the citizens of Limerick. This account of his possessions in the county seems to be imperfect, as the roll from which they were copied was much injured by damp. Thomas was put into possession of the vast property 1 i.e. of the Kildare branch. THE ANGLO-NORMAN MANORS IN THE DIOCESE. 155 of his grandfather, and then married Margaret de Burgh, daughter of the Earl of Ulster. He was trained to arms under Thomas de Clare, who was continually at war with the Irish. He went into England and spent some time at Court, where he was a great favourite with the king and nobles of the realm. He was frequently summoned by the king, together with other nobles to assist him in his foreign wars. Having been specially summoned in the year 1287 to assist the king, he wrote to the Bishop of Bath, pleading as an excuse for his non-attendance, that the Irish were greatly elated at the Welsh war, and some of them having raised war, it was absolutely necessary for him to remain in Ireland during the winter. He was also a great favourite among the magnates of Ireland, as they selected him to fill the office of Justiciary of Ireland (1295) until such time as the king was able to make an appointment. He died in Caislen Nua O'Conaill (Newcastle West) "after the carrying away of victory from Devil and from world," in the vigour of his youth, at the age of thirty-eight, in June, 129S, and was buried in Tralee. ^ After his death an inquisition was taken of his estates, and their value being ascertained they were taken into the king's custody, and leased to suitable tenants during the minorit}^ of his son and heir. It was found he had four manors in the County Limerick, viz., Shanid, Nov^o Castro (Newcastle West), Killyde, and Glenogra, showing thereby that he considerably augmented the lands he inherited from his grandfather. The manor - was of Norman origin, and introduced by them into England after the Conquest (1066). William I after being securely established on the English throne is said to have parcelled out certain circuits of 1 See Clery's Pedigree, Jouy. R.S.A.I., vol. v., 4th series. 2 See Jacob's Lau' Dictionary. 156 DIOCESE OF LIMERICK. land to his barons, or men of like worth, for themselves and their heirs, to dwell upon and exercise such juris- diction in these territories as the king thought fit to grant them, for which the}^ were bound to render certain services and to pay certain rents as specified in the grant. The barons that held their lands in this manner from the king were said to hold them in capite. They in turn let the lands of the manor thus acquired to other tenants, who were subject to them as lords of the manor, and were composed chiefly of two classes, called free tenants and Betagii.^ The free tenants held their lands subject to a nominal rent, and were generally obliged to do suit in the court of the manor. They acted much like our magistrates now in the petty sessions courts. The Betagii, .who were generally Irish, were allowed to hold land in their native districts under the new rulers as serfs, and their position was similar to that of vellein tenure in England. They belonged to the lord of the soil. When he wished to dispose of his property for convenience or gain, they passed as part of the assets to the in-coming lord, as we shall see. When the Anglo-Normans succeeded in becoming proprietors of large districts in the county, they estab- lished the feudal system, which was that of a victorious army quartered in a conquered country. In examining the formation of the manor, it will be found that the old Celtic divisions were left unchanged, and through the vicissitudes of time still retain many of their ancient characteristics. This, of itself, is a clear indication of the well- organized government and high pitcli of civilization that existed among the ancient Irish, as the essence of 1 A deduction from the reading of S.C.D.T., and is exemplified in following Inquisitions. THE ANGLO-NORMAN MANORS IN THE DIOCESE. 157 a well ordered society is respect for individual rights. This fact alone must have exerted a great influence in making the Norman grow accustomed to Irish ideals. In adopting the Irish divisions and sub-divisions of land, they must often have disputes among themselves about boundaries and other rights attached to parti- cular divisions. The natives, who alone possessed the knowledge requisite for deciding such disputes, were naturally consulted. Daily intercourse of this kind must have been a powerful though silent factor in wedding the foreigner to the manners and customisof the native. A,,-.,, - <\^r ., . V-.. -.. 't.i: *■* - aS: ^.:- SHAMD CASTLE. The Manor of Shanid.^ This manor, as has been remarked, was the ancient home of the Geraldines in the county. This inquisition gives a very minute account of the internal organization of the manor, as well as the relative positions of the Norman and the Irish under the manorial lord. i.S.C.D./., 1298. 158 DIOCESE OF LIMERICK. Demesne Lands. — After the death of Thomas, in 1298, a jury was sworn to lind out the exact value of his various manors. They found in the Manor of Shanid that there was 360 acres of arable land, which they valued at 6d. per acre. 16 acres of meadow and 2 acres at Adlen at 6d, per acre. From pasture and park nothing could be received as no one would rent pasture there. There was 9 acres of arable land beside the demesne called Kilbecan, which they valued at 4s. 6d. per year. Total, £g 13s. 6d. The Lands held by the Irish. — The Irish held three-quarters of land at Adthe (Athea), which was value for 40S. in time of peace ; Manchmore (Banemore), 40s. in time of peace ; half a quarter at Ballauchdram lying waste and producing nothing, because it lies among the Irish. These townlands comprised the country lying between Ballyhahill and Athea, evidently inhabited by Irish enjoying their own laws and a certain amount of independence. The following townlands were scattered through the manor, and generally contained the worst lands : — Half a quarter at Clouncarnan (obsolete), value 13s. 4d. per year. Cloinclouthny (on Knockpatrick hill), value 13s. 4^. per year. Half quarter at Tolauhariter, value i mark per year. One quarter at Funnath (Finnoe), value 26s. 8^. per year. Half quarter at Ballimalys (Ballynash), value 20s. per year. Bally coman, value i6s. Sd. per year. Parcels of land at Sangenauth and Goaitroyth, value 40s. yer year. Ballyboher and Knockeveny, value los. per year. THE ANGLO-NORMAN MANOKS IN THE DIOCESE. 159 Garran (a townland near Foynes, obsolete), value 16s. per year. Crag, value lO marks per year. Small parcel held by the smith, near Castle, value 2s. per year. Total, £19 los. Free Tenants.— John Fitzjohn,i half a tuath in Glancorby (parish of Glin), for 20s. when royal service was proclaimed, and does suit at court. John Clouthram and Thomas Crispin, 12 acres at Kerwenger, rendering 6s. 8d., and does suit. Margery Goer, half tuath at Robert's Castle (now Robertstown), 20s. when royal service is proclaimed, and also pays 5s. rent. Raymond de Valle (Wall), two parts of a moiety of I tuath in Dunmoylan, for los. when royal service is proclaimed, and does suit ; he also renders for Ballyrng (Bally roe) 24s. 6d. Robert de Lees, half tuath in Lysmuir (Lismakery ?), for 20s., and does suit. John Fitzjohn, a third part of half a tuath in Mohyrgan (Morgans), for 20s. when royal service is proclaimed, and does suit. Maurice of London, half a carucate in Tilauthaneshan, rendering 2s. per year, and does suit. Gilbert de Laundry, half tuath in Monitirdryan 2 (parish of Kilbradran), renders nothing, but does suit. Robert de Valle, i carucate at Ballyethan (Ballyane), renders 26s. 8d., and does suit. The heirs of William Rothelan, half a carucate at Kylcroscran (Kilcosgrave), renders 26s. Sd.'' to the Bishop of Limerick, to acquit part of the demesne lands charged with the rent of the bishop. 1 Ancestor of the Knights of Glin. 2 See Peyton's Survey. l6o DIOCESE OF LIMERICK. Robert, son of Robert Purcell^ half tuath in Rath- ronan for 20s., when royal service was proclaimed, John Gradok, i carucate at Carnhousteragh (Caher- nagh), los. when royal service is proclaimed, and does suit. The heirs of David de Capella, 3 curacates at Dun- geygh (Dmicaha), rendering 3s. at Easter, and does suit. Henry de Capella, i carucate in Ardryn (Ardaneer ?), rendering 2s., and does suit. Thomas Boscher, half carucate, at Gortmolkeran (part of Morgans ?), rendering 4s. -^d. per acre, and does suit. Henr}' Fitzrobert, half carucate at Balligaveryn (was near Foynes), rendering 12^. per year, without suit. Milo Bozon, half a carucate ^ in Ogawyr (Glenagower) without rent, and does suit. Total service, /6 ; total rent, £4 i8s. M. There is a garden with its curtilage (a plot belonging to a dwelhng), valued at 6s. 8^. Hand mills, per year, 6s. Sd. Pannage,2 55. 8(i. Perquisites of court, with heriots,^ fines, and pay- ments of Irish, are valued at 40s. There are no works of Betagii because they are charged with rent for works, gifts, and presents. There is nothing from warrens, because the rabbits are destroyed by foxes. A mill at Newgrange, 13s. ^d. Total, £4 6s. yd. ; total of totals, £38 8s. lod., where- from was subtracted 8s. paid yearly to the Bishop of ' Carucate ^ 120 acres. See Glossary S.C.D.I. (1285-1292), p. 668. 2 The food which swine feed upon in the woods as the mast of beech, acorns, etc. See Jacob's Law Dictionary. 3 Heriot the best beast, whether horse or cow, that the tenant dies possessed of, due and payable to the Lord of the Manor, etc. See Jacob's Law Dictionary. THE ANGLO-NORMAN MANORS IN THE DIOCESE. l6l Limerick by Thomas, for land which his grandfather granted to the nuns of O'Konyl {i.e. St. Catherine's, near Shanagolden), and 26s. 8d. paid to the same bishop to acquit land of demesne which Thomas held of him there , total, 34s. 8d. The manor is worth for the king's use, £7,6 14s. 2d. clear. The Manor of Novo Castro {Newcastle West). This manor comprised the ancient tuaths of O'Bathyn and Corco' Oighe, which are substantially the same as the present poor-law parishes of Newcastle West, Monagea and Abbeyfeale. In this inquisition they are not separately referred to except the sergeancy of each. We have a better knowledge of the topography of this manor, it seems more desirable to group the townlands under the old divisions. Taking O'Bathyn first, the jury found that the castle and buildings inside the wall, as well as those without, were of no value, as it was necessary to devote larger sums to their upkeep than can be levied from them. Free Tenants.— Geoffry Roberts and Robert le Blund held half-quarter of land, at Deryndromcarme (Derrin, near Athea), rendering 24s. 8^. per year, and doing suit at court. Wilham Dundonenald, half-quarter in Glyngowyn (Glenagown), at 2d. per year, and does suit. William Toost, 10 acres in Lysmatleth (now obsolete), without suit. Phihp Fitzralph and Adam de Portesbury, 24 acres in Le Nanagh, in later times this was called Le Granagh, and was the name of a large district running from Ash- grove over the hill to Athea, and comprised several townlands. Farmers. — There was 40 acres in Donaly (Dooally), M l62 . DIOCESE OF LIMERICK. formerly held by Philip Fitzrobert, valued at Sd. per acre, total, £2 6s. 8d. Lands of Betagii. — A quarter of land at Addouan (in Athea district), value in time of peace, 13s. 4^. A small parcel at Glengort (near old mill), valued at 2s. Quarters of land at Rouscathmore (Rooska) and Rouscathbeg, valued at £8. Berne (Ballynabearna), 60s. Asdare (Glennestar), 40s. Doukone Wall, alias Dowathkatyn (Doocatten), 13s. 4d. Lystenbretenauch, ahas Lysnebrannagh, situated at the foot of Rooska Hill, but now obsolete, 40s. Ballycoure, alias Ballemenyth (Ballinena), 60s, Duffaly (Dooaly) excepting the 40 acres above, 40s. Ballyurfin, alias Ballyhursynte, Baleferris, now Bally- pierce, 4 marks. Ballyhathern, near same place, 4 marks. Kylordan (Kilrodane), (^4. Corco' Oighe, Free Tenants. — Robert Hackett, 3+ carucates at Glenhom (Glenquin), rendering an i^., with suit. Richard de London, i quarter at Knockbrack. Richard de Valle, i carucate at Kilcapley (obsolete), rendering 26s. 8d., without suit. Ismaena Coterel, i carucate at Anecroygh' (Ardna- crohy), renders nothing but does suit. The Lands of the Betagii. — Kilconleithe (Kil- conlea) and Knockrathdermot (the old name of the coimtry lying round ]\Iouiit Collins, and is still the legal name for Ballybeg, 20s.) THE ANGLO-NORMAN MANORS IN THE DIOCESE. 