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MASTER NEGATIVE STORAGE NUMBER
95-0519
AUTHOR: O'Brennan,
Martin A.
TITLE: O'Brennan's
antiquities
PLACE: Dublin
DATE: 1858
UIUC Master
Negative 95-0519
^1«.
4
4
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
University Library
Urbana, Illinois 61801
HUMANITIES PRESERVATION PROJECT CATALOG RECORD TARGET
O'Brennan, Martin A.
0*Brennan*s antiquities / Martin A. O'Brennan.
2d ed.
Dublin : M.A. O'Brennan, [1858?]
2 V. : folded map ; 22 cm.
Author's autograph presentation copy.
Vol. 1 is a revision of author's Ancient Ireland: her Milesian chiefs ... (published 1855).
V. 1. Ancient Ireland and Saint Patrick (The dirge of Ireland / Rev. John O'Connell. A hymn of (concerning) Patrick, Apostle of Eire / Fiech, Bishop of Sletty. The alphabetic hynm of St. Secundinus) — v. 2. A school history of Ireland.
Includes bibliographical references and index.
In English; includes 2 poems in original Irish and 1 poem in original Latin, with English translation on facing pages.
Ireland-History. Ireland— Antiquities.
MICROHLMEDBY
Preservation Resources
Bethlehem, PA
on behalf of
The Humanities Preservation Project
at the University Library
of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
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O'BRENNAN'S
ANTIQUITIES.
CONTENTS V'
1. The Preface— being a defence of Ireland's ancient enlightenment and
antiquity.
2. Contractions, Dedication, and Errata.
3. Some rules on the Irish language, an4 " Address to the Reader.*' :7
4. Reviews of " Ancient Ireland and St. Patrick." ' 6, A Map, shewing ^e travels of Golamh, or Milesius, prepared by di6
Author.
6. A metrical history of the leading facts in Irish history. — This is in the
Irish character, accompanied oy a translation, and notes, based on the best authorities, about 200 accredited writers having been consulted. The notes might be considered a digest of history.
7. Pedigrees of nearly all the families of the country, taken from reliable works.
8. The Danish and Norman Invasions.
9. The Reformation; the sanguinary means applied to introduce it into Ireland.
10. The Confiscations by Elizabeth, James I., Cromwell, and William III.
11. The struggles of/ Desmond, the O'Sullivans, O'Donnells, O'Neills,
Fitzgeralds, O'Roarke, Mac Guire, Fitzmaurice, O'Malley, Tyrrell, and other chiefs to vindicate their liberty, to uphold nationality.
12. An Essay on Roiind Towers and Irish Crosses, in refutation of modem
theories, which are opposed to truth, the antiquity, and eariy refinement of Ireland.
13. " St, Patrick's Birth-place," " His Existence," his Life in Irish (by Saint
Fiech), with a translation and notes .
14. Seachnall's hymn on St. Patrick with Seachnall's own life. To this hymn
are appended notes proving the Catholic faith of both Saints.
15. A copious Index.
béjft bAijbA, tt)o cÍTtr*,
3An Aibnwr, rór, rAonc*,
béjÓ Al) SACrOI) A 5-CliVf,
'S A n^in) nio3A FA \>'ú.x.
*5 é ti)o ctieAC 't rtio cttA6, - "; - ' 7^1?*« cfsirore xhyct aij Ia, . : -
• ' i; .51^;,^ b-^uil eiTteAt)i)Ui5 A i).5TIa6,
'S Alt c-rAoftrAcc t A b-ciui'. •■ " ' Ua btiAóioijín^. '
SECOND EDITION.
YOIi. I.
DUBLIN:
fRDTTED FOB AND PUBLISHED BT THE ACTHOft,
MARTIN A. O'BRENNAN, LL.D,
Mentbtr nf the Honorable Society of Queen't /him.
57, BOLTON-STREET,
Of whom the work can be had.
Entered at Stationers^ EaU.
CONTRACTIONS.
= Equal to. V. or vid. = see. ,G.= genitive. Stra. = Strabo. Pau. = Pausanias. Sg. = signifying Sa. = stanza. V. g. = verbi gratia, for sake of ex>
ample. Pas. pre. = passive present. Pro. = pronoun. Gr. = Greek. Lat. = Jjatin. h. =: book. Pto. = Ptolemy. Com. = commentaries. A*M. = Anno Mundi. B.C. = before Christ. 3.F. = before Flood. Sp. =c Spanish. Itf = Ijtalian.
Con. := contraction.
Nom. = nominative.
Com. = compounded.
Ap. = appendix.
Mas. = masculine.
Fern. =: feminine.
lb. = ibidem, same place.
V. = verse.
Plu. == pluraL
MeL = Mela.
Stat. = Statius.
PIL = Pliny.
Pom. = Pomponius Mela.
Her. = Uereootus.
V. = Virai.
Horn. = fiomer.
St. = Saiat.
P. = page.
Pas. 1= many places.
He. =5 Hd>rew.
Cel. = Celtic ; Cellarius.
STANZA cxiy.
but) r ■* sum —The former word means three lifts, the latter five. There is a game of cards in Munster called *'■ Jink and whieel out," or 45. — If one player gets the five Hfts running, he is declared the winner, though under other circumstances nine lifts constitute the game. The allusion in Stanza cxiv. is very pointed, and implies that whoever was miller Ormond would be dog. He played falsely to the king. He robbed without •' the ace." He be- trayed the interest of Charles, deceived and cajoled the Catholics, but the national Catholics were not deceived -by him. They distrusted and rejected him ; whilst the Catholic Lords of the Pale adhered to him as he was an Englishman.
©eíjicatíon*
■■■.■.; .-. • .; TO , ,. . ; .,,, ■
HIS GRACE THi; MOST REV. JOHN MAC HALE, LORD ARCHBISHOP OF TUAM, ' :
' '■ ^' AND -■ ,- •• _ ■' '
PRIMATE OF CgJíNAÚGHT, í , ,
THE "LION OF THE FOLD OF JtlDAH," ' .-,
THE ILLUSTRIOUS CHAMPKfu OF CATHOLICITY, , THE FIRST IRISH SCHOLAR LIVING,' THE UNCOMPROMISING DEFENDER, ,
AND . - ., ,, " _ ,.:■': ; ..
THE FEARLESS ASSERTOR
OF . . I
IRELAND'S INDEPENDENCE.
These Volames are, with the most profound veneration, dedicated, as a trifling token of the admiration and love of
THE AUTHOR, MARTIN A. O'BRENNAN, LL.D.
Member qf the Hon. Society of Queen' i Innt, DvAlin.
Collegiate Seminary,
S7, Bolton' ilreet, Dublin,
Afril, 1858.
404497
ERRATA.
Line. 2,
.8, 7, 4,
fi,
60, 18, fi8, 2,
Fsfre, 22,
84,
57, 61, «4,
70,
78,
80,
81,
83,
92,
94,
99,
112,
118,
120,
130,
132.
136,
138,
162,
160,
161,
165,
166,
166,
176,
176,
201,
229,
230,
230,
232,
232,
4, 12,
4, 19, 18,
6, 16,
19,
13,
18,
3,
3,
4,
4,
8,
2,
6,
21,
15,
17,
3,
10,
9,
8,
6,
2,
3,
2.
6,
2,
233, 4,
233, 16,
234, 7, 255, 10,
supra,
supra,
infra,
supra,
infra,
infira,
infra,
>»
«,
•♦ supra.
», infra,
„ supra, infra, supra,
f,
,»
infra,
supra,
„ infra,
„
supra,
», infra,
», supra,
„ ,• ♦, ,,
supra, infra,
M
dele " or*
for " preasure," " wiih," " malighant," " unblushing," " O'Conneil,"
re«d
I,
„
„
»»
fi
,»
Í,
»,
i>
„
«
M
,» I, „
„ ,»
»
I»
„
400, 7t supra,
416, 16, „
479 supra, read "
There may be
after for
,>
" bO-bAJAC," " IDACAíTl,"
" PAC, 5PA6,"
" IrauUn,"
" Ephiphanius,"
" nAOUISCÓtlA,"
" proposition," " peculiar," " pdACUiqc,'* " 01C,-
« leitDb,'* " sneicijb,"
" noieA&Ain,"
•' b-10TI)p05Ab,"
" rub ore,"
*' c-lATtUtt,"
"bAOl bfeAtlttA,"
♦' ii)-bAilce,"'
pressure.
with.
nulignant.
unblushingly.
O'Connor.
bo-bMAC.
„ IQACAft^.
„ nA6, 5tiA6. Iranian. Epiphanius.
rlA1)U15C0t%A.
preposition, common. ireAcuii)c. ole. leii)ib. Sneicib. tlóloAbAtt. Ij-lotijpoTSAo. „ rw oi*c.
„ C-fAttlAb. „ t)A0i b&ATlTlA.
„ ii)-bA]lce.
Pobul-I-cheullaghainn," Pobul-Lcheallaghainn.
" Aghalahnna,"
" plAirttin," " e|ce," " Leachnall s," " Liber Hymsorum." •• due,"
*• Clama Baosgne," " []Dr At) lie rA,]" " [this same stone,]", " CAnn^Se IjAÍ^," "' Most Rev. Richard O'Conneil
'• Richard,"
„ „
n
>, ,» », ,•
„
,1
Agbalanna.
Seachnall's. Liber Hymnorum. undue.
Clanna Baoisgne. [lOC-rÁtjljcfA,] [this sacred ^tone.] CAtiTtl5 Mac. Most Rev. Richard O' Connell,
Rickard. Killamey.
" Killaony,"
" on this," write Itind.
" BATTE OF THE read BATTLE OF THE YELLOW FORT," TELLOW FORD.
"n")PMceAcb,"' „ TNpM^eACb.
" (uvhur)," „ (wohur.)
Muratori," " Anglican," and " Achonry." a few other errata which the reader can easily set right.
LETTERS, ECLIPSES, AND MUTABLES, GENDERS, CASES, &c.
The Irish characters now in use are seventeen, b being considered as an a». pirate. Of these five are vowels— three broad, a, o , u ; two slender, e , i - the rest consonants ; some of the latter are occasionally used as vowels, as b, 6, 5, TQ. There are thirteen diphthongs, as follow ;— Ae, Af, ao, ca, ei, eo, eu, ]a, 10, itt, 01, UA, m ; and five triphthongs ; ao], eoj, ]A|, lU], ua] — the ancient» used 06], the modems ao|. 21, it may be said, has strictly bat three sounds, the other two being from association with other letters. The sounds are as heard, in the English words a// (2^), hat (a), and what. Instead of using the words sounded long, sftort, broad, slender, I shall insert " *' ' over the letters, and for pronounced 1 will use = which means " equal to." Thus, «^ = aw, ftA, =ay or a in ale, é = ay in say, ,8 e in met, f = i in hit, ó = 5 invote, o = o in doctor, nearly, or a middle sound between short o aud u, as heard in but, ú = Ú in lute, u = u in hut, t^e, ao, 6u, &a, &f = ay in say, or d in ale. A|, p, o^ = i in hit ; but in Connaught A] = a in fuit, and, e in bet; ao is sometimes sounded in Connaught as eeu, but rarely ; eA, e] = e in bet, A] = wi in paw- ing, eó = o in Vote, yet the e has a compressed sound ; eo = u in push, f a, fo =: eeu ; ó| =: 0 in fiote and i in hit, of = ee in meet, fu =: 00 in good, UA = 00 in/5o<f, it never requires an accent, being always long ; Ú] = ii in Ivte and i in htí, UÍ =: ee in meet, U] = i in hit. Tripthongs, ao], }«.} = ee in meet, eof = g in mst, 5 in Mt, and i in hit, forming, as if, one long sound, nearly as o in vote, but each vowel has a short distinct sound. The above sounds are as exact as could be expected in a work of this nature. A close attention to them will enable the student to acquire an accurate pnHiunciatitm.
The consonants, except &, 1), c, sound as in English ; 1) before 5 has a nasal .sound as the terminational French n. D = th in the word there, c = th in this or thick, I = 1 in liam of William ; r, attended by slender vowels =: sh, attended by broad vowels = s in son. There are a few conversational exception» in Munster and Connaught.
ECLIPSES.
I, Ti), I), t*, are never eclipsed.
as 'A\i n)-h!X]\ib, mawrd, our poet.
— ivn 5-ciwr, gawrss, our case.
— ivti n-»nu)n), n-rim, our back, i^ . ■siiJ^T^Í>-í»1^ ^^ our blood. ' * — ixtx i)-5éU5, nhayug, our branch.
— Att b-plAoi)t)A, blonda, our plant.
— Att &-cneAr, drass our battle.
— Ati c-rlAC, ddlatt. our rod.
The verbs are most simple, as will be seen in the notes at page 100 a,e. The declensions are very simple. It might be said there are only two cases (that is, variations) in the singular, the nominative and genitive. The nominative plural is generally as the genitive singular, and A|b or ]h is added to the gen. sing., to make the plural. This is, of course, but a general remark made, to point out the simplicity of our language. The simple rule to ascertain the genders (not the sex) of Irish nouns is this : prefix & or r& to a noun, and if the phrase
|
tl) |
eclipses b. |
|
5 |
— c. |
|
n |
— b. |
|
b |
— V, |
|
D |
|
|
b |
— p» |
|
b |
— c. |
|
c |
- T, |
makes sense the noun will be masculine ; if not, it will be feminine. Thus— 'r & Ai) leAC Azix, z}tft),it is the cheek that is sore, does not make sense, whereas 'r f A17 leAC, &c does — as leAC is the fern. gen. '5 f At) leAbATi bo xi)ú]i) Itte, it was the book tatigfitme. does not make sense, whereas 'x 6 *i7 leAbAt^, &c. does, leAbAtt being masculine. Thisrak is chiefly for those who speak the language and have a good ear. Biit the classical scholar who knows the rales for geQ> ders, will find them nearly the same in Irif h as other languages. He can ap- preciate the sfmplidty and beauty of our native tongue. If one tenth, aye one twentieth, of time, were expended on it, as on other tongues, the whole nation would now be able to talk and use the Irish.
, . TO THB READER.
The facts detailed in the work are not mine, having been taken finmi previous writers^ native and foreign. If there be errors in th»t le^pe^t I am not in fault, as I depended on the writings of the best audiorities for my ioformation.
