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THE DIOCESES OR
TUAM, KILLALA, AND ACHONRY
NOTES ON THE EARLY HISTORY
OF THE DIOCESES OF TUAM
KILLALA AND ACHONRY
DUBLIN
HODGES, FIGGIS fcf CO., LTD.
PUBLISHERS TO THE UNIVERSITY
MCMIV
PREFACE
No history of these Dioceses has yet been published, except
Mr. O. J. Burke's "History of the Catholic Archbishops
of Tuam," which is limited in accordance with its title.
These notes are intended to show how they assumed their
present form, and who worked in them in early days, and
to be an assistance and foundation for whoever may under-
take to write their history. In that respect their utility
is limited, but as far as they go I hope that they will prove
trustworthy. They are published in their present form
because they would probably never be published if they
were held back to be completely recast, and are even so
better than no history at all. They extend over the three
Dioceses because the information was collected during the
study of the early history of the Co. of Mayo, and not with
the object of writing their history.
General remarks are made in the section on Tuam
Diocese, in which is included also the period of St. Patrick
and his companions. The sections on the other Dioceses
contain what is peculiar to them. The Monastic Houses
are taken together according to their orders as they were
not a part of the ordinary Diocesan organisation, and are
most conveniently dealt with as a whole. It has been im-
possible for me to compare all my copies with the original
documents relating to their possessions, but I have done
so as far as I could, in order to get the most satisfactory
reading of place-names.
Chapters which are but strings of places, and the lists
of possessions of abbeys, unless indexed elsewhere, are
omitted from the Index, which they would swell to a great
size without equivalent advantage. Names of Bishops and
other items appearing in the Table of Contents are omitted
unless mentioned elsewhere.
2066115
vi PREFACE
The notes close when the general reorganisation in the
reign of James I. ended the old order.
My thanks are due to his Grace the Archbishop of Canter-
bury for leave to publish parts of the " Division of Connaught
and Thomond," a MS. in the Lambeth Library.
To his Grace the Archbishop of Tuam for leave to use
extracts from the " Insula Sanctorum et Doctorum."
To the Librarian of Trinity College Dublin for leave to
publish MSS. in that Library.
To the Council of the Royal Irish Academy for leave
to use extracts from the Proceedings and Transactions.
To the Council of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of
Ireland for leave to make extracts from the Journal and
from the " Annals of Clonmacnoise."
To the Delegates of the Clarendon Press for leave to use
extracts from the " Life of St. Mochua," in Dr. Whitley
Stokes's translation of the " Book of Lismore " in Anecdota
Oxoniensia.
To the Controller of H.M. Stationery Office for leave to
use extracts from the Rolls Edition of the " Tripartite Life
of St. Patrick," and of the " Irish Annals," and from the
" Calendars of State Papers."
To the Director of the Pontifical Press for leave to use
extracts from Theiner's " Vetera Monumenta Hibernorum
et Scotorum."
To the Rev. C. H. H. Wright, D.D., for leave to use his
translation of the " Writings of St. Patrick."
To Madame Bouillon the proprietress, and to Dr. Whitby
Stokes, for leave to use extracts from his translation of the
" Annals of Tigernach " published in the Revue Celtique.
To Mr. H. Stokes for leave to use extracts from the late
Miss Stokes's " Early Christian Architecture in Ireland."
To Messrs. George Bell & Sons for leave to use extracts
from Bede's " Ecclesiastical History " in Bohn's Antiquarian
Library.
H. T. KNOX.
Nov. 1904.
ABBREVIATIONS OF AUTHORITIES
QUOTED
A.C. = Annals of Clonmacnoise. Rev. D. Murphy's
Edition. Extra volume of R.S.A.I.
A.U. = Annals of Ulster. Rolls Series.
C.S. = Chronicon Scotorum. Rolls Series.
D.I. = Sweetman, Calendar of Documents relating to
Ireland, 1172-1307, vol.
D.K. = Annual Report of Deputy Keeper of the Public
Records, Ireland.
F.M. = Annals of the Four Masters. O'Donovan's
Edition.
H.F. = O'Donovan, Tribes and Customs of Hy Fiachrach.
H.M. = O'Donovan, Tribes and Customs of Hy Many.
H. W.C. = Hardiman's Edition of O'Flaherty's West of
Connaught.
Jl. R.S.A.I. = Journal of Royal Society of Antiquaries of
Ireland. If vol. is given it is of the Con-
secutive Series.
L.C = Annals of Loch Ce. Rolls Series.
O.S.L.G. = Ordnance Survey Letters, Co. Galway. M =
Co. Mayo, R = Roscommon. In the Royal
Irish Academy.
O.R.B. = O'Rorke, History of Ballysadare and Kilvarnet.
O.R.S. = O'Rorke, History of Sligo.
P. R.J. = Calendar of Patent Rolls 1-16 James I.
CONTENTS
DIOCESE OF TUAM
CHAPTER I
PACK
THE CHRONOLOGY OF ST. PATRICK ..... t
CHAPTER II
POLITICAL AND TRIBAL DIVISIONS . . ...... . 7
CHAPTER III
ST. PATRICK'S WORK IN CONNAUGHT . . . .12
Early Work and Conditions before A.D. 432, 12 — Remarks on
Tirechan's Notes, 13 — The First Tour in Connaught, 15
— The Second Tour, 25 — Other Notes from Book of
Armagh, 29.
CHAPTER IV
INFORMATION FROM THE TRIPARTITE LIFE . . .32
The First Tour, 33— The Second Tour, 34.
CHAPTER V
REMARKS ON THE RECORD . . . . .42
Churches lost by Armagh, Patrick's Seat, Well of Slan, 42 —
Amalgaid's Descendants in Tirawley, Patrick's Dangers,
43 — The Call from Wood of Foclut, The Women Raised
from the Dead, 45 — Places Identified, 46.
CHAPTER VI
TOPOGRAPHICAL NOTES .48
x CONTENTS
CHAPTER VII
« PAGE
THE COMPANIONS OF ST. PATRICK ... .50
Darerca, Liamain, Lugnad, 50 — Benen, 51.
CHAPTER VIII
ST. PATRICK'S CHURCH .... • • 54
Organised by St. Patrick, 54 — Three Orders of Saints, 55—
Growth of Abbatial System, Christians in Ireland before
Patrick, 56.
CHAPTER IX
ENDA OF ARAN 60
Historical Notices of the Isles of Aran, and of the Abbots,
60 — larlaithe of Tuam, 63.
CHAPTER X
THE CHURCH UNDER THE ABBOTS . . . . . 64
Growth of the Church Organised by the Third Order of
Saints, Methods of Working, 64 — Rules of the Monas-
teries, 65 — Law of Patrick, &c., 66 — Danish Wars and
Decay, 68 — Rise of Episcopal Government, 69 — Ap-
pearance of Bishop of Connaught, Beginnings of Dioceses,
Abandonment of Irish Rules and Adoption of St. Augus-
tine's, 70 — Tuam Ecclesiastics of this period, 71.
CHAPTER XI
ESTABLISHMENT OF DIOCESES . • .' . -. . 72
Reform of Church Order, Territorial Dioceses denned by
Synods, 72 — Endeavour to suppress Minor Bishoprics
only partially successful, Submission of Church of Ireland
to Church of Rome, 74 — Formation of Province of Tuam,
Mention of Tuam Ecclesiastics in Annals, 75 — Building
of Cathedral, How Abbots may have merged in Bishops,
How Tuam obtained pre-eminence in Connaught, 77 —
How old Deaneries represent Suppressed Bishoprics, 78.
CONTENTS xi
CHAPTER XII
PACK
THE OLD ORGANISATION AND THE NEW .... 79
Distribution of Churches under Abbeys, 79 — Survival of
Abbeys, Parochial Arrangements, 80 — Rectors and
Vicars, Transformation of Monastic Officers and Monks
into Cathedral Chapters, 81 — Amalgamation of Parishes
and Dioceses, 82 — Original Chapter of Tuam, Deaneries of
Tuam, Athenry, Shrule, Mayo, and Prebends therein, 84
— Chapters of Annaghdown, Killala, and Achonry, and
their Prebends, 86 — Chapters of Tuam and Annaghdown
and their Emoluments, 88.
CHAPTER XIII
THE DEANERY OF SHRULE . . : . . . .91
Fechin of Fore — Ceannfionnach — Flannan — MacDara —
Colman and Leo — Cong Abbey — Inishmaine Abbey
and Inishrobe.
CHAPTER XIV
THE ARCHBISHOPS OF TUAM 97
Cadhla O'Dubhthaigh, 97 — Felix O'Ruadain, 98 — The
Episcopal Fourths, 100 — Maelmuire O'Lachtnain,
Flann MacFloinn, 104 — Walter de Salerno, 107 —
Tomaltach O'Conor, 108 — S. de Fulburn, 109 — W. de
Bermingham, in — Maelseachlainn MacAedha, 114 — T.
O'Carroll, J. O'Grady, 115 — O. Gregory, G. O'Mochain,
W. O'Cormacain, M. O'Ceallaigh, 116 — J. Babyng,
J. Batterley or Barlay, J. Wingfield, T. O'Kelly,
J. de Burgo, D. O'Murcada or O'Murray, 117 —
W. Joy, P. Penson, M. O'Fihely, T. O'Mullaly, 119
— C. Bodkin, 121— W. Lally, N. Donelan, W.
O'Donnell, 126.
CHAPTER XV
DIOCESE OF MAYO 127
St. Colman, 127 — Mayo Abbey, 129 — Extent of Diocese, 131
— The Bishops, Gerald, 129 — Aedhan, 130 — G. O'Mailin,
C. O'Duffy, 132 — W. Prendergast, N. Wogomai,
O'Higgin, Odo, J. Bell, 133 — Balla and St. Mochua,
134 — Turlough, 139 — Tochar Phatraic, Umall, 140
— Oughaval, 141.
xii CONTENTS
CHAPTER XVI
PACK
DIOCESE OF ANNAGHDOWN 142
St. Brendan, 142 — Fursa, 144 — Cuanna, 145 — Historical
Notices, 146-— Episcopal Period, Extent, 147 — Cormac,
147— H., C. O'Mellaigh, M. O'Flaherty, T. O'Mellaigh,
Cormac, 148 — Thomas, Union with Tuam, 149 —
Gilbert, J. O'Kearney, R. Petit, T. O'Mellaigh,
Thomas, 151 — Union with Tuam, 152 — John, H. Thril-
lowe, J. Brit, J. Winne, Mathew, J. Connere,
Thomas, T. Barrett, 153 — Francis, 154 — Wardenship
of Gal way, 155.
CHAPTER XVII
CHURCH ARCHITECTURE . . . . . .158
Churches and Cashels, 158 — The Church Towers, 164 —
Gothic Churches, 167 — Anglo-Norman Abbey Churches,
170.
CHAPTER XVIII
VARIOUS ANTIQUITIES 173
Holy Wells, Bullauns, 173 — Long Stones and Crosses,
176 — High Crosses, Inscribed Crosses, 177 — Swearing,
Cursing, and Praying Stones, 178.
CHAPTER XIX
SEE LANDS 180
Inquisition of 1617, 180 — Return of 1833, 182.
CHAPTER XX
THE PARISHES . . .191
Taxation of 1306, Tuam Diocese, 194 — Annaghdown
Diocese, 198 — Notes on Taxation, 200.
CHAPTER XXI
BODKIN'S VISITATION AND NOTES 205
CONTENTS xiii
CHAPTER XXII
PAGE
THE DIVISION OF CONNAUGHT AND THOMOND AND
NOTES 214
CHAPTER XXIII
VALOR BENEFICIORUM AND NOTES 220
CHAPTER XXIV
BENEFICES AND INCUMBENTS IN 1591 . . . . 223
CHAPTER XXV
LIST OF OLD CHURCHES AND GRAVEYARDS . . .228
Tuam Diocese, 228 — Annaghdown Diocese, 240.
CHAPTER XXVI
DISTRIBUTION OF RECTORIES IN i6ra CENTURY . . 243
Tuam Diocese, 243 — Annaghdown Diocese, 246.
CHAPTER XXVII
THE ABBEYS 247
CHAPTER XXVIII
THE MONASTIC ORDERS IN THESE DIOCESES . . .251
List of Houses, 251 — Particulars regarding each House, 252.
DIOCESE OF KILLALA
CHAPTER XXIX
THE EARLY PERIOD 303
Life of St. Cormac, 306 — Cuimin, Aidan, O'Suanaigh,
O'Triallaigh, 310 — St. Cellach, 311 — St. Brendan,
St. Derbiled, and St. Gedh, 312 — Tireragh, 313.
xiv CONTENTS
CHAPTER XXX
PAGE
EXTENT AND FORMATION OF THE DIOCESE . . .317
Seven Bishops of name of O'Maolfagmair, 318.
CHAPTER XXXI
THE SUCCESSION OF BISHOPS 320
Uncertain Muredachs and O'Mullovers, Cellach, O'Mullover,
O'Mullover, I. O'Ruadan, M. MacMailin, D. O'Becda,
320 — O'Tarpaid, Elya, A. O'Mullover, G. O'Ruaidhin,
321 — Anglo-Norman Conquest, J. O'Laidigh, 322 —
J. O'Laidigh, D. O'Flaherty, J. Tankard, J. O'Flaithimh,
J.Bermingham,323 — W. O'Dubhda, Robert, T. Lodowis,
324 — Robert, Disputes with Anti-Pope, 325 — T. Orwell,
326 — Thomas, O'Haneki, C. O'Connell, Martin, 327 — C.
O'Connell, D. O'Conor, J. or D. O'Cashin, Thomas,
Thomas Clerk, M. O'Cluan, R. Barrett, R. O'Gallagher,
O. O'Gallagher, O. O'Conor, 328 — M. Magrath, 329.
CHAPTER XXXII
THE CHAPTER OF KILLALA AND ITS EMOLUMENTS . . 330
CHAPTER XXXIII
SEE LANDS , , . . 332
CHAPTER XXXIV
THE PARISHES ......... 336
In Pope Innocent's Epistle, 336 — Taxation of 1306, 342.
CHAPTER XXXV
VALOR BENEFICIORUM . . , , . . . . 344
CHAPTER XXXVI
LIST OF OLD CHURCHES AND GRAVEYARDS .- . . 346
CHAPTER XXXVII
DISTRIBUTION OF RECTORIES IN i6ra CENTURY . .351
CONTENTS xv
DIOCESE OF ACHONRY
CHAPTER XXXVIII
PACE
INTRODUCTION OF CHRISTIANITY 353
St. Araght, 353 — Aodhan, 354 — St. Nathi, and Contempo-
raries, 355 — Columban Churches, Fechin of Fore, 356 —
References in Annals, 357.
CHAPTER XXXIX
FORMATION AND EXTENT OF DIOCESE . . . -359
CHAPTER XL
THE SUCCESSION OF BISHOPS 362
M. O'Ruadan, G. O'Ruadan, C. O'Sniadhaigh, C. O'Tarpa,
G. Ua Cleirigh, T. O'Ruadan, A. O'Clumain, T.
O'Maicin, 362 — D. O'Maicin, B. O'Bragain, David of
Kilheny, David, N. O'Hedran, W. Andrew, 363 —
Simon, O'Hara, T. MacDonogh, B. O'Hara, Manus
Chradran, L. P. Jacopin, Donatus, R. Belmer,
O'Hara, N. O'Daly, Thady, J. Blakedon, C. O'Moc-
hain, 364 — R. Wellys, Bernard, J. de Buclamant, R.
or T. FitzRichard, T. Fort, T. O'Conghalan, O.
O'Flanagan, Cormac, Owen, T. O'Fihel, C. O'Coyn,
O. O'Hart, 365 — His Character, M. Magrath, 366.
CHAPTER XLI
THE CHAPTER OF ACHONRY AND ITS EMOLUMENTS . . 367
CHAPTER XLII
SEE LANDS 369
CHAPTER XLIII
TAXATION OF 1306 372
xvi CONTENTS
CHAPTER XLIV
PAGE
VALOR BENEFICIORUM . 376
CHAPTER XLV
LIST OF OLD CHURCHES AND GRAVEYARDS . . . 378
CHAPTER XLVI
DISTRIBUTION OF RECTORIES IN THE i6TH CENTURY . 382
ADDITIONAL NOTES AND CORRECTIONS .... 383
INDEXES 389
DIOCESE OF TUAM
CHAPTER I
THE CHRONOLOGY OF ST. PATRICK
SEVERAL circumstances indicate the existence of Christians
in Ireland before St. Patrick's time. The common account
of St. Patrick begins his mission in Ireland with his con-
secration as bishop in Gaul in A.D. 432 and his arrival in
Ireland soon after. This is inconsistent with traditions
not open to objection except on the ground that the events
occurred before A.D. 432. The chronology of St. Patrick
and of some of his contemporaries has been upset by the
erroneous belief that he then came to Ireland for the first
time as a missionary, and the consequent necessity of
arranging events to agree with that date. Dr. Whitley
Stokes has pointed out how his life should run in the Tri-
partite Life, Introduction, p. cxli. The synchronisms, as
I understand them, which he has not fully dealt with, and
the Annals show three occasions of his " Coming to Ire-
land " after his first return as a missionary priest.
My examination of impossible and inconsistent entries
and traditions results in a chronology which shows how
the impossible dates have been worked out, and how the
confusion has arisen, and how some probably record exact
truth. The confusion has arisen from two facts being used
as standards of time and applied to wrong dates, namely,
that he worked in Ireland as a missionary for 60 years and
that he was 60 years of age when he was made a bishop.
" The Coming of Patrick " gave a wrong measure for
synchronism when it was supposed to apply to only one
coming.
1 A
2 DIOCESE OF TUAM
The following facts seem well fixed within a small error.
Death of Niall King of Ireland about 405 and accession
of Dathi. Dathi's death about 427 and accession of
Laegaire. Laegaire's death about 463 and accession of
Ailill Molt. Ailill's death in the battle of Ucha about 483.
Battle of Segais and death of Duach Tenguma about
500. The Annals of Clonmacnoise give the Coming of
Patrick in the year 425, a unique date, but give also 432
as the correct date. This date explains the entries of the
death of Dathi in the years 445 and 446 in the Annals of
Ulster and of Innisfallen. If the authority on which these
compilers relied referred the death of Dathi to 20 years
after the Coming of Patrick, meaning his coming about
405, then their date 445 would be correct if they supposed
the reference to be to the coming in 425. Nennius gives
405 as the date of Patrick's Coming to the Scots. The
death of Dathi was in truth 22 years or so after that date.
The Annals of Ulster and Innisfallen refer the arrival of
St. Patrick to the fourteenth year of King Laegaire which
is 443, the year fixed by Dr. Todd for his coming to Tara.
The entries in the Annals of Ulster under 441 and 443 point
to important events in his mission, which explain the entries
of the death of King Amalgaid, correctly in 449 by the
Four Masters, incorrectly in 440 in the Chronicon Scotorum.
In either case it was a year or two before some important
event at Tara. In 451 King Laegaire held the Feis of Tara
according to the Annals of Clonmacnoise. Patrick's visit
to Tirawley was a consequence of the death of Amalgaid,
whose sons came to Tara to settle a dispute about their
inheritance, therefore soon after their father's death.
Dr. Todd quotes indications that the " Coming of
Patrick " was in 439 to 442 according to various data.1
The relations between St. Patrick and Laegaire were such
that Patrick may have attended any Feis or ceremony at
Tara in his reign.
The sequence and dates of the kings of Connaught can
be made out with fair certainty. O'Curry quotes a tract
for their names and length of reign from the coming of
Patrick as follows 2 — Amalgaid 20 years, Oilioll Molt n years,
1 Life of St. Patrick, pp. 394-6.
2 MS. Mat. of Anc. Irish Hist., p. 499.
THE CHRONOLOGY OF ST. PATRICK 3
Duach Galach 20 years, &c. The list is not in order of
succession. O'Curry quotes O'Duinn's poem in connection
with this list for the statement that 79 years elapsed from
the death of Duach Galach to the battle of Segais, which
at O'Duinn's date 504 places the death of Duach in 425.
Taking these notes with the entries in the Annals the dates
are I think fairly established as follows — Dathi was King
of Connaught until he became King of Ireland after NialTs
death, that is about 406 ; Duach Galach was King of Con-
naught from about 407 to 427 ; Amalgaid was King of Con-
naught from about 428 to 449 ; Ailill Molt was King of
Connaught from about 450 to 463, when he became King
of Ireland.
The traditions regarding Patrick and Duach Galach
throw a good deal of light on the period of Patrick's mission.
Duach has always been regarded as a Christian and sup-
porter of Patrick. His death is placed after Patrick's
coming in 432. The true date of his death and the tradi-
tions cannot be reconciled with that date of coming, but
fall in with the first coming about 402 and the second coming
about 425.
Hardiman gives one of these traditions.1 Patrick ap-
proached Brian's sons. Led by Echean the eldest, all but
Duach the youngest mounted their horses and rode away
refusing to countenance him. Duach awaited him and
received him respectfully. Patrick deprived Echean and
his brethren of royalty for ever, but blessed Duach saying
" You and your posterity shall be kings over your brethren."
Though the fact is not to be taken as proved by the legend,
the legend has a value as evidence that it was thought that
St. Patrick made acquaintance with Duach before Duach
became king.
O'Donovan quotes another legend.2 Duach Galach
being king gave St. Grellan a piece of land for a church,
after Grellan had baptized Duach's son Eogan Sriab. In
token of possession Duach and Patrick gave Grellan a
branch, whence the place is called Craebh Grellain * ever
since. The account of Sachell in the Book of Armagh shows
that he must have been put under St. Patrick before 425.*
1 H. W. C. p. 147. * Tribes and Customs of Hy Many, p. 8.
3 Crceve near Elphin. * See p. 14.
4 DIOCESE OF TUAM
Benen Abbot of Armagh in 455 is said to have been given
over to Patrick when Patrick came to Ireland, being then
7 years old. He is said to have been 17 years Abbot of
Drumlease. On the basis of the coming in 432 he must have
been placed there when only 12 years old and in Armagh
when only 29. He must have joined Patrick on an earlier
occasion. As to Drumlease he has been confused with
Benen son of Lugni.
When it was believed that Patrick came for the first
time after Palladius's failure, all events had to fit into the
subsequent period or be rejected. Nennius took the dates
relating to Irish church history as he found them, without
framing theories or harmonising. His date of A.D. 405 for
the first coming seems correct within a trifle. The con-
fession of St. Patrick supports this view. His own chron-
ology runs thus — Taken captive when nearly 16 years old.
Six years in captivity. Again, not many years afterwards,
taken prisoner but released after 60 days. Again, after a
few years, he was in Britain with his kinsfolk, who besought
him that now after his many hardships he should never
leave them again. There he saw the vision and heard the
call from the Wood of Foclut. " After very many years
the Lord granted to them according to their cry." This
visit to Britain seems to have been that from which he
returned in 425. Then his friend Duach was King of Con-
naught, and the heathen Amalgaid was King of Carra and
Tirawley into which he could not enter to work. Their
families were rivals for the chief sovereignty of Connaught.
During Patrick's time the Hy Fiachrach were the more
powerful, providing the King of Ireland when Duach was
King of Connaught, and after him providing Amalgaid
and Ailill Molt. The friendship of Duach would tend to
keep Patrick out of Carra and Tirawley. The call from
the Wood of Foclut is not intelligible if Patrick was in Gaul
and Britain between his escape in 394 and 432, but is
natural if Patrick had been working among the Hy Briuin,
Hy Ailello, Ciarraige and Conmaicne and Partraige, and
knew that he could do good work in those countries also
if permitted by the ruling family. The acceptance of Chris-
tianity by so many of Amalgaid's sons as soon as he died
showed that the country generally was ready to receive
THE CHRONOLOGY OF ST. PATRICK 5
him. Tirawley was the inheritance of Amalgaid, Carra
was that of Ailill Molt, and accordingly Patrick did not
enter Carra at any time.
It may be more than a coincidence that a few years
after Dathi's death Patrick was in Gaul when a bishop
was sent to Ireland. Laegaire's accession made an oppor-
tunity for organisation of a church under the chief king's
protection, whether Christian himself or not. The substitu-
tion of Amalgaid for Duach in Connaught about the same
time had an opposite effect, and may have given rise to
the persecution which we infer from the discovery of the
chalices in a cave in Tirerrill. The persecution must have
been temporary or local for Patrick certainly worked freely
in Connaught during Amalgaid's reign, but not in Amalgaid's
own kingdom.
Muirchu Maccumactheni's Life notes an important era
in Patrick's life at his thirtieth year when he visited the
Apostolic See. This coincides with Tirechan's note that
he was seven years travelling through Gaul and Italy and
in the Islands of the Tyrrhene Sea. An obscure period
follows. Muirchu sends him to Germanus for 30 or 40 years.
This doubt must be due to uncertainty caused by " comings "
of 432 and 442. That he worked 60 years in Ireland is
correct. His ordination as bishop divides his missionary
life into two equal parts of 30 years each. When the first
period of work as a priest was forgotten and his ordination as
bishop taken for the starting point of his work in Ireland the
true chronology was upset, and it was worked out as follows —
As he worked 60 years in Ireland he must have died
in 493. As his birth was in 372 and he was 60 years old
when he was made a bishop, he must have been 30 years
with Germanus, or somewhere, after the seven years in Gaul
and Italy which he himself mentioned.
The 30 years before 432 and the 30 years after 463 are
devoid of events in the ordinary history. In truth the
seven years would end about 402 with his ordination as
a priest and his coming to Ireland. Thus he had time to
make Duach's acquaintance before Duach became king and
to raise so many congregations and gain so much support
among the kings that he could urge the Pope to send a
bishop to organise the church in 432.
6 DIOCESE OF TUAM
Tigernach notes Patrick's birth in the time of Muredach
Tirech, and his captivity in the beginning of Eochy Moy-
vane's reign. 342 is 60 years before his coming in 402.
Tigernach and the compiler of the Annals of Clonmacnoise
used the same materials as Nennius for the date of the
Coming, or one is based on the other, as Clonmacnoise gives
the reign of Eochy Moyvane as the date of the captivity.
Flann's Synchronisms date the battle of Ocha, which
was in 483, as 43 years after the Coming of Patrick, correctly
if the coming about 440 is meant.
Nennius's references to St. Patrick give further evidence
as they are obviously taken from various tracts. He men-
tions that Patrick taught the Gospel in foreign nations for
40 years, pointing to Muirchu's period of 30 or 40 years,
and says that he was 85 years the Apostle of the Irish.
Counting from Nennius's A.D. 405 this puts his death in 490.
For the interval of 30 years after the seven years which
Patrick mentioned Tirechan had no written authority, only
Ultan's statement that they were spent in an island called
Aralanensis. The Irish called monasteries islands, and
Ultan here perhaps meant only a monastery at Aries.
The Black Book of the Cathedral of Holy Trinity Dublin
of about 1290 contains these entries.1
" CCCCXXIII. Obiit Augustinus et Celestinus pape et paladius ad
Scotos mittitur id est ad hyberniam.
CCCCXXXII. Patricias venit in hiberniam."
The value of these entries is that they show that there was
a record of Patrick's arrival 9 years after Palladius's mission.
That is certainly antedated, but one of the certain facts
of St. Patrick's life is that he was made bishop in succes-
sion to Palladius and went to Ireland within a year or so
of Palladius's departure, unless indeed he was himself
Palladius as is suggested by some.
It may be taken as certain that Patrick after his cap-
tivity returned to Ireland in A.D. 402, 425, 432, 442, or
within a year or two of each of those dates.
1 Gilbert, Nat. MSS. of Ireland, Part II.
CHAPTER II
POLITICAL AND TRIBAL DIVISIONS
As the area open to Patrick followed tribal divisions they
must be kept in mind ; they are still to some extent repro-
duced in the boundaries of dioceses.
The kingdom of Meath covered the counties of Meath,
West Meath, Louth, Dublin north of the Liffey, Cavan as
far north and west as Ballyconnell, Longford and the
southern part of Leitrim, and perhaps a little more to the
south of West Meath.
The kingdom of Connaught comprised all west of the
Shannon except the county of Clare, the county of Sligo and
the northern part of Leitrim inhabited by the Calry. But
the barony of Carbury and north Leitrim in St. Patrick's
time or soon after fell under Ulster.
Meath was the kingdom of Tuathal Techtmar whose
descendants according to the Irish genealogists and histo-
rians acquired the chief sovereignty of Connaught and Ulster
in the time of Muredach Tirech in the first half of the 4th
century. Muredach's son Eochy Moyvane was father of
Brian, Fiachra, Ailill, Niall and Fergus. Niall became
King of Ireland in 379. Brian was chief King of Connaught.
A partition or assignment of hereditary estates was now
made among them. Niall got Meath and Ulster. Con-
naught was divided among the other sons, except Fergus
who left no descendants. This partition is fictitious. The
kings of the two great divisions of Connaught were adopted
into the Milesian family as sons of Eochy, and the ancient
Hy Many were turned into Milesian Hy Many by a fictitious
conquest. As I understand the legends Brian was King
of the Connachta in the restricted sense of the Conmaicne
of Mayo and Gal way and their closely allied tribes the
Ciarraige, just as O'Conor afterwards was especially the
King of the Silmurray, a group of tribes sprung from Brian's
8 DIOCESE OF TUAM
descendants in Moy Ai, chiefly from Muredach Mullethan.
His sons settled in the country between the Ciarraige and
Conmaicne and the Shannon. Others are said to have
settled in the barony of Clare and in Umall, but I believe
that O'Flaherty and O'Malley really descended from the
ancient Clann Umoir royal families of those parts and were
worked into the Hy Briuin genealogy in later days. But
this artificial genealogy in a way fairly represents the tribal
relations. Hy Briuin or Connachta did spring from the
Clann Umoir. My views on this subject are expressed in
detail in an article on the Early Tribes of Connaught
published in the Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries
of Ireland, vol. xxx. p. 343.
The Rath of Cruachan was the possession of the high
King of Connaught for the time being, and he had another
on Inishowen or Inishmaine in Lough Mask.
These Hy Briuin and the Hy Fiachrach of Aidhne were
of common origin in a remote past. The territory of the
latter was the diocese of Kilmacduagh. They were of the
race of the Fiachra from whom Thomond was taken by
the ancestors of the Dalcais, the O'Briens. By a false
identification the Fiachra ancestor of the Hy Fiachrach of
Aidhne has been united with the Fiachra father of King
Dathi from whom the Hy Fiachrach of the north take their
name.
These northern Hy Fiachrach came from the very ancient
Gamanraige and Clann Morna kings of Irrosdomnann
and had Carra, which went south to the Robe, and Tirawley
and Erris as their immediate possession. The Calraige of
Coolcarney and of Murrisk and of Lough Gill and the Dart-
raige were directly under them. I cannot ascertain any-
thing about the Corcu Teimne except that they were in the
north of Carra. These tribes were the ancient Ferdomnann.
The Hy Ailello had the barony of Tirerrill and the part
of the barony of Boyle north of Lough Key and perhaps the
south-east corner of Corran.
The families called descendants of Eochy Moyvane were
few in number at this time, only the royal families of their
territories in which the ancient tribes remained as chiefs
and landowners more or less closely related to them.
The Calry known as of Coolcarney or of Innse Nisc had
POLITICAL AND TRIBAL DIVISIONS 9
the barony of Tireragh as far north as Easkey and the
parishes of Kilgarvan and Attymas. From Easkey eastwards
that barony belonged to the Calry of Murrisk. A small tribe,
probably then very much larger than in later times, was in
Moyheleog in Tirawley. Other clans of Calry called of
Lough Gill occupied the barony of Carbury. Rossclogher
in Lei trim was occupied by Calry called Dartraige. Calry
" of Three Plains " were in Dromahaire and Calry of
Aelmagh were to east of them, apparently in the northern
part of the barony of Dromahaire. Calry were in a subor-
ordinate position in Moylurg and a small clan was in Corran,
probably in the part under the Hy Ailello. The Calry must
have been a very powerful race formerly, but in historical
times were in decay.
These and their neighbours the Gregraige seem to have
been ancient subdivisions of the kingdom of Irrosdomnann.
The Gregry occupied the rest of Corran, Leyny, Gallen
except Coolcarney, Coolavin, Costello north of Knock and
Aghamore except some country about Castlemore and
Kilcolman held by the Ciarraige of Artech. They are men-
tioned in connection with St. Patrick at Killaraght and at
the Strand of Ballysadare. I infer that they were the domi-
nant clan there, but they were soon after this time super-
seded by the Luighne and Gaileanga. Then we find the
Luighne in possession of the barony of Leyny, the
Gaileanga in possession of North Costello and Gallen except
Toomore and Kilgarvan and Attymas.
The Corcofirtri were in Corran. Next south of the Gre-
graige came the Ciarraige or Kerry who had Artech com-
prising the parish of Kilnamanagh and the north and west
of that of Tibohine and those of Kilcolman and Castlemore,
the parishes of Aghamore, and Knock, and Bekan, and
Annagh, and the barony of Clanmorris except the parish
of Balla which was in Cera, and the barony of Castlereagh.
They were in four great divisions —
1. Ciarraige Airtech, those of Artech.
2. Ciarraige Muigh Ai, those of the barony of Castlereagh.
3. Ciarraige Locha na n Airneadh, called from their chief
residence on Mannin Lake, in the eastern and
southern parts of Aghamore and in Bekan and
Annagh parishes.
io DIOCESE OF TUAM
4. Ciarraige Uachtar, in the rest of Aghamore, in Knock,
and in the barony of Clanmorris.
The Conmaicne were in three divisions —
1. Conmaicne of Cuil Toladh had the barony of Kilmaine
south of the Robe and the barony of Ross.
2. Conmaicne Mara had that of Ballynahinch.
3. Conmaicne Cinel Dubhain or of Dunmore had the
barony of Dunmore and the parishes of Temple-
togher and Boyounagh and part of Clonbern and
the parts of Dunmore and Tuam which are in other
baronies, and the parish of Belclare.
Though for convenience sake I have described them
in their divisions it is not certain that they were yet denned
thus. The whole of these territories were occupied by the
Conmaicne, and the inhabitants of the northern part of
the barony of Clare in which St. Patrick worked may have
been of the same race, probably were, which was in fact
the Clann Umoir.
The Corcamogha, in part of Clonbern and Kilkerrin
in later days, were allied in race, but very little is known
about them except that they were once a very great race.
They and Ciarraige and Conmaicne and Gregraige claimed
a common descent from Fergus MacRoigh and Queen Meadbh
but were really descended from the ancient kings of Connaught.
The Partraige were to later days an important tribe
under their own kings. They certainly occupied Ballyovey
and I think the parishes of Ballintubber and Ballyheane ;
thus I account for St. Patrick's having access to that
country. They were more nearly related to the Clann
Umoir than to their Hy Fiachrach neighbours. At this
time, or earlier, they had the part of Umall from Croagh
Patrick to Lough Mask and the barony of Ross and the
part of Kilmaine about Cong. But little is known about
them.
Umall, consisting of the baronies of Burrishoole and
Murrisk, was occupied by families of the Clann Umoir.
The Delbhna of Sid Nenta or Delbhna Nuadat had the
country between Suck and Shannon from Fairymount, Sid
Nenta, to the south of the parish of Taghboy.
The Delbhna of Tir Da Loch and of Cuil Fabhair had
the barony of Moycullen and most of that of Galway.
POLITICAL AND TRIBAL DIVISIONS n
Clann Umoir families were in the barony of Clare.
The rest of the northern part of Galway was occupied
by the Sencheneoil or Old Tribes from whom came the
Sodans and the mysterious Corca, or Corca Mogha, of later
days.
The rest of the south of Galway, outside Aidhne, and
of Roscommon was occupied by Corca and descendants of
ancient Cathraige, and Hy Many. The latter as the ruling
tribe gave their name to the territories forming their great
kingdom.
These tribal relationships must be kept in mind because
the organisation and politics of the Irish were wholly tribal,
and dioceses were eventually based on them as they stood
in the I2th century, subject only to slight modifications
arising from ecclesiastical connection of earlier times.
St. Patrick's first 30 years of work must be remembered,
of which at least a considerable part was spent in Con-
naught, most likely nearly all the seven years, for the
accounts we have of his episcopal work therein relate to
tours. A tradition that a church was founded by St.
Patrick, if it is in a territory which was open to him, should
not be rejected because the early lives do not mention it.
CHAPTER III
ST. PATRICK'S WORK IN CONNAUGHT
AFTER seven years preparation on the continent St. Patrick
returned to Ireland as a missionary about the year 402 and
must have made his friendship with Duach and begun his
work in Connaught in the beginning of the century. To
this early period must be ascribed the incident of Sachell
being handed over to him, in order to allow Sachell to be
30 years with Patrick before he was made one of the bishops
in Moy Ai. He left Ireland and returned about the year
425. Soon afterwards his patron Duach died, about the
same time as King Dathi was killed by lightning at Sliabh
Alp, which I believe to be the hill of that name in Erris.
The heathen Amalgaid, hostile to the Christians, became
chief King of Connaught. The discovery of vessels hidden
in a cave in the Hill of the Hy Ailello indicates a persecu-
tion, not unlikely to have been a consequence of the tur-
bulence attending the succession. Patrick perhaps hid
them himself. During this early period Patrick worked
in those parts of Connaught and formed congregations and
founded churches and formed connections with the chieftains
where he afterwards came as bishop to organise a proper
ecclesiastical system.
In Meath the change was for the better. Laegaire coun-
tenanced Christianity. Soon after his accession we find
Patrick in Gaul where he is consecrated as bishop, some-
what against his will, in succession to Palladius. It seems
to me most likely that Patrick found circumstances favour-
able to organisation of the church under the High King's
protection, and went to Gaul and Rome to urge the appoint-
ment of a bishop. His account of himself suggests why
he should prefer not to be the bishop. He was not learned,
had for years led a rough missionary life, had little inter-
course with organised churches, and must have felt that
ST. PATRICK'S WORK IN CONNAUGHT 13
the most fitting bishop would be one familiar with church
discipline and working methods. Moreover he was 60 years
old. He did not accompany Palladius. This seems odd
but it is easy to understand that it was better for him to
stand out of Palladius's way. Appeal would have been
incessant to him against the new system. Palladius's
failure forced his appointment. His personal influence was
indispensable to carry out the changes. In time he brought
to help him many foreign priests and bishops, Franks, Gauls,
Lombards, Britons, Romans. Here Roman may mean only
Roman citizens.
The appointment of a foreigner and stranger as head
of the church of Ireland failed. The experiment was not
repeated. Clan feeling was too strong. Until the middle
of the I2th century and the Anglo-Norman Conquest no
foreigner was made a bishop of the church of Ireland. The
bishops of the Danish towns did not belong to that church.
The Pope had agents in Ireland who exercised influence,
and not independent authority over the church.
Some great events of his mission occurred in 441 and
443. According to the Annals of Clonmacnoise and of
Ulster the former was an " approval " of his mission by
Pope Leo. The latter seems to have been a great event
at Tara. In 439, his nephews Secundinus and Auxilius,
and Isserninus were sent to help him as bishops. The
presence of Secundinus at Mucna's Well, and the number
of bishops in attendance date this part of the Connaught
tour as after 439 and before 446 when Secundinus died.
Tirechan's Collections purport to record the remarkable
events of the fifth year of King Laegaire, but it is evident
that events of very much later date are included, such as
the visit to Tirawley. It seems to me that the whole has
been worked round the record of a tour in Connaught in
or immediately after 443, with a large train of priests and
bishops, an organising tour. It looks much as if it was
based on some itinerary or diary of places visited. Thus
I account for omission of reference to the foundation of
Donaghpatrick for Bishop Failart, which seems to be certainly
a Patrician church. The foundation of Kilbennan is given
in a detached list, showing that the places mentioned in
the tour are not exhaustive of his work in Connaught. The
14 DIOCESE OF TUAM
account of the tour itself shows that churches were there
already. Professor Bury has shown grounds for taking it
to be a tour made by Tirechan himself into which he has
worked the traditions relating to Patrician churches in the
form of an Itinerary of Patrick.1 There are grounds for
either view, and perhaps both apply in parts.
Tirechan's Collections are the best authority for Con-
naught. In several instances he says that he has seen
things in Connaught. His work, written in the middle of
the yth century, was copied into the Book of Armagh in
807 or 808.
That book is of higher authority than the Tripartite
Life, which is based on the same authorities but is a work
of the loth or nth century according to Dr. W. Stokes.
It follows Tirechan with exactness in many parts of the
Connaught tour, and seems to have been copied from the
Book of Armagh when that Book was already partly illegible.
It omits the fragments relating to Medbu, to " the sons of
En . . . ," and to Senmeda, and sums up those relating
to the Conmaicne in " Arduiscon, &c." Still it is of great
authority being founded on such early materials, makes
parts of the Book of Armagh more intelligible, and gives
additional information.
I begin with the Book of Armagh and follow with
further information from the Tripartite Life, using Stokes' s
translation of the latter. Tirechan's names written partly
in Latin as Campus Ai I put in the Irish equivalent if it
is well known or is in the Tripartite Life.
The following note is between Muirchu Maccu Mach-
theni's Life and the Dicta Patricii.
" Patrick came from the country of Arthicc to Drummut 2
Cerigi and to Nairniu Toisciurt [and] to Ailich Esrachtae.3
And [when] the heathen saw him with eight or nine men
with tablets in their hands written in the Mosaic fashion,
they cried out against them that they should kill the saints,
and said : ' They have swords in their hands to kill men.
By day they look like wood with them, but we think them
iron swords for shedding blood.' The great crowd wanted
1 English Hist. Review, April 1902.
2 About Kilroddan in Tibohine.
3 Unknown, but must have been in Aghamore parish.
ST. PATRICK'S WORK IN CONNAUGHT 15
to do harm to the saints. But a merciful man was among
them, Hercaith by name, of the race of Nothi, father of
Feradach. He believed in the God of Patrick, and Patrick
baptized him and his son Feradach, and he offered his son
to Patrick. And he went with Patrick to study for thirty
years, and [Patrick] ordained him in the city of Rome, and
gave him a new name Sachell, and wrote for him a book
of psalms which I have seen, and [Sachell] bore away from
him a portion of the relics of Peter and Paul, Laurence and
Stephen which are in Machi. Caetiac and Sachell ordained
bishops, priests, deacons, clergy without Patrick's advice
in Mag An'. And Patrick found fault with them and sending
letters to them Patrick's two willing youths being drawn
to penitence went to Arddmache to Patrick, and performed
the penance of monks. And he said to them : ' Your
churches will not be great.' '
Sachell seems to have been a Mayo man. Baslick was
his church. It was founded for some of Patrick's foreign
missionaries, hence perhaps the name Basilica, uncommon
in Ireland. He was bishop of the Ciarraige of Moy Ai.
Another version of the name is Irish, Bas Leac, Death Stone.
A stone in the river bed is said to be referred to.
Tirechan first notes that Patrick landed in Mag Breg
with a host of bishops and clergy, mentions incidents, gives
a list of Patrick's bishops priests and deacons and Franks,
and of churches founded in Mag Breg. Then follow pro-
ceedings at Teltown. " And Patrick went again to the
city of Tara to Loiguire son of Niall, because he had made
an engagement with him that he should not be killed in
his kingdom." Other churches are founded in the neigh-
bourhood, and he enters the king's house. The incident
which leads to Patrick's visit to Tirawley comes in here,
but the account of the work in Tirawley comes in later.
I reserve this for its proper place after the tour in Ros-
common and Mayo.
Tirechan shortly names churches founded as Patrick
goes to Ushnagh and round about, whence he goes into
Teffa and Moy Rein and sends Methbrain to Rath Slecht,
which should be in Magh Slecht, and comes to the shore
of the Shannon at Cuil Boidmail, which is not now known.
Tiiechan observes that all the things written from the be-
16 DIOCESE OF TUAM
ginning are well known to " you " (the Hy Neill) because
they were done in your countries except a few matters,
complains that so much has been withdrawn from the juris-
diction of Patrick to which it belonged, and says he will
deal more concisely with the rest, as in fact he does.
" St. Patrick therefore came by the channel of the river
Shannon by Two Birds' Ford 1 to Mag Aii. But Mael and
Caplait, druids of Loiguire son of Niall, two brothers who
had fostered Loiguire's two daughters Ethne the Fair. Fedelm
the Ruddy, hearing all that had been done, fearing lest
they should adopt the practices of the saint, were very
angry and made darkness like night and thick fogs over
all Mag Ai, we know not by whose power this was ; but we
know that the night lasted three days and as many nights.
And the saint set to fast for three days and three nights,
besought God the King of Kings with hundreds of prayers
and constant genuflections, and all the magic weight of
darkness passed away from Mag Ai, and he said ' Thanks
be to God.' And they came by the channel of the river
Shannon, which is called Bandea to Duma Graicl.2 In
which plain he ordained St. Ailbe a priest ; whom he in-
formed of a wonderful stone altar in the Mount of the Hy
Ailello, because he 3 was among the Hy Ailello. And he
baptized St. Mane whom Bishop Bron, son of Icne, servant
of God companion of Patrick ordained. They came to
Mag Glais, and he placed in it the great church which is
called thus, Kilmore,4 and left in it two barbarians 5 Conleng
and Ercleng, his monks.
"Thence he came to Assic and Bitte and to the brothers
Hono and Ith, druids, who were of the race of Corcu-Chon-
Iviain. The former of them received Patrick and his saints
with joy, and offered to him his house. And [Patrick] went
to Imbliuch Hornon. And Patrick said to him : ' Thy
seed shall be blessed, and of thy seed shall be priests of
the Lord and worthy princes in my endowment and thy
inheritance.' And he placed there Assic and Bethe, son of
Assic's brother, and Cipia, mother of Bishop Bethe.
1 Snam Da En between Clonmacnoise and Cloonburren.
2 Unknown, should be in parish of Clooncraff or Kilmore.
3 Or "it." * Kilmore, in Kilmore parish.
5 Meaning probably foreigners who were not Roman citizens.
ST. PATRICK'S WORK IN CONNAUGHT 17
" Bishop St. Assic was Patrick's coppersmith, and made
altars and square book cases. Besides he made our saint's
patens in honor of Bishop Patrick, and of them I have seen
three square patens, that is a paten in the church of Patrick
in Ardd-Machae and another in the church of Ale-find *
and a third in the great church 2 of Saeoli upon the altar of
Bishop St. Felart." Here follows a story about Assic.
" Patrick indeed went from the well of Elphin to Dumicha 3
of the Hy Ailello and founded in that place the church which
is called thus, Senella Cella Dumiche 4 to this day. In which
he left the Saints Macet and Cetgen and priest Rodan.
" And there came with him in his journey a happy daughter
by name Mathona, sister of Benen successor of Patrick,
who carried the pall with Patrick and Rodan and was their
nun. And she went by Sliab maccn Ailello and planted
a free church in Tamnuch,5 and was honoured by God and
by men, and she herself made friendship with the relics of
St. Rodan, and their successors feasted together.
" But after this they established bishops, i.e. Cairell [and
. . . ], by the holy church in Tamnuch, whom Patrick's
bishops, that is Bron and Biethe, ordained. They did not
demand anything but friendship from the convent of the
Dumas, but the convent of Gono 6 demands [something],
because since the last mortalities 7 they hold many of
Patrick's places by force."
Next comes the very curious account of St. Patrick and
King Laegaire's daughters, in which, in my opinion, several
stories and traditions are combined, relating to incidents of
very different dates. The story thus has an air of unreality
and an appearance of the girls having been suddenly con-
verted and having then died or been killed and buried. The
stories relating to them and Mael and Caplit are mixed up.
They seem to be compounded of a story of Patrick's first
meeting with them, and of their conversion, which offers an
opportunity for bringing in a confession of faith and a cate-
1 Elphin. 2 Donaghpatrick in barony of Clare.
3 Corradooey in Aghanagh.
4 Probably the Nunnery in Aghanagh as Dr. O'Rorke suggests ; certainly
in that country.
5 A church in Tawnagh parish in Tirerrill.
6 Clonmacnoise. 7 Probably the plague of A.U. 666.
B
i8 DIOCESE OF TUAM
chism, an account of their taking the veil, and an account
of their death and burial and the building of a memorial
church. The sudden death as the story stands is difficult
to explain, but if the whole be taken to be an abstract of
all that Tirechan heard about them, as I suggest, it comes
only to this, that two sisters died at the same time and were
buried together.
St. Patrick and his party went from the Dumas to the
well called Clebach 1 in the skirts of Crochan to the east,
which they reached before sunrise, and they were sitting
there when Ethne and Fedelm came to wash as women's
custom is. The girls asked who they were and whence
they came, which introduces the confession of faith and
the catechism. They are baptized and a white garment
is put on their heads. They beg to see the face of Christ
and are told that they must first taste of death and receive
the sacrifice. They ask to be given the sacrifice.
" And they received the Eucharist of God and they
slept in death. And they placed them in a bed covered
with one mantle, and their friends made a wailing and a
great lamentation.
" [And then came] 2 Caplit who had fostered one of them
and -2 And Patrick preached to him, and
he believed and the hairs of his head were removed.3 And
his brother M[ael] came and said ' My brother has believed
in Patrick and it shall not be so, and I will bring him back
to heathenism,' and he said hard things to Mathonus 4 and
to Patrick. And Patrick spoke to him and preached and
turned him to the repentance of God, and the hairs of his
head were removed, that is the druidical fashion [which]
was seen on his head, airbacc as it is called giunnae.5
Hence the proverb which is best known of all Scottish pro-
verbs : He is like Calvus against Caplit. And they believed
in God.
"And the days of lamentation for the King's daughters
1 Probably the well to west of Shankill near Elphin.
2 Text obliterated, only partly legible. 3 Tonsured.
* Professor Bury's rendering, suggesting Mathonum for Mathoum and
that Mathonus was a brother of Mathona. — Eng. Hist. Review, Ap. 1902.
9 Dr. Joyce translates Airbacc giunnae as literally "fence of hair."
— Social Hist. Ireland, I. p. 234.
ST. PATRICK'S WORK IN CONNAUGHT 19
ended, and they buried them by the Well of Clebach and
made a round ditch like a ferta, because the Scots and
Gentiles did so. But among us it is called Relic, that is,
the Remains and feurt. And it was offered with the bones
of the holy women to God and to Patrick and to his suc-
cessors after him for ever. And he made an earthen church l
in that place.
" But thence Patrick came to Caire [tha]
that is into Mag Cairetha, and they founded
[a church] in Ardlicce, which is called thus, Sendomnach,2
and he settled in it St. Coeman a deacon his monk dear
to Christ Patrick's youth.
"And Patrick came to Ardd Senlis,3 and put ....
. . . . aloca, and obtained a place in Mag Nento.4
And they went away with Bishop St. [Ce]thiac to his own
country, for his father was of the race of Ailill, and his
mother was of the race of Sai of the countries of the
Cianachta (by them) deacon St. Jostus
being only a little boy and he obtained Fidard.5 And he
[St. Patrick] gave him books of baptism, and he baptized
the Hy (Maine), and in his good old age baptized Ciaran
son of the Carpenter when he was old and full of years.
But there intervened between the death of Patrick and
the birth of Ciaran one hundred and forty years6 as those
most skilled in numbers calculate, and Ciaran was baptized
out of Patrick's book, by deacon Justus in view of the
people.7
" But Patrick's Franks left Patrick, 15 brothers and one
sister. Also I cannot tell the names of the men except
two, the principal Bernicius and Hernicius and the name
of Nitria sister of .... bishop. And many places
were given to them, and I know none, except that one is
Basilica 8 of the saints, because St. Patrick pointed out
to them the nature of the place and pointed it out to them
with his finger from the Mound of Garad, when they came
to him that he might choose for them out of the places they
1 Shankill near Elphin. a Kilkeevin. 3 Near Strokestown.
4 About Fairymount, Sid Nento. " Fuerty.
8 147 years intervened between the birth of Patrick, A.D. 372, and that
of Ciaran, A.D. 519.
7 Dr. Gwynne's reading. 8 Baslick.
20 DIOCESE OF TUAM
had found. And Cethec founded the church of Brergarad.1
A certain lad who came through the river Suck and his feet
were dry and his boots were of a ditch.2
" But Patrick came to Selca3 in which the (Sons) of Brian
with a multitude of holy bishops encamped among the
mounds of Selca, and they made him a bed and a seat be-
tween the stones on which they wrote with his hand letters
which we have seen to-day with our own eyes. And with
him were —
Bron bishop, qui tenuit (eel)
Sache(ll), lolam Benign 4 (i . . )
Bronach priest, anorto a Pat
Rodan, ricio ac ( )
Cassan, Felartus Episcopus (de)
Brocid, genere (Ailello)
Lomman his brother, . . sorores, ii.
Benignus successor of Patrick . . . \ .
and Benignus brother of Ceth-
(eci) . 5 .
of the race of Ailill . . in mar (i Con-
maicne)
" It is called thus Croch Cuile.6 And he planted a church
above Loch Selca inscae,7 and baptized the sons of Bron.
" And he went to the way of the Gregirgi, and founded a
church in Drummae 8 and dug a well [beside it : it has no
stream] into or out of it, but is always full.
" A paten and a chalice are in the Cell 9 of Adrochta
daughter of Talain, and she received the veil from Patrick's
hand. And he went to the Sons of Heric, and was in that
1 Orangarad, now Oran.
2 " Et aridi (pe)des eius ac ficones erunt saulae." Dr. Stokes reads
sudae for saulae. The passage seems to be both corrupt and mutilated.
3 The country about Carnfree, Duma Selca, S.E. of Tulsk. The
mounds there seem to be designated by Cacumina Selca. Shad Lough a
little to S. I take to be the Loch Selca mentioned below.— See//. R.S.A.L,
vol. xi. p. 250. 4 Kilbennan.
8 Dr. Gwynne reads " fuit (in insola) in mari (conmaicne) quae sic vocat
(ur Qroch."
6 Perhaps Inchanguill. 7 Some contraction.
8 Near Killaraght. See post, p. 48. 9 Killaraght.
ST. PATRICK'S WORK IN CONNAUGHT 21
place l in which women are by the ford of the Sons of Heric.
And his horses were stolen, and he cursed them saying :
' Your seed shall serve the seed of your brothers ; ' which
has proved to be the case.
" And he turned back to Mag Airthic, and put the church
of Senes 2 in that plain, and blessed a place in Taulich
Lapidum.3
" And he went to Drummut4 Cerrigi, and found two men,
sons of one man, fighting together after the death of their
father, who was a coppersmith of the race of Cerrigi ... en
they wished to divide the inheritance, and the wood of con-
tention which is called caam among the heathen had been
placed, and they drew their two edged swords their hands
raised and feet apart one brother ready to strike the other,
all which was done in due form on the ground after the
usage of the duel. But when Patrick had come to them
seeing them from a distance about the breadth of an acre
he opened his mouth and said : ' Lord Father, I pray you,
hold the hands of the brothers that they hurt not each
other.' And they could not put out or draw back a hand,
but were standing like wooden statues. And he blessed
them and taught them and said : ' Make friends, as you
are brothers, and do what I tell you : sit down.' They
sat down as Patrick said and offered the land and goods
of their father to Patrick and to the God of heaven, and he
founded a church there, and in that place is the artisan
Coona brother of the bishop of Basilica.
"He went through the wastes of the Cerrigi
into the northern plain, that is Nairniu, and found St.
larnasc under an elm tree 5 with his son Locharnach, and
wrote elements for him. And he was a week or more with
him, with 8 or 12 men. And he founded a church 6 and
1 The Nunnery above Easmaicn Eire, now Assylin, on River Boyle to
West of Boyle. The Ford should be near the Nunnery, a Snam, or Swimming
Ford, i.e. Ferry.
2 Castlemore old church.
8 Tulach na Cloch, now represented by Tullaghanrock near Edmondstown.
The tradition perhaps survives in townlands of Banada and Keelbanada,
Blessing, and Church or Wood of Blessing.
* This survives in Drummad townland a little west of L. Glynn.
Kilroddan close by is the church founded there.
* Or under shade. 6 Annaghernaisc, i.e. Kilcronan in Aghamore Parish-
22 DIOCESE OF TUAM
made him l abbot. And there was a certain man full of
the Holy Spirit, from the north, by name Medbu ....
came with Patrick from Irlochir, and read in Ardd Machae,
and was ordained in the same place, (and) was (deacon) to
Patrick of the race of Machi good (man)
and founded a free church 2 in Imgoe Mair Cerrigi (a monk)
in Ardd Machae.
" And Patrick went on to the well 3 which is called
Mucna, and made the Cella Senes 4 which is so called. And
Secundinus was apart under a leafy elm. And the sign of
the cross is in that place even to this day.5 And he came
by the wastes of the sons of En ... in which omman
Turresc 6 . . . . ' * After many days there came
( )1 Senmeda a daughter of En ( ) son of
Br( ),7 and received the veil from Patrick's hand,
and gave him her ornaments from neck and hands and feet
and arms, (this) is called aros in Irish.
"And he went to the country of the Conmaicne in Cuil
Tolat and put in it foursided churches
air Uiscon . . . the little middle cell 8 in which (he
left) the sisters of Faila(rti, bishop, of the race of Ailill)
another Cell of Fish in which the holy woman
(The rest of the column is illegible.)
" And he came into Mag Caeri 9 and they encamped in
Cuilcore,9 and he placed a church in that place, and baptized
many.
" And thence he went to Mag Foimsen 10 and found in
that place two brothers sons of a man named Ciilaid, that
is Luchti son of Ciilaid and Derclam,11 who sent his slave
to kill Patrick. But Luchti saved him. To whom Patrick
said : ' Bishops and priests shall be of your race, but your
I larnasc. 2 Kiltullagh in Roscommon.
3 Patrick's Well near Ballyhaunis.
4 Kilmullen in Grallagh Townland, the Old Church.
6 A cross is at the well.
6 This refers I think to Kilcommon near Hollymount.
7 I suggest "from or to Cell Senmeda (Kilshanvy) a daughter of Enna s^n
ofBrug," who was an ancestor of the Conmaicne of Cuil Tolad.
8 Kilmainebeg.
9 The places are unknown but seem to be in the south of Clanmorris.
10 About Keltamagh.
II These names are involved. This is Dr. Stokes's rendering.
ST. PATRICK'S WORK IN CONNAUGHT 23
brother's race shall be accursed, and they shall soon die
out.' And he left the priest Conan in that place.1
And he went to the Well of Stringill 2 in the Wastes,
and he was at it two Sundays. And he went to Mag
Raithin.3 And he went to the border of Umal of Achud
Fobuir4 in which there are bishops. And there came to
him the holy daughter who bore the pall with Patrick, and
he ordained Senach the son of her father, and gave him
a new name, that is Lamb of God, and made him a
bishop. And he demanded three demands of Patrick :
that he should not sin while in orders, and that his name
should not be given to the place, and that what was wanting
of his age should be added to the age of his son, Oingus by
name. For whom Patrick wrote an abgitorium, on the day
on which Senach was ordained. Patrick established a
church in that place near the daughter by name Mathona,
and said to them : ' Good bishops shall be here, and
of their seed shall be blessed men for ever in this see.'
The same is Ached - Fobuir, and they received Patrick's
Mass.
" And Patrick went to Mount Egli 5 to fast in it forty days
and forty nights, keeping the discipline of Moses and Elias
and Christ. And his charioteer died in Muirescc Aigli,6
that is the plain between the sea and Aigill.7 And he buried
that charioteer All Bald, that is Totmael, and piled stones
as a sepulchre, and said : ' So be it for ever, and it shall
be visited by me in the last days.'
" And Patrick went to the heights of the mountain over
Crochan 8 Aigli, and stayed there 40 days and 40 nights.
And heavy birds were towards him, and he could not see
the face of heaven and earth and sea, because God said
to all the saints of Ireland, past, present, future : ' O Saints,
Go up on the mountain which overhangs and is higher than
all the mountains which are to the setting of the sun, to
bless the peoples of Ireland,' that Patrick might see the
1 Patrick's Well in Ballinamore Demesne. 2 Well at Ballintubber.
3 About Ballyheane. 4 Aghagower.
8 " Hill of Aigill," Croagh pat rick. 6 Country about Murrisk.
7 Aigill or Aicill is old name of mountain and bog between Clew Bay
and Killeries.
8 At or near Oughaval.
24 DIOCESE OF TUAM
fruit of his labour, because the choir of all the Irish saints
came to him to visit their father. And he established a
church i in Mag Humail.
" And he came to the countries of the Corcu-Temne to the
Well of Sin,2 in which he baptized many thousands of men,
and he founded three churches.
" And he came to the Well 3 of Findmag,4 which is called
Slan, because he was informed that the druids honoured
the well and made offerings to it as a god. The well indeed
was square, and a square stone was in the mouth of the
well, and the water came against the stone, that is through
the joints like a royal footmark.5 And the unbelievers
said that a certain dead prophet made himself a coffin in
the water under the stone that it might always wash his
bones, because he feared the burning of fire, because they
worshipped the well as a god. And Patrick was informed
of the reason of worship, and he had jealousy for God from
the living God, and said : ' It is not true what you say
that the well was the King of Waters,' because they had
given it the name of ' King of Waters,' And the druids
and heathen of that country and a very great crowd were
gathered at the well, and Patrick said to them : ' Raise
the stone, that we may see what is underneath, whether
bones or not, for I tell you a man's bones are not under it,
but I think something of gold and silver through the joint-
ings of the stones, not at all from your unrighteous offerings.'
And they could not raise the stone. And Patrick and his
servants blessed the stone, and Patrick said to the crowd :
' Draw back a little, that you may see the power of my
God who dwells in the heavens.' And with outstretched
hands he raised the stone from the mouth of the well, and
laid it aside from its place over the edges of the well, and
it is always (there). And they found nothing but water in
the well, and they believed in the most High God. And a
certain man, Caeta or Cata by name, sat apart by the stone
which a certain man set up, whom Patrick blessed, and
1 Kilmeena. * At Turlough.
3 Adam's Well at Manulla.
4 Country about Manulla, Magfiondealbha.
5 " Id est per glutinationes quasi vestigium regale." Stokes suggests
" rigale," intended to mean "like a leaky roof."
ST. PATRICK'S WORK IN CONNAUGHT 25
he baptized him and said to him : ' Thy seed shall be blessed
for ever.'
" Cellola Tog 1 in the countries of the Corcuteimne was
Patrick's. Bishop Cainnech, Patrick's monk, founded it.
" And St. Patrick went through the plains in the countries
of the Maicc Hercae to Dichuil 2 and Aurchuil." 2
In Dichuil he raised from the dead the man who was
buried in a giant's grave 120 feet long, to let his disciples
see him. The giant gave his name, believed, was baptized,
confessed, and was put back into his grave. And he came
into the White Plain in the countries of the Hy Maine, that
is to Magh Finn, the parish of Taghmaconnell near Athlone.
Here he finds two new graves. A cross has been put over
that of a heathen by mistake. St. Patrick corrects the
mistake and puts the cross over the Christian's grave.
All this tour from Clonmacnoise through Roscommon
and Sligo and Mayo up to the departure from Mayo im-
presses me as founded upon a real record, into which uncon-
nected incidents have been worked, such as some of the
dealings with Laegaire's daughters and with Mael and
Caplait, and some traditions and miracles. Having thus
brought St. Patrick back nearly to Athlone, Tirechan sud-
denly takes up the story of the journey to Tirawley as if
after the journey straight across Ireland. That incident
occurred really nearly ten years later. I now therefore
take up Tirechan's story at the point where he entered the
king's house, p. 15.
" And they came to the well, Loigles in Irish, with us
' Calf of Cities.' And when he had opened his book and
had baptized the man Ere he heard men behind his back
laughing together in discussing that business, because they
did not understand what he had done, and he baptized so
many thousands of men on that day : and he heard among
the different acts of baptism. For behold two noblemen
were talking behind his back, and one said to the other :
' It is true what you said last year that you would come
thither or hither in these days. Please tell me your name,
and that of your father, of your land and country, and
where your house is.' He answered : ' I am Enda son of
1 The old church probably of Breaghwy.
8 Not identified, but in Moylurg.
26 DIOCESE OF TUAM
Amolngid, son of Fechra, son of Echu, from the western
shores of Mag Domnon and from Fochloth's Wood.' And
when Patrick had heard the name of Fochloth's Wood, he
rejoiced much, and said to Enda son of Amolngid : ' I also
will go with you, if I am alive, because the Lord has told
me to go.' And Enda said : ' You shall not go with me
lest we be killed together.' The Saint said also : ' Never-
theless even you shall never reach your country alive, unless
I come with you, and you shall not have eternal life :
because you have come hither on my account, like Joseph
before the sons of Israel.' But Enda said to Patrick : ' Do
you give baptism to my son, because he is young. But I
and my brothers cannot believe you until we reach our own
people, lest they laugh at us.' But Conall was baptized, and
Patrick gave him his blessing, and took his hand, and gave
him to Bishop Cethiac. And Cethiac and Bishop Cethiac's
brother Mucne, whose relics are in the Great Church 1 of
Patrick in Fochlith's Wood, brought him up and taught
him. On this account Cethiac gave his island 2 to Conall,
and it belongs to his race to the present day. because he
was a layman after the death of St. Cethiac.
"But six sons of Amolngid came for judgment before
the face of Loiguire, and Enda alone and his young son
against them and Patrick before them, and they investi-
gated the case of their inheritance. And Loiguire and
Patrick gave them judgment that they should divide the
inheritance between them in seven shares. And Enda
said : ' I offer up to the God of Patrick and to Patrick my
son and share of the inheritance.' Some say it is on this
account we are servants of Patrick to the present day.
" Patrick and the sons of Amolngid with an army of lay-
men and holy bishops made an engagement by the hands
of Loiguire son of Niall, and went on their way to Mount
Egli, and Patrick spent also the price of fifteen souls of men,
as he says in his writings, that none of the wicked men
might stay them in their straight road across all Ireland ;
because it was necessary for them to reach Fochlith's Wood
1 Donaghmore near Killala. It has disappeared but was in Tawnagh
or Donaghmore Townland near Killala. Fochluth's Wood was a large
tract about Foghill near Lacken.
2 Meaning his monastery was under protection of Conall's clan.
ST. PATRICK'S WORK IN CONNAUGHT 27
before the head of the year the second Easter, on account
of the sons crying with a great cry, [whose] voices he heard
in their mother's womb saying : ' Come, holy Patrick,
to save us.' " I now take the story again where it starts
from Magh Finn apparently —
" He came indeed across the Moy, and behold the druids
of the sons of Amolngid heard that the saint had come upon
them in their own countries. A very great crowd of
druids gathered around the chief druid, Recrad by name,
who wished to kill St. Patrick. And he came to them with
nine druids dressed in white clothes with the druidical
enemy. And Patrick and Enda son of Amolngid and Conall
son of Enda saw him afar off, when Patrick was baptizing
a great multitude. And when Enda saw them, he got up
and seized his weapons to keep off the druids, because the
druids were about 1000 paces from them across a rill of
water. But Patrick sent Conall son of Enda to meet the
druids that he might know him, and not kill any one else,
and the son stood beside the druid as a mark. And behold
St. Patrick stood up, and raised his left hand to the God
of heaven, and cursed the druid. And he fell dead in the
midst of his druids, and the mob scattered over all Mag
Domnon, and he was burnt up before the face of all as a
mark of judgment, when all men saw this miracle. And
he baptized many on that day and ordained St. Mucne
brother of Cethach, and gave him seven books of the law
which he left after him to Mace Cerce son of Mac Dregin.
And he founded a church x above Fochluth's Wood, in
which are the holy bones of bishop Mucndi, because God
told him that he should leave the law and ordain there
bishops, and priests and deacons in that country. And
he blessed the son of Amolngid, Fergus brother of Enda,
because he did a miracle in his land.
"And behold a certain man by name Mac Dregin came
to them with seven heathen sons, and begged of Patrick
the baptism of God. And he blessed him with his sons, and
chose one son out of them, whose name was Mace Ercae,
and wrote the elements, and blessed him with a father's
blessing. And the son's father said : ' I shall be sorry
if my son go away with you.' And Patrick said : ' It
1 Donaghmore, on this side of Fochluth's Wood.
28 DIOCESE OF TUAM
shall not be so, but I will entrust him to Bron son of Icni
and to Olcan.' He stretched out his hand and pointed
out to him the place 1 far off in which his bones are, and
marked the place with the sign of the cross with his finger,
and put a cross there. And behold two girls came to
Patrick and received the veil from his hand, and he blessed
a place 2 for them above Fochlith's Wood.
" And behold Patrick proceeded to the field which is
called Foirrgea3 of the sons of Amolngid for the partition
between the sons of Amolngid, and made there a four-
cornered earthen church of mud because a wood was not
near. And they brought to him a sick pregnant woman,
and he baptized the son in the mother's womb. The water
of the son's baptism is the water of the woman's communion.
And they buried her in the mounds above the church, and
the seat of the Saint himself is beside the church to the
present day. And he built a church 4 among a certain family
in a bay of the sea, that is Ros Mac Caitni.
"And he turned back to the river Moy out of Vertrige
into Bertriga,5 and raised there a stone as a sign of the cross
of Christ, and said : ' Behold water shall be found here in
the last days and it shall be inhabited by me.' And he
founded a church 6 by Rath Rigbairt and came into
Muirisca to Bron son of Icni, and blessed a son, who is
bishop Mace Rime, and they wrote elements for him and
bishop Muirethach, who was over the river Bratho.7
" And Patrick and Broon and with them Mac Ercae son
of Dregin came across Traigh Authuili8 to the borders of
Irae, to the plain, that is Ros Dregnige, in which place is
Broon's little hut. And sitting there Patrick's tooth fell
1 Kilroe near Killala.
2 Cill Forclann, whose site is in Killybrone Townland.
3 Forrach seems to have been name of a large tract about Mullafarry in
which the Forrach was. Killogunra is likely to be the church founded in it.
4 Probably the church on the rock in the sea at Downpatrick Head. But
O'Donovan took it to be the church on Ross Point near Killala.
5 From Bartragh near Killala to the Bartragh on Sligo shore near
Scurmore.
6 Probably in Coolerra to south of Knocknarea. Rath Rigbairt must have
been on Knocknarea. Muirisca is the sea marsh in which Killaspugbrone is
now covered by sand.
7 Unknown. 8 Strand of Ballysadare.
ST. PATRICK'S WORK IN CONNAUGHT 29
out, and he gave the tooth to his Broon as a relic, and said :
' Behold the sea shall cast us out of this place in the last
days, and ye shall go to the river of Slicichae l to the wood.'
" And he went out across the Mount of the sons of Ailill,
and founded a church there, that is Tamnach 2 and Eche-
nach a and Cell Angle 2 and Cell Senchuae.2 And he went
out to the countries of the Callrigi Tre Maige and made a
church by Druim Leas 3 and baptized many. And turned
to the plain of Ailmaige and founded a church there, that
is, Domnach Ailmaige,4 because Patrick stayed there three
days and three nights.
" And he proceeded to Mag Aine 5 and placed a church
there. And he turned to Evoi 6 and into Mag Cetni 7 and
cursed the river which is called Black, because he asked
[the fishermen for fish] and they gave none of their fish to
the Saint. But he blessed the Drobhaise, in which great
fishes live, or the race of fishes is made. The river Drob-
haise had no fishes before, but ever since it gives fruit to
fishermen. And he cursed other rivers, that is the river
Oingae 8 and Saele,9 because two of Patrick's lads were
drowned in Saeli, on which account this was done as a
memorial of an act of power."
Thence St. Patrick passed away into Ulster and stayed
in Mag Tochuir, now Inishowen. " In which place also
there came to him a certain bishop of the race of the
Corcu-theimne from Cellola Toch in the countries of the
Temenrigi 10 in Carra towards the setting of the sun, a
bishop with one sister of Patrick's monk, and their place is
now under the convent of Clono,11 and the men of that
place deplore it."
" Patrick crossed the Shannon three times and spent
seven years in the western land."
In Ardstraw he ordained Mac Erca as bishop. The
bishop who came to Inishowen seems to be bishop Cainnech,
founder of Cellola Tog.
1 Sligo. J Tawnagh. Aghanagh. Not identified. Shancough.
* Drumlease. * In Cloonclare parish in north of Dromahaire barony.
5 Perhaps about Killenna near Manorhamilton.
8 Mag Eabha, about Drumcliff. 7 Between R. Duff and Drowes.
8 Not identified. • Blackwater which joins Boyne.
10 Means same as Corcutheimne. n Clonmacnoise.
30 DIOCESE OF TUAM
After Tirechan's Collections the Book of Armagh con-
tains various notes among which are the following —
" Bishop Colman gave by a votive offering for ever to
bishop Patrick his church,1 that is Cluain Cain in Achud
, and himself entrusted it to saints, that is to priest
Medb and to priest Sadb.
" Item, the sons of Fiechra offered to Patrick for ever
the Plain of the North between Gleoir and Ferni with the
slaves that served them in it.
" Item, the seven sons of Doath faithfully offered to
God and to St. Patrick Cluain Findglais and Imsruth Cul[e]
Cais and Deruth Mar Cule Cais and Cenn Locho.
" Item, the sons of Conlaid offered for ever to God and
to Patrick eight weights of the plain, that is eight cows of
the plain in their inheritance, that is every indlea from Two
Cairns to the Mount of a Cairn.
" All these offerings the Upper Ciarrichi and their kings
offered for ever to Patrick.
" St. Patrick, forseeing by the Holy Spirit that his family
in the country of the Ciarrichi would be everywhere broken
up, that is bishop Sachell and Brocid and Loarn and priest
Medb and Ernasc, joined (them) together unanimously
under his blessing into unity of eternal peace with one rite
of the faith under the power of one heir of his apostolic See
of Armagh.
" Binean, son of Lugni, writer and priest and anchorite,
was son of the daughter of Lugaith Maicc Netach, to whom
his mother's race gave an inheritance in which he founded
a church 2 consecrated to God and dedicated to Patrick.
" And Patrick marked the place for himself with his
staff, and himself first offered the body and blood of Christ
after Binean had received orders from him. And he blessed
him and left him after him in his place."
Another note says that St. Patrick left his pupil Benignus,
Benen, in Drumlease where he was for seventeen years.
This I take to be the Benen of Kilbennan, but the note above
designates Benen son of Lugni as the successor of St.
Patrick ; the son of Sescnen really was the successor at
Armagh. The confusion therefore is of long standing.
The note regarding the endowments of the Upper Kerry
1 Tagheen. 2 Kilbennan.
ST. PATRICK'S WORK IN CONNAUGHT 31
is fairly intelligible. The church founded by bishop Colman
in Cluain Cain must be Tagheen, Teach Caoin, which is
close to the townland of Cloonkeen, the western part of
Hollybrook. This Colman is likely to be the Colman of
Kilcolman in the same district.
As to the next item, the river Gleoir is known, and there
is a Ballyfarnagh townland N.W. of Deny Lake which seems
to embody Ferni. Thus the district would be the northern
part of the parish of Knock.
The third item gives five denominations. Derrykin-
lough is a townland in the east of Killedan parish which
Cuilgar and Cuiltrasna adjoin on N.E. and N.W. Cluain
Findglais points to a bright clear rivulet. Imsruth seems
to be a compound of Sruth with Im and also denotes a
stream. Im appears in Imlec, Imgo, Imbertrach. Dr.
Douglas Hyde says it is an intensitive particle. Cenn Locho,
Head of Lake, also denotes a lake. No lake or stream is at
Derrykinlough now, but one may have been filled up by
bog. There is another Cenn Locho in the Lake called
Derrykinlough in the N.W. of Bekan parish. Deny in
these names may represent the Deruth. The five denomina-
tions appear to be close together, being so connected with
water. Either Derrykinlough would do, but I prefer that
of Killedan.
The fourth item seems to be the inheritance of the sons
of Culaid. Conlaid is the same name with an oblique form
of Cu. The country therefore is Mag Foimsen, which would
adjoin the country of the sons of Doath.
The note on the breaking up of St. Patrick's family
seems to refer to the influence of the establishments of later
saints which withdrew much of the country from the juris-
diction of Armagh. The churches of Sachell, Broccid,
Loarn, Medb and Ernasc cover all the country of the
Ciarraige of Moy Ai, and of the Ciarraige of Loch na n Air-
neadh, Baslick, Emlagh near Castlereagh, Aghamore, Kil-
tullagh, Kilcronan in Aghamore.
CHAPTER IV
INFORMATION FROM THE TRIPARTITE LIFE
WHEN St. Patrick was at Ushnagh Enda son of Niall was
baptized and Enda gave his son born the night before to
be brought up by St. Patrick and placed his land under
St. Patrick.
" Patrick received the son, and gave him to be reared
unto four of his household, to wit, bishop Domnall, Coimid
Maccu-Baird, and Da Bonne Maccu-Baird, and another.
He shall have said Loegaire son of
Niall, because of Enda his brother, the land that Enda had
from Loegaire, to wit, fifteen sencleithe of Enda Artech in
Connaught to the north of Cruachan. These are Patrick's
to-day.
" Then they reared the son in the territory of Enda
Artech, that is to say, bishop Domnall in Ailech Mor,1 which
the community of Clonmacnoise took away, bishop Coimid
in Cluain Senmail,2 bishop Do-Bonne in Guam na Manach.3
..... their pupil on All Saints' day . .
. veneration for his fosterer (St. Patrick) when
he should come, a cow from each man to him. That servi-
tude clave to the churches until Nuada abbot of Armagh
released them. Cormac Snithene was the son's name."
Here there is a confusion between NialTs son Enda and
the Enda of Artech mentioned in another story, p. 40. The
sons of Niall had no property in Connaught. Cormac may
have been fostered by the Maccu Bairds who were St.
Patrick's relations. The two stories seem to be here rolled
into one.
The stone altar of which St. Patrick informs Ailbe at
Duma Graid had four glass chalices at its angles. Ailbe's
relics were at Shancough.
1 Castlemore. 2 Clonshanville. 3 Kilnamanagh.
3*
INFORMATION FROM THE TRIPARTITE LIFE 33
The earthen church at Clebach or Cliabach was called
Sen Domnach Maige Ai. The relics are said to have been
transferred to Armagh, which would account for the dis-
appearance of the site even. But Dr. O'Donovan with
good reasons believed Shankill near Elphin to be this
Church.1 A well now not holy is near it.
St. Patrick went into the land of the Hy Many and left
there Deacon Just, and founded Fidarta, Fuerty.
" Patrick founded Cell Garad, where are Cethech and
Cethech's tomb together. There Patrick made the well
named Uaran Garad, and he loved that water greatly."
" Thereafter Patrick went to Mag Selce, that is to
Duma Selce, and biding there were Brian's six sons, namely.
Bole the Red, Derthacht, Eichen, Cremthann, Coelcharna,
Echaid. And Patrick wrote three names in that place, on
three stones, to wit, JESUS, SOTER, SALVATOR.
Patrick blessed the Hui Briuin from Duma Selce, and
Patrick's seat is there among the three stones on which he
inscribed the letters. And the names of the bishops who
were there along with him, [are] Bron the bishop, Bite of
Cassel Irre, Sachell of Baslec Mor in Ciarraige, Brochaid
of Imlech Ech, brother of Lomman of Ath Truim, Bronach
the Priest, Roddn, Cassan, Benen Patrick's successor, and
Ben6n brother of Cethech, bishop Felart, and a nun a sister
of him, and another sister who is in an island in the sea of
Conmaicne, namely, Croch of Cuil Conmaicne. And he
founded a church on Loch Selce, namely, Domnach Maige
Selce,2 in which he baptized the Hui Briuin."
" Patrick went into Grecraide of Loch Techet.3 He
founded a church there,4 to wit in Dniimne ; 4 and by it he
dug a well, and it hath no stream (flowing) into it or out of
it; but it is full for ever; and this is its name, Bith-ldn
('ever full').
" After that he founded Cell Atrachta 6 in Grecraide,
and placed in it Talan's daughter, who took the veil from
Patrick's hand ; and he left a paten and a chalice with her,
Atracht, daughter of Talan, son of Cathbad, of the Gre-
graide of Loch Techet, a sister of Coemdn of Airtne Coemain.
1 O.S.L. Roscommon, ii. p. 64.
2 Probably in old graveyard between Aghclare and Carnfree.
8 Lough Gara. * Annagh, see p. 48. • Killaraght.
C
34 DIOCESE OF TUAM
Patrick sained the veil on her head. Drummana was the
name of the place in which they were biding. It is (called)
Machare to-day."
" Patrick went into Mag Airtig and blessed a place,
namely Ailech Airtig in Telach na Cloch."
Bibar and Lochru sons of Tamanchenn are named as the
brothers who were found fighting at Drummut Ciarraige Artig.
Bishop Cainnech helped St. Patrick to lift the stone off
the well Slan.
Like Tirechan the Tripartite Life takes St. Patrick into
Tirawley after he has set the crosses right, but differing
from Tirechan gives an account of what passed at Tara,
making it a separate journey, but referring particularly
to the Book of Armagh regarding the sons of Amalgaid
who came to judgment.
" Patrick went across the Moy to the Htii Amalgada.
There came to meet him twelve sons of Amalgaid, son of
Fiachra, son of Echaid, [namely] Oengus, Fergus, Fedilmid,
Endae the Bent, Endae Bare-poll, Corbmac, Coirpre, Echaid
the Spotless, Echaid One-ear, Eogan the Just, Dubchonall,
Ailill Kettle-face. The sons of Amalgaid were contending
about the kingship. There were twenty-four tribes (i.e.
old tribes) in the land. They refused to take over them as
king a man with a nickname. Then Oengus gave nick-
names to his brothers. The haughtiest of Amalgaid's sons
was this Oengus. Loegaire, son of Niall, son of Echaid,
King of Tara, and his brother Eogan, son of Niall, adjudged
[the dispute].
" The sons of Amalgaid went to Tara in twelve chariots ;
but in the books of Patrick it is found that only seven
brothers of them submitted to the judgment. They found
welcome with the king at Tara. Oengus was a foster-son
of Loegaire's." Oengus tries to keep Enda's son Conall
out of the palace, but by Patrick's help the intrigue is de-
feated. These matters are told in a curious unintelligible
way and the final decision is not clearly expressed. The
story goes on —
" They went thence and Patrick with them, and Patrick
bestowed his chariot on Conall so that it was the thirteenth
chariot. Then they went their way, and Oengus had no
affection for them (that is), for Conall his brother's son and
INFORMATION FROM THE TRIPARTITE LIFE 35
for Patrick. He left it to his two brothers, namely, Fergus
and Fedilmid, to kill Patrick and Conall ; and they (Fergus
and Fedilmid) parted from (?) him (Oengus) and Loegaire,
that is after he had received his injunction from Loegaire.
They went northwards to visit their land. The place in
which Oengus had intended to commit the fratricide was
in Corann. Fergus simulated sleep. 'True,' saith Oengus,
' Fergus ' His brothers refuse
[to do] what they said. 'We will not kill the innocent
(namely, Patrick) : we will not, moreover, commit fratricide
on our brother.' Oengus went with two bands against
them to kill them, and he had two wizards, namely, Reon
and Recred, of the tribe of Foelan the Warrior. It was
not more than a mile between the place out of which Patrick
saw the enemies, — the cross to the west of Patrick's cross, —
and Cell Foreland.1 Reon said that at the place in which
he should see Patrick the earth would swallow him (Patrick)
up. That was told to Patrick. ' Truly,' said Patrick,
' it is I that shall first see him.' As soon as Patrick saw him
the earth swallowed him down. ' I will believe,' saith he,
' if I am saved.' The earth flings him up, so that he was
above the winds and he fell down half alive. He believed
and was baptized. Then Roechred was lifted (?) up (into
the air) and was cast down from above so that his head
brake against the stone ; and fire from heaven burnt (him).
There stands the wizard's stone. There is a church there.
Cross Patraic (' Patrick's Cross ') is its name, to the east of
the wood of Fochlad. Telach inna n Druad (' The Wizards'
Hill ') is the name of the place wherein was the troop of the
heathen to the west of Cross Patraic. Glaiss Conaig is be-
tween them. Oengus said : ' I will believe if my sister is
brought back to life,' to wit, Fedlem, daughter of Amalgaid,
who had died long ago. Once a blind man came to meet
Patrick. Urgently he went, through desire of the cure.
A man of Patrick's household laughed at him. ' My God's
doom ! ' saith Patrick, ' it were meet that thou shouldst be
the blind man.' So the blind became hale and the hale
became blind. Mignae is the name of him who was blinded
there. He is one of the two men of Patrick's household
who remained in the empty Disert Pdtraic, quod est near
In Killybrone near Mullaghorne.
36 DIOCESE OF TUAM
the well * at Cross Patraic, and Domnall was the other,
though their senior was angry with them. It was Rdan,
son of Gi-cn£ma, Amalgaid's charioteer, that was healed
there. Roi Ruain 2 is the name of the place wherein the
blind man was healed, and it belongs to Patrick afterwards.
"Two lame men came to him in 6chtar Cderthin.3 They
complained to him that they were (virtually) disinherited
because of their defects, and it was difficult for them to
travel between their heritages in mountain and level land.
Why should I say more. They were heard.
" Then he went to Domnach Mor, ubi est Bishop Mucnae.
Then he went to Cross Patraic, where there came to him
Aed the Tall, son of Echaid, son of Oengus, and he healed
him of lameness at the well to the west of Cross Pdtraic.
And Aed offered to him two oxgangs (?) of land whereon
the place was founded. And he left there two of his house-
hold, namely, Teloc and Nemnall.
" Enda saw wizards seeking to slay Patrick, and he said
to his son : ' Go and take care of Patrick, that the wizards
may not slay him.' Patrick himself perceived them, and
fire from heaven consumed them, to the number of nine.
" Patrick founded Cell Alaid, and left therein an aged man
of his household, namely, Bishop Muredaig.
" Patrick baptized the women, namely, Crebriu and Lesru,
the two daughters of Gleru, son of Cummene. It is they
that called to Patrick out of their mother's womb, when
he was in the isles of the Tyrrhene Sea. It is they that
are patronesses of Cell Forgland in Hui Amalgada, west of
(the river) Moy.
" He went into Forrach Mace n Amalgodo ; and Amal-
gaid's seven sons believed in him together with Ende and
the king. Therein it is that he baptized the pregnant
woman and her child, and raised another woman to life.
" Then Patrick and Conall went to the grave wherein
the dead pregnant woman (namely, Fedilm) was biding, along
the lower path to Cell Alaid. Oengus, however, went along
the upper path. They reach the grave. Patrick raised
1 Patrick's Well is a quarter of a mile W. of Crosspatrick. A small cross
is at Cross Patrick. — O.S.L. Mayo, i. p. 152.
2 Kuan's Land or Field. Perhaps about Rathrooeen, NW. of Ballina.
3 Upper Caerthin should be near Caerthanan, now Castlehill.
INFORMATION FROM THE TRIPARTITE LIFE 37
the woman to life, and the boy in her womb. And both
were baptized in the well of Oen-adarc * (' One horn '). From
the steep little hillock of earth that is near it the well was
so named. And when she was brought to life she preached
to the multitudes of the pains of hell and the rewards of
heaven, and with tears she besought her brother to believe
in God through Patrick. Quod factum est, and he was bap-
tized. And in that day twelve thousand were baptized in
the well of Oen-adarc, ut dicitur :
" In one day are baptized
Twice six great thousands,
Together with Amalgaid's seven sons :
That was well.
" Verily twelve thousand believed in Patrick in Hiii-
Amalgada and from the Wood of Fochlad : and he left
with them Maucen 2 the Master.
" He went south to the Ferta of Loch-Daela.3 The land
belonged to Oengus. Patrick thought that he would take
it to himself there. Oengus came to him in drunkenness . . .
to him, for it was not from the heart that he believed, even
when he was baptized and confessed (his) belief. ' My
God's doom ! ' saith Patrick, ' it were right that thy dwell-
ings and thy children after thee should not be exalted. Thy
successors will be ale-bibbers, and they will be parricides
through thee.'
" Patrick went eastward to Lecc Finn,4 where he made a
cross in the stone over Cell Mdr Ochtair Muaide 5 (' the great
church of the Upper Moy ') to the west ; but Lia na Manach
(The Monks' stone) is its name to-day, that is, Saint Crumther
Monach's (or) Cell Olcain : but there was no church there
at that time. And he baptized Echaid, son of Nathi, son
of Fiachra, and raised to life his wife Echtra at Ath Echtra
over the little stream right in front of Cell Mdr. And
Echtra's grave mound is on the edge of the ford. It is
a ... of knowledge with them in their country, the
story which commemorates this miracle.
" Bishop Olcan went from him to reside in the place
1 Not identified. Probably Tobair na Craoibe in Foghill Townland.
2 Mancen. 3 Lough Dalla.
4 League, in graveyard at Ballina. 5 Kilmoremoy Church.
38 DIOCESE OF TUAM
wherein Cell M6r stands to-day. Thus he went, axe on
back. And Patrick said to him that where his axe should
fall from his back, there should his residence be. Which
thing came to pass where Cell Mor Uachtair Muaide (now)
stands.
" And he went northwards to Lecc Balbeni, where he
found the sons of Amalgaid, and blessed them. And he
went out of the country from Bertlacha * in the west into
Bertlacha * in the east, in the estuary of the Moy, over against
the sea. A girl is drowned before him there ; and he blessed
that port (?) and said that no one should be drowned there
in sempiternum. Patrick prophesied ^that the eastern
Bertlacha would belong to him. It stands in one of their
histories that in the day of war the king of the land shall
call on Patrick (to protect) that country, and he shall be
victorious.
"There at the stream2 the Grecraige flung stones at
Patrick and his household. ' My God's doom ! ' saith
Patrick, ' in every contest in which ye shall be ye shall be
routed, and ye shall abide under spittles and wisps and
mockery in every assembly at which ye shall be present.'
" ' Arise, O Conall ! ' said Patrick : ' thou must take
the Crozier.' Conall said, ' If it is pleasing to God I will
do it for thee.' ' That shall not be so,' saith Patrick, ' Thou
shalt be under arms for sake of thy tribe's heritage, and
thou shalt be Conall Crozier-shield. Dignity of laymen and
clerics shall be from thee, and every one of thy descendants
in whose shield shall be the sign of my crozier, the warriors
with him shall not be turned (to flight).' Which thing
Patrick did for him.
" Patrick went eastward into the territory of the Hiii
Fiachrach by the sea.3 A water opposed him, that is, (there
was) a great unnatural flood therein, and he cursed it. On
the water is a stead, Buale Patraic 4 (' Patrick's Byre ')
is its name, to wit, a small mound with a cross thereon.
1 Bartragh near Killala and the Bartragh opposite at Scurmore. There
was a ferry here in i8th century.
2 Probably a stream in Coillte Luighne or the river at Ballysadare.
3 Probably Tireragh.
4 Boulyfadrick on high ground over the Moy, east of a Killeen half way
between Ardnarea and Breaghwy. — See Bald's Map of Mayo.
INFORMATION FROM THE TRIPARTITE LIFE 39
That detained him a little while. Then the holy bishop
Bron of Caisel lire came to him, and the holy Mace-Rime
of Cell Corcu-Roide,1 and there he wrote an alphabet for
them. And I have heard from a certain person that in
that place he gave a tooth out of his mouth to Bishop Bron,
because he was dear to him.
" Just as he was coming from the west over the Moy into
Grecraige, three poison-giving wizards overtook him at Raith
Rigbard.2 They could do nothing to him, and he said
that to that race there would never be wanting a man of
that magical skill.
" (As to) Mace Erce, son of Draigen, who is in Cell Roe
Mdre in the territory of Amalgad ; there were seven sons
of Draigen, whom Patrick baptized, and of them he chose
Mace Erce, and he gave him to Bishop Bron to be fostered,
for it was not easy to take him away to a distance, because
of his father's affection (for him)."
" Bishop Rodan, Patrick's herdsman, Patrick left in
Muiresc Aigle in Cell Epscoip Rodan 3 (' Bishop Rodan's
Church '). His calves used only to do what was permitted
them."
" The Callraigi of Cule-Cernad^n were in a secret place
ahead of Patrick, and they struck spears against shields
to terrify Patrick with his household. ' My God's doom ! '
saith Patrick, ' not good is what they have done. Every
battle and every conflict that ye and your children after
you shall deliver, ye shall be routed therein.' Straightway
all (of them), save five men, knelt to Patrick. Patrick said :
' Every battle in which ye shall be routed, though all
Connaught should be after you, there shall fall no greater
number of you than five men,' as is fulfilled."
These last two incidents are inserted among events in
other regions, and the next two are brought in among St.
Patrick's doings in the north of Ulster, as if inserted as
soon as omission from the proper place was noticed, or when
the record came to hand.
" While Patrick was abiding in Ailech Airtich 4 in Con-
1 Tribe of barony of Corcaree in Westmeath.
2 In Coolerra.
3 Probably Glaspatrick old church, near Murrisk.
4 At Castlemore Costello.
40 DIOCESE OF TUAM
naught in Cenel-Endai, Endae came to him. ' Give me this
place,' saith Patrick. ' As if we had not clerics (already) ! '
saith Enda. On the morrow came 6ndae having with him
his son Echu the One-eyed of Inber. Patrick (was) in an
assembly apart, his household baptizing and conferring
orders and sowing the faith. Two sons of Cairthenn were
there at that time, one of whom is in Clochar * and one in
Domnach Mor Maige Tdchair.2 ' Confer ye the rank of a
bishop on my son ! ' saith Endae. ' Ask it of Patrick,'
said Patrick's champion, Mace Cairthinn of Clochar. ' This
is our duty,' saith (the) other. The rank is conferred.
Patrick perceives it. ' Indeed,' saith he, ' to confer rank
in my absence on the son of the wolf ! 3 There shall always
be contention in the church of one of the twain of you.
There shall be poverty in the dwelling of the other.' Which
thing is fulfilled. Contention (there is) in Domnach Mor
Maige Tdchair : poverty in the latter (Clochar). [And
Patrick further said,] ' The son on whom the rank hath come,
two after manslaughter shall see him . . . and . . . me
one hundred and twenty years unto the son who shall be
born in the southern parts ; and it shall revert to me again,'
whereof the whole was fulfilled. The first place in which
Echu's relics were, was a lofty delightful place. He was
carried past it in a little while (?), and into a very low place.
The first place in which he was, is waste, and robbers and
manslayers are wont to dwell there, through Patrick's curse ;
and his church was granted (?) to Ciaran the Wright's son,
and it fell to Patrick again. That Echu son of Endae is
to-day (called) bishop Ecan.
" Patrick, then, was biding in Tfr Endai Artich in Tulach
Liacc4 in Lether.4 He sets therein (wattles for) a church,
which afterwards became a bush. Then he ordained the
three Domnalls in the grade of bishop, namely, Domnall
son of Cremthann in Ailech Airtig, which thing we have men-
tioned above, Domnall son of Coilcne in Telach Liacc, (and
thirdly,) Domnall of Ciiil Conalto.5
1 Clogher. a Mag Tochair is now Inishowen.
8 Son of Cu Allaid.
4 Tulach Liacc was about Lung Townland. See Petty's Map in Brit. Mus.
Letter is the country NW. of Castlemore and Ballaghaderreen.
6 Unknown, means "Corner of Wolf."
INFORMATION FROM THE TRIPARTITE LIFE 41
"In 'a little catalogue (?) of Patrick's Miracles ' appears
' The sailing out of Bertlach into Bertlach of Calrige Cule
Cernadan.'
" He crossed the Shannon three times into Connaught and
spent seven years in that province."
CHAPTER V
REMARKS ON THE RECORD
THOUGH he worked all round it St. Patrick is not said to
have gone to Croghan. The heathen kings Amalgaid and
Ailill Molt were in possession during the period covered
by these tours.
Several complaints are made that the community of
Clonmacnoise possesses places which first belonged to Armagh.
In one case the transfer seems to have been in consequence
of the plague. I apprehend these transfers to have arisen
partly from such partial decay of Christianity and relapse
into heathenism as is likely to have occurred here and there
until the general triumph of Christianity after the 6th
century, and consequent abandonment of churches, and
partly from the establishment by later Saints of churches in
their neighbourhood which superseded the Patrician churches
in the favour of the inhabitants.
The seat of Patrick among the inscribed stones at Duma
Selce appears to have a special meaning, or to have been
preserved and venerated, for we find his seat beside the
church in the Forrach mentioned as still to be seen.
The Well of Slan is of particular interest because such
a well exists and is to this day an object of veneration.
Tobernahalthora in Kilgeever parish is covered by the
remains of a long dolmen, answering to the description of
Slan save that the Slan dolmen may have been square.
Supposing Tobernahalthora to be complete we can see how
St. Patrick exposed the well to view by removing a top
slab or a side slab. This altar was built for pagan worship,
was probably consecrated for Christian worship at a re-
mote period, and is in use to this day, unaltered save to a
small extent by ruin of time or perhaps by some deliberate
mischief. The Well of Slan is not now venerated. It is
called Adam's Well, and is under a rock near the old church
REMARKS ON THE RECORD 43
of Manulla. I was told that a strong stream flowed from
it which is now drawn off by the deepening of the small
river close by. There is no sign of any building or cover-
ing. The old castle and the neighbouring village account
for the disappearance of good flat building stones such as
would be used for a dolmen.
The Tripartite Life arranges the Tirawley tour better
in some respects than Tirechan's notes.
Enda and his brothers who came to Tara were evidently
ready to become Christians as soon as they could arrange
for adoption of the faith in their tribal assembly. The
twenty-four old tribes I take to be clans connected with
Fiachra and his descendants as the Silmurray with the
O'Conors.
The Tripartite Life names 12 brothers against 7 not all
named by Tirechan. Seven sons of Amalgaid left descendants
in Tirawley and Erris ; namely 1 —
Enda Crom "I • HT u i r v
\ in Moyheleog, Crossmolma.
Oengus Finn /
Conall in Moyheleog.
Oengus in the Lagan, Kilbride, Doonfeeny, Rathreagh.
Eochaid in Killarduff.
Fergus in Caille Conaill, Bac, Glen Nephin, Bredach.
Fedelmid in Erris.
The parishes of Ballysakeary and Killala were the estates
of the descendants of Laegaire son of Eochaid Breac son
of Dathi.
Having made his bargain for escort to Tirawley St. Patrick
set out with his retinue. When his accomplices withdrew
from the murder plot Oengus went ahead to organise opposi-
tion. This may be the incident referred to in the confession.
" I travelled for your sake, amid many perils, and even
to remote places, where there was no one beyond, and where
no one else had ever penetrated — to baptize or ordain clergy,
or to confirm the people. The Lord granting it, I diligently
and most cheerfully, for your salvation, defrayed all things.
During this time I gave presents to the kings ; besides which
I gave pay to their sons who escorted me ; and neverthe-
less they seized me together with my companions, and on
1 See H. F.
44 DIOCESE OF TUAM
that day they eagerly desired to kill me ; but the time had
not yet come. And they seized everything that was with
us, and they also bound myself with iron. And on the
fourteenth day the Lord set me free from their power, and
whatever was ours was restored to us, for God's sake, and
the attached friends whom we had before provided." l
Tirechan ignores the conspiracy altogether. He mixes
up two journeys. The journey to Tirawley was a journey
there and back to Ulster. It was independent of the
journey to Mount Egli. The occasion on which he was
made a prisoner may have been on some other of his many
journeys.
The Tirawley transactions are given in a confused
jumble in both records, which are but notes of records and
traditions which came piecemeal to the compilers and were
by them put together almost anyhow.
There was but one attack by the druids, and that was not
at St. Patrick's entry into Tirawley. The first business was
the partition of the estate and the inauguration of Enda as
chief in the tribal assembly. The attack was made while
he was in the Forrach and after Christianity had been
adopted.