163 Drnmrathnauch (Drumtrasna), 40s. A parcel of land at Seskenledan (Sesken), ^s. Kylmacsnehyn (obsolete), £4. Dowyll/ known in Elizabeth's time as Drumros, Dowyll, the last and oldest part disappeared, and is now known as Dromroe. Rathneconyr, obsolete, but was on the mountain near Glenquin Castle, 20s. Ballydaly (perhaps Ballydahy), 5 marks. Ballygarwyth, alias Ballyogarwith (Ballymorrough), 40s. Gortinore, obsolete, 6s. 8^. Forty acres at Fethbeg and Fethmore, each of which was valued at 8d. per year ; where these townlands were situated I do not know. Such are the principal divisions of the manor arranged under the old tuaths, and in arranging them I have followed the Rentyl of O'Conaill. s. d. The mill at Newcastle was valued at . . 6 8 Ardauch (Ardagh) ,, . . 6 8 Hand mills „ I3 4 Sergeancy - of O'Bathan ,, . . 20 o „ Corkoygh „ . . 6 8 Pannage ,, • - 10 0 Perquisites of court, as well English as of Irish, and as well of Newcastle as of Killyde, lOOs., which clearly shows the Irish living in this manor and Killyde enjoyed their own laws side by side with the English. Perquisites of the court of the hundred at Ardagh, 6s. 8^. Prisage (what the lord claimed, usually one-tenth), as well of flesh as of ale of Newcastle, 2s. per year. The cottagers of Newcastle held i6|- acres at 41s. per year. iSee Peyton's Survev. ^ A rent receiver {Peyton Survey), 164 DIOCESE OF LIMERICK. There are at Ballydonly (obsolete) 30 acres, which was vakied at 20s. per year. At Kilnehalyn (Killeehne) a parcel of land at 2S- per 3^ear. Tulauchaylin, 4 acres held by Campdin le Tailor, valued at 2s. 8d., and parcels at Clonkille, valued at 2s., ^and Gortloman at i2d. per year. All these townlands are in the vicinity of Newcastle but now forgotten. The heirs of Thomas de Clare held i tuath in Moy- cavenagh (Mahoonagh), at 20s. when royal service was proclaimed. This would indicate that De Clare held the manor of Mahoonagh as a fief from Fitz- maurice. The church of Newcastle, with the vicarage, was yearly worth lOOs, The church of de Agath (now in ruins in the townland of Appletown), with its chapels, ;jrio. The church of Mahoonagh, with vicarage, 10 marks.. The church of Mo^mcroo^ (Croagh), 20 marks. All four the gift of the fee. The Manor of Killyde {Killeedy). This manor embraces the old tuath of Cleanglass, the ancient home of the O'Cuilens, lords of Hy Connail, the last of whom perished in 1266, In this inquisition it forms a part of the Geraldine estates. The Free Tenants. — John Thomond, half-quarter at Louath (locally known as Lougig, and lay in the eastern part of Killeedy parish), pays 20s., and does suit. Alan de Nangle, i tuath in O'Donwys — a name now obsolete — rendering 20s. when royal service was pro- claimed, and does suit. 1 The patronage of this church belonged to the Earl of Devoa (the successor of Desmond in this manor). THE ANGLO-NORMAN MANORS IN THE DIOCESE. 165 The heir of John Hervey held half-quarter at Agag and Hermyston, rendering 6s. 8d., and does suit. Lands of Betagii : — Levathmore, alias Levimore, now Hernsbrook Kentowyer (Kantogher), half-quarter Ballidouan ( Bally duhig) i quarter Agag (now Appletown) i quarter Ballyowen, i parcel Balauch (Ballaugh), half-quarter Kilkenro (Kilcoora) parcel Gortrichard, parcel . . Fynglass (now included in Ballylanigan) i quarter Gorreveran Clonderrawn A parcel of orchard land, valued at Cottages near the castle The mill, valued at Serge ancy There is a demesne, 180 acres of arable land, valued at 6d. per acre, 6 acres of meadow, at 6d. per acre per year, and no pasture. Total of totals, /20 15s. s. d. 4 0 4 0 40 0 10 0 30 0 10 0 3 4 20 0 4 0 13 4 3 0 0 12 4 0 6 8 The Manor of Glenogra. The jury found that there was in demesne in this manor, 300 acres of arable land, and valued each acre at 8^. per acre ; 14 acres of meadow at ^d. per acre ; a pasture within the demesne for oxen and cows ; another at le Calgauthe, the herbage of which is valued at i6s. A small grove, from which the lord can obtain nothing except brambles and rods for ploughs, and value for nothing ; a carucate of land at Dromnecarry (Drominy- carra) partly arable and partly meadow, together with the neighbouring pool, value £4 per year ; 3 carucates of land at le Crethan (Crean), held by Betagii, and valued l66 • DIOCESE OF LIMERICK. . at £i2- The Betagii render for hand mills, 14s, per year. Total, £2"] 14s. 8^. Free Tenants. — William of London holds 4 caru- cates in Cahergilmore, and pays los. when royal service is proclaimed, and does suit at the court of Glenogra. Archibald Fitztankard, Philip Slane, Thomas Maunsel, and Nicholas le Blund, hold i^ carucates in Kyldere (Kilderry), for 5s. when royal service is proclaimed, and does suit at court, each holding an equal portion. The burgesses of the roll of Glenogra hold 6 carucates of land in burgages, and pay 119s. per year. They are also obliged to do suit at the court of the Hundred. PER YEAR s. d. There is a water mill, which is valued at . . . . 30 o A garden „ . . ..50 Pannage ,, . . ..68 There are six pools, the fishery of which is worth 7 10 Turbary . . , . . . . . . . ..40' Perquisites of court Foreign, with heriots . . ..68 Perquisites of the court of the Hundred . . ,.68 Sergeancy . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 4 Total of totals, i^^j 14 4 Except when royal service was proclaimed, then 40s. is to be paid to Agnes de Valence, at Athleckath (Athlecca), showing thereby that Glenogra was a fief of that manor which belonged to the Kildare branch of the family. Manors of Thomas De Clare. ^ About two miles south-east of Newcastle West, on the right bank of the Deel, and on a gentle swell of 1 See a series of interesting essays, " Normans in Thomond," Journal R.S.A.I., vol. i., fifth serise, pp. 284, 387, 462. by T. Westropp, M.A. The references to original documents are accurately, given. THE AXGLO-NORMAX MANORS IN THE DIOCESE. 16/ the plain, stands the village of Mahoonagh, popularly known as Castlemahon. At the eastern end of the village street are to be seen the ruins of the castle which was the seat of the manor. Though its halls no longer ring with the clash of arms or resound with the noise of feasting and revelry, still in the distance it preserves the stately grandeur and bold outline of bygone glory. At the time the present inquisition was taken the manor belonged to Thomas de Clare, who in his day was a remarkable figure in Irish history. He w^as son of Richard, Earl of Glouster, and Governor of London, where he became a personal friend of Edward L Thomas obtained Hcence to settle in Ireland as early as 1269, but did not carry out his intention until Edward returned from the Holy Land. 1274. On his .arrival in Ireland he obtained the custody of the castle and county of Limerick. Shortly after he married Juliana the daughter of Maurice Fitzgerald, third baron of Offaly. This marriage brought him large estates in County Limerick, and gave him a high social standing among the English colonists. He succeeded in getting a grant of Bunratty, in Clare, which was formerly granted to Muscegross, who sur- rendered his claim to it on receiving a valuable consideration from De Clare. Just at this time the O'Briens quarrelled among themselves, and according to the old cus:om, the weaker side sought the aid of the enemy who generally succeeded in seizing the inheritance of both. Brien Roe, the then King of Thomond, having been expelled from his kingdom by his nephew, came to De Clare, Governor of Linierick, to aid him in regaining his territory. De Clare immediately consented, and one night mustered the English and Irish retainers under the Fitzgeralds, Butlers, himself, and O'Brien at the Thomond gate l68 DIOCESE OF LIMERICK. of the city, and marched into Clare. Thus com- menced a war which lasted many a year with varied success, and finally culminated in the ruin and extinction of the De Clares at the battle of Dysert O'Dea. The united army marched to the palace of the ursurper, whom they put to flight. Nothing daunted, however, he again returned and entered Tradree, where he en- countered De Clare's expedition. After a hard-fought battle they separated, leaving the issue doubtful, though a great number were slain on both sides, among the number De Clare's brother-in-law, Patrick Fitzmaurice. On the evening of this battle Brian Roe was the guest of De Clare at Bunratty, and while sharing his hospitality he was treacherousl}^ seized and put to death at the instigation of JuHana, De Clare's wife. The treacherous and cruel death that was inflicted on O'Brien leaves a deep stain on the memory of De Clarej The O'Briens shortly after made peace among themselves. De Clare taking advantage of the quiet- ness of the times passed into England to look after his interests in that country. On his return he was much enraged at the ravages that were made in his territory of Bunratty by the O'Briens during his absence. He quickly assembled his forces and again marched into Thomond to chastise his old enemies who were prepared to meet him. Both armies met on the old battle ground on the borders of Tradree v>^here De Clare fell a victim to the formidable battle-axe of his rival, Thorlough, on the 27th of August, 1287. His body was recovered and buried in the Franciscan monastery in the city of Limerick. The Government immediately held an inquisition into his property, and to this we are indebted for the very full and interesting information that has come down to us relating to Mahoonagh. THE ANGLO-NORMAN MANORS IN THE DIOCESE. 169 The Manor of MaJwonagh. The jurors met on the 27th September, 1287,^ and found that there was in the manor of Moyavenach (Mahoonagh) 150 acres of arable land in demesne, value for 8d. per acre, five acres they valued at 3d. per acre, a moor containing 5 acre which they valued at 5^., a wood containing 2 carucates of land yearly worth for sale 6s. 8d., the pasture of this wood is worth nothing. Total £6 2s. id. Free Tenants.— Henry Capella held 7 carucates of land in Magne (Meane) and Gerbally (Garbally), pays one sparrow-hawk or 4^. and does suit. Maurice de Lee i carucate at Cromman now obsolete but was the name of a district lying round the old, church of Aughsh, pays one sparrow hawk or 6d. and does suit. The heirs of Maurice Fitzmaurice i carucate in Clon- more (Cloonmore), pays 6s. 8d. and does suit. David Capella, 3 carucates at Athmolk (Ahawilk), pays 2s. and does suit. John Fitzjohn, i carucate at Le Wath. This word beginning with a " w " but should be an " r, " as further down Wathbraly is evidently Rathfreeda tracing it through the various documents. This being so Le Wath would now be Shanrath near the village of Castle Mahon. It paid los. and the owner does suit. The heir of Maurice Fitzmaurice, 40 acres at Gortsta (Gortscagh), pays los. and does suit. Walter Flemyng 5 carucates at Cresdire alias Dyrre, perhaps Knocka- derry, pays 4s. 6d. and does suit. Richard le Norreys, I carucate at Wathbruly (Rathfreeda), Adam le Cantillon 5 carucates m Ardsynan. This name is sometimes 1 See S.C.D.I. lyO; . DIOCESE OF LIMERICK. written Ardfynan, and was in the parish of Clonelty^ but now forgotten. It may be included in the town- land of Ballinoe. It pays 20s. when royal service is proclaimed, . and Contillon does suit at court. The Lands of Betagii. — This portion of the inquisition is imperfect, as some of the names of the townlands are obliterated. There were seventeen Betagii of Olechaunys, O'Molcorkris (Corkery), O'Cassiis (Casey), O'Cathsochiis and others, and English rent payers who held an carucate of land in Kilredyr (Kilready), i carucate . . . and Balidelan, i carucate in Baliargie, i carucate in Clon- ker3m and Moulene (Cloonsherrick and Moanleana), each of these carucates was valued at 2 marks and their works 20S. a year. Pannage 2s. a year, pleas and perquisites 10s. a year, total of totals £15 os. 2d. In the return of the Betagii we have the names of some of the Irish that held in that tenure. It is interesting to find that up to a few years ago a family named Casey lived in Cloonsherrick, and many of them are still to be found in the neighbouring townlands. Ayne (Knockainey)} This manor formerly;belonged to Geoffry de Marisco but after his lands were escheated it passed to the king who ordered that it should form a part of Queen Elinor's dower if she should survive the king (1253). The next year it was granted to Godrey de Lezignan who was to hold it from the king by the service of three knights. He having been informed that it was intended for the queen's dower at once resigned it (1262). Later on, however, it was granted to Warrin de Bassingburn,. 