pages 555 to 683 (4602 Kb) - Limerick City Council
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554 HISTORY OF LIMERICK. . .<br />
receive any prooumtions or ex<strong>to</strong>rt anything by exnctions in the places visited, as they had houses<br />
of their own in every part of the diocese <strong>to</strong> whicli they could conveniently rcsort.<br />
2. That when thc deanery became vacant, the dcnu was <strong>to</strong> be chosen by die common clectiou of<br />
tha whole, or the grcater or better part of the chapter, which election, when made according <strong>to</strong><br />
the canons, thc bishop shouldrntify and confirm without any contradiction.<br />
3. That thc bishop should not confer, by any means, the other dignities of the chnpter on<br />
strangers, when thcy should appear <strong>to</strong> fall vacnnt, but upon such of the canons of the chapter who<br />
were conspicuous for the regularity - of their morals, and that by the advice of the canons, or the<br />
greater o; battcr part of them.<br />
S. Whcn the lesser prebends become vacant, they may be conferred by the bishop, by the advice<br />
of the canons, or ihe greater or better part of them, on strnngers,- but snch only as were<br />
willing and nblo <strong>to</strong> rclievc the Church in its necessities and defend it from unjust grievances.<br />
6. That no future bishop wss <strong>to</strong> alienate in any manner or transfer the lands of the Church<br />
or its possessions <strong>to</strong> any persons whatsoever, without n prcvious treaty with the wholc chapter, or<br />
the greater or better part of it, <strong>to</strong> see how far it may be expedient for the utility of the Church.<br />
6. That no future bishop wag <strong>to</strong> claim <strong>to</strong> himself the whole or any part of the commons granted<br />
by the preceding bishops, or any others, <strong>to</strong> the dean and chapter of the Church of <strong>Limerick</strong>,nor<br />
lcsscn thcm, his authority at the same time remaining in full force of admonishing the dean,<br />
and thnt he should endeavour by all possible means <strong>to</strong> enlarge the commons, dignities, and<br />
prebends, and their liberties.<br />
7. Thnt ten chuplains at least bc mnintnined in the aforesaid cat11edr:d church henceforward,<br />
who bcsides discharging the duo service of the said church, ~ 1~~11 Le bound <strong>to</strong> say Mass daily<br />
for the liviug and dcccascd bencfac<strong>to</strong>rsof said church, for who111 n competent provision be given,<br />
according <strong>to</strong> their said merits, out of the commons due <strong>to</strong> the chapter and CMmS by certain<br />
persous dcpnted by the snid chapter for that purpose, and thnt what remainb be deposited in the<br />
treasury of said church for the purpose of dcfending the rights of snid church, and what share of<br />
said commons m;Ly remain over and nbove is <strong>to</strong> be reserved <strong>to</strong> be disposed of by the cwons, <strong>to</strong><br />
their own uso and advantngo. But that the liberty granted <strong>to</strong> the dean and chapter by Hubert<br />
of happy memoiy, here<strong>to</strong>hre bishop of that church, and which was enjoyed in his days and the<br />
days of his succcssor Robert for forty ycnrs and upwards, without contradiction, should seem<br />
<strong>to</strong> be lapsed by any dissimulntion, we have thought right <strong>to</strong> insert it in this present writ, viz:-<br />
That tlrc doan of the cathedral may be enabled freely <strong>to</strong> visit all the prebends belonging <strong>to</strong> the<br />
aforesaid church by his own authority at the times appointed by the law, 80 that uo bishop may<br />
claim a right of visiting thcm, neithcr by himself nor by his oflicers.<br />
A copy of the above decd is in the Black Book of the Bishops of Limc-<br />
rick, pag. 53, et heq., and a confirmation of it by Bisho Gerald in all<br />
points in pag. 54. So much has been said of this boo in this work,<br />
and it is so important in illustrating the his<strong>to</strong>ry of the Church of <strong>Limerick</strong><br />
at this period, that we give in the note1 a brief description of it, with further<br />
spccin~cns of its contents.<br />
1 The IXer Niger, or Black Book of tlle Bishops of <strong>Limerick</strong>, is so freqcntly refcrred <strong>to</strong>, thnt<br />
thc reader will not be displeased at our translating 3, few specimcns of the entries in that very<br />
curious volume of MSS., which is at present among the O'l
. .<br />
556 IIISTORY OP LIMERICK.<br />
nomination of bishops, and sought <strong>to</strong> preserve the up er hand in ecclesiitical<br />
I., when a great council<br />
of the English prelates summoned by Ot<strong>to</strong>, the Pope's le ate, was interfered<br />
with by the king, who sent several of his barons <strong>to</strong> t f e council, having<br />
commissioned them <strong>to</strong> prohibit the establishment of anything contraq <strong>to</strong><br />
the king's crown and &pity.<br />
The attention bes<strong>to</strong>wed by si~ccessive popes on the Church of Ireland, and<br />
on the government and interests of the ~sountry, is, however, plainly apparent<br />
from the evidences of concurrent his<strong>to</strong>ry. Pope Nicholas, about this time,<br />
mdc a taxation of several Irish sees, and amonn others of the See of<br />
<strong>Limerick</strong>, which, with the taxations of G~hel, %aterford, Cloyne, and<br />
Cork, was discovered some years ago among the records of Westminster<br />
by Mr. Vanderzee, and which are pnnted in the aecand report of the Commissioners<br />
of Public Records of Ireland. We abstract as much of this taxlation<br />
as its useful <strong>to</strong> our purpose:-<br />
affairs, as had been the case in the time of Henry I P<br />
TAXATION OF THE SEE AND OF TEE CHAPIXR.<br />
A.D. 1291. By authority of Pope Innocent IV.<br />
Redditus et<br />
Proventus<br />
Episcopi<br />
Lymericen-<br />
sis in omnibus-viii iiiU iii' xi d ob Dec. xviu vi. iiika ob.<br />
* Bona L3me-<br />
ricensis<br />
Episcopi<br />
Spiritucdia et<br />
tempor&, iii" siiii.: xvii.' vi.* ob.<br />
Redditus et<br />
Proventus<br />
-.S iid<br />
Decani, xdv." ii.' viii?<br />
9,<br />
Redclitus<br />
Proecen<strong>to</strong>ris<br />
in omnibus, S.' XYL" viid , XSV.' viiad O.Q.<br />
Red&tns<br />
Cancellarii<br />
in omnibus, xuvii." viiii* ,, h.' &P ob.<br />
Redditus<br />
Thesaurarii<br />
in omnibus, siii.' ,, xlviii?<br />
Redditus<br />
Archidhconi<br />
in omnibus, ~~~iii." xi* vlP , lvii.' l.d 0.q.<br />
Ecclesia de<br />
Tpllachbreck G.' X%.* Ga , xv.'<br />
Ecclesh de<br />
Croch . . . vLB $2 ob. ,, XL* 0.p.<br />
HISTORY OF LIMEBICX,<br />
(St. Munchin's?), vi." xiii.' V.& ,,<br />
Prrebendade<br />
Arctatny<br />
(Ardcanny), v." ii' 99<br />
Prmbenda de<br />
Ballycathan<br />
(Ballycahane), iiiU vi.@viiLd ,,<br />
Ecclesia de<br />
Dovenachmore<br />
(Donoughmore), vu vl.' viii? ,,<br />
Ecclesia de<br />
Diser<strong>to</strong> lyii;. iiii.d 9,<br />
Portio de<br />
Kylbecan<br />
(Kilpeacon ?) iiiU xvl.' vKa ,,<br />
Taxatio Ec-<br />
clesiarium ad<br />
Communia<br />
Spectantium<br />
(i.e. the common<br />
Estate of the Dean<br />
xiii.' iiii.<br />
vi' viii.<br />
X. oiiid<br />
v.' iiii<br />
and Chapter), XXXV.' ii.' iLd ,, ii." X.' ob.<br />
+ Communia Ecclesia: beatre Mariae de Lymerick ad stipendium Vicariorum<br />
ibidem deservientium. Inde nichi1.l<br />
I<br />
Another ancient taxation which is reserved in Latin in White's MS81<br />
gives an account of the parishes, bene ces, chapels, and other regulations of<br />
the Diocese of <strong>Limerick</strong>, which the Rev. James White (the compiler of the<br />
MSS.) states he copied from an old MS. which Dr. Jasper W bite: Pas<strong>to</strong>r<br />
of St. John's parish, wrote, and which was in the cus<strong>to</strong>dy of the Rev.<br />
John Lehy, a succeeding as<strong>to</strong>r of that parish? We believe that this taxation<br />
is generally attribute B <strong>to</strong> the time of Bishop O'Dea, of whom, in the<br />
succeeding chapter, we shall have much <strong>to</strong> write. The following is S translation<br />
of this most valuable and interesting document, which we give hcre,<br />
though not in exact chronological order4 :-<br />
This is the taxation and the procuration of the diocese of <strong>Limerick</strong>, as I,<br />
Jasper White, have found in <strong>to</strong>rn rolls among the books of my brother, Edmond<br />
White, Canon of Ardcanty, written with his hand in the year 16658 ; and<br />
also among the same writings of my most reverend and most illustrious Lord<br />
Bishop, James Dowley ; and in order that these writings should not perish,<br />
I have thought it worth my while <strong>to</strong> transcribe them here, and leave them <strong>to</strong><br />
posterity ; and I have added the patron saints of the parish which I have been<br />
able <strong>to</strong> find.<br />
So far the Rev. Dr. Jasper White.<br />
1 This valuation, with the exception of the two items <strong>to</strong> which an asterisk is prefixed, is prin-<br />
ted in vol. ii. of the Reports of the Irish Record Commissioners. These items are taken from<br />
the roll in the Exchequer Ofice, London. Cot<strong>to</strong>n's Fad.<br />
P I find by an entry in a copy of the Douny Bible in my possession, printed by Constnrier,<br />
1665, that the Rev. Jasper White lived in <strong>Limerick</strong> in the year 1668. The following is the<br />
entry: "This Booke belongetli <strong>to</strong> Dr. Jasper White, priest, <strong>Limerick</strong>, the which he ban#<br />
the 18th of April, 1668, for the sum of ten shillings and eight pence sterlg?<br />
It is still in being. [Note by Dr. Young].<br />
The li'iht Rev. Dr. Young and the Very Rev. DCM Cussen mde margind notes in the<br />
MSS, which I give.
558 HISTORY OF LIMERICK.<br />
l. r<br />
S. d.<br />
The Decanate (Deanery) of <strong>Limerick</strong>.<br />
The cathedral and parochial church of the Blessed Virgin Mary,<br />
dedicated <strong>to</strong> the same on the 15th day of August, on which day the<br />
ofice of the dedication is celebrated Ut), with an octave in the city,<br />
and without an octave in the diocese.<br />
Nota bene that I, Jasper White, met, written in the calendar of an old<br />
breviary belonging <strong>to</strong> the diocese of <strong>Limerick</strong>, the Sunday after the<br />
16th of July <strong>to</strong> be the day assigned for the dedication of the cathedral<br />
of <strong>Limerick</strong>, with an octave ; but a continued tradition assures us of the<br />
contrary, and that the 15th of August is the proper day for the dedi-<br />
cation, as Dr. Jasper White has affirmed above.<br />
The parish church of St. Munchin, the patron saint of the whole city,<br />
whose festival is celebrated on the 2nd day of January.<br />
It is a prebend or canonry. The vicar has one half of the fruits, and<br />
the prebend the other half. It pays . . . ... 0 9<br />
The parish church of St. Nicholas, Bishop and Confessor, whose fes-<br />
tival is celebrated on the 6th of September. Its vicariate (vicarage)<br />
belongs <strong>to</strong> the college of the vicars choral. No traces of this church<br />
exist ; but it was near the King's Castle, on the south side. It pays... 0 9<br />
The parish church of St. John the Baptist, whose festival is celehra-<br />
ted on the 24th day of June, ... ... 1 6<br />
N.B.-Many say it is dedicated <strong>to</strong> the decollatjon of St. John, y*<br />
9th of August.<br />
The churches and chapels of this deoanate in the county of Thomond<br />
(Clare), viz :-the parish church of Killilee,' whose patron is Lelia, Vir-<br />
gin, and skter of St. Munchin, as it is said, whose festival is celebrated<br />
on the 11th August. It belongs <strong>to</strong> the prebend of Donoughmore. [To<br />
this church of Killilee belong three Cratalaghs, viz :-Cratalagh More,<br />
Cratalagh Keyil, and Cratalagh Moykil and Counagh.] The parish church<br />
of Keilfintennn. [To this church belong part of the church of Six-<br />
mile Bridge, the Oil Mills, Ballydane east and west, Breakhill, Moy-<br />
hill, Ballymorris, Portvine, and Garrine Curragh.] The place of this<br />
church is commonly called Crochane.<br />
pn MSS. bf Dr. Young after brackets.]<br />
The parish church of Kielinaghta, the chapel of St. Thomas on the<br />
Mountain, at a place called Ballybuchalane, near Cratloe.<br />
[In Dr. Young's English.]<br />
The chapel of Keilrush," near the River Shannon ; the chapel of Reil-<br />
chuain, near Parteen ; it belongs <strong>to</strong> the treasurer. The patron of this<br />
chapel is St. Covanus, A.bbot, on the day. ... ... 9 0<br />
Churches and chapels of this decanate of <strong>Limerick</strong>, in the southern<br />
side of the city, in the county of <strong>Limerick</strong>, outside the walls, viz :-<br />
The parish church of St. Michael the Archangel, entirely destroyed<br />
in the time of Cromwell, near the walls, outside the West Watergate.<br />
His festival is celebrated on the 29th day of September. It belongs <strong>to</strong><br />
the archdeacon. ... ... ... 0 9<br />
The parish church of St. Lawrence the Nartyr, whose festival is cele-<br />
brated m the 10th of August with an octave. The presentation be-<br />
longs <strong>to</strong> the corporation of the mayor and aldermen. It pays ... 1 6<br />
The parish 4urch of St. Patrick, Bishop and Confessor, and Patron<br />
1 The parish of Kilely or Kille6ly, also cdled Meelick, three miles N. W. from <strong>Limerick</strong>. In<br />
the R,C. divisions, partly in the Parish of Meelick and partly in that of Thomond Gate, or St.<br />
Lelia--(Lawis's Topog.).<br />
Called Old Church dose by which is the residence of the Honourable Robert O'Briea<br />
HISTORY OF LIMERICK. 55 9<br />
of dl Ireland, whose festival is celebrated on the 17th day of March :<br />
the churah is entirely destroyed. It belongs <strong>to</strong> the treasurer, and the<br />
tithes of all the mills of <strong>Limerick</strong> and Singland belong <strong>to</strong> it, ...<br />
The parish church of Kilmurray, dedicated <strong>to</strong> St. Mary Magdalen,<br />
22nd day of July, ... ... ...<br />
The parish church of Derighealavain, dedicated <strong>to</strong> St. Nicholas,<br />
Bishop and Confessor, on the 6th day of December. It is entirely a<br />
rec<strong>to</strong>ry (sst rec<strong>to</strong>ria integra). .=. ...<br />
The parish church of Donoughmore is a prebend, and dedicated ...<br />
The parish church of Cahirivalaha, dedicated <strong>to</strong> St. Thomas, Apostle,<br />
21st day of December. It belungs <strong>to</strong> the treasurer. ...<br />
The church of Caihiornairy, dedicated <strong>to</strong> St. Nicholas, Bishop and<br />
Confessor, 6th day of December. It belongs <strong>to</strong> the dean by gift from<br />
the Lord D.D. Robert of Emly, or Xeil, Bishop of Limericl- \, anno<br />
Domini, 1253. . . . ...<br />
The parish church of Criochoura, dedicated <strong>to</strong> the blessed Apostles<br />
Peter and Paul, 29th day of June. The vicarage (or vicariate)' belongs<br />
<strong>to</strong> the college of the vicars of <strong>Limerick</strong>. ... . . .<br />
The parish church of Keilbecan, near Kilpeacon. It is a prebend,<br />
dedicated <strong>to</strong> St. Becan, on the day. ... ...<br />
The parish church of Knock-na-Ghauill, dedicated <strong>to</strong> St. Brigid,<br />
Virgin, 1st day of February. It belongs <strong>to</strong> the precen<strong>to</strong>r. ...<br />
The parish church of Peadamuir (Fedamore) and Bailione. Dedicated<br />
<strong>to</strong> decollation of St. John Baptist, 29th day of Aupst, ...<br />
The parish church of Ballinanhiny, or Fannings<strong>to</strong>wn.<br />
The parish church of Keilchidy, dedicated <strong>to</strong> the holy Apostles<br />
dimon and Jude, 28th day of Oc<strong>to</strong>ber, ... ...<br />
The parish church of Mongret. It belongs <strong>to</strong> the dean. Dedicated<br />
<strong>to</strong> St. Patriok, the 17th day of March. ... . . .<br />
The chapel of Keililin, near St. John's Gate. It belongs entirely <strong>to</strong><br />
the dean.<br />
The chapel of Fearan-na-guilleagh, now called Ross Brien, of which<br />
no traces are left. It formerly belonged <strong>to</strong> some monks of the<br />
ahapel de Rastro or Ratuird. It belongs <strong>to</strong> the parish priest (psrochialis)<br />
of <strong>Limerick</strong>, whose vicarage belongs <strong>to</strong> the college of T' wars.<br />
The chapel of Baillione, part of the pariah of Feadamuir.<br />
The chapel or temple of Friars<strong>to</strong>wn, commonly called Ballynabrair.<br />
The chapel of Sen na ghauil, perhaps Knock na ghauil. ...<br />
The chapel of Keilcuain de Achinis, between Ballinanhiny and<br />
Feadamuir. It belongs <strong>to</strong> the precen<strong>to</strong>r. ... ...<br />
The chapel or temple of Keilna Cailly, near the bridge of Claireene,<br />
whose patron is Enat or Ethna.<br />
The chapel of St. Margaret in or New<strong>to</strong>vvn, near Carrigoguinell,<br />
20th day of July.<br />
There are also,in <strong>Limerick</strong> three monasteries, viz. :<br />
The monastery of the Canons Regular of St. Augustine, near Ball's<br />
Bridge, ... ... ...<br />
The monastery of St. Saviour, of the Dominicans, ...<br />
The Monastery of St. Francis [in the place commonly called the<br />
Abbey 7.<br />
The temple of St. Peter, which was that of the Canonessev of St.<br />
Augustine.<br />
The parenthesis is my own B These brackets arh in the orio$naL
560 HISTORY OF LIMERICK. . I<br />
There was aleo in <strong>Limerick</strong>, near Quay Lane, the Church of the Holy<br />
Rood.<br />
The Deeanate of Kilmallock.<br />
The collegiate and parish church of Kilmallock, dedicated <strong>to</strong> the<br />
Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, 29th day of June, whose rec<strong>to</strong>ry belongs<br />
<strong>to</strong> the college of vicars of <strong>Limerick</strong>, and the vicariate <strong>to</strong> the college<br />
of Kilmallock, ... ... ...<br />
The parish church of Effin is a prebend, and dedicated <strong>to</strong> the B. V.<br />
Mary, , ...<br />
... ...<br />
The parish church of Athenese, or Beallathenesigh, or Beallananesy,<br />
dedicated <strong>to</strong> St. Athanasius, 2nd day of May, whose rec<strong>to</strong>ry belongs<br />
<strong>to</strong> the college of Kilmallock, ... ...<br />
The church of Kilbride Major, dedicated <strong>to</strong> St. Brigid, 1st day of<br />
February. It is a rec<strong>to</strong>ry that belongs <strong>to</strong> the college of Kilmallock.<br />
The church of Imiligrinine, or Ballaghrinine, dedicated <strong>to</strong> St. Molluo,<br />
13ishop and Confessor, 5th day of May. It belongs <strong>to</strong> the treasurer. ...<br />
The chwch of Keilfinny, or Keilfinine, dedicated <strong>to</strong> St. Andrew,<br />
Apostle, 30th day of November. It belongs <strong>to</strong> the precen<strong>to</strong>r. . . .<br />
The church of Keilsluing, near Clough-a-Nutliy [forte IGlflyn MSS.,<br />
Dr. Cussen, Castleotway, in pencil], , .. ...<br />
The churc'~ of Dromochuo, or Derraghmochuogh, or Dorn~oceno,<br />
The church of Ballinghaddly. It belongs <strong>to</strong> the college of Kihnal-<br />
lock, dedicated <strong>to</strong> the B. V. M. ... ...<br />
The church of Kilbride Minor. It is a rec<strong>to</strong>ry, dedicated <strong>to</strong> St.<br />
Brigid, 1st February, ... ...<br />
The church of Keilchuain, dedicated <strong>to</strong> St. Coran, abbot, ...<br />
The church of Cluoincourry, alias Clnoin<strong>to</strong>rthy, half of which for-<br />
merly belonged <strong>to</strong> the Bishop of' Cloyne, but now the whole is said<br />
<strong>to</strong> belong <strong>to</strong> the Bishop of <strong>Limerick</strong>. It is dedicated <strong>to</strong> St. CO~O-<br />
manus, " 24th day of November" p r. Young]. ...<br />
The church of Uallyhancard, dedicated <strong>to</strong> St. David, 1st March, ...<br />
The parish cllurch of Brury (Bruree). It belongs <strong>to</strong> the Dean of<br />
<strong>Limerick</strong>. Dedicated <strong>to</strong> St. Munchin, Bishop. ...<br />
The parish church of Ahaleacagh. It is a rec<strong>to</strong>ry, and dedicated <strong>to</strong><br />
St. John Baptist, 24th of June, ... ...<br />
The parish church of Dromuin. It is a rec<strong>to</strong>ry, and dedicated <strong>to</strong><br />
the Most Holy Trinity ... ... ...<br />
Tlie church of Urigear, alias of Viridus, dedicated <strong>to</strong> St. Margaret,<br />
Virgin, 40th day of July, ... ...<br />
Parish church of Tillibreaka. It is a prebend, and dedicated <strong>to</strong> St.<br />
Molon, 5th day of May. ... ...<br />
The church of Glinoge, dedicated <strong>to</strong> St. Nicholas, 6th December. ...<br />
The chapel of St. John, between the bridge and St. John's Gate,<br />
Rilmallock.<br />
The chapel of St. Mathologus, on the hill of Eilmdlock, whose<br />
festival is celebrated on the 26th day of 3farch.<br />
The chtlpel of Cattan, alias Kiline or Kilny. It belongs <strong>to</strong> the bishop's<br />
table.<br />
Tlie chapel of St. Martin in Ballichuillean, dedicated <strong>to</strong> St. Martin,<br />
11th day of November. It belongs <strong>to</strong> the college of Kilmallock. ...<br />
The chapel of Slrichaihill. It belongs <strong>to</strong> the college of Kilmallock.<br />
Dedicated, ... ... ...<br />
The chapel of Ardphaidrig (Ardpatrick), in the parish of Ballyhadding.<br />
It belongs <strong>to</strong> the college of Kilmallock. Dedicated, (Mount Russei),<br />
BISTORY OF LIMERICK.<br />
The chapel of Dungadarnus, or Dungaddy, or Dunghadiehon, or<br />
Dunepis. It belongs <strong>to</strong> the college of Kilmallock. Dedicated. ...<br />
The chapel hlartes (Mortals<strong>to</strong>wn). It belongs <strong>to</strong> the college of Rimdlock.<br />
Dedicated. ... ... ...<br />
The chapel of Keilchoimogan, alias Keilinghongue.. It belongs <strong>to</strong><br />
the prebend of St. Munchin. ... ...<br />
The chapel of Ardmuillain, otherwise Ardswelain, of which scarcely<br />
any traces remain. It belongs <strong>to</strong> the bishop's table. Dedicated. ...<br />
The chapel of Brough, alias Broff (Bruff]. It belongs <strong>to</strong> Hospital.<br />
Dedicated <strong>to</strong> St. Peter of Alexandria, 26th November. ...<br />
The chapel of St. Ballisheward, alias Ballihaward, alias Rathioward.<br />
It beiobgs <strong>to</strong> the Dean of <strong>Limerick</strong>. Dedicated. ...<br />
The chapel of Keilcoyne, otherwise Hakins. It belongs <strong>to</strong> the prebend<br />
of Keilbecan. Dedicated.<br />
The chapel of Camus, dedicated [<strong>to</strong> St. Senanus, as I have heard.-<br />
Dr. Young]. [&h of March.-Dr. Cussen.]<br />
The chapel and well (fom) of St. Lawrence in Ahaillaca.<br />
The monastery of the Regulars of St. Augustine at Kilmallock.<br />
The monastery of St. Saviour of the Dominicans.<br />
The chapel of Keilbruoiny, between Athlacca and Tullorby.<br />
The chapel of Keiltemplalain, near Bruff, <strong>to</strong> the north. [Its remains<br />
scarcely visible. -Dr. Young.]<br />
The chapel of St. Kyran, between Athlacca and Glenogra, belongs<br />
<strong>to</strong> Glenogra. [Scarcely exists.-Dr. Young.]<br />
The chapel of St. Laternut., near Bruff. [lts site now unknown.-Dr.<br />
Young.]<br />
Decanate of Adare.<br />
Parochial church of Adare, dedicated <strong>to</strong> St. Nicholas, Bishop and<br />
Confessor, 6th day of December. ... . Church of Kilnaghan or Keilinoghtan, belongs <strong>to</strong> mensal of the bishop.<br />
Chapel of Keilinathan, belongs <strong>to</strong> the prebendary of St. Munchin, <strong>to</strong><br />
whom it is dedicated. [Perhaps IZilconaghan, Killenoughty. -Dr.<br />
Cussen.]<br />
The church of Keilbinighte, dedicated.<br />
Parish church of Croom, alias Gremoth. It is a rec<strong>to</strong>ry. Dedicated.<br />
The church of Dunnemeaunn, alias Rustainy, aliter Baillythriadan.<br />
It belongs <strong>to</strong> the rec<strong>to</strong>r of C~oom. Dedicated. ...<br />
Church of Balliochachan. It is a prebend. Dedicated. . The church of Keldimo. It belongs <strong>to</strong> the archdeacon. Dedicated.<br />
... ... ...<br />
The church of Ardcanthy. It is a prebend. Dedicated. ...<br />
The church of Keilchournan. It is a rec<strong>to</strong>ry. Dedicated. 8 ..<br />
The church of Dysert. It is a prebend. Dedicated. ...<br />
TO this church of Dysert belongs Fearan-na-manach, near the White<br />
S<strong>to</strong>ne Cross, as I have myself read in the Black Book; for the monks<br />
of the monastery of Maigh (Maigue), <strong>to</strong> whom Fear-na-Managh fbrmerly<br />
belonged, gave that land <strong>to</strong> the bishop and chapter of <strong>Limerick</strong><br />
for other land near them, called Ballioshoidir, which belonged <strong>to</strong> our<br />
<strong>Limerick</strong> chapter, and the bishop and chapter added, that land, Fearna-Managh,<br />
<strong>to</strong> the prebend of Dysert, because it is very meagre and<br />
poor. [Habetur p. 27 hujus libri. viz., White's 3ISS.-Dr. 1-oung.1<br />
The church of Xthnid. It is a prebend, dediched. . The chapel of Dromassel. It belongs <strong>to</strong> the rec<strong>to</strong>r of Croom, dedicated
562 HISTORY OB LIMERICK. . . S. d.<br />
The chapel of Dolla, alias Doilath. It belongs <strong>to</strong> the rec<strong>to</strong>r of Croom.<br />
Dedicated. ... ... .. 2 0<br />
The ohapel of Castle Robert, dedicated.<br />
The ~hapel of Cluoin Anny. It belongs <strong>to</strong> the Rec<strong>to</strong>r of Croom, dedi-<br />
cated. ... ... ... 2 0<br />
The ohapel of Drochid Tairsne. It belongs <strong>to</strong> the prebendary of St.<br />
Munchii. ... ... ... 2 G<br />
Chapel Russel, or Rossel, dedicated. ... ... 1 G<br />
Chapel of Kilghobain. It belongs <strong>to</strong> the college of vicars choral.<br />
Chapel of Say, alias de Caithiorassa, dedicated (Caharaes).<br />
Chapel of Glanonitrithig, dedicated.<br />
Chapel of Mananghurine, dedicated.<br />
Chapel of St. Meranus, dedicated <strong>to</strong> the same.<br />
Chapel of Cran, dedicated.<br />
In this deoanate 1rere the following monasteries:-<br />
Monastery of Nenay, or Maighe, of Monks Cistertians of St. Ber-<br />
nard.<br />
Chapel of Moirgrean, on the west of the River Maighe. It belongs<br />
<strong>to</strong> said monastery.<br />
In 'the village of Athdare (Adare) there were- :<br />
Monastery of the Holy Trinity of the Bedemption of Captives, com-<br />
monly called the White Monastery, on the west of thq village, called<br />
white from the white habit of the monks.<br />
Monastery of St. Augustine, of the order of Eremites, called the<br />
Black Monastery, from their black habit, situated on the west of the<br />
bridge of ~thda-re.<br />
Monastery of St. Francis, of the order of Minors of the stricter obser-<br />
vance. outside the walls on the mestern side of the <strong>to</strong>wn, called the<br />
Poor ona aster^.<br />
There was also in the same village a house of Knights Hospitallers<br />
of the order of St. John of Jerusalem.<br />
Decanate (Deanery) of Ballingharry, or Gorth, or Gayr.<br />
Parochial Church of Ballingharry. It is a parsonage dedicated <strong>to</strong><br />
St. Evanjanus, 1st August. ... ...<br />
Church of Corcomohide. Belongs <strong>to</strong> the College of <strong>Limerick</strong>. Dedi-<br />
cated <strong>to</strong> the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 2nd day of<br />
February. .*. ... ..m<br />
Parish Church of Mahounagh. It is a rec<strong>to</strong>ry. Dedicated <strong>to</strong> St.<br />
John Baptist, 24th June.. ... ... ...<br />
Church of Cluoineilty. It. belongs <strong>to</strong> the College of <strong>Limerick</strong>.<br />
Dedicated. ... ... ...<br />
Church of Cluoincagh. Belongs <strong>to</strong> College of <strong>Limerick</strong>. Dedicated.<br />
Church of Croagh. It is a prebend. Dedicated. ...<br />
Church of Keilfiny. It belongs <strong>to</strong> the Precen<strong>to</strong>r. Dedicated. ..<br />
Church of Cluoinsiarra. It belong <strong>to</strong> the Chancellor. Dedicated.<br />
Chapel of Cluoincreu. Belong <strong>to</strong> the Archdeacon. Dedicated <strong>to</strong><br />
St. Borthanus. ... ... ...<br />
Chapel of Maigreny or Keilkenny. Belongs <strong>to</strong> the College. ...<br />
Chapel of Ceappach, or Heilnaceappug, or Triostane. Belongs <strong>to</strong> the.<br />
Dean. Dedicated. ... ... ..,<br />
Chapel of Dromcollnchuir. Dedicated.<br />
Chapel of Keilina, alias Paillis. Dedicated.<br />
Chapel of Cnockseairnabothy. Dedicated. [Shanavroha.]<br />
Chapel of Keilmochuo. Dedicated <strong>to</strong> St. Colmanus, B. and C., 29<br />
HISTORY OF LIMRRICB.<br />
Oct. Confer Ware de Praesulibm (Ware's Bishops), sub Epis. Duacen-<br />
sibus, mihi [page 28, Dr. Young's Notes].<br />
Chapel of Keil-vic-a-niarla. Dedicated.<br />
Next <strong>to</strong> Ballingharry village, on the eastern side, is the monastery,<br />
called the Monastery of St. John, and it is of the third order of St.<br />
Francis, as we have heard.<br />
Decanate of Rathkeal or Rathgelle.<br />
The Parish Church of Rathkeal all belongs <strong>to</strong> the Chancellor.<br />
Dedicated <strong>to</strong> the Most Holy Trinity. Here is extant the Monastery of<br />
the Canons of Arroasia, of the Order of St. Augustine [founded and en-<br />
dowed by Gilbert Harvey, in 1289, and further endowed by his descen-<br />
dant Eleanor Purcell, who caused it <strong>to</strong> be dedicated <strong>to</strong> the Blessed<br />
Virgin Mary. Note by M. L.]<br />
Church of Keilscannil. Belongs <strong>to</strong> the Chancellor. Dedicated. ...<br />
Church of Cluonnach. It belongs <strong>to</strong> the Chancellor. Dedicated.<br />
ilounagll. ... ... ...<br />
Church of Neantenan. It belongs <strong>to</strong> the Precen<strong>to</strong>r. Dedicated <strong>to</strong><br />
St. James Apostle, 25th July. ... ...<br />
Church of Asketin, or Asket<strong>to</strong>n, or Ascetiny. Dedicated. A mon-<br />
astery of the Order of St. Francis is extant there. ...<br />
Church of Lismakiry or Lismhickiry. It is a rec<strong>to</strong>ry. Dedicated.<br />
Church of Kilbradarain or Cnockbradarain. Dedicated <strong>to</strong> St. Bran-<br />
dan, Abbot, 16th of May. ... ...<br />
Church of Dunmuilin. Dedicated. ... ...<br />
Church of Seannaghuoilin. Belongs <strong>to</strong> the Precen<strong>to</strong>r. Dedicated.<br />
Church of Leuchuill. Belongs <strong>to</strong> the Precen<strong>to</strong>r. Dedicated. ...<br />
Church of Keilarisse or Keilfargus. Belongs <strong>to</strong> the Precen<strong>to</strong>r. De-<br />
dicated. ... ... ...<br />
Church of Keilmualain. Belongs <strong>to</strong> the College. Dedicated. ...<br />
Church of K'eiimily or Keilmuarille. All belongs <strong>to</strong> the Precen<strong>to</strong>r.<br />
Chapel of BathnasAor. It belongs <strong>to</strong> the Precen<strong>to</strong>r, according <strong>to</strong> an old<br />
roll of A.D. 1542, and pays no procuration,' according <strong>to</strong> the new rolls.<br />
Chapel of Dromdily or Dromdelthy. Belongs <strong>to</strong> the Precen<strong>to</strong>r. De-<br />
dicated. ... . . . -..<br />
Chapel of Castle Bobert or Dunedoinill; It is a rec<strong>to</strong>ry, dedicated<br />
<strong>to</strong> St. Mary Magdalen, 22nd July. ... ...<br />
Chapel of Keilcholaman. Dedicated. ... . . .<br />
Chapel of Disert Merogan, or Muiriogan, or Morgans. It all<br />
belongs <strong>to</strong> the Precen<strong>to</strong>r. Dedicated. ... ...<br />
Chapel of Achinis. Dedicated. ... .l.<br />
Chapel of Mineta. Belongs <strong>to</strong> the College. Dedicated<br />
Chapel of Castle Bobert de Gore alias Gauyr or of Robertsville [? Lat.<br />
de Pago Roberti]. Dedicated <strong>to</strong> saint. ... ...<br />
Chapel <strong>to</strong> St. Patrick on the Mountain. Dedicated <strong>to</strong> same, 17th<br />
March.<br />
Chapel of Inniscatha or Scattery Island (formerly, in the time of St.<br />
Senanus, it was an Archiepiscopate, and a celebrated monastery is<br />
extant there). ... a..<br />
Decanate of Ardagh.<br />
Parish Church of Ardagh, belongs <strong>to</strong> the Archdeacon. Dedicated.<br />
Chmh of New Grange of the bridge, [de ponte]. Dedicated. ...<br />
1 ficurcrtiona are certain sums of money which Parish Priests pay yearly <strong>to</strong> the Bishop or<br />
Archdeacon rations visitationes.<br />
The same (says G%., 975) may be done without actad visitation. Tomlints Law &t.<br />
...<br />
.
564 HISTOBY OE LIMERICK, . . S. d.<br />
Church cf Newcastle, a rec<strong>to</strong>ry, Dedicated <strong>to</strong> St. David, l st March. G<br />
Church of Moineaghighea, or Moneyghea. d rec<strong>to</strong>ry. Dedicated <strong>to</strong><br />
B.V.M., 15th August. ... ... 0<br />
0<br />
G<br />
Church ,of Keilioda, or Keilmide. A prebend. Dedicated <strong>to</strong> St. Ida,<br />
br Mida, abbess, ~aniary 15. ... ... 3 0<br />
Church of Rathrunan. A rec<strong>to</strong>ry. Dedicated. ... 4 0<br />
Church of Aglssimona. Dedicated. ... ...<br />
Church of Keilaghailicharn, alias Keilagh a Liochan. Dedicated <strong>to</strong><br />
B.V.M. ad Nives, 5th day of August, near Drumcollogher. ... 3 0<br />
Chapel of R,;rthcaithell. Dedicated. ... ... 17 6<br />
Chapel of Mount-Temple [de Temp10 Montis]. Belongs <strong>to</strong> Rathrunan.<br />
Chapel of Temple Gleantan. Dedicated. ... ...<br />
Monastery of Fed, near the river Feal, of the order of St. Bernard.<br />
At Newcastle there is a monastery of Knights Templars. ...<br />
Chapel of Iniscatha, or Scattery Island, at the mouth of the river Shannon,<br />
which belongs <strong>to</strong> the decanate of Rathkeale ; it likewise formerly belonged <strong>to</strong><br />
the diocese of <strong>Limerick</strong> in the time cif the R. D. D. Cornelius O'Dea, bishop of<br />
<strong>Limerick</strong>, as appears from his words and writings, which run thus :<br />
" I, Cornelius O'Dea, by the grace of God and the Apos<strong>to</strong>lic See, have enfeofed<br />
the Lord Gilbert O'CaitheU (formerly of the lands belonging <strong>to</strong> <strong>Limerick</strong>,<br />
from that island of Iniscathy, which pands] I have recovered by inquisition<br />
taken by me, which were not before me, for many years, in the possession of the<br />
Church), under this form, viz.: That the said Gilbert and his heirs should<br />
[debeat? pay <strong>to</strong> my assigns and his successors canonically entering, every year<br />
in the name of revenue, [as rent] twelve pence, viz., one half at Easter, and one<br />
half at the feast of St. Michael ; and on whatever night I or my successors shall<br />
first put in<strong>to</strong> said island, they should refresh us with meat and drink and a11<br />
other necessary things ; and as long thereafter as I or my successors shall tarry<br />
therein, they shall supply fire, light, and straw, at their own cost and expense,<br />
and carry us victuals by water, at our expense, and in boats, and by labourers<br />
of their own, from <strong>Limerick</strong> and the out villages (vdh forales) of the said<br />
diocese, <strong>to</strong> wit, only <strong>to</strong> all our manors of Lesamkyle, Dromdile, Mongret, and<br />
<strong>Limerick</strong>".<br />
What is said here of Iniscathy I have read from an ancient roll extracted<br />
from the Black Book of the bishops of Limexick in the time of John Quin, the first<br />
Protestant bishop of <strong>Limerick</strong>-[N.B.'Thiq must be n mistake, for John Quin,<br />
or Cop, was a Catholic, and was deposed by Edward VI. for being such, and<br />
Casey, a Protestant, put in his place].-The day after St. Nichael the Archangel,<br />
A.D. 1542. Therefore I know not by what right it is said that Iniscatha<br />
now belongs <strong>to</strong> the di6cese of <strong>Limerick</strong>.<br />
Thus the Rev. Mr. Gaspar White.<br />
"N.B.-About the year l?42, the Rev. D. D. Robert Lacy, bishop of <strong>Limerick</strong>s<br />
recovered this island of Iniscatha from the diocese of Killaloe, and a second<br />
time joined it <strong>to</strong> the diocese of <strong>Limerick</strong>. Witness my hand, James White,<br />
notary apos<strong>to</strong>lic.<br />
"In the year 1801, the bishop of <strong>Limerick</strong> went <strong>to</strong> Iniscathy, in which he found<br />
. two .-- families . living. whom he dated under the care and jurisdiction of the Rev.<br />
Michael ~ullivan,"iariuh prieA of Ballylongford, in the aocese of Kerry.<br />
" J[OHN Y"[ouNG].<br />
-<br />
I, ~as~arkhite, precen<strong>to</strong>r of the Cathedral Chqh of the B. V. Mary of<br />
<strong>Limerick</strong>, learn from this, and from other rolls:-l. That there are six dignitaries<br />
in the cathedral church of <strong>Limerick</strong>, viz., episcopate, decanate, precen<strong>to</strong>rate,<br />
chancellorate, treasurership, and archdiaconate. 2. I learn the bene-<br />
fims of each dignity. I learn that there are six diaconates in the diocese of<br />
<strong>Limerick</strong>. 4. I learn that there are eleven prebends or canonries. 6. I learn<br />
how many prebends are in each decanate.<br />
The benefices of each dignity, viz. :<br />
I. To the bishop's table belong :-l. Mongrett. 2. Tura Deil, or Blind Man's<br />
Tower. 3. Keilionochan. 4. Ardmuolan, near Killmallock. 5. Cottan, or<br />
Kilny, near Killmallock. 6. The middle part of Cluoncourtha, but now the<br />
whole, although formerly one part belonged <strong>to</strong> the bishop of Cloyne.<br />
11. l. To the deanery belonged the whole parish of St. Mary's, <strong>Limerick</strong>. 2. The<br />
rec<strong>to</strong>ry of Mongrett. 3. The entire chapel of Keililin, outside St. John'a Gate,<br />
near the walls. 4. The rec<strong>to</strong>ry of the chapel of Rathiuird, near <strong>Limerick</strong>, be-<br />
cause it is part of St. Nicholas's parish. 5. The parish of Cathiomary. 6.<br />
The rec<strong>to</strong>ry of Bruiry. 7. The rec<strong>to</strong>ry of Baillishiowaird. 8. The rec<strong>to</strong>ry of<br />
Keappach, alias Tristane.<br />
111. To the precen<strong>to</strong>r belong :-l. The rec<strong>to</strong> y of Keilfiny. 2. The parish of<br />
Nean<strong>to</strong>nan. 3. The rec<strong>to</strong>ry of Dromdily, or Tomdily, or Dromdelithy. 4. The<br />
rec<strong>to</strong>ry of Scannaghuoilin, or Seangolden. 5. The rec<strong>to</strong>ry of Leaughill. 6.<br />
The whole of Keilmile, alias Keilmuirelle. 7. The whole chapel' of Crag Desert<br />
Morogan, or Memgan, or Muiririgan, alias Morgans. 8. The whole of the chapel<br />
of Crinbhailly, or Cliny. 9. The rec<strong>to</strong>rate of the parish of Cnocknaghauil.<br />
10. The rec<strong>to</strong>ry of Cluomagh, in the ecclesiastical tenure only. 11. The ckapel<br />
of Bathnasaon, according <strong>to</strong> an ancient roll of the year 1542. 12. The church<br />
of Keilairissa, or Keilfargus,<br />
IV. To the chancellor belong:-l. The rec<strong>to</strong>ry of Elaithkeill entirely. 2.<br />
The rec<strong>to</strong>ry of Keilscainnill. 3. The rec<strong>to</strong>ry of Cluomagh, in the lay tenure<br />
only. 4. The rec<strong>to</strong>ry of Cluoinsierre.<br />
V. To the treasurer belong :-l. The parish of St. Patrick entirely. 2. The<br />
tithes of all the mills of <strong>Limerick</strong>. 3. The chapel of Keilcuain, near Parteen,<br />
which is a dependency of the said parish of St. Patrick. 4. The rec<strong>to</strong>ry of<br />
Caithirthiovathdla, or Cahirivahala 5. The rec<strong>to</strong> y of ImXghrinin, near Kill-<br />
mallock.<br />
VI. To the archdeacon belong :-l. The rec<strong>to</strong>rate of the parish of St. Michael<br />
(outside the walls of Liierick). 2. The rec<strong>to</strong>ry of Kddimo. 3. C10uincren,<br />
or Clnoinchremha 4. Ardagh entire.<br />
VII. To the college of Vicars Choral of <strong>Limerick</strong> belong :--l. The pica-<br />
riate of the parish of St. Nicholas of <strong>Limerick</strong>. 2. The vicariate of Bathiuird.<br />
8. The vicariate of the Chriochourtha. 4. The vicariate of Corcomoithid. 5.<br />
The rec<strong>to</strong>ry of Kilmallock. 6. The rec<strong>to</strong>ry of KeiIm-. 7. The rec<strong>to</strong>ry<br />
of Cluoinelthy. 8. CIuoincagh. 9. Chapel of Kilghobhn. 10. Chapel Mineta.<br />
l l. Chapel of Magrainy, or Keilcagny.<br />
VIII. To the college of gilmallock belong :-l. The vicariate of the college<br />
of Kilmallock. 2. The vicariate of Athnese. 3. Ballinghaddy. 4. Chapel of<br />
Saycaithile. 5. Chapel of Keilionan. 6. Chapel of Dune-gaddy and Dune-joris.<br />
7. ChapeI Mart& 8. Kilbeedy Major. 9. Chapel of St. Martin.<br />
IX. To the Corporation of the Mayor and Aldermen of <strong>Limerick</strong> belongs the<br />
Church of St. Ianrence beyond St. John's Gate.<br />
X. To the prebend of St. Munchin's belong :-l. The half part of the fruits of<br />
the prebend-the other part <strong>to</strong> the vicar. 2. The rec<strong>to</strong>ry of Keilnochon, or<br />
KeiIineunghe. 3. The rec<strong>to</strong>ry of the chapel of Drehid-Tarsne. 4. The chapel of<br />
Keilchiomogan.<br />
XI. To the prebendary of Donoughmore belong:-l. The rec<strong>to</strong>ry of the
566 HISTOBY OF LJMERXCK.<br />
0. r<br />
parish of Donoughmore. 2. The rec<strong>to</strong>ry of theparish of I
868 I.~IsToRP OF L~MERICP. . .<br />
the Church <strong>to</strong> the spoliating hands of royalty and <strong>to</strong> the unscrupulousnes of<br />
ib agents ; and the vehemence with which the Archbishop of Cashel hurled<br />
defiance at the decrees of the subservient parliament of Kilkenny, and the<br />
readiness with which his zeal was seconded by his suffragans of <strong>Limerick</strong>,<br />
Emly, and Lismore, afford a proof, if proof were wanting, that the Church,<br />
in those times, never abandoned the people, though the power of the state<br />
and the idlumce of the crown were brought <strong>to</strong> bear against it on many<br />
ocoa$011s.<br />
Stephen Lawless, or Lellies, Chancellor of <strong>Limerick</strong>, succeeded in 1353,<br />
and was res<strong>to</strong>red <strong>to</strong> the temporalities by the on the 13th of May,<br />
1353. He died on the 28th of December, 1359.<br />
In 1360, Stephen de Valle, or Wall, Dean of <strong>Limerick</strong>, succeeded b<br />
provision of the PO e, and was consecrated this year. He filled the higK<br />
office of treasurer o f Ireland. He was translated <strong>to</strong> the bishopric of Meath,<br />
where having sat ten years, he died at Oxford on the 4th of November,<br />
1379, and was buried there in the Dominicanmonastery. While he was<br />
Bishop of <strong>Limerick</strong> he translated the bones of Richard FitzRalph, Archbishop<br />
of Armagh, commonly called St. Bichard of Dundalk, fmm Aviznon<br />
<strong>to</strong> Dundalk, the birth-place of that archbishop, and deposited them m<br />
the Parish Church of St. Nicholas in that <strong>to</strong>wn.'<br />
Peter Curradl (in a MS. in T.C.D., said <strong>to</strong> be taken out of the Bkck<br />
Book, he is c&ed Creagh ; and in white's BSS. he is designated Pierce<br />
Creagh, a native of <strong>Limerick</strong>, though Ware states that he was a native of<br />
the county of Dublin) was elected next in succession, in 1369. He <strong>to</strong>ok<br />
the oath of fealty <strong>to</strong> Edward 111. before the illustrious Willim of Wykeham,<br />
Biihop of Winchester, on the 10th of February (English style). C~esgh's<br />
e isco~acy was full of troubles. He engaged in implacable opposition <strong>to</strong> the<br />
&anc~sc-. When Archbishop Warring<strong>to</strong>n came <strong>to</strong> <strong>Limerick</strong> <strong>to</strong> ~ d r w<br />
their grievances, and cited the bishop <strong>to</strong> answer their oomplsints, he (the<br />
bishop) laid violent hmds on the archbishop, and <strong>to</strong>re the citation from<br />
mth such force that he drew his blood, snd ordered the archbishop <strong>to</strong><br />
hgone, or that it should fare worse with b attendants. It is said, moreover,<br />
that the bishop laid censures on and threatened with excommunication<br />
all who should repair for divine service within the church of the h-<br />
ciscans; that he excomhunicated all who afforded the archbisho food and<br />
entertainment. There are other matters equally harsh said of tl%bi&~<br />
some of these accusations are preferred bp Ware, on the authority of L 5: e<br />
Wadding; but we must accept them wlth some resemtioa. We must<br />
bear in mind that this prelate governed the see of <strong>Limerick</strong> for the long<br />
period of thirty years. During his time religion flourished in <strong>Limerick</strong>.<br />
Some of the most eminent of the fhdies of the city then lived, md by<br />
their munificent expenditure on the churches and monasteries, showed<br />
that their zeal was ardent and their fkth sincere. B wrt duhg the<br />
e iscopacy of Pierce Creagh that Martin Arthur made a willg which shows<br />
t$ there were nine churches in the city. This will was made AD.<br />
1376. Amo the bequests was one <strong>to</strong> the Franciscan Gm, which the<br />
assertion of $re, or rather of his commenta<strong>to</strong>r, Harris, as <strong>to</strong> the -nb<br />
HISTORY OF LIMERICK. 569<br />
ment manifested by the bishop <strong>to</strong>wards the Franciscans, shows did not ex-<br />
tend <strong>to</strong> the citizens. This will indicates the curi3us domestic manners of<br />
the times, and sets out several curious bequests. Confirnation of it is<br />
granted, and letters of administration, by the bishop. The will concludes<br />
as follows :<br />
"In the name of God, Amen, I, the aforesaid Idartin, bequeath my eoul <strong>to</strong><br />
God, the Blessed Virgin, and all the saints; my body <strong>to</strong> be buried in the<br />
church of the Preaching Friars in <strong>Limerick</strong>. I also bequeath <strong>to</strong> the Cathe-<br />
dral of St. Mary's, <strong>Limerick</strong>, for forgotten tithes ... (marks) 20 0<br />
Also <strong>to</strong> the Preaching Friars ... ... 1 8<br />
Also for a friar's habit, <strong>to</strong> be put on him, half a mark<br />
Also <strong>to</strong> the Friars Minor (Franciscans) ... ... 10 0<br />
Item <strong>to</strong> the Vicars of the Church of St. Mary ... 2 0<br />
2 0<br />
Item <strong>to</strong> the Church of the Holy Cross ... 3 4<br />
Item <strong>to</strong> the Vicar of St. Nicholas .a. ...<br />
Item <strong>to</strong> repair of the Church of St. Munchin's ... 3 4<br />
Item <strong>to</strong> the Church of St. Peter ... ... 1 0<br />
Item Church of St. Michael ... ... 1 0<br />
Item Church of John Baptist ... ... 1 0<br />
Item Church of St. Lawrence . ... 1 0<br />
Item Church of St. Patrick . .. 1 0<br />
Item <strong>to</strong> Sarah Wingaine ... ... 1 0<br />
Item <strong>to</strong> Mr. John Lawless '.. ... 1 0<br />
Item Mr. John White, Chaplain ... ... I 0<br />
S., Item <strong>to</strong> Mariota Mylys ... 1 0<br />
Item <strong>to</strong> John Sole, Monk . . . half a mark.<br />
Item <strong>to</strong> Friar Maurice O'Cormacnine ... ... 3 4<br />
Item <strong>to</strong> Friar Simon Modin ... ... 2 0<br />
Item <strong>to</strong> Preaching Friars, <strong>to</strong> pray for his soul ... 2 0<br />
Item <strong>to</strong> Nurse Johanna . a.. 8 0<br />
Thii bishop resigned his see A.D. 1400, and died about the end of Oc<strong>to</strong>ber,<br />
1407. Before his death, but after his resignation, viz., in 1401, John<br />
Buds<strong>to</strong>ne, a wealthy citizen of <strong>Limerick</strong>, bes<strong>to</strong>wed four great bells on the<br />
cathedral of St. Mary's, <strong>to</strong> which we shall have <strong>to</strong> refer in the next chapter.<br />
Up <strong>to</strong> this period, from the foundation of the chapter by Bishop Donat<br />
O'Brien, there had been nine1 Deans.<br />
CHAPTER LVII.<br />
BISHOP CORNELIUS O'DEA-HIS AUTRB, CROZIEB, AND SEAL-HIS SMPROVE-<br />
Bfim~~-s~~~~<br />
OF AFFAIRS IA HIS TIME-GRANT OF HENRY VI. TO THE<br />
CITIZENSTHE CATHEDRAL OF ST. MABY'S-MONUMENTS AND MONU-<br />
MENTAL INSCBIPTIONS-TEE BISHOPS IN SUCCESSION-THE " REFORXA-<br />
TION", XTC., ETC.<br />
THE illustrious Comelius O'Dea, Archdeacon of Killaloe, succeeded Cur-<br />
ragh or Creagh, A.D. 1405. He was aliberal benefac<strong>to</strong>r <strong>to</strong> the cathedral, as<br />
we have already seen, and he also enlargd and beauti6ed it. His mitre<br />
%.:-in 1204, p. 1212, T. ibid. W. Beymnndos, tempore Henrici de Wdp, Dec. Em.;<br />
121<br />
<strong>to</strong> 1278, Thomas of Woodford; 1295-8. John de Cotes;. 1302, Luke ; 1311, Eustaee de PEau<br />
or Waters, who wm raised <strong>to</strong> the bishopric this year; 1366, Adam Owen; 1398 <strong>to</strong> 1409,<br />
40
. I<br />
570 HISTORY OF LIMERICK,<br />
and crozier are yet extant, and have won the admiration of all anti-<br />
quarians and learncd societies: they have been shown at the great Na-<br />
tional Exhibition in Dublin in 1852, and at the congress of the Archse-<br />
ologic:rl Society in England in 1862.' The mitre is of thin silver parcel<br />
gilt, ornamented both on the front and back, as also on the infulm or<br />
pendants, with a profusion of pearls, crystals, rubies, amethysts, emeralds,<br />
and other precious s<strong>to</strong>nes. The two sides arc composed of silver laminac,<br />
gilt, and are jewelled in a broad band round the base, up the centre, and<br />
along the sloping cdges; these bands arc edged with mouldings, and the<br />
sloping portion has been cnrichcd with an elaborate cresting of vine-leaves<br />
along its outer edge. The intcrspaccs on either side are now occupied by<br />
a foliated ornament, composed of pearls laid down over foil. The infulac,<br />
or pcndant ornaments, are not so ancient as the mitre itself. There are,<br />
however, among them two ancient cabochon crystals, and two small orna-<br />
mcnts of translucent cnamel, one with the emblem of a hare pursued by a<br />
hound, the othcr with a mingcd lion. It has the following enamelled in-<br />
scription, under a crystal cross in front:.-<br />
" HOC SIGNUM CRUCIS EkIT IN c~~Lo".<br />
Undcr a similar cross on thc back the inscription goes on :<br />
Round the base of' the mitre is the following inscription, in letters of<br />
the period, on ground covcrcd with blue, green, and purest translucent<br />
enamel :<br />
+Me+ fieri+fecit+Cornelius+O DeayghS<br />
cpiscopusf -+amo+Domini+ millio+<br />
-+-+<br />
The name of the artist is engraved in similar characters above the hinPd<br />
oand :-<br />
~oma+O'Carryd+artifex+faciens.<br />
Tile crozier is of silvcr gilt, and ornamcnted round the curve mith<br />
vine lenvcs and real pearls, and down the shafts with crowns and chased<br />
work. Within tlic curvc arc statucttcs of the Blessed Virgin and the<br />
Angcl Gnbliel, and that of a dove over the former. This curve is sq.<br />
portcd by a pclican, with' extended wings, feeding its young ones.<br />
Bcncnth arc the enamclled figures of five female saints and St. John the<br />
Evangelist. Thc crozier weighs about 10 lbs. The boss of the crozier<br />
exhibits six elegant statuettes undcr rich canopies of Edwardine archi-<br />
tecture, and standing upon appropriate pedestals. These statuettes re-<br />
present the Blessed Trinity, thc Virgin Mary, St. Peter, St. Paul, St.<br />
Patrick, and St. Blunchin, the patron saint of the diocese.<br />
Ricllard Warran, Varycr. or Warying. Of prcbendmies, up <strong>to</strong> this period, we find only tlio<br />
names of: 1320, icliard Fort, Preb. of h'ilbdnn ; Jolm de Bosworth, presented by the cmma,<br />
September 10th % 1 46, Preb. of Tullabrackey ; 1389, John Eyleward [Aylward], presented by<br />
the crown, Septcmber Preb. of Tuhg1:brackcy; 1388, Joh de Iiarlell [Barlisle ?],<br />
Preb. of Effin-held.<br />
' Dr. MiIner gave a pmticular description of these most valuable treasures <strong>to</strong> the Society of<br />
Antiquaries, with a sketch of them, which was made by Mr. John Gubbii, of <strong>Limerick</strong>,<br />
Artist,<br />
HISTOBY OB LIMERICK. 57 1<br />
On the crozier, in beautifully executed letters of the time, are these<br />
words :-<br />
"Me fieri fecit 11 corneli' odeaigh 11 eps limiricens' 11 aodoi<br />
MOccccOxviii t(et) consecracionis 11 sue anno xviii.'<br />
It is stated in the White MSS. that thcsc precious treasures 11ad been<br />
always in the possession of the Catholic Bishops of the Sce of Liinerick.<br />
O'Dea, who was connected by fosterage with the royal family of O'Brien,<br />
was buried near the <strong>to</strong>mb of the O'Briens, undcr a monument of black<br />
marble adorned with a statue; but in 1621 this monument was removed<br />
<strong>to</strong> a place set apart for the bishops of <strong>Limerick</strong>, on the south side of the<br />
choir." The following inscription is on the monument :-<br />
"Hzc est effigies Reverendissimi Viri CorneIii O'Dae<br />
Quondam episcopi Limericensis qui ad monunientmn<br />
Hoc novum Episcoporum Limericensium ad<br />
Perpetuandum memoriam et Iionorem tanti Pri~n!lis<br />
Translatus fuit ut hie cum fratribus suis requlcscerct<br />
14 die Julii, Ano Domini 1621. Ec:notus autcm hnc evi (qu. fuit ?)<br />
Sumptibus nobilissimi herois Doozti conlitis Thomonim<br />
Tunc Honoratissimi Dornini Presidentis provincia: 3Iomoi:t".<br />
Thus translated in Harris's Ware :<br />
66 This is the effigies of that most reverend man, Cornelias O'Da, formi.rly<br />
Bishop of <strong>Limerick</strong>, who, <strong>to</strong> perpetuate the memory and honour of so great D<br />
prelate, was transIated <strong>to</strong> this burial-place of the bishops of <strong>Limerick</strong>, th:rt he<br />
might rest with his brethren, on the 14th day of July, 1621. Iht it wts re-<br />
moved hither at the charge of that most noble hero, Donat, Earl of 'l'homond,<br />
then the Right Hon. Lord President of the province of Munster".<br />
O'Dea resigned in 1426.<br />
We must dwell for a short time on the state of religion in <strong>Limerick</strong><br />
during the episcopacy of this illustrious bishop, and show what was done<br />
for his cathedral by him and by the citizens. Among other improvements,<br />
Tho~nas Arthnr, who was born about the year 1378, with his wife<br />
Johanna Morrough, daughter of David Morrou@i, sena<strong>to</strong>r of Cork and<br />
Youghal, built up at their own expense, in a mag?~ficent manner, the eastern<br />
front and the costly wrought window of the choir of the cathedral church<br />
of the Blessed Virgin Mary at <strong>Limerick</strong>, the western door of which he<br />
caused <strong>to</strong> be sculptured, in a workinanlike manner, in s<strong>to</strong>ne, with the<br />
armorial bearings of the Arthurs, and the southern door with the armorial<br />
bearings of the Murro~~ghe, " not throu,ali a spirit of vain glory, but in<br />
order that others hereafter should imitate the memorials of their piety".<br />
He was thought worthy <strong>to</strong> hold the dignity of Mayor of <strong>Limerick</strong> twice.<br />
The first time he entered upon its duties was in the year 1421, which was<br />
the tenth and last year of the reign of Heniy V., in which time they<br />
began <strong>to</strong> build the walls of the southern suburbs. The second time he<br />
discharged the duty of Mayor -8 in the year 1426, in which year the<br />
1 That is, "Corneliua O'Deagh, Bishop of <strong>Limerick</strong>, caused me <strong>to</strong> be made A.D. 1418, and in<br />
the eighteenth year of his consecration". The Right Rev. Dr. Butler, the present Catholic Bishop<br />
of <strong>Limerick</strong>, wore the precious mitre at his consecration; and his lordship lent it <strong>to</strong> the South<br />
Kensing<strong>to</strong>n Loan Exllliibition in 1862, where it was admired as a lnatchless curiosity, as the<br />
mitre of Willi~sl of Wykeham, which wss like it, but has gone <strong>to</strong> decay.