Errors of type are unavoidable in.every original juid (^ticaJ.work, especially when the Author's time is lioiited. , , _,r^; *>■■' .■ s - ; • r.; .^
The nature of my profession prevented me making a personal canvass. If any friends were forgotten, the omission was not intended. To provide for such contingency, some few copies additional were struck off.
The explanations, requisite to aid the student of Irish, which were at first intended to be prefixed to the " Dirge," I thought better to place as notes, that the reader might the more conveniently refer to them. These are not as nume- rous as I could wish. I had intended to insert «n abridged Irish Grammar, but the introduction of oth» matters prevented my doing so. 1 have introduced marks to facilitate the study of the Irish, which, if the language were studied aa Greek or Latin, I would have omitted. There never wa» a more erroneous notion than that our language is hard to be learned. From my experience as a teacher, I am bold to say, that it is the easiest and simplest of all languages. The works being in manuscript caused them to appear difficult ; the case would have been different, had printing been applied to the Irish as soon as it was to Greek aud Latin, Irish scholars must not then be jealous of each other, as neither can yet claim perfection in writing the language. Much depends on conjecture and time. There must be a mutual co-operation, and fraternal in- tercourse ; and, as each province has its own dialect, like the provinces of Greece, it must not be that a native of either will condemn the language of another, as either may be r%ht. As the Greek writers used the Ionic, Poetic, Attic, Boeotic, Doric, and JEdlic, dialects ; the Irish writers differed on certain words. It must be also borne in mind that the mere reading or manuscribing of Irish does not constitute a scholar ; thousands can read, talk English, and copy it with graceful ease, aud yet be almost strangers to its philosophy, gram- matical and poetical structure Tet if such persons were allowed to tamper with the language of the English poet, they would shortly take down its fresco- cornices to make it agree with their own notions of grammar. The M unster dialect, in which the Prelate wrote, has not been interfered with by me. '
SUBSCRIBEKS' NAMES.
<(->
\* The nunei bftre been Inserted in the order in whioh they were reeeived.
Most Rev. Paul Cnllen, Apostolic Delegate, and Lord Arcl»p., Dublin* Most Rev. Jos. Dizon, Lord Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of
All Ireland. ■.^ t ■ '
Most Rev. Dr. Leahy, Lord Archbishop of Cashel. Most Rev. John Mac Hale, Lord Archbishop of Tuam.
Most Rev. Francis Kellj, Coad. Lord Bishop of Derry. Most Rev. Charles M'Nally, Lord Bishop of Monaghan. Most Rev. Patrick M^Gettigan, Lord Bishop of Raphoe. Most Rev. D, M'Gettighn, Coad. Lord Bishop of Raphoe. Most Rev. Cornelius t^nvir, LorA Bishop of Dawn and Connor. Most Rev. James firowne, Lord Bishop of Kilmore. Most Rev. John Kilduff, Lord Bishop of Ardagh. Most Rev. John Cantwell, Lord bishop of Meath. Most Rev. Michael Blake, Lord Bishop of Dromore. Most Rev: J. Pius Leahy, Coad. Lord Bishop of Dromore. Most Rev. James Wcdsh, Lord Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin. Most Rev. Patrick Furlong, Lord Bishop of Ferns. Most Rev. William Delany, Lord Bishop of Cork- Most Rev. Daniel Yaughan, I^ord Bishi^ of KiUaloe. Most Rev. David Moriarty, Lord Bishop of Kerry. Most Rev. D. O'Brien, Lord Bishop of Waterford and Lismore. Most Rev. William Keane, Lord Bishop of Cloyne. Most Rev. M. O'Hea, Lord Bishop of Ross. ;
Most Rev. John Derry, Lord Bishop of Gtonfert. • ' ; ' Most Rev. Patrick Durcan, Lord Bishop of Achonry. Most Rev. 6. J. P. Browne, Lord Bishop of Elphin. Most Rev. Patrick Fallon, Lord Bishop of Kilmacduagh & Kilfenora. Most Rev. John M 'Evilly, Lord Bishop of Gtdway. ■
Most Rev. Ti Feeny, Lord Bishop of Killala, Most Rev. Daniel O'Connor, Lord Bishop of Saldes. '
Most Rev. Dr. Whelan, Lord Bishop of Bombay. Most Rev. J«hn Fennelly, Lord Bishop of Castoria and V . A. Madras The Most Noble the Marquitf of Ktldare.. • ' . The Right Hon. Lord Castlerosse. Lord Otho Fitzgerald. ^ •
The Right Htm. Lord Ff«nch. ^
The Right Hob. Lord DwBfwren.
The Right Hon. Judge Bidl. > . ^^ . í ;;'.
The Right Hon. Jwlge«eogh. The Very Rev. I. H. Newman, D.D., Rector of C. University.
Viii
A. Ahem, M., Rev. C.C, Waterford Armstrong, A. Esq. Ballygawley, Tjrone
B.
Ball, Nicholas, Right Hon. Judge» Common Pleas, Dublin
Ball, John, Esq., Barrister, Dublin
Brady, John, Esq., M.P., Leitrim, London
Bourke, John, Esq., 13 Charlemont- 6t, Dublin
Behan, J,, Esq., Capel-st, Dublin
Bourke, P., Esq., Merchant, 94, Capel-st., Dublin
Brogan, Michael, Esq. , 4, Prospect- terrace, Dublin
Burke, John, Esq., Sackville-st., Dublin
Brennan, Mark, Esq., Dublin
Brennan, Peter, Esq., Middle Ab- bey-street, Dublin
Brennan, Malachi,Very Rev. Canon, P.P., Ahamlish
Blake, Francis, Esq., J.P., Cregg Castle, Galway
Brennan, Rev. James, Chaplain, Clondalkin
Browne, Very Rev. Martin, Arch* deacon, P.P., Castlebar, Mayo
Brennan, Rev. John, P.P., Warren- point
Burke, Rev. John, P.P<, Mount Bellewbridge
Brennan, Very Rev. Patrick, P.P., Kildare
Boland, Patrick, Esq., 138, Capel- st., Dublin
Browne, Rev. James, P.P., Ballin- tubber, Mayo
Brennan, Bev. Mortimer, C.C, Gort
BeU, Rev. Frederick, C.C., Halston- st., Dublin
fiermingham. Rev. J., P.P., Bor- risokane
Burke, Rev. Thos., P.P., Portumna
Boylan, Very Rev. Daniel, Dean, P.P , EnniskiUen
Brennan, Rev. Francis, B , O.S.F., Merchants-quay, Dublin
Brennan, Michael, Esq., P.L.G., Kiltimagh
Brennan, Rev. Michael, C C, ÍLiU
mena, Westport Burns, Rev. Andrew, C.P., Middle-*
borough, Yorkshire Barry, Rev. James, C.C, Wexford Buckley, Rev John, C.C, Fermoy Bodkin, R. Esq. J. P., Anna. Bole — , Esq., Mayo Constitution,
Mayo Byrne, Patk., Esq., New Ross Bourke, John, Esq., C.E., Marl-
borough-st. Bourke, Walter, Esq., Mary-st. Bourke, Rev. U. Prof. St. Jarlath's Bourke. W. J Esq..Crotrn Solicitor,
Westport, Mayo Browne, John, Esq., 28 Brooke- st.,
Manchester Boyce, Chas, F. Esq., Kingthorp-
grove, Rusholm — Bodoano, Esq., Manchester Bidolph, Thos., Esq., Manchester Brier, Monsieur Le, High School,
Loughborough, Leicestershire Boyle (O), Rev. Jn.. C.C Cumber Barrett, Rev. John. Kilvine Bourke. Rev. G, C.C. Killaseube Burke, Rev. R., Newport, Tip. Birch, Rev. P., V.F.P.P., Johns-
town.
Cantwell, J. M., Esq., Solicitor,
Dominiok St., Dublin Curtis, Very Rev. J., S. J., Dublin Curran, V. Rev. Peter, P.P., Ballin-
amore Campion, John C Esq., A.B., 46,
Charlemont-street Cuff, M. Rev ,Westlaud row, Dub. Conry, James, Esq., Castlerea, Co.
Roscommon Costelio, Rev. Thos., CC, Beloarra Cotter, Rev. Jas. C.C, St. George's
Cathedral London Commins, Rev. James, P.P. Clare-
Galway Connoly, Rev. Martin, P.P. Glanna-
maddey, Beyonnogh Conway, M. E. Esq. Creneral Post
Office, Dublin Costelio, Very Rev. Bartholomew,
V. G. P.P. Crossmolina
IX
Crowe, J.O'B. Esq. Queen's College,
Galway Constaatine, Rev, .Cosgrave, P.P.
Keash, Sligo Curley, Rev. M. P.P. Louisburgli Crooke, Rev. Thos. P.P. Charleville Crane Very Rev. Martín, O.S.A.
John's-street, Dubln Cavendish, H^n. Mrs. Castlebar Costello, J. Esq. (Merchant)Galway Cooney, William, Rev. C.C.Newport,
Tipperary Cunningham, Patrick, Rev. P.P.
Kilbannon, Tuam Cane, Robert, Esq. M.D. Kilkenny Cavanagh, (O). J. Rev. P.P. KU-
lererin, Tuam Cooper, Charles, Esq. Sub- Editor,
Hull, Advertiser Office, Hull Carton, Denis, Dsq. Halston-street Cotter E. H. Rev. P.P. Newton,
Charleville Cahalan, Thomas, Rev. P.P. Kiltulla Catholic Circulating Library, Castle -
delvin Caulfield J. B. Esq. M. A. Lough- borough, England Caulfield, Mrs. do. do.
Conway, P. Rev. Ballinrobe Mayo Concannon, J. Esq. Galway Curran, Esq. M.D. 110, Upper
Dorset-street • Collingwood,Jos. A. Esq. Merchant,
2, Market Place, Hull Cahalan,Michael Esq. 63, Castle-st.
Nenagh Carr, Mark, Esq. Hotel Clifden,
Galway Carr, John, Esq. Auctioneer, Clif-
den, Galway Courtney, P. Rev. Catholic Priest,
Kidderminster Cavanagh, (O) B. Rev. C.C. West- port Cunningham, P. Rev. P.P. Kilconly CahUl, Henry, Rev. C.C. Castlebar Charles, John, C.C. Annadowu Conry, P. Rev. P.p. Robeen Corcoran, P. Rev. C.C. Tuam Coyne, Eugene, Rev. C.A. Tuam
D.
DuflFy, Charles Gavan, Esq. M.P. Australia
Duffy, Very Rev. Archdeacon»
James, P.P. Clontibert Dowley, V. Rev. Philip, CM. Pre- sident, St. Vincent's, Castlenock Daly, V. Rev. P. V.G. P.P, Galway Dunne, Francis, L. Colonel, M.P.
D.L. Brittaa, Queen's County Delaay, J. Esq. Ballyhannis, May» Duffy^ Very Rev. P. P.P. P^nmore Duggan, Rev. Patlc., P.P.' Cumber,"
Tuam. Dungan, Rev. Mich&el, ^P.'Blan-
chardstown . Dinan, Rev. Michael, P.P. Clonde-
gad, Co Clare ; Donnelly, Martin, EUq. Portumna Denehy, CorneliusJBsq T,C. High- street Denehy, Rev. Henry Esq. C.C.
Queenstown Delahoyd, Albert Esq. 81, Queen's-
street, Dublin Durcan, V. Rev. B. Dean, P.P.
Swinford ^
Delany, Denis, Esq. Bookseller
New Ross Devin, Thomas, Esq. Dublin Dinan, Michl. Rev. P.P. Ballincollig Daley, B. Esq. Chemical Works,
Willmington Groves, HuU Dowling D*Arcy,Wm.Esq. Solicitor,
High-street, Tullamore Devlin, F. Rev, P.P. Donaghmore,
Tyrone Donahoe,Patrick, Esq. Boston Pilot
Boston, U. S. 2& copies Doyle, John, Esq. Marshall-street
Birmingham Duggett, Christopher, Rev. S.
Chad's, do. DevereuxP. Rev. P.P. Bree, Ennis-
corthy Dunlevie G.D. Esq. A. B. T. C. D.
Barrister, Williamstowa. Duffy, Michael, F. (O) Esq. Gt
Howard-street, Liverpool E. Ennis, Edward A. Esq. Solicitor,
Capel St. Dublin. Elwood, John, Esq. 112, Middle
Abbey-8t. Elliot, John, Esq. Ludford park,
Dundrum Eccles, O'Connor A. Esq. Barris- ter, Roscommon
Egan, Malachi, Esq. Sol. Capel-st. Elliott, J. Esq. Sheffield
F Forster, F. J. Esq. Svords House Fitzpatrick, Peter, Esq. Jattie's
Terrace, Dublin Fitz^bbon, Henry, Esq. Castlerea Fitzmsnzice, John, Esq. Greenhejs
Manchester Feeny, Rev. William, P.P., Kil-
ttoDo, Tuam Fitzgerald, Sev. Patrick, C. C,
MountbeUew Fizgerald, Rev. J. P.P. Island Edy Flannellv, Rev. John, P.P., Augh-
ugvwet. Mayo Fohin Very Rev. Thomas D. O.P.
West Convent, Gralway ^errall. Rev. Patrick J. P.P.
Dtdeek Fagan, Rev. Matheir, P.P. New-
tovn-moont-kennedy Fitzpatrick, P.V. Esq. Ecdes-st. FamU, Alderman, Fergus, Esq.
J.P., 120, Capel-st Farrell, láichael, Esq. Merchant,
122, Cap^st. Fitzpatrick, Very Rev. P. P.P.
Mill-st., Cork Finnegan, Peter, Esq., 45 New^t.
Dublin Ffrench, Right Hon. Lord, Great
Denmark>st., Dublin Finn, Very Rev. John, O.S.A.
Ballyhaunis French, Lieut. Col. 14 St. James*.
Square, London Fogarty, Rev. P., D.D., P.P.,
Lismore Flynn, Serjeant, East Yorkshire
MilitU Fitzpatrick, W. J. Esq. (Author
of the Life and Times of Lord
Cloncurrry) French, B.Esq. Jabley-stLiverpool Fitzgerald, Rev. C.C. Movlough Flannelly, James, C.C. Enockmoy Sisher, V. Rev. Canon, Sheffield.