The " Druidical Enemy " seems to be something like the
mysterious " Erbe Druad " of the battle of Cuildremne.
Was it a " Cathach " which in the later instances known to
us was an object of a Christian character ? 2
The Tripartite omits the church in the Forrach but
mentions Killala as founded for Muredach. Dr. O'Rorke has
identified the Muredach of Killala whose day is the
I2th August as St. Molaise of Inismurray. It was a very
common name. Bishop Muredach is mentioned by Tirechan
as over the river Bratho, i.e. his relics are in a church over
it. If the river could be identified it would help to ascertain
Muredach, unless as is probable they were different men.
Though Tirechan mentions but three churches and the
Tripartite but one as founded by St. Patrick, it is not con-
clusive that no more were founded by him.
Mancen the Master, so called from his learning and
1 Wright, Writings of St. Patrick, p. 69, 3rd. ed.
a " Erbe Druad " means " Druid's Fence " literally. Joyce, Social History
of Ancient Ireland, i. pp. 227, 234.
REMARKS ON THE RECORD 45
eminence, became Abbot of Rosnat, St. David's in Wales,
and was connected with Bangor in Wales, Whitherne in
Galloway, and Glastonbury in Somersetshire. His real name
was Nainnid or Ninnid.1
He taught Enda of Ara.
The relics of Crebriu and Lesru were in Cell Foreland,
but they came from Foclad's Wood. If Cumm6ne the name
of their grandfather is but an older form of Cuimin it is a
further connection of Foclad's Wood with the neighbour-
hood of Foghill. For the Tripartite identifies them as those
who called to St. Patrick from Foclad's Wood, whose voices
he heard while he was in the isles of the Tyrrhene Sea.
This is the miracle made out of St. Patrick's words in
his confession — " And while I was reading aloud the be-
ginning of the letter, I myself thought indeed in my mind
that I heard the voice of those who were near the wood of
Foclut, which is close by the Western Sea : and they cried
out thus as if with one voice, ' We entreat thee, holy youth,
that thou come, and henceforth walk among us.' And I
was deeply moved in heart, and could read no further ; and
so I awoke. Thanks be to God, that after very many years
the Lord granted to them according to their cry." 2
Foghill has been identified as a modern form of Foclut
or Foclad, or as Fochuil, the uninflected form of the word.
The position meets all conditions, but the term Foclad's
Wood was applied to a large tract called later Condi's Wood,
Caille Conaill, extending from Lacken Bay to Rathfran. The
expression " Twelve thousand believed in Patrick in Hui
Amalgada and from the Wood of Fochlad " seems to be in-
tended to denote the whole of Tirawley in which St. Patrick
worked.
Tirechan tells us that a sick woman was brought to St.
Patrick, to whom he administered the communion and whose
child was baptized, and who was buried in the mound above
the church. The Tripartite develops this and makes two
stories of it, or confuses two traditions. The whole of the
part relating to these women is mixed up in a very curious
way. First Oengus says he will believe if his sister Fedelm,
who had died long ago, is brought to life. The subject drops
1 Shearman, Loca Patriciana, p. 62. Jl, R.S.A.I., vol. xiv.
2 Wright, Writings of St. Patrick, p. 57, 3rd. ed.
46 DIOCESE OF TUAM
there. After a time we are told that in the Forrach he
baptized the pregnant woman and her child and raised
another woman to life. Then it goes on to say how Patrick
and Conall went by one road and Oengus by another to the
grave of the dead pregnant woman whom he raised to life.
They are both baptized in the well called Oen Adarc, in which
on the same day 12,000 men are baptized. The Tripartite Life
is a most untrustworthy guide among these traditions, but it
shows their existence and the development of a miracle from
an ordinary incident. We may however take it as evidence
that there was a tradition that the king and his brothers
were baptized together with a large number of their people
in a certain well.
The local tradition says that St. Patrick baptized Awley
and his sons and goo persons in the well called Tobair na
Craoibe in Foghill Townland, near which is a standing stone.1
In this case I see no reason why the local tradition should
be disregarded which names this well as the scene of the
great baptism when Christianity was formally adopted by
the Chieftain's family.
Downpatrick Head is another place which is closely
connected by tradition with St. Patrick, and which re-
mained a place of unusual veneration. The I5th August is
the chief day at Downpatrick Head. At several places
associated with St. Patrick, this day or Crom Duff's, is the
day of chief celebration. Certain it is that there are churches
there of great age, one being on the rock in the sea. This,
which must have been connected then with the mainland, I
take to be the Ros of Caitni's sons'. It was the site of a fort,
for the detached rock is called Dunbriste, the Broken Dun.
And in later times a strong rampart wall was drawn across
the neck of a peninsula. Several old churches are close
by. These facts all point to the place having been a great
chieftain's dwelling, the place near which St. Patrick would
found a church on his first coming.
On the whole it may be taken that St. Patrick founded
a church called Donaghmore, which has disappeared, close
to Killala in the Tawnagh Townland, another in the Forrach
district which is probably Killogunra, another at Down-
patrick Head, and perhaps that of Killala, and that the
1 O.S.L. Mayo, i. pp. 181, 196.
REMARKS ON THE RECORD 47
Tobernacreeva in Foghill is that in which he baptized the
king and his brothers. He left in Tirawley a considerable
body of clergy with a bishop to organise the church which
spread rapidly.
Yet Christianity did not win all at once. Though Dathi's
son Eochaidh was baptized, his brother Fiachra Elgach
ancestor of the kings of the Hy Fiachrach must have been
a pagan, as was certainly his son Amalgaid who built
Carnamalgada, now Mullaghorne near Killala, as an in-
auguration place for himself and his successors, and was
buried there, a heathen burial. Ailill Molt and Eogan Bel
were also pagans.
St. Patrick seems to have been in danger of drowning
in passing from Bartragh to the opposite point in Tireragh.
This seems to be the Scurmore ferry which was in use in
the i8th century.1 He had difficulty in crossing the river
at Ballysadare owing to floods and was there attacked
by the Gregry. His dangers from floods of the Moy and
Unshin rivers are told in a confused way and the incidents
are jumbled and divided. Tirechan summarises them in
one, but it is clear that three events are referred to, the
crossing at Bartragh, the crossing of the Unshin near Bally-
sadare, the crossing of the Moy above Ballina. Buale
Patraic marks the last, and distinguishes it. It is most
improbable that there was another place of the same name.
1 Pocock's Tour in 1752.
CHAPTER VI
TOPOGRAPHICAL NOTES
Tamnuch. — Mathona's free church in Tawnagh parish might
be a different church from that which St. Patrick founded,
which is called Tamnach. But it is more likely that Tirechan
used two legends relating to these churches.
Mag Cairetha is indicated by Kilkeevin as the country
about Castlereagh. Kilkeevin embodies the name of Coeman.
Ard Sen Lis. — Lalloc daughter of Darerca is connected
with this place in the Tripartite Life, and in the Book of
Leinster where she is described as of larmbadgna. larm-
badgna suggests a country near Sliabbadgna. At Strokes-
town is the townland of Kildallog which belonged to the
Archbishop of Tuam, marking Kildallog as a reputed Patrician
church. It answers all the conditions of the place of " aloe."
The " d " in the name is an obstacle to positive identifica-
tion, but it is not an impossible coincidence that the place
where Lalloc was put bears a name like hers all but one
letter.
Crock Cuile. — See notes on Kilmaine churches.
Drummae, Druimne, Drummana. — These names are in
substance the same and denote a tract of country which
was large enough to be afterwards called Machare, the Plain.
The Tripartite Life distinguishes clearly, Tirechan less clearly,
Killaraght from the church in Druimne. On the point of
Killaraght parish which projects to the SW. into the lake in the
townland of Annagh are the site of an old church and a
Patrick's well near it. The well is a hole at the head of; the
swampy part of a slope. It is not a spring but a dug well
where water might stand always at much the same level.
The altar and swearing stones are described hereafter.
The taxation of 1306 places a rectory of Tuamany and
Mochrath next Killaraght in the list, and the churches seem
to be near Killaraght. I do not even guess at Tuamany,
48
TOPOGRAPHICAL NOTES 49
but Mochrath might be intended to represent Machare.
This is I think likely to be St. Patrick's church.
Ford of the Sons of Heric. — From this point to the de-
parture of Patrick from the countries of the Corcu Temne and
arrival in Maghfinn the reasons for identification of places
named by Tirechan have been fully set out in a paper pub-
lished in the Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of
Ireland for 1901, vol. xxxi, p. 24. But I have some further
remarks to make regarding the
Kilmaine Churches. — Tir Enna is not the country of the
Cinel Enna branch of the Conmaicne, but of a section of
the Ciarraige in the south and south-west of the barony
of Clanmorris. But this does not affect the view that the
" sons of En " are the Cinel Enna of the Conmaicne, living
to south of Tirenna.
I now think that the entries regarding churches founded
in Cuil Tolat do not refer to Kilmainemore but to other
churches in that territory. Kilmainemore however is cer-
tainly one of Patrick's churches, probably founded before
this tour. " Air " is the end of a word which may be
Sruthair or Cellcuair. Sruthair meant not only Shrule but
the country near, and the church may be that of Shrule or
in one of the old graveyards near. Kilquire is an old church
near Kilmaine, spelt in the i6th century Kilchowyre.
The name would be Cillcuair or something equivalent
in sound ending in " air." The name St. Patrick's Hill near
Shrule given in the Rental of Cong Abbey favours Sruthair.
The fragment " Uiscon " does not suggest anything.
The little middle cell may be identified as Kilmainebeg
with certainty.
As Croch means a Cross the place meant might be Cross
in east of Cong Parish, where was an important church.
Cross of Cuil (Toladh) describes its position.
Mag Foimsen. — Regarding Patrick's, Well, see under
"Wells."
Cellola Tog. — Is likely to be the old church of Breaghwy
as Kilkenny is a townland in that parish a little to the west
of it, and townland names are liable to drift away from the
original spot. It might be the old church at Ballynew in
Aglish parish which is not much farther away.
CHAPTER VII
THE COMPANIONS OF ST. PATRICK
His sister Darerca, " Daughter of the Sun," is said to have
been taken prisoner with him. If so she was free soon
enough to marry Gollit a Briton, and to be the mother of
Lomman of Trim, Mel of Ardagh, Broccad of Imleach Each,
Rioc of Inisbofin in Lough Ree and of Lalloc of Senlis ; but
they may have been born before her captivity.
Another sister Liamain or Liamania married Restitutus
a Lombard, but not of those of Italy who were not yet
settled there. She was the mother of Sechnall or Secundinus,
of Auxilius, of Lugnad and of others.
Lugnad was called Patrick's Navigator or Pilot. He
was placed at the Ferta of Tir Feic on Lough Mask and
was given by Duach Tenguma, King of Connaught from
493 to 499, the country extending from the part of Lough
Mask called Snamh Tire Feig to Sail Dea for himself and
his fellows.1 These points are not known. Snam is a ford
or passage crossed by swimming, a ferry. If Duach Tenguma
gave him an endowment it must have been when he was
a very old man, and probably when Duach was king of his
own tribe only. The relationship is not quite certain but
he probably was a relation of St. Patrick. The Ferta of
Tir Feic is the country on the S.E. shore of Lough Mask.
It is not unlikely, if this tradition be true, that Killower,
the old church at Ballinchalla, is his place. It is on the
land opposite Inishmaine where the Kings of Connaught
had a fort. Duach Tenguma son of Eogan Sreb said to
have been baptized by St. Patrick would be a Christian.
The old church at Tubberloona in the deer-park of Corn-
field, north of Ballinrobe, and the old church of Loona on
the shore of Welshpool lake in the parish of Drum are the
only churches which bear his name in these parts, and they
1 Book of Lecan, quoted by Sir W. Wilde, Lough Corrib, p. 138.
5°
THE COMPANIONS OF ST. PATRICK 51
are in ancient Cera. They may take their name from another
Lugna, but it is most likely that they are in some way con-
nected with him.
Dr. Petrie believed that the pillar-stone in front of Temple-
patrick on Inchangoill bore his name in the inscription
" Stone of Lugnaedon son of Lmenueh." Ferguson and
Stokes now read it " Lie Luguaedon Macci Menuch," meaning
" Stone of Lugad son of Menuch." Menuch is a unique
name. If Menuch is a form of Liamain this may well be a
memorial of Lugna, but if not it is a memorial of some other
person. If Lugna used the island as a retreat he may have
been buried there as well as anywhere else, and have given
the island its name — Inis an Guill Craebhthaich, Island of
the Devout Foreigner. He was certainly a foreigner.
Some hold that these were St. Patrick's sisters only in
religion. The first order of saints admitted the consortia
and administration of women. Consortia expressed the
living together of monk and nun at one place, which gave
rise to scandal and was suppressed. It was a general church
custom. Children and young men placed under sisters of
the church for instruction being called their sons it is in-
ferred that the sons of Patrick's sisters were the pupils of
his nuns only. On the other hand no solid ground appears
for rejecting the plain meaning of the words and the names
of the fathers. St. Patrick may have had sisters like many
other men, and those sisters may have married and had
children. There is no reason why Darerca should not marry
a Briton and Liamain a Lombard or an O'Baird, which is
apparently a variation of Lombard, or why his sisters and
nephews should not follow him to Ireland. His was a dis-
tinctly clerical family.
According to the Chronicum Scotorum SechnaU's mother's
name was Culmana which looks like a variation of Liamain,
and suggests that Menuch is not unlikely to be another Irish
form of the same British name. He died in 446 in the
seventy-fifth year of his age, being then about the same
age as St. Patrick.
Benen son of Lugni has been confused with the son of
Sescnen. Both were in attendance on St. Patrick at Duma
Selca. This Benen was a brother of Cethech, of the Hy
Ailello. His mother was a daughter of Lugaid son of Neta
52 DIOCESE OF TUAM
or Niata. Lugaid and his four brothers and their father
were baptized by St. Patrick and Benen in Dun Lugaid,
which Lugaid gave up for the church which was there laid
out by St. Patrick and is now called Kilbennan. It was the
first mission station among the Conmaicne Cinel Dubain and
the mother church of Tuam, as St. larlath was educated
for the priesthood by Benen in the training-school of this place,
which was for long of great importance and apparently
greater than Tuam because here and not at Tuam was built
a Round Tower, which Miss Stokes assigns to the second
period about A.D. 1000. The Round Towers in these
countries mark the principal monastery of the territory of
a sub-king or great chieftain. Tuam rose above it when
the Kings of Connaught adopted Tuam as their chief resi-
dence in the nth century. From Kilbennan and from
Tuam the countries of the Sodhans and of the Hy Briuin
along L. Corrib were christianised. Missionaries were trained
and sent out, and some established monasteries of importance.
Templebenen in Aran is attributed to him.
Taking into account the confusion between these Benens,
it is probable that Mathona of Tawnagh was a sister of
this Benen, who was 17 years abbot of Drumlease before
he came to Kilbennan. In absence of clear evidence to
contrary Benen son of Lugni should be credited with work
in Connaught ascribed to Benen.
The Book of Fenagh gives descents of the Conmaicne
which throw some not very clear light on this period. St.
Patrick's contemporaries may be doubtfully added, as
groups A and B.
CUMASCRACH.
Fra
Dul
1
ech. Findcaem.
>an. Cairid, who bent the knee to Patrick at Tara.
1
C. Cinel Dubain. Niata. Brug. Enna.
1 1 1
St. Caillin.
A
| | Cinel Enna.
' Lugaith. Aindliu. Enna. 1
i i i U
Daughter. C. Guile Tolad. Daughter. 1
Benen.
THE COMPANIONS OF ST. PATRICK 53
St. Caillin is quite out of his place which really was three
or four generations after Benen.
This is all that is known of St. Patrick's companions
and relations in these dioceses. There is a gap void of names
and incidents until the rise of the great saints Enda and
larlaithe who were trained in their youth under the Patrician
missionaries.
CHAPTER VIII
ST. PATRICK'S CHURCH
THE church order and discipline established and intended
by St. Patrick must have been that of the church in Gaul,
where he was educated for his mission, whence he drew
Bishops and Priests who helped him to organise the Irish
Christians. He was a monk trained in the monasteries of
Gaul where monasticism had taken strong root, hence the
Irish church was monastic from the first in the eastern type
of monasticism. Mr. Stokes has observed that to this day
monasteries exist in the east in the shape of small separate
houses for the monks inside an enclosure, in substance on
the model of the ruined monastery on Inishmurray off the coast
of Sligo, the best example of the ancient Irish monastery.
As discipline was maintained by the bishops on the continent
we may safely infer that they maintained it in Ireland as
long as St. Patrick and his companions ruled the church.
The division of the saints into three orders corresponds
with real periods in the growth of the church until in the
7th century it attained the full and final organisation which
lasted, latterly in decay, until the I2th century.
St. Patrick gave the church a fair start but much work
was still to be done. The riding families had generally
accepted Christianity, but in great tracts of country such
as those of the Gregry and Hy Maine in Connaught they
still stood out, and all over the country the mass of the
people had to be taught the new faith and induced to drop
the most objectionable features of the old, and allow their
customs to be christianised, or at least to be veneered with
Christianity. Missionaries had to be trained for the work.
Because the missionaries already in Ireland did not accept
reinforcement from abroad, or because the break up of the
Roman Empire in the close of the 5th century checked the
former free intercourse between Ireland and the continent,
ST . PATRICK'S CHURCH 55
or for both reasons, the flow of missionaries from Gaul ceased
and the church developed upon its own lines.
According to the classification of the Irish writers the
first order of saints consisted of 450 bishops of the time of
Patrick, who were all under one rule and all under Patrick.
They admitted the services of women. The order ended
with the reign of Tuathal Maelgarb, A.D. 543.
The second order came down to the reign of Aedh Mac
Ainmirech, A.D. 598. They were many priests and few
bishops, used various rites, and excluded women entirely
from their monasteries. Of this order were Finan, Enda,
Colman, Ciaran, Columba, the Brendans, larlaithe of Tuam,
Lasre.
The third order came to an end with the plague in 666.
They were a few bishops and many priests, hermits, and
used various rites and lived under various rules. Of them
were Bishop Colman, Priests Feichin, Colman, Cronan.
This classification is not very satisfactory. Such men
as Enda and larlaithe of Tuam should I think be associated
rather with the first order, which should be sub-divided
into the companions and pupils of St. Patrick, and the saints
who were in their youth brought up under them ; or the
first order should close in A.D. 500.
Apart from the fixed dates the distinction between the
first and second orders is accurate enough. The first order
should comprise those who carried on the Patrician system of
church order introduced from abroad.
The second order practically completed the conversion
of Ireland and at the same time modified the continental
or Roman order into the Celtic order.
The third order is marked by a great growth of ascetic
feeling in a church which was ascetic and monastic. Its
work was the final organisation of the country.
After the death of St. Patrick and his contemporaries
fully trained by him and his foreigners, who themselves
had been bred in the centralised system of the Roman
Empire, the government of the church at the close of the
5th century came to a generation born usually of Christian
parents. Celts born and bred in Ireland naturally developed
the church upon familiar lines when they had the choice of
proceeding upon the episcopal or upon the monastic lines.
56 DIOCESE OF TUAM
Free intercourse with the Continent would have modified the
tribal feeling. Its absence gave Celtic feelings free play which
brought out an organisation on a monastic tribal basis, a
thoroughly national church. The abbot and convent of
monks were the ecclesiastical equivalent of the chief and
tribe, and the government of the church was in the hands
of the abbots the successors and heirs of the founders of the
monasteries. Clan feeling was fully represented in the church
because it was a rule that the abbot should be chosen from the
family or tribe of the founder. Thus when the church fell into
decay one family held the abbacy of Armagh for 200 years
and some abbots were even laymen. The same thing must
have occurred in many minor abbeys.
The abbatial jurisdiction was personal, not local and terri-
torial. The abbot of the head monastery of each rule had
a certain authority over the monasteries founded by its
founder or placed under it wherever situated. Bishops as
monks were subordinate to their abbots. They alone could
perform acts reserved to the episcopal order, but as bishops
they had little or no power. The abbots maintained the
discipline of the church, but many abbots were also bishops.
Only in the Columban monasteries it was a rule that the
abbot should be a priest. In church synods abbots bishops
and priests assembled together with the laity. Bishops were
made freely, having often only their own parish churches,
merely because they deserved the advancement. As the
bishop had not an office of defined jurisdiction and adminis-
tration there was no reason for restricting their numbers.
The bishop was an officer of the larger monasteries ranking
third, the Ferlegind or Rector of the College being next to
the abbot. Until the I2th century Episcopal Succession,
as understood with reference to English and Continental
Sees, did not exist in Ireland. There were always plenty
of bishops, but they were not office-bearers in succession
to each other, except accidentally, if the abbot happened
to be habitually a bishop. The succession to the founder
was kept up by the abbot.
The evidence of existence of a large body of Christians
in Ireland before St. Patrick's time has been well set out
by Zimmer in The Celtic Church in Britain and Ireland,
showing that the Church, as we find it in the 6th century
ST. PATRICK'S CHURCH 57
was a natural development of the tribal society of Ireland
and of the monastic Christianity of the 4th and 5th
centuries, which had spread from Britain. His view is in
substance that which I have expressed above, that St.
Patrick was sent as a bishop to organise the church on the
continental model, but he gives him very little credit for
work done, denies his pre-episcopal work in Ireland, and
says that he was rejected by the Irish and effected no change.
I say that he was accepted by the Irish of northern Ireland,
and that he effected no permanent change because inter-
course with the continental church ceased and the conti-
nental priests and bishops brought in by him were succeeded
by Irishmen bred in the country.
That Palladius is Sucat, Good Warrior, Latinised by a
derivative of Pallas is not improbable. Zimmer does not say
that Palladius was an uncommon name on the Continent.
If very uncommon it would give much force to his view that
Palladius and St. Patrick are the same. In that case
Palladius did not die soon in Scotland. This controversy
need never end unless conclusive evidence turns up. That
Cothrige is the British form of Patricius adopted into Irish
seems true, but seeing that Patricius had been before St.
Patrick's time adopted and so corrupted by the Britons I
doubt that Cothrige was used by the Britons precisely as
the Romans used the title Patricius, and think it much more
likely that they used it with a difference. Sovereign may
mean the King of England or the chief officer of a little town.
We should not suppose that Sucat showed arrogance in
calling himself Cothrige and in using its original Patricius
in Latin. Zimmer's exposition of the two meanings of
Relic in Irish should have warned him against assuming
that Cothrige was used by the British precisely as Patricius
was used by the Romans.
Whether St. Patrick was narrow-minded or not is a
matter of opinion. His eccentricity seems to consist of a
belief that certain dreams were visions sent by God to lead
him into the right path, and that he could further the
Christian faith in Ireland. It is certain that he was not
learned, and that he did not show a fine style in the arrange-
ment of the matter of his writings. Zimmer seems to think
that these were the characteristics which procured him his
58 DIOCESE OF TUAM
mission. We may feel confident that Pope Celestine or the
bishops in Gaul did not unwisely and weakly, to stop pester-
ing, send a man who was only arrogant and narrow-minded
and eccentric and illiterate to impose a new organisation
upon a country which was already Christian in great part.
If he was all that, he must have been a great deal more,
a man of commanding powers in other respects.
The argument ignores the great mark made by St.
Patrick in nearly all the north of Ireland. When we con-
sider the strength of the Irish monastic system based on
and bound up with the native tribalism, it is impossible to
believe that the Abbot of Armagh acquired churches and
lands in Connaught and other remote countries after the
false legend in glorification of Patrick had taken root amongst
the clergy, and that the false history sank so deeply amongst
the illiterate population that his work is stamped every-
where on the face of the country in which he is said to have
worked, not because he did work there but because he is
said to have worked there. That his history has been
falsified is not to be denied, in early times I should say by
mistake and confusion, in later times of set purpose. Some-
thing already existed which was worth falsifying, a very
great reputation, the authority of a great name that might
be used to forward the falsifier's views.
The Irish bishops and priests had no occasion to refer
to St. Patrick at the conference of Whitby, they were all
under the successor of Columcille in Hi. It is not to be
inferred from their silence that Patrick was unknown to
them. I take it that they knew him for what he was, a
great missionary and great organiser who introduced no
novelties in doctrine or rite. Their faith and practices were
those handed down to them by their forefathers and Colum-
cille. The idea that Patrick first converted the Irish had
not yet grown up. Nor did the idea of metropolitan juris-
diction exist to suggest that the successor of Columcille
owed obedience to the successor of Patrick.
Zimmer's views on these points have been thus dis-
cussed because they bear directly upon Patrick's work in
these dioceses, and because his book is so informing upon
the origin and position of the church in these islands, and
upon the manner in which the real Patrick has been dealt
ST. PATRICK'S CHURCH 59
with by writers of lives to suit their own purposes in late
times, though it fails, as I think, to do Patrick full justice
in some respects.
The church history of these dioceses cannot be detached
from that of the rest of the church until territorial dioceses
were formed. Only events in their territories can be noted
— and an account given of the eminent saints whose lives
have come down to us who worked in them.
CHAPTER IX
ENDA OF ARAN — HISTORICAL NOTICES OF THE ISLES OF
ARAN, AND OF THE ABBOTS — IARLAITHE OF TUAM
EINNE was a son of Conall Derg, King of Oriel whom he suc-
ceeded and was a distinguished warrior. His sister S.
Fanchea a nun who lived on the shore of Lough Erne near
Lisgoole turned him to religious life. He studied under
Manchen the Master at Whitherne in Galloway. After a
time he got from another sister's husband, Aengus son of
Natfraich King of Munster, a gift of the Isles of Aran, said
to be inhabited by infidels from Corcumroe. Aengus is
said to have died in A.D. 484. Thus he settled on Aranmor,
as famous for Christian as for pagan antiquities, and is said
to have been there for 58 years until he died about A.D. 542.
Here and in many other cases where large gifts of land
are mentioned I think the meaning is not a gift of property
in the land but a grant of the right to found churches and
form an ecclesiastical district.
His first monastery was at Killeany where he had 150
religious persons under him. He was the senior of the great
saints of the second order, and was visited by almost all
those of note according to Archbishop Healy, who observes
that the great centres of religion had each its especial advan-
tage. Clonard was a great college where men qualified for
orders. Aran under Enda was a great mission and monastic
school. larlath's school was great in the study of the
Scriptures. The great saints found something to learn from
each other, irrespective of their relative ages.
" Aran, under St. Enda, may be called the novitiate of
the Irish saints of the Second Order, as Clonard may be con-
sidered their College."
" Aran Mor, the largest and most westerly of the three
Islands of Aran, is called in Irish Aran-na-naomh— Aran of
the Saints, for it is the holiest spot on Irish soil. In days
60
ENDA OF ARAN 61
past it was the chosen home of the Saints of God where
they loved to live, and where they longed to die. One hundred
and twenty-seven saints sleep in the little graveyard around
Killeany Church." *
Archbishop Healy gives a full account of the remains
pagan and Christian. Killeany takes its name from Eine,
otherwise Enna and Enda.
Here came the two Finnians, Brendan, and at last
Columcille, who wrote a hymn to Aran. Ciaran of Clon-
macnoise was there with him. Here came larlath of Tuam,
Carthach of Lismore, the two Kevins, and others past
counting.
Benen son of Luighne may have founded Tempull Benain
in Enda's time.
Enda's oratory called Telagh Enda and his gravestone
are still to be seen.
For holiness and as a place of retreat Aran kept its im-
portance. A Round Tower was built of the period about
A.D. 1000. Owing to the character of the establishment
and its remoteness Aran is mentioned only in connection
with its abbots in the Annals. It was a part of Thomond
and was in the diocese of Kilfenora until recent times. The
islands do not appear in the Taxation of 1306, because no-
thing could be got from them I suppose. In the Regal
Visitation of 1615 the bishop of Killaloe, who held Kilfenora
in commendam, reported that they were worth 5 marks
rent by valuation, that the prebends of Disarte Breckan
and Killurley were in them, that during almost ten years
he had held the See he could never get anything out of
them.
In the latter half of the i6th century the O'Flaherties
drove out the Clann Taidhg OBriain, and thus brought
the islands politically into the Co. Galway. The ecclesiastical
relation had always been with the Galway coast rather than
with that of Clare, and so the ecclesiastical connection at
last came formally into accordance with the natural one.
But ecclesiastically they were in a position of isolation as
they were by nature, for missionaries were sent out from
them who founded churches and abbeys which were in-
dependent of the Abbot of Aran.
1 Healy, Insula Sanctorum^ pp. 164-169.
62
The Annals mention them thus : —
FM.
654. St. Nem Mac Ua Birn, successor of Enne of Ara,
died on the I4th June.
755. Gaimdibhla, Abbot of Ara, died.
916. Egnech, successor of Enda of Ara, bishop and
anchorite, died.
1167. Ua Dubhacan, i.e. Gillagori, successor of Enda of
Ara, died.
AU.
886. Maeltuile, Abbot of Ara-irhir, rested.
1114. Maelcoluim Ua Cormacain, successor of Eine of
Ara, died.
Archdall gives the following notes : —
703. Colman Mac Comain died.
1010. Flann Hua Donnchadha, comarb of St. Endeus,
died (C.S. 1009).
1020. Abbey destroyed by fire.
1081. Robbed by Danes.
1334. Arran and Boffin were plundered and burnt and
hostages taken by Sir John Darcy, Justiciary, who
surrounded the islands with a fleet of 56 ships.
This last entry is a mistake. He operated against Arran
and Bute, Isles of Scotland.
In Duald Mac Firbis's list of Bishops whose sees no longer
exist as independent sees is the following curious note : —
" Aelchu, who was named the Pope of Ara, the son of
Faolchar, son of Edalach ; the said Faolchar was King of
Ossory. The reason why he was called Pupa (Pope) was
because he obtained the Abbacy of Rome after Gregory ;
and he vacated the abbacy, and went in search of his master
(i.e. Gregory), across to the west of Europe, and to Ara of
the Saints ; so that the third angelical cemetery of Ara
is the cemetery of Pupa, son of Faolchar, son of Edalach." *
Hennessey quotes Colgan's Life of St. Endeus that three
holy men went from Ireland, that when the Pope died the
clergy and people wanted to make St. Pupeus, one of them,
Pope. He refused and Hilary was made Pope. They re-
turned to Ireland and to Aran.
1 Royal Irish Academy. Irish MSS. Series, vol. i. Part I. p. 87.
ENDA OF ARAN 63
IARLAITHE OF TUAM
larlaithe son of Loga was of the Conmaicne amongst
whom he worked and lived. His mother was Mongfinn
daughter of Ciarduban of the family of Ceneann a clan of
the Conmaicne. It is supposed that his father lived near
Tuam. Benen son of Lugni educated and ordained him.
Like other great missionary saints he was under Enda for
a time. His first establishment was at Cloonfush near Tuam,
where he formed a monastery about A.D. 500. His removal
to Tuaim Da Gualann is said to have been made by Brendan's
advice. Exposition of the Scriptures was the strong point
of his school. He seems to have dealt especially with the
countries of the Sodans and the Corcamoga which lay close
to Tuam. Clergy came from all parts to work under him.
Considering that the great work of Brendan's life was the
establishment of monasteries at Annaghdown and at Clonfert,
and that these seem to have been the earliest and were cer-
tainly the most important ecclesiastical centres in early
times, it may be said that those parts of the county of Galway
were evangelised and taught from St. larlath's school.
He died in his 8ist year, on the 26th December or
nth February, the year unknown ; Colgan thought it was
not long before A.D. 540. The 6th June his festival day must
have been the date of the translation of his relics, when long
after his death his bones were taken up and enshrined. They
were kept in the Church of the Shrine at Tuam, adjoining the
Cathedral Church. It has now disappeared, but in the
i6th century the Tempull na Scrine was the parish church
for the eastern part of the present parish of Tuam. The
western part was the parish of Tuam, having Tempull
larlaithe as its church.
The countries of the Conmaicne Cinel Dubain and of the
Sodhans and of the Corcamogha may be taken as the founda-
tion of the diocese of Tuam, to which the Deanery of Athenry
was added in later times, with many other tracts. The
names of Benen and larlaithe alone stand out in this tract
of country. Those of their fellow-workers have not sur-
vived, nor are any events of importance recorded regarding
the period subsequent to them for a couple of hundred years,
and then only a few names.
CHAPTER X
THE CHURCH UNDER THE ABBOTS
THE first two orders of saints lived in the period of conflict
with heathenism. The convention of Drumket in 574 is
held to mark the formal admission of the Christian Church
into alliance with the temporal kingdoms, and the recog-
nition of its political importance. The battle of Moira in
636 is held to be the last effort and the final defeat of
heathenism as a political force.
The third order completed the victory of Christianity
and organised the church all over Ireland. Mission work
having come to an end at home, the Irish monasteries became
training schools of missionaries who converted the barbarian
conquerors of the Roman Empire in north-east Britain,
northern France, Germany, Switzerland, and even in Italy.
The Irish monasteries were the great centres of religious
and literary life in the west of Europe after the fall of the
Roman Empire, until the incursions of the Northmen broke
them up and threw all Ireland into confusion. Hitherto the
Irish chieftains respected the churches, the Danes did not,
but were rather most bitter against churches and monks in
revenge for Charlemagne's persecution of their religion and
attempts to convert the inhabitants of northern Europe by
the sword. The wealth of the churches in gold and silver
ornaments did not make them less attractive objects for
plunder.
The abbots of the monasteries now governed the church,
every cleric being a monk under an abbot's jurisdiction.
The rules of the Irish monks did not compel the common
life, and allowed them to serve the parish churches and to
live in very large and in very small communities. If we
seek we can find all over the country traces of the small
conventual buildings in a small enclosure round a small
church. The improvement in the architecture and increase
64
THE CHURCH UNDER THE ABBOTS 65
of size of churches was continuous during the whole of the
purely Celtic period. I find it most convenient to deal
with this subject separately hereafter.
The churches acquired a considerable endowment which
was to a great extent lost in the period of the Danish wars.
So it is said, but a great deal also survived them. The
abbots in the period of confusion and decay were often lay-
men, and they and the Erenaghs, the secular managers or
trustees of the church lands, are said to have kept much
of the lands for their own use. The church never had very
wealthy prelates priests or monasteries. What came from
the people was spent on the people in education and the
like purposes. The collections of cabins which formed the
cells of monks have disappeared, and the ruins of the early
churches show that the clergy did not aim at magnificence :
the few surviving clochans show the simplicity and hardship
of their lives.
Nothing is known of the modes of discipline in dealing
with parish priests of churches at a distance from the monas-
tery. It must be supposed to have been based on the
monastic rule.
Abbots bishops priests and laity held synods from
time to time, but exercised in synod only moral influence.
The great kingdoms adopted Roman practices in keeping
Easter and the like only by degrees in the absence of any
arrangement to enforce common rites and practices. Yet
in substance the church was one, allowing the use of different
rites and liturgies but holding one faith. The Church of
Ireland was not charged by Roman writers with heresies,
but with irregularities of rites and practices and want of
metropolitan jurisdiction. It was in fact a counterpart of
the Irish nation, a collection of independent clans connected
by common descent but not under common government.
The Connaught monasteries were mostly under the Rules
of Brendan of Clonfert, Ciaran of Clonmacnoise, Columcille,
Coman of Roscommon, Fechin of Fore, and St. Patrick,
whose successor held many churches. Each chief abbot made
periodical visitations, recorded in the Annals under the
title of the " Law of Brendan " &c.
Dr. Reeves writes that the term " Law " meant that the
abbot made a visitation or circuit of the monasteries and
E
66 DIOCESE OF TUAM
districts particularly under his influence, carrying about the
relics, and collecting contributions and offerings. The Law
of Patrick is first quoted by Tigernach under the year 734.
In 738 it was established all over Ireland at a conference
held between Aedh Allan King of Ireland and Cathal King
of Munster. The Annals of Ulster record its establishment
over Connaught in 782. It is evident that the king's autho-
rity was needed to make the Laws effective.
From the beginning of the gih century the Law of
Patrick by degrees superseded the others. Those of Brendan
Ciaran and Coman are no longer mentioned. This marks
the course by which the superior dignity of Armagh became
a supremacy.
The following entries are in the Annals.
ANNALS OF CLONMACNOISE
A.D.
740. The Laws and Rules of good life ordained by St. Ciaran
and St. Brendan were caused to be put in execution
in Connaught by Fergus, son of Cellach, King of
Connaught.
765. The Rules of St. Ciaran and St. Aidan were practised
in the three thirds of Connaught.
785. The Rules of St. Ciaran were practised in Connaught.
790. The Rules of St. Coman were practised and put in
execution in the three parts of Connaught.
822. Artri, son of Conor, King of Connaught caused to be
established the Laws of St. Patrick in and through-
out the thirds of Connaught.
ANNALS OF ULSTER
742. The Law of O'Suanaigh.
743. The Law of Ciaran son of the Carpenter and the Law
of Brendan at the same time by Fergus son of Cellach.
747- The Law of O'Suanaigh over Leth-Chuinn.
771. The Law of Coman and of Aedan a second time over
the three divisions of Connaught.
782. The promulgation of Patrick's Law in Cruachna, by
Dubhdaleithi and by Tipraiti son of Tadhg. (Dubh-
daleithi was Abbot of Armagh, Tipraiti King of
Connaught).
THE CHURCH UNDER THE ABBOTS 67
A.D.
787. The Law of Ciaran over the Connaughtmen.
792. The Law of Coman by Aildobur and Muirghis over
the three divisions of Connaught. (Aildobur was
Abbot of Roscommon, Muirghis King of Connaught).
798. The Law of Patrick over Connaught, by Gormgal, son
of Dindatach (Abbot of Armagh).
805. The Law of Patrick by Aedh son of Niall (Abbot of
Armagh).
810. Nuadha, Abbot of Ard-Macha, went to Connaught with
the Law of Patrick and his shrine.
811. The Law of Dari over Connaught.
813. The Law of Ciaran was proclaimed over Cruachan by
Muirghis.
817. Artri, superior of Ardmacha, went to Connaught with
the shrine of Patrick.
824. The Law of Patrick [was promulgated] to the Connaught-
men again.
825. The Law of Dari [proclaimed] to the Connaughtmen
again.
835. Dermait went to Connaught with the Law and " en-
signs " of Patrick.
The Law of Coman and of Aedan is the same. Aedan
was a saint of Roscommon, Coman's monastery.
The Law of O'Suanaigh seems to have been but little
used. There were three O'Suanaighs, of Rahan, Glascarrick
near Gorey, and Kinsale. Triallach O'Suanaigh was of
repute in Tirawley and Tireragh, and Aodan in Cloonoghil.
They are much confused. The Law of O'Suanaigh which
prevailed in Connaught should be that of one of the Connaught
saints of that name. But so very little is known about
them that there is no certainty in this matter.
The Law of Dari has been taken to be that of Derry,
which would mean the Law of Columcille. Dr. Hennessey
points out that it is really " the rule of Darii the Nun,
viz., not to kill cows," one of the four great " Rules " of
Ireland.
The Annalists now cease to note the succession of Laws.
This is more likely to be due to cessation of the Laws owing
to the Danish wars than to neglect of the Annalists. Turgesius
now dominated all Ireland and nearly established a Govern-
68 DIOCESE OF TUAM
merit. Miss Stokes regarded these invasions as the cause
of building Round Towers ; and wrote that there are " three
distinct periods to which these towers may be assigned :
first, from A.D. 890 to 927 ; secondly, from 973 to 1013 ;
thirdly, from 1170 to 1238 ; and of these three periods the
first two were marked by a cessation of hostilities with the
Northmen, while the Irish made energetic efforts to repair
the mischief caused by the invasion of the heathen." 1
To the first period Miss Stokes assigns the tower of
Turlough, but doubts the true character of that tower.
To the second, those of Aranmor, Kilbennan, Aghagower,
Meelick.
To the third those of Balla, Killala, Annaghdown.
They were places of refuge for the clergy, of security
for the treasures and relics of the churches, and belfries.
The Abbot of Armagh had an exceptional position in the
church all over Ireland. Besides dues he had rights arising
from foundation of churches by St. Patrick, which survived
many changes. Thus he held nine churches at least in the
Bishoprics of Tuam and Mayo down to the I3th century.
The Danish wars broke up church organisation and
discipline and gave free play to the natural tendency of the
nation to local independence. Development according to
the tribal system allowed the head abbots to control monas-
teries and churches under their rule wherever they might
be. A further development on the same lines made the
minor foundations at a distance independent communities,
just as the minor members of royal clans set up fresh clans
practically independent, owing slight allegiance to their king
according to their pleasure but always maintaining a tribal
connection. The result of all causes from the 8th to the
I2th century was a dissolution of the old order in the
nth century. During the early period of greatest vigour
of the Celtic Church it was materially affected by the Roman
Church from time to time, and was always coming up into
line with it in matters of faith and rites, but always late and
with conflict as to rites.
The battle of Clontarf in 1014 ended Danish invasions
and confined the Danes to their cities, where they maintained
themselves as separate civil societies to the Anglo-Norman
1 Early Christian Architecture in Ireland, p. 109.
THE CHURCH UNDER THE ABBOTS 69
conquest. The connection between the kingdoms of Dublin
and Northumbria led to the early establishment of the Roman
order in the Danish settlements.
Of the working of the church in the nth century we
know little, and almost nothing of the parochial system ;
only occasionally we meet with such a remark as that which
occurs in Adamnan's Second Vision, which shows that every
church ought to have two priests attached to it.1 The old
constitution and government were in decay. Much en-
dowment had been seized by laity. Abbots were often
laymen. In the beginning of the loth century the abbacy
of Armagh fell into the possession of one family which kept
it as of right for 200 years. The lands of other abbeys and
churches were likewise usurped by laymen who employed
clergy as their deputies to perform ecclesiastical duties.
This corruption and disorder must have materially aided
the bishop to assert jurisdiction superior to that of the abbot.
Relief from outside interference gave the churchmen an
opportunity of reform which resulted in the establishment
of diocesan episcopacy in the I2th century. As abbots
were sometimes bishops the change was not always very
violent or apparent. The proceedings seem to have been
directed mainly to reduce the number of bishops, not to
transfer jurisdiction from abbot to bishop.
As I read the facts the course of change was somewhat
as follows. Intercourse with the Roman church inspired
the reformers and more learned men with Roman ideas as
the basis of reformation. Hence the bishop rose in importance
as a governing officer and took up the power which slipped
from the hands of abbots. Where abbots were bishops the
two ideas were reconciled. Loss of control by the great
abbots allowed each tribe to set up a bishop of its own. As
long as the abbots held the reins the number of bishops was
immaterial. When jurisdiction was associated with the order
of bishop it was necessary to settle what bishops should
exercise it. Every petty tribe and important family would
want a bishop. Hence from the beginning of the I2th
century the most striking and important efforts of the Synods
were directed to the reduction of the number of bishops and
the regulation of the sees, so as to bring the government of
1 Revue Celtiqiie, xii. p. 429.
7o DIOCESE OF TUAM
the Church of Ireland into harmony with that of the Church
of Rome.
Accordingly it is in the latter half of the loth century
that a Bishop of Connaught is first mentioned. By the
close of the nth century he is called Archbishop of
Connaught, but the term did not at first denote jurisdiction
over other bishops. It may by this time have acquired
the modern meaning as the process of amalgamation of sees
began early in the I2th century. The Bishop of Tuam
became the Archbishop of Connaught because the kings of
Connaught made Tuam their principal residence.
It is convenient to close the period of abbatial government
and to begin that of episcopal government with the Synod
of Rathbresail in 1118. That is the point at which the new
order was fully recognised and organised, but it had evi-
dently been in existence for some time.
The bishops at first had jurisdiction over churches widely
separated because their jurisdiction depended on the foun-
dation and dedication of the church and not on locality,
being personal not territorial. The dispute of 1216 between
Armagh and Tuam illustrates the course of the change.
When bishops first acquired power they were not attached
to particular churches in orderly succession, the chief bishop
of a tribe being sometimes at one place and sometimes at
another. Thus the Bishops of Ardcarne and of Roscommon
seem to have been at different times chief bishops of the Hy
Briuin families of Roscommon, until the see at last was
settled in Elphin. The authority seems to have been
personal at first, but by degrees certain churches, because
they were at kings' residences or because of the eminence
of their founder and the importance of the monastery, held
a continuous pre-eminence.
Thus established by tribal divisions the bishoprics were
too small and too poor to meet the views of the Roman
Church. During the first half of the I2th century the con-
test was between the tribal distinctions and the reformers.
The Synod of Kells marks the victory of the latter.
In the I2th century the old Irish monastic rules of
Patrick, Brigit, Brendan, Columcille, Ciaran, &c., were by
common consent abandoned and the Rule of St. Augustine
was adopted, being in important particulars in harmony
THE CHURCH UNDER THE ABBOTS 71
with the monastic organisation of the churches, as Dr.
Lanigan says of it — " The characteristic feature of the Canons
Regular, which distinguishes them from monks emphatically
so called, is, that, although they make vows and are bound
to observe certain laws similar to those of the monks, they
are capable of practising the functions which usually belong
to the secular clergy." The community retained the churches
under its jurisdiction and the connection between the monas-
tery and the parochial churches was not of necessity broken.
The monks who heretofore lived in separate cells near the
church were now brought into the cenobitic life in one
building.
This long period is blank as to local ecclesiastical affairs
save for the following few notes in the Annals of Ulster re-
garding the church and abbey of Tuam.
A.D.
780. Nuada Ua Bolcain, abbot died.
781. Ferdomnach died on loth Jan. (D. MacFirbis calls
him son of Caomhan, bishop.)
881. Cormac, son of Ciaran, vice-abbot of Cluainferta-
Brenainn, and abbot of Tuaim-da-ghualann, died.
948. Aedhan of Tuaim-da-Ghualann, died.
969. Eoghan, son of Clerech, Bishop of Connaught, died.
1033. Murchad O'Nioc, Comarb of St. larlath, died.
1085. Aedh O'Hoisin, Archbishop of Connaught, died.
1086. Erchadh Ua Maelfhoghamair, Archbishop of Con-
naught, died.
1092. Connmac Ua Cairill, Archbishop of Connaught, died.
1117. Cathusach Ua Cnaill, Archbishop of Connaught, died.
1128. Muirghis Ua Nioic, herenagh of Tuaim-da-ghualann
for [a long] space, died in Inis-an-Ghaill.
CHAPTER XI
ESTABLISHMENT OF DIOCESES
THE reforming spirit which arose after the Danish wars
brought about a desire for closer union with the Church of
Rome and for a like organisation. By the close of the
nth century this desire was so far satisfied that the
bishops were the controlling power. From the manner in
which they are mentioned in the Annals we may infer that
they were more powerful as well as more conspicuous. But
they were too many. The next step was to reduce numbers
and to form territorial dioceses with a bishop occupying a
certain seat in each. This was the work of the first half of
the 1 2th century. At the beginning Gilbert Bishop of
Limerick was the Pope's Legate in Ireland, working with
the Irish reformers to bring the Church of Ireland under
the control of that of Rome.
In mi a synod was held at Fiadh-Mic-Aenghusa by
authority of Murtough O'Brien King of Munster and King of
Ireland. Fifty-eight bishops, 317 priests, 160 deacons are
said to have attended ; authorities differ a little about the
numbers. According to the Chronicum Scotorum it passed
regulations not mentioned in detail. Later in the year
another synod was held at Ushnagh in which Meath was
divided between the Bishops of Meath and Clonmacnoise.
Fiadh-Mic-Aenghusa was near Ushnagh, and these synods
have sometimes been considered to have been the same.
The second seems to have been held to carry out the local
division arranged in principle at the first. There is no
doubt that the main business of these Synods was the regula-
tion of territorial episcopacy.
In 1118 the Synod of Rathbresail, which seems to have
been near Cloonenagh in Westmeath, was held for the
regulation of the number of bishoprics. It is by some held
to have been a continuation of that of Fiadh-Mic-Aenghusa ;
ESTABLISHMENT OF DIOCESES 73
it certainly continued and carried a stage further the framing
of the new organisation.
The Danish bishoprics in Dublin, Limerick, and Waterford
were not affected by these synods ; they were under the
Archbishop of Canterbury.
The synod allowed for Ulster 5 sees, for Meath 2 sees,
for Connaught 5 sees, besides the Primatial See of Armagh
over them ; for Leinster and Munster 5 sees each, besides
the Primatial See of Cashel over them.
The sees assigned to Connaught were Tuam, Clonfert,
Cong, Killala, Ardcarne or Ardagh, but only tentatively as
the synod authorised the clergy of Connaught to alter the
distribution of the province provided they made no more
than 5 bishoprics. Keating gives the following boundaries,
which are only 4 extreme points : —
Clonfert of Brendan from the Shannon to Burren, and
from Slieve Aughty to the Suck.
Tuam from the Suck to Ardcarne, and from Ath-an-
termainn to the Shannon.
Cong from Amhain O mBroin in the north to Nephin, and
from Ath-an-termainn to the sea.
Killala from Nephin to Esruaidh, and from Killardbile
(properly Kildarvila) to Srath an Ferainn.
Ard-Carna, which is also called Ard-acadh, from Ard-
Carna to Sliabh an larainn, and from Keshcorran to Ur-
coillti.
These boundaries are so vague that it can only be said
that Clonfert was intended to include Kilmacduagh, and
that Killala was intended to cover the traditional kingdom
of the O'Dowdas. The important kingdoms of the O'Flaherties
and of the Luighne and Gailenga are not clearly provided
for, but the former seems to fall under Tuam.
Amhain O mBroin, the River of the Ui Broin, in the north,
may be the Blackwater which divides the territory of the
Ui Briuin from that of the Conmaicne. But Ui Broin and
Ui Briuin are not the same, and it must remain uncertain
what river is really meant. Srath an Ferainn is now Shra-
more in the part of Ballysadare parish which is in Tirerrill
barony.1
Urcoillti is, I think, a name of woods on the slopes of
1 O'Rorke, Hist. Sfigv, ii. p. 244
74 DIOCESE OF TUAM
Slieve Daene in Sligo, where is now Lough Arquilta, close
to the boundary of the parish of Killerry in Kilmore diocese.
I suppose Ardcarne was intended to comprise the diocese
of Achonry. I take the kingdom of Brefne to have been
at this time a sub-kingdom of Meath, so that Kilmore and
Ardagh would be within the Meath dioceses. Urcoillti is
said to be a boundary of Clonard in Meath which was
intended to be the western half of that kingdom, Duleek
being the title of the eastern half. The arrangement said
to have been made after the Synod of Fiadh Mic Aenghusa
was thus set aside, or new names were given to the divisions
if any effective partition had been made.
This arrangement involved too much suppression of
ecclesiastical independence of very powerful tribes and was
never carried out, nor was a fresh distribution made by the
provincial clergy. The great tribes kept up their bishoprics,
but the minor bishoprics seem to have been suppressed by
degrees.
It does not appear that there ever was a bishop bearing
the title of Cong. The land of the Conmaicne of Cuil Tolad
and Conmaicne Mara formed the Deanery of Struthir in
1306, from which it is to be inferred that there was a bishop
of Struthir up to the Synod of Kells in 1152. He was in
fact the Bishop of Cong. As Umall and Carra are not
separate deaneries their bishoprics must have been suppressed
before 1152. But I find no record of bishops of these
tribes.
King Torlogh Mor supported the primatial authority of
the Archbishop of Armagh. Archbishop Gilla MacLiag made
the first primatial visitation of Connaught in 1140 and the
second in 1151. The reform went on steadily in the same
direction. In 1148 a synod was held on Holmpatrick which
sent Maelmaedhoig Ua Morgair the comarb of Patrick to
confer with the Pope, but he died on the way.
The Church of Ireland being now ready to conform com-
pletely with that of Rome and to submit to the jurisdiction
of the Pope, he sent Cardinal John Paparo to Ireland with
4 palls for archbishops, namely, of Armagh, Cashel, Tuam
and Dublin. The acceptance of the palls by the 4 archbishops
marks the end of the Church of Ireland, which became a
portion of the Church of Rome. But the Pope's authority
ESTABLISHMENT OF DIOCESES 75
thus formally accepted was practically disregarded. The
Bull of Adrian IV. and the proceedings of the Synod of
Cashel show that the Irish clergy maintained a disorderly
independence. There was no central authority in the church
any more than there was in the nation to render the law
effective.
The province of Tuam was now appointed to consist of
the sees of Tuam, Clonfert, Kilmacduagh, Mayo, Killala,
Achonry, Roscommon afterwards Elphin, and Clonmacnoise,
which in later times after long contention was transferred
to that of Armagh. In 1209 Mayo was amalgamated with
Tuam. Annaghdown was not suppressed for centuries, and
thus kept up the number of sees allotted to the province.
Kilfenora was transferred to this province in 1660 and held
in commendam with Tuam until 1742, when it was united
with Clonfert until 1753, when it was united with Killaloe.
These dioceses are all well ascertained.
During this transition period the Annals make more
mention of the archbishops and comarbs.
" Donnell O' Duffy, Archbishop of Connaught and Comarb
of St. Ciaran immediately after celebrating mass by himself
died and was buried on St. Patrick's day at Clonfert, where
he died and celebrated the said mass." l He was also comarb
of St. Coman as appears from the inscription on the Cross
of Cong, which was made under his supervision to hold a
piece of the Cross sent from Rome to King Torlogh Mor
in 1123. It remained in use at Cong until 1839 when
Professor M'Cullagh bought it and presented it to the Royal
Irish Academy.
The Annals of Loch C6 call him Bishop of Elphin. He
was certainly Bishop of Tuam. In as much as he was Abbot
of Roscommon he was practically Bishop of Elphin, that is
bishop of the Silmurray. The Synod of Rathbresail did not
recognise both Roscommon and Elphin. The date of his
death is not quite certain, varying according to the Annals.
Muredach O' Duffy succeeded him at a period of great
contention owing to King Torlogh's wars and his quarrels
with his sons. In 1139 Torlogh took his son Ruaidhri
prisoner in breach of an agreement for which O' Duffy and
the clergy and laity of Connaught, Tadhg O'Brien, King of
J Ann. Clon. 1136.
76 DIOCESE OF TUAM
Thomond, Tigernan O'Rourk, King of Brefne, Murrough
O'Farrell Chief of the Annaly were securities. In accord-
ance with ancient custom O'Duffy and the clergy and laity
fasted against Torlogh at Rathbrenan near Roscommon, but
Torlogh held out against them. The securities had previ-
ously effected the release of his son Murrough who had been
arrested at the same time.
In 1143 O'Duffy called a synod of 12 bishops and 500
priests to arrange for Ruaidhri's ransom and procured his
release the following May. These affairs seem to have been
one transaction. The family quarrels arose from Torlogh's
seizure of the kingdom of Meath and his placing his son
Conor over it.
Tigernach's continuation gives the following notes at this
period, to which I annex dates ascertained in other Annals.
" Peace was made by Mugh's Half with Connaught, at the
demand of Muiredach Hua Dubthaig, Archbishop of Ireland,
and of a son of Virginity, a successor of S. larlaithe, to
wit, Aed Hua h'Oisin."
" The Cathach of S. larlaithe was desecrated by the
Dalcassians (and) Thomond was laid waste in the same
quarter of the year through S. larlaithe's miracles." (L.C.
" Ruaidri Hua Conchobair and Uada Hua Concennainn
were taken prisoners by Toirdelbach Hua Conchobair while
they were under the safeguard of S. larlaithe's successor
and Hua Dubthaig, and the Yellow Crozier, and Hua Dom-
nallain. On this day illness attacked Toirdelbach, so that
he was long in his bed." (L.C. 1136.)
Two years later " Uada Hua Conchenainn was blinded
by Toirdelbach Hua Conchobair. For his own misdeeds he
was blinded." (L.C. 1138.)
" A great assembly (held) by the clerics of Ireland and
Connaught, including Muredach Hua Dubthaig — 500 priests
and twelve bishops their complement — demanded from his
father the liberation of Ruaidri, son of Toirdelbach Hua
Conchobair, who had been illegally taken prisoner by
Tigernan Hua Ruairc and by Conchobar, his own brother,
as Toirdelbach's deputies. So Toirdelbach promised that
he would deliver him at the next beltane." (F.M. 1143.)
Muredach O'Duffy was a man of high standing and is
ESTABLISHMENT OF DIOCESES 77
called the Chief Senior of Ireland. In his time Torlogh was
King of Ireland. He died in his 75th year on the i6th May,
1150 and was buried at Cong. " A prayer for Muredach
O'Dubtaig the senior of Erin " is inscribed on the Cross of
Cong.
About 1141 Torlogh founded the Priory of St. John at
Tuam, probably for Augustinian Canons. In his time or in
that of his predecessor Torlogh built a great cathedral for
Tuam of which only the chancel arch made into a doorway
and the east window remain. Dr. Petrie believed the stone
crosses of Tuam to have been memorials of completion.
The crosses mark their date as not later than 1150 because
the name U Ossin abbot appears on one and the name Aed
u Ossin comarb of larlath on the other. Aed is the same
as Aedan who succeeded Muredach as bishop. The Annals
at this period carefully distinguish the bishop from the
abbot or comarb.
The case of Donnell O' Duffy shows how episcopal and
abbatial authority were sometimes combined so as to confer
very great power. Aedan O h'Oisin combined the abbacy
and bishopric of Tuam so that it was not necessary to
separate them again. The comarb of larlaithe is not
mentioned again. In L.C. 1243 " Finnachta O'Lughadha,
comarb of Benen, and great dean of Tuaim died." This
suggests that the ancient offices may have been absorbed
by the new offices from time to time, not only in bishops
but in other officials. When the comarb lands were trans-
ferred to the bishops the monastic offices were useless if
an abbey did not survive.
The church of St. larlaithe, now represented by St.
Mary's Cathedral Church, is the foundation of the diocese,
which originated with the territory of the Conmaicne Cinel
Dubain and drew other tracts to itself. Aedh O'Conor King
of Connaught adopted Tuam as his chief residence in the
west after he defeated Amalgaid O' Flaherty King of West
Connaught in 1049. It was a suitable place for watching
the O' Flaherties. The continued residence of the chief King
of Connaught at Tuam as his principal fortress added much
to the importance of the abbot and bishop and at last
secured for Tuam the archiepiscopal dignity.
From the existence of a loth century Round Tower at
78 DIOCESE OF TUAM
Kilbennan it is to be inferred that Kilbennan was then the
principal monastery of the Conmaicne, and it would naturally
have provided the bishop. That it did not provide him
is I think due to the fact that Kilbennan was a Patrician
foundation and belonged to Armagh down to the I3th century,
and so was less independent than St. larlaithe's monastery,
whose successor seems to have had no superior abbot. Thus
the Bishop of Tuam was by the King's influence raised above
the other bishops so that he was called the Archbishop of
Connaught, or Chief Bishop. In the first provisional arrange-
ment for Connaught dioceses Tuam seems to have been in-
tended to take in almost all, if not all, the lands of the
Silmurray of that period. But the Silmurray chieftains would
not give up their own bishops.
These new bishoprics were made up of old small bishoprics
in some cases, in other cases were existing great tribal
divisions which had been dioceses perhaps from the beginning
of diocesan episcopacy, such as Achonry and Annaghdown.
The Synod of Fiadh-Mic-Aenghusa provided for an extensive
measure of suppression. Suppression was I think then
carried out as far as tribal independence and power per-
mitted, but it is not very clearly seen what actually occurred.
The Synod of Kells effectively suppressed certain sees, and
directed that they should be made rural deaneries. The
deaneries mentioned in the Taxation of 1306 do certainly
define some of the suppressed sees, and I am inclined to
think that they do so in all cases. It must be remembered
that diocesan episcopacy was in a transition state from the
beginning of the I2th century when the principle was
formally adopted, and the organisation must have been very
irregular and uncertain from want of a central force able
to exert a pressure in all parts of the country. Many petty
bishoprics which naturally came into existence with the
new idea must have disappeared as naturally with the growth
of that idea and the desire to form larger dioceses. It seems
to me that those which disappeared before 1152 left no
trace in the subsequent distribution of territory, but may
have left some in the constitution of the capitular bodies
and their emoluments.
CHAPTER XII
THE OLD ORGANISATION AND THE NEW
THE reorganisation is so mixed up with the old frame of
the church that it is most convenient here to deal with the
whole subject of the old organisation and the new. The
new grew out of the old, it was not suddenly and violently
imposed. The Anglo-Norman conquest made more effective
the ideas which had been adopted in form, but were hampered
by conservatism and local independence.
Information is scanty regarding the distribution of parish
churches among the great abbeys. Most of those of the
Conmaicne of Dunmore were under the Abbots of Kilbennan
and Tuam. Kilbennan was a Patrician church and should
have been under the Rule of Patrick. It does not appear
whose Rule was used in the Abbey of Tuam.
Most of those of Conmaicne Cuile Tolad and Conmaicne
Mara were under the Abbey of Cong, and therefore under
the Rule of Fechin, and so would be the Abbey of Ballysadare
and other churches founded by him in Achonry diocese or
deriving from his successors.
St. Brendan's Rule would naturally prevail in Annagh-
down, but isolated churches, such as Ross on Lough Mask
and those of Inisglora and others whose names suggest con-
nection with him, perhaps passed under other Rules in the
next 100 years or so when great monasteries arose in their
neighbourhood .
Inisbofhn, Mayo, Oughaval Abbey, the church in Illan-
columbkille in Lough Mask, that of Cloghmore in the south
of Killannin Parish, Emlaghfad, Skreen, are known as
Columban churches. The church on Inishrobe and those
bearing St. Columba's name on Inishturk and Inishkea were
probably also founded by his monks and under his Rule.
But the churches whose rectories belonged to Mayo Abbey
are not likely to be foundations under Mayo except a few,
79
8o DIOCESE OF TUAM
as that abbey was established so late and was for a long
time manned by English monks. It is more likely that
they came under it by degrees as its reputation rose.
The Abbey of Clonmacnoise certainly held many churches
in Connaught but I cannot ascertain anything definite about
them except what appears in the Tract on the Hy Many.
Tirechan complains that this abbey has seized some of
Patrick's churches. The name of Kilkeeran most likely
often represents subjection to his Rule and dedication to
him. Churches founded by men of less note and not having
an important abbey of their own order close by would natu-
rally come by degrees under the local abbot or be superseded
by his foundations.
The many Kilbrides mark the extent of St. Bride's
influence. Most must have been dedicated to her as she is
known to have had many churches in Connaught but is
not known to have worked much there.
Carra churches should have been chiefly under Balla, and
there is evidence that the abbot had rights in Tireragh (p. 137).
The Patrician churches remained under Armagh for the
most part and must have been under the Armagh Rule.
The Tirawley churches should have been under the Abbots
of Killala and Errew, but I have no information about them.
St. Patrick's foundations there lost all connection with
Armagh.
The organisation of the diocese of Achonry is equally
obscure in this matter.
The ancient abbeys which survived were St. Mary's
Abbey and St. Brendan's College at Annaghdown — Cong —
Mayo — Aughris — Ballysadare. Tuam and Kilbennan seem
to be carried on by the Archbishop, Dean, Provost and
Vicars choral of Tuam.
The Abbey of St. John Baptist of Tuam was founded
in 1140, all other abbeys after the Synod of Kells.
Until then Cong was a bishopric, and Mayo was one
until 1209, and Annaghdown still longer. The Bishopric of
Cong is the Deanery of Struthir ; Cong is the name of the
see, Struthir is a name of the most important part of the
territory. It is I think a fair inference that those old abbeys
which became bishops' sees retained their rectories. In most
other cases the abbey was abandoned and the incumbents
THE OLD ORGANISATION AND THE NEW 81
of parish churches became rectors. Though it is to be in-
ferred from provisions in the Senchus Mor that tithes were
paid, at least in some cases, in early times, it is also clear
that they were not paid regularly if at all in and before the
I2th century, as it is particularly noted that in King Cathal
Crobderg's time tithes were first legally paid in Ireland (L.C.,
A.U.), and the payment of tithes was dealt with by the Synod
of Cashel. Without tithes the foreign abbots like the Comarbs
of Patrick and Columcille would draw but small profit from
their Connaught churches, except from their endowments in
lands. It is most probable that there was no practical dis-
tinction between Rector and Vicar until the Roman discipline
came in and made the former an office whereby parochial
incomes were diverted to other purposes. Then the dis-
tinction was important and the abbeys which held rectories
would appoint vicars. But I take it that the great Comarbs
had not been in the habit of drawing their incomes in
that fashion, and that when the custom arose only the
existing local and vigorous abbeys were able to take
advantage of it. It was but a modification of an old, pro-
bably existing, practice. Adamnan's Second Vision, a tract
in the Lebar Brec ascribed to the year 1096, informs us
that it was thought proper for every church to have two
priests.1
When King Torlogh founded the Abbey of St. John at
Tuam he was able to endow it with the rectories of three
Patrician Churches, and Cathal Crobderg was able to endow
Knockmoy and Ballintubber. The endowment of St. John
must I think be ascribed to Torlogh. It shows that in 1140
there was a distinction between a rector's and a vicar's
dues. The lands did not go with the churches. They re-
mained in the Comarb's hands until later times.
The Bishop required a Chapter, which in these dioceses
consisted of a Dean, a Precentor or Provost, an Archdeacon,
and other officers, and Canons. The earliest particulars
regarding the constitution of the Chapter, which is mentioned
in 1201, is in a bull of Pope Nicholas IV. of 1289 which
mentions John Major and Concors Magoneum, Archdeacons.
John de Alatro, Praecentor. Nicholas de Hyndeberg,
Treasurer. Thomas de Watford, Chancellor. Allan de Wells
1 Revue Celtigue, xii. p. 420, 429.
F
82 DIOCESE OF TUAM
and Nicholas de Garcin, Canons. One of the Archdeacons
may have been of Mayo, or of Annaghdown then held by
the Archbishop. These names are not exhaustive of the
Chapter.
In the i6th century the Chapter consisted of Dean, Provost,
Archdeacon, 5 Vicars Choral, and 8 prebendaries. The pre-
bendaries seem to represent Officers and Canons whose
duties had fallen into disuse.
The ancient monasteries had the Abbot first in rank,
second the Ferlegind or Rector of the College, third the
Bishop, and the body of monks. The I2th century Chapter
seems to be the old staff under new names, the Bishop first
in rank, the Abbot and Ferlegind transformed into Dean
and Provost, the monks into Vicars Choral in Tuam and
Annaghdown, or into Canons, with the new dignities of
Archdeacon and Chancellor and other offices added.
The distribution of the rectories in each of the territories
comprising the dioceses shows fairly the extent to which
ancient monasteries survived to the middle of the I2th
century, and the manner in which the new Chapters were
formed and provided with emoluments. I have drawn up
a statement showing these points for which the authori-
ties are the Taxation of 1306, Bodkin's Visitation, the
Valor Beneficiorum of 1585-6, the Regal Visitation of
1615, helped by grants of possessions of suppressed monas-
teries and by the Report of the Commission on Benefices
in 1833-4.
The parishes which have come down from 1306 are
almost all composite, formed of aggregations of small parishes.
It is most convenient to use the parishes marked on the
Ordnance Survey Map as the components cannot be
marked off.
Before the Synod of Kells the diocese of Tuam consisted
of 4 contiguous territories and one detached, called the
Deanery of Tuam later. I. Conmaicne of Dunmore. 2. Cor-
camogha. 3. Sodhan. 4. Ciarraige Uachtar and of Lough
Narney. 5. Clancarnan, detached.
That Synod added I, the Deanery of Athenry; 2, that of
Shrule.
In 1209 the diocese of Mayo was added as the Deanery of
Mayo.
THE OLD ORGANISATION AND THE NEW 83
Annaghdown diocese was finally united with Tuam at
the close of the I5th century.
There is no evidence to show how Clancarnan came under
Tuam. The tenure of rectories by St. Peter's Abbey in
Athlone and by the Dean of Clonfert point to some original
connection with Clonfert diocese. The Archbishop sold his
lands in the Faes to the king in I285,1 which must have been
the Comarb lands of Moore and Drum. Clonmacnoise was
once in the province of Tuam. These parishes may possibly
once have been under it and have been transferred to
Tuam when Clonmacnoise was confined to the kingdom
of Meath.
The parishes of the Conmaicne of Dunmore are the
nucleus of the diocese to which it must be assumed that
the new organisation was first applied, and the division of
their rectories is evidence that it was so in fact. The Dean
and Provost shared all the rectories except Dunmore in
which they held but a small part, and Kilbennan and
Kilconla which were held by the Vicars Choral with a small
part of Tuam. Thus the Dean and Provost seem to take
the place of Abbot and Ferlegind of Tuam and the Vicars
to take that of the monks of Kilbennan. The Dean had
also the rectory of Belclare. The Archdeacon was a new
officer ; he has no part in the churches of the Conmaicne.
His emolument was the rectory of Knock, which appears to
have been his when King Torlogh endowed St. John's Abbey
with those of Aghamore, Bekan and Annagh. Kiltullagh is
the fifth church in the land of the Ciarraige. It was a
Patrician church like the others given to St. John's, but
the parish was the property of the O'Flynns, a strong tribe
of the Silmurray. It seems that the chiefs kept the advowson
of the church of their chief residence, as we find rectories
at Dunmore, Athenry., Roba, Burrishoole, which we know
or have reason to believe to have been near residences of
important lords. It is to be noted that there is but one
prebendal church in the Deanery of Tuam, that of Kilmoylan
in the country of the Sodhans. With that exception all the
rectories of the Sodhans were held by incumbents until
Abbey Knockmoy was founded. Though Cummer was
originally in Sodhan country it was in the i^th century
1 z>./., iii. p. 67.
84 DIOCESE OF TUAM
occupied by the Hy Briuin, and so came into the hands of
Walter de Ridelesford who assigned the rectory.
Thus we may take the earliest Chapter of Tuam to have
been composed of Dean, Provost, Archdeacon, 5 Vicars
Choral or Rectors, and the officer who held the prebend of
Kilmoylan, and some other officers and canons.
It is not certain what tribe occupied the Deanery of
Athenry, but I believe it to have been a division of the
Sodhans. The Sodhans were under O'Mannin a Sub- King
under O' Kelly. If Athenry had been occupied by Hy Maine
tribes it would have been under Clonfert, whose Deaneries
show exactly the four great divisions of the Hy Maine. Who-
ever they were they must have kept their bishop up to 1152.
The Deanery consisted of the parishes of Athenry and
Taghsaxon and Kilmien in 1306. Taghsaxon seems to be
Monivea or Abbert. Kilmien is Kilmeen, a detached parish.
Taghsaxon alias Templegaile is a Prebend, and so is Kilmeen.
Thus the tithes of this small territory are distributed between
one rectory and two prebends.
In the Deanery of Shrule all rectories except those which
formed emoluments of Prebendaries were held by the Abbey
of Cong. The Rectory of Kilmaine was one Prebend. The
Prebendary called of Maynkylle in Bodkin's Visitation, of
Kealebegg in the Valor Beneficiorum, later of Moynechilly
and of Magherakelly, and finally called of Killabegs, held
parcels of tithe in the parishes of Ballinchalla and Cong.
In Ballinchalla he had two- thirds of the tithe of the town-
land of Killimor. It is not now known that there ever was
a church in Killimor, but I think that we may rely on this
fact and on the name for the existence of a church in early
times. He had a share of the tithes of certain townlands in
Cong. Some of these are in Cong and close by, where there
were of old several churches which have disappeared. Other
townlands are those in which were the ancient churches of
Killarsa and Gortacurra and Kilfrauchan. The rest of the
townlands are in the neighbourhood of these churches.
Moreover a considerable number of these townlands were
the property of the Archbishop, which must have come into
his hands at the general transfer of Comarb lands. This
prebend therefore was made up of small churches all but
one in the parish of Cong, and would have been called the
THE OLD ORGANISATION AND THE NEW 85
Prebend of Cong if it had come into view before the diocese
of Mayo was absorbed.
Thus we find that the Synod of Kells effected an addition
of 4 officers to the Chapter, two in respect of each new Deanery
or diocese.
Killabegs, Small Churches, is a good name for a prebend
made of tithes from n parishes, representing more than n
ancient parish churches and 4 prebends.
The earlier name is Maigin Caoile or Machaire Caoile,
taken from the Carra portion of the prebend consisting of
two-thirds of the tithes of the lands of the See of Tuam in
the parish of Ballyovey which lay, except a little, in a
compact block about the old parish churches of Ballyovey
and the old church of Kilkeeran. An old church called
Tempul an Machaire is on the shore of Lough Mask and
close to Tobair Caoile. The well is in the parish of
Ballyovey but the church is in that part of Ballinrobe
which was by ancient tribal connection a part of the
country called Odba Cera. Machaire applied particularly to
the western part and Maigin to the eastern part, or they
were equivalents, meaning Caoile's country, where she was
venerated.
The diocese of Mayo absorbed in that of Tuam in 1209
added 6 prebends, whereof three were merged in those of
existing officers. It was composed of three distinct terri-
tories— i. The lands of the Ciarraige called Tir Nechtain
and Tir Enda in the barony of Clanmorris. 2. Cera.
3. Umall. Each affords evidence of having been an in-
dependent diocese.
Mayo Abbey stands in its country as the Abbey of Cong
in the Deanery of Struthir — the bishop has disappeared and
two prebends are left, called by Bodkin of Balenigarray
and of Cloonmore, the old church of Kilcurnan and that of
Cloonmore in the parish of Crossboyne. The former has
been annexed to the Deanery and the latter to the prebend
of Killabegs or Moynekilly.
Carra had the prebend of Moynekilly and the prebend
of Balla. Balla was the only abbey of great repute therein.
Turlough was important but was under Armagh.
Umall had three prebends, the Archdeacon's and Killa-
begs and Faldown. The Archdeacon and the Prebendary
86 DIOCESE OF TUAM
of Killabegs shared tithes in Aghagower, Oughaval, and Kil-
geever. The Prebendaries of Killabegs and Faldown shared
others in Burrishoole, Kilmeena, and Kilmaclasser. The
arrangement in Kilmeena was peculiar. The Prebend-
aries had a fixed charge on certain townlands payable by
the incumbent who took surplus and made good deficiency,
and a proportion of other tithes. Faldown probably was in
Kilmeena where that Prebendary had so much the larger
interest, £31 to £8, in the specified townlands. Those town-
lands included Kilmeena itself and Innisdaff in which there
is an old church. An old church is reported to have been
on Clynish. Faldown should be Kilmeena or Innisdaff.
Even in Bodkin's time the Umall part of the Killabegs pre-
bend was merged in that of Moynekilly. The proper name
seems to be lost beyond recovery.
There must be some reason why two prebends are usually
found in each territory. As in each case there was an
ancient abbey, I am inclined to see in them the Dean and
Provost, transformed from Abbot and Ferlegind, of an
inchoate suppressed Chapter. The Bishop of Mayo became
the bishop with an income derived from the Episcopal
fourths. The Dean and Provost would remain in possession
of their churches, and those churches would afterwards be
the emoluments of new officials or canons, or be annexed
to emoluments of existing members of the absorbing chapter.
At Aghagower alone a third prebend is found. Aghagower,
" in which there are bishops," is likely to have been early
organised on the episcopal system, and the third prebend
most likely was its original Archdeacon's prebend and pro-
vided for an Archdeacon of Mayo. These early imperfectly
organised bishoprics naturally have left but slight traces as
they existed but a short time in the transition period before
the new arrangements were stereotyped. A similar in-
ference may be drawn from Annaghdown Chapter consisting
of Dean, Archdeacon, 4 Vicars and the Prebendary of
Lackagh, who may be taken almost with certainty to have
been the Provost.
Except in the cases noted the prebendal parcels of tithes
taken from various parishes cannot be assigned to particular
townlands ; Prebendaries and Incumbents divided the tithe
in bulk in fixed proportions according to immemorial custom.
THE OLD ORGANISATION AND THE NEW 87
This was the case universally in Killala and Achonry. All
the information that has survived is in the Tithe Applot-
ment Books.
In Killala and Achonry the Chapters were very much
decayed but still give some facts for consideration. At the
election of a Bishop of Killala in 1344, 14 canons are said
to have voted for 2 candidates who were canons, and who
may not have voted for themselves, so that there may have
been 16 canons. The Chapter comprised Dean, Provost,
Archdeacon and 9 prebendaries when details first appear in
the I7th century. But in fact only 5 prebendaries were
acknowledged, and of these Killanley was a bare name.
Dean or Provost or Archdeacon had tithes or land in all
the parishes of Erris and Tirawley excepting Ballynahaglish
and Kilbelfad, which I infer to have arisen from assignment
of mensal churches, which are identified in all their parishes
except in Kilmoremoy and Rathreagh, for which three
mensal churches are available. The term " Bishop's table "
in Pope Innocent's Epistle must denote that the churches
belonged to the Chapter, for whom I suppose the Bishop
provided in theory up to that time as the Abbot did before.
The Bishop had no separate interest in those churches, and
had not yet acquired the Comarb lands. The Chapter must
have taken them over as the churches of the Abbot and
Convent of Killala. Mensal churches are most numerous
round Killala and in Erris, fewest in the south about Lough
Con where the great abbey of Errew may be supposed to
have been most influential, that is in O'Lachtna's great
lordship.
Of the early prebends Drinaghan and Kilroe were mensal
churches. Rosserkbeg is not known as a church and the
prebend was rent of land. It may have been the old church
at Ballysakeery as Rosserk is in that parish. The Lackan
prebend also was only land. The Tireragh prebends were
bare names.
The Achonry Chapter is mentioned in the Valor Bene-
ficiorum as Dean, Provost, Archdeacon and 5 Prebendaries.
In 1615, 13 prebends are mentioned of which 5 are noted
as reputed to belong to the Cathedral Church. This suggests
that there were Vicars as at Tuam and Annaghdown. The
other 8 were held by the bishop, these by Edward Crofton.
88
So that they had all been diverted from their proper uses.
In the Visitation of 1633 Kilbeagh is omitted and Killaraght
and Kilfree and Kinaff are added, making 15 in all. These
lists illustrate the very great uncertainty and confusion of
affairs in these dioceses. Achonry in particular had been
for years deserted by the bishops. From the state of their
prebends it may be inferred that the only members of the
Chapter who kept up an independent existence were those
who held benefices without cure or who held an office and
did some duties. In other cases the prebendary was the
incumbent and the empty title lapsed.
These two Deans held the rectories of their Cathedral
parish, as did the Prebendary of Balla whose parish was the
ancient Termon of Balla. Thus more particularly they seem
all to be successors of the abbots.
Prebends I suppose to be the remains of the other officers
and canons of the cathedrals. When the Pope by his Pro-
visions deprived the Chapters of the right of election and
the frame of the church was corrupt and decayed in the
I5th and i6th centuries the canons dropped out of use — but
the benefices remained. When the Reformation transferred
the appointment of bishops to the King there was no occa-
sion to revive them.
The surrender of the Comarb lands to the bishops in
1210 abolished the Abbatial system of church government.
THE CHAPTER OF TUAM — THEIR EMOLUMENTS
It is first mentioned in 1201 but must have been formed
when the church was reorganised in the Roman fashion.
The Archdeacons of Tuam and of Mayo are mentioned in
the time of Felix O'Ruadain.
" Finnachta O'Lughadha, comarb of Benen, and great
dean of Tuaim, died about the festival of Martin" in 1243
according to the Annals of Loch Ce. It is the first mention
of the Dean by name. The little that is known about the
Chapter is given in the remarks on the old and the new
organisation. I now give a list of the Chapter as it survived
to the i6th century with a note of the parishes from which
the members drew their emoluments.
THE OLD ORGANISATION AND THE NEW 89
The Dean. — The Rectory of Belclare. Parts of the rectorial tithes
of the parishes of Tuam, Clonbern, Templetogher, Boyounagh,
Dunmore, Addergoole, Liskeevy, Belclare, Crossboyne. Some
lands in Tuam and Dunmore parishes. Half the profits of
certain other lands held with the Provost. No cure.
The Archdeacon. — Parts of tithes of Aghagower, Oughaval, Kilgeever.
Rectory of Knock.
The Provost. — Parts of tithes of Tuam, Clonbern, Templetogher,
Boyounagh, Dunmore, Addergoole, Liskeevy. Half profits of
lands held with the Dean. No cure.
The Vicars Choral. — The tithes of Kilbennan and Kilconla. Some
land.
Prebendary of Kilmoylan. — Rectory and Vicarage of Kilmoylan.
No cure.
Prebendary of Taghsaxon. — Tithes of that Townland in parish of
Athenry.
Prebendary of Kilmeen. — Rectory and Vicarage of Kilmeen. Part
of rectory of Fahy in Clonfert diocese. With cure.
Prebendary of Lackagh. — Rectory of Lackagh. Part of rectory of
Killoscobe. No cure.
Prebendary of Kilmainemore. — Rectory of Kilmainemore. Cure.
Prebendary of B alia. — Rectory of Balla. Cure.
Prebendary of Faldown. — Parts of rectories of Burrishoole, Kilmac-
lasser, Kilmeena. No cure.
Prebendary of Killabegs. — Parts of rectories of Aghagower, Oughaval,
Kilgeever, Kilmeena, Kilmaclasser, Burrishoole, Ballyovey,
Crossboyne, Kilmainebeg, Cong, Ballinchalla. No cure.
In 1835 the revenues of Kilmeen were transferred to the
ecclesiastical commissioners. In 1839 those of Faldown were
annexed to the Vicarage of Achill.
The 5 Vicars Choral were called in the i6th century
" Rectors and Vicars of the Cathedral Church of Tuam."
In 1662 two places were sequestrated for Cathedral repairs.
In 1719 two were consolidated into one place.
In 1770 two more were consolidated into one.
In 1840 the revenues of one were transferred to the
ecclesiastical commissioners.
The only corporate estate of the chapter was the Economy
Fund consisting of the tithes of Dubh Dawla, Ballyglass and
Ardacong, which seem to have been the original estate.
They had also certain plots in Tuam and tithes in Claddagh
and Clonbern held from the Archbishop immemorially, for
which they paid a rent of £10, 133. 3d.
90 DIOCESE OF TUAM
CHAPTER OF ANNAGHDOWN
Even less is known of this Chapter than of that of Tuam.
It is known to have comprised Dean, Archdeacon, Canons
and Official or Chancellor ; 4 Vicars Choral are found in the
1 6th century. The Dean held the rectory of Annaghdown
and the Archdeacon that of Cargin.
The Vicars Choral were the monks of the Abbey or
College of St. Brendan. As their emoluments were the
estate of the abbey they ceased to exist when their true
character was understood in 1585.
CHAPTER XIII
THE DEANERY OF SHRULE
As the Deanery of Shrule has now merged into the diocese
of Tuam its earlier history is most conveniently taken up
here. As already observed it was once a bishopric and
seems to be the diocese called Cong, which was intended
to comprise that of Mayo. Struthair is a territorial name
I think as well as a place name. It may well be that the
episcopal jurisdiction over the Conmaicne Cuile Toladh and
Conmaicne Mara was exercised by a bishop of the very
large and important church of Shrule, who may have been
really the bishop of Cong Abbey, who left the Abbey to
take up a more independent position. No name of bishop
of Cong or of Shrule has come down to us.
St. Patrick founded churches among the people of the
plain, but St. Fechin of Fore was the great evangelist of
those of the mountains, and I suppose the great restorer
of the faith and reformer of the rest. Cong was his great
foundation here, the crowning of his work, which held a
very high place among the institutions of Connaught, and
was a resort of the Kings of Connaught who had a house
in the neighbourhood.
FECHIN OF FORE
Fechin was born at Bile near Ballysadare. If he was
educated by St. Nathi of Achonry, as is said, it must have
been in early youth. His education was finished under
St. Fintan Maeldubh who was Abbot of Clonenagh from
603 to 626. It is most probable that he was educated in
Nathi's school under Nathi's successor. He returned to
his native country and did some mission work, but soon
went to a more dangerous field of labour, settling in Omey
to convert the last pagans left in Ireland. This is not quite
92 DIOCESE OF TUAM
the case. Connemara may have been the last considerable
pagan tract, but pagans were far from extinct elsewhere,
and were still powerful. On Omey and on the neighbouring
Ardilaun he founded monasteries. The latter had a con-
siderable reputation and provided Colgan with a life of St.
Fechin in the seventeenth century. These monasteries were
small mission stations for the mainland like MacDara's.
He had to endure hostility at first but worked over and
brought within the faith the country of the Conmaicne Mara
and the western part of the barony of Ross, which abound
in memorials of him. He procured the foundation of Cong
Abbey, which from him was called Cunga Feichin, by Donnell
MacAedh MacAinmirech four years before he became King
of Ireland. This dates the foundation in 623. Donnell can
have given only money and help as he had no connection
with the country. Feichin soon afterwards left these parts
and founded his greatest monastery at Fore about 630. He
died of the plague in 664.
I find but two entries in the Annals regarding his islands —
A.U. 1018. Gormghal of Ard-oilen, chief soul friend of Ireland,
died.
1316. The Vicar of Imaidh, namely, O'Fearghusa, died.
" Soul friend " is properly anchorite according to
Hennessey's note C.S. 1016. Here we have clochans in
use in the nth century.
CEANNFIONNACH, KENNANACH
He is patron of Ballinakill. Hardiman records a tradition
that he was one of the earliest preachers, and that a pagan
chief beheaded him on a spot marked by a heap of stones
at the east end of Cleggan village. The ancient parish
church called after him is 2 miles north of Cleggan. Tempull
Ceannanach on the Middle Isle of Aran bears his name.
Ceannfionnach means White-headed. His real name is
supposed to have been Gregory, by which he is known.
FLANNAN
He is patron of Ballindoon parish. His church in Irrus-
lannan is said to have been formerly the parish church. He
THE DEANERY OF SHRULE 93
must have worked with and in succession to Feichin, for he
was consecrated by the Pope in 640 as first bishop of Killaloe.
These men earned their reputation by hard mission work,
and retired to organise monasteries in which they trained
young men.
MACDARA
His real name was Sinnach, " Fox." He is patron of
Moyrus parish. His ruined stone-roofed oratory on the island
Cruach of MacDara is of very early date. The remains
about it show an important settlement, probably MacDara's
chief Mission Station, whence he and his companions
christianised the people of the mainland. He is supposed
to have lived in the sixth century and is commemorated
on the 1 6th July. His wooden image was kept in the church
until the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Tuam Malachy
O'Queely buried it.
To MacDara, Kennanach, Flannan and Feichin the
Conmaicne Mara owed their Christianity. The adjoining
country between L. Corrib and the sea must have been con-
verted from Aran and Annaghdown, but I cannot find any
particular events connected with it.
COLMAN AND LEO
Inisbofin and Inishark belonged to the Conmaicne in early
times. Colman settled on Inisbofin, but he belongs properly
to Mayo diocese.
St. Leo was on Inishark. His bell was extant at the
close of the seventeenth century. Nothing is known about
him.
The references to Inisbofin are few, and probably relate
to the place of that name in Lough Ree.
F.M. 711. Baetan, Bishop of Inisbofin, died.
A.J. 742. Maelficraich, Abbot of Inisbofin, died.
F.M. 898. Caencomhrac, of the caves of Inisbofin, died.
916. Feradhach, Abbot of Inisbofin, died.
The remains of the early monastery are considerable.
94 DIOCESE OF TUAM
CONG ABBEY
St. Molagga alias St. Loichen, Abbot of Cong, is in the
Martyrology of Donegal on the iyth April. There were
13 Molaggas — Loichen is a diminutive of Lagga or Lacca.
The Martyrology of Gorman mentions Abbot Ermedach
on the 8th June.
The Annals of Clonmacnoise mention the death of
Lambert of Killmayne in 936. He may have been a cleric
of Kilmainemore or Cong.
From the Rental of Cong (see Cong Abbey) I infer that
the ancient Abbey was rebuilt by Cathal Crobhderg in the
first year of his reign, which would be 1189. It is however
possible that the monks may have dated Cathal's reign from
the death of Ruaidhri O'Conor in 1198. In that case the
reconstruction began in 1199 or so, and the removal of
Ruaidhri's body may have been due to the rebuilding of
the church in 1207. For the rebuilding can have only begun
in 1199. The architecture suits this date.
The family of O'Duffy was closely connected with Cong.
They were the Roscommon family whose name is in Lissonuff y,
Lios Ua nDubhthaigh. They are said to have come from
Leinster.
The Cross of Cong was made under the superintendence
of Bishop Donnell O'Duffy, and claims a prayer for Mure-
dach O'Duffy the Senior of Erin. The names of Abbots
Nicol and Gilbert O'Duffy are on the base of the great stone
cross of Cong. This inscription in black letters is attributed
by Dr. Petrie to the I4th century.
1168. Flanagan O'Duffy Bishop [of Elphin] and chief
doctor of the Irish in literature history and poetry, and
of every kind of science known to man in his time died in
the bed of Muredach O'Duffy at Cong. (F.M.)
In 1174 Abbot Gregory witnessed a charter to the Abbey
of St. Finbarr of Cork. '
1223. Dubhthach O'Dubhthaigh, Abbot of Cunga, [qui-
evit] in hoc anno. (L.C.)
1224. Maurice the Canon, son of Roderick O'Conor, the
most illustrious of the Irish for learning psalm-singing and
poetical compositions died and was buried at Cong. (F.M.)
THE DEANERY OF SHRULE 95
1226. Nuala, daughter of Roderick O'Conor, and Queen
of Ulidia, died at Cong, and was buried in the church of the
Canons at Cong (P.M.). She was wife of MacDonslevy.
Donnsleibhe O'Sochlachan, Airchinnech of Cunga, a
professor of singing, and of harp - making — who made,
besides, an instrument for himself, the like of which had
never been made before, and who was distinguished in every
art, both in poetry and engraving, and writing, and every
science that a man could exercise— died in this year. (L.C.)
1245. Donnell O'Flanagan, Abbot of Cong, died. (L.C.)
Oengus, or ^Eneas, MacDonnell was Abbot at the Suppres-
sion and surrendered large possessions.
It was the chief Abbey of Mayo and the north of Gal way.
Its importance must have been largely due to the fact that
much of the land near it was in the hands of the Kings
of Connaught and afterwards of the MacWilliams. Each
dynasty had a dwelling near it.
It had a great collection of literature known as the Book
of the Shred, which most likely was destroyed among other
manuscripts of the Revd. Mr. Prendergast, the last who
held the title of Abbot of Cong, which were cut up by a
tailor during his absence in the beginning of the
century.
INISHMAINE ABBEY AND INISHROBE
The abbey church is of the same age as that of Cong.
The first church is supposed to have been founded on the site
of Eogan Bel's Dun in accordance with St. Cormac's prophecy.
The building called the Penitentiary is as likely to have
been connected with the royal dwelling as with the monas-
tery. It is close to what was the water's edge in former
times. In neither case can any guess even be made as to
its use.
Maelisa, son of Torlogh O'Conor, Prior of Inishmaine,
died in 1223. At some later date this institution became a
cell of the convent of nuns of Kilcreevanty, to whom it
belonged at the dissolution. Inishmaine was a parish church
in 1306.
The ruined church of Ballinchalla on the mainland
96 DIOCESE OF TUAM
whose name seems to have been Killower, is of older date,
altered, and shows tine work in the windows.
On Inishrobe are traces of an early small monastery
about the ruined church which was of early date. It seems
from the local name to have been a Columban community.
The old church in Cuslough replaced it. Inishrobe was a
parish in the I4th century.
CHAPTER XIV
THE ARCHBISHOPS OF TUAM
AEDAN OnOisiN (Hession) received the Pall as Archbishop
of Tuam in the Synod of Kells in 1152, the first Archbishop
under the Roman Church. He held a synod at Roscommon.
In 1158 he set out with the bishops of Connaught to attend
the synod of Bri Mic Taidg near Trim. At the wooden
or wicker bridge on the Shannon near Clonmacnoise called
Corr Cluana they were met by the rebel Carpreach the Swift
and his kerne, who killed the laymen and robbed the clergy
and did not let them go nearer the synod. (Ann. Cl.) He
was an O'Melaghlin quarrelling with his family about the
chieftainship. Aedan died about 1161 and was buried in
his own cathedral.
CADHLA O'DUBHTHAIGH,
called Catholicus O' Duffy in Latin, a learned man, suc-
ceeded. He attended a council called by King Ruaidhri
O' Conor at Athboy in 1168 to acknowledge Ruaidhri as King
of Ireland, and to prepare to resist the invasion then being
organised on behalf of Dermot MacMurrough. Ruaidhri
held an assembly in 1171 at Tuam, where O'Duffy conse-
crated three churches.1
In 1172 he and his suffragans attended the Synod of
Cashel held under the Papal Legate when the church sub-
mitted to the claims of King Henry II. It was henceforth
truly Anglo-Norman for the most part. As the King and
the Pope got control the policy of concentration of endow-
ments in a few prelates and in monasteries was rapidly
carried out.
1 Camb. Ev. ii. 75.
97 G
98 DIOCESE OF TUAM
O' Duffy and C. Abbot of Clonfert and Master Lawrence
Chancellor of the King of Connaught went to England and
made on behalf of Ruaidhri O' Conor the treaty of Windsor
of 1175, whereby Ruaidhri held his kingdom under Henry
upon conditions. St. Lawrence O'Toole Archbishop of Dublin
was a witness.
In 1179 he attended the Lateran Council.
In 1184 " The great church of Tuaim-da-ghualann fell
in one day, both roof and stone." (L.C.) It is probable that
it was not rebuilt ; and that Wolfe's statement that it had
been used as a fortress for 300 years until Bodkin took
possession of it is correct. The chancel survived to the
igth century when it was rebuilt.
In 1201 a synod of the clergy and nobility of Connaught
was convened at Tuam under a Roman cardinal. The
Archbishop then retired to the Abbey of Cong, where he
died in the summer.
FELIX O'RUADAIN,
a Cistercian monk, succeeded him in 1201. This family gave
many ecclesiastics of high rank to Connaught. He is said
to have been an uncle of King Ruaidhri, but this is not
possible as Felix lived to 1238 and Torlogh Mor's mother
cannot have had a son who lived so long. But he may
have been uncle of a Ruaidhri who was confused with
Torlogh's son. His seal is extant, attached to the record
of the testimony of Felix and his suffragans made in
1214 as to the arrangements formerly made for uniting
the see of Glendalough with that of Dublin, showing a
bishop standing, his right hand raised, giving benedic-
tion, and the inscription " SIG • FAEL • ORUADAN • ARCHIEP •
TUAM."
In 1202 John, Cardinal Priest and Legate, held a synod
for all Ireland in Dublin, and a fortnight later one for
Connaught at Athlone.
In 1209 on the death of Bishop Cele O' Duffy Felix
obtained a union of the diocese of Mayo with that of Tuam,
and the reduction of the church of Mayo to the rank of a
parish church. Objection was made that the Pope's order
THE ARCHBISHOPS OF TUAM 99
was obtained by deceit, and litigation was pending in I2I7,1
but the union was permanent. Though the Pope appointed
Bishops of Mayo again it does not appear that any ever
had possession and jurisdiction.
The ancient monastic system of Ireland now came to an
end by the transfer to the bishops of the endowments of
the abbots and monks of the ancient establishment. The
bishops got first the jurisdiction and then the property.
In 1210 " There was a great convocation of the clergie of
Connaught before the bushopp of Twayme, to make con-
stitutions, for the taking away the Termine lands or Cowarb
lands, and annexing them to the bushopricks of the diocess
where they lay, where the cowarb of St. Patrick, the cowarb
of St. Brandon, the cowarb of St. Queran, and the cowarb
of St. Fechine with many others appeared." (A. Cl.) The
change of course gave rise to disputes. The Archbishop
of Tuam seems to have claimed more than his due. He
complained that the Archbishop of Armagh had despoiled
him of the bishoprics of Ardagh and Kilmore (Kevan or
Cavan), and of the churches of Kilmaine, Kilbennan, Kil-
tullagh, Kilcronan in Aghamore, Kilmeena, Oughaval,
Aghagower, Ballyheane and Turlough, built and consecrated
by his predecessors. It was found that Tuam had not
been despoiled of the bishoprics, and as to the churches
it was declared that the Archbishop of Tuam had only
episcopal rights in them and must not usurp any others.
The synods had placed the two bishoprics in the province
of Armagh. The Tuam claim seems to have been based
on the extent of the ancient kingdom of Connaught. Ardagh
was transferred to Tuam after I2i8.2 Disputes dragged
on. In 1241 " Peace was made by the Comarb of Patrick
with the Archbishop of Connacht, and with the other bishops
likewise, on account of Patrick's land in Connacht." (L.C.)
The difficulties were not yet over. In 1351 arrangements
were made for an exchange of lands whereby the rival claims
were satisfied and the contest ceased.
The Pope authorised the Archbishop of Armagh to ex-
1 Theiner, Vetera Monumenta, Ep., 27 Nov. 1217.
2 Ibid., Ep. Honorii III., II Aug. 1216, p. 2. Bliss, Calendar of
Papal Registers, Papal Letters, vol. i. p. 40. Jl. Royal Soc. of Antiq. of
Ireland, 1901, vol. xxxi. p. 24, for identification of churches.
ioo DIOCESE OF TUAM
change for other lands more useful to him 2 carucates in
Armagh, i carucate called le Nerny, the lands of Lenobyr,
Lek and Kyllmor, the lands of Ynesken with those adjacent,
the lands of Turlacha, Slanpatrick, Kilmuduny, Killibenoyn,
Kellakyr, Kellegaweyl, Enghbride, Killibyr, rents at Truyn
and in Westmeath, in the dioceses of Armagh, Clogher,
Tuam, Elphin, Annaghdown and Clonfert. The items from
Turlacha downwards concern Connaught. Kellakyr may
be meant for Cill Leabair, Killower, in Annaghdown.
Kellegaweyl and Killibyr and Truyn I do not identify.
Killibyr appears as Killibyn in Theiner. Enaghbride is a
church in Kilmeen Parish.
Having settled with the Archbishop of Armagh the
Archbishop of Tuam came into litigation with his new
tenants of Slanpatrick, Kilbennan, Kilmeena, Odeyn and
Turlach.
Nevertheless the Archbishop of Armagh revived his
claim in the i6th century when it is alleged that he gave
Henry Tumor a lease of the Manor of Turlough and the
Territory of Tuath Truimm. Nevertheless Walter Bourke
of Turlough was holding them in 1635 as his inheritance.1
The Archbishop of Tuam to whom the Archbishop of
Armagh's rights had passed had by the close of the i6th
century parted with all his rights in Turlough.
The levy of tithe rendered possible the great transfer
of lands to the bishops. It seems to have been part of the
reorganisation which brought Ireland into line with the
rest of Europe. From his time we must date the Episcopal
Fourths as a part of a bishop's income in these dioceses.
THE EPISCOPAL FOURTHS.
In early times offerings taken in churches were divided into
four parts — one for the bishop, one for the priest, one for the
poor, one for the buildings. Sometimes the division was into
three parts — one for the bishop and the poor, one for the
priest, one for the buildings. In course of time another distri-
bution was made. The bishop got one fourth, a rector got
the two fourths for the poor and for the buildings, and the
1 Cal. St. P. Ireland, 1633-1647, p. 109.
THE ARCHBISHOPS OF TUAM 101
priest's fourth, unless he was an absentee, when his substitute
called a vicar got the priest's fourth.
This was in practice a device for taking money out of
the parish. Rectories were suitable endowments for monas-
teries because all monks were " poor," and so kept for them-
selves one fourth, and it did not matter to the parish who
repaired the buildings. The next step was to arrange that
the rector should repair the chancel only and the parishioners
the rest.