572 RISTORY OF LIMERICK.<br />
S .<br />
gate dedicated <strong>to</strong> St John the Baptist, and the emtern walls, were begun.<br />
And having six months of his office unexpired, he died on the 15th of<br />
the kalends of April, 1426 (Artlmr &!SS.).'<br />
The great Bishop O'Dea gave an impetus <strong>to</strong> improvement, not only as<br />
regards the cathedral, but <strong>to</strong> the convents and monasteries, and the city<br />
generally. He was liberal, energetic, and pious. The spirit b which he<br />
was animated was largely participated in by the citizens, of W ose coijperation<br />
in raisinff and erecting - costly monuments we have records in the<br />
Arthur MSS.<br />
The cathedral contained several ehapcls dedicated <strong>to</strong> saiqts, the chief of<br />
which wcre those of St. Mary Magdalene and St. Catherme, St. James,<br />
etc. It was the invariable cus<strong>to</strong>m of those who could afford, <strong>to</strong> bequeath<br />
certain sums for the repairs of the cathedral, as well as for the repairs<br />
of the parochial churches of St. Manchin, or Munchin, St. Nicholas, St.<br />
Petcr. St. Michael, St. Laurence, St. Patrick, and the priories and . mo- -<br />
natelkes, and fines imposed on citizens and others were appropriated <strong>to</strong><br />
the repnin and adornment of the edifice.'<br />
In reference <strong>to</strong> John Buds<strong>to</strong>ne, above referred <strong>to</strong>, Dr. Thomas Arthur,<br />
in his MSS., writes in Latin, which we translate literally :-<br />
' c I composed this inscription <strong>to</strong> be set up by the s<strong>to</strong>ne-cutter by way of<br />
epitaph, on the mural tablet of marble, sculptured in golden Ietters, inverted in<br />
the wall of my chapel, dedicated <strong>to</strong> the Blessed Mary Magdalen, in the church<br />
of tbe Virgin Mother of God, in <strong>Limerick</strong>, in happy memory of my grandfather's<br />
grandsire, John Buds<strong>to</strong>ne, by whose gift I, my parents, my grandfather, my<br />
great-grandfather, and my great-great-grandmother, Margaret Buds<strong>to</strong>ne, have<br />
iosse&d that part of the chapel.<br />
"This pious man made s gift, <strong>to</strong> the church aforesaid, of four large brass<br />
bells. as I have found in a writing in a book belonging <strong>to</strong> my grandfather,<br />
kilikn Arthur, grandson of the same, by his daughter:<br />
cc Now stay thy steps, and, reder, cast thine eyes,<br />
And red the fate that waits on thy demise :<br />
That fair corporeal mass dissolved and passed,<br />
Shadow and dust shalt thou become at last.<br />
That shadow passeth not <strong>to</strong> empty air,<br />
Nor in<strong>to</strong> other bodies doth repair,<br />
'The will of E h Jove~uuned l%omm Arthur, which was mda on the 17th Mmh, 1426,<br />
s scaled with the seal of Cornelius, Bishop of limerick, impressed on red wax. The following<br />
is a description of the seal: it represented on the upper part the imge of the Blessed Trinity<br />
the Father bearing up the c~ncified Son; in the middle was an image of the glorious Virgin Mwy,<br />
with two other images, one 3t each side ; on the lower part of tle =me seal was an image of the<br />
bishop, with the shield of the Ear1 of Dcsmond on the right side, and of the Esrl of Ormonde<br />
on the l& ; on the circumference were these letters. U The scd of Cornelius, by the grw of God<br />
Bishop of <strong>Limerick</strong>" (Arthur NSS.).<br />
(From the Arthur MS.) I wrote this epi,pm, <strong>to</strong> be sculptured sometime on a marble<br />
altar which I wish <strong>to</strong> crect in tho chspcl OF the tutelary st\hts, Saints James the Greater and<br />
Mary hI:qdalene, if ever I shall s&vc thc close ofthis war-(Ee means the war of 1641)-Le-<br />
tween tho walls of both dabaster st;ltucs, <strong>to</strong> be plwed upon neat archa or conches of both:<br />
The l~ostile &me, pent up in densest clouds,<br />
A ruin mist, like <strong>to</strong> water, LW poured forth.<br />
X. The heavenly fire diffused in sacred minds<br />
Dnws forth tho lightnine of the Word, and then<br />
Devotion thunders, rival& the saints<br />
With sig11s and monns; bnt let the limpid tear<br />
Vash away sin o .<br />
K<br />
l<br />
HISTORY OF LIMERICK.<br />
But with the spirits of the blest reposes,<br />
Where gales benignant fan Elysian roses.<br />
If aught impure the flesh contracted here,<br />
Passed through the fire the soul becometh clear.<br />
While, racked on sulphur piles, the wicked lie,<br />
Banded with souls accurst eternally,<br />
Darkling in gloomy night, whom nevermore<br />
Water of life shall un<strong>to</strong> health res<strong>to</strong>re.<br />
Traces of human shape it doth retain,<br />
Longs <strong>to</strong> return and join the flesh again ;<br />
But ages pass before it re-attires<br />
The mouldering ashes with their former fires.<br />
Then shall the soul its members reassume,<br />
And, widowed once, rise glorious from the <strong>to</strong>mb,<br />
Then shall the dreadful trumpet's awful <strong>to</strong>ne<br />
Summon the crowds before the Judge's throne ;<br />
Returned <strong>to</strong> life, the bad <strong>to</strong> <strong>to</strong>rtures doomed,<br />
The good with light eternally illumed.<br />
Oh ! stain not, then, your pious souls with crime,<br />
Comport your holy life <strong>to</strong> fhith sublime.<br />
Without morality all faith is vain,<br />
John Bus<strong>to</strong>n teaches in this warning strain,<br />
Who <strong>to</strong> the church these powerful bells has &pen :<br />
Do thou, departing, wish him rest in Heaven".<br />
Bishop Milner states that the ancient taxatio diecesb in the Bbck Book<br />
which he saw on his visit <strong>to</strong> <strong>Limerick</strong> in 1808, is in the handw&ng of<br />
Cornelius O'Dea. A description of the episcopal seal, the only one extant,<br />
is p'reserved in the aote we have just given from the will of Thomas<br />
Arthur. Those indeed were bright and happy days for the Church.<br />
Under the influence of this great Irish bishop everything flourished. Men<br />
lived and died for religion. It is probable that the oak stalls and " mise-<br />
reres", which even at this hour win the admiration of every visi<strong>to</strong>r of St.<br />
Mqls Cathedral, are of the time of O'Dea: the carvings on the mise-<br />
reres" (or seats with ledges, which were turned up <strong>to</strong> allow the occupant of<br />
the stall <strong>to</strong> rest during the recital of the divine offices) are of this period;<br />
they are similar many respects, <strong>to</strong> the carvings on the misereres m some<br />
English cathedral^.^ It is equally probable that Bishop O'Dea founded<br />
the vatuable MS. library of' St. Mary's Cathedral (a few specimens of<br />
which we believe are yet in existence), and of which a catalope, <strong>to</strong> some<br />
extent at least, is preserved among tlie Sldanc MSS. in the Briwh Museum.<br />
The following a portion of the catalogue translated:<br />
No. 46, SIoane MSS., 4793, page 119.<br />
A 1631.<br />
The names of 45 NSS. in the Library of the Cathedml of <strong>Limerick</strong> :<br />
1. Last of the Four Gospels and Richard the Berxnit.<br />
3. 9) Explanations.<br />
3. Tract on Vices and Virtues.<br />
4. Exphnation of the Ap"alypse.<br />
Augusthe on the Wonders of Scripture. His<strong>to</strong>rical Allegory on the<br />
Scriptures;<br />
GIossary of architecture.
574 HISTORY OP LIE16ER&!R. . .<br />
5. Augustine on the Domination of Devils. Meditations of Anselm.<br />
6. Great Prologue containing all the Prologues in the Bible.<br />
7. Chrysos<strong>to</strong>m.<br />
8. First Book of the Summa of St. Thomas.<br />
9. Explanation of the Names in Scripture.<br />
10. Acts of the Apostles, and all the Epistles.<br />
11. Questions in the Old and New Testaments, and Lombards.<br />
12. Pour Books.<br />
13. Concordances.<br />
14. On Viccs and Virtues, in Folio.<br />
15. Explanation of the whole Bible.<br />
17. Explanation of the Canticle of canticles, and certain Symbols.<br />
18. Text and Explanation of Matthew.<br />
19. Five Books of the Decrees of Gregory.<br />
21. Paraphrase of the Psalms.<br />
r Fifteen Books of Augustine on the Trinity.<br />
I Anselm<br />
on the Incarnation of the Word.<br />
The same on the -<br />
Monologia of tbe same.<br />
22 { Prologia of the same.<br />
The same on the Trinity.<br />
I<br />
The same on God-Man.<br />
Anselm on Truth.<br />
etc., etc.<br />
23. Dictionary of Words.<br />
24. Observations on the His<strong>to</strong>ry of the Bible.<br />
25. Innocent IV. on Canon Law.<br />
26. Summary on Vices.<br />
28. Text of the Gospel of John.<br />
30. On Vices.<br />
31. Explanation of the Psalms.<br />
32. Explanation of the Epistles of St. James and St. John.<br />
83. Esplanation of the Epistles of St. Pad.<br />
etc., etc., etc.<br />
Those MSS. appear <strong>to</strong> have still existed, as the catalogue states, in 1631.<br />
Most likely, they were scattered and destroyed in the wars of Cromwell.<br />
Bishop O'Dea lived some years after his resignation, and died A.D. 1434,<br />
and was buried, as we have seen, in the cathedral <strong>to</strong> which he was a muni-<br />
ficent contribu<strong>to</strong>r. The year previous <strong>to</strong> his death, viz., in 1433, on the<br />
Monday before the feast of 6t. Michael the Archangel (12th Henry VI.,)<br />
the Mayor and community of the city of <strong>Limerick</strong>, by unanimous consent<br />
and assent, admitted Dr. John Oveni, as prior of the House of St. Mary<br />
and St. Edmond, <strong>to</strong> the fieedom of the city; so that he shall render and<br />
gve with the citizens of the same city as his predecessors rendered and<br />
gave with the citizens of the same city and their predecessors"; -<br />
(Artlwr<br />
MSS.).<br />
This prelate lived in troubled times. The city suffered as well from the<br />
attacks of Irish as of English rebels. In the British Museum, among<br />
the Sloane M@, appear letters patent by which Henry VI., <strong>to</strong> prevent<br />
the destruction of the city from day <strong>to</strong> day, grants <strong>to</strong> the mayor, bailiffs,<br />
and co~nmonality of the city of <strong>Limerick</strong>, power<br />
"as often as they please <strong>to</strong> retain with them sufficient people (or septs,<br />
HISTORY OF LIMERICK. 575<br />
gcntes) for defence, both horse and foot of the county of <strong>Limerick</strong> and marches<br />
of the city and county aforesaid, and <strong>to</strong> lead these people with them in resis-<br />
tance <strong>to</strong> the malice of said enemies and rebels, <strong>to</strong> make mar upon and <strong>to</strong> cl~as-<br />
tise and punish them according <strong>to</strong> their demerits, and <strong>to</strong> be able with God's<br />
assistance <strong>to</strong> make head against them. And we also of our special favour grant<br />
that neither the aforesaid mayor, bailiff, and commonalty, or their successors<br />
the mayors, bailiffs, and commonalty of <strong>Limerick</strong> city, neither any of them, nor<br />
any one of any of the county and marches aforesaid, who shall thus have gone<br />
hereafter with the aforesaid mayor, bailiffs, and commonalty, and with their<br />
successors the mayors, bailiffs, and commonalty of the said city, against the said<br />
enemies of ours, and English rebels who are <strong>to</strong> be curbed in the manner and<br />
form aforesaid, be impeached, nor any of them be impeached or in any way be<br />
aggrieved by our heirs, officers, or servants, or any of our heirs hereafter what-<br />
ever in the causes aforesaid, or any of them. And we further of our fuller<br />
favour grant un<strong>to</strong> the same mayor, bailiffs, and commonalty of the said city for<br />
ever, the power of treating and parleying with the aforesaid our Irish enemies<br />
dwelling about the city, county, and marches aforesaid, and <strong>to</strong> res<strong>to</strong>re them <strong>to</strong><br />
peace with us, or of our heirs, and as often as they please <strong>to</strong> make armistices<br />
and truces with them, without impeachment on the part of us, our heirs, officers,<br />
or servants, or of our heirs whatever hereafter, providing, however, that such<br />
treating be not <strong>to</strong> our prejudice or that of our faithful people. In tcstimony<br />
whereof we have caused <strong>to</strong> be made these our letters patent. Witness our<br />
beloved Thomas Straunge, Knight Deputy ; our beloved and faithful John<br />
Sut<strong>to</strong>n, Knight, our Lieutenant in our land of Ireland. Trim, the 8th day of<br />
March, in the eighth year of our reign, Sut<strong>to</strong>n, by petition by the Deputy him-<br />
self and the whole council, and sealed with the pnvy seal".<br />
We thus perceive the state of society without the city, at a period in<br />
which religion was effecting so many improvements within the walls, and<br />
when piety among the citizens was one of their chief characteristics. By<br />
a speaal patent the bishop himself was empowered <strong>to</strong> parley with the<br />
rebels.<br />
In the third of Henry VI., the king, by Lis letters patent, remitted <strong>to</strong><br />
Cornelius, Bishop of <strong>Limerick</strong>, all debts, compositions, arrears, fines, and<br />
amercements which were due of him <strong>to</strong> the crown of England. The<br />
letters bear date the 26th of April, and are witnessed by Sir John Talbot,<br />
Lord Justiciary of Ireland (Pat. R. Bib., Henry VI).<br />
John Mothel, or perhaps more correctly John of Mothel, an Augustinian<br />
canon of the abbey of Kells, in the county of Kilkenny, succeeded<br />
O'Dea by rovision of Pope Martin V., and was res<strong>to</strong>red, according <strong>to</strong><br />
Ware, <strong>to</strong> t 1 e temporalities on the 23rd day of January, 1426 (English<br />
style). He governed the see nearly thirty-two years; resigned it in 1458 ;<br />
and died in 1468. The Royal Irish Academy, in 1849, according <strong>to</strong> Dr.<br />
Cot<strong>to</strong>n, becnme possessed of an ancient seal or s<strong>to</strong>ne, which was probably<br />
that of this bishop. It bears the rude figure of a bishop rider the<br />
usual canopy, beneath which is another figure of a prelate with his pas<strong>to</strong>ral<br />
staff. The workmanship of these is coarse. It is inscribed:-<br />
An account appears in the Black Book of an inquisition which was held<br />
by Bishop John Mohel, which is <strong>to</strong> this effect:-
576 HISTORY OF LIMERICK.<br />
C .<br />
"An Inquisition was held in the [bishop's] court of Tullabrek, on the 9th<br />
day of Septemher, in the year of our Lord 1447, before our Lord John, Lord<br />
Bishop of <strong>Limerick</strong>, Robert Stancon, and many others ; item, Eoy. O'Cachaue,<br />
jur. ; it. Sellan O'Pharrell, jur. ; it. Nichus. Fyn, jur. ; Richus. ILlcJonyn, jur. ;<br />
Donaldus McJonyn, jur. ; Richus. Dug, jur. ; Thos. O'Morvie, jun.; Thos.<br />
O'Bogane, jur. ; Cornelius O'Morio ; Willmus. Blewet, jur. ; who being sworn<br />
as witness, on their oath depose, that in whatever may the tenants of Tullabrelr<br />
did work by their horses and cattle for themselves, they would do in like<br />
manner for the Bishop of <strong>Limerick</strong>."<br />
The deans, f'rom the time already enumerated <strong>to</strong> the episcopacy of this<br />
bishop, wcre, according <strong>to</strong> Dr. Cot<strong>to</strong>n, Luke (13'32), Eustace de L'Eau,<br />
or Waters (1311), who was raised <strong>to</strong> the episcopacy in that year; Stephen<br />
de Valle (1360), who was elected bishop, according <strong>to</strong> Ware; Adam Owen<br />
(1366), Richard Warren, Waryn, or Warying, Eustathus &Aqua, who<br />
is named in a MS. T.C.D., f, 1-18. " But, perhaps", says Dr. Cot<strong>to</strong>n,<br />
" there is a mistake of a figure, and 1405 ought <strong>to</strong> be 1205 (see above)".<br />
Robcrt Poer also was Archdeacon of Lismore as well as Dean of <strong>Limerick</strong><br />
(1434), and was sent as proxy for William, Bishop of Meath, <strong>to</strong> the coun-<br />
cil of BAsle, and on his return the council ordered the bishop <strong>to</strong> pay all<br />
his expenses-[eec Register Swa ne] :-Poer in 1446 was raised <strong>to</strong> the<br />
bishopric of Waterford; and, Lstly-, Thomas O'Scmican. Fronl the<br />
foundation of the cathedral up <strong>to</strong> this period, thcre were four precen<strong>to</strong>rs,<br />
viz.: M. Omelinus (Biack Book), (1204 <strong>to</strong> 1207); Thornas (ibid., id)<br />
(1272) ; Dyonysius O'Dea (perhaps a relative of Bishop Cornelius O'Dea),<br />
who obtained leave of absence for five years <strong>to</strong> go and study in the schools<br />
of Oxfbrd 2nd Cambridge (Robert Patrick Wark), and who in 1421 was<br />
raised <strong>to</strong> the bishopric of Ossory ;' Maimer Fleming (1426)-(Cod. Clar. 36).<br />
William Crcagh, a native of <strong>Limerick</strong>, succeeded John Mothel. by Papal<br />
rovision, on the resignation of the latter, and was consecrated in 1459.<br />
be occupied thc see about thirteen years. He recovered for the church the<br />
lands of Donoughinore, according <strong>to</strong> the Black Book, which were usurped<br />
by other^.^ The salary of the organist in his time was 6s. 84d. per ann~m.~<br />
He was a distinguished member of a highly distinguished family, which<br />
gave archbisl~ops and bishops <strong>to</strong> &c Church, commanders <strong>to</strong> the army,<br />
chief magistrates <strong>to</strong> the city, and which traces its pedigree <strong>to</strong> Eugenius,<br />
son of Nial of the Nine Hostages, son of Eochaymoyvegan, several<br />
monarchs of Ireland having been of the family.4<br />
Most probably it was during the reign of this prelate that the Galway<br />
monument, or, at all events, the principal portion of that vely remarkable<br />
monumcnt, was erectcd in the cathedral, the inscription on which has<br />
been much dcfaccd, no doubt purposely, and most probably by the soldiers<br />
This Bishop of Ossory may, however, have been of the Kilkenny sept of O'Dea, located near<br />
Waterford.<br />
2 The entry is in his own hand~riting.<br />
Arthbr MSS.<br />
From an old MS:-tt Here followeth the antiquity, geanologie, and explanation of the most<br />
antient family of the Creagbs in dl places where they be, and the reason why they were called<br />
Creaghs, and their pedigree <strong>to</strong> Eugeniuq son of Nial of the Nync Hostages, son of Eoclia~moy-<br />
vegan, with accowt of cach monarch of Irclund that had been of tlic ances<strong>to</strong>rs of the said<br />
hmily, with the y&r of the world or of Christ each monarch began their reipe, and how many<br />
gears each monarch reigned first, and begin with". Three brother. Pierce, Patrick, and<br />
Jnmes, commanded the party that forced their way through Creagh Gate, which is called sftsr<br />
their name from that day, because they wore green branches in their helmets, <strong>to</strong> distinguish<br />
themselves from their enemies, the Daues, whom they conquered.<br />
BISTORT OF LIMERICK. $77<br />
of the Commonwealth, Sir Geofficy Galway, of whoin we have already<br />
written so much (see p. 127), having becn one of the citizens proscribed by<br />
Ire<strong>to</strong>n. The coat of arms, which surmounts the monumcnt, seems <strong>to</strong> have<br />
been placed above the <strong>to</strong>mb many years after the erection of the latter.<br />
The arms of the Galway family are those of the De Burghs, distinguished<br />
by a bend. On a shield at the right, over the <strong>to</strong>mb, are the arms of<br />
Galway, impaling those of Stritch; and on a second shield, at the left,<br />
are the Galway arms impaling those of Arthr. There is a third shield<br />
under the apex of the monument, but we have not been able <strong>to</strong> ascer-<br />
tain with correctness <strong>to</strong> whom it belongs. The inscription, as far as it can<br />
be at present made out, is as follows:-<br />
vir Ricardus XX. . . .<br />
. . . . . ort . .. . roa . . . civitaturn Lime xxx.<br />
Corgagiae qxx. . . . . . anno di rnccccxxxx. . . .<br />
Hic jacet xx. . . . . . venerabilis vir Galfiridus<br />
Galwey quondam civis civitatum Limerici Corcag xxx. . . . . .<br />
Waterfbrdie qui obiit XL . . . Jannarii anno Domini mccccxlxx urn<br />
xx filius tdia xx. . . . . Margarite &lie talis Eicardi xx. . . . fort<br />
hunc tumulum fieri fecit.<br />
Thomas Arthur succeeded in 1472, and died on the 19th July, 1486.<br />
He was the third son of Nicholas Arthur of <strong>Limerick</strong>, and Catherine<br />
Skyddy of the city of Cork.' His father was one of the most eminent<br />
citizens of his time-(see p. 369), and appears <strong>to</strong> have been on intimate<br />
terms with the Kings of England, <strong>to</strong> whom he was accus<strong>to</strong>med <strong>to</strong> make<br />
valuable presents. His grandfather, Thon~as, did much, m we hsve seen,<br />
<strong>to</strong>wards the decoration of the cathedral. The bishop had five brothers, dl<br />
of whom rose <strong>to</strong> distinction in their native city.<br />
Richard, whose surname is not given by our authorities, succeeded in<br />
1486, and died in the same year, in Rome, where he was appointed tci the<br />
see by Pope Innocent VIII. He never <strong>to</strong>ok possession of his see.<br />
John Uunow or Dumow, a canon of Exeter, doc<strong>to</strong>r of laws, 'and, at<br />
the time, ambassador of Henry VIII. <strong>to</strong> the court of Rome, was nominated,<br />
on the 13th of November, 1486, by the Pope's pro.vision, <strong>to</strong> succeed ;<br />
but he also died in Rome the third year after his consecration, before he<br />
had time <strong>to</strong> visit his see.<br />
John Folan succeeded in 1489. He was canon of Ferns, rec<strong>to</strong>r of<br />
Clonmore, and procura<strong>to</strong>r for Octavian de Palatio, Archbishop of Armagh<br />
at the court of Rome, and was advanced <strong>to</strong> the see of <strong>Limerick</strong> by the<br />
Pope, on the 13th of May in the same year. During the episcopacy of<br />
this prelate in 1449, the nave of the church of the Blessed Virgin Mary,<br />
which was narrow and mouldering <strong>to</strong> decay, was enlarged, and several<br />
other additions were made, including the erection of three transepts, as<br />
well as the formation of various aisles. The citizens under<strong>to</strong>ok the duty<br />
of decorating the cathedral s<br />
The Arthurs appear <strong>to</strong> have given their aid <strong>to</strong>wards these improvements.<br />
Robert Arthur filled the office of mayor at the time, and Chris<strong>to</strong>pher<br />
Arthur was one of the bail&. It was the cus<strong>to</strong>m, a few years sfter, if it<br />
Arth~u MSS. ' Ibid.
518 BISTORY OF LIMERICK. . .<br />
was not at this period, <strong>to</strong> apply the fines that were levied by the mayor<br />
on the citizens, <strong>to</strong>wards the res<strong>to</strong>ration and improvement of the cathedral.<br />
Tor instance, during the mayoralty of William Stackpoll, John Everard<br />
and Richard FitzNicholas Creagh, bailiffs, A.D. 1500, the Mayor commanded<br />
that the fines which had been imposed on Anthony Galway and<br />
Philip England should be expended on the repairs of the Church of the<br />
Blessed Virgin; and in 1505, William Harrold for the second time mayor,<br />
Nicholas Creagh and John Rochfort, bailiffs, the Mayor expended the<br />
fines im osed on the citizens in the building the Church of the Blessed<br />
Virgin AdarY.'<br />
In 1518, Geoffrey Arthur, theninth treasurer of the cathedral, according<br />
<strong>to</strong> Dr. Cot<strong>to</strong>n, died, and his monument, which has been a serious puzzle<br />
<strong>to</strong> antiquaries and his<strong>to</strong>rians, and which Ferrar and Fitzgerald made ridiculous,<br />
deserves particular notice. The following is an exact engravin<br />
of a tracing of this monument, made by the author of this work, an 8<br />
which is followed by the contracted Latin of the original, expanded, with<br />
a translation :-<br />
Hic jacet in tumuli fundo sublatus a mundo<br />
Galfridus Arture thesaurarius quondam istius ecclesia<br />
xvi. luce maya requievit in pace perpetua.<br />
Anno crucitixi domini 1519.<br />
Tu transiens cave qui hic dices pater et ave.<br />
"Rere lies, in the bot<strong>to</strong>m of the <strong>to</strong>mb, removed from the world, Geoffrey<br />
Arture, formerly treasurer of this Church. He rested in perpetual peace on<br />
the 16th day of May, in the ,year of the Crucified Lord 1519. You who pass<br />
by take heed that you here say a Pater and Ave".<br />
John Coyn, or Quin, a Dominican Friar, and, according <strong>to</strong> Dr. Cot<strong>to</strong>n,<br />
a brother of the direct ances<strong>to</strong>r of the present Ewl of Dunraven, succeeded<br />
<strong>to</strong> the bishopric through the immediate influence of the Pope, though<br />
Henry VIII. laboured zealously <strong>to</strong> substitute in the room of Bishop Folan<br />
Walter Wellesley, Prior of Conal, who was afterwards elevated <strong>to</strong> the See<br />
of Kildare. Bishop Q,uin, who was consecrated in 1521, resigned on the<br />
9th of' April, 1351, not bein able any longer, through age, want of sight,<br />
P<br />
and other ;.6;rmities, <strong>to</strong> ho d the office. He assisted at the synod held<br />
in <strong>Limerick</strong>. Ijy Edmund Butler, Archbisho of Cashel, about the festival of<br />
SS. Peter and Paul, 1529, at which ~ichofas Comyn, Bishop of Water-<br />
HISTORY OF LTMERICIL 579<br />
ford and Lismore, and James O'Cor~in, Bishop of Killaloe, also assbted.<br />
At thii synod power was given <strong>to</strong> the mayor of <strong>Limerick</strong> <strong>to</strong> imprison<br />
ecclesiastical deb<strong>to</strong>rs, until they made satisfaction <strong>to</strong> their credi<strong>to</strong>rs, without<br />
incurring danger of excommunication. The privilege was sought for by<br />
Nicholaa Stritch, mayor, for himself and his successors, brt a doubt is<br />
expressed that the concession was valid.' The clergy arraigned the decree<br />
as a violation of their canonical privilege ; and judging from the brief<br />
record of the event in the Arthur MSS., it would seem that the laity were<br />
not in favour of it, whatever cause may have impelled the mayor <strong>to</strong><br />
demand a power hither<strong>to</strong> unknown in the municipal annals. Whilst<br />
John Quin was bishop, there were improvements made in the cathedral<br />
by James Harold, mayor, which we find by a rudely cut tablet, inserted<br />
in recent years, in the wall of the north transept of the cathedral. The<br />
letters are relieved Roman, and the tablet was brou ht from another part<br />
of the cathedral, near the O'Dea monument, during t e alterations in 1861 :<br />
IE HABOLD<br />
QUI HOC OPV<br />
S BIER1 BECERUPU'<br />
T AII'OIII 1526.<br />
The words before 1526 appear <strong>to</strong> be Aug. 3.<br />
James Harold was mayor, "for the first time", in 1525.' The bishop<br />
was a member of the old family of O'Cuin, of the tribe of Muinter Iffernan,<br />
located at Corofin, in the county of Clare, his brother Jarnes Quin, of IGl-<br />
mallock, being the direct ances<strong>to</strong>r of the Right Hon. the Em1 of Dunraven.<br />
It appears by Dr. Foran's introduction <strong>to</strong> the Lives of the Arclrbishops<br />
of Dublin, that John Cop, or Quin, for some t he had a coadju<strong>to</strong>r named<br />
Cornelius O'Neil, of the Tyrone family. Writing on the authority of<br />
Father Domingo Lopes, the annalist of the Trinitarian Order, whose rare<br />
work was published at Madrid in 1714, he says this coadju<strong>to</strong>r was a<br />
member of that order, and had acted in preceding years as provincial ; that<br />
the convent contained forty-five religious, and that in 1539, when acting as<br />
suffragan, he preached in the cathedral, denouncing the threatened innova-<br />
the destruction of the religious houses, and anathematizing<br />
should renounce the saving doctrines of the Cathoiic<br />
had then begun <strong>to</strong> be preached <strong>to</strong> them. On the<br />
same evening, 24th Jcne, 1539, in his owi residence, according <strong>to</strong> the same<br />
authority, his head was struck off by a blow of a sword by one of the<br />
emissaries of the crown. On the 16th January, 1540-41, we find Bishop<br />
Quin at Cahir, where, with the Lord Deputy Sentleger, ;the Archbishop<br />
of Cashel, and the Bishop of Emly, he certified the submission of James<br />
FitzJohn, Earl of Desmond. The Bishop of <strong>Limerick</strong> is mentioned in<br />
some state papers printed in Lynch's Feudal Uigaities of Ireland (p. 341),<br />
md in the State Papem of Hmy VIII. (vol. iii. part iii. %.307), as having<br />
been present at the parliament of 1541, which enacted t at Henry should<br />
Arthnr MSS.<br />
3 The recder is aware that the mayoralty occupied from September t6 Septembef, thus mn.<br />
ping over portions of two years.<br />
%
SS0 ~ISTORY OP LIMERICX.<br />
C .<br />
be king in place of lord of Ireland; but no Christian name is mentioned,<br />
although given as was cus<strong>to</strong>mary <strong>to</strong> several other bishops. The list <strong>to</strong>o, as <strong>to</strong><br />
numbers, <strong>to</strong>tally disagrees with those mentioned by the Deputy Sentleger;<br />
hence it seems questionable whether he was there, though there is no doubt<br />
he had been summoned. There is little doubt also that Bishop Quin<br />
opposed the progress of the Reformation, as we find in a letter from Sentleger<br />
<strong>to</strong> Secretary Cecil, dated 19th January, 1550-1,' the following statement:<br />
"And nowe, as tuching religion, altho it be hard <strong>to</strong> plante in<br />
men's mynds herein, yet I trust I am not slake <strong>to</strong> do what I can t'advance<br />
the same. I have caused the whole service of tlie commyon <strong>to</strong> be<br />
drawen in<strong>to</strong> Latten, mhiche shalbe shortly set furthe in print. I have<br />
caused boks <strong>to</strong> be sent <strong>to</strong> the citty of Lymik, who most gladly have<br />
condescended <strong>to</strong> ymbrace the same with all effecte, altho the Busshop<br />
therr, who is both owlde and blind, be moost agensyt it". According<br />
<strong>to</strong> Ware and Moi.rin's Patent Rolls, Bishop Quin resigned his see the<br />
9th of April, 1551, and there can be little question but that his resignation<br />
was compelled, considering what Sentleger wrote against him,<br />
and that in another letter written by him <strong>to</strong> the Duke of Somerset,<br />
18th February, 1550-1 (Shirley, p. 49), he mentions that the Lord<br />
Cnancellor, accompanied by the Master of the Rolls, had made a late<br />
journey <strong>to</strong> <strong>Limerick</strong> and Galway, and " had established the king's maties.<br />
ordres for religion in such sorte as there is greet assueraunce the same<br />
shalbe duely observed, so as I trust those parties be wthoute suspecte of<br />
adhearing <strong>to</strong> anny forreigne power". This view is confirmed by the Rev.<br />
James White in his MSS., p. 51, who writes, '' I find by an old MS. in<br />
my possession, that John Coyn was L deposed' by an order of Edward<br />
VI., for being a Catholic bishop, and that William Casey, a conformist,<br />
was put in his place". It was during Quid time that a most cruel persecution<br />
began <strong>to</strong> rage, and expended no small share of its fury. He was<br />
fated <strong>to</strong> witness the suppression of the abbeys in 1538, and the arrival<br />
of Edmond Sexten at <strong>Limerick</strong>, on special employment by hi royal<br />
master, alienating the property of the churches and uprooting the ancient<br />
landmarks. He saw his cathedral church of St. Mary's, which had f ~r<br />
centuries been dedicated <strong>to</strong> the observances of the old faith, handed<br />
over <strong>to</strong> William Casey, who, at the instance of James Earl of Desmond,<br />
according <strong>to</strong> Ware, was advanced <strong>to</strong> this see by Edward Vf., and W&<br />
made bishop by George Browne, the h t Protestant archbishop of Dublin.'<br />
He lived <strong>to</strong> see himself restcared <strong>to</strong> his see by the advent of Queen Mary <strong>to</strong><br />
the throne of England, but not <strong>to</strong> find religion in the flourishing state it<br />
had been in when he h t enjoyed the episcopal dignity, and dun'n,~ several<br />
of those years in which he had filled that exdted oace. He saw Thomaa<br />
Creagh, niayor of <strong>Limerick</strong>, A.D. 1569, proclaim Connor O'Brien, Earl<br />
of Thomond (who had fled <strong>to</strong> France, and returned and obtained pardon<br />
h London) a trai<strong>to</strong>r.3 It is strange <strong>to</strong> observe that on the very eve<br />
of the troubles which brought such deep af3iction on Church and people,<br />
$he citizens of <strong>Limerick</strong> were extending their venerable cathedral,<br />
making improvements in it, and decorating it with great taste and<br />
even elegance:- Thus we find that during the episcopacy of our prelate<br />
0<br />
Sbirley's Original Ldtm, p. 47.<br />
2 Casefs Life in Ware, p. 610, shows that he was never canonically appointed.<br />
Sezkm's Annab, ia the British Muaem.<br />
IIISTORY OF LIMERICK. 581<br />
John Quin (A.D. 1532-1533), Daniel Fitzgregory Arthur, mayor,<br />
George Creagh and William White, bailiffs; the mayor, from a principle<br />
of piety and for thc sake of his offspring, had the three aisles and the whole<br />
choir of the church of the Blcssed Virgin Mary in <strong>Limerick</strong>, laid with<br />
square polished marble flags, from whence it is <strong>to</strong> this day called bccaoaniel,<br />
(Daniel's pavement or flags) ; and the Lord blessed him with a<br />
numerous ~ffspring".~<br />
Among the deans d~uing those years, was Andrew Creagh, who resigned<br />
in 1543, and reaeived the king's pardon for some unknown offence<br />
on the day when his successor was confirmed (Rot. Put., 35th Henry VIII.).<br />
In the cathedral a s<strong>to</strong>ne is placed <strong>to</strong> his memory with the inscription:<br />
i0ecarru$+ I I<br />
This rnsrble slab had lain near the great altar; but in the alterations in<br />
1861 it was removed <strong>to</strong> the north transept, where there are some other<br />
sncient <strong>to</strong>mbs<strong>to</strong>nes of an apparently contemporaneous period, a few of<br />
which we shall notice here :<br />
Lying with the head from the western wall of the north transept, is s<br />
hiely elaborate cut s<strong>to</strong>ne, with floriated ornamentation in hi h relief,<br />
divided in<strong>to</strong> four compartments by a cross embraced in the mi dle by a<br />
~ircle. In each of the compartments is tlie figure of alion passant, the arms<br />
of the O'Briens. This ancient relic is sad <strong>to</strong> have formed the lid of<br />
a s<strong>to</strong>ne coffin, and until the alterations in 1861, it lay near the western<br />
entrance, from which it wag removed <strong>to</strong> its present place.<br />
The monument of Dean Creagh, above referred <strong>to</strong>, is placed next <strong>to</strong> the<br />
above <strong>to</strong>mbs<strong>to</strong>ne.<br />
The next in position is a floriated cross on a plain black marble sbb<br />
without any inscription.<br />
A <strong>to</strong>mbs<strong>to</strong>ne, apparently be1ong;lg <strong>to</strong> the Roche or %-ice family, is<br />
placed next <strong>to</strong> the above.<br />
A monumental slab in black letter, somewhat broken and defawd, is<br />
placed next in order. Tiii monument was erected <strong>to</strong> Thomas Mahon, and<br />
his wife Creagh; - the former died 1st November, 1631, the latter November<br />
2nd, 1637.<br />
On the deprivation of William Casey, who had been advanced, as we<br />
have seen, by Edward VI., from the rec<strong>to</strong>ry of Kilcornan, on the recommendation<br />
of James, Earl of Desmond, Hugh Lacy, or Lees, a canon of<br />
<strong>Limerick</strong>, was appointed by Queen 3Iary.P The following abstract of the<br />
royal letter is in Monin's Calendar of the Patent Idolls: The queen <strong>to</strong><br />
Arthur MSS. These, we suppose, were the tiles which were taken up in the repairs of the<br />
cathedral in 1861, and which were similar in many respects <strong>to</strong> the ancient encaustio tiles found<br />
in Mellifont Abbey, Christ Church, and St. Patrick's. Dublin, and in other abbeys and churches,<br />
ad a dascriptive catalogue of which has been published by Thomas Oldham, Esq, in his work on<br />
ancient Irish pavement iiles. The tiles of St. Mary's were encaustic, with the lily impressed on them<br />
-me were vitr&d, and the lily also impressed on them. [I have a few specimens of them.]<br />
S He was of the ,pat De Lacy family of the County of <strong>Limerick</strong>.<br />
%
582 HISTORY OF LIMERICK.<br />
i.<br />
the lord deputy, steting that the see of <strong>Limerick</strong> being vacant, the ope<br />
was pleased, on the recommendation of her majesty, <strong>to</strong> prefer Hugli Eees,<br />
or Lashy, <strong>to</strong> that see, as by the bulls sent over would appear, and requiring<br />
tlie lord deputy, therefore, according <strong>to</strong> the laws and cus<strong>to</strong>ms of the realm<br />
before the twentieth year of the reign of the late King Henry VIII., <strong>to</strong><br />
res<strong>to</strong>re <strong>to</strong> him all tlie temporalities ofthe bishopric, first requiring him <strong>to</strong> take<br />
his corporal oath of fealty, truth, and allegiance. He was res<strong>to</strong>red on the 13th<br />
of April, 1557, having first taken such oath, which, as given by Ware,<br />
was as f~llows:-~'I, Hugh, Bishop of <strong>Limerick</strong>, elected and consecrated,<br />
do acknowledge that I have and hold all the temporal possessions of the<br />
said bishopric from your hands, and from your successors, Kings of England,<br />
as in right of the crown of your Kingdom of Ireland, and <strong>to</strong> you and <strong>to</strong><br />
our successors, Kings of England, faith will bear. So help me God and<br />
%IS holy Gospels". After the accession of Queen Elizabeth lie attended her<br />
first parliament in 1560, in which the act of uniformity was passed, and the<br />
royal supremacy reenacted, but there is no evidence that he supported these<br />
acts or ever conformed: in fact, the evidence is the reverse, for in 1562 we<br />
find David Wolf, a native of <strong>Limerick</strong>, and Jesuit father, who had been<br />
appointed nuncio for Ireland, residing with him when he was desired <strong>to</strong> see<br />
"what bishoppes did their dewties there, and what sees ware voyde". And<br />
Dr. Richard Creagh, Archbishop of Armagh, states in his examination<br />
taken by Ousley, Recorder of London, March 17th, 1564,-5,' that on going<br />
out of Ireland <strong>to</strong> Rome, he obtained from the nuncio forty crowns, and<br />
from the Bysshoppe of Lymericke twelve markes". Previous <strong>to</strong> his de-<br />
parture Dr. Creagh had, by the directions of his diocesan, been engaged<br />
in denouncing in pnblio and private, in season and out of season, the oath<br />
of supremacy and attendance at the Protestant worship". Inasmuch,<br />
wrote the late Dr. Kelly (Rambler, May, 1853), as the strong attachment<br />
of the citizens <strong>to</strong> the English crown, and the general ignorance regarding<br />
the precise nature of the changes introduced, endangered the fidelity of the<br />
people".<br />
In 1565 it seems the English government intended <strong>to</strong> deprive Dr. Lacy,<br />
as, in the instructions <strong>to</strong> Sir Henry Sidney, Lord Lieutenant, on assuming<br />
the viceroyalty, it was amongst other matters directed, that " Inquisition<br />
also would be made of the bishoprick of Lymerick, whether it be voyde,<br />
or that by some means some mete person were placed there <strong>to</strong> serve for the<br />
like purpose in such a counsell". That is, <strong>to</strong> serve thereafter as a coun-<br />
sellor in Munster for the governance of those parts. Sidney, in the opinion<br />
he gave upon these minutes, states, he would certify the opinion of the Irish<br />
council as <strong>to</strong> the bishoprick of <strong>Limerick</strong>, but it does not appear any action<br />
was taken as <strong>to</strong> it, and as, in the original instructions, the execution ofthe<br />
Ecclesiastical Commission previously issued was directed <strong>to</strong> be confined <strong>to</strong><br />
the English Pale and other obscure places, we may fairly presume that in<br />
the then unsettled state of the south-west of Ireland, Sidney considered it<br />
unwise and imprudent <strong>to</strong> then interfere with De Lacy.<br />
In January, 1568, Lacy was appointed one of the commissioners of Mun-<br />
ster, along wit& Brady, Bishop of Meath, John Plunket, Henry Draycott,<br />
and Justice Edward Fitzsymon, and was directed <strong>to</strong> join tlie others at<br />
Youglial. He wrote them from Kilmallock on the llth, that he could<br />
not join them for lack of money, after which they wrote him from Cork, re-<br />
* Shirley's Origfnal Letters, pp. 171,173.<br />
HISTORY OF LIMERLCR. 583<br />
quiring him <strong>to</strong> repair <strong>to</strong> them speedily, bringing with him the Countess of<br />
Desmond, if possible, and that they would bear his charges. He, accom-<br />
panied by the countess, accordinglyreached Cork on the 21st. What was<br />
done there does not appear from the state papers, but on the 19th March,<br />
they wrote a joint letter <strong>to</strong> the Lord Justice, in which the countess thanks<br />
him for his care of the Earl of Desmond's lands, tenants, and followers<br />
[he was then in London Tower], and beseeching that James Fitzmaurice<br />
might rule in the earl's absence. Shortly after, the bishop wrote <strong>to</strong> the<br />
Lords Justices complaining of Thomas Lord Hitzmaurice of Kerry. The<br />
nature of the complaint does not appear, but Lord Fitzmaurice, writing from<br />
Lixnaw on the 6th July, calls it a false book. Desmond wrote him from<br />
the Tower on 18th November, requesting liiin <strong>to</strong> assist in executing justice<br />
<strong>to</strong> poor and rich, <strong>to</strong> help in collecting money, that is, the earl's rents, and<br />
stating that Donoghow Casshie,' Chancellor of <strong>Limerick</strong>, would not give a<br />
penny for his discharge. In other letters hc frequently and bitterly com-<br />
plains of Casshie's conduct in detaining his money. The very same year,<br />
when Dr. Creagh, before mentioned, was a prisoner in the Tower of<br />
London, it appears by the Consis<strong>to</strong>ry Acts in the Vatican Archives, that<br />
O'Hairt, Bishop of Achonry, was recommended by Cardinal Morone <strong>to</strong><br />
administer Armagh, and at the same time, the Bishop of <strong>Limerick</strong> <strong>to</strong> be<br />
chosen by the Apos<strong>to</strong>lic See <strong>to</strong>give testimonials for the provinces of Munster<br />
and Leinster <strong>to</strong> those clergy who went <strong>to</strong> Rome.<br />
Dr. Lacy is also said <strong>to</strong> have resigned in 2571 ; but the real fact is, that<br />
he was deprived of the temporalities, continuing as before <strong>to</strong> exercise his<br />
S iritual jurisdiction till the time of his death. Dr. Moran, in the intro-<br />
iction <strong>to</strong> his Lives of Be .Arehbirhopa of Dublin, writes: We find him<br />
(Dr. Lacy) petitioning the IIoly See for special faculties for his diocese in<br />
1575 ; and the same year we find the Holy See expediting these faculties<br />
for L Hugo Epus. Limericensis', and on account of the wants of the Irish<br />
Church, these faculties are further granted <strong>to</strong> him for the whole province<br />
of Casliel, 'quamdiu ven. frater noster Archiepus. Cassellensis a eua<br />
diocesi et ecclesia et universa provincia abfuerit'. Indeed so high was the<br />
esteem in which Dr. Lacy was held at Rome that he was selected by the<br />
Holy See <strong>to</strong> recommend members of the Irish Church for the vacant sees.<br />
The see of <strong>Limerick</strong>, in 1580, is described in a Vatican list asvacant ' per<br />
obitum D. Ugonis Lacy in sua ecclesia defunct?. Thus", continues Dr.<br />
Moran, by the so-called resignation ~f Dr. Lacy, the temporal possessions<br />
of the see were, indeed, merged in the Established Church, but the hierar-<br />
chical succession remained unchanged, and both clergy and people continued<br />
attached <strong>to</strong> the Caith of their fathers". The concluding years of Dr. Lacy's<br />
life are thus summed up by the Rev. Dr. hl'Carthy, in his valuable chap-<br />
ter on the Irish bishops from 1536 <strong>to</strong> 1600, subjoined <strong>to</strong> his edition of the<br />
late Rev. M. Kelly, D.D.'s Dissertations on Irisl~ Church His<strong>to</strong>ry. " He,<br />
like his predecessors, was deprived, and died in 1580 (according <strong>to</strong> White's<br />
MS. p. 52) after three years' imprisonment. He was confined in Cork jail,<br />
as Bruodin informs us, fled thence <strong>to</strong> France in the reign of Edward,<br />
returned under hfary, and died in prison under Elizabeth. Rothe, pars<br />
38, p. 4, reckons him among the confessors of the f&thn.<br />
On the death of William Casey, who was res<strong>to</strong>red by Queen Elizabeth,<br />
and <strong>to</strong> whom the first Protestant dean, viz., Denis Campbell, a native of<br />
Casey.