G. Grerilie, CoL Fulke, L., M.P.,D.L.
J. P., Cbnyn Qncttan, Bictuard Esq. M.D. Eden- deny, Kildare^ QUHott, P, J. Esq. Sheffield.
Gill, Andrew, Esq. Grosvenor Park
RÁthmines Grattan,H.E8q.D.L.JP.Stephen'8-
green Greene, Alderman John, Esq. J.P.
Wexford Goodman, Rev. J. Bernard, Kew
Abbey, Sligo Green, Rev. Patrick, C.C. Knock,
Claremorris Gray, John, Esq. M.D. Freeman'»
Journal Gemghty, Rev. J. P.P. Castigar,
Galway G^dlagher John, N. Esq. DuUin Germaine, A.R. Rev. P.P. Black- ditches Griffith, James, Esq. Dublin Gilligan, Master Henry, Abbey-st.
Dublin Gibbons, Rev. Michael, P.P.
Eilconly, Tuam Gemon, WnkEsq. Barrifter, Gar-
diner.4t. DuUin Gibbons, Rev.E. C.C. Westport Griffin, Rev. E< CC Ross, Cong Geraghty, Rev. R. C.C. Killura Gibbons, Rev. Thomas, C.C. Bor-
xishoole Geraghty, Rev. James, CC. Balla
H. Higgins. Col. Ousley, M.P. D.L.
J.P. Glencorrib, Mayo Hamiltofl, Very Rev. Archdeacon
John, P.P. St. Mlchan's, Dublin Higgins, Rev. James, P.P. Belagby
Mayo Horgan, Rev. William, C.C. Ken-
mare, KiUamey Horan, Eugene, Esq. Dublin Hardiman, Rev. Thomas, P.P.
Ballinrobe Henry, Rev. James, C.C. Achill Horgao, Rev. David^ C.C. Ballin-
collig ffidccy, Michael, E«q. Bantry Hau^ton, James, Esq.85 Ecdes-st
Dublin HampsUm^ Rev. James, Castletown
Berobaven Hally, Very Rev. D. V.G. P.P.
Dongarvan Hibbetts, Thomas, Rev. J. Q.S.D.
XI
Hickey, Rev. Wm , C.C. Fermoy Hackett.W.L. Esq. Brsr. Clonme Hayes, William Esq. Cork Hosty, Bev. Richd. C.C. Castlebar
Johnson, Richard, Esq. Dublin Jennings, ReT. W. Professor of Lo«
gic, M. and E. St. Patrick's-Col.
lege, Maynooth Joynt, Aldrmn. W. Esq. Limerick Jordan, Miles, Esq. Banister, Rot-
land>st. Johnston, R. L. Esq. Mary-st. Jadge, Rer. Joseph, C.C. Spiddall Joyce, Rev. Michael, CC. Robeen
K.
Kennedy, Tristram, Esq., Barrister,
Henrietta-st. Kelly, Very Rev. P. P.P. Kilskyre,
Meath Kennedy.Ignatias J. Esq. 18 Capcl-
st. Dublin Kilbride, Rev. James, C.C. BallyU.
nan, Queen's County Kenny, Very Rev. John, P.P. Ennis Keen, Peter, Esq. Bolton-st. Kavanagh, Very Rev. Michael, A ,
S.J. President, Clongowes Wood
College Kenny, Rev. Francis, P.P.
Moycullen Kenealy, William, Esq. Kilkenny Kelly, Jasper, Esq., Tuam Herald KearnsJúnbrose,O.S.F. Monastery,
Ronndstor, Galway Keily, D. T. Esq. Merchant, Galway Kelly, Michael. Esq. New Ross Keld), John, Esq. Merdiant, Town-
■end-st King, John, Esq. Castletown Delvin
King,Jame9,Esq. Castletown Delvin Kearney Esq., Dale-st, Liverpool KeUy, Patrick, Esq. M.D. Panl-
sqoare, Liverpool King, Rev. Edward, C.A. Moore Keogh, Rev. Francis P.P. Kilda-
comogus, Castlebar
Leahy, Most Rev. J. P. D.D. Coad-'
jntor Biahop of Dromore Lalor, E. J. Power, Esq. J.P. Loa- gorchard, Ballydine, County Tip« perary Laphen, Very Rev. John, T. D.D.
P.P. Meatíi-st, Dablin Lyons, James T. Esq. Solicitor, 9
Henrietta-st Dablin Lyons, Daniel, Esq. 59 Domnidc.st Loftus. Rev. John, P.P. Donagh
Patrick, Headford Leonard» Rev. Lmoe , P.P. Oalway Langan, Rev. Thomas, C C. Paias<-
town, Grarristown Lynch, Rev. Tliomas, P.P. Black.
lion, Slane Lyons, Rev. Patrick, P.P., Spiddd Lanigan, John, Esq. J.P. Richmond,
Templemore Lalor, Thomas, Esq. D.L. J.P.
Cregg, Carrick*on-Sair Lane, Rev. Michael, P.P. Donongfa-
more, Cork Langan, Patic. Esq. 9 North Earl-st Lynch, Michael Esq. United States
Consul, CapeUst Lavelle, Rev. Patrick, Irish College,
Paris Lane, Rev. Michael, P.P. Coachford, Laughnan, James Meade, Esq Bar«
rister, Gardiner-st. Lawler, James, Esq. Water-st. Li-
verpooi Lawler, Patrick, Esq. do Lawless, Rev. Thcunas, P.P.
Anghrim, Lyons, Esq. SackvUle-st Lyden, Rer. D. C.C. Moyrus Loftot, Rev. James, CC. Newport- pratt
Xll
Mendes, J.S.Esq. Rathmines, Dub- lin and Calcutta.
Moore, G. Henry.Esq. Moore Hall, Mayo.
Magnire, J. F. Esq M.P. Cork
Mac MahoD, F. Esq. M.P. Lon< don
MoUoney.W.Esq. Mary st. Dublin
Mailer, Rev. J. North Bruns- wick-st. Dublin
Mac Manus, Patrick, Rev. P.P. CJifden
Mullarkey, Rev.D, P P.Kiltimagh
Markey, Edward, Esq. Grange, Natile
Mac Cann, Joseph, Esq. 100, Up- per Dorset-st. Dublin
Molony, Rev. Jeremiah, C.C. Kil- meen, Clonakilty, D Ross
Mac Cann, Rev. Joseph, C, C.C. Halston-st.
Mac Neill, John, Esq. Ilenry-st. Dublin
Mac Naraara, Rev. P. C.C. Glan, Mount Bellew
Mac Sorley. Kev. Peter, C.C. Coalislapd, Dungannon
Meyler, Rev. B. P.P. Ferns
Mac Donnell, Very Rev. William F. P.P. Rathfarnham
Mahon, J. Esq. Mercury office, Galway
Meany, P. Esq. Liverpool
Meany, Rev. Patrick, P.P. Clonmel
Murphy, Verg Rev. James, P.P. V.F. Ferns, Tomacork
Molony, Rev. Thomas, C.C. Kil- "murry, Miltown Malbay
Mulcahy, E. J. Rev. P.P. Bally- makea, Clonmel
Moloney, James, Esq. European Hotel, 4 Bolton-8t.
Mullen, Patk., Esq. Dunshauglin
Mac Carthy, Rev. Florence, P.P. MohalifiFe, Killamey
Mangan, Rev. Patrick, P.P. Keel- machedbre, Dingle
Meade, James L. Esq. Barrister, P.L.G. Lower Gardiner-st.
Mac Donnell, E dward, D. Eaq. Cahir House, Kilkelly
Mac Eenna, Rev. John, P. P. Paro- chial House Lisbum
Mulligan, Francis, Esq. Phibsboro' Mac Hale, Rev. Patrick, P. P.
Adragoole, Ballina Murray, Rev. Timothy, C. Adm.
Skibbereen Mac Cawley, Rev. W. P.P. Ar-
dagh, Ballina Mac Nulty, C. Esq. Capel-st. Mahony, Cornelius. R Esq. High-
st. Dublin Mooney, Robert, Esq. Booterstn.
Dublin Mac Gauran, Rev. Hugh, P.P.
Glenade, Kinlough, Ballyshann. Murphy, Rev. Thomas, Church-st.
Dublin Mooney, Rev. Patrick, P.P. St.
Audeon's, Dublin Mooney, Thomas, Esq. Melbourne M'Tucker, Very Rev. Joseph, P.P.
Boyle Mahony, Very Rev. D. V.F. P.P.
Aghabollogue, Coachford Mylotte, Rev. David, C.C.Kiltulla Murphy, James, Esq. 8 Crane-lane
Dublin Moriarty, Rev. Patrick, C.C
Knockacoppuil, Killarney Mechanics' Institute, Dublin MuUally, W.F. P.P. Donahil, Cap-
pawhite MuUally, M. Esq. MuUinahone Moran, Mark Esq., 45 Edgbaston
St., Birmingham Moran, Patrick, Esq., 25 Lower
Abbey st., Dublin Maguire, Michael, Esq. Mackey, T. Esq., Clifden, Galway MacKcon, Rev., C.C, Waterford MacKesy, Mrs. Margaret Eliza,
Rectory, Castletown, Kilpatrick,
Navan, Meath Maley, A., Esq., Barrister, 7 Mer-
rion square, south MacDonough, Very Rev. John MacDonough, Mw. Esq. Dublin. MacOwen, Esq., 23 Eustace st. M'Geough, Rev. James, V.G.,
P.P., Bailindery Monaghan, Rev. Thos.., Lanesboro* MacLotighlin, Chas. Esq., Castleftn MacHale. Very Rev Thomas, D.D.
Irish College, Paris
xiii
Moran, Eev. J., P.P., Arran isl^pd M'Menamin, Hugh, Esq., Donegal Mac Henry, Patrick, Esq. Martin, Patrick, Esq., Eyrecourt Mullany, Rev. Thomas, V.G. P.P.
Templemore MacCormick, Rev. William, C.C.
Tubber Moath Mathews, M. J. J. Esq Portland pL MacManus, Thomas, Esq. surgeon,
Etherington Place, Hull Morgan, Robert, Esq. Inspector
of Police, Hall MacNaughten — , Esq. 1 1 Trinity
House Lane, Hull Mac Manus, A. Esq. Chief Con- stable, Hull MacSweeny, Rev. D., P.P.,
Castle Lyons Murtagh, Rev. Walter, P.P.
Castle Pollard Murray, Rev. T. C.C. Bantiy, Cork MacKernah, B. Esq. Capel st. MacSweeney, M., Esq. Dame st. MacCoghlan, James, SchooUst. MacWatters, Rev. Thomas, C.C.
O'Mey and Ballindoon Magee, Rev. James, C.C. Knock Moran, Rev. John, C.C, Kilmain MacHale, Rev. Martin,C.C. Kilgian MacDonogh, Kev. Thos. Ballinakill MacGuinness, Rev. Joseph, C.C,
Arran island Moore, Patrick CA. Mogrey MacLoughlin, C.A. Athenry MacHugh, Rev. John, P.P., Kil-
mainmore MacCullogh, Rev. Jn. P.P Kilvine MacGough, Rev. Jn. P.P Lackagh Mullany, Mr^ Thadeu8,Hill, Sutton
Coalfield, Warwickshire Murtagh, M. Esq., 44 Stafford st.
Bermingham Mac Sweeney, J. Esq., Sheffield.
N. Noone, Very Rev. Dominick, P.P.
Sligo Newman, Very Rev. John, D.D.,
Rector, Catholic Univ., Dublin Noble, John, Esq. Capel st. Noone, Rev. John J. P.P. Menlagh
Ballinasloe Neale, William Johnston, Esq.
Barrister-at-law, London
Nunan, William, Esq. Dublin
O The Chevalier Daniel O'Connell,
O'Connor-Kerry, Commandant
de Mantua, Anstria O'Dwyer,? Rev. Thos.^ C.C^Bray O'Connor, Maurice, Esq., '^Sub- Sheriff, County Kerry O'Connor, Daniel, Esq. 3, North
King-st. O'Grady, Francis, Esq. Swinford,
Kilkelly O'Connor, Peter, Esq. Wine Mer- chant, Capel-street O'Sheridan, James, Esq. Iron and
Bell Foundry, Chnrch-st. Dublin O'ConnOT, Rev.JWichaelS., P.P.,
Clare Castle, Ennis O'Grady, Rev. John, P.P., Abbey
Knockmoy, Tuam O'Roarke. Bev. Jas., CC, Dun.
more, Tuam O'Connor, Maurice Mac Namara,
Esq. Hermitage, Listowel O'Loughnin, Rev. Henry, P.P.,
Ballymony O'Connell, John, Esq. D.L.,J.P.,
Four Courts, Dublin O'Hagan, Thos,, Q.C, Assistant
Barrister, County Dublin O'Brien, Very Rev. R., D.D., All- Hallows College O'Connell, Very Rev, John, P.P.,
Ardfert . O'Brennan, Rev. Henry, P.P.,
Dysart, Ballyforan O'Carroll, Thomas, £s<;l> Skerries,
County Dublin O'Connor-Kerry.Rev.C J., Sandy- ford, C.C, County Dublin O'Dowd, Bev. Thos., CC, Bally-
haunis O'Duffy, M. 145, Great Howard
street, Liverpool OiBrennan, Philip, VeryBev.Canon,
P.P., AughamuUen, Baliybay. O'Brennan, Malachi, Very Rev.
Canon, P.P O'Farrell, P. J., Rev. P.P. O'SoUivan, Garrett, Bev. P.P,
Bosnaree, Parteen O'Byme, Patrick, Esq. Tablet
Office, Abbey-street ♦
XIV
O Connor, Danl., Esq. Nrh. King st. O Gorman, John, Ber. C.C., Li*.
more, Waterford O'Loughlin, John, Very Eer. P.P.,.