1 See S.C.D.I. THE AXGLO-XORMAX MANORS IN THE DIOCESE. I7I and he gave it to Thomas de Clare in exchange for lands in England. This manor lay round the hill of Knockainey, and extended to Lough Gur, the details of which are outside the scope of this work. The Manor of Corcomoydc {Corcomohide). This manor though belonging to De Ciare is not given among his lands in this inquisition. It lay to the east of Mahoonagh, and as early as 1283, De Clare obtained patent for a market to be held there every Thursday. Juliana, the wife of De Clare, objected to Walter de Haye, Escheator of Ireland, taking this manor into the king's custody. She went before the justiciary, and stated that it was her marriage portion. There and then, an inquisition was taken in presence of the escheator, with the result that Juliana established her claim. Soon after Amabilia, sister of Juliana, came before the justices on circuit in County Limerick, and sued Juliana for half the manor as being her right in as much as the manor belonged to their father, Maurice, now deceased. Amabilia succeeded in recovering the moiety, and then enfeofed her cousin, John Fitzthomas, who held it for eighteen months. Juliana appealed to the higher court, and succeeded in making good her case by pro- ducing the original charter which stated that Maurice Fitzgerald granted to Thomas de Clare for his homage and services the manor of Corcomoyde. This lawsuit may explain why it is not included in this inquisition. Reyns. There is mention made of a manor of Reyns, but the names of the townlands are not given, and I am unable to say if it were identical with Reens between Rath- 172 DIOCESE OF LIMERICK. keale and Newcastle. The most remarkable thing mentioned in connection with it is, that there were three turbaries there. If it is the same Reens as above, the cutting away of the turf would account for the low lying land which is constantly flooded during the winter by the Deel. The Manor of Rathgel {Rathkeale). The earliest reference to the Manor of Rathkeale is to be found in the Black Book. It is there stated that Robert Waspayl,i granted sometime between 1212-1228 the church of Rathkeale to the abbey of Keynsham, Somersetshire, as lord of the soil. From this we may infer that Robert at the time of the grant was in peaceable possession of this manor. His name occurs as early as the year 1203, in the State papers as witness to documents, and seemed to be held in great esteem by his fellow colonists. He also had large possessions in the County Carlow. At his death he was succeeded by his son, Henry, who died young without issue, and the property passed to the next brother Roger. 1251. This is the one who was granted free warren in his manor at Rathkeale. There is another document in the Black Book relative to an argeement between him and Matthew, parson of Rathenesuer 2 (Rathnaseer), in which it is stated that Roger gave in the district of Escamb the townlands of Ballycoleman ^ (near Knockaderry) and Balleomolothum, together with the native clerics of Henaho in"^exchange^for the lands lying between Rathkeale and the Deel, together with the betagii living on them.. From this document we learn that the native clergy occupied the same humiliating B.B.L 1 B.B.L., p. 74. 2 Ibid., p. 105. 3 See Peyton's Survey. THE ANGLO-NORMAN MANORS IN THE DIOCESE. 1 73 position as the generality of their coiuitrymen under the new rulers. 1280. Another Roger, i son of the preceding, granted to John Matravers, in fee, all his rights in the manor of Rathkeale, a messuage and two carucates of land in Kilcoleman, and a messuage and a carucate in Lockyl (Loughill) near Knockaderry. By this act the Waspayls severed their connection with County Limerick. The Manors of Maycroo- {Croagh). Chyunecke (Kenry) Ballycathelan (Ballyculhane in parish of Kildimo). 1296. Hugh Purcell got a grant from the crown of free warren in the above manors, and also in his estates in County Tipperary and Kilkenny. When exactly the Purcell family obtained these manors in the County Limerick there is no record. But they seem to be settled there early in this century, as the name occurs in inquisitions. They alwa3^s held a high and honour- able position. In 1274 Hugh was sheriff of the county and held the castle in the city. For discharging the duties attached to this office he received /lo from the exchequer. 1298. He passed into England on the king's business, and obtained power of attorney for his son, William, during his absence. 1301. He is mentioned as having received letters from the king to go into Scotland. There are no town- lands mentioned as comprising these manors, but they must have embraced the country round Croagh Kenry and Ballyculhane. The family flourished in this part of the country for centuries, and are often mentioned as playing a noble part in the fortunes of their adopted country. ISee S.C.n.I. 2 Ibid, under year 1296 and following dates. 174 DIOCESE OF LIMERICK. Bruree.^ The references to this historic spot are very few in Anglo-Norman documents. In 1242 it was seized from John de Marisco and his wife Mabel, grandchild of Richard de Burgh. Afterwards it was restored to her as it was found to be her- marriage portion. In 1289 it was held under warrants of Maurice and Eva de Lesse (Lacy) by Robert de Marisco. 1281. In Howardstown we find Esse (Lacy) and his wife paying Le Marks balance of rents. There is also mention of free tenants of the names of Fitzroger and Moyll residing there. A portion of this townland called Culbalisward, 1284 (now Cooleen) was granted by Alexander de Anno to John de Saunford, Archbishop of Dubhn, and remained attached to that see after the Reformation. The Manor of Tihcrneyum {Tohhernea). Having now taken a survey of the new colony and their possessions in Hy Conaill, we pass to Hy Cairbe, the other great division of Hy Fidhgente. The earliest manor in this division of which the records of this period furnish us with any details, is that of Tiberneyum, still giving its name to a townland in the parish of Effin. 1207. King John granted to Philip de Prendergast 15 knights' fees between Inishannon and Kinsale, which were formed into the manors of Carrigiline and Duglass. Philip was succeeded by his son, Gerard, who, at the time of his death in 1251, held in addition to the above manors those of Ballyea and Tobbernea. Gerard was twice married. His first wife was sister of Theobald Pincera, who died leaving one daughter 1 S.C.D.I., year 1242 where it is written Brunry. THE ANGLO-NORMAN MANORS IN THE DIOCESE. I75 who was afterwards married to De Cogan. His second wife was daughter of Richard de Burgh, with whom he had received as dower the manor of Tobbernea- He was in possession of this dower before the year 1240, as it is stated in the Black Book that an agreement was entered between Gerard and Hubert, Bishop of Limerick, at Kilmallock in 1240, regarding the advowson of the churches of Kilbegly, Kilconegan (Kilquane), and Effin, which incidently discloses that the manor was at least co-extensive with the present parish of Effin and that the old tuath of Desibeg extended to the con- fines of the County Cork. Gerard died in the year 125 1, and his heirs being minors, an inquisition was held into his property, the bulk of which lay in Cork county and is outside the scope of this enquiry. In Limerick it was found he possessed the manor of Tiberneyum (Tobbernea), comprising 7 fees, 7 carucates, and 59|- acres, which he held of Richard de Burgh in Desibeg, and i carucate from the Bishop of Limerick at half a mark. These lands were sub-let in the following manner : — Gerald Fitzmilo, 3 fees by the service of half-knight's fee. Henry de Prendergast, i fee by the service of quarter- knight's fee. Henry Barat, half-fee by the service of quarter- knight's fee. In the ville there were three free tenants : — Richard Gar, ^ carucate at i mark per year and 10 acres at 3d. Thomas the chaplin, i acre at ^d, Richard Kartere, 30 acres at 5^. per acre. William Hantlan, i^ carucates at 20s. per year. John Goss, I carucate at i mark per year. Konewore O'Lougan, i carucate at i mark per year. 176 DIOCESE OF LIMERICK. Richard Wilde, half carucate and 30 acres at 47s. 6d, per year. Alexander Baard, i carucate at 20s. per year. Robert le Chance, i carucate at 20s. per year. John Lebaut, half carucate at los. per year. William de la Hare, i carucate at 30s. per year. Elias Cordewaner, half carucate at 40s. per year. The Irish held 3 carucates for 3 marks a year, and Finegole Jmene O'Conni had 10 acres of land without rent. The natives here, as elsewhere, were treated as serfs by the Norman, though it is pleasant to find that some of them occupied a more elevated position in the organization of this manor than is usually allotted to them. In the demesne there were 5 carucates 4^ acres let for 220-i- crannocks of wheat, each being valued at 40^. and 220 crannocks of oats at i8d. per crannock. There were 34 acres in meadow for 34s. a year, mills 3 marks per year, pleas and profits 20s., curtilages 6s. 8d. David Fitzadam held i fee for i lb. of pepper, ^r's^ Total revenue in money, £17 17s. ; in corn, £48 13s. 2d, Gerald also held from David Barry one-half cantred of corkoyhe — I presume in paper — by the service of one knight's fee, and John Fitzthomas held the land of Gerard by the same service which was never rendered. Gerard left an only daughter by his second wife^ who was entrusted with her portion by the king to Maurice Rochford, son of Guy, one of his grooms, to hold until her full age and marriage. She was accordingly placed under Maurice's care, and all her dower passed into his hands. In the following year he received a grant for holding a weekly market every Tuesday in his manor of Tobbernea, and a yearly fair lasting for six days from August 27th to September 3rd.i 1 See S.C.D.I. where all that is inserted here about Tobbernea is to be found under the above years. THE ANGLO-NORMAN MANORS IN THE DIOCESE. 177 1253. It would appear that Maurice married his ward, Matilda, the daughter of Gerard, who were dis- possessed of their inheritance byDe Cogan another heir, while Matilda was under age and in the king's custody. The king immediately restored their property which had been so violenth^ wrested from them. As already stated, this Maurice de Rocheford founded the canonry of Efftn, a very meritorious act of generosity for a landed proprietor in those days. Th2 Manors of Croom,^ Athlacca, Adare, Castlerohert, and Wirigedi. The Kildare Geraldines had also large possessions in the county, principally east of the i\Iaigue in the old territory of Ui Cairbre. 