584 IIISTORS OF LIMERICK, . .<br />
Scotland, and formerly archdeacon of <strong>Limerick</strong>, was appointed coadju<strong>to</strong>r,<br />
John Thornborough, D.D., a native of Salisbury, and educated at Magdalen<br />
College, Oxford, who became Dean of York and chaplain <strong>to</strong> Queen<br />
Elizabeth, was appointed Protestant bishop, after a lapse of two years<br />
since the death of William Casey. He, however, was translated <strong>to</strong> Bris<strong>to</strong>l,<br />
A.D. 1603, and subsequently <strong>to</strong> Worcester, where he died in July, 1641.<br />
A long account is given in Harris's Ware of his monument in Bris<strong>to</strong>l.<br />
From this period till the days of the Confederation, A.D. 1641,<br />
etc., the cathedral appears <strong>to</strong> have been for the greater part of the time<br />
in the hands of the Protestant bishops and clergy ; nor can we find that any<br />
improvement had been made in it during the troubled and anxious days<br />
they held possession. It is true that on the death of Queen Elizabeth<br />
"all the cittyes and <strong>to</strong>wns of Munster entered in<strong>to</strong> arms and put upp<br />
masses in their church< which our authority adds, L' did not continue<br />
long". We are informed also? that the utmost joy pervaded the citizens of<br />
<strong>Limerick</strong> at the removal of the persecuting queen, who had purpled the<br />
scaffold with the blood of so many martyrs on account of the faith, and who<br />
was succeeded by a monarch whose tendencies were thought <strong>to</strong> be entirely in<br />
favour of the utmost <strong>to</strong>leration <strong>to</strong> the religion which had been suffering for<br />
over half a century at the hands of an unrelenting despotism. Among the<br />
English by des~ent"~ who inhabited the county of <strong>Limerick</strong>, at the end of<br />
the sixteenth century, there were none who sympathised with the chanp<br />
in religion; they were +xis Hibernis Hiberniores; for the mere Irish were<br />
true as steel <strong>to</strong> their religion; they could not be subdued; and for Edmund<br />
Sexten and his followers <strong>to</strong> conquer so bold and resolute a band as then<br />
existed thoughout the diocese or <strong>to</strong> confront them, was impossible. As the<br />
record of the names and districts of the old possessors is of very great interest,<br />
we give it, containing, as it does, the names of those who at the<br />
time held the highest positions in county and city, and who never swerved<br />
from the assertion of principle at any cost.<br />
No. 635, Carew MSS., LarrJelh Pakrcs.<br />
Copy of book by Sir Hy. Gibert, 1370.<br />
(End of sixteenth century )<br />
LIST OF ENGLISH BY DESCENT.<br />
LIM?CBICK.<br />
Hdes, Supples, P-ll, ,hcies of Ballingarry.<br />
G - ~ N FBEEROLDERS ABOUT HILEX~LLOCK.<br />
Thomas Brown, Constable of Aney ; Thomas Hurley, of Knocklong ; John<br />
Brown, of the Hospital.<br />
TXE GENTRY AND FREEHOLDEBB OF OWNEY.<br />
William Leashe (Lacy), of the Browfe, and his son young William ; David<br />
Leashe, Alleshaighe ; James Fitzmaurice Leashe, of the Clewhir.<br />
THE GENTRY AKD FBEEHOLDERS OF CONNELLOH.<br />
Edye Lacye, of the Browery ; Piers Pursell, of the Croagh ; John L q, o f<br />
Ballingarry ;x.William Lacy, of Ballinderyhly ; the Walls, and others.'<br />
Scztcn's Annals. a Arthur XSS.<br />
Caret0 MSS. in the Lambeth Palsce, No. 6.35.<br />
Bmwfe and Browery are now oslled Braff and Bmree.<br />
HISTORY OF LIMERICK. 585<br />
ENGLISH OF DESCENT.<br />
Erle of ICildare, Lord of Cohonay ; Erle of Desmond, Lord of Connologh, was<br />
the second man ; Sir Will. and Sir 12ic. Burghe, Lo. of Clanwilliam ; Burke, of<br />
Limerike ; Lo. Burgh, Castelconel ; IIurlics, Casks, Supples, Pursels, Lacies,<br />
of Ballingarry ; Qr. BStie. for Kenry, with. Edm. Fitzdant, clameth ; Welshes,<br />
Keasis, Plants, Jordons, Verdons, Whites.<br />
MLRE IRISBE.<br />
M'Shees, Gullogless ; MLBryan, Ogonaegh, Aregh ; Brian Dnff, O'Brien,<br />
O'Mulrea, O'Brien, Arlogh.<br />
GOOD TOWNS.<br />
<strong>Limerick</strong>e, Eillmalloc, Aske<strong>to</strong>n, Emely.<br />
CASTLES.<br />
Adare, Loghger, Crome, Newcastle, Rallinity, Castleconal.<br />
RIVERS.<br />
Shenan ; Havens, <strong>Limerick</strong> ; Loughes.<br />
FACTIONS IN MOUNSTEB.<br />
The most part of the Faction: of this Province were grounded in the Erle of<br />
Desmond, who, heinge nowe dead, they are for the most part extinguished. The<br />
Geraldines and the Butlers are naturallie emulous the one of the other.<br />
The hlCSwines and &16Shees in faction.<br />
THE NAXES OF THE #BEEHOLDERS AND GENTLEXlSN OF TDB COU*TEIE OF LYSBURYCKE, AS<br />
EOLLOWLTfl.<br />
Imps. Sir William Burcke, of Castleconell, A. Ric. Burck, of Caherconlis, 8.<br />
(Other names as in 635.)<br />
No. 293 Harleian &SS.<br />
DIARY OF EARL OF ESSEX'S PROCEEDINGS, 1599.<br />
'6 There have come <strong>to</strong> his lordship, and simply without conditions submitted<br />
themselves <strong>to</strong> her Majesty's mercy : Vt. Mountgarrett, with his 5 sons and<br />
brother ; the Lord Roche, Vist. Pernloy ; the Lord Baron of Callir ; Teige<br />
O'iirien, brother <strong>to</strong> the Earl of Thomond ; Thomas Bourk, brother of the Lord<br />
Bourk ; Jas. FitzPeerce of the House of Kildare, etc., and others.<br />
No. 627, MSS.<br />
NAYES OF REBELS WITH EA~L DESJIORD, 1584.<br />
(As per Inquis. Ush. MSS. 1589.)<br />
Gibbon, Thos. McShurlye, or Karlye ; Jas. Nagle, alias McErnellen ; Ulick<br />
Leashy, gent. We find that the aforesaid U1. Leashy was in rebellion and died<br />
therein, and for any lands he had ignoramus. Gerald Brown, ignoramus; q ~ .<br />
Odonog More, Hugh Lacy, Lord of Glanfleske,' <strong>to</strong> Cork (qry. England) ; Nagle<br />
Condon, Deanes of Brog;hel.<br />
So far the Harleian MSS. on this subject. We conclude this chapter<br />
with the names of a few of the Protestant Bishops.<br />
Bernard Adams succeeded John Thornborough as Protestant bishop,<br />
A.D. 1604. He was an A.M. of Trinity College, Oxford, and was appointed<br />
by King James. He expended large sums in repairing the cathedrltl, and<br />
furnished it with an organ. He died on the 22nd of March, 1625 ; W=<br />
buried near the celebrated Cornelius O'Dea; and on his monument, which<br />
is a mural one, over the <strong>to</strong>mb of O'Dea, the following inscription was out:-<br />
BERNABDUS jacet hic en ADAMUS, episcopus olim,<br />
Omnia non vidit Solomonis, at omnia vana.<br />
l-O'Donog More mast have been Lord of Glanflesk, not Lacy.<br />
41
A bishop once, here Bernard's bones remain ;<br />
He saw not all-but saw that all was vain.<br />
Then follow four lines in English :-<br />
Sufficient God did give me, which I spent ;<br />
I little borrowed, and as little lent,<br />
I left them whom I loved enough in s<strong>to</strong>re,<br />
Increas'd this bishopric, relieved the poor.<br />
The monumcnt contains these lines aho:<br />
Nemo mihi tvmbam statvat de Marmore faxit<br />
Urnula Episcopolo satis ista Pusilla Pvsillo<br />
Angli quis vivus fveram et testentvr Hyberni<br />
Ccelicolse quis sim defunctus testificentvr.<br />
Which we thus .translate :<br />
Let none erect <strong>to</strong> me a marble <strong>to</strong>mb ;<br />
For a little prelate that little urn suffices ;<br />
What I was living, let the English and Irish tell ;<br />
The celestials, what I am now.<br />
On the pillars of tlle monument there appear <strong>to</strong> have been emblems of<br />
the pssion, the spear, cross, etc. These were dcfawd, as were the orna-<br />
mental bosses and emblems on the lower part of the monument. At pre-<br />
sent, <strong>to</strong>o, nothing more than the last lines above given can be read.<br />
Francis Gough, Chancellor of thc Cathedral of <strong>Limerick</strong>, A.D. 1636,<br />
W* the next Protestant bishop aftcr Adams. He ma edwated in New<br />
College, Oxford. He died in <strong>Limerick</strong>, 29th August, 1631, and was<br />
buried in St. Mury's Cathcdral.<br />
We sllould have stzted that next <strong>to</strong> the monument of Geoffrey Arthur is<br />
mother of about equal dimensions, with the following inscription cut in re-<br />
This tablet was removed, in the alterations of 1861, fmm beneath or<br />
near the Comlnunion table <strong>to</strong> its present place. It is broken in the centre,<br />
md some diEculty exists as <strong>to</strong> that portion of the inscription in which the<br />
st~pposed word "decanusY' occurs. There is no mention, however, of s<br />
John Ffox as dean of St. Mary's Cathedd<br />
1 The impposed <strong>to</strong> b Decnnua-but it is very indistinct.<br />
a L ~ lieth H the Reverend ~ ~ John Ffox, formerly h~an of Chl~r~11, wbQ died on the 18th<br />
h? of the rnontl) AD. 1508, <strong>to</strong> wbse soul m y God be mduln,<br />
HISTORY OX' LIMERICK.<br />
CHAPTER LVIII.<br />
THE CATHOLIC BISHOPS IN SUCCESSION-NACHTEN-MACRAH-RICHARD<br />
AaTHUR-APPOINTHENT AND DISTRIBUTION OF PREACHERS BY RINUC-<br />
CINI ON THE RESTORATION OF THE CATHEDRAL-O'DWYER-NEW PARTI-<br />
CULARS OF THE ATROCITIES DURING IRETON'S OCCUPATION OF LIDXERICK-<br />
THE MONUMENTS OF ST. MARY'S CATHEDRAL DURING ITS OCCUPATION<br />
BY THE PROTESTANTS-THE PROTESTANT BISHOPS IN SUCCESSION.<br />
ACCORDING <strong>to</strong> Dr. Rforan,' Cornclius Nachtcn succeeded Hugh Lacy in<br />
1581 ; in White's MSS., however, there. is a statement <strong>to</strong> this effect:<br />
c' I have in my possession a dispensation granted in the forbidden degrees of<br />
kindred <strong>to</strong> Leonard Creagh and JoanWhite in order <strong>to</strong> be married, which is dated<br />
the 6th of November, 1613, and signedMathew Xacrah, but the place where it<br />
was dated is not mentioned, which induces me <strong>to</strong> suspect that the said Nathew<br />
Macrah was the Catholic Bishop of <strong>Limerick</strong> before Xicllard Arthur. Said dis-<br />
pensation is written in Latin, and the granter says he granted it by authority<br />
vested in him by the Holy See".<br />
The name of Mathew Macrah appears in the list of Bishops in Whitc's<br />
MSS. as the Catholic bishop in succession <strong>to</strong> Hug% Lacy.<br />
On the same authority we learn that in 1623 ltichard Arthur succeeded<br />
in the episcopacy: he was a native of <strong>Limerick</strong>, and one of the family of<br />
which we have already written so mach in the course of this work. He<br />
was consecrated by David Rothe, Bishop of Ossory, on the 7th of September<br />
in that year, the Bishop of Cork and the Abbot of Holy Cross,<br />
Luke Archer, assisting at the ceremony. He received the Papal Nuncio,<br />
Rinnccini, in his cathedral of St. Nary's, again rcs<strong>to</strong>red <strong>to</strong> its ancient<br />
possessors, on the 30th of Oc<strong>to</strong>ber, 1645, the clergy and the municipal and<br />
military authorities, in solemn procession having accompanied Rinuccini<br />
from St. John's Gate <strong>to</strong> the cathedral. Dr. Meehanz states that even<br />
the N~~ncio could not but admire thc splendid crozier and mitre which Dr.<br />
Arthur used in the soIemn function of' receiving the Pope's ambassador on<br />
the threshold of hi metropolitan church. These were believed indeed<br />
by some <strong>to</strong> be the work of some celestial artificer, and not of mortal<br />
hands, the legend running that on one occasion when there was a synod of<br />
prelates in Dublin, it so happened that the Bishop of Li~nerick went thither<br />
without his pontificals, and was thus compelled <strong>to</strong> seek throughout the<br />
metropolis a crozier and mitre. At length, having given up all hopes of<br />
obtainirig them, a youth just landcd fiom a ship, which a few minutes<br />
before had entered the harbour, approached and presented the bishop a<br />
case in which he <strong>to</strong>ld him that he would find the articles he sought for,<br />
and that if he liked hc might keep them. When he sent a messenkr in<br />
haste after the st~anger <strong>to</strong> pay for the precious objects, the ship had welglied<br />
anchor and vanished beyond the horizon ! The mitre, it is further added,<br />
was entrusted <strong>to</strong> a wealthy Catholic merchant <strong>to</strong> keep it from falling in<strong>to</strong><br />
the hands of the reformers, but he abstracted some of its precious s<strong>to</strong>nes<br />
and replaced them with false ones, a sacrilege which heaven avenged on<br />
Livm ofthe Archbishops of Dublin. &h Hierarchy in the secenteenth centurg.<br />
41 B
558 HISTORY OF LIMERICK.<br />
b .<br />
his posterity, for they all died in misery. In the time of Dr. Arthur,<br />
Rinuccini res<strong>to</strong>red the services in the Cathedral of St. hidry's, and<br />
appointed the different preachers and the d~ys on which they were <strong>to</strong><br />
preach. The document which shows this, was found, as was the taxation<br />
givcn in the preceding chapter, among thc papers of'the Revcrend Doc<strong>to</strong>r<br />
Jasper White, precen<strong>to</strong>r and parish pricst of St. John the Baptist of<br />
<strong>Limerick</strong>; and the MS., according <strong>to</strong> an entry in White's MSS. by Dr.<br />
Young, was in his (Dr. Young's) possession in 1795. The following is a<br />
translation of this important document, which a130 gives the names of the<br />
religious orders who were in <strong>Limerick</strong> at this period:<br />
Distribution of preachers in the cathedral church of the Blessed Virgin Mary<br />
of <strong>Limerick</strong>, and who are obliged <strong>to</strong> preach :-<br />
The Bishop sl~ould preach :<br />
l. Sunday of P entecost.<br />
2. On the feast of St. Sylvester.<br />
3. On Palm Sunday.<br />
2. On the Assumption of the Blessed Tlie Prebendary of St. hiunchin's<br />
Virgin BIary.<br />
3. On the festival of all Saints.<br />
preaches<br />
1. On Septuagcsima Sunday,<br />
4. On the first Sunday of Advent.<br />
5. On Chri~tmas hy.<br />
6. On the first Sund:ly of Lent.<br />
7. 011 the festival of St. Patricl;.<br />
2. On Easter Tuesday.<br />
The Prebendary of Donnghmore,<br />
1. 011 the 5th Sunday after Yentecost,<br />
8. 011<br />
the Annuncinliou of the Blcssed 2. Ou the sixth Sunday after the<br />
Virgin Xitry. I
590 HISTORY OF LIMERICK.<br />
). r<br />
Richad Arthur died on the 23rd of May, 1646, and his funeral was<br />
attended by the Pope's Nuncio Rinuccini and all the clergy; he was<br />
buried in the Cathedral of St. Mary's.<br />
During Richard Arthur's episcopacy Richard Webb, D.D., of Oxford,<br />
and chaplain <strong>to</strong> king Charles L, was Protestant Bishop of <strong>Limerick</strong> ; he<br />
was consecrated in Lhblin, and died a prisoner in the King's Castle of<br />
<strong>Limerick</strong>, A.D. 1641.<br />
Robert Sibtliorpe, Bishop of IGlfenora, mas translated <strong>to</strong> the see, A. D.<br />
1642, but on account of the civil wals he never <strong>to</strong>ok possession, and died<br />
in Dublin in 164'3, whcrc: he was buried in St. Werburgh's Church.<br />
At this time tlicre were several monuments erected by Catholic citizens<br />
in the Catltllcdral of St. Mary's Dr. Thoinas Arthur informs us that he<br />
was dcputcd by his uncle, David Ryce, <strong>to</strong> compose an epitaph for a monu-<br />
ment reccntly built for the Kice faulily in the Cathedral, and that he com-<br />
posed it as follows :-<br />
U Quisquis in hoc bns<strong>to</strong> Ryceon~m conspicis ossa<br />
Manibus exopta regna beata piis".<br />
Which he thus translates :<br />
You which in this samc Male tumbe the Ryces' bones belouldes,<br />
The blessed Kigdom wish and pruy un<strong>to</strong> their dcvoute soules".<br />
Artlrur dUS. p. 234-5.<br />
riod James Lord Viscount Dillon, of Roscommon,' havlng<br />
fhll in Limcrick, by which he was mortally injured,<br />
having turnblcd down twclve stcps, indicated, by certain signs <strong>to</strong> those<br />
about him, his dcsbc <strong>to</strong> bc acIrnitted in<strong>to</strong> the bosom of the Catholic<br />
Church, which hc had bcforc dpscrted, and with profuse tears and every<br />
symp<strong>to</strong>m of contrition repcntcd of his apostacy : hc received absolution and<br />
extrcmc unction, ancl on tllc fourth dsy aftcr the accidcnt died. A monu-<br />
ment was erectcd ta. l
592 HISTORY OF LIMERICK.<br />
h .<br />
aries of St. Vincent de Paul <strong>to</strong> this country. 8 3 a 'matter of course, he<br />
joined the Supreme <strong>Council</strong> of the Confederates as a spiritual peer, and in that<br />
capacity secured for himself the esteem of the Pope's nunzio, who in one of<br />
his earliest despatches <strong>to</strong> the Roman Court, speaks of him in a strain of the<br />
highest praise. Another letter, dated <strong>Limerick</strong>, July 16, 1646, and addressed<br />
by the same personage <strong>to</strong> Cardinal Panfilio, mentions the Bishop of <strong>Limerick</strong><br />
taking part in the grand function solemnized in his cathedral, in thanksgiving<br />
for the memorable vic<strong>to</strong>ry which Owen O'Neill had won at Benburb on<br />
thc 5th of the preceding month. ' At four o'clock, p.m.' writes the nunzio,<br />
' the proccseion rnovcd from the Church of St. Francis, where the thirty-two<br />
stands of colours (taken from the Scotch) had been deposited. The garrison<br />
of <strong>Limerick</strong> led the van, and the captured colours were carried by the nobility<br />
of the city. Then followed the nunzio, the Archbishop of Cashel, the Bishops<br />
of Linlerick, Clonfert, and Ardfert, and after them the Supreme <strong>Council</strong>, the<br />
m:ryor and magistrates in their official robes. The people crowded the streets<br />
and windows, and as soon as the procession reached the cathedral, Te Deum<br />
was sung by the nunzio's choir, and he pronounced the usual prayers, concluding<br />
the ceremony with solemn benediction. Next morning Mass pro gratiurum<br />
acthne was sung by the Dean of Fermo, in presence of the aforesaid<br />
bishops and magistrates'.<br />
" It might, perhaps have been fortunate for Dr. O'Dwyer <strong>to</strong> have died at that<br />
hour of his country's triumph ; but, as we shdl see, lie was doomed <strong>to</strong> taste<br />
bitterness and sorrow at home and abroad, and <strong>to</strong> find his last resting-place far<br />
away from the old cathedral where hie predecessors were en<strong>to</strong>mbed. Pious and<br />
zealaus he was, no doubt, in the discharge of his high office, and none could<br />
gainsay the holiness of his life ; but, as gears sped onwards, and as the fortunes<br />
of the confederates waned, he unhappily proved himself in the politics of<br />
the period weak and vacillating. His conduct will not suffer us <strong>to</strong> doubt this,<br />
for instead of adopting Itinuccini's bold and honest policy, which spurned mere<br />
<strong>to</strong>leration of the Catholic religion, Dr. O'Dwyer allowed hi~nself <strong>to</strong> be duped by<br />
the artifices of the lay memhers of the Supreme <strong>Council</strong>, most of whom were<br />
identified either by blood or by sordid egotism with the crafty enemy of their<br />
creed and race-dames, Marquis of Ormond. Tn fact, the bishop, with several<br />
of his own order, allied himself <strong>to</strong> Ormond's faction, signed the fatal truce with<br />
Lord Inchiquin, and thus dcserted the straightforward course which Rinuccini<br />
and the old Irish strove <strong>to</strong> maintain. For the last eighteen months', writes<br />
the Nunzio (in 1648), the bishop of <strong>Limerick</strong>, <strong>to</strong> my utter amazement and that<br />
of every one else, has devoted hi~nself <strong>to</strong> the party of Lord Ormond, and this,<br />
indeed, is n sorry return for the benefits bes<strong>to</strong>wed on him by the f-Ioly See;<br />
but he has hxl his reward, for he is now the object of universal odium, and has<br />
separated himself from the sound politics of the rest of the clergy'. Six months<br />
had hardly elapsed since these words were penned, when Rinuccini, finding it<br />
impossible <strong>to</strong> harnlonize the adverse factions which he strove <strong>to</strong> govern, or <strong>to</strong><br />
bring about a solidarity of interests for the general good, deemed it necessary<br />
<strong>to</strong> abandon a country ~vhose feuds were precipitating it <strong>to</strong> irretrievable ruin.<br />
For some, the last and direst weapon in the Church's armoury had no terror,<br />
aria, unhappily for Dr. O'Dwyer, he was one of the few bishops, who, despite<br />
the nunzio's censures, foolislily adhered <strong>to</strong> the party of Lord Ormond. . . .<br />
To the bishop's credit, during these awful months, when Ire<strong>to</strong>n beleaguered <strong>Limerick</strong><br />
from without, and pestilence swept off the ihmishing population within the<br />
walls, there wb no braver man among the besieged than their spiritual chief. He<br />
exhorted the inhabitants <strong>to</strong> hold out <strong>to</strong> the last extremity, and <strong>to</strong> lay down their<br />
lives rather than yield <strong>to</strong> the lieutenant of the man who could show no lnercy either<br />
at Drogheda or iu Wexford. B~dly conscious of the doom that awaited such gallant<br />
resistance, a multitude of the citizens waited on the bishop, and besought<br />
HISTORY OF LIMERICK. 593<br />
him <strong>to</strong> give them permission <strong>to</strong> blow themselves up, rather than fall alive in<strong>to</strong><br />
the hands of their enemies ; but he dissuaded them from such a suicidal proje",,<br />
telling them that it was nobler <strong>to</strong> die with arms in their hands, than <strong>to</strong> rush<br />
uncalled in<strong>to</strong> the awful presence of God. St last, when <strong>Limerick</strong> was forced<br />
<strong>to</strong> capitulate .<strong>to</strong> Ire<strong>to</strong>n (who was indebted for his success <strong>to</strong> the black treason<br />
of one of ltinuccini's most implacable enemies), Dr. O'Dwyer, finding that he<br />
was excepted from quarter, disguised himself in peasant's garb, and having<br />
snlcared his face with gunpowder, passed unnoticed out of one of the city<br />
gates, and eventually contrived <strong>to</strong> make his way <strong>to</strong> Brussels, where he lived<br />
till 1654, eating the salty bread of exile, and, as we may supp?se, repetting<br />
with his latest sigh the fhtal error that helped <strong>to</strong> bring ruin on his unfortunate<br />
country. On the night of the 6th of April, 1654, his renpins, followed by a<br />
few <strong>to</strong>rch-bearers, were conveyed from the convent in which he breathed his<br />
last, <strong>to</strong> the Church of St. James in the above-named city, and were there de-<br />
posited in the subterranean chapel, dedicated <strong>to</strong> the Blessed Virgin, without a<br />
single line <strong>to</strong> record his virtues or his failings. A career such as his, under<br />
other circumstances, would surely have been thought worthy an epitaph-that<br />
last of human vanities ; but the nocwnal funeral, divested of all ghastly pomp,<br />
and the nameless grave will be suiliciently accounted for by the ~unzio's censures".<br />
Harris, Writers of Ireland, on the authority of Colgnn7s Trias Thaw<br />
maturgu, says that O1l)wyer wrote two small pieces of poetry, in hexameter<br />
and pentameter measure, one on the miracles of St. Brigid and the<br />
other on the inextinguishable fire of St. Brigid at Kildare. In the &hernia<br />
Donzinicana there are several documents which have the name of Bishop<br />
O'Dwyer <strong>to</strong> them as one of the subscribers.<br />
In a previous chapter of this work we have dwelt on the horrors connected<br />
with Ire<strong>to</strong>n's siege, on the cruelties perpetrated after the surrender <strong>to</strong> the<br />
merciless general of Cromwell, and on the awful death of Ire<strong>to</strong>n a few days<br />
after being summoned'<strong>to</strong> his last account by the illcstrious martyr bishop<br />
of Emly. in a man~script,~ <strong>to</strong> which we have had access since the printing<br />
of that chapter, we find with some surprise, that when Major-General<br />
Hugh O'Neill rode on and offered the pommel of his sword <strong>to</strong> he<strong>to</strong>n, and<br />
desired the benefit of the law of arms, in behalfe of a souldier of fortune<br />
voluntarily yielding himself and the lives of such other souldiers a3 served<br />
under his command, ;<strong>to</strong> his lordshipp's mercy and favour 1<br />
',-Ire<strong>to</strong>n<br />
gently embraced O'Neill, bade him be of' good cheer, <strong>to</strong>ld him he would<br />
receive no prejudice, and commanding his men <strong>to</strong> ride forward, held alone<br />
a serious rivate discourse with him, and Earthon (Ire<strong>to</strong>n) was so tender<br />
of Major Keyleg (0Neill7s) safotie that before he parted with him he did<br />
commande his propper guarde uppon perrill of deathe <strong>to</strong> attend only that<br />
gentleman and retire him <strong>to</strong> a place of safetie, where at their said. perrill<br />
he did not receive the least prejudice, which was exactly performed. His<br />
ennemies running here and there maseacreing and killing everie mother's<br />
child they mett other than the exempted trai<strong>to</strong>1.s. Three days and so<br />
many nights were they in this bloody execution. No grot<strong>to</strong>, seller, (cellar)<br />
nson, church, or <strong>to</strong>mbe was unsearched, all there found made pea mealls,<br />
Ranged and quartered: The writer proceeds <strong>to</strong> give an account of the<br />
execution of the Bishop of Emly, of Mr. Barron of Clonmel, who dresses<br />
lAphorismical discovery of treasonable faction, by N. S., styling himself secretary <strong>to</strong><br />
General Owen Roe U'NeilL-USS. T.C.D.
594 HISTORY OF LIMBRICK. . .<br />
himseIf in white taffeta, and was thus hanged", going <strong>to</strong> the gallows as if<br />
<strong>to</strong> a wedding feast, joyfully-of the discovery of Dominick Fanning <strong>to</strong><br />
the officer of the guard, in the church of St. Frmcis, <strong>to</strong> which he (Pawg)<br />
crept cold and starving, from his ances<strong>to</strong>rs' <strong>to</strong>mb, where he had been<br />
concealed three days and ni&ts before, and of that discovery by the<br />
treachery of a servant of Fanning's, who, contrary <strong>to</strong> the wish of the<br />
officer, who appeared desirous that Fanning should effect his escape, not<br />
on1 revealed the name of his master, but called the attention of the guards<br />
<strong>to</strong> &m-said servant being immediately after killed by the guards fbr his<br />
treason <strong>to</strong> a good master. '" These with several others of both clergie and<br />
laity, were pittifully mangled, massacred, hanged, and dragged, man,<br />
woman, and child, except the tray<strong>to</strong>rs, (a great multitude of these same in<br />
that furie perished",) etc. Ire<strong>to</strong>n, as we have narrated, " dics of the plague<br />
and at the pointe of death was so nobly minded that he commanded his<br />
lieutenant-general& Sdmund Ludloe, and the rest of his officers and commanders,<br />
<strong>to</strong> use all good behavior <strong>to</strong>wards the said gedeman (Hugh O'Neill)<br />
-<strong>to</strong> send him with his own corpse in<strong>to</strong> England,-and he did accompany<br />
Earthon's embalshomed (embalmed) corpse, and carryed it <strong>to</strong> London", etc.<br />
From this MS. we further learn more of the open treason of Fennel,<br />
and that Cromwell'slife-guard was defeated at Nenagh on the 17th of May,<br />
1652, by Loughlen O'Meara and his foot, supported by Colonel Thibbot<br />
Gawley, where, after a severe skirmish, near the castle of Nenagh, "at<br />
lengthe the Irish had the honnour of the fielde, did kill 24 of the ennemie,<br />
<strong>to</strong>ok S prisoners, gott the pilladge of the camp, many tents, and a world<br />
of goods, each ennemie was found with 215 in his pocketts-these men<br />
were never faced in Ireland before this day-being my Lord Cromwell's<br />
Life-guard, all major officers, several taken prisoners in battles and defeates<br />
against the kiige (Charles I.), who vowed never <strong>to</strong> have seen (for so many)<br />
better soldiers than these Irish".<br />
These events were followed by the almost <strong>to</strong>tal prostration of the Catholics<br />
of <strong>Limerick</strong>. The monuments in the cathedral were nearly all shattered,<br />
defaced, or utterly destroyed. By order of the commiss~oners for the<br />
affairs of Ireland, dated 15th June, 1655, all Irish papists and traders,<br />
servants, shopkeepers, artificers, etc., were ordered <strong>to</strong> remove forthwith<br />
out of the city,' against which order they presented a petition, as we have<br />
seen, through the hands of Dr. Thomas Arthur, whose estate was saved <strong>to</strong><br />
him and his son. From this period, there were no Catholic monuments<br />
erected in the cathedral, and for a short time only, during the reign of<br />
Jam II., was it in possession of the Catholica. In order, therefore, that<br />
we may bring <strong>to</strong> a conclusion our his<strong>to</strong>ry of the cathehal, we will<br />
here give an account of the principal monumenta which remain in it, and<br />
subjoin a list of the Protestant bishops in succession. The altar on which for<br />
ages the lulspotted Sacrifice had been offered, had now given way <strong>to</strong> the<br />
communion table.<br />
We roceed with the .monuments:-<br />
On t%e north side of the communion table is a very large monument<br />
which was,originally e~cted a the Earl of Thomond, who died Sey 4,<br />
1634. It ltcdnaists ofthree compartments, the entire of the back bein b ack<br />
marble, the divisions or compdents red and white marble, wit % joint<br />
State Papers of Olivm Crornd.<br />
HISTORY OF LIMERICK. 595<br />
Corinthian and composite pillars on both sides, also of marble of <strong>Limerick</strong>-<br />
the arms and achievements of O'Brien at the <strong>to</strong>p. The following inscrip-<br />
tion is cut on a marble tablet, gilt, in Roman capitals :-<br />
This monvment being defaced in the<br />
time of the late rebellion of Ireland,<br />
was by Henry the I1 Earl of Thomond<br />
of that name re-edifyed, anno 1G78, in memory<br />
of his noble grandfather, Donagh O'Brien,<br />
Earl of Thomond, Baron of Ibreacan,<br />
President of Mvnster, and one of his Majesties<br />
Privy CovnciI ; who having derived<br />
his titles from an ancient and honovrable<br />
family, sometime the fovnders of this chvrch,<br />
left them <strong>to</strong> posterity more ennobled by his<br />
own vertve for giving equal proofs both for<br />
covrage and conduct of his loyalty and<br />
worth ; he was rewarded by the high and mighty<br />
monarchs Queen Elizabeth and King Jarues,<br />
with honours above the nobility of<br />
his time.<br />
filing in two of the compartments are broken effigies, cut out in full, of<br />
granite, and in the fashicn of Queen Elizabeth's days, the gilding and<br />
ornamentation of which are nearly utterly defaced. The effigies represent<br />
the Earl and Countess of Thomond, and were attached <strong>to</strong> the original<br />
monument. They were broken in pieces by Ire<strong>to</strong>n's soldiers. Beneath ia<br />
the <strong>to</strong>mb or crypt of the O'Briens; and when the cathedral was recendy<br />
undergoing repairs, skulb of considerable magnitude, and bones were<br />
found m the crypt. For many years, we understand, a sum of £10 w~<br />
paid yearly, b will of the Earl of Thomond, <strong>to</strong> the verger of St. May's<br />
Cathedral, for t eeping the monuments clean. No payment has been made<br />
in latter years. Indeed the monuments generally appear <strong>to</strong> require much<br />
closer attention than is bes<strong>to</strong>wed upon them.<br />
During the incumbency of the Kev. Dean Hoare, in 1759, while Mr.<br />
Sex<strong>to</strong>n Baylee was mayor, a sum of 51,327 14s. Itd. was expended in<br />
repairs, alterations, and res<strong>to</strong>rations, under the directions of the rev.<br />
entleman. A sum of 2100 was raised by the sale of pews at this peiiod.<br />
fn 1680, the south door and porch (as seen in the view of the cathedral<br />
'ven in Ware's Bishops), were added <strong>to</strong> the church, and a pavement made<br />
&m them <strong>to</strong> the main street, or Mary Street. Previous <strong>to</strong> this, the .nd<br />
entrance was at the western door, <strong>to</strong> which it has again been chmgefand<br />
where it is likely <strong>to</strong> remain as required by the conveniences of the ap<br />
preaches, and the disposition, etc., of the interior of the cathedral.
596 HISTORY OF LIMERICK. . .<br />
The following on a black marble slab in a pillar at the entrance <strong>to</strong> the<br />
choir :-<br />
This manvment was erected by<br />
WilIiam Yorke, <strong>to</strong> the memory of his deceased<br />
father Alderman William Yorke,' who<br />
lyes here interred ; was thrice mayor, gave<br />
above fovr hvndred povnds for<br />
bvlding the exchange and freely'bes<strong>to</strong>wed itt<br />
on this corporation ; contribvted <strong>to</strong><br />
the bells and chymes which were cast<br />
and set up in his maioraltyes ; was charitable<br />
<strong>to</strong> the poore, constant <strong>to</strong> his friend;<br />
died in the trve Christian faith, the last year<br />
of his maioralty, April 1, 1679, ztatis<br />
sve 42. leaving William, I<strong>to</strong>ger, and Jane,<br />
by Anna the davghter of Henry Hart, Esq.<br />
In the pillar near the western door entrance, is the following curious<br />
inscription quaintly cut in old-fashioned letters, gilt :-<br />
Mements Mory.<br />
Here lieth littell Samvell<br />
Earring<strong>to</strong>n, that great vnder-:<br />
taker, of famiovs citties<br />
clock and chime maker,<br />
He made his one time goe<br />
early and lattei, bvt now<br />
he is retvrned <strong>to</strong> God his Cre-<br />
a<strong>to</strong>r, the 19th of November then he<br />
west, and for his memory<br />
this here is pleast by his<br />
son Ben.' 1693.<br />
The Pery chapel is one of the more recent improvemen& iq the cathe-<br />
dral; it is sitdated in the south-west aisle, is lar e, and beautifully orna-<br />
mented; the ceiling is done up in bright blue an d silver stars, the walls<br />
in gray marble, and underneath are the <strong>to</strong>mbs <strong>to</strong> which the remains of the<br />
Pery family are consigned. A white marble monument, with a full length<br />
recumbent effigy of Lord Glentworth, admirably executed by Baily, and<br />
of the finest workmanship; is an object of much attraction in the Pely<br />
chapel. The monument bears the following inscription :-<br />
'+<br />
1 The family of Alderman Yorke, who was of Dutch origin, is mid <strong>to</strong> be represented by the<br />
preaent ~nch6ss of Rovigo.<br />
9 Ben having been a clock and chime maker, bad a contract from the corporation of Cashel<br />
for fitting up and making a clock, for five ponnde.<br />
HISTORY OF L~MERICE.<br />
Here lie the mortal remains of<br />
Edrnond Henry Lord Glcntworth,<br />
eldest son and heir of<br />
Henry Harts<strong>to</strong>nge Lord Glentworth, and<br />
Annabella, his wife,<br />
grandson and heir of Edmund Henry,<br />
Earl of <strong>Limerick</strong>, Viscount <strong>Limerick</strong>, Baron<br />
Glentworth of Xallow, and Baron Foxford of<br />
Stackpole Court, in the county of Clare, in<br />
the peerage of the United Kingdom.<br />
He was born on the 3rd day of March, 1809,<br />
and married on the 8th of Oc<strong>to</strong>ber, 1836,<br />
Eve Maria, second daughter of Henry Villebois,<br />
of AIuham House, in the county of<br />
Norfolk, Esq.<br />
He departed this life on the 16th of February,<br />
In the year of our Lord, 1844.<br />
This monument is erected <strong>to</strong> the memory of<br />
her beloved husband, by his widow.<br />
The Pery chapel, which is railed off by a heavy iron railing or grating,<br />
produces a subdued sombre effect, suggestive of thoughts befitting a rest-<br />
ing place sacred <strong>to</strong> the noble dead. Over the chapel is the hatchment<br />
of the deceased. It has a stained glass window of thrce lights, and it<br />
also contains the Stackpole and Roche (Catholic) vaults.<br />
In the north aisle is a <strong>to</strong>mbs<strong>to</strong>ne <strong>to</strong> the memory of Nicholas Rice, Esq.,<br />
counsellor-at-law n , and his wife Mary Rice :-<br />
Arms of<br />
the Rice family,<br />
cut on a floriated shield.<br />
Here lies interred,<br />
the body of Nicholas Rice, Esq.,<br />
counsellor at law,<br />
who departed this life the<br />
19th day of March, 1509,<br />
aged 56 years,<br />
&d also the body of Mary Bice,<br />
his wife,<br />
who died the 15th day of March, 1724,<br />
aged 54 years.
698 HISTORY OF LIMXRICK. . .<br />
Next <strong>to</strong> this is a slab cut with the Arthur arms and the date 1640.<br />
Adjacent <strong>to</strong> this are the following:<br />
I I<br />
Floriated shield,<br />
with the Arthur Arms.<br />
Expectans ultimam resurrectionem<br />
hic Jacet Thomas Arthur<br />
Fitz Francis qui hac vita migravit<br />
Die 6" Junii, anno 1729,<br />
Aetatis vox 76,<br />
venit hora qua omnes qui in<br />
monumentis sunt audient vocem<br />
Filii Dei<br />
Jo. v. ver. 28.<br />
!<br />
The following mwal tablet in this north transept was taken from its pro-<br />
per place in the same transept, where the Harts<strong>to</strong>nge family are buried;<br />
and the monument of Geoffrey Arthur, already described, was taken from<br />
the south transept, and placed where this slab had been, much <strong>to</strong> tho<br />
chagrin of the Earl of <strong>Limerick</strong> :<br />
This sn;all monument was erected by<br />
Standish Harts<strong>to</strong>nge, Esq.,<br />
Recorder of this city,<br />
in memory of his deare wife Elizabeth,<br />
daughter of Francis Jermy, Esq.,<br />
of Cu<strong>to</strong>n, in the county of Norfolk,<br />
and by Alice his wife,<br />
the daughter of Anthony Irby,<br />
of Bos<strong>to</strong>n, Knt.,<br />
who
600 HISTORY OF LIMERICK.<br />
L .<br />
In 1812, Dean Pres<strong>to</strong>n dismantled and removed the old Episcopal<br />
Court, broke a passage through the wall at the back of a bench which was<br />
there, and laid the beams of a new gallery in the south aisle, <strong>to</strong> correspond<br />
with the gallery which had been recently erected in the north aisle. This<br />
was done for the accommodation of the then Corporation.<br />
February, 1812, the gallery for the military was erected in St. Mary's<br />
Cathedral, by the Rev. Geo. Harte, Chanter.<br />
March-An old house that s<strong>to</strong>od in the S.E. end of Bow Lane, and pro-<br />
jected five feet in<strong>to</strong> the main street, was pulled down. While this house<br />
s<strong>to</strong>od, the entrance in<strong>to</strong> Bow Lane was no more than thirteen feet wide.<br />
The lane below this house, leading in<strong>to</strong> the north gate of the church, was<br />
opened and enlarged in the year 1770-(Ferrur, p. 101). The improve-<br />
ment in 1812 was effe,ted by the Rev. Dean Pres<strong>to</strong>n. Foundation of<br />
the new structure laid March 23.<br />
In 1842 Mr. William Bardwell of London, architect, who had been<br />
engaged in supplying a monument <strong>to</strong> the memory of Daniel Barring<strong>to</strong>n,<br />
Esq., brother of Sir Mathew Barring<strong>to</strong>n, Bart., suggested res<strong>to</strong>rations of<br />
the cathedral, interiorly and exteriorly, and ga7-e drawings which are now<br />
in the verger's lodge of the cathedral. Mr. Bardwell manifested much taste<br />
and cleverness in the suggested res<strong>to</strong>rations, particulary of the exterior,<br />
which, if carried out, would contribute <strong>to</strong> beautify the appearacce of the<br />
cathedral, and take from it the very heavy and clumsy look which it still has.<br />
He suggested a variety of pinnacles with s<strong>to</strong>ne crosses, a new belfry<br />
independent of the peal of bells in the quadrangular <strong>to</strong>wer, etc. Some of<br />
Mr. Bardwell's suggestions have been acted upon in the recent decorations<br />
and res<strong>to</strong>rations of'the interior of the cathedral, particularly in reference <strong>to</strong><br />
the seats. Mr. Bardwell <strong>to</strong>ok a plaster covering off the ancient s<strong>to</strong>ne<br />
western doorway of the cathedral, and displayed the attractive and beauti-<br />
ful original <strong>to</strong> the view of the antiquary. From cuts and marks in the<br />
pillars of this doorway, it is probable that it was used by the soldiers that<br />
were quartered in it several times, in and before the last sieges, for the<br />
purpose of sharpening their swords and side arms.<br />
The following is the inscription on the monument <strong>to</strong> the memory of<br />
Daniel Barring<strong>to</strong>n, Esq., which is made of Caen s<strong>to</strong>ne, and very curiously<br />
and elaborately wrought :-<br />
Saquel Barring<strong>to</strong>n, Esq.,<br />
second son of<br />
Sir Joseph Barring<strong>to</strong>n, Bart.,<br />
born in Oc<strong>to</strong>ber, MDCCXXII.,'<br />
died in ~ebruar~, MDCCSXLII.,<br />
lea~ring Anne, daughter of<br />
Bichard Williams, Esq., his relict, surviving, in<br />
remembrance of his virtues, amiable<br />
qualities, and fraternal affection, strongly<br />
evinced through life,<br />
this monument is erected by his elder<br />
brother Matthew.<br />
This is an enror of the soulp<strong>to</strong>r.<br />
HISTORY OF LIMERICK 601<br />
Within the last few years, the cathedral has undergone a more thorough<br />
repair and res<strong>to</strong>ration than it got since it was erected-at all events, since<br />
1490, when it was so much enlarged, and the three bodies and aisles<br />
built. The occasion of the lamented death of Augustus O'Brien Stafford,<br />
Esq., M.P., in 1857, was suggested as a fitting opportunity <strong>to</strong> commence<br />
a work which had beeu rendered so necessary. The interior had been<br />
literally blocked up and rendered hideous by huge timber obstructions<br />
narrowing the nave and aisles, and giving a character of heaviness, gloom,<br />
and ugliness <strong>to</strong> the whole. A. committee was formed <strong>to</strong> erect a memorial<br />
<strong>to</strong> Mr. Stafford; and it was finally decided that this memorial should be a<br />
stained glass window, and, at the same time, Mr. William Slater, of London,<br />
architect, was requested <strong>to</strong> examine the cathedral, when he found that a<br />
new roof over the chancel was essential, and subsequently, that the ceiling<br />
over the rest of the nave was bad and dangerous. Mr. Slater reported that<br />
it would Fe necessary <strong>to</strong> remove the modern perpendicular window, which<br />
had not been very many years in existence, and which was put up at very<br />
heavy cost, by Mr. Payne, architect. Contracts were entered in<strong>to</strong> by<br />
Messrs. Clay<strong>to</strong>n and Bell, of London, for the stained glass window, and<br />
with Messrs. Ryan and Son, for the roof and the s<strong>to</strong>ne work in the newly<br />
projected window. The Rev. F. C. I-lamil<strong>to</strong>n, and Robert O'Brien, Esq.,<br />
Old Church, aided by John Long, Esq., Hon. Sec., proceeded <strong>to</strong> raise a<br />
portion of the money necessary for the roof, as the dean and chapter had<br />
not suflicient funds at their disposal <strong>to</strong> incur the expense. The appeal<br />
was snccessf~~l. In 210 subscriptions, a sum of &4ti0 was soon raised.<br />
Early in 1860, the dean and chapter sent a letter <strong>to</strong> the above named<br />
gentlemen <strong>to</strong> the effect, thnt they had voted a sum of 2305 10s. 7d. for<br />
the new roof, and that thc Right Rev. Dr. Griffin, Protest.int bishop, had<br />
subscribed 250. The contract was entered in<strong>to</strong> with Messrs. Ryan and<br />
Son; the work went on prosperously, and was not long in hands. The<br />
ancient oak roof was found <strong>to</strong> be in the best order ; the oak as sound as ever,<br />
and nearly all that was removed of it aaa purchased .by Mr. Stephen<br />
Hastings, brush manufacturer, who converted it in<strong>to</strong> polished backs<br />
for hair-brushes, and walking canes. In addition, the organ gallery was<br />
removed from the west <strong>to</strong> the north side of the cathedral; the arches<br />
which had been blocked with brickwork and sashes were opened up.<br />
Dr. GrifEn contributed 250 more <strong>to</strong> this work. The dean' provided new<br />
s<strong>to</strong>ves, new seats <strong>to</strong> the transepts, and soldiers"seats, removing all the<br />
monumental tablets <strong>to</strong> the 1101th chapel, and cleaned the walls of the<br />
whole building. He also erected a door <strong>to</strong> t,he south porch, where there<br />
had been one before, and which was the chief entrance in the earlier part<br />
of the last century. The floor of the choir was extended ; twelve new oak<br />
stall seats were provided, similar <strong>to</strong> the ancient stall seats, which have been<br />
always looked upon with curiosity, for their strangely sculptured carvings<br />
under the seats, or '' misericordes", as they were called in Catholic times.<br />
Deans' and precen<strong>to</strong>rs' seats, cayed in oak, were provided, and a continu-<br />
ation of carved canopies over the stalls. Min<strong>to</strong>n tiles, set in cement over<br />
brickwork, replaced the damp limes<strong>to</strong>ne flags and earth, which, in conse-<br />
quence of the numerous graves beneath, caused the floor <strong>to</strong> be in a bad<br />
state ; the bells, which were deficient, and their working out of gear, were<br />
set right by the Earl of <strong>Limerick</strong>; carved oak altar table, chairs, and s<strong>to</strong>ols,<br />
' The liberal and learned Very Rev. A. L. Kirwan.<br />
42
were provided by the Rev. Maurice de Burgh, and the Rev. F. C. Hamil-<br />
<strong>to</strong>n, at their own expense ; several other minor improvements and details<br />
were also introduced. The amount received for the memod <strong>to</strong> Mr.<br />
O'Brien Stafford, was $1,556 18s. 2d. Mr. Ryan's contract for roof, etc.,<br />
was 2876 15s. lld.; Mr. Forsyth, for reredos, cornice, and extra work,<br />
S37 15s. Od. ; Messrs. Clay<strong>to</strong>n and Bell, stained glass window, $388 ; wire<br />
guard, $25 10s.; fixing same at <strong>Limerick</strong>, &l5 17s.-in all g429 7s.;<br />
other expenses made U the balance of 21,556 18s. 2d. The me-<br />
window <strong>to</strong> Aupstus &~rien StaEo,rd, Esq., may be bscnbed as<br />
follows +<br />
St. Mary's Cathedral, <strong>Limerick</strong>.<br />
The east window erected as a, memorial <strong>to</strong> the late Augustus O'Brien Stafford,<br />
Esq., M.P. Died 15th Nov., 1857, aged 47. Designed by Wm. Slater,<br />
Architect. Stained glass executed by Messrs. Clay<strong>to</strong>n and Bell. Building<br />
by Mr. John Ryan, <strong>Limerick</strong>.<br />
NORTH SIDE LIGHT.<br />
No. 1. Burying the Dead.<br />
,, 2. A stranger, and ye <strong>to</strong>ok me in". xxv. Mat. ver. 35.<br />
,, 3. " In prison, and ye came un<strong>to</strong> me". ,, ver. 36.<br />
,, 4. "Thirsty, and ye gave me drink". ,, ver. 35.<br />
CENTRE LIGHT.<br />
The Charity of Dorcas ix Acts, ver. 39;<br />
OUR LORD SEATED.<br />
'6 Inasmuch as ye have done it un<strong>to</strong> the least of these<br />
my brethren, ye have done it un<strong>to</strong> me". xxv. Mat. ver. 40.<br />
The Good Samaritan. X. Luk, ver. 33.<br />
SOUTH SIDE LIGHT.<br />
No. 1. Guiding the Blind.<br />
,, 2. U Naked and ye clothed me". xxv. Mat. ver. 36.<br />
,, 3. Sick and ye visited me". ,, ver. 36<br />
,, 4. An hungered and ye gave me meat". ,, ver. 35.<br />
It was intended <strong>to</strong> place an elaborate s<strong>to</strong>ne inscription over the window<br />
as an additional tribute <strong>to</strong> the memory of Mr. O'Brien Stafford; and the<br />
s<strong>to</strong>ne was actually cut for that purpose; but the Dean and Chapter<br />
objected.<br />
A further sum of 21590 3s. 3d. has been expended by the Holi. Robert<br />
O'Brien, raised by subscription, in. res<strong>to</strong>rations, etc. The Rev. P. C.<br />
Hamil<strong>to</strong>n has expended 2240 18s. 2d., and in both instances balances<br />
remained due on the audits of accounts <strong>to</strong> the Hon R. O'Brien and Rev.<br />
Mr. Hamil<strong>to</strong>n. The interior of the church has undergone quite a renovated<br />
appearance since these changes were made; and they have been<br />
followed by others, including a memorial <strong>to</strong> the Westropp family in the<br />
south transept, including a new roof, a new s<strong>to</strong>ne window of five li hts<br />
filled with stained lass, and the complete fitting up of the transepts, &m<br />
a design by Mr 8 later. The subjects in the window are Scriptural,<br />
and are elaborately wrought out in colours particularly bright and well<br />
1-<br />
chosen.<br />
And a monumknt of Bath s<strong>to</strong>ne, representing the agony in the garden,<br />
the resurrection, and the taking down from the cross, in three compartm-,<br />
erected by Mr. Poole, of Bath.<br />
HISTORY OF LIMERICK. 603<br />
A brass tablet hw this legend:-<br />
This transept was res<strong>to</strong>red and its stained glass window and monument<br />
erected in the year 1862, by Mrs. Anne Westropp, in memory of<br />
her son Thomas Johns<strong>to</strong>n Westropp, aged 20 who years. died in Madeira, in the year 1830,<br />
The Westropp memorial is said <strong>to</strong> have cost a sum of about £2000.<br />
Among the objects shown <strong>to</strong> view by the removal of sundry obstructions,<br />
is a beautiful credence arch with a circular window in the chancel.<br />
A s<strong>to</strong>ne had been placed here before ; and of the existence of the arch,<br />
etc., there was no knowledge in modern days until the res<strong>to</strong>rations were<br />
undertaken.<br />
The family of the late Archdeacon Maunsell have placed a s<strong>to</strong>ne pulpit<br />
in the cathedral, with, carved in relief, representation of the presentation<br />
i11 the temple. It is very elegant. Other presents are about <strong>to</strong> be made,<br />
and further im~rovements eEected, so that the traditionarv zeal for the<br />
res<strong>to</strong>ration andlkeeping of St. ~'ar~'s appears <strong>to</strong> have in active exis-<br />
tcnce at this moment.<br />
One of the latest memorials in the cathedral is in a western s<strong>to</strong>ne win-<br />
dow, filled with glass, <strong>to</strong> Sir Matthew Barring<strong>to</strong>n, Bart. This memorial<br />
was got up by subscription :<br />
This west window was erected as a memorial <strong>to</strong> the late Sir Matthew Baning<strong>to</strong>n,<br />
Baronet. Died 1st April, 1861, aged 72. Designed by William Slater, Esq.,<br />
Stained glass by Messrs. Clay<strong>to</strong>n and Bell. Building by Messrs. John Ryan<br />
and Son, <strong>Limerick</strong>.<br />
NORTH SIDE LIGHT.<br />
1. The Nativity.<br />
2. Flight in<strong>to</strong> Egypt.<br />
3. Disputation in the Temple.<br />
4. Baptism of Christ.<br />
CENTRE LIQET.<br />
1. The Last Supper.<br />
2. The Agony in the Garden.<br />
3. Christ bearing the Cross.<br />
4. Wouen at the Sepulchre.<br />
5. Noli me tangere".<br />
SOUTH SIDE LIGHT.<br />
1. St. Peter and St. John at the Sepulchre.<br />
2. Journey <strong>to</strong> Emmaus.<br />
3. The Ascension.<br />
4. Pentecost.<br />
In the south transept a mindow has been filled with stained glass <strong>to</strong><br />
the memory of Charlotte, wife of Sir Matthew Barring<strong>to</strong>n, Bart. Under-<br />
neath is a brass tablet with the following inscription:-<br />
In memory of Charlotte, wife of<br />
Sir Matthew Barring<strong>to</strong>n, Bart.,<br />
who died November 18th, 1858,<br />
this window was filled with stained glass<br />
by her son, Croker Barring<strong>to</strong>n,<br />
as a mark of affection.
604<br />
RTe subjoi<br />
C .<br />
HISTORY OP LIMERICK.<br />
~articulars of other monuments in the cathedral :-<br />
Quod vult, Valde vult.<br />
Sacred <strong>to</strong> the memory of<br />
Lieutenant-Colonel George Maunsell,<br />
3rd or Prince of Wales' Dragoon Guards,<br />
which regiment Ile commanded for<br />
many years, served with it tlirougl~out<br />
the whole Pcnins~~la mar, and received<br />
medals for the battles of Talasera,<br />
Albuera, Victaria, and Toulouse.<br />
EIe was beloved by his brother soldiers,<br />
and respected by the enemies of<br />
his country.<br />
The Almigllty, who protected him in<br />
the day of battle,<br />
suffered him <strong>to</strong> depart this life in peace.<br />
Sincere, honourable, gentle, and brave,<br />
his surviving relatives have erected this<br />
testimonial in commemoration of his worth.<br />
Died Sep. 4th 1849.<br />
Soldier, rest, thy warfare o'er,<br />
Sleep the sleep that knows no breaking,<br />
Dream of battle Gelds no more,<br />
Days of danger, nights of waking.<br />
I<br />
Then follow the devices or emblems of war, and, we think, wolf dogs, etc.<br />
A handsome brass mural tablet <strong>to</strong> the memory of Colonel Clouster of<br />
the Glst Regiment, a distinguished Peninsular officer, ~~110 died in July,<br />
1861. - -<br />
To the pllent Sir Alichael Creagh, K.H., a Lieutenant-Colonel of the<br />
73rd Regiment, his surviving children have placed the following monument<br />
of white marble on a pillar 111 the north transept :--<br />
In memory of<br />
Sir kichael Creagh, Rnt., K.H.,<br />
Major General in Her Majesty's Army,<br />
and Colonel of'the 73rd Regt.<br />
Born in <strong>Limerick</strong>, 1787.<br />
Died at Boulogne-sur-mer,<br />
September 14th, 1860, aged 73 years.<br />
Also his wife Elizabeth, only daughter of<br />
the Kight Honourable Charles Osborne,<br />
1. Judge oft& Court of King's Bench in Ireland,<br />
who died at sea, January 14th, 1833, aged 36 years.<br />
This tablet is erected by their surviving children.<br />
A<br />
HISTORY OP LIMEBICK.<br />
605<br />
A monument <strong>to</strong> Denis Fitzgerald Mahony, Esq., father of Alderman<br />
John Wetson Mahony, J.P., is of white marble, and has the following<br />
inscription :-<br />
Sacred <strong>to</strong> the memory of<br />
Denis Fitzgerald Mahony,<br />
Alderman, Chamberlain, and Magistrate<br />
of the city of <strong>Limerick</strong>,<br />
who died 22nd February, 1840,<br />
aged 67 years.<br />
He was a man of liberality, humanity, and<br />
noderation, a generous friend of the widow and<br />
orphan, a munificent contribu<strong>to</strong>r<br />
<strong>to</strong> the public charities of the city, an<br />
affectionate husband, a kind parent, and an<br />
humble follower of his Lord and Master.<br />
He lived in the universal esteem of<br />
his fellow citizens, and died in the assured<br />
hope of a joyful resurrection.<br />
His remains are interred in the family vault<br />
of St. Munchin's, in this city.<br />
cc Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord".<br />
The following are a few other of the monuments:-<br />
Sacred<br />
<strong>to</strong> the memory of<br />
Louisa,<br />
wife <strong>to</strong> the Bev. Wm. D. Boare,<br />
who departed this life on the 9th of April, 1809,<br />
having just entered on her 27th year.<br />
This tablet is erected<br />
by her dectionate husbarid as a small mark<br />
of his love <strong>to</strong> her memory.<br />
She fell asleep in full assnrance<br />
of a blessed and glorious resurrection <strong>to</strong><br />
eternal life, through the blood and righteousness<br />
of Him who came in<strong>to</strong> this world <strong>to</strong><br />
save sinzlers.<br />
Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.
Sacred<br />
<strong>to</strong> the memory of<br />
Matilda Alexina,<br />
the beloved and only child of<br />
Major penera1 Thomas Erskine Napier, C&.,<br />
commanding the <strong>Limerick</strong> district,<br />
and BZargaret his wife,<br />
who, after a protracted sickness,<br />
borne with patient resignation<br />
in the will of her Makcr,<br />
died April xn, MDCCCSLIX.,<br />
aged ~~PIII. years.<br />
This monument is erected by<br />
her beloved and affectionate parents,<br />
who, consoled by the remembrance of<br />
her affectionate disposition, cheerful piety,<br />
and peaceful death,<br />
sorrow not as those without hope for her<br />
who now sleeps in the Lord,<br />
in certain expectation in the resurrection<br />
<strong>to</strong> Eternal Life through the merits of<br />
Christ Jesus, her Saviour,<br />
AMEN.<br />
-<br />
In the family vault of Caherconliuh,<br />
rest the mortal remains of<br />
Bobert Maunsell Gabbet$, Esq., M.D.,<br />
of Shelbourne House,<br />
who died June 2%d, 1850,<br />
aged 37 years.<br />
This tablet,<br />
sacred <strong>to</strong> his memory,<br />
is placed here by his brothers,<br />
<strong>to</strong> record<br />
his amiable qualities as a man,<br />
his good example as a Christian,<br />
and their own deep sorrow<br />
.for the early loss of one who was<br />
universally esteemed and beloved.<br />
U JIark well the perfect man, and behold the<br />
upright, for the end of that man is peace".<br />
37 Psalm, 37 verse.<br />
HISTORY OF LIrnRICK.<br />
Sacred <strong>to</strong> the memory of<br />
Major Thomas Summerfield,<br />
who died at <strong>Limerick</strong> on the 1st of March, 1833,<br />
in the 66th year of his age,<br />
After a faithful service of nearly forty years<br />
in the 83rd Regiment.<br />
This tablet is raised by his brother officers,<br />
as a tribute <strong>to</strong> the memory of a gallant veteran,<br />
and <strong>to</strong> record their feelings of respect<br />
for his character and worth.<br />
In the north transept is a memorial window of stained glass <strong>to</strong> the late<br />
Dean Pres<strong>to</strong>n, it has the following legend:-<br />
Arms of Pres<strong>to</strong>n<br />
Sans Tache.<br />
Arthurus Joannes Pres<strong>to</strong>n<br />
Hujus Ecclesise Cathedralis<br />
xxxv annos<br />
Decanus<br />
Nat G Junii MDCCLXZ.<br />
Ob 3 Novembris MDCCCXLIV.<br />
Memoria Jus<strong>to</strong>rurn Beata<br />
kestimonium<br />
Hoc Monumenturn pietatis<br />
Posuerunt Filii Ejus<br />
Arthurus et Gulielmus.<br />
The following is a list of the Protestant Bishops in succession from<br />
Robert Sibthorpe, which we give from Dr. Cot<strong>to</strong>n's valuable Fasti Ec-<br />
cleeim Ribernice :-<br />
1660 Edward Synge, D.D. (brother of George Synge, Eishop of Cloyne),<br />
Dean of Elphin, was promoted by patent, dated January 19th, which patent<br />
empowered him <strong>to</strong> hold the sees of Ardfert and Aghadoe in commendana. He<br />
was consecrated at Dublin on the 27th of the same month. On 21st Decem-<br />
ber, 1663, he was translated <strong>to</strong> Cork. At this time the sees of <strong>Limerick</strong>, Ard-<br />
fert, and Aghadoe were united.<br />
1663 William Fuller, LL.D., a native of London, educated at Westminster<br />
School, and at Oxford, became Chancellor of Dromore, Dean of St. Patrick's,<br />
and Treasurer of Christ Church, Dublin; and was advanced <strong>to</strong> the united<br />
sees of <strong>Limerick</strong>, Ardfert, and Aghadoe, by patent, dated March 16th. In<br />
1667 he was translated <strong>to</strong> the bishopric of Lincoln, and was buried in that<br />
city in 1675. See particulars of his life in Mason's His<strong>to</strong>q of St. Pd~ck's<br />
Cccticcdrd, p. 192, etc.