Tubber House, Moate O'Brien, Patrick, -Etq. M.P., Mer-
rioQ-square O'Duffy, Patrick, Esq. N Shields O'Flynn, Jrfin, Esq. 70, Gt. Bruns- wick-street O'Reilly, James, Esq. Dublin O'Clery, James, Esq. Dublin O'Mahony, C R. Esq. High street O'Conoell, D. Bev. C.C, Midleton,
Cork O'Connor, P.J. Very Rev. V.G.,
P.P., Foxford O'Reilly, Thomas, Esq. Fairfield
House, Sandymount O'Beírne^ Timothy, Rot. C.C. Cas-
tlerea O'Brtanan, John, Esq. Artist, 6,
StepheU'Street, Sligo O'Brien, John, Very Rev. V.G.,
P.P., Warenikrint O'Gara, Patrick, Very Rer. P.P.,
Drumcliff, Sligo O'DriscoU, John, Esq. Anglesea st O'Hogan, J. Esq. Dublin O'Sallivan, A. M. Esq. Nation
Dublin O'Connell, Andrew, Very Rer.
D.D. V.F. Irishtown and Donny-
brook O'Connor, Stephen, Rev. CO., Bal-
lymoe O'Farrell, Very R«y. U. A. 0'SulliTan,L.J.ReT.SoathCarolina,
United States O'Eane, M. Very Rer. V.G., P.P.,
Omagh, Tyrone O'Daly, H. Very Rct. P.P.,
Barnadearg, Co. Wicklow O'Brennan, Ann, Miss, 7, West- moreland Terraoe, Banelagh O'Horan, Eugene, Esq .liffey St. O'Horan. P. Rev. P.P., Armagh,
Ballyhaunis O'Reilly, Very Rer. Mr. P.P.
Carrick-redmond, Taahenny O'Moran, Patrick, Esq. 25 Lower Abbey street
O'Quinn, Mathew, Esq. New Boss O'Donel, ATichael, Esq. Lot Char-
leville O'Doneli, Michael, Rer. Leeds O'Mahony, James, Be7. C.C, i Crossboyne
O'Doneli, Rev.M. C.C. Waterford O'Mara, Lorenza J. Rev. Ashton
under Linn O'Brennan, John Mac Owen, Esq.
Ontario Terrace, Portobdlo 0'Farrell,Mark,Rev. PP.Kilbeggan O'Brien, Brien Stephen, Esq. O'Brien, William Smith, Esq. O'Brennan, William. Esq. Surgeon,
Coleraine-street O'Brennan, Jno., Rer. C.C, Sligo O'Brennan, Henry, Rey., P. P.,
Dysart, Ballyforan O'Roarke, Rer. Mr., C.C.Lacken O'Flaherty, Anthony. Esq., D.L.
J. P., Gal way O'Dwyer, Rev. A. P.P. KiUeen,
Galway O'Malley, Rev. E. P.P. Moyrus O'Malley, Rev. E. P.P. Ronustown O'Rourke, Rev. Jas. C C Dunmore O'Malley, Rev. Thos. C.C Miltown O'Malley, Rev. P. C.C Islanleady O'Donnell, Rev. M. C.C Kilcolman O'Grady, P. Esq., 66 up. Dominick
St. Dublin O'Sullivan, D. Rev., C.C Listowel O'Grady, Patrick, 66, Upper Do- minica street O'Neill, Charles H. Esq. Barrister,
34, Blessington street O'DtijJaiin, Esq. Bookseller and Irish Publisher, 9, Anglesea-st O'Malley, Rev. James, C.C, Cross
Boyne O'Brennan John, Esq., Lawrence- town, Banbridge O'Brennan C Esq., General Sur- vey Office O'Connor, James, Esq., Ballin-
lough, Castlerea O'Brien, very Rev. Patrick, J. President St. Jarlath's CoU^;e, Toam
XV
O'Callajg^han, Very Rev. Charles,
P.P. Ballymacelligott O'Keaa, Very Rev. Francii, P., P.L». V.F. CaBtlerea O'Connor, Patrick, J. Rev. P.P.
Foxfprd O'Connor, Peter, Esq. J. P. SÍigo O'Brennan, Lewi», £sq. U.S.,
America O'Mullane, Rer. Daniel, C.C. Ag-
hada, Whitegate, Middleton O'Dwyer, Michael, Esq. Dandrum O'Coffey, Mathew, Esq. South
Circular-road, Dublin O'JEhlioran, James, Rev. P.P.
Knockauia, Beaufort O'Conadl, ,BeT. Timothy C.C.
Yougball >0'Gorauui, Rev. Maurice, C.C.
Dung^rvan O'Reilly, Peter, Rev P.P. Meath. O'Doherty, Daniel,R.P.P. Cappagh
Omagh O'Connor, Very Rev. Thomas, D.D. P.P. liOU^ghrnn O'Connell, Rev. £. C-C Halson-st.
Dublin O'Connell, Rev. M. C.CXistoweU O'Neil, Neal, J.S. Esq. Crown
Solicitor, Antrim O^Beirne, J. Esq. Castlerea CFlynn, Rev. John JL O.S.P,C-
Dublin O'Connor, Roderick, Esq. J. P.
Barrister, Milton, Tulsk O'Connor, Patrick, Esq. J.P. Ros- common O'Fay, Very Rev. Joseph, D.D.
P.P. C.H.R.E. CraugUweU O'Reilly, Rev. John, Principai of
Kilmore Academy, Cavui
P.
Power, Sir James, Esq. D.L.J.P.
Harcourt st. Plunkett, James, Esq. T.C. 98,
James's st. Dublin Power, Rev. Nicholas, President of
Navan Seminary Pye, Rev. George, P.P. denary
and Eilead Prendergast, Rev. Richard, P.P.
Newport, Mayo
Plunkett, Luke, Esq. Secretary,
Tenant League, Beresford Plaúe,
Dublin Power, Rev. Manrice, P.P. KiL-
leagh, Co. Cork Power. Midia^ Esq* T,C. New
Ross Power, O'NeiU, Nichcdas, Esq.
Snowbill, Ferrybank, Waterfbrd.
Q. Quinn, Rev. Andw. P.P. Eolfenora Quaide, Rev. P. P.P. O'CaÍlaghan's
Mills Quaide, P.P. Bromcallagher, Co.
Limerick Quirke, William, Rev. C.C An-
nacarthy Tipperary W-port.
B. Rickard, Rev. John, P.P. Old Ross
and Ballyane Reynolds, V^y Rev. Peter, V.F. P.P. Olaremorris Reynolds, Thomas, Esq. HarsbaU
of Dublin* Roche, ;Veiy Rev. F.J, D.D. P.P.
Oranmore Rooney, Very Rev. C<Hmelins, P.P.
Clontarf Roche, Very Rev. Nicholas, PP
SS. Michael and John's, Dubliu Roche, John. Esq. South st. New
Ross Ransbottom, Edw. Esq. Waverly
Cottage, Hull Redmond, H.M. Esq. Birch-ville Newtown Mt Kennedy Ryan, Luke, Rev. C. A. Killmeena Ryan, W. H. Esq. 1U4, Cotteá-
ham-st. Chorlton on Maddeck Ray, T. M, Esq. Henrietta-st.
S. Spratt, Very Rev. John, D. D.,
Aungier st., Dublin Sandys, John, Esq., Hembroke
Park, Dublin Sheridan, Rev. James, C- C, Dun-
shailghlin Synan, Very Rev. James, P.P.,
Shanagolden Strickland, Charles, Esq., J. P.,
Loughglyn House Shannon, Very Rev. Timothy
P. P., Gort
XVI
Swift, Richard, Esq., London Skerrett, J. L., Esq., D. L.,
Atligoe, Rathcoole, Dublin Sheehan, Very Rer, John, P.P.
Ennistymon Sheridan, Rev. C. C, Round- stone Scully, Rey. Mr. G. C, Becom Smith, John, Esq., Donabate, Co.
Dublin Sheahan, J. J., Esq., Beverly,
England Sherlock, John, Rev. St. Nicholas,
Park-st., Birmingham Sisters of Mercy, Kinsale Sheehan, Michael, Esq. Buttevant,
Cork Sharry, Michael, Esq. Kilcullan Sedgreaves, Chas, Esq. Liverpool
T. Ttrbbi,!,, James, Esq. Merchant,
Church-st, Dublin Troy, Rev. Robert, P.P. Castle- haven and Mycross Trainor, Rev. Patrick, P.P. ffil-
lasnet, Manorhamilton Tighe, James, Esq. 162, Rritain-st. Torpey, P. Esq. Merchant, Dub-
Un Tuomy, Rev. John, P.P., Mill-st
Droumtariffe, Diocess of Kerry Treacy, Thomas, Esq. T.C. Gar-
diner-st Tracy, James A. Rev. C.C. St.
Audeon's, Dublin Trenor, (Treighear) Jas. Esq. Hull Tunmy, Wn. Rev. C. A. Fermoy Tally, John Rev. C.C, Cosby,
Carlingford
V. Vaoghan, Rev. J. Dysart and
Ruan, P.P., Co. Clare W. W. White, Esq. M.D. T.C.
Capel-st. Dublin Ward, P. Rev. P.P. Turlongh Walsh, Rev. Richard, P.P. Head-
ford, Galway
Walsh, Rev. James, P.P. New
Ross, Co.. Wexford Ward, Rev. Peter, P.P. Partree,
Ballinrobe Wallace, Rev. Edward, P.P. BaUy-
gar, Eillan, and Eilronan Wares, Hibbert, Esq. Hales Bams,
Altrincham, Cheshire Waldron,Very Rev. Michael, P.P.
Cong Waldron, Rev. James, C.C Par- tree, Ballinrobe Waldron, Rav. Peter, Clonbur,
Ross Waldron, Rev. Edwaid, P.P. Kil-
molase, Neal, Ballinrobe Walters, (Mac,) Rev. Thomas,
P.P. Crossboyne, Claremorris Waldron, Rev. James, Tuam Webb, C Esq. Galway Wynne. Michael, Esq. Lough
Allen, Leitrim Waldron, Michael, Very Rev. P.P.
Cong Walsh, Patrick, Rev. Tory Island,
Broadway, Wexford Williams, William, Esq. Loan and
Discount Bank, Dungarvan Whellan, Thos. Esq. Amderley
Steeple, Northallerton, Beverly Whellan, Wm. Esq. Beverly Wilkin, Greorge, Esq. Kateville,
Irishtown Walsh, Thomns,Esq.44 Stafford-st.
Birmingham Walker, Alexander, Esq. 72th
Castle-st. Liverpool Whitty, James, Esq, 13 Price-st.
Liverpool Waldron, James, Rev. C.C. Cross-
boyne Whelan, J. Esq. Sheffield. Winter, Michael, Esq. ' Mercury
Office;' Galway
Yore, Very Rev. William, D.D. P.P. St. Paul's DubUn
PRE-FACE
to
THE SECOND EDITION
OF
"ANCIENT IRELAND AND SAINT PATRICK.*
Encouraged by the general approval, (the quick sale of the first edition), stimulated by the numerous applications from England, Scotland, the Con. tinent, and America, for copies, which could not be Supplied, the entire issue have been disposed of within two months after publication, and still fur- ther urged by the repeated solicitation of distinguished parties, whose kind opinion is worth being cultivated, I have resolved to yield to the demand made on me of publishing a second edition. The soundness of the views advanced by friends, I fully recognise. They say, that as my aim in giv- ing to the public the work, was the dissemination of sound principles and the clear developement of national and Catholic facts, civil, social, moral and political occurrences, I would have failed in my aim unless the book circulated more largely. I confess the cogency of such reasoning, and admit that a thousand copies was not such a circulation as could ensure a permeation of what has been considered useful and agreeable knowledge through a population of nearly seven millions of inhabitants. Several distinguished parties have written to me in the most flattering manner, saying that my book should be in the hands of every Catholic, and that it should be a class book. When preparing the materials for the press, I never for a moment fancied that my poor effort— an effort made from no sordid motive — would have been so widely and highly appreciated i nor do I presume to imagine that it merited such eulogy. However, as it would be ungrateful and uncourteous not to regard such a generous ex- pression of approbation as sincere, I am bound to look on it as such, not- withstanding my own opinion to the contrary. In the first edition theM were necessarily some errors, of that fact no one is more convinced than myself. There are more difficulties to be grappled with in bringing out an Irish book than others, chiefly, because printing in the old Irish charas- ters has not been much used and therefore a standard for the orthography has not been yet clearly fixed, nor have all the rules of grammar been sufliciently established. Up to this the language was written, rather agree- ably to the notions of individuals, than in conformity with defined rules approved of by the concurrent judgment of Irish scholars. To write a grammar of any language for the present, the man undertaking such a task must be a thorough master of other kindred tongues, such as Greek, French, &c. Not that the Irish language is dependant on these for any part of its structure, but becattse a mau'^ knowledge of them enables him by analogy, to arrive at useful conclusions, and facile rules of rendering the genius of our rich and venerable dialect understood by others, espe- cially by those who are acqviainted with the languages mentioned. A man in order to be an eminent architect, must nut be satisfied with a knowledge 1
of one order — he must thoroughly understand the Ionic, Doric, Corínthiátt/ Tuscan, and Composite.
Writing works in our old language at the present day is a different thing from what it was when the language was universally spoken in this island. Accents, aspirations, and eclipses are now necessary, and render the. lan- guage almost phonographic, as giving each letter its plain value. This is decidedly a beauty and an immense value to a learner, and which the English dialect does not possess. This system, though partially observed by early writers, was not so necessary, in asmuchas it was the tinnnn vulgaris used by all. It was nature itself as regarded this nation. Had type been as little applied to Greek, Latin, and other tongues as to the Celtic, see in what a backward state they would now be, though in a few more years, if Celtic literature progress as it is progressing, the result will be niost grati- fying Had not our noble dialect peculiar features, entirely its own, it could not have withstood the terrible days, now happily for ever passed away, nor would it, under such persecution, be so perfect as it is, requiring only accidental, not essential improvement.
My first intention I have given up and now beg to offer my countrymen the history of Ireland in two volumes ; the research used to produce, my first work gave all the materials, necessary for the carrying out of my new plan. Each is complete in itself, and the arrangement, I trust, will be found satisfactory.