Tithes naturally followed this distribution. If paid at
all generally in early times, which does not appear, though
there is a reference to tithes, the practice ceased, and they
were imposed regularly upon Connaught in the time of King
Cathal Crobderg. The division into fourths was not at
first universal in Ireland.
In 1257 the Pope confirmed to the Bishop of Aghadoc
one fourth of the tithes of his diocese according to the
custom in the province of Tuam. The general policy of
the church had been to take the fourth from the bishop
and give it to the incumbent when the bishop had suffi-
cient endowment without it. The Irish bishops usually
had not such an endowment as a bishop ought to have
according to the views then held. Hence the bishops got
the fourth.
It is said that the Church of Ireland lost much of its
early endowments in the disorders arising from the Danish
wars. It was poor as the people generally were poor owing
to the incessant plundering, which rendered the land a poor
source of income as it could not be turned to good account
without a fair degree of peace and order. To the Norman
and other foreign clergy who came in the I2th and I3th
centuries it must have seemed very poor. Yet a considera-
tion of the quantity and distribution of the see lands, which
are found in possession of the bishops in the iQth century
and may be supposed to have been taken over, except a
little, from the comarbs, leads to the conclusion that the
parishes had a fair endowment.
The Connaught bishops must have had much the same
sources of income as Bishop Reeves describes in reference
to the diocese of Deny. The chief items were — i. Rectory
of the mother church. 2. Episcopal third or fourth.
102 DIOCESE OF TUAM
3. Erenagh rents. 4. Refections. The lands were let at
very low rents. The Erenaghs, originally hereditary managers
and tenants of church lands, came in time to be called
comarbs. Though the rent was but a trifle the bishop like
the lay chieftain had unlimited right of supply and service.
The clergy had to support him in his visitation. Refection
and coshering were his main support.
The endowments were now carried away from the parishes
and given to the bishops, whose income must have been
rising during the period when the power of the English
settlers was rising and compelling the Irish lords to keep
the peace during about 150 years. Then the ruin of the
country by wars impoverished the bishops again and the
fourth remained in the bishops' hands.
When Strafford recovered in 1636 much of the improperly
alienated lands, the Archbishop and Bishops of Tuam, Elphin,
Killala and Clonfert petitioned for inquiry and pleaded that
for the fourths proposed to be given to the parochial clergy
they should have an equivalent in church lands recovered,
and a grant from the King to make up any deficiency. A
commission was issued which recovered much property. The
Bishops of Killala and Elphin resigned their fourths. The
Archbishop did so, but the resignation was lost in trans-
mission to Dublin owing to the breaking out of the rebellion.
The Bishop of Clonfert did not resign his fourths, and held
them until they passed to the Ecclesiastical Commissioners
under the Act of 1833.
In 1678 the clergy of Tuam by petition to the Lord-
Deputy and Council called attention to the fact that they
paid the fourth in spite of the resignation and of the receipt
of more than the equivalent by the Archbishop, and in spite
of the Act of Settlement confirming Strafford's dispositions.
Archbishop Vesey called a meeting of the clergy and in-
duced them to recall their agent and drop the petition, upon
terms that he should procure the Wardenship of Galway in
commendam on death of the Warden who was very old,
and should then resign the fourths. He got the Wardenship
and persuaded the clergy to agree that he should keep the
fourths for life.
In 1230 the Archbishop had another quarrel with Armagh
whose Archbishop corruptly intruded a priest into the
THE ARCHBISHOPS OF TUAM 103
vacant bishopric of Ardagh, then under Tuam, in spite of
a lawful election and consecration. Though his appoint-
ment was annulled the Archbishop of Armagh forced
his nominee Joseph in again. Joseph died, and the Arch-
bishop of Tuam secured possession for his man Jocelyn in
1232 or 1233.
In 1216 " the Archbishop O'Ruanadha was cruelly and
violently taken prisoner by the Connachtmen and Maelisa
O'Conchobhair, and put in chains ; a thing we never heard
of before, viz. : — an archbishop being manacled." (L.C.)
About 1216 King Cathal Crobhderg began to build the
great abbey of Ballintubber, said to have been finished in
three years, roofed and shingled with oak, by the abbot
whose death is recorded in 1225. (L.C.)
Can this abbey have been a penance and compensation
for the arrest of the Archbishop ?
In 1216 the death of Patricius Bishop of Knockmoy is
recorded. (L.C.) It does not appear who he was or how
he came to be a bishop.
Owing to weakness and age O'Ruadain resigned his see
in 1235 and retired on a pension to the Cistertian Abbey of
St. Mary at Dublin, where he died in 1238. In 1718 a body
in pontificals was dug up and reburied, which is supposed
to have been Felix.
He reigned in the period when the reorganisation of
the Church on the new scheme was completed. At his ac-
cession he saw the invasions of Connaught by William de
Burgo which procured for William his Irish title of the Con-
queror. When he resigned William's son Richard had com-
pleted the conquest and was lord of two-thirds of Connaught,
and the King of Connaught held but a part of the remainder
under the King of England.
The transfer of the Termon lands accounts for the fact
that the bishops of these dioceses owned so many of the
townlands in which the parish churches stand and so many
other townlands which include or adjoin ancient churches.
The lands of such great abbeys as Cong and Mayo and Errew
passed thus ; the lands they held at the suppression were
later acquisitions. The possessions of the see of Tuam in
the diocese of Elphin must be explained by the transactions
with the Archbishop of Armagh. The disputes and these
104 DIOCESE OF TUAM
possessions taken together suggest that the Archbishop of
Armagh held an exceptional position in this matter and did
not at once transfer his Connaught lands. The churches
of Aghanagh and Shankill and Oran are known to be
Patrician foundations. Kilmore in Moyglass was founded
by him. He founded churches in the country about Strokes-
town which Kildalloge adjoins. The Taghmaconnell lands
of the Archbishop may have been acquired in this trans-
action. One of the unidentified names of churches may be
the proper name of Taghmaconnell. Considering that
Taghmaconnell adjoins Clancarnan it is not impossible that
they came as part of that transaction.
MAELMUIRE O'LACHTNAIN,
in Latin Marianus, Dean of Tuam, succeeded and held his
first synod in 1237. Next year he went to the Holy Land.
This pilgrimage was probably political, to keep him out of
the way of the Anglo-Norman barons who were now settling
down in the country, that he might not be entangled in
the turmoil of the great change. In 1241 he and the other
Connaught bishops made an arrangement with the Arch-
bishop of Armagh regarding his lands.
In 1244 " Tuam da Ghualann was burned, including
four churches, and the houses of the whole town along with
them. The Archdeacon of Tuaim was drowned in Glaislinn-
Chluana." (L.C.)
O'Lachtnain died at Athlone before Christmas of 1249.
FLANN MACFLOINN,
in Latin Florentius, Chancellor of Tuam and Subdeacon of
the Pope, was consecrated on Christmas day of 1251. Friar
Cormac was consecrated as Bishop of Annaghdown at or
about the same time. But Flann seized that bishopric and
kept it by means of an arrangement with the King. The
King and the Pope had worked together to obtain complete
control of the Church of Ireland, and were now in a position
to quarrel with each other.
In 1255 the Archbishop in a joint petition with the Bishop
of Killala complained to the King for himself and for his
THE ARCHBISHOPS OF TUAM 105
suffragans and for all the clergy of Ireland of certain
grievances.
Their complaint that the King's officials held private
inquisitions against and seized ecclesiastical persons and
cast them into prison was settled by an agreement with the
Pope that no ecclesiastical censures should issue against
John FitzGeoffrey the Justiciary, Sir Richard de la Rochelle
the Seneschal of Edward the King's son who was then lord
of Ireland, or Sir John called Cumyn, and that they should
not be prejudiced thereby. The complaint that the officials
entertained ecclesiastical causes in their courts was settled
by an agreement that censures should not be extended to
them in regard to their office. These seem to be matters
in which the clergy had grounds of complaint for which they
got satisfaction in some way in the general settlement.
They further complained that the King's officers and
barons prevented legacies to pious uses and prevented
Crusaders from going to the Holy Land. The same agree-
ment was made. The barons objected because if they
allowed their tenants to alienate to the Church, the clergy
claimed to hold the land free of the services and occasional
revenues which came to the lord from the lands of laymen.
On certain other points connected with the administra-
tion of justice they got such satisfaction as could fairly be
given without allowing them the exemption from the law
which they seem to have aimed at. These were matters
not affecting the church only, but all persons who came
under the jurisdiction of the courts.
" Petition of the Archbishop of Tuam, his suffragans
and their tenants, regarding certain grievances ; with replies
thereto. They say that they are aggrieved by being dragged
from their province and counties to remote places for pur-
poses of litigaton ;
" Respecting this it is provided that all pleas shall com-
mence in their counties, and that all things belonging to
justice shall be therein pleaded and determined according
to law in the eyre ; excepting causes which from their nature
cannot be sent thereto, such as assizes of dareign present-
ment," &c. ... " These pleas, though commenced with-
out the county, shall be remitted to the justices when they
come thither :
io6 DIOCESE OF TUAM
" They likewise say that they are aggrieved because the
K.'s servants issue attachments and summonses in their
lands ; obliging their tenants to go out and labour until they
heavily ransom that labour ;
" This is altogether forbidden ; if henceforth [the K.'s
servants] do this, or presume maliciously to aggrieve persons
by these summonses without order of their superiors, or
without just cause, and are thereof convicted by inquisition,
they shall be removed from their bailiwicks and heavily
ransomed.
" They also say that they are aggrieved because when
they are amerced in the K.'s court, they do not dare,
through fear of further heavy amerciament, to prosecute
their rights and those of their churches ;
" Respecting this it is provided, that if persons bond fide
prosecuting their rights become subject to an amerciament,
they shall be more lightly dealt with than legal rigour would
demand, and this according to the extent of their offence,
their substance, and their tenure :
" They further say that they are aggrieved in this, that
if any one of their tenants be indicted for an offence, and
wish to put himself thereupon on the country, this is denied,
and certain proofs are improperly admitted against him ;
" As to this it is provided that when persons against whom
an offence is charged, wish to put themselves on the country,
it shall not be denied to them to do so, unless in a case where
it is not possible :
" They likewise say that they are aggrieved because they
are impleaded respecting lands which they and their ancestors
have peaceably held in the time of the Lord Henry, the
K.'s grandfather, from the conquest by the English, and
even before the arrival of the latter in Ireland ;
" Regarding this, it is ordained that if petitioners declare
regarding the seisin of their predecessors before the time of
Henry, the K.'s grandfather, and before the conquest of the
English, and do not declare of the time of the K.'s grand-
father, nor after the time of the said conquest, they shall
lose their right ; and if a tenant puts himself on a great
assize averring that time, and if the assize find that the
petitioner or his ancestors never had seisin within the time
of the K.'s grandfather, nor after the conquest, then the
THE ARCHBISHOPS OF TUAM 107
petitioner shall lose his cause ; and the tenant shall be freed
from the demand ;
" The writ called Utrum shall be granted to archbishops,
bishops, abbots, priors, and chapters holding parish churches
appropriate, touching the sanctuary of the churches, which
is not granted touching other fees ;
" If a bailiff or other person be proved to have taken,
in order to render aid or favour, the whole or part of lands
impleaded, he shall be removed from office, and be subject to
heavy ransom." l
After the conquest the visitations of the Archbishops
were brought into conformity with the English practice
and were regulated by Bulls. Disputes arose with Armagh.
The Primatial Visitation of Armagh in the Tuam province
was septennial for an unlimited period. The litigation re-
garding it was settled by Pope Alexander IV. in a Bull 2
which was published in 1262, deciding that the Archbishops
of Armagh may call themselves Primates of the Province
of Tuam, and may cause the cross to be carried before them
through that province, and may hold visitations in it from
five years to five years, and continue 27 days therein each
time.
Flann is said to have been a man of learning and of
knowledge of law. He died at Bristol in 1256.
The chapter elected James O'Lachtnain, a Franciscan,
in 1256. The King confirmed the election without waiting
for the Pope's approval. The Pope set the election aside
and appointed
WALTER DE SALERNO,
Dean of St. Paul's, London, whom he consecrated.8 The
King at first refused to acknowledge the appointment. On
the 2nd September he made an order refusing to put Walter
in possession of the temporalities until he should come in
person and render fealty according to custom, but in con-
sideration that he was an Englishman and might be useful
in regard to the King's affairs, the King allowed the Arch-
1 D.I., ii. p. 82.
2 Theiner, Ep. Alex. IV. No. 180, 14 Oct. 1255.
8 Ibid., Ep. 198, 29 May 1257.
io8 DIOCESE OF TUAM
bishop's bailiffs to use his house and deal with his lands,
keeping the profits until the Archbishop comes and renders
fealty when the King will of his grace restore the temporalities
or keep them, as may be his pleasure. In November the
King having taken Walter into favour ordered the tempo-
ralities to be given to him from the former date. Walter
died in April 1258 in England on his way from London to
Tuam, so never had actual possession. He was the first
Archbishop not of Irish family.
TOMALTACH O'CONOR,
otherwise Thomas O'Conor, was elected in January 1259.
He had been Dean of Achonry until 1254, an<^ was Bishop
of Elphin. In April 1259 tne Pope authorised him and
the Dean and Chapter to raise a loan of 2400 marks for
necessary expenditure.1 A letter of 1263 shows that Thomas
had engaged to pay 1000 marks advanced to the Pope by
certain merchants.
In 1265 " A conference was held by Tomaltach O'Conchob-
hair, Archbishop of Connacht, with David Prendergast and
the MacMurchadhas ; and a great number of the Archbishop's
people were slain by them on that day at Cill-Medhoin." (L.C.)
The conference seems to have been what is otherwise called
a fight, or became one. We are not told the subject of con-
ference. At this time the war of the De Burgos and
Geraldines gave Aedh O'Conor the King of Connaught an
opportunity of plundering in the De Burgo country. Mac-
Murchadhas is probably a mistake for MacMaurices, Irish
tribe name of the Prendergasts of Mayo, who held not
directly from De Burgo but from FitzGerald of Offaley. So
probably they met to discuss the triangular war. He died
in June 1279. " Tomaltach, son of Toirdhelbach, son of
Maelsechlainn O'Conchobhair, archbishop of Tuam, the most
eminent man in all Erinn for wisdom and knowledge, for
hospitality and nobility, for munificence, and for distributing
jewels and valuables to all in general, died after the triumph
of penitence." His grandfather perhaps was a son of King
Torlogh Mor.
1 Theiner, Ep, No. 209.
THE ARCHBISHOPS OF TUAM 109
VACANCY.
Disputed elections and appointments caused a long
vacancy. Some canons elected Malachi, a Franciscan of
Limerick, some elected Nicholas de Machin. The King
assented to Malachi's election in April 1280. Neither ever
held the see. In October 1283 Edward I. wrote thus to
the Pope : " During a late vacancy in the Church of Tuam,
Ireland, a criminal and illegitimate clerk, named Nicholas
Mayglyn, who draws his origin from the race of traitors
against the K., has adhered to rebels, and raised disturbances
in that country, has been it is said elected to rule that church,
and has obtained from the Pope an auditor in the matter of
his election. By ancient and approved custom license to elect,
and on election made, the royal assent ought to have been
asked for, but this has not been done in prejudice and con-
tempt of the K.'s dignity and honour. Wherefore the
K. prays his Holiness to expel this man as unworthy,
and to provide a worthy man who is faithful to the K.,
loves peace and knows how to govern the church of Tuam,
both spiritually and temporally." 1
Malachi left Rome without the Pope's permission and
Nicholas resigned his claim. Nicholas's surname seems to
have been MacFloinn or MagFhloinn. On the I2th July 1286
the Pope appointed Stephen de Fulburn, Bishop of Waterford,
brother of Walter de Fulburn Chancellor of Ireland. He
had been Justiciary in 1279, was removed in 1280, reap-
pointed after Sir Robert de Ufford in 1282.
STEPHEN DE FULBURN
was given possession of the sees of Tuam and Annaghdown
on the I5th September. He was a minister of the King and
probably had very little to do with Tuam. When he died
in 1288 all his property was seized for his debts to the
King. His public correspondence and accounts were sealed
up as found in Athlone Castle. On examination in Dublin
many documents were missing whereby the King lost
many debts due to him. The following is the inventory
1 D. /., ii.
no DIOCESE OF TUAM
of what was taken at Tuam and Athlone soon after the
3rd July : «—
' TUAM. In the wardrobe.
" i silver ewer of the weight of 4 /., i silver-gilt cup, with
a cover of the weight of 40$., 3 cloths of gold, 12 striped
cloths for Esquires, i cloth for men of trade, i cloth for
grooms, 33 furs with lambskins, 4 score and 9 ells of linen
for table-cloths, 10 towels, n pairs of silken shoes, 5 score
pounds of almonds, 30 Ibs. of rice, i frail of figs, 10 Ibs. of
dates, 2 pieces de cindone, 4 ells de carde ; in a chest 2 cups of
silver, i white coverlet, 2 capes, i large bible ; in another chest
100 /. of silver, £ black cloth for the use of the archbishop ;
and 4 entire black cloths for knights and clerks, with fur.
" Pantry or buttery — i silver salt-cellar, 3 gold spoons,
12 large silver spoons and 12 smaller ones, 5 silver plates,
1 silver dish for alms, 2 large silver ewers, 9 silver pots with
covers, i gold plate with a gold cover, 3 gilt silver cups with
feet : 2 smaller silver ewers.
" Kitchen — 2 large silver dishes and 3 smaller ones,
13 smaller silver dishes, and 18 silver salt-cellars.
" Armour — 6 halberds and 2 coats of mail, 3 pairs of iron
cuirasses, 3 pairs of new trappings (trappes), and 2 pairs
of old.
" Stables — i large white palfrey, and another called
Hackney ; horses called Lyvet, Jordan, Feraunt of Trim,
Banean, Blaunchard of London, and 2 large horses called
Constable and Bendur ; 2 sumpter horses for the wardrobe ;
horses called Scampane, Black Obin, Feraunt and Dunnyng.
" ATHLONE. In the chapel.
" i Principal vestment, i chasuble with a cross of pearls,
2 mitres and a crozier, i chalice of silver-gilt, embroidered
copes, a vestment for holydays, i silk frontal for the altar,
I silk cope, 4 tuallie, i missal, i noted breviary (porteors
notatus), i noted gradual, i book of the dedication of churches,
and another book of blessings, i small bible, i silver censer,
i silver vase to put myrrh in, i silver vase to put holy water
in, with a silver sprinkler, 2 silver ewers, i portable altar,
6 choir copes of Baudekin, and 3 of silk, 3 tunicles with a red
chasuble, and 3 surplices."
He had 50 horses elsewhere.
1 D. /., iii.
THE ARCHBISHOPS OF TUAM in
In August 1289 out of respect to the church the King
wishing the church of Tuam to be decorated with the orna-
ments of the Archbishop's chapel orders then- delivery to
the Dean and Chapter. These articles appear to be the
Archbishop's travelling furniture for his chapel. The re-
mainder appears to be his private personal property.
WILLIAM DE BERMINGHAM
succeeded him and went to Rome for confirmation which
was given on the 2nd May 1289. Being in subdeacon's
orders he was at once made a deacon, and was empowered
to receive priest's orders on the 26th May and to be con-
secrated on the same day. He was allowed to keep his
benefices for three years ; and during those three years to
receive one year's revenue of every benefice vacated, he
making provision for the cure of souls. These grants were
necessary to provide the fees payable to the Pope and his
officials upon appointment. As part of this arrangement
the Pope confirmed to William rector of Tyrnachtin in the
diocese of Tuam a dispensation to hold the church of Knock-
raffan in Cashel given him in his eleventh year, that of Moy-
drisce in Killaloe, which he received before he was 23, and
after the Council of Lyons, those of Athnetyg and Castle-
conor and Tyrnachtin in the dioceses of Tuam and Killala,
all with cure of souls, and held by him for many years, except
the last which he held only n months, without papal dis-
pensation although he was not ordained priest ; and he
was to be promoted to episcopal dignity, all irregularity
incurred by him in respect of the above being removed.
Tyrnachtin is the parish of Kilcolman. Athnetyg is
probably a scribal error for Athneryg, Athnariogh ; he was
certainly rector of Athenry l He was second son of Meiler
de Bermingham lord of Carbury in Kildare and of Dunmore
and Athenry where he founded the Dominican Friary in
1241, and of other great territories. From Meiler came
the de Berminghams of Connaught.
After the death of Archbishop O'Conor the Dean and
Chapter of Annaghdown had elected a bishop who was
1 Bliss, CaL of Papal Registers, Papal Letters, vol. i. p. 498. Theiner,
Vet. Men., Ep. No. 319.
112
confirmed by the King but not by the Pope. Stephen dc
Fulburn had possession of both sees. At his death they
prepared to restore the independence of their church by
placing the insignia in charge of the Friars of Clare Galway.
William sent his Archdeacon Philip Le Blound, or Blunt,
who by force entered the monastery and carried them away.
Philip was indicted. The result is not known.
In 1291 the King was trying to raise money from the
clergy, but in vain, as appears from the following letter of
the Archbishop,1 in abstract — " W[illiam] Archbishop of
Tuam to the K. Had received the K.'s letters praying
him to convoke the suffragans and clergy of his province
and induce them to grant to the K. a tenth of their spiritu-
alities, to exonerate the debts for necessary expenses con-
tracted by the K. while he tarried in parts beyond the sea
touching the liberation of Charles King of Sicily. The arch-
bishop replies that he had convoked the suffragans and
clergy of his province accordingly, and fervently prayed
them not to refuse the K.'s petition. The clergy having
deliberated unanimously answered for their part that on
account of war and poverty, and in order to preserve the
liberties of their Church unimpaired, they could by no means
grant that petition ; and the suffragans, alleging that on
account of those reasons and an appeal made to the Apostolic
See by the clergy they could not differ from that answer,
and so decided with the clergy in the negative. The Arch-
bishop convoked the remainder of his clergy and urgently
prayed them not to refuse the K.'s petition, intimating
to them as to the suffragans and their clergy that though
they might feel somewhat aggrieved by granting the petition
yet that they might thereby gain the goodwill of the K.'s
ministers, and that the K. himself might be induced to
abolish the grievances inflicted on the Church of Ireland and
on ecclesiastical persons, and perhaps restore that Church
to its state of former liberty. They answered that their
benefices were so small and they themselves so impoverished
by Irish vassals and war that their whole year's supplies
did not suffice for 6 months ; being therefore totally unable
to comply with the petition they recommended that the
Apostolic See should be applied to ; special license from
1 D. /., iii. No. 899.
THE ARCHBISHOPS OF TUAM 113
it was according to canonical statutes necessary to obtain
such a grant. . . . Athenry." [The latter portion is
illegible.]
The King did apply and got a grant of the tenth which
was the cause of the Ecclesiastical Taxation which has come
down to us, which was actually drawn up for the years 1306
and 1307. De Bermingham was always engaged in a quarrel
with some one. In 1303 the Dean of Annaghdown was in
Rome making complaints of his conduct. One was that
William for a bribe appointed Malachy (O'Dondobuir) to
be Bishop of Elphin in spite of the Pope's decision that
Marianus had been elected, and, when Marianus died before
taking possession, let Malachi take possession forcibly.
In 1306 Gilbert was elected Bishop of Annaghdown and
got possession in 1308, when the see became for a time in-
dependent. It does not appear how the separation came
about.
William went to Rome in 1309. In that year his litiga-
tion with the Dominican Friary of Athenry ended. The
monks claimed exemption from the Archbishop's visitation.
He sent Archdeacon Philip Blunt to hold a visitation at
Athenry. They attended and protested in such fashion that
the Archbishop excommunicated them. The Friars replied
in February 1298 by an application to the Chancellor who
ordered the Archbishop to withdraw his proclamations
instantly. The Archbishop's action must have been illegal,
as he undertook to withdraw and annul everything done
against them. The Archdeacon did not defend a suit which
they brought against him for £1000. But it does not follow
that they got much out of Philip.
William died on ist January 1312 and was buried near
his father in the Dominican church of Athenry.
The Chapter desired to elect Philip the Dean, who refused
election. Thereupon they appointed Philip and Archdeacon
Peter and Canon Nicholas Flammini (Fleming ?) and Canon
Laurence de Tuanna (Tuam ?) and Canon William de
Dummo (Dunmor ?) to choose, who chose Maelseachlainn
MacAedha, Bishop of Elphin, whom the Chapter elected.
He neither accepted nor refused but referred the election
to the Holy See.1
1 Theiner, Vet. Mon., p. 185.
H
ii4 DIOCESE OF TUAM
MAELSEACHLAINN MACAEDHA,
or Malachi, was translated by the Pope on the igth December
1212. He began by an attack on Bishop Gilbert of Annagh-
down, which caused Edward II. to complain to the Pope
of his misrepresentations and of the annoyance which he
caused to Gilbert. This attack failed.
When Edmund de Burgo became Provost in 1313 the
emoluments were said to be worth 5 marks sterling.1
Flann MacFloinn with consent of his Chapter exempted
the nunnery of Casta Silva, Kilcreevanty, from his juris-
diction as ordinary, save for the right of holding a triennial
visitation in company with the Abbot of Cong and receiving
a certain procuration. Laxity having arisen in the convent
the Pope restored to the Archbishop the right of visitation as
ordinary.2
Acting upon a secret order of the Pope MacAedha seized
the bishopric of Annaghdown when Bishop O'Mellaidh died
in 1328, and held it against a Thomas who was elected. The
wars in Connaught and the King's abandonment of authority
there probably caused the matter to drop. The details
appear under Annaghdown.
MacAedha, or Magee, was as violent and unscrupulous
in his dealings with Annaghdown as any layman could have
been. He seems in character and conduct to have been like
his predecessor.
After Earl Richard de Burgo's death in 1324 he was made
one of the Governors of Connaught during Earl William's
minority. After Earl William's murder in 1333 he was again
Governor or Justice of the Peace jointly with Sir Edmond
de Burgo, son of Earl Richard, who had a lease of the infant
countess's demesne lands. When Sir Edmond was seized
at Ballinrobe in April 1338 and carried to the Earl's Island
in the Keel Lough of Glentraigue by his cousin Sir Edmond
Albanagh, the Archbishop came to make terms between
the Edmonds. Peace was almost made when the Stauntons
who guarded the prisoner murdered him.3 From this time
the King's authority ended and by degrees English Law
1 Theiner, p. 188. z Ibid., 20 Feb. 1321.
3 Hardiman's Ed. of 0 'Flaherty 's West of Connaught, p. 47.
THE ARCHBISHOPS OF TUAM 115
disappeared save in the towns of Galway and Athenry, whose
inhabitants kept apart from the country people.
MacAedha died of the plague in 1348.
The following entries appear in this period in Annals of
Loch Ce". 1328. " Maurice O'Gibillan, high master of Erinn
in new laws and old laws, in Canon and Lex ; a philo-
sopher in wisdom and true knowledge ; an eminent pro-
fessor of poetry, and of Ogham writing, and many other
arts ; a canon chorister in Tuaim-da-ghualann, and in
Oilfinn, and in Achadh-Conaire, and in Cill-Alaidh, and
in Enach-duin, and in Cluainferta-Brenainn, and the offi-
cial and general judge of all the Archbishopric, in Christo
quievit."
Under 1287 was recorded the death of "Florence O'Gibellan,
Archdeacon of Oilfinn, a philosopher in wisdom, learning,
intellect and clerkship." The family seems to have been
learned and clerical.
The Church had fallen so low by the corruption of pre-
lates, and the concentration of endowments in the hands
of a few, and the general misapplication of revenues, that
the Archbishop of Cashel had to complain in 1344 of the
lack of parsons in Ireland and to obtain permission to ordain
illegitimate persons as others could not be got. The dis-
pensations for illegitimacy show that his complaint was just.
THOMAS O' CARROLL
succeeded him. The Dean and Chapter elected their chan-
cellor Robert de Bermingham. The Pope appointed Thomas,
Archdeacon of Cashel, whom he translated to that Arch-
bishopric in 1358. In his time lands were exchanged with
the Archbishop of Armagh to quiet disputes.
JOHN O'GRADY,
Archdeacon of Cashel, was elected and consecrated in the
same year. He is the clerk of Killaloe diocese, a bachelor
in civil law, who got dispensation of a bar to priests' orders
on account of illegitimacy, and in whose favour the Pope
made a declaration in 1358 that he might even hold episcopal
office, upon petition by the Archbishop and some Bishops
n6 DIOCESE OF TUAM
of Cashel province on the ground of lack of literate men in
those parts. He died in 1371.
Bishop of Elphin, was elected to Tuam. He was fined £100
for not attending a Parliament at Castledermot to which
he was summoned. It does not appear that he paid the
fine.
While he was Provost of Killala he was consecrated
Bishop of Down by order of the Pope upon a report which
reached Avignon that Bishop Rodolph died. But Rodolph
soon afterwards appeared. When Gregory died in 1384
the King attempted to take possession of the temporalities.
The escheator reported that the lands were worthless because
no rents could be collected.
GREGORY O'MOCHAIN
was now appointed by the Anti-Pope Clement VII. The
other Pope Urban VI. ordered his removal which Richard II.
undertook to enforce. As Urban was recognised in England
and Ireland Gregory had to retire. He is the Archbishop
who with the Bishops of Clonfert, Kilmacduagh and Achonry
is noted in the Anti-Pope's order of suspension of the Bishop
of Killala as having accepted his authority.
WILLIAM O'CORMACAIN
was appointed by the Pope in 1386. In 1394, for some reason
which does not appear, the Pope degraded him to the bishopric
of Clonfert which he did not take up.
MUIRCHEARTACH O'CEALLAIGH,
or Maurice O'Kelly, Bishop of Clonfert was translated to
Tuam in exchange with O'Cormacain. In the same year
the Pope made Henry Turlton, or Twellow, Bishop of Annagh-
down, severing that see from Tuam. O'Kelly died at Tuam
in 1407.
Some doubt arises as to the succession here. According
to Wadding (vol. ix. p. 348), the Pope removed Brother John
Baberla, or Baterley, because he took possession of the see,
without further authority than a nomination by Pope Alex-
THE ARCHBISHOPS OF TUAM 117
ander V., and did not expedite his letters of promotion, and
appointed Brother Cornelius on the I4th October 1411. These
appointments seem to have been practically inoperative.
JOHN BABYNG,
a Dominican, is said to have been appointed in 1410, and
certainly was appointed about that time. Nothing is known
about him. He died about 1427.
JOHN BATTERLEY, OR BARLAY,
a Dominican, who seems to be the man who had been ap-
pointed and removed, was appointed in 1427. He is said
to have been learned and eloquent. He died in 1437 and
was buried in the Dominican Friary of Athenry. He must
have resigned in or before 1430.
JOHN WlNGFIELD, ALIAS BERMINGHAM,
was appointed on the 8th July 1430. No more is known.
THOMAS O' KELLY,
a Dominican, was appointed in 1438 and died in 1441.
JOHN DE BURGO,
son of the Parson, son of MacSeonin, succeeded and died at
Galway in 1450.
Redmond Bermingham, son of William, is said to have
been appointed by the Pope and to have died before he took
possession.
DONNCAD O'MURCADA,
otherwise Donatus O' Murray, a Canon Regular of St.
Augustine, became Archbishop of Tuam and Bishop of
Annaghdown under a contract to pay the Pope 333 gold
florins within six months from the 25th April 1451. Perhaps
he did not pay in full, for in 1458 Thomas Barrett was made
Bishop of Annaghdown on payment of 133 gold florins, which
were worth about 2s. 10^.
u8 DIOCESE OF TUAM
The fees to the Pope on appointment at this time
were —
For the Archbishopric of Canterbury 1 0,000 gold florins.
„ „ Dublin 2,000 „
„ „ Armagh 1,500 „
„ „ Cashel 400 „
„ „ Tuam 200
For the Bishopric of Clonfert 300
,, „ Annaghdown 133
„ „ Elphin 66
„ „ Kilmacduagh 50
„ „ Killala 40
„ „ Achonry 33
» » Mayo 33
The payments had been fixed in 1392 at half the revenue of
the see for the first year.
The valuation of Connaught dioceses appears to follow
the degree in which they have been occupied by English
colonists. Clonfert which was nearly all thickly colonised
is by far the richest. Annaghdown comes after Tuam, the
part east of Lough Corrib being well settled and having the
town of Galway within it. The great diocese of Elphin
containing great tracts of fine land is worth only half as
much.
In 1484 Donogh formed the Wardenship of Galway.
Thomas Barrett, the absentee Bishop of Annaghdown who
was Richard III.'s agent in Ireland in 1484, perhaps arranged
this as it was carved out of his diocese. A similar arrange-
ment for Athenry came to nothing. On the 5th February
1485 Innocent VIII. confirmed the order of the Archbishop
of Tuam constituting the Rectory and Vicarage of Athenry
to be a Collegiate Church under a Warden or keeper and eight
priests as members to be called Vicars, the Warden to be
appointed annually by the corporation of the town and the
members to be presented by it ; at the request of Thomas
Berymesayn the patron and of John de Burgo the existing
Rector and Vicar.1 The patron is no doubt Thomas Berming-
ham, Lord Athenry.
Donogh died on iyth January 1485.
1 Theiner, p. 493.
THE ARCHBISHOPS OF TUAM 119
WILLIAM JOY
was appointed on the ijih May 1485 and was consecrated
in 1487. He confirmed the acts forming the Wardenship
of Galway and extended it.
As Joy and the Bishops of Ossory and Clogher alone
among the Irish bishops did not recognise Lambert Simnel,
Henry VII. gave them a commission to pardon Lambert's
supporters on their acknowledging error and taking the
oath of allegiance.
In 1496 the Pope appointed Francis a monk to ba
Bishop of Annaghdown. It does not appear that he ever
had possession and Annaghdown never appears again as a
separate diocese.
In 1501 the Pope ordered him to excommunicate the
sons of iniquity who secreted the property of the Wardenship
and defrauded and plundered it.
Joy died on the 28th December 1501.
PHILIP PENSON,
an English Franciscan friar, suffragan of the Cardinal Bishop
of Hereford, was appointed on the 2nd December 1503, being
then at Rome, but died of the plague within a week.
MAURICE O'FIHELY DE PORTU,
a Franciscan friar, born at Baltimore, was appointed in
1506, but did not go to Ireland until after attending the
Lateran Council in 1512. Having got as far as Galway he
died and was buried in the Franciscan Friary. He was
educated at Pisa, a learned man and a writer, much interested
in the new art of printing.
THOMAS O'MULLALY,
a Franciscan, of the family of O'Mullaly of Tullanodaly
near Dunmore, succeeded in 1513. The educational in-
stitutions of Connaught did not bear a high reputation in
those days. A synod of the province of Dublin directed
that candidates for orders from the Tuam province should
be specially examined. In 1523 he held a synod at Galway.
He died on 28th April 1536 and was buried in the tomb of
Maurice O' Finely.
120 DIOCESE OF TUAM
During the period which now closed bishops were
absentees, and even such a see as Tuam was vacant for
years. We have no information as to the conduct of episcopal
business in those cases. We may suppose that the absentee
bishops let their endowments and fees to farmers as they
must have got some money out of their dioceses. They
would not have paid the fees on appointment for bare titles.
At the beginning of his episcopate the power of the Church
of Rome in these countries was unshaken. Before it closed
King Henry VIII. had broken with the Pope and the in-
dependent churches of England and Ireland were restored.
The state of the church in Ireland is described as follows
in a review of the State of Ireland which is undated but was
written about the year I5I5-1
" Some sayeth, that the prelates of the Churche, and
clergye, is muche cause of all the mysse order of the land ;
for ther is no archebysshop, ne bysshop, abbot, ne prior,
parson, ne vycar, ne any other person of the Churche, high
or lowe, greate or smalle, Englyshe or Iryshe, that useyth
to preache the worde of Godde, saveing the poore fryers
beggers ; and ther wodde of Godde do cesse, ther canne
be no grace, and wythoute the specyall [grace] of Godde,
this lande maye never be reformyd ; and by preacheing
and techeing of prelates of the Churche, and by prayer and
oryson of the devoute persons of the same, Godde useyth
alwaye to graunte his aboundante grace, ergo, the Churche,
not useing the premysseis, is muche cause of all the said mysse
ordre of this lande.
" Also, the Churche of this lande use not to lerne any other
scyence, but the Lawe of Canon, for covetyse of lucre
traunsytory ; all other scyence, whereof growe none suche
lucre, the parsons of the churche doth despyce. They cowde
more by the ploughe rustycall, then by lucre of the ploughe
celestyall, to whiche they hathe streccheyd ther handes,
and loke alwayes backwarde. They tende muche more to
lucre of that ploughe, wherof groweth sclaunder and rebuke,
then to lucre of the sowles, that is the ploughe of Cryste.
And to the traunsytorye lucre of that rustycall ploughe they
tendre so muche, that lytill or nought ther chargeyth to
1 Record Commn. State Papers Henry VIII. Correspondence relating to
Ireland, vol. ii. p. 15.
THE ARCHBISHOPS OF TUAM 121
lucre to Cryste, the sowles of ther subgetes, of whom they
here the cure, by preacheing and teacheing of the worde of
Godde, and by ther good insample gyveing ; which is the
ploughe of worshipp, and of honour, and the ploughe of grace
of that ever shall indure."
The appointment of his successor may be taken as the
beginning of the new movement and order in this province.
CHRISTOPHER BODKIN
was appointed by the King on the I5th February 1537,
being then Bishop of Kilmacduagh which he continued to
hold. On the yth October the Pope appointed Arthur
O'Frizil, Canon of Raphoe, who never got possession of the
see. Bodkin belonged to the Gal way family of Bodkin.
Immediately after his appointment the monasteries were
dissolved and the estates were let on lease or granted to
laymen, in the county of Galway chiefly to the Earl of
Clanricard, from time to time. By favour of the grantees
the monks often continued to live in the buildings. Though
at this time the King had no real power in Connaught outside
the towns of Galway and Athenry and the castle garrisoned
by his forces at Athlone, the dissolution was effective. No
resistance was made. It could not have been done so easily
if the Church had not lost its hold on the people. The great
lords through whom everything was done had no regard
for the monks, nor had their people whose feelings were
reflected in the actions of their tribal chieftains. They took
the lands but left the monks the use of the houses which were
not defensible for lay lords' occupation.
In the beginning of the i6th century the Church had
fallen to its greatest degradation. Apart from the direct
evidence as to the state of cathedral and parish churches,
even in Meath, decay might be inferred from the fact that
bishops were absent from their sees for years, and from
the policy since the I2th century of aggrandising bishops
and monasteries at the expense of the parochial organisation.
Buildings were in ruins, priests as ignorant as the laity and
exceedingly poor. Of parochial incomes the bishop had a
quarter or a third, the rector a half or a third, the vicar a
quarter or a third. The rectory was almost always held by
122 DIOCESE OF TUAM
an absentee dignitary or by a convent. Even the vicarage
was alienated in some cases. Bodkin's account shows how
laymen had seized endowments by force, apparently without
a shadow of right. Though he evidently treats the benefices
which had been the property of abbeys and which were in
lay hands as usurped, yet there are benefices, such as the
prebends and vicarages, which were not monastic property
at any time, which were held so.
Preaching had now been abandoned to the mendicant
orders, who were outside the parochial system. Though
parish churches belonged to convents under the old Irish
organisation, no evil followed therefrom because their rules
allowed the monks to serve as parish priests and the revenues
were not withdrawn for the benefit of the central abbey,
so far as we can judge. Hence we find ruins of small
churches all over the country, every village almost or group
of families having its church. Many of the parish churches
of the I2th and early I3th century were large and fine
buildings. These were let fall into decay and the parish
churches of subsequent dates were relatively small buildings,
But monastic churches were commonly magnificent in com-
parison. And then the desire for reform arose among the
laity and the spiritually minded clergy in England and on
the Continent, but not among the Irish. Thus the Reforma-
tion came on Ireland generally from without and not from
within. And so the monasteries disappeared easily and
the new clergy were appointed by the King without diffi-
culty, until political feelings became associated with religion.
It is not to be supposed that the monasteries were useless.
In their way they did good, but their activity was limited
and they ruined the parochial and educational system of
old times, leaving the people without religious or secular
teaching.
In 1541 Bodkin was put on a commission to settle dis-
putes in Connaught. In 1543 at a provincial synod at
Galway he confirmed the grants to the Wardenship. About
40 houses in the dioceses of Tuam and Annaghdown were
suppressed. The Augustinian convent of Dunmore was
spared upon Lord Athenry's application, because it had no
lands, was in a wild country, and was founded by his
ancestors.
THE ARCHBISHOPS OF TUAM 123
Bodkin was evidently trusted by the Government as
long as he lived. He had been educated at Oxford, which
accounts for the fact that so many of his incumbents were
studying there when he drew up his account of the diocese
after the death of Queen Mary.
When that Queen restored Papal authority in 1555
Cardinal Pole held an inquiry at Lambeth to ascertain who
was Archbishop of Tuam. O'Frizil did not appear. The
Archdeacon of Kilmacduagh deposed that the Cathedral
Church of Tuam was properly furnished, but its belfry was
in ruins ; that it had a dean, an archdeacon, a provost and
ten or twelve canons ; that the town of Tuam was in ruins
and almost deserted ; that Bodkin had taken possession
of the see after the death of Archbishop O'Mullaly ; that
he was a defender of orthodoxy and more through fear than
depravity of intention contracted the sin of schism. Thus
he delicately explained that Bodkin could conform to the
requirements of King or Pope as might be necessary for the
retention of his office. It is not known if a formal decision
was pronounced. Bodkin was certainly recognised by the
Pope. It was said that by agreement O'Frizil resigned
and Bodkin was appointed. It is certain that Bodkin always
was Archbishop and it is quite certain that his appointment
was by the King. In Queen Mary's time he was firmly
established in his place. It is by no means certain that
Queen Mary could have ejected him, seeing that she had
no real authority over the Connaught lords and that he
evidently was cordially supported by them.
In the same year it was reported that the Cathedral at
Annaghdown was abandoned, that only one mass was offered
on festivals, that it had one chalice and vestment, that the
dean, archdeacon and some canons attached to it did not
reside.
Bodkin took the oath of allegiance to Queen Elizabeth
and held the same position under her. The account or
visitation of his dioceses appears to have been drawn up
at her accession, and shows the disorderly condition of the
church at this time.
In 1561 David Wolfe the Pope's Legate in Ireland re-
ported that Bodkin had great influence with the gentry ;
that he had forcibly and at personal risk taken possession
124 DIOCESE OF TUAM
of the Cathedral of Tuam which was for 300 years used as
a fortress where no divine service was held, that Mass was
celebrated and that he himself was usually in the choir every
day ; that there were not more than 20 or 30 houses in
Tuam ; that he had submitted to the Queen and held his
see (as did the bishop of Clonfert) by force of arms (as against
the Pope), but that he pleaded a composition made by
Cardinal Pole between him and O'Frizil who had resigned
with the Pope's sanction ; that he further alleged that
Mayo which he also held had been long united with Tuam.
This last sentence may refer to the matter of Duald
MacFirbis's entry that William Burke the Blind Abbot
expelled Mac An Brehon Bishop of Mayo, whom Ussher
calls last Bishop of Mayo. Mac An Brehon was most likely
in the same position as O'Frizil, appointed by the Pope
in opposition to Bodkin. William Burke appears in Bodkin's
account as holding by force benefices in the diocese of
Mayo.
The Mass was not prohibited until 1559. It continued
in Connaught unaffected by prohibition until Queen Elizabeth
sent governors to enforce the law strictly in the last quarter
of the century, when monks and priests were agents of the
Pope and the King of Spain.
Bodkin seems to have been a man of great abilities and
religious feeling, who bore a very high character and who
conformed to the small demands of the Kings and Queens
on the western clergy in the matter of doctrine and practice.
When he was appointed by the King he accepted the Royal
Supremacy and in all other respects followed the Church of
Rome. The one point on which he seems to have been firm
as against the Pope was that he was Archbishop of Tuam,
and so he remained to the end of his days. The Reformation
had not yet spread far into Ireland. But he no doubt had
acquired in Oxford views of the Reformers as to conduct of the
clergy which made him a very good Archbishop. Reforma-
tion had begun now in the Church of Rome also in respect
of conduct. The clergy were beginning to be a different class
from those of the early years of the century. In Bodkin's
time no attempt was made to interfere with Roman doctrines
and practices in Connaught. The Connaught lords were now
suffering so much from incessant warfare that those of Anglo-
THE ARCHBISHOPS OF TUAM 125
Norman descent at least were ready to accept royal authority
to put an end to the fighting and enable them to enjoy their
own in peace. But they had not yet learnt that royal
authority meant that they too must obey the law, that even
their own subjects would have rights against them. So
they had no feeling against the King and no feeling for or
against reform in the Church. It seems to have been a matter
of indifference to them so long as they were not interfered
with. When the Queen's governors and soldiers came among
them and they felt the pressure of government, the priests
and monks of the Church of Rome became political agents
offering them help from the King of Spain in their rebellions.
This did not come about in his time which may be said to
cover the period when Henry VIII. and his successors were
preparing to assert authority in Connaught. That began with
Bodkin's appointment and the suppression of monasteries.
Then followed the period of interference with the great lords
by obtaining their submissions and by granting peerages,
and securing the succession to the chieftainship for the
peers or the chieftain in favour. It was after Bodkin's
time that governors were appointed for Connaught and
sheriffs sent into the new counties. He was in Connaught
the first of the new order of bishops who tried earnestly
to restore religion. Under his predecessors decay had
been continuous for 300 years. His immediate successors
could do nothing owing to the incessant wars of the next
30 years.
He died in 1572 and was buried in the tomb of O'Fihely
and O'Mullaly. From his death begins the double suc-
cession of Archbishops of the Church of Ireland and of the
Church of Rome.
Henry VIII. does not appear to have meddled in the
minor appointments. In Queen Elizabeth's time I find
that William Lally had in 1560 her confirmation of the
deanery of Tuam, of the rectories of Bolomy or Ballony,
perhaps Ballyovey, and Ahascragh and Kilosolan, and of
the prebend of Lackagh, which he had obtained by Papal
provision. Hilary O'Dounlay was appointed to the rectory
of Dunmore in 1562. l
1 II D.K. App. Fiant, No. 287. Morrin, Cal. Pat. and Close Rolls,
i. pp. 444, 474.
126 DIOCESE OF TUAM
WILLIAM LALLY,
or Mullaly, the Dean was appointed on the I4th April 1573.
He held the see in the trying period of the establishment
of the Queen's authority in Connaught, when the Church
and Churchmen played but a small part. The contest
between the Queen and the Burkes and O'Neills and
O'Donnells kept all Connaught in a turmoil which ended
only with the defeat of all the Queen's enemies and their
submission after the battle of Kinsale. Before he died
in 1595 he became too old for work and was relieved by
the appointment as coadjutor of his successor.
NEHEMIAH DONELAN
was appointed on the zyth August 1595, resigned in 1609,
and soon died and was buried at Tuam. He had taken
great pains before his appointment in translating and putting
to press the New Testament and the Book of Common
Prayer in Irish.
WILLIAM O'DONNELL,
or Daniel, Treasurer of St. Patrick's Dublin was consecrated
in August 1609 and was made a Privy Councillor in that year.
He had been employed as Commissioner with the Lord
Chancellor in visiting the dioceses of Cashel, Emly, Waterford
and Lismore, and had been sole Commissioner afterwards
to reform their abuses. He was a learned man and knew
Hebrew. He finished the translation of the New Testa-
ment and of the Book of Common Prayer into Irish. The
former was printed in 1602, the latter in 1608.
He succeeded as the country was being reorganised after
the incessant wars which ended the Celtic system for ever.
His predecessor was appointed as one system was ending
and lived until the other began. In his time the early period
of church history may be considered as closed. Everything
was in ruins, both churches and clergy, scarcely organised
fragments, from which the new order of the Church of Ireland
was evolved side by side with the new order of the State.
CHAPTER XV
THE DIOCESE OF MAYO
MISSIONARIES from Columcille's monastery on lona con-
verted the English from the north southwards and estab-
lished the Bishopric for Northumbria on Lindisfarne under
Aidan in 635. Meanwhile the Roman mission under St.
Augustine converted the Saxons in the south. In the middle
of the yth century Celtic and Roman churches met in the
Midlands, and the Paschal controversy arose in Northumbria.
Colman, third bishop of Lindisfarne, who succeeded Finan
in 660, was head of the Celtic Church, and Agilbert, bishop
of the West Saxons, was head of the Roman Church with
St. Wilfrid as spokesman, who had been educated at Lindis-
farne for some time after he was 14 years old, at the Council
of Whitby held in 664 under Oswy King of Northumbria,
who decided for the Roman practice. St. Colman kept to
his own practice, resigned the bishopric and left the kingdom.
Venerable Bede writes thus of him : —
" The place which he governed showed how frugal he
and his predecessors were, for there were very few houses
besides the church found at their departure ; indeed, no
more than were barely sufficient for their daily residence ;
they had also no money, but cattle ; for if they received
any money from rich persons, they immediately gave it
to the poor ; there being no need to gather money, or pro-
vide houses for the entertainment of the great men of the
world ; for such never resorted to the church, except to
pray or hear the word of God. The King himself, when
opportunity offered, came only with 5 or 6 servants, and
having performed his devotions in the church, departed.
But if they happened to take a repast there, they were
satisfied with only the plain and daily food of the brethren,
and required no more ; for the whole care of these teachers
128 DIOCESE OF TUAM
was to serve God, not the world — to feed the soul and not
the belly."
After some remarks on the veneration and respect in
which the people held the clergy and the attention paid
to their preaching, he adds — " and they were so free from
worldly avarice, that none of them received lands and posses-
sions for building monasteries, unless they were compelled
to do so by the temporal authorities ; which custom was
for some time after observed in all the churches of the
Northumbrians." Such was the opinion of the Saxons re-
garding the Columban monks. Bede says further — " In
the meantime, Colman, the Scottish bishop, departing from
Britain, took along with him all the Scots he had assembled
in the isle of Lindisfarne, and also about 30 of the English
nation, who had been all instructed in the monastic life ;
and leaving some brothers in his church, he repaired first
to the isle of Hii, whence he had been sent to preach the
word of God to the English nation. Afterwards he retired
to a small island, which is to the west of Ireland, and at
some distance from its coast, called in the language of the
Scots, Inisbofinde, the Island of the White Heifer.
" Arriving there he built a monastery, and placed in it the
monks he had brought of both nations ; who, not agreeing
among themselves, by reason that the Scots, in the summer
season, when the harvest was to be brought in, leaving the
monastery, wandered about through places with which
they were acquainted ; but returned again the next winter,
and would have what the English had provided to be in
common ; Colman sought to put an end to this dissension,
and travelling about far and near, he found a place in the
island of Ireland fit to build a monastery, which, in the
language of the Scots, is called Mageo, and bought a small
part of it of the Earl to whom it belonged, to build his
monastery thereon ; upon condition, that the monks residing
there should pray to our Lord for him who let them have the
place. Then building a monastery with the assistance of
the Earl and all the neighbours, he placed the English there,
leaving the Scots in the aforesaid island. This monastery
is to this day possessed by English inhabitants ; being the
same that, grown up from a small beginning to be very large,
is generally called Mageo ; and as all things have long since
THE DIOCESE OF MAYO 129
been brought under a better method, it contains an ex-
emplary society of monks, who are gathered there from
the province of the English, and live by the labour of their
hands, after the example of the venerable fathers, under a
rule and a canonical abbot, in much continency and single-
ness of life." 1
As Bede places Colman's departure to Ireland in 665 the
foundation of Mayo was probably in 668, the date assigned
by Tigernach.
Colman died on the 8th August 674. Very little is known
of him. Lanigan says that he seems to have been living in
Ireland when made bishop of Lindisfarne.2 Colgan thought
he was a Connaughtman, and that fact may have caused his
choice of Inisbofin. This Boffin monastery is never heard
of again. The Inisbofin of the Annals is the island in Lough
Ree. The ruins are slight. Similar small ruins are on
Inishark, Inisturk and Caher Island. A St. Leo lived on
Inishark, where his bell was extant in the I7th century.
O' Flaherty says that Inisbofin and Inishark belonged to
Connemara until the I4th century when the men of Umall
acquired them.
The next reference to Mayo is in the death of Gerald
Bishop of Mayo of the Saxons in 732. Nothing is known
about him except that to him is attributed the church called
Tempull Garailt and Gill na n Alither or Pilgrim's Church,
perhaps because founded by the Pilgrim or Stranger Monks,
which became the parish church, and which has quite dis-
appeared. It is the " Daimhliag " or stone church, to be
distinguished from the great Abbey Church. He is said
to have founded a nunnery for his sister Segretia, but nothing
is known of her or of it. He cannot have been the first
abbot or even Colman's immediate successor. It is certain
that he was not a Bishop of Winchester as has sometimes
been alleged.
Ussher quotes from the Book of Ballymote a statement
that 100 Saxon monks were at Mayo at the end of the
7th century.
It certainly was an important abbey. The oldest ruin
there is a piece of the cashel wall to S.E. of the church in
1 Bede, Ecclesiastical History in Bohn's Antiquarian Library.
* Eccles. Hist. Ireland, ii. p. 59.
I
130 DIOCESE OF TUAM
the fields. To this early period may be assigned the origin
of the name Tagh Saxon, when English Columban monks
came to Ireland and scattered themselves over the country
to live under the form of church government in which they
were brought up. Balan is given as the name of the leader
of the Tagh Saxon party. The Litany of Oengus invokes
the 50 saints of Leyny who are buried at Mayo.
Mayo attained great eminence as a school but is rarely
mentioned in history. Oswald and Alfred of Northumbria
are said to have studied here, according to the custom of
Englishmen of rank to send their sons to Irish Schools.
Alfred became King of Northumbria in 685.
Aedhan Bishop of Mayo died in 768. (A.U.)
Conna of Mayo is named in the Martyrology on the
2yth March.
Mayo and Armagh were burnt by lightning on the night
of Saturday, 2nd August 783. " That night was terrible
with thunder lightning and windstorms." (F.M. 783.)
Other places were damaged by this storm which seems to
have passed over the northern half of Ireland.
It suffered from the Danes. Dr. Lynch writes " We
read that Turgesius . . . destroyed by fire the temple of
the church of Mayo which was roofed with sheets of lead." 1
This must have been between 831 and 845.
In 905 the Deartheach was burnt. Dr. Petrie says that
these buildings were originally of wood as their name " oak-
house " expresses, in later times of stone, but even down
to the I2th century sometimes of wood. They were very
small, about 15 x 10 feet inside, having a single door-
way in the west wall and a single window in the east wall,
and sometimes had a loft as a dwelling, being built ex-
clusively for the private devotions of the founder.
Regarding a Duleek Dr. Petrie quotes a MS. as follows —
" The Saxons of Mayo granted the tythes of their city to
God and St. Michael, and they made a damhliag in it for
the pilgrims of God for ever. And the family of Mailfin-
neoin proceeded to destroy it, and that damliag fell on the
people and killed men and cattle. After this came the
senior, i.e. Cathasach, and he renewed that tempul in the
reign of Ruaidhri and his son, i.e. Toirdelbhach, and it was
1 Camb. Ev., ii. p. 191.
THE DIOCESE OF MAYO 131
reconfirmed from that out for pilgrims for ever ; and the
guarantee of the Bishop O'Dunan, and of the family of
Killaloe, and of the senior, i.e. Cathasach, and of Toirdelbhach,
King of Connaught, and of the Bishop O'Cnaill, and of the
Bishop O'Dubhthaigh, was given for its possession for ever."1
Cathasach and O'Cnaill may be different persons as appears
here, but seem to be the Bishop of Tuam Cathasach O'Cnaill.
O'Dunan was Bishop of Cashel. O' Duffy seems to be the
Bishop of Tuam who died in 1136, but then he was Abbot
of Tuam, unless some other bishop is meant. The names
fix the date as between 1097 and 1117. I cannot make out
who are the family of Mailfinneoin. They cannot be the
Muinter Mailfinnain of Hy Many.
The Kerry had been everywhere Christianised in St.
Patrick's time. By the I2th century this great tribe had
been in a great part overpowered by Silmurray clanns, and
the rest seems to have been broken up into independent
sections. The tracts called of Upper Kerry and of Lower
Kerry or Kerry of Lochnarney passed into the diocese of
Tuam. The countries called Tir Nechtain and Tir Enna
seem to have been held by families of the Upper Kerry but
I have not been able to ascertain their relations accurately.
These two territories I take to have formed the diocese of
the Bishop of Mayo when territorial episcopacy first came in.
Cera and Clann Cuain were probably one diocese under
a Bishop of Balla, and Umall must have been another under
Aghagower. As they are not broken up into deaneries in
the Taxation of 1306 it is to be inferred that their bishoprics
were suppressed at Rath Bresail.
The whole diocese is thus distributed in modern parishes —
Tir Nechtain and Tir Enna. — Mayo, Kilcolman, Kilvine,
Crossboyne, Tagheen.
Cera. — Balla, Manulla, Roslee, Robeen, Ballinrobe north
of River Robe, Touaghty, Burriscarra, Drum, Ballyheane,
Ballintubber, Ballyovey.
Clann Cuain. — Aglish, Islandeady, Turlough, Kildacom-
moge, Breaghwy.
Umall. — Aghagower, Oughaval, Kilgeever, Kilmeena, Kil-
maclasser, Burrishoole, Achill.
The men of Cera and Clann Cuain were branches of the
1 Transactions R.I.A.X.X*, p. 143.
132 DIOCESE OF TUAM
Hy Fiachrach who had for their chief King a descendant
of Dathi who was King of Ireland from 406 to 428, known as
O'Dowda in later times. The men of Cera had a sub-king
taken from the families of O' Murray, OTierney, MacNeill,
and O'Gormley in later days, but he was never of much
importance. Clann Cuain's chief was O'Cuinn, who quarrelled
with O'Dowda in the first half of the I2th century and
transferred his allegiance to MacDermot of Moylurg. These
two tribes had been so long separated that O'Dowda had
little power over them, and the King of Connaught a good
deal, as only a large united tribe could hold its own against
the Silmurray.
The records show no mention of bishops in these territories.
The Round Towers of Balla and Turlough mark the
ecclesiastical centres. Miss Stokes assigns that of Turlough
to the very earliest period about A.D. 900, and that of Balla
to the early part of the last period, 1170 to 1238.
Umall was the kingdom of the Clann Maille, under
O'Maille as King, descended from Conall Orbsen son of
Brian King of Connaught according to the genealogies.
Aghagower was their ecclesiastical centre. It is said that
there were bishops in Aghagower and it is likely that Agha-
gower was always under a bishop as St. Patrick is said to
have left one there. But Aghagower does not come into
the Annals. The Hy Briuin of Umall must have had their
own bishop as soon as diocesan episcopacy came in. Miss
Stokes assigns the Round Tower to the period about 1000 A.D.
These countries being under petty kings without the
cohesion of the Hy Fiachrach Muaide and Hy Amalgada
or of the Luighne and Gailenga were easily distributed at
the formation of dioceses, and the whole bishopric at last
was suppressed.
The Bishopric is rarely mentioned in history.
A.D. 1169. Mayo with its church was burnt.
„ 1184. Gilla Isu O'Mailin Bishop of Mayo died. (A.U.)
„ 1209. Cele O'Duffy bishop died. The see was then
suppressed and merged in that of Tuam.
In 1240 Master Christin, proctor of the church of Mayo,
revived a former controversy in which it had been decided
that Mayo was a parish church. It was so decided again.
I suppose the question now was whether the see had been
THE DIOCESE OF MAYO 133
united with that of Tuam or had been wholly suppressed
and abolished. In 1303 it was part of the Dean of Annagh-
down's complaint against the Archbishop that he had seized
this bishopric with all its goods. This is not intelligible
in face of the undoubted suppression for nearly 100 years,
but may have been based on a dispute regarding ecclesiastical
property which the Archbishop seized as see property.
In 1231 Stephen O'Braoin Erenagh of Mayo died. The
family were chiefs of Loch Gealgosa supposed to have been
Urlare lake by O' Donovan. But it is more likely to have
been some lake within this territory of the Ciarraige as an
O'Braoin was Erenagh.
The Pope seems to have revived the bishopric in the I5th
century as the following appointments are noted by Ware —
William Prendergast, a Franciscan Friar, on i6th July
1428. He was deprived in 1430 for not expediting his pro-
visional letters. This revival seems to have followed Arch-
bishop Babyng's death.
Nicholas Wogomai (?) a Franciscan in 1430.
O'Higgin died in 1478. (F.M.)
Odo or Hugh (Aed) died in 1493.
John Bell a Franciscan was appointed in 1493. He was
a suffragan of the Archbishop of Canterbury. The bishopric
seems to have been conferred as a source of income. At
this period bishops of Achonry and Annaghdown are found
to have been absentees doing work in England. They
account for the Legate Wolfe's remark that the churches
of Achonry and Tuam had been in lay hands and that the
former was still waste. The bishops must have let the see
estates to laymen. In these wild parts of Ireland the monks
were getting possession of the churches and the bishops were
becoming of small account as in former times, with the
difference that the monks were collected in fine buildings and
the country churches and people neglected. The Reforma-
tion altered this and brought in a new class of Roman
Catholic clergy.
The bishopric seems to have been annexed to Tuam after
Bell's time.
In 1547 Thomas O'Fihel abbot of the Augustinian convent
of Mayo was appointed by the Pope to be Bishop of Achonry
with permission to retain the abbacy.
134 DIOCESE OF TUAM
MacFirbis's list of bishops has the following entry —
" Mac An Brehon, Bishop of Magh-Eo ; Mac William Burke,
i.e. the Blind Abbot, expelled him.
" Patrick O'Helidhe, Bishop of Magh-Eo, who was put
to death in Cill-Mochellog, 1579, for the Catholic faith."
O'Healey was hanged for taking part in the rebellion in
Munster. These two bishops were not acknowledged by
the Government and had no real possession. I suspect
that since 1209 the bishops had no connection with Mayo
beyond their title and an income drawn from it in some cases.
This note is all that is known of Mac An Brehon' s expulsion.
The Blind Abbot is recorded in Bodkin's Visitation to have
been in possession of much church endowment. This I
suspect to mean that William held much of the parochial
endowments which had belonged to the suppressed abbeys
and that he refused to surrender them. He was a son of
David Burke who had been Mac William Eighter, of the Carra
branch of the Bourkes.
The abbey does not appear in the mediaeval records
except for one mention in a Papal Letter dated 23rd April
1462. *
From the Pope to the abbots of the monastery of the
Holy Trinity and of St. John the Evangelist of Tuam and
to Dermot Macassarlay Canon of Tuam. Appoint John
Ornurchu, priest of Tuam diocese, to be abbot of the
Monastery of St. Michael of Mayo of Order of St. Augustine,
its abbot Malachias Ovinlanaill being expelled for his
faults.
For Ornurchu and Ovinlanaill read O'Murrough and
O'Mullavil.
BALLA
Next to nothing is known of the progress of Christianity
in Carra from St. Patrick's time to the yth century. It
had been accepted then by the Partry in the south and west
and by the Corcutemne in the north. A St. Finan had
founded a church on Church Island in L. Carra, and St.
Cormac wanted to work in Carra in the time of King
Eogan Bel.
1 Theiner, Vet. Man., p. 454.
THE DIOCESE OF MAYO 135
It appears again when St. Mochua effected the final
organisation of the church. His proper name was Cronan.
Another Cronan of Balla died in A.D. 694 of whom no
more is recorded. But his doings are mixed up with those of
his more eminent predecessor in the Life of St. Mochua in
the Book of Lismore translated in the Anecdola Oxoniensia.
Mochua could not have met Cellach King of Connaught at
his first arrival in Connaught, but Cronan of Balla might
have met him as Cellach died soon after A.D. 700. Though
the Life is full of miracles which do not increase its credit
it seems to contain facts in his life mixed with those of the
other Cronan's. His name was Cronan, his father was Becan
of the Ui Luigdech, his mother Cuimne of the Dal Biiain,
Ulster tribes. St. Comgall took him, a little lame boy,
from his father's house and educated him at Bangor. He
quarrelled with Comgall and left Ulster. The quarrel
seems unlikely as he would have been but 21 years old when
St. Comgall died in 602, and does not seem to have been
long in Gael and Telle. He went under his foster-brother or
co-disciple, Bishop Gavrin from Britain, in Gael, a monastery
among the Feara Rois of Louth and Monaghan. Thence
he went to Fore and to Telle near Durrow. In 616 he went
to Connaught, passed through Hy Many and spent the forty
days of Easter in Sodhan, where a Queen named Ballgel
received him with honour. Thence he went to Loch Cime,
now Lough Hacket, and met Cellach son of Raghallach
King of Connaught out hunting. Thence he went through
Odba into Carra where he settled at a place called Ross
Dairbrech " Oak Wood." The Life here gives an old poem —
" Ross Dairbrech, Mochua's monastery,
Which is called ever-new Balla,
Dear the bush (?) angelic, pure,
Ross Dairbrech of the holy yew trees.
Balla with sainted men to-day
(Is) the common name with loveable renown ;
' Ross Dairbrech,' this was its name
In the time of Tuathal Rough-foot
From the district of Bangor of the cold fords,
To the plain of Cera of the fair hosts,
Into the land of Fir Domnann of the bushes,
Comgall sent (Mochua) to fair Ross."
i36 DIOCESE OF TUAM
" He stays a night in that place. Now on the morrow,
when the comrades looked up, they did not see the fountain.
Mochua told them to seek it. Then said a farmer to them :
' The fountain Ball-aluinn is below.' ' From that place
let it be named,' said Mochua. As he himself said :
' Let Balla be the name of the place,
For it hath come under my heed :
Let this be its name from henceforward
Till the last age shall come.'
He entreated God to manifest to him the place of his church.
Five-and-thirty years, then, Mochua had completed at that
time, and one-and-twenty years was he serving God at that
place when he went to heaven.
' One-and-twenty years without exception
Was Mochua in the province of Connaught.
A wall of mould marking out his side
Was the hardship of his slender-skinned devotion.'
Then came Eochaid Minncach, prince of the clans of Fiach-
rach, to gainsay the cleric. Now angels were manifested to
him over the wood wherein Mochua dwelt, and when he saw
the cleric he humbled himself to him at once. Now thus
was Mochua at that time, in a prison of stone. Eochaid
came to the cleric, having along with him a hundred of the
nobles of his family, to wit, Maine with his seven sons, and
Domnall and Feradach and Maelcethaig and Ronan and
Suibne and Finntan the Fair and the nobles of Clann-Fiach-
rach. And though they attempted to kill the cleric, they
did his will, for the spiritual radiancies and the divine service
shone out of his countenance. Then they offered him the
stead, with its district and land, Cellach, son of Ragallach,
consenting. Wherefore of founding that the historian sang
the staves :
' From Clad Cuirre of hard Calgach
To Mon, to the north of Adrad ;
From Mag Moethla, with its bog,
To great staked Crot Cualachta.
Thus they gave their land,
The clans of Ross, with great virtue,
Without tempest in their minds,
With vast service.
THE DIOCESE OF MAYO 137
With a circuit every third strong year,
Both man and woman and boy,
To Mochua, of the narrow prison,
At prayer, at waiting.
A cow for every landholder,
Both king and nobleman ;
To my Chua the hundreded in his company
A garment for every ollave.
A great pig for every house in the north,
From the strand of Eothuile to Muad ;
A scruple for every fire without thirst
To the chapel of the province of Connaught.
This Mochua had without sorrow
From Odba of the loyal throngs ;
Strong was his flood
To the stormy strand of Eothuile.'
Thus he founded his church and his monastery, and he gave
three bishops to consecrate his graveyards and his great
churches, and to allot the land to his monks." . . .
" It was one of Mochua's miracles, to wit, the Sil Muredaig
was suffering from the Yellow Plague, and the clerics of
the Province of Connaught sought to banish it from them,
and they succeeded not. So they came to the place where
Mochua was dwelling, and he healed them, and put the
colour which was on them upon his crozier, and then they
gave their service to him. . . ."
" Another time Mochua sent his servant to commune
with Faelan. When he came to Alt in Cleib [Cliff of the
Basket] there came to him two female warriors, who dwelt
in the land, namely, Bee, daughter of Conchorach, and
Lithben, daughter of Aithrebthach. And this is the un-
reasonable game they used to play. Whoever passed by
them, they would put him into a basket with two ropes
out of it, and swing him over the awful precipice. It was
revealed to Mochua that his gillie was put into the basket.
Mochua went till he reached the place. Lithben, daughter
of Aitrebthach, obeyed him at once ; but Bee would not let
the gillie go until the cleric gave her his cowl. It blazed up
in her hands and then she obeyed the cleric. And the girls
communed with both their fathers, and brought them to
138 DIOCESE OF TUAM
Mochua, and Mochua afterwards baptized them." This
curious story seems to be made out of a tale of some fort
on a detached rock.
Mochua died on the 3oth March 637.
Dates show that Comgall did not send Mochua into
Connaught. According to Colgan's Life, quoted by Petrie,
Mochua was an architect and built the mill at Fore, and
surrounded the well at Balla with a wall, whence the place
was called Balla, a wall in Irish, because the well had never
before been walled in. This Life adopts the old name Ball
Aluinn, Beautiful Place. The little chapel over the well
may be the successor of Mochua's enclosure.
For Mochua's glorification the Life shows that Eochy
was miraculously turned from an intention of killing Mochua,
but it seems to me that Mochua really came with the support
of the King and nobles of Hy Fiachrach to reorganise the
church. I cannot identify this Eochy. Owing to the im-
perfection of the O'Dowda pedigree about this period there
is room for him there, or he may have been a King of the race
of AiliU Molt.
The places named in the first stanza may possibly be the
bounds of the territory attached to Balla known afterwards
as the Termon. But I cannot identify any of them unless
Ara to north of Balla be a corruption of Adrad. The places
named in the last stanza show that the jurisdiction of Mochua's
successor extended over all Carra and Coolcarney and Tireragh.
The endowment seems to be a statement of the dues claimed
by the abbot when the church was in its best condition. It
is a very old poem inserted in a more recent prose Life.
As usual the author does not explain the appointment
of three bishops by Mochua. It is an allusion to some facts
about three subordinate bishops in Mochua's successor's
territory, the meaning of which is now lost, apparently to
explain why they came to exist in that country.
The miracle accounting for the name of the Yellow Crozier
is an anachronism. There were no Silmurray until long after
Mochua's time.
From the scanty information of the Life and the existing
information relating to Tireragh I infer that Mochua organised
and established the church in its final form. The claims of
the Abbot of Balla on Coolcarney and Tireragh would last
THE DIOCESE OF MAYO 139
long because O'Caomain, descended from Caoman elder
brother of Dubhda from whom O'Dubhda came, had the
country of Rosslee and Touaghty parishes in Carra and the
country from Toomour on the Moy to the Leaffony as his
Lordship. Carra and Clann Cuain were the inheritance of
the descendants of Ere, except what O'Caomain held and
Odba held by the Partry. Coolcarney and Tireragh were
that of the descendants of Fiachrach Elgach son of King
Dathi. When Carra and Clann Cuain set up sub-kings of
their own, and Tireragh and Tirawley remained directly
under O'Dubhda, ecclesiastical authority naturally took a
like course and Tireragh passed under the Bishop of Killala.
This should have come about formally in the I2th century
reformation and is indicated as somewhat late by the differ-
ences pointed out in the Bull of Pope Innocent.
Ecclesiastically very little is known of Balla.
It was burnt in 779 and on many other occasions. But
it seems to me that the memoranda of burning of Balla and
such places do not usually mean that the church and the
monks' houses were burnt, but only that the town which
grew up near the abbey was burnt, except in the cases where
the burning of the church is expressly noted.
In 1246 " The son of the Successor of Mochua took [pos-
session of] the bishopric of Sil-Muireadhaigh and not [even]
a little of his time was left him to govern [it]." (A.U.) This
was John O hUghroin the Archdeacon of Elphin who had
been elected Bishop of Elphin in 1244. It is most likely
that he was son of an Erenagh who was called Comarb because
he was in possession of old abbey lands. The old endow-
ments of Balla seem to have passed in early times into lay
hands as the Archbishop seems to have taken up no lands
about Balla, and very little in the barony of Carra, and
there is no reason to suppose a monastery and convent of
monks survived into the thirteenth century.
TURLOUGH
Turlough whose ancient importance is shown by its Round
Tower makes no show in ecclesiastical history, but the con-
nection with Armagh lasted from St. Patrick's time well
into the Anglo-Norman period.
140 DIOCESE OF TUAM
THE TOCHAR PHATRAIC
is a very ancient road which seems to be the ancient pilgrims'
road from the east to Croagh Patrick. It can be very well
traced from Croagh Patrick back to Drum ; it passed from
church to church, thus, Balla to Loona Church, where it is
well marked, and thence by Gweeshadan Church to Drum
Church, where it is well marked. Thence it is well ascertained
to Ballintubber and from thence to Aghagower, passing in the
way a small church marked on the map as Temple Shane -
nagawna near Bellaburke. From Aghagower it went by
Lankill and Cloghpatrick to Patrick's Chair and so up the hill.
I have not been able to trace the course east of Balla,
but feel sure it must have passed by Kiltamagh and Cloon-
patrick and Patrick's Well to Balla. The latter Well, a
Bullaun in the earth, was once a place of some importance,
where stations were held at an old fort called Lis na Grus
close to it. The heap of stones about it seems to be the
remnant of such a cairn and alcove as is about the Bullaun
called Patrick's Well at Tully in the parish of Kilcorkey in
Co. Roscommon.
UMALL
Of Aghagower I find but one mention —
" Donncahy, Erenagh of Aughagower, settler of every
dispute and covenant, a man of esteem and honour, died on
the I5th December." (1231 F.M.)
It must have been the bishopric of the O'Malleys but
did not survive the synod of Rathbresail.
The large ruined church near the Tower was certainly
the old abbey church originally. The Tempul na Bhfiacal,
of which but a bit of wall remains, is said to, and no doubt
does, represent St. Patrick's church. The Archbishop of
Tuam had very large possessions in Umall mainly round
Aghagower. It does not appear whether he got them by
transfer from an independent Abbot of Aghagower or from
the Abbot of Armagh or Archbishop. Nor is there any
record of the order of the monks of Aghagower.
THE DIOCESE OF MAYO 141
OUGHAVAL
" O'Malley was slain by the son of Donnell O'Dowda in
the stone church of Nuachongbhail. His own spear killed him,
through the miracle of Columcille, in the same quarter (of
the year)." (1131 F.M.) This is the only mention of the
abbey which was a Columban foundation, but was not founded
by himself. It is to be distinguished from Cloonpatrick
across the road, in which was the parish church founded by
St. Patrick.
DIOCESE OF ANNAGHDOWN
ST. BRENDAN OF CLONFERT THE NAVIGATOR
BRENANN was son of Finloga of the Hy Alta or Altraige
family of Minister and is supposed to have been born at
Barra on the Bay of Tralee. As a child he was put in charge
of St. Ita of Killeely in the Co. Limerick, and later under
bishop Ere who lived near Ardfert. In accordance with the
practice of the time he went to study in the great schools
when grown up, and so came under larlaithe of Tuam and
afterwards under Enda of Aran. It is said that by his advice
larlaithe moved his school from Cloonfush to Tuam. From
Tuam he returned to bishop Ere to be ordained, therefore
before 512 or 513 when Ere died. After some time he made
his great voyage in the Atlantic Ocean in search of the Blessed
Islands with St. Enda's approval. Some believe that he made
a great voyage of discovery and may have reached North
America. It is also suggested that the " Voyage " origi-
nated in a real voyage in which he was blown out of his
course, visited various islands and reached the Faroe Islands
and Iceland where he saw Mount Hecla. This much solid
fact we know, that he devoted himself to mission work
among the islands of the west coast of Scotland where he
has left his name, and among those of Mayo where he founded
a monastery on Inishglora. He visited Gildas in Wales.
In the middle of the century he worked in the barony of
Clare where he founded a nunnery at Annaghdown under
his sister Briga on land given by Aedh son of Eochaidh
Tirmcharna who was King of Connaught from 557 to 574.
A church at Annaghdown founded by or dedicated to him
became the cathedral church of the diocese. He built a church
on Inchiquin, probably as a retreat for himself after the
DIOCESE OF ANNAGHDOWN 143
custom of the early saints. Archbishop Healy thinks that
it was founded about 550 or 552.
The church of Ross on the shore of Lough Mask is attri-
buted to him.
His greatest foundation was the monastery and school
of Clonfert, called from him Cluain Ferta Brenainn, which
became one of the greatest colleges of Ireland. He is said
to have had under him 3000 monks, which must be an ex-
geration or mean that he educated so many in course of
time, as he cannot have had so many working under him
at one time. It was founded in 556 or 557. He placed over
it his nephew Bishop Moenenn who came to Inchiquin with
him and helped to build his church and cell. The Abbots
of Clonfert were called Successors of Brendan. From the
abbey came the Bishop of Clonfert.
Brendan's jurisdiction from this period seems to have been
over the territories of the Hy Many and the Hy Briuin of
Galway for the most part, but of course was no more ex-
clusive of other orders of monks in those countries than
was the jurisdiction of other great abbots in the countries
where they were principal abbots.
His church on Inchiquin became a monastery of which
St. Meldan O'Cuinn was abbot in 580, teacher of St. Fursa
who carried his relics to Peronne. From him the island takes
its name Inis Ui Chuinn, or as formerly Inis Maic Ui Chuinn.
He founded churches and monasteries in his native land
also and on the opposite side of the Shannon on Coney Island.
Brendan went with St. Ruadhan of Lorrha to curse King
Diarmaid MacCerbaill and Tara in 563, or thereabouts.
Diarmaid had taken forcibly from Ruadhan's protection
Ruadhan's nephew Aedh Guaire of Hy Many. Diarmaid
was killed next year and Tara was deserted for ever by the
Kings of Ireland. Brendan died on the i6th May 577 at
his sister's nunnery at Annaghdown.
The last record of building a Round Tower is by the
Four Masters who note that a Bellhouse was built at Annagh-
down in 1238. There is no trace of a Round Tower at
Annaghdown, but there is a butt of a late Round Tower at
Kilcoona. It has been suggested that this is what was meant.
It seems to me unlikely that so peculiarly Irish work should
be undertaken in the turmoil of the conquest of Connaught
144 DIOCESE OF TUAM
by Richard de Burgh, when the Norman barons were settling
themselves in this country from which O' Flaherty had just
been expelled. It seems to me more likely that an early
square church tower, such as is still to be seen attached to
the churches of Kinlough and Illaunnaglashy, is meant by
this expression. The name Tempul Clogas is applied to a
church on Iniscloran with such a square tower.1 Such a
tower might well have been built or repaired at Annagh-
down at that time.
ST. FURSA
Fursa was a son of Fintan son of Finloga. Fintan was
a nephew of Brendan of Clonfert, but whether on the father's
or on the mother's side is uncertain. He is described as
son of a King of West Munster who went to North Connaught
to serve with Brendan son of Fergna, ancestor of O'Rourks
and O'Reillys, whose nephew Aedh gave Brendan the site
at Annaghdown.
Fintan married Gelgeis daughter of Aedh Finn son of
Fergna secretly and against her father's wishes. This Aedh
Finn has been identified with another person, but from the
course of the story it appears that Aedh Finn of Brefne is
meant. So Fintan had to leave Brefne and went to his
uncle Brendan at Inchiquin where Fursa was born. Fintan
was a pagan but became a Christian when he married Gelgeis.
He settled in that country, at Ardfintan near Headford
where Ultan and Foilan were born. While Brendan lived
Fursa was educated under him, afterwards under Meldan.
When he grew up he became a priest and built churches
at Killarsa in Ballymacgibbon and afterwards at Killursa
near Headford. Killarsa is a modern form of Killursa (Cill
Fursa). He founded a monastery in Rathmagh near Lough
Corrib which is the land about Killursa. The name Rathmagh
is now obsolete but it appears in the I3th century as Radmoy,
one of the townlands of Walter de Ridelesford's manor of Ad-
mekin or Headford. Here he made a reputation as a teacher
but felt drawn to mission life. With his brothers Ultan
and Foilan and eleven missionaries he went first to Burgh
1 //. R.S.A.I., 1900, vol. xxx. p. 81.
DIOCESE OF ANNAGHDOWN 145
in Suffolk where he settled and worked for a time, and earned
great respect. Some of his party went to North-Eastern
France whither he followed them. They worked there and
in Flanders. He founded the great churches of Peronne
and Lagny. He died in 650. Foilan was murdered in 654.
Ultan died about 680. If Ultan was older than Fursa,
Fursa cannot have been educated under Brendan, in any
case he cannot have been under him for more than a short
time in his infancy.
Fursa was one of the great Irish missionaries who con-
verted continental heathen and was evidently a man of
very remarkable abilities. Miss Stokes's " Three Months in
the Forests of France " gives all that is known about him
and his celebrated Vision, from which she deduces by de-
scent Dante's Divina Commedia.
ST. CUANNA
Cuanna was born on the shore of Lough Corrib. His
mother Findmaith was mother of St. Carthach who was
born at Tralee. She seems to have married Fintan after-
wards as according to tradition St. Fursa and St. Einne
were brothers of Cuanna. Killeaney in that case owes its
name to this Einne and not to Einne of Aran. He was a
relation of St. Brendan, as his father was of the same Kerry
family. These early saints are much confused in traditions,
but this is likely to be true in substance that Cuanna and
his brothers worked in this corner of Lough Corrib.
St. Brendan's relations naturally followed him.
About 590 Cuanna went to Carthach 's school and worked
under him for many years. He came to Connaught and
founded Kilcoona after 620. His place in the church was so
high that 1746 saints and monks are said to have assembled
in conference with him, most likely a great assembly of the
clergy of Connaught. The Round Tower shows that his
monastery was of lasting importance.
St. Carthach died soon after the Meathmen expelled
him from Rahan in 635. Cuanna was called to succeed as
abbot of his new and afterwards so famous monastery of
Lismore. It is not certain that he was abbot, but he was
for a time at Lismore. He is thought to have been author
K
146 DIOCESE OF TUAM
of the Book of Cuanu, the first book of Annals, or at least
a very early one, quoted in the Annals of Ulster. He died
in 650.
The Annals seldom refer to ecclesiastical matters in this
country before the I2th century. It had no abbeys of the
first rank.
778 A.U. " Forbasach, son of Maeltola, Abbot of Ros-caimm,
dies."
807 c.s. " Burning of Inis-Muiredhaigh by Gentiles, and
devastation of Ros-cam."
835 A.U. " The battle of Drang among the Connaughtmen
themselves, in whch were slain Cellach, son of
Forbasach, Abbot of Ros-cam, and Adomnan,
son of Aldaileth ; and Conmhach Mor was
victor." This Conmhach Mor was King of
Hy Briuin Seola.
Mac Firbis mentions " Cill-Cuana " among the ancient
bishops' sees in connection with Fethmech, Bishop of Cill-
cuana, who was Bishop of Cill-Tuama. It is not certain that
this Cill-cuana is meant.
Annaghdown was burnt in 1141.
The Round Tower of Roscam marks the site of an im-
portant monastery at the time it was built about the year
1000, to which period Miss Stokes assigns it. It was therefore
the religious capital of Clanfergaile, the tribe of which
O'Halloran was chief, who occupied the southern country
about Gal way. They claimed descent from a son of Brian.
Down to the period of diocesan episcopacy the abbots
of Annaghdown and Roscam should have been the principal
ecclesiastics of this diocese.
The following extracts from an Irish Tract give some
information regarding landowners and their relations with
the church at the close of the nth century.1
" Mac Ginnain is the comharba of Kilcoona . . .
O'Cleircin of Rathbuidh,2 O'Laebacain and O'Maoilin are
the erenachs of Cill-cillbile.3 . . . Mac Beolan of Killower
is the keeper of the black bell of St. Patrick, with his bally.
O'Doigins and O'Dubhains are the erenachs of Killursa with
1 Hardiman, 0 'Flaherty's West of Connaught, p. 368.
2 Rafwee in Killeaney. 8 Kilkilvery.
DIOCESE OF ANNAGHDOWN 147
their bally (and St. Fursa cursed O'Dubhain). . . . O'Leath-
cargais is the erenach of Rathhindile, and he has the tithes
of O'Flaherty." The bell afterwards came into possession
of the family of Mageraghty in Mayo, and is now in possession
of the Royal Irish Academy, in the National Museum.
The only ancient Irish monasteries which survived were
those at Annaghdown.
THE EPISCOPAL PERIOD
Annaghdown was probably a bishop's see from the first
establishment of territorial dioceses, comprising the whole
kingdom of O'Flaherty, which included the land of the
Delbhna Tire da Loch, the barony of Moycullen. Roderick
O'Flaherty in 1684 considered Ballynahinch to have been
part of the O'Flaherty lordship and therefore in Annagh-
down. This view was I think based on the O'Flahertys' pos-
session of Ballynahinch since they were driven west of the
lake and on the fact that the parishes were in the Wardenship
of Galway. The tribal relationship was with the Conmaicne
of Cuil Toladh and the ecclesiastical relationship was really
the same, the convent of Cong holding the rectories of all
the parishes in that barony. The diocese comprised the
following parishes —
Annaghdown, Cargin, Killursa, Kilkilvery, Killeaney,
Donaghpatrick, Killower, Kilcoona, Lackagh, Claregalway,
Galway, Oranmore, Ballynacourty, Rahoon, Moycullen,
Killannin, Kilcummin.
The synods of Rathbresail and Kells arranged that
Annaghdown should be merged in Tuam diocese, but the
O'Flahertys were too powerful and such arrangements
could not be carried out over their heads. So the see con-
tinued and was not absorbed by Tuam for a long time, and
may be said to have been only united with Tuam as the
Dean and Archdeacon and a small cathedral staff survived.
Tuathal O'Connachtaigh Bishop of Tirbriuin who died in
1179 is sometimes taken as a bishop of the Hy Briuin Seola,
but Tirbriuin at that period meant the country of the Hy
Briuin Brefne, the diocese of Kilmore.
Cormac, in Latin Concors, Bishop of Annaghdown was
present in 1189 at the coronation of King Richard I.
148 DIOCESE OF TUAM
H. Bishop of Annaghdown is witness to a grant by
O'Flaherty of the rectory of Lismacuan, the parish in which
Galway is, to the abbey of Knockmoy. The name of C. Arch-
bishop of Tuam shows it was before 1201.
Conor O'Mellaigh died in 1201 and therefore must have
come after H.
In 1241 Muircheartach O'Flaherty died. He must have
been succeeded before 1247 by Thomas O'Mellaigh who died
in 1250, regarding whom the following letter from Pope
Innocent IV. to the Archbishop of Tuam dated 28th May
1247, makes certain orders which seem to have resulted in no
action against Thomas, if he is the same as the Thomas
who died in 1250. I have abstracted it a little —
" Id. Dean, R. Archdeacon, A. Chancellor and the Chapter
of the church of Enechdun reported that some time ago
when the church was vacant, Thomas, formerly Abbot of
the Little Cell of the Premonstratensian order, got himself
intruded as pastor against their will, not without the vice
of simony, by bringing forward false letters to the effect
that he might be advanced to the episcopate in spite of his
disqualification by birth, and set himself to waste the goods
of the church. Being brought before you he confessed in
your presence the defect of birth and falsity and simony,
binding himself to you to go within a certain time to the
Holy See to procure a dispensation if he could. Though
he has appeared he has brought forward only the defect
of birth. As it is a grave offence before God and an abomina-
tion before men that so notorious a man should be set up in
an office of such dignity, we refer the cause to you to carry
into effect what you decree canonically by our authority." l
On the 8th May 1251 the King assented to the election
of Concors, i.e. Cormac, Canon of Annaghdown, as bishop.
The election was confirmed by the Pope on the I2th January
and the Archbishop was ordered to institute him.2 Cormac
was consecrated but the Pope seems to have had some doubt
whether the Archbishop would obey or not, for in February
he authorised the Archbishop of Cashel and the Bishops of
Cork and Kilfenora to institute him if the Archbishop of
Tuam should fail to do so within two months from the date
1 Theiner, Vet. Man. Hid. et. Scot., p. 47, Ep. cxxiii.
a Ibid., Ep. No. 130.
DIOCESE OF ANNAGHDOWN 149
of the prior letter.1 The doubt was justified. Archbishop
Flann immediately seized the bishopric of Annaghdown.
Cormac appealed to the King. Flann pleaded that Annagh-
down had been a parish church under Tuam, that the King
had made it a bishopric by presenting two bishops, and
that he had a bull from the Pope to reduce it to a parish
church. Henry III. allowed the reduction on condition that
the Archbishop should give him in exchange for land of
equal value elsewhere a piece of land in the town whereon
to build a castle. The Archbishop gave the King the vill
of Annaghdown in 1253, and Cormac lost his bishopric.
Neither King nor Archbishop cared much for the Pope's
orders except to take their own profit from them. It may
be that their arrangement eventually broke down. I cannot
make out that any castle was built, and the King issued a
license to elect on the death of Thomas Bishop of Annagh-
down in 1263. It does not appear who this Thomas was
but he must have been bishop after 1253. On the other
hand it does not appear that any election was held, and the
sees remained thus united until the death of Archbishop
Tomaltach O'Conor in 1279.
The Dean and Chapter then elected the Archdeacon
John de Ufford, brother of Sir Robert de Ufford the Justiciary.
The King assented to the election in March 1282-3. The
Pope did not confirm it. Stephen de Fulburn the new Arch-
bishop prevailed as John could not produce the Pope's bull.
Owing to disputes the archbishopric was vacant until Stephen
was appointed in July 1286, and was put in possession of
the temporalities of both sees on the I5th September.
At Stephen's death the Dean and Chapter prepared to
assert their independence anew by placing the bishop's in-
signia in charge of the Franciscan friars of Clare Galway. Arch-
bishop William de Bermingham sent his Archdeacon Philip
le Blound, or Blunt, who made a forcible entry and carried
them off. Philip was indicted but the result does not appear.
In 1303 the Dean of Annaghdown was in Rome com-
plaining of the Archbishop's conduct. The following abstract
of a letter from Pope Boniface VIII. dated 20th July 1303,
shows the grounds of complaint.9 " Appoints as judges the
Bishops of Limerick, Emly (' Lacimensi ') and Kilfenora.
1 Theiner, Ep. No. 131. * Ibid., Vet. Afon., p. 171, No. 373.
150 DIOCESE OF TUAM
Dionysius Dean of Annaghdown has complained that Arch-
bishop William, in spite of the confirmation of the election
of John de Ufford Archdeacon of Annaghdown, seized the
bishopric by force and detains it and endeavours by every
means to prevent the filling of the church ; he conferred
on the Elect the Archdeaconry of Tuam to induce him to
withdraw from prosecution of his claim and the Elect with-
drew ; he made the officers and canons of Annaghdown to
resign their offices and benefices into his hands, and robbed
the said Dean who is also a Canon, of his Deanery, Canonry
and Prebend, converting their income to his own use. He
joined the Archdeaconry of Annaghdown with that of Tuam
in fact, as he could not do it lawfully. He forcibly seized
the insignia of the church deposited with the Friars of Clare,
and broke some and burnt others. He has seized and retains
the Bishopric of Mayo. He simoniacally forced Malachias,
then Abbot of Boyle into the Bishopric of Elphin, when he
had refused to confirm the election of Marianus who appealed
to the Holy See. He associates with slayers of clergy and
men under the greater excommunication. He oppresses
his own subjects. Because a regular canon of a certain
Priory would not allow the Archbishop's horse to be sent
into the Priory's sacristy where the Eucharist and priestly
ornaments were kept, he seized and imprisoned the canon,
tortured him and made him swear to keep the fact secret.
Judges to enquire and report their proceedings." Because
these complaints or some of them were true, or as the only
way to stop the quarrelling, the Pope agreed to separate
the sees. In 1306 Gilbert, a Franciscan, was elected bishop ;
who was given possession of the temporalities in 1308 after
paying the King £300, equal to more than £6000 now, for
himself and for the Dean and Chapter, because he had been
elected without the King's license and had not procured
the King's subsequent assent. The Dean and Chapter had
to give security that they would not again hold an election
without license, and would after election procure assent.
The King confirmed the election on these conditions on the
I5th July 1308. Gilbert had been consecrated by the Arch-
bishop of Armagh as primate, the election having been
brought into his court by appeal. Gilbert after election
served in England as a suffragan for some time. On election
DIOCESE OF ANNAGHDOWN 151
he got protection for two years while remaining in England.
This seems to have been until the election was finally approved
and he was given possession.
Archbishop Magee nevertheless attacked Gilbert.
Edward II. wrote to the Pope on the 26th September 1321
that Annaghdown always was and is a cathedral, that the
Dean and Chapter elected Gilbert the present bishop on a
vacancy. The Archbishop refused to confirm the election
upon the pretence that the church was parochial and not
cathedral and was annexed as mensal to his archbishopric,
and was brought in appeal to the court of the primate who
confirmed the election as canonically made and consecrated
Gilbert. " We restored to him the temporalities and he
subsequently went there and has been working there for
several years. But the present Archbishop Malachy, of
whom a certain predecessor usurped it is said that cathedral
for a certain time without lawful authority out of avarice,
succeeding obtained, by concealing truth and suggesting
falsehood, apostolic letters to certain judges of his relations
or friends, who are working to worry the bishop, alter the
status of the church, and apply its goods to the Archbishop's
use by erroneous and unjust processes." He calls upon
the Pope to see that nothing be done to injury of the rights
of King, Bishop, or Church by surreptitious processes.
Gilbert died while prosecuting his cause before the Pope
as recited in the appointment of Robert Petit.1
James O'Kearney succeeded Gilbert by the Pope's pro-
vision ; the date is uncertain. He was translated to Connor
in 1324.
Robert Petit, a Franciscan, who had lately been de-
prived of the see of Clonfert, succeeded. License to elect
on his death was issued on Qth June 1328.
Thomas O'Mellaigh, or O'Mellaidh, succeeded but died
in 1328 at the Pope's court at Avignon. The O'Mellaidhs
were a family who lived at Kilnamanagh in Donaghpatrick
parish, mentioned often as churchmen.
The Archbishop seized the bishopric but one Thomas
was elected. In 1330 Edward III. refers to Thomas Bishop
of Annaghdown as in danger of having to beg his bread
owing to the Archbishop's action under colour of a surreptitious
1 Theiner, Vet. Man., p. 231.
152 DIOCESE OF TUAM
order of the Pope for the union of Annaghdown with Tuam.
The King's complaint was just.
In 1324 the King sent Philip of Slane, Bishop of Cork,
to confer with the Pope on the state of the church. The
Pope sent him back with a commission to himself and the
Archbishops of Armagh and Dublin for reformation of the
church. They held a kind of council and passed resolu-
tions—
1. That it is necessary to annex to the larger sees the
small sees of £20 to £60 a year, " which are ruled by pure
Irishmen who are known by themselves or by their relations
to have sown contention and discord in the land."
2. That the Irish Abbots and Priors should admit English-
men to their monasteries as lay brethren as the English
admitted the Irish.
The King expressed his approval of these proposals on
the 28th May 1328. But in spite of this arrangement, in
hope of carrying out by secret intrigue what could not be
done openly, the Pope made a secret order that Annagh-
down and Kilmacduagh and Achonry should be annexed to
Tuam at the next vacancy. Achonry was the only one
which came under the terms of the agreement. This order
was made in 1327 and purported to be made with the King's
consent, though in fact he knew nothing about it until it
was produced.1
The King objected to the union on the ground that
Annaghdown was in a purely English district and Tuam
in a purely Irish district. The whole of Annaghdown
diocese east of the lake was occupied by English lords and
largely colonised, whereas the country about Tuam to south
and east had been left in the hands of Irish chieftains, and
the barony of Dunmore only was actually inhabited by an
English lord. The King's objection probably prevailed, but
no more is heard of it. In a Papal letter of 22nd March 1359 2
it is recited that on the death of Bishop Thomas while in
attendance at the Holy See the Chapter, not knowing that
the provision to Annaghdown was reserved, elected Dionysius
Abbot of Boyle, praying that if provision had been reserved
1 Theiner, Vet. Man., p. 239, and Cal. Papal Register. Papal Letters,
vol. i.
2 Ibid., p. 315.
DIOCESE OF ANNAGHDOWN 153
he might be appointed. Archbishop Thomas objected that
Annaghdown was united with his see. The Pope now refers
the case for report. This Bishop Thomas seems to be the
man referred to in the King's letter. The King's authority
was gone in Connaught and was not worth much elsewhere,
so the Archbishop and the Pope now had their own way, and
the see was united with Tuam until the translation of Arch-
bishop O'Cormacain in 1394.
The Pope then appointed Henry Turlton or Thrillowe to
Annaghdown. He is called Henry Thrillowe in the letter of
Pope Boniface IX. appointing him, dated 25th October I394,1
and it is recited that the present Pope reserved the provision
of the see in the lifetime of Bishop John. Boniface became
Pope in 1389. It seems therefore that a John had been
made bishop, of whom there is no other record. Wadding
gives Henry Trillouve in succession to John deceased,2 and
John Brit in succession to H. Trillowe deceased. A John
T willow is also named as a successor of Henry Thrillowe.
Henry's surname is also written Turlton. There is some
confusion here. These bishops were absentees, suffragans of
the Bishop of Exeter. Henry died in 1402. The following
names now occur. The date is that of appointment, if
known. 1402 John Brit. 1408 John Winne. Mathew.
1421 John Connere, Franciscan. Thomas.
Bishops Turlton, Connere, and Thomas mentioned in
1450 and 1458, were suffragans of the Bishop of Exeter.
In 1450 Donogh O' Murray was made Archbishop of Tuam
and Bishop of Annaghdown. It is likely that he failed to
pay his 133 gold florins for Annaghdown, as Thomas Barrett
was appointed in 1458 on payment thereof. He seems to
have had nothing to do with his see for many years. As
he paid so much he must have expected some profit.
In 1484 Richard III. sent Bishop Thomas, called a clerk
of Somersetshire, to Ireland as his confidential agent to deal
with Lord Kildare and other great lords for the recovery
of Ulster for the King, and to bring the great Anglo-Irish
lords to submission and loyalty. He had letters to the
greater lords individually, to Lords, Staunton, D' Exeter,
Nangle, Bermingham, and Barrett in Connaught. In
1 Cat. Pap. Reg. Pap. Letters, iv. p. 479.
8 Annales Afinorum, ix. p. 125.
154 DIOCESE OF TUAM
pursuance of the endeavour to keep the English from being
further Celticised, he gave the town of Galway a new
charter, relieving it altogether from dependence on Mac
William of Clanricard and forbidding that lord to interfere
in any way. The burgesses also procured the formation of
the Wardenship of Galway, which must have been formed
with the Bishop's consent and probably by his advice. The
College of Athenry, which did not thrive, was a measure in
the same direction.
In 1496 Francis, a monk, is made bishop on payment
of 133 gold florins. The diocese is never mentioned again
as an independent see, except that John Moore, Bishop of
Annaghdown, was presented to the prebend and vicarage
of Lackagh in I55I,1 and that he is called suffragan Bishop
of Annaghdown in a Letter Patent of Queen Mary,
26th November 1553.
The Wardenship of Galway by degrees represented it to
a certain extent and became the nucleus of the Roman
Catholic diocese of Galway.
THE WARDENSHIP OF GALWAY
On the 28th February 1484 the Archbishop of Tuam
issued letters constituting St. Nicholas's parish church of
Galway a collegiate church under a Warden and eight Vicars
to be elected annually by the Mayor Bailiffs and Council
of the town. A Papal bull of 8th February 1485 embodied
and confirmed these letters.