608 HISTORY OF LIMERICK. . .<br />
1667 Francis Marsh,' D.D., a native of Gloucestershiie, educated at Cambridge,<br />
came <strong>to</strong> Ireland on the invitation of Bishop Jeremy Taylor, and became<br />
successively Dean of Armagh and Archdeacon of Dromore. His patent for<br />
these bishoprics bears date Oc<strong>to</strong>ber 28th, and he was consecrated at Clonmel<br />
on December 22nd. Froin hence he was translated <strong>to</strong> =lmore and Ardagh,<br />
on 10th January, 167:, and afterwards, in 1681, <strong>to</strong> Dublin.<br />
167: John Vesey, D.D. (ances<strong>to</strong>r of the Viscounts de Vesci, and of Lord<br />
Vesey Pitzgerald), was a native of Coleraine, and was educated at Westminster<br />
School and at Dublii University. He became Chaplain <strong>to</strong> the House of<br />
Commons, and was made Archdeacon of Armagh, and afterwards Dean of<br />
Cork, and Treasurer of Cloyne. He was promoted <strong>to</strong> this bishopric by patent,<br />
dated January llth, and was consecrated on the following day. In 1678 he<br />
was translated <strong>to</strong> the archbishopric of Tuam.<br />
167: Simon Digby (son of Dr. Essex Digby, Bishop of Dromore) became a<br />
Prebendary, and afterwards Dean of Kildare : he also held a prebend in the<br />
church of Lismore. His patent for this bishopric bears date March 19th, and<br />
he was consecrated on the 23rd of that month. In the year 1691 he was translated<br />
<strong>to</strong> Elphin.<br />
169: Nathaniel Wilson, D.D., an Englishman, educated at Magdalene Hall,<br />
Oxford, became chaplain <strong>to</strong> the Duke of Ormond, and was made Dean of<br />
Raphoe. He was raised <strong>to</strong> the bishopric by patent dated January 20th, and<br />
was consecrated at Christ Church, Dublii, on the 18th of the following May.<br />
On July 27th he was enthroned at his cathedral, He died of apoplexy, supposed<br />
<strong>to</strong> have been caused by a fall from his horse, at Dublin, on 3rd November,<br />
1695 ; and was there buried in Christ Church.<br />
1695 Thomas Smyth, D.D.vgrandfather of the first Viscount Gort), was a<br />
Fellow of Trinity College, Dublin, and became Precen<strong>to</strong>r of Clogher, Dean of<br />
Emly, and Chancellor of Clogher. He succeeded Bishop Wilson by patent<br />
dated December 2nd, and was consecrated in the Chapel of Trinity College,<br />
Dublin, on the 8th of that month, by William, Archbishop of Cashel, assisted<br />
by the Bishops of Clogher, Killala, Dromore, and Cloyne. He was enthroned<br />
at <strong>Limerick</strong>, on 30th April, 1696. In 1714 this prelate was appointed Vice-<br />
Chancellor of the University of Dublin. He was a liberal benefac<strong>to</strong>r <strong>to</strong> the<br />
poor, bcth during his life-time and by his will. After being the founder of a<br />
numerous and distinguished family, he died on 4th May, 1725, and was buried<br />
in St. Munchin's Church at <strong>Limerick</strong>.<br />
1725 Wiliam Bourscough, D.D., an Englishman, educated at Wadham<br />
College, Oxford, became Chaplain <strong>to</strong> Lord Carteret, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland,<br />
and was wide Dean of Lismore. He, obtained this bishopria by patent dated<br />
June lGth, and was consecrated at Dunboyne in July following by the Archbishop<br />
of Armagh. He is'described as a man of great learning and piety, a<br />
good preacher, of a <strong>to</strong>lerant and kindly disposition <strong>to</strong> persons of all persuasions,<br />
but unpopular because he did not reside and spend his income in the city.3<br />
After filling the see thirty years, he died in 1755, and was bnried on April<br />
3rd, at his private seat, New Ross, in the county of Tipperary, in the eightieth<br />
year of his age [Xant] in a vault which he himself had made.'<br />
1755 James Leslie, D.D., a native of Kerry, became a Prebendary of Durham.<br />
He W= made Bishop of <strong>Limerick</strong> by patent dated November 4th ; and<br />
w ~ consecrated s in St. Andrew's Church, Dublin, on November 16th, by the<br />
1<br />
1 Marsh wa
610 HISTORY OF LINERICK . .<br />
assisted by the Bishops of Kildare and Ossory. In 1822 he was translated <strong>to</strong><br />
the sees of Ferns and Leighlin.<br />
Bishop Elring<strong>to</strong>n was a man of great atrength of mind, integrity, diligence,<br />
and learning ; a strenuous defender of the Protestant Church, as is evidenced<br />
by his numerous publications.<br />
1822 John Jebb, D.D., a native of Drogheda, Archdeacon of Emly, succeeded,<br />
by patent dated December 23rd, and was consecrated in the Cathedral<br />
of Cashel, on January 12th, 1823, by Richard Archbishop of Cashel, assisted<br />
by the Bishops of Waterford and Killaloe.<br />
Bishop Jebb from early youth was a person of retiring and studious habits,<br />
and latterly devoted himself almost entirely <strong>to</strong> professional studies. The<br />
powers of his mind and the extent of his reading are seen in the quantity of<br />
works which he has left behind him. He W ~ a J benefac<strong>to</strong>r <strong>to</strong> his cathedral, <strong>to</strong><br />
which, besides other helps, he presented a new altar-cloth and a new pulpit.<br />
For some years previous <strong>to</strong> his death the Bishop was prevented from discharging<br />
his official duties by a paralytic stroke. He died in England, at Easthill,<br />
near Wandsworth, Surrey, on 9th December, 1333, aged 59, and was buried in<br />
the churchyard of the parish of Clapham, near London. A life of him, with a<br />
selection from his letters, was published by his chaplain, Rev. Charles Forster,<br />
3 2 vols. 8v0, London, 1836.<br />
1830 Honorable Edmund Knox, D.D. (son of Thomas, first Viscount Northland),<br />
Bishop of Killaloe, was translated <strong>to</strong> <strong>Limerick</strong> on the death of Bishop<br />
Jebb.' He died at Birmingham, on his way from London <strong>to</strong> <strong>Limerick</strong>, on the<br />
3rd of May, 1849, aged 76.<br />
1849 H. Higgins, Dean of <strong>Limerick</strong>, removed <strong>to</strong> Derry, and succeeded by<br />
1834 Henry Gra, D.D., the present bishop, Ex-F.T.C.D., who was consecrated<br />
on the 1st of January in that year.<br />
The Protestant episcopal seal of <strong>Limerick</strong> bears, sap hire, on the dexter<br />
side a crozier crested; on the sinister, a mitre with labe in base ; two keys<br />
n saltier, bows downwards, all <strong>to</strong>paz.<br />
The see is valued in the king's books by an extent returned anno 5<br />
Car. I., at a0 sterlin , and Ardfert, a see united <strong>to</strong> it, is valued by an<br />
extent taken anno 26 f3 h., at $12 13s. 4d. sterling.<br />
The chapter of <strong>Limerick</strong> is constituted of the following members, viz.,<br />
Dean, Chan<strong>to</strong>r, Chancellor, Treasurer, Archdeacon, and eleven Prebendaries,<br />
i.e. St. Munchin's, Donoughmore, Ballycahan, Kilpeacon, Tallybracky,<br />
Killeedy, Disert, Ardcanny, Croagh, Ellin, and Athnett, which<br />
ast is the mensal of the bishop. The diocese is divided in<strong>to</strong> five ru. deaneries, viz., I(ilmallock, Adare, Garth, alias Ballingarry, Ardagh, and<br />
Rathkeale.<br />
We have now given in detail the results of much careful inquiry respecting<br />
the venerable cathedral of <strong>Limerick</strong>, whose fortunes have been so<br />
diversified from the time of its foundation by one of the royal O'Briem, <strong>to</strong><br />
he date of its reedificati~n under Protestant hands, and with the assistance<br />
and direction of a descendant of that king9 house. For two hundred<br />
and thirty years, with very short intervals, it has been alienated from the<br />
rofessors of the ancient creed of its founders; and under the various ad-<br />
$tions which have been made <strong>to</strong> assimilate it more closely <strong>to</strong> Anglicm<br />
churches, maay, if not most, of its ancient characteristics have been lost.<br />
P,<br />
HISTORY OF LIMERICK,<br />
CHAPTER LIX.<br />
Wx will now give the lives of the Catholic Bishops of the See of <strong>Limerick</strong>,<br />
&m the time of Bishop O'Dwyer down <strong>to</strong> our own day. The catalogue<br />
proves that, though dnven from their possessions, from the Cathedral of<br />
St. Mary's, in which it was designed by its founder that the Mass of the<br />
Blessed Virgin Mary should be perpetually celebrated, and from the temporalities<br />
which theu predecessors augmented and husbanded with pious<br />
solicitude for the use of the poor and of the Church, though banned by<br />
iniqui<strong>to</strong>us laws, and forced <strong>to</strong> fly from the terrors of unheard of persecution~,<br />
the succession of the bishops and the faith have been faithfully preserved,<br />
and the old religion flourishes even more healthfully than if it had<br />
been fostered by the state, and supported by the most munificent state<br />
endowments. -<br />
James Dowley succeeded <strong>to</strong> the mitre of <strong>Limerick</strong> in 1670-1. He had<br />
been appointed Vicar-Apos<strong>to</strong>lic about the month of July or Au<br />
On the 23rd of Auest in that year he was in Paris, where Yt' e wrote 1663- a<br />
congratula<strong>to</strong>ry letterv<strong>to</strong> the Archbishop of Caesarea, on the appointment<br />
of the Most Rev. Dr. Oliver Plunkett, (who suffered martyrdom on the<br />
scaffold at Tyburn not long afterwards) <strong>to</strong> the primatid chair of<br />
cc MOST ILLus~prous AND REVEREND Lom,<br />
I return exceeding thanks <strong>to</strong> your Excellency for my election in the last<br />
congregation (through your solicitude and care) as Vicar-Apos<strong>to</strong>lic of <strong>Limerick</strong>,<br />
whiist I also find it is . your - intention <strong>to</strong> exalt me, though unworthy, <strong>to</strong> a still<br />
higher dignity.<br />
"Most pleasing <strong>to</strong> all was the appointment of Dr. Plunkett, and I doubt not<br />
but it will be agreeable <strong>to</strong> the government, <strong>to</strong> the secular clergy, and <strong>to</strong> the<br />
nobility ; and all this we owe <strong>to</strong> your Escellency. We shall soon return <strong>to</strong> our<br />
country, when I shall give an accdunt of the flock committed <strong>to</strong> my cbarge. . .<br />
Jmm DOWLEY.<br />
cc Paris, 23rd August, 1669.<br />
CLTO the Archbishop of Casarea".<br />
A national council or synod was held in Dublin on the 17th June, 1670,<br />
which was presided over by the primate, and at this council or synod a<br />
petition was drawn up and despatched <strong>to</strong> the Holy See, soliciting the ap-<br />
pomtment of some new bishops <strong>to</strong> the vacant dioceses, and prwnting the<br />
names of clergymen who were deemed most deserving of the episcopal<br />
dignity. For <strong>Limerick</strong> they named:<br />
"R. D. Jacobus Dulaeus, Vic. Aplicus. Limericen. cnjus etiam doctrina et<br />
vitre integritas Tllmae. Dni. Vrae. probe nota est, pro Dioecesi hericen".<br />
The recommendation was successful. James Dowley was appointed,<br />
and he was consecrated by the Most Rev. Dr. Burgatt, Archbishop of<br />
Caihel. Dr. Dowley iived in troubled and anxious times. Persecution
612 HISTORY OF LIMERICK.<br />
'. .<br />
raged within and without the city, but he did not quail before it; he had<br />
able and learned priests who gave him efficient assistance, and he zealously<br />
exerted himself <strong>to</strong> preserve the traditions and his<strong>to</strong>ry of the diocese, as we<br />
find in the MSS. memoranda of the Rev. Dr. Jasper White. A letter of the<br />
primate, dated 20th September, 1671, thus refers <strong>to</strong> the persecution which<br />
then raged :<br />
6' I sent another parcel", he writes, "<strong>to</strong> Dr. Dowley, Bishop of Limprick.<br />
This poor man is still in trouble, the Earl of Orrery having published a few days<br />
ago an ediot commanding all Catholic ecclesiastics or laymen <strong>to</strong> depart from,<br />
and live no longer in, that city. Some desired that he, instead of Berkeley, should<br />
be our viceroy ; a good bargain we would have made".' . . .<br />
It would appear, however, that owing <strong>to</strong> the advanced age and inhi- ties of the Right Rev. Prelate, he was not banished, for we find the Most<br />
Rev. Dr. Brennan, Archbisho of Cashel, writing <strong>to</strong> Rome on the 21st of<br />
September, 1680, relative <strong>to</strong> t E e then state of the Church :md the persecution<br />
of the bishops :-<br />
The Bishop of <strong>Limerick</strong> has permission (he says) from the government <strong>to</strong><br />
remain in any part of his diocese, on account of hi great age and infirmities".<br />
And writing again <strong>to</strong> the Secretary of the Propaganda, 14th August,<br />
1681, he says:-<br />
"Two bishops are already in prison, viz., those of Cork and Kildare ; but<br />
as yet, it is not known what will be done with them. Of all our prelates, the<br />
Bishop of <strong>Limerick</strong> is the only one who is <strong>to</strong>lerated on account of his old age.<br />
Nothing is known about the metropolitan of this province, and should he be<br />
taken, woe <strong>to</strong> him".<br />
Dr. Brennan, for the purpose of concealing the fact that he was the<br />
writer, in case of the interception of the letter, here speaks of himself in<br />
the third person?<br />
Imme&ately after the accession of King James <strong>to</strong> the thr~ne of England,<br />
his majesty, on the 22nd day of March 1685-6, wrote a letter <strong>to</strong><br />
the Most Rev. Dr. Dofninick Maguire, Archbishop of Armagh, in which<br />
he granted pensions <strong>to</strong> the Irish Catholic bishops. Tne name of Dr. Dowley<br />
does not appear on the list, from which we conjecture that he must<br />
have died before that time. We have no record of the time or the locality<br />
of his death. We do know, however, that he was regarded with the utmost<br />
reverence by his clergy and people.<br />
The Right Rev. Dr. O'Moloney succeeded in 1687. He was second<br />
son of John O'Moloney, Esq., of Kiltannon, county Clare. James<br />
O'Moloney, Esq., son of the elder brother of the bishop, served 6rst in<br />
King James's army and afterwards in that of King William? A James<br />
Moloney, most probably the officer in question, appem as lieutenant in<br />
the infant1 regiment of Colonel Charles O'Bryan, a distinguished regiment,<br />
whic i was principdl formed of the gentry of Clare, whiie m the<br />
same regirqent Daniel MO T on~y appears as captain, whose property was<br />
sold in 1703 by the Commissioners of Forfeiture <strong>to</strong> Thomas St. John, of<br />
Ibid.<br />
HISTORY OF LIMERICK. 613<br />
Ballymullen Castle, in that county.' Dr. O'Moloney was educated in<br />
the keminary of St. Sulpice, in Paris, where he became a distinguished<br />
student and an ornament <strong>to</strong> that celebrated seat of ecclesiastical learning.%<br />
He was yet in Paris in 1669, when OLiver Plunkett was raised <strong>to</strong> the<br />
primacy; and for that appointment, he wrote from Paris <strong>to</strong> the Sacred<br />
Congregation, thanking the Propaganda in the warmest terms for giving<br />
so illustrious an archbishop <strong>to</strong> the Irish Church. At a council convened in<br />
Dublin in June 1670 by Dr. Plunkett, a petition was forwarded <strong>to</strong> the<br />
Holy See, recommending certain ecclesiastics <strong>to</strong> Irish sees. The see of<br />
Killaloe was solicited for Dr. O'Moloney, '' a learned and prudent man",<br />
and for Dr. O'Gripha. The choice fell on Dr. O'Moloney, who, in May,<br />
1671, was elected by the Propaganda, and consecrated in Paris shortly<br />
afterwards. Killaloe had been without a bishop since the death in 1650<br />
' The circumstances here narrated make us revcrt <strong>to</strong> p. 283, and the his<strong>to</strong>ry of events of which<br />
that page forms a portion, in order <strong>to</strong> make clear R circumstance in reference <strong>to</strong> one of those<br />
distinguished regiments which followed the fortunes of King James <strong>to</strong> France-we mean the<br />
4th regiment of Disinounted Dragoons, which nas subsequently known in the continental wars<br />
as the regiment of Clare. Ths seventh, an infantry regiment of marines (p. 283), of which<br />
Colonel Nicholas Fitzgerald was lieutcnant-colonel, when he succeeded the Lord Grand Prior<br />
Fitzjames as full colonel, was always afterwzrds known as the regiment of Fitzgerald. Colonel<br />
Nicholas Fitzgerald was wounded at the battle of Oudenard, and died at Ghent in two days<br />
afterwards. He was younger brother of Gerald Fitzgerald, Esq., of Ballinruan, in tile parish<br />
of Inchicronan, county Clare, and was grand-uncle of the Right Hon. James Fitzgerald, father<br />
of Lord Fitzgerald and Vesci. O'Callaghan's Green Book gives a full account of his highly<br />
distinguished military life. The Right Hon. James Fitzgerald was descended through his<br />
mother,eldest daughter and heiress of Pie ce Lynch, Esq., in the fifth degree from Cornelius<br />
O'Brien, second Vicount Clare, through his eldest daughter Ellen, the Knight of Kerry being<br />
descended from a younger daughter. The Right Hon. James Fitzgerald was thus lineally<br />
descended in the seventh degree from Gerald Fitzgerald, the sixteenth Earl of Desmond, through<br />
his eldest daughter and heiress, Lady Catherine Fitzgerald, who married Daniel O'Brien, first<br />
Viscount Clare. No descendant of the third Viscount Clare remains in Ireland, his male h e<br />
having terminated in Charles O'Brien, sixth Viscount Clare, generally known in his after life<br />
as Marshal Count Thomond, he being heir <strong>to</strong> his cousin, the Earl of Thomond, who died in 1741<br />
(see His<strong>to</strong>rical Memoirqf'fhe O'Brieas). He commsnded the Irish cavalry at Foutenoy, and was<br />
mainly instrumental in gaining that battle. The colonelcy of the regiment of Clare had been<br />
presented <strong>to</strong> h i by the personal interposition of the French king, who, at the death of his<br />
father the fifth viscount, expressed his repugnance <strong>to</strong> the idea that a family who, in supporting<br />
the cause they espoused, viz., that of James 11. and the Catholic faith, had sacrificed all ex-<br />
cept their sword and their honour, should lose the command of their proprietary regiment; the<br />
colouelcy was therefore kept for the Right Hon. James Fitzgerald, now represented by his<br />
grandson G. F. Vesey Fitzgerald, Esq., ot'Crossbcg, county Clare, and Moyvane, county Kerry;<br />
Crossbeg having been purchasca by Mr. James Fitzgerald, after having been ninety years out<br />
of the family descent, having been forfeited in l694 by Daniel O'Brien, third Viscount Clare.<br />
The Right Hon. James Fitzgerald and his son, Mr. Vesey Fitzgerald, were intimately connected<br />
with every measure for relaxing the penal laws against Catholics, from the first relief<br />
act passed in 1783, which was brought in by Mr. James Fitzgerald, <strong>to</strong> the passing of the<br />
relief act in 1829, which was so closely interwoven with the Clare election, in which public<br />
opinion was brought <strong>to</strong> a crisis on the question bj- the rejection of Mr. Vesey Fitzgerald in<br />
favour of Mr. O'Connell. Mr. Vesey Fitzgerald, notwithstanding the loss of his position as<br />
member far Clare, had the satisfaction of supporting the bill in his place in the Duke of<br />
Welling<strong>to</strong>n's cabinet, against the influences whch were exerted against it by the king (Geo.<br />
IV.) Mr. Vesey Fitzgerald assumed the names and arms of Vewy and Fitzgerald, by royal<br />
license in A.D. 1860, in compliance with the wish of hi uncle, RiUiam Lord Fitzgerald and Veaci.<br />
A very large portion of the forfeited estates of Daniel Viscount Clare, and which were purchased<br />
jointly with Francis Bur<strong>to</strong>n and Nicholas Wesby, Esqrs., in 1703, by James MacDonnell, Esq.,<br />
of Kilkee, a captain in Lord Clare's Dmgoons in 1689, and a scion of the House of Dunluce,<br />
who married Penelope (sister of Honora, second Viscountess Clare), is now held by his descen-<br />
dant William Edward Armstrong Mac Donnelt, Esq., of New Hall and Kilkee, J.P., D.L., High<br />
Sheriff of Clare in 1853, Major in the Clare Militia, etc., etc., who married in 1868 the IIonourable<br />
Juliaua Cecilia O'Brien, eldest daughter of Lucius, thirteenth Baron of Inchiquin, who has<br />
a son and heir, Charles Randal, born on the 29th of March, 1862, and two daughters, Mary<br />
Gertrude, born on the 9th November, 1859, andHonora Grace, born 29th November, 1860.<br />
Dr. Moran's Lge of Oher Wtnkect.
614 HISTORY OF L I~RICK.<br />
i.<br />
of his namesake, ~ ohd Oadoloney. In Oc<strong>to</strong>ber, 1671, the Congregation<br />
dc Propaganda Fide entertained the project of uniting the small diocese<br />
of KiKenora <strong>to</strong> either of the adjoining sees of Killaloe or Kilmacduagh,<br />
and transferring the then Bishop of Kilfenora, Dr. Andrew Lynch, <strong>to</strong><br />
Cork. It appears by a letter of the internuncio at Brussels, that this<br />
project was approved of by Dr. O'Moloney; but Dr. Lynch declined the<br />
mitre of Cork, preferring <strong>to</strong> remain as suffragan <strong>to</strong> the Archbishop of<br />
Rouen ; the proposed union, therefore, was for the present postponed. Dr.<br />
O'Moloney remained in Paris for some time, afraid of the Duke of Orinonde<br />
and his satellites;' but the matter having been brought by Dr.<br />
Plunkett under the attention of the viceroy, in January, 1672, his excellency<br />
replied that as he had no royal order against Dr. O'Moloney,<br />
he would not, on account of the enmity of an individual, exclude the<br />
subjects of his majesty from the kingdom. During his stay in Paris<br />
he made energetic and successful exertions <strong>to</strong> establish in that city<br />
a college specially destined for the education of Irish ecclesiastical<br />
students. Owing, however, <strong>to</strong> the earnest entreaties of the Propaganda <strong>to</strong><br />
hasten <strong>to</strong> his diocese, and ultimately <strong>to</strong> the positive orders <strong>to</strong> that effect,<br />
which were issued on the 2nd of August, 1672, he at length left Paris,<br />
and arrived in Dublin early in November of that year; Dr. Plunlrett<br />
and Dr. Brennan, Bishop of Waterford, requesting him not <strong>to</strong> return<br />
so soon. He remained in Dublin for some time, where he effected a reconciliation<br />
between Colonel Patrick Taibot and Colonel Richard Talbot,<br />
Duke af Tyrconnell, who were, at the time, two of the most influential<br />
Catholics in Ireland; as also between the Primate, Oliver Plunkett, and<br />
Dr. Talbot, Archbishop of Dublin, between whom, for some time previously,<br />
a serious misunderstanding had existed respecting the primacy, its<br />
precedence, right of' appeal, and other privileges. He communicated the<br />
result <strong>to</strong> Rome, in a letter dated from Dublin, 17th November, 1672. In<br />
the year after, he returned <strong>to</strong> Paris, resolved <strong>to</strong> forward his favourite pro<br />
ject of the Irish college, and supported on this occasion by the entire<br />
hierarchy of Ireland.<br />
In carrying out this noble design the zealous bishop was materially<br />
assisted by Father Patrick Maguin, a Dominican friar, chaplain <strong>to</strong> Catherine<br />
of Braganza, queen of Charles II., and whose brother Ronan Maguin,<br />
D.D., was appointed V.A. ofDromore in 167 1 ; as also by Father Lochlan<br />
VKelly, who, out of their private resourccs, repaired the old College<br />
des Lombardes, and endowed it with several burses for the maintenance<br />
and education of lrish priests, merely requiring <strong>to</strong> be superiors during their<br />
own lives, and <strong>to</strong> have the power of appointing successors. Dr. O'Moloney<br />
again returned home; but from the year 1678 <strong>to</strong> 1661, a violent persecution<br />
raging against Catholic bishops and priests throughout Ireland, we<br />
find by a letter of Archbishop Brennan of Cashel, dated 12th September,<br />
1680, that he was not in his own district, being compelled <strong>to</strong> live in<br />
concealment, " as the enemies of the faith bear him great ill will and speak<br />
violently against him". In 1685 he was one of the bishops <strong>to</strong> whom,<br />
King James granted pensions, his pension being S150 per annum. If,<br />
however, he. really was in Ireland in that year, hc wan not present at a<br />
council held in <strong>Limerick</strong> by the Archbishop of Cashel, neither was Dr.<br />
Dr. Moran's Life of Oliver Plunkeft.<br />
Dowley, in consequence very likely of his infirmities He was represented,<br />
however, at the council in question, by Thomas Kennedy and James<br />
M6Eoery, Vicar-Generals of Killaloe, while Dr. Dowley was repre-<br />
sented by John Stretch, Vicar-General of <strong>Limerick</strong>.'<br />
On the death of Dr. Dowley, Dr. O'Moloney was appointed adminis-<br />
tra<strong>to</strong>r of the diocese of <strong>Limerick</strong>, and one of his first acts was the conse-<br />
cration of the Franciscan chapel of the city, on the 1st of Oc<strong>to</strong>ber, 1687.<br />
In the same year, on the nomination of King James, he was translated <strong>to</strong><br />
the bishopric of <strong>Limerick</strong>, with the administration of his former see of<br />
Killaloe When his majesty embarked for Ireland from France, in F'eb-<br />
ruary, 1689, Dr. O'Moloney remained in France, and never returned <strong>to</strong> his<br />
native country. From Paris he wrote on the 8th of March <strong>to</strong> Dr. Patrick<br />
Tyrrell, Bishop of Clogher and Kilmore, then about <strong>to</strong> be translated <strong>to</strong><br />
Meath, and who became principal secretary of state <strong>to</strong> the king, a letter,<br />
the original of which was found among Dr. Tyrrell's papers at the battle of<br />
the Boyne. While in Paris he was constantly engaged in negociations<br />
respecting the affairs of Ireland, and it appears quite clear that he, as well<br />
as almost all the Irish hierarchy, was opposed not only <strong>to</strong> the policy of<br />
King James, but <strong>to</strong> that of Tyrconnell, as al<strong>to</strong>gether English, for the Irish<br />
hierarchy were gifted with penetration sufficient <strong>to</strong> discern, what the Earl<br />
of Melfort in one of his state papers admitted, that the king went <strong>to</strong><br />
Ireland only in order <strong>to</strong> go <strong>to</strong> England as soon the latter was in a condition<br />
<strong>to</strong> receive him with any proba3dity of success. It is certain that the Irish<br />
were determined <strong>to</strong> have the act of settlement fully repealed, as far as the<br />
Cromw-ellian settlers at least were concerned : a measure which the king<br />
never had at heart, ns is plain from his declaration <strong>to</strong> the people of England,<br />
dated April l7th, 1693. It is equally certain that at this period the<br />
Irish leaders, in case the king died without issue by Queen Catherine, and<br />
a Protestant king continued on the throne of England, were in favour<br />
of the severance of Ireland from England, and its annexation <strong>to</strong> some<br />
great Catholic power. In other respects also King aames feU in the esteem<br />
of the lrish hierarchy, and' more particularly of' Dr. O'Moloney, who in<br />
one very important matter also seriously differed with his majesty's minis-<br />
ters, and that was on the question of the regality so far as it re'lated<br />
<strong>to</strong> the appointment of bishops. No one <strong>to</strong>ok a more active part in, the<br />
discussion of this question than did the Bishop of <strong>Limerick</strong>; 8nd we<br />
shall briefly refer <strong>to</strong> the grounds on which his oPposition tb~~~founded.<br />
An indult" had been conceded by the Holy See <strong>to</strong> King James, by which<br />
his majesty had the nomination <strong>to</strong> vacant bishop& in rel land and vicars<br />
apos<strong>to</strong>lic in Englanit, which, after the king's death! was likewib d ded<br />
<strong>to</strong> his son and grandson. That the Catholic qhuroh in Itehkd?o&ed<br />
with a jealous eyz ett the exercise of this ower, 1'3 not tx, be wondered at.<br />
The 1ri& ~tholics~iiimembered with g owe thh it was the crownappointed<br />
bishop of English bhth who were t$e8first among the hierarc2iy<br />
<strong>to</strong> abandon and abjure the faith of that Church from which they derived<br />
their mission and jurisdiction, and became recxants <strong>to</strong> duty and pIFi&ple<br />
for the sake of mere temporal interest. They rernmbexed that King<br />
1 He was son of Thomas Stretch, Mayor of <strong>Limerick</strong> in 1650, whose life and estates were<br />
forfeited by Cromwell. Dr. James Stretch was nominated <strong>to</strong> the see of Emly by King James, on<br />
the 31st of Janua* 1693, but it is believed he never was consecrated, for we find him parish<br />
priest of hthkealie in 1703, and Vicar-General h d Administra<strong>to</strong>r of <strong>Limerick</strong>.
James's brother, father, and grandfather had basely deceived them, and<br />
bitterly persecuted their bishops aqd clergy, secular and regular; they<br />
believed that, if the king were res<strong>to</strong>red <strong>to</strong> his crown, he would be prin-<br />
cipally advised by Protestant counsdIors, whose object it would -be <strong>to</strong><br />
promote improper nominees, partizans of the court, and enemies of the<br />
people ; they conceived that by these means the Church would be de-<br />
prived of its freedom and become the slave of a state party, and that the<br />
old project would be revived of appointing Englishmen <strong>to</strong> the vacant<br />
mitres, which had been intrigued fbr in the reign of the first Charles. It<br />
was in reality a ve<strong>to</strong> discussion of the time, and <strong>to</strong> his honour it must be<br />
said, that no one <strong>to</strong>ok a more liveIy part in it, and in the interest of the<br />
Church, than Dr. O'Moloney and his friend Dr. Pierce Creagh, Bishop<br />
of Cork, and afterwards Archbishop of Dublin. The circumstances which<br />
gave rise <strong>to</strong> this state of affairs we shall shortly refer <strong>to</strong>. They appear in<br />
the unpublished report of Father John Young, of the Society of Jesus,<br />
addressed <strong>to</strong> the General Piccolomini, on the incorporation of the Irish<br />
with the English province, and dated at Rome in 1661, where he was then<br />
president of the Irish College. After giving some reasons at great length<br />
against such incorporation, he goes on <strong>to</strong> say:<br />
U But they who are intimately acquainted with the genius of either country,<br />
and the ineradicable hatred which exists between them, cannot on this point<br />
entertain the slightest doubt. The cause of this alienation I would much rather<br />
express orally than in writing.<br />
"bd, The bishops and prelates of Ireland, who here<strong>to</strong>fore valued most<br />
highly the Society, will, for the future, consider as suspected, and the opinion<br />
will again revive which arose twelve years since, when the queen of England<br />
was treating with the Pope by her procura<strong>to</strong>r, regarding the propriety of having<br />
English bishops consecrated for Ireland, <strong>to</strong> which proposition our Irish fathers<br />
were said <strong>to</strong> be favourable, and a great s<strong>to</strong>rm was raised against our order that<br />
the leading men of the kingdom connected with the Supreme <strong>Council</strong>, and who,<br />
up <strong>to</strong> this, entertained the deepest respect for us, resolved that, were the matter<br />
<strong>to</strong> go further, the Society should be expelled the kingdom".<br />
That Dr. O'Moloney was right in believing that Queen Henrietta<br />
Maria's design was entertained by King James, is fully proved by the<br />
king's advice <strong>to</strong> his son, the Chevalier St. George, supposed <strong>to</strong> have been<br />
slain in 1690.'<br />
Referring <strong>to</strong> IreIand he. says :-<br />
' L As <strong>to</strong> the Catholic clergy, great care should be taken <strong>to</strong> fill the dignities<br />
with able, learned, and men of exemplary lives, and <strong>to</strong> break off that evil<br />
which we have <strong>to</strong>o much practiszd, of giving orders <strong>to</strong> young men, and then<br />
sending them abroad <strong>to</strong> study ; and 't woixld not be amiss <strong>to</strong> make some few<br />
English clergy bishops there, and set up colleges, that the youth might not be<br />
obliged <strong>to</strong> be sent <strong>to</strong> study beyond the sea".<br />
In virtue of this indult numerous appointments of Irish bishops were<br />
made? Capara, the agent of Mary of Modena, was the principal negotia<strong>to</strong>r<br />
of these appointments. None of the earlier ones appear <strong>to</strong> have been<br />
excepted <strong>to</strong>'by Dr. O'Moloney, who, in fact owed his own appointment <strong>to</strong><br />
Clarke's Life of Jam- IT., voi. ii. p. 636.<br />
Sir Dad Nairne's Stuart State Papers in the Bodleian Library. Sir David Nairne was<br />
private secretary of King James formany year&<br />
HISTORY OF LIMEBLCK. 617<br />
the mitre of <strong>Limerick</strong> <strong>to</strong> the king's influence. But in' 1694, when he<br />
forwarded <strong>to</strong> Rome, in reply <strong>to</strong> the memorial of Capara, objections <strong>to</strong><br />
Edward Comerford's nomination by the k' <strong>to</strong> the see of Cashel (15th<br />
August, 1693), and also against Dr. Richar Pierce's nomination <strong>to</strong> the<br />
see of Waterford, 23rd July, 1694, objections partly political, partly<br />
personal;' he exhibited a very determined spirit against the proceed~ngs<br />
of James. In this, however, he was not successful. The king replied <strong>to</strong><br />
remonstrances, showing that Dr. Cornerford was a doc<strong>to</strong>r of the<br />
Sorbonne, that he had been many years on the English mission, and<br />
m q years a parish priest in Ireland, and his majesty insinuated that Dr.<br />
O'Moloney'a oppo8i~on arose because he had declined <strong>to</strong> appoint him<br />
<strong>to</strong>'Dublin or <strong>to</strong> Cashel, or <strong>to</strong> a point his nephew the Rev. - Moloney,<br />
P<br />
Vicar of <strong>Limerick</strong>, <strong>to</strong> the see o Killaloe. The bishop's representations,<br />
though they retatded these appointments, did not succeed with the Propsganda<br />
in preventing the archblsho$s bull being forwarded ; he was consecrated<br />
b John Ba tist Hayne, Bishop of Cork, assisted by Dr. Robert<br />
Pieme, &shop of f aterford. We have no further incidents relative <strong>to</strong><br />
Dr. O'Moloney, except those that prove how influential he was at the<br />
court of Louis, negotiating assistance for Ireland when it was most needed<br />
in a perilous crisis of her fortunes. He died in P& on the 3rd of<br />
September, 1702, in the 78th year of his age, and a mural tablet marks<br />
the spot where his remains are interred (see p. 220).<br />
The see of <strong>Limerick</strong>, which was governed for many years bp a vicarpneral,<br />
in the person of the Very Rev. Dr. Jamea Stretch, or Stntch, P.P.<br />
of Rathkeale, remained without a Catholic bishop from the period of the<br />
death of the Right Rev. Dr. Moloney in 1702, <strong>to</strong> the year 1720, wholly<br />
owing <strong>to</strong> the ceaseless penecutions which continued <strong>to</strong> rage after the suoeeas<br />
of King William, and the passionate vehemence of the dominant faction,<br />
which could 0~x1 satiate its vengeance by depriving the Catholics of every<br />
shred of politics I power and social position, in violation of solemn treaties,<br />
and against the dxtates of reason and of 'ustice. At length the Court of<br />
Borne judged it pro er <strong>to</strong> coder the dignity of the see on Comelius<br />
P<br />
O'Keeffe, a native o the county Cork, of the ancient family of the<br />
O'Keeffes of Clounna-Phricane. He had studied with distinction at<br />
Toulouse, where he became a doc<strong>to</strong>r of divinit , and he enjoyed the rec<strong>to</strong>rshi<br />
of the &h of St. Chmnicleu, in the &ocw of Nantz, when the<br />
H ~ P ~ P<br />
See se ected him <strong>to</strong> supply the position which had been occupied<br />
by a long line of illustrious men who preserved the faith in the midst of<br />
every danaer. Denis O'Keeffe, the father of the bishop, was expelled<br />
from his oh fatnil estate of L' Dun n , on the river Bride, b the ruthless<br />
Cmmaelln.' ~ i e many r hardship he settled at Drum h eene, in the<br />
county of <strong>Limerick</strong>, where he left six sons, viz., Daniel, Dennott,<br />
Philip, Donatus, Luke, and Cornelius, the bishop. In the year above<br />
menboned, Cornelius O'Keeffe <strong>to</strong>ok ossession of his see of <strong>Limerick</strong>,<br />
which he carefully governed for t % e space of seventeen yeam, hb<br />
death having taken place in 1737. He founded three bnrses in the<br />
Irish ColIege of Paris for boys of the name of O'Eeeffe, of the family he<br />
was himself; he prescribed rules for the government of the burses, and<br />
1 Sir David Nsirne's Shcatl State Papers in the Bodleian Library. Sir David Nairne wsr<br />
private aecre of Hi Jamea for many years.<br />
V&n*a";Ls;~o ~ames~s lrmg List.<br />
43<br />
I
gave money on his visit in 1731 <strong>to</strong> Paris for their support.' The wordii<br />
of the will occasioned litigation between Dr. O'Keeffe's successor in the<br />
see of <strong>Limerick</strong>,.viz., Dr. Robert Lacy, and Dr. Walsh, Bishop of Cork.<br />
The latter persisted on the literal interpretation of the will W being in<br />
favour of the subjects of the Cork diocese. The suit was carried before the<br />
courts of Paris, where it was left re infectu. Dr. Q'Keeffe endured severe<br />
persecution. He with other prelates was denounced <strong>to</strong> the government by<br />
one Rev. John Hennessey, whom he had suspended, and who in the<br />
old way, for the purpose of revenge, ad <strong>to</strong> ingratiate himself with the<br />
no- opery faction of the day, fabricated a conspiracy, of which, however,<br />
not 1 ing resulted save some violent resolutions of the House of Commons.<br />
In the Commom Journal of 1741, we find the following entry of the informatiow<br />
of the Rev. John Hennessey :-<br />
"The informations of Father John Hennessey state that in August or Sep-<br />
tember, 1729, he was in company with Conor O'Keeffe, popish Bishop of Lime-<br />
rick, Francis Loyd, popish Bishop of Killaloe, and D. S<strong>to</strong>nes, a Franciscan<br />
Friar of the city of Dublin, at the House of Teigue M c Carthy, alias Rabah, the<br />
then popish Bishop of Cork and Cloyne, when the said Keeffe and Loyd de-<br />
livered a letter <strong>to</strong> the said M'Carthy from Chris<strong>to</strong>pher Butler, the popish Arch-<br />
bishop of Cashel, acquainting him that he had received a letter from the Pope's<br />
internunzio at Brussels, that the Pope had complied with the request of the<br />
archbishops of Ireland, that his Holiness had sent him an indulgence for ten<br />
years, in order <strong>to</strong> raise a sum of money <strong>to</strong> be specially applied <strong>to</strong> res<strong>to</strong>re King<br />
James 111. <strong>to</strong> hia right, and put his then majesty and the royal f&dy <strong>to</strong><br />
the sword".<br />
On the strength of these informations Mr. Law, Collec<strong>to</strong>r of Mah,<br />
seized Dr. MCarthy's papers, and enclosed them <strong>to</strong> the speaker of the<br />
House of Commons as documents of an actual conspiracy. A committee<br />
of the house was at once appointed <strong>to</strong> inspect them; their report, filled<br />
with insolence and invective, contained but one fact, viz., that a sum of about<br />
$5 had been collected? On that fact they resolved that under cover of<br />
op osin heads of bi against the Pa is&, great sums of money had been<br />
ooiecte! and raised, and a fund estabhed b the Popish inhabitants of<br />
the kingdom, through the influence of their c ergy, highly detrimental <strong>to</strong><br />
the Protestant interest, and of immcnse danger <strong>to</strong> the present happy onstitution<br />
of church and state, and that a humble address be resented <strong>to</strong><br />
his Grace the Lord Lieotcnant <strong>to</strong> issue his proclamation <strong>to</strong> dmagistrates<br />
<strong>to</strong> put the hws zy3ainst papacy in<strong>to</strong> execution. As an instance of the<br />
truculence of the tunes, we may here repeat what has already appeared in<br />
a previous chapter, that the Rev. Timothy Ryan was arrested by Lieute~ntrGenera1<br />
Pierce, Governor of <strong>Limerick</strong>, tried, convicted, and hanged<br />
at Gallows Green, for no other crime than that of m-g a Catholic and<br />
Protestant. Dr. O'Keeffe, however, was not daunted in the midst of<br />
rils. He not only/ revived the canons and chapter of the cathedral,<br />
Et, he made rules d constitutions for the chapter, which, with some<br />
additiom,and modifications by his successors, continue in force in the<br />
diocese of <strong>Limerick</strong> <strong>to</strong> this day. The high esteem in which he was held<br />
by the Propaganda, for his prudence, sound judgment, and vtwied abili-<br />
1 White's MS& Matthew O'Connor'~ Hi&orj( of the Itisli Cuiholics.<br />
i<br />
HISTORY OF LIMERICK. 619<br />
ties, is demonstrated by the fact of his being entrusted in 1732 <strong>to</strong> act in<br />
the difficult and delicate commissio~ of reporting <strong>to</strong> the Holy See on the<br />
differences which had arisen between Dr. Bernard O'Gara, Archbishop of<br />
Tuam, and the Rev. Patrick Bermingham, Warden of Galws , and the<br />
collegiate clerg ,respecting the jurisdiction of the bishop over t E em. As<br />
such delegate, ke proceeded <strong>to</strong> Galway and investigated the matter in<br />
dispute, when a compromise was entered in<strong>to</strong> by which the right of visitahofi<br />
and of hearing appeals was conceded by the warden, etc., <strong>to</strong> the<br />
archbishop. He also investigated the complicated dispute which arose<br />
in <strong>Limerick</strong> between the Domifiicans and Franciscans on the one part, and<br />
the Augustinian hermits on the other-a dispute which ended in favour<br />
of the latter on an appeal <strong>to</strong> the court of Rome. Dr. O'Keeffe died on the<br />
4th of May, 1737, and was interred in St. John's churchyard, but there<br />
is no trace of his <strong>to</strong>mb.<br />
On the death of the Right Rev. Doc<strong>to</strong>r Cornelius O'Keeffe, Dr. Pierce<br />
Cre~gh, Dean of <strong>Limerick</strong>, convened the chapter, and they elected Dr. John<br />
Lehy, Pas<strong>to</strong>r of St. John's, and Dr. John Begley, Pas<strong>to</strong>r of Newcastle, <strong>to</strong><br />
be capitular vicars during the vacancy of the see. This election was afterwards<br />
confirmed by Dr. Chris<strong>to</strong>pher Butler, Archbishop of Cashel.' The<br />
same chapter, at the same time, entered on a scrutiny for the electing and<br />
postulating a worthy successor <strong>to</strong> their deceased bishop, Dr. Cornelius<br />
O'Kecffe, <strong>to</strong> the see of <strong>Limerick</strong>, when, after a mature deliberation in the<br />
parish chapel of St. John's, they thought proper <strong>to</strong> elect and postulate these<br />
three, viz., Dr. John Lehy, then capitular vicar and pas<strong>to</strong>r of' St. John's,<br />
Dr. Pierce Creagh, then dean and pas<strong>to</strong>r of St. Mary's, and Dr. Robert<br />
Lacy, a child of the diocese, and then su~erior of the Irish seminary of<br />
Bourdeaux. This postulation was immeitately despatched off <strong>to</strong> the see<br />
of Rome for its determination. On the evening of the same day the greatest<br />
part, of the members of the chapter, <strong>to</strong>gether with most of the parish priests<br />
of the diocese, had a private meeting, where they elected and postulated<br />
solel~s the Rev. Robert Lacy, superior of the Irish seminary of Bourdeaux,<br />
<strong>to</strong> be Bishop of <strong>Limerick</strong>, which postulation was also sent <strong>to</strong> the court of<br />
Rome, and was attended with success. Dr. Lacy was afterwards named by<br />
the court of Rome as Bishop of <strong>Limerick</strong>. On the 23rd of February, in<br />
the year 1738, he was consecrated Bishop of <strong>Limerick</strong> by his Grace the<br />
Eight Rev. Francis Mariban, Archbishop of Bourdeaux, and he landed in<br />
<strong>Limerick</strong> in the month of September, 17.38.<br />
The following is an account of the parish priests in the diocese of <strong>Limerick</strong><br />
when the Right Rev. Dr. Cornelius O'Keeffe, Bishop of <strong>Limerick</strong>, died,<br />
the 4th of May, 1737, and when the Ri ht Rev. Dr. Robert Lacybecame<br />
Bishop of <strong>Limerick</strong>: consisting then of P our decanates:--<br />
No. 1. The decanate of <strong>Limerick</strong>, in <strong>Limerick</strong> city.<br />
Dr. Pierce Creagh, pas<strong>to</strong>r of St. Mary's, and pas<strong>to</strong>r of St. Nicholas.<br />
Dr. John Lehy, vicar capitular, pas<strong>to</strong>r of St. John's and pas<strong>to</strong>r of St.<br />
Lawerice%.<br />
Rev; Walter Burke, pas<strong>to</strong>r of St. Michael's.<br />
Rev. Patrick ~canla< pas<strong>to</strong>r of St. Munchin's, and of part of Keillely, and of<br />
- part of St. Nicholas.<br />
Rev. Michael MacMahon, vicar of St Mary's.<br />
Rev. Owen Sullivan, vicar of St. John's.<br />
a Ibid.<br />
43 B
. .<br />
HISTOBP 03 mBICg*<br />
Jn the County C h<br />
Bev. Barth, M'Namara, who died during the vacancy of the see, and succeeded<br />
by the Rev. Chris<strong>to</strong>pher Bermingham, pas<strong>to</strong>r of Keilcuan, being part of St,<br />
Patrick's, and of part of St. Munchin's, and of part of Keillel<br />
Rev. John Herbert, pas<strong>to</strong>r of Keilfintsnan, and of Cra 9' oe, being part of<br />
Keillely.<br />
In the County of <strong>Limerick</strong>.<br />
Rev. W i Murphy, -. pas<strong>to</strong>r of St. Patrick's, and of Keilmurry, and of<br />
Derrighalavin.<br />
Bea. James White, pas<strong>to</strong>r of Donougbore, and of Cabirivahala, and of<br />
- -<br />
c m .<br />
No. 2 The decanate of Kilmallock.<br />
Rev. Francie Nolan, pas<strong>to</strong>r of Fedemore.<br />
&v. Robert Hayes, pas<strong>to</strong>r of Tullybraoky, of Glanogry, of Bd, of Kyrane,<br />
of Camas, of Grange, of Kishemedeady.<br />
Rev. John O'Brien, pas<strong>to</strong>r of Kilmallock.<br />
Rev. David Burke, pas<strong>to</strong>r of EEU.<br />
Rev. Patrick Stan<strong>to</strong>n, pas<strong>to</strong>r of Brury.<br />
Rev. Thomas Fitzgersld, pas<strong>to</strong>r of Drommin, of Athlscky.<br />
Rev. John Hayes, pas<strong>to</strong>r of Kilbridymsjor, of Ballinaneasy.<br />
Rev. Timothy Hayes, pas<strong>to</strong>r of Keilfinny.<br />
Rev. John Shinnick, pas<strong>to</strong>r of Darragh.<br />
No. 3. The dewte of Adare.<br />
&v, John Hynes, pas<strong>to</strong>r of Mungrett.<br />
Rev. Daniel King, pas<strong>to</strong>r of Adsre, of Keilchidy.<br />
Rev. Ambrose Connorq pas<strong>to</strong>r of Croagh.<br />
Rev. Edmund Higgins, pas<strong>to</strong>r of Croome.<br />
Rev. William Cronine, pas<strong>to</strong>r of Castle<strong>to</strong>wn, of Nesntenan.<br />
Rev. Nicholas Moloney, pas<strong>to</strong>r of Keildimy.<br />
Xev. Patrick Moore, pas<strong>to</strong>r of Rathkeale.<br />
Rev. Patrick Myi., pas<strong>to</strong>r of Keilscannell.<br />
No. 4. The decanate of Ballingamy or Ardagh.<br />
Rev. John Begley, capitular vicar, pas<strong>to</strong>r of Newcastle and Monaghea<br />
Rev. Darby Connors, pas<strong>to</strong>r of Ballingarry.<br />
Rev. James O'Brien, pas<strong>to</strong>r of Glin, of Loghill.<br />
Rev. William Hourgm, pas<strong>to</strong>r of Mahnnagh.<br />
Rev. Daniel Hurley, pas<strong>to</strong>r of Knocldery.<br />
Rev. Philip Nolan, pas<strong>to</strong>r of Shamgolden.<br />
&v. Maurice Deeneen, pas<strong>to</strong>r of Rathgonane.<br />
&v. Daniel Rourke, pas<strong>to</strong>r of Ardagh.<br />
Bev. James Barry, pas<strong>to</strong>r of Keilidy.<br />
Rev. Luke Collinq pas<strong>to</strong>r of Abbeyfeale.<br />
Rev. James Scanlan, pas<strong>to</strong>r of Drumcollaher.<br />
ltev. Edmund Dillane, pas<strong>to</strong>r of Asba<strong>to</strong>n.<br />
Our readers are now aware that there were two bishop Lacy in the<br />
aocese of Liierick, one in the sixteenth century, who suffered much persecution<br />
&m Queen Elizabeth, and of whom a tradition prevails m his<br />
family that he was executed. The other bishop, Robert LW<br />
<strong>to</strong> the religious changes of the revolution, and compelled <strong>to</strong> P de the rehgiow<br />
service9 of the C&holic Chd under a bushePS in highwage and<br />
HISTORY OX' LIMERICK. 621<br />
bye-ways'. Bishop Robert Lac was one of the sons of Pierre or Pierce<br />
Lacy and Arabella Goold, daug E tcr of Robert Goold, of Knockrawn, by<br />
Eda, daughter of Mathew O'Connor.!<br />
Dr. Lacy, while enjoying the bishopric of <strong>Limerick</strong>, was<br />
administra<strong>to</strong>r of the diocese of Kilfenora, by Dr. Daly, bishop<br />
who remained at Tournay in France. He conferred h01 orders, and<br />
subsequently, on the 23rd December, 1738, priesthood, on d e Rev. James<br />
White, compiler of White's MS§. He supplied his diocese with clergy by<br />
sending young students <strong>to</strong> foreign countries <strong>to</strong> study, where they received<br />
sacred orders, and then came home <strong>to</strong> the mission, which they generally<br />
discharged with distin~ished fidelity. During his episcopacy the<br />
of the country ruled w~th an iron rod, iespective of lsn or order.<br />
occasion, Thomas O'Dell, Esq., the principal man in the parish of Ballingamy,<br />
caused the Rev. Chris<strong>to</strong>pher Bermingham <strong>to</strong> fly <strong>to</strong> France because he<br />
was obnoxious <strong>to</strong> him, for no other reason than that he, O'Dell, preferred<br />
the parish should be given <strong>to</strong> another eler Owing <strong>to</strong> the terrible<br />
fa- which prevailed in 1744, Dr. O'Kee r e, and ' the other bishops of Ireland,<br />
granted rr reluxation <strong>to</strong> the people of the Lenten fast. He saw religion,<br />
however, revive h some respects. He made o surrender of the old parish<br />
chapel outsideThomond Gate,which waa tumblin <strong>to</strong> decay,and when a little<br />
more freedom was panted, the clergy were ena % led <strong>to</strong> take a small waste<br />
malt house in the Little Island, of which they made a parish chapel, until<br />
they were <strong>to</strong>lerated <strong>to</strong> build a better, which was the case in 1749, when the<br />
The Bishop, newrding <strong>to</strong> tho infomntion imparted <strong>to</strong> us by Messrs. De Lacy Pearce and<br />
Nephewsof London, had several brothers and sisters, one David Lacy, in the Spanish service,<br />
who died 1786. A sister Catherine married <strong>to</strong> David Mahony, the great grand-parents of the late<br />
celebrated Dublin solici<strong>to</strong>rs, Pierce Mahony and David Mahony, Esqm., of Dublin and county<br />
Kerry (1860). Another brother was Patrick of Rathiogill, who was a colonel in the Spanish service,<br />
and died in 1723 in Spain. Another brother, George Lacy, of Leitrim, by marriage with his<br />
eamnd cowin, Fann Lac ,(daughter of Patrick Lacy and Lady Lucy Ankettle, the ances<strong>to</strong>rs of<br />
the RathcahiU and $empf,glantan branch, from which came General Maurice of GrodnoJ united<br />
the two branches of the family, the Spanish and the Austrian exiles. Another of the bwnch wan<br />
Fwnpia An<strong>to</strong>ine Lacy, afterwards count and general in the Spanish service, and a diplomatist.<br />
He is described in the French biographies as 'I of an ancient and illustrious Irish family, which<br />
resided in Spain under Marshal de Berwick, born in 1731, and commenced his military onreer,<br />
at the age of sixteen as ensign in the Irish regiment of Ul<strong>to</strong>nia infantry. He served in oampaigns<br />
in Italy in 1747, was made colonel of his regiment in 1762-i~ war against Portugal<br />
nominated commander of artilery in 1780, and employed at the famous siege of Gibraltar. After<br />
the peace of 1783 he was minister and plenipotentiary in Russia and Sweden, made commandantyrsl<br />
of 1s C6te of Grenada, and died at Barcelona, Dec. 31, 1792, full of honours. Lonia<br />
e Lacy, his descendant, was born on the 11th January, 1775, at St. Roch, near Gibraltar.<br />
" Ayantprdu de son enfance son pere Patrick de Lacy, qui Btait major du regiment d'Ul<strong>to</strong>nine, et<br />
m mire etant die rejoindre wsfr6res officers" in the regiment of Bmssels infant Lacy nt nine<br />
yean entered as cadet in the regiment Ul<strong>to</strong>nia. In 1794 he became captain, anTwas employed<br />
against the French in Catalonia until the peace of Bale in 1795. In 1798 was exiled <strong>to</strong> the Isle of<br />
For, condemned <strong>to</strong> imprisonment, sent <strong>to</strong> Cadiz, and he U solicited the honour <strong>to</strong> serve as a simple<br />
grenadier in the campaign of 1801 against Portngal. He left for France, and in 1803 smved<br />
at Boulo e. He entered the 6th regiment of infantry as a common soldier. General Clark&.<br />
de%tre) having narrated the adventures of hi parent <strong>to</strong> Bonnparte, obtained for Mn<br />
t e brevet of captain in the Irish regiment of O'Conuor, organized at Morlaix. In 1807 he wag<br />
nominated chef du batal. Irlande in the army of Murat in Spain, but Lacy determined not <strong>to</strong><br />
war against his country. Disguised as a female he reached Madrid, 2nd May, 1808, was msde<br />
lieutenant-colonel, and after a long series of services <strong>to</strong> Spain, and promotion and honour in<br />
the wars until the peace of 1815, he in 1817 joined the constitdtionalists, and on the 6th<br />
Aphpril reclaimed it in Valencia. He was abandoned, arrested, and condemned <strong>to</strong> death, and on<br />
20th ]me, l8l7,shot by w1diers of S Neapolitan regiment. In 1820 his body was traqm?ed <strong>to</strong><br />
helona. The Csrtes, for honour of his memory, nominated his eon *premier gmdm of<br />
the S aniah army", who distingaiehed himeelf.<br />
&de% MSS.