The First Volume, " Antient Ireland and St. Patrick,'' is nearly a new work, most of the notes being remodeled, with much fresh historical matter introduced, gleaned from the best authorities, and all errors guarded against. Into the first edition a few crept, which could be scarcely prevented iu a work, so critical of arrangement, and for the matter of which so many authors were necessarily to be consulted* To " Ancient Ireland " are now added several pages on " Irish Round Towers," '* Ante-Christian Crosses," •' Mithratic Caves,*' •• Cromleacs,'" &c. The preface is composed anew, and improved. These two Essays, it is hoped, will be a fair defence of Ireland's very remote enlightenment, and great proficiency in arts and sciences, long anterior to the Redemption. This volume contains also a carefully considered grammar of the Irish lan- guage, so that the book will be such as will enable an ordinary student to nc^uire a knowledge of our venerable tongue, without which no one can be a linguist. These, with other additions, respecting Saint Patrick and Irish pedigrees will render the first volume a highly interesting, and I may add, a valuable work.
Some reviewers thought me rather severe in my language in a few pas- sages. Well, out of respect to such, I have moderated my terms. But the facts shall stand ; and it must be remembered that the most beautiful rose has the sharpest thorn.
Every salient point of Irish history, civil and relÍTÍous is placed on a niche, visible and intelligible to every reader. 'I'here is no vague assertion — all is authenticated on the evidence of reliable authorities. There is no colouring, no bifls in the narration of transactions. There is no palliallju of the bad Catholic, no exaggeration of Pro-
testanl persecution. From their own authors the information is borrowed.
Next after the Preface is'printed " The Dirge," the foot notes being much altered, some abridged, some enlarged, and others transferred. Historical precision, and a due regard to orthoepy and., philology, as well as other reasons, lead to that arrangement. I have presented my leaders with a treatise on the language in a very few pages, which will be suffi- cient to enable him to learn the language. Indeed our grammar can be given in a small book, at least as far as the ordinary learner re- quires.
St. Fiech'a hymn St. Seachnalls, and Saint Patrick's Life as well as the metrical version by my esteemed and learned friend, Rev. C. J. O'Connor, will be placed at the end. Hundreds felt dis- appointed that I had not copies of the first edition for them, supposing that because I sent them circulars I was to take for granted they were to be set down as subscribers. I am too well acquainted with busi- ness to take anything for granted — T wish to be certain. Tl^p venerated prelates and clergy will, I trust, lend the same generous support as before, and if so my attempt must succeed. Their sacred sanction will confer a blessing on my endeavours ; — without such support it would be idle to ex- pect to succeed ; with it, I would be most sanguine of the result. Had I this edition out of hands, I have materials for other works arranged. A prayer book, in the old characters, an exercise book, a conversation book, a prosody on the language are sorely necessary. When I told a party at first that I had intended to produce a book, he said I would fail if I at- tempted to bring it out on a large scale — he knew so from experience — that I ought merely to give the poem and translation. He warned me as to a serious loss, if I went farther. I told him that a man should risk some- thing for a good object, that I would chance it. I did chance it. Thanks to my countrymen I was not disappointed. I disposed of the most numer- ous edition of a Celtic work ever published in this country in a less number of months than it took years to sell similar ones brought out be- fore mine. I lost nothing on the affair. I was agreeably engaged in a pursuit, dear to my heart, and congenial to my feelings. There was for me no earthly pleasure, equal to it. It was a labor of love. I am delighted to announce to my friends, whose kindness 1 shall never forget, that by my publication are realized the following pleasing facts : First — That there are at least one thousand nationalist readers to be had. Second — ^That theJe still exists an indestructible flame of nationality never to be wholly mbdued. Third — That an active politician, besides attending to his ordinary business, without losing a moment from it, (as can be ascertained from pupils) can think, icriie, andproduce a work, as well as talk, for his country. Fourth, that such a man can compose a work, having vitality in it — not an emag- culated one, not a crude narration of facts, perhaps omitting unpalatable ones. Fifth — That everything Irish is not a failure. Sixth — That a man does not suffer by placing confidence in the public, if he gives value. Seventh — and, though last, not least, that the heart of Ireland is yet pure, and loves liberty.
!!?'.'
8
School IltsToRY or Ireland.
The second Volume is intended as a School History — a great disiderajtum — as at present there is no such thing worthy of the name. It is a narration of facts from the earliest period down to our own times. I have surrounded myself with every work of authority necessary for the faithful execution of such a task ; and to that end, a temporary retirement from public life was requisite to give the mind composure.
Being fhlly impressed with the responsibility I have undertaken, no pains have been spared, nor research neglected, in order to ensure the same approbation which was so generously extended to my first effort. I was then only a novice in the path of native literature ; but I have since de- voted myself with assiduity and zeal to its study, and I flatter myself with some success, I have read, largely and critically, national records and collateral authorities. That grand and comprehensive work, " Universal History,'' I have carefully perused, and have it now in my possession, as I have all books that can help me. There was scarcely a work that bore, in any manner, on my subject, to which I did not refer. I have not hidden, nor palliated evils which were inflicted on this misgoverned old land, no matter who were the authors of them. I have neither magnified nor parvified atrocities ; they are given as I found them. Mercenaries have been paid to blacken the character of Irishmen ; amateurs have been encouraged in pro- pouuding theories, which are damaging to our ancient fame. It is not then too much to hope, that a historian, who undertakes to defend Irish honor, will be supported. I would have never entered the field but for that pur- pose, as I had not time nor capital. Whatever I write, is done, while others are enjoying sleep.
I have no^ boldly ventured to make improv^mejits on the structure of the language. I have been induced to take this step, having seen a false system continued by parties who have written since my book appeared. The errors allowed to stand in these hist<mc4 works, are pointed out in becoming language, without any acerbity, «ad solely for the purpose of aiding to fix a standard for orthography. It required much time, labour, and mutual forbearance, before the Greek, or even English, was brought to a standard. The long application of type brought about that gratifying result. Such will be the case with regard to the Irish. Witness all the various grammars that have been written, to improve the several languages that are being taught. Very few have been printed for our own language. Irish scholars must co-operate with, and not be jealous of each otbJér. Let the aim of each be to improve.
Having considered the existence of a Prayer Book in the Irish characters, one of the best means of creating a taste for the language, I have ventured on producing one, of good size, and respectably got up. To enable me to do all this, I appeal with confidence to the Hierarchy, Clergy, and Irishmen generally. I promise my friends, that, if honoured with reasonable sup- port, I shall not stop here, but that, the rest of my days will be devoted to Celtic and national writing.
9
The Most Rev. Doctor Mac Hale, Lokd Archbishop of Tcam.
" St. Jarlath's, Tuam, April 3, 1855. My dear Sir, — your taste for our Irish literature is not, I am happy to find, of that merely antiquarian character, which neglects the living, breathing forms of our beautiful language, and like the preservers of Egyptian nrum- mies, wholly devoted to the decoration of tíke remains out of which life has just departed. Were their zeal for our olden literature accompanied with an anxiety for its perpetuation, then it would be entitled to the praise of a laudable devotion to the fame and glory of Ancient Ireland. It is not one of the least strange anomalies of our country to find so many entirely sentimental about the old language, whose ears are at the same time so fastidious as not to endure the continuance of what has been ever deemed the moral striking characteristic of every nation. " I remain your very faithful Servant. " Martin A. O'Brennan, Esq., • .
"57 Bolton-street. '
As my notes on Saint FiecVs and Snnt Seachnall's hymns were of a critical character, both as they regarded philology and religion, and wish- ing to be thoroughly sound on reUgion, I thought it my duty to submit proofs of them to his Grace of Tuam, the most learned, polished, and orthodox of Ireland's sons on these matters. Here is his Lordship's answer : —
St. Jarlath's, Tuam, April 27, 1855.
Dear Sir. — In the notes there is evidence of much research and learning. Without, then, the dogmatism which insists on our own glossary being ex- clusively the right one, you can well take your place among those, whose patient labor in the elucidation of old and difficult forms of language, en> titles their version to a fair share of attention. Wishing you again that encouragement which your devotion to the literature and religion of Ireland so well deserves,
** I remain, your faithful Servant.
"Martin A. O'Brennan, Esq., f JOHN, TUAM.
♦'57 Bcáton-street"
The Most Rev. Doctob Feknt, Lord JBúhop of KUlala.
" Riversdale, Ballina, March, 1855.
Dear Sir. — The perusal of your letter gave me much pleasure, as it brought to my recollection the talents you displayed, when I had the plea- sure of giving you lectures on Logic, in Saint Jarlaúi's College» Yoo were then a bona tpei aáoletcens, and I have no doubt that the literary ac- quirements which your then blooming talents showed you capable of accu- mulating, must have fitted you to accomplish satisfactorily the work which, you have undertaken. I have great pleasure in subscribing to your work» and of assuring you of the interest which I feel in its success.^Believe me, dear Sir, yours faithfully.
" Martin A. O'Brennan, Esq., L.L.D." f THOMAS FEENY
The Most Rev. Doctor O'Connor, Lord Bishop of Salilcs, " I take two copies from a sincere wish to encourage the work."
VS" Several valuable letters were lost by the robbery lately committed on Mr. O'Brennan's houae, and, as th^y were from the pen of Irish scholars, would be pub' limbed as well as those that are, were it not for the accident.
^•^-
.•^f^' ítf'r^
10
From the Most llev. Milesius Mubphv, Lord Bishop of Ferns.
" I have received your very valuable work, ' Antient Ireland,' from the perusal uf which, I hope to derive much information and pleasure.*' From the Most Rev. I. P. Lkaht, D.D., Coadjutor Bithop, Netory.
" I am sure I shall find your work very interestiug. "
From M«Most Rev. Doctor M'Nallt, Lord Bishop of Clogher. " You will now oblige me by having my name entered among the subscri- bers for two copies, the amount of which I hope to hand you personally in a day or two. Sincerely wishing that your literary labors may receive the encouragement to which they are entitled,
I have the honour to be, dear Sir, your faithful servant. " Martin A, O'Brennan, Esq."
From the Most Rev. Doctor O'Brien, Lord Bishop of Waterford. " Dbah Sir, — After a very long delay I at length send you a Post Office Order for a copy of ' Tuireadh na h>Eireann, with a request that you will continue your very useful labours in developing the very valuable resources of our ancient Irish literature.
" Believe me, dear Sir, very sincerely yours."
Ill Dorset-street. '* Dear Mr. O'Brknnan, — your work has kindled up within me feeling» of admiration for the faith and virtues and learningof our beloved countrymen. Your research and diligence have both edified and surprised me. In its pages you have confirmed your high reputation as an eminent Irish scholar, your character for classical acquirements having been long since established. The work does honour to you as a genuine, disinterested, and patriotic Irishman ; I have always known you to be, not merely a professing, but a practical Catholic. As a parishioner I am proud of you. With heartiest wishes, and prayers for your every welfare, — Believe me, my dear friend, most faithfully your's,
John Hamilton. R.C. Archdeacon of Dublin, and
P.P. of Saint Miehan's."
Very Rev. John Spratt, D. D , Carmelite Convent, Dublin, 1855. "My dear Mr. O'Brennan, — I will be thankful to you to take my name as a subscriber for eight copies of your forthcoming work. It has afforded me the greatest possible satisfaction to learn, that very many of our Irish Prelates and Priests, who have been for years intimately ac- quainted with your excellent charatcer, literary acquirements, andsplendid talents> have united in commendation of it. I am, indeed, moreover delighted to hear, that almost all our hierarchy have sent their names as subscribers. This is an assurance that the work vtrill be worthy of its ac- complished author, highly calculated to subserve the interests of Catholi- city, as well as to create a taste for Irish literature.
•• Believe me, dear Mr. O'Brennan, yours sincerely."
Very Rev. Archdeacon Martin Brownk, V.G., P.P., Balla, Mayo. " Your work cannot fail of being interesting to the literary world.''
From Rrv. James M'Gough, P.P., Ballinderry. " You have done honour to the ancient literature of Ireland, in finding and developing genuine truth, the great antiquity of Ireland's history ;
11
atid in entering upon the task, you were evidently inspired with nothing but the desire of truth, the love of country, and her ancient glory. For tiie sake of truth, it would appear providential, that at the end of so many ages, one was found after so much derastation, and burning, and destroying of libraries and works of Ireland, by the Danes and Saxons, to raise the veil of obscurity off Ancient Ireland, and present her before us in her pristine glory, opening to us the books of the land of Eire, of great antiquity, be- ing an illustration of Christian Ireland, of her great renown, her joys, and her sorrows. In looking for the birth place of Saint Patrick, you do not confine yourself to a few authors, or even to those of one country, but you take up the records of antiquity, even of Europe, and weigh words and even commas in the balance, and at length you find for us the birth place of our glorious Apostle. Your work, being a genuine pro- daction of the genius of Erin, is particularly adapted for the exaltation and enlightenment of the minds of our countrymen ; to inspire them with love of fatherland, and, with zeal, to imitate the virtue of their fore-fathers."
From Rev. Michakl Ahern, Waterford.
" Lofty, indeed, as my hopes were in your reg|||ni, I found, when pos- sessed of your book, how far short of the full measure of eulogy due to yourself, they had been. Your work, being recommended and approved of by a personage pre-eminent as an Irish scholar — in the perfection of which he is a lion, as well as in his countless other acquirements — places your character, and that of your book, on a pinnacle of established fame, far above the reach or sneers of those who may be disposed to envy y ou — I mean, by the great personage, no other than the gifted Irishman, the un- tarnished patriot, the Christian prelate, his Grace of endless fame, John, Archbishop of Tuam. Your paraphrase on the bishop and bard of Kerry, is the exponent of a difficulty hitherto felt, yet never surmounted, until you came to its rescue ; supplied with materials of a world-spread con- struction, added to the skill of an enamoured vindication of our wrongs : towers and castles, built up of historical falsehoods and satanic lies, tremble before your pen, and yield tlieir massive weight upon the guilty beads of many a creedless slanderer of our hereditary fame and national glory. Well have you gleaned and removed the gold from the dust, the pure grain from the foul chaff, into the granary of your beloved parent»' like a dutiful child, in order to perpetuate in hearts yet unborn the love of your own for her, her religion, and. above all, her great Apostle, whose true panegyrist _you have happily assumed to be, and in that duty you have excelled. I should not marvel if the Irish journals teemed each day with the praise and recommendation of your rare and learned work, thu8«vinc- ing their love of country and creed, and their ardent desire of requiting you for services so vast, as your book is calculated to confer on the litera- ture and religion of Ireland."