To this was annexed the half quarter which the convent
of Knockmoy used to give to the Vicar of Galway ; and the
church of St. James of Clare Galway to the extent of six
marks yearly, the patronage being vested in the Mayor and
Bailiffs who were to present to the Warden. The Warden
exercised all jurisdiction, except as to what regards the order
of bishops.
The citizens of Galway retained English habits and re-
fused to intermarry with the Irish : thus they kept up their
civilisation and wealth while the Burkes and other colonists
who adopted Irish customs were fighting and plundering
and restoring the barbarism in which they found the country.
1 Eighth Rept. of D. K. of the P. R. Ireland, Append. Fiant, No. 808.
DIOCESE OF ANNAGHDOWN 155
The towns had little in common with their neighbours and
the breach widened every day. Ecclesiastical government
by a bishop whose diocese save in Galway and Athenry was
purely Irish in custom and who was at this time generally Irish
by birth or habit was not likely to be satisfactory to them.
William Joy, O' Murray's successor, confirmed this dis-
position in 1486, and in 1485 added the rectory and vicarage
of Oranmore and the vicarage of Meary or Ballynacourty,
and in 1488 the rectory of Rahoon.
On the 8th June 1489 Theobald de Burgo, chief of his
nation, with the papal sanction, added his rights of patronage
of those rectories for ever, provided prayers were said for
him. He was Mac William Eighter, then the senior Mac
William, but Mac William Oughter had to be conciliated.
In 1488 he agreed with the Mayor of Galway not to impede
but to further the union of Oranmore and Meary with the
college, on condition that the Mayor procured for his son
Richard the canonry of Tuam and prebend of Kilmoylan
and the rectory and vicarage of Athenry, or for his son
Theobald in the event of Richard's death.
The college acquired also —
In 1487 the rectory of Gnobeg, or Moycullen parish.
In 1488 the vicarages of Moycullen, Kilcummin and
Kilrowan.
In 1492 the vicarages of Skreen and of Moycullen, to-
gether worth not more than 14 marks. This Skreen is appa-
rently some ancient church in Moycullen, not the Skreen
at Tuam. The vicarage of Moycullen here means most likely
the vicarage of some church in Moycullen. Kilrowan is a
church near Oughterard. They had also the old church of
Ross near it. Thus they had the whole barony of Moy-
cullen, and in course of time acquired all the vicarages of
Ballynahinch except that of Inishboffin.
In 1501 the vicarages of Shrule and Kinlough were added.
The Wardenship was thus endowed at the expense of
the parishes. Not only rectory but vicarage is carried off.
The superior clergy are enriched and the people's religious
interests sufficiently cared for by a cheap curate.
Litigation arose between the college and existing rectors
and vicars.
The Reformation soon came. The Mayor and corporation
156 DIOCESE OF TUAM
prepared a petition to Henry VIII., which owing to his
death was addressed to Edward VI., surrendering the pos-
sessions of the college and asking for a fresh grant, and for
a grant of the rectory of St. Nicholas, which was claimed
by the abbey of Knockmoy, whereby much dispute arose.
The abbey held, under a grant by O'Flaherty with consent
of Cathal Crobhderg King of Connaught, the rectory of
Lismacuan in Clann Fergaile in which the town of Galway was.
They got a new charter. At their request the title of
the College was changed in 1551 to " The Royal College
of Galway."
Edward's charter effected a material change. The Mayor
and Burgesses were to control the College which was exempt
from ecclesiastical control. There had been, and were in
future, constant disputes between the College and the Arch-
bishops.
In 1551 the Warden and Vicars admitted that they had
no right to complain to Archbishop or Bishop as they had
done, and engaged in future to complain only to the Mayor
and Council who alone had jurisdiction over them.
The College was not otherwise affected by the Reforma-
tion until Queen Elizabeth's time when the members were
Protestants. In 1578 she gave them the dissolved monas-
teries of Annaghdown and Ballintubber in Mayo for a time.
Hereafter the Roman Catholics maintained, when necessary
secretly, a duplicate College under the old constitution, by
meeting in secret to elect Mayor and Council who appointed
Warden and Vicars. It was thus kept up until 1831 when
the last Roman Catholic Warden Dr. French died, and
the Roman Catholic diocese of Galway was formed under
Dr. Brown as Bishop. It represents the Wardenship in
extent comprising the Roman Catholic parishes of St.
Nicholas, Castlegar, Claregalway, Oranmore and Ballyna-
courty, Rahoon, Killannin, Moycullen, Kilcummin, Spiddal,
Rusmuck and Lettermore, Shrule in Mayo.
Hardiman gives a jury's finding of 1607 of the rights
of the College in Galway, showing that they had dues from
trades, artisans, manufactures, customs, tonnage dues, and
rights to labour for repair of the church.
At the Regal Visitation of 1615 it was found that im-
provident leases had reduced the revenues from £80 a year
DIOCESE OF ANNAGHDOWN 157
to £40 a year. As the College could not lease for more than
one year, the commissioners recovered at once and placed
the revenues in charge of trustworthy men.
In 1643 the Roman Catholics took possession of the
church and held it until the town surrendered to the Parlia-
mentary army.
At the Restoration Dr. James Vaughan was made Warden
for life by letters patent overriding the charter. After his
death in 1684 Archbishop Vesey got letters patent uniting
the Wardenship for ever with the Archbishopric. The Vicars
were given their parishes with the episcopal fourths. In
King James II. 's time the Roman Catholic Corporation was
allowed to appoint the Warden and Vicars. Dr. Vesey pro-
tested. The church was given up to them but the surrender
to Ginkell restored it.
The Wardenship was separated from the Archbishopric
in 1734 and Samuel Simcox was elected. The benefice was
worth £500 a year.
The last Warden was James Daly elected in 1820. Two
resident Vicars were elected annually under charter, with
£75 a year each, ranking as King's Chaplains.
The Revenues of the College were —
I. Tithes and emoluments of the parish of St. Nicholas.
II. Three-fourths of the tithes of Ballynacourty, Clare-
galway, Oranmore, Rahoon, Moycullen, Kilcummin, Shrule.
III. Lands worth about £254 a year.
IV. The College House. In all about £1000 yearly.
In 1834 the privileges of the corporation and Wardenship
were abolished, and St. Nicholas became an ordinary parish
church. Thus the Wardenship ended on both sides at about
the same time.
CHAPTER XVII
CHURCH ARCHITECTURE
CHURCHES AND CASHELS
IN these dioceses are ruins of almost every style of ecclesi-
astical architecture except that of the Gallerus oratory,
which may be called a development of the clochan, of which
there are specimens in the Western Isles. The purely Irish
churches are classified thus by Miss M. Stokes : —
1st Type. Oratories in dry stone, showing no cement
or cut stones, of 5th to yth centuries.
2nd Type. Small churches built in cement and showing
cut and picked stones. They date from the yth and
8th centuries, after heathenism had disappeared as a
political force. The true radiating arch dates from
the gth and loth centuries. To some of these chancels
were added in later times.
3rd Type. The Irish Romanesque, an Enriched Round
Arch Style, the Decorated Romanesque, introduced
in the loth century. The capitals of columns in the
doorways are always cushion or bell-shaped and a
single entablature unites all. They are not true
separate capitals. The Irish period closes about the
year 1168 with the erection of the Nun's church at
Clonmacnoise by Queen Dervorgilla.
To these must be added —
4th Type. The Gothic Style introduced in the I2th century
marked by the Pointed Arch.
Of the ist Type is St. Brendan's Oratory in Inisglora,
12' x 8' 6" inside, which was probably built in his time if
not by him, and MacDara's Church on Cruagh MacDara,
158
CHURCH ARCHITECTURE 159
which is apparently of very much later date, being very
finely built. These had roofs of overlapping stones.
Remains of the 2nd Type are not scarce but are fast
disappearing. The finest specimens are on Aranmore ;
Tempul Benen, which lies from N. to S. having its door in
the N. wall and its E. window close to the S. wall, measuring
10' 9" x 7' ; Kill Cananach, 13' x 8' 6* ; Kill Enda 19' 6* x 9' 8".
Glaspatrick near Murrisk of which but little is left is of this
class, 17' 6" x 9' 10". These very small churches are con-
sidered to have been oratories for the use of the priest, or
for the monks of a monastery only. A much larger class
of church must I think have been intended for congregational
use. Such are Kilfrauchan 18' x 14' at one end, 13' at the
other end. Killaraa 24' x 16' 6". Kilmainebeg 29' 6" x 9' 6".
Church Island in Lough Carra 28' x 13' 6". Inishrobe 28' 6" x
10' 2". All are inside measurements. Kilfrauchan has gone
to ruin since Sir W. Wilde described it.1 It had a loft sup-
ported on beams.
From the small churches an advance was made to the
larger churches and to the use of the true arch.
The early church was often surrounded by a cashel, a
high dry-stone wall enclosing the monastic buildings, differing
from the cashel fortress by a generally weaker construction
and by irregulai ty of shape being designed to enclose build-
ings. Moreover, it was commonly larger than the fortress
cashel would be, which was intended to be held against an
enemy. The cashel may be taken as evidence of a monastic
community about the church. The best existing example
is that of Inismurray off the coast of Sligo in the parish of
Ahamlish. In these dioceses traces of cashels are not un-
common, but as might be expected they are best seen in
the Western Islands.
The Isles of Aran are full of ecclesiastical remains.
On Ard Illaun is St. Fechin's church ii/ IO* x 10', with
two clochans and others ruined, and four crosses, in a cashel.
Part of the cashel remains on Inisglora. The churches and
various remains of the early monasteries are on Cruagh
Mac Dara, Omey Island, Inishturk, Inishark, Inisboffin,
Iniskea.
Caher Island shows a singularly interesting group of
1 Lough. Corrib, p. 155.
160 DIOCESE OF TUAM
ruins, of which Mr. R. Cochrane writes that its history may
be described thus —
" (i) A pagan or pre-Christian religious settlement, which re-
mained until long after the introduction of Chris-
tianity in the mainland, perhaps, for several centuries.
" (2) A primitive monastic settlement for several centuries.
" (3) A sort of revival after the introduction of the ' new '
monastery, or religious foundation, on Clare Island,
at which period Caher Island and the new church
were dedicated to St. Patrick.
" (4) The reconstruction later of the present church, and
the erection of a two-roomed clergyhouse beside it,
the latter now in ruins, and the foundations alone
are visible." x
The church is 17' x 14'. The east window is flat-headed.
The west door has a very rude pointed arch outside and a
flat lintel inside. About it are crosses and other remains
of antiquity in a cashel.
On the mainland are to be seen part of the cashel about
Kilmainebeg and a large extent of foundations of buildings,
showing that the cashel was at least in part a large well-
built wall, such as the cashels of Moyne and Ross, and that
there was a large establishment about the church. The
enclosure seems to have been enlarged to take in more
buildings.
Illancolumbkille and Inishrobe in Lough Mask show
traces of a wall making a large enclosure about the church
and buildings. K; ^
These cashels were all of irregular shape, and the walls,
except what appears to have been the original part of that
of Kilmainebeg, were small walls.
The cashel of Moyne in the parish of Shrule is a very
fine specimen of a different kind of cashel. It was 8 feet
thick and is in good condition round nearly all the circuit,
and can be traced clearly in the rest. It is very large about
380' E. to W. and 330' N. to S. in diameter, and seems to
be symmetrically oval. A part of the cashel of Ross on
Lough Mask remains near an iron gate on the hill above the
church, and almost all can be traced in the existing fence,
showing it to have resembled in area and style that of Moyne.
,* R.S.A.I., 1900, xxx. p. 363.
CHURCH ARCHITECTURE 161
The cashel of Drum in Carra was nearly rectangular.
The Tochar Phatraic passed straight across it. Cashels
large and small no doubt were in many more places but have
been cleared away except where the stones were not wanted.
A similar cashel can be traced around the old church of
Loona, and the Tochar Phatraic passing diagonally through it.
Some of these may have been originally fortresses of
kings, but I should say that they were built for the monas-
tery, as such very large enclosures would require a very
large force of men for an effective defence, being much larger
than any of the surviving military cashels. Whether origin-
ally military or monastic, it is to be remembered that they
were only fences for the monks' own quarters. According
to the importance of the monastery or wealth of the founder
they were large or small. Inishrobe and Illancolumbkille
were enclosed by what seem from their foundations to have
been ordinary good walls. Moyne and Ross and Drum had
walls that involved a great deal of labour and that must
have been somewhat imposing in their way. Such a great
cashel was about the abbey at Mayo.
This Moyne is most likely to be the place named in the
Martyrologies which mention Muicin and Eodusa of Maigen.
At an early period chancels were added to some churches of
this class, or naves were added and the old church taken as
a chancel. They have sometimes been very much altered
by enlargement, so that the original plan cannot be ascer-
tained. Thus Kildarvila is now a Romanesque period church
measuring 42' x 17' 6", but it seems to have been converted
from a church of this period by lengthening to the E.
Kilmaclasser is now 66' 6" x 13'. At the W. end is a
piece of walling apparently of this period with part of the
N.E. angle showing in the N. wall. Farther to the E.
is another N.E. angle embedded in the wall. These have
sandstone quoins. The church has been lengthened again
and now has limestone quoins at the N.E. and S.E. angles.
For want of door and window frames it is not possible to
assign certain dates, but it may be inferred that the original
church was of this period, that it was enlarged in the
Romanesque revival, and finally enlarged in the Anglo-
Norman period when the cut limestone was used. The
church of Ross on Lough Mask seems to have been similarly
L
162 DIOCESE OF TUAM
enlarged with original width of 15' 3" to a length of 62' 6"
inside.
The church of Kilcummin in Tirawley is a well-preserved
example of the first adoption of the true arch. The W.
door is a very primitive-looking form of the radiating round
arch, and the two windows in E. and S. walls are quite of
this period.1
Two ancient churches are anomalous. In a field 200
yards N.E. of Ballyovey old parish church is the S. wall,
forming part of a field wall, of what was probably the parish
church before Ballyovey Church was built. It was about
48' x 16', and shows a remarkable projection to the S. at
the W. end. C D is of much larger stones irregularly laid
than A B, and is of the style of the fragment at Kilkeeran
and of Killarsa. A B is of much smaller stones in courses.
A kind of plinth carries the line of C D towards A B. The
door had inclined jambs.
BALLYOVEY
JL
I KILKEERAN
About half a mile to the S. at Kilkeeran on the shore of
Lough Carra is a church of similar curious plan, of which
only a part of the S. wall of very large stones remains, and
the foundations of the others. These seem to have been
of 2nd Type altered to 3rd Type, and may be the churches
of Liba. -^nd Fortchern of Odba Cera who met St. Columba
at Ballysadare. Exact measurements are given by Mr. G.
Kinahan.2
With the adoption of the true arch an advance was made
to larger churches and to churches with a high pitched stone
roof over a barrel vault making a chamber over the church.
This form is clearly to be traced in Kilmainemore and in the
old church at Ballyheane, and I think that it can be seen
in the fragment of Kilkelly. Kilmainemore is remarkable
because it was originally a church 18 feet wide lying N.
1 //. JR.S.A.L, 1898, xxviii. p. 297.
3y/. of Hist, and Arch* Assn. of Ireland ',"1869, p. 139.
CHURCH ARCHITECTURE 163
and S. with barrel vault and a chamber above. The
northern part and the W. wall were removed, and it was
made into an E. and W. church 52' 6" x 21' 3". The
change was made in the early Gothic period and there was
another change in the later Gothic period.
The roof of Mayo Abbey Church was of lead sheets in
the beginning of the gth century.1 This may have been a
peculiarity due to the connection of Mayo with England.
In the latter half of the loth century a further advance
was made to the 3rd Type, the Irish Romanesque, which
lasted to the close of the I2th century, when the larger style
introduced for the Cistercian abbeys superseded it. These
churches were much larger and seem to have been often
roofed with thatch or shingles.
At Mayo and Killedan are seen small stone-roofed chambers
near the church, which seem to have been chapels for family
vaults or family burials.
Very few examples of this type remain in an unaltered
condition. Such are the Saints' Church on Inchangoill, with
a nave 21' 10" x 12' g" inside, and a chancel IT/ 6" outside,
and Inishmaine which is probably about the last of the
type as Norman mouldings are found about the E. window.
Inishmaine and Ballysadare, which is of this class, were
both abbey churches and are much the same size, 62' x 21' 6"
inside including the chancel and 70' x 33' outside respectively.
Inishmaine is nearly the prescribed size of a Daimliag or
Tempul Mor, 60' x 24' inside.2 Ballysadare is peculiar, but
resembles the Aghanagh Church and Killaspugbrone. Mr.
Wakeman says that they show an original doorway with
flat lintel and inclined jambs high in the western gable, for
which the doorways in the S. and N. walls were substituted.
He looks upon the arrangement as defensive. But it seems
to me most likely that the N. and S. doors were also original
and that the high doorway gave access to the loft from the
outside instead of from the inside as usually is the case.
This high doorway is no longer apparent at Aghanagh.
Cong Abbey Church may be said to be chiefly of this
period in which it was built, but it shows plainly the transi-
tion to the Gothic. The Abbey Church of Annaghdown
1 See p. 130.
*Jt. J?.S.A,/.i vol. xvi. p. 75.
164 DIOCESE OF TUAM
is to be referred to this type on account of its E. window
and door jambs. The nave was 9i/x2i/ and the chancel
17" x 14'. But it was the church of an important abbey and
was a cathedral. .Being evidently from its size built for
an abbey on the new pattern it must have been built in
the I2th century.
Tuam Cathedral built by Torlogh Mor in the middle of
the I2th century must have been a beautiful example of
the type, judging from the chancel arch and the E. window
which are all that remain of it.
Certain churches seem to have been altered very slightly
from this type, as Donaghpatrick where very little change
has been made except by putting a curious door in the eastern
end of the N. wall, and Ballinchalla where I am inclined
to think that new Gothic window frames have been put
to the old splays ; but in absence of the whole E. wall
of Donaghpatrick and of the door of Ballinchalla it is not
safe to be positive.
Kildarvila is an earlier church altered to this type.
THE CHURCH TOWERS
The Round Towers or Detached Belfries have been
mentioned. There is another type to be dealt with, that
of the rectangular towers attached to churches.
A room or loft over the church supposed to have been
used as a dwelling for the priest was a common feature.
In larger churches such as Donaghpatrick the loft is confined
to the western part of the church and the space below was
also part of the dwelling, sometimes cut off by a wall. This
arrangement is seen in very good condition in the church on
Church Island in Lough Gill, but in these dioceses I have seen
it only in fragments.
It developed in one direction into the plan of the church
at Attyrickard, in which the western part of the church is
a small castle of three stories. The belfry of the priory of
Aughris, which was described as like a castle, was probably
such a tower. In another direction it obtained security by
adding a square tower to the western gable. The Atty-
rickard tower has a door leading from the church, and access
to the upper stories by holes in the floors. The Illaunnaglashy
CHURCH ARCHITECTURE
165
tower has a door leading from the upper room of the church
to the upper room of the tower, and access to its lower room
must have been by a hole in the floor as there is no opening
in the ground floor of the tower save a very small narrow
pointed window in its N. wall. The Kinlough tower has
doors communicating with the church rooms in ground floor
and upper floor.
The Tempul Clogas or Belfry Church on Iniscloran has
the same arrangement. It is a Romanesque church much
altered and the tower is considered to be an addition, and
to be not earlier than the I2th century or even to be post-
Norman.1 In the three Mayo churches I take the tower
to be a part of the original plan. They all show Gothic
work and I take Attyrickard to be the earliest, and Kinlough
to be probably later than Illaunnaglashy. The ground
plans of the western parts of these two differ —
KINLOUGH
ILLAUNNAGLASHY
Illaunnaglashy presents the very unusual feature of two
very small narrow windows in S. wall, one similar window
in the W. wall, one similar window in the N. wall near
the W. wall, and a ruinous opening, of either a door or a
window in the N. wall of the ground floor room, which
was cut off from the church by a cross wall which reduced
the length of the church to the E. to 29' 6". But I am not
quite sure that this cross wall is original. The church walls
to E. of it are only about 3 ft. high and covered with
1 R. S.A.I., 1900, xxx. pp. 81, 168, 257.
166 DIOCESE OF TUAM
rubbish. Nor am I sure that the gap in the N. wall is a
doorway and not a broken-down window.
Above the joist holes in the S. wall are the openings
of two windows, of which the western is over the western
window of the ground floor and the eastern more to the
E. than the eastern ground floor window. The heads of
those windows are gone, but what remains assures me that
they were lancet windows, and certainly much wider and
higher than the lower windows which were flat headed 26" x 4".
The western window in the upper room is arched and is not
over that of the lower room but more to the N.
F
ri
In the absence of the eastern part of the walls it is im-
possible to make out the arrangements with certainty — but
the church is remarkably narrow for its length, suggesting
that a very early church has been lengthened to the W.
The upper windows are very large for such an upper room,
and their distance apart suggests that the cross wall did not
run up so high ; the whole appearance suggests that they
were church windows. Yet the only thing to explain such
an arrangement is the very early St. Columcille's House at
Kells.1 It measures 19' x 15' 5" inside, and had three stories.
The first floor was a chapel to which there was access by a
door 8 feet from the ground. It had a barrel vault and
a loft above under a pointed stone roof. Under the chapel
was a crypt, without door or window, accessible by a hole
in the chapel floor.
This does look as if the upper room might have been
the church with a crypt under it.
The Ullard church had a crypt under the chancel, lighted
by a narrow slit.2
These three churches measured inside —
Attyrickard, 40' x 19' church, 16' x 19' tower.
Illaunnaglashy, 58' 6" x 14' 6".
Kinlough, 65' x 22' 4".
1 Dunraven, Notes on Irish Architecture, ii. p. 50.
3 Ibid., ii. pp. 86, 87.
CHURCH ARCHITECTURE 167
These churches certainly belong to the Gothic period,
but are treated here on account of their towers.
A small square tower is sometimes attached to the side
of the church as in Cormac's Chapel at Cashel and at Mungret,
which seem to have grown out of the round tower springing
from a square base.1
The church of Inishmaine has a square building on each
side. The larger on the N. side has good windows and
is plainly intended for ceremonial or domestic uses. That
of the S. side at junction of nave and chancel has no
opening on the ground floor. It seems to be the butt cf a
tower.
The churches of the 4th Type, the Gothic, are divided
sharply into the abbey and the parish churches.
The former are on a quite different scale, and after the
death of Cathal Crobderg and the conquest of Connaught
lost all distinctive Romanesque characteristics, preserving
only reminiscence of the past in the mason's methods of
making small windows and the like, but developing certain
peculiarities of their own. Sometimes a very archaic little
window has been utilised as in the Errew Abbey.
Some of the large parish churches may be classed rather
with the abbey churches, but on the whole it may be said
I think that the parish churches of the I3th and I4th cen-
turies are on the plan of Romanesque churches with door
and window frames of the new fashion, which was materially
modified from the English style. This modification was very
much in the direction of using very narrow slits as windows,
I suppose to keep out rain and wind in the absence of glass,
and very few windows indeed.
The Abbey Church of Errew is not dated but I class it
as probably the earliest. It may I think be taken as certain
that it is earlier than the year 1210 when the comarb lands
were transferred to the bishops in this province. At the
suppression it owned only the land given it by Robert Barrett
in 1413. The extensive see lands about it I take to have
been its endowment transferred to the bishop. The archi-
tecture is very coarse and rough. Though the windows
generally are pointed the}' are very few and very small for
a church of this class. In the N. wall close to E. end is
1 Stokes, Early Christian Archi. in Ireland, pp. 62, 63, 71.
168 DIOCESE OF TUAM
a small window with a round top hollowed out of a stone,
looking very early, as if it might have been taken from an
earlier church. A similar narrow slit is opposite in the
S. wall but with a pointed top. The cloisters were very
low and very dark, lighted only by a few narrow slits, and
might more properly be called vaults. I suppose it to have
been built by the O'Dowdas or O'Lachtnas sometime in
the i2th century for the old abbot and convent transformed
into canons of St. Augustine with a house suited for the new
practices and ideas, built by Irish architects not yet familiar
with the style.
Knockmoy Abbey founded in 1189 is entirely Gothic, but
at that time Gothic architects were abundant and it was
a Cistercian house.
Ballintubber Abbey founded in 1216 is somewhat
composite. The windows of the E. end have a decidedly
Norman aspect, but all the rest of the church is Gothic.
Norman influence appears also in the conventual buildings.
I know of no other abbey in these dioceses that can be
dated earlier than the Anglo-Norman occupation in 1237.
They are all distinctively Gothic, are unmistakable, and
are dated within at least a few years.
What may be called the great parish churches are a
small group, only three known to me, which from identity of
plan and size seem to have been built at the same time.
They are —
Shrule, 91' io"x24' 4". Burriscarra, 9i'x23' 10".
Holyrood at Ballinrobe, the ancient Roba in Carra, 102' 6"
x 24' 6", which has certainly been lengthened towards
the W., and seems to have been the same as the other two.
Allowing for my measurements taken with a tape being not
absolutely exact I think it may be taken that they were laid
out to be identical in area. They have two or three lofty
narrow pointed windows in the east end, a few similar
windows in the side walls, two doors opposite each other
in the N. and S. walls near the W. end, and at Shrule
and Holyrood a small door in the S. wall near the E.
end, probably for the use of the clergy.
Annaghdown Abbey nave is the same length.
They are certainly of about the same date as Kinlough,
but this last has a Romanesque connection in the western
CHURCH ARCHITECTURE 169
dwelling ; the others seem to have been intended for some-
thing more than the ordinary parish uses, and made pro-
vision for priests' dwellings elsewhere. It is I think safe to
take them to be the earliest of the Gothic parish churches
and to assign them to the I3th century, and to attribute
them to the Irish lords of the time of Cathal Crobderg
rather than to the first Anglo-Norman lords, who set up
monasteries and used parish church rectories to aggrandise
them.
The rest of the parish churches usually show the later
ogival ornament and mouldings where any are left. But on
the other hand they show rather the proportions and the
arrangements of the Romanesque churches, as if there was
a reversion to Celtic uses and requirements in parish church
practices concurrently with the adoption of Irish social
customs and laws. I infer that as the Anglo-Norman families
threw out branches those branches rebuilt or reconstructed
ancient parish churches. Of course the plan would remain
the same when the " restoration " consisted of insertion
of more fashionable door and window frames in existing
walls, which is a very common case. But there are
instances where the new church was built on a new site,
and the architect was free to design what was thought
best. A very good example of this is Tempul na Lecca
at Cuslough. The old parish church is in ruins on Inish-
robe. The new one showing ogival ornament is on the
mainland.
This church needs only to be stripped of ivy and shrubs,
to be roofed, and to be plastered all over to restore it to its
original condition. It is in plan typical of most of the parish
churches of its period, whether restored Romanesque or
original. They differ a little in proportion of length and
breadth but the arrangements of door and windows are
in substance the same. There is an E. window generally
very narrow, but sometimes larger and even double as in
Islandeady. In the S. wall is another narrow splayed
window close to the E. wall in order to light the altar.
In Tempul na Lecca it is so close to the E. wall that there
is but 4" of splay on that side. This is sometimes larger,
as in Kilmolara where there is a mullion. A door is in the
S. wall near the W. end. If the church is long a small
170
DIOCESE OF TUAM
slit may be found between the door and the W. wall, or
even two, as in Islandeady. The E. window and the
window in S. wall near the E. wall are sometimes mere slits,
as in Easky.
The following list shows the general run of dimensions —
52' 2" x 20' 9"
42' 3" x 17'
A B Moyne ..
AC Ballinchalla
AC Aghagower
ABC Kilmainemore 52' 6" x 21' 3"
Killedan . . . 48'x2o'
Kilkinure . . 53'6"xi8'
C Tempul na Lecca . 41' x 18' 6"
C Tempul an Machaire 37' x 17' 6"
C Kilmolara . . 57'4"xi8'6"
C Islandeady . . . 52'xi8'6"
Ballyovey . . . 45' x 19'
A denotes Romanesque original altered to B or C. B early
Gothic. C Later Gothic showing ogival forms.
Tempul Som at Knockatample in Kildacommoge parish is
an exceptional church. It measures 26' 6" x 14' and had a
western loft. The walls are remarkably high for the size, in
order to allow such a loft. None of the openings have been
left in their original state, but the church seems to be early
Romanesque, or even earlier, judging from these indications.
Into these walls an E. window has been fitted consisting of
a wide rectangular limestone frame with a mullion ; a similarly
wide rectangular window in the W. gable over the pointed
door ; another in the S. wall near the W. wall. It seems
to be the latest mediaeval restoration of all, applied to the
earliest existing altered structure.
ANGLO-NORMAN ABBEY CHURCHES
They are in two divisions. The first shows a long rect-
angle with a chapel at the W. end opening into the nave
N. or S. wall, and conventual buildings on the opposite
side, such as Ballinrobe, Burriscarra, Ballyhaunis, Urlare.
This may be called the I3th century type.
The second comprises churches which are divided into
choir and nave by two arches supporting a nearly square
central tower, with sometimes transept and aisle. The
tower is less than the full width of the church and is there-
fore elegant and slender in appearance. In one case, Bur-
rishoole, the tower is the full width of the church. The
CHURCH ARCHITECTURE 171
choir is sometimes less than the full width of the nave. Such
are Claregalway, Rosserrilly, Rosserk, Court Abbey.
The date of foundation is known or the style indicates
the period of most of the abbey churches. But that of
Kilnamanagh is exceptionally difficult to date. It is men-
tioned in an ancient tract on the Muintir Murcada.1 It is
the church of the parish of Struthir in Muntercuda (Muintir
[Mur]cada) of the Taxation. The parish merged in that
of Donaghpatrick and the rectory of the whole belonged to
this monastery at the suppression. The Four Masters record
the death of the Abbot of Kilnamanagh in 1438, who seems
to have been a Connaught abbot. A Franciscan house has
no abbot, but I suppose the term was used laxly. It may
be assumed that this small house was not founded before
the great house of Claregalway, reputed to be the first Fran-
ciscan house in Connaught. The Rackets were then in
possession of this country, and were probably the founders.
It measures 94' 10" x 19' 9'. Part of E. wall and a great part
of S. wall are gone. The E. wall stands save a part of the
S.E. angle. A small flat-headed splayed window is not in the
middle of it but nearer the N. waU, the middle of the window
being only 6' 8" from it. A small window in the N. wall
about 30 ft. from E. end has an uneven splay / I
nearly straight on the E. side. Elsewhere I have seen an
uneven splay only when a window in a S. wall is so close
to the E. wall as not to allow a splay. A part of the N. wall
to E. of this window is gone, so that it cannot be said that
there was or was not another window there. The S. wall
is down except at the W. end.
At the W. end are joist holes and a small flat-headed
window just above them in the S. wall, which I guess to
measure in the opening about 15" *6". In the S.W. angle
is a small window N on ground floor.
Near the middle of the N. wall is a bit of much better
masonry like the W. jamb of a door, apparent inside. Out-
side, about opposite, seems to be a joint as if the church
had been lengthened, and some appearance as if part of the
1 ff. W.C.t p. 368.
i72 DIOCESE OF TUAM
E. side of a doorway was carried on to the W. Mounds
adjoining in the graveyard to the S. seem to be ruins of
buildings in connection with the church.
It seems that a Romanesque church with a loft has been
lengthened to the E. to fit it for a monastic church. The
work is done in a very rough way. I class it on the whole
as a late reconstruction.
Killeenbrenan or Murgagagh Abbey also presents the
feature of a mediaeval monastic church constructed on the
site of an earlier Irish church. In the E. wall is a small
piece of very fine walling of pick-dressed stones with very
fine joints, which seems to be a fragment of the E. end of
a very much older church. Unfortunately the upper part
of the E. wall is gone. The character of the rest of the build-
ing agrees with the date of foundation, 1428, given in Arch-
dall's Monasticon. The S. wall began to fall out and was
reinforced by a thickening outside which went so high as
to block a considerable amount of the square windows
high up in the wall. A huge buttress supports this wall at
the eastern end.
Murgagach is Irish for cracked, having a crack or chink,
and is a descriptive name. But it might have been applied
to the far older church close by, called the Killeen, as in
that case the chancel was built simply against the E. wall
of an older church. It is impossible to fix its date, but the
dimensions 61' x 19' whereof 19' 6" is length of chancel marks
it as a comparatively late reconstruction. It suggests to
me that this Killeenbrenan is the old parish church, and
that the abbey was formed on another disused ancient church.
The Killeen is in Moorgagagh Townland, .the abbey in that
of Kill. The Killeen was once a very important establish-
ment ; the land N. and W. and S. of it is covered with
foundations of walls and buildings marking a large settle-
ment.
VARIOUS ANTIQUITIES
HOLY WELLS, BULLAUNS, LONG STONES
CLOSELY associated with the ancient churches are Holy
Wells. Bullauns, and Long Stones.
Wells were objects of worship by the Irish and by the
other nations of western Europe. But how they were
worshipped and for what reason is now obscure. People
went to them to pray for what they wanted and to leave
offerings as they do to this day. Of the views held about
them we have an indication in one direction in Tirechan's
account of St. Patrick's proceedings at the well called Slan,
from which we learn that the well was honoured and that
offerings were made to it as a god, and that the people be-
lieved that a dead prophet had been placed in a coffin in
the well under the stone cover. This suggests a belief that
burial in such a holy place would give a good start in the
next life. The well worship was made tolerable in Irish
Christianity by dedication of the well to a saint because
it could not be eradicated, but it seems to have gained no
more than toleration and so has retained its pagan features.
In only a few cases have chapels been built at or over wells.
Such a chapel is seen at the Holy Well near the Round
Tower and old church of Balla.
The mysterious bullauns are intimately connected with
the holy wells, and in some instances are themselves used
as holy wells. The bullauns seem to be a pagan survival.
They are found not only as wells or bowls for water but on
upright and sloping stones where they could not hold water.
Those which are used as wells are on a stone sunk in the
ground. In the parish of Killedan there are three. One
called Gloonpatrick is at Oxford by the side of a stream
where a large bullaun is in a stone sunk in the earth with
173
i74 DIOCESE OF TUAM
a few stones built round to keep out rubbish. One called
Patrick's Well is in the demesne of Ballinamore which is a
similar bullaun in a stone sunk in a low mound of stones
and grass, by the side of which are the foundations of a
small rectangular building. The third is a little east of
Ballinamore House, and is but a small hollow which may
be natural, but it is accepted as a bullaun. Local tradition
says that St. Patrick knelt in prayer at these three places,
the hollows being worn by his knees, and there is an old
saying that the part between these three stones will always
be safe from wars and destruction. The first two are under
old ash trees.
Patrick's Well is most likely the place in Mag Foimsen
where St. Patrick left Conan. The church has disappeared
but in the circumstances it is I think fairly certain that
there once was a church in Lisnacrus, or at least a chapel
at the well. The mound and the foundations show clearly
such an arrangement as exists at Patrick's Well in Kilcorkey
parish of Co. Roscommon. This well is not a spring but
a large stone with a large and small bullaun sunk in the
ground. A sort of alcove has been built over it, and the
alcove is approached by a narrow passage about 9 ft. long,
sloping downwards so that at the opening of the alcove
it is below the level of the bullauns. The passage is open
above. Stones are piled all round so that the alcove is
in the middle of a small cairn about 3 ft. high.
Adjoining the cairn on the north are remains of a small
rectangular building, of which enough of the west end
remains to show that it was built with very large stones.
It is like the cell or house sometimes seen in similar close
relation with a holy well. Stations are still made here.
The high road separates the cairn from the foundations
of a small church.1
A little to the south of the Ballinamore Patrick's Well
are the remains of a rath, and the country people say that
stations used to be held, marked by little wooden crosses,
starting from the well and round the rath back to the well.
It is still called Lisnacrus.
These may be taken to represent a class of artificial
wells. Bullauns are commonly found in large stones and
1 JL R,S.A.L, xxxii. p. 189.
VARIOUS ANTIQUITIES 175
rocks near churches in conditions which afford no ground
for supposing that they had been built over like those two
wells. But they are very frequently used as holy wells.1
In some cases a holy well which is a natural spring is
found near the church as well as a bullaun stone. It cannot
be said that the bullaun was a substitute for a natural well,
but it is evident that it was such in some cases, and that it
was used in some religious fashion in other cases. The
connection of bullauns with churches and holy wells needs
careful investigation.
The ash and the thorn tree are intimately connected with
the holy wells and bullaun wells. One or other is almost
always beside a holy well. The Sacred Trees of antiquity
were called Bile.
Lough Keeraun is a small bog lake, now nearly filled
with water-weeds and the growth of bog, about 400 yards
west of Temple Som or Temple na Lickeen and north of
the road from Bohola to Bellavari in the detached part
of the parish of Kildacommoge, and is remarkable as an
object of unusual reverence like a holy well. Even now
a great concourse of people make stations about it on
Garland Sunday. Its reputation was still greater formerly.
There is some doubt as to the meaning of the name which
might be either Ciaran's Lake or Mountain Ash Lake. It
is probably the former as these objects of pagan worship
were usually Christianised by affixing a Saint's name. It is
the Loughharrow of Wood-Martin's " Traces of the Elder
Faiths of Ireland," ii. 99, with which he mentions a small
tarn in the Co. Cork which is similarly reverenced, which
seems to be also the Loughadrine of pp. 89 and 112.
At a lake called Loch Cill Eascrach half a mile S.W. of
Moylough, there was on Garland Sunday a great assemblage
of people who used to swim horses in the lake to keep disease
from them.1
Garland Sunday is Crom Duff's Day, and where we find
these patterns at laJces and wells on that day we may safely
assume that the annual ceremony has been taken over from
the worship of Crom Duff. Garland Sunday is so commonly
1 See also Jf. S.A.I., xiil p. 466, xxxii. p. 190. Ulster Jl. of Archaology,
iv. p. 272, and Wilde's Lough Corrib, p. 294, for a few more instances.
3 O.S.L.G., i. p. 232.
176 DIOCESE OF TUAM
the festival day of wells and churches associated with St.
Patrick in these countries that I am inclined to suspect
that he may have often been given for churches the places
where Crom Duff was worshipped. It may be said that
the temples of Crom Duff were given him for churches,
for these objects of reverence were open air objects of nature
and would no more need buildings than the festivals held
at them to-day. By building a church at such a place he
would divert the worship to Christian lines without too
great a break in the associations of the common people
and half-hearted converts.
LONG STONES AND CROSSES
The Long Stone is often found at churches and then
usually bears an inscribed cross. They seem to have been
a pre-Christian form of monument in Ireland and elsewhere,
and it is not unlikely that the church was put near the stone
in some cases because it was a place where the people were
already used to worship as at the wells. In the Doonfeeny
churchyard is a very long and slender stone 21 ft. high, the
longest in Ireland, bearing ancient inscribed crosses.
Groups of three long stones are found in several places
in Ireland. Two only are known to me in these dioceses.
South of the old castle of Moneycrower are two very large
long stones, one north and one south of the high road. Near
the latter lies a third which seems to have been quarried
but not set up. A short way to the east are the remains
of a small ancient church and enclosure called Killeen-
naskeagh.
Killocrau a little west of Ballinrobe has some 200 yards
west of it three small pillar stones. St. Patrick's seat at
Duma Selce was among the three inscribed stones. They
are likely to have had some religious significance.
Ogham stones are found in these dioceses at Breastagh
near Rathfran, at Bracklaghboy and at Tullaghan near
Ballyhaunis, and at Ross on Lough Mask where remain but a
few scores. Though the writing cannot be fixed as pre-
Christian they are certainly a very early form of monument
and have in some cases been Christianised by the addition
of a cross.
VARIOUS ANTIQUITIES 177
HIGH CROSSES
We have of ancient High Crosses only that of Tuam and
the remains of that of Cong. These appear to have been
put up as memorials and not over graves. The practice of
putting up a memorial cross survived into the I7th century.
By the roadside near Donamona Castle is the pedestal of a
small high cross bearing this inscription — " This cross was
made in anno 1633 by David Kelly and Gate Bourke his wife
for the soule of his [father?] Moyler Kelly who died 8 October
1627. F°r whom let all men pray " — and other Latin in-
scriptions and the instruments of the passion. The stones
fell some years ago and some have been reset upside down.
A family of O'Kellys occupied Donamona Castle.
INSCRIBED CROSSES
Small crosses are incised in various forms on standing
stones and slabs and are to be found in very many places,
so common as to need no particular notice. But a singular
combination of crosses and other ornament incised on a
stone in the old burying ground called the Killeen in Knap-
paghmanagh near Westport calls for description. The
graveyard is within a cashel or round enclosure of which
part remains and most can be traced. On a roughly tri-
angular slab of local greenish grey rock have been incised
two concentric circles and a cross within the inner circle.
The ends of the cross expand slightly. A very small round
hollow is within each quarter of the cross. Above the outer
circle is a full face the chin just touching the circle. On each
side at about the level of the junction of the chin and circle
is a much larger round hollow. These hollows are about
12 in. apart. From below the circle three lines extend to
the edge of the stone. In the lower left-hand corner are
two crosses in a rectangle, like a union jack.
The stone is 2 ft. 6 in. by i ft. 6 in. The outer circle
is 9 in. wide and the inner circle 7 in. The head is 5 in.
by 4! in.
No particular piece of ornament is in itself very remark-
able. The combination is so. The cross in a circle is
M
i78 DIOCESE OF TUAM
common, as are hollows in the arms. The large outer hollows
are unusual. The face is a common ornament of Irish
architecture in the loth, nth, and I2th centuries. The face
represented by incised lines, and the combination with the
circle are new to me. The three lines from the circle to
the edge of the stone are on stones in the churchyards of
Rathmichael and Killegar near Dublin.1 As in the latter
case these lines radiate a little. The union jack cross is
inscribed on the " altar table " at Toomour.
This stone may have been a gravestone. It would suit
as well as the slab so used in the Toomour churchyard, where
Dr. O'Rorke has identified the tomb of the chieftains who
fell in the battle of Kesh in 971. The remains are such as
would be left by one of the old family tombs or chapels in
Mayo Abbey graveyard. The " altar table " stone rests
on a little altar in this enclosure. At its foot is a slab marked
with two hollows and six small crosses, under which bones
were found. A third hollow is ignored by Dr. O'Rorke and
looks natural.2
SWEARING, CURSING, AND PRAYING STONES
These curious relics whose use has come down from pagan
days are common in Ireland, and are known to be in several
places in these dioceses. The commonest are smooth,
round, or egg-shaped, or oval and flat-sided, such stones
as may be picked up on any shingle beach of the sea or large
lake. Differing in size and shape they are alike in being
smooth and more or less rounded. Some are adorned with
crosses, as on an altar in Inismurray. They are used to
keep count of prayers or curses and are taken in the hand
or turned round. Turning seems to be an essential part of
the formula in most cases in which stones are used. Some
sanctity or power inheres as no one thrives who takes one
away. A set lying on the waU of the tomb of the chieftains
round the altar at Toomour, and another set lying on the
wall round St. Araght's Well near Coolavin have been figured
by Dr. O'Rorke."
1 R.S.A.I., xxxi. pp. 136-146.
2 Hht. SKgo, ii. p. 212. » md. , pp. 212, 382.
VARIOUS ANTIQUITIES 179
In the burial ground of the old church of Annaghvick-
anara 1 is a small altar on which is a slab about 3 ft. 6 in.
long, raised about 18 in. above the ground. On the slab
and about it are several such stones. In one, larger and
thicker than the rest, a deep round hollow or bullaun has
been worked. A natural channel runs out of the bullaun.
It may be taken as part of the design because a bullaun could
have been made as easily in a stone free from defect. The
water which collects in the bullaun is reputed to be holy.
St. Feichin's Stone, called also Casey's Sword,2 formerly
kept at his holy well near Castlekirke on Lough Corrib, was
an oval flat stone used for swearing and cursing, of very
great reputation.
On the shore of Lough Cahasy near Louisburgh is a place
where a few stones are piled together. Some are dumb-bell
shape, two rounded stones joined by another kind of stone,
a piece of conglomerate. The dumb-bell form is found in
other places. Here people pray for recovery of sick friends
and animals and sometimes bring sick beasts. Some fifty years
ago a number of stones " like swords with handles " were
piled on the heap. When a person had a spite against some
one he used to turn these stones and say a prayer, and there
came from this practice murders and bad storms. A parish
priest threw them into the lake. According to an account
given to Mr. Kelly these were bronze swords.3 A standing
stone with an incised cross is in the sandhills close by.
It is remarkable that these things which were like swords
lay on the shore of Lough Cahasy, and that Feichin's stone,
used for the same purpose, bore the name of Cahasy's Sword.
It suggests that Christian Feichin took over the business
of Heathen Cathasach.
1 See p. 48. 2 Otway, Tour in Connaught, p. 247.
8 R. S.A.I., xxxi. p. 1 86.
CHAPTER XIX
SEE LANDS
THE earliest list I find of See Lands is in an Inquisition
taken regarding the ownership of lands in the county of
Mayo on the 4th January I6I7,1 in which the Archbishop
appears as holding the following lands —
Lickin, i qr 1 About Temple na Lickin in
Knocktample, i qr f Kildacommoge Parish.
Carrownecroissa, £ qr. . . . J
Dowaghmore, 3 qrs Doomore(inTallavbaunTl.)in
Kilgeever P. included 4 qrs.
whereof i qr. was in Inis-
turk and Iniscaher, accord-
ing to Strafford's Survey.
Febrione, £ qr Fahburren Tl. in Aghagower P.
Trianankile, £ of £ qr. . . . Lackakeely Tl. ? in Kilgeever
Parish.
Killinancoff y, f of £ qr. . . . Killeencoff in Oughaval.
Kilgeyovare, qr Kilgeever.
Bellanclare, £ qr Belclare.
Knockstivan, \ qr.
Oghevale, qr Oughaval.
Ballivirrowe, 4 qrs.
Balledrom — , 4 qrs.
Ballyowen, 4 qrs.
Carrowb ney, qr.
Lecarrowvalleononlowe, £ qr. . Ballydonnellan = Baile O
nDomnallain.
Aghgower, qr Aghagower.
Kiell, qr.
Loughnagrohy, £ qr.
Cornecarte, •£ qr.
Gortconessayn, \ qr. ... Gortacussane ; old name of
land adjoining Ballydon-
nellan.
1 Dublin Pub. Rec. Off. Rolls Inqn.
1 80
SEE LANDS
181
Lackan in Aghagower.
Ardogommon.
Moyhastin in Aghagower.
Cross in Kilmeena.
Moyour in Kilmeena.
Island in Kilmeena.
Kilmaclasser.
Knockprechare, •£ qr.
Dromgouloyne, £ qr.
Tawnagh cartron.
Leckan, % qr '.
Ardogomane, qr
Knockvallanmory, qr.
Gorten Anny cartron.
Killin, % qr.
Deriragh, qr.
Mohastan, qr
Crosse cartron
Moygowerbeg, moiety of qr.
Knockbalcan, £ qr.
Inishduff, qr. ...
Dromaghgarve, £ qr.
Kilmaclassy and ....
Portinlane, qr.
Coilshane, qr.
Cagally, qr.
Kilmaine, 2 qrs.
Levally partry, 2 qrs. . . . Probably the Partry estate at
Portroyal.
Killellinan, 2 qrs Killernan in Kilmaine.
Kilcower, 2 qrs Kilquire in Kilmaine.
Cashelgergedan, 4 qrs.
Doray, 2 qrs Doorath in Kilmainemore.
Kilkeeran, 2 qrs Kilkeeran in Kilmainebeg.
Killemaddere, 2 qrs Houndswood in Cong.
Killassoragh.
Kilpraghan Kilfrauchan, i.e. near Dowagh
in Cong.
Cahirduff Cahirduff in Cong.
Killin, 4 qrs Lecarrow Killeen, i.e. near
Neale church.
Dromkelly, 2 qrs.
Nealle, 2 qrs . Neale, land near it.
Kilvolarra, qr Kilmolara.
Carownay, qr.
Carrowogergedan, qr. ... Ballyargadaun Tl.
Killosheine, 2 qrs Killosheheen in Ballinrobe.
Coolmin, 2 qrs Coolmeen in Mayo P. in Curry
Tl.
Moorgagagh, \ qr Moorgagagh.
Knock I Doroughy, qr. . . . Knockadoraghy in Mayo P.
Cloghileyn, qr In Mayo P.
Ballimagellan, qr.
182 DIOCESE OF TUAM
Carrowmaddoge, qr.
Carrowkilbridy, qr Kilbride in Mayo.
Ballimallavulla na crossy, qr. . Ballymullavil ? in Mayo.
Ballimallavulla na siganagh, qr. Shinganagh in Mayo.
Ballinageran, \ qr.
Lehanagh, \ qr Lehanagh in Mayo.
Ballinester, £ qr Ballinaster in Mayo.
Crosbohin, qr Crossboyne.
The names are sometimes illegible, obscure, or doubtful.
Latitude is allowed in identifying. The present denomina-
tions are not always the same in extent as the old ones and are
usually applied to only a part. The names in these lists are
to be read rather as names of estates or farms than as names
of parcels of land. Because a name appears in this list
it does not follow that the Archbishop ever owned a town-
land which now goes by that name. The old name shows
only that he had land in a tract known generally by that
name. In some cases where land is good and denomina-
tions were small the old and modern names may mean pre-
cisely the same. The term quarter is used as a measure
of value not of extent, meaning that the lands comprised
in the denomination were equal in value to so many quarters
of good land.
To identify all or nearly all the lands of this list and
the next would be a very laborious task, taking more time
in search than I can give.
These were held before the Archbishop received land
in compensation for the Episcopal Fourths, which I have
not been able to trace.
The following table is a list of denominations of lands
owned by the Archbishop of Tuam taken from the Schedules
to the First Report of the Royal Commission on Ecclesi-
astical Revenues and Patronage, 1833. The return is of
the tenants of See Lands and their holdings arranged ac-
cording to tenure and not according to locality, giving the
names of at least the principal denominations in each hold-
ing. Many names vary from those of the Ordnance Survey
which came some years later, but enough agree to show the
distribution of the lands with regard to old churches and
abbeys.
SEE LANDS
LANDS.
Various Town Plots—
Gortnacraney, &c . .
Killaloonty ....
Garrinaclune ....
Carragh Skreene . .
Killalane
Rabbit Island or Car-
rancoony Clonburn .
Tobbereila ....
Lisgormakan
Tobbereala ....
Gorane Cluane .
Lisadyragh ....
Strawmore ....
Blackacre ....
Orawnore
Tobbererla, pt. . . .
Gorteraud, being part
of old demesne and
mensal lands .
TUAM PARISH
ACRES.
NOTES.
15
336
72
35
757
38
32
47
400
Close to Tuam on W.
Garracloon ? adjoins Blackacre
on W. of Demesne.
Curraghcreen, close to Tuam
onE.
Garracloon ? next Blackacre.
Adjoins Demesne on W.
Oranmore ?
Cagallah alias Ardrum- "*
kelly ....
Stramore ....
Cowpark ....
TUAM AND KILLOWER PARISHES
Adjoins Killower Tl. on W.
675
TUAM AND KlLBENNAN PARISHES
Kilbannan .... ^1 /"Probably Pollacorragune in which
V 2024 4 is Kilbennan, and some more.
Cloonfush J [Cloonfush in Tuam.
TUAM AND BOYOUNAGH
Cloonashcragh . . . ~\ f Clonascragh in Tuam.
Boyounagh . . . . / ^934 | Boyounagh in Boyounagh. This
probably includes Cashel Tl. in
which is Boyounagh Ch.
184
DIOCESE OF TUAM
BELCLARE TUAM AND KILKERRIN PARISHES
LANDS. ACRES. NOTES.
Belclare Tuam • • • 1 fClaretuam Tl. about Belclare P.C.
Glanafosha . . . . >- I 566 -j Next S. of Claretuam.
Toogony and Kilkerrin J [Kilkerrin Tl. in which is Kilkerrin.
CLONBERN PARISH
Knockroe, Brackloon, ^ fKnockroe, Brackloon, and Gor-
Gortagarrane . . . / \ tagarraun Tl. Cloghmakeeran
Ch. is in Brackloon.
4 qrs. of Knockref aghy
called Finane, Car-
rowbeg, Aultore 2
qrs
LISKEEVY PARISH
- 1898
DUNMORE PARISH
West of Kilmacnelly . 369
East of Kilmacnelly . 448
Carrowthomas . . . 207
KILCONLA PARISH
Cloonsheen . . . . 588 Gortnabishaun C. is in it
KILMEEN PARISH
Kilmeen 673
KILLOSCOBE PARISH
. « . . 30 Kilfelligy Ch. is in it.
Kilfilgy
Reneharney
ANNAGHDOWN PARISH
158 Tl. a little S. of Annaghdown.
KlLTULLAGH PARISH
Kiltullagh and Atty-
shane
h and Atty- )
'
66:
Kiltullagh Ch.
SEE LANDS
185
LANDS.
Killothenoiscre .
Errislannen .
Keerane . . .
Carrownough
Deralighter .
BALLINDOON PARISH
ACRES. NOTES.
fKilflannan is in Kill Tl. which
adjoins Keerhaun Tl. They
579 -j are in the Peninsula of Irrus-
lannan.
^Derry Eighter ?
Moyrus . .
Ennispigot .
MOYRUS PARISH
fMoyrus Tl. contains Moyrus
1004 < Ch.
Russina .
Moorgoger
ROSS AND MOORGAGAGH PARISHES
122 Rusheen Tls. are next to S.
of Rosshill.
288 Moorgagagh Tl.
CONG AND MOORGAGAGH PARISHES
Kiltramadra . . . ^ /"Hounds wood in Cong P.
Moorgoger . / \Moorgagagh Tl. in which is
Killeenbrenan .
Cong . . . .
Terreneve . .
Tullyhane . .
Cahirdaff . . .
Ballymagibbon .
Killing . . .
Gortaholemaine
Gensduff . . .
Gortnahiske .
Ballymacgibbon
Killopneshane .
Killosaroh
Drimilly .
CONG PARISH
rCong Tl.
Caherduff Tl.
Ballymacgibbon Tl. lying about
Killarsa.
- 622
255 Next to N.E. of Dowagh.
i86
DIOCESE OF TUAM
CONG AND BALLINCHALLA AND KILMOLARA PARISHES
LANDS. ACRES. NOTES.
Cahernicole . .
Leganaganky .
Lecarrowkilleen
Carrunakilla
509
'Cahernicole and Loughana-
ganky in Ballinchalla P.
which adjoin and include an
old church in Cahernicole.
In Cong. It includes the Neale
Ch., where is a fragment of
an ancient church.
Surrounds Kilmolara Ch.
BALLINCHALLA AND BALLINROBE PARISHES
Ballynai . .
Ballyargadane
Killashien
- 679 -
Tl. in Ballinchalla, next E. of
old Glebe house of Neale.
Killosheheen Tl. including old
church near Ballinrobe.
KILMAINE PARISH
Castleardigan . . . ^ f
Kilgowre I Kilgowre seems to be Kilquire
V 1364 -I about Kilquire Ch.
Killelinane Dowry, Killelinane is Killernan in
called Knock Dowry J [ which is Killernan B.G.
Duoroy \ f Dowry and Duoroy seem to be
Doorath a TL adjoining Kil-
627 I lernan to the E.
Kilmaine, with the
fairs and markets .
Kilkeeran
KlLMAINEBEG PARISH
304 Tl. about Kilmainebeg.
KILCOMMON PARISH
Kilcommon, other- ^
wise Gortglass and l
Church Quarter . . J
Tl. about the church.
SEE LANDS
187
MAYO AND ROBEEN PARISHES
LANDS. ACRES. NOTES.
3 houses and gardens \
in Mayo Town .
Clegline
Knockderaghy .
Ballinagillan
Shangan
Lyaneagh ....
Ballymacgourine .
Knockecassine .
Ballinlavit ....
129561
Ballynaster ....
De Cross
Cloonbal
Knockobeg ....
Coolimeen ....
Ballymurry . . . ./
Crossboyne
Loonamore .
Loonabeg
Old Village . .
New Village .
Knockananean .
Mayo Parks and Knockauna-
brona Tl. are Mayo Town.
Knockadoraghy TL, a little W.
of Mayo Town.
Shinganagh Tl. next E. of
Mayo Parks and Portagh.
Lehanagh Tl. adjoins Mayo
Parks.
Ballymullavil ? close to E. of
Shingan Tl.
S.E. of Knockadoraghy.
Old name Ballymullavil de
Cross.
Cloonbaul Tl., a little E. of
Mayo Parks.
Curry Tl.
CROSSBOYNE PARISH
92 Tl. in which church is.
DRUM PARISH
489
'Loonamore and beg lie on E.
and S.E. of Walshpool and in-
clude old parish ch. of Loona.
KlLDACOMMOGE PARISH
Drumbrick ....
Carrowlickin
Knockatampal .
Carronacrossy-Ara
1359 \ In Knockatemple Tl. is Tempul
Som or Tempul na Lickecn.
In Ara are two old churches.
i88
DIOCESE OF TUAM
BALLYOVEY PARISH
LANDS.
ACRES.
NOTES.
Ballyovey
Kilkeeran
/In Kilkeeran Tl. is old church.
In Portroyal Tl. are old P.C.
and an older church. These de-
nominations comprise a large
tract round about these old
churches of Ballyovey divided
into smaller denominations in
the tithe applotment books as
follows, which are represented
in modern townlands except
those in italics. Kilkeeran,
Clydagh, Demesne (Portroyal),
Cliff Park, Limekiln Park,
Gallagh, Kilcloon, Windmill,
Kilfaul,Newtown,D0rrywacay-
row Upper, Clooncah, Anagh-
ardree, Cloonee, Derrue,
Sraigh, Furnace, Townevode,
Derrassa. A few of these are
detached, as Derrassa.
AGHAGOWER PARISH
Ballendonellan (Bally-
donnellan) ....
Sunagh (Shanagh) . .
Gortacassane . . „•
Garue (Garrow) .
Crowbill (Crowbill) . .
Lahertane (Lahardane)
Carrakeel (Carrowkeel)
Aghagower (Aghagower)
855
All these except Gortacas-
sane are identified as round
about Aghagower and Mount
Browne Demesne. Gortacus-
sane adjoins Ballydonnellan
on S., but name is disused.
OUGHAVAL, AGHAGOWER AND KILMEENA PARISHES
Agavill
Belclare . .
Mermihill .
Glaspatrick
Leckane
Kilmeen
Innisduff .
Innisleague
Innisturk ,
f Church field in which is Ougha-
4 val Ch.
[Close W. of Oughaval.
("These two adjoin and include
\ Glaspatrick Ch.
Lackan in Aghagower.
Kilmeena Ch. is in it.
j-Islands of Kilmeena P.
LANDS.
Mayour . .
Mayourbeg .
Leganillaga .
Roigh . . .
SEE LANDS
KlLMEENA AND BURRISHOOLE PARISHES
ACRES. NOTES.
> Mayour in Kilmeena P.
189
Drenard . . .
Cross Shralieve .
Kilgeever
Falduff .
Ballyhip .
Crigganroe
1664
Raigh in Burrishoole, a little
S.E. of St. Brendan's Well
and E.G.
/Drumard and Cross adjoin
\ Kilmeena.
KILGEEVER PARISH
2917
^These 3 are about Kilgeever P.C.
Next S. of Foorgill in Oughaval,
in which is Milla B.C.
IN BARONIES OF MURRISK AND BURRISHOOLE
Drumacphilbin • • 1 f I do not make out these names,
Kilforan . . . . unless the last two are Temple
Gortnaclog .... -12,570-; Doomore in Tallavbaun Tl.
Doughmore .... and Lackakeely Tl. in Kil-
Keely _, [ geever P.
The composition for the barony of Costello or BaUyhaunis
in 1587 notes that the Archbishop of Tuam owns —
Kilmolmney does not appear in
the names of places in the
Tuam part of Costello barony.
None of these lands were in
possession of the see in the
i pth century.
Stratford's Survey gives in Barony of Costello — Clownegawnagh
and Kilbragan, two small quarters. In Aghamore P. See
List of Churches and Graveyards.
The Archbishop owned also the following lands in the
dioceses of Elphin and Clonfert —
AGHANAGH PARISH IN BARONY OF TIRERRILL, Co. SLIGO
Aghanagh .... 1876 Aghanagh includes the old P.C.
but more townlands are in
eluded in this denomination.
In Kilmolmney, i qr.
In Annagh, £ qr. .
In the Knock, i qr.
i9o DIOCESE OF TUAM
KILMORE PARISH IN BARONY OF BALLINTUBBER
NORTH, Co. ROSCOMMON
LANDS. ACRES. NOTES.
/'All except Kiltinneel are town-
c.ock , lands. I have not identified
Itmneel . . . . | Kiltinneel. The others form
Ballycummin . . . }- 487
Anagh
Rushport ....
a contiguous group a little
to the south of Kilmore old
church and townland.
SHANKILL PARISH IN BARONY OF ROSCOMMON
Shankill 366 About Shankill.
KlLTRUSTAN PARISH
Kildalloge .... 202 An old church is in the adjoining
Vesnoy Tl. in Strokestown
demesne.
TAGHMACONNELL PARISH IN BARONY OF ATHLONE
Taghmaconnell . . . "\ ,_ f With the tithes. The old church
Cloonoghil . . . . / \ of Taghmaconnell is included.
In the 1 6th century the Arch-
bishop owned the four quarters
of Oran.
In 1285 he sold to the King his
lands in the Faes of Athlone
for £20.* These must have
been lands in the parishes of
Drum and Moore.
1 Z>./., iii. No. 169.
CHAPTER XX
THE PARISHES
THE parish is the unit of ecclesiastical organisation from
which the deaneries and dioceses have been built up, and
is the tract of country which is served by a church and the
priest or priests attached thereto. It must have existed
in a fashion since the first church was built, and as churches
increased in numbers and the whole population became
Christian, exact boundaries must have been fixed. The
territorial area of the parish is naturally the extent of the
lands of the family or set of families who made use of the
church. In" early times families set up churches as they
pleased. We can infer this from the multiplicity of small
churches often close together. A family gave a monk a piece
of land for his church and cell. While organisation was still
loose and shifting, one church or another would get the
mastery when they were too close together, and would be
improved and enlarged while the others decayed. In later
times the parishes came to be grouped to form larger bodies
at the will of the clergy, though the grouping was much
affected by the influence of the richer families. The forma-
tion of larger dioceses and of larger parishes went together.
We have the evidence of this amalgamation of parishes
in the ruined churches all over the country. We have
direct evidence that the great amalgamation took place
in the I2th century or early I3th, in the Epistle of Pope
Innocent III. which is given under the diocese of Killala.
The prebends tell the same tale. Almost every graveyard
or Killeen was about an old church. Sometimes the church's
foundations can be traced, sometimes the name of the place
shows there was a Kill. This is so commonly the case that
I doubt if many really pagan cemeteries still exist. I sus-
pect that a church was put to make a pagan cemetery
191
192 DIOCESE OF TUAM
Christian and avoid a breach of custom to which the people
would not willingly submit.
The transfer of the comarb lands to the bishops rendered
considerable amalgamation necessary as a church which
supported a priest with its endowment land might not do
so without it. Thus churches would fall naturally into
groups served by one man, and as naturally the outlying
churches would fah1 to ruin. The regular levy of tithe
made the transfer of the comarb lands possible, but the
tithe was by no means the equivalent of the ownership
and enjoyment of the land on which the priest could
live.
O' Donovan gives an interesting instance of survival
among the people of the parish of Lackagh in Annaghdown
diocese of the memory of the ancient parishes, which had
been amalgamated before the year 1306. They told him
that it was once five parishes — i. Lackagh. 2. Kiltroge
(St. Tr6g's). 3. Grange dedicated to St. Suibhne whose
holy well is near it. 4. Kilsgeach. 5. Derrymaclaughney.1
The earliest list of parishes of the dioceses of Tuam and
Annaghdown is in the Ecclesiastical Taxation of 1306. In
Reeves' s " Ecclesiastical Antiquities of Down, Connor and
Dromore " it is described as originally a tax of one tenth of
movables and annual income of all men in aid of the crusades,
which soon became a tax on the clergy only, without much
pretence of crusading. It was granted by the Pope to the
King or levied by the Pope for himself. Pope and King
naturally quarrelled over it. It had been repeatedly granted
and levied in Ireland. In 1306 King Edward I. got from Pope
Clement V. a grant for two years, afterwards extended to
seven years, of the Ecclesiastical Tenths of his dominions,
for which was made a new valuation which we have here.
The only exemptions were in favour of Cardinals, and the
Templars and the Hospitallers.
Being a revenue survey and not an ecclesiastical survey of
churches and houses it is in some respects defective. The
barony of Moycullen is wholly omitted from the Taxation of
Annaghdown. This may be because the churches therein were
so poor as to have no taxable income ; though the churches
close to Galway should have been fairly prosperous at this time ;
1 O.S.L. Galway, i. p. 288.
THE PARISHES 193
if each parish was very small the income might be so cut
up as to be not worth assessing in any case.
So too Clare Island and the other Western Isles are
omitted unless included in Kilgeever.
The Isles of Aran were in the diocese of Kilfenora, but
were not taxed as nothing could be got from them. For
the same reason the parish churches of Ardagh and Kilmore
dioceses are omitted. These were purely Irish countries
and the ecclesiastical collectors could not have got any-
thing out of them, and the clergy must have been miserably
poor there. In the diocese of Elphin certain churches are
marked as waste or worth nothing on account of war.
The assessment was made by two sub-collectors, who
got returns for each deanery from the rural deans, who
had the assessments made by jurors on oath. Being made
for taxation it may be taken to be well within the average
income. Many monasteries having no taxable income do
not appear. The mendicant orders are in that condition.
The ancient monasteries had lost their lands, so do not
appear unless they had acquired lands later or had other
property. Their income from rectories was taxed under
the parish church.
The country was so much impoverished by Brace's war
that a new taxation was ordered at the close of Edward II. 's
reign, and benefices not exceeding 6 marks in value were
exempted unless the holders were beneficed elsewhere. The
order was repeated in the first year of Edward III., and
again in 1330 when he had a grant of the tenth for four years.
These lists are taken from Sweetman's " Calendar of Docu-
ments Relating to Ireland," vol. v. The reading of the names
is sometimes guesswork, but they can almost always be
made out somehow with certainty as a corruption of some
known Irish name. It will be noticed how these parishes
have for the most part subsisted as separate parishes from
1306 until the Ordnance Survey came 500 years later. I
have altered the spelling of the Irish names when necessary
after collation with the originals. Sweetman seems to
have sometimes put what he supposed was intended. In
assessing a parish church the formula is the church of
is assessed at so much for the Rector who had half the income,
so much for the Vicar who had one fourth, so much for the
N
194
DIOCESE OF TUAM
Archbishop or Bishop who had one fourth. For conciseness'
sake I ignore this distribution and give only the whole assess-
ment, except in cases in which it is not distributed in the
usual way. The name of the church or beneficiary and the
assessment are taken from the Taxation. The other columns
are my additions. In the column of identifications C. means
that it is that church, P. that it is a church in that parish.
The assessment is made in £ and s. and d., and in marks and
subdivisions of marks, the mark being 135. 4^. or i6od., very
convenient for subdivision. I reduce all to terms of £ s. d.
TAXATION OF DIOCESE OF TUAM
DEANERY OF TUAM
NAME OF CHURCH.
1 Taxation of all the goods, as
well Temporal as Spiritual,
of the Lord Archbishop of
Tuam, except the fourths of
churches, one fourth of which
he received as below, made
by jurors worthy of credit .
2 Rents and revenues, both
temporal and spiritual, of the
Chapter of Tuam, excepting
eight churches belonging to
the Dean and Chapter, in
which they have three parts
and the vicars the fourth
part, the names of which are
contained below
3 Goods of the Monastery de
Colle Victorice, in the first
year when the church of
Anagdun was united to the
see, in which church the
abbot and convent of the
monastery aforesaid had the
rectory and vicarage of Gal-
way, and the chapel of
Foranbeg, excepting these,
and also excepting the rectory
of Erdermada, in the diocese
of Tuam ; taxed by jurors
worthy of credit ....
VALUE.
115 6 ii
I 17 2
42 13 6
IDENTIFICATION.
Knockmoy Abbey.
THE PARISHES
195
NAME OF CHURCH.
4 Goods of the house of St.
John, in the suburbs of
Tuam, excepting their
churches as appears below.
5 Goods of the house of St.
Mary of Cunga, excepting
17 churches, of which they
are rectors
6 Goods of the house of the
fountain of St. Patrick, ex-
cepting their churches . .
7 Goods of the community of
St. Michael of Magio, ex-
cepting their churches .
8 Goods of the monastery of
Casta Silva, excepting the
Chapel of Killegil . . .
9 Goods of the monastery de
Portu Patrum of Anagdon,
excepting the churches of
Adchudrignigi and others of
which they are rectors .
10 Goods of the abbot and con-
vent of the little cell of
Anagdun, excepting their
churches
11 Parish church of Tuam, for
portion of the dean and
chapter, who have 3 parts .
Portion of the vicar in the
same
12 Church of Kilbenon .
13 Church of Kilconlagh with
the chapel of Kelsenbota .
14 Bukdennach
15 Bukeran
1 6 Eadargull .
1 7 Kelmachamlyd . . . .
1 8 Talfeto
19 Auner', for the portion of
the Rector who has three
parts
Vicar
VALUE.
£ s. d.
2 O
5 18 8
9 10 5
I O O
13 18 4
280
10 o
i 13 4
200
I IO O
13 4
IO O
o o
o o
o o
600
2 O O
IDENTIFICATION.
Cong Abbey.
Ballintubber
Abbey.
Mayo Abbey.
Kilcreevanty
Nunnery.
Kilgill in Annagh-
down P.
St. Mary's Abbey
at Annaghdown.
See Annaghdown
Taxation.
Kilbennan C.P.
Kilconla C.P.
Kilshanvy C.
Boyounagh C.P.
CloghmakeeranC ?
in Clonbern P.
Addergoole C.P.
Dunmore P.
DIOCESE OF TUAM
NAME OF CHURCH.
VALUE.
£
s. d.
20
i
I 3
o
21
2
o
I 3
o
22
I
j
6
8
23
Kilmacrigan (Hospital) . .
2
o
0
24
Dubloch, Rector ....
13
4
Vicar ....
6
8
25
Kilstoich, for the rector who
has four portions . . .
I
13
0
26
Dissertbebar, for the rector
who has three portions .
I
0
0
Vicar ....
10
0
27
Enagharuck, Rector .
15
0
Vicar ....
5
0
28
Harcudemore
I
6
s
29
Keldara, Rector ....
15
o
Vicar ....
5
0
30
Rathcurnan
2
13
4
31
Druggulragi
I
6
8
32
Kealtarnan
j
o
o
v)
33
Keallaricravyd
I
6
8
O J
34.
Keltulach
2
Q
o
v/T^
3">
Clancarnan
2
Q
Q
j j
Sum of Taxation of Deanery
of Tuam
24.O
14.
I
The Tenth . . .
•^H*
24
• T-
I
5
IDENTIFICATION.
Kilkerrin C.
Northern parts of
Kilkerrin P.
Kilmoylan C.P.
Cummer C.P.
Killererin P.
Killoscobe C.P.
In Aghamore P.
The rector really
has only %
Kilcronan C. in
Aghamore P.
Aghamore C.
Kildara C. in
Annagh P.
Bekan C. or in
Bekan P.
Drumcalry i.e.
Knock C.P.
Annagh C. in
Annagh P.
Kiltullagh C.P.
Moore P. and
Drum P.
DEANERY OF ATHENRY
The church o
the chapel
Theascastan
Kilmeyn .
f Athenry with
£
2.6
4
J.
13
13
O
d.
4
4
o
Sum of the Taxation .. .
The Tenth . . .'
31
3
6
2
8
8
Taghsaxon C. i.e.
Abbert or Mon-
ivea P.
Kilmeen C.P. in
Leitrim barony.
THE PARISHES
DEANERY OF STRUTHIR
197
NAME OF CHURCH.
i Struthir
VALUE.
£ s. d.
200
IDENTIFICATION.
Shrule C
\t. A
Kinlough C
I O O
Moyne C
4 Killyngmylrorynd ....
5 Cunga
I O O
2 O O
Neale Old C. Cong
P.
Cong P C un-
6 Inismedon
2 O O
known.
Inishmaine C
7 Rodba
i 6 8
Ballinrobe C.
8 Kilmorosegir
I O O
Killosheheen C
9 Kellnygiglara
2 O O
Kilmolara C.
10 Ros'
i 6 8
Ross C.
1 1 St. Patrick of Kilmedon .
1 2 The Apostles of Kilmedon .
i 3 Kilcolman
400
200
400
Kilmainemore C.
Kilmainebeg C.
Attyrickard C in
1 4 Loghmescan ....
200
Cong P.
Ballinchalla C
1 5 Inysredba
i 6 8
Templenalecka in
1 6 Margos
I O O
Ballinrobe P.
Moorefaeach C.P.
17 Kelkemantuyn ....
1 8 Rossclaran
i 6 8
1 3 4.
Kilcommon C.P.
Moyrus C. ?
19 Innidsclin
16 o
Omeyfeheen C.
Taxation of Deanery .
The Tenth .
3i 9 4
3 2 nj
DEANERY <
i St. Gerald
>F MAYO
£ *. d.
400
Mayo P.
4.00
Balla C.P.
4. O O
Kilcolman C.P.
2 O O
Crossboyne C.P.
5 Theachuyny, Rector .
Vicar . . .
6 Rodbini with the Vicarage .
7 Rodbad in Kera ....
8 Enagh
I IO O
IO O
16 4
I IO 0
i 6 8
Tagheen C.P.
Robeen C.
Holyrood, Ballin-
robe.
Annagh C. in
9 Kilfyna, Rector ....
Vicar
10 Thauaghta
too
6 8
i 6 8
Robeen P.
Kilvine C.P.
Touaghty C.P.
DIOCESE OF TUAM
NAME OF CHURCH.
11 Nova Villa of Kera
12 Odeyn
13 Fayte
14 Drum
15 Cagal
1 6 Rosselowe
17 Luyne, Rector
Vicar
1 8 Berethnagh [or Berechnagh]
19 Sclanpatrick
20 Tirlagh
21 Turaunt . .
22 Clancuan
23 Clanedre (re is doubtful)
24 Achedaver ....
25 Noucongal, Rector . .
Vicar .
Archbishop
26 Kilgovir
27 Kilmayn
28 Latharis .
29 Kilmalasser
Taxation of Deanery of Mayo
Diocese of Tuam
The Tenth
VALUE.
£ 5. d.
2 O O
2 O O
2 O O
1 13 4
2 13 4
IS o
5 o
13 4
13 4
00
00
I IO O
I O O
400
6 8
1 O O
2 13 4
4OO
13 4
56 16 4
360 6 5
36 o 7|
IDENTIFICATION.
Burriscarra C.P.
Ballyheane C.P.
Ballyovey C.P. ?
Drum C.
Cagala C. i.e. Bal-
lintubber P.
Rosslee C.P.
Loona C. in Drum
P.
Breaghwy C.P.
Manulla C.P.
Turlough C.P.
Kildacommoge
C.P.
Aglish P.
Islandeady C.P.
Tempulnabhfiacal
at Aghagower.
Cloonpatrick C.
Oughaval P.
Kilgeever C.P.
Kilmeena C.P.
Burrishoole C.P.
with Achill P.
Kilmaclasser C.P.
DIOCESE OF ANNAGHDOWN
Taxation of benefices, rents, and revenues of this Diocese
made by jurors worthy of credit, in the second year of the
tenth being current, after the final separation of this diocese
from that of Tuam.
DEANERY OF MOYDRIG, MEARY, MEDRAIGE
£ s. d.
i Goods, rents and revenues
of the Bishop of Enagdun,
saving fourths of churches,
which he received as below . 28
THE PARISHES
199
NAME OF CHURCH.
2 Goods of the Monastery de
Portu Patrum of Anagdun,
excepting the churchof Ath-
dreny and other churches in
which they have rectories .
3 Goods of the Abbot and con-
vent of the Little Cell of
Anagdun of the Premon-
stratensian order, excepting
their churches
4 Mecheri
8
5 Foranmore ......
6 Foranbeg (not distributed to
Rector, Vicar, or Bishop) .
7 Roscam, Rector .....
Vicar .....
Bishop .....
Galway, the Rector and Vicar
Bishop ......
9 Clardun duwl hospital i .
10 Audreny (not distributed) .
i i Anaghdun ......
1 2 Chapel of Delgill, Rector and
Vicar ....... ,
Bishop ......
13 Kellthomas or Kellthama
(hospital) for the portion-of
the rector in the sanctuary
Portion of the same in lay fee
Bishop ......
14 Leatragh .......
1 5 Killeny (hospital) ....
1 6 Kellfynfyt, for the rector in
the sanctuary (hospital) .
Portion of the same in lay fee
Vicar .......
Bishop ......
17 Donnaghpatrick for portion
of the rector in the sanc-
tuary (hospital)
Portion of the rector in lay fee
VALUE.
£ s. d.
8 o
TO O
6 13 4
600
I O O
IO O
IO O
IO O
500
1 13 4
600
14 4
2 13 4
15
5
2 O
8 o
5 o
i 6 8
13 4
3 o
12 O
7 6
7 6
3 4
IO O
IDENTIFICATION.
Ballinacourty
C.P.
Oranmore C.
Oranbeg, church
site not found.
Roscam C.
St. Nicholas C.P.
Claregalway C.P.
Annaghdown
Cathedral ? P.
Kilgill C. in An-
naghdown P.
Kilcoona C.
Lackagh C.P.
Killeany C.P.
Killursa C.P.
Donaghpatrick C.
Hospital " is in left-hand margin in original.
200
DIOCESE OF TUAM
NAME OF CHURCH.
1 8 Killawyr in the sanctuary
(hospital)
VALUE.
£ s. d.
2 O
IDENTIFICATION.
Killower C.P.
Portion of the rector in lay fee
8 o
$ o
Bishop
<; o
19. Rathmyalid, Rector and
Vicar .
I O O
Cargin C.P.
Bishop
6 8
20 Struthir in Muntircuda
Rector and Vicar .
Bishop
300
I O O
Kilnamanagh
Abbey C.
2 r Kilkelwyll
I O O
Kilkilvery C.P.
Taxation of the diocese of
Annadown
72 19 8
The Tenth . . .
7 5 "i
besides hospitals.
And be it known that procurations and perquisites of the
visitation and chapters of the Archdeaconry of Annadown
are not taxed because they appear above at the end of the
taxation of the diocese of Tuam.
Note. — They are not given there.
NOTES ON THE TAXATION
1 Temple larlaithe a little N.E. of the cathedral was the
parish church, said to have been the church of Tuam
proper, the western part of the parish. The church of
the Shrine, also close to the cathedral was looked upon
as the parish church of the eastern part.
2 The Archbishop had no fourth in the churches of the Dean
and Chapter, Nos. 1 1 to 1 8 inclusive.
3 The Abbey of Knockmoy must have been taxed for the
parish church, or else the parish is concealed under some
other name. The parish church was called in the i6th
century the church of the Great Door, in Irish Teampoll-
andorusmoir.1
5 From later lists the 17 churches seem to be all in this list
except Kilmainemore which was a prebend and Roba
which was a rectory.
1 Bodkin's Visitation and Regal Visitation o
THE PARISHES 201
1 5 Bukeran. Probably Both Ciarain in the graveyard at Clogh-
makeeran. It is the parish of Clonbern.
17 Kelmachamlyd. \ Templetogher and Liskeevy and Bel-
18 Talfeto. / clare are not accounted for. Belclare is
likely to have been taxed as part of Tuam parish as
the rectory was part of the Deanery, or under the Chapter
rents and revenues. So these should represent the others.
But I cannot make out what the words are meant for.
The former looks like such a word as Kilmachanely.
Cill MachAinlighe.
19 Auner' is the parish of Dunmore, the only parish of the
Conmaicne of Dunmore which was held by a rector. It
may be a contraction for Aunery, for Athnariogh, but
no such name is in use.
20 Kilkerrin parish would be the southern part of the parish
of that name.
21 Edermoda is the northern part of Kilkerrin. The church
should be Kiltullagh, where O'Concennain, chief of Ui
Diarmada lived.
24 Probably Killererin parish.
25 Kilstoich. This must be meant for Killpscoba.
26 to 35 * Abbeyknockmoy and Moylough and Ballynakill
Aghiart cannot be identified in this list. The Abbey of
Knockmoy held the rectory and vicarage of that parish
and the rectories of Moylough and of Kilfelligy in Killos-
cobe, and it is possible that the abbey was taxed for those
churches, departing from the usual practice. It is to be
observed that the only items said to be excepted from their
taxation are their rectories in Annaghdown diocese and
that of Edermoda.
Ballynakill Aghyart is noted in the Regal Visitation of 1615
to have been parcel of the rectory of Killererin. It may
have been so held and taxed at this time.
DEANERY OF SHRULE
4 Killyngmylrorynd (Cillin Maelroraind). The Townland of
Lecarrowkilleen includes the site of the ancient church of
the Neale. It belonged to the Archbishop. I suspect
the ancient church to be this Killeen which owing to its
position in the list is likely to have been near Cong.
7 From Petty's map I gather that the present church is on
the site of the old church.
1 For reasons for identification see R.S.A.I., xxxi. p. 27.
202 DIOCESE OF TUAM
S Kilmorosegir (Cill mor O'Segin). Segin is a man's name.
Killosheheen is in a townland of that name which be-
longed to the Archbishop, close to Ballinrobe.1
9 Kellnygiglara. This is Kilmolara which would mean church
of My Lara or Labhra, but no such name is known.2 I
do not know what " gig " represents, but the old and
modern names seem to be variations of one idea, church
of Lara or of Lara's .
13 Kilcolman cannot be identified with certainty but is most
likely to be the church of Attyrickard near Cross. The re-
mains show it to have been an important church and the
taxation also marks importance.
14 Loghmescan. The old church at Ballinchalla. We may
infer its proper name to be Killower from the adjoining
townland.
17 Kilkemantuyn. I take this to be Kilcommon which is
not otherwise noticed.3
18 Rossclaran. ) These two must cover the barony of Bally-
Innidsclin. J nahinch. The former should be the name from
which we take Moyrus and the latter a corruption of Imad
Fhechin, Fechin's Isle. The barony is not likely to have
been omitted as Cong Abbey held all its rectories. The
Deanery has 19 churches named in this list. Roba and
Kilmainemore rectories did not belong to the abbey. As
it is most unlikely that any of the 17 churches escaped
taxation I think that these two covered Ballynahinch
barony, Conmaicnemara.
DEANERY OF MAYO
i St. Gerald. Templegerald has disappeared. We may take
it to have been close to Mayo Abbey.
3 Tyrnehathyn = Tirnechtain. Kilcolman is probably the
church meant. In i3th century William de Bermingham
held this rectory before he became Archbishop. In the
1 6th century Mayo Abbey owned it.
5 Theachuyny = Teachcaoin. It might be read Teachnyny,
but the modern form Tagheen points to the former reading.
7 Rodbad in Kera. The parish is the part of Ballinrobe parish
which lies north of the river Robe.
10 Thauaghta. The parish church was where Towerhill House
stands.
1 See Cong Abbey, p. 256. 2 O' Donovan, O.S.L.M., ii. p. 219.
3 See R.S.A.I., xxxi. p. 30.
THE PARISHES 203
13 Fayte. This may be the Irish Faithche, Fahy, a lawn.
It must be Ballyovey parish, and probably that old church
whose ruins show its importance.
1 8 Berethnagh or Berechnagh. This is Breaghvvy church and
parish. The name may be Brecmagh from which comes
Breaghwy, but it is more likely to be Brethnach, the Irish
for Welsh. A family named Brethnach, now Walsh, was,
and still is, in that neighbourhood and has given its name
to Walshpool in Drum parish. Breaghwy was included
in the territory of Clanncuain which belonged first to the
De Barrys and next to the De Cogans, both Welsh families.
22 Clancuan. The church was probably in the old graveyard
at Castlebar. In later times the parish is called Aglish-
cowane and Dromrany.
23 Clanedre. A mistake for Olanedin = Oilen Eidin. Eidin is
said to be the name of the founder of Islandeady Church
who was buried in it.1
28 Latharis. I take this to be Leath Fhearghuis, Fergus's
Half or Share. O' Fergus was name of one of the three
chief families of Umall. The old parish church of Burrishoole
is close to the Abbey.2
DIOCESE OF ANNAGHDOWN
2 Athdreny. \ These and Adchudrignigi (p. 195), seem to be
10 Audreny. / the Irish Achadh Draighneach or Thornfield.
It should be some church in Lackagh or Annaghdown.
4 Mecheri. A form of Medhraighe or Meary.
9 Clardun du wl. This seems to be meant for Clar an
Diabhail, the Devil's Plank, the name used in the i6th
century for Claregalway, taken from a plank bridge there.
13 Kellthomas or Kellthama. This may be certainly taken
for Kilcoona because it belonged to the Hospital of St.
John at Castledermot, as did Kilcoona. Taking it so
all the parishes belonging to that house are accounted for.
1 6 Kellfynfyt. I take this curious name to be a copyist's
corruption of Cell Fursa, Killursa.
17 Donnaghpatrick. This church seems to have been given
up by the Hospital in return for Kilkilvery, which belonged
to the Hospital in the i6th century, when Donaghpatrick
belonged to Kilnamanagh Abbey.
1 O.S.L.M., ii. p. 480.
2 For particulars regarding Patrician churches, see Journal of R.S.A.I.,
1901, pp. 26-39, and p. 432.
204 DIOCESE OF TUAM
19 Rathmyalid. Probably the church of Cargin which is in
an old Rath, and which was the corps of the Archdeaconry.
20 Struthir in Muntircuda. This should be in full Struthir
in Muntir Murcada, which exactly describes the country
about the old church of Kilnamanagh, which was in the
part of Struthir (Shrule) which was under O'Flaherty.
This parish church was afterwards made an abbey church.
See notes on Architecture.
21 Kilkelwyll (Cill Cilbile). Kilkilvery was on the site of
Ross Lodge, i
1 O'Donovan, O.S.L. Galway, i. p. 201.
CHAPTER XXI
BODKIN'S VISITATION
THE next list of parishes is contained in Bodkin's " Visitation,"
which was made at the close of 1558 or early in 1559, or
thereabouts. Lally was dean and Richard Bourke of the
Kilmaine family was MacWilliam Eighter who succeeded
David of Carra who died at the close of 1558. The names
are very difficult to make out owing to contractions. It is
in the usual contracted Latin with marginal notes. I give
a translation. The MS. is in the Library of T.C.D. marked
Class E., Table 3, No. 13, Primate Hampton's Collection.
Marked No. 582 in the new Catalogue of Manuscripts.
These are the names of the Dignities of the Church of
the Blessed Mary in the city of Tuam and of its prelates —
THE LORD CHRISTOPHER ARCHBISHOP OF TUAM
Master William Lolay has the Deanery of Tuam and the pluralist
Rectory of Athnary and the prebends of Lecach. And his J^rlsc!
farmers are troubled contrary to the letters of the Lord time of (
Deputy and the Council often addressed to him by John
de Burgo the Sheriff in the Deanery, and Dumb Thomas de
Burgo in the Rectory and in the prebends of Lecach.
John Eque is Provost of Tuam and Rector of Balenaley, John E<
but Thadeus O'Mallay detains part of the Provostship and Pj^f
Thomas de Burgo son of John of the Termon the whole of Mary
Rectory.
The Archdeaconry is vacant, but the fruits are usurped Vacant,
by Blind William de Burgo as follows below.
Five Vicars of the Church of the Blessed Mary of Tuam, Admitte
viz. — Thomas O'Donayll who is troubled by Lord Bermingham, Ordinar
John Cosgray who is troubled by John de Burgo the Sheriff,
206
Collative, i.e.
as I think.
Collatives.
Voide by
reason it is
usurped.
Collative.
Collative.
Collative.
Preservative
p enim petora
tempe Ma.
Coll.
Coll.
Coll.
Coll.
Coll.
Coll.
John Duyn is at Dublin, Conla O'Kennay is at Oxford,
Thomas Magleyn is at Dublin, students.
John son of William Vicar of Scryn but Sheriff John de
Burgo holds part of the profits, and because he cannot live
in his country on account of want of living he has gone away
to Dublin.
Names of prebendaries and prebends of the Cathedral
Church of Tuam.
John M'Seonath possesses the prebend of Kyllmyn and
studies in Dublin.
Robert O'Keayllay has the prebend of Kyllmeayn mor
but Remund M'Coonyn detains half.
William son of John de Burgo forcibly usurps the pre-
bend of Maynkylle.
Blind William de Burgo forcibly usurps the prebend of
Balla and the prebend of Falduyn.
John Pindrogos usurps the prebend of Balenigarray and
the prebend of Cluynmor.
And William O'Mulvihil the prebend of Templegalle and
Taghsaxen.
Malachy son of William holds the Rectory of Kyllcaryn
and Swarthy Donatus and Thadeus O'Kellay by usurpation
detain half the profits.
Thomas O'Kernay Vicar of Kyllconla.
John Bermingham Vicar of Lyskyvay Kyllbenean and
Kyllclune and is troubled by Walter son of John de Burgo
in regard to the profits.
Cornelius O'Hyfernayn Rector and Vicar of Dunmor,
but is troubled in regard to the profits by Sheriff John
de Burgo.
Remund M'Coste Vicar of Adruguyll and James Ber-
mingham holds half the profits.
Donald M'Cagayn Vicar of Templetocayr and M'Davy
holds half the profits.
Donatus M'Gryvay Vicar of Kylltulach but the Rectory
is by usurpation detained by O'Conwyrdunn.
Ruricus M'Gryvay Vicar of Kyllmeyn.
Ruricus M'Crystech Rector of Maio and Vicar of
Crosboyyn and John M'Murys usurps the profits of the
Vicarage.
William Piemen Vicar of Tecayn.
BODKIN'S VISITATION 207
Odo Omurchun Vicar of Maio and Walter M'Murys usurps
the profits.
Vicarage of Kylldacomog
Vicarage of Corrayn
Vicarage of Torlach
Vicarage of Oleaynedayn
These are voide
by reason of
Coll.
Rectory and Vicarage of Clacny
are vacant and deserted
Thomas O'Hubayn in Burgeskora and Belahen and if Coiia.
there were anything in Belahen it is usurped by Myler M'Mi°. Plurahst-
Taltoc Vicar of Baleove but if there were anything it Coil,
is usurped by Cryna M'Myle.
These are benefices possessed by Blind William de Burgo Coll.
a lay man (?) by usurpation, though certain persons have
been given title in them.
Archdeaconry of Tuam -\ All these livings are
Rectory of Moyinalam
Vicarage and prebend of Balla
Vicarage of Kyllmyna
Vicarage of Burges Wyll
Prebend of Faldown
usurped by Wyllyam
Keighe and although
there are others unto
whome the same are
granted.
Rectory of Vuallymalle is possessed by Captain O'Malle Coil,
and by the sons of Thomas Ymalle.
Vicarage of Innysbofyne is usurped by Red Thadeus Ail those are
O'Mallp usurped with-
u mane. out tille or
Vicarage of V nayll is usurped by the sons of Thomas right.
Ymalle.
Vicarage of Acagovayr is usurped by Risterd de Burgo.
Vicarage of Kyllgayvayr is usurped by Eugenius O'Malle.
John O'Donayll Vicar of Kyllm'clacer studies at Oxford Coil
and Ranald M'Conoyll usurps the profits of the Vicarage.
Rectory of Roba is usurped by Lord M'William Burcke. Coll.
Vicarage of Anay is usurped by the same.
Vicarage of Lech is usurped by Thomas de Burgo, and Coil,
the Archiepiscopal fourth of that Vicarage and of the Vicarage
of Nahany are usurped by the same.
Vicarage of Robyn is usurped by Blind Thomas de Burgo. <-'oii.
Its Rectory belongs to monastery of Maio.
John O'Kayllay Vicar of Roba and Baynkalay but the Coil,
profits are usurped by Lord M'William Burcke and
his brother David.
208
DIOCESE OF TUAM
Coll.
The personage
of these Vicar-
adge belongs
to the Abbey
of Conge.
Coll.
The person-
adge hereof
perteyneth to
the Abbey of
Conge.
Coll.
This personage
perteyneth to
Conge.
Coll.
The person-
adge hereof
dot he perteyne
to Conge.
Coll.
The Rectorie
hereof per-
teyneth to the
Abbey of
Conge.
Coll.
Rectorie per-
teyneth to the
Abbey of
Conge.
Coll.
Rectorie hereof
perteyneth to
Conge.
Col).
Reel, per-
teyneth to
Conge.
Coll.
Rectory pre-
sentative.
Vacant because they
are deserted.
Conla O'Kennayn Vicar of Kyllcomayn studies at Oxford
and the profits of the whole Vicarage are usurped by the
sons of Risterd and William de Burgo.
Rectory of it belongs to the monastery of Conga.
Vicarage of Humoheyn
Vicarage of Balenakylle
Vicarage of Balencony
Vicarage of Moyrus
But the Rectories belong to the
Monastery of Conga.
Kervall (Cerball) O'Kayllay Vicar of Kyllmolara.
Richard M'Mylere usurps half of the profits.
Rectory of the same Vicarage belongs to the Monastery
of Conga.
Do (Odo ?) Onell Vicar of Conga. Edmund de Burgo
usurps the whole profits. Its Rectory belongs to the
Monastery of Conga.
Robert O'Kayllay Vicar of Kyllmeaynmor and Pre-
bendary. Half of the Vicarage is usurped by Walter son
of John de Burgo. Half of the prebend is usurped by
Reimund M'Ceonyn (Mac Seonin ?). The Rectory belongs to
Monastery of Conga.
Cairbre O'Kennayn Vicar of Kyllmeayn, student at
Oxford, and the profits of the Vicarage are wholly usurped
by Edmund de Burgo and Risterd Guerre of Duray. The
Rectory belongs to the Monastery of Conga.
John O'Konayll Vicar of Kyllynbrenayn. The Rectory
belongs to the Monastery of Conga.
Dermot O'Ruain (?) Vicar of Scruyr. The profits are
usurped by William son of John de Burgo. Rectory is of
Conga Monastery.
John Og O'Dorcay Vicar of Kynlacha. The profits are
usurped by William son of John de Burgo. Rectory is of
Monastery of Conga.
Myler O'Hugyn Vicar of Belclayr but the profits are
usurped by Myler de Burgo.
Cornelius Og O'Metay (O'Melay ?) has the Rectory of
Kylleryran, and Malachy O'Kellay and Thadeus O'Kellay
divide between themselves. Also that Cornelius has the
BODKIN'S VISITATION
209
Vicarage of Great Gate, and Malachy O'Kellay has the Coil.
profits, and the Vicarage of Kyllostoba troubled by Swarthy
Donatus O'Kellay. perteyns to the
Abbey of
T^I s^t-rr IT- r -.«• i Knockmov.
Thomas O Kennayn Vicar of Mylacha but the profits coil.
are divided between Thadeus son of William Y Kellay and The
Swarthy Donatus O' Kellay and Thadeus son of William. The
Rectory belongs to the Monastery of the Hill of Victory. Knockmoy.
The Rectory of Galway belongs to the Monastery oi
Cnokmoy.
Thomas O'Huryn Vicar of Kylleryeran and half the coil.
profits are detained by usurpation by Thadeus O'Kellay
and Swarthy Donatus O'Kellay.
Thomas O'Hyryle Vicar of Kylcaryn and half of the profits coll.
are detained by usurpation by Malachy O'Kellay. And also
that Thomas has the Vicarage of Cluynbernd. Odo Og son
of Odo son of Edmund holds by usurpation half of the profits.
David O'Cosgray Vicar of Kyllvicriayn. Coll.
Stephen Kyrrnayn Archdeacon of Enachdun and Rector Coil.
of Kyllvicriayn studies continuously at Oxford.
Four Vicars of the Church of Enachdun. Coiia.
Keeper for two of them Clement Skeret.
The other two are Thadeus and John M'Nile (or Uile or
Vile) but they are troubled by Sheriff John de Burgo and
his brother William and Dumb Thomas de Burgo.
Patrick Black Dean of Enachdun. Waste. Coll.
The Warden and Vicars of Galvia.
Vicarage of Kyllcomyn.
Vicarage and Rectory Of Mycollen.
These are the
livings united
to the Col-
Vicarage of Ranuch (Rahoon ?).
Vicarage of Clar.
Rectory and Vicarage of Uranmor.
Vicarage of Balena rthe
(Ballynacourty ) .
Vicarage of Kyllkyllvyre is vacant. Coll. Voide.
John son of Jonatus Prebendary of Kyllmyna who studies
at Dublin about to go to Oxford. And Edmund de Burgo
brother of the Earl of Clanricard usurps the profits of the
prebend contrary to the Archbishop's collation and the royal
letters.
Lodovicus O'Grada Vicar of Kyllmyna. Coil.
o
210 DIOCESE OF TUAM
Coll. Clement Skeret Prebendary of Kyllmylayn and Sheriff
John de Burgo holds half the profits.
Coll. Myach M'Myltoly Rector and Vicar of Mycarnayn.
Coil. Maurice Onuyn (?) Vicar of Kyllmylayn. Sheriff John
de Burgo holds half the profits.
Coil. Clement Skeret Vicar of Lecach and Dumb Thomas de
Burgo holds half.
Coll. Dermot M'Cray Vicar of Balenakylle Achiard and Cor-
nelius Og retains a part of the profits.
The above is rather a list of clergy than of parishes and
so numbers of parishes are not mentioned. Thus Aghamore
and Knock and Bekan and Annagh are ignored, but I suppose
that they were all held by one incumbent, the Archdeacon,
who had the parish of Knock as corps. Thus several
parishes round Headford are also ignored. Also Monivea
or Abbert.
The chief interest is the view of the state of the church
some 20 years before the Government was able to exercise
real power in Connaught, showing great decay and corrup-
tion and the new growth of a national spirit of purification
and improvement. As yet the Reformation had not ex-
tended appreciably into Connaught as an external influence.
Abbeys had been suppressed but they were still occupied
by the monks in these dioceses except a very few. Henry VIII .
had appointed Bodkin to be Archbishop, and he held posses-
sion but was not acceptable to the Pope. Laymen are found
to have seized the endowments of the church to a very great
extent and without any show of right. For many rectories
vicarages and prebends are recorded as held wholly or in
part by force. This must mean that they collected or kept
for themselves the tithes. These laymen are the great men
of the country, the Sheriff of Galway, William Bourke,
brother of Richard an larainn, commonly called the Blind
Abbot, MacWilliam and his brothers Thomas and David,
and O'Malleys and O'Kellys and others. On the other hand
the spirit of improvement is shown by the notes that certain
incumbents are studying in Dublin and Oxford. This spirit
no doubt was fostered by Bodkin, but he was himself a man
of education and the desire for improvement must have been
present.
BODKIN'S VISITATION
211
Notes on Places and Names in Bodkin's List
The reading of names is somewhat uncertain owing to con-
tractions and want of distinction between some letters and
illegibility. Thus Kyrrnayn may be Kyrruayn and may mean
Kirwan. The Irish Christian names have been Latinised. I
now give them together : —
Carbricus = Cairbre. Cornelius = Conor.
Donatus = Donnchadh. Eugenius = Eoghan.
Malachias = Maelseachlainn. Jonatus = Johnock.
Ruricus = Ruaidhri. Odo = Aedh.
Thadeus = Tadhg. Seonath = Johnock.
Johnock is a form of John used in Ireland, like Robuc and
Daboc and Willeog from Robert, David, William.