1216. Maurice Fitzgerald, second baron of Offaly, obtained a grant of Crom (Croom), which was at one time the principal residence, as it is from it they took their famous war cry " Crom Aboo." He held the high and important office of justiciary. When he was removed from that office he came south and waged an implacable war against the Irish, which merited for him from their annalists the unenviable title of " Destroyer of the Gaels." He was also implicated in the death of Earl Richard at the Curragh of Kildare, but pardoned by the king. 1251. A grant was made to him of free warren in his demesne lands in Cairbre, County Limerick. It is stated by some authors that towards the end of his life he retired into the monastery of Youghal, founded by himself, and there died in the habit of St. Francis in the year 1257. The State papers tell another tale which is inconsistent with the popular version of the closing 1 The following is taken from S.C.D.I. See also Earls of h'ildare, where the facts are stated somewhat differently. 178 DIOCESE OF LIMERICK. years of his life. It would appear that some years before his death he married Agnes de Valence, the king's cousin, and at the time of their marriage John de Verdon bestowed upon them the manors of Crometh (Croom), Ailetageth (Athlacca), Greene, and Wrigedi, Adare and Castlerobert, w^hich John received some years previously from Maurice. John enfeoffed them with the condition that should Maurice die before Agnes, without issue, she should enjoy the profits of them until her death, when they were to revert to Maurice's heirs. Accordingly we find her in possession of these manors long after Maurice's death. Although she afterwards married John de Avenys, she is always mentioned in legal docu- ments by her maiden name. She was in possession of these manors in the year 1298, when they seem to have passed to Gerald, grandson of Maurice, who was drowned while crossing into England. They then passed into the possession of Juliana, his sister, who was married to De Cogan. She in turn gave them to John Fitzthomas in exchange for the manor of Maynooth. Kilmallock. Kilmallock, as we have seen, was a place of importance in the Celtic period of our history, and retained that position under the change of rulers, as the name occurs in some of the earliest documents referring to the Anglo- Norman occupation. The monastic property after the disappearance of the old monastery would seem to have been merged into the episcopal property of the diocese. Geoffry Marisco was in possession of the ville of Kil- mallock as tenant to the bishops ; he is mentioned as paying homage for that town to Hubert a short time after he became bishop. In 1265 David de Barry of Buttevent quit claimed and surrendered whatever rights he had in the fair THE ANGLO-NORMAN MANORS IN THE DIOCESE. I79 held in Kilmallock to Robert of Emly, bishop of the diocese and his successors. In the Black Book there are a ver}^ important set of deeds conferring certain rents in the town of Kilmallock on the bishop and chapter. Unfortunately they are undated, but judging from the similarity of names in them, and in other documents in the same book, they may be referred to the closing years of the thirteenth century. They incidentally disclose the names of the principal streets, roads leading from them to the country, as well as the names of the citizens, giving a vivid glimpse of the old town in its primitive simplicity. The first of these documents refer to a grant made by John Young of 5 marcs, 4s. d^d., the rent of certain houses and lands which were situated inside and outside the town, viz. : — 5. d. One burgage of land in possession of John Hert which extends in length from Mona Mor on the south, to the great water (niagnam aquam) on the north, in breadth from the land of Henry Baird on the east, to the land of Robert Fitz- hugh on the west . . . . ..76 The tenement of Walter Dug in the Main Street [magna vice), between that of John Fitzrodi and and Letitie Seler . . . . . . . . — The tenement of Nicholas Stopphil in the Main Street . . . . . . . . . . — The tenement of Hugh Serston in Main Street . . 0 20' The tenement of Adam Flandr in the Main Street, between the road (viam) which leads to the Church of SS. Peter and Paul, and the tenement of William Pellipar . . . . ..50 The tenement of John Eoco in the Main Street . . 20 William Clonterel, land in Main Street . . ..02 The tenements of James Somerford and Adam Sewchil c , . . . . . . . . o 8A. l80 DIOCESE OF LIMERICK. The tenement of William White in Blapatstret s. d. (Blossom Street) . . . , . . ..05 The tenement of John Neyl in Blapatstret (Blossom Street) . . . . . . . . ..06 The tenement of Robert Neyl in Blapatstret . . 06 Another belonging to Robert in Blapatstret . . 06 The tenement of Thomas Mey in Blapatstret, between the town foss (fossa) and the tenement of Robert Wandreg .. .. ..on The tenement of John le Grey in Blapatstret . . o 10 The tenement of David Fitzwilliam . . . . o 10 The tenement of Walens in Blapatstret . . . . o 26 The tenement of William de Holde . . ..06 The tenement of Henry Totomy in the Main Street, between the stone houses {domos lapides) of Rodi de Kilkenny . . . . . . ..02 3 acres of land belonging John Neyl . . ..01 5 acres which the said John Neyl bought from Henry Fitzjordan in length from the land of the vicr in the west, in breadth from the land of Rodi Kilkenny, in the south to the king's high- way {viam regalem) which runs opposite woods on the north . . . . . . ,. ..08 The tenement of William Canterel, Main Street . . 20 The tenement of John Arnold, Main Street . . o 40 The tenement of Henry le Tannr, Main Street . . 30 The tenement of Henry de Lorn'y, Main Street . . o 10 The tenement of Henry Bluet, Main Street . . 20 The tenement of William Fitzhenry, Main Street 0 11 The tenement of John Bluet, senior. Main Street o 12 The tenement of John Fitzalan, Main Street . . 06 The tenement of John Neyl, Main Street . . o 16 The tenement of Walter Kilfrys, Main Street . . 02 The tenement of John Fitzhenry Fitzjordan, Main Street . . . . . . . . . . 0 20 The tenement of John le Kene, Main Street . . o 25 The tenement of John Bluet, junior, Main Street o 14 The tenement of Henry Baiard, Main Street . . 0 21 THE ANGLO-NORMAN MANORS IN THE DIOCESE. l8l S. d. The tenement of Elie le Machim, Main Street . . 012 The tenement of Richard le Hachim, Main Street o 12 The tenement of John Baiard, Main Street . . 0 22 The tenement of Peter Pichard, Main Street . . 012 The tenement of Adam Husse, Main Street, . . o 20 The tenement of John Laudans, senior, Main Street 0 8 3 acres of land belonging to Henry Baiard called Gobli, in length from ... in the west to the king's highway in the east . . . . . . — The land of Walter de Any in length from the royal road on the south, to the great water on the north o 22 One burgage of Gerald, son of Henry de Prendergast, in breadth from Botherbralmekeyn in the east to some lands in the west ... . . ..30 The tenement of William Fedem in Flemystret, opposite the cross of John Fitzrichard, between the king's highway and another way. . ..012 Half a burgage belonging to Jordan Fitzjohn, extending in length from the king's highway leading to Emly on the south, to Martyn's lake on the north, and in breadth from the land of Martin Bluet in the east to that of William le Long in the west . . . . . . . . 0 10 One burgage belonging to Thomas le Wrey in length from Hokytlack on the south to Martynys- lake . . . . . . . . ..017 One burgage belonging to Agnes and William Benet, in length from Fontislac on. the south, to the road which leads to Artmachyllen on the north o 34 Tenement in Flemystret (Fleming Street) . . 02 Tenement in Water Street . . . . . . o 20 Tenement in Blapatstret (Blossom Street) . . 04 One burgage belonging to Adam Fitzjohn . . o 16 One burgage belonging to John le Grey . . 08 Amongst the Witnesses to this chart is that of Nicholas Stoppil, Provost of the town. The next document sets out the grant made by l82 DIOCESE OF LIMERICK. Philip Fitzjohn Fitzthomas to the bishop and chapter of 14 shilhngs the annual rent of certain tenements in the town, viz. : — One burgage of land called Folisland held by Adam s. d. Fitzjohn . . . . . . . . ..68 The tenement of Sandyr le Harper in Water Street 0 20 The tenement of Thomas Smith in Water Street, between the road which leads to SS. Peter and Paul Church and the tenement of Sandyr le Harper . . . . . . . . . . o 26 The tenement of William le Long in Flemyng Street 2 0 The tenement of Philip of the Mills . . . . 012 The tenement of William Mareschall in Flemyng Street .. .. .. .. ..06 The following deed gives an account of the grant made by William Ruffus to the bishop and chapter of 9s. Z^d., being the rent of certain property in Kilmallock, viz- :— s. d. The tenement of John Marche in Main Street . . 20 A burgage held by Henry Baiard, in length from the king's highway which leads to Hakenys on the south, to the great water of the new mill on the north, and in breadth from the road which leads to the new mill on the east, to the land of Thomas Stope on the west . . . . ..20 Half a burgage held by Symon Fitzjohn in length from the royal road which leads to Arroldishyl on the south, to Martynislac on the north . . 0 23I The tenement of Thomas Smith in Water Street . . o 20 Tenement of Adam Elys in Water Street . . 07 Half a burgage held by Adam White, in length from Hokedlak on the south, to Martynslac on the north . . . . . . ... ..013 The grant of 4,9. being an annual rent from property in Kilmahock made by Thomas Stoke to the bishop and chapter, viz. : — THE ANGLO-NORMAN MANORS IN THE DIOCESE. 183 One tenement in St. John's Street held by Henry s. d. Husse . . . . . . . . ..40 A grant to the Bishop and Chapter by Adam Fitzjohn Fitzgeoffery of 20 pence silver being the annual rent of the following :^ The tenement of Reginald© Pellipor in Blapastreit o 18 The tenement of Maurice Tesler in Blapastreit . . 02 It may be remarked that this grant was made in a different year from the others, as it is witnessed by a new provost, Alexander Elys. The Manor of Anodes'^ (Athneasy). I have not been able to find any document referring to this manor earlier than the fifteenth year of Edward III (1442), though it must have been amongst one of the first settlements of the Norman in the east of the county, as it lay near the highway between Waterford and the city of Limerick. From a deed of partition of the property of Sir John Moulton of Egsimound, we learn that he held the manors of Narloe (Aherlow), Anedes (Athneasy), Secdown, and Kylker in Ireland. After his death these manors were equally divided between his three sisters, namely, Lady loan Fitzwalter, eldest sister and one of the heiresses of Sir John, Sir Walter Bermingham and Elizabeth his wife, another sister and heiress, Sir John de Lucy and Margaret his wife, third sister and heiress. The third part of the manor of Athneasy that was assigned to Walter de Bermingham and his wife com- prised the following places : A messuage in Dunmowny wherein Henry Bratnoch (Walsh) dwells, together with the moiety of Dunmowny ; 28 acres of arable land in the field called Upper Coryn as appears by the metes (boundaries) ; 4 acres near the said moiety of Dunmowny ; 1 Register of Gormanstown, p. iii, in the Press. 184 DIOCESE OF LIMERICK. 5i- acres in the field called the Halffesollond near the king's highway there, on the north side of said highway as appears by the metes ; i acre and i stang in the lower part of said field next Bothirhagard ; 16 acres in the field called Sanevalle near Distcoryn as appears by the metes ; also 12 acres between the said Sanevalle and the king's way, there called the Vode Vey, on the south side of said highway ; 3 acres of escheated land which belonged to Thomas Hamond in Hamondestown on the west side of said field there ; 3 acres of Vuolff ages- town, on the south side of said field there ; 3 acres of Vuolffagestown and i acre of the demesnes of Anedes there, near the dyche and the sketch on the north side of the said mete of Wolffagestown as appears by the metes ; 8 acres and i stang in Cnokanglasnear Rathynot, and the pasture of Knockanglowyn on the east side of said bog there, as appears by the metes ; 7 acres 3 stangs (quarters) in the field called the " twenty acres " on the west side of said field, and on the south side of the king's highway of Ymlac (Emly) there, near an acre which is now waste ; i| acres of meadow and several pasture in Marlyngadynganestoun and Mayowestown as appears by the medes ; 12 acres and 3 stangs in the field called the Gyhynys which commence from the great meadow there, and extend to Molanys and the Moche Choryde near the metes of Hamonstown. There was also assigned to said Walter and Elizabeth, 4 acres of meadow in the great meadow in the south side thereof, near Hamoundestown. Betaghs. — There is also assigned to Walter and Elizabeth in their purparty, of their quarters of land in Fynestown, with these betaghs Philip Offyin (Finn), Alicia O'Golan with all their following, with all the moors, meadows, feedings, pastures, hedges, and ditches, to said quarters, there is also assigned to them a messuage 24 acres and 3 stangs of land in the ville of THE ANGLO-NORMAN MANORS IN THE DIOCESE. 