Lord Dunraven, Adare Manor.
" You brought out, in a very attractive way, the Ancient History and Con- dition of Ireland."
Dublin Evening Post.
" Mr. O'Brennan has performed his task zealouiily and industriously, and
^^■j|pfij^)i||ipji^ ^Mi II i^^y^rTTffTgp* "'^ • '■ ■ .'-."^^""^♦T^-íT'.V^ .'-r^Tr 7 ^.'■^'t ~7'r'^77Tv?'v7f7!7'- fir^T^yriiiTESiifTTir
'•■ V . '^." *" "í '^■V7--r^-'f*íTí
12
having determined that no effort of his should be wanting that might cuntribute to promote national objects, which concern every true Irish- man, he undertook, and has creditably accomplished, a task of no trifling magaitude, and one which it required the utmost patriotic enthusiasm to enable him to perform. He has studied largely, and read diligently for materials to make proper use of the grouadwork which he selected for his. purpose ; and the result is, that the poem appears in his work, illustrated and elucidated by a body of notes, which eamaot fail of proving highly valuable to the student of Irish history. This book satisfies us that thie author has executed a work of much utility and interest, and (me which will identify him with those zealous laborers in the field of Irish litera- ture."
Freeman'» Journal,
" These ai*e the fascinating studies through which Mr. O'Brennan has had to lead his readers in the work before us.
We believe Mr. O'Brennan to be a thorough master of his sulgect. He combines the advantage of having known Irish well from his childhood, with the other important advantage which he derives from professional ex- perience— namely, thai'm being deeply skilled in grammar and philology."
iVatibn.
"We had specimens of the lucid and erudite manner in which Mr. O'Brennan has executed his task. It is a most desirable contribution, to Celtic literature. We trust it will receive such prompt and adequate en- couragement as may enable its patriotic author to pursue studies »» coa- geaial to him."
Dublin Evening Packet.
" That any man should be able to compress into a moderately sized volume of a couple of hundred pages, a treatise on so wide a range of topics, is a marvel. We are not surprised, when the author tells \ia, that this — magnum oput— cost him much labor, extending over no limited period. Mr. O'Brennan's object is good ; he is enthusiastically fond of the Celtic tongue, as is every man who is tolerably familiar with its beautiful idioms, and figurative expressiveness. The poem which he translates, from its beauty of language, and peculiarly interesting character, will inspire the pupil with that desire to proceed and know more ; which is the best incen- tive to the student of a language. And his notes evidence research and philological acquaintance with the Celtic tongue, which proves him aa ex- cellent Irish scholar. His capacities are indeed attested by several distin- guished Celtic literateurs. We again repeat, that Mr. O'Bfennan] deserves credit for his work.
ne Tablet.
" It is thoroughly and intensely Irish, in tone, purpose, and expreasioA ; Irish in every line from the semi-seditious nKHto on its title page to its concluding prayer in the ' finis.' In these degenerate days of ' West Bri- tonism,' it is eqiially rare as refreshing to meet with a work as indigenous of Irish soil as our native shamrock. Yet, the author, unmiatakeably Celtic and Catholic, as he is, with the most unconquerable hatred of Eng- lish mis-government, past and present, has the good fortune to obtain the most unanimous approbation of the Irish press of all shades of politics;
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the Packet and the Post, rivalling the Freeman and the Nation in praiae of so welcome an addition to Irish literature. The book, indeed, treats of everything that can be songht for connected with the various subjects it embraces, manifesting great learning and research on the part of the author, and conveying much information on obscare and disputed points of Irish history, interspersed with amusing biographical anecdotes and curious etymologies, which will be found not only instructive to the general reader» but highly useful to the Irish student. In collecting and digesting into such readable form so much that cannot fail to be interesting to the Irish mind, relating to Irish topography, family history, and antiquarian sub- jects generally, as well as in the excellent translation of Bishop O'Connell's poem, and of S.S. Hech's and Seachnall's hymns, the author has proved himself to be a laborious and successful toiler in the rich and unexplored mine of Irish history, and to use his own words applied to Saint Hech, a ' vigorous Irish scholar, after the Attic Style.' The work, on a first hasty perusal, seems to us to be as valuable an addition to the literary archaeology of our country, as the present century has produced, if we except O'Don- ovan's translation of the Annals of the Four Masters. The book can stand upon its own merits. The most hostile critic cannot deny that Mr. O' Brennan has laboured zealously and diligently, and has succeeded in producing a work, both useful and interesting, which will honourably identify its author with the other generous and patriotic labourers, in the same rich but imperfectly cultivated field. The work will unquestionably add to Mr. O'Brennan's fame as a philologist"
The Dublin Review. " An interesting Irish poem, written by John 0'Connell,a member of the family of the Liberator, and a Catholic Bishop of Kerry, in the begin- ning of the eighteenth century, has furnished to the author of ' Ancient Ireland,' an occasion for putting together, in the form of notes, illustra- tions, and appendices, a vast variety of curious and valuable learning, in every branch of Irish antiquities and Irish literature. His work is indeed a repository of Irish learning, (which he) places within the reach even of the most hasty inquirer. Mr. O'Brennan'^s work may serve as, in some sense, an Irish Antiquarian manual." -
From the Weekly Register and Catholio Standard, London, " The substance of the book is a poem, the ' Dirge of Ireland,' written by the Right Rev. Dr. O'Connell, Bishop of Kerry, in the reign of Queen Anne ; with an English translation and notes. « • •
The ' notes' are full of historical notices of Irish matters, and especially of the histories of Irish families. We said that Mr. O'Brennan was an enthusiast. That he is so, nationally and politically, he certainly is not desirous to conceal. We are certainly wiser than we were. Time was wl^en such matters would have been serioasly treated as treason by the English, and, it must be said, by any other government. Whether any I other would tolerate it now, we cannot say. But observe what a thing is the unity of the Faith. Among us, cold Saxons, it would b« hard to find so great an enthusiast as Mr. O'Brennan ; but it is absolutely certain, that if the man were found at all, and if he cared anything about rdigion, be would run into some strange heresy ; would probably found a new sect,
■■•..-;< •.«JJUfttW*
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and at the very least join some old one. To attempt to retain such a man within the bounds of the establishment, would be like binding a young lion with a cobweb. But rel^ious matters are .evidently of the chief moment in Mr. O'Brennan's jndigement ; he is not only a Catholic, but ready to snbmit in every point, great and small, to the church and her rulers ; and his love of Ireland, and his desires for her political indepen* dence, are not more zealous than his devotions to her Saints."
The Lamp, London. "The learned and patriotic author of this volume is well known to the readers of the Lamp, whose columns have frequently been adorned with re- ports of his eloquent lectures, ^nd extracts from thelnteresting work before VLB. Dr. O'Brennan has given au houonruble example to those Irishmen who spend all their energy on the literary treasures of other lands, and neglect to work that native mine which contains such sterling ore. There is in these pages a vast fund of historical information, and a bold and manly assertion of the rights of Ireland. The eloquent metrical translation of the Dirge, by the Rev. Charles J. O'Connor, constitutes one of the grand cha- racteristics of this valuable work, and a large quantity of other most inte- resting matter. We are glad to see that this book has been a good deal quoted in lectures in Ireland, in England, and Scotland. The author has made Ireland his debtor, by proving the truth of her claim to aucient literary renown ; and his book ought to be a most welcome addition to the library of the scholar of any country."
Northern Times, Glasgow. '• The elaborate work with which the learned Principal of the Bolton- street Collegiate Seminary, Dublin, has just favoured his countrymen uad the literary world at large, will do more to elucidate the history, manners, customs, and laws of Ireland, than many more pretentious books. It contains first, 'The Dirge of Ireland,' a poem of much cele- brity, written in the reign of Queen Anne, in the old Irish language, by one of Ireland's venerated prelates, O'Counell, Bishop of Kerry, and great grand-uncle, we believe, of the illustrious Agitator, Daniel O'Connell. This poem is a sweet, though brief metrical history of Ireland from the earliest days to those of the poet. Her sufferings in the sacred cause of Catholicity are recorded in a style that woidd do honour to the best elegiac muse of modern times. Secondly, 'St. Patrick's Life,' and illustrative of it, an ancient Irish hymn, the work of St. Fiech, one of the pious sons and venerable bards of Ireland, and one of St. Patrick's earliest converts, him- self afterwards bishop of Sletty, and a great converter of Pagans to Christi- anity. Thirdly, a Latin hymn, by St. Seachnall, with an English translation, and copious notes The whole is concluded by a metrical version of the 'Dirge,' by the Rev. C. J. O'Connor, Kerry. Some interesting extracts, translated from Villaneuva's ' Confessions of St. Patrick,' will be found in the body of the work, and cannot fail to entertain the reader. To these valuable relics of ancient Isish literature our author has appended notes, illustrative of the genius and structure of the Irish language, to which too much praise cannot be awarded. He has introduced into his book more information on the antiquities, the religion, the history of his country, and the genealogies of the ancient families of Ireland, than can be found in
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8ome well-stored libraries. His notes, illustrative of the so-called Refof' matioD, are peculiarly valuable, and will have the effect of binding with indissoluble ties the children of St. Patrick to the faith of their great Apostle. We beg to recommend the work under review to our numerous readers. If they be Irish it will engage them to love their country more affection- ately than before, and if they be not Irish, it will teach them to respect Ireland for the virtues of her ancient, and the undeserved sufferings of her modern children."
Tht Ulgterman, Belfatt. "But the great charm of the book is the amount of philological and historical matters, relating to Ireland and its ancient language, with which it abounds. H«re Doctor O'Brennan exhibits close intimacy with the philosophy of the language and knowledge of the history of our country. In this regard, the book will be found most useful and interesting to students of Irish, and to all such we cordially cnmmend it."
Mayo Telegraph.
'•The more thoroughly we have perused this repository of facts — of vast importance to the ecclesiastic, and all historians — the greater is our conviction that the learned author has (to use the language of the Dublin Evening Poit, in its splendid review of it) ' produced a work of no trifling magnitude.' ' The body of notes are highly valuable to the student of Irish history. He has executed a work of much utility and interest, and one which will identify him with those zealous laborers, in the field of Irish literature.' ' He has read largely and studied diligently for materials to illustrate and elucidate his book.' The Dublin Evening Packet — a journal quite ^ opposed to Dr. O'Brennan, as well in religion as in politics — hag prononnced more warmly in favour of ' Ancient Ireland and Saint Patrick.' It has declared that ' the work is an important addition to native literature ;' that, ' the accomplished author did a great service to the land of his birth ; and. that he was a most excellent scholar.' Hence we affirm that it is a grand book of reference ; for there is scarcely an author bearing on our history, both in church, civil policy, chronology, geography, and biology, that is not referred to in it. We trust we will see it as a class-book in every college and school in this country."
Cork Examiner.
"Dr. O'Brennan has, in the volume before us, laid down his first con- tribution towards removing the obstacles which imped 3 the student's labours. In so doing he has made a selection of a work whose sentiments and opinions, historical and political, were in most exact accordance with his own, and which appeared to him calculated to promote those views, and sustain those recollections which he holds and cherishes. As in this, as in all other subjects where he gives expression to the strong nationality of his feelings and sentiments, O'Brennan writes with a vigorous and racy pen ; he burns with indignation as the accumulated wrongs of his country arise upon his memory. " » " • * *
* • " • * He is not a man to set a
rein upon his emotions, where his sense of injury and injustice requires him to speak. He is no slave to hug liis chains, ' or pine beneath them slowly.' His patriotism is too warm ; it is gushing to overflowing ; and it
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can only find vent in the scathing and nncompromising dennnciation of the oppressor of faith and race. He feeh passionately as he muses over the long faded glory of the past, or thinks upon the snieidal dissenrions «ad errors which have produced his country's slrame and degradation. AH his yearnings are for the restoration of her independence, and the Mnainetioa of the hated Saxon rule. In the language of the motto on his title page, he trusts thai his Banba will yet be free, and the Saaoa domination defunct. But from his inmost soul he hopes at least for the revival of the * old| sovt- stirring, heart-moving tongue, and the restoration of nationality in all its integrity.'"
Roseommon Journal. '
" The compilation of this book shews great research, amf an aaKMUit of varied knowledge rarely to be met with. Hereafter we shall avail onrselves of every opportunity our space may afford in making extracts, partieulatrly subjects relating to this province."
Kerry Bsaminer.
" The work abounds with information respeetibg Ireland and its onee great^Hiame and men, th&t must prove deeply interesting to Irishmen. A very clever metric version of the poem, ida English, by the Rev. Charles I. O'Connor-Kerry, C.C., a name familiar to the ears of Kerrymea, is ap- pended i the original was composed by the ' Right Rev. Bishop O'Connell,'^ a jwelate who presided over the Catholic Church in Kerry, in the early part of the bst century. Its literary intrinsic merit requires no eiik^ from our pen."
Wescford Onardiau,
'^Tothe Irish student this must prove pcurticularly interesting, as, we beHeve, it was never published before.''
Newry Eaominer.
"Mr. O'Brennan's notes are copious, and contain a great variety of information on Irish history, ancient and modern. We cheerfully give to Mr. O'Brennan the praise of having done a good work."
Tralee Chronicle. *' Mr. O'Brennan may rest on that fame which the leading journals of Dublin have accorded him.''
The Mayo Telegraph. " Mayo may be proud of her talented son. We trust that every lover of the o)d land, the old tongue, and the old faith, will deem it his duty to Fpread this most invaluable book, vrlnoh is sodi an addition to Irish liter- ature ; it will spread the flame of nationality : take it in any point of view, frjid its value cannot be duly appreciated.
Galway Mercury. -
« This work of Mr. O^Brennan's may be regarded as a bright and rich pearl added to that bead of Irish literature.'*
Tvam Herald.
" This deeply interesting work, in the compilation of which no much research is shown to he evai^oyed, and in which such an amoont of vuried knowledge is displayed."
The Detroit (Miehiffan) Catholic Vindicator.
" We are pruud the task of publishing has fallen unto such able hands
17
as tboM of Martin A. CBrenaan, principal of the Collegiate Seminary, 57 Bolton-Btreet, Dublin, than whom a purer Irishman and patriot does not breathe ; and is a gentleman every way qualified for such an under- taking. It is, indeed, deeply to be deplored that the rich, melodious, and expressive language of old Ireland should have been, comparatively speak- ing, suffered to decline."