Descriptive Nicknames
Cecus = Caoch = Blind.
Fuscus = Riabhach = Swarthy or Striped.
Guerre =
Juvenis = Og = Young, or Junior.
Mutus = Balbh = Dumb, or Stammering.
Rufus = Ruadh = Red.
Dumb Thomas. — A Thomas Balbh was uncle of the Earl of
Clanricard, but this may be another man.
Eque. — This name is read Egne in the Blake Family Records,
p. 10.
Balenaleg. — This should be in the barony of Kilmaine as
it is held by Thomas, son of John of the Termon. Perhaps
it is Ballymally. See Cong Abbey, p. 256.
O'Keayllay. — This is probably the name O'Caeillaide which
was, I believe, an old Irish name about Kilmaine.
M'Coonyn = MacSeonin ?
Pindrogos = Prendergast.
Kyllcaryn — Kilkerrin.
Kyttclune = Kilcloony, in Liskeevy P.
M'Cagayn = MacEgan = MacAedhagain ?
Kyllmeyn = Kilvine = Cill Mhidheain.
M'Crystech. This family held land in Clanmorris.
Piemen = Fleming.
Tecayn = Tagheen.
212 DIOCESE OF TUAM
Corrayn. — The northern part of Kildacommoge parish,
taking its name from Corran MacStephen where dwelt Mac-
Stephen de Exeter, whose clan held a large tract around Bell-
avary. Temple na Lickin or Temple Som seems to have been
the church in use for this part of the parish.
Oleaynedayn = Oilen Eidin = Islandeady.
Clacny. — This must be a name for Ballintubber parish which
is omitted by Bodkin and by the list in the Division of Connaught,
in which Clakny appears. The list of 1591 names Villa Fontis,
i.e. Ballintubber, and omits Clacny. I do not know what
Clacny represents.
Taltoc. — May be meant for Tomaltach, abbreviated and
corrupted.
Moyinalam. — The last letter might be w possibly. Manulla
is the name.
Vually matte = Umhall ui Mhaille = parish of Oughaval.
V nayll represents the same.
M'ConoylL — A form of MacDomhnaill. A clan of Mac-
Donnells lived in the parish.
A nay. — Annagh, the part of Robeen parish next L. Carra.
Lech. — Temple na Lecka in Cuslough demesne, the old
parish of Inishrobe in the Taxation.
Nahany. — The parish of Touaghty.
Baynkalay. — This is the Beankellee of the Division of
Connaught. The first part I suspect to be meant for Baighin,
a waggon, or for Beann, a peak. The whole would be Cellach's
Waggon or Cellach's Peak. Beann means a bone or the arms
of a cross.1 This would connect it in meaning with Holyrood.
Rathkelly is an old stone fort in Rathkelly Townland adjoining
Templemore, or Holyrood, on the South. It is the old parish
of Roba in Carra.
Humoheyn = Ima.dh Fheichin = Feichin's Isle, Omey.
Balencony. — Ballynconay in the Division of Connaught.
It is Ballindoon parish but I do not understand this name.
M'Mylere. — The MacMeylers were an important family
owning a good deal of land thereabouts, freeholders descended
from Philip, brother of Sir William Liath de Burgo.
Richard Gtterre. — The family of Duray were MacSeonins.
Scruyr = Shrule.
Great Gate. — Tempul an Dorusmoir in Irish. The name
of the parish in which is Abbey of Knockmoy. It does not
appear what Great Gate gave the name.
Kyllostoba. — Killoscoba, which appears in the Taxation as
Kilstoich. c and t were written much alike and so were
1 Supplement to O'Reilly's Dictionary.
BODKIN'S VISITATION 213
liable to confusion. In this case c or t has been again written
over.
Mylacha. — Moylough is now called Mount Bellew Parish.
Kyllvicviayn. — Cill mhic Riagain. Cummer Church.
Kyllkylvyre. — Kilkilvery here seems to include the sur-
rounding parishes of Muinter Murchadha.
Kyllmyna. — This is Kilmeen, Cill mBian or Cill Mian.1
1 H. M., p. 78.
CHAPTER XXII
THE DIVISION OF CONNAUGHT AND THOMOND AND
NOTES THEREON
THIS paper was drawn up in 1574 to show the division of
those countries into counties and baronies. The part re-
lating to Galway has been published in the Journal of the
Galway Archceological and Historical Society, vol. i. p. 109.
The parish churches are shown as they lie within the baronies
of the county of Galway, but as the county of Mayo had
not yet been divided into ploughlands the churches and
benefices were given in one list in a very irregular fashion.
The parishes in the Dioceses of Killala and Achonry are
ignored. Of the county of Sligo it is noted that the parishes
are unknown. The Archbishopric of Tuam is not named
among those of the county of Galway, but Mr. Lally is named
as Bishop of Annaghdown. The Archbishopric of Tuam
and the Bishoprics of Mayo and Killala are said to be in
the county Mayo. Lists of the Abbeys show how they were
held, whereof I give so many as lie in these dioceses. These
lists differ from Bodkin's List in that they are lists of
separate benefices. They are defective. The county Galway
parishes are all called Vicarages.
BARONY. PARISHES.
Donkellyn .... Owranmore, Ballenecourte.
Mwikullen .... Rahone, Killanen, Galway,
Mwikullen, Kylcomayne, Kellinkelogh.
Beallamoe .... Cloynebirne, Boyonaghe, Templetogher.
Donmore .... Donmore, Kilclone, Kilconnla,
Kilcrevonagh, Liskevay, Adrugill,
Killereran.
Clare Clare, Kilmillayn, Lekagh,
Kilmicrian, Bealclarhome.
DIVISION OF CONNAUGHT AND THOMOND 215
BARONY. PARISHES.
Kyllihane .... Killihane, Ballenekille.
Kingestowne . . . Athenry.
Teagwyn .... Moyllagh, Apbert, Clurkone ?
Kilgosna ? Kilererin ? Killoscobe,
Knockmoy.
Note. — Some of these names are not identified and I mark
them thus ( ?) for they may be misspelt and may not be of
Tuam diocese. Kilererin here is a repetition.
ABBAYES WITHIN THE COUNTY OF GALWAY
Thabbay of Athenry.
Thabbay of Galway possessed by the Commons of the
Towne.
The Hill Abbaye by Galway by the Commons of the same.
Thabbay of Clare by Therle. [The Earl of Clanricard.]
Kilnamanagh.
Rosriell by the gray freers.
Anaghcoyne by Therle.
Teaghsaxon.
Monaster leve. [Monaster Liath, Abbey grey ?]
The Celle of Holyroode.
The Abbaye of Knockmoy by Nicholas fitz Symons of
Dublin.
The Celle of Crewan [Crevaghbane].
Thabbaye of Kilmore ne toher. [Monaster Liath, Abbey grey ?]
„ St. Johns in Toam.
,, Monester ne Skryne.
The Trynitie Abbaye.
Thabbaye of Dunmore by John Burke fitz Thomas.
The Nonnerey of Kilcrewnaght by Therle.
Thabbaye of Eney.
The Abbaye of St. Mary by West Galwaye by the towne.
Note. — This list is by no means complete. Monaster leve
or Monaster lene I take to be Monaster Liath, Abbey Grey, or
Abbey of Sleushancough. If that is so Kilmore ne togher is
different, or it may be a repetition, the compiler of the list
not knowing that they were alternative names of the same
house.
2l6
DIOCESE OF TUAM
CERTEIN SPIRITUALL DIGNYTIES AND OTHER LIVING BOTH
PERSONAGES AND VICARAGES AND PARISH CHURCHES
WITHIN THE COUNTY OF MAYO
[Note. — P. = Prebend. R. = Rector. V.= Vicar. R. or V.
after a name means that the Rector or Vicar is mentioned else-
where in the list.]
Deane of Toame.
Archdeacon of Toame.
P. Maynkill.
P. Cluynmore.
V. Lyskyway.
V. Crosbyhyn.
V. Corayn.
R. Clackny.
V. Bellahen.
V. Balla.
R. Owle Imale.
V. Acagovyre.
R. BaUynrobba V.
V. Robyne R.
V. Kilmolare.
V. Kihnellayn.
V. Kilcomayn R.
V. Killinbrenan R.
P. Killmellayn.
P. Lekagh V.
V. Skryn.
P. Falduyn.
P. Templegale.
R. KiltuUagh.
V. Mayo.
V. Turlagh.
V. Clakny.
V. BaUeove.
V. Kylmyna.
V. Inysboffyn.
V. Kylgavyr.
V. Lechee.
V. Beankellee.
V. Kilmeynanmore.
V. Ranugh.
V. Ballenekille.
R. Sruer V.
R. Mycarnan V.
R. BaUycaUy.
P. Kilmeamore.
P. Ballynghary.
P. Teaghsaxon.
R. Mayo.
V. Kildacamagh.
V. Oellandedde.
V. Burescara.
R. Moynallau.
V. Buresowle.
V. Vocavayll.
V. Kilmaclacer.
V. Anay.
V. Homoheny.
V. Sruer R.
P. Kylmenayn.
R. Mayms V.
V. Portimaghie.
V. Nahany.
V. Ballinroba R.
R. Kilcomayn V.
V. Ballinconay.
V. Kilmoclare.
R. Conge V.
V. Kilmedibeg.
R. KilHnbreanen V.
V. Kynlagha R.
V. Kilcaryn.
V. Kilmenayn.
V. Mycarnayn R.
V. Leakeagh P.
V. Mayrus R.
R. Kynlagee V.
R. Robyne V.
V. Conge R.
V. Ballenecarte.
DIVISION OF CONNAUGHT AND THOMOND 217
All this Abbayes are pos-
sessed eyther by Freeres
or Rebells so as Her
Majestic hath no com-
moditie by the same.
Summa of Thabbayes with-
in this county of Mayo
xxi.
ABBAYES AND RELIGIOUS HOUSES WITHIN THE COUNTY
OF MAYO
Thabbay of Rahrany
„ Killinbreanyn
„ Cong by Domynicke French for Capten Collyer
„ Ballaghmeaske
,, Ballinrobba
„ Mayo
,, Moyriske
,, Clyera
,, Inishturke
,, Buresowle
,, Crosmolyne
,, Moyne
„ Rosserke
„ Ballintubber
„ Burescara
., Teaghboyhyn
,, Stradin BaLlahane
,, the Owrelare
„ Banyde
„ Beallahawnes
Note. — Ballaghmeaske is Inishmaine. Inishturke seems to
have come into the list by its ancient reputation. It does not
appear that any monastic house was there in the i6th century.
Teaghboyhyn may perhaps be a name of Ballinsmalla Abbey,
which ought not to be omitted. Bowfinan and Errew in
Tirawley are certainly omitted, and Annagh unless it is the
Eney of the Co. Galway list, which is not likely. The officers
of the Government had difficulty in getting accurate informa-
tion. On the other hand Tibohine may mean Clonshanville
which is not entered under Roscommon, but here erroneously
like Banada.
Notes on Names in these Lists
Kellinkelogh is the church of Inismacaw in the country called
Killing
Kilclone, Kilcloony, should be the eastern part of Liskeevy.
Kilcrevonagh, Kilcreevanty, seems to be an alternative
name for the parish of Kilbennan.
Apbert, Abbert, is Monivea Parish, an old church.
Clurkone.
Kilgosna.
., 7,64-
2i8 DIOCESE OF TUAM
The churches and parishes of the north of the barony ol
Clare are omitted except Belclarhome, Belclare of Tuam,
which may be taken to represent all. But the list is so
irregular and imperfect that they may have been accidentally
omitted.
Co. MAYO
The Dean and Archdeacon are brought into this list which
contains much more than the Co. Mayo churches, including
several of the county Galway. Liskeevy is repeated in it and
so is Abbey Knockmoy, if Porti Maghie is meant for Porta
Magna as I suppose. The Provost of Tuam and the Dean
and Archdeacon of Annaghdown are ignored, but that may
be because their emoluments came from parish churches.
orayn. \ g
Clackny. j
Balla. — The Prebend or Rectory is ignored.
Owle Imale. — The Vicarage appears as Vocavayll, Oughaval.
Skryn. — This may be meant for Tuam P.
Lechee. — See Bodkin's List, Lech, p. 212.
Beankellee. — This is the Baynkalay of Bodkin's List. See
p. 212.
Ranugh.
Ballenekille. — Ballynakill in Ballynahinch barony probably.
Ballycally. — Ballinchalla.
Homoheny. — Imaidh Fheichin, Feichin's Island, Omey.
Kylmenayn. — These must be Kilmeen which is Kyllmyna in
Bodkin's List.
Portimaghie. — I take this to be meant for Porta Magna, and
so to be a repetition of Abbey Knockmoy P. already named
in Galway.
Kilmoclare. — This seems to be properly Kilmoelare and to
be the same as Kilmolara. In that case one should be a rectory.
If not I do not make this out.
Kilmedibeg. — Kilmainebeg.
Kilcaryn. — Kilkerrin in Galway.
Ballenecavte. — This may be an alias of some place, probably
of Drum P. in which is Ballycarra or Ballycar, in the i6th
century Ballenecare.
As in Bodkin's List the parishes of Aghamore Knock
Bekan and Annagh are ignored. So are the important
DIVISION OF CONNAUGHT AND THOMOND 219
parishes of Kilcolman in Clanmorris barony and of Ross in
Ross barony. These may have been treated as parts of
Mayo and Cong in both cases. There are several names
above which I have not been able to assign definitely which
may cover some apparent omissions.
CO. ROSCOMMON
The Vicarages of Dromalgagh and Moore in barony of
Moycarnan.
VALOR BENEFICIORUM, AND NOTES THEREON
THIS is a taxation of Benefices for the First Fruits made
in 1584-5. It was made in Irish money and in sterling
which I give. The First Fruits were the 20th part.
DIOCESE OF TUAM
DENOMINATION OF LIVING.
Archbishopric of Tuam ....
TAXED AT
£ s. d.
50 o o
600
Archdeaconry
200
Provostship
200
Prebend of Lecagh
„ Killmeanmore .
,, Kealebegg ....
,, Taxsaxen alias
Templegaille . .
„ Killveylane ....
„ Killweyne ....
„ Fayledoone ....
„ Balla
600
13 4
13 4
I O O
200
2 13 4
I O O
Kilmoylan.
Kilmeen.
Five Stipendiaries under the church
368
Vicars Choral.
Rectory of Athenry
Vicarage of Athenry .....
Rectory of Dunmore
Vicarage of Dunmore
„ Millagh
12 0 0
520
800
400
213 A
Moylough
„ Killescoba ....
Ballakilly ....
„ Killareyrane . . .
„ Kilweylane ....
,, Lackagh
I O O
I O 0
2 O O
i 6 8
i 6 8
BallynaMll
Aghiart.
Kilmoylan.
„ Kilmareane ....
Belletlare ....
Killowre .
I O O
10 o
< 0
Kilmacrian.
Belclare.
VALOR BENEFICIORUM
221
DENOMINATION OF LIVING.
Four Stipendiaries of Annacoyne
Rest of the same College ....
Deanery of Annacoyne ....
Archdeaconry
TAXED AT
£ s. d,
2 13 4
1150
Vicars Choral.
Vicarage of Ballintogher . . .
Kiltullagh ....
Rectory of Kiltullagh ....
Vicarage of Kilbrenan ....
it Kildarra
I O O
15 o
I IO O
5 o
Templetogher.
Clonbern. See
Abbeys. No. 39.
Annaeh
Probably Agha-
„ Bettagh
more, Annagh-
ernaisc.
Bekan ?
„ Kilwyen
1 3 4
Kilvine
„ Crossboyne ....
„ Taghekynny . .
IO O
6 8
200
Tagheen.
Vicarage of ,,
I O O
Killemeamore . .
Killmeanbegg . .
Kilcohnan ....
Conga
I O O
13 4
10 0
c o
Ballenecalla . .
Rectory of Ballinrobe ....
Vicarage of „ . . . •»
,, Inghbofin ....
,, Knockevale ....
„ Kilmyne
5 o
200
I O O
IO O
6 8
IO O
Ballinchalla.
Inishboffin — Kil-
geever ?
Oughaval.
Kilmcena.
Rectory of Aghboyer part in
Archd. of Tuam
2 O O
Aghagower.
Vicarage of Aghgoyer .....
„ Borrishowle ....
Rectory of Clancuane ....
Vicarage of ,, . . . -.
Rectory of Toytruem ....
Vicarage of Coran
IO O
200
2 0 O
I O O
IO O
Probably this
should be Rec-
tory, and Rec-
tory of Owle
below should be
Vicarage.
Aglish.
Turlough and
Breaghwy Ps.
Kildacommoge P.
222
DIOCESE OF TUAM
DENOMINATION OF LIVING.
Vicarage of Bellagheyne . . . .
„ Borowskera ....
TAXED AT
£ s. d.
IO O
IO O
400
Ballyheane.
Manulla
„ Ballynegarry . . .
„ Kelleyreyran ...
„ Corkemore ....
„ Ballencalla ....
Vicarage of Kilkeryne ....
Rectory of Cryfortyer ....
i 6 8
600
200
I O O
I O O
i 6 8
6 8
Ballyovey P.
Ballinchalla.
Kilvine.
„ Ballendowne
Inisfhvn
6 8
6 8
Imghyn, Imaidh
, Merriske ....
6 8
Feichin, Omey.
Moyrus
Rectory of Owle
I O O
164 i 8 8
The College of Galway is ignored altogether. As the
valuation is not found in the Record Office it may be
taken to have been lost. In comparing this valuation with
that of 1306 it is to be noted that this is drawn up by
benefices, and that the vicarages named herein may include
one or more other parishes.
No amount is entered against some items. This may
be that they were included in some benefice or be acci-
dental.
Toytruem. — Tuath Truim is the territorial name of these
parishes.
Cor an. — See Bodkin's List, p. 212.
Ballynegarry. — Ballygarry is a townland of Ballyovey
on the shore of Lough Mask opposite Illancolumbkille on
which was an ancient monastery. I take it to be a name
used for the whole parish for some reason. The church of
Ballyovey itself seems to have been prebendal.
Corkemore. — I cannot guess at this, unless that it might be
meant for Portamore, intended for Porta Magna but corrupted
by copyists and half translation of original.
Cryfortyer. — For identification see Journal R.S.A.I., 1902,
p. 404-
CHAPTER XXIV
BENEFICES AND INCUMBENTS IN
THE full parochial organisation is best shown in an undated
list of Incumbents of the diocese of Tuam and Annaghdown,
which is bound up with other documents regarding ecclesi-
astical affairs in a volume numbered 566 in the Catalogue
of MSS. in the Library of T.C.D. It is in Latin, very clearly
written. Similar lists of other dioceses are dated 1591,
and this may be taken to be of the same date. No lists
exist for Killala and Achonry. As in Bodkin's time the
parochial clergy bear Irish surnames for the most part.
This is the most complete list because since the appoint-
ment of Sir Richard Bingham as Governor of Connaught
in 1585 the Queen's Government had been made effective
everywhere in spite of occasional rebellions. Nevertheless
these men were nearly all Roman Catholics.
NAMES OF INCUMBENTS OF TUAM DIOCESE
Dean of Tuam :
„ Mayo :
Archdeacon of Tuam :
„ Anachdun :
Provost of Tuam :
Rectory of Gallvey :
„ Athenry :
„ Dunmor :
,, Kilicrean :
„ Moillagh :
,, Moicharnain :
„ Killoscoba :
,, Kilirierin :
„ Balynacourty :
,, Roscam :
„ Owranmore :
Kilchirin :
Edward Brown.
The same Edward.
Conhur O'Konovan.
Donatus O'Hourain.
Rector, The Queen.
„ Edward Brown.
„ Cornelius Hiffernan.
,, The Queen.
',', Kead'y (?) Tully.
„ The Queen.
„ Thomas Boorke.
(i) „ The Queen.
„ The College of GalL
„ The same College.
„ Marcus Dudley.
224
DIOCESE OF TUAM
Rectory of Kiltully Silmarun : Rector, Thateus O' Vagrio ( ?).
„ Kildara : „ The Queen.
„ Anach : „ ,,
,, Roba, viz. Tempi-
main : ,, „
„ Holy Cross of Roba :
„ Kilmeainmor and beg :
„ Sruhir :
„ Killinabrianin :
„ Conga :
„ Kinlach :
,, Kilcomayn :
„ Balinchalla :
„ Kilvolara :
„ Anny :
„ Robin :
„ Ross :
,, Kilcomyn :
„ Moculin :
„ Moyrus :
„ Ballindun : „ „
„ Inishmean : (2) belongs to the Archdeaconry.
„ Ballinikilly : Rector, The Queen.
„ Inishbuffin : ,, ,,
„ Kilgevur : belongs to the Rectory of Owll.
Owll Yvaly : (3) Rector, Christopher Garvey.
„ The same.
Thomas Nolain.
The Queen.
The College of Gall.
The Queen.
Conley O'Kearavain.
The Queen.
The College of Gallvey.
The Queen.
Vuochivale :
Buriesowle :
Kilmyn :
Kilviclassir :
Aglisclinicuain :
Elan Edin :
Turlach :
Belahen :
Villafontis :
Dromnaneanighain
Moinulla :
Ballingarry : (4)
Hubert Og.
The Queen.
Thomas O'Hubain.
Hubert Og.
The same Hubert.
The Queen.
Thomas Ballach.
Thomas O'Hogirty.
THE NAMES OF THE PREBENDARIES FOLLOW
Prebendary of Small Churches :(4) John Linch.
„ Kilmeanmor : Robert O'Keally.
„ Teachsaxon and
Templgall : Thomas Nolain.
,. Kilmelain : Maurice O'Nune.
BENEFICES AND INCUMBENTS IN 1591 225
Prebendary of Kilmyn :
Faldun :
BaUa:
Crossbuhin :
Kilcornain :
Cluoinmor :
Lacach :
Richard Fwer.
William O'Mulavle.
John son of William.
David son of Maurice.
The Dean of Tuam.
Moynchilly : (4) John Linch.
THE NAMES OF THE VICARS
Vicarage of Gallvey :
„ Athenry :
„ Skrin at Tuam :
„ Dunmor :
Kilcheliny : (5)
,, Kilicreain :
,, Belclar :
,, Moillach :
,, Kilchuna :
,, Balinchlar :
„ Moycharnain :
„ Kiloscoba :
., Ballinikilly Achiart :
„ Owranmor :
„ Killovir :
,, Kilconly :
„ Kilirierin :
„ Kilbenan :
„ Kilcluony :
„ Lisskievu :
„ Adurguill Vicosti : (*)
„ Teampltochir :
„ Cluonbirn :
Kiltullach :
,, Kildara :
„ Anach :
,, Becan :
„ Achivor :
,, Breach vy : (7)
„ Lune : (7)
„ Burieskearha :
Balove : (4)
„ Kilmein :
Crossbuihin :
Vicar, The College.
„ Mathew Ward.
„ The College of GaUvey.
„ Hilary O'Donolain.
„ Thomas O'Fieghain,
„ John O'Cosgove.
„ John O'Tevnain.
„ Thomas O'Keanavain.
,, Eugene O'Tevnain.
„ The College of Gall.
„ Eugene M'Ea.
,, Hugo son of Maurice.
„ Hugo son of Cornelius.
„ The CoUege of GalL
„ Thateus M'Shane.
„ Miler O'Higin.
„ William son of Maurice.
„ John Bremigham.
Fallius (?) O'Donolain.
Fainulus (?) Niger Vaglyn.
Donatus Vacegain.
Bernard Vagiwir.
John M'Brien.
Walter M'Ygilliduff.
John M'Henry.
Vacant.
M
Eneas O'Higin.
John son of William.
Eugene O'Hilily.
John O'Henichain.
P
226
DIOCESE OF TUAM
Vicarage of Teachin :
„ Tyrenaghtin :
„ Kilcornain :
Roba :
,, Kilmolara :
„ Kilmeanmor :
„ Kilmeanbeg :
„ Sruhir :
„ Kinlach :
„ Killinabrianin :
„ Conga :
„ Ballinchalla :
„ Kilmyn in Clanri-
card :
„ Anay :
„ Ross :
„ Kilcomyn :
„ Moculin :
„ Kilanyn :
„ Moirus :
„ Balindun :
„ Umofehin :
„ Ballinikilly :
„ Inishbuffin :
„ Kilgevur :
„ Vuochival :
„ Buriesowll :
„ Kylvina :
„ Kylviclassy :
„ Turlach :
„ Kilachamog :
Kylvy:(8)
,, Kilursa :
„ Eselanpadrig : (9)
„ Elan Edin :
„ Church of Clancuain :
,, Curranstievny :
„ Belahen :
„ Dromenichain :
„ Breach vy :
„ Lune :
„ Mayo :
„ Anachduyn :
„ Lacach :
„ Kilmellain :
Balla:
Vicar, William Fleming.
,, The Queen.
„ Maurice O'Ceally.
„ John Og O'Ceally.
„ Kervall O'CeaUy.
„ Robert O'CeaUy.
,, Cairbre O'Keanavain.
,, The College of Gall.
j> » >»
,, Dermot O'Myn.
„ Thateus O'Donill.
Kervall O'Ceally.
Lawrence O'Grady.
Thateus Ruffus.
Thomas O'Ceally.
The College of Gall.
» »
Donald M'Obichin.
David Ochunyffe.
David Oghunyffe.
Thomas O'Monighun.
Donald M'Obbichin.
Thomas O'Monighun.
WilHam O'Mulavile.
Richard Ballach.
David O'Hubain.
Donatus O'Hubain.
Thateus O'Hubain.
Thomas O'Higin.
Vacant.
»
Thomas O'Fiechain.
Robert O'Ceally.
John O'Hubain.
Richard O'Hubain.
John O'Hary.
Thomas O'Hubain.
Roger O'Donill.
Vacant.
»
Thomas Ballach.
William O'Calmain.
Maurice O'Nune.
William Fleming.
BENEFICES AND INCUMBENTS IN 1591 227
(*) Ballinacourty. — The vicarage is not specified, though the
rectory is impropriate. The vicarage was held by the College
of Galway together with the rectory. The assignment to the
Queen seems erroneous. Similar omissions of what might be
expected will be found in this list. Such parishes as Donagh-
patrick and Killeany are omitted. In all these cases we must
assume they were held with another parish and treated as
part of it.
(2) This seems to have been a temporary arrangement.
(3) Owll Yvaly. — O'Malley's Umhall usually means Oughaval,
but here a part of Oughaval, or Aghagower, for which no vicarage
is entered.
(4) Ballingarry is used for the rectory of the greater part
of Ballyovey, the rest being the Prebend of Moynkilly which
is held by John Linch with that of Small Churches. The
Vicar of Balove may possibly have been vicar for the prebendary
only, and incumbent of the old church at Ballyovey. Temple
OMohery would then be the parish church of Ballingarry.
These are the only two churches of i4th to i6th century
date in the parish.
(5) Kilcheliny is perhaps Kilkilvery, being held by the same
person as Kilursa.
(6) Adurgnill Vicosti = Addergool of MacHosty, a family of
some standing in that locality.
(7) Breachvy and Lune are repeated.
(8) Kylvy. — The name is unknown to me. It may be in
Touaghty parish, which is otherwise ignored.
(9) Eselanpadrig (Slanpatrick). — The name now survives in
the Vicarage and the rectory has taken the territorial name.
CHAPTER XXV
LIST OF OLD CHURCHES AND GRAVEYARDS —
TUAM, ANNAGHDOWN
THE following table is compiled from the Ordnance Survey
Maps, supplemented in a few cases by evidence in the
Ordnance Survey Letters and other sources. When Kill
or Killeen appears as part of the Townland name it may
be taken as almost certain that a church was in the graveyard.
The only cause for doubt is that Kill sometimes represents
Coill, a wood, in place names.
The abbreviations are — O.S. = Ordnance Survey Map, 6
inches to a mile. P. = Parish. C. = Church. G. = Graveyard.
DIOCESE OF TUAM
TUAM PARISH
O.S. NAME OR PLACE. TOWNLAND.
29 Various churches in Tuam . Tuam Town.
Temple larlath .... Cloonfush.
G. near it Cloonfush.
G. at Gardenfield . . . Gardenfield.
G. at Carnaun .... Carnaun.
Lissavally C. G Lissavally. In large fort.
Killeen W. of Queensfort . Killeen.
G Lenamore. In fort.
Killeedaun ...... Killeedaun.
30 G Ryehill.
G. at Esker Ginnaun.
43 G. Cloonmore Cloonmore. In a fort.
G., N.E. of Rinkippeen . Ballymoat.
Nunnery Rusheens S.
Ahgloragh C Ahgloragh.
BELCLARE (TUAM) PARISH
42 Kilteesk Carheens.
43 Claretuam C Claretuam.
Templenambraher . . . Carrowntemple.
238
OLD CHURCHES AND GRAVEYARDS 229
KlLBENNAN PARISH
O.S. NAME OR PLACE. TOWNLAND.
29 Kilbennan . . . ...» Pollacorragune.
Kilcreevanty Kilcreevanty.
IS G Lissananny.
KILCONLA PARISH
15 Kilconla . . ..... Beagh. On edge next the follow-
ing.
G Ballynagittagh. In a fort close
to and N.W. of Kilconla.
28 Kilshanvy Kilshanvy.
Gortnabishaun C. G. . . Cloonsheen.
Lisheen near Derryglashell Cloonteen.
Lisgauran G Cloonnaglasha.
1 5 Knockaunpastia G. . . . Rathbaun or Urracly.
LISKEEVY PARISH
4 Lisdowlagh G Curraghaderry, but on edge ad-
joining KiUerneen.
1 6 Liskeevy C Liskeevy. Kilgevrin adjoins on
E.
Kilcloony Kilcloony.
G. near it to S Kilphrasoge.
1 5 G Bellmount. In large fort.
ADDERGOOLE PARISH
4 Addergoole C. and G. . . Kinnakinelly.
1 6 Abbey. Stone Cross. G. . Carrowntomush, adjoining Ard-
cloon.
DUNMORE PARISH
4 C. G Clondergan.
5 C. G., St. Patrick's Stone . Carrownaseer. Next S. of Shrule
Tl.
Kiltivna Kiltivna.
G Castle. Near Lackavaleahaubar
Bridge.
17 Dunmore C Abbeylands.
G., W. of Carrowntryla . Carrowpadeen. In a fort.
G. more to W Not marked in TL sheet, but
in Index.
30 G Bermingham Demesne.
230 DIOCESE OF TUAM
TEMPLETOGHER PARISH
O.S. NAME OR PLACE. TOWNLAND.
i C. G., near Moneenally . Moneenally.
G., E. of Loughnamucka . Kilbeg.
6 Kildaree Kildaree.
Castletogher C Straide.
BOYOUNAGH PARISH
6 Boyounagh C Cashel, next W. of Boyounagh-
more.
1 8 G. near Glenamaddy , . Scotland.
CLONBERN PARISH
17 Cloghmakeeran C. . . . Brackloon.
Kilmurry Kilmurry. Killavoher next to E.
1 8 G., W. of Polleighter . . Cloonacat.
31 Clonbern Ch Clonbern.
KILKERRIN PARISH
1 8 Kiltullagh Kiltullagh.
19 G., S. of Timacat . . . Cuilsallagh.
31 Kilkerrin Kilkenin.
Kilcornan Kilcornan. Next S. of Kilkerrin.
G Curraghmore.
BALLYNAKILL AGHIART
46 Ballynakill C }~
A , J , ~ yCarrownagannive.
Aghyart G J
Ch. G Castlegar.
2 G Mount Bellew Demesne.
MOYLOUGH PARISH
45 Esker Stephen G. . . . Templemoyle.
G Brierfield.
Moylough C Moylough. Shankill is XI. S.W.
of Mt. Bellew Demesne, but
no church in it.
59 G., S.E. of Abbert Bridge . Skeagh.
Curraghaun G Windfield Demesne.
T2 G., E. of Killaclogher
Bridge ....'.. Doonaun.
OLD CHURCHES AND GRAVEYARDS 231
KILLOSCOBE PARISH
O.S. NAME OR PLACE. TOWNLAND.
59 Killoscobe Killoscobe.
Kilfelligy Kilfelligy.
G., N.W. of Vermount . . Menlough Eighter.
KlLLERERIN PARISH
44 G. near Gobban Saer's
House Shantallow.
Grange C Grange.
Creevaghbaun C Creevaghbaun, between Grange
and Kilmore Tls.
Killererin Carrowmanagh.
G Hillsbrook Demesne.
45 G Brierfield.
CUMMER PARISH
43 Cummer C Glebe, between Cummer and
Clogh N.
Ballinderry G Ballinderry.
Rathnagall C. G. ... Kilcurrivard.
KILMOYLAN PARISH
57 Kilmoylan Annagh.
ABBEYKNOCKMOY PARISH
58 G., E. of Brook Lodge . . Ballynakilla.
G. near Farm Hill . . . Lindsay's Farm.
G., S.W. of Farm Hill . . Liss.
Abbey, G., N. of River . Abbey.
Abbey, S. of River . . . Culliagh N.
G Parklaur. N.E. corner of parish.
7 1 G Carrowreagh E.
MONIVEA PARISH
58 Abbert C Abbert.
71 Killaclogher Killaclogher.
G. near Ardagheena . . Glenaboy or Knockatober.
Templevally On boundary between Tisaxon
N. and W. and Templemoyle
S. and E.
84 Templemoyle Templemoyle.
Graigue Abbey .... Graigue.
232 DIOCESE OF TUAM
ATHENRY PARISH
O.S. NAME OR PLACE. TOWNLAND.
70 Derrymaclaghtna C. . . Derrymaclaghtna.
Grange at Tober Suivne . Coolaran.
83 Moor Abbey Moor.
84 Athenry C. and Abbeys . Athenry Town.
C Ballydavid.
95 Templegal Derrydonnellmore. In a large
ring.
96 Templekilmona .... Castle Turvin.
IN MOYCARN BARONY — MOORE PARISH
54 Moore C Moore.
54 Kilbegley Kilbegley.
56 Drumalagagh C Drumalagagh.
56 G., N.W. of Cloonburren
Moat Cloonburren.
DRUM PARISH
54 Thomastown C Thomastown Demesne.
51 Drum C Curryroe, adjoining Drum.
ROSCOMMON CO. KlLTULLAGH PARISH
26 C., N.E. of Cashlieve House Church quarter.
32 C., N.E. of Moanbane Fort Milltown.
C. by R.C. Chapel . . . Garraunlahaunmore.
Kiltullagh Kiltullagh.
Co. MAYO — AGHAMORE PARISH
8 1 Aghamore C Aghamore.
G., E. of Loughnaspadda . Tawnagh.
82 G., E. of Aghamore, Cal-
dragh Boleyboy.
Kilvrogan or Kilbragan . Cloongawnagh.
92 Kilcronan Cartron or Carrownedin.
G. at Tobereenaun . . . Coogue S.
KNOCK PARISH
92 Knock C Churchfield. Drum on N.
Tobercaolain (G. ?) . . . Caldragh.
OLD CHURCHES AND GRAVEYARDS 233
BEKAN PARISH
O.S. NAME OR PLACE. TOWNLAND.
92 Bekan C Bekan.
Kilmannin Kilmannin.
ANNAGH PARISH
102 Kildara, alias Tulrohaun C. Kildara.
103 Annagh C Church Park.
Kilmullan Grallagh.
C. at Toberarneeve . . Coolnafarna.
THE ANCIENT DEANERY OF SHRULE — IN Co. GALWAY,
INISHBOFIN PARISH
Inishbofin Map 1 14 of Co. Mayo.
Inishark.
BALLYNAKILL PARISH
9 Rinvyle C. or Church of
the Seven Daughters . Cashleen.
Ch. on Crump Island . Crump Island.
10 Salrock C Foher. Salrock Tl. adjoins
across river on W.
11 G., E. of Bunowen River.
22 Ballynakill C Cartron.
G., W. of it Ballynew.
23 G., S. of Kylemore Lake . Mweelin. Tobermweelin close by.
24 Cannaclossaun G. . . . Kylemore.
OMEY PARISH
21 Omey C Omey Island.
High Island, Ardilaun C. . High Island.
22 Templederg Streamstown alias Barratrough.
Ch. by shore Kill.
G Clifden Castle Demesne.
BALLINDOON PARISH
35 Kilflannan and G. . . . Kill.
48 St. Caillin's C Duck Island.
49 Doon C Bunowenmore
G. on shore Ballyconneely.
234 DIOCESE OF TUAM
MOYRUS PARISH
O.S. NAME OR PLACE. TOWNLAND.
35 G. near Ardbear . . . Ardbear. Near Toberbeggan.
36 Killeen at Killeen Lake . Killeen.
37 G Ballinafad.
50 St. Brendan's and St.
Mathias's C Inishnee.
51 Toberconnell G. . . . CasheL
63 G Enisbeg W., between Gurteen
and Dog's Bay.
Moyrus C Moyrus.
76 Caelann's C Croaghnakeela.
MacDara's C MacDara's Island.
C. On Mason Island.
C. On Mweenish Island.
77 G. on Finish Island.
Kilkieran KilMeran.
Ross PARISH
12 Ultabeg G Calliaghbeg.
13 Kilmore Kilmore. Next E. of Finney.
Kilbride Kilbride.
25 G., N. of Cur .... Breenaun.
BillewG Cammanagh.
26 Knockaunnabasty G. . . Cloghbrack Middle.
27 Ross C Rosshill.
CONG PARISH
26 Gortnakilla G Dooghta.
38 Derreenabreena G. . . Teernakill N.
40 Churches on Inchagoil . Inchagoil.
IN Co. MAYO
1 20 Cong Churches and Abbey Cong.
121 Killarsa Ballymacgibbon N.
Kilfrauchan DowaghE.
Cross or Attyrickard C. . Cross.
Neale C Lecarrowkilleen.
Gortacurra Gortacurra.
123 BillyparkC Carheens.
MOORGAGAGH PARISH
121 Killeenbrenan .... Moorgagagh.
Abbey (and old church) . Kill.
OLD CHURCHES AND GRAVEYARDS 235
BALLINROBE PARISH, SOUTH OF THE RIVER ROBE
O.S. NAME OR PLACE. TOWNLAND.
1 1 8 Ballinrobe C Glebe in Cornaroya.
Abbey and St. John's
House Friar's Quarter W. and E.
Killosheheen Killosheheen.
Kilkeeran Kilkeeran (O.S.L.M., ii. 203).
117 Inishrobe C Cuslough Demesne.
Temple na Lacka ... „ „
3 Temple OMohery . . . Churchfield, Co. Galway, W. of
Lake.
KILCOMMON PARISH
in Kilrush Kilrush (O.S.L.M.. ii. 218).
Kilcommon Kilcommon.
119 Kilglassan Kilglassan.
Killeenrevagh .... Killeenrevagh(O.S.L.M.,ii.2i8).
KILMOLARA PARISH
1 1 8 Kilmolara ..... Carrownakilly.
BALLINCHALLA PARISH
117 Ballinchalla C Ballinchalla. Killower adjoins
to S.E.
Inishmaine C Inishmaine.
1 1 8 C Cahernicole W.
1 20 Killimor Killimor (Church to be inferred
from Prebend and name).
KlLMAINEMORE PARISH
118 Killeennaskeagh . . . Carrowreagh.
Kilquire On boundary of Kilquire N. and
Ellistronbeg.
119 G Oultauns.
121 Kilmainemore .... Kilmaine.
122 Killernan Killernan.
G. of Ballymally . . . Frenchbrook. Close to Turlough-
agurkal.
KlLMAINEBEG PARISH
121 Kilmainebeg .... Kilkeeran.
Kilmacduagh .... Kilmacduagh.
236 DIOCESE OF TUAM
SHRULE PARISH
O.S. NAME OR PLACE. TOWNLAND.
122 Shrule C Shrule.
Abbey, " Clogvanaha " . Church Park.
G., N. of Dalgin House . Carrowmore.
123 Moyne C Moyne.
KinloughC Kinlough.
ANCIENT DIOCESE OF MAYO — ACHILL PARISH
42 Templecolman .... Slievemore.
65 Kildavnet Carrickkildavnet.
BURRISHOOLE PARISH
67 G. and St. Brendans Well Roskeenmore.
Burrishoole C. and Abbey Aghadooey Glebe.
St. Birroge's Bed and
Killeen „ ,,
St. Dominic's Well . . Kiltarnaght.
68 Kilbride Kilbride.
76 Templemarcan .... Rosclave.
KILMEENA PARISH
76 Inishdafl C.
Clynish C (O.S.L.Af., i. 488.)
77 Kilmeena Kilmeena.
KlLMACLASSER PARISH
77 Kilmaclasser Rushbrook.
Killeen at Tobercoyne . Gortnaclasach (O.S.L.M. i. 493).
AGHAGOWER PARISH
88 Aghagower, C. and R. T. . ^ A h
Tempulnabhfiacal . . ./
97 Killeen at Patrick's Chair Boheh.
G., SSE. of Moher Lake Carrowreagh.
98 Cloghpatrick G. ... Lanmore.
Toberbrendan, C. G. and
Well Lankill.
Killeennimhe .... Cordarragh.
G Knappaghmanagh.
OLD CHURCHES AND GRAVEYARDS 237
OUGHAVAL PARISH
O.S. NAME OR PLACE. TOWNLAND.
87 Cloonpatrick and Ougha-
val Abbey Churchfield.
Lisheenaneeve .... Killadangan.
Glaspatrick C Glaspatrick.
96 Milla G. Cloonpatrick . . Foorgill.
97 Killeen, Kilvickrane . . Oughty.
KILGEEVER PARISH
85 Kilbride Askillaun.
86 Kilgeever Kilgeever.
94 Clare Island "1
Inisturk j- All containing churches.
Caher Island J
95 G., N.E. of Aillemore . Cloonlaur.
Killadoon Killadoon.
105 Templedoomore . . . . Tallavbaun.
ISLANDEADY PARISH
78 Islandeady C Islandeady.
C. on Castlebar Lake . . Annagh.
AGLISH PARISH
78 G. near Jail in Castlebar . Castlebar Town.
C. at Ballynew .... Ballynew.
TURLOUGH PARISH
70 Turlough C. Round Tower Turlough.
KlLDACOMMOGE PARISH
70 G. and C. near Corraun . Corraun.
Tempul Som or Tempul
na Leicin Knockatemple.
79 Kildacommoge .... Moyhenna.
2 Churches Ara.
BREAGHWY PARISH
79 Breaghwy C Breaghwy Demesne.
238 DIOCESE OF TUAM
MANULLA PARISH
O.S. NAME OR PLACE. TOWNLAND.
79 Tempul a Scinneen, i.e.
Manulla Rinnahulty.
G. C Criaghanboy.
BALLINTUBBER PARISH
88 Kilbride Kilbree Upper.
89 Temple Shane na Glasha Bellabourke.
Cagaula C Cagaula.
Tubberpatrick C. Abbey . Ballintubber.
98 Kilfinan, on Church Island Cam.
BALLYOVEY PARISH
99 Ballyovey Ch \Portroyal.
C. near it . . . . . J
109 Kilkeeran Kilkeeran.
Illauncolumbkille C. . . Adjoins Ballygarry in which is
Tobercolumbkille.
Aghinish C Aghinish.
BALLYHEANE PARISH
89 Ballyheane C Cunaker.
Buncam C. G C. in Lugaphuill. G. in Buncam
E. Killeenbihan ?
DRUM PARISH
90 Drum C Drumknockatemple.
Ballycarra C Elmhall.
Loona C Loonamore.
Gweeshadan C., Kilbrenan Gweeshadan.
G. and Tobermacduagh . Killeen.
BURRISCARRA PARISH
100 Burriscarra C. . . . . Burriscarra.
Kiltoom Ballycally.
TOUAGHTY PARISH
St. Patrick's Parish Church Tower Hill Demesne. Tower
of Touaghty .... Hill House is on its site.
OLD CHURCHES AND GRAVEYARDS 239
ROSSLEE PARISH
O.S. NAME OR PLACE. TOWNLAND.
90 Rosslee C., Kilcadain . . Rathnacreeva.
„ Chapel .... Peenoge, at junction with Rath-
nacreeva.
BALLA PARISH
90 Balla ....... Balla.
ROBEEN PARISH
100 Annagh C. Abbey . . . Annies.
Carrowkilleen C. G. . . Carrowkillen (O.S.L.M., ii. 211).
Kiltagharaun .... Kiltagharaun „ „
1 10 Toberloona C Cornfield.
Robeen C Robeen.
BALLINROBE PARISH, NORTH OF R. ROBE,
ANCIENT ROBA IN CARRA
1 10 C. at Rocksborough . . Rocksborough S.
118 Holyrood, or Templemore Glebe in Cairo wnalecka.
Killeenacrava .... Rathkelly.
MAYO PARISH
91 Mayo Abbey Mayo Parks.
Kilbride Kilbride.
KILCOLMAN PARISH
91 Kilcolman Kilcolman.
92 G. near Rockfield House . Rockfield.
1 02 Sruffakilleen Garryredmond.
TAGHEEN PARISH
in Tagheen C Tagheen.
KILVINE PARISH
112 Kilvine Kilvine.
240 DIOCESE OF TUAM
CROSSBOYNE PARISH
O.S. NAME OR PLACE. TOWNLAND.
101 Knocknacaltragh G. . . ~j
Killeenfelim VCaltragh (O.S.L.M., ii. 452).
Killeenishel J
in Crossboyne Crossboyne.
G., S.E. of Crossboyne . Esker N.
112 Kilcurnan Garrydufi.
Cloonmore C Cloonmore.
DIOCESE OF ANNAGHDOWN
KILLOWER PARISH
29 Killower Killower.
42 G Ballintleva.
DONAGHPATRICK PARISH
28 Killeen Tonacooleen.
42 Donaghpatrick .... Donaghpatrick.
G., W. of Castlehacket . Caherlustraun. Kildrum Tl. is
divided from G. only by the
road.
Killamanagh .... Killamanagh.
KILKILVERY PARISH
42 Kilkilvery Kilkilvery.
G., W. of Rectory . . . Pollacullaire.
G., N. of „ ... Bunnaconeen.
G., E. of Dalysfort . . Gortarica.
KILLURSA PARISH
41 InchiquinC Inchiquin.
Lynagh G. near Doonaun . Carrownakib.
C, E. of it on border . . Carrownacroagh.
Killursa Ower.
Kildaree Kildaree.
55 Kilcronan Annaghkeen.
CARGIN PARISH
55 Cargin C Cargin.
OLD CHURCHES AND GRAVEYARDS 241
KILLEANY PARISH
O.S. NAME OR PLACE. TOWNLAND.
Caheradane G Mount Ross.
56 Milla Fort G Keekill.
Killeany Cloghanower.
Lisheenlee Keernaun.
KILCOONA PARISH
56 Kilcoona Kilcoona.
ANNAGHDOWN PARISH
56 Killiam Grange.
2 Gs., S. of Cahermorris . Glenrevagh.
G Aucloggeen.
57 Kilcahill Kilcahill.
70 Kilgill Slievefin, adjoining Kilgill.
69 Annaghdown Abbey Cs. . Annaghdown.
70 G Barravilla.
LACKAGH PARISH
71 Lackagh C Lackaghmore.
Kilskeagh Rathfee. Kilskeagh Tl. ad-
joins in Athenry parish.
CLAREGALWAY PARISH
70 G. at Waterdale House . Waterdale.
Claregalway C Claregalway.
An Abbey Cahergower or Summerfield.
Kiltroge Kiltroge.
ORANMORE PARISH
82 G. Menlough .... Menlough.
G. Carrowbrowne (Kil-
roghter ?) Carrowbrowne.
94 Roscam C Roscam.
95 OranmoreC Oranmore. No church is marked
in Oranbeg which was the
name of an old parish.
BALLYNACOURTY PARISH
95 Kilcaimin Kilcaimin.
G. near Cahergal . . . Ballynamanagh E.
103 Ballynacourty C. . . . Ballynacourry.
Q
242 DIOCESE OF TUAM
GALWAY PARISH
O.S. NAME OR PLACE. TOWNLAND.
82 G. near Castlegar . . . Castlegar.
94 G. near Ballybrit . . . Ballybrit.
C. near Belmount . . . Rinmore.
Galway Church .... Gal way Town.
RAHOON PARISH
81 G Corcullen.
82 St. James's Chapel . . . Newcastle. (H.W.C., p. 56.)
93 Rahoon C Rahoon.
KILCUMMIN PARISH
39 G. near Coppermines . . Curraghduff.
40 Faughnakilla .... Curraghrevagh.
54 Kilcummin Lemonfield Demesne.
55 G. Tobercoonagh . . . Callownamuck.
65 Killower Turlough.
Kilbrickan Kilbrickan.
89 St. Duiggal's G Lettermullen.
KILLANNIN PARISH
55 Killaroon Laghtgannon.
67 Killageemoge . . ' . . Killaguile.
68 Killannin ~| „-.,,
„ Killannin.
Templebegnaneeve . . )
Templebrecan .... Rosscahill E.
Lisheencaltragh G. . . Coolagh.
91 St. Columbkille's C. . . Cloghmore.
90 Temple Inishmacaw . . Barraderry.
MOYCULLEN PARISH
68 Kilcallin Dovepark.
Lisheennabasty G. . . . Kilcloggaun.
8 1 Moycullen C Moycullen. Killarainy is next
toW.
Templebeg Clooniff.
Temple Eany .... Killagoola.
St. Enna's C. at Spiddal . Spiddal.
CHAPTER XXVI
DISTRIBUTION OF RECTORIES IN l6TH CENTURY —
TUAM, ANNAGHDOWN
ASCERTAINED from Bodkin's Visitation and Regal Visita-
tion of 1615, Valor Beneficiorum, Grants of Possessions of
Suppressed Monasteries and other sources.
DIOCESE OF TUAM
DEANERY OF TUAM
RECTOR.
Dean, Provost, Vicars Choral.
Vicars Choral.
» >»
Dean, Provost.
Rector, Dean, Provost.
Dean.
Dean, Provost.
Rector.
Prebendary.
Rector.
Hospital of St. John, Castle
Dermot.
Abbey of Knockmoy.
Rector.
1 Belclare was in later times in country of Hy Briuin, but must in very
early times have been under the Conmaicne.
<L)
CHURCH.
f Tuam
nmor
Kilbennan . .
Kilconla . . . .
Q
*o -
c
o
Liskeevy .
Addergoole . . .
Boyounagh . . .
Templetogher . . .
Dunmore . . . .
a
o
o
Belclare 1 . . . .
. Clonbern Pt. . . .
Corcamogha
r Clonbern Pt. . . .
L Kilkerrin ....
r Kilmoylan . . . .
Killererin . . . .
Sodhans.
Cummer . . . .
Abbeyknockmoy
Killoscobe . . . .
Moylough ....
Ballynakill Aghiart .
244 DIOCESE OF TUAM
DEANERY OF TUAM — continued
CHURCH. RECTOR.
Knock Archdeacon.
Aghamore .... Monast. St. John Baptist, Tuam.
Bekan „ ,, ,,
Annagh .... „ „ „
Kiltullagh (but lat-
terly occupied by
Sil Maelruain) . . Rector.
Part held by Kilcreevanty Nun-
nery.
Part held by Dean of Clonfert.
Athenry . . .
Abbert or Monivea
Tagh Saxon alias
Templegaile
Kilmeen
DEANERY OF ATHENRY
.... Rector.
Prebendary.
I
H
JU
»
O
i
DEANERY OF SHRULE
Ballinrobe .... Rector. Includes Roba in Carra.
Kihnaineniore . . Prebendary.
Shrule Cong Abbey.
Kilcommon ... „ ,,
Kilmainebeg ... „ „
Cong Cong Abbey and Preb. Killabegs.
Ballinchalla ... „ ,, „
Kilmolara .... Cong Abbey.
Moorgagagh ...
Ross .
g / Ballynakill .
,5 J Omey . .
g j Ballindoon .
( Moyrus . .
Cong Abbey.
245
MAYO DEANERY. — BISHOPRIC UP TO 1209
CHURCH. RECTOR.
Mayo or Templegerald Rector.
Kilvine ..... ,,
Crossboyne . . . Rector. Prebendary of Ballin-
.*? garry. Prebendary of Clon-
more.
Tagheen .... Mayo Abbey.
Kilcolman .... ,, „
Kilticollo in Mayo
Parish .... „ „
Touaghty .... ,, ,,
Kilcadayn, or Rosslee ,, „
Rosslee Chapel . . ,, ,,
Robeen ,, ,,
Balla Prebendary.
Manulla .... Rector.
Aglish ,,
Islandeady . . . „
08 ( Turlough .... Franciscan House at Buttevant
O Breaghwy ....
Kildacommoge . . ,, ,, ,,
Ballyovey .... Rector and Prebendary of Kil-
labegs.
Ballintubber . . . Ballintubber Abbey.
Bally heane ... ,, ,,
Drum ,, „
\ Burriscarra ... „ „
Aghagower . . . Archdeacon, Prebendary of Kil-
labegs.
Oughaval .... „ „ „
Kilgeever, including
Inishbofin ... „ „ „
Burrishoole . . . Rector, Prebendaries of Killabegs
and Faldown.
Kilmaclasser ... „ ,, ,,
Kilmeena .... Prebendaries of Killabegs and
Faldown.
246 DIOCESE OF TUAM
DIOCESE OF ANNAGHDOWN
CHURCH. RECTOR.
Annaghdown . . . Dean.
Cargin Archdeacon.
Lackagh .... Prebendary.
Killeany .... Hospital of St. John, Castle-
dermot.
Killursa .... „ „ „ „
Kilkilvery . , ,, ,, „
Killower .... „ „ „ „
Kilcoona .... „ „ „ „
Donaghpatrick . . KiJnamanagh Abbey.
Galway Knockmoy Abbey.
•C
K
Ballynacourty . . Annaghdown Abbey.
Roscam Galway College.
Oranmore .... „ „
Claregalway ... „ ,,
Rahun ,, „
Moycullen .... ,, „
Kilcummin . . . Galway College and Annagh-
down Abbey.
Killannin .... Annaghdown Abbey.
Note. — In many of these parishes portions of rectorial tithes
were held by monastic houses and in other ways.
CHAPTER XXVII
THE ABBEYS
WHEN the monastic system of Ireland attained its greatest
development on national lines it was a reproduction of the
tribal system, the greater and lesser abbots and their con-
vents were the kings and sub-kings and their tribes with a
difference. Constant fighting and dissension and absence
of administration broke tribes into fragments under separate
chiefs. The bond of the Christian Church kept the lesser
monasteries in distant tribes under the control of their head
monastery to some extent. Tribalism tended to separation,
Christian monasticism to union.
Some abbey in each tribe naturally acquired a greater
reputation and greater favour from the ruling tribe than
the others, and got greater endowments and had more
parish churches in connection with it. However great it
became as an ecclesiastical centre and college and school
it was but a collection of huts, in which the monks lived
separately round a church of no great size however well
built and decorated, and all these were surrounded by a
high strong wall, the cashel which remains now only in
lesser abbeys, but seems to have been general. After all
the changes of centuries a fragment of the cashel wall is
to be seen near Mayo Abbey. The students and laymen
in connection with a great establishment must have lived
outside this enclosure.
They collected about them considerable endowments
in land, which may be recognised now in the possessions
of the Sees of Tuam and Killala and Achonry close around
Tuam and Cong and Mayo and Aghagower and Killala and
Errew and Achonry and Ballysadare. The great monastery
sent out monks to the parish churches under its rule and
these churches seem to have had also their separate endow-
ments in land usually surrounding or adjoining. The frag-
248 DIOCESE OF TUAM
ments remaining in episcopal possessions show that such
endowments were general. The lands and altarages and
casual offerings must have made a good provision for the
parish priests. In 1210 all these comarb or termon lands
were swept into the hands of the bishops, and the parochial
clergy were left dependent on altarages and the newly im-
posed tithes. In only a few cases do we find glebe lands
held by clergy in these dioceses, which seem to have been
excepted from the general transfer for some reason, such
as the glebe lands adjoining the old church of Roba at
Ballinrobe and the old church of Roba in Carra. The parochial
clergy might have got on well enough if they had been left
to enjoy their own, but that was not to be.
The decay of the Irish system in the nth century under
the influence of the Roman ideas, the introduction of Roman
monastic orders, and the adoption by the surviving ancient
monasteries of the Augustinian Rule substituted a wholly
different church order in effects as well as in organisation.
The ancient Irish system seems to have been a natural
growth from the period of missionary effort, when the
monastery was a mission centre which formed congregations
and regulated the dependent mission stations. It covered
the country with parish churches, and after a long and flourish-
ing existence fell into decay as regards its peculiar monastic
features, and adopted the prevailing Roman system and
ideals of church organisation.
As regards the secular clergy the new ideal was a powerful
bishop at their head who should wield in addition to
spiritual authority temporal possessions enough to main-
tain the dignity of a governor of the church among the
lords of the land. Another ideal of the I2th and I3th centuries
was that of working upon the world by communities of
monks and friars, who were an additional agency beside
the parochial clergy and diocesan system. With these
ideas came the desire for magnificent churches and buildings
worthy of the purposes to which they were dedicated. These
views in practice worked to the neglect and depression of
the parochial clergy.
The bishop took a quarter of the tithes. Rectories
were given to monasteries which took half the tithe and
a share of the altarages. The vicar was left with a quarter
THE ABBEYS 249
of the tithe and the fees and altarages. Even vicarages
were occasionally taken away. If land was given to a
monastery the tithe went with it. The new orders were
allowed the valuable privileges of hearing confessions and
serving masses. Thus the parochial clergy were depressed
and endowments and fees intended for their support were
by degrees diverted to the new organisations. Moreover,
the popularity and reputation of the new orders in their
early days secured to them all endowments for pious uses
which laymen made, and practically nothing was dedicated
to parochial and diocesan purposes. The patronage of
the rectories was generally in the hands of the lay lords,
who assigned them to the abbeys which they or their an-
cestors had founded or desired to help.
The Archbishop of Cashel applied to the Pope in the
middle of the I5th century for permission to ordain men of
illegitimate birth because of the lack of parsons. There
was no difficulty in filling monasteries.
The Houses of Regular Canons of St. Augustine, in these
dioceses, excepting those of Tuam and Ballintubber, seem
to be all surviving ancient foundations of importance which
were not transformed into cathedral chapters. Minor
abbeys disappeared when their lands were taken away even
if they survived in form. In some cases the lands seem
to have passed away from them even before the I2th century,
as in the cases of Balla and Meelick and Roscam. We
know that an important abbey existed at Balla, and we
may infer such an abbey from the towers at Meelick and
Roscam, but no ecclesiastical or abbeyland can be traced
about them commensurate with their importance. They
must have fallen into lay hands.
The Cistercian order was introduced by the establish-
ment of Mellifont in the early part of the I2th century.
After the Anglo-Norman conquest other orders followed.
In Connaught this period of new foundations began after
the de Burgo partition in 1237.
The new houses did not neglect education, but their
means in this respect were limited. The old establishments
were ruined before the new were set up and endowed. With
the I4th century a period of general lawlessness and violence
again set in over nearly all Ireland. The new monastic
250 DIOCESE OF TUAM
orders were better fitted for a fairly orderly region. The
old Irish orders which grew up in the midst of tribal war
and disorder contrived to carry on their work under the
conditions of their origin. They were but slightly organised
as a whole, but they held together and did their work well.
Of the abbeys in the following list some houses were
but huts which have disappeared and left no trace behind.
There is much uncertainty as to endowments at the sup-
pression. In some cases the abbot made a complete sur-
render, in others the lands remained partly in possession
of monks or friars, partly in lay hands, and became the
subject of inquisitions as they were discovered. Many
inquisitions have been lost.
My identifications of old denominations show position,
not extent. The ascertainment of areas would require a
lengthy examination which could only be carried out by
the owners whose title-deeds and old leases may afford
evidence.
CHAPTER XXVIII
THE MONASTIC ORDERS IN THESE DIOCESES AND
THEIR HOUSES
I. THE AUGUSTINIANS
(1) Regular Canons. — I. Aran, p. 252 ; 2. Errew, p. 252; 3. Annaghdown,
p. 252 ; 4. Aughros, alias Kilmalton Priory, p. 255 ; 5. Ballysadare,
or Easdara, p. 255 ; 6. Cong, p. 256 ; 7. Mayo, p. 263 ; 8. Inishmaine,
p. 263 ; 9. Tuam, p. 264 ; 10. Ballintubber, p. 265 ; n. Cross, p. 272 ;
12. Annagh, p. 272. Canonesses of St. Augustine. — 13. Killaraght,
p. 273 ; 14. Killecrau or Killeenacrava, p. 273.
(2) Arroasian Canonesses, a reformation of the Regular Canonesses. —
15. Annaghdown, p. 273.
(3) Premonstre Canons, or Premonstratensians. — 16. Tuam, p. 274 ; 17.
Annaghdown, p: 274 ; 18. Killetrynode or Killeennatrinody, p. 274 ;
19. Killeen, p. 274.
(4) Eremites of St. Augustine, called Austin Friars. — 20. Ballinrobe, p. 275 ;
21. Burriscarra, p. 275 ; 22. Ballyhaunis, p. 275; 23. Banada, p. 276;
24. Ardnarea, p. 276 ; 25. Dunmore, p. 276 ; 26. Murrisk, p. 276 ;
27. Galway, p. 276. Notes on names of lands of Ballintubber, p. 276.
II. BENEDICTINES
(1) Benedictine Nunneries. — 28. Kilcreevanty, p. 280.
(2) Cistercians or Bernardines, a Reformation of Benedictines. — 29. Knock -
moy, p. 285 ; 30. Clare Island, p. 289. Possessions of Boyle Abbey,
p. 289. Notes on names of lands of Kilcreevanty, p. 291.
III. THE DOMINICANS (the Order of Preachers, called the Black Friars,
the first of the Mendicant Orders).
31. Athenry, p. 292 ; 32. Strade, p. 294 ; 33. Rathfran, p. 295 ; 34. Knock-
more, p. 295 ; 35. Toombeola, p. 295 ; 36. Urlare, p. 295 ; 37. Bur-
rishoole, p. 296 ; 38. Cloonimeaghan, p. 296 ; 39. Kilmurry, alias
Kilbrenan, p. 296.
IV. THE FRANCISCANS (the Friars Minors, called Grey Friars).
(1) Conventuals. — 40. Claregalway, or Ballenclare, p. 297 ; 41. Galway, p.
297 ; 4ia. Athenry, p. 297 ; 42. Bofeenaun, alias Boghmoynan, p. 297 ;
43. Kilnamanagh, p. 298.
(2) Observantins, or of the Strict Observance. — 44. Rosserilly, p. 298 ;
45. Moyne, p. 298 ; 46. Cloonyvornoge, or Cowlevernoge, p. 298.
251
252 DIOCESE OF TUAM
(3) The Third Order of St. Francis. — 47. Crossmolina, p. 299 ; 48. Ros-
serk, p. 299 ; 49. Killeenbrenan, alias Kilbrenan, p. 299 ; 50. Temple-
moyle, p. 299 ; 51. Templegaile, alias Taghsaxon, p. 299 ; 52. Beagh,
p. 299 ; 53. Kiltullagh, p. 300 ; 54. Court, p. 300 ; 55. Ballymote,
p. 300.
V. THE CARMELITES (called White Friars).
56. Ballinsmala, p. 300; 57. Creevaghbane, p. 300 ; 58. Ballynahinch,
P- 301-
VI. KNIGHTS OF THE TEMPLE (Succeeded by the Knights of the
Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem).
59. Taghtemple, p. 301 ; 60. Ballinrobe, St. John's House, p. 301.
DOUBTFUL HOUSES
Killedan, p. 301 ; Kylkeny, p. 302 ; Ballentully, p. 302.
HOUSES IN THESE DIOCESES
I. THE AUGUSTINIANS — (i) REGULAR CANONS
1. Aran. — St. Enda's Monastery founded in the 5th century
disappeared unless it survived in possessions which belonged
to the Abbey of Annaghdown in the i6th century.
2. Errew. — Abbey of St. Tigernan founded in the beginning
of the 6th century. At the suppression it held only i qr.
of land, the Barrett endowment of 1413. For particulars
see " Church Architecture " p. 167. According to the Straff ord
Survey (in R.I. A.) it owned 2 qrs. of Kilmurry and
Ballynemraher. Temple na galliaghdoo close to it looks
like an old church replaced by the great abbey church, but
the name points to its having been a nunnery. It may
have become one in later days.
3. Annaghdown. — The College of St. Brendan. This seems
to be the establishment called the Abbey of Annaghdown.
Its property consisted of the lands and tithes hereafter
described and some indefinite property in the Isles of Arran.
The College seems to have been considered as part of the
cathedral establishment, and to have provided the four vicars
who are referred to in Bodkin's List and who were assessed
in the Valor Beneficiorum in 1584. In 1585 the Govern-
ment seems to have become aware that the College was a
monastery, not really a part of the cathedral establishment,
THE MONASTIC ORDERS 253
and an inquisition was held to ascertain their property.
From the names of Clement Skerrett and Thadeus M'Inylly
which appear in Bodkin's List and in the inquisition, and
from the fact that after this date the abbey disappears and
the vicars are not mentioned in the Regal Visitation of 1615,
it is to be inferred that the vicars of the church were the
monks of the abbey.
The inquisition was taken on the ist February 1585
at Galway and found that four priests or vicars as they
called them were maintained in the College of St. Brandan,
which had been concealed and had remained in the occupa-
tion of Clement Skyrret and Thadeus M'Inylly, by what
title the jurors knew not, that it owned a ruinous church with
a small graveyard, half an acre of land in which are cottages
with their curtilages and gardens now waste and unin-
habited, all of which on account of the devastation of the
country are worth nothing, a wet pasture containing 20
acres in which the College tenants grazed their cattle with
the other inhabitants of the town, the following 23 quarters
of tithes —
In Anaghcoyn, 2 qrs. . . . Annaghdown.
, Cahirmorish, 4 qrs. . . . Cahirmorris.
, Ballyrobug, 4 qrs. . . . Balrobug.
, Kylcayle, 4 qrs.
, Ballyne Owley, i qr.
, Dromgriss, 4 qrs Drumgriffin.
, Clonlowe, 4 qrs.
which were worth £3, i6s. Irish money yearly.
A lease of 1594 to John Rawson and Henry Deane * shows
that the abbey held also — Seven quarters of stony land
called Cairo welewchell, Knockincahiloge and Inishbarkan,
Carrowekillaneleirhie, Carroweternia in Garrinnae, Carrow-
letermoyn Edirtrahannae, Lettermackoe and Muckenaghe
Edardauhalie, and Carrowe Naganannaghe in Killinkelly in
the barony of Moycullen.
Of these names some survive. Laughil and Teeranea
are the southern and northern parts of Gorumna. Letter-
muckoo and Muckanaghederdauhaulia are townlands of
Kilcummin parish on the S.E. coast of Camus Bay. Killin-
kelly is an old name for the western part of Kilcummin,
1 16 D.K., Nos. 5865, 6016.
254 DIOCESE OF TUAM
taken from the Killin or old church of Inismacaw l which
gave the name of Killin to the land between Cashla Bay and
Greatman's Bay. Kilbrickan is found near these townlands.
From a grant to Lord Clanricard of 19 July, 8 James I.,2
the following additional items are taken —
In Shanghill and Muckeris, 12 acres arable, 19 a. pasture.
A ruinous chapel in the isle of Aren with 12 a. of pasture
there, and 6s. 8d. rent out of Laspidell.
The churches, rectories, or chapels, tithes, presentations,
&c., of Ballenecourt in Clanricard, Kilcomen in O'Flahertie's
country, Kargin in Moyntermurchoe, and Lisdich otherwise
Lisduffe.
The town and lands of Lisduffe in Gnomore, containing
2 cottages, 40 a. arable, 24 a. pasture, 12 a. wood.
Kilclonloght otherwise Kilclyonlogh, | qr.
The following rents all in English money,
Out of Keilroa 33. 4d.
„ Carrownagananagh in Killin . . 33. 4d.
„ Lettermuckerooe 33. 40!.
„ Lecarrowe 33. 4d.
Three quarters of the tithes of Trienconaght, and the
moiety of the tithes of Killroa, Carrownaganagh and Letter-
muckrooe. Rent £6, us. ^d.
The names Spiddle and Killroe, in Killannin to west
of Spiddle, are still in use. Lisduff is some church in Kil-
cummin parish.
Annaghdown diocese is singular in that no see lands are
found therein except a trifle in Killower and in Annagh-
down. The comarb lands in the country east of L. Corrib
must have been generally lost, as in the case of Balla,
before the great transfer from the comarbs to the
bishops. The abbey held more lands to the west of the
lake. Lisduff and its lands appear to be the old lands around
that church, comarb lands. Those of Gorumna seem to
be in connection with an old church. More lands should be
identified to justify positive assertion, but the evidence
points to the view that the comarb lands which were in
possession of this abbey were not transferred to the Bishop,
and that this monastery was not transformed into a cathedral
1 Island of MacAdhaimh, H. W. C. 7, 64.
2 Cal. Pat. Rolls, Chancery Ireland, \-\6James /., p. 2173, No. ii.
THE MONASTIC ORDERS 255
chapter, but survived in close connection with the cathedral
church, its own abbey church, for which it provided four priests.
The nunnery of St. Mary Annaghdown also held a small
portion of ancient endowment which was absorbed with it
eventually in Kilcreevanty. Both of these houses seem
to have been remodelled on the Roman System in time to
save the remnant of their property.
As far as I can make out there were at Annaghdown the
following houses —
(1) The Abbey or College of St. Brendan, dealt with above,
whose church was used as the Cathedral Church.
(2) St. Mary's Abbey called de Portu Patrum, Briga's
Nunnery, which passed under Kilcreevanty Nunnery.
(3) The Little Cell of Premonstratensian Canons.
Mention is made of a Franciscan House but I cannot
find evidence that one ever existed there.
4. Aughros, alias Kilmalton Priory. — Founded by St.
Molaise in the 6th century. It is described in the i6th
century as having a steeple like a castle, but the whole has
now disappeared. Of its history I know nothing. At the
suppression it owned one quarter of land adjoining, the
vicarages of Dromard and Corkagh and Kilmacshalgan
in Tireragh and the vicarage of Ahamlish in Carbury, with
one quarter of land as the vicar's glebe, and Inishmurray
which were worth 155. yearly beyond the curate's pay, and
the 4 quarters of Benan in Carbury, and the Grange of
Magherakilterny in the barony of Lorg in the Co. Fermanagh.
The vicarage of Kilmacshalgan was worth 35. 6d. beyond
the curate's pay.
5. Ballysadare or Easdara. — Founded by St. Feichin
in the beginning of the 7th century. Templemore was the
old abbey church which became the parish church when
the monks moved into the I4th or I5th century building
of which a little remains. It owned the rectory and vicarage
of Templemore being 3 parts of the tithes in the Termon
lands, worth 135. 4^. beyond the curate's pay, the vicarages
of Enagh in Tirerrill, now part of Ballysadare parish, of
Drumrat in Corran and of Kilgarvan in Gallen, which were
worth nothing beyond the curate's pay ; a little land near
the abbey ; 3 small quarters in the townland of Asdara
estimated at 40 acres of arable and 60 acres of mountain
256 DIOCESE OF TUAM
land, and another parcel of land containing 30 acres of arable
and pasture called Trinebally.
The Pope made the following order regarding its abbot
on the 3oth July 1463 1 —
"Seeing that Thomas Obeathuachan, Prior of the Monastery
of B. Maria de Insula Macnere of order of St. Augustine
of Diocese of Elphin, which is ruled by a Prior, resigned ;
that William Marscarrayd abbot of the monastery of the
same B. Maria de Casdara of diocese of Achonry of said
order is reported to be a public fornicator and to have divided
the revenues of the monastery of Casdara with Cornelius
formerly abbot of the monastery by a simoniacal pact ;
you are to try him upon these charges made by Maurice
Macdomichayd, Canon of the Monastery of B. Maria de
Insula Macnere. If guilty he is to be deprived and Maurice
is to be made Abbot of Casdara and Prior of Insula Macnere
said to be worth 24 marks sterling yearly, with cure of souls.
" To the Dean and Provost and to Canon Thomas Maca-
brechan of church of Achonry."
Considering this case with those of the abbeys of St.
John the Baptist of Tuam and of Ballintubber it appears
that the Papal practice at this time was to entrust prosecu-
tions to intended successors. We do not know what happened
in any of these cases.
6. Cong (Abbey of the B.V.M.). — Founded by St. Fechin
in 623. Its possessions were very great in early times, if,
as is most probable, a large portion of the lands attached
to the See of Tuam were comarb lands of churches belonging
to this abbey.
The earliest account of the possessions of the abbey
is the following, which purports to be an extract from an
old manuscript of the abbey. It is in the British Museum,
Additional MSS. No. 4787, f. I. I translate it, but it is
mutilated in parts and in one or two places is not quite in-
telligible, as if the copyist had omitted something or failed
to decipher correctly, in some places blanks show that the
original was torn or illegible.
" In the name of God Amen — Let all men know by the
present [letters] that these are the true undoubted and
authentic Rentals of Cong in fees [i.e. lands] tithes and
1 Theiner, Vet. Alon., p. 450.
THE MONASTIC ORDERS 257
other commodities and emoluments from the first day of
dedication of the church up to this day, vizt. —
" The First and most illustrious Man the King of Hibernia
alias lernia Donnell son of Aedh1 McAinmyreach being
very devout and obedient to almighty God dedicated and
gave to God and to the said church the piece of land which
is called Inys nastryndroma and all other pieces of
land near the lake 2 and Dubras. The same land
and soil in which the monastery itself has been founded in
the first year of his Reign and the Monastery itself dedicated
and had rebuilt . . . cccc and Duvhach O'Duvhay was
the first Lord Abbot of the monastery.3
" Item. The said [ torn ] gave the town of Crois with
its appurtenances [ torn ] to the said monastery.
" Item. The said Dermot M'Fergusa King of Ireland
gave the town of Creevagh 4 with its appurtenances to the
said monastery.
" Item. Torlogh Mor O'Conor gave the town of Oylnim 5
with its appurtenances to the aforesaid monastery.
" Item. Edmund of the Scots son of William de Burgo
knight gave to the said monastery the quarter of land which
is called Ardnagross and the half town of Lioslachane.6
" Item. Thomas de Burgo son of the above-named gave
the half town of Dromsilmoir and the half quarter of Drom-
silbeg to the aforesaid monastery.
" Item. Ristard Equi 7 son of Fiesucoba leader of the
horse of the Lord de Burgo gave the half quarter of ... ay
to the aforesaid monastery.
1 Hugo in original. I give the Irish form when a Latin equivalent is
used.
2 Something has been obliterated, of which " Dich*"" with dots under-
neath for obliteration is legible. Dubrus seems to be the Doorus mentioned
in the composition as in Kilmaine barony.
3 This paragraph is corrupt.
4 De Croibhis in original. The only Dermot Mac Fergusa who was
King of Ireland reigned in the 6th century. This must be some local king
or chief.
5 Oylnim seems to be the full name of the Neale. The ablxjy had
property near it.
8 Probably Lisloughrey, Liosluachra.
7 This must be Richard O'Cuairsci son of Edmond na Fiesoge, unless
there is a mistake in the father's name. "Of a Horse," and "Leader of
the Horse " are terms not elsewhere applied to him.
R
258 DIOCESE OF TUAM
" Item. The Clansmen de Burgo gave Segerin l of
the Canons in the town of Robbo to the aforesaid monastery.
" Item. The aforesaid Clansmen gave of the
Canons by Rathmoling 2 in the town of Sruthair to the
aforesaid monastery.
" And thus belongs to the aforesaid monastery Temple
Colmain3 in the aforesaid town and the Wall of the same,
and Killin Coemain 3 on the opposite side of the river, and
the half quarter of land of the Hill 3 which is called St.
Patrick's there.
" Item. Gibbun son of the Rector gave the half quarter
of Tamhnachliahain 4 to the said monastery.
" Item. Donnell, son of Aedh 5 who is called Great,
O'Flaghertach gave the piece of land which is called Oiler,
da Chruinne 6 in the sea of Conomara to the said [monastery],
" Item. Thomas Sh [ torn ] 7 who is called Red gave
the quarter of land which is called Cearhonangruigineach and
the half quarter which is called Seanmhaegharraightain 8 and
the quarter of Killindubhachta 9 to the aforesaid monastery.
" Item. Torlogh Mor O' Conor gave the [town] of Lioson-
duibh 10 on the Mount of Sliabhban in his territory to the
aforesaid monastery.
" Item. Ruaidhri King of Ireland son of the above-named
gave the town and land of Cell moir Muaidhe to the said
1 Segerin suggests a connection with Kilmorosegir of the Taxation.
That reading may be correct. In any case that church is the present Killo-
sheheen. Mr. Blake points out to me that Seges is used in No. 79 of the
Blake Family records as equivalent of the Irish word Gort. Segerin is pro-
bably a copyist's mistake for Segetem.
2 The name remains in Ramolin Tl. adjoining Shrule church.
3 Templecolmain is probably what is marked on the map as " Abbey,"
close to Shrule church. Killeen Coemain being on the other side of the
river is perhaps the Killeen of Killeen Fort, a little east of Shrule. I do not
know St. Patrick's Hill. Cong Abbey does not appear in the i6th
century grants and surveys as having any property in Donaghpatrick Parish
or in barony of Clare.
4 Tonaleeaun Tl. in Cong P.
8 Aedh Mor O'Flaherty's son Donnell died in 1410.
6 Crump Island off Rinvyle.
7 Thomas Ruadh Joy lived in the 1 3th century according to Joyce
pedigree.
8 Shanafaraghaun Tl. in Ross P.
9 Dooghta Tl. in Cong P.
10 Lissonuffy in Co. Roscommon.
THE MONASTIC ORDERS 259
monastery, and the tithe of fishes of the whole river Muaidhe
aforesaid, and a bell rope from every ship touching at the
said port for the purpose of fishing and trading, to the afore-
said monastery.
" Item. Cormac M'Carty, Lord of his nation gave for ever
a piece of the land of Birra 1 which is called Inisconge to
the above-mentioned monastery, and a bell rope when ships
touch at the port of Dimboith.1
" Item. Walter [son] of William de Burgo gave the half
quarter of land which is called Killinratha to the aforesaid
monastery.
" All these above mentioned and named are the fees of
the aforesaid monastery. The farm and parsonage and
mixed tithes are now to be dealt with.
"Of the Tithes.
" The church of the V. Mary of Conge, a half town in the
half town of Acheleathard,2 a half town in the town of
Athcuirce 3 &c.
" Item. Church of Ruan 4 in the town of Robo &c. : a half
town in the town of Ballinrobo &c.
" The church of Comman has 28 quarters, viz., the half
town of Scethelochain 5 &c.
" Item. That no layman can raise anything in the
city of Co . . . . gie 6 except by leave of the ordinary and
of the Lord Abbot of Conga. And on the day on which
he is appointed and made the Abbot of Cork is bound to
render to the Abbot of Conga sixteen .... ccetas or half
marks of gold for gilding the chalices of the monastery of
Conga. And he is bound to render to the treasury of Conga
all the vestments of the new Abbot of Cork on that day. But
the above-mentioned Cormac M'Carty gave to the monastery
of Conga a bell rope from every ship touching at the port
of Cork.
1 Beara and Dunboy in Co. Cork.
2 Aghalahard near Cong.
3 Castletown Tl. in Cong P. takes its name from the Castle of Ath-
cuirce. The tithes probably are those of the old church at Billy park in
Carheens Tl.
4 Probably the old P.C. of Ballinrobe where the present church stands.
8 Skealoghan Tl. in Kilcommon P.
6 Corcaigie, i.e., Cork.
260 DIOCESE OF TUAM
" Thus are happily finished in the name of the Most High
the Rentals of Conga both in fees and in tithes and by me
Tadhg O'Duffy are written down and arranged et *• relin-
quens p'quam in Curia verbatim Romana the Reverend father
in Christ William Boy O'Duffy Abbot of Conga left [them]
in the form of a Register with Joseph Pull on the loth
March in the year of Christ 1501,"
It is unfortunate that this record is corrupt and un-
intelligible at the most interesting part. The paragraph
relating to Donnell MacAedh MacAinmirech deals with
the site and, if not corrupt down to Dubrus, with a small
neighbouring endowment. Then we find words which
recount the rebuilding upon the original site by some one
in the first year of his reign, and a note that Duffagh O'Duffy
was the first Lord Abbot. The Annals of Loch Ce record
the death of an Abbot Duffagh O'Duffy in 1223. If he is
meant, the rebuilding may be ascribed with fair probability
to King Cathal Crobderg. The Architecture suits the date.
The next item records a donation by " the said " person,
and the next after that mentions " the said Dermot
MacFergusa " who has not been mentioned. A good deal
has been omitted here.
Cormac MacCarty King of Munster who died in 1138
invaded Connaught with O'Brien in 1133. The Archbishop
of Tuam, Dr. Healy, suggests that Cong's endowments
and rights in Munster were given by way of reparation for
or in connection with this invasion. They had been com-
promised or lost before the dissolution. Some other items
of this list had also been lost or sold, or were successfully
concealed when surveys were made in Queen Elizabeth's
time.
Except the site and perhaps Dubrus there is not an
item of earlier date than the time of Torlogh Mor O'Conor.
We may infer that in the arrangements of 1210 a distinction
was made between the endowments given in early times
to the Comarb of Fechin and those which were given to
the Abbot and Convent of Augustinian Canons.
The best list of possessions is in a grant to John Bingley
and John King, iyth June, 6 James I. (P.R.J., p. 125, No. LI.)
The names are reduced to modern spelling when known —
1 This paragraph is corrupt here.
THE MONASTIC ORDERS 261
The site &c. of the abbey. The town liberties and lands
of Cong ; one ruinous house or castle called the Old Court
in Cong, belonging to the Archbishop of Tuam, excepted.
In Drumsheelmore, 2 qrs. ; Drumsheelbeg, £ qr. ; Lis-
loughry, 2 qrs. ; Creevagh, 4 qrs. ; Tonaleeaun, \ qr. ;
Clonin,1 £ qr. ; Kilgoin,2 4 qrs. ; Cross, 2 qrs. ; Killogaragh,3
2 qrs. ; Clogher, i qr. ; Nunnery,4 2 qrs. With all the tithes
great and small of the premises.
The islands of Dowresse 5 and Inchaguill, and all the
smaller islands adjoining.
The 4 qrs. of the town of Kilmore, with all the tithes
great and small thereof, and of 6 other quarters in the
baronies of Tireragh and Tirawly within the parish of
Kilmore.
All rivers and streams passing near the town and Abbey
of Cong, with all fishweirs and mills.
One moiety of the tithes great and small of the rectories,
churches, chapels or parishes of Kilmainemore, Kilmolara,
Shrale, Kinlough, Kilnebrenin, Templeroan,6 St. Mary's
of Cong,7 Ballinchalla, Ross, Kilmainebeg, and Kilcommon.
The vicarages of St. Mary in Cong and Kilmainebeg,
with all the tithes and profits thereof.
Ardnagross,8 i qr. ; Killickra 9 near Ballyloughmask, £ qr.
The church, chapel or rectory, tithes, &c., of Temple-
colman in the town of Shrule. A small parcel of land called
Ramelin in Shrule.
1 Clooneen and Knockekerrine appear as $ in the Strafford Survey
No. 137 of Kilmaine among the other Cong abbeylands.
2 Kilgoin appears in the same list as Kilguyne, 4 qrs.
3 Killogaragh is in the same list as Killogorrvy, 2 qrs. May be another
form of Kiltogorra, Tl. near the Neale.
4 The Nunnery's 2 quarters may be those which are described in the
composition as belonging to the nunnery of Inishmaine and Ballinchalla,
which belonged to Kilcreevanty. But probably they are different. The
Clanricard grant of Kilcreevanty shows 2 qrs. in Cong and an eelweir on
the Cong River. These lands are likely to be near Ballinchalla and to take
their name from it.
8 Dowresse seems to be the Dubrus of O' Duffy's List and to be the
Doorus in Kilmaine barony.
6 The old parish church of Ballinrobe.
7 This should be the old parish church of Cong.
8 Ardnagross. Not identified.
9 Killickra — Killochrau or Killeennacrava.
262 DIOCESE OF TUAM
In Ross Barony.
The Island called Dooros and Inishdoorus. — Carrowne-
groginagh,1 I qr. ; Shanafaraghaun, J qr. ; Killindought,2
i qr. The town and lands of Kilmoremoy.3 All the
tithes whatever, great and small, of all the said premises
in Mayo Co.
In Tirawley Barony.
The tithes of fishing of the whole river, bay, or creek
called Moy.
A certain custom of one bell rope from and out of every
ship entering either to fish or to trade within the said
river Moy.
In Kilmaine Barony.
The rectory, tithes, &c., of Ballymally.4 Any,5 i qr.
In Roscommon Co.
The town and lands of Lisduff in Sleighbane, containing
4 qrs., with the tithes thereof. The tithes of 12 qrs. in
Sleighbane.
In Sligo Co.
The moiety of all the tithes, great and small, belonging
to the rectory or parish of Carrowreogh.6
In Galway Co. (Ballynahinch Barony).
The rectory of Conomarra with all the tithes great and
small of all the lands, &c., of Upper and Lower Conomarra.
1 Carrownegroginagh is now called Griggins, between Maam and
Leenane.
2 Dooghta TL, Cong P., in Ross B.
3 Kilmoremoy here is a mistake for Kilmoronny, the form which appears
in another document which I understand to be Kilmore of Finney — which
is close to the Finney River in Ross P. It is the Kilmore of O' Flaherty's
country.
4 Ballymally is an old name for land lying N.E. of Turloughagurkall,
now included in Ballymartin Tl. An old burying ground is close to it,
within the border of Frenchbrook Tl. Therefore this church was once a
parish in the S.W. corner of Kilmainemore.
8 Any. Not identified.
* Carrowreogh. Not identified, but in barony of Tireragh.
THE MONASTIC ORDERS 263
A lease of I5th September 1578 (13 D.K. 3463) mentions
the lands of Creevagh, Cross, Kilmoghoine,1 with their tithes ;
the rectories of " Ballekhalle, Templeloran,2 Kilmore in
Tyreawle, Kilmore in the country of O'Flaerty."
7. Mayo (Abbey of St. Michael). — Founded by St. Colman
A.D. 668. It became the cathedral church. Templegerald
the parish church has disappeared and the site is unknown.
The present ruins are part of the conventual buildings.
The high road seems to pass over the site of the church.
Pieces of carved mullions and mouldings lying about the
graveyard show it was a fine building. A bit of the cashel
wall stands near the high road to the south-east.
The Archbishop's possessions in its neighbourhood show
that it was well endowed in early times. It held the rectories
of Mayo, Kilvine, Tagheen, Kilcolman, Rosslee, Touaghty,
Robeen.
The possessions held in the i6th century appear thus in
Straff ord's Survey of Co. Mayo (MS. in R.I. A.). — 2 qrs.
in Killecolla ; 2 qrs. in Ardcorkey ; i qr. in Portagh ; I qr.
in Freeheen ; 2 qrs. in Garrynabba ; \ qr. in Cloonshanbo ;
| qr. and \ cartron in Gowel. The acres of Mayo; i qr.
comprising certain denominations which include Gortna-
gusetaul ; i cartron of Kiltrony or Kiltoony. Killecolla
is now better known as Brownehall. All the other names
are those of townlands in Mayo P. excepting Garrynabba
in Kilcolman P. and Kiltrony, which I cannot identify unless
it be Kiltrone in Robeen. Gortnagusetaul is associated with
Gortegarry and Gortenure as containing one quarter in
Kellynan alias Rahinecrugh.
8. Inishmaine. — The architecture points to the church
having been built in the I2th century. It seems to have
been then a monastery under the new Rules. If not it would
have lost the lands about its site which would be early en-
dowments. Some time in the I3th century it must have
been transferred to Kilcreevanty, when it became a nunnery
and cell of that abbey. For early history see under Shrule.
The property is thus described in a lease of 1588 (16 D.K.
No. 5255).—" The site of the house of nuns of Innishmean . . .
1 Kilmoghoine.— Possibly Moyne church or the lands of Ballymally, and
in that case may be meant for Kilmaine.
2 Templeloran. Not identified.
264 DIOCESE OF TUAM
and 4! quarters of land with their tithes in Joyes country
on the west side of the water of Lough Meske, viz : —
(In a later Inqn. Chief Rememb.)
Dromselling, i qr Dromselyny.
Ferneighe, i cartron . . . Farnigh.
Downrice, i cartron .... Downeryse.
In Grogill, i cartron . . . Crogill.
Saneneharron, i cartron . . Savoneharran.
Tonemsony, \ qr Tonemsony.
Letterlageighe, £ qr. . . . Letterlagygh.
Bean, % qr Beean.
Dristan, £ qr Drystan.
Ballenebo [ ], \ qr. . . . Ballinboy.
A later Inquisition relating to Kilcreevanty shows that
2 qrs. called Ballinechallae lying near the island on the east
side belonged to the abbey. These must have been part
of the original estate.
An Inquisition of 1609 l shows that Lord Clanricard held,
in right of the nunnery of Kilcreevanty, i qr. of Inish-
mayne, Inishowe, and Inishoane, and i qr. of Derryclown-
dauff, Shraghnelong, and Owen Barraglanne. Shranalong,
still in use, shows the position of these lands. I cannot
, identify the rest of the names. See also Kilcreevanty, p. 280.
9. Tuam (Abbey of St. John the Baptist). — Founded by
King Torlogh Mor O'Conor about 1140. It is called of
St. John the Evangelist in the Pope's Letter of 26th September
1461 * to the Archbishop of Tuam and John de Burgo and
Thomas Oconualta, Canons of Tuam. — " William, Abbot of
the monastery of St. John the Evangelist at Tuam, has
represented that Malachias Odurruhia, representing himself
to be Vicar of the Parish Church of the Strin [Serin] or of
the Relics of St. ledalhey [larlaithe] at Tuam, wastes the
revenue of the church and lives with a concubine by whom
he has children. That the revenues of his Abbey being only
20 marks sterling a year are insufficient to support his dignity
and that his canons live in great poverty, and that they
will live more comfortably if the Vicarage be annexed to
the Abbey. Therefore you are to summon Malachy and
1 Pub. Rec. Off. Rolls Inq. 4 Ap. 1609, Mayo.
2 Theiner, Vet. Manual., p. 431.
THE MONASTIC ORDERS 265
deprive him if the facts be proved. In case of vacancy by
his deprivation or by other cause, the Vicarage, worth 6
marks sterling a year, is annexed for ever to the Abbey."
From the grant to Lord Clanricard in 1570 * it appears
that the abbey owned its site and some land and tithes in
Tuam, and los. chief rent out of Eagan in MacCostello's
country, and the vicarages of Kylleare, Began, and Annagh.
Here vicarage means rectory as appears from the Regal
Visitation of 1615 which notes that these rectories belonged
to the abbey. Kylleare is the first part of Keallaricrauyd
of the Taxation and is the present parish of Annagh. Annagh
is Annaghernaisc and means Aghamore parish.
It owned also the tithes of 9^ qrs. following — Leghbally-
magherymore, 2 qrs. ; Kilscoughe, i qr. ; Killynereoghe, I qr. ;
Siffin, i qr. ; Ballyhanken, I qr. ; Barryse [or Barrine],
£ qr. ; Cranaghe, 2 qrs. : Skehan, i qr. ; which Lord Clan-
ricard held according to a survey of 1562 ?
The names Kilscohagh, Killeenrevagh, Seefin, Ballyhankin,
Carrownskehaun are still in use for townlands, which form
a group to the west of Ballindine in Crossboyne Parish.
Barryse is perhaps Burris, a townland close to Crossboyne.
These tithes seem to be the tithes of the parish of an old
church in the burial ground in Esker Townland.
10. Ballintubber or Tubber Patrick (Abbey of the Holy
Trinity). — Founded by King Cathal Crobhderg in 1216.
It is said that in three years it was built, roofed, and shingled
with oak by the abbot whose death is recorded in 1225 by
the Four Masters — " Maelbrigde O'Maigin Abbot of Tober-
patrick a son of chastity and wisdom died. By him the
church of Toberpatrick together with its sanctuary and
crosses had been with great exertions begun and finished
in honour of St. Patrick, the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. John
and the Apostles."
A thorn-bush on a small mound near the N.W. corner of
the nave is said to be on the site of the ancient church.
In 1265 it was burnt (L.C.).
1416. Thomas O'Ronain was abbot, Owen O'Donnell
was prior.
On the igth June 1462 the Pope sent the following order s —
1 II D. K. 1581. * Rolls. Inqn., 4 Ap. 1609, Mayo.
3 Theiner, Vet. Man., p. 440.
266 DIOCESE OF TUAM
" To the Abbot of the Monastery of St. John the Evangelist
of Tuam and to Canons Roricus O'Conreth and Odo Ornih
of the church of Tuam — John de Stan ton a cleric of Tuam
diocese reported that Thomas Oronayn, abbot of the
Monastery of Villafontis s. Patricii, has wasted its goods
and turned them to bad use, and has been guilty of simony.
John Stanton desires to be a canon of the Monastery. He
is to be professed there. Thomas is to be tried on his
accusation and if found guilty is to be removed. Thereafter
John is to be made abbot. John is described as of noble
birth on both sides, and a dispensation is granted in respect
of relationship between his parents." According to tradition
only men of noble birth were admissible as Canons.
Henricus Niccolinus and Cornelius Miccadagayn are
mentioned as former abbots. Walter Stanton, alias MacEvilly,
was abbot at the suppression.
F.M. 1505. — " John the son of Richard Burke, the choice
of the English youths of Ireland, was treacherously slain by
the sons of Ulick Burke, in the monastery of Toberpatrick."
Richard was a son of Sir Thomas. It cannot be ascertained
who the Ulick was as several Ulicks or Williams lived about
that time. The tradition of this murder seems to survive,
as only a few years ago an old man at the abbey told me
how Tibbot na Long was murdered near the abbey as he
was coming there from Castlebourke. John has been long
forgotten so the well-known Tibbot has been substituted.
ITS POSSESSIONS
It is very difficult to make out all the lands and places
named. I therefore give the various lists as they supple-
ment each other and help in identifications. The earliest
Inquisition is given in full as a specimen of the form of an
Inquisition relating to an abbey.
The earliest statement of its possessions is found in a
MS. in the British Museum, Additional MSS. No. 4787 f. 82,
described as an extract from a Codex of Ballintubber Abbey.
It purports to have been written by the notary O'Riogain
by order of Abbot O'Ronain from an old but still legible
record. It is evident that it gives a very imperfect account
of the abbey's possessions. Mr. M. J. Blake dates it as between
THE MONASTIC ORDERS 267
1450 and 1462 or thereabouts in view of the names of the
abbot and archbishop.
It mentions that the Abbot of Ballintubber founded
the Priory of Cross and reserved a rent. The following are
named as benefactors — " Baelaigh : Brennaith : Seoigheigh :
Clan Ed. : Butleragh : Baiedaigh : Merwickeigh : Clan
David." Of these Brennaith or Walsh, Seoigheigh or Joy,
Butler and Merwick, if it be the same as Merrick, are known
as Mayo settlers.
On the application of Abbot Lawrence O'Maykin the
Parishes of the Well, Drummonechain and Tobarta were
united with the abbey. Archbishop John gave the episcopal
fourths of those churches which his successor D. O' Murray
confirmed. Tobarta means Well Place, and is still in use as
the name of the townland on which Tower Hill House stands,
formerly called Touaghty. The well is very deep and never
runs dry.
A. An Inquisition in the Public Record Office.
" Inquisition taken at the town of Clonecashell
in the county of Mayo on the I4th April 1595 before
Richard Boyle, Gentleman, deputy of Nicholas Kennedy,
Esquire, general Escheator and Feodary of the said Lady
the Queen in her realm of Ireland both within and without
the liberties by virtue of his office by the oaths of trust-
worthy and lawful men of the county of Mayo aforesaid
whose names follow. — Renald Fryer of Ellescron, Gent.
Dermot Moran of Tought, Yeoman. Richard Foyll of
Newcastell, Yeoman. Richard M'Edmondboy of Cregmore,
Gent. Richard Oge M'Johnyn of Cam, Gent. Dough
M'Hugan of Ballemartin, Gent. John Og M'William Crone
of Newtown, Gent. Ulick Bowrk of Lowarton, Gent. Der-
mot M'Cormick of Enesmain, Yeoman. John M'Morris
of Kils . . ., Gent. Tumultagh oge of Ballintaff. Hubert
Cane of Killellenan, Gent. Phines Collenan of Clogh, Yeoman.
Moyllre M'Edmondduff of Balleloghmask, Gent.
" Who having been sworn say upon their oath that the
Abbot and Convent of the late dissolved Monastery or Priory
of Canons of Ballentobber in the aforesaid County of Mayo
before and at the time of dissolution or surrender of the
268 DIOCESE OF TUAM
same late Monastery or Priory of Canons were seised in their
demesne as in fee in right of the monastery or priory of
Canons of and in the town of Gagall with four small quarters
of land. And of and in all the tithes of corn and of and
in all other tithes whatsoever issuing from returning from
or belonging to the aforesaid four quarters of land in the
Town and Fields of Gagall aforesaid in the county aforesaid
which are worth yearly beyond reprises 275. 8d. current
money of Ireland. The before named jurors also say upon
their oath that the aforesaid late Abbot and Convent of
the said Monastery or priory of Canons of Ballentobber
aforesaid were seised in their demesne as in fee in right of
the said Monastery or priory before and at the time of dis-
solution suppression or surrender of the same late Monastery
or priory of Canons of Ballentobber aforesaid Also of
and in six other quarters of land with and appurte-
nances in the Barony of Owles in the County of Mayo afore-
said whose names follow viz. — one quarter of land with
appurtenances called Kellewallye, one quarter of land with
appurtenances called le Grange, one quarter of land with
appurtenances called le Mothe, a half quarter of land called
Ballebarde, a half quarter of land called Perrymore, a half
quarter of land called Kynwrye, a half quarter of land called
Dromyn, And two quarters of land called Kylvryn, And of
and in all the tithes of corn and of and in all other tithes
whatsoever or belonging beyond it to the afore-
said six quarters of land to Which all
and singular lands tenements and tithes aforesaid with all
their appurtenances belong and appertain to our Lady the
Queen to her heirs and successors in right of the Crown of
this Kingdom of Ireland aforesaid by reason and virtue of
divers statutes and acts of Parliament made published and
confirmed within this Kingdom of Ireland, and that each of
the aforesaid six quarters of land with and appur-
tenances is worth yearly beyond reprises £5 of current money
of Ireland aforesaid. In witness of all and singular the
premisses the said deputy Escheator and the before named
jurors have affixed their seals in turn to the presents given
on the day year and place above written.
" This Inquisition was taken at the instance of Robert
Napper of the Exchequer of the Lady the Queen of her King-
THE MONASTIC ORDERS 269
dom of Ireland and upon the application of Anthony
Sentleger Knight made to me the before mentioned Deputy
Escheator before the taking of this Inquisition."
A few words here are not deciphered.
The six quarters are really seven, and are put as seven in
other places. The valuation of £5 each ought to be 55. each.
B. From a Grant dated 17 June, 6 James I.1
" The site &c. of Ballintubber Abbey — the town and
lands of Ballintubber — 4 qrs. of land in or near the Abbey —
the town or village and lands of Cagall, 4 qrs. — Dromgawe,
1 qr. — Towagh, i qr. — six quarters near Belaboorke, lying
betwixt the countries called Owles and Carra — a certain
parcel called Kilpeslan, containing 2 acres — a moiety of
Farrengalegort — a small parcel in Gortnemanagh — Clonark,
2 qrs.