622 .. HISTORY OF LIMERICK.<br />
citizens liberally subscribed for what was then designated " a sum tuous<br />
parish chapel", on a plot of ground in the Little Island, which was ta en on<br />
the 20th of March, 1748, from Alderman Ingram, at the yearly rent of S10,<br />
and on which they built the present St. Mary's chapel. It was ruled that<br />
each parishioner should take his place in the chapel in proportion <strong>to</strong> the<br />
magmtude of his subscription. The shell of the new house of worship was<br />
finished in the beginning of December, 1749, and first Masses were said in<br />
it within the octave of the ImmacuPate Conccption, on the 10th of that<br />
month, by the Very Rev. Dean Creagh, P.P. of St. Mary's, the Rev. M.<br />
MLMahon, pas<strong>to</strong>r of St. Nicholas' and vicar of St. Mary's, and by the Rev.<br />
James White, pas<strong>to</strong>r of the Abbey of St. Francis.' Dr. O'Keeffe proclaimed<br />
the great Papal jubilee throughout his diocese in 1750, being the fiftieth<br />
year of the century, and granted for the whole ycar by Pope Benedict<br />
XIV. It is stated that it produced the very best effects on the people.<br />
In the same year, on the death of the Right Hev. Or. Daly, the diocese of<br />
Kilfenora and Kilmacduagh were united by PO e Benedict, who granted<br />
his bull <strong>to</strong> that effect <strong>to</strong> the Right Rev. Dr. Ki P<br />
duae<br />
likclly, Bishop of Kilmac-<br />
Dr. O'Keeffe had frequent interviews during his episcopacy with<br />
the ost Rev. Dr. Chris<strong>to</strong>phcr Butler, Archbisho of Cashcl: and his coab<br />
ju<strong>to</strong>r bishop, the Most Rev. Dr. James Butler, W 1 o succeeded him in the<br />
archic iscopacy, particularly in reference <strong>to</strong> certain scandals which were<br />
cause B in the city of <strong>Limerick</strong>, in consequence of the resistance of the Sev.<br />
Patiick Scanlan, P.P. of St. Munchin's, <strong>to</strong> his lordship's authority. On<br />
thrcc occasions thc Rev. P. Scanlan appealed <strong>to</strong> the archbishop and his<br />
grace's coadju<strong>to</strong>r, and from them <strong>to</strong> the Papal Nuncio at Brussels, each<br />
and all giving an unqualified decision in favour of Dr. O'Keeffe, who inanifested<br />
prudence, firmness, and zeal, in the exercise of his high office.<br />
In the midst of political feuds he was firm, and resisted, with his<br />
episcopal brethren of Munster, including the Archbishop of Cashel, a<br />
certain pw<strong>to</strong>ral letter which the Most Rev. Michael O'Reilly, Archbishop<br />
of Armagh, had forwarded <strong>to</strong> be shed by the chiefs of the Roman<br />
Catholic clergy in Ireland, and all &c pansh priests serving in parishes<br />
throughout the kingdom 1<br />
'-a pas<strong>to</strong>ral slavish in its <strong>to</strong>ne <strong>to</strong> a persecuting<br />
government, and unworth of men who were galled by the idction of the<br />
penal laws. After a life o f laborious exertion and mwearied zeal, Dr. Lacy<br />
gave up his pure spirit <strong>to</strong> the Crea<strong>to</strong>r, on the 4th August, 1759, at the hour<br />
of a quarter <strong>to</strong> four o'clqck, a.m., having goverend hs diocese for the space<br />
of twenty-one and a-half years, with the greatest moderation, prudence,<br />
and ap lause"? He had been ill for a few years, and his death was like his<br />
life, I, serene, and hopeful. He was slow in punishing, as he used all<br />
other means <strong>to</strong> reclaim, but resolute and determined when duty called for<br />
the exercise of authority. Entreaties could not move, nor threata deter<br />
him, whenever hi resolution was taken. By Frotestants and Catholics he<br />
W* held in merited respect and re ad. No man could be at the same<br />
time more loved and feared by his I c era. His body was removed fEom<br />
1 m's MSS.<br />
Hi Gnba died at West& on the 4th September, 1757. He was born at Kiloash, in 1673,<br />
and resigned hispatemalestate mdtheri ht of smxsion <strong>to</strong> the Duke of Ormonde's estate and<br />
the Earldom of Arran, <strong>to</strong> his younger brotfer, in order <strong>to</strong> embrace the ecclesiastical eatate. He<br />
was 45 ears Archbiiop of Caahel, with the greatest applause, aud waa 84 years of age when<br />
died. if. was buried in the family mdt of the ~~tlers at ~rntcorrrt.<br />
W 8<br />
MS&<br />
i<br />
HISTORY OF LIMERICK. 623<br />
<strong>Limerick</strong> <strong>to</strong> Magh, his native place, on the 5th of August, where, b his<br />
own orders, he was interred with the rest of his family, and where an l! urn-<br />
ble <strong>to</strong>mb s<strong>to</strong>ne, which was erected by the Right Rev. Dr. Young, very<br />
many years afterwards, marks the grave of the apos<strong>to</strong>lic prelate:--<br />
Beneath this s<strong>to</strong>ne are deposited<br />
the mortal remains of the Rt.<br />
Rev. Dr. Robert Lacy' who was<br />
B. C. B. of <strong>Limerick</strong> 24 yeam<br />
He departed thislife Augt. 4th' 1759.<br />
R. I. P.<br />
Tmmediately after the death of the Right Rev. Dr. Lacy, the Very Rev.<br />
Dean Creagh cited all the members of the chapter, and all the parish<br />
priests of the diocese, <strong>to</strong> assemble at St. John's chapel, " near the gates<br />
of <strong>Limerick</strong>",' at eleven o'clock a.m., on the 8th cf August, 1759, for the<br />
purpose of electing a vicar ca~itular <strong>to</strong> govern the see until a successor <strong>to</strong><br />
the decewed bishop should be appointed by the court of Rome. With<br />
exception of three, who were absent from illness, all the parish priesta of<br />
the diocese obeyed the summons of the dean. The pas<strong>to</strong>r of Ki1hane, the<br />
Rev. Timothy Hayes, who was also absent, ap ointed the Rev. John<br />
O'Brien, P.P. of Kilmallock, as his procura<strong>to</strong>r. 5 t was debated for some<br />
time whether the election lay solely with the canons, of whom seven were<br />
present, or with the canons and ~arish ~riests <strong>to</strong>gether. Without putting<br />
the question <strong>to</strong> a vote, the canons waived what the conceived <strong>to</strong> be their<br />
exclusive privilege, lest the Archbishop of Cashe r should question their<br />
election or annul it. It was judged proper, accordingly, in reference <strong>to</strong><br />
the tenor of the Papal letter of 1755; that the canons and parish priests<br />
should give their suffrages; when the Very Rev. Dean Creagh appeared<br />
from the scrutiny <strong>to</strong> have been elected by a great majority of votes; on<br />
which an act <strong>to</strong> that effect was drawn up and signed by the following<br />
priests, and witnessed and sealed by the Rev. Edward O'Brien, Notary of<br />
the Apos<strong>to</strong>lic See, and the Rev. James White, Notary Apos<strong>to</strong>lic:-<br />
David Bourke, Chancellor. Daniel O'ICearney, S.F. Par.<br />
Walter Bourke, Prebend. Doc<strong>to</strong>r and Pas<strong>to</strong>r St. Pa-<br />
Lake &Cols, Preb. trick's.<br />
James Barry, Preb. John De Lacy, S.T.D. and Rec-<br />
Robert @He% Preb. <strong>to</strong>r of Ballingarry.<br />
Edward OBrien, Preb. Rowland Kirby, Doc<strong>to</strong>r of Thew<br />
John Herbert.<br />
logy, and P.P. of St. Mm-<br />
Francis Nowlan.<br />
chin's, <strong>Limerick</strong>.<br />
John Chennigh.<br />
Daniel Gnery.<br />
James Dundon.<br />
John Lyne.<br />
Maurice Welsh.<br />
Thaddew O'Hea.<br />
Matthew Corbett. John Walsh.<br />
William Marshall. John Creagh.<br />
John Hanrahan, S.F. Parisi* - Paul Slattery.<br />
ensis, Doc<strong>to</strong>r Theologng Jwph Egan.<br />
Wi%m Hourigan,<br />
.?avid Hourigan.<br />
Maurice Ley.<br />
Maarice Shaughnessy.<br />
James Lynch.<br />
John O'Brien.<br />
Daniel O'Brien.<br />
Jarnes White.<br />
Constantins O'DanieL<br />
Sylvester Mdcaire.<br />
James Barnett.<br />
Martin O'Cvnnor.<br />
On the following day, viz., the 9th of Aupt, at the same place, the<br />
same canons and p&h priests proceeded by scrutiny <strong>to</strong> postulate and elect
624 BISTORY OF LIMERICK.<br />
. .<br />
a proper person <strong>to</strong> fill the vacant bishopric, when they unmimously chose<br />
the Very Rev. John Creagh, Dean of the diocese, above mentioned, <strong>to</strong> be<br />
eligible primo loco ; the Rev. David Bourke in sccundo loco, and the Rev.<br />
Rowland KirbY in tertio loco, when an act <strong>to</strong> that effect was solemnly<br />
drawn up and duly signed by the canons and parish priests, and countersigned<br />
by the Rev. John De Lacy, Prothonotary Apos<strong>to</strong>lic, and the Rev.<br />
Jameg White, Notary Apos<strong>to</strong>lic. Though, as we have stated, the postulation<br />
was unanimous, the court of Rome, nevertheless, in consequence of<br />
an attestation signcd b four bishops in fiivour of Dr. Daniel O'Kearney,<br />
a native of the city o B <strong>Limerick</strong>, a Doc<strong>to</strong>r of the Sorbonne, and parish<br />
priest of St. Patrick's, chose Dr. O'ICearncy, on the 21st of November,<br />
fbr the mitre of <strong>Limerick</strong>. At this period there were great troubles and<br />
apprehensions entertained by the govcrnmcnt respectinf a threatened<br />
French invasion of England and Ircland. The Duke o Bedford, lord<br />
lieutenant, signified, in consequence, <strong>to</strong> the Irish Catholics, the king's wish<br />
that they should manifest a perfcct seal and loyalty ; and in obedience <strong>to</strong><br />
the proclamation o; the viceroy, ninety of the principal Catholics of<br />
<strong>Limerick</strong> signed a most loyal and dutiful addrcss <strong>to</strong> the throne, but many<br />
others refused signing it.' In Cork, onc hundred and thirty Catholics<br />
signed the address, and in Waterford a very large number did the same. It<br />
may be observed as a strangc fact, that the entire trdc and commerce of<br />
the city of Limcrick were at this time in the hands of Catholic merchants<br />
and traders. By sca and by land the Catholics held uncontrollcd the mercantile<br />
aEairs of the city and port in their exclusive posse~sion.~ But apprehensions<br />
were indulged in, which were soon afterwards realized, that<br />
through the imprudence and avarice of some of the Catholic merchants,<br />
who, for the sake of getting large apprentice fees, <strong>to</strong>ok Protestant and<br />
I'resbyterim apprentices, who began <strong>to</strong> settle in trde and business in the<br />
city, the Cathohcs would lose their preEminen~e.~ This, however, is a<br />
digression.<br />
In consequence of the Pope's bull, which bore date the 27th of Novcmber,<br />
1759, the Right Rcv. Dr. O'Kcarney was consecrated, at Thurlr:?,<br />
Bishop of <strong>Limerick</strong>, on Sunday, the 27th of January, 1760, by his Gracc<br />
the Most Rev. Dr. James Butler, Archbishop of Cashel, two ecclesiastical<br />
dignitaries having assisted in the room of two bishops, by virtue of a Papal<br />
indulgence <strong>to</strong> that effect. On Tuesday, the 29th of the same month, Dr.<br />
O'ICcarney informed some of his clergy who had assembled at St. Mary's<br />
clmpel, <strong>Limerick</strong>, of his election and consecration, they having met hicl lordship<br />
for that purpose. The court of Rome at the same time granted him a,<br />
bull for the parish of St. John's with all its annexes, which had been before<br />
possessed by the deceased prelate, Dr. Lacy. On the 10th of May,<br />
Dr. O'ICearney was inducted in<strong>to</strong> the parish in question by the Very Rev.<br />
Michael Hoare, ex-Provincial of the Dominicans, by directions of his<br />
grace the Archbishop of Cashel. Though the penal laws existed in their<br />
White's MSS. 4 lbid.<br />
Mr. Stephep Roche, Mr. John Browne, Mr. Patrick Plunketf Mr. John Pery, Mr. Edmnnd<br />
Sex<strong>to</strong>n, Mr. Midme1 I<strong>to</strong>chford, Mr. Putrick Arthur, Mr. Patrick Bluett, Mr. Paul Sdlivan, Mr.<br />
hnrewe Mihan, were among the Catholic merchants and traders who <strong>to</strong>ok Protestant md<br />
Presbyterian apprentices, much <strong>to</strong> the chagrin and mortification of the Catholic citizens generallv.<br />
which was increused consiclerably when these rpprcntioea -- afterwards set up in business for<br />
th~mselvea- lVhilc's MSS.<br />
HISTORY 0%' LIMERICK. 625<br />
full vigour, the loyalty of the bishop, of the clergy, and of the citizens,<br />
was not less warm than it had been. The death of George IT., on the 25th<br />
of Oc<strong>to</strong>ber, gave occasion for the expression of that feeling, in an address<br />
from the chief Catholic inhabitants of the city and county of <strong>Limerick</strong>;<br />
in which the strongest feelings of devotion <strong>to</strong> the throne were declared,<br />
as well as the deepest regret for the loss of the late king, who had been<br />
mild and merciful in his relations <strong>to</strong> the Catholic subjects of the crown.'<br />
The Rev. Denis Conway (afterwards Bishop of <strong>Limerick</strong>) was appointed<br />
by Papal bull, parish priest of St. Patrick's, on the promotion of Dr.<br />
O'Kearney, who was a zealous, learned, and active prelate, thoroughly<br />
versed in the canons and in Scripture, an accomplished theologian, of<br />
kindly and simple manners, but possessed of that strong masculine<br />
common sense whick enabled him <strong>to</strong> surmount the difEculties at the<br />
critical time, of his appointment and during his episcopacy, of a dangerous<br />
position. Dr. O'Kearney held his first ordination of subjects for his<br />
diocese on the 15th May, 1761, being Friday of Whitsuntide, Quatuor<br />
Tense. On this occasion he exercised his sacred functions open1 notwithstanding<br />
the highly penal character of prohibi<strong>to</strong>ry laws, whic I' were not<br />
as yet repealed, and conferred minor orders and subdeaconship on four<br />
young candidates for the ministry, who on the following day received<br />
deaconship, and on the Sunday next succeeding, priesthood. Dr.<br />
O'Kearney witnessed the demolition of the ancient walls of the city, and<br />
the commencement of the new <strong>to</strong>wn by Edmund Sex<strong>to</strong>n Pery, and many<br />
other changes in the social and political aspect of his generation. He<br />
attecded a meeting of the bishops of Munster, which was convened by the<br />
Most Rev. Dr. Butler, Archbishop of Cashel, near Cork, on the 15th<br />
of July, 1775, in comequence of the act 13 and 14 George III., which<br />
enabled subjects of all denominations <strong>to</strong> testify their allegiance upon<br />
oath.<br />
Many Catholics firmly declined <strong>to</strong> take .the oath prescribed by that Act<br />
of Parliament, not alone because it was insulting in its language, but, ss<br />
they conceived, because it was in downright opposition <strong>to</strong> what they<br />
beheved <strong>to</strong> be their conscientious rinciples. To counteract this view on<br />
their part, and <strong>to</strong> satisfy the scrup P es of the people and clergy, the Most<br />
Rev. Dr. Butler called <strong>to</strong>gether the Bishops of Munster, and at this meeting<br />
the following declaration was agreed <strong>to</strong> and subscribed by Dr. O'Kearney,<br />
as well as by the other bishops :-<br />
G<br />
' We, the chiefs of the Roman Catholic Clergy of the Province of Munster,<br />
havirig met <strong>to</strong>gether near Corke, have unanimously agreed that the oath of<br />
allegiance, prescribed by the act of parliament, anno regni decirno tertio et<br />
quar<strong>to</strong> Georgii Tertii Begis, contains nothing contrary <strong>to</strong> the Roman Catholic<br />
Religion"<br />
Dr. O'Kearney also attended another provincial meeting of the Bishops,<br />
held in Thurles, on the 28th of the same month, in which the able and<br />
enlightened work, entitled Hibmia Dorninicana, and its supplement,<br />
written by the Rt. Rev. Dr. Thomas de Burgo, Catholic Bishop of' Ossory,<br />
were solemnly disapproved of (except by Dr. McMahon, Bishop of Killaloe),<br />
on the ,pund that they tended <strong>to</strong> weaken and subvert the allegiance, fidelity,
626 . .<br />
HISTORY OF LIMXRICK.<br />
and submission which were due tc the kin by raising unnecessary scruples<br />
in the minds of the people, and sowing t P e seeds of dissension on points<br />
on which, from their religion and gratitude, they ought <strong>to</strong> be firmly united.<br />
Than the great work of Dr. Thornas de Burgo, which is a wonderful combination<br />
of facts and documents connected with the ecclesiastical his<strong>to</strong>ry<br />
of Ireland, exhibiting an unequalled amount of industry, patience, research,<br />
and learning, there has never been ublished a work of more inestimable<br />
value <strong>to</strong> the student of Irish Churc fl his<strong>to</strong>ry. That Dr. Butler and the<br />
other bishops condemned it, was a source of pain in many quarters ; but<br />
the real cause of its condemnation by this rovincial meeting was, as<br />
stated by His Grace the most Rev. Dr. Butler 1 imself, in his Just; cation<br />
of the Tenets of the Boman Catholic BeReligion, that the Hibe~nwi Ifornominicara<br />
violently reprobated a similar oath of allegiance <strong>to</strong> the above, required<br />
by an act of 1756-7. Indeed, Dr. O'Kearney sustained in his own person<br />
strong ideas on the conduct of the government of the day. He would not<br />
cause <strong>to</strong> be read a certa;in printed form, which was forwarded from the<br />
Castle of Dublin, and which ordered on the art of the Catholics of Ireland<br />
a ~eneral fast <strong>to</strong> be observed throughout the Zing4om on the 12th of March,<br />
1762, <strong>to</strong> beseech the God of Hosts <strong>to</strong> bless his Majesty, his officers, and<br />
his troops, and <strong>to</strong> inspire and direct his councils <strong>to</strong> grant a glorious and a<br />
happy conclusion <strong>to</strong> this war, and that a solid, lasting, and advantageous<br />
peace may restrain the effusion of Christian blood". He did not admit that<br />
directions about observing a fast should come from the secular power, and<br />
he deemed it an infringement on the spiritual authority, permitting only so<br />
much of the printed form <strong>to</strong> be read as he thought proper, and omitting as<br />
much of it as contained an exhortation <strong>to</strong> the people <strong>to</strong> observe the fast<br />
exactly according <strong>to</strong> the tenor of the proclamation for that purpose". Dr.<br />
O'Kearney s<strong>to</strong>utly and vehemently opposed the movements, the aggressions,<br />
and the violences at the same time of the Levellers and the Whiteboys,<br />
who <strong>to</strong> the number of some thousands, levelled what they said were<br />
encroachments on commons, wherever these encroachments existed, dug<br />
up the lay rich grounds of those who did not let out land <strong>to</strong> the poor<br />
for tillage, burned barns and haggards, and by degrees spread a reign of<br />
terrorism over Munster, doing great mischief in the counties of Waterford,<br />
Tipperary, and Cork, as also in the county of <strong>Limerick</strong>, where they dug<br />
up, in one night, in the parish of Kilfinane, twelve acres of land which<br />
belonged <strong>to</strong> a Mr. Maxwell.' The bishop issued directions <strong>to</strong> all the<br />
parish priests <strong>to</strong> exert themselves, and <strong>to</strong> speak boldly against these aggresmons,<br />
in which, however, Protestants were the chief ac<strong>to</strong>rs, and in<strong>to</strong> the<br />
causes of which the government at once sped an inquiry, with a view <strong>to</strong><br />
redress any real grievance ; but <strong>to</strong> put down and <strong>to</strong> punish crime at the<br />
same time, a commission of Oyer and Terminer sat in <strong>Limerick</strong> on the<br />
31st of May, when, on oath of one Joseph Prest-age, a Protestant, who<br />
became king's evidence, several of those whom he admitted in hi evidence<br />
he had corn elled <strong>to</strong> perpetrate these outrages, and whom he had f&shed<br />
with arms F or that purpose, were found , and two of them, viz.,<br />
one Bruyliard, a Protestant, and one C xilty y, were condemned <strong>to</strong> death<br />
for killing cattle. William Fant, a Protestant, who began the troubles,<br />
was condemned <strong>to</strong> two yews' imprisonment and s fine of SO, while<br />
HISTORY OF LIMERICK. 627<br />
many others were condemned also <strong>to</strong> various terms of imprisonment for<br />
the same cause. There was no Catholic of any weight, consequence, or<br />
position involved in these doings, though they were said <strong>to</strong> be the com-<br />
mencement of a Popish rebellion. They were, nearly al<strong>to</strong>gether, con-<br />
fined <strong>to</strong> Protestants possessed of afluence, who had made the unsus-<br />
pecting Catholic peasantry their mere instruments and victims in the<br />
business. The Rev. Father Kennedy, P.P. of Tulla, near the Silvermines,<br />
Co. Tipperary, was one of those who were arrested, and escorted by Sir<br />
Jamcs Caldwell's Light Horse in<strong>to</strong> <strong>Limerick</strong>, on the 2d of May, charged<br />
with rebellious practices, which existed only in the fertile imagination3 of<br />
his accusers. He was at once discharged when the facts were inquired<br />
in<strong>to</strong>. As in other cases and circumstances, the Catholics were slandered<br />
and denounced for crimes and offences of which they had no cognizance ;<br />
but no prelate could act with more vigour in resisting the disturbers of the<br />
ublic peace, than did Dr. Daniel O'Kearney, who continued <strong>to</strong> discharge<br />
fis onerous duties with zeal. He ordained many priestr for the diocese of<br />
<strong>Limerick</strong>, and afforded the utmost satisfaction <strong>to</strong> all b the faithful and<br />
perfect discharge of every duty. His Lordship diegat Ballyshannon,<br />
near <strong>Limerick</strong>, in January, 1778,' full of years and virtues, a noble speci-<br />
men of an Irish Catholic prelate. His acquirements were of a most varied<br />
character, and his mildness, playfulness, and simplicity, are even yet<br />
remembered in the traditions of the people. The good prelate was in-<br />
terred in St. John's churchyard, and over his remains was placed a <strong>to</strong>mb<br />
which was situated near the east wall, <strong>to</strong>wards the S. E. end of the<br />
churchyard?<br />
On the death of Dr. O'Kearney, the Very Rev. Denis Conway, P.P.<br />
of Rathkeale, was appointed Vicar-Capitular until the election of tt<br />
successor <strong>to</strong> the deceased bishop should be made. But, in be meag-<br />
time, His Grace the Archbishop of Cashel, who desired that his kinsman,<br />
the Hon. and Rev John Butler, a brother of Lord Cahii, and a member<br />
of the illustrious Order of Jesus, should be appointed <strong>to</strong> the vacant see of<br />
<strong>Limerick</strong>. Accordingly, on the 9th of March, 1778, Dr. Butler, his rela-<br />
Walker's Hibernian Magazine.<br />
' Dr. Y01111g'~ Note in White's MSS. In this church-yrrd were also interred the Rev. Dr.<br />
John Lehy, ?P. St. John's, who died 14th December, 1754; the Rev. Denis O'Connor, the<br />
Rev. Owen 0 Sdivan, who was curate <strong>to</strong> Dr. Lehy, and who died in 1750, aged 60 years, etc.<br />
The names of the Rev. Messrs. Lehy, O'SuUvm, and O'Connor, are inscribed on the same<br />
<strong>to</strong>mbs<strong>to</strong>ne, which now (1856) forms the south side of the <strong>to</strong>mb of the Right Rev. Dr. Conwz~y,<br />
whilst an older <strong>to</strong>mbs<strong>to</strong>ne, with the date of 1728, forms the north side of the same <strong>to</strong>mb Dr.<br />
O'Keamey's <strong>to</strong>mb is said <strong>to</strong> have been more northward, near where the <strong>to</strong>mb oE the Right Rev.<br />
Dr. Michd Peter M'Mahon now is. Dr. MCMahon's <strong>to</strong>mb has the following inscription, nnd in<br />
the some vault are buried his relative, William Hartney, Esq., and the Rev. John Thayer, the<br />
eminent convert and controversialist :-<br />
I. H. S.<br />
Here lieth the body of the late Right<br />
Rev. Doc<strong>to</strong>r M'Mahon, Romsn<br />
Catholic Bishop of Kihbe, who<br />
departed this life on the second<br />
day of March, 1807, in the 98th yeu of<br />
hissge,and4Othofhis<br />
episcopal dignity. May (i;od be<br />
mercifal<strong>to</strong>bissod. Amen.
628 b<br />
.<br />
HISTORY OF LlMERICK.<br />
tive, the Hon. and Rev. Father John Butler, S.J., signified <strong>to</strong> him that all<br />
the relates of Munster except on",' viz.: Dr. Carpenter,: who desired<br />
that g r. Nihell should be promoted <strong>to</strong> the mitre: and many other prelates<br />
had cast their eyes upon him as the most worthy person <strong>to</strong> fill the vacant<br />
see of <strong>Limerick</strong> under the cixcumstances; that he hoped his humility would<br />
not be alarmed, and that, bearing in mind the joint postulation of the prelates,<br />
the will of Almighty God, he would submit <strong>to</strong> the order of Providence,<br />
and resign himself <strong>to</strong> a burthen which the Divine grace would render light<br />
<strong>to</strong> him and advantageous <strong>to</strong> the diocese he was invited <strong>to</strong> govern. To<br />
this communication Father John Butler returned an answer dated Hereford,<br />
March 23rd, 1778, in which he announces his determination <strong>to</strong> resist<br />
the proffered dignity by every means in his power, whilst he expresses<br />
his sincerest thanks <strong>to</strong> all who have been pleased <strong>to</strong> entertain so favourable<br />
an opinion of him. The good archbishop, in his reply <strong>to</strong> this refusal,<br />
states that the postuldon had been forwarded <strong>to</strong> Rome backed by the signatures<br />
of three archbishops and twelve bishops of Ireland; by the Roman<br />
Catholic peers of Ireland; by the united letters of the Nnncios of Paris<br />
and Brussels; of the first president of the parliament of Paris; and of<br />
Monsieur de Vergennes, Ninistre des Affaires Etrangcrs, <strong>to</strong> Monsieur de<br />
Bernis; and, <strong>to</strong> crown all, by the letters of the most worthy prelate, Dr.<br />
Walmsley,' in his favour. It would appear that a strong opposition,<br />
however, had been raised in other quarters <strong>to</strong> the appointment of' Father<br />
Butler," and that the Propaganda had rejected him as an ex-Jesuit; but<br />
the Pope, in attention <strong>to</strong> the earnest application which the prelates of the<br />
province of Munster in particular, as well as others, thought it for the interest<br />
of religion <strong>to</strong> make in his favour, oveimled the determination of the<br />
Propaganda, and named him for the vacant mitxe. The Right Rev. Dr.<br />
Wiliiam Egan, Bishop of Waterford and Lismore, resident in Clonmel,<br />
wrote a long letter <strong>to</strong> Father John Butler: in which the right reverend prelate<br />
urged him in the strongest possible manner <strong>to</strong> accept the dignity, <strong>to</strong> which<br />
Father Butler at length submitted on this express stipulation, " that whenever<br />
the Society of Jesus be res<strong>to</strong>red, 1 shall be at full and perfect liberty<br />
<strong>to</strong> re6nter the same and retire again <strong>to</strong> my college, the seat of real virtue<br />
and ha pine~s".~ In May the archbishop writes <strong>to</strong> him <strong>to</strong> Cahir Castle,<br />
where g e had arrived on a visit <strong>to</strong> his brother Lord Cahir, congratulating<br />
him, and announcing the receipt of a letter fro% the Very Rev. Dr. Conway,<br />
Vicar-Capitular of <strong>Limerick</strong>, assuring him that he would meet with the<br />
most pleasing reception there both from clergy and laity, and that all ranks<br />
of eople were most impatient for his arrival amongst them. On the 10th<br />
of S uly, same year (1778), the archbishop announced that the bulls had<br />
arrived for Father Butler, and had been forwarded <strong>to</strong> him (the archbishop)<br />
from Paris the preceding week, but that an indispensable journey on his<br />
part had prevented him attending <strong>to</strong> them before. The Archbishop adds:<br />
"I need not tell you the pleasure it gave me <strong>to</strong> receive them, and how I<br />
wish and hope that the use which is <strong>to</strong> be made of them may tend <strong>to</strong> advance<br />
the glory tf God and the good of tbe diocese of <strong>Limerick</strong>".<br />
Oliver's Collectiom.<br />
Dr. Carpenter wae Archbishop of Dublin.<br />
' Renehan'a Collections. r The author of Pasforin's Aopkeeies~<br />
Oliver's Collections. See Dr. Oliver'rr Colledion, for Dr. Egsn'n letter.<br />
Dr. Oliver's CoZleCtWns.<br />
HIBTOBY OR LIMERICE S29<br />
Father Butler, however, almoet immediately &er, completely withdrew<br />
from the honour which he had in his hands. In a meek, courteous, and<br />
respectfirl letter <strong>to</strong> the Archbishop, in which he cordially thanked hia<br />
Grsoe for the zeal and intezest he had taken in hia promotion, he says:<br />
"I decline the proffered honour, because I redly think myself incapable of<br />
fdfllling the duties of such a station in the Church n .<br />
E<br />
The tither of this noble-minded riest waa the ninth Lord Cahir, who<br />
waa the eldest son of the eighth ord Cahir and of Frances Butler,<br />
daughter of Sir Theobald Butler, Solici<strong>to</strong>r-General of James 11.'<br />
Whether there were other reasons than those advanced by Father<br />
Butler in hi letter <strong>to</strong> the archbishop, which actuated him in his determination<br />
not <strong>to</strong> accept the mitre of Liimerick, we are not aware. It is true,<br />
indeed, that the majority of the chapter of the diocese of <strong>Limerick</strong>, including<br />
twenty-two beneficed clergymen, had forwarded <strong>to</strong> the Holy See<br />
a protest: and that there was much inconvenience felt during the time<br />
that had intervened between the death of Dr. O'Kearney and the ultimate<br />
settlement of the grave question as <strong>to</strong> who was <strong>to</strong> succeed him and govern<br />
the dimse, the administration of the affairs of which continued in the<br />
hands of Dr. Conway, Vicar Ca it&, who resided in Rathkeale, and<br />
who often consulted his intimate P riend, the Rev. John Young, then curate<br />
of St. John'a parish, who was destined <strong>to</strong> succeed <strong>to</strong> the see of <strong>Limerick</strong>,<br />
and whose learning and piety pointed him out as an able and a safe counsellor<br />
in difficulties. Dr. Conway was a learned, read , gifted, and piow<br />
man. He visited Father Butler at Cahir Castle, W I en that excellent<br />
nest was regarded, what he had hen for some months, virtually the<br />
gishop of <strong>Limerick</strong>, but does not sppear ever <strong>to</strong> have visited the diocese.<br />
He speaks of Lord Cahir, whom he met during one of these visits, as a<br />
fine, sober, ood mm also, who lives like a prince n ; he states that he met<br />
the Archbis % op of Cashel at Cahir Castle, who received him with oordiality<br />
and affability, and that there was a rfect reconciliation in refer.<br />
enca <strong>to</strong> my misunderstanding that might C ve arisen between his Grace<br />
and the chapter of <strong>Limerick</strong>.<br />
WMst mattem were in this state, the Right Rev. Dr. MacMahon,<br />
Bisho of Killaloe, who had resided generally iz <strong>Limerick</strong>, blessed the oiL,<br />
in Ho p y Week, and performed other episcopal duties. The chapter, meanwhile,<br />
continued <strong>to</strong> a p1 themselves <strong>to</strong> the court of Rome in the emerency,<br />
and the Rev. Jr. &elly, then agent of the Irish bishops at the Holy<br />
Le, was frequently written ta by Dr. Conway, who was himself ostulated<br />
for, and who, aftm some months, and after many rumours that t 1 e choice<br />
had fallen upon another, viz., the Rev. John Mullog: received his bulls<br />
of consecration from the Archbishop of Cashel on the 14th of May, 1779<br />
and on the 20th of June in that year, Dr. Conway was consecrated by<br />
His Grace, who decided that Thurles was the fittest place for the ceremonial.<br />
Dr. Butler, Bishop of Cork, and Dr. M'Kenna, Bishop of Cloyne,<br />
assisted, whilst the Rev. John Young, on the invitation of his dear &end<br />
1 Augastine Butler, Esq., D.L, Ballyline, Coant Clare, is the great-great-grandson of the<br />
celebrated Sir Toby Butler, whose non married s &ughbx of Lord Cahirls, and Lord Cahir'a<br />
son (aftemash Lord C*) married Sir Toby'e daughter. These marriages <strong>to</strong>ok place about<br />
the year 1711. MS. Correspondence of Dr. Conway.<br />
Thia clergpmap tesid~d h Xilksnny. Conway Conespondenoe.
630 HISTORY OF LIMERICK.<br />
.<br />
-.<br />
the new prelate, accompanied him <strong>to</strong> Thurles. The Rev. J. Young continued<br />
<strong>to</strong> be the constant friend and companion, and ultimately the codju<strong>to</strong>r<br />
in the episcopacy of <strong>Limerick</strong>, of Dr. Conway, who was a distinguished<br />
student of Louvain. Versed in canon law and in Scripture. a<br />
and correct writer, as we likewise gather from the few letters<br />
which 'leaSinf e has bequeathed, and in which his wit and sprightliness of disposi-<br />
tion flash frequently and agreeably, he was received at all times in the<br />
warmest manner by clergy and laity. During the episcopacy of Dr. Conway,<br />
St. Michael's Chapel was built, and his lordship presided at the<br />
opening of it on the 29th of September, 1781.<br />
Of the public acts of Dr. Conway we have not many records. He<br />
attended a meeting of the Bishops of Munster, which was held in <strong>Limerick</strong><br />
on the 1st of May, 1784, and which was presided over by the Archbishop<br />
of Cashel, at which a declaration of loyalty <strong>to</strong> the king and country was<br />
drawn up, agreed <strong>to</strong> and signed by the bishops, who, at the same time,<br />
enjoined their clergy <strong>to</strong> exhort the people <strong>to</strong> industry, sobriety, and a<br />
peaceable denieanour in all things, as a sure means of fulfilling their duty<br />
<strong>to</strong>wards God and the state. He opposed the Rightboys and the Whiteboys<br />
in the most determined manner, and he was one of the Bishops of<br />
Munster who attended a provincial meeting held at Cork on the 26th<br />
of June, 1786, and which was presided over by the Archbishop, at which<br />
decrees were adopted condemna<strong>to</strong>ry of the rio<strong>to</strong>us and illegal proceedings<br />
of the Rightboys. At this meeting regulations were made in reference<br />
<strong>to</strong> the dues of the parochial clergy, md the restraining of certain<br />
parochial expenses on the part of the pari~hioners.~ Dr. Conway was a<br />
benefac<strong>to</strong>r <strong>to</strong> the religious and charitable institutions of his native city<br />
of <strong>Limerick</strong>, and a friend of education, as he provsd by his having bequeathed<br />
a sum of S415 7s. 8d. <strong>to</strong>wards building a college for the education<br />
of Roman Catholic youth, should any such be established in this<br />
kingdom, or <strong>to</strong>wards support of students thereof-(extract f~om zozll,<br />
1794). This money was invested afterwards in building the Catholic<br />
seminary at Park. He also bequeathed a sum of $92 6s. 2d. upon trust,<br />
for educating, clothing, and maintaining poor children of the charity<br />
school of St. John's parish, a bequest of which there is no account at<br />
present?<br />
He lived <strong>to</strong> the age of 75 years, and died on the 19th day of June, 1796.<br />
His remains were interred, as were those of his predecessors, D=,<br />
O'I
632 C<br />
.<br />
BISTORY OF LIMEBICK.<br />
Dwed Limerc'cmb, <strong>to</strong> which he affixed a brief memoir of the life of the<br />
Right Rev. Dr. O'Keeffe, who, as we have seen, was the first <strong>to</strong> enact<br />
these statutes on the revival of religion after the violation of the treaty of<br />
<strong>Limerick</strong>. In the government of the diocese, Dr. Young was strict and<br />
particular, whilst in his demeanour <strong>to</strong> all classes, he was kindly, cheerful,<br />
and affable. He won the affections by a charming manner, and preserved<br />
that dignity which became the scholar and the prelate, without effort<br />
or sffectation. Devoted <strong>to</strong> books, he read copiously and profitably; his<br />
reading embraced every variety of subject connected with theology, the<br />
Scriptures, canon law, the classics, his<strong>to</strong>ry, ancient and modern, antiquities,<br />
eta; and his annotations on the booka in his own as well as in the<br />
diocesan libr , are, in some instances, extant, and show the extent and<br />
versatility of 9 is information on almost every sub'ect connected with<br />
aacred and profane literature. He, as well as the o a er bishops of Munster,<br />
condemned in no measured terms the Rebellion of '98, which the<br />
Irish e isco acy and clergy in general resisted with aU their dombined<br />
strengt Ran ' B power. We do not find that he issued a pas<strong>to</strong>ral add=<br />
<strong>to</strong> his flock on the subject, at least we have no record of such as was<br />
addressed by Dr. Moylan, of Cork, Dr. Hussey, of and Dr.<br />
Michael Peter MacMahon, of Killal~e,~, who, at the time continued <strong>to</strong><br />
reside in <strong>Limerick</strong>. In all likelihood, Dr. Young did address a pas<strong>to</strong>ral:<br />
and that he exerted himself with zeal, skill, vigour, and success, in warning<br />
his flock of the danger they incurred, there is no doubt whatever. As we<br />
have already seen, he was one of the first in <strong>Limerick</strong> <strong>to</strong> insert his name ss<br />
a subscriber <strong>to</strong> the &U e fund that was raised for the defence of the county<br />
from the threatened 9 renoh invdon. Whilst he was loyal <strong>to</strong> the throne,<br />
however, he thought that <strong>to</strong> afford the government a control over the privileges<br />
of the hierarchy in the nomination of bishops, or in any other &a<br />
or form, was <strong>to</strong> be .esisted by all honourable means and a pliances. g<br />
opposed the insidious advances of Mr. Pitt and Lord Cas S ereagh as weU<br />
for %he sub-ugation of the Catholic Church ss for the destruction of hi&<br />
freedom. !In January, 1799, a meetin of certain Irish relates W@ held<br />
in Dublin, at which resolutions were a % opted in favour o P a state provision<br />
for the olergy, and of a ve<strong>to</strong> on the appointmat of<br />
the bishop. The name Young does not a p ~<br />
among the names of the resolved on that itcaslon;<br />
but we find bim in 1808, the Irish hierarchy held in<br />
Dublin in the month of September that ear, denouncing the roposed<br />
change, and statin~ in language not <strong>to</strong> L mistaken or misun B ers<strong>to</strong>od,<br />
that it was inexpedient <strong>to</strong> introduce an alteration in the canonical mode<br />
hither<strong>to</strong> observed in the nomination o F Irish Catholic Bishops. On the<br />
24th of February, in the year 1810, another meeting of the Irish hierarchy<br />
was held in Dublin, and resolutions <strong>to</strong> the same effect were adopted The<br />
resolutions of 1808 were not only then confirmed, but their lordships resolved<br />
that they neither sought nor desired any other earth1 consideration<br />
for their spiritual minis <strong>to</strong> their flocks, save what the floc T s from a sense<br />
of religioa and duty mig t voluntarily aord them. We find his name sub<br />
7?<br />
1 The episcopal real of the Right Rev. Dr. IthNahn b in the poaseasion of the Right Rev.<br />
Dr. Power, Wju<strong>to</strong>r bishop of -0% who RI oonse~llted. by the Moat Rev. Dr. LesBy,<br />
Lord Archb'ishop of G-hd Em& attended by 9 tho b&op of Mu~ter, ip Nenagh<br />
Catholio ohpro4 OQ SW*, JUW %th, 1866.<br />
HISTORY OF LIMERICK. 633<br />
scribed also <strong>to</strong> an address of the prelates which was issued in the same<br />
month <strong>to</strong> the clergy and laity of Ireland, reiterating their former resolutions,<br />
and further declaring, that during the captivity of the Pope, who<br />
then lay a prisoner in the hands of Napoleon Buonaparte, they would<br />
refuse and reprobate all briefs or pretended briefs, rules and rescripts,<br />
bearing title as from his Holiness, and purporting <strong>to</strong> be declara<strong>to</strong>ry of his<br />
free", or of any abdication of the papal office, until His Holiness should<br />
enjoy the full exercise of his liberty.<br />
As a friend of education, and one of a family that had afforded so many<br />
brilliant members <strong>to</strong> the Church, Dr. Young, about the year 1805, conceived<br />
the design of erecting a college in which students destined for the sacrcd<br />
ministry shouldbe educated.' There had been, at Peter's Cell, a small col-<br />
Iege some time before, but it was <strong>to</strong>o contracted for the increasing requirements<br />
of the diocese, and Park College, near Park House, the bishop's residence,<br />
was at length erected, <strong>to</strong> the building of which the Catholic citizens of<br />
<strong>Limerick</strong> contributed cheerfully and liberally. The Grst president of Park<br />
College was Dr. Young, and his lordship was succeeded in tlie presidency by<br />
the Very Rev. Dean Hanrahan, a learned and accomplished dignitary. The<br />
Right Rev. Dr. Milner, the vicar-apos<strong>to</strong>lic of the midlaxd district of England,<br />
in the course of his <strong>to</strong>ur through Ireland, visited <strong>Limerick</strong> in ISOS,<br />
and was hospitably received by Dr. Young, who, <strong>to</strong> gratify the antiquarian<br />
zeal of the learned and gifted his<strong>to</strong>rian of Winchester Cathedral, and the<br />
indefatigable and chivalrous defender of the faith in various important publications,<br />
obtained a clever artista <strong>to</strong> make a drawing of the mitre and crozier<br />
of Cornelius O'Dca, which Dr. Young presented <strong>to</strong> Dr. Milner, and which<br />
Dr. Milner got engraved afterwards for the Archzeological Society of London,<br />
with a letter-press description, as already stated. It is impossible <strong>to</strong><br />
estimate the &mount of good which the apos<strong>to</strong>lic Dr. Young performed in<br />
his time. His name <strong>to</strong> this day is held in veneration by the people.<br />
He was particularly fond also of encouraging local genius, especially<br />
painters, and <strong>to</strong> that encouragement may be attributed the number of excellent<br />
paintings which adorned the Catholic churches of <strong>Limerick</strong>, and<br />
some of' which are yet in exi~tence.~ Succumbing at length <strong>to</strong> illness,<br />
' The efforts made by the Irish hierarchy and priesthood were constant and snccessful for<br />
education in ancient, as well as in more modem times.<br />
Two colleges were erected for the native Irish, before Trinity College, Dublin, and founded at<br />
Salamanca in 1682.<br />
At the instance of Thomas White, native of Clonmel, one of these<br />
At Alaaln in 1590, by do.<br />
At Lisbon and Genoa, in 1595, by do.<br />
At Douai, in 1596.<br />
At Antwerp, in 1600.<br />
At Tournay, 1607.<br />
At Lille, 1610.<br />
At LOUT 1616.<br />
*-*- $' -$<br />
At Rome 625, by Luke Wadding.<br />
'.*L - d. --'q..7!>: ,<br />
B Mr. John Gnbbins. U /<br />
In Dr. Young's time, viz., in 1808, ~ r 0nen . ~adden, arespeotableparislr~mergf ~h&ona~* '<br />
gate, presented Thomondgate chapel with a painting of the Ascension, by Henry Single<strong>to</strong>n,<br />
A.R.A. for which Mr. Mdden nave fiftv mineas. It was a beautiful picture. but it has been<br />
greatliinjured by injudicious aeaning I &d about tlie same time Fredirick ~ k iPlowman, a<br />
a clever portrait painter, and student of the R. A. in Sir Joshua Reynolds' time, visited<br />
<strong>Limerick</strong>, and painted, among other subjects, the Virgin and Child, surrounded by Angels, for<br />
Father DenL Hogan, O.S.F., and a Crucifixion for him also. These pictures are in the Franciaaan<br />
chuwh, Henry Street. Plowman painted a first-ola~a portrait of Father Denis Hogan<br />
44
634 \. IILSTORY OF LJMERICK.<br />
caused in a great degree by tlie austerities which he practised, Dr. Young,<br />
after a life of intense labour in the episcopac , died on Wednesday, the<br />
22nd of September, 1813, in the Gsth year o F his age. His funeral obsequics<br />
werc attended by all the clergy of the diocese, whose loss was incalculable.<br />
The remains of tlic learned and zealous prelate were carried <strong>to</strong> the<br />
cemetery of St. Patrick's on Saturday, the 25th of that month, where<br />
they lay for six or seven years ncar the site of the ancient church of St.<br />
Ptltrick's, until thc vault was built <strong>to</strong> which they were afterwards consigned,<br />
where an llwble mcmorial marks the spot where they rest.<br />
An inscription cut on a limes<strong>to</strong>ne slab, raised on s<strong>to</strong>ne of the same descliption,<br />
on oue of the panels of which the episcopal arms of the see of<br />
<strong>Limerick</strong> are broudit out in high relief, and all being enclosed by an irox<br />
railing, tells who lies beneath :<br />
This Monumenc was erected at the expense<br />
Of the Parish Clergymen of the Diocese,<br />
To the memory of the Right Rev. John Young,<br />
%.C. Bishop of <strong>Limerick</strong>, who departed this life<br />
On the 22nd d3y of September, 1813, in the<br />
68th year of his age, and twentieth pear<br />
Of his episcopal dignity. His life<br />
was truly exemplary and apos<strong>to</strong>lical,<br />
He was remarkable for his Piety,<br />
Charity and profound learning.<br />
Humble and mortified in his manner<br />
Of life, lie sought only the honour<br />
And glory of God, not the things<br />
Of this life. He died regretted by all his<br />
Clergymen, <strong>to</strong> whom he was a<br />
Faithful instruc<strong>to</strong>r, and lamented<br />
,by the poor, <strong>to</strong> whom he was<br />
a pwent and protec<strong>to</strong>r.<br />
May his soul rest in peace.<br />
The Right Rev. Dr. Charles Tuohy, a native of the city of <strong>Limerick</strong>,<br />
was the successor of the Right Reverend John Young, immediately on<br />
whose univenally lamented demise he wa3 elected Vicar-Capitular by the<br />
X.<br />
h. bk. John Gnbbiis painted a small picture of the Annunciation, intended for the sacristy,<br />
on the order of Mr. Jams O'Connor, brothcr of the Right Rev. Daniel O'Connor, O.S.A.,Bish?p<br />
of Sa1des-a native of <strong>Limerick</strong>, Mr. Gubbins copied also for the Dominican convcnt, where ~t<br />
is at present, from the celebrated picture by Rubens, The Womm aocuscd of Adultery, the<br />
original of which is in Sir John Loiccster's dlery..<br />
HISTORY OP LIMERICli. 635<br />
chapter of the diocese of <strong>Limerick</strong>, and on the 26th of Oc<strong>to</strong>ber, 1813,<br />
received the rcatcst nnmbcr of votcs on the election for bishop. He<br />
was appointc r f in Rome in 1814, was conoccrated in Cork on 24th of<br />
April, 18 15, and through-t his episcopal career was held in sincere esteem<br />
by the clergy and laity of the diocese over which he presided. The ques-<br />
tion of the ve<strong>to</strong> continued <strong>to</strong> be warmly discussed both before and during<br />
the episcopacy of Dr Tuohy ; and in these discussions, his lordship <strong>to</strong>ok<br />
a prominent part, always in opposition <strong>to</strong> the favourers of tlie government<br />
design on the independcnce of the Church and its pas<strong>to</strong>rs. We find him,<br />
as Vicar Capitular, in Novcmber, 1813, signing the protcst of the bishops<br />
against the rescript of Quaran<strong>to</strong>tti.<br />
On the 16th of February, in that ycar, the celebrated rescript of J. B.<br />
Quaran<strong>to</strong>tti, Vice-President of the Propaganda, which had been addressed<br />
<strong>to</strong> the Right Rev. Wm. Poynter, Vicar Apos<strong>to</strong>lic of the London district,<br />
recommended the amplest submission <strong>to</strong> the British Ministcr. It was stated<br />
in it that LLnothing can be more agreeable <strong>to</strong> the Apos<strong>to</strong>lic chair than<br />
that full concord and mutual confidence should prevail bctween your<br />
government and its Catholic subjects". It went on, "Wherefore we<br />
advise all in the Lord, and especially the Catholic bishops, <strong>to</strong> lay aside all<br />
contention, and for the edification of others <strong>to</strong> set an example of unanimity<br />
of sentiment . . . . and if the law be carried which frees the<br />
Catholics from the penalties <strong>to</strong> which they are subjected that they should<br />
receive it with satisfaction; . . . but also return the marmcst thanks<br />
<strong>to</strong> his Majesty and his most magnificent council for so great a benefit,<br />
and show themselves worthy of it". Copics of the rcscript were sent<br />
<strong>to</strong> the Irish bishops, who indignantly, and with nearly unanimous accord,<br />
rejected it. The bishops met, the clergy throughout the land met, the<br />
resolutions apinst the Quaran<strong>to</strong>tti manifes<strong>to</strong> were couched in terms of<br />
earnest repudiation. A meeting of the parish priests of the diocese<br />
of <strong>Limerick</strong> was held in St.. Michael's cha el on Saturday, the 28th<br />
of May, 1814, the Very Rev. Charles Tuo K 7, Vicar Capitular of the<br />
diocese, in the chair. Thirty-eight parish pests were present. They<br />
resolved " that the rescri t of Quaran<strong>to</strong>tti should not be obeyed by the<br />
Catholic Church of Eelan J' , because they considered its principles dangerous<br />
<strong>to</strong> our holy religion, and contrary not only <strong>to</strong> the decision of the Irish<br />
bishops, but <strong>to</strong> the express sentiments of the Sacred Collegeitself, promulgated<br />
in the year 1805". This was unmistakeable. What wm called a<br />
Catholic aggregate meet.ing was held on the 7th of September in the same<br />
year (1814), William Roche, Esq., in the chair.' A series of ambiguous<br />
resolutioils were passed, and TYi1liam Roche, John Howley, junr. (the<br />
present excellent Sir John Howley, Ihiglit, Sergeant, Q.C., Ex Chairman<br />
of Tipperary, etc.), Henry Lyons, and Michael Arthur, Esqrs., were<br />
requested <strong>to</strong> prepare petitions <strong>to</strong> the legislature in accordance with these<br />
ambiguous resolutions, one of which was unmistaliably re<strong>to</strong>isticd, which<br />
gave an thing but confidence <strong>to</strong> the people generally, and which arc<br />
thus spo l en of in a periodicad of the time :%-<br />
" We have noticed these two years past that <strong>Limerick</strong> is on the decline, its<br />
Catholio spirit is evaporating fast, and the Ccubus which lay on Cork seems <strong>to</strong><br />
have been thrown upon it. We regret this much, and we regret still more that,<br />
Mr. Roohe opposed the ve<strong>to</strong> afterwards. l%o Cork Catholic Reper<strong>to</strong>rg..
636 HISTORY OF LIMERICK.<br />
the people of <strong>Limerick</strong> seem not <strong>to</strong> be aware of it. Is a proof wanting? It<br />
is furnished by the last meeting-first, by having been miserably attendedsecondly,<br />
by the very men who are continually framing ambiguous and dangerous<br />
resolutions, and who have been hither<strong>to</strong> suspected of an inclination <strong>to</strong> ve<strong>to</strong>ism,<br />
being the leaders, nay, the sole managers, and four of the very leaders of those<br />
leadors voted <strong>to</strong> be a standing committee, contrary <strong>to</strong> the usage of the rest of<br />
Ireland. Close meetings are generally corrupt-they are always suspeded--four<br />
men can more easily combine thanjorty. Open meetings, and every man watching<br />
his neighbour, has kept Ireland honest, and saved us from the Ve<strong>to</strong>. Thirdly,<br />
the Catholic spirit of <strong>Limerick</strong> must have evaporated, or they would never have<br />
adopted a Ve<strong>to</strong> ltesolution. I shall be <strong>to</strong>ld they have a Committee of Independence<br />
in <strong>Limerick</strong>, which is a proof of their spirit. They have for the purpose<br />
of getting in<strong>to</strong> the Corporation ; but if they abandon their religion in this way,<br />
they had better spare themselves time and expense, for by taking the present<br />
Corporation oaths, or by having the Ve<strong>to</strong> granted, there will be no obstacle <strong>to</strong><br />
their admission. 0 <strong>Limerick</strong>! how art thou fallen? Not one voice raised<br />
within thy walls <strong>to</strong> oppose or <strong>to</strong> complain of a Ve<strong>to</strong> Resolution! I !-Not one<br />
solitary paragraph of a newspaper <strong>to</strong> remonstrate with thy recreant children! ! !<br />
-0 <strong>Limerick</strong> ! ! !-0 <strong>Limerick</strong> ! ! !-0 <strong>Limerick</strong> ! ! !-There is but one way off<br />
thy disgrace. FLING OFF THOSE WIIO HAVE DISGRACED THEE ! ! ! "l<br />
W -<br />
Thc agitation anainst the ve<strong>to</strong> became now fiercer than ever. The Right<br />
Rcv. Dr. Milner Areatened <strong>to</strong> reaign his office in<strong>to</strong> the hands of His Holincss<br />
if thc ve<strong>to</strong> were persevered in. Cardinal Gonsalvi at length arri\ ed in<br />
London on a message of congratulation <strong>to</strong> the Prince Regent, and avowed<br />
that he never had hcard of the rescript until he came <strong>to</strong> London. His<br />
Holiness dcnounccd the entire scheme, of which Quaran<strong>to</strong>tti was the instrument,<br />
<strong>to</strong> scrve the interests of certain of those Catholics in England<br />
and Ireland, d o did not care how much the Church was enslaved, so<br />
that their own ends were gained and their interests promoted. The name<br />
of Dr. Tuohy is found in all the protests against the mcasure.<br />
But it was not in his public acts as protesting against the conduct of the<br />
government ~ nd its that Dr. Tuohy signalized himself. One of<br />
the greatest boons that ever had been conferred on the Catholics of<br />
Li~ncriclc was mainly attributable <strong>to</strong> his exertions. He conceived the<br />
clcsign of calling <strong>to</strong> the aid of the education of the poor the invaluable<br />
services of the Christian Brothers. The order had been for some few years<br />
established in Waterford by its eminent founder, Mr. Edmond Rice; and<br />
the great bellefit it had conferred on that city was sufficient <strong>to</strong> induce the<br />
bishop <strong>to</strong> invite Mr. Rice <strong>to</strong> <strong>Limerick</strong>, in order that he might establish<br />
his order in the city. Accordingly, in June, 1816, the Schools in Sex<strong>to</strong>n<br />
Street2 and in Clare Street, <strong>Limerick</strong>, were established by Mr. =ce, who<br />
sent Mr. Grace and other Christian Brothers <strong>to</strong> take charge. The year<br />
previous, namely on the 1st of January, 1815, a bell was for the first time<br />
erected in the parochial church of St. Michael's, which, though built<br />
thirty-six years before, had not been furnished with a bell, though six or<br />
seven -- vears befoie a bell was hung - over the dwelling of the Franciscan<br />
FatheA in Newgate Lane.<br />
Dr. Tuohy lived <strong>to</strong> witness many great changes in the position and<br />
~rospects 01. the people of Ireland, and it must be said that he aided the<br />
L 3. -<br />
1 The number of these gentlemen in all was thirty-nine, and they went by the comical name<br />
of the thirty-nine articles afterwards.<br />
The loc&y of theso extensive schools, etc., is now c&d St. Micl~sel's place.<br />
struggles of clergy md people with an undivided heart and a resolute<br />
spirit. He was gifted with much wisdom. Besides his numerous other<br />
accomplishments, he possessed a taste for music. Whila parish priest of<br />
Rathkeale, the people there entered in<strong>to</strong> certain resolutions aga~nst the<br />
payment of more than a very trivial and insufficient sum <strong>to</strong> the pas<strong>to</strong>r as<br />
dues at weddings, baptisms, etc. At a large wedding in Rathkeale,<br />
when the collection for the riest was being made, each person handed<br />
in a shilling, with a dogged l' etermination <strong>to</strong> give no more. The good<br />
pas<strong>to</strong>r <strong>to</strong>ok the money in the best humour, and asking the instrument<br />
from a performer who was at the feast, he played many airs with a sweetness<br />
and truth which were felt by every heart. At lenoth, having<br />
concluded, he <strong>to</strong>ok the plate, saying: " As you havc not paiB the priest,<br />
I am sure you will not forget the musician". This ww enough. Every one<br />
present experienced a sense of the injustice that had been done, and the<br />
utter folly and impropriety of the resolutions. Those who had come <strong>to</strong><br />
refuse, and who did refuse, were the first <strong>to</strong> contribute liberally-a considerable<br />
sum of money was cheerfully given <strong>to</strong> the wise and zealous<br />
pas<strong>to</strong>r, and from that time forward there was an end <strong>to</strong> the combination<br />
against paying the priest, not only in Rathkeale, but everywhere else<br />
throughout the diocese where the bad spirit had prevailed. Dr. Tuohy<br />
lived on the best terms with the Protestant bishop, Dr. Jebb;' and the<br />
latter spoke in the most earnest and cordial terms of Dr. Tuohy on several<br />
occasions, particulary in reference <strong>to</strong> his exertions against the Whiteboys.<br />
Dr. Tuohp died on the 13th of March, 1828,. and was interred like his predecessor,<br />
m the ancient cemetery of St. Patnck's, where his remains were<br />
placed in the same vault with those of Dr. Young, and where no inscription<br />
marks the place of his sepulture.<br />
A few years revious <strong>to</strong> the death of Dr. Tuohy, his lordship had called<br />
on the Court o p Rome <strong>to</strong> issue a mandate for the election of a coadju<strong>to</strong>r <strong>to</strong><br />
assist him in the weight cares which had pressed so severely and anxiously<br />
on him. Dr. Tuohy esired that the Very Rev. W. A. O'Meara, Provincial<br />
of the Franciscan order, a native of <strong>Limerick</strong>, but then resident in<br />
Cork, should be his coadju<strong>to</strong>r, and forwarded his name <strong>to</strong> Rome. Finally,<br />
however, after some demurring on the part of a portion of the secular<br />
clergy, the Holy See thought fit, after due deliberation, <strong>to</strong> refer the<br />
question <strong>to</strong> the Most Rev. Dr. Laffan, Archbishop of Cashcl, who selectcd<br />
for the high dignity the Rev. John Ryan, a priest of the archdiocese of<br />
Cashel, and a native of the parish of Thurles, co~mty of Tipperary, and<br />
who had been parish priest of Doon. Dr. Ryan received the rudiments of<br />
his education in Thurles, and at an early age was sent by the Most Rev.<br />
Doc<strong>to</strong>r Bray, Archbishop of Cashel, <strong>to</strong> Maynooth College, where he became<br />
a distinguished contemporary of many of those admirable ecclesiastics<br />
who were destined in after years <strong>to</strong> fill exalted laces in the church.<br />
Called <strong>to</strong> the episcopacy as coadju<strong>to</strong>r bishop <strong>to</strong> t 7 le Right Rev. Dr.<br />
Tuohy, the consecrat~on of the Right Rev. Dr. Ryan <strong>to</strong>ok place in the<br />
old parish Church of St. John's on the 11th of December, 1825. Though<br />
his predecessors had done much for the advancement of religion, it remained<br />
for Dr. Ryan not only <strong>to</strong> perfect the glorious work in which<br />
In 1821, Bishop Jebb, who mi ht often be seen am-in-arm with some Catholic priest or<br />
other, addressed the veovk after &;ass from the altar of the Roman Catholic church of M um<br />
with 8 view <strong>to</strong> dissde ihem from secret societies. The congregation mere affected <strong>to</strong> tears.-;<br />
Forster's Lifs of Jcbb.