1 85 Deyerston, held as tenants b}^ Matilda Wydhyr and John Wydhyr. Free Tenants. — There is also assigned to Walter and Elizabeth these free tenants, Gregory le Flemyng who held 2 carucates in Ballygorman ; Alexander Cadigan with his tenants who holds i carucate in Durontestown and half a carucate in Dunmowny, Thomas Dullard who holds i^ carucates in Scalystown ; Nicholas le Rede, I carucate in Ballyfyn ; William Bagod and Ysmay la Wytte (White) half carucate in Corbaly-daly and I quarter in Vuolfagestown. Peter Alayn, 6 acres in Dunmowny. The tenants of Wolfagestown, viz. : John de Justenlys, Henry Bratuagh, Roger Hamound, and WiUiam Wolfog who hold onequarter of land in same ville, Nicholas, son of Michael Mayow of Anedes, who holds one quarter in Anedes ; Thomas and Bartholomew Cadigan who hold I carucate of land of Martyncadyganestown ; William, son of Maurice Vyttot, who holds half a carucate of land in the Rath with all its tenements there. Philip Browne half-quarter in Adamstown ; Maurice, son of Wihiam Cadigan, i quarter in same ville. Philip Flemyng, i carucate in Steuenstown ; Thomas Ferman, i quarter in Ballygorman, with their homages, scutages, woods, marriages, reliefs, escheats, suits, rent, and other services whatsoever. Cottages.— That are also assigned to Sir Walter and Elizabeth these tenants of Anedes with their collages and messuages, viz. : Jehana O'Rawcan, William Cloun, Henry Kytte, John O'Hanekyn, Richard Brynagh, Henry O'Mallo, Katerine Vittecot, Stephen Berkys, and William Noly, junior, with all their rents, services, and customs in the same town of Ahedes (Athnessy). To- wards the close of this century this part of the manor passed out of the Bermingham family again. I 86 DIOCESE OF LIMERICK. The Manor of Esclon or Eschlnana. This manor is first mentioned in connection with a grant of land called Lesnanermadda, two carucates, and the small townland of Clelcomgi, made by William ds Burgh, lord of the soil, to Donat or Donagh, bishop of the diocese. The deed conveying this donation is undated, but must have been sometime between 1200, as that was the year Donat is supposed to have become Bishop of Limerick, and 1204 as that was the year William died. There is a place name called Lisdermode mentioned in the boundaries of the city, and located between Tirvoe east and Tirvoe west. The similarity between itself and Lesnanermadda is very striking, and judging from the succession of forms that the names of townlands have assumed, as has been already pointed out, it would seem that these are only different forms of the same word. The next reference to it occurs in the year 1243, when the sheriff of Munster valued the manors of Richard son of William de Burgh, Esclon was found to be worth £37 IIS. 61^., and that of Castle Conign (Connell) £57 los. /\hd., though no particulars are given that would help one to form an idea of their extent. Walter de Burgh, son of Richard, married Emelina, daughter of Hugh de Lacy, Earl of Ulster, and through this alliance succeeded in obtaining the title of her father. In the year 1280, the king issued a command to the Bishop of Waterford, lieutenant to the justiciary, that Richard, son and heir to Walter, formerly Earl of Ulster, should get possession of the castle, lands, and tenements of Esclone, formerly held by Emelina, Countess of Ulster, which after her death passed into the king's hands by reason of Richard's custody. THE ANGLO-NORMAN MANORS IN THE DIOCESE. 187 Clarani (Clarina), Esclon, and Newtown are metioned in the Ripe Rolls of the year 1283, and we find one of the tenants, John Serle, paying £4 for " visne released " in the year 1286. 1290. Richard de Burgh received certain lands in the east of the county from Sir Otho Grandison, on condition that he would pay a certain rent annually for them, and in case he failed to comply with the terms of the agreement, Sir Otho was at liberty to seize the manor of Esclon and other lands which Richard gave as security. In the beginning of the next century the name is used as attached to the principal church of the district which appears to have been supplanted by Kilkeedy after the year 1418, as both names were applied to the same church in that year. In the beginning of the fifteenth century, when O'Brien crossed the Shannon and seized the territory, it received the name of Bubble Brien, which it still retains. There are other portions of the country part of the diocese that are not given in these manors. Most of such lands were included in the bishop's manors, and in the property of the religious houses, and which will be given later on. Ifourteentb Century; CHAPTER XI. THE ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS OF THE DIOCESE. Robert Dundonald (1302-1311). In 1302, Maurice Fitzmaurice 1 and Arnold de Brudens, canons of the cathedral, were despatched to England by the dean and chapter, to inform the king of Gerald's death, and to obtain licence to elect a successor. When the necessary letters of permission arrived, Luke the dean, and chapter, selected Robert Dundonald, a member of their own body, as " a man, devout, fit to rule their church, useful to the king and to Ireland, and in their judgment, faithful as Bishop of Limerick." There is only one document in the Black Book, and that of little importance, relating to his incumbency. But there are extant, two returns of a tax, that was levied off the diocese, in the years 1302 2 and 1306, which give a very full list of the churches and their value. In 1 188, a general law was made by the kings of France and England, in their respective kingdoms, imposing a tax on their subjects of one-tenth of their movables and annual income, for the reUef of the Holy Land. As years went by this impost was limited to the clergy. There is mention in a general way of such a tax being imposed on the Irish clergy, early in the previous century, and is occasionally referred to in the State 1 See CD./. 2 See Introduction, pp. x.-xiii., Reeves Ecc. Autiqitities of Down, where the reason for fixing these dates is given. ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS OF THE DIOCESE. 189 papers of that period. But until the year 1302, there is no specific reference to its details. In this return, the rent and revenue of the bishop are given as a certain sum, without any reference to the source from which they are derived. The same may be said regarding the income of the members of the chapter, as we know from documents already quoted, that they had many churches which are not mentioned here, but whose value is included under the general heading, rent and revenue, in a bulk sum. This explains why there is a greater number of churches in the return of 1306, than in that of 1302. From these lists we learn that the diocese was divided into deaneries, an arrangement which must have taken place early in the previous century, though there is no record of the event. In giving these hsts, the modern names of the churches will be given in brackets, and it may be observed, that the old spelhng is very corrupt," as the names were evidently written down by one imperfectly acquainted with the Irish language. The Taxation of the Diocese of Limerick ^ in 1302. £ s. d. £ s. d. Rent and revenue of the bishop, value. tenth. in all things . . 163 3 ii|^ 16 6 4J Tax of the prebendal churches with vicarages , . — — Dean, rent and revenue . , 34 2 8 383 Vicarage of Brunrry (Bruree) 568 o 10 8 Vicarge of Mungaria (Mungretj 100 — Vicarage of Kylmaclou (Cappa) 068 — Precentor's churches, in all things . . 14 16 7i I 10 yl 1 See S.C.D.I., 1302. IQO DIOCESE OF LIMERICK. Vicarage Kylf ychny(Kilfinny) Vicarage of Sengel (Singland) . . Chancellor's churches Vicarage of Clonhener (Clonshire) Vicarage of Kylscanyl (Kils- cannell) Vicarage of Clonach (Clonagh) Taxation of the Treasuryship in all things Imlathdreyny (Emlygrennan)^. . Taxation of the churches of the Archdeaconry in all things . . Kydyme (Kildimo) Tulachbrek (Tullabracky) Croch (Croagh) Vicarage of the same prebend . . Effyng (Effin) Vicarage of the sameprebend . . KyllydJ(Killeedy) Prebend of Kylmonyn in all things (St. Munchin's) .. 6 13 5 o 13 4 Vicarage of the same and portion of Kilrus (Kilrush) . . 166 — Vicarage de Kilkoan (Kilquane) i i 6i — Prebend de Arctacny (Ardcanny) 520 0 10 2^ Prebend of Ballycathan (Bally- cahane) . . 368 068 Donenachmor (Donaghmore) \ Kyleyl (Killeely) > 5 6 8 0 10 8 Portion of Ardpatnck (Ard- ( -^ Patrick) . . ) Church of Diserto(Dysert) .=. 2 13 4 054 Portion of Kylbecan (Kilpeacon) \ Portion of Kylcomyn (Kilquane Vqi68 O" 8 in Efhn) ' • i ^ Portion of Kyllynt (Kilfintanan) * Taxation of the churches be- longing to the Communia .. 35 2 2 3 10 2 J £ s. d. £ s. d. I 0 0 — 1 15 61 0 3 6i 27 8 0 2 14 9h 0 II n no tenth of im. i 4 ^ these 0 13 24 0 0 2 8 0 2 0 0 0 4 0 28 II 6 2 17 i| 3 6 8 0 6 8 7 14 4 0 15 5 6 0 2* 0 12 oi 3 0 0 0 6 0 4 13 4 0 9 4 2 13 4 5 4 0 3 6 8 0 6 8 ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS OF THE DIOCESE. IQI Taxation of the religious houses in the diocese, to wit : — Of the houses of Magio (Manis- £ s. d. £ s. d. teranenagh) .. 60 14 4 606 St. Catherine in O'Conyl (near Shanagolden) .. 204 o 4 i| St. Maryof Rathgel (Rathkeale) 200 040 St. James of Adare (Trinitarian house) .. 200 040 St. Mary of Limerick, nothing because poor . . — — Deanery of Limerick. Church of St. John of Limerick I 0 0 — Church of Fedemere (Fedamore) 4 0 0 0 8 0 Vicarage of same 2 0 0 0 4 0 Ballyoweyn (Kilcaskin) 2 0 0 0 4 0 Vicarage of same 2 0 0 0 4 0 Church of Cretouch (Crecora) for vicars portion I 6 8 — Kylmthurrok (Kilmurry), 4w. 10 0 5 5 Vicarage of the same, . . . . 2m. 4 5 0 3 li Church of Escluen (Kilkeedy) . . 8;;z. 0 10 8 Vicarage of the same ^m. 0 5 4 Deriganan (Derrygalvin) im. — Deanery of Killocia (Kilmallock). Church of Kylmahallok (Kil- mallock) Vicarage of same Vicarage of Kylcowan (Kil- quane) Church of Glynogre (Glenogra) Vicarage of same Kylbryd Minor (Kilbreedy) Vicarage of same 2 oin. 2m. 10m. im. I I 6i- — ;o 0 0 I 0 0 5 0 0 0 10 0 2 0 0 0 4 0 I 0 0 — 192 DIOCESE OF LIMERICK Church of Dromyn Claryn i s. d. £ s. d. (Dromin), in its entirety 20 0 0 2 0 0 Church of Ballygady (BalHn. gaddy) 10 0 0 I 0 0 Vicarage of same 2 0 0 0 4 0 Church of Evergarr (Uregare) . . 12 13 4 I 5 4 Vicarage of same 4 0 0 0 8 0 Chapel of Uirgedi annexed to the same 7;n. 0 9 4 Church of Anedes ( Athneasy) . . i2;n. 0 16 0 Vicarage of same 6m. 0 8 0 Kylbrid Major (Kilbreedy) 5m. 0 6 8 Vicarage of same 5m. 0 6 8 Church of Ardpatrick 4i;«. 0 6 0 Vicarage of same 5M. 0 6 8 Church of Kylf yuan (Kilfinnane) 8 m. 0 10 8 Deruly (Darragh) 6m. 0 8 0 Vicarage of the same 3m. 0 4 0 Martin's chapel ( Ardkilmartin) 6m. 0 8 0 Bally tankard (Tankardstown) . . 6m. 0 8 0 Vicarage of the same 3m. 0 4 0 Church of Cloncorth (Colman's Well) I 0 0 — Church of Kyllyne (Kilflyn) . . I 0 4 — Aylethach (Athlacca) 28m. I 17 4 The Deanery of Ardagh, The church of New Grange taxed at Rathcathel (Rathcahill) Kyllaylachan (Killilagh) Newcastle (Newcastle West) Chapel Maurice (Rathronan) Vicarage of same Kyllalechan (Killagholehan) 9m. 0 12 0 5m. 0 6 8 10 0 — ^m. 0 5 4 2m. 0 5| im. 2 2j 4m. 0 5 4 ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS OF THE DIOCESE. 193 The Deanery of Garthe {Ballingarry). i s. d. £ s. d. The church of Clonyle (Clonelty) 6m. 0 8 0 The church of Garth with chapels 2ghn I 19 4 Vicarage of same, 10m. 3 4 0 13 8 Moycavenach (Mahoonagh) . . 