" In Irris Barony — Kilteynie otherwise Kiltayne, 2 qrs.,
with the fishing of salmon in the bay, creek, or river of
Kilteynie, lately held with the said quarter. Kilwire, 2 qrs.
in the Owles ; with all the tithes of all the premises — the
the island of Clynishe — a moiety of all the tithes, great and
small, belonging to the rectories of Ballyhene and Burrish-
carra — all the tithes, great and small, of the towns of Bally-
hemicke, Ballyni-Inry, Ballintawishe, Ballycreevie, Ballile-
hartane, Ballibohan, Ballindum, and Ballykilmonan."
The grantees were charged with payment of the Vicars'
stipends.
C. A Grant dated 27 Jan, 13 James I.,1 is a re-grant of the
same with the following variations —
" Near Belaboorke, 6 qrs. Near the same, 6 qrs. more,
between the countries called Owles and Carra."
The fishery of Kilteynie is omitted.
Kilwire is given the alias " Killiory."
Ballyhemick is given the alias " Ballyhemin."
" Ballybogh " instead of Ballibohan.
1 Cal. Pat. Kolls. Chancery, Ireland, I- 1 6 James I.
8 Ibid., p. 287.
a;o DIOCESE OF TUAM
D.
A summary of an Inquisition is preserved in the National
Library in Harris and King's Collectanea de Rebus Hiber-
nicis, vol. xiii. p. 196. The original was mutilated or partly
illegible when this summary was made. The original is not
found in the Public Record Office. It is the most detailed
statement of the property, but owing to its condition the
meaning is not always clear.
" Ballintobber in Co. Mayo, i Sept 1614. — The Abbot
of the Monastery of Ballintobber in C. Mayo was seised
of the site and 4 quarters adjoining the same monas-
tery, and of and in the towns of Downinagh Clowyard
Shythanagh Keilerchoyly Coureagthgrath Carnoghteragh
. . . alias Brerene in which the shrine of St. Finen is
revered . . . Dromianigheo alias Clon-
killagh Killenleath Lisnemoyre . . . Gortenfort and a
quarter of land called Kiltarsaghtlane Dromynerall Kylty-
faile inclusive .... Gortnekilly .... Killiagh
Lowghertan owghter Lowghertan Litragh Dowannagh
Tavnaaghtertagart Tavnagherlassy Shanilowghhowter . . .
Derrenetory banny Derrenecoraghac . . . Goranhielulochy
Gortana . . . i. quarter of land called Carrowandavderge
Clownyarde Corryanvayre ....
" And also of 4 quarters of land of ... Dromynmore
Dromynbeg Lurga and Sagharde, J quarter of Knocker-
raghir and of Kilwonyn, i quarter of land called Carrow
. . . and of 7 quarters of land of Gransaghliab . . .
which of the said Abbacy both in temporals and in spirituals
,- . . and of the town of Liskally . . . Ruattybeggy
4 quarters of Kilterry Carrorynaduose Rathskiltane Acline-
slobine and of the half [Sedis in original] quarter called
Cloyntes and of the half [Sedis in original] Island called
Illane Arde ei . . . quarter called Towaght where the
church of St. Patrick has been dedicated still existing in the
Cell or Chapel or Parish Church belonging to the same
Monastery of Ballintubber . . . Dromhavan ....
in the territory of Urlagh with the rivulet fishery and water
course with appurtenances
THE MONASTIC ORDERS 271
" And of the Islands called Ilanmassy and Ilanedachinny
and of a moiety of the half quarter of Farrenegolgort in the
Parish of Borriscarra with their appurtenances . . . „
called Kilcowny and a parcel of land of Kilpeshine by
Castlebarre with the Rivulet and fishery of the same and
of Gortnemanagh and of another parcel of land near the
Church of Towight a parcel of land of Gortnehelinsy near
the Church of Drome a parcel of land of Killindromenroe.
" And there is also a certain Cell Church Chapel or Monas-
tery or Religious House of Crosse or of the Holy Cross in the
territory of with its appurtenances belonging to the
Monastery of Ballintubber. And the Prior of Ballintubber
used to appoint a sub-prior out of his Convent to the Monastery
of the Holy Cross who rendered to the Prior out of the
profits of the Monastery of the Holy Cross the Sum of 40
oures of Silver which amount to the Sum of 335. 4^. sterling.
And also the Sum of 3 oures of Silver, i.e. 55. sterling to
the Prior and the Convent for the name of Chiefry and the
remaining part of the profits of the Monastery Church of the
Holy Cross the sub-prior for the time being used to spend
for his own support and that of his Fellows or brothers
serving God in the said Cell or Church or Monastery
of Crosse or of the Holy Cross and for the repair of the
same."
" Ballintobber of St. Patrick. And all the tithes Greater
and Lesser of the above named lands belonging to the
Monastery of Ballintubber.
" And the land &c. of Clownarke in the Barony of Kil-
mayne in the territory of Robuine with all fisheries mills
and watercourses in Clownard belonging. And 4 quarters
of land of Ballihemon in both spiritualities and tem-
poralities.
" And of all the Tithes of the Parish of Ballintobber and
of the lands of Kilwoonin Corriagh Luhurtane Koheragh
B. Boghe Ballendromy B. cagaly the Mountain quarter of
B. beaghane Gortbane Cro . . . Gortenbrabastowne
Shrahynlogha from the Bounds and Metes of Detriffe to the
land of Gransali inclusive.
" And of all the Tithes &c. of the following lands, viz :
Ballenynge, Tormane, Lisituvanie, Ballentavysie, B. cryvy,
Ballendromyn, Gisseden, Clownedowane, Clownyduff. And
272 DIOCESE OF TUAM
of Six quarters beyond the rivulet of Cassellreyes and Moyn-
kane, the town of Dromneneachane, Levallyclohytwodagh,
Ballyblichane, Belabourky, and Cloweyn.
" And all the Tithes &c. of the Rectory or Chapel of Bela-
hane and Burneyscarra are parcel, &c.
" And the Abbot and Convent, &c., have free power to
cut and carry away trees and timber from the woods of
Kiltarseyghtane for building and rebuilding the Monastery
etc."
11. Cross. — Priory of the Holy Cross under Ballintubber.
It is on the west coast of the Mullet and seems to be a
development for the old church of Crosrechig mentioned in
Pope Innocent's Epistle, or at least to have taken its name
therefrom. See under Ballintubber for its estates and its
subjection to that abbey.
According to O'Riogain's Memorandum it must have
been founded in the I4th century or in beginning of I5th.
12. Annagh. — This small house was founded by Mac
William Eighter, Walter, son of Sir Thomas Bourke, who
died in it in 1440, as a cell of Cong, on condition of main-
taining any woman of his descendants who should make a
vow of chastity. It owned at the suppression two half
quarters of land called the Annagh and Cloondaver
(Leghkearrow Inany and Leighkearrow Clondowre.) l It
is called a cell of the order of St. Francis in the i6th
century. It is situated in the parish of Robeen on the
shore of L. Carra, close to the ancient parish church of
Annagh. The church was 51 ft. by 21 ft. inside. The east
gable remains, of well-dressed and squared stones. Clondaver
Tl. lies next S. of Annies in which the old church called
Labbananeave and the abbey lie.
The only way of reconciling the tradition of foundation
with the Inquisition is to suppose that it was given up by
Cong and became an independent Franciscan House. The
Cong records show no connection with it. There is however
a connection between the old parish church of Annagh
and the Nunnery of Kilcreevanty. It is ignored in the
O'Duffy Rental of Cong made in 1501 in which the other de
Burgo benefactions are mentioned. The quarter of Any named
in the Clanricard grant is probably some other Annagh.
1 16 D.K, No. 5255.
THE MONASTIC ORDERS 273
CANONESSES OF ST. AUGUSTINE
13. Killaraght. — This house was founded by Athracht in
the 5th century in St. Patrick's time. For particulars see
diocese of Achonry. It owned 6 quarters of land at the
suppression. Of them — " 3 quarters of land by the water
called Lorgbella, viz., two carucates beyond the water towards
the north, and another quarter on this side the water towards
the west." *
14. Killecrau or Killeenacrava. — The name seems to be
" Church of the Devout." It is a west gable inside the gate
of Creagh demesne and close to the river Robe near Ballin-
robe. The church was 12' 6" wide inside, and seems to
have had a loft. I should say it was of nth or I2th century.
In the I4th century it was called Cillin na mBuidhean,
Little Church of the Companies.2 It owned at suppression
\ a quarter of land and its tithes valued at 6s. yearly.
(2) ARRO ASIAN CANONESSES
15. Annaghdown. — The Abbey of the B.V.M. called de
Portu Patrum. This seems to be the nunnery founded by
St. Brendan for his sister Briga. It came before 1195 under
the Nunnery of Clonard as the Pope's confirmation of the
possessions of that Abbey dated 26 Feb. 1196 includes " the
church of St. Mary of Enachdun with the townland of Kilgel." 3
It is assessed at £2, 8s. in the Taxation and is said to
have owned Adchudrignigi and other churches, taxed other-
wise. I cannot make out that it was in existence at the
suppression. I suspect that it was abandoned and absorbed
in the Nunnery of Kilcreevanty, which had lands in Annagh-
down.
On the other hand Florence Lord Abbot de Portu Patrum
was witness to Documents Nos. 133, 137, 138 in the Blake
Family Records, dated in 1559, 1562, 1563. At that time
ecclesiastical offices which had in fact ceased to exist were
sometimes revived by the Pope as Titles. So this again is
not conclusive.
Again it is possible that the Abbey de Portu Patrum is
1 1 6 D.K. 5826. 2 Hy Fiachrach, p. 59 and p. 203.
1 Archdall, p. 527, quoting Monast. Angl., ii. p. 1043.
S
274 DIOCESE OF TUAM
the same as the College of St. Brendan, but I think that
the ruins show that there was a monastery attached to the
cathedral church, another monastery of some importance,
and a nunnery.
(3) PREMONSTRE CANONS, OR PREMONSTRATENSIANS
16. Tuam. — Abbey of the Holy Trinity. Said to have
been founded by a de Burgo in the reign of King John or
in the beginning of that of Henry III., if so probably by
Richard de Burgo. It owned \ an acre of land and a moiety
of 2 qrs. containing 80 acres of arable and 20 of pasture.1
It founded as a Premonstratensian Nunnery the Chapel
of St. Mary of the Hill on the west side of the river at
Galway. The nuns abandoned it and it fell into the hands
of seculars. The Convent of Tuam made it over to the
Dominicans of Athenry in 1488, and they transferred it to
the Conventual Franciscans of Galway in 1494.
17. Annaghdown. — The Little Cell. It was assessed at
IDS. in the Taxation. Date of foundation is unknown. In
1391 the Pope ordered its Abbot to appoint Matthew Ohynneri
to the vacant church of Fuaranmor.2 The taxation excepts
its churches. I cannot find mention of any. As it does not
appear to have been in existence at the suppression I suppose
it was abandoned by the monks and the possessions trans-
ferred to another house. Annaghdown does not show any
ruins attributed to it.
18. Killetrynode or Killeennatrinody. — A cell founded by
and belonging to the Canons of the Holy Trinity in L.
Key. It is the church called Temple na calliaghdoo in
Killeen Tl. in Kilbride P. in Tirawley. It owned a small
quarter of land adjoining.3
19. Killeen. — This was also a cell of the Trinity of L. Key.
It is, or took its name from, the Killeen graveyard in Glen-
daduff Tl. in Attymas P. It owned the rectory of Attymas,
the townland of Carrownecargy now called Carrick, and
Drumscowlog which is not identified.
1 P.R.J., 5 Dec. 8 James I.
2 Cal. Pap. Registers, Letters, vol. iv. 414.
3 i6D.A'. 5877.
THE MONASTIC ORDERS 275
(4) THE EREMITES OF ST. AUGUSTINE, CALLED
AUSTIN FRIARS
20. Ballinrobe. — This Abbey is mentioned in the Register
of the Dominican House of Athenry as in existence in 1337.
Sir Edmund Albanagh and his brother Reymond took their
cousin Sir Edmund de Burgo prisoner in this house in 1338.
This is the first mention of it. It was a very large and hand-
some church. It may be assigned with most probability to
Maurice FitzGerald of Offaley, who by grant from Richard
de Burgo and by purchase from other grantees held the whole
territory of the Conmaicne Guile Toladh. The style of archi-
tecture suits that date. It owned according to an Inquisi-
tion of the 27th Q. Elizabeth, 1584, one quarter of land and
its tithes worth 135. 4^. a year, and a piece of land called
St. John's in Ballinrobe containing 2 acres, with a mill
and watercourse, worth is. 6d. yearly. The land is now
called Friars Quarter. According to a power of attorney of
1529 this house of St. John belonged to the Priory of Kil-
mainham. It may have been transferred after that date.
It is called Murone in Strafford's Survey.
21. Burriscarra. — It was founded for Carmelites and was
transferred to this order in 1412 by order of Pope John XXIII.
The date of foundation is not recorded. It is in the same
style as Ballinrobe Abbey and may safely be given about the
same date. The Staunton Lord of Carra must have been
the founder.
It owned one quarter of land.
It was called Burgo Flore, by way of translation of Burris-
carra. Flower is one of the meanings of Cera.
22. Ballyhaunis. — Abbey of B.V.M. Tradition alive in
1685 said that it was founded by the Sliocht Jordan Duff
MacCostello. As Jordan Duff was killed in 1367 (F.M.) the
foundation cannot have been earlier than the close of the
I4th century. The architecture suits such a date.1
The community of monks never ceased to exist. When
they left the conventual buildings a few friars always lived
in houses close by. The church is still used by them, but the
side chapel is roofless. It owned 12 acres of land, and half
1 Downing, Description of Co. Mayo, MS. T.C.D.
276 DIOCESE OF TUAM
a quarter,1 but I cannot find any account of their denomina-
tions.
23. Banada. — Founded in 1423 by a friar named
Charles. It was a fine house and church. It owned only
half the quarter of Knockglas.
The ancestor of Mac William " constructed the seven
towers in Benn-fhada of Leyny, where the Gaeidhel made a
monastery of those towers." 2 No traces of the towers remain
and only a fragment of the abbey. The site is over the river
Moy and is suitable for a castle.
24. Ardnarea. — Founded before 1402 when an O'Dowda
is recorded to have been buried in Ardnariadh (L.C.). The
ruins show that it was a considerable establishment. It
owned | a quarter adjoining and one quarter in Scurmore.
25. Dunmore. — Founded in 1425 by Walter, Lord Athenry.
In 1541 it was exempted from dissolution at Lord Athenry's
request, but the prior and 4 friars were to adopt secular dress.
In 1570 it was let for a rent of 315. 8d. and maintaining one
horseman,3 so it appears to have held some property. The
chancel was made a parish church.
26. Murrisk. — Said to have been founded in I4th century
by O'Malley. Only chancel of church and part of central
tower is left. It was a considerable building.
It owned only one quarter of land.
27. Galway. — An abbey was founded in 1508 by Stephen
and his wife Margaret. It must have been very small, and
has entirely disappeared.
Notes on the Names of Lands and Places.
A.
Gagall = Cagaula Tl. Kellewallye = Killavally Tl.
The Grange — Gransaghliab — and Gransali in D. The town
of Bellabourke has an alias Liaboge in Strafiord's Survey. This
is in full the Grange of Liaboge.
The Mothe = M.oa.t Tl. next Bellabourke Tl. and including
Hazelrock.
Bollibarde — Perhaps an error for Bellabourke. The Abbey
1 \$D.K. iSJuly 1578.
2 Hist. et. Gen. Fam. de Burgo, MS. in T.C.D.
3 12 D.K. 1630.
THE MONASTIC ORDERS 277
owned half the town of Bellabourke, and certain MacPhilbins
owned the other half. But this may be some minor denomina-
tion.
Perrymore or Ferrymore = Fearaghmore in Drummin Tl.
next north of Hazelrock.
Kynwrye = Kinnewry Tl. lying on parish boundary to West
of Loughnacorralea.
Dromyn = Drummin Tl. lying N. and W. of Moat Tl.
The Northern part includes Fearaghmore.
Kylwryn — This should be read Kylwryu. It is meant for
Kilbree, Cill Bruigh, the detached part of Ballintubber parish.
Also appears as Kilwire alias Killiory in C. Killyvirre alias
Killvry in Strafford's Survey.
The 6 quarters of Kellewallye are really 7 quarters. The
mistake is repeated in B and C showing that they were
copied from A. They formed a fairly compact block running
north from Kinnewry along the parish boundary, and the
detached farms of Kilbree. In Bellabourke Tl. is an old church
called Templeshanenaglasha, which in Strafford's Survey is
called Killyndiryh. That church and its lands seem to have
been the nucleus of the Grange estate. An old church is in
Kilbree.
B.
Dromgawe.
Towagh — The land about Tower Hill house.
Kilpeslan — Kilpeshine in D. The former seems to be the
correct form. As a church with a river and a fishery near
Castlebar it may be the old church at Ballynew.
Farrengalegovt = Gallgort Tl. close to Burriscarra.
Gortnemanagh.
Clonark = Cloonark Tl. lying along the river Robe near Cloona-
gashell Castle.
Kilteynie = Kilteany, Church and Tl. in Kilcommon Erris.
Kilwire = See above, Kilwryn.
Clynishe = Clynish, an island of Kilmeena P. in which was
a church.
Ballyhemicke — Alias Bally hemin in C. See Ballyhemon in D.
Ballyni-Inry — Ballyniny and Ballenynge in C. and D. Bally -
niny is probably the correct form.
Ballintawishe — Ballentavysie in D. The composition notes
the 8 quarters of Levallynetavese.
Ballycreevie — An alias of Ballintubber (H.F. 155) which
survives in Creevagh Tl. close to the Abbey.
Ballilehurtane = Luffertaun.
278 DIOCESE OF TUAM
Battibohan = Bohaun Tl.
Ballindum = Ballinduin ?
Ballykilmonan — See Kilwoonin in D.
C.
Ballybogh appears instead of Ballybohan in B. There is
a Bollyboghe in D. as well as a Ballybeaghan. Pelty's map
gives a Ballibogh on E. of Bellabourke.
D.
Downinagh — This might be read Drominagh I think.
Clowyard — Perhaps Clownyard.
Shythanagh = Skehanagh Tl. adjoining Ballintubber and
Cams Tls.
Keilerchoyly.
Coureagthgrath.YThese are Cam Eighteragh and Cam Oughter-
Carnoghteragh. / agh = Cams Tl., in which is Church Island,
ancient Shrine Island, in which is St. Finan's Church.
Dromianigheo to Gortenfort. — Drommoneguagh had the aliases
of Ballygavage or Ballygavock, and Lageneighduff. Strafford's
Survey shows that the cartron of Killeenh'ath was included in
the quarter of Dromenegoath. This was an estate belonging to
O'Kellys of Donamona. The townland of Killeen includes an
old graveyard which gave the name. This was an estate lying
south of Donamona Castle. Fortlawn seems to translate
Gortenfort.
Kiltarsaghtlane = Kiltarsaghaun.
Dromynerall.
Kyltyfaile, — Fal was the northern boundary of Partry
(H.F. 153), and survives in Kilfaul Tl. This word seems to
be a variation of Kilfaul, Coilltefail, meaning Woods of Fence ;
the lands seem to lie between Kiltarsaghaun and the Partry
boundary.
Gortnekitty to Gortana. — Of these names the Luffertauns
survive as a Townland name.
Carrowandavderge. j Derrindaffderg Townland indicates the
Clownyarde. situation.
Corryanvayre. }
Dromynmore and Beg, Lurga and Sagharde. — These Dromyns
are two of the quarters of Cagaula. For Sagharde read Gagharde.
Lurgan and Guffard are S.W. and S.E. of Cagaula church.
I cannot make out any of the following denominations until
Towaght. The House of Towerhill is said to have been built
on an old graveyard which must be the site of this church-
THE MONASTIC ORDERS 279
Ilanmassy and Ilanedachinny being described with Farrene-
golgart as in Burriscarra P., must be islands in L. Carra.
Kilcowny. — Sir Theobald Bourke's grant names " Killcony
otherwise Orlare." Carrownurlare in Breaghwy P. seems to
represent it.
Killindromenroe. — This was probably a small field near
Drumminroe in Ballintubber P. All the small fields have been
brought together in one place.
The Priory of the Cross is then dealt with. According to
the first computation the aures were worth lod. each, but 2od.
each according to the second, i.e. ounces, one-twelfth of a pound.
According to the composition its estate comprised 3 quarters
called the Cross and i quarter in Termon Kilmore.
Bally hemon was in the South of Touaghty Parish and comprised
the Townlands of Kilskeagh and Cloonnagoppoge and others.
The tithes of other lands not owned by the Abbey are next
set out. The words " all the tithes of the Parish of Ballintubber "
were not considered enough to cover them, but the names of
lands were given ; the same remark applies to Drum. But it
is sufficient for Burriscarra and Ballyheane. Those parishes had
been long consolidated, and there could be no doubt. But in
Ballintubber and Drum the churches of Cagaula and Loona
were still well known as parish churches, and such others as
those of Belcarra and Gweeshadan and Bellabourke may have
survived in monastic record and local tradition. It is clear
that the Abbey held all the tithes of these four parishes of
Ballintubber, Ballyheane, Burriscarra and Drum. In Touaghty
it held only the tithes of its lands.
The following names of lands are identified —
B. Boghe lay to east of Bellabourke.
Gortenbrabastowne is a part of town of Bellabourke.
Gortbane is now a Tl. next Bellabourke. Gortbanebeg was
a cartron in the quarter of Killyndiryh in town of Bellabourke.
Shrahynlogha lay to west of Kinnewry.
Detriffe seems to be Diotruibh which gave the name of
Bealach an Diothruibhe to the Togherpatrick (P.M. 1589 note),
and should be some place through which the Togher passes.
The name Derrew occurs on the north boundary of Ballyovey
parish. This seems to be a form which Diothruibh might take.
If so this Diothruibh would suit better than any Diothruibh on
the line of the Togherpatrick unless there was one on the
eastern border of the parish. Diotruib or Diothreamh means
desert or wilderness, a term applicable to many parts of Ballin-
tubber and Ballyovey parishes in old times. StringilTs Well
was in the Wastes (See p. 23). Gransali seems to be a part
280 DIOCESE OF TUAM
of Gransaliabog. These points would cover the whole parish
as this list seems to intend.
The next paragraph comprises the tithes of Drum parish.
Belabourky may be a name for some place therein and not the
Belabourke of Ballintubber. Many of these names are not
identified.
Tormane = Lisrobert Tl. in extreme south of Drum.
Gisseden = Gweeshadan Tl.
Clownedowrane. — I think this should be Clownedowane. A
tract of that name lay to west of Belcarra on the parish boundary.
Clownyduff may be the Cloonaghduff Tl.
Cassellreyes and Moynkane. — This is most likely the Manulla
river, and the lands meant those attached to the old church of
Loona as part of its parish. Cashell, or Castle, Reis, was part
of the estate of the Brannaghs or Walshes of Rosslahan. But
I do not know the site of this Cashell.
The Abbey estate seems to have comprised 35 quarters, a
very large property. In time of peace the tithes must have
been a valuable addition.
II. THE BENEDICTINES
(i) BENEDICTINE NUNNERIES
28. Kilcreevanty. — Cill Craebhnata. Called de Casta
Silva. Founded about A.D. 1200 by King Cathal Crobhderg.
The name shows that it took the place of an old church, or
was perhaps a revived and enlarged ancient Nunnery. For
Craebhnat is a woman's name. The endowment was made
of considerable transfers of small Connaught houses which
had been held by the Abbey of Nuns of Clonard and by
absorption of other small houses which decayed. Very little
of the house or church remains.
On 26 Feb. 1196 Pope Celestine III. confirmed to Clonard
" The Church of St. Mary of Clonmacnoise to the east, with
the townland of Kellogainechain, the church of St. Mary to
the west, with the townland of Drumalgach, and the church
of St. Mary of Enachdun, with the townland of Kilgel." l It
held also Inishmaine in Mayo, Ardcarne and Termonkeelan
in Roscommon, and what apparently was once a small nunnery
at Drumcliff in Sligo, and many rectories and a large extent
1 Archdall, Afonast. Hib., 527.
THE MONASTIC ORDERS 281
of land scattered widely over Connaught, when the Abbess
Dervaile ny Conor surrendered its possessions on the
loth April 34 Henry VIII.
The details of this surrender are taken from Archdall,
showing the valuation of lands and tithes between 1540 and
1550, but the grant to Lord Clanricard gives the best and
most detailed account. The known names are reduced to
modern spelling. The old spelling is used in unknown names
and the Parish is inserted in square brackets, with other
names.
The Abbey containing a church and belfry, dormitory,
hall, 3 chambers, a kitchen, garden, and other
closes, containing 2 acres of land within the pre-
cincts, and 12 messuages, 120 acres arable, 4
meadow, 20 pasture, with their appurtenances £ s. d.
in Kilcreevanty 168
30 acres arable in Tenmoyle [Tuam P.] 68
30 „ Lehid [Kilbennan P 68
60 „ 10 pasture in Ardower [Kilconla P.]. 13 4
60 „ 10 „ Urracly „ . 13 4
30 „ in Airgloony [Tuam P.] 34
60 „ 30 pasture in Congan 10 o
40 „ 12 „ Kilgill [Annaghdown P.] 6 8
60 „ 20 „ Drumsullyn .... 13 4
20 „ in Sede Enatuanen [in See of Annagh-
down] 5 o
60 „ 20 pasture in Listagartbeg and Lista-
gartmore 68
60 ,, 20 pasture in Anaghe of the Nuns . 10 o
30 ,, in Abbeytown . . 68
60 „ 20 pasture in Drumalagagh [Moore P.] 13 4
All within the Co. of Galway.
The following rectories — Ballyncossen [Ballycusheen Tl.
in Kilmainemore P.], Glune, Kiltullagh, Monivea, Galbooly
[in Killimordaly P.], Killaan, Gleangeadan, Creagh [P. in
Moycarn barony]. Beagh [Tl. in Creagh P., or Parish in
Kiltartan, probably former] Culary, the chapel of St. Patrick
in Bullaan, the Chapel in , the Chapel in Oghil
Beg [in Clonfert P.], together with the tithes of Airgloony,
Congan, Ballymacgibbon, Ballynekellayne [Town of Killaan]
and Kilgill, worth yearly, £10, 75.
282 DIOCESE OF TUAM
The rectories of Coliscorne, Ardcarne, Mohym, Drumala-
gagh, the Chapel in Clonmacnoise, Drumcliff, Benivollen,
and the Abbeytown ; also the tithes of Kilcreevanty, Ten-
moyle, Lehid, Ardower, Urracly, Listagartmore, and Anaghe
of the Nuns, worth yearly, £16, us. ^d.
The whole estate therefore was taken at £34 yearly. As
usual in these early lists we cannot tell how much is meant
by the names. For instance Drumsullyn seems to mean the
Inishmaine Abbey estate. Rectory seems in some cases, as
in Ballycusheen townland, to mean only the rectorial tithe.
A grant to Lord Clanricard in 1570 is even vaguer, but
gives to some items different names.1
The description of this estate in Lord Clanricard's grant
of all his possessions dated 19 July, 8 James 1. 2 is as
follows, omitting alternative spellings, using modern spelling
generally, and rearranging items so as to bring those of each
county together : —
POSSESSIONS OF THE LATE MONASTERY OF KILCREVANTA
In Co. Galway.
The Monastery with site, church, churchyard, 6 cottages
and 4 quarters, containing by estimation 100 acres arable
and 40 acres pasture, wood and moor in Kilcrevanta.
2 quarters, containing 60 acres arable, 24 acres pasture
and moor, a watermill and watercourse in Ardower. 2
quarters containing 60 acres arable, 20 acres pasture in
Urracly.
Lehid lands containing 24 acres arable, 40 acres mountain
pasture.
In Tenmoyle, 12 acres arable, 8 acres pasture and moor.
Airgloony, 20 acres arable, 18 acres pasture.
Kilgill in Maghireogh, 24 acres arable, 30 acres mountain
pasture.
In Bannabagh in Omany, 30 acres arable, 8 acres pasture
wood and bog (Ballynabanaba Tl. in Fohanagh Parish ?).
A messuage and I quarter of land, containing 30 acres
arable, 24 acres pasture in Oghilbeg in Shillannighy [Sil
Anmchadha].
1 ii D.K. 1581. 2 P.R.J., 173, ii.
THE MONASTIC ORDERS 283
The following chief rents, all in English money —
5. d.
Out of Lehpannaghs [Lehanaghs, Tl.'s in Moyrus ?] 1 1
Killing near Ballynahinch [Killeen XL] . . i 10
Umgoyth [Ungwee Tl. Ballynakill P.] ,• . i 10
Doorus and Inishdoorus [Cong P.] ,. , . n
Farnaght and Glenlusk [in Cong P.] ... 1 1
Bearnaylly [Barnahallia Tl. in Omey P. ?] . . 1 1
Dromanasculin
Knockanaganvyne and Islandmore [Big Island
in L. Mask] with an old stone house near
Ballynonagh [Petersburgh in Ross P.] . . . n
„ Kilmeelickin [in Ross P.]
„ Seanowharragany [Shanafaraghaun Tl.] being
part of Kilbride I 10
,, Slievepartry, called Owenvarraglena . . . . i 10
„ the Derry [Deny in Ballinchalla P. Ross
Barony] n
„ Shrahnalong [in Ballinchalla P. Ross Barony] 1 1
All the tithes of the half quarter of Seanowhurragany.
In Cos. Galway, Sligo, Roscommon, and Westmeath.
The rectories advowsons tithes &c., of Kilcreevanty,
Creagh, Taghmaconnell, Killaan, Killeomer in Omanie
[Killimordaly], Kiltullagh in Clanrickard, Drumcliff in
Co. Sligo, Ardcarna Co. Roscommon, and Clonmacnoise in
O'Melaghlin's country.
In Co. Mayo.
In Cowlesturnie in MacWilliam Eightery's country,
2 quarters containing 60 acres arable, 20 acres pasture and
bog.
In Cong 2 quarters, and an eel weir on the river Cong.
In the Island of Inishdorus, \ quarter.
Gortenehaglish, 2 acres.
A ruinous church in Ballinchalla.
The waste castle chapel and quarter of land called Annie,
with the tithes thereof and of Renenyell [the old castle on
Hag Island in L. Carra and the church and Tl. of Annagh
on shore of L. Carra and Rinnaneel Tl. close by].
284 DIOCESE OF TUAM
The ruinous chapel or house called Teaghfin near the
Abbey of Cong, and a garden near Cong Castle on the north.
The tithes of the 2 quarters of Ballenecowshnagh [Bally-
cusheen TL] in Kilmaine Barony.
The Island of Inishmaine, with all the lands and islands
in Loughmask.
In Inishmaine, Inishdowe [Inishcoog ?] and Inishowen,
i quarter.
In Derryclowndan, Shrahnalong, and Oenberreglenna,
i quarter.
The town and lands of Ballinchalla on the western
[eastern really] part of the island, containing 2 quarters with
the tithes.
A castle and bawn in the said island.
In Co. Roscommon.
In Termonkeelan 2 quarters, containing 40 acres arable,
16 acres pasture and moor.
In Drumalagagh, 2 quarters containing 60 acres arable,
24 acres pasture wood and bog.
The 2 rectories or churches of Temple-Efarson [Ros-
common Church] and Kilkeevin, with half the tithes of the
36 quarters of land within the said parishes.
Ballibokie, 4 quarters.
All the tithes of 4 quarters of land in O'Conor Don's
country.
The 2 quarters of the cell of Termonkeelan in the same.
The moiety of the tithes of the following lands, viz. —
In Cloonkoose, 2 quarters. In Cloondacara, 2 quarters.
In Arm, i quarter. In Clansallagh, i quarter. In Longford-
magherie, i quarter. In Carrowmore, i quarter. In Cloona-
vindin, i quarter. In Beagh, i quarter. In Emlagh,
i quarter. In Lisboy, i quarter — being parcels of Termon-
keelan rectory.
Three parcels called Boeltisier commonly called Glane-
nawf, Ballebrickney, and Bollecolman, containing 5 acres
and belonging to the Cell of Ardcarne.
The late cell of Nuns of Ardcarne, with i£ quarter of
land and divers gardens in Ardcarne and Eastersnow, thereto
belonging.
THE MONASTIC ORDERS 285
The rectory and tithes of Ardcarne, except in the 3 towns
of Loughport, extended to 3 couples yearly.
In Co. Sligo.
Ballynagalliagh, ij quarter.
A small piece of land in Drumcliff in Carbury Barony.
The church and a house thereto adjoining on the west, late
belonging to the rectory of Drumcliff.
The said rectory and a vaulted stone house called Tagh
Iconneile, late belonging to the said rectory.
Dowchorne, 6 quarters.
Dromentample, I quarter.
Bellanafenogie [Ballyara Tl.], | quarter. Kilmalovir,
i quarter. Killegallagh otherwise Killnegallagh, i quarter.
Sessie M'Ellarhie, i quarter. Monynecranghie, 2 quarters.
The rents reserved were £36, los. 8d. Irish.
(2) CISTERCIANS, OR BERNARDINES, A REFORMATION
OF BENEDICTINES
29. Knockmoy, called de Colle Victoriae, of the Hill of
Victory, a translation of the Irish Cnoc Muaidhe, but incorrect.
Muaidh is a woman's name. Her Hill has been treated as
if the name was Cnoc mBuaidh. It was built in 1189 or
1190 by King Cathal Crobhderg, who was buried therein.
The name having been translated Hill of Victory, a victory
of King Cathal over Almeric St. Lawrence and a force of
English was imagined to account for the name. There is
no evidence of any such battle.
It was dedicated to the B.V.M. and was a daughter of
Boyle which was a daughter of Mellifont. The ruins are of
interest. A very full amount of the history is given in the
//. of the Galway Arch, and Hist. Society, i. p. 68.
In 1542 Abbot Hugh O' Kelly, who appears to have been
a layman holding the abbey in commendam, surrendered it
and its possessions and renounced the supremacy of the Pope.
He received the abbey back for life, to furnish for the King's
service 60 horse, a battle of gallowglasses (80 men each
having an armour-bearer and a boy to carry provisions), and
60 kerne when the Lord Deputy comes into Connaught, and
for service out of Connaught 12 horse and 24 kerne.
286
DIOCESE OF TUAM
Clare Island Abbey was under it at the Suppression.
The possessions were let in 1566 to Andrew Brereton for
21 years at £49, los.1 In 1584 they were valued at £78 a
year.
The lands were chiefly in the parishes of Abbey Knockmoy
and Killererin and Kilmoylan and Athenry.
An Inquisition of I April 27 Eliz. i.e. 1584 gives a list of
some of their possessions : —
12 quarters in town of Knockmoy,
the demesne.
2 „ of Knocknemanaghe.
2 „ Dulysse ....
Uraniebegge . .
Aghrem alias
Monksgrange
Grange Maghery
Reogh ....
Corbally ....
Tawnagh. . . .
Grange Cowlreagh
Ardnesadle.
Coolortan
Close to Galway Town in Mur-
rough Tl.
Oranbeg in Oranmore P.
About Castlelambert ? Galway
A.H.S., i. 40.
Grange Tl. Annaghdown P.
or Lackagh P.
In Kilmoylan P. ?
Tawnagh in Kilmoylan P.
Grange and Coolrevagh Tl.'s
Killererin P.
. . Cooloorta Tl. Abbey knock -
moy P.
All in the barony of Tiaquin.
I „ Dryssaghan.
With their tithes, Coolortin and Dryssaghan excepted. These
in fact are not all in Tiaquin barony. An Inquisition of
i Sept. in same year gives " town and castle of Tawnagh."
The tithes of the rectories of Killoscobe and Moylough and
three half quarters of the tithes, glebe, fisheries, altarages,
oblations, &c., of the rectory of the town of Galway, both
within the town and without ; and in the towns of —
Clogh- Lynch .
Tyrellia .
Ballenebritt, and
Corgaddere »: <
Terryland and Ballybrit are close to Gal-
way. These seem to be the lands called
Dulysse.
The Dulysse estate near Galway and the rectory of Galway
appear to be what passed by the grant of Lismacuan.
1 1 1 D.K. 969.
THE MONASTIC ORDERS 287
The abbey owned the rectory of Hy Diarmada, the
northern part of Kilkerrin P.
Archdall gives also a list of the possessions of this abbey
as held by Valentine Blake on 22 March 1620, which expresses
them in more detail and adds much.
Within the site were the monastic buildings and 3 houses
or cottages, and 12 tofts and 12 gardens. And attached to
the Abbey were 12 quarters of land which were the demesne,
viz. : —
Carrownemanestragh .... The Monastery Quarter, now
Abbey Tl.
Town and village of Coulagh and
the 4 qrs. of Coulagh . . . Culliagh Tl.
2 qrs. of Fewenemannagh . . . Feagh Tl.
Quarter of Moyne Moyne Tl.
,, Belacheren.
„ Kilgarrowe .... Kilgarve.
Carrowleynnenaghlowe.
Carrownemaddagh.
And a watermill at the abbey.
The names identified are all in Abbeyknockmoy P.
The rectory of Killoscobe — £ the tithes, altarages, &c.,
due out of the 4 quarters of tithes in Killaskarla and Ballina-
grossin, £ the tithes, &c., of Drumnadda and
Ballinesowragh ; 4 quarters of tithes, &c., out of the
4 quarters of land of Menlough Crossoughter.
Of these denominations Killaskarla seems to be a mistake
for Killoscoba, and of the other names Ballaghnagrosheen
and Ballynesooragh and Menlough and Cross Oughter are still
used as names of townlands in Killoscobe.
The rectory of Moylagh and half the tithes of the town
and lands of Moylagh.
\ the tithes in Trosnagh and Trasternagh Tl. in Moylough P.
Annaghmore Annaghmore „
£ the quarter of the tithes in
Cooloue Cooloo „
\ the tithes of the town and
lands in Mullaghmore . . . Mullaghmore „
Annaghlyne.
Cargarue and
Boveyneon .... Bovinion „
288 DIOCESE OF TUAM
£ the tithes of the town and
lands in Clonoran and . . . Cloonoran in Moylough P.
Cloncalgy Clooncallaga ,,
Tonleghy and .... Windfield ? „
Ballyrouane .... Ballinrooaun ,,
Corvally.
Clonerrurin Clooncurreen ,,
Caldragh and .... Skeagh ? ,,
Cilkagh Gilkagh ,,
The tithes of Coolereogh . . . Coolrevagh Tl. in Killererin P.
Togher and Togher ,,
the Grange .... Grange „
£ the tithes of Coolewortagh and
Drisseghan.
£ the tithes, &c., of Tacenagh . Tawnagh in Kilmoylan P.
Corbally Corbally
of the tithes of Corbally
Curanbegg ....
Grange with the lands
of Agherim
These seem to be an estate
held with Aughrim or Castle-
lambert in Athenry P. Cur-
anbeg is perhaps Caraun.
J and fa of all tithes in Ardnes- Seems to be part of above
hadda, with the altarages, &c., group,
out of the lands of Grange,
Curanbegg, Aghenan and
Ardneshadda
All in the county of Galway, worth in all £25, los. Irish
yearly.
To be certain of the identity of existing townland names
with these ancient denominations it would be necessary to
trace the title of present holders. But so many recur that
they may be taken to represent fairly the localities. They
are so often repeated in different parishes that uncertainty
arises again in that way. Grange of Maghery Reagh may
be Grange in Annaghdown P. which certainly was in Machaire
Riabhach, but Lackagh P. was I think also in that dis-
trict, and in this case Grange in Lackagh is probably meant.
There seems to be some mistake in the last list in which the
lands paying tithes seem to be repeated. As I have not
been able to collate Archdall's rendering with the original
I can only suggest that some important words have been
omitted.
There is an Inquisition 29 Jan., 27 Eliz., finding that
John de Burgh held the Castle of Carnan and the 2 quarters
THE MONASTIC ORDERS 289
of Knocknemanagh for life, worth 2os. Irish yearly, belonging
to the abbey. There was a Castle called Carnan in the
barony of Clare according to the Division of Connaught and
Thomond in 1574. That castle is not identified. The
baronies were afterwards somewhat altered. So this may
be a castle at Castle Ellen in Athenry P., which is not far
from a townland called Carnan. But Carnan is a common
name.
In other counties the Abbey held —
£ s. d.
Co. of Mayo. In Clare Island, i qr. worth . 134
The Grange of Tirawley, i small qr. ... 2 1 3 4
Ballymurry, 4 small qrs 2134
These are Grange Tl. and probably land near
Kilmurry Tl. in Crossmolina P.
Alternan Chapel and i qr. in Tireragh ... 134
This is Alternan Park in Easky P. in which is an old
graveyard and St. Ernan's Well.
In the Co. Roscommon it held according to the composi-
tion— 2 qrs. in Knockneshie in barony of Ballintubber ;
i qr. in Clanartie in barony of Roscommon.
The Lismacuan grant is earlier than 1201, and was given
by Conor O' Flaherty.
Archbishop O'Lachtnan gave it the rectory of Kilfelligy
alias Killoscobe.
Archbishop O' Conor gave it the rectory of Hy Diarmada
in 1275.
Owing to the absence of a complete list of possessions it
is not clear how much the abbey really held. After the
dissolution much monastic land was held quietly by the
occupants. It comes into the Inquisitions and grants ac-
cording as it was discovered. Enough is known to mark it
as the richest abbey of the diocese.
30. Clare Island. — House of the B.V.M. said to have been
founded in 1224 for Carmelites. It was a cell of Knockmoy
at the suppression. The O'Malleys must have founded it.
It was a very small house. It owned one quarter of land.
The great Cistercian Abbey of Boyle owned a good estate
T
290 DIOCESE OF TUAM
in these dioceses. An Inquisition of 1569 i gives the extent
of profitable land thus —
9 cottages, 60 acres arable, 120 pasture and moor with
their tithes in the Grange of Moenmoy, which is probably
Grange P. in Loughrea Barony ; 6 cottages no acres arable,
40 acres pasture wood and moor and a piece of land
called Carrevenalta in Grangemanagh and Templenamanagh
in Corran ; 6 cottages, 60 acres arable, 160 pasture and
moor in the Great and Little Granges in Tireragh.
The denominations are given in more detail in the grant
to John Binglie and John Kinge, 17 June 6 James I.2
In Corran — " Four quarters of land adjoining to the
chapel of Templeavany, viz. Carrowreagh, Carrowentreyly,
Carrowvickrowrie, and Carrowentemple. The town of the
Grange containing four quarters, viz. Logeviny, Lognescary,
Gargah, and the Graunge, lying near Ballymote. Clone-
mannagh, i quarter. Trinemore, i quarter."
In Tireragh — " The grange of Graungemore, containing
4 quarters. The Grange of Graungebeg containing 4 quarters."
All the tithes great and small of the above.
Of the Templevanny portion the names Carrowreagh and
Carrowicrorie are still attached to townlands, adjoining each
other and lying close by Templevanny. Carrowentemple is
Templevanny Tl.
For the Ballymote Grange the composition gives two
names still used for townlands, Portinch 3 quarters and
Emlaghnaghtan i quarter. Cloonamanagh is still applied to
a townland. These are all in Emlaghf ad P. Treanmore is
a Tl. in Toomour. The name of the land is in full the
Trian of Cloncagh, or Battlefield. It is so close to Temple-
vanny that it must be part of that estate.
The Great and Little Granges are still represented by
Tls. in Templeboy P. In Grangemore are the ruins of a
good church with a small tower only a few yards from its
west end. The church originally had the usual door in the
south wall. That was closed and a new door was put in
the west end, opposite the door of the tower.
It owned also the i quarter of Alternan according to the
composition, but this appears to be a mistake, as that
belonged to Knockmoy.
1 Chief Rememb. 13 Nov. 1569. 2 P.RJ., p. 125 li.
THE MONASTIC ORDERS 291
Notes on the Names of Lands and Places.
Congan. — Probably a mistake for Conga..
Drumsullyn. — May represent the whole estate of Inishmaine
Abbey in the part of Ballinchalla P. which lies to the west of
L. Mask.
In Sede Enatuanen. — This seems to mean " in the See of
Annaghdown " and should refer to the site of St. Mary's Abbey
and lands near it.
Listagart.
Anagh of Nuns. — The name suits the chapel and land of
Annagh on L. Carra, which are mentioned in the Clanricard
grant.
The A bbeytown. — See Bannabagh below.
Ballyncossen. — I take this to be Ballycusheen Tl. because
the abbey held in Kilmaine barony the tithes of 2 quarters called
Ballenecowshnagh, which seems to be but a variation of Bally-
cusheen.
Glune.
Glengeadan.
Culary.
Coliscorne. — Also as Cowllsturny and Cowlesturnie in the
Clanricard grants, probably the true form. But the name does
not occur again and there is no indication of position.
Mohym.
Benivollen.
The 1570 grant gives some other names of rectories, Taghma-
connell, Kylleomer in Omany instead of Galbuell, Dromlagh in
the country of O'Conor Sligo, identified by Dr. O'Rorke as the
Tl. of Ballynagalliagh in Drumcliff. This rectory means only
the nuns' chapel and the tithes of their lands. " Ardekerane
and Clonmaknoye " — Ardekerane may be meant for the tithes
of Kellogainechain mentioned in Pope Celestine's letter. Tagh-
maconnell does not appear by that name in the other documents
and must be an alternative name of some item.
Bannabagh is in both Clanricard grants but not in the sur-
render, in which it might be the Abbeytown, the only item con-
taining 30 acres arable. Ballynabanaba Tls. in extreme south
of Fohanagh P. may be the place.
Gortenehaglish.
Teaghfin.
Oenberraglena. — The association of this land with Deny and
Shrahnalong marks its position as about the river of Shrahnalong
or perhaps on the Owenbrinn.
Ballybokie.
Clnonkoose to Lisboy. — These names are in use except Clan-
292 DIOCESE OF TUAM
sallagh, and are the lands about Kilkeevin and Emlaghbroc.
Kilkeevin is in Arm Tl.
Ardcarne and Easter snow lands. I cannot identify any of
these names.
Tagh Iconneile is likely to be at Ballyconnell to west of Drum-
cliff where there is an old graveyard. The four items seem to
be the estate of the old house of Nuns of Dromcliff.
The remaining items are in the barony of Leyny, and may be
described as the Doughorne and Ballyara estates.
Dowchorne. — This is the name of an ancient prebend, whose
church was probably in the graveyard at Chimney Parks in
Moylough Tl. south-east of Tobercurry. These lands seem
to be the comarb lands of that old church.
Dromentample.
Bellanafenogie, now Balliara, where is an old church.
Killegallagh, or Killnegallagh.
Sessie M'Ellarhie = Sessuegilroy Tl. ?
Mony ne cranghie = Bunnacranagh Tl. Original initial M
in such names is often changed to B. It adjoins Montiagh Tl.
in which is an old church, and is perhaps the endowment of that
church.
In these lists the quarter is used as a name, and not as a
measure of value.
III. THE DOMINICANS, THE ORDER OF PREACHERS
CALLED BLACK FRIARS
31. Athenry. — The House of St. Peter and St. Paul was
founded by Meyler de Bermingham, first Anglo-Norman Lord
of Athenry in 1241. It was well supported and became a
very great house. A copy of the Register in the British
Museum x gives very complete information regarding the
foundation and endowments of the house and the principal
benefactors and their donations. These have been given by
De Burgo in the Hibernia Dominicana and by Archdall in
the Monasticon Hibernicum, and lately by Mr. Blake in the
Journal of the Galway Archceological and Historical Society,
vol. ii. p. 65. The founder's family is followed as to its
heads but not as to the minor branches. It may be that
not many were buried there besides the heads of the family.
Mr. Blake's article gives all that is of much interest in the
1 Sloane and Add. MSS. No. 4784.
THE MONASTIC ORDERS 293
Register. The endowments in land were not large, estimated
by O'Heyne at about 1500 acres in his work lately edited by
the Rev. A. Coleman, O.P., with a translation, " O'Heyne's
Irish Dominicans." The Dominicans did not accumulate
great endowments. They were " Begging Friars," and lived
by casual offerings and gifts and fees for services. But they
were very well maintained in these ways. The establish-
ment consisted of about 30 friars.
The Register tells how the monastery was founded and
how other great men helped by building parts and how
additions were made. In such cooperative fashion we may
suppose that many other monasteries were built regarding
which we have but a founder's name.
Meyler de Bermingham bought the site for 160 marks
from a knight named Robert Branagh, or Welsh, and we
may suppose that he built at least the greater part of the
church.
King Felim O'Conor built the Refectory ; Archbishop
Flann O'Flynn built the Scholar House ; Owen O' Heine
built the Dormitory ; Cornelius O' Kelly (Conor) the Chapter
House ; Dermot O'Treasy and his wife Margaret O'Lorchan
the great Guest Chamber ; and Art Macgallyly the Infirmary.
Sir William Liath and his wife gave one hundred marks
for building the front and for glass, and enlarged the choir
by 20 feet. This enlargement can be seen clearly in the
ruins, and seems to have been made with a view to the
adoption of the church as a family burying place so as not
to interfere with the founder's rights of De Bermingham.
Mac a Wallayd de Bermingham began the chapel of the
B.V.M. which was completed by William Wallys who built
part of the belfry. I cannot make out who this " Mac a
Wallayd " was. Walter Huskard and his wife Joan built
the cloisters. Others built altars and various minor works
and made contributions in money and in small pieces of
land, and so that great establishment was finished.
The convent held various cottages and plots of land
in and about the town. Their larger holdings of land
were —
\ qr. of Ballyglass in Tulubane which adjoined I qr. of
Carrowardahrah.
294 DIOCESE OF TUAM
i cartron called An Muir and Tempul Tulubane.
i caxtron called Lisoylalayn and Gortorahiky and Gortna-
vadog.
i qr. in Carnan.
\ qr. of Tempul an Brahir.
\ townland called Cathayr mic Grayneoid.
The Cell of Kilcorban and a good farm.
At the dissolution the Earl of Clanricard saved it from
suppression on condition that the monks wore secular dress.
It was suppressed in 1574 when it was given to the town of
Athenry.
The Register gives a list of dates of deaths of eminent
persons, which differ, by omission of some particulars, in
the lists published in Hibernia Dominicana and in the copy
in the British Museum, and mentions many persons buried
in the abbey. Part of this is a note describing the exact
position in which were buried Sir William de Burgo and some
of his sons and their descendants, and members of certain
other families, with such indications that the places could
be made out even now with fair accuracy. In face of this
Register it must be taken as certain that Sir William was
buried here and not in the Franciscan House at Galway.
The tomb shown there has been made up from a tomb of
one of the Bourkes of Mayo mistaken for Sir William,
probably Ulick, son of Edmond son of Richard O'Cuairsci,
who died in 1534, MacWilliam Eighter.
32. Strade. — The House of the Holy Cross, founded by
Jordan de Exeter for Franciscans but made over to this
order in 1252 or 1253 at the instance of his wife Basilia, a
daughter of Meyler de Bermingham, according to the Register
of the Dominican House of Athenry. It was burnt in 1254.
It was burnt again or became ruinous by 1434, when the
Pope gave indulgences for repair and for rebuilding. The
ruins show it to have been a very fine church and a con-
siderable establishment. To this period is to be ascribed
the I5th century work which it shows. It was the only
large monastery in the De Exeter lordship of Gallen. The
Irish called it Athlethan Abbey, after the Castle of Athlethan,
the stronghold of the De Exeters about two miles away over-
looking the Broad Ford of the Moy.
THE MONASTIC ORDERS 295
The Annals called " of Multifarnham " were probably
written by brother Stephen de Exeter of this house.
It owned 4 quarters of land.
33. Rathfran. — House of the Holy Cross. Founded by a
De Exeter, probably Sir Richard, in 1274. A family of
De Exeters was living at Rathfran in the i6th century.
Edmond Bourke MacWilliam was murdered here by his
brother Walter's sons in 1513.
It owned 2 quarters of land — Clonboy, Cloynemoyler
alias Clonemoylen, Acknoyke alias Naglanye alias Nanglanty,
and Mora alias Nahalcorae. Of these Clonboy survives as
a townland name. Naglanye had the alias Rathfran.
34. Knockmore. — In parish of Kilfree, founded by O'Gara
in the I4th century. It had only a trifle of land. It is in
Mount Irvine townland.
35. Toombeola. — This house is said to have been founded
in 1427, by an O'Flaherty. It had 8 monks, but from the
beginning of the reign of Queen Elizabeth was abandoned
and has since disappeared.
36. Urlare. — House of St. Thomas. Founded by Mac
Costello in 1434 under brother William de Angulo. The
friars had been for 2 years at a place in the diocese of Tuam ;
according to Ware, quoted by Stevens, this abbey was called
Vivariensis, but I cannot find any such statement by Ware.
The convent had not received papal sanction at that time.
I suspect it to have been called Vivariensis before it was
placed at Urlare, and to have taken that name from the
Disertbibar of the Taxation. The church and a good deal
of conventual buildings remain. Novices were sent here
because it was so lonely. It owned the rectories of Kil-
colman, Templemore, Templemurry, Kilbeagh, Kilmovee,
Meelick, Bohola, Killedan.1
It owned one quarter of land in 1585.
It is not easy to understand how this MacCostello founda-
tion of I5th century came to be endowed with so many
rectories in Gallen, Mac Jordan's country. I cannot but
suspect that it absorbed some pre-existing ancient abbey of
the O'Garas of which no note has survived, possibly an old
convent of monks of Meelick who may have continued to
1 Inqn. 28 Sept. I Ch, /., quoted in O.S.L. Mayo, ii. 373.
296 DIOCESE OF TUAM
exist in obscurity, or the monastery of Killedan which is
known by only one reference.
37. Burrishoole. — House of B.V.M. Founded by Richard
Bourke Mac William, in 1469 at a place called " Carta
Gracilis " in Latin. He retired to it until his death. The
monks under Ruriacus Ymearan (Ruaidri O'Moran ?) accepted
it with the Archbishop's approval but without papal sanction
and settled down in a wooden house. It was probably
founded in a hurry to accommodate Mac William. After
Ruriacus's death brother Donnell Ymearan got the Pope's
Bull for foundation in 1486, from which it dates officially.
The church remains. The tower is peculiar among abbey
churches of this period in being the full width of the church,
but dividing nave and choir as usual.
It owned a half-quarter of land called Rosnabraher and
one quarter called Carrowkeel, and the royalty of the fishery
of Burrishoole.1
38. Cloonimeaghan in Cloonoghil P. — Founded in 1488 by
brother Bernard MacDonogh on land given by Owen
MacDonogh. In course of tune the friars left it, and it
came under the management of the Abbey of Sligo.
It owned one quarter of land called Rinnaroge.
39. Kilmurry, alias Kilbrenan, at Kilmurry in Clonbern P.
was a house of Mendicant Friars under a Warden. It owned
a cemetery adjoining containing \ acre, 2 cottages and
gardens in Kilmurry, 20 acres in Kilmurry, 4 acres arable
and 3 acres pasture and bog in Lisronbeg.2 It is in Tuath
Mac Walter and may be taken to have been founded by that
family of Burkes.
Kilbrenan and Kilmurry are mentioned in 1574 and
1589 3 as owning 6 cottages in the first case and as owning
land in Kilmurry in the other case. It is possible however
that Kilbrenan in that case may be an alias of Killeenbrenan.
In the Valor Beneficiorum the Vicarage of Kilbrenan is
mentioned, but no Clonbern. It may be taken that
Kilbrenan is the proper name of the parish church of
Clonbern.
1 Chief Remcmb. Inqn. James /., Co. Mayo, No. 28, and P.I?./.,
p. 263, iv.
2 P.R.J., p. 259, x.
3 12 D.K. 2374. 1 6 D.K. 5306.
THE MONASTIC ORDERS 297
IV. THE FRANCISCANS, OR FRIARS MINORS, CALLED
GREY FRIARS
(i) THE CONVENTUALS
40. Claregalway, — Founded about 1290 by John de Cogan,
lord of the surrounding country. The church and buildings
are still in good order. In 1368 Thomas Lord Athenry gave
it a piece of land close by called Cloonmoylan. At the
suppression it owned 6 cottages and gardens, 24 acres arable,
common of pasture for 24 cows on the commons yearly, and
a watermill.1
41. Galway. — Founded by Sir William de Burgo about
1296 on St. Mary's Isle. In 1494 the Dominicans of Galway
made over to it the small Premonstratensian Nunnery which
the convent of the Holy Trinity of Tuam had given to them.
This house seems to have been adopted by the Clann William
Burke of Mayo as a burying place for their chieftains. But
the matter is very obscure, some indications exist pointing
that way, but not much.
It owned 12 gardens containing 3 acres of ground, f of a
watermill upon the river of Galway near St. Francis's Abbey,
the ninth part of the tithes of 2 acres called Gortkellie near
Galway — the customary fish following, viz. a salmon every
Wednesday out of the great river, a salmon every Saturday
out of the high weir, a salmon every Friday out of the haul
net, and as many eels as should be taken in one day every
week out of 20 eelweirs on the river, at the discretion of
the corporation of Galway.2 It seems to have taken over
from the Dominicans the quarter of the Jurdane near Galway
and its tithes, 6 acres. A Friday salmon out of Rice's place
near Galway bridge, and the tithes of that fishery.3
4ia. Athenry. — Thomas Earl of Kildare founded it in
1464, dedicated to St. Michael. The ruins are large. The
choir is now a parish church.
42. Bofeenaun, alias Boghmoynan, in Addergoole P. in
Tirawley. The church is not large. The east window is of
late date. It owned 4 quarters of land. I cannot ascertain
anything more about it.
1 P.K.J., p. 173, ii. J Ibid., p. 4, xviii. 3 Ibid., p. 259, x.
298 DIOCESE OF TUAM
43. Kilnamanagh. — A Franciscan House. The order is
uncertain. It was formed out of the old Parish Church of
Shrule in Muintir Murcada. It was probably founded by
the Hackets, as it was within their estate. The death of its
abbot is recorded in 1438 (F.M.). Its possessions as granted
to Lord Clanricard were 46 acres arable, 22 acres pasture in
Kilnamanagh, with common of pasture and 60 acres of
pasture near Kilnamanagh, and the rectory of Kilnamanagh,
i.e. Donaghpatrick P. A rent of 155. 2d. was reserved for
the land, and of £3, los. for the rectory, from which were
excepted the altarages and two couples of corn for the
curate's stipend.1
The name " Church of the Monks " found in a tract
supposed to have been compiled in the nth century2 points
to its having been the seat of an early monastery which
dissolved itself.
(2) OBSERVANTINS, OR OF THE STRICT OBSERVANCE
44. Rosserilly. — Founded in 1351, probably by Sir Rey-
mond de Burgo who seems to have acquired the Manor of
Admekin, now called Headford, where his descendants were
settled in the i6th century in large numbers, whereof but
few now remain. The Friars occupied this house for a very
long time after the suppression. The buildings are still in
very good condition. Wadding says that it was reformed
in 1470.
It owned the quarter of Cordarragh and a watermill.3
45. M oyne. — Founded by Thomas Og, Mac William Eighter,
only two years before his death in 1360. He was called also
Thomas of Moyne. It had only an orchard and four acres
of land.
It was a very important house, having usually a staff of
about 50 religious. The friars were left in it for many years
after the suppression.
The ruins are in good condition and are very fine
work.
46. Cloonyvornoge or Cowlevernoge. — Founded about 1441,
for this order, or for the 3rd order. It owned \ a quarter of
1 P.R.J., p. 173, ii. 2 H.W.C., p. 368.
3 P.R.J., p. 80, viii., and p. 173, ii.
THE MONASTIC ORDERS 299
land and is described as a cell or chapel. I take it to have
been but a small house or cabin in the townland of Cloonna-
varnoge in Kilkilvery parish, near Lissacromlech.
(3) THE THIRD ORDER OF ST. FRANCIS
47. Crossmolina. — This house was in existence in 1306
when John son of William de Rathcogan, Walter de Usser,
and Walter de Cogan, were indicted for robbing the Abbot
of the B.V.M. near Crossmolina. Rathcogan is a name of
Charleville, which was in the Cogan estate in the Co. of
Cork. There was a Rathcogyn in Tirawley also. There is
reason to suspect that De Barry owned land about Cross-
molina which passed to De Cogans as did the De Barry
estate about Castlebar, for we find that the Augustinian
House at Ballybeg near Buttevant, founded by a De Barry,
owned the rectory of Crossmolina. So this house is likely
to have been founded by a De Barry or De Cogan.
Its estate was 4 quarters of land. The quarter of
Towrenymore, Ballaghomuck and Behagh was part of its
possessions (Strafford's Survey). Ballaghamuck and Behy
and Tooreen are existing townlands. The latter may be the
places meant.
48. Rosserk. — This fine house is said to have been founded
by a Joy in 1400. Its property was very small, 2 quarters
of arable land containing 120 acres.1
49. Killeenbrenan, alias Kilbrenan. — Founded in 1428. For
a description see p. 171. It owned, besides the site, 6
cottages, an orchard adjoining, 30 acres arable, 15 acres
pasture.2
50. Templemoyle is said to have been founded by a Burke
about 1441. It is in the south of the parish of Monivea
and is just south of Taghsaxon, which is named Temple vally
in the map. It owned two parcels of land called Farren-
bridden and Gortnagiresagarde.3
51. Templegaile, alias Taghsaxon, is said to have been
founded in Henry VII. 's time by a Burke. It owned £ an
acre of site and 6 acres arable near it.
52. Beagh. — Founded after 1441. An Inquisition of 1585
calls it the ruined cell or chapel of Beagh in the barony of
1 P.R.J., p. 291, xviii. « Ibid., p. 183, lx. 3 16 D.X. No. 5935.
300 DIOCESE OF TUAM
Clare, having ^ a quarter of land. I do not know what
Beagh is meant.
53. Kiltullagh in Roscommon was founded after 1441,
probably by an O'Flynn. I cannot make out anything
about it.
54. Court. — In 1454 John O'Hara, Lord of Luighne, gave
Andrew O'Cluman, a priest of this order, two quarters of
land and a place called Cuirt Willeag on which to build a
house of his order. The quarters were called Carrowanar-
dower and Cairo wantawny. The ruins are considerable still.
55. Ballymote. — Probably founded by a MacDonogh in
the I5th century. A good deal of the church remains with
a curious head of a Pope with a very high triple crown over
the west door. It owned some gardens, orchards, and build-
ings and Carrownesagard, i quarter ; and Leighcarrow-Igaly
or Ichaly, \ quarter, with their tithes.1 Carrowcauly alias
Earlsfield is close to the abbey.
Annaghdown. — A Franciscan House here is said to have
been head of a custody including the monasteries of Con-
naught and Ulster. There is some mistake in my opinion.
I cannot find any evidence of existence of such a house, and
there are no ruins at Annaghdown which could be attributed
to it.
V. THE CARMELITES, CALLED WHITE FRIARS
56. Ballinsmala. — House of St. Mary. The date of founda-
tion is unknown and the ruins afford no definite indication.
It is likely to have been founded by the Prendergasts, who
were in possession of the barony of Clanmorris immediately
after the conquest, and soon after they settled there. It
owned I quarter of land in Ballinsmala called Lisardkisken (?)
with a mill.
The quarter is also called Carrowdromin.
57. Creevaghbane, in parish of Killererin, is said to have
been founded by a Burke in the I4th century. It was but
a small place and had but a trifle of land, I qr. and 16 acres
arable, and 12 pasture in townlands of Creevaghbane.
1 P.K.J., p. 109, xxiii.
THE MONASTIC ORDERS 301
58. Ballinahinch. — O'Flaherty founded a small house here
in 1356. I cannot ascertain any particulars.
VI. THE KNIGHTS TEMPLARS, SUCCEEDED BY THE
KNIGHTS OF THE HOSPITAL OF ST. JOHN
59. Taghtemple or Templehouse in Co. Sligo. — The Priory
of St. John of Randown held 16 quarters of land here and
the rectory and tithes of Taghtemple, which was Kil in Kil-
varnet P., the Killecath of the Taxation.
Though it does not appear that a community was estab-
lished, it may be inferred from mention of a castle of Tech
Templa in 1270 in the Annals of Loch Ce that the Priory of
Randown had built at least a fortified house or castle to hold
their property. Three names are recorded of 3 towns of
4 quarters each, Ballymorrey, Ballyhannagh, and Ballina-
carra. Annagh, Ballymurray and Ballynacarrow survive
as names of townlands forming a group to the north of
Templehouse.
60. St. John's House at Ballinrobe. — It is treated as a
possession of the Priory of Kilmainham in 1529, 1 owning one
carucate or quarter and a mill. After the suppression it was
treated as part of the possessions of the Austin Friar's House.
It was a little outside the town in the fields to the south of
the road to Claremorris. If the Friars' Quarter belonged
originally to this house those Friars had no property beyond
their monastery.
DOUBTFUL HOUSES
Killedan. — In Harris and King's Collectanea, vol. xiii.
p. 136, this house is described as by the Gweestion River
which identifies it as the Killedan in Gallen Barony, and as
having 4 quarters of land. There is no sign of any other
church near that Killedan, which was an old parish church.
The description as by the river is a result of identification by
name only. I am of opinion that this is an alternative name
of some house, and that its existence depends only on a vague
Inquisition such as that which relates to Kylkeny. It is
called a Franciscan House.
1 Blake Family Records, No. 8.
302 DIOCESE OF TUAM
Kylkeny. — The only authority for the existence of this
house is an Inquisition dated n Sept. 27 Queen Elizabeth,
taken at Donamona in Co. Mayo, which finds only that Clare
Island contained one quarter of land belonging to the Abbey
of Knockmoy ; that the House of Friars of Errew contains
i quarter of land ; that the Monastery of Crossmolina owns
4 quarters ; that the House of Friars of Kylkeny contains
i quarter ; that the Monastery of Ballentully contains
8 quarters.
Kilkenny occurs as name of a townland near Fisherhill in
Breaghwy P. and may be the proper name of the old church
of Breaghwy. But there is no ground for supposing that any
monastery was ever there. It is most likely that this is an
alias of some house. But it is possible that there may have
been a cabin with a couple of friars living there, as at Beagh
and Cloonnavarnoge in the Barony of Clare.
Ballentully. — There is no evidence of the existence of this
house beyond the Inquisition of n Sept. 27 Queen Elizabeth.
I think the name should be Ballintubber, and that the
8 quarters of land are those which belonged to Ballintubber
in the Barony of Carra according to the composition. This
Inquisition was taken at a time when the government had
very little information about the estates of the abbeys.
DIOCESE OF KILLALA
CHAPTER XXIX
THE EARLY PERIOD
ST. PATRICK left Tirawley in charge of an organised clergy
working from several mission stations under one or more
bishops. We do not know who was the Alad who left his
name to Killala. Nothing is known of the Bishop Muredach
who was left there beyond the fact that he was an old man
of Patrick's household. He is not the Muredach of the
Martyrologies who descended from King Laegaire MacNeill.
No name or fact connected with the diocese comes to light
for the space of more than 50 years.
Tigernan of Errew was the most eminent of the local
saints. We have no particulars of his life. His paten be-
came the chief relic of his monastery, known as the " Mias
Tigernain." Mr. Knox of Rappa Castle bought it from an
O'Flynn, whose family formerly held the erenaghship of the
abbey, being the chief landowners near Crossmolina. The
original paten was a small round copper dish. He is com-
memorated on the 6th of August. His monastery became
the principal establishment of the Ui Amalgada and was of
great importance in the I2th century, as its extensive ruins
show. From his pedigree it can be taken that he lived during
the first half of the 6th century. He may be called the saint
of Ui Amalgada as distinguished from the Ui Eachach of the
Moy, among whom was the establishment for which was
built the Round Tower, which developed the Bishop and
Chapter of Killala.
In the townland of Breastagh near Rathfran stands the
Breastagh Ogham stone. Until the discovery in 1898 of the
303
304 DIOCESE OF KILLALA
Bracklaghboy stone near Ballyhaunis it was the only known
Ogham inscription in the Co. Mayo. The writing on one
edge is damaged and illegible. That of the other edge has
been read as " maqcorrbrimaqammllo(ngi)tt," meaning
" [Stone] of Corrbri son of Ammllongitt." It may apply to
one of two or three Cairbres who were sons of Amalgaids and
relations of Tigernan.
It is not recorded that Dathi's son Amalgaid had a son
Cairbre. Such a man is not likely to have been in Tirawley
because that Amalgaid's descendants settled in east Meath.
It is almost certainly the monument of Tigernan' s father or
uncle, or Fiachra Elgach's great-grandson. Rathfran was
one of the King's forts.
Errew is the only very ancient monastery in Tirawley
which survived as a monastery to recent times, and the only
one which acquired much reputation. Killala must have
been an important abbey, but appears only as a bishop and
chapter. Errew is only once mentioned, and that after it
had lost its endowments and greatness ; in 1413 " Henry
Barrett was taken prisoner in the church of Airech Locha
Con by MacWattin (i.e. Robert) who carried him away by
force, after profaning the place. MacWattin passed not a
night in which the saint of the place (Tighearnan of Airech)
did not appear to him in a vision, demanding the prisoner,
until he obtained his request at last ; and MacWattin granted
a quarter of land to Tighearnan Airich for ever, as an eric
for having violated him." (FM)
Sere, daughter of Cairbre, so most likely an aunt or cousin
of Tigernan, left her name to Rosserk. D. MacFirbis wrote
in the iyth century as if her church and duirtech existed in
his time.
A Cormac worked in Tirawley in the early part of the
6th century. His date is not definitely fixed, but may be
inferred from the places in the family genealogy of those
persons whom he met according to these traditions, to
whom definite dates can sometimes be affixed. He is
taken to be St. Cormac O'Liathain, but I am inclined
to think that he may be two men rolled into one. The
following is a translation of Colgan's Life taken from the
Book of Lecan. But I have omitted parts and abbreviated
parts.
THE EARLY PERIOD
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Eochaidh Breac to Guaire. See Galway Ar. and Hist. Soc., ii. p. 3
O Suanaigh and O Triallaigh probably should come in as brothers o
FIACHRA FOLTSNATHACH.
lid, 449. Dathi
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306 DIOCESE OF KILLALA
LIFE OF ST. CORMAC
Cormac and his five brothers were sons of Eogan of the
race of Ailill Olum. The eldest St. Dermot left Munster and
went to North Connaught, where he built the church of
Rosredheadh 1 in Carbury, called Kill-macn-Eoguin from him
and his brothers who lived with him for a time. It was
endowed with farms by a dynast of the Hy Fiachrach called
Flann Dubh or Dubh Fhlann, son of Muredach son of
Lugaid son of Aengus, who gave the whole tract of land
which lies between Droichedmartra 2 and Brugh-cinnslebhe 3 to
the west, and from Murbhach4 of Ros-birn to Aill-choidhin.5
Cormac also set out for the north and was followed by
the fifth brother Boedan.
Cormac came first to the palace of Eogan Bel called from
him Dun Eogain on Inis-Medhoin in Loch-Mesga. The
saint was not received with due honour and kindness. He
prophesied that the fortress should not be the seat of kings
in future, but an abode of monks.
Proceeding thence he crossed the Rodhba and came to
a place called Fertlothair where he met Ailill Inbandha and
Aedh called Flaithemdha, sons of Eogan Bel. Being well
received by them and by twelve other magnates of the
country, he blessed them and the people of Cera. He made
up his mind to stay there and preach ; but another saint,
Finan abbot of Rathen, who had already established a
monastery in that country, disliked the saint's intrusion,
fearing the bounds of his church would be narrowed by so
near a neighbour. The saint becoming aware of this gave
up and went away, but knowing what was to come first
said to St. Finan : " That church of yours, about which you
are troubled in your jealous and narrow mind how to keep
up its bounds, shall be deserted hereafter and shall be in-
habited by no servant of Christ." The event has proved
the truth. For that church called Kill-Finain,6 in Cera, was
1 Ros na Reidh, now Knocknarea. 2 Ballydrehid Bridge.
3 Seafield. 4 Marsh of Kellystown.
6 Mearing stone at Barnasrahy. These bounds make the parish of
Kilmacowen (O.X.S., i. 432).
6 On Church Island in L. Carra. Inis Scrine to which St. Patrick banished
nine goblins (O'Grady, Stlva Gadelica, ii., p. 247, and Irische Texte, iv. i,
P- 253).
THE EARLY PERIOD 307
never after a dwelling of Christ's servants but is seen to be
always waste.
Thence he went on to the country afterwards called Mag-
gawnach where he met Daire, a Virgin devoted to God, and the
mother of that monastery,1 who was a daughter of Cathaeir
of the race of Lugaid, a prince of that country. She received
him well and he blessed the Holy Virgin and her place.
Thence he went to the mouth of the Moy where he met
the 16 sons of Amalgaid in their public assembly.
Here follows a detailed account of the discussion between
Amalgaid's sons regarding the saint's application for a site
for a church. The sons named are the sons of the Amalgaid
of St. Patrick's time. The Life goes on —
He was given a site and chose a very pleasant place on
the bank of the Moy where it falls into the sea. It was well
endowed, as the places inhabited by the sons of Drogin and
Bishop Muredach were given to Cormac.
Dermot son of Finnbarr, King of Luigne and Galenga
and Corco-thid, received him well, as did his brother Niall
from whom came St. Nathi son of Niall's son Conamal. Of
this family were also St. Luathrenn daughter of Failbe, St.
Fechin, St. Mobi son of Huanflinna daughter of Finnbarr (or
Huanfinna).
St. Aidan son of Colman who was over a monastery in
adjoining territory hearing in what honour Cormac was held
in Luighne feared that he intended to acquire property to
the detriment of his own church, and remonstrated against
his intrusion into another man's field of work to acquire
property. Dermot to appease the controversy promised
to satisfy both. Cormac blessed him and turning to Aidan
said to him that by the decree of the divine judgment it
would turn out that the church for which he so contended
would be a place of contention and a habitation of robbers
and loose women.
The saint returned to his beloved sons of Amalgaid, and
desiring to join them and the race of Cian in a bond of per-
petual concord and friendship, brought them together in one
place thereafter called Tulacha-chadaich, that is Hill of
Friendship or Brotherhood, where the matter was arranged
1 Was in graveyard of old Parish Church of Moygawnagh, (H.F., p. 231).
308 DIOCESE OF KILLALA
by St. Cormac and St. Froech the Abbot, and St. Attracta
the Abbess. The same pact was renewed by Moel Conaill
between the same parties in the same place, in which three
celebrated meetings of saints are said to have been held.
For his piety he gave a special blessing to Daius son of
Enda Ardchenn from whom came many bishops and abbots,
namely from Moelfogmair and Aengus sons of Conall son of
Finan son of Daius.
The grandees and people held S. Cormac in the highest
respect and reverence. But one of the native clergy jealous
of his position went complaining among the sons of Laegaire,
urging that it was intolerable that such power and influence
should be given to a stranger in contempt of their own
people. They took up the idea and sent Lonius son of Conall
son of Fergus to tell the saint to leave that country and go
to his own or elsewhere. The unhappy young man returning
in the evening lay down to sleep in Sliab-botha 1 near Ros-
airgid, where wolves devoured him. He left no descendants
and there was no memorial of him but a heap of stones which
was built over his bones and remained an indelible memorial
of his sacrilege.
Cathusach was then sent by the sons of Laegaire, but he
begged the saint's pardon as he acted only under compulsion.
So he was pardoned and his family lived in Killarduff .
Dericus son of Armedach, sent against his will, also pro-
cured a blessing.
S. Cormac stayed in spite of jealousy and opposition, and
in spite of the defection of Armedach's son Donennach, one
of his first supporters.
He cured Aengus son of Conall son of Finan son of Conall.
Aengus' s wife Saba brought her son Muredach to be
cured of disease caused by a pestilential exhalation from
the hill called Sith-badha. Hence his descendants believe
that if any of them bathes in Cormac's consecrated font
called Dabhach Corbmaic he will not die a violent death,
and that if a virgin bathe in it before her marriage it will
be a happy one and she will not die in childbirth.
Thus far went the fragment in the Book of Lecan.
Fertlothair was one of the King of Carra's forts. It has
1 Knockboha in Lacken Parish ?
THE EARLY PERIOD 309
not been identified. There is but one place-name embody-
ing " Fert " in the barony of Carra, the townland of Clonfert
in the parish of Ballyheane, but there is no reason for con-
necting it with Fertlothair besides the name. Ailill and Aedh
were according to other and more trustworthy accounts the
brothers of Eogan Bel. The Finan of Rathen who had
already established a monastery in Carra has been identified
with the Abbot of Rahan in Tirconnell, but there seems to
me to be no real ground for this identification. Finan is
not an exceptional name, and it is certain that the country
about Ballyheane was called the Plain of Raithin. We may
therefore take Finan to have been a local man.
That Cormac met the sons of Amalgaid who met St.
Patrick is not to be credited. The original tradition was no
doubt that he met the sons of Amalgaid son of Fiachra. On
this has been developed a kind of parliamentary report with
names and speeches. If it was the sons of Amalgaid son
of Fiachra Ealgach whom he met, they would match in
point of time for Cormac. Kilcormac near Killala is the
place near the Moy. From the statement that Killala and
Kilroe were given to Cormac we may infer that Killala had
lost connection with Armagh in a very remote period before
this Life was compiled.
Aidan son of Colman must, I think, be St. Aidan to whom
are attributed the churches of Cloonoghil in Corran and
Monasteredan in Kilcolman in the barony of Costello. He
seems to have succeeded in keeping St. Cormac out of his
diocese.
From the subsequent matters it appears that the sons of
Laegaire, in whose territory his churches were, turned against
him, but failed to get rid of him and that the quarrel was
ecclesiastical, not between Christians and Pagans.
The Life unfortunately is but a fragment, and leaves off
in the middle of the saint's achievements. Kilcormac and
Killeencormac in Kilbelfad parish on the shore of L. Con
may bear his name and have been founded by him, but there
is no evidence to connect him with them. He seems to have
been a saint of North Tirawley and to have had no connection
with South Tirawley. Enda Ardchenn was most probably a
son of Laegaire as the O'Maolfaghmhairs and their descend-
ants the MacCeles were Erenaghs of Killala and often abbots
310 DIOCESE OF KILLALA
and bishops. Hence we may suspect that St. Cormac
was the founder of the Monastery of Killala, distinguished
from the parish church founded by St. Patrick, and that the
abbots were Comarbs of Cormac. But it is only a suspicion.
Though the intrigue against Cormac arose among the
sons of Laegaire the messengers sent by them seem to have
been descendants of Amalgaid and not of Dathi. Cathusach,
ancestor of the Ui Cathusaigh of Killarduff or of Cill Achaidh
Duibh (which O' Donovan says is Killarduff, but there was a
Cill Achaidh in parish of Lackan which is probably the place
meant).1 The Ui Derg, a branch of the Ui Airmeadaigh of
the same neighbourhood, seem to be the descendants of
Dericus.
The Ui Muireadhaigh of the Lagan descended from Mure-
dach son of Aongus son of that Amalgaid are the objects of
a peculiar blessing of St. Cormac, and are connected with a
Sith Budha.2 Sith Budha is perhaps only a variation of
Sliab Botha. The Life seems to embody the current tradi-
tions regarding a set of families of the Ui Amalgada who
occupied the country north-west of Killala. The Cam in
Sliab Botha may be the Cam of the townland of Cam in
the parish of Lacken, in which are two old graveyards, and
a small stone cross near the Cam which is in one of the
graveyards. Carnekilly-haghy was an alias of this townland.3
CUIMIN, AlDAN, O'SUANAIGH, O'TRIALLAIGH
If MacFirbis gives his pedigree correctly, and there is no
reason to doubt it, the Cuimin who founded Kilcummin was
Tigernan's second cousin. If he was called Long Cuimin he
certainly was not St. Cuimin Fada of the 7th century. Con-
temporary with them were Aidan of Cloonoghil and O'Suan-
aigh and O'Triallaigh who are described as three brothers,
who were also their third cousins, if I am right in identify-
ing Aidan son of Colman with Aidan of Cloonoghil, which is
I think fairly apparent. They are described as sons of
Fearamhla and are made brothers of the three O'Suanaighs
who lived in the 8th century (A.U. 756, 762). The latter are
given a pedigree which suits their period. Cuimin, son of
1 H.F., pp. 9, 222, 223. 2 Ibid., pp. 7, 9.
3 O.S.L.M., i. p. 265.
THE EARLY PERIOD 311
Dioma ancestor of the O'Cuimins, could not have been
buried at the feet of an O'Suanaigh who died in the 8th
century. O'Suanaigh and OTriallaigh seem to have been
used of these Tirawley men as names and not as surnames,
but it is possible that all three had different fathers, as only
the mother's name is mentioned. There is much uncertainty
about them, but on the whole the tradition may be accepted
which represents them as brothers or half-brothers and as
descendants of Eochaidh Breac. O'Suanaigh left his name
to the churches of Ardagh and Corkagh, and O'Triallaigh
left his to those called the Uluid of O'Triallaigh and BaUe
Scrine of O'Triallaigh.1 These cannot be identified with any
old churches or graveyards and may have been only family
chapels or small churches at Kilcummin kept up by separate
endowments. This may be the Uluidh Mor where Cuimin
was buried at the feet of O'Suanaigh, who therefore was also
buried there.
ST. CELLACH OF KILMOREMOY
He belongs to the middle of the 6th century. The
legend of his murder has been dealt with at length in the
Journal of the Galway Arch, and Hist. Society, ii. p. 34. Very
little of fact can be made out of it, only the following sketch.
Cellach and his cousins were students under Ciaran, Cellach
intending to be a priest. Even this is not certain as regards
Ciaran who did not set up his monastery before 537, but
the battle of Sligo may have been later than that. Cellach
took up the chieftainship after Eogan Bel's death, but was
driven out of it by Guaire and became a priest, and his
younger brother Muredach became head of Eogan Bel's clan.
Cellach was politically active and hostile to Guaire. Mac
Deoraid supported by Guaire murdered Cellach and drove
Muredach out of the country, and assumed the chieftain-
ship of at least the lands of the Calry of Murrisk, but was
resisted by his subjects. Muredach returned and killed
MacDeoraid and his friends and assumed the chieftainship,
but he was at war with Guaire for the possession of Durlas
Guaire near Ardnarea and the lands of Tireragh along the
Moy. In this war Muredach desolated the churches though
1 See Pope Innocent's Epistle, p. 336.
312 DIOCESE OF KILLALA
he was placable towards Guaire's people. From this I infer
that the war took also a religious aspect. Eochaidh Breac
was baptized by St. Patrick, and we may take his grandson
Guaire to have been a Christian like other descendants of
Eochaidh Breac. There is no evidence that Ailill Molt was
a Christian, and the mode of Eogan Bel's burial denotes
paganism, though he was willing that his son Cellach should
be a Christian, not a surprising circumstance at that transi-
tion period.
Cellach is said to have fled from Kilmoremoy to Oilen
Etgair, now Illaunnaglashy, in Lough Con, where his mur-
derers caught him. We may conclude that he was a bishop
and that he lived at Kilmoremoy.
The contest ended by a treacherous murder of Muredach
by Guaire, whereby the race of Eogan Bel became extinct.
This is all that we can infer from this curiously worked up
legend.
ST. BRENDAN
St. Brendan of Clonfert entered upon mission work in
Erris about the same time as the saints of Tirawley were at
work in that country. He founded on Inisglora a monastery
which presents an example of the very early monastic cashel
and the rudest buildings. Remote and wild as it is the ruins
show it to have been of ecclesiastical importance. Here a
band of missionaries had a convenient and safe refuge in
connection with their work on the mainland. Brendan's
Church is of the earliest type, 12' x 8' with 3' walls of thin
stones without mortar. It must be ascribed to the first half
of the 6th century. Two other churches of early but later
date are cemented. Three clochans remain.
ST. DERBILED AND ST. GEGH OR GEDH
These two nuns must have come after St. Brendan as
they are said to have met St. Columba at Ballysadare, and
probably did. Derbiled's pedigree suits such a date. She
founded Kildarvila, now called Falmore Church, on the
extreme south-west of the Mullet. The church is in part
of much later date, but a part may have been built for her.
Of St. Gegh no more is known. Her name is supposed to
THE EARLY PERIOD 313
remain in Inishkea. Her church should be on South Inishkea
as the church on North Inishkea is called Columcille's church.
This is all that is known of the establishment of Chris-
tianity in Erris. We can infer that the Columban monks,
most likely starting from and in connection with their
monastery at Oughaval, worked over this country where we
find the names of Columcille, and of Adamnan in Temple
Eunan in Ballycroy. But this would be many years later.
In the middle of the 6th century the church in Tirawley
was under the management generally of a group of men
of high rank belonging to the ruling family, the Ui Fiachrach,
with some help from outside. We may take it to have been
in practice governed by the ruling family.
TlRERAGH
The Calry of Murrisk and of Coolcarney held all Tireragh
and Coolcarney in St. Patrick's time. They and the Gregry
and Luighne refused to receive him. These lands of the
Calry ultimately became the proper inheritance of the de-
scendants of Fiachra Ealgach from whom the barony takes
its name. As may be inferred from what has been noted
regarding St. Cellach it remained under pagan kings until
nearly the middle of the 6th century. Then Christianity
was planted in it too under Muredach of Inismurray, Far-
annan, Cuanu, Garbhan, Grellan. Muredach seems to have
been the senior and to have left the greatest mark.
Dr. O'Rorke has satisfactorily identified Muredach of
Killala, Muredach of Inismurray, and Molaise of Inismurray
as the same person.1 Having two names like other great
saints, he has been confused with others and divided. He
was a son of Eochaidh son of Ailill son of Lugaid, son of
Laegaire, son of Niall of Nine Hostages. Farannan, Cuanu
and Garvan also descended from King Niall. The Tireragh
Mission therefore was a family party. We can understand
that the family of Fiachra Elgach would prefer not to increase
the influence of the branches of the Ui Fiachrach who were
settled in Tirawley by drawing missionaries from those
families to start their church.
Muredach appears to have first founded the monastery at
1 O.R.S., ii. p. 45-
3i4 DIOCESE OF KILLALA
Aughros, which survived to later times, and was then known
also as Kilmalton. From this station he founded that of
Inismurray, where are the remains of the cashel monastery
the most perfect of the kind in Ireland. Thence he or his
successors seem to have worked in Carbury as the parish
church of Ahamlish was a vicarage of Aughros. From
Aughros he converted the neighbouring country in Tireragh,
Templeboy, Kilglass, Kilmacshalgan, Dromard. Molaise of
Inismurray is said to have advised St. Columba to leave
Ireland after the battle of Cuildremne in 561. This tradition
points to his having been older than St. Columba though a
generation lower in the genealogy, for Columba was son of
Fedlim son of Fergus son of Conall Gulban son of Niall
of Nine Hostages.
Cuanu was honoured in the parish of Skreen, Farannan
in that of Easky.
Baithin, Cuanu, Garvan, Farannan, and Colman were
sent to invite Columba to the convention of Druimcetta.
That this very local band should be sent is not likely. The
fact probably is that they were sent to Druimcetta to ask
him to come on to Ballysadare. As Muredach is mentioned
in these affairs he must have died after 574.
From Druimcetta St. Columba came to Ballysadare, where
he met a great assembly of the clergy of Connaught. Among
them were Muredach of Killala, Liban and Fortchern of Odba
Ceara, Grellan of Creeve, Gede of Inishkea, Deirbiled of Erris.
Of Liban and Fortchern only their names are known. The
Grellan of the list cannot have been he of Creeve who met St.
Patrick, he must have been the Tireragh Grellan. MacFirbis
mentions in his list of extinct bishops' sees that there are two
Cill Greallains in Tireragh. The list given to us of this
assembly is quite untrustworthy, but we may be sure that
nearly all the clergy then working in Connaught were present.
It was no doubt held for purposes connected with the
organisation of the Connaught churches which must have
given rise to many questions. St. Columba was then by
far the greatest figure in the Irish church, and could do much
to settle matters by his influence with the chieftains and
clergy. Tipraide chief of the Ui Fiachrach, is said to have
given him land about Cnoc na Maoile, now the Red Hill of
Skreen, on which is the cairn of Ruadha, wife of King Dathi,
THE EARLY PERIOD 315
and at Altfarannain, now Alternan, in the parish of Easky,
where it adjoins Templeboy. Skreen was most likely founded
on this Cnoc na Maoile grant, and may be taken to be the
church which Cuanu is said to have founded on it.
Adamnan, Abbot of lona, who died in 704, lodged in it
a great collection of relics whence it took the name Serin
Adamnain, Adamnan's Shrine. L)r. Reeves gives a list of
them in the " Life of St. Columba." They were " 26 articles
consisting of Manuscripts of Gospels, hymns and poems,
articles of apparel belonging to the Saints of Ireland ; and
a few relics of St. Paul and the Virgin Mary ; the aggregate
of which must have filled a large box, and been rather a
heavy load to carry about." St. Adamnan was a good deal
in Connaught, and is said to have spent a winter at the Abbey
of Mayo. His own relics were afterwards also in a shrine
in this church, or in a church built for them.
Skreen is mentioned several times in the Annals.
C.S. 976. Serin of Adamnan was plundered by Domnall
O'Neill.
F.M. 1022. Mailcobha Ua Gallchubhair, comharba of
Serin Adhamnain died.
F.M. 1030. Donnchadh, lord of Cairbre, was killed by the
Ui Fiachrach Muirisc, in the doorway of
the house of Serin Adhamhnain.
F.M. 1395. O'Flannelly, Vicar of Skreen Adamnan, died.
Certain families of the neighbourhood were called the
Pillars of Skreen. They were in the I2th and I3th centuries,
according to the Tract on the Hy Fiachrach, MacConcathrach,
O hOilmec, MagRodan, O'Sneadharna, O'Rabhartaigh, as
given in one place, and O'Rabhartaigh, O'Flannghaile, Mac-
Carraoin, O'Tarpaigh, as given in another. In the first half
of the lyth century D. MacFirbis found MacCarraoin and
MacGiolla na n-Each and a remnant of the O'Rabhartaighs
at Skreen.
Mac Firbis's List of Bishops whose sees were not acknow-
ledged contains —
Tobar-Birin, in Tir-Fiachrach of the Moy, behind laskagh.
Birin, bishop, December 3.
316 DIOCESE OF KILLALA
Cill-Greallain. Greallan, bishop (there are two Cill-
Greallains in Tir-Fiachrach of the Moy), Sept. 7.
Cill-Insi. Ailtin, bishop, and the virgin (or the young
maiden) of Cill-Insi, Nov. i.
Note. — Ailltin's church is in Inis-Sgreobhuinn, in Tir-
Fiachrach of the Moy. The walls of that church are still in
existence.
There is reason to suppose that St. Mochua was the final
organiser of the church in this country in the 7th century,
and acquired considerable influence in Tireragh. Iniscoe is
said to take its name from him.
Of the period between the 6th century and the establish-
ment of territorial episcopacy we have no record of events
in this diocese. The Bishop of Killala was probably always
a chief ecclesiastical authority in Tirawley, and natural!}7
extended his jurisdiction over Tireragh and the rest of
O'Dowda's kingdom.
CHAPTER XXX
EXTENT AND FORMATION OF THE DIOCESE
KEATING gives the boundaries settled by the Synod of Rath-
breasail — From Neimthin to Es-ruadh, and from Killardbili
to Srath an Ferainn. The first three points are Nephin and
Ballyshannon and Kildarvila in Erris. Dr. O'Rorke has
identified Srath an Ferainn with Shramore, close to Ballysa-
dare in that part of Ballysadare parish which was the old
Enagh in Tirerrill.1 These are the bounds claimed by
O'Dowda to the east. I cannot make out that he ever had
a supremacy over Carbury in historical times. Carbury and
Tireragh churches may at this time have been somewhat
closely connected ecclesiastically, as the early saints of
Tireragh were connected so much with the Cinel Conaill, and
the arrangement may have appeared convenient ecclesiasti-
cally, though it was upset by the occupation of Carbury by
King Turlogh Mor and his sons, which brought that country
into the diocese of Elphin.
The Hy Fiachrach under O'Caomain occupied the parishes
of Toomore Attymas, and Kilgarvan over the heads of the
Calrv, who must have been Christianised and organised by
the saints of the Luighne, as these parishes are in the diocese
of Achonry.
Excepting those three parishes the diocese comprised
exactly the kingdom which was directly under O'Dowda,
consisting from the first of the following parishes :—
IN TIRAWLEY, 16
Killala, Ballysakeery, Kilmoremoy west of the Moy, Bally-
nahaglish, Kilbelfad, Ardagh, Crossmolina, Addergoole, Moy-
1 O.R.S., ii. p. 245.
317
318 DIOCESE OF KILLALA
gawnagh, Kilfian, Rathreagh, Templemurry, Kilcummin,
Lackan, Kilbride, Doonfeeny.
IN ERRIS, 2
Kilcommon, Kilmore.
IN TIRERAGH, 8
Kilmoremoy east of the Moy (formerly Cellnagarvan or
Ardnarea), Castleconor, Kil glass, Easky, Kilmacshalgan,
Terapleboy, Skreen, Dromard.
That Killala's bishop got supremacy over Errew seems to
be due to the situation of Killala near O'Dowda's Fort at
Rathfran, and the tribal meeting place and inauguration
place, the centre of the kingdom, and in the territory of
descendants of Dathi O'Dowda's ancestor. Errew was
among the Hy Amalgada families. The Round Tower
assigned by Miss Stokes to the period 1170 to 1238 marks
its importance in the I2th century. It is the only evidence
of importance apart from the large amount of See lands near
Killala. The Hy Eachach of the Moy, who were the land-
owners of Killala and Ballysakeery parishes, descended from
Eochaidh Breac, who was a brother of Fiachra Elgach,
O'Dowda's ancestor. Their chief was O'Maolfagmair or
O'Mullover, anglicised Milford. His family held the Erenagh-
ship of the Abbey and supplied comarbs and many bishops.
Their descendants took the name of MacCele,1 which is sup-
posed to be now represented by MacHale. D. MacFirbis
gives a list of 7 bishops of Killala of this name. — i. MoCele
from whom came MacCele. 2. Muiredach. 3. Aongus, died
1234 (F.M.). 4. Aodh. 5. Maolan. 6. Ainmtheach. 7. Flann
the Lecturer.
One of the name died in 1151. Two are mentioned later.
The other four must have lived earlier, unless as is possible
their names have not been recorded. The succession is very
uncertain even after the I2th century. As the family does
not appear after the middle of the I3th century it may be
1 O'Donovan, O.S.L.M., i. p. 36.
EXTENT AND FORMATION OF DIOCESE 319
taken that they lost all importance in the Anglo-Norman
Conquest and that the bishops were of the earlier period.
After the De Burgo rebellion revived Irish customs the
O'Dowda family frequently provided the bishop, they being
the only Irish family of importance in the diocese, holding
nearly all Tireragh. The other Irish bishops were of families
of no great importance politically.
THE SUCCESSION OF BISHOPS
OUT of the bishops up to the I2th century but 3 names sur-
vive. Two Muredachs who have usually been rolled into one,
viz. Muredach of St. Patrick's time ; Muredach of the 6th
century.
Cellach of Kilmoremoy is recognised, but it does not
appear that he had anything to do with Killala.
Four O'Mullovers probably preceded at intervals.
1. O'Mullover who died in 1151.
2. O'Moylefomer is named in the Ann. Cl. as a bishop
who attended the Synod at Clonfert in 1170, and may be
taken to have been of Killala.
3. Imar O'Ruadan died in 1177. This family of the
Luighne gave the church many bishops.
4. Mailisa MacMailin is named in the Book of Lecan as
a contemporary of Taichleach Mor O'Dowda who was killed
in 1197.
5. Donat, or Donncad, O'Becda, died in 1206 (L.C.).
Pope Innocent III. on 30 March 1198 confirmed to him and
to his successors the parishes constituting the diocese. The
transaction seems to have been like that of a royal grant in
the i6th century to a landowner or chieftain who surrendered
his Irish estate and received it again from the King. Thus
the Bishop derived his title and diocese from the Pope and
had a jurisdiction to be recognised by the Papal lawyers.
In the list of churches embodied in this epistle a marked
difference appears between the parishes of Tirawley and
Erris and those of Tireragh. The parishes of Tirawley and
Erris are 47 reduced to 20 in the Taxation, but Erris, which
is there treated as one parish appears later as two parishes.
Tireragh has the same parishes as appear in the Taxation,
but some bear other names. For this there must be a
300
THE SUCCESSION OF BISHOPS 321
reason as Tireragh has some other ancient churches, exclu-
sive of monastic granges, and if organised in the same way
should have more than 8 parishes. It may be suspected that
Tireragh came under the Bishop of Killala after the old
organisation connecting its churches with Balla, and perhaps
Carbury, had decayed, and that there was consequently no
difficulty in carrying out an amalgamation of parishes to
make better livings. The bishops being generally Tirawley
men themselves were not so much inclined to upset existing
arrangements and were more hampered by the surviving
links of the old system. When the comarb lands were
passed over to the bishops the amalgamation of parishes and
abandonment of some churches became a necessity. From
this list we may judge fairly of the parochial arrangements
of other dioceses in the middle of the I2th century.
6. Cormac O'Tarpaid died in 1226 according to Ware.
As a Connmac O'Tarpa, bishop of Luighne, died in the same
year according to the Annals of Ulster, Ware may have been
mistaken and these may be the same. But of course they
may have been different and have died the same year.
" Maelisa, son of the Bishop O'Mulfover, parson of Hy
Fiachrach and Hy Awley, and (materies) of a bishop for his
wisdom, was killed by the son of Donough O'Dowda, a deed
strange in him, for none of the O'Dowdas had ever before
killed an ecclesiastic " (F.M. 1224).
7. " Elya, Aladensi Episcopi " appears among the wit-
nesses of a grant made by Aedh King of Connaught, son of
Ruaidhri, between 1226 and 1233. He must have been next
before
8. Aongus O'Mullover who died in 1234 (L.C.). In the
following year Isaac O'Mullover the Erenagh of Killala
died (L.C.).
9. Gillaceallaigh O'Ruaidhin died in 1253 (L.C.). If he
was O'Mullover's immediate successor, the conquest of Con-
naught and the partition by Richard de Burgo occurred in
his time. Then Tirawley was broken up into various tenures.
The principal tenants were two families of Barretts whose
estates were in the south and seem to have comprised Bac
and Glennephin and the parish of Kilmoremoy. A Cusack
is said to have got Meelick. His descendants and some
Carews survived into the I7th century in possession of
x
322 DIOCESE OF KILLALA
small estates in the parishes of Ballysakeery and Killala.
The Lynotts are reputed to have been once of importance
and their names occur in the Calendars of State Papers in
the I3th century. In the iyth century they are found in
the parish of Kilfian. The country seems to have been well
occupied by settlers all over Tirawley at the first. But in
the end of the I5th century a family of Burkes of the line
of MacWilliam Eighter settled in Tirawley and acquired a
complete ascendancy throughout the barony.
Erris was left in possession of the Clann MurtoughMweenagh
O'Conor. Soon after 1270 they were turned out of it on
account of their turbulence and rebellion and passed into
Roscommon and Leitrim. Erris seems then to have been
given to one of the Barretts. William Mor of Kilcommon
seems to have been the grantee.