63t3 HISTORY OF LIMERICK. '. .<br />
they had indefatigably labourcd, but <strong>to</strong> extend <strong>to</strong> every part of his extensive<br />
diocese the most enduring monuments of that ardent love for the faith<br />
with which every action of his lordship's episcopal carcer proved that llis<br />
soul was inspired. A native of the archdiocese of Cashel, it was not <strong>to</strong><br />
be wondered at that his appointment by the Holy See <strong>to</strong> the mitre of<br />
<strong>Limerick</strong> was not regarded in the commencement with favour by a portion<br />
of the clergy. But no sooner had he undertaken the great and important<br />
duties inseparable from his office, than every symp<strong>to</strong>m of coolness and prejudice<br />
gave way. He was blessed with a clew judgment, with admirable<br />
tact and impartiality. His conscientious sense of justice was universally<br />
admitted, so that those who might not at first have looked upon his elevation<br />
with hvour became the most ardent among his admirers, the most<br />
attached among his fiiends. All were unanimous in awarding him the most<br />
earnest and unequivocal praise. The chains by which the liberties of our<br />
countrymen were fettered, had not been broken for some fern years after<br />
Dr. Xyan's accession <strong>to</strong> the episcopal throne of <strong>Limerick</strong>. Catholics were<br />
excluded fi.om every office of trust and emolument in the state: the old<br />
religion was banned, whilst bishops,.priests, and people were loolrad upon<br />
in no other light than as hclots in the land of their birth. To obtain<br />
emancipation was the Herculean labour <strong>to</strong> which O'Connell had been<br />
devoting his unparalleled resources ; and, though naturally adverse <strong>to</strong> agitation,<br />
the good cause had no more earnest friend than Dr. Ryan, who gave<br />
not only his sympathy, but his support <strong>to</strong> the efforts of his CO-religionists<br />
<strong>to</strong> place themselves on an equality with their fcllow-subjects t-houghout he<br />
empire. In the measure of emancipation, at length granted, no one more<br />
cordially rejoiced than Dr. Ryan.<br />
Once fiecd from thc odious trammels <strong>to</strong> which hostile legislation had for<br />
so protracted a period of gloom, despondency, and terror consigned them,<br />
he saw that Irish Catholics, placed at length on an cquality with their<br />
Protestant fellow-countrymen, were preparcd <strong>to</strong> vie with them for the supremacy<br />
in every field, and often <strong>to</strong> win the palm of preccdcnce from those<br />
who had so long with impunity tramplcd upon thcm, with contumely sad<br />
scorn. The progress of religion went hand-in-hand with political freedom.<br />
A desire <strong>to</strong> show forth the results of the independence they had achieved,<br />
soon <strong>to</strong>ok posseassion of the Catholic hcnrt and intellect; and giving a right<br />
direction <strong>to</strong> the impulse, the Right Rev. Dr. Ryan soon found means not<br />
only <strong>to</strong> extcnd the blessings of religion and education throughout every<br />
parish of his diocese, but <strong>to</strong> establish and endow convents, <strong>to</strong> build churches,<br />
<strong>to</strong> advmce thc position of his devoted clergy, and <strong>to</strong> obtain from dl that<br />
unqnalificd respect and devotion which nccompnnied liis faotstcps mller.<br />
ever he went, and which must have been a solace <strong>to</strong> him in every one of<br />
his undertaki~!gs. He felt his task an easy one, whether it was <strong>to</strong> erect a<br />
church or build a cathedral, because it was a pleasure-a delight-<strong>to</strong> aid<br />
him in evcry may. He had only <strong>to</strong> ask and <strong>to</strong> obtain, because he was<br />
wisc, right-heartcd, and true ; and thus it was that nothing impeded h' ~mthat<br />
when he S olie, a satisfac<strong>to</strong>ry answer was given. Thus, though in<br />
f:<br />
the year 1843 cre was but onc small conventual establishment for nuns<br />
in the <strong>City</strong> of <strong>Limerick</strong>, and me believe we are correct in stating not one<br />
elsewherk througi-out the diocesc, there are now five convents in the<br />
city, including the Presentation, the Order of Blercy, p), the Good Shep-<br />
herd, the E'aithfu companions, (Laurel Hill), whilst elsewhere in the<br />
diocese there &re several. In the life of nladame D'Houet, foundress of the<br />
HISTORY OF LIMERICK. 639<br />
order of the Faithful Companions, a tribute of just praise is bcs<strong>to</strong>md upon<br />
Dr. Ryan and the Very Rev. Dean Cussen for the wonderful servlces<br />
conferred on the great educational project in which that holy nun was en-<br />
gaged; and the first convent of the order in Ireland was established in<br />
<strong>Limerick</strong>, the splendid convent of Laurel hill. which has been recognised<br />
since its formation as a leading educational establishment of the first class<br />
for young ladies.' In Bruff, the convent of St. Mary's was founded in<br />
1856, and in a few years afterwards, owing <strong>to</strong> the extraordinary sacrifices<br />
and exertions of the Very Rev. Dean Cussen, a new and beautiful con-<br />
vent was built, which has attained a first.class position as an educational<br />
establishment.' The open sincerity of Dr. Ryan's heart shone in those<br />
features which, even in death, had much bpce and bcnignity im mssed<br />
upon them. In 1825 there were but few schools in the city and Jocese.<br />
The Christian Brothers had been but a short time bcfore introduced by his<br />
excellent predecessor, Dr. Tuohy. Dr. Ryan not only @ve them every<br />
encouragement, but he aforded them facilities by which they could extend<br />
thcir usefulness, increase the number of schools, and bring <strong>to</strong> the child of<br />
every poor person in the city all the advantages of an excellent education.<br />
As <strong>to</strong> higher schooIs, they were extremely few thirty or even twenty years<br />
ago in <strong>Limerick</strong>. By the earnest zeal of Dr. Ryan for the promotion of<br />
education among the better-<strong>to</strong>-do classes of Catholics, the Jesuit Fathers have<br />
been introduced there, and their college at this moment is one of the most<br />
flourishing in the south of Ireland. It was by Dr. Ryan that the unwealied<br />
and indefitigable Redemp<strong>to</strong>rist Fathem, the sons of St. Alphonsus, have<br />
been introduced <strong>to</strong> bes<strong>to</strong>w the inestimable blessings and benefits of their<br />
most pious labours on a eople who h ow how <strong>to</strong> look upon them with<br />
deserved reverence and dct~on. As if by magic, <strong>to</strong>o, he raised up the<br />
grand Cathedral of St. John's, having only sought assistance, and in a<br />
moment his most sanguine eirpectationa being more thsn realised.<br />
In addition <strong>to</strong> hia other admirable traita of character, Dr. Ryan FRS an<br />
ardent friend of temperance, as he was of its apostle, the illustimus Father<br />
Mathew, who ever spoke of him in the kindeat possible terms, as of a prelate<br />
who was among the very first <strong>to</strong> invite him <strong>to</strong> leave Cork and administer<br />
the ledge <strong>to</strong> the millions.<br />
&us Dr. Ryan went on, increasing in years, and not the less increasing<br />
in good works and in the veneration of hs people; and though with the<br />
majority of that people in some of their struggles he did not accord, this<br />
fact did not Iessen or weaken their love for him, who was ever <strong>to</strong>lerant<br />
and liberal himself, and never yet was known <strong>to</strong> qnarrel with others for<br />
Vie dc Madame 3 e Bonnault D'Rouei, Paris, 1863. Madame D'Hoaet alao bes<strong>to</strong>wed pm&<br />
on the late Rev. Wihm Bourlie, the active and zealous adminiitra<strong>to</strong>r of St. John's, and after-<br />
w d wish priest of Bruree. Ris remains are interred in St. John's Cathedral, which he<br />
exertetf himself with wonderful assiduity <strong>to</strong> build.<br />
The Very Rev. Robert Cussen, P.P., Y.G., Dean of died in London on the 13th<br />
of May, 1866, after a short illness. He was a most leamed, exemplary, zealous, pions, and truly<br />
excellent ecclesiastic in every particular. He had reached only his 66th year, and hopes were<br />
entertained that he would live for many em, an ornament <strong>to</strong> the ecclesiastical state, and a<br />
wurce of support md strength <strong>to</strong> the a&ational institutions h which he <strong>to</strong>ok so deep an<br />
interest. Dean Cnssen's remains were conveyed for interment <strong>to</strong> his pprish of Brd, where, smid<br />
the lamentatians of his sincerely attached parishioners and tbe deep repts of the religions<br />
and pupils of St Mary's Convent, they were consigned <strong>to</strong> their last restmg-place withim the<br />
church of Bmff, in which he had so long, so faithfully, and so well ministered. Dean Cussen<br />
was a native of the city of <strong>Limerick</strong>, and be may k rnnked emongst the tmly learned and<br />
estimable of her sons The Very Rev. Archdenwn O'Brien, P.P, Y.G., Newcastle West, sne-<br />
ceded DF. Cuwn as denu, by Papal rescript, dated July 27th 1866. The Very Rev. Jmes<br />
. .<br />
640 HISTORY OF LIMERICK<br />
entertaining opinions different from his, but gave the fullest credit <strong>to</strong> those<br />
who entertained views opposite <strong>to</strong> his own on ~ublic affairs. AS re have<br />
said, though constitutionally adverse <strong>to</strong> agitation, there was no prelate in<br />
the land who gave larger <strong>to</strong>leration <strong>to</strong> the views of others; and lt cannot,<br />
in this brief and hasty sketch of his career, be omitted <strong>to</strong> state that the<br />
great O'Connell, on the very last occasion he ever visited <strong>Limerick</strong>, <strong>to</strong>ok<br />
occasion not only <strong>to</strong> make the most articular inquiries aftcr the health of<br />
the Right Rev. Dr. Ryan, but <strong>to</strong> request tlie Right Rev. Dr. Whelan, who<br />
accompanied him, <strong>to</strong> make a special visit <strong>to</strong> Park House in his (the Libera<strong>to</strong>r's)<br />
name <strong>to</strong> pay Dr. XJWI his compliments, the Libera<strong>to</strong>r being<br />
unable <strong>to</strong> go himself.<br />
Hc breathed his last on the Gtli of Junc, 1864. After his death, the body,<br />
robed in episcopal costume, with purple rochet and cross, etc., wi~ laid<br />
out in tlie lower reception room of his residence, Park House, whcre, in<br />
the course of the afternoon, wry many of the citizens procecdcd <strong>to</strong> pay<br />
the sad tribute of their respect <strong>to</strong> all that was mortal of onc who for SO<br />
long a spaceof time was amon-rst them, a model of everything that was calculated<br />
<strong>to</strong> make man cstima8c.<br />
The remains of the lamented prelate were borne <strong>to</strong> the Cathedral of St.<br />
John's, in solemn procession, from his residence. The Bishop, the Right<br />
Rev. Dr. Butler, the clergy, the members of the various public bodies of<br />
the city, corporation, chamber of commerce, religious societies, the children<br />
of the Christian Brothers' and Presentation Convent and Sisters of Mercy<br />
Schools, etc., were in the procession in n~o~wning.<br />
The body of the deceased Bishop lay in state in the Cathedral of St.<br />
John's, where, after the procession on Tuesday evening, it was received<br />
by tlie Right Rev. Dr. Butler, and where thousands thronged <strong>to</strong> pay their<br />
last sad tribute of respect <strong>to</strong> the remaim of a bishop who, for the greatest<br />
part of half a cent~~ry, had lived amongst them. Four of the clergy of the<br />
cathedral, including the Very Rev. the Administra<strong>to</strong>r, were present throughout<br />
tlie night. The solemn appearance of the cathedral, clothed in bl~k drapery, and lighted with gas pendants, gasaliers, and wax candles, was in<br />
perfect liccping with the solemnity of the occasion.<br />
The arms of the diocese-the mitre, the pas<strong>to</strong>ral staff and crozicr, were<br />
placcd in front of the great organ gallery, which, with the noble organ,<br />
were all draped in black. . The pillars of the church were in alternate<br />
black and yellow drapery of cloth and had a very good effect. Between<br />
th~ arches of each pillar fes<strong>to</strong>oned curtains of black cloth were arranged.<br />
On tlie following (Wednesday) morning, from the very earliest hour,<br />
clergymen from all parts of the diocese poured in<strong>to</strong> tlie city, and proceeded<br />
<strong>to</strong> tlic cathedra1, whcre they cclebratcd mass, The lid of the coffin was<br />
closcd down on the remains of the good bishop, on which was the following<br />
inscription on a brass plate:<br />
RIGHT RXV. JOHN RYAN,<br />
LOaD BISHOP OF LIMEBICK.<br />
Sicb<br />
ON THE GTE OF JUNE, 1864,<br />
W THE 81s~ PEAR OF EIS AGE,<br />
and 39th of his bishopric.<br />
HISTORY OP LIMERICK. 641<br />
At eleven o'clock AN. the cathedral was crowded, and the solemn <strong>to</strong>nes<br />
of the organ were awakened in the dirge notes, and immediately after that<br />
hour began the procession of the clergy, etc., headed by the Lord Archbishop<br />
of Cashel and Emly, who had come <strong>to</strong> pay his respects <strong>to</strong> the<br />
memory of his old and sincere friend, Dr. Ryan, the Lord Bishop of<br />
<strong>Limerick</strong>, the Lord Bishop of Bombay, entered the choir, preceded by<br />
acolytes and cross-bearers. After the usual solemn services, the coffin was<br />
lowered in<strong>to</strong> the vault prepared for it, opposite the great altar in the cathedral<br />
of St. John's. Thus were laid m the grave the mortal remains of<br />
the venerable bishop who for nearly forty ears had goveraed the see of<br />
<strong>Limerick</strong> with prudence, justice, and libera E 'ty, and who was one of the<br />
moat munificent benefac<strong>to</strong>rs <strong>to</strong> the man convents and religious institutions<br />
which are now established throug l out the diocese.<br />
In the year 1860, then grown old, and well nigh unable <strong>to</strong> undergo the<br />
cares of duty, the Right Rev. Dr. Ryan had called upon tlie Holy See <strong>to</strong> issue<br />
its rescript for the election of a Coadju<strong>to</strong>r Bishop. Accordingly on the 2nd<br />
of May in that year, the parish priests met in the old church of St. John's,<br />
and forwarded <strong>to</strong> the court of Rome the names of the Very Rev. Dr. Gcorge<br />
Butler, Dean of the Diocese of <strong>Limerick</strong>, and P.P. of St. Mary's ; the Very<br />
Rev. Dr. Robert Cussen,V.G. and P.P. of Bruff; thevery RevJohn Brahan,<br />
V.G., P.P., Newcastle West ; the Very Rev. Dr. O'Reilly, S. J., and the Vcry<br />
Rev. Dr. Kirby, President of the Irish College in Rome. The Holy See at<br />
length thought fit <strong>to</strong> select the Right Rev. Dr. George Butler, the present<br />
Bishop of <strong>Limerick</strong>, <strong>to</strong> whom all his acquaintances wish a long life of' happiness<br />
unalloyed and continued usefulness in the ancient See of St. Munchin,<br />
which has been filled by men of most distinguished lives and services <strong>to</strong> religion<br />
mdcountry. Dr. Butler was born in the city of <strong>Limerick</strong> in the year<br />
1815. At the age of fourteen years he entered the Diocesan Academy, which<br />
was kept by the Rev. Dr. Carey, under the patronage of the Right Hev. Dr.<br />
Ryan, where he continued for two years. At the early age of' sixteen, the<br />
young student was sent <strong>to</strong> Naynooth College, and went through the whole<br />
collegiate course, on the completion of which, in the year 1838, he was<br />
plwed on the Dunboyne Establishment. Towards the end of that year, the<br />
Bshop of Trinidad in the West Indies went <strong>to</strong> Maynooth for missionaries<br />
for his far distant diocese, the climate of which has been proverbially fatal<br />
<strong>to</strong> Europeans. The zealous and ardent youthful ecclesiastic, George<br />
Butler, did not hesitate: he, with a few others, including his brother, the<br />
Rev. John Butler, then, also on the Dunboyne Establishment, volunteered<br />
their services. The brothers were both ordained in Maynooth College in<br />
November in that year by the Bishop of Trinidad, the Right Rev. Dr.<br />
Smith, and soon afterwards they set sail for that island, in which one of<br />
them was destined in a very short time <strong>to</strong> find an early and glorious<br />
grave. The Rev. John Butler lived but nine months after their arrival.<br />
The Rev. George Butler resided for two years in Trinidad: during the<br />
greater part of the time he was curd or Parish Priest of San Fernando, one<br />
of the chief districts of the island. After the premature and lamented<br />
death of his broiher, the health of the survivor became affected, and within<br />
less than a year he had three severe attacks of fever.<br />
Having heard of these circumstances, the Right Rev. Dr. Ryan signified<br />
1Js wish that the Rev. George Butler should return <strong>to</strong> <strong>Limerick</strong>. In<br />
obedience <strong>to</strong> that wish-for Dr. Ryan was still his bishop-the young
.. I<br />
642 HISTORY OF LIMERICK.<br />
missionary left the West Indies, and arrived in <strong>Limerick</strong> <strong>to</strong>wards the end<br />
of 1840, when he wns appointed <strong>to</strong> the curacy of St. Patrick's, of which<br />
the late lamented Rev. Mathew O'Connor was parish priest. In Saint<br />
Patrick's the Rev. George Butler continued curate fm four years. He was<br />
then appointed <strong>to</strong> St. John's, where he remai~ed for one yeax, at the expi-<br />
ration of which he was sent <strong>to</strong> St. Michael's, where he was curate for<br />
twelve years, during the last years of which he was adxinistra<strong>to</strong>r. In<br />
1857 he was appointed parish priest of Saint Nary's and dean of the<br />
diocese; and in 1861, on the 25th of July, he was consecrated Bishop of<br />
Cidonia in parlibus, and Coadju<strong>to</strong>r Bishop of <strong>Limerick</strong>; the consecrating<br />
prelate was the Most Rev. Dr. Leahy, Axchbishop of Cashel, assisted by<br />
the Bisho 3 of Killaloe and Cloyne. The Lord Archbishop of Dublin, and<br />
many oft % e prelates of Munster and Connaught were present, as was also<br />
the Bishop of Bombay, as well 3s the Archimandrite of Lebanon, all at-<br />
tended by their respective chaplains.<br />
The consecration sermon was preached by the Right, Rev. Dr. Moriart ,<br />
Bishop of Kerry. On the 6th of J-me, 1864, on the demise of the Rig t<br />
Rev. Dr. Ryan, the Right Rev. Dr. Butler succeeded <strong>to</strong> the see of<br />
Limr rkk, of the mitre of which his lordship has in every possible way<br />
Lv7ed himself preminently worthy, and which it is universally hoped<br />
%e may live for very many years <strong>to</strong> wear.<br />
CHAPTER LX.<br />
THE Rk LiGIOUS ORDERS.--CATHOLIC CHURCHEX-INSTITUTIONS, ETC.<br />
WE shall devote this chapter <strong>to</strong> an account of those illustrious religious<br />
orders, which for so many years have made <strong>Limerick</strong> famous, and contri-<br />
.buted so materially <strong>to</strong> keep the faith alive in the city.<br />
THE AUGUSTINIANS.<br />
First then in order of time, as in extent of their privileges, come the<br />
regular canons of St. Augustine,' a distinct order from that of his hermits,<br />
and originated in the regular community founded by St. Augustine<br />
in his own house. The order of the Hermits of St. Augustine, accord-<br />
ing <strong>to</strong> the learned Albaa Butler and the ancient writers, dates its foun-<br />
dation from so early an epoch as a.n. 388, when it was established by<br />
the great saint himself. The convent of the order of the Hermits of St.<br />
Augustine was founded at <strong>Limerick</strong> in the thirteenth century by OBrien<br />
of the royal race of <strong>Limerick</strong> and Thomond.' Its site is said <strong>to</strong> have been<br />
where the city court-house once s<strong>to</strong>od in Quay Lane. Both Canons and<br />
Hermits were branches of the same illustrious order, with which, in Ireland<br />
at least, no other could stand in com etition, being as great in &is country<br />
as the Benedictines were in ~n~lanc! There were also ancient foundations<br />
of Augustinian nuns in Ireland, and all these foundations for men and<br />
women were represented in the city of <strong>Limerick</strong>, where the Augustinian<br />
nuns were oalled the Canonesses of St. Au stine.<br />
Accordihg <strong>to</strong> Sir James Ware, a priory P<br />
or regular Oanons of St. A u p<br />
Amrdiig <strong>to</strong> many learned writers, the old Irish W ee monks were the sane as the re-<br />
gular canons of Bt. Angnstine, in<strong>to</strong> whose order the ancient monks may have merged. Both<br />
the Cufdaes and secular canons officiated in cathedrsls. Dr. hi,- refers the canons <strong>to</strong> the<br />
eleventh century, but is net generally followed.<br />
Brnodm in Xi. Dom. p 749.<br />
E<br />
HI STORY 03 LIMERICK. 64.3<br />
tine was founded in the reign of King John, anno 1227, by Simon Minor,<br />
a citizen of <strong>Limerick</strong>, under the invocation'of the Blessed Virgin and St.<br />
Edward the King and Martyr; and according <strong>to</strong> this author it was the prior<br />
of this house who had the first voice in the election of the Mayor of<br />
<strong>Limerick</strong>, a privilege,' according <strong>to</strong> Archdall, which belonged <strong>to</strong> the<br />
Augustinian Hermits or Austin Friars.<br />
The site of the monastery of the Regular Canons was at the end of the<br />
Fish Lane, and near the site of Sir Harry's Mall. It had been rented for<br />
some time before its demolition as a fish house by the corporation, the pro-<br />
prie<strong>to</strong>rs of the Lax Weir, but not a vestige of it remains at present. It<br />
<strong>to</strong>tally disappeared nearly a century since. An inquisition was held in<strong>to</strong><br />
the possessions of this monastery in the 19th Henry VIII;2 and the grant<br />
<strong>to</strong> Edrnond Sex<strong>to</strong>n is set out in the 29th year of that reign? The priors<br />
having, as stated, had the principal voice in the city election, occupied a<br />
seat in the court house next the mayor. The last prior before the sup-<br />
pression was Patrick Harrold.<br />
In the year 1472, a command was given by the Most Rev. Father<br />
Aquila, the General of the Order, that regular discipline" should be<br />
observed in the convent of the Augustinian Hermits; and though in the<br />
days of persecution there could hardly have been a regular Augustinian<br />
community in <strong>Limerick</strong>, there can be no question as <strong>to</strong> the uninterrupted<br />
existence of the order in the city. The Augustinian Hermits certa~nly<br />
lived in community in <strong>Limerick</strong>, even in the reign of George 11. The<br />
friars occasionally fled, but they invariably returned. The succession,<br />
so <strong>to</strong> speak, was never broken. The possessions of the convcnt of the<br />
Holy Cross, consisting of lands and houses through <strong>to</strong>wn and country,<br />
were valued at its suppression at S8 6s. Id., equal <strong>to</strong> &l66 Is. Sd. at pre-<br />
sent. They are now the property of the Earl of <strong>Limerick</strong>, <strong>to</strong> whose<br />
l Archdall refers <strong>to</strong> an inquisition, 37th Elizabeth (AD. 15951 <strong>to</strong> prove that the Eremites, not<br />
the Canons Regular, had the privilege. Stephen Sex<strong>to</strong>n, whiie he lived, certainly claimed that<br />
privilege in right of that house, but, as appears from the next note, the prior of the Regulars<br />
claimed the same right. See next page, text and note. Perhaps the Sex<strong>to</strong>ns claimed in right<br />
of both houses.<br />
Inpuisitio taken at Lymeric before Nic. Comyn, Mayor, 19th year of King Henry VIII.<br />
It is found, "That Symon Mynor some'time citezen of the cittie of Lymeryk was fondowr of<br />
Saptt Mary hows in the worsippe off the Blessytt Yirgin, Saynt Mary, and Sayntt Edward, Kpge<br />
and Martyr. The Prior Sir John For lefthe in the sayd hows a chalk, that stands in Stywp<br />
Creaghe is handes, <strong>to</strong> pledge of tho sayd Prior for the som of 30s. The jury say thei found on<br />
the hey aulter of the forsayd Saynt Mary hows a table of alabaster, 4 candelstykes, a eenc.<br />
<strong>to</strong>y payr crnetts, 21 bouks grett and small, holy water s<strong>to</strong>k, a pay organys, ' * 18 tapers<br />
W=, try cowpyr crossyr, 3 westymettes, a grett bell, 2 small bells, 3 doss bowls, 2 old coffyrs,<br />
* beds, a standpge bed, 3 old surplices, a lydge table, 3 small lkblys, 6 tastelles,<br />
2 chayres, 2 candelstykes, 2 broches, a hangynge candylstick, a plateyr, 2 pattengs, a brass<br />
poth, 2 * 3 lowya of glas, a lydge trestell, and 5 fowrmys or beus, whiche were<br />
found both in the chide and hall of the sayd Sayntt Mary hows. That the Prior had the hste<br />
W p8 eleccyon of Mayor, Ballyffcs, * * er, the Kpges O5cerys in the say& citie and<br />
sath nexth the Mayor, wt. in the <strong>to</strong>lse the days off eleccon in chosspg suche offiwres . . .<br />
hawing no room nexth the Mayr nether among the Consayll nor statt but only the sayd days<br />
. . . wt. in the <strong>to</strong>lse, and was not of the Consayll of the citie ne wyr theles he had ehyfthe<br />
and Mayr as a hlayr 7s pyr beryng there for as any othcr Mayr is pyr and nown other.<br />
September 28th 1537.<br />
SA grant <strong>to</strong> Edmond Sexten by Privy Seal, <strong>to</strong> the Ring's wall beIoved servant Edmond Sexten<br />
Sewer of his Chamber of the Monastery, Priorg or Cell of St. a- y-house, the cite ambit or ground<br />
thereof, and all Lordships, Manors, Lands, Advowsons of Chnrches, Tytheg Chapels, Chantriea,<br />
etc., spiritual and temporal there<strong>to</strong> belonging, within the precinct of the city or in the county of<br />
<strong>Limerick</strong>, in as large and ample manner as Sir Patrick HarroId late Prior had the same<br />
<strong>to</strong>gether with the goods and utensils thereof, To hold <strong>to</strong> the heirs male of his body by the<br />
service of one Kni htt fee, with directions for a Commission <strong>to</strong> issue for dissolution of said<br />
~onastery.-Inrol&, Bo1l.s Om, Dullin, 29th year of Henry VIII.
644 HISTORY OF LIMERICX. . .<br />
ances<strong>to</strong>r, Edmond Sex<strong>to</strong>n, they were granted. White's MSS. assert that,<br />
from the ruins of the monastery of the Canons Regular, the Irish fired<br />
upon the soldiers of King William, as they approached the city from the<br />
heights of Park.<br />
In 1691, we find there were a communit and convent in <strong>Limerick</strong>,<br />
De Burgc alludes <strong>to</strong> a lawsuit between the rior of the convent of St.<br />
Augustine, in <strong>Limerick</strong>, and one William Lysaght, as <strong>to</strong> the possession of<br />
their convent. In that year, the Prior was the celebrated Bernard<br />
O'Kennedy, subsequently Provincid of the Order in Ireland. He afterwards<br />
fled <strong>to</strong> Spain from the horrors of the persecution of William III.,<br />
where he died in 1704. In a aetter which he wrote a little before his<br />
death <strong>to</strong> the province of Ireland, for he was then the Provincial, he<br />
states that he left in trust with a friend in Ireland, a chalice and suit of<br />
vestments for the convent of <strong>Limerick</strong>, which is a proof that a convent had<br />
been there before his departure from Ireland. We find that almost all the<br />
regular clergy, notwithstanding the numbers banished in 1698, continued<br />
in their native land. It was not, however, until the end of the reign<br />
of George I., that regular clergy began <strong>to</strong> live in community and <strong>to</strong> erect<br />
chapels in the princ~pal <strong>to</strong>wns in Ireland. In the next reign, as before<br />
mentioned, and for the last century, we find the Augustinians living in community<br />
in <strong>Limerick</strong>.<br />
In 1736 the Dominicans and Franciscans of <strong>Limerick</strong> applied <strong>to</strong> Dr.<br />
O'KeefTe, the bishop, for redress against the Hermits of St. Augustine,<br />
who, as they alleged, had settled themselves in the city without having<br />
any title for so doing, asserting they never had a convent of their order in<br />
the city. The bishop, attended by his secular clergy, often examined<br />
both parties on the merits of this affair, and ultimately passed sentence<br />
against the Augustinians. The Augustinians appealed <strong>to</strong> Cashel, and<br />
from thence <strong>to</strong> the Primate of Armagh. The Dominicans and Franciscans<br />
would not acknowledge the Primate's jurisdiction in <strong>Limerick</strong>, and therefore<br />
they appealed <strong>to</strong> the Sacred Congregation de Propaganda; but nob<br />
withstanding their appeal, the Primate's commissary in absence of the contending<br />
parties, pronounced a sentence of absolution in favour of the<br />
Augustinians, who, by virtue thereof, opened their chapel, and ever since<br />
continued <strong>to</strong> officiate in the city. In some time after, the Augustinians produced<br />
a decree of the Holy Congregation, declaring their censures suspended<br />
usque ad emiturn causae; they required this decree in their favour<br />
<strong>to</strong> be published in all the chapels, which Dr. John Lehy, the Vicar-<br />
General, refused doing, as the Congregation did not send the decree <strong>to</strong><br />
him. However, the Augustinians still continued <strong>to</strong> have their chapel open<br />
and officiated in <strong>to</strong>wn equally with the rest of the friars in 1755.'<br />
In 1778 the Hermits of St. Augustine erected a neat chapel and chapelhouse<br />
in Creagh Lane, which they occupied until 1893. Their community<br />
were never less than three, and were sometimes four. Their chapel<br />
was the first in the city in which an organ wag erected.<br />
The removal of the community from Creagh Lane <strong>to</strong> George's Street,<br />
which occurred in 1823, was occasioned by the pressing demands for increased<br />
accommodation, and by an opportunity which now occurred of<br />
purchasing the new theatre, which had been recently built, in consequence<br />
White's MSS. The MSS. particulars of the controversy are extant. Fitzgerald statea that<br />
the question in dispute waa "set at rest for ever in 1739 or 1740, by the Canons Regular of<br />
St. Angagtine ceding <strong>to</strong> the said Hermits all their rights, privileges, and immaeitiea".<br />
HISTORY OB LIMERICK. 645<br />
of the burning of the old one, and which was now brought <strong>to</strong> the hammer<br />
for the liquidation of arrears of debt. The theatre had been built by subscription<br />
in 1810, at the expense of £4,000, but the Very Rev. Father<br />
Cronin, the prior, aided by public liberality, purchased it for 2400, and<br />
having insured the premises, employed an architect <strong>to</strong> make such alterations<br />
as would fit it for the service of religion. In negociating this purchase<br />
the prior was assisted by the Rev. D. O'Connor, now Bishop of<br />
Saldes, a distinguished member of the order, and in a few weeks, the work<br />
having been complete, the church was opened with great solemnity, and<br />
consecrated by the bishop of the diocese, the Right Rev. Dr. Tuohy, the<br />
sermon being preached by the celebrated Dr. Doyle, Bishop of Kildare<br />
and Leighlin, who was himself an Augustinian, and whose successful appeal<br />
on this occasion considerably assisted <strong>to</strong> liquidate the building debt. The<br />
alterations and improvements cost about £600 in addition <strong>to</strong> the purchase<br />
money. The interior is about ninety feet in length and sixty in breadth.<br />
The gallery is supported by metal columns and is in the form of a horseshoe.<br />
The new and costly altar of marble, etc., is ornamented by the fine<br />
~ainting of the Ascension by the celebrated artist, Timothy Collopy, a<br />
native of the city, of whom we have already written fully (see p. 344).<br />
This excellent church is principally lighted from the roof.<br />
Of the fathers of the convent who have always been held in deserved<br />
respect by the citizens of <strong>Limerick</strong>, it is only necessary <strong>to</strong> mention the<br />
names of the Very Rev. Thos. Walsh, the Very Rev. Augustine Aylmcr,<br />
the Rev. Patrick Green, the Rev. Thos. Connolly, the Very Rev. Father<br />
Stephen Egan, and the truly estimable Father Augustine Cronin, who were<br />
all distinguished for piety, learning, and amiability. Father Walsh, who built<br />
thc old convent about one hundred years ago, was Provincial of his Order,<br />
lived <strong>to</strong> the age of ninety years, and said Mass every day almost <strong>to</strong> his<br />
death. Father Cronin, who was the principal means of removing the<br />
convent from the old <strong>to</strong> the new <strong>to</strong>wn, did great service <strong>to</strong> religion by the<br />
establishment of confraternities. He died regretted by all who knew him<br />
in 1835.l<br />
The following is an accurate list of the priors from 1760 <strong>to</strong> 1865 :<br />
1760-Very Rev. Thomas Walsh.<br />
1770 ,, ,, James Byrne.<br />
1778 ,, ,, Thomas Walsh.<br />
1786 ,, ,, Augustine Aylmer.<br />
1811 ,, ,, Stephen Egan.<br />
1815 ,, ,, John Augustine Cronin.<br />
1819 ,, ,, Stephen Egan.<br />
1823 ,, ,, John Augustine Cronin.<br />
1835 ,, ,, Robert Dore.<br />
1839 ,, ,, James Dundon.<br />
1843 , ,, Robert Dore.<br />
1855 ,, ,, James Dundon.<br />
1859 ,, ,, Robert Dore.<br />
1863 ,, ,, James Dundon, the present prior, 1865.<br />
The Very Rev. Fathers Epn and Cronin are interred in the old vault on the n~rth<br />
side of<br />
St. Patrick's churchyard. The former died on the 26th of June, 1832, sged 76 years; the<br />
latter on the 23rd February, 1835, aged 64 years.
646 . ..HISTORY OF LIMERICK.<br />
The Canonesses of St. Augustine had a nunnery in Timerick, founded<br />
by King Dcna,ld O'Brien in 1171, and dedicated LI? St. Peter, whence its<br />
name of' Peter's Cell. It s<strong>to</strong>od near the <strong>to</strong>wn wall, at the lower end of<br />
Pump Lane or Peter Street. After the suppression, it became the property<br />
of Lold Mil<strong>to</strong>n. The dissenters of <strong>Limerick</strong> rented their chapel from<br />
him until 1798. A handsome house was afterwards built onits site, which,<br />
with its fine garden, became the residence of Madame O'Dell. This order<br />
had also three other establishments in the county, viz., at Cluan-Credhail,<br />
founded in the sixth century by St. Ita; at Kilsane, founded by<br />
MacSheehy, an Irish gentleman, and dedicated <strong>to</strong> St. Catherine; and at<br />
Monaster-na-Calliaghdilff, in the parish of Robers<strong>to</strong>wn, barony of Shanid,<br />
founded by the Clangibbons in the thirteenth century. The Knights Templars<br />
had a house in Quay Lane, and a Commandery at Newcastle, of<br />
which there are still some remains. The Knights of St. John of Jerusalenr<br />
had a house at Adare, and a prece <strong>to</strong>ry at Any, both founded in the<br />
thirteenth century, by Geoffry de -\A I aurisco: they had also another estab-<br />
I:'si~ment at Hospital.<br />
THE DOMINICANS.<br />
Next in order of time are the Dominicans, whose monastery was situated<br />
within and close by the walls of <strong>Limerick</strong>, on the north-east of the city,<br />
in a delightful situation, and not far Gom the waters of the Abbey River.<br />
According <strong>to</strong> the Book of the Friars Preachers of <strong>Limerick</strong>,' the first<br />
founder of the monastery of <strong>Limerick</strong> of the Friars Preachers was Donough<br />
Carbraigh O'Brien, who is said <strong>to</strong> have obtained from St. Dominic some<br />
of his religious <strong>to</strong> preach amongst the Irish. It is asserted by certain of the<br />
Dominican writers that St. Dominic himself visited Ireland.* This Donough<br />
Carbraigh, as appears in the ancient calendar and necrology of the monastery<br />
aforesaid, died on the 8th day of March in the year of our Lord 1241. So that<br />
between the confirmation of the order of St. Dominic, which was con-<br />
firmed by Honorius III., Sovereign Pontiff, in 1216, and the death of the<br />
aforesaid founder, there intervened twenty-five years. The monastery<br />
and church were dedicated <strong>to</strong> St. Saviour. Of the founder there occur<br />
in the margin of the caalendar, after the last day of the month, the follow-<br />
ing words :-<br />
Here lies Lord Donough Carbraigh O'Brien, a valiant leader in arms,<br />
Prince of Thomond, made a knight by the King of England, who caused <strong>to</strong><br />
be built the Church of the Friars of the Order of Preachers, who died on the<br />
8th day of the month of March, A.D. 1241 : on whose soul may the Lord have<br />
mercy. Amen. Let each devoutly say a Pater and Ave.<br />
This is confirmed by 0'Heyne3 and De Burgo.'<br />
Sir James Ware states that in his time the statue and the church existed,<br />
but after the two sieges of <strong>Limerick</strong> in 1650 and 1691, nothing remained<br />
of the <strong>to</strong>mb or the statue, and of the church and monastery there are only<br />
a few walls standing, which, by lancet windows of great altitude, and the<br />
debris of &me-work and tracery which now lie scattered in confusion<br />
about the convent of the Sisters of Mercy, tell what the monastery and<br />
Sloane MSS. in Britieb Mussum, 4793. ChronologkoZ Epilogue.<br />
8 Tenda, Mulvenda, efc.<br />
Dom<br />
i * ~ a.<br />
HISTORY OF LIMERICK. 647<br />
church had been in their days of splcndour. It is said that the soldiers of<br />
King William broke in pieces the statue of Donough Carbraigh, who was<br />
a very religious and devout prince, having built 80 churches, abbeys, and<br />
chapels (according <strong>to</strong> MacBrody's Chronicles). The Abbey of Ennis for<br />
Franciscans was one of the first he built. He also erected an academy<br />
or seminary for learning at Clonroad, near Ennis, where, according <strong>to</strong><br />
many authentic writers, six hundred scholars and a great many monks were<br />
frequently supported at the proper expense of the O'Brien family, until<br />
the reig? of Henry VIII. of England, when the dissolution of abbeys,<br />
seminaries, etc., etc., commenced.'<br />
It was he who also built the noble Cistertian Monastery of Holy Cross<br />
in the County of Tipperary. Ware states that hc was interred in Killaloe ;<br />
but it is positively asserted by O'Heyne and others that he was buried in<br />
the Dominican Convent which he founded in <strong>Limerick</strong>. In the church<br />
of the same monastery was buried Hubert de Burgo, Bishop of <strong>Limerick</strong>,<br />
who died on the 15th of September, 2250. Hubert's ances<strong>to</strong>r was called<br />
pugna<strong>to</strong>r, the " expugna<strong>to</strong>r", because after his arrival in Ireland with<br />
Henry II., he subjected Connaught <strong>to</strong> the power of its new masters. He<br />
married, in the first instance, a daughter of the King of England, and<br />
afterwards a daughter of the great Donald O'Bricn, who was the last king<br />
of Cashel? There were, besides, three bishops of Killaloe buried in this<br />
monastery, namely, Donald O'Kennedy, in the year 1252, Mathew O'Hog-<br />
hain in the month of August, 1281, and Mathew MacCrath on the 1st of<br />
September, 1391. There were also interred in the same monastery the<br />
following bishops of Kilfenora: Christianus, in the year 1254, Siinon<br />
O'Currin in the year 1303, and Maurice O'Brien, in the year 1321. The<br />
fact of Hubert's burial in the Dominican Friar is statcd in the ancient<br />
calendar of the order, and in the Black Book, W E ilst in confirmation of the<br />
fact as <strong>to</strong> the interment of the six bishops, we have it on the authority of<br />
an ancient sepulchral inscription which existed formerly in the archives<br />
of the monastery, and which was preserved in Latin, and which is in<br />
the Book of the Friars Preachers above quoted, the translation of which is<br />
thus given in Ware's Bishops :<br />
Six prelates here do lie, and in their favour<br />
I beg your friendly prayers <strong>to</strong> Christ our Saviour ;<br />
Who in their lifetime for this house did work,<br />
The first of whom I name was HUBKRT Bunse,<br />
Who graced the see of <strong>Limerick</strong>, and MATTHEW,<br />
With DONALD, Bishops both of KILLALOE ;<br />
CHRISTIAN and MATJR~CE I should name before,<br />
And SIMON, Bishops late of FENABORE.<br />
Therefore, kind Father, let not any soul<br />
Of these good men be lodged in t,he bl:ick hole.<br />
You who read this, kneel down in humble posture,<br />
Below three AVES say one PATEX NOSIER.<br />
Whoever for the soul sincerely prays,<br />
Merits indulgence for a hundred days ;<br />
And you, who read the verses on this stnne,<br />
Bethink yourself, and make the case your own ;<br />
John Loyd'a His<strong>to</strong> y of Clare. De Burgo, Hib. Domin.
HISTORY OF LIMERICK. . .<br />
Then seriously reflect on what you see,<br />
And think on what you are now, and what you'll be ;<br />
Whether you 're greater, equal, less, you must,<br />
As well as these, be crumbled in<strong>to</strong> dust.<br />
In 1279, according <strong>to</strong> King, a general chapter of the order was held<br />
there. On the 13th of January, 1330, a " liberate" was issued for the sum<br />
of thirty-five marcs, for the payment of one year's pension <strong>to</strong> the Dominicans<br />
of <strong>Limerick</strong>, Dublin, Drogheda, Cork, and Waterford.' Nine<br />
liberates had been issued. In 1340 Gerald Rochfort, a renowned knight,<br />
and head of his sept, died on the 29th of March, and according <strong>to</strong> Ware<br />
was interred here.<br />
About this time, according <strong>to</strong> the Arthur MSS., Martin Arthur built a<br />
magnificent peristyle of marble <strong>to</strong> the church of St. Saviour in <strong>Limerick</strong>.<br />
1345, John O'Grady, Treasurer of Cashel, and for a the Rec<strong>to</strong>r of<br />
O'Griffin, in the diocese of Killaloe, succeeded by the election of Dean and<br />
Chapter <strong>to</strong> the Archbishopric of Cashel, and having procured recommenda<strong>to</strong>ry<br />
letters from the King <strong>to</strong> the Pope (dated 10th Oc<strong>to</strong>ber, 1331) was<br />
by his provision placed in that see (Cashel) in 1332. A mark", says<br />
Hogan, the author of the Annals of Nenagh '' ofgreat wisdom and industry".<br />
He died in <strong>Limerick</strong> on the 8th day of July, 1345, in the Dominican Jmbit,<br />
and was buried there in a monastery of that order. He made many<br />
donations <strong>to</strong> his church, and in that particular gave it a large pas<strong>to</strong>ral staff.'<br />
Indeed, according <strong>to</strong> the book of the Friars Preachers already referred<br />
<strong>to</strong>: the Dominican monastery of <strong>Limerick</strong> was famous, among many other<br />
circumstances, for being the place of interment of illustrious Irishmen in<br />
olden days. It was there, it adds, that its founder 'Oomcao Cuipbpouc<br />
0bpcun, as we have already stated, was Suried. It was the place of<br />
sepulture, accor?.ing <strong>to</strong> the same calendar, of De Burgo, alias bupca~.o<br />
" Dux et Capitmeus*,' as well as of many other distinguished leaders of the<br />
Irish nation, who chose it as their last resting place. Many of the<br />
Geraldines were buried there, as we learn on the same authority, and<br />
their anniversaries were commemorated with due solemnity, as is set forth<br />
in the authority in question. The second founder of this convent, viz.,<br />
James Fitz John Earl of Desmond, was buried there in 1462, and it is<br />
recorded that the Friars Preachers were obliged <strong>to</strong> celebrate a yearly mass<br />
for his own soul, md for the souls of his parents and of his wife, and of<br />
his successors and their wives. There also, furthermore, was interred the<br />
" Dux et Capitaneus"MacNamara, alias roitbeama? who diedin 1503. The<br />
sept of the O'Ryans had a <strong>to</strong>mb there also, and the Dux et Ca itaneus of<br />
the sept, viz., Thaddeus Fitz Dermot O'Ryan, who is named in t K e ancient<br />
calendar Cuog m c lit ann m eau: was interred there, as were also many<br />
Roches, otherwise lioip6, whose Dux et Capitaneus was Gerald de Rupe<br />
Forti, a famous soldier, and able and strong in arms, who was buried there<br />
on the 4th Kalend of April, 1349. Many others of the old race and faith<br />
were interred there, as we h d by the Arthur MSS., which mention<br />
several citizens of <strong>Limerick</strong> who directed that their bodies should rest<br />
there. In tke year 1504' this convent, with others in Ireland, was reformed<br />
by the Most Rev. Master of the Order, Vincent Bandello, of Castro Novo in<br />
' Archdale's Noncuticon. 9 Ware. S Sloane MSS. in British Museum, 4793.<br />
' The chief of his family is mennt by this expression. The warlike.<br />
Thaddeus O'Byan the gentle. De Burgo, H& Dom<br />
I<br />
Lombardy! by his own proper authority, as well as by that of Pope Julius<br />
II., and, with four others, it was erected in<strong>to</strong> a university or general study,<br />
by the Chapter Generalissimo of the order in 1644. The other places<br />
thus favoured were Dublin, Cashel, Athenry, and Coleraine-one for<br />
each of the provinaes.' Thomas Curchmus was rior, but in what year is<br />
not certain. Considerable endowments were P brmerly bes<strong>to</strong>wed up04<br />
this monastery by James Fitzgerald, Earl of Desmond.'<br />
Among the remarkable members of the Domlnicas order of <strong>Limerick</strong><br />
oonvent were :-<br />
John Quin, or O'Quin, Bishop of the Diocese of <strong>Limerick</strong> (see Bishops),<br />
Terence Albert O'Brien, the martyr and ill~strious Bisho of Emnly, of<br />
whose martyrdom we have given an account in the his<strong>to</strong>ry o P Ire<strong>to</strong>n's siege;<br />
and James O'Hurly, the predecessor of Terence Albert O'Brien in Emly.<br />
There were many others also who suffered martyrdom, or who became<br />
distinguished for their sanctified lives.<br />
There was another house of the order at Six Mile Bridge, in the<br />
Connty of Clare, subject <strong>to</strong> the <strong>Limerick</strong> convent, of which de Burgo<br />
(Rib. Dorn.,. p: 213) states, he can add nothing <strong>to</strong> the fact that it existed,<br />
except that it IS asserted on the authority of O'Heyne, that it was called<br />
in Ineh Abbhutn O'Seayna: from the name of the nver (Ozeayna) which<br />
flows in<strong>to</strong> the Shannon, and that it was demolished in the wars of 1641.<br />
De Burgo further states that he visited the site in the year 1754, on the<br />
5th of May, and that he could find no vestige whatever of the convent of<br />
Six Mile Bridge.<br />
Father John O'Hepe, who is frequently quoted by de Burgo, gives thc<br />
his<strong>to</strong>ry of the celebrated Convent of the Dominicans of <strong>Limerick</strong>, and de<br />
Burgo supplements, up <strong>to</strong> his own the, the annals which O'He e began,<br />
but died before he could have finished. O'Heyne also wrote t K" e his<strong>to</strong>ry<br />
of the convent of the same illustrious order at Kilmallock. The work is<br />
written in Latin, and is called " O'Heynels Chronological Epilogue q<br />
; it<br />
is of extreme rarity, and for the extracts from it, in reference <strong>to</strong> the<br />
Dominicm Convents of <strong>Limerick</strong> and Kilmallock, we are indebted <strong>to</strong> the<br />
Very Rev. Dr. Carbery, Prior of St. Saviour's, <strong>Limerick</strong>, who obtained<br />
them from the only copy of the book known <strong>to</strong> be in Ireland, namely,<br />
that in the convent at Esker, County Galway. O'Heyne is said <strong>to</strong><br />
have been s native of Kilmallock. Having given a succinct account of<br />
the foundation of the convent, O'Heyie proceeds <strong>to</strong> enumerate and<br />
give a short his<strong>to</strong>ry of the many distmguished men who belonged <strong>to</strong><br />
it from time <strong>to</strong> time, and among whom, in the first and most distinguished<br />
place, stands the Mart r-Bishop of Emly, the great Terence<br />
Albert O'Brien of Arragh. Fa d er James Wolfe, the resolute and determined<br />
opponent of Cromwell, who was taken while he was celebrating<br />
mrtss, and who was executed in the same year, viz., 1651, in which thc<br />
sainted Bishop of Emly met his death, was also a member of the same convent.<br />
He then tells us of Father Cornelius O'Heyne, who studied in the<br />
College of Minerva at Rome, and taught theology for several years in the<br />
College of the Domi cans at Lisbon, and was rec<strong>to</strong>r of this convent, came<br />
<strong>to</strong> Ireland for subjects for the convent in Lisbon and died there ; of another<br />
O'Heyne; of Father John de Burgo, or Burke, who was prior in 1667 ; of<br />
DeBurgo, Bib. Dorn., p. 221. Ware, vol. i. p. 727. a River O'Gemm<br />
45
. I<br />
650 IIISTORY OF LIMERICK.<br />
Father Philip Wolfe, " a delightful poet, and a wonderful pro aga<strong>to</strong>r of<br />
the devotion of the Rosarr"; of Father James Comin, and of Fat 1 er James<br />
Arthur, both of whom, ike all the preceding, studied abroad ; of Father<br />
Cornelius O'Heyne ; of Fathers Nicholas Roche, Peter Lacy, Denis O'Gallaher,<br />
John Halpin, Rancis O'Grady, Patrick Sarsfield, Donatus O'Hehir,<br />
John M'Convin, John Magee, Dominick Roche, James Convill, and<br />
Thomas O'Hurley, all of whom studied in Spain, in Louvain, in Rome, or<br />
in France. Some of these fathers were distinguished abroad; Lacy had<br />
a pension from Louis the Grcat for preaching the faith <strong>to</strong> heretics, which<br />
he did with much hit. Some were professors of theology or philosophy<br />
in colleges abroad. De Burgo visited <strong>Limerick</strong> in 1754, or in 1756, and<br />
states that the following fathers of the convent were then in the city:-<br />
A. R. P. ex-Provincial Fr. Michael Hoare,. prior, aged 51 years, of his<br />
profession 33 years; A. R. P. Magistcr Fr. Nicholas Quin, aetat. 41, proff.<br />
18 (sent <strong>to</strong> Cork, where he was Vicar Provincial of Munster, A.D. 1758);<br />
R. P. Praesentatus Fr. Peter MacMahon, &at. 45 years, prof. 23; P. Fr.<br />
Michael O'Loughlen, =tat. 54, proff. 27 ; and P. Fr. Denis Cahill, zetat.<br />
49, ~rofE 23 (died in <strong>Limerick</strong> in the year 1757).<br />
De Burgo, and after him Archdall and Ferrar, state that a portion of the<br />
pund had been converted in<strong>to</strong> a tan yard, and a barrack was built on<br />
another portion of it. The barrack was built on a art of the site which<br />
had been taken by Govcrnrnent in 1679, on a lease p or one hundred years.<br />
It was capable of containingei ht hundred men; it extended two hundred<br />
feet in length, and two hun di, ed and ninety feet in breadth, and was<br />
strengthened on the east side by a broad deep ditch, etc.' This sumptuous<br />
monastery had grcat possessions in and about the <strong>City</strong> of <strong>Limerick</strong>, prior<br />
<strong>to</strong> the suppression in the reign of Hcnry VIII. It had the fishery of<br />
the salmon weir at St. Thomas's Island, which, in earlier times, Edward<br />
Bisho of <strong>Limerick</strong> challenged the right of King Joha <strong>to</strong> alienate, and<br />
for wKich Kiig John, by way of compromise, granted him ten ounds<br />
of silver in free and perpetual alms annually for ever. Monabra er, or<br />
tlie Friar's Bog, ncar Parteen, belonged <strong>to</strong> it, as well as several other<br />
possessions.<br />
David Brown, Doc<strong>to</strong>r of Divinity in this monastery, having been sent<br />
by King Henry VIII. as his envoy <strong>to</strong> Italy on a&irs concerning the state,<br />
continued there till the suppression of rehgious houses, when he returned<br />
<strong>to</strong> this kingdom, where this truly good and exemplary mm peacefully<br />
ended his days.<br />
Edmond was prior at the time of the general suppression, when he was<br />
scizcd of the site, church, stecple, dormi<strong>to</strong> , three chambers, rt cemetery,<br />
sundry closes, containing an acre and a ha 9 within the precincts, a garden<br />
of four acres without the walls of the monastery, and tlurty acres of amble<br />
and pasture land called Courttrocke, within the libertics of the city. The<br />
site, etc., were valued at 2s., and the garden and land at S5 2s. Od. sterling<br />
yearly.<br />
Jmuary 7th, and 35th Henry VIII., this monastery, with the a purtcnances<br />
+ercun<strong>to</strong> belon,Gg, tithes excepted, and thirty acres of P and,<br />
mere grantkd <strong>to</strong> James Ear1 of Desmond, in capite, at the yearly rent of<br />
5s. 2d. sterling.<br />
And an inquisition taken 23rd August, 1623, finds that James Gould,<br />
St. Dominickta WcU is ncar where thc ditch ran.<br />
HISTOBY OF LIMERICK. 651<br />
who died 6th September, 1600, was seized of this priory, and of twentyfour<br />
acres of arable land adjacent there<strong>to</strong>; also of the castle, <strong>to</strong>wn, and<br />
lands of Corbally, and one caracute of land, in free and common soccage.<br />
The Dominican Fathers continued <strong>to</strong> reside in the city in the very<br />
worst times of persecution. We have seen by De Burgo, that in the lust<br />
century they had a regular convent in the city.<br />
The following is the list of the Priors of the Dominican Convent,<br />
<strong>Limerick</strong>, from 1730 <strong>to</strong> the present time, 18G4':-<br />
About the year 1730, the fathers final1 settled down in Fish Lnnc,<br />
and began <strong>to</strong> erect a chapel, over which t K ey made a dwelling or small<br />
convent. The chapel was a parallelogram, about sixty feet long and<br />
thirty broad. It was decorated in rather good taste. The galleries wero<br />
supported by accurately elaborated Gorinthian columns. The altar consisted<br />
of an entablature supported on pillus of same style. The paintin,n<br />
over the altar was a crucifixion. The only article belonging <strong>to</strong> tlie old<br />
church of St. Saviour that was <strong>to</strong> be found in this chapel, was the'oak<br />
statue of the Virgin and Child which was made in Flanders in the early<br />
part of the seventeenth century, and which, after the final dcstruction of<br />
the original church, was buried in the ground for nearly a century. As<br />
soon as the fathers had their new place of worship completed. they brought<br />
in their dear old statue of our Lady, and it in a shrine prepared<br />
at the epistle side of the altar, where it continued an object of tender<br />
devotion <strong>to</strong> the faithful, who were ever alive <strong>to</strong> the pious traditions of the<br />
Fathers of the Rosary, as the Dominicans were thcn frequently callcd. It<br />
is said that many and great graces were obtained from God by the pious<br />
clients of Mar , who made their devotions before this shrine. We find<br />
at this time, t i at Father Albert O'Brien was Prior of <strong>Limerick</strong>, 1736;<br />
Father Michael Hoare, 1740; Father John Fitzmauricc, 1745; Father<br />
Peter M'Mahon, 1749. At the chapter held this year, 17 , Fathcr<br />
Hoare was elected Provincial. Father Nicholas O'Quin was Prior in<br />
1761 ; Father Denis O'Connor, 1765 ; Father John O'Brien, 1769 ; Father<br />
Thomas Ryan, 1775; Father Dionysius M'Grath, 1789; Father Stephen<br />
Roche, 1796 ; Father Richard Roche, 1803; Father Thomas Ryan, 1806 ;<br />
Father Peter Toole, 1810; Father Joseph Harrigan, 1814. Father HanGgan,<br />
finding the old chapel in Fish Lane insufficient for the wants of tho<br />
increasing congregation, and at the same time showing great signs of<br />
decay, got from Edmond Henry, Earl of <strong>Limerick</strong>, on a lease of lives<br />
renewable for ever, at the yearly rent of £54 17s. 8d., the<br />
on which the resent church stands, and which in those<br />
E<br />
South Priorvs an&. Here Father Harrignn began the<br />
the present church, which in its time was a marvel of architectural splen-<br />
dour. This church was solemnly consecrated by the Right Rev. Dr.<br />
Tuohy on the 6th of July, 1816, with the unctions and blessing of the<br />
Pontifical. He was assisted in the solemn rite by the bishops of the<br />
province, and a vast number of the clergy. The consecration sermon was<br />
preached by the Rev. Father J. Ryan, O.P., Prior of Cork. He was a<br />
native of <strong>Limerick</strong>. Father Harrigan and his community brought their<br />
venerable old statue of our Lady <strong>to</strong> the new church, where it still remains,<br />
<strong>to</strong> the great delight of the faithful. In order <strong>to</strong> pay the pressing demands<br />
and debts on the new church, the fathers applied for permission <strong>to</strong> raise<br />
Extmetedfrorn The Acts of the Chapters oftb Irish Dominican Province.<br />
45 B
65 2 h .. HISTORY OF LIMEBICE.<br />
the sum of S500 on mortgage. Accordingly that sum was given by<br />
Mr. John Connell,' getting as security a mort age on the church and<br />
premises. No interest was required by Mr. Jo I n Connell. A deed of<br />
release was executed in 1819, on the payment of the above sum by<br />
Father Harrigan.<br />
Father John O'Ryan was Prior in 1821 ; Father William MIDonnell,<br />
in 1838 ; Father Thomas MIDonnell, in 1834 ; Father William M'Donnell,<br />
in 1836. Father William MIDonnell was elected Provincial in 1836;<br />
Father Luke Conway, from 1840 <strong>to</strong> 1846 ; Father Thomas MLDonnell, <strong>to</strong><br />
1849; Father Luke Conway, 1854; Father William O'Carroll, 1856; and<br />
Father Carbery, 1859. Soon after the installation of Father Carbery, he<br />
began the work of improvement in the church. In 1860, he completed<br />
the execution of the fee-farm grant of the premises sought for and<br />
procured by his predeccssor, Father O'Carroll. In 1860, Father Carbery<br />
added the northern porch <strong>to</strong> the c,hurch. In the month of May, 1861, he<br />
called a meeting of the citizens in the church, in order <strong>to</strong> devise a means<br />
of defraying the expenses incurred. The chair was taken by the Mayor,<br />
John Thomas M'Sheehy, Esq. Resolutions were proposed and enthusiastically<br />
secondcd by the principal citizens, and the result of the<br />
meeting was, that ovcr h200 were subscribed on the spot. Encouraged<br />
by the proverbial gcncrosity of the people! of <strong>Limerick</strong>, the prior nnder<strong>to</strong>ok<br />
the addition of a chancel <strong>to</strong> the church, the shell of which cost £450.<br />
A benevolent member of the conpewdon gave an order for a new marble<br />
altar for the chancel, and another ?or the northern side chapel. These<br />
altars were erected in 1862. Many ad important improvements were<br />
made in the church during this year. The people, grateful for the ministry<br />
of the fathers, vie with each other in assisting in the good work of the<br />
decoration of God's house. A lady of her own accord made a collection<br />
for the exquisite new communion rail an3 marble pavement of the sanc-<br />
. In the year 1863, a gentleman of the congregation gave an order<br />
"9 <strong>to</strong> t e Prior <strong>to</strong> procure a marble altar for the chapel of our Lady, as a<br />
tribute of devotion and thanlcsgiving for blessings received for himself and<br />
. Far fiom growing languid, the devot~on of the people increases<br />
for t e time-honoured and venerable statue of our Lady. A silver gilt<br />
crown is offered by an humble woman <strong>to</strong> the shrine of Mary. During the<br />
May devotions of 1864, the Prior blessed the crown, a d after a solemn<br />
procession round the chvrch with our Lady's statue, in which thousands<br />
joined, there was a ceremony of the crowning of the statue. During the<br />
procession, the crown was borne on an embroidered cushion by a young<br />
lad clothed in the white robe of the order, and followed by over four<br />
hundred persons bearing wax candles lighted, and Singing the Litany of<br />
Loret<strong>to</strong>. It was a truly soul-stirring dcvotion; the crowd was so great,<br />
that <strong>to</strong> keep order it was found necessary <strong>to</strong> lock the iron gate in front of<br />
the church. At the close of the May devotions that ear, the congregation<br />
offered <strong>to</strong> God in honour of His holy Mother a magni H cent vestment of cloth<br />
of pure gold, and a pair of branches of four lights each, and a pair of<br />
candlesticks in polished brass.<br />
The sacristry was added in the year 1863, and during the year 1864<br />
there was added the handsome stained glass window in the church,<br />
which is the gift of four benefac<strong>to</strong>rs, as can be seen from the inscriptions at<br />
' The celebrated Johny ConneU<br />
the bot<strong>to</strong>m of each light. The centre triplet of the window represents the<br />
Transfiguration of Our Lord, with Moses and Elias, and under them,<br />
Peter, James, and John. The light on the Gospel side represents our<br />
Lady, that on the Epistle side, St. Dominick. In the tracery at the <strong>to</strong><br />
we find the Agony in the Garden, the Scourghg, the Crowning wi 5:<br />
Thorns, and Crucifixion. It was executed by Mr. Wailes, of Newcastleon-Tyne.<br />
The following are the actual members of the community in 1865 :-<br />
A. R. P. J. J. Carbery, P.G., Prior ; A. R. P. Luke Conway, S.T.M.,<br />
Sub- rior ; R. P. Michael Costello, P.G. ; R. P. Hyacinth Condon ; with<br />
P<br />
two ay brothers. We understand the average number of communions<br />
each week in the church is over one thousand. A good test of the un-<br />
tiring zeal of the fathers.<br />
A figure in s<strong>to</strong>ne of St. Dominick is placed in front of the church under<br />
the cross, and on a square s<strong>to</strong>ne, over the principal entrance, is the follom-<br />
ing inscription :<br />
A Domino factum est istud et est mirabile<br />
In occulis Nostris Psalnz 118. V. 23.<br />
Deo Auspice conciviumque suorum auxilio.<br />
Niius, ham redem erexit F. J. S. HAXRIGAN,<br />
Prior ordinis sanctrr? predica<strong>to</strong>rum.<br />
Anno 1815. Episcopo Revd. D. D. C. TUOHY.<br />
Donough Carbrac O'Brien in 1240 founded a second monastery at<br />
Gabally, m the count of <strong>Limerick</strong>; and a third at Kilmallock, in 1291,<br />
by Gibbon pitzgeral$ ances<strong>to</strong>r of the White Knights, which waa granted<br />
at the suppression <strong>to</strong> the Sovereign and Burgesses of Kilmallock.<br />
Maurice Fitzgerald, second Baron of Offaly and Viceroy of Ireland, was<br />
the first who mvited the Dominican and Franciscan Fathers <strong>to</strong> Ireland, in<br />
1230.<br />
THE PRANCISCANS.<br />
Next in point of antiquity and order, after the Dominicans, comes the<br />
Order of St. Francis of Assisium, which has been established in <strong>Limerick</strong><br />
for many ages.<br />
Luke Wadding, quoted in the Bibernia Dominicans, states the Fran-<br />
ciscans had a monastery dedicated <strong>to</strong> St. Dominic in <strong>Limerick</strong>, that it<br />
was founded in the thirteenth century by William (Fion, i.e. handsome)<br />
de Burgo, whose wife was Ania, daughter of Donald O'Brien, king of<br />
<strong>Limerick</strong>, and that said William (Fion) de Burgo was buiied there in the<br />
year 1287. Thomaa de Clare, of the noble family of the Earls of Glou-<br />
cester, who died on the 2nd of September, A.D. 1287, was interred in the<br />
abbey also, as was his son Richard in the ear 1318, who was slain,<br />
<strong>to</strong>gether with several others, on the Feast of g t. Gordian, the 1st of May,<br />
b-~ O'Brien and M'Carthy. Richard, we are <strong>to</strong>ld, was inhumanly <strong>to</strong>rn <strong>to</strong><br />
leces. In the year 1293, King Edward I. granted <strong>to</strong> the Franciscan<br />
!&am of <strong>Limerick</strong>, Dublin, Waterford, Cork, and Drogheda, an annual<br />
pension of 35 marks.<br />
In 1356, liberates were granted <strong>to</strong> the Franciscans.<br />
Thady MIHoune, lecturer of this Friary, died in the ear 1349.<br />
As we have already seen, Peter Cmagh alivr dEagh, Bishop of<br />
<strong>Limerick</strong>, in the year 1376, treated thc Frmcisw Friars with much
654 h . HISTORY OF LlMERICB<br />
indignity, and excommunicated every person who should repair <strong>to</strong> their<br />
church for divinc service, or desire burial within their abbey (Ware's<br />
Bislwps). He is said <strong>to</strong> have laid violent hands on Philip Torring<strong>to</strong>n,<br />
Archbishop of Cashel, who came <strong>to</strong> <strong>Limerick</strong> <strong>to</strong> redress the grievances of<br />
thc Franciscan Fathen, and when cited, refused <strong>to</strong> appear, and <strong>to</strong>re the<br />
citation with such force from the archbishop, that he drew his blood. We<br />
n~ust treat these statemcnts with some reserve, as there is no doubt the<br />
abbey was used iu the bishop's time as a place of interment, and many<br />
bequests were made by pious citizens <strong>to</strong> the fathcrs.<br />
'This monastery was reformed by the Observantines, A.D. 1534, and<br />
Donough was the last guardian.<br />
On the swrcnder of this friary, it was found <strong>to</strong> contain, within the<br />
precincts, a church, dormi<strong>to</strong>ry, cloister, hall, kitchen, three chambers, and<br />
a garden of one acre of the small measure, with ten messua es, and ten<br />
gardcns in and new the site and precincts, which, with t 5l eir appurtenances,<br />
wcre thcn of the annual value of 43s. 2d., besides reprises;<br />
it was also found that Donough, the guardian, and the Giars of the house<br />
had voluntarily quittcd thcir prcmkcs.<br />
Aupst 25tl1, in the 35th year of Hcnry VIII., this fria , with all its<br />
possessions-the tithes excepted, which wcre granted <strong>to</strong> the Z ord Baron of<br />
Castlcconncll-was granted <strong>to</strong> Edinond Scxten for ever, in capite, at<br />
tlw annual rcnt of 2s. 2d. sterling.<br />
Thc friary s<strong>to</strong>od without thc walls, where the old county court-house<br />
was aftcrwds erected, now or lately a corn s<strong>to</strong>re in the locaht called the<br />
Abbey n : the old church had bcen convcrtcd in<strong>to</strong> thc county <strong>to</strong>spital.<br />
In chapter xiii. of this his<strong>to</strong>ry, we have giwn dctaih respccting the inquisition<br />
that was taken in rcfercncc <strong>to</strong> this abbcy, 33rd Henry VIIL<br />
Tllc Frmciscans, it is certain, continucd always in the city of <strong>Limerick</strong><br />
in tlic rcgular succession of the fathcrs as missionarics, etc., and gave aid<br />
<strong>to</strong> thc pcoplc in thcir rclieous and political strug$cs in the most pcrilous<br />
tixncs. Bathcr Moroney, 1x1 Eh MS. Bis<strong>to</strong>ry oj the Irish Franciscam,<br />
spcaks of the Franciscan Abbey of Limcrick as it was in 1615, when he<br />
visited it, and when its beautiful gardens, as he states, had becn converted<br />
by Scxtcn in<strong>to</strong> tanyards.' HC was dclightcd with the beaut of ita<br />
situation, in an island in the midst of the Shannon, and of t i ~ con- e<br />
vcnicncc and charms of which he had heard so many s cak in thc<br />
higl:cst tcrms of praise before hc had laid his eym on them. K e describes<br />
thc monastery as placed Gndcr (outside) the walls of the city <strong>to</strong> the east,<br />
ncar the rivcr, bctwcen the Monastery of Holy Cross <strong>to</strong> the south, and the<br />
Monastery of St. Dominick <strong>to</strong> the north. He states that the ancient Abbey<br />
of St. Fmncis had been destroyed as <strong>to</strong> &c roof, but that the ample and<br />
wcll-proportioned malls were yet standing, and that they indicated the<br />
cxtcnt and naturc of the building, but from bad materials of which it wss<br />
constructed, threatened <strong>to</strong> 611. He tells us hc had learned that a former<br />
Baron of Castleconnell and his spouse had been the founders of the abbey;<br />
that thcy had their <strong>to</strong>mb within its prccints; that it was the resting place of<br />
many of thb distinguished citizens; md that when he viewed it, in 1617,<br />
1 Thc words of Fnther Moroney, taken from his invalnable MS, nnd for which we are indebted<br />
<strong>to</strong> the kindness of the &V. C. P. hIcehan hI.BIA, SS. Michael and John's, Dublin, speak<br />
in tl~o most lauda<strong>to</strong>ry terma of the xbbcy. The original MS. was compiled at Loavah in 1617,<br />
and is in the Brnguuh Libmy, Brus~:Is.<br />
though its attractions had been lost, and ita sacred places pollutcd by being<br />
converted in<strong>to</strong> tan pits, yet its site was such as <strong>to</strong> command the admiration<br />
of every beholder. Another Theobold de Burgh, Baron of Castleconnell,<br />
however, obtained a atent <strong>to</strong>uching tithcs and spiritual1 dutyes of<br />
St. Francis Abbeyn, and' with Edmond Senten he shared the spoils of<br />
this noble monastery, whose possessions were extensive, and whose gardens<br />
and orchards within the precincts covered some acres of ground.' The<br />
inquisition, ahead referred <strong>to</strong>, <strong>to</strong>uching the crown's properties in<br />
<strong>Limerick</strong> (33rd denr VIIL), showed the riches of the abbey's poswssions<br />
in its silver an J gold vessels, its reliquaries, its chalices, etc., which<br />
went in<strong>to</strong> the desecrated hands of the oiler, at a period when nothing<br />
that was good and useful was spared, an ? when the rapacity of the governmerit<br />
was not satiated without the blood of clergy and people, or with<br />
the wealth and stability of their institutions. Even the Corporation of<br />
<strong>Limerick</strong> complained <strong>to</strong> the crown t t Edmond Sexten had obtained the<br />
grant of St. Mary's House', or the Monastery of the Canons Regular, by false<br />
pretences, and etitioned that the grant should be annulled? The Corporation<br />
obtaine 1 no redress by their motion; on the contrary, we are<br />
assured that Sexten exercised the power of iolprkning the Mayor and<br />
members of the Corporation on ace* d o n in the castle of ;'<br />
and we find the grandson of thk same Edmond Sexten, some few years<br />
afterwards, presentin a petitkm <strong>to</strong> the government which <strong>to</strong> the last degree<br />
was insolent an % audacious :<br />
" TT THE W. UEUT. O&BEBhU 02 IRELAND.<br />
"The humble p&io d EsfEaon;d fk&n of Limke.<br />
States L by Letters Patents of Wenrp VIE of hous memory, <strong>to</strong> his granfather,<br />
Eddin. Sexten, pat is cdly seyned <strong>to</strong> him and his heyres male, of<br />
the lat disxllvd monastery or religions houses of St. Blury and St. Franciq,<br />
lying within the citty of Limge., with all libertyss, privilegs, jurisdictions,<br />
immunities, and other appurknltces, etc., in as fd or 'as same hav been<br />
or ought <strong>to</strong> be befor the snp* thereof in the hands or pocessio of the<br />
religious psones whoe pocesed the same, and by m& pocesaio of the said lat<br />
Kgs. Matei.', that they might be free fm all tiernporaG jurisdictions, charge, and<br />
taxation whatsoever. . . . . that Maior, bayliffe, Corpatio of<br />
Limke. do daily tax the SW, etc. Pqs and command <strong>to</strong> same".<br />
To this petition tbe foilowing reply was vouchsafed :-<br />
" We are of oppinio that the p&& d the free~jes and religious houses ought<br />
<strong>to</strong> be free of all tmpwal charges and *m, and so much of the lands or houses<br />
there<strong>to</strong> belonging, as were free MOT the ~trpprawio of abbeys, 22 May, 1603.<br />
a Taos. XEDBNIS,<br />
NtC~~bbs W-,<br />
''AlmtY. ~~E~LZGBB.''<br />
Sex<strong>to</strong>n went fwther. He would not glaze at his own expense one<br />
of those houses which he had obtahed by fraud ad spoliistion, ad in<br />
orda <strong>to</strong> compel the Corporation <strong>to</strong> do so, he, in 1615, went therein before<br />
Lo. Dep. Chichester and council, with 8 peeitian <strong>to</strong> this &ect:-<br />
a Petition of Edmond &ten <strong>to</strong> the Lord Chichester,<br />
Declsring that when the rec<strong>to</strong>ry of St. John%, in the subt&s of Limerike, is<br />
appr~priated un<strong>to</strong> St. Mq's House, &er W&. pour pek. houldeth fro. his<br />
htten Patant <strong>to</strong> TheQbnld W e ,<br />
Lord Baron of Caatleeom11. The Augastinbn Friary.<br />
a Harnit<strong>to</strong>n's Csknby of Stste Plrpers Sertenya Book in tha Bkitish BZmum.