4W. 0 5 4 Vicarage of same 2;n. 0 0 3 Deanery of Rathkeale. Ynyskefty (Askeaton) 1 6 m. I I 4 Vicarage of same 8w. 0 10 8 Dunmolyan (Dunmoylan) 2m. 8 loh 0 3 6 Vicarage of same im. 4 5i- 0 3 4 Kylbraderan (Kilbradran) 2m. 0 2 8 Vicarage of same im. — Chapel of Robert Guer (Roberts- town) 2m. 0 2 8 Vicarage of same im. — Church of the Castle of Robert de Dundonenyld for the rec- tor and vicar (Doondonnell) 100 — Kycolman inferior (Kilcoleman West) 100 0 2 0 Vicarage of the same 0 10 0 — Church of Kylsmattyre (Lis- makeery) 5m. 0 6 8 Vicarage of the same I 10 0 — The Deanery of Adare. Church of Clonany (Cloonana) . . 2m. Vicarage of the same • • ini. Church of Athnyde (Anhid) .. 6w. Dunkepchy (Dunkip) belonging to the church of Cromych (Croom) • • I 10 0 030 o DIOCESE OF LIMERICK. i ^- cl. aan) . . 8m. i s. d 0 10 8 194 Kilcurnan (Kilcornan) Moynhinyn (Mornane ? in same parish of Kilcornan . . J\m. 054 The church of Adare with the chapels of Kylkyrely (Kil- curly) and Castle Robert, . . iim. 4 5| 015 i^ excepting 10 marks of annual and free rent which the Hospitallers have in said Church. Vicarage of the same . . 5m, 8 io| — excepting 4 marks of annual rent which the Hospitallers have in said church. Church of Cromnich (Croom) .. 28«i. i 17 6 Vicarage of same . . 14W. 0 18 8 Taxation of 1306. The goods, spiritual and tem- poral, of the Bishop .. 94 17 ^\ 9 9 92 Communia. The church of St. Mary of Limerick for the stipend of vicars there ad- ministering . . — — Deanery of Limerick. The church of St. John of Limerick Church of Fedm' (Fedamore) . Vicar of the same ville The chapel of Baliowyn (Kil- caskin) for the rector and vicar . . 2 0 ( The church of Kilmehorok for rector and vicar (Kilmurry) .. 50c The church of Karnathie for rector (Cahernarry) . . 8m 0 0 0 2 8w. 0 10 4m. 0 5 ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS OF THE DIOCESE. 195 i s. d. i s. d. Sengle (Singland) I 0 0 0 2 0 Dounaghmore (Donaghmore) . . 3m. 0 4 0 Kilmo'tan (St. Munchin's) 0 10 0 0 0 I2d Kilkid (Kilkeedy) for rector and vicar 5 0 0 0 ID 0 Dalgarvan (Derrygalvin) for rector and victor 3m. 0 4 0 The church of St. Michael for rector I 0 0 0 2 0 Kilbegan (Kilpeacon) with ap- purtenances 2 0 0 0 4 0 Crenachmahill (Knocknagaul) . . $m. ^m. Crecowere (Crecora) 5w. \m. Manugaria (Mungret) 8m. 0 10 8 Catherbaghlach (Cahervally) . . 5m. \m. Kilheil (Killeely) I 0 0 0 2 0 Kilhyntena (Kilfintinan) I 0 0 0 2 0 Kilcohan (Kilquane) 0 10 0 0 I 0 Church of St. Nicholas of Limerick — — Kilrussce (Kilrush) — — Sum of taxation 148 10 loi — Tenth 14 17 li proved. Deanery of Killmallock. The church of St. Mary,i Killoc (Kilmallock), belongs to the maintenance of 12 vicars of the cathedral church . . — — Portion of the vicarage of the sameville •• 500 o 10 0 The church of Kilbride (Kil- breedy) minor for the rector 168 028 1 This should evidently run as follows. The church of Kilmallock belongs to St. Mary's Cathedral for the maintenance of twelve vicars. As we shall see later on, the rectorship of SS. Peter and Paul's parish, which is Kilmallock, belonged to the chapter of the cathedral. 196 DIOCESE OF LIMERICK. £ s. d. £ s. d. For the vicar of same ,. 0 13 4 014 The church of Kilcolyan (Kil- quane) . . 3;». 040 The church of GHnogre (GHn- ogra) for rector For vicar of same Dromyn Icherolyn (Dromin) . . Bahgadi (Ballingaddy) The vicar of same De Inygari (Uregare) Kilbride (Kilbreedy) Major For vicar of same Darmeto (Darragh) Vicar of same Bahtancard (Tankardstown) . . Church of Killyn (Kilflyin) Athlech (Athlacca) Tholaghbreg (Tullabracky) Kilfennan (Kilfinnane) Effyng (Efan) Imelachdreyn (Emlygrennan) Athnedessce (Athneasy) Brumy (Bruree) BaHseward (Howardstown) Ardpatrick with appurtenances Deanery of Garthe {BalUngany). Garthe (BalHngarry) .. 10 0 0 The churches of Korkemayde . . — Motasinagh (Mahoonagh) Moy- althi (Kilmeedy ?) . . — Clonka (Cloncagh) Drumcolthill (Dromcollogher) . . — Cloncrewe (Cloncrew) Clonelthy (Clonelty) are all destroyed by the war . . — Sni. hn. yn. 0 4 0 10 0 0 I 0 0 10 0 0 I 0 0 2 0 0 0 4 0 12m. 0 16 0 4m. 0 5 4 4m. 0 5 4 4m. 0 5 4 4m. 0 5 4 4m. 0 5 4 I 0 0 0 I 0 I07H. 0 13 4 10 0 0 I 0 0 5w. hn. 10m. 0 13 4 6in. 0 8 0 10 0 0 I 0 0 12m. 0 16 0 5m. hn. io;». 0 13 4 ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS OF THE DIOCESE. I97 I 5. d. £ s. d. Church of Kilnefichny (Kilfinny) 400 0 8 0 Church of Kilmaclou (Cappagh) 100 0 2 0 Clonchevre (Clonshire) 100 0 2 0 Crothewe (Croagh) lom. 0 13 4 BaUsahel (unknown) because burned down — — Sum of taxation 22 13 4 — Proved 250 — Deanery of Raihgel {Rathkeale). The church of Rathgel (Rath- keale) . . i2;«. 0 16 o Kilcolman Superior (near Knockaderry) Kilscanyl (Killscannell) Clonagh (Clonagh) The church of Castle Robert of Dondownyl Kilcolma (west) inferior Kilbradan (Kilbradran) Donmelyn (Dunmoylan) Kilmolan (Kilmoylan) Schengole (Shanagolden) The churches of Lanwhull (Loughill) Kilfarwes (Kil- fergus), Kilmorill (Kilmur- rilly) are destroyed by war. The church of Castle Robert Goer (Robertstown) The church of Disertmardun (Morgans) Arundel (Toomdeely) Lismaceyre (Lismakeery) Ineskestyn (Askeaton) 6m. 0 8 0 4m. 0 5 4 3w. 0 4 0 0 0 0 2 0 2;«. 0 2 8 4ni. 0 5 4 Vn. 0 4 0 Snu i;n. SM. km. 0 0 . 0 I 0 2m. 0 2 8 3w. 0 4 0 12m. 0 16 0 igS DIOCESE OF LIMERICK. The monastery of the Prioress £ 3. d £ s. a of O'Conyl does not suffice for the maintenance of the Prioress and convent. The church of Nantenan 500 0 ic 0 Sum of taxation 48 3 4 — Tenth 4 16 4 — The Deanery of Ardagh. The church of Ardagh Churches of New Grange (Grange), New Castle, (New- castle West), Rathkatell (Monagay), and Killolethan (Killagholeghan), destroyed by war Chapel of Maurice (Rathronan) The church of Killid (Killeedy), the chapels de Monte Maledic- tionis (the mountain of the curse, Tournafulla), Kilhat- hlage (Killilagh) and Feel destroyed by war. Sum of taxation Tenth proved 0 16 o 9 o 0 18 Deanery of Adarc The church of Adare with its appurtenances Killonwyn (Killonahan) Ballycathan (Ballycahane) Athnyd (Anihid) Disert (Dysert) Mouryn Ardcathny (Ardcanny) Kilcurnan (Kilcornan) Kildyme (Kildimo) T-om. im 2m. 0 2 8 yn. 0 4 0 2 0 0 0 4 0 2 0 0 0 4 0 2 0 0 0 4 0 5m. 0 6 8 4 0 0 0 8 0 10 0 0 I 0 0 ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS OF THE DIOCESE. I99 £ s- ^• £ s. d. Jurisdiction of the Archdeacon 4;;/. 054 The church of Cromethe (Croom) 10 0 0 100 Sum of taxation 46 0 0 — Tenth proved 4 12 0 — Sum total of taxation of diocese 391 14 2h — Tenth 39 3 5* — These lists give a graphic picture of the state of the diocese in the early years of the fourteenth century. In comparing them, one cannot fail to notice the great change that took place in the value of some of the churches, in the space of four years. Some that were rich and flourishing in the return of 1302, were burned down and valueless in 1306. The reason assigned for this sad change is, " the war," though it is unrecorded by any of our annalists. The disturbed state of societ3% and the havoc it wrought on the ecclesiastical property of the diocese, must have embittered the closing years of Robert's episcopacy. He died in the year 1311, and was interred in the Cathedral. Eustace de Aqua {or Waters) 1311-1336. Immediately after Robert's demise, Master Laurence and Thomas de Maggio,i canons of the cathedral, were sent to England with the news, and to obtain licence from the king to proceed with the election of a bishop. The weather being very stormy, the messengers were unduly detained. In the meantime, the chapter pro- ceeded to elect Eustace the dean. Though the election was informal, the king confirmed it, and granted pardon to Eustace and the chapter, for any penalty they may have incurred for such an illegal proceeding. J See Patent Rolls (English State Paper Series)* 200 DIOCESE OF LIMERICK. There are only two documents in the Black Book relating to his episcopacy, one refers to an arrangement regarding procuration fees, and the other informs us that Henry Fitzdavid Eytchyi quitclaimed to the bishop, a messuage and half a carucate of land in TuUaghbreg (Tuhabracky). He is said to have been a great bene- factor to the cathedral. He died 1337. Maurice Rochfort (1337-1353)- Maurice was elected by the dean and chapter, and confirmed by the Archbishop of Cashel. This is the first instance in the diocese, since the coming of the Anglo-Normans, that the king was not notified of the vacancy, or licence asked for the election of a bishop, for which, the chapter incurred the fine of 100S.2 The king, however, confirmed the election, and gave orders to John Darcy, the Justiciary, to restore the temporalities of the diocese to Maurice. In the year 1346,^ a Parliament assembled at Kilkenny, and passed an act giving the king a subsidy, to meet the exigencies of the State. Ralph Kelly, Archbishop of Cashel, held a meeting of his suffragans, at which they formulated a decree against the levying of this tax in Munster, and enforced its observance by sentence of excommunication against all who would subscribe to it. In the following year Maurice was indited for taking part in this meeting, and found guilty. This unfriendli- ness to the Government did not last long, as we find him in 1351 acting as deputy to Sir John Rokeby, Justice of Ireland. He died in the year 1353. According to i See p. 130, B.B.L. 2 Patent Rolls. ^ See Ware's Bishops of Limerick. ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS OF THE DIOCESE. 201 the annals of Nenagh, " he was a man of good Ufe and honest conversation." A rental of the episcopal manors of the diocese, which was made during the incumbency of Maurice, is preserved in the Black Book. This document gives a very full and interesting account of the manors held by the Bishops of Limerick, as temporal lords. They were Mungret^i Kilmallock, Cluainchen, (Clonshire), Ardagh, and Leamkail (Loughill) The Manor of Mungret. The manor of Mungret comprised the lands that were granted to Brictius by Donald O'Brien, the lands of Lesnanermodda, etc., granted to Donat by WilUam de Burgo, and the ten carucates of O'Mail granted to Edmund. These manors, hke those of the temporal lords beiore referred to, were composed of Betagii and Free Tenants. From this return we may conclude that there was no marked change in the tenure of land, but was the same as that established at the formation of the secular manors. O'Dewayn held the viUe of Waving in the western part of the manor. The name is still preserved in the town- land of Ballyduane. O'Cugnan had the townland of Yerynan which was beside Ballyduane, but now the name is obsolete. O'Molcassyl held the townland of Ymol- cassill now known as Ballymacashel. There were four Betagii occupying lands that extended from the castle of the manor to Ballycomy <Ballycummin), and to Clothdown, and their names were O'Carthany, O'Coggan, O'Helyle, O'Connynk. B.B.L., pp. 138-40. 202 DIOCESE OF LIMERICK. The lands of the free tenants : — £ s. d, Rathgrallayn . . . . . . . . o 13 4 Killarog or Kiltroge was beside Lickadoon. In Elizabeth's reign it consisted of 2 quarters, and formed with Lickadoon and Boherenlloyd (Boher- load)thetuathofO'Ryle .. .. .. — Kilros beyond the Shannon (now Kilrush, North Circular Road) . . . , . . . . — Thomas de Valle (Wall), Crewmaille (now Bally- clough and surrounding locality) . . . . — Gerald de Rupe (Roche) . . . . . . i 10 o Matthew Fitzroger . . . . . . ..026 Henry Buckley, Ballycathran . . . . — Killynatan . . . . . . . . — Moneychard or Monetyr . . . . . . — Galf de Coke of Dubcarryg or Clothcohy (Clogh- tokie ?) . . . . . . . . — Richard Keyting of Ville Keyting (Cloghkeating) — Island Bovavy . . . . . . . . — Arcathny (Ardcanny) . . . . . • — Ballymolduin (Milltown) . . . . . . — Galfridus Crennach . . . . . . . . — A quarter belonging to John Keating . . — The Lordships of the manor. Betagii and tene- ment of bg*gan . . . . . . . . — John Scoles . . . . . . . . — The tenement of Carrestown . . . . — The tenement of Ballymolcessil , . . . — William O'Crynan, Crynanstown . . . . — The same William had another holding — — John O'Dewayn . . . . . . . . — The same John, 2 acres in the Lordship . . — Thomas Cesynan Philip O'Lernyn John Croyng Nicholas O' Conor De Naccis Total Rent of Manor £ S. d. II 7 4 2 9 0 ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS OF THE DIOCESE. 