Pages 276 to 292 - Cork Past and Present

-
276
HISTORICAL AND TOPOGRAPHICAL NOTES.
1
*
<-
Car. I. There is a burial ground, and is still in use. There was a church
here formerly, but no traces of it now to be found. There grows a handsome whitethorn bush here, which is supposed to be in the N . W . end of
where the old church stood, and at the foot of which there is a baptismal
font which belonged to the old church. There are no early dates in the
burial ground. I t is enclosed bv an earthen bank of a triangular form."
(Ord. Sur. Off., Dub.)
Kilcummer Parish.
*
*
•
Sheets 26 and 34, 6-inch O.S. Sheet 176, i-inch O.S.
Barony of Fermoy, East Riding.
It lies about i\ miles (by road) west of Ballyhooly village.
Kilcummer is the Irish for *'church of the confluence.'' (O'Donovan.)
Rev. Canon J. F. Lynch writes :—" The tuath of Hi Bece was beside the
Awbeg and Ciil Commuir (Kilcummer), near confluence of Awbeg and
Blackwater, was the chief burial place of the Hi Bece." (These Notes,
I 155, and i. 199.)
Alexander and Raymond Fitz Hugh held Kilcummer in Fermoy.
Alexander founded the Priory of Ponte (Bridgetown). Moderns speak of
Alexander Fitz Hugh as de Rupe or Roche, but in the Charters he always
appears as Alexander films Hugonis. (Ireland under the Normans (Orpen),
vol. ii., p. 45, footnote.)
Lewis (pub. 1837) states :—" Kilcummer Parish is i j miles (S.E. by S.)
from Castletownroche, on the road from Mallow to Fermoy, and on the
rivers Awbeg and Blackwater, containing 812 inhabitants, and comprising
2,480 statute acres, as applotted under the Tithe Act, and valued at £i,7%7
per annum. The land, with the exception of the portion on the south side
of the Blackwater, forming part of the Nagle Mountains, is of medium
quality, and chiefly in tillage. Fairs are held on the 21st of April, July,
Sept., and D e c , for cattle and pigs. The seats are Woodville, the residence of Mrs. Gibbons; Renny, the property of H . Smith, Esq. The latter
was formerly part of the estate, and the occasional residence of the poet
Spenser; it is finely situated at the junction of the Awbeg with the Blackwater, and some vestiges of the old castle of Renny still exist near the
present house. At a short distance from this place the Awbeg is crossed
by the long bridge of Kilcummer" (ii. JJ).
The Field Book of 1840 gives :—" Kilcummer Parish is the property ot
several persons, and these are Edward Stanners, Esq., William Fletcher,
Esq., Henry Smyth, Esq., and Mrs. Wallace, by deed for ever. All land
of good quality and under good cultivation, except the south, part of which
is mountain bog, and about 40 acres of wood in the eastern part of it.
There is no post or market town, or anything more worth describing in the
parish. The houses and roads are in middling repair. Pays for Co. Cess,
£ 1 0 4 4s. n d . " (Ord. Sur. Off., Dub.).
Guy referring to year 1881, g i v e s : — " T h e land is of medium quality,
based on brownstone; that on the north side has a good limestone soil.
Fairs 21 April, 21 July, 21 Dec. Total area of parish, 2,612a. 2r. 36p.
86
Houses, 59; pop., 316; families, 5 8 ; Catholics, 303; Prot., 13; val., ; £ i , 5 '
Mr. Henry C. Bowen, B.L., adds : — " Fairs V e held at Kilcummer three
REMAINS OF KILCUMMER
CHURCH.
(Photo by Col. J. Grove White, loth September,
1914.)
KILCUMMER H O U S E .
{Photo by Col. J. Grove White, 10th September,
1914
I *
277
KILCUMMER PARISH.
times a year, on the 21st days of April, July and December; when any of
these days fall on Saturday or Sunday, the fair is held on the following
Monday. A pig fair is always held on the preceding day, but on Friday
when the principal fair is on Monday. The fair is sometimes known as
that of 'Castletownroche 5 ) >
Mr. James Byrne, J . P . , s t a t e s : — " T h e old mansion house of Kilcummer
is in the hands of the Wilson family. A member of the family pointed out
to my grandfather in Kilcummer graveyard the grave of the body servant
who cut the throat of one of the Spenser family in a fit of jealousy on the
evening before his intended marriage."
J
KILCUMMER PARISH
(R.C.).
,,
1291. " E c c a de Kylcomyr XXXs. unde decia I I I s . (Tax. P . Nic).
(Brady, h\ 257.)
Windele informs us that there was an ancient town and round abbey
at Kilcummer, and that the place was destroyed by the soldiers of Cromwell
before Castletownroche was taken. (Journal for 1897, page 347.)
Near the ruins of the old church at Kilcummer can be noticed the
foundations of several buildings. These are probably the abbey and houses
referred to by Windele.
Lewis (pub. 1837) gives :—"Near the high road leading to Kilcummer
bridge are the ruins of the ancient church. In the R.C. divisions this parish
forms part of the union or district of Castletown-Roche. About 15 children
are educated in a private school" (ii. 77).
Mr. James Buckley, writing to the Journal for the Preservation
of
Memorials of the Dead in Ireland, Aug., 1903, thus describes the old graveyard of K i l c u m m e r : — " T h i s churchyard has a pleasant situation on the
west side of the road leading from Castletownroche t o Fermoy, and overlooks Bridgetown Abbey and the valley of the Aubeg ('Mulla'). The western
gable and a few feet of the adjoining side walls are all that now remain of
the ancient church. By many years the oldest inscribed stone here is that
to Danel Kelle (1717). My father, now an octogenarian, informs me that
this is the burial place of a branch of the widespread Barry family, known by
the ancient patronymic of 'Barry maol' " (vi. 29). Mr. Buckley gives a few
inscriptions from tombstones.
KILCUMMER PARISH (C OF
I.).
Brady gives :—
1591. E. de Kilcummir. Prior Bothon est Rector et usurpatur vicaria.
(MS. T.C.D., E. 3, 14.)
1615. Dominus de Rupe et Fermoy est firmarius Rectoria?. Vicaria
vacat et usurpatur. Ecclesia et cancella in ruinis. Nullus curatus. (R.V M
R.I.A.)
1634. E. de Kilcummir. Dominus Roch est Rector. Valet 20 li. per
an. Nullus curatus. (R.V., 1634.)
1661. Dominus Roch est Rector, Vicarius Mr. Bortley. (V.B.). For
Bortley, vide Ballvhooly.
1662. Vacant." (V.B., D.R.)
1667 to 1674. John Norcott appears as R.V. Kilcummer.
1
168
" " j * John
J*-""' Shirley,
oiiiney, A.M.,
ri.ivi., is presented to
LU R.V.