656 . .<br />
HISTOBY OF LIMERICK.<br />
Matie. by Letters Patents, the gable window in the fromt whereof is <strong>to</strong> be<br />
glassed, that yr. Lr. may be pleased <strong>to</strong> give your opinion whether yr. petr. as<br />
psone. [parson?] ought <strong>to</strong> glass the same, or the perhioners. And wherein wh.<br />
your Petr. tenants dwellinge uppo. the manccs of that church are <strong>to</strong> be con-<br />
tributary with your petr. in repatio. of the chancel or with peshoners for repatio.<br />
of the church".<br />
The answer was as follows:<br />
The gable of the chancel is <strong>to</strong> be repld. and mayntayned be whole pish.<br />
The syd. windowes, if any there be, are <strong>to</strong> be repld. and mayned. by the<br />
psone. This is agreeable bothe <strong>to</strong> laws and cus<strong>to</strong>m. The tenants that do<br />
dwell uppo. the psones. glebe, are <strong>to</strong> contribut. with the psone. for repation.<br />
of the chancell, and are not <strong>to</strong> be charged with the boddy of the church.<br />
THOS. DUBLIN CANC.'.<br />
" I am of the same opinion with the Lo. Chancellor, and so it was ordered in<br />
ths Royal1 Visitatio. of Cashell in my psence.<br />
MEYLER CASHELLENSIS".<br />
r<br />
Sexten wanted not on1 <strong>to</strong> enjoy his possessions free of cost, as parson,<br />
though he was not in ho y orders, but <strong>to</strong> com el the people <strong>to</strong> discharge<br />
the ex enses of repairs. Such waa the unb P ushing effrontery <strong>to</strong> which<br />
the sp$iations and oppressions of the time gave occasion.<br />
Previous <strong>to</strong> this, the elder Sexten had presented a petition, in which he<br />
bcsought the government <strong>to</strong> compel the Mayor and Corporation <strong>to</strong> do<br />
scrvices at the public expense <strong>to</strong> his property in the abbey:-<br />
" Petition <strong>to</strong> the h. President and Connsell of Mounster, by Edmonde<br />
Sexten of Limerike, Gent.<br />
658 BI~TOBY OF ZIMERIC~.<br />
h .<br />
There was an ancient ora<strong>to</strong>ry in the little island opposite the abbey,<br />
which is now a place for growing ~a1l~s.l This was a place of devotion,<br />
particularly on the festival of St. Anthony, 13th of June, and the people<br />
were wafted across in great crowds the abbey river in boats. The ora<strong>to</strong>ry<br />
was in connection with the great convent ; there are no remains whatever of<br />
it, but of the abbey itself there are some few remains. Tradition states that<br />
the convent, or rather a portion of it, continued <strong>to</strong> be occu led by the Franof<br />
the last siege of Limeric , when the comwhen<br />
they had <strong>to</strong> hide where best they could<br />
e s<strong>to</strong>rm. Four of the fathers are said <strong>to</strong> have<br />
e or fortress which was in Mary Street, and in<br />
that portion of the street through which Athlunkard Street was cut. The<br />
ruins of this cade may now be seen in Athlunkard Street, and a water<br />
tank and fountain, erected by Mr. Malcomson, occupies a portion of the<br />
walls. Four Franciscan Fathers are said <strong>to</strong> have always remained in the<br />
city, and were accus<strong>to</strong>med <strong>to</strong> take advantage of the nights <strong>to</strong> visit the sick<br />
and dying, and administer consolation <strong>to</strong> those who dared <strong>to</strong> remain within<br />
the walls after the siege and surrencler. As soon as the s<strong>to</strong>rm had subsided,<br />
and that they could go abroad, the Franciscans ogened a school, classical<br />
and mercantile, in Quay Lane, which was attended by many of the first<br />
Catholics of the city, including the Roches, the Whites, the Kellys, the<br />
Gavins, the Rochfords, the Greaghs, the M'Namaras, the Howleys, the<br />
Meades, the Ryans, Fitz eralds, Connells, Arthurs, etc. There were some<br />
excellent preachers attac % ed <strong>to</strong> the convent in Newgate Lane, including<br />
Father Burke, an eloquent pulpit ora<strong>to</strong>r. The names of the other fathers<br />
were, Guilfoyle, O'Regan, Hynes, Kelly, and Denis Hogan, the friend<br />
of O'Connell, a bold and courageous man, who not onIy put up the bell <strong>to</strong><br />
his convent, but laughed at the garrison when they in consequence turned<br />
out! and showed the entire posse cornitatus that he was able for them,<br />
setting their fears aside by stating that he had an old woman very deaf in<br />
.his service, and was obliged <strong>to</strong> put up the bell <strong>to</strong> awake her.<br />
On Christmas Day, 1782, they opened for the celebration of the sacred<br />
mysteries their cha el in Newgate Lane. The chapel in question was<br />
S acious, and it ha B a piece of ground attached <strong>to</strong> it, on which a house for<br />
8e Franciscan Fathers was soon afterwards built. The liberal spirit of<br />
the times gave an impetus <strong>to</strong> the erection of the chapel, <strong>to</strong> which not only<br />
devoted and pious Catholics gave munificent aid, but <strong>to</strong> which Protestants,<br />
Dissenters, Quakers, Methodmts, etc., largely contributed. That <strong>Limerick</strong><br />
was almays attached <strong>to</strong> t h Franciscan ~ Order may be proved, not only by<br />
the facts we have advanced, but by the additional one, that Father Marold,<br />
a native of the city, and a learned member of the order, mote the life of<br />
the illustrious Luke Wadding, and gave an epi<strong>to</strong>me of the voluminous<br />
and laborious works of that statesman, patriot, and his<strong>to</strong>riographer. The<br />
date over the principal entrance <strong>to</strong> this chapel was 1802, though it was<br />
built many years before. The Franciscans discontinued their school,<br />
which was succeeded by Mr. hlcEligott's, Mr. Nolan's, etc., and about the<br />
year 1815, they established the nunnerj for Poor Clares on the site of the<br />
present Convent of Merc , and erected a school for female children, which<br />
cost ;E1,000, and where t ey had 1,000 children "in daily attendance. They<br />
E<br />
Ware mention# the foundation by Bourke, Baron of Cwtle C od, of a Comm<strong>to</strong>al Frsa-<br />
elsoan Abbey in &e island near <strong>Limerick</strong>, &D. 1291.<br />
i<br />
brought nuns Corn Galway and Dublin, Miss Lloyd, Miss C&, and the<br />
Misses Shannon, nieces of Father Walsh, of Thomond Gate, from the<br />
county <strong>Limerick</strong>. Miss Meade, a lady of large fortune, joined the order,<br />
which continued nineteen yem in the city, but owing <strong>to</strong> a casualty-their<br />
funds being in the hands of parties who failed-they suffered. Their superioress<br />
was Mrs. Clancy, of Galway, at whose demise the convent broke up,<br />
and the nuas went <strong>to</strong> other convents. The convent fell in<strong>to</strong> the hands of the<br />
Very Rev. Father Michael Malone, O.S.F., who called s meeting, and<br />
handed over the convent <strong>to</strong> Right Rev. Dr. Eyan, the Bisho of <strong>Limerick</strong>,<br />
for the benefit of the city.' A branch of the Presentation rder came <strong>to</strong><br />
the convent in question fbr a short time, but was not successful. It was then<br />
that the Sisters of Mercy <strong>to</strong>ok possession of the convent, on Father Malone's<br />
handing it over <strong>to</strong> them, for which he deservedly obtained the best thanks<br />
of the citizens? The Poor Clares not only educated the children in<br />
reading, writing, etc., but taught them spinninr knitting, etc. About the<br />
time of giving up the Franciscan Academy, Fat er Xichard Hayes, O.S.F.,<br />
the celebrated pulpit ora<strong>to</strong>r, arrived from Rome, where he was sent by the<br />
Catholic Board <strong>to</strong> expostulate agaiast the ve<strong>to</strong>. This was immediately after<br />
the res<strong>to</strong>ration of VII. Father Hayes got permission <strong>to</strong> preach<br />
before the Pope and cardinals, but his speech was so strong, that he had<br />
<strong>to</strong> leave Rome in consequence. He first came <strong>to</strong> <strong>Limerick</strong>, where he<br />
reached in the Franciscan Church in Newgate Lane, and such was thi:<br />
gre and force of his sermon, that the people became nearly frantic *ith<br />
excitement. He put an end <strong>to</strong> the ve<strong>to</strong>ists in <strong>Limerick</strong>.<br />
The Franciscans continued in Newgate Lane until the year 1822, early<br />
in which year they had <strong>to</strong> surrender the chapel and convent <strong>to</strong> Major<br />
Gco. P. Drew, the landlord, who '' permitted" them <strong>to</strong> remove the fittings,<br />
etc., the lease having expired. The roof was soon removed, and the walls<br />
were speedily levelled with the ground. The convent in which the<br />
Franciscans had dwelt was not taken down. The Franciscans had a temporary<br />
chapel in Bank Place until 1825. In the commencement of September<br />
in the year 1824, the foundation of their new convent in Henry Street<br />
was laid with much ceremony and amid great rejoicing. By earnest and<br />
indefatigable labour it was brought <strong>to</strong> a speedy and most admirable comletion<br />
in a comparatively short time. The church since it was opened<br />
gas been a favourite one with the citizens, and over it are large apartments<br />
and halls for the Fathers, who reside there, but who have been<br />
making efforts <strong>to</strong> provide a more suitable residence, in which they are<br />
likely <strong>to</strong> succeed. Its situation is picturesque, and it is the;first object<br />
after St Mary's Cathedral that meets the eye of the mariner as he ap vroaches the citv from the river. The Prior in 1865 is the Very Rev.<br />
SFather ~anrahik, O.S.F.<br />
The Conventd Franciscans had conventa also at Askea<strong>to</strong>n, Ballha*<br />
braher (E'riars<strong>to</strong>wn) fr. Ch~~-~bbons, Alem. Cent. 13, granted <strong>to</strong> Bobert<br />
Browne of Balting1ass.- Ware, vol. ii. p. 276. Ballinwillin, fr. granted<br />
<strong>to</strong> Robert Browne of Baltinglass.-Ibid. Island near <strong>Limerick</strong>, founded<br />
by Bourke, Baron of Castle Connell (A1em.)-Ibid. Franciscans of third<br />
order, Kihhane, fr. (quere if not mistaken for a Cistertian Convent at<br />
1 The Mbst h.<br />
Dr. WHale,Archb'ip of Tnam, on one occasion preached a charity aemon<br />
for the Poor Glares of <strong>Limerick</strong>.<br />
2 The present benutifd sohoole in front of the etreet were built by the Poor Clarea'<br />
8
660 \<br />
. HISTORY OP LIMERICK.<br />
same place).-lbid., p. 282. Observantin E'ranciscans, Adare, fr. Thomas<br />
Fitzmaurice, Earl of Kildare, and Joan, his wife.-Ibid., . 281, A.D. 1460.<br />
Any one who wishes <strong>to</strong> visit the sites and remains oft E e oldest reli ious<br />
foundations of <strong>Limerick</strong> in the shortest space of time, may proceefdue<br />
north, from the Sand Mall opposite Sally Grove, the small willowed Island,<br />
in which there was formerly a Franciscan ora<strong>to</strong>ry. The site of the great<br />
Franciscan Abbey 3s now occu ied by the late Mr. G. Sheehy's corn s<strong>to</strong>re,<br />
once a court house, and by t !'l e adjacent buildin continued in a line<br />
<strong>to</strong>wards the river, and formerly the county hospita 5' . When altering the<br />
county court house, about Hty years ago, in<strong>to</strong> a corn s<strong>to</strong>re, extensive<br />
vaults were found full of human bones, and one coffin of lead, in which<br />
the skele<strong>to</strong>n was perfect.<br />
In Mary Street, within a short distance of Fish Lane, on the left, as you<br />
go <strong>to</strong>wards Ball's Bridge, therp is a fine remain of a chapel, traditionally<br />
said <strong>to</strong> have belonged <strong>to</strong> the adjacent Franciscan Abbey, in the back part<br />
of the houses No. 18 and 19, now occupied by Messrs. Dargan and Gennane,<br />
who have obligingly admitted us <strong>to</strong> examine the localities. Both yards or<br />
gardens are vaulted underneath, and in the part occupied by the former<br />
there are cloisterlike passages through the side walls, in one of which the<br />
remains of the holy water font are still quite perfect. The occupier, who<br />
has still a portion of the old s<strong>to</strong>ne baptisterium, gave the cut s<strong>to</strong>ne framework<br />
of one ofthe windows in the partition wall <strong>to</strong> the Hon. Robert O'Brien,<br />
of Old Church, who has ct them fixed up in the old church-the ancient<br />
church ora<strong>to</strong>ry in his gar 3 en, where the old inscription which they bear,<br />
and which is quite clearly cut, though not of high antiquit , attracts much<br />
attention. The inscription, which occupies the right, r eft, and upper<br />
lintels, has been studied and copied by several persons, among the rest by<br />
the Ven. Dr. Todd, Dr. Petrie, etc., etc., but very few have ever attempted<br />
even <strong>to</strong> guess at the meaning. Some, however, say it is Danish; but this<br />
is a great mistake. It is about fifteen inches long on each side, and<br />
bears, according <strong>to</strong> our reading, the following lebters:<br />
" Qgs bagthe in m& bg &$hm af $nill:*rrlbd".<br />
Passing <strong>to</strong> the west, we come upon the site of the great house of &he<br />
Canons Regular of St. Augustine, marked upon all the old maps, but now<br />
utterly demolished, not one s<strong>to</strong>ne being left upon another. The ruins were<br />
extant in the time of the last siege, and in the reign of Queen Elizabeth,<br />
and later, the establishnient still flourished, but owing <strong>to</strong> the decision<br />
given at that time in favour of the Eremites of St. Augustine, the order<br />
must have been going down. These regulars were essentially different<br />
from the secular canons, who were attached <strong>to</strong> the cathedral.<br />
Due north of the site of the monastery of the Canons Regular, and<br />
occupying art of Mary Street and Fish Lane, are the still perfect remains<br />
of the late % ominican chapel, now a s<strong>to</strong>re belonging <strong>to</strong> Mr. Hayes the<br />
baker. The pillars, floors, and staircases, are pretty much as they were<br />
before the building of the beautiful new Dominican chapel of St. Saviour.<br />
More norherly, and occupying the space adjacent <strong>to</strong> Mr. McCarthy's<br />
timber yard, between Little and Great Creagh Lane, are the vaulted<br />
The alleged antiquity and simple meaning of this inscription, which belongs apparently <strong>to</strong><br />
the year 1500 or thereabouts, will remind our readers of the Stubbs inscription in the Pickwick<br />
Papem,<br />
HISTORY OF LIMERICK. 661<br />
remains of another modern ruin, the old chapel of the Augustinian<br />
Eremites. The water fonts are still in good preservation. The roof asd<br />
all the rest but the walls are one. The ancient position of the house of<br />
the Eremites is not given by khite. Ferrar says it was on the site of tha<br />
old city court house, that is, where a school of the Christian Brothers<br />
atancls at present, facing the south entrance of St. Mar s Cathedral in<br />
Quay Lane, now more generally called Bridge Street. 6 itzgerald states<br />
that the civic privileges of the Canons were ceded <strong>to</strong> the Eremites<br />
about the year 1736, but there could have been no Canons then. Perhaps,<br />
however, he means that the claims of the Eremites as inheriting<br />
of these privileges were then admitted. Archdall distinctly states these<br />
civic privileges belonged <strong>to</strong> the Eremites; and says that it appears from<br />
an inquisition taken in the thirt seventh year of Elizabeth, that this<br />
ri ht of privileged voting for t i- e Mayor, etc., belonged <strong>to</strong> the head<br />
o P the Augustinians, meaning no doubt the Eremites. Battersby, in his<br />
his<strong>to</strong>ry of the order, places the site of the monastery of the Eremites<br />
in the same locality where the canons lived. But this must be a mistake,<br />
for we have not any authority for believing that they succeeded tho<br />
Canons in their monastery, though it appears they did in their civio<br />
privileges. Of the house of the Knights Templars, placed by White in<br />
Quay Lane, I have not been able <strong>to</strong> find any vestiges. Proceedina still<br />
in a northerly direction, and passing <strong>to</strong> the left of the resent parish cKapel<br />
of St. Mary's, we come <strong>to</strong> Peter's Cell, a partly enc P osed space, once the<br />
site of the convent of the Canonesses of St. Augustine, and subsequently<br />
occupied by Dominican nuns, as would appear from the map in White's<br />
MS§. Here was Madame O'Dell's house and garden, and more recently<br />
the Catholic College of Peter's Cell. North of Peter's Cell, and separated<br />
from it by the old burial ground of the Society of Friends and the Convent<br />
National School, are the interesting ivy-covered remains of the great<br />
Dominican Convent, of which the north transept wall still remains almost<br />
entire, with its high lancet windows, and looking venerably ancient in comparison<br />
with the modern convent of the Sisters of Mercy, now standing<br />
within its precincts. The beautiful little cemetery of these admirable nuns,<br />
ovcrshadowed by a magnificent drooping ssh, now occupies the place of<br />
what was once the sanctuary. Still further north, in St. Thomas's Isle,<br />
are some traces of another Dominican house, but so few as will scarcely<br />
repay a visit. There were, however, large ruins, and many ancient<br />
monuments, some said <strong>to</strong> have belonged <strong>to</strong> the ancient bishops of <strong>Limerick</strong> ;<br />
but they were all destroyed when the island was occupied by Mr. Tuthill.<br />
We next proceed with<br />
THE JESUIT FATHERS.<br />
About three hundred Irishmen entered the Society of Jesus, from its<br />
foundation in 1540, <strong>to</strong> its suppression in 1773. They had twelve colleges<br />
at home, and six abroad for the education of Irish youth. Ten fathers died<br />
for the faith, forty endured the horrors of the prison or the bastinndo, and<br />
forty have left <strong>to</strong> posterity about one hundred and thirty works, which are<br />
monuments of their genius, patriotism, and piety. Of these writers, half of<br />
whom were men of European reputation, only three, and those perhaps the<br />
least distinguished, were natives of <strong>Limerick</strong>; yet <strong>Limerick</strong> had more en-<br />
dearing relations with the society than any other city in Ireland can boast
662 III~TORY OF LIBIERICE. . .<br />
of. Why? Because <strong>Limerick</strong> was the cradle of the Company of Jesus in<br />
Ireland : it was the birthplace of the first Irish Jesuit that entered Ireland,<br />
of the first nuncio whom the Pope sent <strong>to</strong> this country after the Reformation,<br />
of the Archbisho of Armagh who "first and most coveted this<br />
company for the Isle of Saints"; it was the birthplace of that father who<br />
was the companion and rival of the Venerable Anchieta, the Apostle of<br />
Brazils, and who afterwards was the first <strong>to</strong> preach the name of Jesus <strong>to</strong><br />
the copper-coloured cannibals of the pampas of Paraguay. In fine, it was<br />
the birthplace of the first Jesuit Father that was hanged, drawn, and<br />
quartered for the faith in Great Britain and Ireland, viz., Father David<br />
Wolf, S.J., 1560, who was " one of the most remarkable men" (says<br />
Dr. Moran) " who laboured <strong>to</strong> gather <strong>to</strong>gether the s<strong>to</strong>nes of the sanctuary".<br />
He spent seven years in Rome, under the immediate guidance of St.<br />
Qnatius and St. Francis Borgia. He was attracted <strong>to</strong> the young society,<br />
robably, by the example of the first companions of St. Ignatius, Pasquier,<br />
greet, and Alonzo Salrneron, who came <strong>to</strong> Ireland in 1542 as legate of<br />
the Holy See, invested with all the prerogatives attached <strong>to</strong> the Apos<strong>to</strong>lic<br />
Nunciatura, and armed by St. Ignatius with written instructions that<br />
would do honour <strong>to</strong> the most consummate diplomatist. They went all<br />
over Ireland on foot, living on alms as the apostles of old, and at the end<br />
of five weeks they were ordered <strong>to</strong> Rome by his Holiness, as Henry VIII.<br />
had set a price on their heads, and had decreed confiscation and death<br />
against all who gave them hospitality. St. Pgnatius, whose "first and<br />
dearest n mission Ireland was, declared the embassy of the fathers <strong>to</strong> be most<br />
successful, and Cox, the Protestant his<strong>to</strong>rian, says:,<br />
The observing reader will easily perceive the dismal and horrible effects of<br />
this mission, which hath ever since embroiled Ireland, even <strong>to</strong> this day".<br />
Thierry writes in his Norman Conquest:<br />
&'By their nuncios in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, and above all,<br />
by the Society of Jesus, tvhich showed its usual cleverness in this business, the<br />
Popes succeeded in forming in Ireland a Catholic party, as hostile <strong>to</strong> the natives<br />
who turned Protestants as <strong>to</strong> the English themselves".<br />
In Angust, 1560, Father Wolf arrived in his native city as nuncio G <strong>to</strong><br />
the most illustrious princes and <strong>to</strong> the whole kingdom of Ireland", and hc<br />
at once notified his arrival <strong>to</strong> the whoIe island. He visited the four chieC<br />
princes of the kingdom, and other leading men ; he visited the bishops and<br />
priests, and helped them,in every way; he guarded the people against false<br />
ministers; hc endeavoured <strong>to</strong> establish grammar schools, monasteries, and<br />
hospitals; he risked his life for religion, and <strong>to</strong>ok no reward, even as an<br />
alms. In May, 1561, Elizabeth refused <strong>to</strong> admit the Pope's ambassador<br />
in<strong>to</strong> England, because-<br />
"'lhe Pope hat.h even at this instant in Ireland a legate who is publicly<br />
joined with certain trai<strong>to</strong>rs, and is occupied in stirring up rebellion, having<br />
already by his acts deprived the Queen of her right and title there".<br />
She refuses <strong>to</strong> send representatives <strong>to</strong> the <strong>Council</strong> of Trent, because an<br />
Irishman,had been sent <strong>to</strong> excite disaffection against her crown. Well,<br />
this Irishman, a few months afterwards, sent representatives <strong>to</strong> the <strong>Council</strong><br />
of Trent. He wrote from <strong>Limerick</strong> <strong>to</strong> the Cardinal Protec<strong>to</strong>r, by Dr.<br />
Donald M'Connell, the companion of his journey through the island,<br />
giving details of his <strong>to</strong>ur, and giving a list of priests fit <strong>to</strong> fill the vacant<br />
l<br />
HISTORY OB LIHERICK. 663<br />
sees. Two of these assisted as bishops six months afterwards at the <strong>Council</strong><br />
of Trent-they were his friend X'aonnell and Dr. O'Hart, and all those<br />
recommended by this father proved themselves worthy of their position.<br />
In this letter from <strong>Limerick</strong>, he says Chris<strong>to</strong>pher Bodkin, Archbishop of<br />
Tuam, was fit for that diocese, because he could defend it, and that the<br />
Dean of Raphoe was unfit for the mitre, because he knew more about the<br />
sword than about the cross".<br />
The following year he sent Dr. Crengh <strong>to</strong> Rome <strong>to</strong> be made Archbishop<br />
of Cashel or of Armagh. Dr. Creagh had refused the mitres of<br />
<strong>Limerick</strong> and Cashel before, and had preferred <strong>to</strong> remain teaching school<br />
at Adare, under the famous Dr. Leverous, the preserver of the Geraldines.<br />
He asked in Rome <strong>to</strong> be allowed <strong>to</strong> enter a religious order; he was refused,<br />
and was consecrated Archbishop of Armagh. l11 1563 he came <strong>to</strong> Inland<br />
with two Jesuit Fathers, and brought a brief empowering himself and<br />
Father Wolf <strong>to</strong> erect schools wherever they thought fit, and giving such<br />
schools all the privileges of a university. About this brief Father Fitzsimons,<br />
S.J., of Dublin, writes, in a work published in 1610:<br />
"1 shall afford certain arcels of a letter written by a most excellent late<br />
martyr of our country, t e thrice glorious Primate Creagh. In this letter,<br />
f:<br />
which I preserve as a precious pledge and relic, he asked for men by whom the<br />
whole Christian world hath received principal information, and for whose main-<br />
tenance 11c offered <strong>to</strong> apply certain vacant benefices. Did modesty permit me<br />
<strong>to</strong> impart such high commands as he preserteth, the whole might be inserted. He<br />
says: '1 asked his IIoliness <strong>to</strong> empower the Fathers of the Society <strong>to</strong> open<br />
schools and a university as soon as possible in Ireland by Apos<strong>to</strong>lic authority.<br />
I obtained my requcst, aud indeed in my opinion, <strong>to</strong>gether with all well-wishers<br />
of our nation, the said Fathers are so necessary <strong>to</strong> our reformation, that they<br />
cannot only not well be spared, but no others are <strong>to</strong> us in these times so need-<br />
ful. Wherefore by me, in behalf of the whole country, before and above all<br />
others they were fist and most coveted' l'.<br />
In the same year, 1363, Father Wolf wrote <strong>to</strong> Father Newman of<br />
Dublin :<br />
I regret that the dangers of the journey prevent me from going in<strong>to</strong> Leinster<br />
in person, and that war and tyranny prevent the Leinster people from coming<br />
<strong>to</strong> me. I therefore give you full powers for that provincey'.<br />
Three years after St. Pius V. wrote <strong>to</strong> his nuncio in Madrid:<br />
We have been informed that the Primate of Ireland has been imprisoned<br />
in the Tower of London, and that our beloved son David Wolf, of the Society<br />
of Jesus, is closely confined in the Castle of Dublin, and that both are treated<br />
with the greatest severity. Their suffering5 overwhelm us with aflliction on<br />
account of their singular merits and zeal for the faith. You, therefore, will use<br />
every endeavour with hi Catholic Majesty in our name, that he pay send<br />
letters <strong>to</strong> hi ambassadors, and <strong>to</strong> the Queen, <strong>to</strong> obtain the liberation of these<br />
prisoners. No favour could at this time be more acceptable <strong>to</strong> us".<br />
Dr. Creagh has given s sketch of his cell in the Dublin Castle where he<br />
was Father Wolf's fellow prisoner :<br />
My ceII might make a strong man wish for liberty, if for his lie he could.<br />
It was a hole where, without candle, there was no light in the world ; and with a<br />
candle, when I had it, there was such smoke, that, had there not been a little<br />
chink in the door <strong>to</strong> draw in breath with my mouth set on it, I had been, per-<br />
haps, shortly undone".
664 HESTORY OF LIMERICE.<br />
C .<br />
The Pope's letter was of no use <strong>to</strong> the prisoners. Dr. Creagh died<br />
poisoned in the Tower, and, as a state paper of the day says,<br />
'&Sir Davy Wolf, the priest who so foreswore himself, fled from Dublin<br />
Castle in 1572, and went <strong>to</strong> Spain, taking with him the son of James Fitzmaurice,<br />
and is accompanied by Sir Rice Corbslly. Pitzrnaurice bath sent his<br />
son with Wolf, who is an arrant trai<strong>to</strong>r, in<strong>to</strong> Spain, <strong>to</strong> practise his old devices".<br />
In 1575 Fitzmaurice wrote <strong>to</strong> tho eneral of the society that Father<br />
Wolf had gone <strong>to</strong> Ireland from St. M af o, where he had been living with<br />
the Desmond family. In 1577 he was in Munster, and the year abr an<br />
Irish priest named David Wolf was living in Lisbon, supported by the<br />
enerous contributions of the Holy See. Probably it was our Father<br />
%OK The author of Cmbrensia Evmus says of this Father:<br />
I have seen a dispensation granted by Father Wolf of <strong>Limerick</strong> <strong>to</strong> Richard<br />
Lynch of Galway, in which he is styled nuncio. I have heard that he was a<br />
man of extraordinary piety, and a fearless and strenuous denouncer of crime.<br />
The whole land being a large field of battle, he retired for protection <strong>to</strong> the<br />
Castle of Clonoan, in Clare, but on hearing that the warders lived by plunder,<br />
he would not eat the meat offered him, and from poor living contracted s disease<br />
of which he died",<br />
Clonoan was a castle of the Order of Preachers, in the barony of Inchiquin;<br />
it was taken by the English in 1569, and again in 1586.'<br />
The next member of the illustrious order, a native of <strong>Limerick</strong>, was<br />
Father Edmond O'Donnell, S.J., who was sent <strong>to</strong> Ireland by Gregory<br />
XIII., and Father General Everard Mercarian. He was imprisoned in<br />
his native city, loaded with irons, insults, and blows. He was thence<br />
dragged and driven <strong>to</strong> Cork, with his hands bound behind his back, by<br />
brutal troopers, and there being found guilty of being a priest and a Jesuit,<br />
and of refusing <strong>to</strong> take the osth of supremacy, he was <strong>to</strong>rn, hanged,<br />
drawn, and quartered", on the eve of St. Patrick's Day, 1575.<br />
He was calm in all his sufferings, and after his sentence he was overwhelmed<br />
with unbounded joy. Father O'Donnell was the first mart of<br />
the Society of Jesus in the British Isles; he was the first of the ten f rish<br />
fathers who suffered death for the faith, and Father Wolf was the first of<br />
the forty who were imprisoned and <strong>to</strong>rtured for the same faith.'<br />
Father Field, another remarkable member of the order, was born in<br />
<strong>Limerick</strong>, fled from persecution <strong>to</strong> Rome, where he studied, and was<br />
received in<strong>to</strong> the society by Father Edward Mercurian. Thence he went<br />
<strong>to</strong> Brazils, where for man years he was the witness and artly the rival of<br />
the wonderful works o d the Venerable Anchieta, 8.f the apostle of<br />
Brazils. It is worthy of remark that the last provincial of Brazils was<br />
Father Lynch, a countryman of Father Field's, who, with his confreres,<br />
was expelled from Brazils in the year 1560. They were put in the<br />
hold of a ship and acked and treated as blacks on board a slaver. In the<br />
ear 1586, Father B ield and four other fathers were sent by the Venerable<br />
Sather Amhieta <strong>to</strong> preach in Parapy. English privateers boarded their<br />
vessel at t\e mouth of the Silver River, put Father Field in irons, carried<br />
him about-these waters for a long time, beat him, <strong>to</strong>rtured him with<br />
1 The above details have been taken from His<strong>to</strong>& Soc. Jesu.-Father Fitzsimon, Dra.<br />
Lynch, O'Renehq Moran, and Kelly.<br />
1 See tha Bk<strong>to</strong>na S. J,, Imagines SJ., Rothe, Bruodin, eta., etc.<br />
HISTOBY OF LIMERICK. 665<br />
hunger and thirst and insults of every kind, condemned him <strong>to</strong> be hanged<br />
froin the yard-arm, and then through pity exposed him <strong>to</strong> the mercy of the<br />
winds and waves in a leaky boat, without rudder, sail, or ropes. He<br />
drifted away, nor thought the rough wind more drear than the foe he left<br />
behind, and under the Protec<strong>to</strong>r of innocence, he was wafted in<strong>to</strong> the port<br />
of good winds or Buenos Ayres.'<br />
In 1593, Fathers Field and Ortega went <strong>to</strong> live among the olive-coloured<br />
cannibal Guaranses, and for eight years could number their days by the<br />
flocks of infidels they brought <strong>to</strong> the fold"; their labours f:dr exceeded the<br />
strength of the human frame, and their journeys alone would have damped<br />
any other zeal. In 1610, two hundred families, baptized by Fathers Fleld<br />
and Ortega, were formed in<strong>to</strong> the Reduction of Loret<strong>to</strong>, the first of the<br />
famous Reductions which will ever be the miracle and glory of the Christian<br />
Religion.<br />
The Lord President of Munster says, that, about the year 1600, all the<br />
Munster cities were bewitched by Jesuits, PO ish Priests, and Serninarists;<br />
and rt Captain Mostian writes <strong>to</strong> the Genera I of the Society, that Father<br />
Archer, S.J., was more <strong>to</strong> the Irish in Munster, and in the whole kingdom,<br />
than a great reinforcement of troops, for at his nod alone the hearts<br />
of men adhere and are held <strong>to</strong>gether". This Father Archer was feared by<br />
the English, who thought he could fly through the air, and nicknamed<br />
him Archdevil; he converted Black Thomas, Earl of Ormonde, the destroyer<br />
of the Desmonds ; he collected money for the support of the Irish<br />
colleges of Salamanca and Composteb, and "had many seminaries on<br />
hand n ; he had been rec<strong>to</strong>r of Salamanca, the first Irish colle e founded<br />
abroad, succeeding in that position Father White, S.J., of C "1 onmel, its<br />
founder and first rec<strong>to</strong>r. He and his companion, the lay brother Dominick<br />
O'Calan, encouraged one hundred and forty Irish <strong>to</strong> defend Dunboy<br />
against thousands, as they hoped that help would come from Spain or the<br />
north of Ireland, and so obstinate a defence, said Lord Carew, " bath not<br />
been seen within this kingdom n . O'Calan was of noble family, and ditinguished<br />
himself in France as a cavalry officer, under the name of Captain<br />
Labranch. When the wars of the Le e were over, he went in search<br />
of glory in Spain, and signalized himse P f among the first captains of the<br />
Royal Fleet. Having s ent thirteen years in France, and eight in S ain,<br />
he became a Jesuit lay 71 rother, as he thought <strong>to</strong>o humbly of himse P f <strong>to</strong><br />
become a priest, though his learning and the will of the Father General<br />
marked him out for that position. After his capture at Dunboy he was<br />
offered great rewards and honours if he <strong>to</strong>ok the oath of allegiance. His<br />
relatives were brought <strong>to</strong> back up these promises by their tears and entreaties-he<br />
refused, and'by Mountjoy's order was tied <strong>to</strong> the tails of two<br />
horses, and then hanged, drawn, and quartered for the faith, in hi native<br />
<strong>to</strong>wn of Youghal in 160% He was a man of extraordinary piety, and his<br />
Life was written by Father D'Oultreman, and Patripad.'<br />
About the year 1602, and afterwards, Fathers Lynch, Morony, Wall,<br />
and O'Kearney, evangelized all Munster, giving missions and going wherever<br />
they were most wanted. Father O'Kearney was brother of the Archbishop<br />
of Cashel, and he and his nephew, Father Wall, were hunted up<br />
' The his<strong>to</strong>rians Cordova and Charlevoix give a detailed account of his prooeeding in the<br />
BrsziLa.<br />
' See slso O'Sullivau Bcors and Hibmnia Pacata.<br />
46
666<br />
\ . HISTORY OF LINERICK.<br />
by order of the very judges who, on circuit, declared that these fathers<br />
Itad prevented more robberies and crimes than all the severity of the law<br />
could hinder.<br />
Father O'ICearney wrote four books, laboured forty years in Munster,<br />
and died at the age of seventy-five. Appreciating the missionary labours<br />
of these men, Dr. White, Bishop of Waterford, wrote <strong>to</strong> Cardinal Baronius<br />
-<br />
in 1606 :-<br />
' L I beseech your most illustrious lordship <strong>to</strong> ask Father-General Aquaviva <strong>to</strong><br />
send more of his men hither, for as many of them as are here are singularly<br />
distinguished in the batt.le for the glory of God".<br />
In 1624, Dr. Rothe, Bishop of Ossory, wrote <strong>to</strong> the Father General <strong>to</strong><br />
ask that the fathers, U who had worked with so much fruit here and there<br />
in the different provinces, should have fixed residences". For, said he,<br />
We cannot do without the piety, industry, and erudition of your Society,<br />
which is most necessary here and in every part of the kingdom".<br />
Five years later, Dr. Walsh, Archbishop of Cashel, wrote <strong>to</strong> the Father<br />
General :<br />
U The affliction of the country is very great, and I see no remedy for it except<br />
the encouragement of yoar mission in this country".<br />
He was a singular benefac<strong>to</strong>r of the Order, and his life has been written<br />
by his friend, Father St. Leger, who attended him when dying in the<br />
Irish Jesuit college of Compostella.<br />
Accordinw <strong>to</strong> the Imago Pki Smuli, SJ, there were eleven Jesuit<br />
Colleges in %eland in 1640, and one of them was. in <strong>Limerick</strong>. Besides,<br />
the Primate of Armagh resolved <strong>to</strong> found two colleges of the society ; the<br />
Archbishop of Cashel, two; the Bishop of Meath, two; the Archbishop of<br />
Tuam, one ; the Bishop of Killalrr, one ; and Owen Roe marked out places<br />
for four soon afte.: he came <strong>to</strong> Ireland, and the Supreme <strong>Council</strong> resolved<br />
<strong>to</strong> found a university and college - under the name of Jesus and under the<br />
care of the fathers. -<br />
On the 13th of July official news of the vic<strong>to</strong>ry of Benbtub and thirtythree<br />
captured standards were brought <strong>to</strong> the Nuncio in <strong>Limerick</strong> by<br />
Father ~ Harte~n, S.J., chaplain <strong>to</strong>-the army, and after a great procession<br />
of the soldiers and civilians, were deposited in the Church of St.<br />
Francis. This Father O'Hartegan had been for some years the agent of<br />
the Confederation at the French Court, and his letters show him <strong>to</strong> have<br />
been a ~erfect man of business and a true Irishman. His confrh, Father<br />
plunket, was sent <strong>to</strong> look after Irish interests in Belgium.<br />
In 1649, Rinuccini wrote <strong>to</strong> the Father General praising Father<br />
O'I3urlcy, S.J., rec<strong>to</strong>r of the <strong>Limerick</strong> College, and Father Virher, sent<br />
as visi<strong>to</strong>r <strong>to</strong> Ireland, gives the following account of <strong>Limerick</strong>:-<br />
"The rec<strong>to</strong>r is Father miiliim O'Hurley, aged fifty, of noble and ancient<br />
s<strong>to</strong>ck, devout, charitable, humble, and learned".<br />
It is mostprobable that he was of Lycodoon castle, and grand-nephew<br />
of Dr. Hurley, and a relative of Sir WiUii Rinuccini proceeds:<br />
"The Father Jlinister is Father Thomm Burke, ex-professor of polemic<br />
divinity, a good classical scholar, of great family, and a great preacher. He<br />
has converted numbers <strong>to</strong> the Catholic Faith in <strong>Limerick</strong>".<br />
HISTORY OF LIXERICK. 667<br />
It is of this Father, no doubt, that Father Peter Walsh speaks in his<br />
Remonstrance, when he says :<br />
6' The Archbishop of Tuam was removed from Dublin <strong>to</strong> Connaught in a litter<br />
accompanied by twb Jesuits, one of who n was his nephew, and the other Father<br />
Guin, and he was ever after in the power of these two priests. What a pity !"<br />
Dr. de Burgo, of a junior branch of Clanrickard, was born at Clontus-<br />
kert, was educated six or seven years at the Irish Jesuit College of Lisbon,<br />
sustained theses at Evora and Salamanca against all corners, and was dubbed<br />
Doc<strong>to</strong>r of Divinity and of Civil and Canon Law. He was an enthusiastic<br />
admirer of the Jesuits, and advanced them money <strong>to</strong> maintain a college in<br />
Galway. He returned from exile in 1663, " <strong>to</strong> sleef, as he said, U in his<br />
native soil". He died in Tuam, on Holy Thurs ay, 1667, and Father<br />
Guin, " ip whose power he was", celebrated Mass every day in his Grace's<br />
ohamber for some time before his death ; he relnaincd constantly by his<br />
bedside, the minister of his comforts, and the witness of his virtues and<br />
resignation.'<br />
The Father Procura<strong>to</strong>r ofthe <strong>Limerick</strong> College, S.J., was Father Nicholas<br />
Punch, a man of singular amiability and humility, forty-seven years of age,<br />
and nineteen in the society. The Professor of Ithe<strong>to</strong>ric was Father Jamcs<br />
Forde, a very good and learned man. In 1656, he chose, in the middle of<br />
a vast bog, a spot harder than the rest, and built a hut on it. Thither a<br />
large number of youths soon flocked, erected little huts all round, learned<br />
literature and virtue from the good hther, and imitated him in enduring,<br />
not merely with fortitude, but also with joy, dl the inconveniences of their<br />
position.<br />
To this staff of masters belonged Father Maurice Patrick and Father<br />
Piers Creagh. The latter $tither was born at Carrigeen Castle, which is<br />
three miles from <strong>Limerick</strong> on the Roxborough road. He was nephew of<br />
the Primate Martyr Creagh, and brother of the Mayor of <strong>Limerick</strong>,<br />
who distinguished himself during the siege., and of John, domestic prelate<br />
<strong>to</strong> Alexander VII., from whom the family got the title of duke and m<br />
addition <strong>to</strong> their arms. While teaching in the Irish Jesuit College of<br />
Poictiers, Father Creagh directed the education of his nephew and name-<br />
sake, who beoame an accomplished scholar, spoke Latin, Italiap, French,<br />
Irish, and English with great fluency, and was afterwards Bishop of Cork,<br />
and eventually Archbishop of Dublin. This father was related <strong>to</strong> the Net-<br />
tmville family, one member of which, Father Robert Netterville, S.J.,<br />
was beaten <strong>to</strong> death by the Puritans, whereas Father Nicholas Netterville,<br />
a Jesuit, is said <strong>to</strong> have been a great friend of Cronwell's, at whose table he<br />
often dined, and from whom he had leave <strong>to</strong> say Mass every da in Dublin.<br />
Being accused of saying Mass by Captain Nathaniel Foulkes, S ather Net-<br />
verville said: " I am a General knows it, and tell aU<br />
the <strong>to</strong>wu of it, and that here every day". He was a great<br />
scholar and musician, <strong>to</strong>ok a leading part in the debates<br />
about the Remonstrance, and used <strong>to</strong> go about Dublin disguised as a<br />
cavalier, and was chaplain <strong>to</strong> the Lord Lieutenant, Duke of Tyrconnell.<br />
His brother, Father Chris<strong>to</strong>pher Netterville, S.J., was at one time very<br />
near falling a victim <strong>to</strong> Puritan fury, and had <strong>to</strong> remain hiding for twelve<br />
months in the vault of his father, Viscount Nctterville. Apropos of<br />
Father Netterville's relation with Crommell, we may ssy that the Re*. Sir<br />
L SBB h WRen&au and Meehm.