N.B. It is only fair to say, that as the American Press did not receive copies, they covdd only re-publish the Irish reviews, and that they did with an evident hearty wish.
Tipperary Free Press.
" Mr. O'Brennan has admirably fulfilled the arduus duty he allotted to himsrif to perform, and his creditably got out work will doubtless prove a valuable addition to the few correct publications, to which the Irish student may refer for a true picture of his country in the olden times. Mr. O' Brennan has brought to the task considerable ability, and an amount of Celtic erudition, rarely indeed to be met with in those degenerate days."
The Roscommon Messenger. The following is from a distinguished divine, remarkable for literary acumen and theological depth. " Such a reviewer's approval is worth that of hundreds of laymen. He knew the value of the book, and his appreci- ation of it is unmistakeable." (Rev. Mr. Ahern is meant.)
Waterford News.
" This (meaning a letter in praise of the book) is but one of the many letters which have been published in favour of this great national work, a copy of which we received on last week from the author. In our next we shall extract from the work itself.
The Munsier News.
" Mr. O'Brennan needs fed little annoyance from the quarter alluded to ( The Orange Kerry Post) either of his work or his own qualities as « man and a scholar, * * * an acrimonious assault could be made from one quarter in Kerry alone, upon- a learned contributor to the national work of love and of lore."
Galway Vindicator.
"Amongst these self- devoted and disinterested labourers, Mr. M. A. O'Brennan occupies a distinguished pkice. The basis of the present ex- cellent work is the ' Dirge of Ireland,' which is in feet a metrical history of Ireland, composed by the Most Rev. John O'Connell, Bishop of Kerry, 150 years ago. The original is accompanied by an accurate English trans- lation, and to young aspirants, endeavouring to master Ae ^faculties and enjoy the beauties of Celtic poetry, such a collection must prove an in- valuable aid. And to those who are attached to philological or antiquarian research, the notes furnish a body of information of the most interesting and recondite character, for the spirit of innumerable rare tomes and almost inaccessible MSS. is extracted and condensed in the alembic of the able commentator."
From Alderman John Greene, J.P.
"Independent Office, Weaford.
" 1 have seen enough of your interesting and valuable work to convince me that it is the production of a scholar, a sound thinker, and a man who
•jjw" »-vr;»íí'«»-'
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loves his country, not by halves, but with ardour and feeling. I shall feel it a duty to recommend it by all the means at my command, to the earnest attention of my friends." i • .-.
Georob H. Moobe, Esq., M. P. ' " I have been both pleased and instructed in following you through the poem you have translated, and the valuable and entertaining informa- tion with which you illustrate and adorn it. If, however, 1 am but an incompetent critic of your merit as an Irish scholar, I hope I am not altogether so unfit to speak of you as an Irishman, and, I can sincerely say, that in the course of a public life, in which 1 have not been altogether unobservant of men and character, I have met with no better or tNier Irishman than yourself. I am glad, therefore, to see such an Irishman, engaged in the illustration of that language in which alone I am led to believe, a true Irish heart finds room for its expression. I have great plea- sure in enclosing my subscription to your work, and am, with great esteem and respect, yours very sincerely."
From John Brady, Esq., M.P., London. " I read, with much pleasure and profit, your very able and truly national work.'"
From Very Rev. Doctor Birmingham, P.P., Borrisokane. " I am in receipt of your excellent and very valuable work»"
Very Rev. Dr. Hallkt, V.G., P.P., Dungarvan. " I have derived more information from it on our unhappy country than from many more extensive and expensive folios.''
Extract from the letter of a most distinguished Clergyman, whose retiring disposition does not permit me to give his name ; he is, himse{f, a good Irish scholar {now an Archbishop).
" Perceiving it with the eye of a mere book-buyer, your book is worth ten shillings. Looking to its matter and literary merits, I should be sorry indeed to think of estimating its value in money. I would readily have paid a pound for it, and would have taken five copies at any price.''
From Rbv. John Tuomy, P.P., Drumtariffe, Kerry. "Your work on Ireland is most valuable.''
From Very Rev John Kenny, V.G., P.P., Ennis. " Your very valuable publication, whiqh I have received just now, should your success induce you to favour the public with another production, you may include me amongst the subscribers."
From Rev. John O'Connell, P.P., Ardfert, Kerry. " A highly interesting volume, and a valuable accession to our ancient literature.''
From Rev. James Browne, P.P., Curran Hill. Ballyglass, Mayo " My dear Mr. O'Brennan, — Your production does credit to your Irish heart. Allow me the honor of uniting in the general admiration expressed by all your clerical friends in this country, of such a display of abilities and patriotism by a Mayo-man, whom we all cherish and respect."
From Very Rev. Canon Malachi O'Brennan, P.P. " I am delighted with your very valuable book on Ireland. You have I revealed many important facts that lay concealed under the dust of ages."
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Prom Rev. D. O'Doheírt*, P.P., Cappagh, Omagh, ** I received the book, with which I was greatly pleased.'*
Prom Rev. G. O'Gormak, C.C, Dut^arvan. " The merits of a work which has already received the unequivocal ap- probation of so many persons, illustrious by their position and high literary attainments — your well known knowledge of the Celtic literature, your zeal for its propagation, your truly Catholic and thoroughly Irish heart, are guarantee that its new dress would be worthy the beauty and fame of the great * Dirge' of the patriot Bishop."
P. Conway, Esq., London.
" My dear Mr. O'Brennan, — I am unable to express my delight at the invaluable work from your learned pen. It is near time you would make those who are ignorant of your power of thought, understand yon ; — trea- sures of any kind, if not spread, are useless. I often wondered that you, whom I knew to be possessed of vast capacity, did not come forward, whilst men of but little learning and less talents were giving lectures and books to the public- However, better late than never. Every nationalist ought to have your noble production. It will infuse fire into the hearts of your countrymen. It wiJl rouse them to a sense of their duty."
N.B. — There are many suph as the above from Liverpool, London, and other places, but as there is not liberty to print them, I would not be right in doing so.
Prom Rev. Michael Waldron, P.P., Cong.
"My dear. Mr. O'Brennan, — We consider your book an excellent ' mul- turn inparvo;' historical reader, and one which must have been compiled with a great deal of trouble and search of libraries. The Irish type is excellent.''
From Very Rev. P. Curran, PP., Ballinamore
" Your production gave me much pleasure, and delight that my esteemed class fellow is an author. I hope all your old friends will support you."
From Rev. J. Goodman, O.P , Sligo. " It is a most valuable work. You are doing much for the history and venerable literature of our beloved country."
Prom Rev. P. Harley, P.P., Old Town, Ba/linasloe. " Your excellent production reflects great credit on you indeed. Your countrymen may justly feel proud of you."
From Rev. J. Flannellt, P.P., Anghagower, Mayo. " My dear Martin,— On the whole it is a most interesting addition to our native literature, and goes the full length to establish your character as a general scholar, a devoted patriot, and a sincere lover of the old betrayed f aithfulcountry.'
From the Very Rev. Philip O'Brennan. P.P., Aughamullen. " I have received your excellent book. I am highly pleased with its contents and composition."
PVom Rev. Wm. H organ, C.C, Jries, Castletown, Kerry.
" Dear Sir, — I will yield to none in the expression of my appreciation of your work.''
N.B. — These being extracts from the letters of Celtic scholars are pub- ushed ; many such could be given but there is not liberty.
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From the Rev. M. Hampston, P.P.
" Coutlelown, Berehaven. " VoUr notes are deeply interesting, full of learning. You have made Ireland your debtor. It is wonderful how you could compress so much and such valuable matter into so small a space."
From Rev. Patrick Duggan, P.P., Tuam. "My dear Mr. O'Brennan, — Your digest of Irish antiquities, conteiaed in the annotations on the Dirge, are truly valuable." . .
Fi-om Rev. Richard Walsb, P.P., Headjbrd. " You have by your 'Aacient Ireland' called the attention of the Irish people to the history and beautiful language of their country. The Arch- diocese of Tuam may be justly proud of you, and St. Jarlath's, of having given to the world so distinguished a scholar."
Firom Rev. Ci(Ari.es O'Callaghan, P.P.
"Bally Af'Elligott, Clogher, Co. Kerry,
" My dear Sir, — I consider it very satisfactory, especially the Irish part, the spelling of which, and grammar annexed, with explanatory notes, are really valuable to the Irish reader. I earnestly pray you in your next edition to form the notes into a methodical grammar and affix it to the work, and you will find it of the greatest assistance to the reader, and a very valuable acquirement lo the language. * " • «
" N.B. —I have an Irish prophecy. I wish you would bring it out, as I am sure you would do most justice to the orthography."
/Vom Rev. Thomas Hasdiman, P P., Ballinrobe. " Allow me to congratulate yon most cordially on the successful issue of this interesting work, which, instead of being, as your modest prospectus stated, only a translation of a valuable poem, is in reality a history of Ire- land, eloquent and chaste in style, and of priceless value."
From Rev. Daniel Mullane, P.P., Aghadoe, Whitegate, Cork. " I have received your learned and excellent work."
F)rom Rev. John Grraohty, C.C, Outerard, Co. Galway. "The circulation of the ' work' will procure and obtain for you merited esteem."
From Rev. Francis Kennt, P.P., MoycuJlen, Galtoay. " I am much pleased with your talented and brilliant work.*'
From Rev. Laurence Leonard, P.P., Galway. " Permit me to congratulate you on the research and talent displayed in the pages of your book.''
Rev. John Lennon, P.P. , /
•* Your learned book deserves the greatest praise."
Rev. R. Meany, C.C, ClonmeL " I am delighted with your work, and read it day ° after day with in- creased interest.''
Rev. Martin Rush, P.P., Furety, ElpMn. " Your work is a mo^t valuable and interesting book."
Rev. W. CaIiolan. P.P., Donegal. '* Ireland owes you a debt of gratitude. Every person who reads your work» must admit that your great object was the interest of your country and creed. Ten times the price you laid on each copy would not remune- rate you for your trouble and labour."
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Rev. John O'Bkenan, Tubbercurry. " The oftener I peruse its pages, the more I feel at a loss for words sufficiently expressive of my admiration."
Rev. Jamrs Sherioak, St. Mary'g, 12 St. Paul's Square, Liverpool. " What I have read of the work has given me the greatest satisfaction.
Rev. P. Gkraohty, P.P., Becan, Mayo. " It will, I trust, stimulate our people to study and cultivate the beauti* ful and poetic language of our dear native country."
Rev. Thomas BouRKE, P.P., Por^umna. " I feel you have done service by your judicious notes, which evince an intimate knowledge of the language and history of our country."
Rev. CoNSTANTiNE CosGRATE, P.P., Keith, Baltymote, " You have concentrated, in your book, the most convincing argu- ments I have seen, in favour of our proudly claimed origin and antiquity."
Very Rev. Timothy Kelly, P.P., Kiruah, Clare " Your excellent work, full of learning, evincing deep study and research."
Rev. Roger O'Brf.nnan, P.P, Gurteen. " It affords me much pleasure that so useful and valuable a work is the production of an individual bearing the name of the author."
Rev. Wm. F. Mullally, P.P., Donahil, Cappawhite. " A work I value highly and the honest Irishman that^produced it."
Very Rev Archdeacon Robert O'Shea, P.P., Ossory. " I hoped to express personally my approbation of your very interest» ing history of * Ancient Ireland,' as well as its ancient faith."
Rev. Matthew O'Brennan, P.P., Moncoin. " The work as a whole does you much credit."
i^om Rev. Peter Ward, P.P., TTurfoiiyA, Ca«i/cft«r. " It is an epitome of the structure of the history of the old Celtic tongue and creed of Ireland ; and having an amount of authority and re- ference at once unprecedented,and hitherto novel to writers on Irish history."
From Rev. G. O'Sullivan, P.P., Limerick. " I hope that every patriot will patronise your very valuable book. Ireland wanted a work of this kind — and wants more."
From Rev. H. M'Fadden, Si. Johnston, Londonderry. It will be considered as a great boon by every one, animated with a single spark of nationality."
Rev. Henry Brevnan, P.P., Dyaart. " It is impossible to read it without admiring the deep research and un- d}ÍDg love of country which its learned author so beautifully displays throughout its pages.'
Dani«i, F. Brady, Esq., M.D., F.R.C.S.I., Nth. Frederick-tt., Dublin " It is a proof (if evidence was wanting,) to establish the worth and high literary attainments of the author."
JVom Doctor Cane, Kilkenny. " I promise myself pleasure and improvement in the perusal of it."
From Mavkice M. O'Cokmor Esq., lAttowel. " There is a fire in you that warmsme in my old age ; it shines bright and strong through the medium of your pen ; and it would do me good to increase the pulsation of my heart by grasping your Celtic hand, your elegant preface is a powerful defence of Ireland."
[N.B. — An accident deprived me of a mass of valuable letters ] 2
. I r -lilili'ii'rtifT' -■É|-|rBh-^--'--'-^'-^'--'*^"-- -"-■'-■-*^'--t^'^
PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION.
Of what might be found necessary to be said on the beaatiful structure and genius of our venerable, melodious, pathetic and vigorous tongue, I have given in the shape of notes under " The Dirge of Ireland," and in the abridgment of Irish grammar at the end of the work, and, therefore with that subject I shall not here deal, but will come to
THE HISTORY OF IRELAND.