IY. V . Kilcummer,
ivncuuuuc Castletown i
Wallstown, Bridgetown, Monanimy, and also P. Killenemer. ,
•
278
HISTORICAL AND TOPOGRAPHICAL NOTES.
onn
1684. J
Bulkeley, A.M.
1693. Richard Verling, A.B.
J
From 1693 *° ^35 Kilcummer was held with Castletown, q.v.
1834. Protestant population, 28.
1835. Hugh Stewart.
1837. Kilcummer : a rectory and vicarage, with cure, 3 miles long by
1 broad, containing 2,478a. Gross population, 812. No curate employed.
Tithe composition, ^ 1 3 3 . Subject to visitation fees, 15s. 3d. ; diocesan
schoolmaster, £1.
No glebe house. Incumbent is non-resident; he resides
near Mallow, within six miles of this parish. No church. It is observed
that the Protestant parishioners of this parish attend the church of Castletown, which is within a mile of this parish. The benefice is a rector}*
(Pari. Rep.)
1840. William Collins.
i860. No church; no glebe house; no glebe; no Divine Service; no
school. The incumbent is non-resident. The Curate, Rev. S. B. G.
Young, resides in the adjoining parish. The Protestant population is 23.
The rent charge is ^ 9 9 15s.
i860. Samuel Barker Green Young, A.B., R.V., Kilcummer and
Bridgetown, which were episcopally united, under the sanction of the Lord
Lieutenant and Privy Council, upon the vacancy of Kilcummer, on the
death of Collins. Vide Bridgetown (ii. 257).
Kilcummer and Bridgetown now (1910) form part of the Union of
Castletownroche.
Return of Rent Charges. Kilcummer : Date of composition, 30 April,
1825, for 21 years; composition, ^ 1 4 3 Brit, currency; average price of
wheat was jQi 18s. 8d. per barrel for seven years ending 1st Nov., 1821
IO
(iii- 3 ) ;
Lewis (pub. 1837) gives : — " T h e living is a rectory and vicarage in the
diocese of Cloyne, and in the patronage of the Bishop. The tithes amount
to £132'' (ii. yjy under Kilcummer).
The Field Book of 1840 states :—" Site of Kilcummer Church. There
is nothing of this church to be seen only the portion of it which is shown
as a ruin in the west corner of the graveyard, together with the site of
the remainder of i t . " (Ord. Sur. Off., Dub.)
KILCUMMER HOUSE AND TOWNLAND.
Kilcummer House and demesne are on townland of Kilcummer Upper.
The house is shown on 6-inch O.S. 26, and the demesne is partly on Sheet
34, i-inch O.S., 176.
The Book of Dist. and Sur., circa 1657, gives Kilkummer (Kilcummer),
512 acres.
It was owned before the Rebellion by Lord Roche, who was attainted,
the Grantee being Richard Barnard. ( P . R . O . , Irld.)
The Pat. Rolls of Jac. I. give :—The grant to Capt. Richard Bernard as
Kilcummer als. Killhumer, 2 plowlands, 829a. ir. i7p. £j 15s. 6d. Bar.
Fermov.
Dated 16 D e c , 1667. (O'Donovan's Letters, p. 266, Lib.,
R.I.A.)
Mr. Henry C. Bowen, B.L., Bowen's Court, writes in 1910 :—" The fee
simple of Kilcummer appears to have passed (probably by marriage) from the
Bernards to the St. Leger (Doneraile) family."
•
KILCUMMER PARISH.
279
1
Robert Oliver, Esq., (eldest son of Robert Oliver of Cloghanodfoy,
M.P. for Co. Limerick) appears to have resided at Kilcummer House.
Prior to the year 1750 Henry Cole Bowen (of Kilbolane, Co. Cork) held
the house and 111 plantation acres of the lands of Kilcummer for a terminable interest.
Smith (1750) says (i. 317):—"On the east side of the Awbeg, near
Bridgetown Abbey, is Kilcummer, a good house and plantation of Henry
Cole Bowen, Esq., adorned with a pleasant grove of spruce fir on the e a s t . "
H. C. Bowen married in 1760 Margaret, younger daughter of Ralph
Warter Wilson of Kissikurke, Co. Limerick, by whom he left eight sons
and six daughters. Her elder sister, Catherine Wilson, had married, in
1756, James, 2nd son of Ion Grove, Esq., of Ballyhemock (Annesgrove),
Co. Cork. After Mr. Bowen's death in 1788 his interest in Kilcummer
(then a leasehold for lives renewable for ever) was purchased for ^ 1 , 6 2 4 by
his sister-in-law, Mrs. Catherine Grove, then a widow.
Indenture made 1st April, 1752, between Henry Cole Bowen of Annabell,
Co. Cork, Esq., and George Hennessy of City of Cork, gent. Said Henry
Cole Bowen, in consideration of ^ 4 0 0 paid him by said George Hennessy,
let him house, out-offices, gardens, orchards, and demesne lands of Kilcummer, about 106a. plantation measure, for 30 years, during minority of
Silver Oliver, Esq., son of Robt. Oliver, late of Kilcummer aforesaid, deceased, for ^ 6 5 rent, then ^ 8 5 rent. (Bowen's Court Papers.)
In a Survey of 1777, Groves, Esq., is shown as residing at Kilcummer.
(T. S. R.)
The head landlord at this time was the Honble. Colonel St. Leger, afterwards 2nd Viscount Doneraile.
Mr. Henry C. Bowen, B.L., Bowen's Court, has an old map of Kilcummer, surveyed in 1771, showing part of townland belonging to Henry
Cole Bowen, Esq., m a . or. 27p plantation.
. . In the Will of Catherine Grove of Kilcummer, Co. Cork, widow of James
Grove, she desires to be buried in the vault of Castletownroche Church,
with her deceased husband, James, by daylight; makes her nephew-, W .
Warter Wilson, residuary legatee; legacies t o her sister, Margaret
Bowen, niece, Catherine Cole Bowen, niece, Jane Cole Berkly, wife of Rev.
Wm. Berkly. Dated 1795; proved 1796. (P.R.O., Irld.)
The Will of James Grove of Kilcummer was proved 178^;. ( P . R . O . ,
Irld.)
The Field Book of 1840 states:—Kilcummer Lower Townland, the
property of William Fletcher, Esq., by deed for ever. Land of good
quality and under good cultivation. Houses and roads in good repair.
Pays Co. Cess, £45 17s. 9d. yearly, including Kilcummer Upper.
Kilcummer Upper T. L. The property of William Fletcher, Esq., by
deed for ever. All land of good quality and under good cultivation. Houses
and roads in good repair.
Kilcummer House. A gentleman's place, the residence of Rev. Ralph
Wilson. It stands on a flat, and is elegantlv ornamented, but is in bad
repair. (Ord. Sur. Off., Dub.)