The eastern part of Tireragh was held by the De Berming-
hams, who held also some of the neighbouring territory of
Leyny under the FitzGeralds of Offaley, who had the great
manor of Sligo. It was not effectively colonised and fell
into the hands of the O'Dowdas after 1338. The Bourkes
held the part of Tireragh lying along the Moy from Ennis-
crone southwards for a very long time, and always occupied
Ardnarea, except for a year when O'Dowda captured it.
O'Dowda paid MacWilliam Eighter a small rent for pro-
tection.
For 100 years from 1238 to 1338 elections of bishops were
made by the King's licence with his subsequent approval.
Afterwards the Pope made the appointments as he pleased,
when the King's power had disappeared.
10. John O'Laidigh, a Dominican, was elected in 1253.
Pope Urban IV. gave him leave to resign on the ground of
disqualification for illegitimacy for which he had not received
a dispensation. John did not resign. The Pope ordered the
bishops of Elphin and Clonfert and the Archdeacon of Clon-
fert to warn and induce him to do so, and if he did not, to
cite him before the Pope.1 John held on and died in 1275
(L.C. A.U.). He joined in Archbishop MacFlynn's complaint
to the King in 1255.
Maelpatraic Mac hEli Erenagh of Killala was killed in
1257 (L.C.).
i Cat. Papal Registers, Letters, vol. i. p. 395.
THE SUCCESSION OF BISHOPS 323
n. Another John O'Laidigh, a Dominican, succeeded him,
and died in 1280 (L.C. A.U.).
12. Donnchadh O'Flaithbheartaigh succeeded him in 1281
and died in 1305 on his way to Dublin, and was buried in
the Abbey of the Canons of the B.V.M. at Mullingar. " The
most chaste and devout bishop of his time " (L.C.). He
had been Dean of Killala.
13. At an election held on the I3th June 1306 the dean
and some of the chapter elected John Tankard or Tanguard,
and some elected John Heyne a canon. John Heyne
appealed to the Pope that John Tankard was wrongfully
elected. The Archbishop confirmed Tankard. Tankard was
cited to answer before the Pope. The result does not appear.
In 1308 Pope Clement V. appointed William de Indeberge
to the Archdeaconry of Killala, valued at £6, and a canonry
and prebend of Killala, void by the death of William Maci,
with a dispensation to hold another canonry and prebend
of the same church, and the rectories of Moylach and Cul-
cuana in the dioceses of Meath and Killala, value £9, on his
resigning the second canonry and prebend in Killala. Cul-
cuana is most likely Kilcuana, and should be the church of
Skreen.
No more is heard of the see or its bishops until
14. John O'Flaithimh (O'Lahiff) died in 1343 (L.C.).
15. James Bermingham, canon and priest, was elected by
part of the chapter. William O'Dowda, canon and acolyte,
was elected by the others. James accepted the election and
was consecrated by the archbishop. William neither accepted
nor refused but appealed to the Pope. While both were in
attendance on the Pope, James died in 1346, so was actually
bishop for about 2 years. The following appears regarding
this subject in the Calendar of the Papal Registers, Letters,
vol. iii.
" 1345, 10 Kal. Feb. Clement VII.— Mandate to Bishops
of Kilmacduagh and Clonfert and Dean of Elphin to cite
Malachi Archbishop of Tuam to appear by proctor, and
James Bishop of Killala to appear in person before the Pope
by ist October to answer concerning James's appointment.
On John's death the Scrutators, Canons Luke Oraoran,
Stephen Leryed, and Robert Linort, appointed for that pur-
pose, declared that Canon William Idubda was postulated
324 DIOCESE OF KILLALA
by twelve of the canons, and that two other canons, the
said Robert and William Obresseam, who was also proxy
for Robert Bremegham, Peter Lahtruth, and John de Lecto,
elected James de Bretochem. William appealed to the Pope,
but the election of James was confirmed by the Archbishop,
and William, on his way to the Apostolic See, was, at the
instance of James, seized by the king's men, despoiled of
his goods, and imprisoned for many days."
When James died, William, who had been ordained a
deacon, resigned and was appointed by the Pope on the
26 July I346.1 The vicarage of Skreen, voided by his con-
secration, worth 10 marks, was given to Dermot O'Tarpa
in 1348.
16. William O'Dubhda, son of Donnchadh Mor son of
Taichleach, died in 1350 (L.C.). The F.M. call him " a
founder of churches and sanctuaries, a man eminent for his
piety, almsgiving, and humanity."
His son Cosnamhach was killed in battle in 1367 on the
strand of Ballysadare (L.C.).
17. Robert, a native of Waterford, was appointed by the
Pope in June 1351. He was fined 100 marks for not attend-
ing a parliament at Castledermot to which he was summoned
in 1377, but I have seen no record of his having paid the
fine. He had been elected and confirmed and consecrated
as Bishop of Waterford and had acted as bishop for a year.
He was then removed by the Pope, who appointed Bishop
Roger on the ground that the Pope had previously reserved
the provision to him, which was not known to the chapter
and the Archbishop of Cashel.2
18. Thomas Lodowis, a Dominican, was appointed by the
Pope on Qth Aug. 1381. The bull recited that the Pope had
reserved the provision to the see during Robert's lifetime.
It set aside an election of Brian son of Donogh O'Dowda
made in 1380. He must have died or been removed very
soon, as a Robert was bishop in 1383. There is much con-
fusion at this time. Thomas Lodowis is said to have died
in 1388. The following extracts from the Papal Registers
show that a Robert was bishop in 1383, and that he
supported Urban VI., as did the Bishop of Elphin. The
archbishop referred to as supporting Clement VII. is the
1 Theiner, Vet. Man., p. 285. 2 Ibid., p. 296.
THE SUCCESSION OF BISHOPS 325
Gregory O'Mochain who was appointed by Clement VII. and
held the see for a time. There is nothing to show who this
Robert was. The quarrel of the Popes was taken up in
Connaught at this period, but we have few details regarding
it, and Clement did not gain any firm footing in Ireland.
On the 31 Dec. 1381 Clement VII. wrote to the bishops of
Raphoe and Killala and the Archdeacon of Elphin directing
them to support Macharius in possession of the Premon-
stratensian Abbey of Loch Ce, to which he had been ap-
pointed when Abbot of the Holy Trinity at Tuam, because
Macharius doubted whether the adherents of Bartholomew
(Urban VI.) will not hinder the same.
19. Robert is found to be Bishop of Killala in 1383 accord-
ing to the following extract J : —
" Suspension from the administration of his diocese in
spiritualities and temporalities of Robert bishop of Killala,
in the following circumstances : The pestiferous man Bar-
tholomev.', formerly archbishop of Bari, having been by
violence intruded into the apostolic see, and a number of
prelates and other ecclesiastical persons of the parts of Ire-
land having adhered to him, the pope sent Thomas, prior
of St. Coman's, Roscommon, in the diocese of Elphin, with
letters containing the truth of the said intrusion and of his
own election, and the processes against Bartholomew and
his adherents, with power to convoke the clergy and people
of the said parts to see the letters published ; the pope,
moreover, ordered the archbishop of Tuam and his suffragans
to publish them in their cities and dioceses. Afterwards,
when the prior summoned to Roscommon the archbishop
and the bishops of Kilmacduagh and Clonfert, and Robert
bishop of Killala, his suffragans, to see and hear the publica-
tion, the said Robert sent John Macoyreachtayg, archdeacon
of Killala, to oppose and disobey the same, and to assert
Bartholomew to be the true pope. Upon the prior publish-
ing the letters in the presence of the archbishop, the bishops
of Kilmacduagh, Clonfert, and Achonry, and other prelates,
and a multitude of seculars, regulars, and lay persons, who
professed themselves ready to obey, the said John, in the
name of Robert, made opposition (Robert afterwards ratify
* Calendar of Papal Registers^ Papal Letters, vol. iv. 16 Kal. Feb. 1383.
Clement VII. Antipope.
326 DIOCESE OF KILLALA
ing the same), asserting that Bartholomew was the true pope,
naming him Urban VI. and endeavouring to bring the clergy
and people of the same cities and dioceses to his obedience.
When the archbishop admonished Robert, and ordered him
to desist from his rebellion against the pope and the Roman
church, to return to the unity of the catholic church, and to
publish in his diocese the aforesaid processes, he persevered
in his rebellion, and the archbishop declared that he was to
be deposed from the episcopal dignity. Robert, by certain
letters of the said Bartholomew, publicly declared the arch-
bishop excommunicate, tried to induce his subjects not to
obey him, and caused sums of money due to the papal
camera to be assigned to Hugh bishop of Clonmacnoise for
the said Bartholomew. The prior then cited Robert to
appear before Peter cardinal priest of St. Mark's, at Avignon,
to whom, and to Nicholas cardinal priest of St. Mary's in
Trastevere, the pope gave a verbal commission to examine
the case against Robert, and to report to the pope. The
cardinals, inasmuch as Robert had not answered to his cita-
tion, cited him again, and on his again not appearing, pro-
ceeded to the inquisition of the case. On their report, and
after diligent deliberation with them, the pope suspends the
bishop."
On the same date the Pope committed the administration
of his diocese to Cornelius Oconeyl, canon of Tuam.
" Suspension, in like manner as above, of Thomas bishop
of Elphin, who acknowledged (as above) Bartholomew as
the true pope, and, on pretext of his letters, admitted
Malachi Ochynnerigi to the deanery, refused to obey the
monitions and mandates of the archbishop of Tuam (as
above), declared him excommunicate (as above) in the church
of Kingstown (Villa Regum) in the diocese of Tuam, and
caused sums of money to be assigned (as above). Having
been twice cited to appear (as above), he remains con-
tumacious."
Administration of his diocese was committed to John
Omochan, canon of Elphin.
These orders must have been wholly inoperative as
Clement had no effective support.
20. Thomas Orwell or Horewelle, a Franciscan, was
appointed by the Pope on 31 Jan. 1389, in succession to
THE SUCCESSION OF BISHOPS 327
Robert,1 and was translated in 1400. In 1396 he is men-
tioned as suffragan of the Bishop of Norwich. The adherents
of Clement VII. seem to have been made to suffer from
time to time when it was convenient to bring their misdeeds
up against them as appears from the following : —
" 4 Kal. Jan. 1391. Boniface IX. To Dean of Killala.
—To summon John Oceandunan, some time rector of
Cayslanconcubir, said to have been in time of Urban VI. an
adherent of the Antipope Clement VII. and therefore ipso
jure deprived. If fact be so to declare him deprived and to
remove him."
21. Thomas Archdeacon of Killala was appointed by the
Pope. On 14 March 1400 King Henry IV. issued a writ to
Sir Thomas Bourke, his Justice or Governor in Connaught,
to restore to him the temporalities. Sir Thomas was then
Mac William Eighter and the Senior of the two Mac Williams.
He had made a formal submission to Richard II. in 1394,
and so was made Justice, and was a faithful subject of the
King who had no power to meddle with him. Thomas must
have died or been removed soon as Muircheartach Clerech
O'Dowda bishop elect of Killala died in 1403 (L.C.). The
succession now becomes more uncertain, some names appear-
ing in the records, but not enough to make out a succession.
22. O'Haneki, dean of Killala, became bishop in 1416.
23. Conor O'Connell died in 1423.
24. Martin died in 1431.
Manus O'Dowda the Archdeacon died in 1436. Thady
MacCreagh had been appointed by the Pope, and was par-
doned by the King for accepting the appointment, but it is
not clear that he was bishop, and he is not acknowledged in
the succession.
On the 3rd May 1460 Pope Pius II. directed the Bishop
of Killala to allow brothers Nehemiah and Richard of the
Order of Friars Minor of the Observance four places of the
Conventuals in the province of Ireland, in which they should
carry out the Rules of the Observantines.2 At this time
Nehemiah procured the foundation of Moyne by MacWilliam
Eighter. A later letter of the Pope shows that some
of the Conventuals opposed the reformation as might be
expected.
1 Wadding, Ann. Mtn., p. 97. ! Theiner, Vet. MOM., p. 425.
328 DIOCESE OF KILLALA
25. Conor O'Connell was slain in 1461 by Manus O'Dowda's
son.
26. Donogh O'Conor, a Dominican, was appointed in
1461.
27. John, or Donogh, O'Cashin resigned in 1490.
28. Thomas attended a provincial synod at Tuam, and
died in 1497.
29. Thomas Clerk, or Cleragh, Archdeacon of Sodor, was
appointed by the Pope in June 1498 and resigned in 1505.
He was rector of Chedsey in Somersetshire until he died in
1508.
30. Malachi O'Cluan appointed by the Pope in Feb. 1505
was consecrated in 1508.
31. Richard Barrett's proctor attended a provincial council
at Galway in 1523. He was alive in 1536, or another Barrett
was bishop, as we read in the Annals of L. Ce that O'Conor
Sligo and O'Dowda's sons " went against the descendants
of Richard Burk at the instigation of the Bishop Barrett.
And the herds of the country went before them to the termon
of Oiremh ; and the bishop followed upon the termon, and
brought the herds to the army ; and restitution was not given
by them in honour of saint or sanctuary." O'Donnell now
came down on O'Conor Sligo and plundered all Tireragh,
where he halted for 8 or 9 days and sent a detachment of
horsemen over the Moy to help the Burks against Bishop
Barrett. It came over in pursuit of some of O'Dowda's
herds which it captured, and did much damage about the
monastery of Moyne. The Burks and the Barretts then
made peace.
32. Redmond O' Gallagher was bishop in 1549.
33. Owen O' Gallagher was bishop by the Pope's bull in
1574. Up to his time the government had made no attempt
to interfere in these appointments. Killala was beyond their
influence. After Owen O' Gallagher's death begins the double
succession of bishops of the Church of Ireland and of the
Church of Rome.
34. Owen O'Conor, brother of Sir Donnell O'Conor Sligo,
was elected about 1583. He had been a Queen's Exhibitioner
at Oxford. As bishop elect he was a party to the Indenture
of Composition in 1585. He had before been dean of Achonry.
Like his brother, he adhered to the Queen. In Dec. 1591
THE SUCCESSION OF BISHOPS 329
she confirmed his election as a reward for his good conduct.
At his death this bishopric was reported to be worth £20
a year, and Achonry to be of the same value. Owen held
two parsonages worth £20 more. He died in 1607.
35. Miler Magrath Bishop of Achonry was appointed in
1607 and continued to hold Achonry, which has been held
with Killala by the bishops of the Church of Ireland ever
since. He took up his residence at Killala where there was
a castle, which was partly embodied in the Palace which is
now the Poor House. The cathedral churches of Killala and
Achonry were now and had long been in ruins. His appoint-
ment marks the close of the Celtic Period, and the general
and effective introduction of English Law.
CHAPTER XXXII
THE CHAPTER OF KILLALA
THE Dean is mentioned only thrice down to the appointment
of William Flanagan in 1613, namely, Donogh O'Flaherty
who became bishop in 1281, and O'Haneki who became
bishop in 1416, and the son of William Barrett who died in
1442 (F.M.).
The Provost is first mentioned in 1356 when Gregory was
made Bishop of Elphin, who was afterwards Archbishop of
Tuam. In the I7th century the title of Precentor was used
instead of Provost. In 1842 the office was suspended, and
the emoluments were transferred to the Ecclesiastical Com-
missioners. In 1845 Samuel Stock was elected to the dignity
without the emoluments.
Pope Clement's letter of 1345 names 10 canons and says
that the canons were divided 12 for O'Dowda and 2 for Ber-
mingham. As the candidates were canons there were 16 in
all. The dean, provost and archdeacon are not mentioned,
but must be taken to be included among the canons.
In the Visitation of 1633 the following prebends are
named — I Killanley ; 2 Errew ; 3 Ardagh ; 4 Lackan ;
5 Rosserkbeg ; 6 Kilroe ; 7 Killabeg alias Drinahan ; 8 Far-
rinharpie ; 9 Skreen. Afterwards only the first five were
acknowledged.
Drinahan appears in Pope Innocent's epistle as a mensal
church and is a name of Kilfian parish or of one of the
churches in it.
Farrinharpie is the name of the townland Farranyharpy,
in the parish of Skreen. The prebend appears also under
the names of Killuchanpy and Kilneharpy. These names
are in Irish Fearann Ui Tharpaigh and Cill Ui Tharpaigh,
meaning O'Tarpy's Land and O'Tarpy's Church. From the
latter form it may be inferred that there was once a church
330
THE CHAPTER OF KILLALA 331
in Farranyharpy or close to it, other than that of Skreen, in
accordance with the local tradition.
Killanley is the old church near Castleconor. This pre-
bend was but a name, having neither cure nor emolument.
THE EMOLUMENTS OF THE CHAPTER IN 1833
BENEFICE.
Deanery
Archdeaconry
Precentorship
Prebend of Killanley .
„ Errew .
„ Ardagh . .
„ Lackan . .
„ Rosserkbeg.
EMOLUMENTS.
Rectory and Vicarage of Killala. Parts
of the Rectories of Templemurry,
Kilcummin, Kilbride, Lacken, Doon-
feeny, Bally sakeery. Rent of a
small quantity of land near Killala.
£772.
Rectorial Tithes on townland of Ardna-
guire in parishes of Ballysakeery and
Rathreagh. £2, 10$.
Parts of Rectories of Addergoole,
Ardagh, Moygawnagh, Kilfian,
Templemurry, Kilcummin, Kilbride,
Doonfeeny, Kilmoremoy. Rectories
of Kilcommon and Kilmore Erris.
The townland of Kilgobban in
parish of Killala. ^417.
None.
£18. Part of Rectory of Crossmolina.
£16. Part of Rectory of Ardagh.
£4. from land in Lackan.
^3, 25. from 7 acres of land.
No cure was attached to the Archdeaconry or Precentor-
ship or Prebends. I have not been able to ascertain the
names of the prebendal lands of Lackan and Rosserkbeg.
The parishes of Templemurry and Kilcummin and Lackan
with cure were united with the Prebend of Lackan in later
times, and those of Ballysakeery and Rathreagh with that
of Rosserkbeg.
CHAPTER XXXIII
SEE LANDS OF KILLALA
THE Bishop owned the following Glebes which were let to
Incumbents : —
NAME. ACRES. NOTES.
Ballysakeary ... 32 ....
Crossmolina .... 58 ....
Lackan 32 ....
Doonfeeny .... 32 ....
Kilmore Erris ... 64 ....
Kilmoremoy .... 35 ....
Skreen 34 ....
Dromard 24 ....
Kilglass 27 ....
Killanley 37 ....
KILLALA PARISH
(Italics show that it is a townland name in use).
Plots in and near Killala. In and about the town, houses
or fields —
Knockbullogh ... 48 Between Rathowen and Killy-
brone Tls.
Rathlagh 45 ....
Croghan, \ qr. . . . 152 Includes Mullaghorne.
Crosspatrick, % qr. . . 147 About the church.
Rathcash, qr 292
Rathowen, E. and W. . 458 ....
Donaghmore alias Next S. of Killala Town, in-
Taunaghmore, 2 qr. . 113 eluding old church.
Lower, do., and Burns 250 ....
Killogurry, \ qr. . . 96 Killogunra includes Church.
SEE LANDS OF KILLALA
333
NAME.
Belleok, \ qr
Kilmore, cart
Loghlevana, cart.
Culleans, Mills and
Fishery
Cloonslane, qr., alias
Ardnarea
IN KlLMOREMOY
ACRES.
NOTES.
A \ About the church.
954;
-1167,
\ In Tireragh barony.
IN ARDAGH
Ranageara, ^ qr. . .
Ranane, \ qr. ...
Cultore, £ qr. being the
\ qr. of Ardagh .
Knockaniel ....
Cranagh 153
195 About church.
Clooneagh
W. of the church in Gortatogher
and next Clooneagh.
62 Near Ardagh Ch. on N.W.
IN CROSSMOLINA
Errew, 2 qr 497 Whole peninsula.
Cabragh, 2 qr. . . . 246 Between Errew and Inishcoe
adjoining Errew.
Killenebragh, 2 qr. . . 305 Killeen Tl. next them to W.
Shraylow 102
Moygawnagh, 5 qr.
Drinaghan, \ qr.
Ballybeg
IN MOYGAWNAGH
About Moygawnagh old church.
IN KILFIAN
92 Close to E. of Belladowan Bridge
and Village.
IN RATHREAGH
195 Next Farmhill House Tl. in
which is old graveyard.
334
DIOCESE OF KILLALA
IN KILCUMMIN
NAME. ACRES. NOTES.
Parts of Kilcummin 1 , f These are about the old church
and of Ballygarry
Killogarry, 3^ qr.
Kilmoglass and
Lecarrowniemple
Kilbride, 2 qrs.
Doonfeeny, 2 qrs.
ain \ .... (
[660 ]
* • J I
of Kilcummin.
IN LACKAN
174 Killogeary old Ch. therein.
368 Alias Conaghrea which it ad-
joins. These are near Killo-
geary.
IN KILBRIDE
802 Church therein.
IN DOONFEENY
588 About the church.
Ganubra 2090 Conaghra Tl. ? and more.
Killer duff 172 Church therein.
Tarmoncarra .
IN KILMORE ERRIS
653 Church therein.
IN KILCOMMON ERRIS
Kilcommon, % qr. . . 2,397 About the church.
Knocks, £ qr. . . . 11,897
Tarmon, West, \ qr. . 1,645
Duncarton, £ qr. . . 835 N. of Kilcommon Ch.
IN CASTLECONOR
Killanley, pt. of £ qr. . — About Killanly Ch.
IN KILGLASS
Kilglass, i qr. . . . 278 About Kilglass Ch.
IN DROMARD
Dromard, £ qr. . . . — About Dromard Ch.
SEE LANDS OF KILLALA 335
•5741
Farraniharpy adjoins Skreen-
more Tl. These seem to be
together near Skreen Church.
IN SKREEN
NAME. ACRES NOTES.
Carrowmacwilliammore
Farranyharpy, J of \ qr.
Baug, pt. of i qr. . . .
Carrowmacarine, pt.
Carrowlush .... 371 ....
Masreagh, pt \ f Adjoins Skreenmore and beg.
Dunmoran / l I \ On sea-shore E. of Corkagh.
Strafford's Survey gives the possessions thus for the
baronies of Erris and Killala —
In Erris. — Knockmoyntermoyler alias Knockbenecas-
lane, i qr. ; Glasse, i cartron ; Kilmore, i cartron ; Kilbeg,
1 cartron ; Cloneconnellane, i cartron.
In Tirawley. — Killalla, 4 qrs. ; Killroe alias Carron-
cashell, and Knockane alias the Hill, 2 qrs. ; Melick, i qr. ;
Crosspatrick, | qr. ; Bennans, £ qr. ; Killagowrie, \ qr. ;
Donnoghmore, i qr. ; Rathone, 2 qrs. ; Racash, i qr. ;
Ballyharpie, i qr. ; Dunneeny, 2 qrs. ; Killerduffe, i qr. ;
Kilbridy, i qr. ; Killgorilackan, i qr. ; Killmoglasse, \ qr. ;
Ballyleane and Ballingarre, 2 qrs. ; Kilcomyn, i qr. ; Bally-
beg, i qr. ; Drennaghan, \ qr. ; Dromangle, i qr. ; Carrin,
£ qr. ; Arlick, £ qr. ; Gortroan, £ qr. ; Lissney, £ qr. ; Clon-
torrow, | qr. ; Maddy, i qr. ; Furrew, £ qr. ; Cloney, Gortin-
eden and Cranagh, 3 half -quarters ; Gortogher, 3 half-
quarters ; Gortroan, \ qr. ; Killmonemoy, i cartron ; Far-
ranow, i cartron; Laghtavannagh, I cartron; Ardnarea,
2 qrs. ; Derramanine, i cartron.
From the Escheator's account in the Pipe Roll of n Ed I.
it appears that he had receipts from the island called Oleyhan
M'Classy, i.e. Illaunnaglashy, as part of the temporalities
of the See of Killala after the death of Bishop John who
died in A.D. 1280. This property seems to have been lost
by the I7th century.
CHAPTER XXXIV
THE PARISHES
THE earliest list of churches is in the epistle of Pope Inno-
cent III. confirming the diocese to the Bishop of Killala,
Donnchadh O'Becda, which I now give exactly as it has
been printed by Baluzius.1
" Donate Aladen. Episcopo, ej usque successoribus
canonice substituendis in perpetuum.
" In eminenti apostolicae sedis specula, licet immeriti, dis-
ponente Deo, constituti, &c., usque ad verbum vocabulis.
Locum ipsum in quo praefata Aladen. Ecclesia sita est,
cum omnibus pertinentiis suis. Insulam Gedig. Corbali,
Cellarloch, Senhcui, cum insula Don, Glenngallrigi, Glenech,
Cellardub. Achad, Gunnig, Drognechan, Carnamalgaid,
Raith, Coeman, Cassel, Bernach cum suis pertinentiis :
Dumaaiss, Imbertrach, Cillialid, Munirvadoig, Rathneogid et
Rathcerna quae omnia ad mensam episcopalem pertinent.
Drumart, Scrinadanmani, cum pertinentiis suis. Cellbroc-
cada, Cellcorechach, Lassariani cum Vsvavio cum pertinentiis
suis. Cellmagsalgam, Ceslglassi, Cellanli, and Cellnagarvan,
cum pertinentiis suis. Reseric. cum pertinentiis suis. Arrd-
achad Vsvanig cum pertinentiis suis. Innislaig, Dorimen-
niainni cum suis pert. Olenaclassi, Orvidlachacon cum
pertinentiis suis. & Dargavillachon cum pertinentiis suis.
Maggamnach cum pertinentiis suis. Drumnanagel cum suis
pert. Cellerannan, cum pertinentiis suis. Keldariuled. cum
suis pert. Crosrechig. cum suis pert. Innisgluaribrandam
cum pertinentiis suis. Cathir cum pert. Cellchoman cum
pertinentiis suis. Dunfini cum pertinentiis suis. Cellbrigdi,
cum pertinentiis suis. Lecu cum suis pertinentiis. Olechut-
rialacha cum pertinentiis suis. Balischriniutrialacha, Balis-
schrini, Magneglan, Cellcumin cum pertinentiis suis. Cell-
1 Miscellanea, vol. i. p. 342, Mansi's Edition.
336
THE PARISHES
337
goban cum pertinentiis suis. Cellalad cum pertinentiis suis.
Cellcormich cum pertinentiis suis. Cellro cum pertinentiis
suis. Crospatrai cum pertinentiis suis & Domnachinor.
Prohibemus insuper ne interdictos &c. Libertates praeterea
&c. Decernimus ergo &c. Salva in omnibus apostolicae
sedis auctoritate, & Tuamen. Archiepiscopi debita reverentia.
Si qua igitur &c." — Later an III. Kal. Ap. MCXCVIII.
The names have been but little altered by copying and
deciphering from the original Irish forms. The churches are
distributed among the modern parishes in the following list,
so far as they are identified. The names are taken as I
suppose that they should run, ignoring Baluzius's commas,
and grouping the strokes of m, n, u, v, i, as seems best.
List of the churches named in Pope Innocent's Letter
distributed according to the modern parishes ; m. stands for
mensal. Those not identified are by themselves at the end —
PARISH.
Killala .
Kilmore Erris
Kilcommon
CHURCH.
Killala Cathedral, m.
Carnamalgaid (x) m.
Imbertrach (2) m. .
Cellalad, m. . . .
Cellgoban . . .
Cellcormich (8) . .
Cellro
Crospatrai . . .
Domnachmor . .
Insula Gedig (4) m.
Corbali (5) m. . .
Cellarloch (6) m. .
Keldarviled . . .
Crosrechig (6) . .
Innisgluaribrandain
Cathir(7) . . .
Senhcui (8) cum
Insula Dori, m.
Cellchoman . . .
IDENTIFICATION.
The Cathedral Church.
Killforcland in Killy-
brone Tl.
Rinnaun C. in Ross TL
Killala, the parish church.
Kilgobban in Kilgobban
Tl.
Kilcormick near Killala.
Kilroe near Killala.
Crosspatrick near Killala.
In Tawnaghmore Tl.
Ch. on Inishkea.
Kilmore ?
Ch. in G. to E. of Cross
Lake ? in Cross Tl.
Kildarvila in Fallmore Tl.
Cross Abbey.
St. Brandan's on Inis-
glora.
Kilbeg in Termon.
Glencoe, S.E.
Kilcommon.
Kilcommon.
part of
338
DIOCESE OF KILLALA
PARISH.
Doonfeeny . •
Kilbride . .
Kilfian . .
Lackan . .
Kilcummin .
Templemurry
Ballysakeery.
Ardagh . .
Crossmolina . -
Moygawnagh
Addergoole .
Kilbelf ad . . -
CHURCH.
IDENTIFICATION.
Glenngallrigi, m. . . G. in Glencalry Tl.
Glenech, m Glenagh Tl. next Glen-
calry.
Cellardub, m. . . . Killarduff.
Dunfini Doonfeeny Ch.
. . G. at Ballycastle.
Cassel (9) m.
Bernach (9) m. .
Cellbrigdi . . ,
Drognechan (10) m.
Ch. on Doonbristia, or on
Downpatrick Head.
Kilbride.
Drinaghan Kilfian
parish.
Lisheen in Cairo wcuil-
leen TL
G. in -Cam Tl. Cilia -
chaidh.
Lecu Killogeary.
Dumaaiss (n) m. .
Achad Gunig (12) m.
Cellcumin .... Kilcummin.
Olechutrialacha (13)
Balischriniutrialacha (ls)
Magneglan (14) .
. Templemurry in Rath-
fran TL
Reseric Rosserk Ch. near Abbey.
Arrdachad Usuanig . Ardagh Ch.
Rathneogid (15) m.
Oruidlachachon (16)
Maggamnach
Drumnanagel
Dargavillachon (17)
CiUialid (18) m. . .
Innislaig (19) . . .
Olenaclassi .
Northern part of Cross-
molina, Ballybrinoge Tl.
Errew old Ch. near the
Abbey.
Moygawnagh C. . .
Killeennashask, adjoining
Drumnanagel TL
Addergoole Ch.
Cloghans Ch. i.e. Kil-
belfad.
Ch. on Inishlee.
Illaunnaglashy Ch.
I
THE PARISHES
339
PARISH.
Ballynahaglish-
CHURCH.
Muniruadoig (20) m.
Dorimeumainin (21)
Not identified (22)—
Raith Coeman, m.
Rathcerna, m.
Cellerannan.
IDENTIFICATION.
Ballynahaglish Ch.
G. in Toneybaun TL
S. of Mount Falcon
Demesne.
In Tireragh (23)—
Drumart . .
. . Dromard Ch.
Scrinadamnani .
. Skreen Ch.
Cellbroccada
. . Easky Ch.
Cellcorechach .
Lassariani cum .
)Kilcorkagh in
i_ i™*
Usuanio . . .
boy P.
Cellmagsalgam .
. . Kilmacshalgan.
Ceslglassi . .
. . Kilglass.
Cellanli .
Killanly.
Cellnagarvan
. . Ardnarea Ch.
Temple-
IDENTIFICATION OF CHURCHES
(J) Carnamalgaid. — The ancient church in Killybrone Town-
land is near to Carnamalgaid, now called Mullaghorne, and
therefore may be taken to be the place meant. It is the Cill
Foreland.1
(2) Imbertrach. — Im is an intensitive particle,2 and as applied
here to Bertrach, a low sandy island or oyster bed, describes
the situation of Rinnaun Church which is now in the sands of
the shore.
(3) Cellcormich. — It was at Tobair Cormaic, a well £ mile
from Killala on road to Crosspatrick.8
(4) Insula Gedig. — There are old churches on both North and
South Inishkea.
1 O'Donovan, O.S.L.M., i. p. 40. H.F., p. 464. O'Conor, O.S.L.M.,
i. 237.
2 Douglas Hyde, Irish Texts Society, vol. i. Glossary.
3 O'Conor, O.S.L.M., ii. p. 227.
340 DIOCESE OF KILLALA
(5) Corbali. — It is probably the country about Corclogh which
is near Kilmore. But there are graveyards of Termoncarragh and
another close by. We may take Corbali for the northern part,
Cathir and Cross and Cellarloch as the middle, and Kildarvila
as the south of the mullet.
(6) Cellarloch, Crosrechig. — Cellarloch meaning Church on
Lake should be a church in the graveyard near Cross Abbey
and Lake, and Crossrechig should be Cross Abbey. But Cellar-
loch might be meant for Cellairlech, meaning Church of Slaughter,
and as such take its name from Leacht Air lorruis, £ mile S.W.
of Binghamstown, in the same situation.
(7) Cathir. — A little hill S. of Bingham's Castle is called Caher.1
As a territorial name it would include Kilbeg in Termon XL
(8) Senhcui. — Cell sen Chuaich. Sheneghy was in use in
1 6th century. Glencoaghe of i6th century is still used as Glenco,
the S.E. part of Kilcommon parish. Insula Dori seems to be
also a place name. It may be Kilteany, Cill Teine, an old
church named Killeany in the maps a little west of Bangor.2
So these territories would be the middle of Kilcommon
parish.
(9) Cassel, Bernach. — I take Cassel to be the graveyard at
Baile an Caisil, and Bernach to be the " Gapped " church on
Downpatrick Head. But it may be that we should read Caisil
Bernach or Gapped Cashel, which would apply to the old church
on the rock at Downpatrick Head when the sea began to en-
croach on it. The church of this parish of Bernach at this
time was probably the old church on the headland.
(10) Drognechan, Draighneachan. — The name remains in
Drinaghan Tl. This means the parish of Kilfian in which are
two old churches. Kilfian is in Sheeaghanbaun Tl. It is
Cill Fhiadhain, pronounced as is Cill Aodhain.3 O'Donovan
spells it Cill Phian. Cill Aodhain is a denomination of land.4
I take it that there were two old churches, one Kilfian, the
other Killedan which is the name given to this parish in the
Taxation of 1306.
(n) Dumaaiss, Duma easa. — The position in the list suggests
a church near Cassel, Bernach, and Imbertrach, which suits a
church in the Lisheen near Carrickanass, Carraiganeasa. Duma
easa would be Mound of the Waterfall.
(12) Achad Gunig. — I take these two words together. If
Gunig is a separate church I cannot guess at it. Cill Achaidh
is an ancient territorial name 5 and may be taken as one
of the churches of the old burying grounds in Carn TL,
1 O.S.L.M., i. p. 251. 2 Ibid., i. p. 161.
* O'Conor, O.S.L.M., i. p. 275.
* H.F., pp. 456, 486. 5 H.F., p. 456.
THE PARISHES 341
called " Carnekilly-haghy " in Straff ord's Survey.1 Or it is
Cill Achaidh Duibh as suggested before, and " Gunig " is
another church ; in that case the graveyard in Rathoonagh Tl.
in Kilbride P. may be the place, and Gunig may be the latter
part of Rathoonagh, but this is not very likely.
(13) Olechutrialacha, Balischriniutrialacha. — I omit the Bali-
schrini of the list supposing it to be an accidental repetition.
For Olech read Oled. I then read these as Uluid of OTriallacha
and Shrine of OTriallacha (see p. 311). The Uluid was a tomb.
There is an old graveyard in the detached part of Kilcummin
parish which includes Rathlacken, but there is no reason for
identifying it with either of these.
(14) Magneglan. — " Acknoyke, alias Nanglanye, alias Nae-
glantymore," was a parcel of land belonging to and apparently
near Rathfran Abbey. Mag na gleann, Plain of the Glens,
would be Templemurry parish.2
(15) Rathneogid. — I find a quarter of land called formerly
Baile an Bhruithneoguigh in the i6th century.3 Allowing for
corruption by aspiration which renders silent final g equivalent
to d it comes near this curious looking word. Ballybrinoge in
Crossmolina parish seems to be the modern form.
(16) Oruidlachachon. — If the above is not correct this may
represent the whole parish of Crossmolina.
(17) Dargavillachon, Eadargabhlachon. — Between Forks of
Cu. Possibly it should have been Dargavillachachon, Adder-
goole of Lough Con.
(18) Cillialid. — Kilbelfad appears in Irish as Cillbeilfhada,
Cillbelad, Cillealad (H.F.).
(19) Innislaig. — This shows the name to have been Inislaogh.
There was formerly a burying ground on it.4
(20) Muniruadoig. — Muine Ruadhoig, or Ruadhog's Shrubbery.
The Church of Baile na hEaglais is Eaglais Ruac.6 Colgan
called it Ecclasroog in his " Life of St. Fechin of Fore." This is
what Ruadog or Ruadoc would come to by aspiration of the d.
(21) Dorimeumainin. — Druim Ua Mainin, Ridge of the
O'Mainins. The name of Mainin remains in Lough Derry-
mannin. I take the first part as Droma because the Taxation
gives Keldroma as the name of this parish. This church and
Muniruadoig would be the southern and northern parts of Bally-
nahaglish. In the Taxation it gives the parish a name.
(22) I cannot make out anything for these churches. The
1 O.S.L.M., i. 265.
8 Morrin, Cal. Pat. and Close Rolls, Ireland, ii. p. 364.
» H.F., p. 457-
4 O.S.L.M., i. 27.
5 H.F. and O.S.L.M., i. 20.
342
first two are called after forts. The third might be a corruption
of Cill Adamnain, and in that case might be the Temple Eunan
in Ballycroy, but there is no reason for taking it so except that
it comes next before Crosrechig. Glen Nephin and Glenhest
may come under Addergoole as at present.
No church has been identified in the parishes of Kilmoremoy
and Rathreagh ; so probably Raith Coeman and Rathcerna
should be found in them.
(23) The Tireragh parishes are those of the Taxation except
that two names are different. There can be no doubt about
the identity of the churches.
THE ECCLESIASTICAL TAXATION
In this diocese no distinction is made between the shares
of bishop, rector, and vicar. It is not stated whether the
bishop's fourth is included in his taxation or not. I omit
the tenth. The assessment is in Marks, unless noted as in
shillings.
Diocese of Killala
Taxation of all the churches of the city and diocese of
Killala made by jurors on Saturday next after the feast
of St. Bartholomew, 1306 [i.e. 27 Aug.].
IDENTIFICATION.
Killala.
Ballysakeery C.
Rosserk C.
Kilmoremoy C.P.
Rathfran C. Temple-
murry P.
Kilcummin C.P.
Lackan P.
Doonfeeny C.P.
Erris barony.
Crossmolina C.P.
Moygawnagh C.P.
Rathreagh C.P.
Ardagh C.P.
NAME OF CHURCH.
VALUE.
Marks.
i Taxation of Spirituali-
ties of the bishop .
40
2 Communia of the same
5
3 Vicarage of the same
Church
2OS.
4 Church of Esker . .
8
5 „ Rosserc . .
2
6 „ Kilmormoy .
3
7 „ Rathberun .
3
8 „ Kilcomyn
2
9 „ Lecor . .
3
[Q „ Dunfine . .
4
ti „ Uirus . .
6
2 ,, Crosmolyne .
8
13 » Mougauenath
i
14 „ Rathreth
2
15 „ Arddach
3
THE PARISHES
343
NAME OF CHURCH.
VALUE.
Marks.
1 6 Church of Kildeleth .
3
17 „ Killethan
4
1 8 „ Keldroma .
3
19 „ Crith . . .
2
20 „ Adyrgowil .
2OS.
21 „ Bothmoryn "\
22 , and Glyn /
2
23 „ Drumard
2
24 ^, Skrine . .
4
25 „ Corkachand^j
(
26 Kilmacshal- V
4* |
gan . . J
I
27 „ Imelachiskel
5
28 „ Killoglass .
I DOS.
29 ,, Castroconhor
8
30 „ Ardnereth .
4
Sum of the Taxation .
£96 o o
The Tenth ....
9 12 o
IDENTIFICATION.
Kilbelfad C.P.
Killedan C. Kilfian P.
Toneybaun C. ? Bally-
nahaglish P.
Crott. Kilbride P.
Addergoole C.
Glen Nephin.
Dromard C.P.
Skreen C.P.
Kilcorkagh C. Temple-
boy P.
Kilmacshalgan C.P.
Easky C.P.
Kilglass C.P.
Killanley C. Castle-
conor P.
Ardnarea C.P.
The Dean, Archdeacon, and Provost are ignored. So
far as their revenues were a share of income of churches
they are taxed under the churches. It is not clear what
is covered by the bishop's communia. The churches or
parishes are generally identified with certainty. But in
some cases it is not certain what church in a parish is meant,
as in the case of Lackan, which is probably Killogeary.
18. Keldroma is likely to be the survival of the name
of the parish, as the other church at Ballynahaglish appears
to have been the principal.
19. The name of the townland Crott seems to have been
used for the whole parish, but Kilbride is probably the
church meant.
21, 22. Bothmoryn and Glyn. Glyn is surely Glen
Nephin, and a church where Bofeenaun Abbey is would do
for it. Bothmoryn might be the graveyard called Annagh-
boggan near L. Beltra where the river of Newport runs out
of the lake. It must have been a church in use in the
I3th century, as Hosty Merrick was buried there according
to tradition. He was killed in 1272 (L.C.).
CHAPTER XXXV
VALOR BENEFICIORUM
THIS was made at Michaelmas of the 28th year of Queen
Elizabeth, 1585, for levying the First Fruits —
LIVING.
£ *. d.
NOTES
Bishopric of Killala . .
23 6 8
Deanery of Killala . . .
400
Archdeaconry of Killala .
i 13 4
Provostship of Killala . .
600
Rectory of Skryne . . .
500
Vicarage of Skryne . . .
200
Rectory of Castleconner .
400
Vicarage of Castleconner
„ Bellasegrye .
16 8
„ Bellanaglys .
13 4
„ Kilbelada
13 4
„ Ardagh . .
6 8
„ Crosmolyn
13 4
„ Killyan . .
10 o
Kilfian.
„ Karogh . .
6 8
Rathreagh.
„ Ardreguyle .
Addergoole.
„ Dunyne . .
6 8
Doonfeeny.
„ Kilbryde . .
IO O
„ Lekan .
13 4
„ Rafrannor
13 4
Rathfran or
Temple-
murry.
„ Kilcomyne
IO O
„ Imlaghishell .
13 4
Easky P.
„ Killglasse
I O O
„ Dromard . .
6 8
„ KiU m'Sal-
3 4
laghan . .
„ Cortagh . .
3 4
Corkagh, i.e.
Temple-
boy P.
Rectory of Tyrawley . .
400
Kilmoremoy
and Ard-
narea.
344
VALOR BENEFICIORUM
345
The following are added from an Inquisition of 2Qth Oct.
1626.
LIVING.
Prebend of Kilneharpy .
„ Killanley . .
Vicarage of Castleconner .
„ Easkagh . .
£ s. d.
4
I
200
200
NOTES.
This is probably really
the rectory as the
Vicarage was taxed as
Imlaghishell.
Addergoole's Taxation is omitted in original like the
Vicarage of Castleconor.
CHAPTER XXXVI
OLD CHURCHES AND GRAVEYARDS
KILMORE ERRIS PARISH
O.S. NAME OR PLACE. TOWNLAND.
9 Kilmore Tonamace.
G. close to S. of it . Ardowan.
Termoncarragh C. . . Termoncarragh.
10 G. near Moyrahan . . . Moyrahan ? not marked in
6 in. map.
1 6 Inishglora Churches . . . Inishglora.
Cross Abbey and G. . . . Cross.
G., E. of Cross Abbey . . Cross.
23 St. ColumbkiUe's C. . . . North Inishkea.
24 Kilbeg, north of Termon . Termon.
33 Kildarvila Falmore.
Ch. on S. Inishkea . . . South Inishkea, near St. Dar-
vila's Well.
Killeen in Devillaun . . . Devillaun. In it a stone with
Greek Cross and Crucifixion.
KILCOMMON PARISH
4 Kilgalligan Kilgalligan.
10 G. on shore W. of Knock-
nalower Inver.
1 1 Kilcommon Kilcommon.
17 G. children, Claggan
Island Shrah.
G. Glencastle, or Dundon-
nell Glencastle.
C. on Corraun Point . . . Bunawillin.
26 Kilteany Kilteany.
C. G Cloontakilla,
34 Doona C Fahy.
Temple Eunna .... Bunmore.
346
OLD CHURCHES AND GRAVEYARDS 347
O.S. NAME OR PLACE. TOWNLAND.
44 G. on Island. Kildun . . Kildun. Flag with Cross at it.
Kilfintan Kildun. In peninsula N. of
Teach Fiontainne.
St. Fintan's House, G.,
Well Claggan.
DOONFEENY PARISH
6 Doonfeeny C Doonfeeny.
7 G. close to N.E. of Bally-
castle Carrownisky.
2 Killerduff Killerdufi.
G Glencalry.
KILBRIDE PARISH
7 Kilbride Kilbride.
Doonbristia C Knockan.
Patrick's C. and Well . . Knockan.
Templenagalliaghdoo . . Killeen.
Lisheen, S. of Kilbride . . Carrowmore.
4 G., W. of Heathfield House Rathoonagh.
KILCUMMIN PARISH
7 G. at Rathlackan .... Rathlackan.
8 Kilcummin . . . . . Ballinlena. Kilcummin TL in-
cludes village and Kilcummin
Head.
LACKAN PARISH
14 Killogeary Killogeary.
Lisheen, W. of Billoos . . Carrowcuillien.
2 Gs Cam. A cross in one.
TEMPLEMURRY PARISH
1 5 Templemurry .... Rathfran.
KILLALA PARISH
15 Rinnaun C Ross.
Killybrone Killybrone.
Kilgobban Kilgobban
348 DIOCESE OF KILLALA
O.S. NAME OR PLACE. TOWNLAND.
21 Killogunra Killogunra.
22 Killala and Round Tower . Killala Town.
Kilroe Kilroe.
Kilcormick Killala.
Crosspatrick Crosspatrick.
Donaghmore Tawnaghmore alias Donough-
more.
RATHREAGH PARISH
2 1 Rathreagh C Rathreagh.
G. at Farmhill House Farmhill House.
KILFIAN PARISH
14 Kilkeerglen Keerglen.
21 Kilfian Sheeaghanbaun.
Drynaghan Church . . . Raheskin.
MOYGAWNAGH PARISH
21 Killeennashask .... Killeennashask.
29 Moygawnagh Knockaculleen.
BALLYSAKEERY PARISH
22 Ballysakeery C Ballysakeery.
RosserkC Rosserk.
CROSSMOLINA PARISH
29 Crossmolina C Crossmolina.
38 Kildavaroge, at Inishcoe . Kildavaroge.
Kilmurry, at Rakestreet . Kilmurrymore.
ErrewC Errew.
C. at Tober Tigernan . . Killeen.
46 G Keenagh.
ARDAGH PARISH
Ardagh C Ardagh.
C. near Cranagh .... Gortatogher.
OLD CHURCHES AND GRAVEYARDS 349
KlLMOREMOY PARISH
O.S. NAME OR PLACE. TOWNLAND.
jcTKilmoremoy Kilmoremoy.
League C Kilmoremoy.
29 (Sligo Co.) Ardnarea C. . . Ardnarea.
BALLYNAHAGLISH PARISH
39 Bally nahaglish C. . . . Bally nahaglish.
G., S. of Mount Falcon . . Tonybaun.
KlLBELFAD PARISH
39 Kilbelfad, Temple an
i Cloghan Glebe.
48 Kilcormack Carrowgarve.
Killeencormack .... Rinnakilleen.
Illaunaglashy C Illaunaglashy.
ADDERGOOLE PARISH
47 AddergooleC Knockmaria.
Bowfinan Abbey .... Bowfinan.
68 Annaghboggan G. . . . Ballyteige.
CASTLECONOR PARISH
SLIGO
22 G., N. of Castletown . . Castletown.
Killanley Killanley.
KILGLASS PARISH
1 6 Kilglass Kilglass.
EnniscroneC Carrowhubbock.
EASKY PARISH
ii Easky C Shannon Park.
G. and St. Ernan's Well . . Alternan Park.
Black Graveyard .... Killeenduff.
350 DIOCESE OF KILLALA
KlLMACSHALGAN PARISH
O.S. NAME OR PLACE. TOWNLAND.
12 Kilmacshalgan .... Dromore.
TEMPLEBOY PARISH
12 Templeboy Corcoran's Acres, next Corkagh-
more.
1 8 Grangemore C Ardgawna, next Grangemore.
SKREEN PARISH
19 Skreen C Skreenmore.
DROMARD PARISH
19 Dromard C. .... Dromard.
CHAPTER XXXVII
DISTRIBUTION OF RECTORIES IN THE l6TH CENTURY
THE earliest Visitation is that of 1615. I have not been
able to get information regarding holding of rectories by
abbeys, except so far as is noted, and the prebendal portions.
This list shows that in such parishes as are marked as held
by laymen as rectors some church at least was held by an
abbey. I omit the prebendal tenures giving only the list
from the Visitation, in which I do not follow the order of
the list, but take first the parishes of Tirawley and Erris
together.
Ballysakeery Sir Theo. Dillon.
Ballynahaglish Capt. William Maie.
Kilbelfad
Ardagh „ »
Crossmolina Capt. William Maie (abbey of
Ballybeg near Buttevant).
Addergoole . . . . . . . Capt. William Maie.
Rathreagh ....... „ „
Kilfian Precentor.
Kilbride Sir T. Dillon.
Doonfeeny ....... „
Lacken ........ »
Rathfran »
Kilcummin »»
Tirawley (Kilmoremoy) . . Cong Abbey.
Skreen Henry Peirse.
Castleconor »»
Easky • »»
Kilglass »>
Dromard Henry Peirse (Vicarage by abbey
of Aughros).
Kilmacshalgan Erowen M'Swinde.
Corkagh alias Templeboy . . „
351
352 DIOCESE OF KILLALA
This Visitation omits Killala held by the Dean, Kil-
common and Kilmore Erris held by the Precentor, and
Moygawnagh held partly by the Precentor. Ardnarea is
included in Tirawley. Skreen and Castleconor from other
sources appear to have been held unlawfully.
DIOCESE OF ACHONRY
CHAPTER XXXVIII
INTRODUCTION OF CHRISTIANITY
ST. PATRICK certainly founded a church at Drummae when
he went by the way of the Gregry, which I take to be the
church on the shore of Lough Gara on a peninsula in the
townland of Annagh with Patrick's Well beside it. The
way of the Gregry seems to be the road from Assylin to
Ballaghaderreen which passes through the small piece of
territory of the Gregry which is east of Lough Gara. Kil-
laraght is by the side of the road. Araght received the
veil from Patrick and we may therefore take her church
to have been founded in his time. Certainly she was
one of his missionaries. The families of the Gregry in that
country would naturally be somewhat influenced by their
neighbours the sons of Ere, with whom they must have
had more intercourse socially than with the families across
the lake and river.
Though there is no evidence that Christianity spread
much from this centre, Araght is the first of all the saints
of the diocese in point of time.
Her parentage is uncertain. It is commonly supposed
that she was of the Ulster race of Ir. As the Gregry in
later times claimed a descent from Fergus MacRoigh we
may suppose in absence of evidence to the contrary that
she was of the local branch. Dr. O'Rorke has given reasons
for connecting her with Tireragh ; but he has not noticed
that the Gregry extended to Ballysadare in St. Patrick's
time. Araght has acquired great fame in Coolavin and
Leyny and North Costello, yet very little is known about
353 Z
354 DIOCESE OF ACHONRY
her. The late and uncertain accounts of her are not to be
preferred to the statement in Tirechan's Notes that she
was St. Patrick's contemporary. Probably she was much
younger and met him during his last tour in this country.
It is said that she wished to settle near her brother Conall
who had a church at Drum south of Boyle, and that he
persuaded her to go elsewhere, and so she settled at Kil-
laraght where St. Patrick founded her church. Tirechan
does not say that he founded it, but the fact is not im-
probable. A paten and a chalice were in Killaraght in
Tirechan's time which should have been hers ; perhaps, as
is said in the Tripartite Life, St. Patrick gave them. She
founded a hospital for travellers which survived until the
dissolution of the monasteries. The Cross of Attracta
formerly had great fame as a relic. The O'Mochains, de-
scendants of King Dathi, were its hereditary keepers. The
extensive foundations of buildings and enclosures show
that a great establishment or village grew up near the church
which has quite disappeared.
Araght must have been a woman of unusual force of
character to make so great an impression in such times.
St. Patrick founded churches about Castlemore and Letter
which at this time were possessed by the Ciarraige Airtech,
but none of the clergy of those churches acquired any very
great reputation.
From this time till the 6th century nothing is known
of the history of the diocese. Then St. Cormac's Life which
has been given under Killala shows that the families called
Clann Cein were in the ascendant and that the Gregry had
become insignificant, at least in history. It seems from the
terms used in the Life that Dermot King of the Luighne
brought in Cormac to start the church among his people,
and that St. Aodhan who was working in a neighbouring
territory in the kingdom had sufficient influence to procure
Cormac's withdrawal. Cormac left no mark in Leyny, but
his Life shows us that Aodhan was working before his arrival.
It is not clear where Cormac wanted to settle, but we may
take it to have been in the barony of Leyny. Cloonoghil
in Corran and Monasteredan in Kilcolman parish may safely
be attributed to this Aodhan.
Aodhan MacColmain O'Fiachrach therefore was working
INTRODUCTION OF CHRISTIANITY 355
here in the first half of the 6th century, as his death is
recorded in 562 by Tigernach and the Annals of Clonmacnoise.
Contemporary with him was Bishop Lugaid, under whom
St. Kevin studied and by whom he was ordained about the
year 560. Dr. O'Rorke has identified the Church of Toomour
as Cill Easpuig Luidhigh.1
ST. NATHI
It is said that St. Finan of Clonard established him as
a priest in a new church in a place called Acad Caoin and
Acad Conaire, now Achonry. St. Finan died in 549. Nathi
therefore flourished in the latter half of the 6th century if
this be the fact. Such a period agrees with his pedigree.
It is said that St. Fechin of Fore studied under him. This
is not impossible if Nathi lived to great age and if Fechin
did so too, but it is more probable that Fechin was educated
in Nathi's school under Nathi's successor. He left a great
reputation for holiness, and founded a school of considerable
standing which survived him. His monastery developed the
Bishop of the Luighne or Bishop of Achonry. The con-
siderable possessions of land of the see near Achonry may
be assumed to have been mainly the endowment of the abbey.
He is commonly called Cruimther Nathi, Priest Nathi.
Nathi is the same name as Dathi.
He is the first of whom it can be said with certainty
that he worked among the Luighne and founded a church.
Yet it is likely on the whole that St. Aodhan educated him
and started the work in that part of the country after
Cormac's retirement, as it is evident that King Dermot and
his family then accepted Christianity. Of that time we
know no more.
His cousin St. Mobi should be of much the same period.
He certainly is not the Mobi of Glasnevin who died in 545,
who is much too early. This may be the Mobi who left his
name to Kilmovee.
Luathrenn daughter of Failbe is said to be of the same
race, that of Dermot and Niall. She has left her name to
Killoran, and that is all that is known of her.
Taking all the traditions together we may believe that a
1 Hist. Sligo, ii. pp. 209, 210.
356 DIOCESE OF ACHONRY
small body of clergy of the race of Finnbarr organised the
churches round about Achonry, those of the barony of
Leyny.
St. Columba visited Connaught before he went to Scot-
land. To this period I think should be assigned the founda-
tion of certain churches attributed to him. It is significant
that the churches ascribed to him and to his known con-
temporaries who were older or of at least equal age with
him in this neighbourhood are all in countries on the borders
of the kingdom of the Luighne or just within the borders. He
placed Dachonna at Assylin, Finnbarr at Drumcolumb in
Tirenill, Enna son of Nuadan at Emlaghfad on the western
side of Tulachsegra. It is quite possible that Emlaghfad
and Toomour were at this time under the Ui Ailello, or under
the Calry of Corran.
The above churches and Kilmore in Ballintubber North
and Drumcliff and the church of Cloghmore in Killannin
parish are the only churches in Connaught that owe their
origin to St. Columba, according to Dr. Reeves. But many
more were founded by Columban monks.
None of the saints of the Luighne and Gailenga are in
the list of those who met St. Columba at Ballysadare after
the Convention of Drumcetta. But the list is a very late
and quite inaccurate compilation including men who lived
and died before it, and long after it.
Regarding the part of the diocese which lies in the baronies
of Costello and Gallen we have no further information for
this period.
ST. FECHIN OF FORE
He was born at Bile, called after him Bile Fechin. The
exact spot is said to be the Leaba Fechin in the townland
of Billa near Ballysadare ; it is a large stone bearing marks
as of hands, with another large stone near it ; a church
once stood over them of which only foundations remain.1
He was of the race of the Luighne of Connaught or of
Meath according to his pedigrees. From the place of his
birth and from his original field of work it may be taken
that he certainly was of the Connaught Luighne.
1 O'Rorke, Ballysadare and Kilvarnet, p. 427.
INTRODUCTION OF CHRISTIANITY 357
If he was educated under St. Nathi it was in early youth.
His education was finished under St. Fintan Maeldubh who
was Abbot of Cloonenagh from 603 to 626. After he was
ordained a priest he returned to his native place and worked
for some time in the kingdom of the Luighne. The Abbey
of Ballysadare was certainly founded by him and became a
place of very great importance, and survived as an abbey
when St. Nathi's Abbey at Achonry was transformed into
a Bishop and Chapter. Of his work but little is known in
detail. The churches of Billa, Kilnemanagh near Billa,
Drumrat, Kilgarvan and Ecclasroog are attributed to him.
The Church of Billa is evidently a memorial of a later period
when his fame was established and his memory was revered.
The other churches may well have been founded by him.
Kilgarvan is called Kilnagarvan in the Taxation, which
would mean the O'Garvans' Church. Locally its foundation
is attributed to Ruan,1 but this would mean that Ruan was
the first priest in charge.
He seems to have been but a short time in Luighne.
The field was already fairly well occupied by workers and
he required more room for his energy. So he settled in
Omey Island, and thence converted the people of Ballyna-
hinch, and in course of time rose to great eminence.
From this time, the early part of the 7th century, until
the establishment of diocesan episcopacy, there are but few
references to church affairs. The whole country must have
been Christianised, though we have no accounts of the mis-
sionaries of the south and south-west parts.
I find the following references in the Annals.
A.U. 799. Flaithgel, son of Taichlech, abbot of Drumratha,
died.
1017. Cormac Ua Mailmidhe, Erenagh of Drumratha, died.
C.S. 930. The Crozier of Ciaran was drowned in Loch Teched,
and twelve men along with it ; but it was
found immediately.
1006. (Properly 1008). Muiredhach, a sage bishop,
brother's son of Ainmire Bocht, was suffo-
cated in a cave, in Gailenga of Corann, by
Ua Ruairc.
1 O.S.L.M., i. p. 108.
358 DIOCESE OF ACHONRY
C.S. 1083. The battle of Conachail, i.e. in Corann, was fought
by Ruaidhri Ua Conchobhair ; and Cormac Ua
Cillin, chief vice-abbot of the Sil-Muiredhaigh,
having the staff of Ciaran in his hand, stood in
front of the battle, whilst it was fought between
the Connachtmen and the Conmaicne ; and
the Conmaicne were defeated ; . . . Ruaidhri
Ua Conchobhair was the victor.
The Conmaicne were those of Moyrein and Annaly under
Ua Ruairc. Dr. O'Rorke identifies this place with Cunghill
near Templehouse on the way to Tubbercurry. Cormac Ua
Cillin was comarb of Ciaran and of Coman.
CHAPTER XXXIX
FORMATION AND EXTENT OF DIOCESE
THE diocese comprises almost exactly the country which was
in the I2th century under the Clann Cein, who were in two
branches, Luighne and Gailenga ; the former were the O' Haras
and their relatives, the latter the O'Garas and their relatives.
The small parish of Annagh which was in Elphin diocese and
is in the barony of Tirerrill has been added to the parish of
Ballysadare. The parishes of Toomore, Attymas, and Kil-
garvan, which seem to have been always ecclesiastically
connected with the churches of the Luighne and Gailenga,
were then in the kingdom of O'Dowda, but when territorial
episcopacy came in followed their ecclesiastical and not their
political relationship. It is not quite clear where the boun-
dary between the Gailenga and Cera ran, but I think that
the detached part of Kildacommoge about Temple na Lickin
was in Gailenga. Except for a small extension in the S.E.
over Toomour, and over Castlemore and Kilcolman, the limits
of the territory appear to have suffered no change since the
5th century, for the three parishes of Toomore, Attymas, and
Kilgarvan were occupied by the Calry.
In the first half of the I2th century the O'Garas were the
chief kings, having for their proper inheritance the sub-
kingdom of Sliabh Lugha or Gaileanga, comprising the
barony of Costello north of the parishes of Aghamore and
Knock, and the barony of Gallen and the barony of Coolavin,
then called Gregry. The O' Haras had the baronies of Leyny
and Corran as their proper inheritance. They became chief
kings after the O'Garas in the middle of the I2th, century,
and maintained their supremacy until the conquest and
partition of Connaught by Richard de Burgo in 1338.
Then Richard gave the barony of Leyny in fee to Maurice
Fitzgerald of Offaly, who got Carbury from Hugh de Lacy,
Earl of Ulster, who had a grant from Richard. It was then
359
360 DIOCESE OF ACHONRY
in the possession of the descendants of Torlough Mor O'Conor
called Clann Andrias. Maurice acquired Corran from Richard
de Burgo's grantee. Maurice built castles at Sligo and
Banada. According to the Historia et Genealogia Familia de
Burgo the Abbey of Banada was built on the seven towers of
that castle. Though a town grew up about Sligo Castle and
it became a port of trade there was no colonisation of Carbury,
which remained in the possession of the Clann Andrias from
whom came O'Conor Sligo. Nor was Leyny colonised ; the
O'Haras were left in possession, kept under some control by
the castle of Banada. Corran was in the same position.
Sir Walter de Burgh built a castle at Ath Angaile, a site not
now known, and his son Richard built the great castle of
Ballymote when the manor of Sligo was transferred to him
by John FitzThomas FitzGerald, but there was no colonisa-
tion.
Jordan de Exeter got the barony of Gallen, and Miles
MacCostello the territory of Sliabh Lugha, which they
colonised and settled in.
Gregry seems to have been held by a Richard Cuisin
under Leyny or Sliabh Lugha, probably under the former,
but the O'Garas were settled in it. The Castle of Moygara
was probably built by Richard de Burgo at the conquest as
a border fortress.
De Exeter and MacCostello built great castles at Ath-
lethan, now Ballylahan, and at Castlemore and at Kilcolman.
Though only the two latter were colonising lords the territory
was sufficiently occupied by castles to keep the Irish lords
who were not driven out generally in a state of peace.
At the break up of the De Burgo lordship in 1338 the actual
resident Norman lords held their lands in Gallen and Costello,
but where the land was not colonised and the Irish lords were
left in immediate possession those chieftains became inde-
pendent, O'Conor in Carbury, O'Hara in Leyny, O'Gara in
Coolavin. Corran appears in possession of the MacDonoghs,
a branch of the MacDermots of Moylurg.
The diocese consists of the following modern parishes —
In Leyny 5 parishes — Achonry, Ballysadare (part in
Tirerrill), Killoran, Kilvarnet, Kilmacteige.
In Corran 7 parishes — Emlaghfad, Drumrat, Kilmorgan,
Cloonoghil, Kilshalvy, Toomour, Kilturra (part in Costello).
FORMATION AND EXTENT OF DIOCESE 361
In Costello 4 parishes — Kilmovee, Kilbeagh, Castlemore
(part in Frenchpark), Kilcolman (parts in Frenchpark and
Coolavin).
In Coolavin 2 parishes — Killaraght, Kilfry.
In Gallen 9 parishes — Kilgarvan, Attymas, Toomore,
Killasser, Templemore, Bohola, Killedan, Kilconduff, Meelick.
CHAPTER XL
THE SUCCESSION OF BISHOPS
THE succession is very uncertain.
1. Maelruan O'Ruadan attended the Synod of Kells and
died in 1170, of reputation for wisdom and piety.
2. Gilla na Naomh O'Ruadan died in 1214. (L.C.)
3. Clement died in 1219. He is called Clement O'Sniad-
haigh, and is described as a bishop in an entry of 1208. He
could not have been bishop of Achonry then. (L.C. A.U.)
4. Cormac O'Tarpa died on I5th Jan. 1226 in the abbey
and was buried there. He had been abbot of Mellifont.
5. Gilla Isu Ua Cleirigh died 1230. (A.U.)
Gilla-in-coimdedh Ua Duillennain, successor of Fechin,
and abbot of the monastery of Esdara, died in 1230. (A.U).
6. Thomas O'Ruadain died in 1237 an(i was buried in his
cathedral. (A.U.)
7. Aongus O'Clumain was appointed in 1238 and resigned
about 1249 owing to age and infirmity, being allowed a pension.
He died in 1263 in the Abbey of Boyle where he became a
monk.
8. Thomas O'Maicin (O'Meehan) was elected in 1251 and
died in 1265 (A.U.). His election was in some way irregular,
apparently from want of the King's license for an election,
but seems to have been set right. Pope Alexander IV. con-
firmed to him the fourth part of the tithes of his diocese
according to the custom of other bishops of the province.1
In 1256, in course of very complicated fighting among
O' Conors O'Rourks and O'Reillys, Sir Walter de Burgh
brought a great army to Achonry and Keshcorran and plun-
dered the churches around. Plundering churches seems to
have meant taking out the corn and the like which the people
stored there when they went fighting. He seems to have
come against O' Conor and O'Rourk and their allies. It is
1 Theiner, Vet. Man. Ep. No. 195, 15 March 1257.
362
THE SUCCESSION OF BISHOPS 363
impossible to make out the sequence of events, but a great
defeat was inflicted on the O'Reillys by the O'Conor and
O'Rourk party on the I4th Sept. as they were coming by
Lough Allen to meet Sir Walter's army. Then comes this
entry : " The Foreigners returned home after this, and the
Bishop O'Maicin was ' drowning their candles ' about nones,
when it was equally dark in field and wood." (L.C.)
In 1261 " MacFheorais profaned the great church of
Feichin in Es-dara, where he killed five of the Luighne,
together with Cathal O'hEghra. A depredation was com-
mitted by Domhnall O'hEghra on Clann Fheorais in re-
taliation for this, when he killed Seefin MacFheorais, and
what he had on his head when he was killed was the bell-
cover which he had taken from the church of Es-dara." (L.C.)
De Bermingham, or some of his family, held Coillte Luighne
about Es-dara under Fitzgerald and a part of Tireragh under
De Burgo.
9. Denis O'Maicin was elected in 1266 and died in
Nov. 1285, and was buried in his own cathedral. At the
time of his election the Bishopric was reported to be worth
only 20 marks yearly.
10. Benedict O'Bragain elected in 1286 died in 1312. (L.C.)
11. David of Kilheny or Kilkeny elected in 1312 died
about 1344. Murcad MacMaelmuaid O'hEghra, Abbot of
Boyle, was elected but died within the year 1344. (L.C.)
12. David died in 1348. In his time the question of
union with Tuam seems to have been agitated again, and an
order for union to have been made. In August 1346 the
Pope ordered the bishops of Ardagh and Elphin and Clonfert
to decide touching the union with Tuam of Achonry, whose
chapter prayed to have it dissolved, since the distance between
the two churches, and the ungovernable character of the
Irish, make it impossible to share in the election of the arch-
bishop. The Archbishop and Chapter of Tuam agreed to
the dissolution. In 1351 the Pope called for a report again.
The Pope's orders do not appear but it is quite certain that
the union never was carried into effect.
13. Nicholas O'Hedran or O'Hedram or O'Hedian, perhaps
really O'hEidin, Abbot of Assaroe was appointed by papal
provision in 1348 and died in 1373.
14. William Andrew, English Dominican, appointed by
364 DIOCESE OF ACHONRY
the Pope in 1374 was translated to Meath in 1380. He was
reputed to be most learned and wise.
The succession now becomes uncertain for a long time.
15. Simon, a monk, appears as suffragan of the Bishop
of Ely in 1387.
16. Bishop O'Hara died in 1396. This bold bishop joined
the forces of Mac William Eighter who intervened in one of
the O'Conor Sligo wars. His horse was killed and he was
mortally wounded by John O'Hara's son.
17. Thomas, son of Maurice MacDonogh, died in 1398.
He is the first who is called " Bishop of Achonry " in the
Annals. Hitherto the title was " Bishop of Luighne."
18. Brian O'Hara died in 1409.
19. Manus, a canon of Achonry, was appointed by the
Pope on the I4th April 1410. He is called Magon Chradran,
which may be the same as O'Hedran.
20. Lawrence Peter Jacopin or Jacopini, a Dominican,
was appointed by the Pope on 6th July 1414. He must have
resigned, as his death is noted in Hibernia Dominicana in
1442.
21. Donatus, or Donnchadh, died about 1424.
22. Richard Belmer, a Dominican, was appointed by the
Pope on I2th April 1424. He appeared on the 2gth May
and paid his 33! gold florins on appointment.
23. Red O'Hara died in 1435.
24. Nicholas O'Daly, a Dominican, was appointed by the
Pope in 1436.
25. Thady (? Abbot of Boyle) died at Rome.
26. James Blakedon, a Dominican, was appointed by the
Pope on I3th Oct. 1442 ; was translated to Bangor in 1452,
but must have resigned sooner, because his successor was
appointed on loth Oct. 1448. He was an absentee, suffragan
of the Bishop of Bath and Wells.
27. Cornelius O'Mochain Abbot of Boyle died in 1472.
In July 1463 Pope Pius II. absolves Bernard O'Hara Dean
of Achonry from guilt incurred in warfare though he did
not kill any one himself. Bernard had a lease of a castle
built by the bishop on church land. John O'Hara, then
chief of his tribe, forcibly took it from the bishop and Bernard
and his brothers. Bernard, in order to recover it, assembled
armed men to capture Ruericus, son of the chief, strictly
THE SUCCESSION OF BISHOPS 365
charging them not to kill or wound him or any of his people.
Peace was made after his capture in which two laymen were
killed. Fresh wars broke out owing to R.'s endeavour to
retake the castle, and more bloodshed.1
28. Robert Wellys or Wellyl, a Franciscan, was appointed
by the Pope in 1473.
29. Bernard died in 1488 or 1489.
30. John de Buclamant or Bustemant, a Spaniard, Pre-
ceptor of the Convent of St. Catherine at Toledo, of the
Order of the B.V. for the Redemption of Captives, succeeded
him by the Pope's appointment.
31. Richard or Thomas FitzRichard is said to have suc-
ceeded him about 1490, and to have died in 1492.
32. Thomas Fort, an Augustinian Canon of the Abbey
of St. Mary and St. Petroc at Bodmin, succeeded by Papal
provision on I3th Oct. 1492. He was prior of Huntingdon
in 1496, so it may be taken as certain that he was an
absentee.
33. Thomas O'Conghalan succeeded him and died in 1508.
34. Owen, or Eugene, O' Flanagan, a Dominican, was
appointed by the Pope on the 2ist Jan. 1509.
35. Cormac was bishop in 1523 when he witnessed a will
in Galway. He died about 1529.
36. Owen or Eugene was appointed by the Pope in 1530,
and died in 1546. He seems to have been an O'Flanagan.
In 1546 the king made an order appointing Con O'Siagall,
O'Donnell's chaplain, to be Bishop of Elphin. He was Abbot
of Esdara and Prior of Aughros.
37. Thomas O'Fihel or Field, Abbot of Mayo and Rector
of Delgany in the diocese of Dublin, was appointed by the
Pope on I5th Jan. 1547 with permission to retain those offices.
In 1555 he was translated to Leighlin.
38. Cormac O'Coyn, a Franciscan, was appointed in 1556
and died in 1562.
39. Owen O'Hart who succeeded him is called his nephew.
He was of the family of O'Hart of Carbury, the greatest in
that barony after the O'Conors. He was appointed while
in attendance at the Council of Trent, where he was sent
as representative of his province, being then Prior of the
1 Theiner, Vet. Man. , p. 449.
366 DIOCESE OF ACHONRY
Convent of Sligo. Father Wolfe, the Pope's Legate in Ire-
land, commends him thus —
" The Church of Accad is held by force, and is in the
hands of the laity, and not one trace of religion is left there,
but, by the influence of Eugenius and the power of his
friends, the church might be recovered as Christopher re-
covered Tuam."
He was appointed before Queen Elizabeth was in a posi-
tion to interfere in his diocese and satisfied her as long as
he lived. He may be compared with Bodkin of Tuam as
regards his views, and was able to satisfy the small require-
ments of the Queen in the very troubled period of his epis-
copate, which began when MacWilliam Eighter and O'Conor
Sligo were the two great and practically independent lords
of his diocese, and ended when the King's power was fully
established over Ireland.
He died in 1603 aged 100 years and was buried on the
gospel side of the high altar in the church of Achonry. He
is the last bishop acknowledged by the Church of Ireland
and Church of Rome.
Owen O'Conor, brother of Sir Donnell O'Conor Sligo, was
appointed Dean by Queen Elizabeth on the 24th Aug. 1582,
and was given at the same time the rectories of Skreen and
Castleconor in Killala, of Minevoriske alias " Between the
Two Bridges of Drumcliff," and the perpetual vicarage of
Killinicullen in Elphin (Kilmacallan ?). He was soon after
elected Bishop of Killala.
40. Miler Magrath was appointed in Feb. 1603, and to
Killala in 1607. He also attained the age of 100 years.
This See has ever since been annexed to Killala, which
became the residence of the bishop.
From the Composition for the Co. of Sligo, 1585, it seems
that the bishop had a castle or house at Achonry.
The assignment to the Bishop of Achonry of the house
and 4 qrs. free at Skreen must be a mistake of name of
Achonry for Killala.
CHAPTER XLI
THE CHAPTER OF ACHONRY
THE Dean is mentioned in 1246 and 1442 and 1582 when
the succession is known. The Archdeacon is mentioned in
1266 when O'Mochain became Bishop. The Provost or Pre-
centor is first mentioned in 1613.
The Regal Visitation of 1615 gives the following list of
Prebends —
Prebend of Kilmoroghoc ~\ These prebends belonged, as is
Imlafaghda alleged, to the Cathedral
„ Clonoghill I Church of Achonry, and are
Killoshalwey held by Edward Crofton.
„ Kiltorowe
„ Kilwarnad ^ TT ,
and Killorin ) Held ^ the Blsh°P-
,, Kilmctege „ „
„ Kilveagh "I
and Killedan / "
,, Kilmovee ,. „
,, Doghcarne ~\
and Moymelagh /
This Visitation omits the prebends of Ballysadare and
Killaraght as prebends. The parish of Ballysadare is alto-
gether omitted, but was probably held together with some
other church.
From the grouping of the first five prebends as belonging
to the cathedral church it may be inferred that the cathedral
had 5 vicars choral annexed to it as at Tuam and Annagh-
down.
It is evident that the whole organisation of the chapter
was decayed and fragmentary.
The following list of ancient prebends is taken from the
Visitation of 1633 which includes a valuation —
36?
368
DIOCESE OF ACHONRY
VALUE.
HOLDER.
Shillings.
Doughorne
Robert White.
Killoran . .
J. Fargie.
Killosalvie
4
Vacant.
Clowneoghill .
10
n
Imlaghfadda .
10
»
Kilmurrogh .
12
»
Killaraght
30
Campbell.
Kilmovie . .
8
Campbell, seques-
trator.
Moymelagh .
5
Vacant.
Kinave . . .
30
Killidan . .
30
Kilfri . . .
5
Kilvarrett .
5
Kilturrogh . .
10
Kilmacteige .
10
NOTES.
Probably in Graveyard
near Moylough, S. of
Tobercurry.
alias Kilmorgan.
Probably Killasser in
N. of Kilvarnet P.
but taking name
from Moymlough in
Killoran P.
Kinaff.
The prebends recognised in the I7th century were Bally-
sadare and Killaraght and Kilmovee.
The Chapter may be taken to have been Dean and Arch-
deacon and Provost with 5 vicars choral and other officers
and canons.
THE EMOLUMENTS OF THE CHAPTER IN 1833
The Deanery. — The Rectories and Vicarages of Achonry and
Cloonoghil were the Corps. The Rectories of Kil-
loran and Kilvarnet without cure. £920.
The Archdeaconry. — Rent of land in Kilturra. No cure.
The Precentor ship. — The townland of Carnyara in Achonry
P. No cure. £92.
Prebend of Ballysadare. — Vicarage of Ballysadare as Corps.
£275-
Prebend of Killaraght. — Rectorial Tithe in Killaraght. £31.
No cure.
Prebend of Kilmovee. — No emolument or cure.
CHAPTER XLII
SEE LANDS OF ACHONRY
THE bishop owned the following glebes, which were let to the
incumbents : —
NAME. ACRES. NOTES.
Achonry 35 ....
Kilvarnet 32 ....
Ballysadare 32 ....
Emlaghfad 52 ....
Kilmacteige 64 ....
Kilmovee 32 ....
The bishop's lands are given in groups which cannot be easily
sorted into parishes as a considerable number of the denomina-
tions are no longer in use as townland names. I put them
as they appear grouped in the return.
NAME. ACRES. NOTES.
Cloonoghil, 3 £ qrs. . . . 1 546 These are all the townlands in
which these old parish
churches stand.
Emlaghfad, 2 qrs. ... 588 ....
Killaraght, 4 qrs. . . . 973
Kilmacteige, 2 qrs. ... 728 ....
Kilmorgan, J of qr. . . . 188 ....
Kilshalvey, i qr 505
Achonry 811
IN BARONY OF LEYNY
Italics show that it is a townland name in use.
Corhownagh 333 Next Kilboglashy and Abbey-
town. Ballysadare P.
Leclounagh 90 ....
Ruinbane 453 Rinbaun next Templehouse
Demesne and Lake.
Achonry P.
369 2 A
370
NAME. ACRES. NOTES.
Carrowregle 263 Cairo wreilly, next N.E.
Tullyhugh, Achonry P.
Kilvarnet 229 About the church.
of
BARONY OF CORRAN
Dooclonagh, qr. .
Carrowreagh, qr.
Mahery, qr.
Knockconor, qr. .
Levany, qr. . .
Drumrat, alias
Knockbreagh, qr.
Toneycar, qr.
Daghloonagh, Drumrat P.
Adjoins Knockoconor, which
is next Fallougher, contain-
ing Kesh Graveyard.
Maghera, near Ballymote.
Emlaghfad P.
Toomour P.
About Drumrat Ch.
BARONY OF LEYNY
Tauney William, £ qr.
Kilmoslug, \ qr. . .
Coney, \ qr. . .
Kilmaunagh, 3 qrs.
Ardcotton, 4 qr.
1199
Ardcotton, pt. .
Tullyhugh, £ qr.
4
244
' Knoxpark. Ballysadare P.
Kilboglashy Tl. (O'Rorke,
Ballysad. and Kilv.) Bally-
sadare P.
Next West of Corhawnagh,
Ballysadare P.
Kilnamanagh, adjoins Ard-
cotton on W. Ballysa-
dare P.
Next Collooney Town. Bally-
sadare P.
Ballysadare P.
and large bog. Next N. of
Achonry, adjoins Carrow-
reilly. Achonry P.
The following are entered in the return for Killala diocese
but really belong to Achonry —
NAME.
Kinaff, 4 qrs. . .
Kilmovee, 2 qrs. .
ACRES. NOTES.
447 About that church. Kilconduff P.
1508 About that church.
SEE LANDS OF ACHONRY 371
The following are in the Killala List, as " in the Barony
of Costello "
NAME. ACRES. NOTES.
Russens, i qr 49 Rusheen Townlands are next
Kilmovee. This and Skray
Skray 874 and Kilmovee are called the
i qr. of Kilmovee in the
Composition for Costello or
Ballyhaunis in 1587.
Strafford's Survey gives as possessions of Bishop of Killala
in barony of Gallen — 2 qrs. of Killedan, 2 qrs. of Killnaw
(Kinaff ?), i qr. of Farrencortagh. In barony of Costello —
Killmovy, 4 qrs.
CHAPTER XLIII
THE TAXATION OF 1306
DIOCESE OF ACHONRY
NAME OF CHURCH.
1 The temporalities
and spirituali-
ties of the
Bishop of
Achonry are
taxed in the
year at . .
2 The temporalities
and spirituali-
ties of the
Abbot and
Convent of
Monks of Boyle
3 The temporalities
and spirituali-
ties of the
Abbot and
Convent of
Canons of Est-
dara ....
4 Achagonny . .
The commu-
nity of the
Chapter in the
Sanctuary . .
Vicarage of the
same ....
5 Kilmactarg . .
The same church
in the Sanctu-
ary . . . .
Vicarage of the
same ....
VALUE.
25 mks.
22S.
amks. 4o
2mks.
imk.
133. 4d.
53. in rure.
4od.
133. 4
IDENTIFICATION.
Abbey of Ballysadare.
Achonry C.
Kilmacteige.
372
THE TAXATION OF 1306
373
NAME OF CHURCH.
VALUE.
6 Kilcoachcrunyn
in rure . . .
55.
and in the
Sanctuary
I2d.
Vicarage of the
same . . .
3s.
7 Estdara . . .
4od.
Vicarage of the
same . . .
20d.
8 Athlechan . .
6os.
9 Clonbanna . .
153.
10 Milio ....
2OS.
1 1 Keltesgnean . .
IDS.
12 Kellenalasscan .
I OS.
13 Authigynmessick
73. 6d.
14 Kelnangarvan .
73. 6d.
15 Ratholvyn . .
2S. 6d.
i 6 Ardnach . . .
is. 6d.
17 Bothcomla . .
158.
1 8 Thuamore . .
6s.
19 Kelcomdilk . .
43. 6d.
20 Kendoyn . . .
I OS.
21 Kelnalydan . .
23. 6d.
22 Clonochulli . .
33. 6d.
23 Kekellorn . .
3s.
24 Kellosenyg . .
2S. 6d.
25 Imelachfada . .
5s.
26 Drumrathi . .
2S. 4d.
27 Rectory of the
churches of
Mochrath and
Tuamany . .
2Od.
Vicarage of the
same . . .
rod.
28 Killethratha . .
5s.
29 Culovyn . . .
5s.
30 Kelnafriych . .
3S-
31 Kellcalman . .
73. 6d.
IDENTIFICATION.
Keshcorran C. i.e. Toomour.
Ballysadare C. The vicarage
when exactly £ will be
omitted in future and added
to the rectory.
Athlethan. Templemore C.
Meelick.
Kilshesnan in Killasser P.
Attymas C.
Kilgarvan.
C. near Carrowcastle in Bo-
hola P.
Templerowuck in Carrowgallda
TL Templemore P.
Bohola C.
Toomore C.
Kilconduff.
Kinaff C. Kilconduff P.
Killedan.
Cloonoghil C.
Killoran.
Emlaghfad C
Drumrat C. This is the
rectory only. The value of
vicarage is omitted.
Killaraght.
Coolavin C. in Kilcolman P.
Kilfree.
Kilcolman.
374
DIOCESE OF KILLALA
NAME OF CHURCH.
VALUE.
32 De Castro Magno
33 Kelmoby . . .
34 Cluamnore . .
35 Vicarage of Kel-
lecath, whose
75. 6d.
73. 6d.
43. 6d.
rectors are
Templars . .
36 Kelmorchun . .
Sum of the
2S. 6d.
3s.
Taxation
The Tenth .
£35, 6s. 9d.
£3, i os. 8d.
IDENTIFICATION.
Castlemore C.
Kilmovee.
Clonmore C. in Kilbeagh P.
Kil C. in Kilvarnet P.
Kilmorgan.
Notes thereon.
6. Kilcoachcrunyn. — This must be a corruption of Cill Ceis
Corainn, church of Keshcorran, which describes Toomour old
church.
9. Clonbanna. — There is nothing to indicate what church is
meant except that as it is in the List between Templemore and
Meelick it is likely to be in that country.
12. Kellenalasscan. — Perhaps the Killeen in Glendaduff Tl.
in Attymas P. which afterwards became a small monastery. Or
it may be some form for Killasser such as Cill mo Laisrach.
13. Authigynmessick. — This is Aittighe an Messaig, House
site of the Calendar.
15. Ratholvyn^ Bald's map places Rahelvin Tl. N. of Carrow-
16. Ardnach / castle and S. of Ardacarha Tl. An Inquisi-
tion of 14 July 1607 mentions the Castle of Rathhalvyn. Rahelvin
seems to be the present Carrowcastle Tl. Ardacarha is now the
townland next it to the N. Templerowuck is to N. again but
in Carrowgallda Tl. I take Ardnach to be part of the name
Ardnacairthe, and that Ardacarha formerly covered Carrow-
gallda as appears from Bald's map.
20. Kendoyn. — Cenndaimh, Ox's Head.
21. Kellnalydan. — Cill Liadain according to O'Donovan (H.F.)
which is the equivalent of Killedan. The older form in the
Taxation would be Cell na Liadain, Church of the Liadans or
O'Liadains.
23. Kekellorn. — I take the first Ke to be an accidental duplica-
tion of Kell.
24. Kellosenyg. — This should be Cell O'Senaig, Senach's
Church. No such church is known. It may be the proper name
THE TAXATION OF 1306 375
of Kilturra, in which " turra " means " yew." It is not likely
to be a mistake for Cell Selbaigh, Kilshalvey. But it might
be Killavil in Kilshalvey or Toomour in Kilturra.1
27. Mochrath and Tuamany. These churches should be near
Killaraght. I suspect Mochrath to be the Machare of the Tripar-
tite Life (see p. 48). Tuamany might be another church in
Killaraght.
1 O'Rorke, Hist. Sligo, ii. 194, 195, for meaning of names.
CHAPTER XLIV
VALOR BENEFICIORUM, 1585
DENOMINATION OF LIVING.
Bishopric of Achonry .
Deanery of Achonry
Provostship of Achonry
Archdeaconry of Achonry
with Vicarage of Kill-
rowryne
Vicarage of Kilvardnaha
„ Killowran
„ KiUmctage .
,, Killessy .
„ Attenvas . .
„ Strade . . .
„ Killedan . .
,, Killconnowe .
„ Killveigh . .
„ Moycoula . .
„ Templemarry
„ Kilcohnan .
„ Killaraght .
„ Killosalvan .
„ Imuleaddy .
,, Tuymore . .
„ Kilmorchowe
„ Clonoghill
Rectory of Cowlaven .
Vicarage of Cowlaven .
Rectory of Slewloa . .
Rectory of Bowcouley
VALUE.
£ s. d.
IO IO O
I O O
400
4 o o
10 o
12 o
4 o
5 o
4 o
5 o
2 o
3 8
i 8
8 o
6 8
3 4
10 o
2 8
376
NOTES.
Probably one of the churches
in Kilturra = Cill Rorain.
Attymas.
Alias of Templemore.
Kilconduff.
Boycoula (?) Bohola.
Old C. in Ballintemple Tl.
MeelickP. (?)
Emlaghfad.
Toomour.
Killmorgan.
Coolavin C. is in Kilcolman P.,
but I think here includes
parish of Kilfry as that pre-
bend is nominal.
Sliabh Lugha, i.e. Castlemore.
Bohola. See Vic. of Moycoula.
VALOR BENEFICIORUM, 1585
377
DENOMIN ATION OF LIVING
Rectory called Inter
Duos Amnes . . .
Rectory of Killowran .
Prebend of Killaraght .
,. Killoran
„ Douoghorne
„ Trinemoym-
leigh . .
Killfry . .
Vicarage of KillmcTeige
VALUE.
£ *. d.
3 4
13 4
10 8
i o
i o
3
i
o o
NOTES.
Kilmacteige.
Moymlough, or Killasser, in
Kilvarnet P.
This is taken from a paper of the 5th year of Charles I.
which gives the above as an extract from the Inquisition
taken before Daniel Bishop of Kildare in the 28th year of
Queen Elizabeth. It differs a little from the copy of the
same original given in Col. Wood Martin's History of Sligo,
Appendix, p. 398, in spelling of the names, and the Provost-
ship and Archdeaconry are assessed each at 45. instead of
6s. 8d. and £4, respectively, as above. It ignores the Prebends
and the entry of Vicarage of Kilmacteige below them. It is
a general valuation of the Diocese of Achonry and of the parts
of that of Elphin which lie within the Co. of Sligo. I prefer
this list as the spelling seems to be better. The entry of the
Vicarage of KillmcTeige seems to be an addition to correct
the omission of value in the original, based on present value.
The Prebends of Killoran and Moymlough seem to be the
same. The Parishes of Toomore and Kilgarvan are omitted,
but may have been included in others. So also Ballysadare
and Drumrat and Kilmovee.
What we learn best from these lists and valuations is the
extreme waste and decay of the church organisation. The
prebends were for the most part mere names.
CHAPTER XLV
OLD CHURCHES AND GRAVEYARDS
SLIGO
BALLYSADARE PARISH
O.S. NAME OR PLACE. TOWN-LAND.
20 Ballysadare C Kilboglashy.
BaJlysadare Abbey . . Abbeytown.
Collooney C Collooney.
Kildalog Streamstown.
ACHONRY PARISH
32 Achonry C Achonry.
Court Abbey .... Lavagh.
31 Kilcummin Kilcummin.
37 Ballyara C Ballyara or Falduff.
38 G. near Moylough . . . Moylough.
32 G. west of Curry . . . Montiagh.
KILVARNET PARISH
31 Kilvarnet Kilvarnet.
Killasser Annaghbeg.
KILLORAN PARISH
32 Killoran Killoran.
CLOONOGHIL PARISH
32 Cloonogbil C Churchfield.
33 C. at Ballynaclogh . . Bally naclogh.
39 Cloonameehan Abbey . . Rinnaroge.
EMLAGHFAD PARISH
33 Emlaghfad C Emlaghfad.
378
OLD CHURCHES AND GRAVEYARDS 379
KILMORGAN PARISH
O.S. NAME OR PLACE. TOWNLAMD.
34 Kilmorgan Kilmorgan.
KlLMACTEIGE PARISH
36 Kilmacteige Kilmacteige.
G., W. of Parkmore . . Letterbrone (not in 6 in. Map).
37 Banada Abbey . . . Banada.
KILTURRA PARISH
38 Kilturra Kilturra.
52 [Mayo] Toomour G. . . Doocastle or Ballindoo.
KILSHALVY PARISH
39 Kilshalvy Kilshalvy.
Killavil KiUavil.
DRUMRAT PARISH
39 Drumrat C Knockbrack.
TOOMOUR
40 Toomour C. .... Toomour.
C., SSE. of Kesh . . . Fallougher.
Templevanny .... Templevanny.
KILFREE PARISH
44 Knockmore Abbey . . Mountirvine.
" Abbey " S. of it . . . Carrowntemple.
Kilfree Kilfree.
KlLLARAGHT PARISH
45 C. on shore N. of Boyle
River Cuppanagh.
47 Killaraght Killaraght.
C. on Lake shore . . . Armagh (vickanara).
380 DIOCESE OF ACHONRY
KILCOLMAN PARISH
O.S. NAME OR PLACE. TOWNLAND.
46 Monasteredan .... Monasteredan.
MAYO
74 Kilcolman Ballyoughtra near Kilcolman Tl.
G. near Edmondstown . Cregan.
64 G., N.W. of Ballagha-
dereen Hawksford.
CASTLEMORE PARISH
74 Castlemore C. . . . . Glebe.
Kilvanloon Kilvanloon.
KILBEAGH PARISH
63 Cloonmore G Tonnagh. In a fort.
G., N. of Loughacurry . Temple.
G Killeen.
G., S. of Cloonmore . . Cashelduff.
G Cloonfane.
KILMOVEE PARISH
72 Kilmovee Rusheens.
G. due S. of Kilmovee . Magheraboy. Killaclare adjoins
on N.
Kilkelly Kilkelly, adjoining Kilmore.
KILCONDUFF PARISH
62 Kilconduff Rathscanlan.
71 Kinaff Kinaff.
72 G. at Midfield .... Treanlaur.
MEELICK PARISH
6 1 C., N.E. of Newcastle . . Ballintemple.
71 Meelick C, and Round
Tower , Meelick.
OLD CHURCHES AND GRAVEYARDS 381
BOHOLA PARISH
O.S. NAME OR PLACE. TOWNLAND.
71 Bohola C Bohola.
Carrowcastle C. ... Carrowcastle, formerly Rahelvin.
KILLEDAN PARISH
71 Killedan Killedan.
80 Kilkevna Cartron.
Kilkinure Oxford.
TEMPLEMORE PARISH
70 Templemore .... Knockgarran.
Strade Abbey .... Strade.
6 1 Templerowuck .... Carrowgallda.
TOOMORE PARISH
6 1 ToomoreC Toomore.
KILLASSER PARISH
49 Killasser Knockmullin.
Kilsheshnan Graffy.
Templemoyle .... Coollagagh.
ATTYMAS PARISH
48 Attymas C Bunnafinglass.
40 Kilgellia Killgellia. In a large fort.
49 Killeen Glendaduff.
40 Kildermot Kildermot.
KILGARVAN PARISH
40 Kilgarvan Kilgarvan.
31 Kilbride Carrowleagh.
CHAPTER XLVI
DISTRIBUTION OF RECTORIES IN l6TH CENTURY
THIS information is from various sources : —
BENEFICE.
Achonry . . .
Cloonoghil
Killoran . . .
Kilvarnet . .
Kilturra . . .
Killaraght . .
Ballysadare . .
Kilmovee . .
Kilmacteige . .
Killasser . . .
Toomore . .
Attymas . . .
Kilgarvan. , .
Enagh in Bally-
sadare . . .
Templemore . .
Killedan . . .
Kilconduff . .
Kilbeagh . . .
Bohola ....
Templemoory .
Kilcolman . .
Killoshalvy . .
Emlaghfad . .
Toomour . . .
Kilmorgan . .
Drumrat . . .
Coolavin . . .
Castlemore . .
Meelick . . .
Kilfree .
RECTORY.
Dean.
Trinity Abbey1 in L.
Key.
Trinity Abbey and Preb.
Abbey.
Urlare Abbey.
Killeen, under Trinity of
L. Key.
Trinity of L. Key.
Urlare Abbey.
Trinity of L. Key.
»» »
Trinity of L. Key.
» »>
Urlare Abbey.
1 According to Dr. O'Rorke.
382
VICARAGE.
Dean.
Abbey, Prebend.
Ballysadare Abbey.
ADDITIONAL NOTES AND CORRECTIONS
Pp. 20, 49. Crock Cuile.—See also //. R.S.A.I,, xxxi. p. 33.
This appears as the name of a church, or place, mentioned in
the last fragment of the list above, wherein, as I judge from
the published decipherments, the letters " in mar " are clear.
I incline to think that these letters are part of a name which
now survives in the townland called Illaunmore in Kilmaine-
beg parish, which lies next west of that of Kilkeeran in which
is Kilmainebeg, and near the townlands of Cong parish called
Cross, in which is the Church of Cross or Attyrickard. Mar
is a spelling of Mor which is used elsewhere in the Book of
Armagh, as in Imgoe Mair Cerrigi and Deruth Mar Cule Cais
on pp. 22 and 30 above. I suggest that Oilen Mar Conmaicne
has been translated Insula Mar Conmaicne and taken to mean
an Island in the sea of the Conmaicne, whereas it meant the
Great Island, or Great Crannoge, of the Conmaicne. I suggest
that the Crannoge gave a name to a large estate held with it,
that Tirechan described some one as having been at or in some
church in the Great Island of the Conmaicne, which church is
now called Croch Cuile. Illaunmore includes swampy land
very suitable for a crannoge before the drainage.
P. 73. Athantermainn (Caelainne) is some ford on the river
in or near Castlereagh in Co. Roscommon. The church of
Caelainn was a little to N. of Castlereagh.
P. 80. Pipe Roll entries show that in 1280 the Bishop of
Clonmacnoise held lands in Ouelytrach and in Tyrnene and in
Clonmaicne of Dunmore (36 D.K., 60). Lower Umhall would
be Burrishoole parish and perhaps Kilmeena and Kilmaclasser.
Tyrnene is the southern part of Clanmorris barony.
P. 82. For the tribes and parishes comprised in the Deaneries
of Tuam and Athenry, see chap. xxvi. p. 243.
P. 84, lines 17-19. This is not correctly stated. Read
" Taghsaxon parish includes the small prebend of Templegaile.
The tithes are distributed between two rectories and two
prebends."
P. 107. The references to " Theiner " are in all cases to
Augustin Theiner's " Vetera Monumenta Hibernorum et Scot-
orum," &c.
383
384 ADDITIONAL NOTES AND CORRECTIONS
P. 114. For Flann Mac Floinn read "Felix O'Ruadain."
See p. 386, Kilcreevanty.
P. 117. John Babyng was appointed in succession to M.
O' Kelly by Pope Alexander V., but, in consequence of that
Pope's death before his letters were made out, he assumed office
by virtue of an appointment made on 24th May 1410.
P. 134, line i. For quotation from Mac Firbis see R.I. A.,
Irish MSS. Series, vol, i. p. 123.
P- IS3' John Brit. — Called John Brylle, a Friar Minor in
his appointment in succession to Henry Tyrlaw deceased. He
was given leave to live and to exercise episcopal functions out-
side his diocese, and was living in England in 1403 (Cal. Pap.
Reg. Letters, v. pp. 500, 503, 520, 532).
P. 178. Knappaghmanagh and Toomour Stones. — Mr. Coffey
gives photographs and sketches of the ornament on the
Mullaghmast stone in the Proc. R.I. A., vol. xxxiv. Sect. C.
Plate XXII. and p. 264, showing a panel divided by one vertical
and two diagonal lines. Mr. Coffey dates the stone as " towards
the end of the pre-Christian period in Ireland, or in the overlap
of the Pagan and Christian periods." It seems to me possible
that this very ancient pattern may have been adapted to
Christian use by the addition of one horizontal line, making
a panel of two crosses.
P. 189. "The composition" means the Indenture of Com-
position for the county of Mayo, made in 1585, preserved in
the Public Record Office.
Pp. 196, 265. Keallaricravyd. — I incline to take this name
and Kylleare to denote a church which stood in the grave-
yard near Toberarneeve, which seems to embody the " ari "
or " eare " of those names. The terminations also bear resem-
blance, being apparently " crabhaidh " and " naomh," religion
and holy.
P. 198. Turlough. — The full name is Turlach O'Maicin, with
the aliases of Crioch Fir Thire and Fir Siuire (Cal. Pap. Reg.
Letters, vi. pp. 120, 425, and H.F. 161).
P. 20 1. Kelmachamlyd. — This may be meant for Cill meic
Cindfaeladh, church of Mackineely. A vicarage of Meycind-
filead in Tuam Diocese is mentioned in 1407, but I cannot
identify it (Cal. Pap. Reg. Letters, vi. p. 1 19).
Pp. 216, 218. Portimaghie may be meant for Portmaine. I
find a reference to the rectory of Ynis Meain alias Portmien
(Cal. Pap. Reg. Letters, vi. p. 477).
Pp. 255, 273. References to the Augustinian Abbot of this
house show that I was in error in supposing it to have been
absorbed (Cal. Pap. Reg. Letters, vi. pp. 144, 429).
P. 263. Mayo Abbey. — Additional information is furnished
ADDITIONAL NOTES AND CORRECTIONS 385
in the " Calendar of Papal Registers, Papal Letters," vol. vi. pp.
274, 277, 290.
After suppression of the Bishopric the abbey church was
in the i4th century a Secular Collegiate Church with an abbot
and five or six canons. Archbishop John [O'Grady] converted
them into a monastery of Regular Canons. On the 8th Nov.
1411 the Pope confirmed this order, and on the i7th Dec. he
granted an indulgence for completion of the newly-built church
and monastery. The ruins which we see may therefore be
ascribed to the i4th or early I5th century.