203 The Manor of Kilmallock. Of burgage of the town For the farm they were bound to pay . . But now they pay only i lb. of peper, nor is it known how much was the first rent put upon them, or how they became exonerated from it. Ballymolynnan . . . . . . ..400 Censur . . . . . . — The bakehouse (De Fornag) . . . . . . 0 16 0 The Disert of Ballyhowregan . . . . 244 Ballytorken . , . . . . ..070 Lysconmoylan . , . . . . . . — Total rent of Manor . . . . . . 21 12 4 Cluainchen {Clonshire). This manor was situated between Adare and Croagh ; many of the townlands mentioned as belonging to it were detached, and some of them, such as Cloncagh, many miles distant. Kilnafygny (Kilhnny) Courtestown Ballygailroyth, having Richard Serve as free tenant Torgr Richard Mayawe of Hercestown Richard Mayawe of Ypholistown Ballymaclothy alias Stonetown John Fitzdavid, Nagailsyrnadhi John Fitzdavid, Polynestown, 11 marks Bothuston The church villa there Sum total ' De Cowlban Richard Sexton, Kylstannyl (Kilscannell) / s. d. 6 13 4 0 10 0 0 13 4 0 13 0 0 10 0 0 10 0 I 5 0 0 3 4 0 10 0 0 6 0 0 6 0 6 13 4 3 6 8 I 0 0 204 DIOCESE OF LIMERICK. £ s. d. Clouncath (Cloncagh) 0 II 4 Rathnaser 0 6 0 Craag alias Deanstown 0 10 0 Kappagho Kylm'Cluana (Kappagh) I 13 4 Burgess of Cluainchen (Clonshire) I 5 0 The lordship of Cluainbull I I 8 Geriag y gussain 0 6 8 Cluaincath (Cloncagh) 2 15 10 William, clericus, 9 acres in Drohidt arsna (Drehidtarsna) 0 9 0 Thomas, clericus, 4 acres in the same townland 0 9 0 Rathandayn 0 12 0 Lisrona 0 13 0 Gurtinabugna and Curtinamoleyn beside Clon- shire 0 2 0 Heyestown 0 6 8 Cluaincrema (Cloncrew) 2 0 0 Sum total 23 10 8 020 The Manor of Ardagh. Of burgage there . . . . . . .,300 Kyllachtyn (Killoghteen) to the south west of Newcastle West . . . . . . ..400 Drumdyl (Toomdeely) . . . . . . 189 Rynheachogy, near Toomdeely . . . . 054 Ceag na Saer, near Toomdeely . . . . 050 Gortyn-Clochan, near Toomdeely Dissert Margeori (Morgans) . . . . i 10 The Manor of Leamkail {Loughill). The lands of the free tenants : — Lacony alias Gaill Natragha . . . . 016 Ballydowonyll and Ballyscanlan (these townlands were beside the present Ballynash) . . . . 07 ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS OF THE DIOCESE. 205 £ 5. d. Keapagh y Dalygh (now Kappagh near Foynes) I 0 0 Knockbalytorsna alias Cnoknabualy (Knockna- booly) . . I 0 0 Cruad Tuaskyst .. 0 I 0 Kylmoenog — Tradue alias Rous . . . . 0 13 4 The land of Rous . . . . 0 13 4 Kylsnykytt .. 0 5 0 The lordships and Betagii there : — Lisryada (Lisready) . . . . I 3 4 Cond O'Kyarayin (the h md of) I 0 0 Kailtyry (Kilteery) .. . . 0 19 0 Island Ouynery . • 0 I 0 De quatio Boan et . . .. 0 15 0 De usdm p operibus . . 0 2 6 Bally-n-montin and Gorl . yn Clohan, parts of the Church of Loughill . • 0 13 0 Kylfeargassa (Glin) . . . . 0 8 0 Ballyhuallachan (Ballyhoolahan) 0 3 4 Kylmuryile (Kilmrrily) .. 0 ^5 0 Crynog . . • • . . . . — Leacherdaid and Culach in Byn Byr . . — The fishery of Ardymbgr . . , . . . — The lordships of Drumilyn (Drumoylan) . . — Surolayn (Sroolane, Robertstown parish) . , — Loughill . . . . . . . . — Alysbokan in Knockpatrick , . . . — Of burgage of Seanguala (Shanagolden) paid annually . . . . . . ••500 The principal names of Burgesses were : — Maurice Chathmarciadh, Gibbon deValle (Wall), Alan O'Kaellagy, Henry Connaght, Thomas Cynachtach, Juhus Tonchyn, John Moyan, etc. This manor would be substantially co-extensive with the present parish of Loughill and some of the 206 DIOCESE OF LIMERICK. outlying districts. The castle ^ of the manor formerly stood near the shore, but was pulled down by a local gentleman who built a garden wall of the materials. Stephen Lawless (i353-i359)- Stephen Lawless was chancellor of the diocese in the year 1342,2 when he was provided with a canonry in the diocese of Dublin, holding at the same time, benefices in the dioceses of Cashel, Cloyne, Lismore, and Cork, but receiving no income from them. In 1346 ^ he received an Indult from Rome, granting him the power to visit the churches and monasteries of the diocese by deputy, and receive the procuration fees. On the death of Maurice,* he was elected bishop by the chapter, but the election was found to be informal as it was not carried out according to the instructions received from Rome in the life-time of the preceding bishop. Innocent VI, however, considering his high moral character and great learning, was pleased to confirm the election. During his episcopacy the follow- ing appointments were made in the diocese by Papal provision. 1352.^ On the death of Thomas de Corkebay his prebend was given to John Gate. 1358. Stephen de Walle, on the death of Thomas de Worele or Berkele, was appointed dean. 1358. David Banconte or Bancontre, was appointed archdeacon. 1358. Walter Godheyn (Goodwin), was appointed treasurer, on the death of Ade Hunt. 1359. PhiUp Brayboroke was appointed precentor, 1 See Lewis Topog.Dict. « Bliss, Calendar of Papal Registers. 3 Ibid. * Thciner, year 1353- s Ibid., p. 337 and following for these appointments. ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS OF THE DIOCESE. 20/ an office that was unlawfully detained with the church of Nantenan by Adam Craddoke, for three years. Stephen died on Innocents Day, 1359. Stephen de Valle {Wall) (1360-1369). Stephen de Wall, deani of the diocese, summoned the chapter to elect a bishop, according to the provisions of Canon law. The chapter was divided as to their selection. The majority supported Stephen, the dean, who was only twenty-eight years of age, but of brilliant parts and blameless life. The minority supported Henry White, a canon of the cathedral, and without any definite decision being arrived at, the whole matter was referred to Rome. The Pope ordered an inquiry to be made into the matter, with the result that Stephen was appointed bishop, and the spiritualities and temporalities of the diocese conferred upon him. In 1357 he was appointed to the canonery of Dysert, and on the death of Thomas de Worlle or Berkele, was appointed dean as we have already seen. During his time as bishop there are some Papal returns extant, which throw some light in filling the vacancies in the diocese. 1360. When 2 Stephen was appointed bishop, Henry White was made dean, but having died the same year, Ade White was advanced to the office. 1361. Bartholomew Dullard was appointed chancellor. 1362. John Meradam was appointed to the prebend of Dysert, on the death of Stephen Germone. The same year, Gerard Lawless, priest of the diocese was advanced to the treasurership, on the death of Ade Hunt. 1 Theiner, p. 316, for these appointments. 2 Ibid., p. 339. 2o8 DIOCESE OF LIMERICK. 1363. The perpetual vicarage of the parochial church of Kilkeedy became vacant by the death of Thomas, late vicar, and the Holy See appointed Thomas de Burgo, priest of the diocese of Emly, to it. Phihp de Wall, priest of the diocese, was made arch- deacon of Ardfert. David Gower, priest of the diocese, was advanced to the prebend of Kyapowlere Malone in the diocese of Cork. Richard de WalP of Cork, was appointed treasurer of Limerick on the death of Robert Godwyn. While Bishop of Limerick, Stephen translated the remains of the great Richard Fitzralph, from Avignon, where he died, to Dundalk, his birthplace, and had them deposited in the parish church of that town. In 1367 he was transferred from the diocese of Limerick to Meath. Afterwards he became lord high treasurer of Ireland, an office he held until the time of his death, which took place at Oxford in the year 1379, and in the forty-seventh year of his age, when most men are only beginning their pubhc career. He was interred in the Dominican monastery of that town. Peter Curiath {Curragh or Creagh) (1369-1400). Peter Curiath 2 or Creagh, a canon of the diocese of Ferns, and according to Ware a native of Dublin, was appointed to the See of Limerick by Papal provision. Shortly after his arrival in the city, he became involved in a dispute with the Franciscan fathers, who appealed against his treatment of them to their protector, Philip Torrington, Archbishop of Cashel. The Archbishop as conservator of the privileges of the Franciscans in Ireland, came to Limerick to in- 1 Ware's Bishops of Limerick. 2 See Theiner, year 1 369 ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS OF THE DIOCESE. 209' vestigate the matter in dispute.' On his arrival, he cited the bishop to appear and answer the charges brought against him. Instead of paying any deference to the citation of the Archbishop, Peter laid violent hands upon him, and ordered him to quit his diocese immediately, lest somethhig worse should befall him and his attendants. After this encounter with the Archbishop, he imposed more serious restrictions still on the Franciscans, and excommunicated all within his jurisdiction who should repair for divine service or burial ceremonies within their church. When the Archbishop, according to custom, came tO' Limerick to preach, the bishop ordered a pubhc pro- clamation to be made, that no person under pain of excommunication should hear the Archbishop's sermon, and excommunicated by name, any who attended it. When the Archbishop left the city, he was pursued by the servants of the bishop, wlio laid violent hands upon and forced the bridle off his horse's head. In 1376, this dispute was referred to Simon Sudbury, Archbishop of Canterbury, by the Pope, who gave him authority to enquire into the conduct of Peter, and if he found the allegations true, to pronounce the bishop' and his accomplices excommunicated. He took away all power of appeal until ample satisfaction was made to the Archbishop of ^Cashel, and that Peter and ac- complices should come to the Holy See for absolution. How this dispute finally terminated is unknown. But it must not have lowered Peter much in the estimation of his superiors, as he was appointed the following year, with the Abbot of O'Madio 2 (Maggio Monasternenagh), in the diocese of Limerick, by the Holy See to enquire into, and if necessary, to punish 1 See Appendix for original document. 2 Theiner, p. 358. 210 DIOCESE OF LIMERICK. with censures, certain infringements on the hberties of the church of Emly. He seems to have quarrelled also with the Irish portion of his subjects, and became so obnoxious, that they were forced to imprison him, as we learn from the following document : — Peter,' Bishop of Limerick, having been taken prisoner by the Irish enemy (1394) is now on payment of 10 marks to the king (Richard II), exonerated from the fine of roo marks imposed on him for his absence from Parhament of the thirteenth year of this reign (rsgo). He resigned the bishopric in the year 1400, and died in the year 1407, seized in fee of the lands of Curragh,2 leaving Matilda Curragh his heir. The following interesting details as to the appoint- ments to benefices in the diocese during his episcopacy, have come down to us : — 1382. Hugh de Cotyngham,^ prebendary of Efhn, in the cathedral of Limerick, sta3nng at the time in England, was granted letters nominating Walter de Brugge and Thomas Everdon, clerks, as his attornies in Ireland for two years. The same year Hugh was appointed treasurer and secretary to the queen, and received licence to absent himself from his lands in Ireland, as long as he remained in the service of the king and queen, notwithstanding the late ordinances in Parliament. The above Thomas Everdon,* in the year 1392, was appointed to the prebend of Effin, with all its rights and profits, which was void and belonged to the gift of the king, probably owing to the minority of the patron. 1 See Lynch, View of Legal Institutions and Feudal Baronies, p. 64. 2 Calendar of Mem. Rolls, vol. iig 3 Patent Rolls, English State Paper Series. 