1867. William Wilson is shown as being here. (M.D.)
1
He married J a n e , daughter, of John Silver, Esq., and died 1745, leaving an only
•on. tho Eight Honble. Silver Oliver, M.P., of Castle Oliver, Co. Limerick
28o
HISTORICAL AND TOPOGRAPHICAL NOTES.
There are some entries to the Wilsons in the C. of I. Register of Castletownroche Parish, and tombstones to their memory in the graveyard attached to the church. (M.D.I., ii. 46.)
Guy gives :—
1892. Mrs. Wilson at Kilcummer House, and 1910, Mrs. Wilson.
The farmers on townland are recorded under "Castletownroche."
1875. John Blake, Mary Bullman, John O'Brien, and Cath. Roche.
1886. Same.
1892.
P. Roche, John Blake, Thomas Collins, Miss O'Brien, and W m .
O'Brien.
1910
John Blake, Thos. Collins, D . C . ; Corns. McDonnell, Rd.
O'Brien D . C . ; W m . O'Brien.
1914. Michael O'Farrell at Kilcummer House, and same farmers on
townland as in 1910.
In 1881 Guy gives :—
r I
Kilcummer Lower, 188a. 2 - ^P> pop-? 3 ° \ val., ^ 1 7 8 10s. od.
Kilcummer Upper, 655a. ir. 3ip. ; pop., 114; val., ^ 4 4 4 5s. od.
YOUNG KATE OF KILCUMMER.
Attributed to the pen of " Pleasant Ned Lysaght."
There a r e flowers in the valley,
And fruit on the hill,
Sweet-scented and smiling,
Resort where you will.
But the sweetest and brightest,
I n spring-time or summer,
Is the girl of my heart—
The young Kate of Kilcummer.2
Oh, I'd wander from daybreak
Till night's gloomy fall,
Full sure such another
I'd ne'er meet a t all;
As the rose to the bee.
As the sunshine t o summer,
So welcome to me
Is young Kate of Kilcummer.
(Poetry and Legendary Ballads, 269; pub. Guy & Co.. Cork, 1894).
By order of the Court of Chancery in the suit of Wilson v. Wilson
(plaintiffs, John Wilson and Selina Wilson; defendant, Elizabeth Wilson),
the lands of Kilcummer were put up to auction on 25 Feb., 1913, and were
purchased by Mr. Michael O'Farrell for ^ 2 , 5 5 0 . The place was described
as part of the lands of Kilcummer, containing 151a. 5p. statute measure,
together with the substantial dwelling house, out-offices, and garden, held
under a fee-farm grant dated 28 July, 1863, made between W m . O'Brien
and William Wilson; yearly rent, ^ 5 0 os. 6d. ; P.L.V., ^ 1 3 5 ; tithe rent
charge, £9 os. 6d. (Cork Constitution, 15 Feb. and 28 Feb., 1913.)
The report of the trial appeared in the Cork Constitution of 6th Feb.,
1912.
Margaret Bowles-, 4th dau. of George Bowles of Mount Prospect,
Tallow, married Rev. Ralph W a r t e r Wilson of Kilcummer, Co. Cork, and
had issue. (See Bowles of Ahern, Conna, Co. Cork, B. L. Gentry, Irld.,
1912.)
2 One of the Wilson family was known to fame as " beautiful Kate of Cabereonlish
(Co. Limerick). Can this have been Mrs. Grove?—(Henry C. Bowen, B.L.)
KILDORRERY PARISH AND TOWNLAND,
281
Kildorrery Parish and Townland.
Sheet 18, 6-inch O.S. Sheet 165, i-inch O.S.
Barony of Condons and Clongibbons.
I t lies 2j miles (N.) from Cork and 137 miles (S.W.) from Dublin.
It is in The White Knight's Country.
Kildorrery (Cill-dairbhre) is the Irish for "church of the oak w o o d . "
(O'Donovan.) I have heard that a wood of scrub oak formerly extended
from the hill of Kildorrery to the Pass of " R e d c h a i r , " and that most of
the trees were cut for the manufacture of wooden clogs. (Henry C. Bowen,
B.L.)
Near Kildorrery was Raith Hua Cuile, or fort of O'Cuile, one of the
chief forts of the old Race of Fermoy District. This fort is mentioned in
the Life of St. Findchua of Brigobhann and in the Life of St. Molaga.
(Rev. Canon J. F . Lynch.)
Most of the parish was comprised in the Manor of (Old) Castletown,
which belonged to the Fitzgibbon family, and appears to have been from
time to time held as an ' ' a p p a n a g e ' ' by the eldest son or younger brother
of the White Knight. (Henry C. Bowen, B.L.)
FIANTS OF ELIZABETH.
5517 (6334). In a grant to Edmund Fitzgibbon, Esq., called the W h i t e
Knight, for the purpose of securing a Government title, the townland of
"Killadirrye" is mentioned in the grant. (15 Dec. xxxiii., A.D. 1590.)
James I. granted Maurice Fitzgibbon of Old Castletown a licence to
hold a fair on 24 Aug. at Kildarririe. (Pat. 4, Jac. I., 31 May, 1606, in
P.R.O., Irld.)
The Book of Dist. and S u n , circa 1657, tells us that Killdollery was
1
the property of Garral Coshin, an Irish Papist. The townland contained
37 acres, Church land excepted. ( P . R . O . , Irld.) Besides this he owned
3,249 acres of Farahy Parish, in which Kildorrery was a townland at that
time. He forfeited all this property.
Lewis (pub. 1837) states that the parish contained 1,986 inhabitants,
and comprised 5,246! statute acres, as rated for the county cess, and valued
a
2
2
er
^ £ A%
P annum. The land, with the exception of about 500 acres of
mountain pasture, is chiefly under tillage, and is in general good; but,
although there is an abundance of limestone, the state of agriculture is
rather backward. Springvale, the property of Roger Burke, Esq., was
unoccupied in 1837. The pass of Redchair, on border of this parish, is
memorable for the artifice practised by Lord Mountgarret on the Lord
President St. Leger, who, having collected his forces to oppose the passage
°f the insurgents from the county of Limerick, was deceived by a fictitious
commission which Lord Mountgarret produced as from the king, on which
the Lord President disbanded his forces and retired (ii. 88). (Also see D .
Townsend's Life of Great Earl of Cork, p . 395.)
1
Garrett Cushen lived in the old castle of Farahy, where he is reported by local
radition to have annexed the church lands, and provided out of his own resources
t0
* the spiritual wants of the district (Henry C. Bowen, B.L.)
'
282
HISTORICAL AND TOPOGRAPHICAL NOTES.
-
The Field Book of 1839 states :—" Kildorrery Parish. This parish contains 3,331a. i r . op., most of which are under cultivation, and are of very
good quality. Its principal proprietor is Lord Kingston (whose ancestor
2
succeeded to estates of the White Knight ). The houses and roads are in
good repair. It pays Co. Cess, ^ " I O I is. i o d . " (Ord. Sur. Off., Dub.).