Francis Slingsby, S.J., was a first cousin of the cruel Sir Charles Coote.<br />
Fathers Robert and Nicholas Nugent were near relatives of Elizabeth,<br />
Countess of Kildare, who was a second mother <strong>to</strong> the Jesuit mission, and<br />
they are called by Dr. Oliver, uncles of the infamous Earl of Inchiquin, who<br />
killed Father Boy<strong>to</strong>n, S.J., in the rock of Cashel.<br />
Father Chris<strong>to</strong>pher Holywood, S.J., of Ashwood, near Dublin, who was<br />
im risoned in the <strong>to</strong>wer of London for five years, was a near relative of the<br />
zea 7 ous Protestant Lord Dunsany; and Father Fitzsimon, S.J., of Dublin,<br />
tells a damaging s<strong>to</strong>ry of " Adaln Loftus, an apostate priest, and Lord<br />
Primate, who exalted his plentiful brood <strong>to</strong> knighthood, noble alliance, and<br />
lofty estates 7 ', and ends by saying: " Let me be believed on the word of a<br />
religious man, that not private hate nor any desire <strong>to</strong> gravel Adam's issue,<br />
art whereof is linked <strong>to</strong> me in kindred, but truth and the glory of God,<br />
gave occasioned me <strong>to</strong> narrate the fact, of which I was a witness 7<br />
'. Primate<br />
Usher's uncle and first cousin, were Jesuits. Father George Dillon, a distinguished<br />
theologian and writer, of the Society of Jesus, died a martyr of<br />
charity in Waterford in 1650, invoking the sweet name of Jesus; he was<br />
a holy, hard-working man, a cousin of Primates Plunket and Talbot, and<br />
a son of Robert, the second Earl of Roscommon. The same year, according<br />
<strong>to</strong> our Arthur MSS., J. Dillon, Earl of Roscommon, his brother, fell down<br />
twelve ste s of stairs in <strong>Limerick</strong>, and died four days afterwards. In presence<br />
of death, R e renounced Protestantism, and received the last sacraments,<br />
and most probably he owed this grace <strong>to</strong> the prayers of his brother.<br />
To return <strong>to</strong> Father Creagh: he was afterwards professor and superior of<br />
Poictiers Irish College, which was founded by the exertions of Father<br />
Ignatius Browne, a Waterford Jesuit. This Father Browne, and Father<br />
Meade and Father Maurice O'Conncll, a man of noble family, and probably<br />
of the same s<strong>to</strong>ck as the Libera<strong>to</strong>r, formed, as Dr. Oliver says, a glorious<br />
triu~nviratc of the word in those days, and gave missions with wonderful<br />
succcss in the south of Ireland. Anothcr Fathcr Creagh, aged 87, a very<br />
holy man, made his simple vows on the 26th February, 1!;70, and entered<br />
heaven the day after he entered the Society.<br />
Fathcr O'Hartqan, who brought <strong>to</strong> <strong>Limerick</strong> the standards taken by<br />
Owen Roe, had been the agent of the Confederation at the court of France.<br />
His letters <strong>to</strong> the supreme council, in which he sips himself, your lord-<br />
ships' faithful servant n , let in a little light on the times.<br />
Father Hartegnan's letterg fell in<strong>to</strong> the hands of Ormonde, who wrote <strong>to</strong><br />
Clanrickad, saymg:<br />
"Your lordship will perceive that 1 have the honour <strong>to</strong> wait on you in the<br />
reverend esteem of that father".<br />
Digby consoled the great duke by writing <strong>to</strong> him, that-<br />
'6 If O'Hartegan were not a madman, his presumptuous lies would anger<br />
him, for on my soul, no man living is more unbhmished in the Queen's<br />
favour than Ormond".<br />
According <strong>to</strong> Rinuccini, the most prudent and clever of the Irish were<br />
of his opinlbn, such as Father Bartegan.<br />
We know nothing of Father Hartegan after that till the year 1650,<br />
when twenty-five thousand Irishmen, sold as slaves in Saint Kit.t's and the<br />
adjoining islands, petitioned for a priest. Through the Admiral du Poenry<br />
the petition placed in Father Hartegan's hands. He volunteered him-<br />
self and disappeared fiom our view. As he spoke Irish, English, and<br />
French, he was very fit for that mi&on, which was always supplied with<br />
Irish Jesuits from <strong>Limerick</strong> for more than a hundred years afterwards. It<br />
is thought that Father Hartegan assumed the name of De Stritch <strong>to</strong> avoid<br />
.giving umbrage <strong>to</strong> the English, for in the year 1650, according <strong>to</strong> letters<br />
written five years after the petition, an Irish Father de Stritch was wel-<br />
comed and blessed by the Irish of Saint Kitt's, heard the confessions of<br />
three thousand of them, then went disguised as a timber merchant <strong>to</strong> Mount<br />
Serrat, employed numbers of Irish as wood-cutters, revealed his real<br />
character <strong>to</strong> them, and spent the mornings administering the sacraments,<br />
and the day in hewing wood <strong>to</strong> throw dust in the eyes of the English.<br />
Meanwhile the heretics, jealous of the religious consolations of the Catholics<br />
of Saint Kitt's, treated them with great cruelty, transported one hundred<br />
and fifty of the most fervent and respectable <strong>to</strong> Crab Island, where they<br />
left them <strong>to</strong> die of starvation. This blow fell heavy on the heart of poor<br />
Father De Stritch. He got <strong>to</strong>gether as many of the Irish of Sint Kitt'a<br />
as he could, and passed with them <strong>to</strong> the French island of Guadaloupe,<br />
where he lived a long time with them, now and then going in disguise <strong>to</strong><br />
help the Irish of the neighbouring isles.<br />
Not satisfied with instructing and consoling the Catholics, he converted<br />
in his excursions about eighty Protestants every year.' About the same<br />
time one Thomas Stretch by name, says the Earl of Orrery, a Sesuit, lately<br />
turned schoolmaster, did in the county hall (of <strong>Limerick</strong>) with his scholars<br />
act a play, whither a great confluence of people repaired, notwithstanding<br />
that John Andrews, minister of the place, did expressly prohibit him,<br />
because the design of it was <strong>to</strong> stir up sedition rrnd <strong>to</strong> show the people his<br />
own condition and hopes',, etc.<br />
Before we leave the Irish slaves we may say one word more of their mis-<br />
sionaries. In 1699 Father Garganel, S.J., superior of the island of Mar-<br />
tinique, asked for one or two lrish Fathers for that and the neighbouring<br />
isles, which were full of Irish; for, continues he, every year ship-loads of<br />
men, boys, and girls, partly crimped, partly carried off by main force for<br />
purposes of slave trade, are conveyed by the English from Ireland.<br />
Bather Kelly, the rec<strong>to</strong>r of Poictiers, writes <strong>to</strong> the superior of Ireland:<br />
"With most intense delight Father J. GaIwey embraces the mission of Mar-<br />
tinique, offered by your reverence: meanwhile do not give him up, but lend<br />
him ; for should our affairs lift up their head again in Ireland, he will be very<br />
much wanted at home".<br />
Another Father Galwey, whose mission was connected with <strong>Limerick</strong>,<br />
distinguished himself some ears before his namesake. He died in Cork<br />
in 1650, afkr having lived g*y-five years in the society. He distinguished<br />
himself in Ireland by his piety and zeal, and did a world of good in his<br />
own country. Not satisfied with that, he went three times on thei Scotch<br />
mission. For this he was well qualified. He had been a merchant in<br />
early life, and he spoke Gaelic. He first entered Scotland disguised as a<br />
merchant, but failed <strong>to</strong> make much impression, as the people were afraid<br />
of the Duke of Argyle. On his way home the merchant was asked by<br />
the Scotch sailors why he brought no goods back with him, and wh he<br />
went so far, and he answered that he was trying >o buy souls for C K, ist.<br />
He converted the crew before they reached the lnsh coast. In his second<br />
See a full account of his labours in a Frcnch work called dlission de Cayenne.
670 ' HISTORY OF ~~~MERICR.<br />
and third missions he was more successful, baptized entire villages, parents,<br />
and children, and he laboured so unceasingly in instructing the Highlanders,<br />
that for five months he never changed his garments, though often<br />
exposed <strong>to</strong> wind and rain when going about catechising, or even when<br />
taking. his rest at night. The Protes&ts hated him so intensely that they<br />
gent his likeness about in order <strong>to</strong> secure his arrest, but he escaped through<br />
the manifest interposition of Providence, and sometimes by travelling as a<br />
merchant with samples of corn. In his day there were in Scotland two<br />
Franciscans, three Dominicans, six secular priests, and twelve Jesuits.'<br />
This mission was patronized by Daniel Arthur, a merchant of <strong>Limerick</strong>,<br />
who helped it with his prse as well as with his prayers, and it was cultivated<br />
by the Irish Jesuit Fathers for a hundred years afterwards : a Father<br />
Kaly was there some years after Father Galwey's death; and Father<br />
O'Meara, a Drogheda Jesuit, reconciled two hundxed Scots <strong>to</strong> the Church<br />
in the year 1712.<br />
The Irish fathers suffered as much in their own isle as in the Caribbee<br />
or Scotch islands. Before the Puritan conquest they numbered eighty,<br />
had six colleges, eight residences, besides many ora<strong>to</strong>ries and schools ; but<br />
in the universal desolation there were but seventeen fathers, and they were<br />
stripped of everything, cvcn of their breviurics. They offered up MII.~ in<br />
u cave or granary, or corner before day. Some found a refuge in the<br />
<strong>to</strong>wns and in the huts of the poor, others dragged out a miserable exis-<br />
tence in the woods and mountains, consoling and confessing the Catholics;<br />
some as rustics or mendicante, or seanaehies, went from <strong>to</strong>wn <strong>to</strong> <strong>to</strong>wn and<br />
from house <strong>to</strong> house, dwelt in ruined buildings, and slept in the porticoes<br />
of churches, lest they should compromise the Catl~olics. They often had<br />
<strong>to</strong> live in bogs and mountains <strong>to</strong> escape the heretic horsemen. One father<br />
was hunted <strong>to</strong> death, another had <strong>to</strong> lie hid in his father's sepulchre, one<br />
lived in a deep pit, from which at intervale he went forth on some mission<br />
of charity. The enemy having ascertained his whereabouts, threw big<br />
blocks of' s<strong>to</strong>ne in<strong>to</strong> the pit, but fortunately the good father was out?<br />
Just before this persecution broke over the country, the Jesuits of<br />
<strong>Limerick</strong> were appointed <strong>to</strong> preach in St. Mary's Cathedral on Quinqua-<br />
gcsima Sunday, Whit Monday, and on the Feasts of St. Matthew, and of<br />
St. Stephen, first martyr?<br />
In 1663, Father Dominick Kiman made his " third year's probation" in<br />
the presence of the Jesuit Fathers of <strong>Limerick</strong>, and then went <strong>to</strong> Galway<br />
<strong>to</strong> replace Father Maurice Ward. He was a distbyuished, hardworking<br />
missioner, and he died in exile many years after he bred in <strong>Limerick</strong>. In<br />
the year 1687, he signed, with the secular and regular clergy in and near<br />
Galway, n document'stating that the Augustinians could say Mass in the<br />
cmrthousc, and that the secular judges could administer justice in it at the<br />
assizes, witllout sacrilege, or censure of the canons of the Church specially<br />
in Ireland.'<br />
1 Dr. Oliver, Dr. Momn, and unpublished letters.<br />
Extracted by Dr. Moran from a MS. his<strong>to</strong>ry of the Irish Jesuits, non in the Irish College,<br />
Rome. Dr. Oliver says of this period, that the fathers went disguised as millerg merchnnts,<br />
milkmen, mendi~ants,-~eddlers, pkan& thatchers, porters, carpenters, tailon, with<br />
needles stuck in their sleoves; herdsmen, and physicians, and military men, etc. So what<br />
Macaday says of the whole society can k applied with truth <strong>to</strong> the Irish part of it.<br />
White's M.S.<br />
4 Uattcrsbyy's Aupstinian Order.<br />
BISTORY OP LIMERICK. 671<br />
Maurice Fitzgerald, one of the informe~s about the "Popish Plot",<br />
testified-<br />
'' That in the winter of 1676, Captain Tbornas MacInerina having retured from<br />
France and Flanders, there was a meeting at Colonel Pierse Lacy's house, at<br />
Curra, whither came the Colonel, the Lord of Brittas, Dr. Molony of Killaloe,<br />
Dr. Brennan of Waterford, Dr. Dooly of <strong>Limerick</strong>, and two Jesuits, whose<br />
names the informant knows not".<br />
In the year 1728, says the Rev. James White's MS,<br />
" The Rev. Thomas O'Gorman, of the Society of Jesus, settledin <strong>Limerick</strong>, for-<br />
warded James White, the writer of these annals, in his inclination for the<br />
Church, and in 1780, sent him <strong>to</strong> the Irish seminary of St. Iago, in Spain.<br />
He was the first Jesuit who fixed himself in this residence since the reign of<br />
James 11.".<br />
Dr. Oliver says-<br />
" That Father O'Gorman came <strong>to</strong> Ireland in 1724, and distinguished himself<br />
as a preacher in <strong>Limerick</strong>, Clowel, and Cork".<br />
Father James M6Mahon came <strong>to</strong> <strong>Limerick</strong> ten years after Father<br />
O'Goman, and lived there thirteen years, till his death in 1751.<br />
In 1746, Father Joseph Morony came from Bordeaux <strong>to</strong> join Father<br />
M'Mahon and others in <strong>Limerick</strong>. He was a native of <strong>Limerick</strong>, and had<br />
become a Jesuit twelve years previously8 and six years afterwards, he<br />
made his profession of the four vows <strong>Limerick</strong>.'<br />
About the year 1825, Joseph Morony, an architect, and owner of part<br />
of Mary Street, informed the Rev. Father O'Higgin, O.S.F,, that his<br />
father had listened with pride and profit <strong>to</strong> the sermons of Father Morony,<br />
his kinsman, preached in the Jemt's Chapel in Castle Lane, near LahifYs<br />
Alley. He often visited the place with Fsther Wiggin, and made him s<br />
present of the first edition of Borony'a Sermons. The castle has been suc-<br />
cessively a chapel of the Society of Jesus, a school, a dance house, and<br />
ct candle fac<strong>to</strong>ry. In the castle is a s<strong>to</strong>ne, with a mot<strong>to</strong> balf effaced,<br />
very like the mot<strong>to</strong> of the society. Near it is a s<strong>to</strong>ne, said <strong>to</strong> have been<br />
taken from it, with the mot<strong>to</strong>, I.H.S., 1642, date of the opening of a Jesuit<br />
school in <strong>Limerick</strong>. In a wall behind a tanyard, near St. Mary's chapel<br />
is a s<strong>to</strong>ne, said <strong>to</strong> have belonged <strong>to</strong> the old castle, on which is the same<br />
mot<strong>to</strong>, with the date 1609. Now, at this time, there were several Jesuits<br />
in Munster, and among them a Father Morony, who was probably a native<br />
of <strong>Limerick</strong>. Four very old inhabitants have stated that they heard from<br />
their fathers or grandfathers, that Mass was celebrated in that castle by<br />
venerable grayheaded friars. Now, we know that there were Franciscans,<br />
Dominicans, Augustinians, and Jesuits, living in <strong>Limerick</strong> about 1753; we<br />
know that the first three orders dwelt in Newgate Lane, Fish Lane, and<br />
Creagh Lane ; it is probable then that the Jesuits lived in the castle. Every<br />
trace af the presence of the Societ of Jesus in days of long ago has faded<br />
h the minds of the citizens of Ernerick, but it has not faded from their<br />
lives, and, perhaps, the few records given in the present his<strong>to</strong>ry, prove that<br />
The celebrated Dr. Gahm published Father Momnf~ -one, in the title page of which<br />
we read: "Exhortations and Sermons for all the Sundays and Festivals of the Year, on the<br />
Most Sacred Mysteriea and Most Important' Truths of the Christian Reli,&n", by the Rev.<br />
Joseph Morony, S.Jl formerly r celebrated preacher i~ <strong>Limerick</strong>, Wsterford, and other parts<br />
of the province. of Munster.
672 HISTORY OP LIMERICK.<br />
we owe a little return of thanks <strong>to</strong> the old Jesuits of <strong>Limerick</strong> for that faith<br />
and piety which make the birthplace of Wolf and Creagh, O'Donnell and<br />
Field, one of the most Catholic cities of the world.<br />
Joseph Ignatius O'Halloran war born in the North Liberties of <strong>Limerick</strong>,<br />
and was educated at the Jesuit's College of Bordeaux. He intended<br />
<strong>to</strong> embrace the medical profession, but after havin gone through his course<br />
of and letters with singular success, fe entered the Society of<br />
Jesus, and passed through all the degrees with eclat. Appointed professor<br />
ofphilosophy, he was the Grst <strong>to</strong> open the eyes of the University of.<br />
Bordeaux <strong>to</strong> the respective merits of the systems of Descartes and New<strong>to</strong>n.<br />
By hi4 own experiments and by those of the most attentive observers of<br />
nature, he sustmned the system of the English philosopher. He delivered<br />
his lectures in Latin, according <strong>to</strong> the rules of the university, .and would<br />
have published them in En lish if duties of more importance m his eyes,<br />
and excessive diffidence ha f not prevented him. Some fugitive pieces of<br />
great merit were written by him while he professed Belles Lettms, and<br />
were much admired by the University. He was successively proSessor of<br />
Rhe<strong>to</strong>ric, Philoso hy, and Divinity, at Bordeaux In the chair of Theology<br />
he shone ti P l the suppression of hi4 older, when he returned home<br />
and distinguished himself in the ulpit and in teaching~catecl~ism. His<br />
sermons alone, when published, wi P 1 be no small gratification <strong>to</strong> the friends<br />
of religion and morality, and some of his religious tracts have already been<br />
pubfis%ed."'<br />
I supplement this notice from Dr. Oliver and the Memoirs of an Oc<strong>to</strong>genarian,<br />
When Father O'Hdloran came home, he accompanied Dr.<br />
Butler (Lord Uunboyne) <strong>to</strong> Cork, and was attached <strong>to</strong> the north chapel<br />
for years, where he taught public catechism, preached with great success,<br />
was assiduous in the confessional and in preparing children for first communion.<br />
From Cork he went <strong>to</strong> Dublin, where he died in 1800, and was<br />
buried in the vault of the Society of Jesus in Dublin. Noore says of him<br />
in his Travels of an hisA Gentleman :<br />
"I used <strong>to</strong> set off early in the morning <strong>to</strong> - street chapel, trembling all over<br />
with awe at the task that was before me, but finally resolved <strong>to</strong> tell the wprst.<br />
How vividly do I, even at this moment, remember kneeling down by the confessional,<br />
and feeling my heart beat quicker as the sliding panel in the side opened,<br />
and I saw the meek and venerable form of Father O'Halloran s<strong>to</strong>oping <strong>to</strong> hear<br />
my whispered list of sins. The paternal loolr of the old man, the gentleness of his<br />
voice, even in rebuke, the encouraging hopes he gave of mercy as the sure reward<br />
of contrition and reformation-all these recollections come freshly over my mind.<br />
Shade of my revered pas<strong>to</strong>r ! couldst thou have looked down on me in the midst<br />
of 111y folios, how it would have grieved thy mcek spirit <strong>to</strong> see the humble little<br />
xisi<strong>to</strong>r of tlly confessional, him whom thou hast doomed for Lis sins <strong>to</strong> read the<br />
svven Penitential Psalms evev day, <strong>to</strong> see him forgetting so soon the docility<br />
of those undoubting days, and setting himself up, God help him ! as a controvertist<br />
and Protestant 1"<br />
Father O'Halloran was the brother of Silvester CYHalloran, M.D.,<br />
M.R.T.A., an eminent writer on surgery, who is quoted by Haller, and<br />
&0 B good Irish scholar and his<strong>to</strong>rk. He was the granduncle of Msjor<br />
O'Halloran Ga&, one of the members for <strong>Limerick</strong> city.<br />
Laurence Nihill, of the Society of Jesus, was born in <strong>Limerick</strong>", says<br />
1 His<strong>to</strong>ry of <strong>Limerick</strong>, by Ferrar, a Protestant writer.<br />
HISTORY OF LIMERLCX. 673<br />
Ferrar, " in the year 1727, and was made Bisho of Kilfenora in 1784<br />
on account of his piety and learning. In 1770 e published a work in<br />
<strong>Limerick</strong> on Ratrional SeljZove, which was much admired in England,<br />
France, and Ireland for its logic, philosophy, and philanthropy. He is at<br />
present writing a work which may be considered an Introduction <strong>to</strong> his<br />
brother's Lqe of Christ. Both works will be published under the title of<br />
Bisis<strong>to</strong>y of the Redemption of Nun, as soon as Bishop Nihill's health allows<br />
him <strong>to</strong> put a last hand <strong>to</strong> the book".-F~T~T.<br />
Dr. Nihill's family settled in the south after O'Neill, their chieftain,<br />
was defeated at Kinsale in 1601. They <strong>to</strong>ok a district near Killaloe, but<br />
being dispossessed several years afkr, they got considerable lands, and,<br />
formed alliances with respectable families in the west of Clare and<br />
<strong>Limerick</strong>.<br />
Dr. Arthur attended Downe OINihill in the year 1620, and recorded<br />
it in his diary, which is in our possession.<br />
Colonel Nihill of Dillon's regimens distinguished himself at Lansfelt and<br />
Fontenoy, and Brigadier-General Balthassar Nihill, colonel of the <strong>Limerick</strong><br />
regiment in the Neapolitan army, was one of the gallant Irish officers who<br />
disenga ed the king's person at Velletri, when he was surprised b the<br />
imperia B general Count Browne, the conqueror of Frederick the &eat.<br />
This Field Marshal Browne was a native of Camus, in the county <strong>Limerick</strong>,<br />
and was very near being suqrised and put in prison in <strong>Limerick</strong> some<br />
S time<br />
afterwards while cxaminlng the'walls of that city in company with a<br />
Mr. Roche, who was a relative of Dr. Nihill's.<br />
Laurence NihiIl's brother was James Nihill, M.D., who studied medicine<br />
in Paris, Leyden, and Montpellier. He was invited <strong>to</strong> Spain by his uncle<br />
Sir John Higgins, first physician <strong>to</strong> Phi4 V. of Spain, with a view <strong>to</strong><br />
succeed his uncle. He went, and found his uncle dead and the post filled<br />
He showed a medical manuscript <strong>to</strong> the famous Dr. Solano of Cadiz,<br />
W "%' o highly approved of it. He published it in London in 1742, and, on<br />
account of its singular merit, was elected Fellow of the Royal Society<br />
without his own knowledge. He was the author of other medical and<br />
scientific works, and he left a manuscript life of Christ in the hands of his<br />
brother.<br />
Dr. NihiU had a nephew, Father David Magee, who entered the Society<br />
of Jesus in 2753, and was distinguished as a classical scholar. He was<br />
related <strong>to</strong> the families of Colonel Macnamara and of the late Macnamara<br />
Calcutt, M.P., and also <strong>to</strong> the Woulfes, and <strong>to</strong> the Butlers of Ball yline.'<br />
Dr. Nihill's seal, which shows he belongs <strong>to</strong> the O'Neills of the north, is<br />
in the possession of Dr. MbCarthy, the accomplished edi<strong>to</strong>r of Dr. O'Renehan's<br />
manuscripts. Father Magee wag also related <strong>to</strong> the Arthum and<br />
Roches of <strong>Limerick</strong>. Mr. Roche, in his Memoi~s of an Oe<strong>to</strong> enarian, says:<br />
" Dr. Nihill was related <strong>to</strong> my father, at whose table I reco 8 ect him as always<br />
a welcome guest, distinguished ss a priest, a scholar, and a gentleman.<br />
I saw hi8 consecration in 1784". The Rev. Father Kirwan, O.S.F., afterwards<br />
a Protestant Dean, preached on apostacy, and the Bishop of Cork,<br />
sfterwards Lord Dunboyne, was one of the assisting prelates.<br />
Of the Rev. and Honourable John Butler we have already spoken in our<br />
Eves of the Catholic Bishops. He was supported for the see of <strong>Limerick</strong><br />
Severd letters of hi and of Dr. Niii's were in the possession of Mrs. Mwmara of Moher,<br />
Comtp Clare, who lent them <strong>to</strong> the late Dr. 0 Renehsn.<br />
R
674 HISTORY OP LIMERIC~. . .<br />
by his kinsman, the Archbishop of Cashel, while nr. Carpenter and his<br />
friends used their influence in favour of Dr. Nihill. The former declined the<br />
mitre. Dr. Troy wrote <strong>to</strong> Dr. Fallon, Bisho of Elphin in 1788 (a Mrs. Fallon<br />
was a sister of Father Magee and niece of Er. ~ihill). In this letter he says:<br />
"The Archbishop of Cashel has been very successful in:obtaining signatures<br />
in favour of his namesake, and I could not refuse' mine without endangering<br />
my present peaceable position, specially as no reasonable objection could be<br />
made against the Honourable and Rev. Mr. Butler, who, like Mr. Nihill, is an<br />
ex-Jesuit. I was applied <strong>to</strong> in favour of the latter when it was <strong>to</strong>o late, and I<br />
am perfectly indifferent as <strong>to</strong> the choice of either"?<br />
From Dr. Oliver's Collectanea, S.J., I extract the following notice of<br />
Dr. Butler: John Butler, ninth Lord Cahir, was the eldest son of the<br />
eighth Lord of Cahir, and of Frances Butler, daughter of Sir Toby Butler,<br />
Solici<strong>to</strong>r-general of James 11. He became a Jesuit in 1745, and was<br />
ordained in 1753. He was recommended for the mitre of <strong>Limerick</strong> by<br />
three Archbishops, twelve Bishops, and all the Catholic Peers of Ireland,<br />
by the Nuncios at Paris and Brussels, by the Archbishop of Paris, and by<br />
the President of the Parliament of Paris, by the lbistre des Affaires<br />
Etrangeres, and by Dr.. Walmesley. He declined the honour most perse-<br />
veringly: while the Society of Jesus, his mother, was dead", he would<br />
not be consoled, and died at Hereford in 1786. His brother succeeded<br />
<strong>to</strong> the title, and died unmarried. He was objected <strong>to</strong> by the Propaganda<br />
on account of his connection with the suppressed society; but Yius VI.<br />
set aside that objection. Father Butler yielding <strong>to</strong> the wishes of the<br />
Pope, and <strong>to</strong> the earnest entreaties of Dr. Egan, was resigned <strong>to</strong> take the<br />
mitre on condition that he could enter the Society of Jesus whenever it<br />
would be res<strong>to</strong>red.<br />
It is worthy of remark that all the Irish Jesuits believed in the resusci-<br />
tation of their Order; they sighc+d for that resurrection, and died with that<br />
hope in their hearts, leaving what money they could dispose of <strong>to</strong> the<br />
future society. Father Fulham, of Dublin, ,died in 1793. He corresponded<br />
for more than twenty years with an ex-Jesuit, Father Peter Plunket, of<br />
Leghorn, who, after the suppression, held a chair of controversy and<br />
moral theology in a college established by the Grand Duke of Tuscany.<br />
Father Fulham made hie execu<strong>to</strong>rs the ex-Jesuits Father Power of St.<br />
Patrick's, Waterford, and Father O'Callaghan, of Dublin.<br />
In the year 1811, Father Betagh, the last of the Irish Jesuits, died in<br />
Dublin at the age of seventy-three, after having sent Bathers Kenny,<br />
Esmonde, and others, <strong>to</strong> the novitiate of their dear society.<br />
The last of the old society in Ireland was Claude Jautard, a French<br />
father, who died at CIongowes Wood College, S.J., in the year 1821.<br />
We have seen how the Society of Jesus was brought <strong>to</strong> Ireland by the<br />
Primates of Armagh; it was fmred by Primates Plunket and Talbot, the<br />
Archbishops O'Kearney md Walsh, the &hops Dease, Rothe, Kinvan,<br />
etc., etc.: it was revered and loved by the many pious and learned prieste<br />
who we* educated at the Irish Jesuit colleges of Salamanca, Lisbon,<br />
Seville, Corn stella, Rome, and Poictiers. The last will of Dr. Kinvan,<br />
Bishop of &, begins with the following words :-<br />
l I d Archbishopr ; Yew& of on Ociogadun; Dr. OGver's Coll&anea.<br />
HISTORY OF Ll%f.ERICK. 675<br />
Jesus ! May ! I have been brought up from my boyhood by the most reli-<br />
gious fathers of the Society of Jesus ; in after years I have been helped by their<br />
salutary counsels. I have loved that society all my life, and I desire <strong>to</strong> die in it<br />
and <strong>to</strong> be buried in the same sepulchre with its children", etc.'<br />
When the Primate of Armagh saw the society menaced in 1759, he<br />
wrote <strong>to</strong> Clement XI11 :-<br />
" Most Holy Father,-Gratitude <strong>to</strong>wards the holy Society of Jesus, and sadness<br />
at its suKerings, prompt me <strong>to</strong> write <strong>to</strong> your Holiness. I have been brought<br />
up in virtue and learning by these fathers from my early years. I know well<br />
their skiill in educating youth, and their singular piety and zeal. How then<br />
could I not feel at their misfortunes? If no one can be sufliciently thankful<br />
<strong>to</strong> God, his parents and masters, what must I feel and do, on whom the society<br />
has conferred so many benefits and favours for many years? I ought <strong>to</strong> shed<br />
my blood for the safety of that society, and indeed I would do so most willingly,<br />
if the occasion presented itself. Defend, Most Holy Father, those men, who are<br />
most devoted <strong>to</strong> your Holy See, and from whom I have learned and imbibed<br />
that attachment for the same Holy See, which I showed not long ago when<br />
other persons were weak and wavering.' ANTHONY OF ARMAGH".<br />
The Fathers of the Society of Jesus opened a school in <strong>Limerick</strong> on the<br />
10th of March, 1859, about three hundred years after Father David Wolf<br />
came <strong>to</strong> reside there as nuncio, and got through Dr. Creagh faculties for<br />
the Jesuits <strong>to</strong> set up schools and a university in Ireland.s This school was<br />
opened at the corner house of the Crescent, which has its entrance at<br />
Harts<strong>to</strong>nge Street. In l8ti2, the fine house called Crescent House, in the<br />
middle of the Crescent, and opposite the O'Comell monument, was yur-<br />
chased by them from Richard Kussell, Esq., J.P., and has been occupied<br />
since as the College of St. Munchin's. The first rec<strong>to</strong>r was the Very Rev.<br />
Edward Kelly, S.J., who was succeeded in 1.864 by his brother, the Very<br />
Rev. Thomas Kelly, S.J., the present rec<strong>to</strong>r, in the rec<strong>to</strong>rship. The<br />
Jesuit Fathers opened St. Patrick's prepara<strong>to</strong>ry school at Bedford Row<br />
in 1863.<br />
THE REDEPPTORISTS.<br />
The Redemp<strong>to</strong>rist Fathers, who have obtained so many splendid<br />
triumphs for religion, established themselves permanently in <strong>Limerick</strong>,<br />
November 30th, 1853, after having given two missions in the citythe<br />
fkst in the old chapel of St. John's, Oc<strong>to</strong>ber, 1851, the second in the<br />
parish church of St. Michael's, May, 1852. At first they, occupied a<br />
temporary residence in Bank Place, where they opened a small ora<strong>to</strong>ry,<br />
which considerable numbers were in the habit of attending. In May,<br />
1854, they removed <strong>to</strong> Upper Henry Street, near South Clrcular Road,<br />
where they had built a temporary chapel, close by the site of their present<br />
magnificent church and convent. In August, 1856, the h t s<strong>to</strong>ne of the<br />
1 Dr. Lynch's &?a of Dr. Kinoan.<br />
Father R o w s Clement XIIL<br />
The foregoing details have been taken from Dr. Oliver's collections: Cretineau Joly'a ZEst&e<br />
de & Compagnie, Father D'Oultremads Pasonnages IUustres, Hip<strong>to</strong>ria Soeictahr, Charlevoir's<br />
Paraguay, Dr. Moran's, Yeehan's, 0'Renehan7s, Brennan's works, Rinaccini's Nunziatura, and<br />
Carte's Omlond, etc. The man118~ripts in the Irish College and the Gesa in Rome, in S<strong>to</strong>neyharst,<br />
and in the libraries of Spain, Portugal, and France, where the Irish Jesuits had colleges,<br />
with which the mother coantry kept up a constant correspondence, give farther lengthenedand<br />
importnnt details of the proceedings of this iUnstrious order.
. I<br />
676 HISTORY OF LIMERICK.<br />
new convent was laid by the Right Rev. Dr. Ryan, Bishop of <strong>Limerick</strong>, and<br />
the Fathers entered it June 24th, 1858. The first s<strong>to</strong>ne of the new church<br />
was laid with becoming solemnities, as already described, May 30th, 1858.<br />
The church was solemnly dedicated December 7th, 1862.<br />
The style of the church is the early pointed Gothic of the 13th century ;<br />
the west front is varied by lines of red marble, which give it a rich<br />
effect; ar,d the principal porch has the tympanum of its outer door adorned<br />
with sculptures on a large scale, representing our Saviour and angels in<br />
adoration: these sculptures are surmounted by the legend, " COPIOSA APUD<br />
EUN REDEMPTIO". The principal window over the porch is of great<br />
dimensions, and consists of five lancet lights. There is a cleres<strong>to</strong>ry and<br />
double transepts. The roof, which is a serni-octagonal ceiling, is supported<br />
by principals and collar beams, ornamented with cusped arching<br />
The pillars on each side of the nave are surmounted by foliated capitals<br />
in Bath-s<strong>to</strong>ne; the flooring is formed throughout of black and red tiles,<br />
and the sanctuary is floored with encaustic tiles of varied and beautiful<br />
design, by Min<strong>to</strong>n. The arch of the apse is supported on richly sculptured<br />
capi<strong>to</strong>ls resting on lofty columns of red Clare marble. The length<br />
of the church internally is 173 feet; the extreme breadth 73 feet; the<br />
main breadth throughout is 70 feet; the width of the nave is 36 feet;<br />
the width of the lateral chapels is l7 feet; the space occupied by the sanct~tuy<br />
is 38 feet ; the internal height is 68 feet; the external is 75 feet <strong>to</strong><br />
tl?e ridge. An organ gallery is placed over the principal entrance, and<br />
there are two spacious sacristies, which adjoin the northern transept.<br />
At the end of the church, and on the exterior of the apsis, which is<br />
rounded after the ancient Basilican plan, there is a cross of red marble,<br />
with a tablet underneath, containing the following inscription:-<br />
Revmus. J. Ryan,<br />
Episcopus Limericensis,<br />
Assistente<br />
Revmo. D. Moriarty,<br />
Episcopo Kerriensi,<br />
me posuit,<br />
hac 30 Maii, 1858,<br />
In honorem Sti. Alphonsi.<br />
In English:<br />
The Right Rev. J. Ryan,<br />
Bishop of <strong>Limerick</strong>,<br />
Assisted by<br />
The Right Itev. D. Moriarty,<br />
Bishop of Kerry,<br />
placed me,<br />
This 30th of May, 1858,<br />
In honour of St. Alphonsus.<br />
The back windows of the convent command a view of the Shannon, the<br />
docks, and the hills of Clare. The buildings were designed by P.<br />
Hardwick, Etq., M.B.I.B.A., who drew the plans of St. John's cathedral.<br />
Mr. Corbett superintended the work, and Mr. Wallace wsa the builder.<br />
The high altar, the munificent gift of John Quin, Esq., of <strong>Limerick</strong>, is<br />
one of the most beautiful works of the kind, for design, materials, and execution,<br />
in the empire. It was erected from the designs of G. Goldie, Esq.,<br />
architect, M.K.I.B. A.<br />
HISTORY OP LIMERICK. 677<br />
This new altar deserves a particular description. This altar may fairly<br />
claim <strong>to</strong> be the most important work of religious art erected in Great<br />
Britain. As a work of art, and in reference <strong>to</strong> its extraordinary magni-<br />
tude, its claims <strong>to</strong> this description are unquestionable :-<br />
The altar and reredos stand on the chord of the shallow apse which termi-<br />
nates the chancel of the church. The reredos consists of six niches con-<br />
taining statues nearly life size of angels bearing the emblems of the passion<br />
of our Lord; these niches stand on a lofty base inlaid with various Irish<br />
marbles richly sculptured; they are divided from each other by red marble<br />
shafts, and are snrmounted by pediments which are crocketed and finialed<br />
with elaborate foliage, and between which are figures of the angelic host in<br />
various attitudes of devotion, on a small scale. In the centre of the reredos<br />
arises a canopy surmounting the throne for exposition of the Blessed Sacra-<br />
ment. It is on this portion of the design that the utmost elegance of form and<br />
beauty and elaboration of detail have been lavished; and some idea may be<br />
formed of the general scale of the work when we say, that this canopy measures<br />
no less than forty-one feet in height from the floor of the nave of the church <strong>to</strong><br />
the summit of its gilt and jewelled cross. The effect of the whole work is sin-<br />
gularly enhanced by the introduction in the leading lines of the structure of<br />
bosses of variously coloured crystals, whilst the whole design is bound <strong>to</strong>gether<br />
by a carefully studied application of gilding. The tabernacle for the preservation<br />
of the Host stands at the foot of the throne which we have just described, and,<br />
as far as sumptuousness of material and elaboration of workmanship can go, it<br />
may be said <strong>to</strong> be somewhat worthy of its most sacred object. It is formed of<br />
polished walnut wood, lined with iron and poplar wood, alsoihighly polished-<br />
the whole of the exterior being overlaid with elaborately engraved brass work,<br />
richly gilt, on which are enchased ruby crystals. The typical peli-a, sculp-<br />
tured and gilt, crowns the cover. The altar itself is comparatively of simple<br />
design, as it is proposed <strong>to</strong> use the coloured frontals prescribed by the rubrics<br />
of the church; nevertheless, it is supported by rich columns of polished marble,<br />
and inlaid with the same material ; and in the central panel a sumptuous cross<br />
of enamelled and gilt metal work, set with crystals, is introduced. The period<br />
of the architecture is in keeping with the church, being that of the severe thir-<br />
teenth century Gothic. The general material is the soft magnesian limes<strong>to</strong>ne,<br />
derived from the quarries of the north of France, intermixed largely, as we have<br />
above mentioned, with the beautiful native marbles of Ireland, from the coun-<br />
ties of Cork and Galway. In addition <strong>to</strong> the altar and reredos, the chancel or<br />
communion rail has been erected, which extends across the whole width of the<br />
transepts, being upwards of 70 feet long. This railing is composed of a balus-<br />
trade of red marble columns, each column being surmounted by a capital of<br />
sculptured s<strong>to</strong>ne, bearing a.rail of polished Sicilian marble ; the spaGes between<br />
the columns are filled with wrought scroll work, enriched with gilt brass foliage,<br />
whilst three elaborate gates of the same material and character give access <strong>to</strong><br />
the chancel and the two side chapels. The general effect of the high altar has<br />
been materially improved by the decoration in colour of the shallow apse, <strong>to</strong><br />
which we have already referred, the roof being painted of delicate azure and<br />
strewn with golden stars; a rich band of foliage, which embraces various sacred<br />
monograms, separates this portion of the design from the lower part of the walls,<br />
which are painted with conventional representation of drapery, and further<br />
bands of ornament.<br />
The whole work occupied about ten months in its execution and erec-<br />
tion, and though most elaborate in its ornament, and perfectly finished in<br />
its every detail, was completed at comparatively moderate expense, <strong>to</strong> the<br />
entire sirtisfaction of the generous donor and tte Rev. Fathers of the
678 HISTORY OF LIMERICK. . .<br />
church. The architect, George Goldie, Esq., may justly pride himself<br />
upon the great success of this, one of the most difficult works of his art.<br />
The altar was unveiled and solemnly dedicated <strong>to</strong> public worship on<br />
Sunday, the 15th of Oc<strong>to</strong>ber, 1865, by the Right Rev. Dr. Butler, Lord<br />
Bishop of <strong>Limerick</strong>, assisted by a large number of the clergy. The Very<br />
Rev. Dr. Carbery, O.P., prior of St. Saviour's, <strong>Limerick</strong>, preached on the<br />
occasion.<br />
The whole building is not unworthy of a community who, from the sanctity<br />
of their lives, the apos<strong>to</strong>lic simplicity of their manners, and the extensive<br />
utility of their pious labours, have gained for themselves the love and<br />
respeqt of all men, and their significant and well merited appellation of the<br />
Holy Fathers.<br />
The following have been Superiors of the Redemp<strong>to</strong>rist Convent,<br />
<strong>Limerick</strong>: Very Rev. Louis De Buggenoms, of Belgium, November,<br />
1853, <strong>to</strong> February, 1854; Very Rev. Bernard Hafkenschied, of Holland,<br />
February, 1854, <strong>to</strong> March, 1855 ; Very Rev. Louis De Buggenoms, March,<br />
1855, <strong>to</strong> May, 1857 ; Very Rev. John Baptist Roes, of Belgium, from<br />
May, 1857, <strong>to</strong> Oc<strong>to</strong>ber, 1860, when he died ; Hon. and Very Rev. William<br />
Plunkett (son of the Earl of Pingal), Oc<strong>to</strong>ber, 1860, <strong>to</strong> June, 1865 ; and<br />
the Very Rev. Thomas Edward Bridgett, the present rec<strong>to</strong>r, elected June,<br />
1865.<br />
PAROCHIAL CATHOLIC CHURCHES AND CATHOLIC INSTITUTIONS.<br />
We shall now allude more particularly <strong>to</strong> the Catholic parish churches,<br />
and <strong>to</strong> such other of the religious institutions of I/ime,ick as have not<br />
been already noticed. Before doing so we may observe, ihat among the<br />
old, but not very ancient, religious buildings of <strong>Limerick</strong>, is that of the<br />
old Franciscan Friary in Newgate Lane, close by the old Post Office,<br />
and facing what is now called Abbe Row Lane. No vestige of it is<br />
left; but it is well remembered. The r ouse of the nuns of the Order of<br />
St. Teresa s<strong>to</strong>od on Sir Harry's Nall, and was established more than eighty<br />
years ago. Of the Poor Clares we have spoken before, as well as of the<br />
churches of the regular orders.<br />
In the Catholic arrangement the county of the city is divided in<strong>to</strong> the<br />
arishes or districts of St. Mary, St. John, St. Michael, St. Patrick, and<br />
it. Munchin.<br />
ST. MUNCHIN'S Catholic Church, situated on the North Strand, amidst<br />
some fine trees, stands opposite St. John's Castle, at the Clare side of<br />
the Shannon, between the Treaty S<strong>to</strong>ne1 and the site of the old mill of<br />
The last publio monument erected in Limeriok is the pediment and enclosure placed for<br />
the protection of the " Treaty S<strong>to</strong>ne? It is about 12 feet high, of plain limes<strong>to</strong>ne, and bears<br />
upon its eastern and west& sides, respectively, the inscriptions: "This pedestal was erected<br />
May, 1865, John Rickard Tinaley, Mayor"; and "The Treaty of <strong>Limerick</strong>, signed A.D. 1691".<br />
The north and south sides bear the castle, the city arms, with the Vigilian legend: "Urbs<br />
mtiqua fuit stadiisque asprima bellin. Of the Resty S<strong>to</strong>ne itself we speak with some hesi-<br />
tation, for it is mentioned iu none of the old his<strong>to</strong>rical documents, and yet the uninterrupted<br />
local tradition is that the treaty was signed upon it. But how? No one could write on it as it<br />
existed, and it was still lower in situation before the erection of the present bridge. Possibly<br />
the s<strong>to</strong>ne served aka reat for a board, or for a chair for those who si4ned that celebrated docn-<br />
ment; for it is not <strong>to</strong> be imagined that there was no table availableLfor the purpose. In fact,<br />
a table wss advertised years ago for sale in Cork, which, it wan.stated, wan the identical table<br />
on which the Treaty was signed. I have heard, but not on regable authority, that the Treaty<br />
S<strong>to</strong>ne was removed from the county Clare. O'CPnuell, during his references <strong>to</strong> the Treaty,<br />
always seemed <strong>to</strong> recognize the trnth of the tradition. Hii<strong>to</strong>ry says the treaty was signed in<br />
#he osmp<br />
HISTORY OF LIMERICX. 679<br />
Curragower.' It is an old plain cruciform structure, originally built in<br />
1744, afterwards rebuilt, and lately repaired, and supplied with a small<br />
sanctuary and altar <strong>to</strong> the Blessed Virgin. The seats in the gallery have<br />
also been renovated. St. Munchink is remarkable as being the first Catholic<br />
Church publicly erected in <strong>Limerick</strong> after the Revolution.<br />
ST. MARY'S Catholic Church, a large plain cruciform edifice, was built,<br />
in 1749, on the Little Island. The altar exhibits three styles of architecture,<br />
finely combined, and has a fine copy of Michael Angelo's picture<br />
ofthe Crucifixion? presented by John Kdly, Esq., merchant, at whose expense<br />
was also built the altar, which was composed of several different kinds<br />
of architecture, and erected in 1760. The church has lately undergone<br />
vari?us improvements, with a new tabernacle, and grounds enclosed by a<br />
fine iron balustrade.<br />
ST. PATRICK'S, Penny Well, wag erected in 1750, chiefly at the expense<br />
of Mr. Harrold. The new church was built in 1816. It is in the form of<br />
letter T, and is small, but neatly fitted, having the entrance surrounded<br />
by trees. The building was much improved in 1835, and the Rev. Dr.<br />
Meehan, the present parish priest, has lately &ted up an apartment at<br />
the eastern side for a school-house. The chapel of Monaleen, a neat<br />
but small building, about two miles from <strong>Limerick</strong>, is attached <strong>to</strong> this parish.<br />
ST..MICHAEL'S Church, situated in Denmark Street, was buqt in 1719,<br />
when lt was surrounded b apen fields. It was re-opened for divine service<br />
in 1781, and eonsiderabg enlarged in 1805. The Very Rev. Patrick<br />
Hogan procured an admirable organ for this church in 1816.<br />
In St. Michael's Church are two mural monuments. One is a handsome<br />
white marble monument in mediseval style <strong>to</strong> the memory of the .late<br />
Very Rev. Patrick Hogsn, P.P., V.G., and has the following insoription;<br />
a<br />
I. H. S.<br />
Revo. admodum<br />
Patricio Hogan,<br />
Dicec. Lim. Vic. Generali,<br />
Hujusq Parochiae per XXVI. annos<br />
Pas<strong>to</strong>ri Vigili,<br />
Pietate, Zelo, Eloquio<br />
Eximio<br />
Monum. hoc moerentes posuere<br />
Parochiani.<br />
Obiit in Dno. Kal. ApriIis,<br />
mcccXXIX,<br />
Annos sexaginta natus.<br />
Bequiescat in Pace.<br />
Bardwell K*Y<br />
The nab of C-w81: Mills IWW quite gone Hem two of the Irish eoldierq who<br />
were unavoidably shut out by their friends during a sortie, and who were almost dl macred<br />
by the English, hid until the pyof the morning, when they swam over <strong>to</strong> the fo~-*~<br />
battery. Their names we have heard, were BooL and O'Halloran.
680 HISTORY OP LI~~ERICK.<br />
h .<br />
This monument cost about &300, and is of fine statuary marble, with<br />
several admirably sculptured figures. " Father Pat Hogan", as this noble<br />
hearted priest was familiarly called, and by which designation he is <strong>to</strong> this<br />
day remembered, was a zealous and indefatigable pas<strong>to</strong>r indeed ; he left a<br />
sum of &2,000 <strong>to</strong> Park College, if it should be revived. On his gene-<br />
rosity <strong>to</strong> the Presentation Convent we have already dwelt; he caused Mr.<br />
John Gubbins <strong>to</strong> execute the very fine painting of the Crucifixion which<br />
is placed over the Virgin altar in this church, saying that " a pain% of<br />
the kind is the prayer book of the poor".<br />
The other and older monument is-<br />
To the memory of<br />
Patrick Arthur, Esq.,<br />
Who died on the 16th of December, 1799,<br />
in the eighty-second year of his age.<br />
In him the poor have lost a liberal benefac<strong>to</strong>r,<br />
society an example of every Christian virtue,<br />
and his affectionate family a kind and tender parent.<br />
In memoria ~terna erit justus.<br />
Requiescat in pace.<br />
Arthur Arms.<br />
Deus Jus<strong>to</strong>s Defendat.<br />
ST. JOHN'S Chapel, near John's Gate, was built in the form of a cross,<br />
and hished in 1753. The altar, which was very handsome, had a picture<br />
of the Crucifixion, by Collopy, the native artist. St. John's chapel was<br />
demolished when the new cathedral was completed. Its site IS now<br />
occupied by sn enclosed garden, adorned with a variety of shrubs and<br />
flowers.<br />
ST. JOEX'S CATHEDRAL.~~ the year 1854, the late Right Rev. Dr.<br />
Rysn determined <strong>to</strong> take down the old Parish Chapel of St. John's, not<br />
-only oh account of it9 being fsr <strong>to</strong>o small for the wants of the lar e congregation<br />
and the extensive parish, but also because it was so un f t for a<br />
lace of divine worship, being little better in appearance than a barn.<br />
b e late &v. William Bourke was administra<strong>to</strong>r of the parish at the time,<br />
snd gave the project every assistance. When the project of erecting a new<br />
church was first mooted, the intention was, that it should be only a plain<br />
substantial edifice, sufliciently spacious <strong>to</strong> contain the congregation, but<br />
of the simplqst . character and without ornament-one of the conditions<br />
most imperative1 insiited U on being, that it should cost the smallest<br />
assible a-; an those who Low that the arish is principally inhabited<br />
fy the poorest claw will appreciate the pm t! enae of the projec<strong>to</strong>r in not<br />
embarking upon a building of extravagant character, when his own<br />
BISTORY 03' LIMERICK. 681<br />
>arishioners were so little able, however willing, <strong>to</strong> assist him with large<br />
funds.<br />
The plans for the new church were made and the work commenced,<br />
and the building was about half finished when it began <strong>to</strong> attract much<br />
attention beyond the parish and those immediately interested in it, and it<br />
was determined <strong>to</strong> extend the scheme, and make the new church the<br />
Cathcdral of the Diocese of <strong>Limerick</strong>. This decision rendered some alteration<br />
necessary in the arrangements of the building, not so much in the plan,<br />
which had been devised <strong>to</strong> meet the requirements of a very large congregation,<br />
but in the height and decoration of the building; as the plain structure<br />
desigued merely for a pa.rish church was scarccly suitable in character for a<br />
cathedral. It was unfortunate that this decision had not been sooner arrived<br />
at, as the work was <strong>to</strong>o far advanced ,<strong>to</strong> alter the extreme simplicit<br />
character already given <strong>to</strong> the exterior, and which could not we1 r be<br />
altered without <strong>to</strong>o extensive changes in what was already executed, and<br />
cost was still a very important consideration. The result, however, is a<br />
certain poverty of appearance in the exterior, unaccountable perhaps <strong>to</strong><br />
those who have not heard the ear17 his<strong>to</strong>ry of thc building we have here<br />
given. The style of the building 1s the architecture of the thi~teenth century,<br />
for which the hard matenal furnished by the limes<strong>to</strong>ne quarries of<br />
the neighbourhood is perhaps better adapted than any other.<br />
The church consists of a nave 97 feet long by 30 feet wide, separated<br />
by piers and five arches from aisles, which arc 19 feet wide. 'rranscpts<br />
extend beyond the nam, and these are the same width as the nave, and<br />
their extrcmc length from north <strong>to</strong> south is 116 feet. The chancel is 30<br />
feet wide, and 43 feet deep from the end of the transepts. Opening eastwards<br />
from the transepts are four chapels, two on the north and two on<br />
the south side ; thcse are 19 feet wide. The <strong>to</strong>tal length of the building<br />
internally is 168 feet. The height of the nave and transepts <strong>to</strong> the apex<br />
of the roof is 80 feet; the height of the aisles is 52 feet.<br />
From the necessity of strictly economizing the funds placed at his command,<br />
the architect had <strong>to</strong> trust <strong>to</strong> large simple forms for the effect of<br />
the exterior of the building, rather than <strong>to</strong> any decoration or richness of<br />
detail, which were impossible ; and for the interior, <strong>to</strong> general proportions<br />
and the play of light and shadow obtained by the arrangement of the<br />
transe~ts and cha~els.<br />
It i's needless 6 say that the roofs wcrc obliged <strong>to</strong> be, like the rest qf the<br />
fabric, perfectly plain, and are left for coloured decoration at some future<br />
time. Ornamentation of this character has, however, been commenced in<br />
the chancel, and across the chancel arch is placed a rood beam, according<br />
<strong>to</strong> ancient cus<strong>to</strong>m, bearing the figure of our Lord on the cross, with fi,o;ures<br />
of the Blessed Virgin and St. John on each side. These figures are carved<br />
in wood larger than life size, and are the work of Phyffers, a Belgian<br />
sculp<strong>to</strong>r. The most conspicuous and important object m the interior is<br />
very properly the high altar, which is in the ancient form of a can0 y<br />
standing bn four columns, wliich are of the red <strong>Limerick</strong> marb 7 e.<br />
S<strong>to</strong>ne alabaster, and the same red and other marbles, are used for the ma-<br />
terials of this work, which is much decorated by figures and bas-reliefs, also<br />
executed by 31. Phyffera. Tlk altar was the munificent gift of one lady,<br />
according <strong>to</strong> thc ~ecord of an inscription placcd against the chancel pier:<br />
47
682 HISTORY OF LIMERICK. . .<br />
The High Altar<br />
of this Cathedral Church<br />
was given by<br />
Mrs. Frames McNamara,<br />
in memory of her husband,<br />
Mr. Charles McNamara,<br />
and <strong>to</strong> obtain for him and herself<br />
the prayers of the faithful<br />
who come here <strong>to</strong> worship God.<br />
One of the most striking of the ornaments of the cathedral is Benzoni's<br />
beautiful statue of the Blcsscd Virgin, presented by the Right Hon. William<br />
Monsell, M.P. It is of pure white marble, and is supported by a pedestal<br />
of Portland s<strong>to</strong>ne, consisting of a slab rresting on a cluster of pilasters with<br />
floriatcd The statue, which IS of life size, and most exquisitely<br />
cllisellcd, rcprcscnts the Madonna as standing on the crescent and crushing<br />
the serpent's head, in rcfercnce <strong>to</strong> the third chapter of Genesis and twelfth<br />
of the Apocaly sc. The gracefulness of the figure, the holy beauty of the<br />
countenance, t E e dclicacy of'the lineaments, the elegance of the drapery,<br />
and, above all, thc heavcnly air of resignation and lovinY charity that<br />
P<br />
cllaractcrise this most beautiful icce of statuary, reflect thc nighest credit<br />
0x1 the &st, and rcdizc the hig lest conception of the human presentments<br />
of the mother of the Lord. Near the statue of the Blesscd Virgin is sus-<br />
pcndcd s, glassed frame containing the Italian and Latin originals of the<br />
great indulgence madc by the present Pope Pius IX.! whose sign manual<br />
is attached <strong>to</strong> them, <strong>to</strong> those who shal! recite certaln prayers before the<br />
statue, and who contribute <strong>to</strong> the dccorat~ons of our Lady's Chapel. The<br />
following is a translation :-<br />
(c Mr. William Monsell, a Catholic member of the British Parliament, having<br />
presented a beautiful marble statue, the work of the sculp<strong>to</strong>r Benzoni, <strong>to</strong> the<br />
new CiLthedral of <strong>Limerick</strong>, is anxious that indulgences shall be granted <strong>to</strong> such<br />
as sllall pray before the statue as well as <strong>to</strong> those who shall contribute <strong>to</strong>wards<br />
tllc decoration of our Lady's Chapel in the same Cathedral. To render these<br />
indulgences more precious, he requests that they may be subscribed by His<br />
Holiness's own hand.<br />
"Rome, at S. P. 1859, 14th day of January.<br />
MONSGR. CULLEN.<br />
U We gant three hundred days' indulgence <strong>to</strong> all the faithful who shall<br />
devoutly the Litany of 'loret<strong>to</strong>, and one hundred days' indulgence <strong>to</strong> those<br />
who shall recite three times the Angelica1 Salutation, before the holy image<br />
mentioned above.<br />
We certify and bear witness that the grant of indulgences written on the<br />
other side of this leaf, has been signed by our Moat Holy Father, by Divine<br />
Providence Pope Pius IX.<br />
ALEXANDER G. BARN-~BO, Prefect, January 14, 1859,<br />
at the House of the Sacred CongreEl,zti& de Propa-<br />
X ganda Fide".<br />
The following inscription is appended <strong>to</strong> this grant :-<br />
((The first s<strong>to</strong>ne of St. John's New Cathedral was laid by the Right Rev.<br />
Dr. Kpn, on the 1st of bhy, A.D. 1Y5G"r<br />
HISTORY OF LIMERICE. 689<br />
A remonstrance is preserved in the cathedral, the gift of Thady Quin,<br />
Esq., of Adare, the ances<strong>to</strong>r of the Em1 of Dunraven, <strong>to</strong> the Parlsh of St.<br />
John's. It bears the following inscription :-<br />
L<br />
' EX don~ Thadaei Quin Armigcri de Adare, ad usum Parochiae Sti. Johannis<br />
Limericencis in honorem Venerabilis Sacramenti, A.D. 1725. Qrate pro 00':<br />
It only remains <strong>to</strong> speak of the <strong>to</strong>wer, which is placed on the north side<br />
of the church, and is still unfinished. The height <strong>to</strong> which it is now<br />
carried is 70 feet, and it is intended before long <strong>to</strong> complete it, when its<br />
height will be 253 feet <strong>to</strong> the apex of the spire. Al<strong>to</strong>gether, this is a<br />
cathedral worthy of the ages of the faith, and a proof that the traditional<br />
love for religion is as active as it ever had been among the Catholios of<br />
<strong>Limerick</strong>.<br />
Near St. Patrick's Church, but on the opposite side of Clare Street, and<br />
occupying the position which was originally the site of Walker's Lace<br />
Fac<strong>to</strong>ry, is the noble institution known as the Convent of the Good<br />
Shepherd; originally established as a Magdalen Asylum (which it still is),<br />
about the year l8 Id, the funds of which were raised from public aubscrip<br />
tion, charity sermons, the interest of 51,000 given by Miss White (who,<br />
at the same time, subscribed &1,000 <strong>to</strong>wards the Lying-in Hospital then<br />
situate in Nelson Street, now in Henry Street), and by washing. Miss<br />
Rcddan had long presided over the Asylum, until it was placed under the<br />
care of the nuns of the Good Shepherd. The convent, which has been<br />
greatly augmented in latter years, is a spacious, airy building, but without<br />
any special character, and containing, besides an extremely neat chapel<br />
and amph dwelling apartments, a large dormi<strong>to</strong>ry, very neatly kept;<br />
a reforma<strong>to</strong>r , a wash-house or laundry of great extent, having clothes<br />
airing and cfrying rooms. The chapel has recently been fitted up with<br />
beautiful stalls and altars carved in wood from designs of G. Goidie, Esq.,<br />
architect. The nuns of the Good Shepherd arrived in <strong>Limerick</strong> from<br />
Angers, in France, in 1849. Mrs. Smith -was the first Superioress,<br />
Madame de Balligand, a native of France, was the second, and Ma-<br />
dame Lockhart is the third and present superioress. Very fine Brussels<br />
and Valenciennes lace and vestments are made here by the nuns,<br />
who are twenty-five in number; as also by the penitents, who<br />
seventy-five in number, and who are constantly employed in industrial<br />
occupations. In connection with the convent, but separated Gom that part<br />
of the building appointed for the penitents, is the reforma<strong>to</strong>ry, in which<br />
there are forty-five girls, who are thus preserved from the contaminrrtion<br />
of prisons, and fitted for hones: occupations. In chapter lii. we have<br />
given an account of the Presentation Convent, the convent of the Sisters<br />
of Mercy, and Orphanage of Mount St. Vincent (attached <strong>to</strong> this orphan-<br />
age has been built an asylum for widows); and we have given also else-<br />
where, in the course of this work, an account of the grand educational<br />
convent of Laurel Hill, etc., and of the other noble Catholic educational<br />
and charitable foundations of the city. Indeed fe W cities of its rank can<br />
boast of so many Catholic religious and charitable institutions as <strong>Limerick</strong>.