4 Irish Council Book of Richard II, 1393-94 (Rolls Series). ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS OF THE DIOCESE. 211 1383. William de Navesby,i prebendar}^ of TuUa- breck, in the church of Limerick, staying in England, received letters nominating Thomas Karlel (Carlile), clerk, and Thomas Britwell his attornies in Ireland for one year. 1389.2 The archdeacon receives a mandate from the Holy See to appoint Thomas Naith, of the Geraldines, clerk of the diocese, and of noble family, to the canonry and prebend of Killeedy, value 12 marks, being so long void by the marriage of Thomas O'Grady, that by the Statute of the Latern Council, they have lapsed to the Pope. 1391.3 John Rede, D.C.L., was appointed to the canonry and prebend of Donaghmore. 1392.* The Archdeacon and Gerald O'Molkarar (Mulcorkery), canon, were ordered to summon William Brys, priest of Meath, who unlawfully detained the chancellorship of Limerick (which is not elective), value 40 marks, is void by the marriage of Thomas Peston, and assign it to Thomas, son of John Geraldines, knight, rector of Cluychertrayn, in the diocese of Ardfert. 1393.5 A mandate to reserve to John Archer, rector •of Athenedisse (Athneasy), in the diocese, a benefice with or without the cure of souls, according to his fitness after the usual examination in Latin. 1394.6 Richard Bondwill, priest, to be summoned, and if it is found that the church of Athlacach (Athlacca), value for 15 marks, although unlawfully detained by said Richard, is void because Thomas Hunt held it for two years and more, without being ordained priest ; it is to be given to Thomas St. James, canon of Limerick, notwithstanding that the Pope has recently ordered 1 Patent Rolls. -^ Ibid. 2 Bliss, Papal Registers, voL iv., 1 362-1404. '"> Ibid. 3 Ibid. 6 Ibid. 212 DIOCESE OF LIMERICK. provision to be made to him of a canoniy in Limerick,. and the perpetual vicarage of Ballagady (BaUingady)- 1394. A mandate to summon John O'Doughe, priest of the diocese of Cashel, and if it is found that the perpetual vicarage of Clonelche (Clonelty), value 5 marks, though unlawfully detained by John, is void, because John O'Molcokara had it for three or more years, without being ordained priest, it is to be given to William Hammond, priest of the diocese. 1394. A mandate to summon Thomas O'Flaninara (Flannery), priest of the diocese, and if it is found that the perpetual vicarage of Kilcurnan, value 10 marks, although unlawfully detained by Thomas, is void, be- cause Philip Russell held it for a year and more without being ordained priest, it is to be given to a Killaloe priest. 1394.1 The Archbishop of Cashel was ordered to make provision for Gerald, son of Maurice Richard, Knight canon of Limerick, who studied civil law for four years and a half, if found fit after an examination, of a canonr}^ in the diocese, with the reservation of a prebend, notwithstanding that he held the canonry and prebend of Efhn, with the parish church of Moynachy (Monagay) in the diocese. 1396. Gyllaseanayn O'Halpin to be ordained priest, and to obtain the vicarage of Kilscannell, value 5 marks, void, because Richard Burke who had no dispensation, held it for a year and more without being ordained priest. These items are very interesting, as they show what little patronage the bishop of the diocese had in those days. It is curious that all the mandates, directing these appointments, are addressed to members of the chapter, instead of the bishop. Bliss, Papal Registers, vol. iv, 3fourteentb Century. CHAPTER XII. THE CIVIL AFFAIRS OF THE COUNTRY, PORTION OF THE DIOCESE. At the opening of the fourteenth century, John Fitzthomas^ succeeded to the family estates of the Kildare branch of the Geraldines, and became one of the leading men in Ireland. He seems to have spent a good deal of his early years in the County Limerick, as his name frequentl}'^ appears as witness to documents in the Black Book, also in lawsuits for establishing his title to certain lands in that county. He received from his cousin, Amabilia Fitzgerald, the manor of Corcomohide. For his valiant services in Scotland, and Flanders, he received from the king the manor of Shanid, at a low rent, during the minority of the house of Desmond. This manor was afterwards given to Matilda de Barry, the widow of Maurice Fitzjohn, as her dowery. At the close of the year 130 1, he obtained a grant in fee of free warren in his demesne lands in the counties of Kildare and Carlow, and in the manors of Adare, Cromuth (Croom), Castle Robert, Athlacca, Wyrgedy, Greene, Est Grene, and Cork Moighid (Corcomohide) in the county of Limerick. After obtaining possession of the ancestoral inheritance, he seems to have taken up his residence on the Kildare estates, near the centre of government. He did not neglect, however, to look 1 For the following see S.C.D.I. and Eayls of Kildare. Black Book of Limerick. 214 DIOCESE OF LIMERICK. after his Limerick property, as he received a grant from the Crown for walhng in the towns of Adare and Croom, to protect them from the incursions of the Irish enemy. This is a ver}' interesting grant, as it gives a very minute hst of the articles that were exposed for sale' in these towns, on market da3'S, wliich were, it is to be presumed, in common use amongst the inhabitants of the surrounding country at this period. It is as follows '': — The King to his Bailiffs and good men of Adare ^ sends, greeting. Know you, that we, at the instance of oar dear and faithful John (son of Thomas), have granted to you^ that you may take in the said town, as a help to enclose- the same town with a stone wall, from the feast of St. Mary Magdalen, next ensuing, up to the end of three years next ensuing, to be fully completed, the following customs, viz. :— Id. for every crannoc of every kind of corn for sale ; ^d. for every crannoc of salt ; ^d. for every horse or mare or pony,. cow or heifer for sale ; ^d. for every carcase of a cow or heifer for sale ; ^d. for every hide of a cow or heifer, pony, horse,, or mare, fresh, salted, or tanned ; id. for five pigs ; id. for ten sheep or goats ; id. for every five hogs ; id. for ten lambs ; 2d. for every hundred skins of sheep unshorn or shorn ; id. for every hundred skins of lambs, martens, goats, hares,- rabbits, foxes, cats, or squirrels ; id. for every hundred skins of harts, hinds, bucks, does ; 4d. for every hundred of Irish cloth ; 2d. for every hundred of linen cloth ; 2d. for every entire English cloth of whatever colour ; ^d. for every entire (Irish cloth) ; ^d. for every cloak ; /[d. for every tun of wine ; 4d. for every hundred (of iron) ; 4d. for every hundred of canvas ; ^d. for every salmon ; ^d. for every lamprey ; id. for every (weigh of grease, tallow) butter and cheese ; id. for everv cart load of tan dust; y. for every hundred of boards 1 See original in Transcripts of Charters and Privileges to Cities^ Towns, etc. iSSo. Hodges, Figgis & Co. CIVIL AFFAIRS OF THE COUNTRY. 2I5 for sale; hd. for every cart load of (great) timber; y. for every cart load of wood ; ^d. for every stone of flocks and large thread ; 4^. for every hundred of wax ; id. for every load of honey ; 4d. (for every hundred of lead or tin) ; 2d. for every hundred of verdigris or of whatsoever colour ; ^d. (for every thousand cups) ; i^. for every mease of herrings ; hd. for every load of fish, sea, fresh, or salt ; hd. for every thousand nails whatsoever ; id. for every hundred of horse shoes and clouts for carts ; |f/. for every hundred of steel ; id. for every hundred of dried fish ; ^d. for every hundred of eels ; ^d. for every stone of hemp ; id. for every hundred of teasles ; 4^. for every hundred of kitchen ware of brass, or copper, wrought, or not wrought ; hd. for every pair of wheels for carts ; and M. for every 2s. worth of merchandise of any kind not specified in these letters. And, therefore, we command you, that from the said feast of St. ]\Iary INIagdalen, up to the end of three years ensuing, fully to be completed, you take the customs afore- said, as is aforesaid, and when that term has been com- pleted (and ended), the said customs shall immediately cease and be non-existant. In testimony whereof, and witness, John Wogan, at Dublin, loth July, III. or IV. of Edward II. (1309 or 1310) At the same time a similar grant was made to Croom. In 1312,^ John visited Munster at the head of a great arm\- to quell the disturbances that had broken out there. On his march he stayed at Adare, where he gave a magnificent banquet, and conferred knighthood on Nicholas Fitzmaurice, third lord of Kerry, and Robert Clonkull, for their good services to the State. When Edward heard of the Bruce invasion in 1315,2 he sent an envoy to Ireland, with instructions to get the leading men of the English colony to sign a form of allegiance. The name of John Fitzthomas stands 1 Glyn's Annals. ~ Gilbert's Viceroys. 2l6 DIOCESE OF LI.MERICKJ first in the list of signatures, there are also the names of Maurice, representative of the house of Desmond, Richard de Clare, and Maurice Rocheford, of the manor of Tobbernea, attached to this document. In 13 16, John received the title of Earl of Kildare for his faithful services to the Crown, but did not live long to enjoy the honour, as he died the same year at Maynooth, and was interred in the Grev Abbey at Kildare. The dc Clares. The vast estates of Tliomas de Clare were taken possession of by the crown, and leased out to the Countess of Gloucester, during the minority of his son and heir, Gilbert. In 1299 the king was pleased to grant these estates to Gilbert, though he had not yet reached his majority. 1302. A few years afterwards, however, the king ordered him to prove his age before the justiciary and the chancellor. This enquiry was held at Cashel, Maurice Rocheford acting as locum tenens for the justiciary, and John Cantock for the chancellor. Accordingly witnesses were examined to prove that Gilbert^ was now over age. Sir Maurice de Lees was first sworn and separately examined. He said that Gilbert was born at Limerick, and baptized in the cathedral by Gerald, then bishop, on the 3rd of February, 1281. When asked how he could speak with such certainty regarding Gilbert's age, he replied because he was a member of the household of Thomas the father of Gilbert on the day when he was born, and remained until August 29th, 1287, on wliich day Thomas died. Gilbert was then six j^^ears of age. A great many more witnesses were examined, and they all testified that iSee S.C.IJ.I. for these particulars relating to Gilbert. CIVIL AFFAIRS OF THE COUNTRY. 21/ Gilbert was over 21 years of age. In the following March he was recognized by the king, w^ho took his homage for all the lands his father held in Ireland at the time of his death, and now being of age, they were formally restored to him. In 1306 Gilbert got licence to remain in England for two years, William de Edenham and John de Brnmlec, acting as attorneys for him. In 1307 the king gave him a respite for all debts owed to the exchequer, as he was about going into Scotland with his cousin Gilbert, Earl of Gloucester, In the older annals of Innisfallen his death is briefly recorded as taking place in the year 1308. Next year his widow, Isabella, got a dower from the king. Gilbert was succeeded by his brother, Richard, who settled down in the manor of Bunratty, and like his father, commenced a feud with the O'Briens, which ended in bimself, his son, and some valiant knights being slain at Dysert O'Dea, 1318, thereby putting an end to Enghsh rule in Thomond for many a year. The pedigree of the White Knight, as published in the Journal of the Royal Societ}'- of Antiquaries,' traces him back to a Gilbert, eldest son of John Fitzthomas, who was slain at Callan 1266, and his second wife, Honora O'Conor, daughter of the King of Connaught. The other sons of this marriage also received titles, the second being made Knight of Ghn, the third Knight of Kerry, and the fourth received Clenglish (Killeedy) as his portion. When this Gilbert arrived at man's estate he re- ceived from his nephew, heir