In 1881, according to Guy, the parish contained 3,336a. 2r. op. ; houses,
196; pop., 9 7 3 ; families, 192; Catholics, 9 7 1 ; Prot., Epis., 2 ; valuation,
£2,396 u s . od.
The Field Book of 1839 gives:—Kildorrery Townland. " W e call
this Kill-darrery of the Fair (cattle fair)." (O'Donovan.) T h e parish is
the property of Lord Kingston by deed for ever. It is in good cultivation.
(Ord. Sur. Off., Dub.)
According to Guy, the townland contains m a . or. 38p; val., ^ 2 0 7
15s. od. (A.D. 1881).
KILDORRERY PARISH
(R.C.).
1291. " E c c a de Kyldarur X X X s . unde decia I l l s . " (Tax P. Nic.)
Brady I I . 258.
Roger Dwyer, Parish Priest of Meads town (Kildorrery), 1760. Perhaps
he is identical with the Rev. Roger Dwyer, P . P . or C.C. Inchigeela, 1766.
(journal for 1898, p. 214.)
Lewis (pub. 1837) gives :—"In the R.C. divisions, the parish forms part
of the union or district of Kildorrery, which also comprises the parishes of
Farihy, Templemoliogga, Carrigdownane, and Nathlash. The chapel near
Kildorrery and that at Coolbohoga in Templemoliogga are both about to be
rebuilt." (Under Kildorrery, ii. 88.)
Mr. Henry C. Bowen, B.L., Bowen's Court, adds:—The former of
these chapels appear to have stood in the townland of Scart, close to the
site of the present National School. The chapel at Coolbohoga (Shralaha) is
supposed to have been more ancient. The present R.C. church at Kildorrery, a seemly and well-kept edifice, stands at the eastern end of the
Main Street. The present (1910) Parish Priest, Rev. William O'Donovan,
was appointed from the Macroom district in the year 1907, and resides in
Meadstown House.
In 1849, Windele writes :—" On my return through Kildorrery I visited
the old church. It is one of the 8th or 9th century, and consists of a nave
and chancel, both compartments separated by an arched open; the arch,
however, now fallen. The breadth of the nave is about fifteen paces; that
of the chancel about twelve. The altar end has altogether fallen. In the
north wall of the chancel is a square recess, a foot in depth, three feet in
length, two feet in height, bordered with a double torus moulding and a
foliaged pattern, of which last I took a heelball rubbing. The outline
beneath is repeated throughout.
I
The door was-in the side or southern wall. It was (and is) a plain
pointed ope, faced with cut limestone, and consequently of a later date
than the original construction beside it. In the right jamb as you enter
is the piscina, which has escaped the general destruction. Within the precincts, to the south, a new church has been erected. It is a plain structure,
without steeple or tower. (Journal for 1897, p. 378.)
2 See Castletown Castle (old Castletown, these " Notes," II. 127).
I-
INSIDE THE R U I N S OF K I L D O R R E R Y
CHURCH
Mr. James Buckley, M . R . I . A . , in foreground.
{Photo by Col. Grove White, ist August, 1907.
F O N T IN DOORWAY OF R U I N S OF
KILDORRERY
CHURCH.
{Photo by Co/. Grove White, \st August,
1907.)
KILDORRERY PARISH AND TOWNLAND.
283
He writes later :—" Visited old church; much injured since I was there
in 1849. The doorway in north wall of chancel nearly destroyed.
Its
moulded and floriated stones half gone for grave heads. The peasantry,
whether as grave makers or gold dreamers, ruthless destroyers. Pillar caps
and sculptures at every grave h e a d . "
Here follows drawing of cap, etc. (Windele MSS. 12, I. 10, page 7 1 ,
R.I.A.)
Mr. James Buckley (Chairman Irish Text Society) and I visited this old
ruin on 20th August, 1907, and made the following notes:—Nave, 45 feet
9 inches by 22 feet 10 inches. Height of doorway, 5 ft. 8 ins., 3 ft. 5 ins.
wide, Gothic dressing chamfred. Inside is inserted in wall a holy water
font. Wall, 2 ft. 3 ins. thick; choir, 23 ft. 6 ins. by 17ft. 31ns. The walls
are built of round undressed sandstone, many of which, particularly at the
base of the building, are very large. Inside of the doorway there is a
slightly arched support, composed of stones. The measurements above
are in the clear. The quoin stones, the stones of chancel arch and doorway,
are dressed. In chancel there is a band of dressed projecting stones from
2 to 3 feet from the ground. At the north side there are remains of an
ambry and several ornamental stones showing deep cut ridges, and strewn
about the grounds are others of a smaller nature.
Many years ago a road contractor commenced removing the stones of
the church. This was stopped on a resident of the village protesting. In
his operations he unloosed a stone on which a human face is depicted, and
this is now inserted high up in the north wall of the church. There is a
head stone in the chancel to Mr. James Fitzgerald, who died Feb. 19th,
1775, aged 76 years. Also Patrick Smith, died 1765; Thomas Guilehie, d.
24 March, 1790, aged 60; John Murphy, d. 28 D e c , 1742, aged 40, and
his daughter Margaret d. 1742; Daniel Murphy, to his daughter Ann, who
died 4 May, 1797, aged 2 5 ; Robert Upham, d. 19 January, 1743, aged yj
years, and Rebecca, his wife, who died 13 April, 1741 aged 80 years.
Mr. Henry Cole Bowen, B.L., Bowen's Court, writes (1910):—"The
ancient churchyard of Kildorrery is now vested in the Mitchelstown (No. 1)
Rural District Council, by whom it has recently been put into excellent
order. It is now well maintained. This much-needed reform was largely
due to the exertions of the late Rev. Denis O'Connell, P . P . , whose mortal
remains now rest within the precincts."
ROLL OF P A R I S H PRIESTS AND CURATES.
Rev. Roger O'Dwyer, P . P . , circa 1780.
Rev. John Lawton, P . P . , 1810. (Probate of Will, 1833. Journal for
1898, p. 214.)
Rev. J. Golden, P . P . , 1840.
Rev. W m . Sullivan, P . P . , i860.
Rev. Daniel O'Brien, P . P . , 1870.
Rev. D. O'Connell, P . P . , 1880.
Rev. Fr. O'Donovan, P . P . , 1908 and 1914. Curate, Rev. — Frawley.
Curate, Rev. John Browne, 1914.
Mr. James Buckley, M.R.I.A., adds :—"No priest appears to have been
registered in the year 1704 for Farahy parish, and the Kildorrery district
w
a s probably served by the neighbouring priests.
284
HISTORICAL AND TOPOGRAPHICAL NOTES.
•
The Rev. Roger O'Dwyer was buried in Kilbehenny Churchyard, Co
Limerick, where a box tomb is erected to him. The inscription reads :—
I. H. S.
Erected
By Honora Dwyer in
Memory of her Uncle,
R E V D . ROGER O ' D W Y E R ,
P.P.