On the 9th Dec. 1411 the Pope made the order which is
abstracted as follows in the calendar: —
" To the Augustinian Abbot and convent of St. Michael's,
Mayo, in the diocese of Tuam. — Taking under protection of
St. Peter and the Pope them and their monastery, the place
where it is situated and their possessions, present and future,
with mention of the parish churches of Robyn, Kyllynayn,
Luany ; the rectories of Tyrnechtayn and Techayn, Garbalach
and Cluaynbaub, and of the ecclesiastical lands of Anachbrytlend,
Druymbrit, Kyllbudayn, Druymony and Cluaynunderg ; the
perpetual vicarages of Roslaeg and Kyllcholmayn ; the rights
and tithes formerly assigned to the monastery by the late Charles,
Lord of Connaught ; the great court (atrio magno) [of] Clochur-
log ; possessions in Stamey, Caylcolla (Kilcolla), Ardcortay
(Ardcorkey), Fraychyn (Freeheen), Gortygary, Kyllbudan, Tulach-
mor, Gortinybayr, Lochbargayn, Triacra, Raythnasendrumund,
Gortnaginscala (Gortnagusetaul), Gabulmore (Gowel) and Kell-
brach de Kyllgabuyl ; the ecclesiastical fees of Robyn and
Kyllchelmayn, each with a mill, Kyllcholmayn and Kyllgabuyl,
in the said diocese ; with confirmation of all papal liberties
and immunities, and all liberties and exemptions granted by
kings, princes, and other faithful from secular exactions."
Kyllynayn. — As Gortnagusetaul lies next west of Knockauna-
broona, a small townland which includes most of Mayo village,
the lands of Gortnagusetaul, Gortygarry and Gortinure
(Gortinybayr = Gortin lubhair) may be taken to have been
part of the parish of an ancient church at Mayo called
Kyllynayn.
Luany.— Probably the old church at Toberloona, giving an
alternative name of Annagh parish.
5 A nachbrytlend.— Probably represents the full name of
Annagh parish, Annach Drithlend, whereof the second part
survives in Realin peninsula in L. Carra (H.F., pp. 159, 201, 205.
O'Grady, Silva Gadelica, ii. pp. 375~377).
Gabulmore, &c, — Gowel Tl. is the extreme south point of
Mayo parish.
2B
386 ADDITIONAL NOTES AND CORRECTIONS
The Lord Charles must be King Cathal Crobderg, the last
king who could have dealt with tithes in this country.
So far as the denominations are identified they show that
the Abbey acquired little endowment after the year 1400.
From comparison with the list of see lands round Mayo Abbey
we may infer that in this case, as in that of Cong Abbey, the
endowments of the Comarb of Colman, or of Gerald, we do
not know his title, passed to the Bishop, and that the Augustinian
Abbot and convent acquired a new endowment.
P. 274. The Little Cell. — In 1400 a relaxation was given for
repair of St. Mary's Chapel, Killinamanach, dependent on the
Monastery of St. John Baptist, Cella Parva (Cal. Pap. Reg.
Letters, v. p. 268).
P. 275. Burriscarra. — An order of confirmation, dated
Jan. 1413, recites that the house had been founded for Carmelites,
that Matthew Omaan friar of order of Hermits of St. Augustine
with a number of friars, at instance of Edraundus Stauriton
and Richard Stauriton (Edmund and R. Staunton), with consent
of Archbishop Maurice and of Henry, rector of the parish
church of St. Mary and Holy Cross, entered and inhabited the
house, which Edmund and his predecessors and kinsmen had
founded for Carmelites, which for more than thirty years no
Carmelite had inhabited, which he and Richard desired to be
possessed by Augustinians in future (Cal. Pap. Reg. Letters,
vi. p. 387).
P. 280. Kilcreevanty. — The following facts are taken from
a letter dated i Ap. 1400, in which the Pope, upon a petition
from the convent, confirms to the Augustinian convent the
conditional privileges and grants made by F., sometime Arch-
bishop of Tuam.
By an undated letter Pope Honorius III. ordained the
perpetual observance as then of the Rule of St. Augustine and
the Arroasian institution, confirmed their possessions as detailed
in a list, granted privileges and confirmed liberties.
Thereafter the convent obtained another bull from Honorius
containing, with other things, leave to take up the Cistercian
order and rule.
Thereafter controversy arose between the convent and the
Archbishop, which was settled by a peace made in the church
of Tuam on the 2oth June 1223, by authority and counsel of
D., Bishop of Killaloe, judge delegate by the Pope, the Arch-
deacon of Limerick, sub-delegate, and others.
The Archbishop exempted the Abbess and nuns from all
jurisdiction of the Archbishops except a personal triennial
visitation of the Archbishop and the Abbot of Cong, on account
of which the Archbishops may take, as procuration, three capons
ADDITIONAL NOTES AND CORRECTIONS 387
and a sextarius of wine. He shall not interdict the monastery
nor suspend and excommunicate the nuns without special man-
date of a superior.
The nuns renounced the privilege of exemption contained
in Honorius's bull, and agreed to remain in the Augustinian rule.
The dating of the instrument of Pope Honorius is uncertain,
as some references seem to be inaccurate as regards persons,
but it may be taken that the seventh year of Honorius is right.
The list of possessions names the following churches —
St. Mary, Clonmacnoise. St. Mary, Roscommon.
St. Mary, Doryn. St. Mary, Ardcarne.
St. Mary, Cloonoghil. St. Mary, Annaghdown.
- St. Mary, Clonfert. St. Mary, Kyllin.
St. Mary, Drumcliff. St. Mary, Achonry.
Doryn, or Derrane, was a parish of Elphin in the Taxation,
now included in Kilbride, and is near Roscommon. The
Augustinian Priory of Blachinat alias St. Mary Dorean is described
in 1410 as dependent on no monastery or regular place (Col.
Pap. Reg. Letters, vi. p. 163).
Cloonoghil should be an alias of Taghmaconnell, a rectory
of this abbey, as Cloonoghil is a townland in that parish owned
by the Archbishops of Tuam.
St. Mary of Achonry should be a church in one of the con-
vent's estates in the barony of Leyny.
The list of lands does not add to information so far as they
are identified, except that Druym Sulynd was already in its
possession. No other item of the Inishmaine estate is recog-
nisable.
Things seem to have remained so until Archbishop Mac
Aedha obtained restoration of his right of visitation as ordinary.
The letter given by Theiner mentions Florentius as having
given the exemption. Flann Mac Flynn may have confirmed
it. It is more likely that in drafting the letter the Archbishop's
initial F. was wrongly expanded as Florentius.
Some controversy seems to have arisen again which re-
sulted in an arrangement dated loth July 1399, which seems
to have been a restoration of the peace of 1223, which was
confirmed by this letter (Cal. Pap. Reg. Letters, v. p. 335).
P. 3 30. Dean. — Several Deans are mentioned before O'Haneki.
Skreen Prebend.— It was a rectory of ecclesiastical lands
(Cal. Pap. Reg. Letters, vi. p. 232).
Pp. 336, 342, 372. Episcopal Mensa. Communia of Bishop of
Killala. Community of the Chapter of Achonry.— In 1414 the
church of Clogher had a fixed number of canons but no separa-
tion of prebends. One of the canons was assigned a yearly
pension of one mark from the episcopal mensa in place of a
prebend (Col. Pap. Reg. Letters, vi. p. 428). Such an arrange-
ment may have existed in Killala in 1198. The Bishop of
Killala in course of time lost these churches, perhaps by assign-
ment as separate prebends. The case of the Vicars Choral of
Achonry and Annaghdown may have been originally the same,
but they kept hold of their revenues as a monastic college.
P. 354. St. Araght's Cross and Cup. — In 1413 complaint was
made by the Vicar of Killaraght that they were taken from
the church, in accordance with an ancient custom, by clerks
and laymen and carried about for their own gain, without con-
sent of the vicar and without giving him a share of the profits.
The Bishop was directed to enquire and, if such an abuse
existed, to order that it be stopped, and to decree that the
Cross and Cup be kept only in the church (Cal. Pap. Reg. Letters,
vi. p. 451).
P. 364. Richard Belmer. — He had a dispensation to hold any
benefice because, being an Englishman, he cannot reside in
his church, and because he can get nothing from it owing to
the fact that the goods of the church are dissipated and
dilapidated.
INDEXES
The following subjects are not indexed : — Lists of See Lands.
Taxation of 1306. Valor Beneficiorum. Bodkin's Visitation.
Division of Connaught and Thomond. Benefices and In-
cumbents in 1591. Pope Innocent's Epistle. Possessions of
Abbeys.
The abbreviations used, — AB. = Archbishop. Ab. = Abbot.
AD. = Archdeacon. B. = Bishop. Bar. = Barony. C. = Church.
D. = Dean. Di. = Diocese. K.C. = King of Connaught. K.I. =
King of Ireland. P. = Parish. Preb. = Prebend. R. = Rectory.
Tl. = Townland. V. = Vicarage. C.P. = Church and Parish.
MISCELLANEOUS INDEX
AIRBACC Giunnae, 18
Altar of stone, 16, 31
Anart, Anorto, 20
Annals of Multifarnham, 295
Aros, 22
Augustinian Canons and Rule, 70, 71,
168, 327
BATTLES — Clontarf, 68 ; Conachail,
358 ; Cuildremne, 44, 314 ; Drung,
146; Kesh, 178; Kinsale, 126;
Moira, 64 ; Ocha, Ucha, 2, 6 ;
Segais, 2, 3 ; Sligo, 311
Bells, Leo's, 129; Patrick's, 146, 147
Bellcover, 363
Bishop's Income, 101
Table, 87, 336, 337, 387, 388
Bodkin's Visitation, 82, 84, 85, 123,
134
Book of Cuanu, 140
of Shred, of Cong, 95
Boundaries of Dioceses, 73
Bullauns, 140
CAAM, 21
Casey's Sword, 179
Cashel Monasteries, 159
Cathach of larlaithe, 76
Chalice in Killaraght, 20, 33, 354. 388
Cistercians, 168
Clochans, 92
Clonmacnoise seizes Churches, 17, 39,
32
Comarb Lands, 81, 83, 84, 87, 88, 09,
248, 254, 256, 260
Composition for Mayo and Sligo, 189,
257, 261, 277, 290, 328, 366
Connaught, extent, 7; Succession of
Kings, 2
Consortia, 51
Convention of Ballysadare, 312. 314,
356
of Drumket, 64, 314, 356
Convocation of Connaught in 1210,
99
Councils— Athboy, 97; Lateran, 98,
119; Lyons, HI; Trent, 365;
Whitby, 58, 127
Crom Duff, 46, 175, 176
Crosses, St. Araght's, 354, 388; of
Cong, 75< 94
of Stone at Carn, 310; Cong,
94, 177; Crosspatrick, 36; Dona-
mona, 177 ; Mucna's Well, aa ;
Tuam, 177
inscribed on stone at Knappagh-
managh, 177, 384; Toomour, 178,
384
Croziers, Ciaran's, 357; The Yellow
Crozier, 76; The Yellow Crorier of
Balla. 137, 138
Cuanu's Book, 146
389
390
INDEX
DABHACH CORBMAIC, 308
Daimhliag, Duleek, 130, 163
Danish Bishoprics, 73
Towns, 13, 69
Wars, 64, 65, 67, 68, 101
Deaneries, Rural, 63, 74, 78, 80
Deartheach, 130
Division of Connaught and Thomond,
289
Dolmen over Well, 24, 42, 43
Druidical Enemy, 44
Tonsure, 18
Druids, 16, 24, 27, 44
ENDOWMENTS of Abbeys andChurches,
99, 102, 167
Episcopal Fourths, 86, 157, 248,
362
Mensa, 87, 336, 337, 387, 388
Erbe Druad, 44
FEES to Pope, 108, 153, 154
Feichin's Stone, 179
Feis of Tara, a
Ferlegind, 56, 82, 83
Ferta, Feurt, 19
GARLAND Sunday, 175
INDLEA, 30
Island or Monastery, 6, 26
called Aralanensis, 6
LAWS of Aidan, Brendan, &c., 65-
67
Lead roof of Church, 130
Mi AS Tigernain, 303
OGHAM Stones, 176
PALLS sent to Archbishops, 74
Paschal Controversy, 127
Patens, Assic's, 17; Araght's, 20, 33,
354; Tigernan's, 303
Patrick's Churches taken by others,
16, 17, 29, 31, 32, 40, 42, 80
Plague, 137
Pope Innocent's Epistle, 139, 330
RELIC, 19, 57
Relics, 15, 19, 26-29, 32. 45- 3*5
Reformation, 124, 133, 155, 156, 210
Rental of Cong, 256, 272
Roman Empire, 54, 55, 64
Rules of St. Augustine, Brendan, &c.,
65. 70, 74. 79- 80, 248
SEAT of Patrick, 20, 28, 33, 42, 176
See Lands, Tuam, 84, 85, 101 ; Killala,
167, 318
Shrines, Adamnan's, 315 ; larlaithe's,
63 ; Patrick's, 67
Staff of Ciaran, 358
State of Ireland in 1515, 120, 133
Stone of Lugad in Inchangoill, 51
Stones, Long, 46 ; Praying or Swearing,
48
Suppression of Monasteries, 121
Synods— Athlone, 98 ; Bri Mic Taidhg,
97; Cashel, 75, 81, 97; Clonfert,
320 ; Dublin, 98 ; Fiadh Mic Aeng-
husa, 72, 74, 78 ; Galway, 119, 122,
328; Holmpatrick, 74; Kells, 70,
74, 78, 80, 82, 85, 97, 147, 362;
Rathbreasail, 70, 72, 131, 140, 147,
317; Roscommon, 97; Tuam, 98,
328; Ushnagh, 72
TAXATION of 1306, 61, 74, 78, So, 82,
113, 131, 171, 320
Termon Lands, 99, 103, 248
Three Orders of Saints, 51, 54, 55
Tithes, 81, 86, 100, 147, 248, 362
Treaty of Windsor, 98
VALOR Beneficiorum, 82, 84, 87, 252
Visitations of AB. Armagh, 107 ;
AB. Bodkin, 82, 84, 85, 123, 134,
253; AB. Tuam, 113, 114; Regal,
of 1615 and 1633, 82, 88, 156, 253
WAR DENSHIP of Galway, 102, 118, 119,
122, 147
Wattles for a church, 40
Writing of Patrick at Duma Selca, 20
ZIMMER'S View of St. Patrick's Mission,
56
INDEX OF PERSONS
ACHONRY, B. of, 87, Il6, 133, 325, 329,
388
Chapter of, 87, 88, 363, 388
D. of, 88, 108, 328
Provost, 256
Adamnan, 313, 315
Adomnan son of Aldaileth, 146
Adracht, Adrochta. See Araght.
Aedh Allan, K.I. ,66
son of Ainmirech, K.I., 55
Aedh, son of Eochaid Tirmcharna,
K.C., 142
Finn, son of Fergna, 144
Flaithemdha, 306, 309
Guaire, 143
son of Niall, Ab. Armagh, 67
the Tall, son of Eochaid son of
Oengus, 36
Aedhan, B. Mayo, 13
of Tuam, 71
INDEX
39*
Aelchu, Pope of Ara, 62
Aenghus, son of Natfraich, 60
Aghadoe, B. , 101
Agilbert, B. West Saxons, 127
Aidan, B. Northumbria, 127
son of Colman, 307, 309, 310
Ailbe, 16, 32
Aildobur, Ab. Roscommon, 67
Ailill, Oilioll, son of Eochy Moyvane,
7
Inbandha, 306, 309
Kettleface, 34
Molt, K.C., K.I., 2-5, 42, 47,
312
Race of. See Hy Ailello, 19
Ailtin, B., 316
Alad of Killala, 303
Alatro, J. de, Precentor, 81
Alfred, K. Northumbria, 130
All Bald, Totmael, 23
Amalgaid, Amolngid, K.C. , 2-5, 12,
42, 43. 46
his sons, 26-28, 34, 36-38, 46,
307.309
son of Fiachra Elgach, 47, 309
Angulo, W. de, 295
Annaghdown, AD., 86, 147, 148
B. , 113, 114, 116, 117, 133, 150
Chancellor, 148
Chapter, 86, 112, 123, 148, 151
D., 86, ii2, 113, 133, I47-I51
Vicars, 86, 87, 367, 388
Aodhan MacColmain O'Fiachrach,
354- 355
Araght, St., 20, 33, 273, 308
Ara, Aran, Abs. , 61, 62
Pope of, 62
Ardagh, B., 363
Ardcarne, B., 70
Artri, Ab. Armagh, 58, 67
K.C.,66
Armagh, Ab., 4, 66-69, 140
AB., 74, 99, loo, 102-4, 107, 115,
140, 150, 152
Arran. See Ara
Assaroe, Ab., 363
Assic, 16, 17
Athenry, Lord, 122, 276, 297
Athracht. See Araght
Augustine, St., 127
Auxilius, 13, 50
BABYNG, AB. Tuam, 133, 384
Baetan, 93
Baithin, 314
Balan, 130
Ballgell, Queen, 135
Barretts, The, 321, 328
Barrett, Bishop, 328
H., 304
Lord, 153
R., 167, 304
T., B. Annaghdown, 117
Barrett, William Mor, 322
Barry s, 299
Bebar, Bibar, 34
Bee, dau. of Conchorach, 137
Bell, J., B. Mayo, 133
Belmer, R., B. Achonry, 388
Benen, Benignus, Binean, son of
Lugni, 4, 20, 30, 33, 51, 52, 61,
63
son of Sescnen, 4, 17, 20, 30, 33,
S1, 53
Bermingham, Basilia, 294
Lord, 153
Meiler, in, 292
Redmond, 117
Robert , Canon Killala, 324
Robert, Chancellor Tuam, 115
T., Lord Athenry, 118
Berminghams of Tireragh and Leyny,
322, 363. See also Mac Fheorais
Bernicius, 19
Bethe, Biethe, Bite, Bitte, 16, 17, 33
Bibar, Bebar, 34
Bite. See Bethe.
Blound, Blunt, P., AD. Tnam, 112,
"3- 149
Bodkin, C., AB. Tuam, 98, 366
Boedan, 306
Bole the Red, 33
Bourke , Burke. See de Burgo and Mac-
William
Boyle, Ab. , 364
Brendan, son of Fergna, 144
of Clonfert, 55, 61, 63, 144, 145.
273
of Birra, 55, 61
Brian, K.C., 7
- his sons, 20, 33
Bride, St., or Brigit, 80
Briga, 142, 273
Brit, J. , B. Annaghdown, 384
Britons, 13, 50, 51, 57
Broccad, B.ochaid, Brocad, 20, 30, 31,
33. 50
Bron, Broon, son of Icne, 16, 17, 20, 28,
29. 33. 39
Bron, sons of, 20. See Hy Broin
Bronach, 20, 33
Brown, B. Galway, 156
Brug, Brugad, 22
Burgo, de, Bourke, Burke, and Mac-
William, 108, 126, 154. 322, 363
Edmond Albanagh, 114, 257.
275
Edmond, son of Earl Richard, 114,
275
Edmond, Provost Tuam, 114
John, Canon Tuam, 264
John, son of Richard, 266
Reymund, 275, 298
Richard, ist Lord of Connaught,
103, 144. 274. 321. 359. 36o
Richard. Earl of Ulster, 114
392
INDEX
Burgo, de, Richard, O'Cuairsci, 257;
his clann , 326
Theobald, Mac William Eighter,
iSS
Ulick's sons, 266
Ulick, Mac William Eighter, 294
Walter, Earl of Ulster, 360, 362,
364
Walter of Turlough, 100
Walter, son of William, 259
William, the Blind Abbot, 124,
134
William the Conqueror, 103
William, Earl of Ulster, 114
William Liath, 293, 294, 297
CAENCOMHRAC, 93
Caeta, Cata, 24
Caethiach, Caetiac. See Cethach
Caillin, 52, 53
Cainnech, 25, 29, 34
Cairbre, son of Amalgaid, 304
Cairell, 17
Cairthenn, Cairthinn's son, 40
Calraige, Calrigi, Calry, 7-9, 29, 39,
41, 311, 313, 317, 356, 359
Calvus, Mael, 18
Canterbury, AB., 73, 133
Caplait, Caplit, 16, 17, 18, 25
Carews, 321
Carpreach the Swift, 97
Carthach, 61, 145
Cashel, AB. , 74, 115, 131, 148, 324
AD., 115
Cassan, 20, 33
Cata, Caeta, 24
Cathal Crobderg, K.C. See O'Conor
Cathasach of Tuam, 130, 131
Cathraige, Cathry, n
Cathusach of Killarduff , 308, 310
Cellach, Ab. Roscam, 146
of Kilmoremoy, 312, 320
K.C.,I35
Cenel Endai, 40
Cerrigi. See Ciarraide
Cetgen, 17
Cethach, Cethech, Cethiach, 15, 19, 20,
26, 33, 51
Chancellor of Ireland, 113
Charlemagne, 64
Christin, 132
Cianachta, 19
Ciaran, 19, 40, 55, 61, 311
Ciarraide, Ciarraige, Ciarrichi, Cerrichi,
Kerry, 4, 7-10, 15, 30, 31, 33, 49, 82,
83, 85, 131. 133- 354
of Munster, 145
Cinel Conaill, 317
Cinel Enna, 49, 53
Cipia, 16
Clanfergaile, 146, 156
Clancarnan, 82, 83
Clann Andrias, 360
Clann Cein, 307, 354, 359
Cuain, 131, 132, 139
Fheorais, 363
Fiachrach, 136
Maille, 132
Morna, 8
Murtough Mweenagh, 322
Taidhg O'Briain, 62
Umoir, 8, 10, n
William Bourke, 297
Clanricard, Earl of, 121, 254, 264, 265,
281, 282, 294
Ctogher, B. , 119
Clonfert, Ab., 98, 143
AD. , 322
B. , 102, 116, 124, 143, 322, 323,
325. 363
D., 83
Clonmacnoise, B., 72, 326, 383
Coelcharna, 33
Coeman of Airtne Coeman, 33
Deacon, 19, 48
Cogan, J. de, 297
W. de, 299
Coimid Maccu Baird, 32
Coirpre, son of Amalgaid, 34
Colman, B. , 30, 55
B. Northumbria, 55, 127-129
MacComain, 62
Priest, 55
of Tireragh, 314
Columba, Columcille, 55, 58, 62, 162,
312, 314, 356
Comarb of Benen, 88 ; Brendan, 99,
143 ; Ciaran, 75, 99 ; Columcille,
58, 81 ; Coman, 75 ; Cuana, 146 ;
Feichin, 99, 260; larlaithe, 76;
Mochua, 139 ; Patrick, 58, 81, 99
Comarbs, 81, 101
Comgall, 135, 138
Conall, son of Amalgaid, 43
brother of Araght, 334
Crozier shield, 38
Derg, 60
son of Enda, 26, 27, 34-36, 46
Orbsen, 132
Conan, 23, 174
Concors, B. Annaghdown, 147
Cong, B., 91 ; Ab., 386
Conlaid or Culaid's sons, 22, 30, 31
Conleng, 16
Conmac Mor, K. Hy Briuin Seola,
146
Conmaicne, 4, 7, 8, 10, 33, 49, 52, 63,
73. 74- 77-79. 82, 83, 91-93. 147, 358,
383
Table of Descents, 52
of Moyrein, 358
Conna of Mayo, 130
Connachta, Connaughtmen, 7, 8, 146,
358
Connaught, A B., B., 70, 71, 99, 108
K., 52, 70, 78, 91, 95. 98, 103, 132
INDEX
393
Coona, 21
Corbmac, son of Amalgaid , 34
Corca, ii
Moga, 10, ii, 63, 82
Corco Firtri, 9
Thid, 307
Corcu Chonluain, 16
Teimne, Temne, Theimne, alias
Temenry, 8, 24, 25, 29, 49, 134
Corcumroe, 60
Cormac, son of Ciaran, Ab. Tuam,
Vice Ab. Clonfert, 71
Snithene, 32
St., 95, 134, 304, 306, 354
elected B. Annaghdown, 108
Cork, B., 148
Cornelius, B. Annaghdown, 117
Cothrige, Patrick, 57
Crebriu, 36, 45
Cremthann, son of Brian, 33
Croft on, E. , 87
Cronan of Balla, 135
alias Mochua of Balla, 55, 135
Cruimther Monach, 37
Cuanu, 313, 314, 315
Cuimine, 45
Cuimin, Cummene, 310, 311
Fada, 310
Cuisin, R. , 360
Culaid. See Conlaid
Culmana. See Liamain
Cumascrach, 52
Cummene. See Cuimin
Cumyn, Sir J., 105
Cusack, 321
DAIRE of Moygawnagh, 307
Daius, son of Enda Ardchenn, 308
Da Bonne, Do Bonne, Maccu Baird, 32
Dachonna of Assylin , 356
Dalcais, Dalcassians, 8, 76
Daloc, 48
Daly, J. , Warden of Galway, 157
Danes, 62, 64, 130, 146
Darcy, Sir J. , 62
Darerca, 48, 50, 51
Dari the Nun, 67
Dartraige, 8, 9
Dathi, K.C., K.I., 2, 3, 5, 12, 131
Delbna, 10, 147
Derbiled, 314
Derclam, 22
Dericus, 308
Dermait, Ab. Armagh, 67
Dermot Mac Fergusa, K.I., 257
K. Luighne, 307, 354, 355
of Rosredheadh, 306
Derthacht, 33
Diarmaid Mac Cerbaill, K.I., 143
Dionysius, Ab. Boyle, B. Annaghdown,
IS2
D. Annaghdown, 150
Death's Sons, 30, 31
Do Bonne. See Da Bonne
Domnall, B., 32
son of Coilcne, 40
son of Cremthann, 40
of Cuil Conalto, 40
of Disert Patraic, 36
of the Hy Fiachrach, 136
Donennach, 308
Donncathy, Erenagh of Aghagower, 140
Donnchadh, Lord of Carbury, 315
Donnell, K.I., 92, 257, 260
Down, R., B. of, 116
Draigen, Drogin's Sons, 39, 307
Duach Galach, K.C., 3-5, 12
Tenguma, K.C., 2, 50
Dubchonall, son of Amalgaid, 34
Dubhdaleithe, Ab. Armagh, 616
Dublin, AB. , 74, 98, 152
Dummo, (Dunmore?) W. de, Canon
Tuam, 113
EASDARA, Ab., 256, 362, 365
Echaid, son of Brian, 33
son of Nathi, 37
One Ear, son of Amalgaid, 34
Spotless, son of Amalgaid, 34
Echan , or Echu, One Eyed, 40
Echean, Eichen, 3, 33
Echtra, 37
Echu, One Eyed, of Inver, 40
Edward I., 109
II, 114, 151
IV. 156
Egnech, Ab. Aran, 62
Eichen, Echean, 33
Einne. See Enda of Ara
son of Fintan, 145
Elphin, AD., 115, 325
B., 75, 102, 108, 113, 116, 139.
150, 151, 322-324, 326, 363
D., 139, 325, 326
Emly, B. , 149
Enda of Ara, 45, 53, 55, 63, 142, 145
of Artech, 32, 40
Ende, son of Amalgaid, 25-27,
34. 36- 43- 44
Ardchenn, 309
Barepoll, 34
son of Niall, 32
Enna, son of Nuadan, 356
En .... son of Br . . ,'s daughter, 22
English, The, 127, 128
Eochaid, son of Amalgaid, 43
One Ear, son of Amalgaid, 34
Breac, 47, 312
Minncach, 136, 138
Muigmedoin, or Moyvane, 6-8
Eochu, Eochy Moyvane, 6-8
Eodusa of Moyne, 161
Eogan Bel, K.C., 46, 95. 134. 306.
309, 311, 312
son of Clerech, B. Connaught, 71
the Just, son of Amalgaid, 34
394
INDEX
Eogan, son of Niall, 34
Sreb or Sriab, 3, 50
Ere, 25
B., 141
ancestor of Men of Carra, 139
or Heric's Sons, 19, 20, 25, 353
Ercleng, 16
Erenaghs, 65, 71, 95, 102, 133, 140,
146, 147, 309, 318, 321, 322
Ermedach, Ab. Cong, 94
Ernasc, larnasc, 30, 31
Ethne the Fair, 16, 18
Exeter, Jordan de, 294, 360
Lord de, 153
Sir Richard, 295
Stephen, 295
FAELAN , 137
Failart, Felart, B., 13, 17, 33
Failart's Sisters, 22, 33
Fanchea, 60
Faolchar, K. Ossory, 62
Farannan, 313, 314
Fearamla's Sons, 310
Feara Rois, 135
Fechin, 55, 91, 93, 255, 256, 307
Fechra. See Fiachra
Fedelm the Ruddy, 16, 18
Fedelmid, son of Amalgaid, 34, 35, 43
Fedilm, Fedlem, dau. of Amalgaid, 35,
36.45
Feichin. See Fechin
Felart. See Failart
Feradach or Sachell, 15
Ab. Inisbofin, 93
of the Hy Fiachrach, 136
Ferdomnach of Tuam, 71
Ferdomnann, 8, 135
Fergus, son of Amalgaid, 27, 34, 35, 43
son of Cellach, K.C., 66
son of Eochy Moyvane, 7
MacRoigh, 10, 353
Fethmech of Cill Tuama, B. Cill
Cuana, 146
Fiachra Elgach, 47, 139, 313
son of Eochy Moyvane, 7, 8
son of Eochy Moyvane's descend-
ants, 43
of Thomond, 8
Fiachra's Sons of Upper Kerry, 29
Finan of Clonard, 55, 61, 355
of Moville, 61
of Rathen in Carra, 134, 306, 309
B. Northumbria, 127
Findmaith, 145
Finnbarr of Drumcolumb, 356
Fintan the Fair, 136
son of Finloga, 144, 145
Maeldubh, 91, 357
FitzGeoffrey, J., Justiciary, 105
FitzGeralds or Geraldines, 108
FitzGerald of Offaley, 108, 275, 322,
358, 359. 363
FitzGerald, John FitzThomas, 360
Maurice, 359, 360
Flaithgel, Ab. Drumratha, 357
Flammini, N. , Canon Tuam, 113
Flanagan, W. , D. Killala, 330
Flan nan, 93
Flann Dubh, 306
Foelan the Warrior's Race, 35
Foilan, son of Fintan, 144, 145
Forbasach, Ab. Roscam, 146
Fortchern, 162, 314
Francis, B. Annaghdown, 119
Franks, 13, 19
French, Dr. , B. Galway, 156
Froech, Ab., 308
Fulburn, S. de, AB. Tuam, 149
W. de, 109
Fursa, 143-5. J47
GAIMDIBLA, Ab. Ara, 62
Gailenga, 9, 73, 132, 307, 356, 359
Gamanraige, 8
Garbhan, Garvan, 313, 314
Garcin, N. de, 82
Gauls, 13
Gavrin, B., 135
Gelgeis, 144
Germanus, 5
Gilbert, B. Limerick, Legate, 72
Gildas, 141
Gilla MacLiag, AB. Armagh, 74
Ginkle, 157
Gollit, 50
Gormgal, Ab. Armagh, 67
of Ardilaun, 92
Grecraide, Grecraige, Gregirgi, Gre-
graide, Gregraige, Gregry, 9, 10, 20,
33, 38, 39, 47- 54. 3*3. 353. 354, 359.
360
Gregory, alias Kennanach, 92
Ab. Cong, 94
O., Provost Killala, AB. Tuam, 116
Grellan of Creeve, 3, 314
of Tireragh, 314, 316
Guaire, son of Aedh, 311, 312
RACKETS, 171, 298
Henry II., 98, 106
III., 103, 106, 108, 149
IV., 327
VII., 119
VIII, III, I2O, 125, 156
Hercaith, 15
Hereford, Cardinal B., 119
Heric. See Ere
Hernicius, 19
Heyne, J., Canon Killala, 323
Hono, Ono, 16
Hua Concennain, U., 76
Conchobhair. See O'Conor
Domnallain, 76
Donncadha, Ab. Ara, 62
Dubthaig. See O'Duffy
INDEX
395
Hua hOisin, Comarb of larlaithe, 76,
77
Ruairc. See O'Rourk
Hui, Hy, and Ui. See Hy
Hy Ailello, 4, 8, 9, 12, 16, 19 356
Airmedaigh, 310
Amalgada, 34, 36, 37, 45, 132, 303,
307, 310, 318
Briuin, 4, 8, 33, 70, 73
Briuin Seola, 52, 84, 143, 147
Broin, 73
Cathusaigh, 310
Derg, 310
Eachach of Moy, 132, 303, 318
Fiachrach, 4, 8, to, 38, 47, 131,
138, 3°6. 313. 317
Fiachrach, Aidhne, 8
Fiachrach, Muiresc, 315
Maine, Many, 7, n, 19, 25, 33,
54, 84, 131, 135, 143
Muireadhaigh, 310
Neill, 16
Hyndeberg, N. de, 81
IARLAITHE, larlath, 52, 53, 55, 60, 61,
76. 142
larnasc, Ernasc, 21
Imaidh, Vicar of, 92
Indeberge, W. de, AD. Killala, 323
Inisbofin, Ab. , B. , 93
Innocent IV. , 148
Isserninus, 13
Ita, 142
Ith, 16
JAMES II., 157
Jocelyn, 103
Joseph, 103
John, Legate, 98
Jostus. See Just
Joy, 299
Joy, W., AB. Tuam, 155
Just, Justus, 19, 33
KELLY, Gate, David, Moyler, 177
Kennanach, Ceannfionnach, 93
Kerry. See Ciarraide
Kildare, Earl of, 153, 297
Kilfenora, B., 61, 148, 149
Killala, Ab., B., 87, 102, 104, 116, 139,
325
AD., 323, 325, 327, 366
Chapter, 87, 330, 331, 388
D., 323-327, 330, 331, 387
Provost, 116, 330, 331
Killaloe, B., 61, 386
Family, 131
Kilmacduagh, B., 116, 121, 323, 325
AD. , 123
King of England, 83, 88, 97, 102, 103,
104-6, 112, 116, 121-3, I5°» IS2..IS3i
327
of Spain, 124
LACY, H. de, 359
Laegaire, Locgaire, Loiguire, son of
Niall, K.I., 2, 5, 12, 15-17, 25, 26, 32.
34. 35- 303
son of Eochaidh Breac, son of
Dathi, 43, 308, 310
Lahtruth, P., Canon Killala, 324
Lalloc, Laloca, 48, 50
Lally, W., Ab. Tuam, 125
Lambert of Killmayne, 94
Simnel, 119
Lasre, 55
Lawrence, Chancellor of K.C., 98
Lecto, J. de, Canon Killala, 324
Legate of Pope, 97, 98
Leo of Inishark, 129
Leryed, S., Canon Killala, 323
Lesru, 36, 45
Leyny, Saints of, 130
Liamain, Liamania, 50, 51
Liban, 162, 314
Limerick, B., 72, 149 ; AD., 386
Lindisfarne, B. , 129
Linort, R., Canon Killala, 323.
324
Lithben, 137
Loarn, Locharnacb, 21, 30, 31
Lochru, 34
Loegaire. See Laegaire
Loichen, 94
Loiguire. See Laegaire
Lombards, 13, 50, 51
Lomman, 20, 33, 50, 51
Lonius, 308
Luathrenn, 307, 355
Luchti, 22
Lugaid, B. , 355
MacNetach, 52
Lugaith MacNetach's daughter, 30,
Si
Lugnad, 50, 51
Luighne, Luighni, 9, 73, 132, 307, 313,
3»7. 355. 356- 357. 359. 3$3
B., 364
Lynots, 322
MACAEDHA, B. Elphin, 113. AB.
Tuam, 387
MacAn Brehon, B. Mayo, 124, 134
Macassarlay, D., Canon Tuam, 134
MacBeolan, 146
MacCairthinn, 40
MacCarraoin, 315
MacCarthy, K.M., 259, 260
MacCele, MacHale, 309, 318
MaccErcae, MaccErce. Set MacErca
MacConcathrach , 315
MacCostello, 275, 295 »
Miles, 360
MacCreagh, appointed B. Killala,
327
MaccRime, MacRime, 28, 39
Maccu Baird, Coimid, 32
396
INDEX
Maccu Baird, Da Bonne, 32
M'Cullagh, Professor, 75
MacDara, 92
MacDeoraid, 311
MacDermot, 132, 360
MacDonnell, A., Ab. Cong, 95
MacDonoghs, 296, 300, 360
MacDonslevy, 95
MacDregin, 27
MacErca, 27-29, 39
Macet, 17
MacFheorais, 363
Seefin, 363
MacFloinn, F., AB. Tuam, 114, 322,
384. 387
MacGilla na nEach, 315
MacGinnain, Comarb of Coona, 146
Macharius, Ab. Loch Ce, 325
Mac hEli, Erenagh of Killala, 322
Machi . . . , Race of, 22
Machin. See Mayglyn
Maci, W., Canon Killala, 323
Maclnylly, C. , 253
Macjordan, 295
MacMaurices, 108
MacMurchadhas, 108
MacMurchadha, MacMurrough, Der-
mot, 97
MacNeill, 132
Macoyreachtayg, J. , AD. Killala, 325
MacRime, 28, 39
MacWattin, R. , 304
MacWilliam Eighter, 95, 155, 276, 322,
327, 364, 366
David, 134
Edmund, 295
Richard, 296
Theobald, 155
Thomas, 327
Thomas Oge, 298
Walter, 292
Oughter, 154, 155
Oughter's sons Richard and
Theobald, 155
Mael, 16-18, 25
Maelcethaigh, 136
Maelficraich, Ab. Inisbofin, 93
Maeltuile, Ab. Ara-irhir, 62
Mageraghty, 147
Magoneus, C. , 81
MagRodan, 315
MaiccHercae. See Ere, Sons of
Mailfinneoin Family, 130, 131
Maine, 136
Major, J., 81
Malachi, elected AB. Tuam, 109
Malachias, Ab. Boyle, 150
Mancen the Master, 37, 44, 60
Mane, 16
Marianus, B. Elphin, 133
Marscarrayd, W., Ab. Asdara, 256
Mathona, 17, 18, 23, 48, 52
Mathonus, Mathous, 18
Maucen. See Mancen
Mayglyn, N. , elected AB. , 109
Mayo, Ab., AD., B., Chapter, 82, 86,
88, 131.365-385
Meadhbh, Meav, 10
Meath, B. , 72
Meav, 10
Medb, Medbu, 14, 22, 30, 31
Mel, 50
Meldan O'Cuinn, 143, 144
Methbrain, 15
Miccadagayn, Ab. Ballintubber, 266
Mignae, 35
Mobi, of Glasnevin, 355
son of Huanflinna, 307, 355
Mochua of Balla, 316
Moelconaill, 308
Moelfagmair, 308
Moenenn, Ab., B. , Clonfert, 143
Molagga, Ab. Cong, 94
Molaise of Inismurray, 44, 255, 313,
314. 320
Mongfinn, 63
Moore, J., B. Annaghdown, 154
Mucnae, Mucne, Mucno, Mucnoi, 26,
27, 36
Muicin, 161
Muintercuda, 171
Muinter Murcada, 171
Muiredach, B., 357
Muirethach, B., 28
Muirghis, K.C., 67
Muredach, B. (Gailenga), 357
Muredaig, of Killala, 36, 44, 320
of Inismurray, 313, 320
of Killala, 44, 303, 307, 313, 314
Mullethan, 8
Tirech, 6, 7
son of Eogan Bel, 311, 312
son of Oengus, 308
Muredaig, B. See Muredach
NANGLE, Lord, 153
Nainnid, Ninnid, 45
Nathi, St, 91, 307, 357
Nem Mac Ua Birn, Ab. Ara, 62
Nemnall, 36
Niall, K.I.,2, 3, 7
son of Finnbarr, 307
Niccolinus, H., (Miccolinus?), Ab.
Ballintubber, 266
Ninnid. See Nainnid
Nitria, 19
Northmen, 64
Norwich, B., 327.
Nothi, 15
Nuada, Ab. Armagh, 32, 67
Nuala, Queen of Ulidia, 95
O'BAIRD, 51
O'Beathuachan, T., 256
O'Braoin, S., Erenagh of Mayo, 133
INDEX
397
O'Bresseam, W., Canon Killala, 324
O'Brien, 8, 260
Murtough, K.I., 72
Tadhg, K. Thomond, 75
O'Caomain, 139, 317
O'Cellaigh. See O'Kelly
O'Ceandunan, J., 327
Ochynnerigi, M., D. Elphin. 326
O'Cleircin, 146
O'Clumain, A., 300
O'Cnaill, C., 131
O'Coneyl, C., Canon Tuam, 326
O'Connachtaigh, T., B. Tirbriuin, 147
O'Conors, 362, 363
O'Conor, Aedh, 7, 43
Aedh, K.C.,77
Aedh, son of Felim, K.C., 108
Aedh, son of Ruaidhri, K.I., 321
Cathal Crobhderg, K.C., 81, 94,
101, 103, 156, 167, 169,260, 265, 280,
285, 385, 386
Conor, son of Torlogh Mor, 76
Maelisa, son of Torlogh Mor, 95
Maelisa, 103
Maurice the Canon, son of
Ruaidhri, 94
Murrough, son of Torlogh Mor,
76
Owen, D. Achonry, 366
Ruaidhri, son of Aedh, K.C.,
13°. 358
Ruaidhri, K.I., 75, 76, 94, 97,
258
Toirdelbach Mor, Torlogh Mor,
K.I., 74-77, 81, 83, 108, 130, 131,
164, 257, 258, 260, 264, 317
Tomaltach, AB. Tuam, 108, 289
Sligo, 328, 360, 364-366
O'Conreth, R,, 256
O'Conualta, T., 264
O'Cormacain, W., AB. Tuam, B.
Clonfert, 153
O'Cuimins, 311
O'Doigin, Erenagh of Killursa, 146
O'Dondobuir, appointed B. Elphin, 146
O'Donelan, Nehemiah, 327
O'Donnell, 328
O. , Prior Ballintubber, 265
O'Dounlay, H., 125
O'Dowda, O'Dubhda, 73, 132, 138,
139, 168, 276, 316, 317, 319, 321, 322,
359
sons of, 328
Brian, elected B. Killala, 324
Cosnamhach, 324
Donnell's son, 141
Donogh's son, 321
M., elected B. Killala, 327
Manus, AD. Killala, 327, 328
Taichleach, 320
W., Canon Killala, 323, 324
O'Dubhain, Erenagh Killursa, 146,
147
O'Dubhthaigh. See O'Duffy
O'Duffy Family, 94
Ab., AB. Tuam. 131
Cele, B. Mayo, 98, 132
Donnell, AB. Connaught, Tuam,
75. 77. 94
Dubhthach, Ab. Cong, 94, 257.
260
Flanagan, B. Elphin, 94
Gilbert, Ab. Cong, 94
Muredach, AB. Ireland, Tuam,
75-77. 94
Nicol, Ab. Cong, 94
Wm. Boy, Ab. Cong, 260
O'Dunan, B. Cashel, 131
Odurruchia, M. , 264
Oengus, son of Amalgaid, 34-37, 43,
45.46
son of Conall, 308
Finn, 43
son of Natfraich, 60
O'Farrell, M., chief of Annaly, 76
OTearghusa, V. of Imaidh, 92
OTihel, T., Ab. Mayo, 133
O'Fihely, AB. Tuam, 125
O'Flaherty, 8, 61, 73, 144, 147, 148,
156, 295, 301
Amalgaid, 77
Donnell, 258
- D., D. Killala, 330
O'Flanagan, D., Ab. Cong, 95
W., D. Killala. 330
O'Flannelly, O'Flannghaile, 315
O'Flynn, of the Silraurray, 83, 300
F., AB. Tuam, 293
Erenagh of Errew, 303
O'Frizell, A., D. Raphoe, 121-124
O'Gara, 295, 359. 360
O'Gibellan, F., AD. Elphin, 115
M., Canon, &c., 115
O'Gormley, 132
O'Grady, J., AB. Tuam, 385
O'Halloran, 146
O'Haneld, D. Killala, 330
O*Hara, O hEghra, 300, 359, 360
Bernard, D. Achonry, 364
Cathal, 363
Donnell, 363
John, 364
John's sons, 364
M., Ab. Boyle, 363
Ruericus, 364, 365
O'Hart, 364
O'Healey, B. Mavo, 134
O hEghra. See O*Hara
O'Helidhe, B, Mayo, 134
O hOilmec, 315
O'Hoisin, AB. Connaught, 71
O hUghroin, AD., B. Elphin, 139
Oilioll. See Ailil 1
Oingus, son of Senach, 23
O'Kelly. 84
H., Ab. Knockmoy, 285
398
INDEX
O'Kelly, M., AB. Tuam, 384, 386
O'Lachtna, 87, 168
O'Lachtnan, j., elected AB. Tuam,
107
M., AB. Tuam, 289
Olcan, 28, 37
O'Leabacain, Erenagh of Gill Cillbile,
146
O'Leathcargais, Erenagh of Rath-
hindile, 147
O'Lugadha, F. , Comarb Benen, D.
Tuam, 77, 88
O'Maan. M., 386
O'Maigin, M., Ab. Ballintubber , 265
O'Maille, O'Malley, 8, 132, 140, 141,
276, 289
O'Mannin, 84
O'Maoilin, Erenagh of Gill Cillbile,
146
O'Maolfaghmhair.O'Mullover, 309, 318,
320
I., Erenagh of Killala, 321
O'Maykin, L., Ab. Ballintubber, 267
O'Melaghlin, C., 97
O'Mellaidh, O'Mellaigh, Family, 151
T. , B. Annaghdown, 114
O'Mochain, G., AB. Tuam, 325
Keeper of Cross of Araght, 354
J., Canon of Elphin, 326
O'Moran, Ymearan, D. and R., 296
O'Mullaly Family, 119
W., AB. Tuam, 123
O'Mullavil, Ab. Mayo, 134
O'Murray, of Carra, 132
D., AB. Tuam, 153
O'Murrough, Ab. Mayo, 134
O'Neill, 126
D-. 3iS
O'Nioc, M. , Comarb larlath, 71
M. , Erenagh Tuam, 71
O'Queely, M., AB. Tuam, 93
O'Rabhartaigh, 315
Oraoran, L., Canon Killala, 323
O'Reilly, 144, 362, 363
Ornih, O., 266
Ornurchu. See O'Murrough
O'Ronain, T., Ab. Ballintubber, 265
O'Rourk, 144, 357, 358, 362, 363
Tigernan, K. Brefne, 76
O'Ruadain, F., AB. Tuam, 384, 386,
387
O'Sneadharna, 315
O'Sochlachan, Erenagh Cong, 95
Ossory, B., 119
O'Suanaigh, 67, 310, 311
Aodhan, 67, 310, 311
Triallach, 67, 310, 311
Oswald, K. Northumbria, 130
Oswy, K. Northumbria, 127
O'Tarpa, D., 324
O'Tarpaigh, 315
O'Toole, St. Lawrence, 98
O'Triallaigh. See O'Suanaigh
PALLADIUS, 4, 6, 12, 13, 57
Paparo, Cardinal, 74
Partraige, Partry, 4, 10
Patricius, B. Knockmoy, 103
a title, 57
Patrick, St., 1-7, 9-12, 14-58, 68, 91,
131, 132, 134, 141, 173, 174, 303,
306, 313, 353, 354
Philip, D. Tuam, 113
Pillars of Skreen, 315
Pole, Cardinal, 123, 124
Pope of Ara, 62
Pope, The, 74, 104, 105, 109, 111-117,
119, 120-123, 124, 133, 139, 148-153,
256, 264, 265, 323
Adrian IV. , 75
Alexander IV., 107, 362
Alexander V., 116, 384
Augustinus, 6
Boniface VIII., 149
Boniface IX, 153, 327
Celestine, 6, 58
Celestine III., 280
Clement V., 323
Clement VII., 116, 324, 325, 326,
327
Gregory, 62
Honorius III., 386, 387
Innocent III., 87, 139, 320
Innocent VIII., 118
John XXIII
Leo, 13
Pius II., 327
Urban IV., 116
Urban VI., 324-7
Prendergast, D., 108
Revd., Ab. Cong., 95
Prendergasts, 300
Pupa, Pupeus, 62
QUEEN, Ballgell, 135
Gelgeis, 144
Nuala, 95
Elizabeth, 123, 124-126, 156, 366
Mary, 123, 154
RAPHOE, B., 325
Rathcogan, W. de, 299
Rechrad, Rechred, Roechred, 27, 35
Reeves, B. , 101
Reon, 35
Resti tutus, 50
Richard I., 147
II., 116, 327
III., 118, 152
Ridelesford, W. de, 84, 144
Rioc, 50
Rochelle, R. de la, 105
Rodan, B., 39
Priest, 17, 20, 33
Roechred. See Rechrad
Romans, 13, 57
INDEX
399
Ronan, 136
Roscam, Ab. , 146
Roscommon, B., 70
Prior of, 325
Ross, Clans of, 136
Ruadhan of Lorrha, 143
Ruan, son of Cucnama, 34
of Kilgarvan, 357
SABA, wife of Oengus, 308
Sachell, Feradach, 3, 12, 15, 30, 31,
33
Sadb, 30
Sai, Race of, 19
Saxons, 127, 129, 130
Scots, 6, 128
Sechnall, Secundinus, 13, 50, 51
Segretia, 129
Senach, 23
Sencheneoil, n
Senmed, 14, 22
Sere, 304
Sescnen, 51
Silmurray, Silmuredaig, 7, 78, 83, 131,
132, 137, 138,
B., 75, 139
Simcox, S. , Warden of Galway, 157
Sisters of B. Felart, 22, 33
Skerrett, C., 253
Slane, P. de, B. Cork, 152
Sodans, n, 52, 63, 82-84, 135
Sons of En .... 14, 49
Spain. See King of
Staunton, Lord, 153, 275
John, 266 ; E. and R. , 386
Stauntons, 114
Strafford, Lord, 102
Sucat, St. Patrick, 57
Suibne, 136
TAMANCHENN'S Sons, 34
Teloc, 36
Temenrigi, 29
Thomas, Ab. Little Cell, 148
AD. Killala, 327
B. Annaghdown, 114
— Prior of St. Coman, 325
Tigernan of Errew, 303, 304
Tipraide, Tipraiti, K.C., 66, 314
Toirdelbach, Torlogh. See O'Conor
Totmael, All Bald, 23
Tuam, Ab. , 71, 83, 142
AB., 48, 70, 71, 80, 83, 93, 102,
133, 140, 148-157, 264, 325, 326,
363. 386, 387
AD., 81, 85, 88, 89, 104, 112,
113, 149, 150
B., 70, 71, 131
D., 89, 104, 108, 113
Tuam, Provost or Precentor, 8r, 89
Vicars Choral, 80. 89, 367
Other officers and Canons, 81.
104, 113, 115
Chapter, 84, 85, 87, 89, 108. in.
115, 123, 363
Ab. Holy Trinity, 325
Tuanna(TuamaP), L. de, Canon Tuam
«3
Tuathal Maelgarb, K.I., 55
Roughfoot, 135
Techtmar, 7
Turgesius, 67, 130
Turlton or Twellow, H., B. Annagh-
down, 1 1 6, 384
Turner, H., too
Tyrlaw, H., B. Annaghdown, 384
UA. See also O in surnames
Ua Bolcain, N., Ab. Tuam, 71
Ua Cairill, AB. Connaught, 71
Ua Cillin, C. , Vice Abbot of Silmurray.
358
Ua Cnaill, AB. Connaught, 71
Ua Cormacain, Ab. Ara, 62
Ua Dubhacan, Ab. Ara, 62
Ua Duillennain, G. , Ab. Esdara, 362
Ua Gallchubhair, O'Gallagher, M.,
Comarb of Skreen, 315
Ua Maelfhaghamair, AB. Connaught.
7i
Ua Mailmidhe, C., 357
Ua Morgair, M., Ab. Armagh, 74
Ua Ruairc. 5«O'Rourk
Ui Amalgada, &c. See Hy A., &c.
Ultan, B.,6
son of Fintan, 144, 145
U Ossin. See O hOisin
Ufford, J. de, AD. Annaghdown and
Tuam, 147, 150
Sir R. de, Justiciary, 109, 149
Usser, W. de, 299
VAUGHAN, J., Warden of Galway,
157
Vesey, AB. Tuam, 102, 157
Vicars Choral, Achonry, 367
Annaghdown, 82
Tuam, 80, 89
WATERFORD, B. of, 324
Watford, T. de, 81
Wells, A. de, 81
Wilfrid, St., 127
Wolfe, D., Legate, 98. 123, 366
YMEARAN, D.. R., 296
40O
INDEX
INDEX OF PLACES
ABBERT, Monivea P., C.P., 299
Abbeyknockmoy, Abbey C.P. See
Knockmoy
Acad Caoin, Acad Conaire. See
Achonry
Achadabair. See Aghagower
Achadmor. See Aghamore
Ached Fobuir. See Aghagower
Achill Island, P., 89, 131
Achonry, Di. , 74, 75, 78-80, 87, 88, 115,
133, 152, 256
Cathedral, 87, 88, 115, 133, 247,
317, 355- 356
C.P. , Abbey, 357, 360, 362, 366,
368
Achud Fobuir. See Aghagower
Adam's Well, 42
Addergoole, Dunmore Bar., C.P. , 89
Tirawley Bar., C.P. , 297, 317, 331
Admekin, 144, 298
Adrad, Ara, 136, 138
Aelmagh, Ailmaige, 9, 29
Aghagower, Abbey C. P., 23, 86, 89,
99, 131, 132, 140, 170, 247
Aghamore, C.P. , 9, 10, 21, 31, 82, 99,
359
Aghanagh, C.P., 17, 29, 104, 163
Aghclare, C. , 33
Aglish, C.P. , 49, 131
Ahamlish, P., 159, 255, 314
Ahascragh, C.P. , 125
Aidhne, 11
Aigill, Aigleum, 23
Ailech Airtech, Airtig, 34, 39, 40
Mor, 32
Ailich Esrachtae, 14
Aillchoidhin, 306
Ailmaige. See Aelmagh
Air Uiscon . . ., Arduiscon, 14, 22, 49
Airech. See Errew
Airtech. See Artech
Airtne Coeman, 33
Alofind. See Elphin
Alternan, Altfarannain, 315
Alt in Cleib, 137
America, 143
Amhain O mBroin, 73
Annagh, Carra Bar., Abbey, C.P. , 272,
283
Costello Bar., C.P., 9, 82
Enagh in Tirerrill Bar., C.P., 317,
359
Ernaisc, C.P., 21, 265
in Killaraght P. , C. , 33, 48, 179, 353
Annaghdown, Di. , 75, 78, 83, 100, 109,
122, 147, 149, 254
Abbey, or College of St. Brendan,
Cathedral, 63, 79, 80, 90, 93, 115,
123, 142, 144, 147, 163, 168, 274
Annaghdown, Abbey of St. Mary, 80,
147, 156, 273, 280, 291, 384
Abbey of the Little Cell, 386
Bellhouse, 143
Nunnery, 142, 143, 147
P.C., 147, 254, 288
Annaly, 76
Ara, Adrad, 136, 138
Ara, Aran, Isles, 92, 93, 159
Aralanensis, Island, 6
Ardachadh, Ardagh, 73
Ardacong, 89
Ardagh, Di., 73, 74, 99, 103, 311
Tirawley, C.P., Preb. , 317, 330,
33i
Ardcarne, Di. , 70, 73, 74, 280, 282-5, 202
Ardd Machae, Ardd Machi, Armagh,
15, 17, 22
Ardd Senlis, C., 19, 48
Ardfert, 142
Ardfintan, 144
Ardilaun, 92, 159
Ardlicce, C., 19
Ardnaguire, Tl., 331
Ardnarea, C.P., Castle, 38, 311, 318,
322. 331
Ardstraw, 29
Arduiscon, Air Uiscon, 14, 22, 49
Aries, 6
Armagh, Abbey, Di., 15, 17, 22, 30, 31,
33, 42, 56, 70, 73, 74, 75, 78, 80, 85,
loo, 130, 139, 309
Arran, Scotland, 62
Artech, Arthicc, 9, 14
Assylin, C.P., 21, 353, 356
Athangaile Castle, 360
Athan Termainn, 73, 383
Ath Echtra, 37
Ath Ein, C.P., Odeyn, Odun. See
Ballyheane
Athenry, C.P., Town, 83, 84, 89, in,
121, 326
College, 117, 154
Deanery, 62, 82, 84, 383
Dominican Friary, 112, 113, 115,
"7, 155
Athlethan, Ballylahan, 294, 360
Athlone, 25, 104, 109, no, 121
Athnetyg, (Athenry?), in
Ath Truim, 33
Attymas, C.P., 9, 317, 359, 361
Attyrickard, C. , 164-166, 383
Aughros, Abbey, C., 78, 164, 314, 365
Auner', C. P. , 25
Aurchuil, 25
Avignon, 116, 154, 326
BAC, 43, 321
Baile Scrine O'Triallaigh, C., 311
INDEX
401
Balenigarray, Preb. , 85
Balla, Abbey C.P. Preb., Round
Tower, Well, 9, 80, 85, 88, 89, 131,
136, 138, 140, 173, 249, 254, 321
Ballaghaderreen, 40, 353
Ball Aluinn. See Balla
Ballina, 36, 37, 47
Ballinakill, C.P., Ballynahinch Bar., 92
Ballinamore Demesne, House, 23, 174
Ballinchalla, C.P. Nunnery, 50, 84, 89,
95, 164, 170, 261, 263, 264
Ballindoon, C.P., 92
Ballinrobe, Abbey C.P. , 50, 83, 85, HI,
131, 168, 170, 176, 248, 259-261, 273
Ballintubber, Abbey C.P., 10, 23, 81,
103, 131, 140, 156, 168, 249, 256, 265,
266, 272
Ballybeg Abbey, 299
Ballyconnell, 7
Bally croy, 313
Ballydrehid, 306
Bally farnagh, 31
Bally glass, 89
Ballyhaunis, Abbey, Town, 22, 170,
176, 304
Ballyheane, C.P., 10, 23, 99, 131, 162,
309
Ballylahan, Abbey, Castle, 294, 360
Ballymacgibbon, 144, 281
Ballymote, Abbey, Castle, 360
Ballynacourty, C.P., 147, 155-157, 254
Ballynahaglish, C.P. , 87, 317
Ballynahinch, C.P., Bar., 10, 147, 155
Ballynew, C. , 49
Ballyovey, C.P., 10, 35, 89, 125, 131,
170
Ballysadare, Easdara, Esdara, Abbey
C.P. Preb. Strand, 28, 38, 47, 73,
79, 80, 91, 137, 162, 163, 312, 314,
317, 324, 353, 356, 357, 359, 360, 362,
363, 367, 368
Ballysakeery, C.P., 43, 87, 317, 318,
322. 33i
Ballyshannon, Esruaidh, 73
Banada, Abbey, Castle, 360
Tl., Kilcolman P., 21
Bandea, 16
Bangor, Co. Antrim, 135
Wales, 45
Barnasrahy, 306
Barra, 142
Bartragh, 28, 38, 41, 47
Basilica, Baslec Mor, Baslick, Bassilica,
C.P., 15, 19, 21, 31, 33
Beacon, Began, Bekan, C.P., 9, 31,
83, 265
Belclare Galway. See Clare Galway
Belclare Tuam, C.P., 10, 83, 89
Bellabourke, 140
Bella vary, 173
Berechnagh.Berethnagh. SwBreaghwy
Bertlach, Bertriga, Vertrige. See Bar-
tragh
Bile Feichin. Billa, C.. 91, 356. 3<?7
Bishop Rodan's Church. See Glas-
patrick
Bithlan Well, 33
Black River, the Duff. 29
Blackwater, Galway and Mayo, 73
Meath, 29
Boffin. See Inisboffin
Bohola, C.P., 175, 295, 361
Bolomy (Ballyovey?), g.. 125
Boyle, Abbey, Bar., Nunnery. River. 8.
21, 285, 289, 362
Boyounagh, C.P. , 10, 89
Boulyfadrick, 38, 47
Bracklaghboy Ogham, 176, 304
Bratho River, 28
Breaghwy, Carra, Berechnagh, Bcreth-
nagh, C.P. , 25, 49, 131, 302
Tireragh, 38
Breastagh Ogham, 176, 303
Bredagh, 43
Brefne, 74, 76, 144
Brendan's Church, Inisglora, 158
Brergarad, Oran, 20
Bristol, 107
Britain, 4, 57, 64, 128, 135
Brughcinnslebhe, Seafield, 306
Buale Patraic. See Boulyfadrick
Burgh in Suffolk, 144
Burren, 73
Burriscarra, Abbey, C.P., 131. 168.
170, 271, 272, 386
Burrishoole, Abbey, C.P., Bar.. 10, 83.
86, 89, 131, 170, 271, 383
Bute, 6a
CAERTHANAN, Caerthin, 36
Caher Island, 129, 159, 160
Caille Conaill or C. Foclaid, 43, 45
Caisel Irre, Cassel lire, Coolerra. 28.
33-39
Calgach, 136
Carbury, 7, 9, 306, 314, 317, 359
Cargin, C.P., 90, 147, 254
Carn, Tl. in Lacken P., 310
of Ruadh, 314
Carnekillaghy, 310
Carnfree, 20, 33
Carnyara, Tl. , 368
Carnamalgada, Mullaghorne, 47
Carra, Ceara, Cera. 4, 5, 8, 9. 29. 51.
74, 80, 85, 131. 132, 134, 135. 138.
139. 306- 3°9. 359
Cashel, Di., 73, 74, m. 115. *»6
Cashels of churches traced —
Caher Island, 159
Drum in Carra, 161
Illancolumbkill, 160, 161
Inisglora, 159
Inismurray, 159, 314
| Inishrobe, 160, 161
Kilmainebeg, 160
Loona, 161
2 C
402
INDEX
Cashels of churches traced (cont.) —
Mayo, 161, 247
Moyne, Kilmaine, 160, 161
Ross, 160, 161
Cassel Irre. See Caisel Irre
Casta Silva. See Kilcreevanty
Castlebar, 271, 299
Castleconor, C.P., 21, in, 318, 327,
331- 366
Castledermot, Parliament, 116, 324
Castlegar, P., 156
Castlehill, 36
Castlekirke, 179
Castlemore, Castle, C.P., 9, 40, 354,
359, 360- 36i
Castlereagh, 9, 48, 383
Cavan, Co., Di., 7, 99
Cayslanconcubir. See Castleconor
Cell Adrochta, Atrachta, Killaraght, 33
Alaid, 36
Angle, 29
Cella Senes, 22
Cell Corcu-Roide, 39
Cuair, Kilquire, 49
Epscoip Rodan, Glaspatrick, 39
of Fish, 22
Foreland, Forgland, 35, 36, 45
Gar ad, 33
Medoin. See Kilmaine
Mor Ochtair Muaide, 37, 38
Olcain, 37
Roe More, 38
Senchuae, 29
Senmeda, 22
Cellola Media, 22
Toch, Tog, 25, 29, 49
Cenn Locho, 30, 31
Cera. See Carra
Charleville, or Rathcogan, 299
Church Island, L. Carra, C., 134, 159,
270, 278, 306
L. Gill, C. 164
Church of Shrine, L. Carra. See
Church Island
Tuam, 63, 264
Cill Achaidh Duibh, 310
Cillbile. See Kilkilvery
Cuana, 146
Da Camog. See Kildacommoge
Easpuig Luidhigh, 355
Forclaron, 28
Greallain, 314, 316
Innsi, Enniscrone, 316, 322
Medhoin. See Kilmainemore
Miodhna. See Kilmeena
Mochellog, Kilmallock, 134
na nAlither, Mayo, 129
Tuama, 146
Clad Cuirre, 136
Claddagh, 89
Clancarnan, P., 108
Clancuan, C.P. Territory, 131, 132, 139
Clanedin, Clanedre. See Islandeady
Clanmorris, Bar., 9, 10, 22, 49, 85, 300,
383
Clare, Bar., 10, u, 61
Co., 7, 8, 142
Claregalway, Abbey, C.P. , 112, 147,
150, 154, 156, 157, 170, 171
Clare Island, 160, 286
Clebach, Cliabach, 18, 19, 33
Cleggan, 92
Clew Bay, 23
Cliabach. See Clebach
Clochar, Clogher, C., Di., 40, 100, 387
Cloghmore, C. , 79
Cloghpatrick, 140
Clonard Abbey, College, Di. , 60, 74,
273, 280
Clonbern, C.P., 10, 89, 296
Clonfert, Abbey, Di., 63, 71, 73, 75, 83,
84, 89, ico, 115, 117, 143
11. , Ballyheane P., 309
Clonmacnoise, Clono, Abbey, Di. , 16,
17, 25, 29, 32, 42, 75, 80, 82, 97, 158
Clonshanville, Abbey C. , 31
Cloonburren, 16
Cloonclare, P., 29
Clooncraff, P., 16
Cloonenagh Abbey, 72, 91
Cloonfush, C., 63, 142
Cloonkeen, 31
Cloonmore, C. Preb. , 85
Cloonoghill, C.P. Preb., 309, 354, 360,
367, 368
Cloonpatrick, C., 140
Clowneoghil. See Cloonoghill
Cluain Cain in Achud . . ., 30, 31
Ferta Brenainn. See Clonfert
Abbey
Findglais, 30, 32
Cluain na Manach. See Kilnamanagh,
Co. Roscommon
Senmail. See Clonshanville
Clynish, C., 86
Cnoc na Maoile, 314, 315
Cnokdromachalry. See Knock
Coillte Luighne, 38, 363
College of St. Brendan. See Annagh-
down
Columcille's House, Kells, 166
Conachail, Cunghill, 358
Coney Island, 143
Cong, Abbey, C. Di. P., 10, 49, 73-75,
77, 79, 80, 84, 85, 91, 92, 98, 103,
114, 147, 163, 247, 272, 283, 383, 386
Connacht, Connaught, Kingdom, Pro-
vince, 5, 7, 8, 12-14, 32, 39, 41, 52,
54, 58, 66, 67, 73, 74, 76, 80, 91, 99,
ico, 101, 103, 104, 114, 118, 119,
121, 124-126, 135-139, 143-145. IS3.
167, 171, 306, 325, 327, 359
Connemara, 92, 129
Coolavin, Bar. , 9, 353, 359, 360, 361
Coolcarney, 8, 9, 39, 138, 139, 313
Coolerra. See Caisel Irre
INDEX
403
Corann, Corran, 35
Corcai ee, Bar. , 39
Corcumroe, 60
Cork, Abbey, City, 259, 260
Corkagh, C., 255, 311
Cormac's Chapel, 166
Cornfield, 50
Corradooey, 17
Corran, Bar., 8, 359, 360
Corrchluana, 97
Costello, Bar., 9, 353, 356, 359, 360,
361
Court Abbey, 176
Craebh Grellain, Creeve, C.P., 3
Croaghpatrick, 10, 23, 140
Crochan. See Cruachan
Croch Cuile, 20, 33, 48, 49, 383
Croghan, 42
Crosrechig, 272
Cross, in Cong P., 49, 257, 263, 383
Crossboyne, C.P. , 85, 89,131, 265
Crossmolina, Abbey C.P. , 43, 303,
317. 33i
Cross Patraic, Crosspatrick, 35, 36
Priory, 267, 271, 273
Crot Cualachta, 136
Cruachan of Ai, Croghan, 8, 18, 32, 66,
67
Aigli, 23
Cruach MacDara, Cruagh MacDara,
93. 158, 159
Crumther Monach's Church, 37
Cuil Boidmail, 15
Conalto, 40
Conmaicne, 33
Core, 22
Dremne, Cooldrumman, 44
Fabair, 10
Gar, 31
Toladh, Tolaidh, Tolat, 10, 22, 49
Trasna, 31
Culcuana, C., 323
Cul Cernadan, Coolcarney, 39
Cummer, C.P., 83
Cunga Feichin. See Cong
Cunghill, Conachail, 358
Cuslough, C., 96, 169
DKRRY, Di., 101
Derrykinlough, 31
Derry Lake, 31
Derrymaclaghtna, C., 192
Deruth Mar Cule Cais, 30, 383
Dichuil, 25
Disarte Breckan, Preb., 61
Disertbebar, 295
Disert Patraic, 35
Doghcarne. See Doughorne
Domnach Ailmaige, 29
Mor Maige Tochair, 40
Mor, Killala, 26, 36
[Mor] Maige Selca, 33
Mor Seola. See Donaghpatrick
Donaghmore, Tawnaghmore, Killala.
26, 27. 36, 46
Donaghpatrick, 13, 17, 147, 151, 164.
171, 298
Donamona Castle, 177
Doonfeeny, C.P., 43, 318, 331
Longstone, 176
Doughorne, Doghcarne, Preb., 285,
292, 367, 368
Downpatrick Head, C. , 28, 46
Drinaghan, C. Preb., 87. 330
Drobhaise, Drowse, 29
Droiched Martra, Ballydrehid, 306
Dromahaire, Bar. C., 9
Dromard, C.P., 255, 314, 318
Dromcallry. See Knock
Drowse, 29
Druggulragi, Dromcallry. See Knock
Druimcetta, Drumket, 64, 314, 356
Druim Lias, Drumlease, 29, 30
Druimne. See Drummae
Drum, C. , near Boyle, 354
C.P., Co. Mayo, 50, 131, 140,
161, 266
C.P., Co. Roscommon, 83
Drumat Ciarraigi Artig. See Drummad
Drumcliff, C.P., 280, 282, 283, 285.
291, 356
Drumcolumb, 356
Drumket. See Druimcetta
Drumlease, Druim Lias, 4, 29, 30, 52
Drummad, 14, 21, 34
Drummae, Drummana, Druimne, 20,
33- 34. 48. 35.3
Drummut Cerrigi. See Drummad
Drumnenaghan. See Drum, Co. Mayo
Drumrat, C.P., 255, 357, 360
Drynaghan, Drinaghan, C. Preb., 330
Dubhdawla, Tl. , 89
Dublin, Co., Di., Kingdom, 7, 69, 73.
98, 109
Duff River, 29
Duleek, Di., 74
Duma Graid, 16, 32
Dumas, 17, 18
Duma Selca, 20, 33, 42, 176
Dumiche, 17
Dunbriste, 46
Dun Eogain, 306
Dun Lugaid, 52
Dunmore, Abbey, Bar., C.P.. 10, 83.
89, no, 122, 125, 152
Durlas Guaire, 311
Durrow Abbey, 135
EABHA, Evoi, 29
Earl's Island, 114
Easdara. See Ballysadare
Easky, C.P., 9. 169, 314, ^315. 3*8
Easmaicn Eire, Assylin, C., 21
Ecclasroog, C., Ballynahaglish. 357
Ecclesia MagnaSaeoli. Donaghpatrick,
17
404
INDEX
Echenach. See Aghanagh
Edermoda, Hy Diarmada, C.P. See
Kilkerrin
Edmondstown, 21
Elphin, C. Di. P., 17, 33, 70, 75, 100,
103, 105, 117, 317, 359
Emlagh, near Castlereagb, 31
Emlaghfad, C.P. Preb., 79, 356, 360,
367, 368
Emly, Di., 126
Enagh, C. Tirerrill. See Annagh
Enaghbride, 100
Enechdun. See Annaghdown
England, 116, 120-122, 133, 163
Enniscrone, 316, 322
Eothuile, Strand of, 137. See Ballysa-
dare
Errew, Abbey, C., Preb., 87, 103, 167,
247- 3°3. 3°4. 3i8, 330, 331
Erris, 8, 12, 43, 80, 87, 312, 313, 320,
322
Esdara. See Ballysadare
Esruaidh, Ballyshannon, 73, 317
Evoi, Eabha, 29
FAES, 83
Fahy, 89
Fairymount, Sid Nento, 10, 19
Faldown, Preb., 85, 86, 89
Falmore C. See Kildarvila
Faroe Islands, 142
Farranyharpy, Farrinharpie, Preb., 330
Feichin's Church, Ardilaun, 159
Ferni, 30, 31
Ferta of Loch Da Ela, 37
of Tir Feic, 50
Fertlothair, 306, 308, 309
Fidard, Fidarta, Fuerty, 19, 33
Findmag, Manulla, 24
Ui Maine, 25
Fisherhill, 302
Flanders, 145
Fochlad, Fochlith, Fochlithi, Fochloth,
Fochluth, Foclad, Foclut, Wood of,
Fochuill, Foghill, 4, 26, 27, 35, 37,
45.4.6
Fochuill, Foghill, 26, 37, 45, 46
Foimsen, Plain of, 22, 31, 49, 174
Foirrgea, 28
Ford of Sons of Heric, 21, 49
of Two Birds, Snam Da En, 16
Fore, Abbey, 92, 135
Forrach Mace n Amalgodo, Farragh,
28, 36, 42, 44-46
France, 64, 145
Frenchpark, Bar., 361
Fuerty, Fidard, 19, 33
GAEL Abbey, 135
Gailenga, Gallon, Bar., 9, 294, 295,
3°i. 3S6> 357. 359. 36o. 361
Gallerus C., 158
Galloway, 60
Galway, Abbeys, 119, 274, 294; Bar., 10
Co., ii, 61, 63, 95, 143
Corporation, 154-157
Di. , 154, 156
St. Nicholas, C.P., 147, 154-156
Town, 115, 117, 119, 121, 146,
148, 154
Garad's Rampart. See Oran
Gaul, i, 4, 5, 12, 54, 58
Germany, 64
Glaiss Conaig, 35
Glaisslinn Chluana, 108
Glascarrick, 67
Glaspatrick, 39, 158
Glastonbury, 45
Glendalough Di. , 98
Glen Nephin, 43, 321
Glentraigue, Keel Lough of, 114
Gleoir River, 30, 31
Gloonpatrick, Bullaun, 173
Gnobeg, or Moycullen P., 155
Gorey, 67
Gortacurra, C. , 84
Grallagh, Tl., 22
Grange C., Lackagh P., 192
Gweeshadan, C., 140
Gweestion River, 301
HEADFORD, 298
Hecla, 142
Hi. See lona
Hill of Achill, or Aigill, 23
of the Hy Ailello, 12
Hollybrook, 31
Hollymount, 22
Hybernia, 6
lARMBADGNA, 48
laskagh. See Easky
Iceland, 142
Illaunmore, 383
Illauncolumbkille, 79
Illaunnaglashy, 144, 164-166, 312
Imbliuch Hornon, 16
Imgoe Mair Cerrigi, 22, 383
Imlafaghda. See Emlaghfad
Imlech Ech, Emlagh Broc, 33, 50
Imsruth Cule Cais, 30, 31
Inchanguill, C., 20, 51, 71, 163, 261
Inchiquin, 142-144
Inis Bo Finde, in Atlantic, 93, 128, 129
Inis Bo Finde, in L. Ree, 50, 93, 129
Inisboffin, Inis Bo Find, 62, 79, 93,
155. !59
Iniscloran, 144, 165
Inisglora, 79, 142, 158, 312
Inishark, 93, 129, 159
Inishdaff, 86
Inishkea, 79, 159, 313
Inishmaine, 8, 50, 280, 282, 284, 306,
384
Inishowen, L. Mask, 8, 264
Ulster, 29, 40
INDEX
405
Inishrobe, 79, 159, 169
Inishturk, 79, 129, 159
Inis Mic Neirin, L. Key, 256
Inis Medoin, Inishmaine, 163, 167, 305
Inis Muiredhaigh, Inismurray, 44, 54,
146, 159, 178, 255, 314
Inis Scrine, 306
Inis Sgreobhuinn, Enniscrone, 316
Innse Nisc, 8
lona, 58, 127, 128
Irae. See Caisel Irre
Ireland, i, 3, 12, 51, 57, 58, 105, 120,
122, 130, 249
Irlochir, 22
Irrosdomnann, Irrusdomnann, 8, 9
Irruslannan, 92
Islandeady, C.P. , 131, 169, 170
Italy, 5, 50
KEALEBEG, Preb. , 84
Keallaricravyd, C.P., 265, 384
Keelbanada, 21
Kellakyr, 100
Kellegaweyl , 100
Kellmedoin. See Kilmaine
Kellmidoni. See Kilmeena
Kelmachamlyd, 384
Keshcorran, 36, 73, 178
Kevan Di. , Kilmore Di, , 99
Kilanley. See Killanley
Kilbeagh, C.P. Preb., 88, 295, 361, 367
Kilbelfad, C.P. , 87, 309, 317
Kilbennan, Abbey, C.P., RoundTower,
!3, 3°. S2. 78-80, 83, 89, 99, 100
Kilbrenan, Clonbern P., 296
Kilbride, C.P., 43, 318, 331
Kilchowyre, Kilquire, C., 49
Kilcolman, Clanmorris Bar., C.P., 31,
ill, 131, 263
Costello Bar., Castle C. P. , 9, 295,
309. 359. 360- 36i
Kilcommon Erris, C.P., 318, 331
Kilmaine Bar., 22, 258, 261
Kilconduff, C.P., 361
Kilconla, C.P., 83, 89
Kilcoona, C.P., Round Tower, 143,
I4S-H7
Kilcorkey, 140, 174
Kilcormac, C., Kilbelfad P., 309
Killala P., 309
Kilcreevanty Nunnery, 95, 114, 255,
261, 263, 264, 272, 384, 386
Kilcronan, 21, 31, 99
Kilcummin, C.P., Moycullen Bar. , 147,
155-157. 253- 254
C.P., Tirawley Bar., 162, 310, 311,
318, 331
Kilcurnan, C. Preb., 85
Kildacommoge, C.P., 131, 170, 175,
359
Kildallog, C., 48, 104
Kildarvila, C., 73, 161, 164, 312
KilfenoraDi., 61, 75
Kilfian, C.P. ,318, 322, 331
Kilfrauchan, C!., 84, 159
Kilfree, Kilfri, C.P. Preb., 88. «6i,
368
Kilgarvan, in Gatlen Bar., C.P., 9, 255.
317. 357. 359. 36*
or Ardnarea, C., 318
Kilgeevcr, C.P., 42, 89, 131
Kilglass, C.P., 314, 318
Kilgobban, 331
Kilkeeran, Ballyovey, C., 85, 162
Kilmainebeg, P., 383
Kilkeevin, C.P., 19, 48, 284
Kilkelly, C., 162
Kilkenny, Tl. , 49, 302
Kilkerrin,C.P., 10
Kilkilvery, C.P., 146, 147, 299
Kilkinure, C., 170
Kill, Tl. See Killeenbrenan
Killabeg, Preb. Killala, 330
Preb. Tuam, 84-86, 89
Killala, Abbey, Cathedral, Di., 73, 75,
80, in, 115, 247, 310, 317, 318, 329
C.P., 36, 43, 44. 46, 47, 303, 304.
3°9. 318- 321. 322, 331
Killaloe, Di., 75, in, 115
Killanley, C.P. Preb., 87, 330, 331
Killannin, C. P. , 79, 147, 156, 254
Killaraght, C.P. Preb., 9, 20, 33, 48,
82. 353- 354. 36i. 367. 368. 388
Killardbile, Kildamla, C., 73, 317
Killarduff, C., 43, 308. 310
Killarsa, C., 84, 144, 159, 162
Killaspugbrone, C., 28, 163
Killasser, C.P.,36i
C. Preb., in Kilvarnet P., 368
Killcananach, 159
Killeany, C.P., 145, 147
C. in Aran Isles, 60, 61
Killecath, P.. 301
Killedan, C.P. Preb. ,31, 163, 170, 173,
295, 296, 301, 361, 367, 368
Killeely, 142
Killeen, near Ardnarea, 38
in Knappaghmanagh, Tl., 177
in Moorgagagh, TL, 172
Killeenbrenan Abbey C.P., 172, 261
Killeencormac, C., 309
Killeennacrava, Killocrau.C., 176, 261,
273
Killeennaskeagh , C., 176
Killegar, C. . 178
Killenda, C. . 159
Killenna, C., 29
Killererin, C.P., 301
Killeries, 23
Killerry, P.. 74
Kill Finain, C., 270. 278, 306
Killibenoyn, Kilbennan, C., 100
Killibyn. Killibyr. 100
Killimor, 84
Killinamanach, 386
Killocrau, Killeennacrava, 176, 261, 073
406
INDEX
Killogunra, C., 28, 46
Killoran, C.P. Preb., 360, 367, 368
Killosalvie. See Kilshalvy
Killoscobe, C.P., 89
Killosolan, R., 125
Killower, C.P. , ICXD, 146, 147, 254
Ballinchalla P., 50, 96
Killuchanpie, Kilneharpie, Preb. See
Farranyharpy
Killurley, in Arran, Preb., 61
Killursa, C.P., 144, 146, 147
Killybrone, C., 28, 35
Kilmacallan, C., 366
Kilmacduagh Di. , 8, 73, 75, 152
Kilmaclasser, C.P., 86, 89, 131, 161,
383
Kilmacn Eoguin, Kilmacowen, C.P.,
306
Kilmacshalgan , C.P., 255, 314, 318
Kilmacteige, C.P., 360, 367, 368
Kilmaine, Bar., 10
Kilmainebeg, C.P., 22, 49, 89, 159,
261, 383
Kilmainemore, C.P. Preb., 49, 84, 89,
94, 99, 108, 162, 170, 261, 262
Kilmainham Priory, 275, 301
Kilmalton Priory. See Aughros
Kilmedon. .See Kilmainemore
Kilmeen, C.P. Preb., 84, 89, 99
Kilmeena, C.P., 24, 86, 89, 99, 100,
131. 383
Kilmien. See Kilmeen
Kilmolara, C.P. , 169, 170, 261
Kilmore, in Erris, C.P. , 318, 331
Kilmoremoy, C.P., 37, 87, 258, 261-
263, 312, 317, 318, 321, 331
in Ross, P., 262
C., Co. Roscommon, 16, 104, 356
— Di., 74, 99, 147
Kilmorgan, Kilmoroghoe, Kilmur-
rough, C.P. Preb., 360, 367
Kilmovee, C.P. Preb., 295, 355, 361,
367, 368
Kilmoylan, C.P. Preb., 83, 84, 89, 155
Kilmuduny. See Kilmeena
Kilmullen, C., 22
Kilnamanagh, Abbey C., 151, 170,
171
Co. Roscommon, C.P. , 9, 32
Co. Sligo, 357
Kilquire, C., 49
Kilroddan, C., 14, 21
Kilroe, C. Preb., 28, 87, 309, 330
Kilrowan, C., 155
Kilshalvy, C.P. Preb., 360, 367, 368
Kilshanvy, C., 22
Kiltamagh, 22, 140
Kiltorowe. See Kilturra
Kiltullagh, Co. Roscommon, C.P., 22,
3i- 83, 99
Kilturra, C.P. Preb., 360, 367
Kilvarnet, C.P. Preb., 301, 360, 367,
368
Kilveane. See Kilmaine
Kilvine, C.P., 131
Kinaff, C. Preb., 88, 368
Kingstown, Athenry, 326
Kinlougb, C., Castle, 144, 155, 165,
166, 168, 261
Kinsale, 67
Knappaghmanagh, C., Tl., 177, 384
Knock, C.P. , 9, 10, 31, 83, 89, 359
Knockatemple, 170
Knockboha, 308
Knockgraffon , R. , in
Knockmoy, Abbey C.P., 81, 83, 148,
154, 156, 168
Knocknarea, 28, 306
Kylleare, C., 265, 384
Kyllmor, 100
LACKAGH, C.P. Preb., 86, 89, 125, 147,
154, 288
Lacken Bay, C.P. Preb. , 26, 45, 87, 310,
318, 330, 331
Lagan, 43, 310
Lagny, France, 145
Lankill, C., Longstone, 140
Leaba Feichin, 356
League Graveyard, Ballina, 37
Leaffony River, 139
Lecc Balbeni, 38
Lecc Finn, 37
Leinster, 73, 94
Leitrim Co., 7, 9, 322
Lek, loo
Le Nerny, 100
Lenobyr, Nobber, ico
Leth Chuinn, 66
Lether, 40
Letter MacPhilip, 40, 354
Leyny, 9, 322, 354, 356, 359, 360
Lia na Manach. See League
Liffey, 7
Limerick, Di. , 73
Lindisfarne, 127-129
Lisgoole, 60
Liskeevy, C. P. , 89
Lismacuan, C., 148, 156
Lismore, Di. , Abbey, 126, 145
Lisnacrus, Lis na Grus, 140, 174
Lissonuffy, 94, 258
Little Middle Cell. See Kilmainebeg
Loch Cill Escrach, 175
Cime, L. Hacket, 135
Da Ela, L. Dalla, 37
Gealgosa, 133
na nAirneadh, L. Mannin, 9
Selca, Selce, Shad Lough, 20, 33
Techet, L. Gara, 33, 357
Loigles, 25
Longford Co., 7
Loona, C., 140
Loughadrine, 175
Lough Allen, 363
Arquilta, 74
INDEX
407
Lough Cahasy, 179
Carra, 159, 162
Con, 87, 135, 309, 312
Corrib, 52, 93, 144, 145, 179,
254
Dalla, 37
Erne, 60
Gara, 33, 353, 357
Gill, 164
Glynn, 21
Hacket, 135
Harrow, 175
Keeraun, 175
Key, 8
Mannin, 9
Mask, 8, 10, 50, 85, 143, 160, 254
Narney, 9
Ree, 50
Shad, 20, 33
Urlare, 133
Louisburgh, 179
Louth, 7
Lung, River, Tl. , 40
Luyne. See Loona
MACDARA'SC., 158
Machaire Riabhach, 288
Machaire Caoile, Magherakilly, Preb.,
85
Machare, 34, 48, 49
Machi, 15
Mag Ai, Aii. 15, 16
Aine, 29
Airthic, Airtig, 21, 34
Breg, 15
Caeri, 22
Cairetha, 19, 48
Cetni, 29
Domnon, 26, 27
Eabha, 29
Eo, Mayo, 28
Finn, 25, 27, 49
Fiondalba, 24
Foimsen, 22, 31, 49, 174
Gamnach, 307
Glais, 16
Humail, 24
Moethla, 136
Nento, 19
Raithin, 23
Rein, 15
Selce, 33
Slecht, 15
Tochuir, 29, 40
Magherakilly, Machaire Caoile, Maigin
Caoile, Maynkylle, Moynechilly,
Preb., 84, 85, 86
Maigen. See Moyne
Maigen Caoile. See Magherakilly.
Manorhamilton, 39
Manulla. C.P., 24, 44, 131
Marsh of Kellystown. See Murbhach
Maynkylle. See Magherakilly
Mayo, Abbey, C.P., 79, 80, 85, 103,
129-134. 163. 178. 247. 3IS. 384, 385
Co., 15. 25, 95. 108, 142, 147, 304
Daimhhag, 129, 130
Deanery, 82
Deartheach, 130
Di., 68, 75, 85, 91, 93. 98, 124,
131, 151
Meary, Medraige, 155
Meath, Co., Di., Kingdom, 7, 12, 72,
74. 76, 83, 122, 304, 323
Meelick, C.P., RT., 249, 295, 321, 361
Mellifont, 249, 285, 362
Meycindfilead, 384
Minevoriske, C., 366
Mochrath, C., 48, 49
Mon, 136
Monasteredan, 309, 354
Moneycrower, 176
Monivea, Abbert, P., 299
Moore, C. P., 83
Mound of Garad, 19
Mount of Cairn, 30
Egli, 23, 26, 44
of Hy Ailello, 16. 29
Moy River, 27, 28. 34, 36. 38, 39, 47,
J37. J39. 250, 262, 276, 307, 311,
322, 328
Moy Ai, Magh Ai, 8, 12
Moycullen, Bar., C.P., 10, 147, 155-157
Moydrisce, R., in
Moygara Castle, 360
Moygawnagh , M agGamnach , C. P. ,
3°7, 317- 33i
Moyheleog, 9, 43
Moylach, R., 323
Moylough, C.P., 175
Moylurg, 9, 25
Moymelagh, Preb., 367, 368
Moyne, Abbey, 327, 328
C. , 161, 170
Moynekilly. See Magherakilly
Moy Rein, 15
Moyrus, C. P. , 93
Muad. See Moy
Mucna's Well, 13, aa
Muiresc Aigli, 23, 39
Muirisca, Bar. Tireragh, 8, 28
Bar. Carbury, 28
Mullafarry, 28
Mullaghorne, 35, 47
Mullet, 312
Mullingar Abbey, 323
Mungret, C., 166
Munster, 73, 134, 142, 306
Murbhach of Rosbirn, 306
Murgagagh, alias Kilbrenan, Killeen-
brenan, Abbey, C.P., Tl., 172
Murrisk, Abbey, Bar., 10, 22, 23, 39
Bar. Tireragh, 8. 28
NAIRNIU, 14, az
Neimthin, Nephin, 73, 317
408
INDEX
Northumbria, Di., Kingdom, 69, 127
Nuacongbail. See Oughaval
Nunnery in Aghanagh P. , 17
on Boyle River, 21
OCHTAR CAERTHIN, 36
Odba Ceara, Ballyovey, 85, 135, 137,
139, 162
Odeyn, Odun, Ballyheane, C.P. , 100
Oen Adarc, 37, 46
Oilen Etgair. See Illaunnaglashy
Oingae River, 29
Oiremh, Errew, 328
Omey Island, 91, 92, 159, 357
Oran, Orangarad, C. P., 20, 102
Oranmore, C.P. , 147, 155, 157
Ouelytrach. See Umall
Oughaval, Abbey, C.P., 23, 79, 89, 99,
3i3
Oughterard, 155
Oxford, near Keltimagh, 173
University, 123, 124
PARTRY, 134, 139
Patrick's Byre, 38
Chair, 140
Cross, 35, 36
Hill, 49, 258
Well, Annagh P. (Mucna's), 22
Well, Crosspatrick, 36
Well, Killaraght P., 20, 48,
353
Well, Killedan P., 22, 23, 49, 140,
174
Well, Tully, 174
Penitentiary of Inishmaine, 95
Peronne, 143, 145
Pisa, 119
Priory of St. John, Tuam, 77, 80, 81,
83, 264-266
RADMOY, Rathmagh, 144
Rafwee, 146
Rahan, 67, 145
Rahopn, C.P., 155-157
Raithin, Plain, 23, 306
Raith Righbard, 28, 39
Randown, Priory, 301
Rathbuidh, Rafwee, 146
Rathbrenan, 76
Rathcogan, or Charleville, 299
in Tirawley, 299
Rath of Croghan, 8
Rathen, Raithin, 23, 306
Rathfran, Abbey, C.P. (Templemurry
P.), 45, 176, 303, 304, 318
Rathhindile, 147
Rathmagh, Radmoy, 144
Rathmichael, C. , 178
Rathreagh, C.P., 43, 87, 318, 331
Rath Rigbairt, 28, 39
Rathrooeen, 36
Rath Slecht, 15
Red Hill of Skreen, 314
Roba, C.P. See Ballinrobe
Roba in Cera, C.P. , Ballinrobe, 168,
248
Robe River, 8, 10, 131, 306
Robeen, C.P., 131, 263, 271
Rodhba. See Ballinrobe and Robe
River
Roi Ruain, 36
Rome, 12, 15, 109, in, 113, 119, 120,
124
Ros Airgid , 308
Rosbirn, 306
Roscam, Roscaimm, C.P. , RT. , 146,
249
Roscommon, Abbey, Co., Di. n, 15,
25. 67- 75, 94, 322, 325, 383
Ros Dairbrech, Balla, 135
Dregnige, 28
Mac Caitni, 28, 46
Roslee, C.P. , 131, 139
Rosnat Abbey, 45
Rosredheadh, C., 306
Ross, Bar., C.P., Ogham Stone, 10, 79.
92, 143, 161, 176, 261
C., Bar. Moycullen, 155
Rossclogher, 9
Rosserk, Abbey, C., 87, 170, 304
Rosserkbeg, Preb. , 87, 330, 331
Rosserrilly Abbey, 170
Rossmuck and Lettermore, P., 156
Ross Point, C., 28
Round Towers. Annaghdown, 68,
143
Aranmor, 61, 68
Aghagower, 68, 140
Balla, 68, 132, 174
Kilbennan, 52, 68, 78
Kilcoona, 145
Killala, 68, 303, 318
Meelick, 68
Turlough, 68, 132, 139
SAELE River, 29
Saeoli, Great Church of. See Donagh-
patrick
Sail Dea, 50
Saints' C., Inchanguill, 163
Scotland, 142
Serin Adamnain. See Skreen
Scurmore, 28, 38, 47
Seafield, 306
Selca, 20
Sendomnach Maige Ai, 33
Senella Cella Dumiche, 17
Senes, Church, 21
Sen Lis, 50
Shad Lough, 20
Shancough, C.P., 29, 32
Shankill, C.P., 19, 33, 104
Shannon, 7, 8, 10, 15, 16, 29, 41, 73,
97. 143
Shramore, 73, 317
INDEX
409
Shrule, C.P., Deanery, 49. 74, 80, 84,
85, 91, 155-157. 160, 168, 171, 258,
261, 263
Sidhbadha, Sithbudha, 308, 310
Sid Nenta, 10, 19
Sin's Well, 24
Sithbudha, Sidhbadha, 308, 310
Skreen, C., Bar. Moycullen, 155
C.P., Preb., Bar. Tireragh, 79,
314, 315, 318, 323, 324, 330, 366,
387
C., Tuam, 63, 264
Slan Well, 24, 34, 42
Slanpatrick, C.P. , 100
Sliabh Alp, 12
an larainn, 73
Badhghna, 48, 258, 262
— Botha, 308, 310
Lugha, 359, 360
Maccn Ailello, 17
Slicichae River, Sligo, 29
Slieve Aughty, 73
Baune, 48, 258, 262
Carna, 30
Daene, 74
Sligo, Abbey, Castle, Co., Manor,
Town, 7, 25, 29, 74, 296, 322, 360
Snam Da En, 16
Tire Feic, 50
Spiddal, P., 156
Srath an Ferainn, 73, 317
Sruthair. See Shrule
St. David's, 45
St. John Baptist's Abbey, Tnam, 63
St. John Evangelist's Abbey, Tuam,
266
St. Mary's Abbey, Dublin, 103
St. Nicholas, C.P., 156, 157
St. Peter's Abbey, Athlone, 83
Strand of Ballysadare, 9, *8
Stringill's Well, 23, 279
Strokestown, 19, 104
Struthir. See Shrule
Suck River, 10, 20, 73
Switzerland, 64
TAGHBOY, P., 10
Tagheen, C.P., 30, 31, 131
Taghmaconnell, P., 25, 104
Taghsaxon, C.P. Preb., 84, 89, 130,
299, 383
Taghtemple, Templehouse, 301
Tamnach, Tamnuch. See Tawnagh
Tara, 2, 13, 15, 34, 43. 44. *43
Taulich Lapidum, 21
Tawnagh, C.P., 17, 29, 48, 52
TL, KillalaP., 46
Teach Caoin. See Tagheen
Techtemple, Templehouse Castle, 301
Teffa, 5
Telach inna nDruad, 35
Liac, 40
na Cloch, 34
Telagh Enda, C.,6i
Telle Abbey, 135
Teltown, 15
Temple Benen, 52, 159
Templeboy, C.P., 290, 314. 315. 318
Temple Eunan, 313
Temple Gaile, C. Preb., 84, 383
Templehouse, Castle, 301
Templemore, Ballysadare, 255
Strade, 295, 361
Templemurry, Meelick P. (?), 295
Rathfran P., C.P., 318, 331
Temple na galliaghdoo, Errew, 258
Kilbride P., 274
Temple na Lickin, 170, 175, 359
Templepatrick, 51
Templeroaa. See Ballinrobe
Temple Shane na Gawna, 140
Som, or Temple na Lickin, 170,
175
Templetogher, P. , 10, 89
Templevally, 299
Tempul an Machaire, 85, 170
Benain, 52, 61, 159
Ceannanach, 92
Clogas, 144, 165
Gerailt, 129
larlaithe, 63
na bhfiacal, 140
na Lecca, 169, 170
na Leicin, 170, 175
na Scrine, Tuam, 63, 264
Som, 170, 175
Termon of Balla, 138
Termonkeelan, 280, 284
Thomond, 61, 76
Tibohine, C.P., 9, 14
Tirawley, 2, 4, 5, 8, 9, 13. 15, 25, 34,
44, 47, 67, 80, 87, 139, 261, 262, 303,
3°4. 3°9» 3*3. 3i6» 3»°. 3=i. y**
Trrbriuin, 147
Tir da Locha, 10
Tir Endai Artech, 40
Enna, 49, 85, 131
Tireragh, 9, 38, 39, 47, 67, 80, 87, 138,
139, 261, 311, 313, 314, 316, 317.
319, 320, 322, 328, 363
Tirerrill, 5, 8, 17, 73
Tir Nechtain, C.P., 85, in, 13*
Tobair Caoile, 85
na Craoibe, 47
Toberarneeve, 384
Tober Birin, 315
Tobernacreeva, 47
Tober keelagh, 85
Toberloona, C., Well, 50
Tober na halthora, 42
Togher Patrick, 161, 279
Toomore, C.P., 9, 317, 339, 3$»
Toomour, C.P., 139, 290, 355, 356,
359- 36o, 384
Touagbty, C. P., 131, 139, 266, 270,
078
a D
410
INDEX
Traigh Authuile, 28. See Ballysadare
Strand
Tralee, 145
Truyn, 100
Tuaim Da Gualann, Tuam —
Abbeys, 63, 71, 77, 79, 80, 81, 83,
134, 249, 256, 264, 266, 297
Cathedral, 63, 77, 98, 104, HI,
123, 124, 133, 164, 386
C.P., 52, 63, 89, 97-104
Deanery, 82, 83, 89, 125, 383
Di., 68, 70, 71, 73, 77, 78, 99, 100,
ill, 115, 117, 122, 124, 131, 147,
152, 157. 363. 384
Province, 73, 75, 78, 83, 99, 101,
103, 107, 109
Town or Place, 104, no, 123, 124,
247
Tuamany, C., 48
Tuath Mac Walter, 296
Truimm, 100
Tubbercurry, 368
Tulacha Chadaich, 307
Tulach Liacc, 40
na Cloch, 21
Segra, 356
Tullaghan Ogham, 176
Tullaghanrock, 21
Tulsk, 20
Turlacha, Turlough, C.P., 24, 85, 99,
zoo, 131, 139, 384
Two Birds' Ford, 16
Two Cairns, 30
Tyrnachtin. See Tir Nechtain
Tyrnene, 383
Tyrrhene Sea, 5, 36, 45
UARAN Garad, 33
Ucha, Ocha, 2, 6
Ullard, C. , 166
Ulster, 7, 29, 39, 44, 152
Uluidh, 311
Umall, 8, 10, 23, 74, 85, 86, 129, 131,
383
Unshin River, 47
Urcoillte, 73, 74
Urlare Abbey, 170
Ushnagh, 15, 32
VERTRIGE. See Bartragh
Vivariensis, 295
WALES, 43, 45, 142
Waterford, Di., 73, 126
Wells, Adam's. See Slan
Balla, 136, 138
Bithlan, 33
Calf of Cities, or Loigles, 25
Clebach, 18
Cross Patrick, 36
Elphin, 17
Findmag, 24
Mucna, 13, 22
Oen Adarc, 37
Patrick's. See Patrick's Wells
Shankill, Clebach, 18, 19
Sin's, 24
Slan, 24, 173
St. Araght's, 178
Stringill's, 23, 279
Welshpool, 50
West Meath, 7, 39, 72, 100
Whitby, 58
White Plain of Hy Maine, 25
Whitherne, 60
Wizard's Hill, 35
Wood of Fochlad. See Fochlad
YNESKEN, too
Ynis Meain, 384
THE END
Printed by BALLANTYNE, HANSON & Co.
Edinburgh 6* London
OF T
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MAP
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be marked
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