Of Kildorrery, who died
March 25th, 1795;
Also her brother, Roger
Dwyer, died November 18th,
1833May they rest in peace. A m e k
The Rev. John Lawton was buried in Kildorrery graveyard, where
there is a monument to him with the following inscription :—
4
Erected by Elizabeth Barry in memory of her cousin germane, the Rev.
John Lawton, who was born in the Parish of Midleton in the year 1762.
He presided as Parish Priest of the united parishes Farahy and Kildorrery
for 30 years, and departed this life February 20th, 1832, aged 70 years. In
unwearied diligence over the interest of his flock, and all fervent zeal in the
cause of religion were the characteristics of his life. May he rest in peace.'
This was kindly copied for me by Mr. James Clancy, of Kildorrery, who adds,
1
There are five or six words blotted out.'
In the Catholic Directory, Almanack, and Registry
for 1837, compiled by W . J. B., John Golden appears as P . P . of Kildorrery, and Daniel
O'Reardon as Curate. The 'chapels' were at Coollohogua, Shrahrala and
Meadstown. There is a mural tablet to Father Golden in the present
church, Kildorrery, containing a bust of the deceased in profile, with an
inscription underneath which reads :—
'Sacred to the Memory of the Rev. John S. Golden. During 17 years
and 9 months P . P . of this Parish. A true priest. The Catholics of Kildorrery, who venerated and loved him, erected this stone to record his
worth and perpetuate his name.
' H e died on the 20th of D e c , 1853, being the 53rd year of his age,
and the 28th of his ministry.
' Requiescat in Pace. Amen.'
The work was artistically executed by Samuel Daly, of Cork.
Father Golden erected Meadstown House, in which he lived'. This house
was subsequently occupied by Dr. Thomas O'Reardon, Dispensary Medical
Officer, Kildorrery, and afterwards for five or six years, from 1883, by his
successor, Dr. Cornelius Buckley, the present medical officer.
The Rev. William O'Sullivan was Curate in Kanturk in 1837 (Catholic
Directory).
The Rev. Daniel O'Brien died early in 1886. He was a native of
Youghal neighbourhood, and preached almost as intelligibly in English as in
Irish. H e was over seventy years at the time of his death, and was buried
(contrary to rubrics) in the present Catholic Church, Kildorrery. There is
no inscription to him. On his death the Rev. Denis O'Connell was appointed P . P . The Rev. Lawrence Smithwick, now P . P . of Annakissy and
KILDORRERY PARISH AND TOWNLAND.
285
Killavullen, was Curate for many years under Fathers O'Brien and
O'Connell.
The church is a spacious but unpretentious building, T shaped, with
galleries, after the fashion prevailing at the time of its erection."
KILDORRERY PARISH (C. OF I.).
In Henry V I I I . ' s reign James Sherloke of Waterford, gent, was granted
the lease of the Rectory of Kildarirye for 26 years. 20 Aug., X X X I I .
(Fiant Henry VIII., 530.)
1591. " E de Kildarrery locus vastatus et desertus vacat."
(MS.
T.C.D., E. 3, 14.)
1615. Robert Ford appears as Vicar. "Kildaurere Rectoria impropriata, Laurentius Esmond, miles, est firmarius. Vicarius Robert Ford,
Ecclesia et cancella repantur. Val., 3 li. per a n . " (R.V., R.I.A.) Ford
was also V. Derryvillane and Ballydeloghy, and' R. Litter.
1634. Nicholas Hall (Archdeacon of Ross) is Vicar.
" E . de Kildarrarie spectat ad St. Kath., Waterford. Val. 10 li. per an. Vicecomes
Esmond, Impropriator. Vicarius^ Nicholas Hall. Val., 10 li. per an.
(R.V., 1634.)
1
1661 to 1863. Kildorrery has been held with Nathlash, q.v.
(Brady,
ii. 258.)
tne
In 1875
parishes of Nathlash and Kildorrery were united to Farahy,
q.v. (Cole, 246.)
In 1694 the following parishes formed a Union :—
Vicaria de Killdorrery. Vicaria de Villa Marescalis. Praebende de
Brigown.
Vicaria de Ballydology. Vicaria de Killygolane.
Sitque ecclia apud Mich'lstown in parichia de Brigown p'alis. (Brady,
i., xxxvii.)
In 1663 Kildorrery was a V i c , Pat. the Bishop. The rect. was improp.;
the executors of the Rev. Mr. Henry Harrison, impropriators. (Smith,
i. 52.)
The Right Rev. Matthew McKenna, R.C. Bishop of Cloyne and Ross,
writing in 1785, gives the ancient name of Kildorrery as *'Kildarrery," and
its Patron Saint as "St. Bartholomew." (Brady, i. lxix.)
Return of Rent Charges.—Kildorrery : Date and term of composition,
19 Nov., 1833; amount of composition, ^ 3 1 9 2s. od.; average price of
corn, oats, 12s. n f d . per barrel, for seven years ending 1st Nov., 1830.
(Brady, hi. 312.)
The Rectorial Tithes of Kildorrery (which formerly belonged to the
Monastery of St. Katherine's in Waterford) are now vested in the Nason
iamily and were the subject of litigation in the case of "The Queen (Nason)
v. the Recorder and Justices of Cork," before the Court of Appeal in Ireland in the year 1890. (Henry C. Bowen, B.L., A.D. 1910.)
In 1672 Revd. Mr. Browne appears to have been the minister of Kildorrery, and
ceived a b o u t £ 2 0 P e * annum. He however did not officiate there, as the parish oonisted mostly of Roma* Catholics. He had been minister there before 1661 (Egmont
M
SSM l i . , 29-30).
20
286
HISTORICAL AND TOPOGRAPHICAL NOTES.
KlLDORRERY VILLAGE.
4.
The village is situated at the junction of three townlands, viz., Kildorrery ( m a . or. 38p.), Scart (511a. 2r. 8p.), and Old Castletown (864a.
ir. 14P.). It lies about 7 miles west of Mitchelstown (by road).
" T o w a r d s the beginning of 1642 the English Army assembled at Kildorrery. The Rev. Urban Vigors describes it as follows :—"My honourable
Lord, the Lord Broghill aforesaid, hearing of these cow-stealers and the
cruelty of the Condans, sent his troop of horse amongst them. But we
could not make any great evecution at that tyme by reason of command
which came the next day (being the first day of Ffebruary) from our honourable Generall, the Lord President aforesaid (Sir William Saint Leger), to
meet in Kildorrery in Sir William Ffenton's Countrey, where all the English
force and strength of the County of Corke were in field (but those that lay
garison) ready to encounter with the Lord Mungarrett, Don Boyne, Castle
Connell, Ikerin, Baron Loghmore, and their great army of Rebles.
" W e continued in the field at Kildorrery aforesaid two days and two
nights expecting their coming, according to promise and their many
threatenings, but they did not dare to come to us, or fight with us then,
for wee had a daynty Champion Countrey, which doth much antipathize
their cowardly natures. They fight and deale altogether upon advantages.
They will have woods and boggs to second them, or they will not fight can
they any way shun it.
" They marched to the town of Kilmallock in the County of Limbricke,
where I heard the Lord Mungarrett was loveingly received by the townsmen,
with the rest of his discontented gentlemen, for they used the English very
coursely that lived in those parts, and others that had occasion to deale and
commerse with them.
" Our lying at Kildorrery I observed in my Lord President, that I cannot
omit his Lordship lying in the field having n o pillow but the ground, a
gentleman presented his cloake unto him, beseeching his Honour to be
pleased to rest his arme upon it. He refused it, wishing him to keep it for
himselfe; the weather was very cold, and for his own part he was better
acquainted with such a kind of life than he was. The gentleman was
easily persuaded to leave his complament at that tyme, for there was not
the like day of snow all the last winter. My Lord indeed (Sir) is of a very
noble and loving disposition unto his souldiers, and likewise are the three (2)
other Lords, etc., e t c . " (Journal for 1896, p. 291.)
The Southern Reporter and Cork Commercial Courier of iSth March,
1823, s t a t e s : — " O n Thursday night a farm house of Thos. W a d e Foote,
Esq., near Kildorrery, was set fire to and destroyed."
Lewis (pub. 1837) g i v e s : — " 573 inhabitants are in the town of Kildorrery. In the town, which comprises 90 houses, are a dispensary and a
Constabulary police station, and fairs are held on May 1st, June 27th,
Sept. 3rd, and Nov. 27th, chiefly for the sale of horses and cattle (ii. SS).
The Field Book of 1839 informs us that the village consists of a number
of houses regularly built and in good repair. It contains a very handsome
R.C. chapel, a police barrack, and a post office. (Ord. Sur. Off., Dub.) (
According to Guy, the population of the village in 1881 was 401, and it
had in that year a post, money order and telegraph office. In 1907 Guy
H
gives the nearest railway station as Glanworth, 6 miles; Pari. Div., IN- Cork; Rural Dist. Council, Mitchelstown; Petty Sessions 2nd Wed. of
-
-
.
Si
mxaa&msam
:
KlLDORRERY
VILLAGE.
{Photo by CoL Grove White, Sept..
1905.)
•
;
.•
KlLLAVULLEN VILLAGE, SOUTH END—OLD PART.
Mr. George Carleton Foott, J.P.. in foreground.
{Photo by CoL Grove White, \6th May, XO07J
KILGILKY.
287
•
• m o n t h ; National Bank open on Fair D a y s ; National School, Fairs and
Markets; also Fairs at Aghacross.
In 1905 the village contained 339 inhabitants, 14 public houses, and 1
hotel.
The larger business premises in the village are those of the W e s t
Surrey Dairy Company, of which William Gates, Esq., is manager and
part proprietor.
Mr. James Byrne, J . P . , writes :—"It is believed in Kildorrery that in the
year '98 Lord Doneraile complained to Lord Kingston that the village of
Kildorrery was a nest of sedition, and he asked permission to burn it, but
Lord Kingston's reply was, 'If you burn Kildorrery to-day, I shall burn
Doneraile to-morrow.' The reply spared the conflagration.''
Kilgilky.
Sheet 24, 6-inch O.S. Sheet 164, i-inch O.S. (not shown).
Barony of Duhallow. Parish of Castlemagner.
T h e townland lies about i f miles, by road, north of Cecilstown village.
According to Guy, 1881, the acreage, etc., was as follows:—
Kilgilky North, 173a. 2r. i 4 p . ; pop., 16; val., £ m 10s. od.
Kilgilky South, 378a. 3r. i 8 p ; pop., 3 0 ; val., ^ 2 4 3 os. od.
Kilgilky is the Irish for "the wood- of the b r o o m . " (O'Donovan.)
In 1814, Mr. John Callaghan resided at Kilgilky House. (D.N.P.) Mrs.
L. H. Curtin, of Ballinaltig, Kanturk, informs me this house was later on
occupied by John Neenan, then by James Neenan, followed by Timothy
Neenan, and in 1908 by William Coakley, the landlord of the farm being Sir
John Wrixon-Becher, Bart., of Ballygiblin.
The Field Book of 1839 gives:—''Kilgilky House, John Barry, Esq.,
proprietor." T h a t of 1840 states:—"Kilgilky Townland, a large townland,
all arable, contains a Danish fort, a decent dwelling, having an orchard
attached, a gentleman's house called 'Kilgilky House,' and a pond. John
Barry, Esq., residing h e r e . " (Ord. Sur. Off., Dub.) The house that Mr.
John Barry lived in was occupied by Michael Dulohery in 1908. All Kilgilky South belongs to Sir John Wrixon-Becher. (Mr. H. L. Curtin.)
The townlands (according to Guy) were occupied by the undermentioned
farmers in the following years :—
1875. Kilgilky North, Daniel Flynn; Kilgilky South, James Neenan.
1886. Kilgilky South, Michael Dulohery, James Neenan.
1892. Kilgilky North, J. Fitzpatrick; Kilgilky South, James Neenan.
1896. Kilgilky North, J. Fitzpatrick; Kilgilky South, Timothy Neenan.
1904. Kilgilky North, s a m e ; Kilgilky South, William Coakley.
1907. Kigilky North, Eliza Curtin, J. Fitzpatrick; Kilgilky South,
William Coakley, Michael Dulohery.
1914- Kilgilky North, Eliza Curtin, Tom Keeffe; Kilgilky South, Mrs.
Dulohery W m . Coakley.
-
7
J
All under Cecilstown Postal District.
On a field north of Thomas Flynn's house there is a curious large flat
altar-shaped rock, on the townland of Kilgilky, in occupation of Mr. Curtin.
n
^ the east side of the stone there is a square hole, evidently not natural.
288
HISTORICAL AND TOPOGRAPHICAL NOTES.
I took a photograph of this rock, which is reproduced (p. 63, vol. ii., also
see p. 68).
Mr. H . L. Curtin a d d s : — " T h e land that the curious rock is in was
occupied by a man named O'Keeffe, and about 1878 my mother bought it.
It was then the Earl of Egmont's property, and is now purchased."
Killabraher (Kylbra).
Sheet 7, 6-inch O.S. Sheet 164, i-inch O.S.
Barony of Orrery and Kilmore. Parish of Shandrum.
It lies about 3J miles by road north of Liscarroll town.
The townland of Killabraher North contains 674a. or. 13P. statute
measure, and Killabraher South, 320a. or. 28p.
Killabraher is the Irish for "church of the friar."
(O'Donovan.)
Smith (pub. 1750) records—"At a place called Killabraher, i.e., "church
of the brotherhood,'' was a ruined monastery, but of what order is uncertain; it stood between Churchtown and Liscarroll'' (i. 295).
Fiant of Queen Elizabeth, 5171 (6542). In a g r a n t to Henry Billingsleye,
Esq., of a large property, as an Undertaker in Munster, Kilmonaghe, belonging to the abbey of Kilbraghe, is mentioned. 2 May X X X . , A.D. 1588.
The Field Book of 1840 gives :—Keelabraher North. A very large townland; contains part of a demesne in which is situated a gentleman's house
(Cherry Hill), two Danish forts. Kilurahar, Shandrum, Depns., 1652.
Keelabraher South. Contains one Danish fort and a burial ground. A
ruined church adjoins the graveyard. (Ord. Sur. Off., Dub.)
According to Guy, John Culhane lived at Killabraher North in 1875.
The post town was Liscarroll. In 1886, Denis Galvin, James Galvin,
Simon Galvin, David Herlihy, Jeremiah Naughton, M. O'Donnell, John
O'Regan, Cornelius O'Regan, John O'Shaughnessy, Nicholas O'Shaughnessy were living at Killabrahar, the post town being Dromina.
The same people were there in 1892, except John O'Regan is not recorded, but D. O'Regan appears.
In 1907, M. O'Donnell and D. O'Regan are not shown, but Mrs. O'Donnell and Thomas Hayes are residing at Killabraher, with the other farmers
above mentioned, the post town being the same.
The tomb of the Boles of Moyge is in Killabrahar churchyard-. (See
"Bowles of A h e m , " B.L.G. (Irld), 1912 Ed.)
I visited the graveyard 16th Sept., 1910. I could not find any remains
of the old monastery.
The graveyard is well kept, and situated on high ground. I noticed
graves to families of Boles, Goold, Savage, McCarthy, Wall, Henchy,
Morey, 1827; Laurence Goold, M . D . , 1838; vault to Goold family, also to
Fitzgibbon of Ballinabowl (townland of the hole); Philip Nunan of Moygue,
1895.
r*
The Croke family are buried here, the family t o which the late Dr.
Croke, Archbishop of Cashel, belonged.
*
KILLAVULLEN VILLAGE.
289
Killavullen Village,
Sheet 34, 6-inch O.S. Sheet 176, i-inch O.S.
Barony of Fermoy. Parish of Monanimy. Townland of Ballymacmoy.
T h e village lies (by road along the south bank of the River Blackwater)
six miles east of Mallow.
Killavullen is the Irish for *'church of the mill." (O'Donovan.) See
also these Notes, ii. 187.
According to the Book of Dist. and Sur., circa 1657, the owner of
Killavullen was Pierce Nagle. H e forfeited it on rebellion, and 117 acres
was granted t o Captain John Blennerhasset. ( P . R . O . , Irld.) It appears
A.D. 1611 to have been in possession of Viscount Fermoy. (See these
Notes, ii. 163.)
On Sunday morning (Sept., 1825) two factions, amounting to upwards
of one thousand in number, assembled near the chapel of Killavullen, a short
distance from Castletownroche, in this county, to decide one of those family
feuds which are such a disgrace to our country. The timely interference of
the police, a Roman Catholic clergyman, who lived near the place, and some
of the neighbouring gentlemen, prevented the meditated bloodshed by subduing for the present the rancorous feeling that prevailed among them, but
not before some of the ringleaders were apprehended and! lodged in the
Bridewell at Mallow.—(Cork Constitution,
Thursday, September 29th,
1825).
Lewis (pub. 1837) gives:—' * Kealavollen or Killavullane, a village, 2\
miles (S.W.) from Castetownroche, on the river Blackwater, and at the
intersection of the road from Mallow to Fermoy by that from Doneraile t o
Cork. This place is picturesquely situated at the foot of the range called
the Nagle Mountains, from the name of the family that for several centuries
possessed this district, and whose descendants still reside in the neighbourhood. The Blackwater is here crossed by a neat stone bridge of three
arches, at the south end of which is an immense rock overhanging the river,
the base of which has been worn away by the action of the water, and is
perforated so a s to form a low and narrow cavern of considerable extent,
resembling a subterraneous passage. T h e road from the bridge winds
round the steep rock, and branches off towards the east through a romantic
!
mountain pass on the old road to Fermoy. The village, which consists of
several comfortable houses, is the property of James Hennessy, Esq., by
whom its vicinity has been extensively planted, and whose mansion, Ballymacmoy House, stands on the summit of the rock before mentioned and
commands an extensive view of the surrounding scenery, which is here
of the most picturesque and diversified character. T h e air is very salubrious, and the river affords excellent salmon and trout fishing. Here a r e
the R.C. chapel of the district, a station of the constabulary police, and the
neat residence of the Rev. G. Spaight, rector of Monanimy, and in the immediate vicinity is a large boulting mill, lately discontinued'' (ii. 35).
The Field Book of 1840 s t a t e s : — " Killavillen village is quite modern.
Houses in good repair. It contains a corn mill, National School, police
barrack, and ab'out five public houses. There is neither fair nor market
in it.
29O
HISTORICAL AND TOPOGRAPHICAL NOTES.
Killavullen corn mill is in good repair, and is on townland of Ballymacmoy. (Ord. Sur. Off., Dub.)
According to Guy, the population of the village in 1881 was 330.
1908. I t contains a post, money order and telephone office. About a
mile north of the village is Castletownroche Station, G. S. & W . Railway.
Butter Market every Tuesday and Wednesday during the season.
In 1905, the population had gone down to 250. In 1908 there were nine
public houses in the village, and two at Beenaskeehy village in the mountain,
about 3 miles from Killavullen village. During the disturbed times soldiers
were stationed here. The barracks has been converted into a corn store.
Mr. Foott in 1908 built a shooting and fishing lodge a short distance to the
south of the village.
Mr. James Byrne, J.P., adds :—"It contains a handsome Roman Catholic
Church, erected by the late Rev. Pierce Green, P . P . H e also had a National
School built, but in 1908 this was replaced by a more extensive one erected
,,
by the Rev. L. Smithwick, P . P .
Rev. Dr. Patrick Nagle, P . P . , of Glanworth, left a glebe of about 2
acres for the Parish Priest of Killavullen.
The following appears in "Ballads of Irish Chivalry," from the pen of
Doctor R. Dwyer Joyce :—
T H E B R I D G E O F GLANWILLAN.
*
Though the linnets sing sweet from the wild wood,
Young Kathleen no blithe warbling hears,
And the warm wind that plays o'er the moorland
Can ne'er dry her fast falling tears.
And though gay laughs the sunlight around her,
Still her heart is all sad and forlorn
As she sits by the ford of Glenara
Awaiting her Dermot's return ;
For he's gone to the fray with his kindred,
The hard-riding clansmen of Mourne.
<
•
( .
o
ci
* u
There are blood spots full thick on thy charger,
There are blood marks deep red on thy mail ;
Have ye news, have ye news from the battle,
Tired horseman so gory and pale.
Were you at the bridge of Glanwillan,
And saw you my love in the f r a y ? "
A curse on that b r i d g e ! " cried the horseman,
" There the Irish have conquered to-day."
Then he dashed through the bright gleaming river,
And away o'er the moorland, away.
There's a smile on thy face, gallant horseman,
Who sweep'st like the wind to the ford ;
On thy steed steams the fresh foam of battle,
And the blood stains are wet on thy sword.
O, were you at the bridge of Glanwillan?"
With a wild cry of anguish she prayed ;
Reining up with a splash in the water
His hot steaming charger he stayed.
Yes, I've news from the bridge of Glanwillan
Brave news for old Ireland, fair m a i d . "
The Bridge of Glanwillan" is the bridge that spans the Blackwater at Killawillm,
five miles east of (or below) Mallow.
KILLAVULLEN VILLAGE.
t
2gi
" O, stay thee, brave horseman, I pray thee,
And tell how the foeman came down ;
Did he drive the good preys from the valleys,
And burn every hamlet and town?
On the narrow red bridge of Glanwillan
Did my Dermot ride front with the best?"
On his brow shone a bright smile of triumph,
Like the sunlight on Houra's wild crest,
As the tale of that morning's fierce battle
He told at the fair maid's behest.
But first he glared over the moorland,
Where the heathbells laugh bright in the sun,
And shook his red sword at the foeman,
Who wounded and weary toiled on.
" 'Twas down from the green sloping mountain
We first saw the foemen's array t
Riding forth with high hearts to the foray
On the broad smoking plain far away;
Duar Dhu like the corn sheaves of autumn
By the bridge lie their corses to-day.
" With a jangling of scabbards and bridles
We dashed down to the broad Avonmore,
Where the long narrow bridge of Glanwillan
Spans the brown tide from steep shore to shore ;
And there in the green blooming forest
We halted our ranks in the glade,
And each rider looked close to his pistols,
And loosened his long gleaming blade;
Like a bright wall of steel in the sunlight
We stood for the foemen arrayed
" You could hear the shrill whine of the otter
As he quested his prey by the shore,
You could hear the brown trout in the shallow
Splash up from the wave evermore.
So still we waited their coming,
Though each heart for the fight throbbed full fain,
'Till we saw through the greenwoods advancing
Their line like a long serpent train,
'Till the psalm-singing troopers of Cromwell
Poured down on the causeway amain.
" 'Twas then like the storm-cloud of autumn
That rolls over Barna's wild crest,
When its thunder clangs hoarse in the gorges
And the lightnings leap out from its breast;
With our loud ringing slogan of battle
On their thick-serried squadrons we bore,
With a flashing of helmets and sabres,
And a rattling of matchlocks galore,
Till the fresh glen was strewn with their corses,
And the causeway was slippery with gore.
" Then I rode side by side on the causeway
With your true love, so gallant and leal,
As he charged 'mongst the foremost and bravest
In his morion and bright jack of steel;
r 1 he Irish were posted on the slope of one of the Nagles Mountains over the Blackwater and overlooking Glanwillan (also called Glannagear, or Glen of the berries), the
beautiful glan or glen of the Ross river (joining the Blackwater at Killawillin), from which
e
y saw the enemy approaching from the north at the other side of the Blackwater. They
nen moved down the slope, lay in wait at the south or Killawillin end of the bridge, and
Ie
« on the raiders in the act of crossing.
292
HISTORICAL A N D TOPOGRAPHICAL
NOTES.
I could hear the loud clang of his horse-hoofs
As he swept o'er the red bridge's crown,
And many a bold Saxon trooper
'Neath the sweep of his long sword went down ;
This day for thy Dermot of Mourne
Is a bright day of deathless renown.
;
< i
Then weep not, fair maid, by Glenara,
In triumph thy love will return,
His plume waved to-day midst the foremost
Of the hard-riding clansmen of Mourne ;
His name shall be sacred among us,
And a watchword in foray and fray."
Then that fierce clansman glared over the moorland
As the wolf looketh out for his prey,
And he dashed through the ford like an arrow
On the track of his foeman away.
•
{Mr. James Byrne informs me that the bridge referred to in above ballad cannot be the
existing one—it was probably a wooden structure. He knew a woman, Ellen Bowley,
whose father was ferryman at Killavullen before the present bridge was erected, which
could not be much more than ioo years ago. A man named Ned Flynn, of Boaleynageeha,
near Killavullen, told him, when ploughing a field at Beenaskehy, he ploughed up human
bones, probably those of the men who fell in the battle.]
Killada Church and Lady Doodhaw's Castle.
Sheet 25, 6-inch O.S. Sheet 164, i-inch O.S.
Barony of Fermoy. Parish of Cahirduggan. Townland of Lag.
They lie about i\ miles S.E. (as the crow flies) of Buttevant Town.
Kiladdagh is the Irish for "long church." (O'Donovan.)
In 1838, Windele describes a visit to Killadda thus :—"At the 'Old Two
Pot House' we were told that about \ mile N . E . was an old kill, called
Killadda, where Lady Doodhaw, the daughter of a king was buried. The
writing on her tomb no man could read, and the cave where she used to go
to walk was near. W e repaired to it, passing the'Great House s ' as our host
called it, of Baliymague belonging to the family of the Freemans. Killadda
was a very ancient but ruinous remains of an old church, the two side walls
only remaining, rudely built, the walls 2ft. ioins. thick; no windows in
either or door; these must have fallen. The breadth of the church is 7
paces or 18 feet. The length about 30 ft., so t h a t it did not deserve the
name of 'the long church.' No burial ground is attached, and no grave
is visible, even within the building; only one stone remains, and its inscription reads tolerably clearly, the burial of some adventurer of the days 01
Elizabeth or James, who had died amongst the 'wild Irishrie,' by name
Charles Eden.
A field or two to the south was an opening into a limestone cave, ihc
passage, however, was so filled with rubble that we did not choose to enter
there; by left Dhoodhaw. (Windele MSS., R.I.A.).
I made the following note when visiting the place in 1885 :—
On Sheet No. 25, 6-inch Ord. Sur., on the left-hand top corner, and
N . W . of Clogheen House, will be noticed a ruin called Killadda Church. fo
the neighbourhood it is known by the name of " L a d y Dudaugh's Grave.
The ruins of a castle (not shown on the Ordnance Survey) called Ladv
Dudhaugh's Castle, is situated about 400 yards to the N . W . , where G
appears in " Ballybeg E a s t . " It was formerly surrounded by a grove 0
5
trees called "Grove-a-lady. ' The trees were cut down about 1878.