The history of every other people on the globe has been written, read, and studied, whilst Irish history has been neglected, and until very lately unknown, and I might add, left in darkness ; at least in these islands. It was indeed cultivatedf to some extent on the continent by the learned of France, Spain, Italy and Belgium, whither in days of dark persecution our clergy and manuscripts were driven into exile. But in Irish colleges, academies, and schools we see the histories of Pagan Greece and Rome sedulously attended to ; the great men of those peoples, brought under the consideration of pupils; the history of our tyrannical oppressors, forced upon their attention. Learn it tbey must whether they will it or not. To this, I, of course, should have no objection, as the study of history is the greatest moral pleasure — the great civilizer — the great refiner— the grand thesaurus of knowledge — the great uni\ ersal teacher. However, with shame and pain it must be confessed that the study of our own history and the culti- vation of native literature are wofuUy overlooked. Very few prizes we see offered as inducements to the acquisition of a thorough knowledge of the architecture of our graceful, rich, polished language, and our intensely interesting annals. The deeds of Greek and Latin heroes of old have their names emblazoned in the pages of story ;— -the feuds and petty quarrels of their insignificant states, are delineated as though they were great wars and immense nations ; tbtrir naval armaments, though not so weighty as the fishing fleet of the Galway Claddagh-men — perhaps not more numerous,— are presented to the reader in such highly coloured language, in such poetic ornamentation, that youth is apt to compare them with the Crimean fleet or Spanish Armada. Their philosophers, lawgivers, are, and — no doubt— justly, held up, as models for imitation. At the same time we seldom turn to OUamh Fodhia (OIlav Fyola) who, as king, legislator, and scholar, was never surpassed. A s you take a walk through the delight- ful works on Ireland, you will admire on niches on either side of you, as you move slowly on, men distinguished in every profession and pursuit —
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kings, princes, bards, chroniclers, generals, admirals, judges, prelates, priests, orators, senators. In fact Irish history is a glorious hall of
science, wherein are to be viewed men pre-eminent in all ages, in all times, and in every art and science. And if quarrels existed amongst the natives of our provinces, or feuds amongst families, such was the spirit of the ages in which they lived. It was so in Greece and Rome. It was so in all places. The talismanic influence of " moral force" was not then known, or, at all events, it did not prevail. The sword decided everything.
It is the study of the history of the ancient nations that has given such celebrity to their great men, whereas the illustrious men of Ancient Ireland, such as CcHmac O'Quin, and hundreds of the noble Irians, are left in the shade, though brilliant characters for the study of youth. When at school and in college it was to me a cause of wonder, that we were not made to acquire such a knowledge of Irish history, as was attainable at that time. This reflection became every day stronger, when I felt, that in polite society, it was deemed a disgrace not to be acquainted with the mannerfi, deeds, and institutions of other countries, as contained in their histories, but of our own there was no thought. Opportunity touched the spring of thought in my soul, and let forth the waters of reflection to stimulate me to dig into the hidden mines — the buried wealth of former writers — and amply was my labor requited.
Again we find the extreme parts of the world explored at great peril ; the frozen regions of the north, the sandy deserts of the south, the torrid climes of the east, the woody wilds, and the swampy fastnesses of the west, every and all of them diligently explored, and elaborately written upon. Yet this old land whose history is more interesting, more engaging, and more instructive than that «tf any of them, — a land, which was once the centre of light and learning, the tranquil abode of arts and sciences,— a land, which, when they were all in darkness, emitted to them, generously the warm, and, vivifying rays of her enlightenment, — has no perfect digest of her history. Her own children and Her neighbours whom she conducted out of darkness and paganism turned their backs upon her ; she is neglected and spurned ; she was fast sinking and must sink into obscurity unless her true sons stretch out their bands to relieve her. " Zion stretcheth forth her hands, and there is none to comfort her." Lamentations I cap., 17 T^
Daring my collegiate studies I was daily more and more struck with this deplorable inattention to the literature and history of Ancient Ireland. I was astonished at the singular fatuity by which all her renown was being allowed to recede into utter oblivion, as all traces or recollection of it had heeh almost totally disappearing from amongst us->-Hence it was that home years ago, I formed the resolution of going to work, and laboring
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to compete with others, who are producing books, by which to dissipate the darknesss, and whorebywe might again arrive at a steady view of the halcyon days of TRULY ANCIENT IRELAND, so that the glory ©four illustri- ous ancestors might once more be revealed to their remote posterity of the present aud after ages, as well as to the other civiliied nations of the globe— and, that as the pressure of tyrauny has been partially removed, a dazzling glare of her story might burst forth with accumulated effulgence, and confound modern tyranny. The greater the preasure, that for a time beats back the current, the more irresistible is the rush of waters, when the embankment, having yielded to the wear and tear of time, has melt» ed away. It was so with Catholicity whose power of truth has forced its way through terrible impediments, so that we now behold it with recreated beauty, renovated splendour, and pristine, primitive lovelinesss. la its blaze the enemies are either blinded, or have been charmed with its perma> nency, its innate indestructibility, and have been coerced before its altar to wor- ship and adopt its saving principles. The scoi ners might laugh as the waves of their polluted errors beat harmlessly though violently against the base of her immutability, but the Rock has stood, stands.and will stand imperishable as the Godhead which gave it an unchanging, unchangeable position. The pro. pagators of falsehood may despise the expression " halcyon days of Holt Ancient Ireland," because, forsooth, there were national broils. But the study of human nature will teach them that the first Patriarch, the direct work of God's own hands, and the first mother, who was also formed immediately by the same A 11 -Holy Being, had their good son murdered by their first begotten. The Old Testament will supply many lamentable instances of nearly a similar character, yet the days of the Patriarchs are justly called *' halcyon" in consequence of their sanctified lives. Just so in this coimtry the very time that war ravaged the land, the Irish Church gave birth to, cradled and nurtured a rich crop of saints whose lives have beckoned us to follow, and to brave every danger for the old faith.
That the religion of Saint Patrick could not fail I was convinced, but that the language might not fail, I was not equally certain. Hence to my resolution of assisting in its preservation I have ever adhered without relaxation ; neither shaken by want of sympathy, nor discouraged by seeming apathy, I have yearned from the inmost depths of my soul for the ' revival of our soul-stirring, heart-melting tongue, and the restoration of nationality in all its integrity.
Religion and nature has implanted in every breast this sacred desire, which may he quelled or stifled, but can never be eradicated ; the savage loves the sounds in which he first lisped his parents name, he loves the tree under
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which he first amused himself with bis playmates, he feels that the God of his worsliip gave him an itiborn right to govern his own household, as a merchant his own concerns. What is true of one, is so of a nation of even savages, who ought to be helped to improve their system, but not robbed. This being so, ever iince I came to Dublin, in 1836, I proposed to myself ^ to struggle for the resuscitation of the Irish language, and to impress, on all whom I could influence, to institute an inquiry into the ancient history of Ireland, but with respect to an attempt to write and publish works, I feared the responsibility and dangers, especially as I had no capital but the revenue of the patrimony, given me by my parents — the profits resulting from the labour of an educated mind. Though tliis source of wealth might have been suflicient to support myself and family, I thought I could not make too large a draft on such an exchequer ; however, when the eloquent Poem of the Most Rev. Kerry bard was placed in my hands by my beloved and valued friend, the Very Rev John Spratt, D.D., of the Carmelite Convent, Aungier-street, I was tempted to make some risk, and hence I determined to undertake the present work. I trust that all my toil, my study, and ex- pense will ensure for the book that reception which may encourage me to persevere in my labours. And as to the imperfections of the work (I fear they are many), 1 trust to the generosity of my readers, inasmuch as it is a first effort, my first journey into a region almost unexplored, I mean as far as making it a school book. The Very Rev. Dr. Spralt kindly gave me an interesting work on St. Pairick, from which I copied St. Fiech's hymn : but which, as buing badly brought out, I hail much trouble in correcting. I had to compare it with an improved copy lest any essential error might be allowed to remain ; to a distinguished Dublin priest I am indebted for the use of a woik on St, Patrick and Ireland written in polished Latin by an eminent Spanish clergyman, the Hev. Joachim Villanueva, From this book, approved of by the late meek, pious, and lamentable Archbishop of Dublin, the Most Rev. Daniel Murray, I have taken St. Seachnall's " Life of Saint Patrick." These two last poems, with my comments, I sent to the Western Patriarch, the Most Rev. John Mac Hale, the illustrious Archbishop of Tuam, himself an eloquent Irish poet, and the first of living Irish scholars. That they met the approbation of so brilliant a scholar, thoroughly conversant vrith the structure of all the learned languages, bo unequalled a pillar of the Catholic faith, so fearless and uncompromising an assertor of all national rights, is to me ample compensation for much of my drudgery ; and, as the name of his Grace of Tuam has occurred, I must meet some silent, jealous whispers in a few words: — His Grace was reared in a parish in which tlie Irish language was spoken with attic brevity and fluency, and which his Lordship spoke from the first day he was able to lisp up to the present.
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His power of moving a flock to tears, or entertaining a private circle in this peculiar strain of Irish eloquence is the theme for general admiration. This being so, and his refined and solid classical education considered, it is evident to any man, unless one prejudiced, of Boeotian stupidity, or dogged ignorance, that His Grace, having from nature the poetic inspiration, pos- sesses all the requisites that constitute a poet ; and, as to the contemplative qualification, he has had ample field for the cultivation of it. He has had, supposing he never left Connaught, or that be never travelled, an oppor- tunity of contemplating and studying everything that was awfully grand or terribly magnificent in nature. When a child he could fill his tender mind with sublime notions, as from his father's door he looked in the distance upon that immense natural pile " Cnoc NsrHiN," a cloud- capt hill in the North of Mayo. In fact, what side soever he turned his eyes there were ctelum, monteg, et pontua ; a beautiful sky whose colours, laid on by the divine band of the Omnipotent artist, charmed the soul of the young student; cloud-covered mountains and ivy-mantled towers, majestic lakes, and the wild roaring of the Atlantic, all contributed to fan into a blaze the inborn spark of the youthful John Mac Hale. When first his Lordship's splendid letters, as Bishop of Maronia, whilst in Killala, continued to throw such confusion into the enemies' rank, he had to visit the wild and romantic Erris, therein the poetic flame was still more fanned— and oh ! Croagh Patrick, what a source to fire poetic genius ! Clare Island, Innisbofin ; in truth, all parts of Mayo and West Galway are highly suited to the cultivation of poetry. No one, unless he who has journeyed over these holy, haunted, enchanted spots of nature, can, from anything they read, arrive at a reasonable esti- mate of their attractions. The national and religious pilgrim and even the foreigner, to see them, and knowing their history, must almost worship the earth on which he walks. All tliese places have been and are the scenes of his Lordship's arduous, and often perilous duties, wherein he has had to encounter not only the mad waves of tlie deep but the madder waves of the spiritual waters.
Why not a poet of the present day, as well as Homer of old, be allowed to shape words to answer his metre ? What are written sounds but mere signs of ideas, and, therefore, one shape is as good as the other, especially when either shape is intelligible ; are not heaven and nature as bountiful now as at any former time ? In fact, in proportion to the advanced state of learning, we think His Grace of Tuam, if time allowed, ought to produce much more polished compositions than the bards of old ; be has had advantages which thny had not. This we can fearlessly state, that, in our opinion, hia " Irish Melodies-" excel the original. His epic poetry »s well as his Irish hymns must convince any rational Irish scholar, that
27
as a poet and a scholar he stands alone. His Irish version of the first books of Homer's Iliad are inimitable.
The officers of the Royal Irish Academy were most kind in showing whatever niy research demanded. To Professor Curry, whose friendly suggestions were of use, and the Secretary, I publicly return thanks. It is just to say, that whatever was required in Trinity College was easily obtained. Mr. Thomas Connolly, 10, Upper Ormond Quay, who gave me free access to his extensive and splendid collection of Irish works, and generously sent some of them to my house, has my cordial thanks. These, with what I saw in the Academy, Dawson-street, the one I bad myself, and one given by Professor Curry, enabled me to give a good version of a beautiful piece of epic poetry. May its persual have the same effect on others as it had on me ; if so, I will not have laboured in vain. The poera divides Irish history into several epochs — it begins with tlie creation of man, then touches on Pagan mythology; the several colonies that came to Ireland— The Milesians' voyage is particularly noticed in it ; it shows what the worship was liere up to the reign of Laoghaire (Lhayree)i then Bishop O'Connell sings of Patrick, and the triumph of Christiuiity ; then of the Danish invasion ; next of the Norman irruption ; of the Reformation, Calvin, Luther, Henry, and Elizabeth, and the immorality which prevailed ; of the great Earl of Desmond's insurrection ; the O'Donnell and O'Neill's struggle for native land up to the year 1601 ; of all the principal chiefs who joined them ; of those who reneagued country and creed for Elizabeth ; of the murders of Archbishop O' Kelly of Tuam, Bishop Bebcr MacMahon, Bishop MacSweeny, Bisliops Egan, Bishop Rickard O'Connell; of the 'nsurrection of Sir Phelim O'Neill; Lord Maguire of Fermanagh; Sir Cahir O'Dogherty, O'Cane, MacSweenys, MacMahon, the treachery of Clanriearde and Muskerry, the glorious O' Moore of heix, the O'Connor-Sligo, O'Connor of Baliintubber, the O' Connor • Kerry, and all the great men of those days of carnage and. plunder ; of Cromwell ; of the Charleses, the Jameses, and William ; of the traitors of former days ; of the fatal effects of division amongst the Irish. He closes with a pathetic appeal to God to the Holy Virgin, to eminent Irish Saints that his own loved Erin might be redeemed from the scourging ordeal through which le was passing. The poet must have been martyred or assassinated, as no account has been had of what became of him or where ha was iaterred. I did what I could to ascertain ; all to no effect. Thus, it was ooly a few days ago, Most Rev. Dr. Dixon discovered on the continent where repose the remains of a distinguished Irish prelate. There was such confusiou in those black days of persecution, that annals and records were destroyed even by Catholics, lest they should serve as proofs against their busted-
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dowD clergy, or that such documents would be brought up in evidence to prove that holy men were guilty of the enormout crime of being Bishops or Priests of the Catholic faith I I ! The regular intercourse with Rome — the stellar centre of truth — was interrupted ; there were bloodhound» by tea, as well as bloodhounds by land. Ecclesiastics, in order to be able to break the bread of life to their starving flockst were called, " Pat/' " John," &c., and wore any dress, however mean, that they might escape the vigi- lance of the Prieat-catchert. Some of them to escape notice, and to obtain a scanty subsistence, taught country schools, as did our Bard in the County of Cork. What an infamous class informers must be when Tacitus so reprobated the practice of espionage of Pagan Rome, as used in respect to . their provinces. The government that sanctions it, whether Christian or Pagan, must be not of heaven, nor its policy of the Bible. Heaven and the Bible can sanction nothing that is unjast or inhuman, but a heavenly pretence, and a trut/fful interpretation of the Bible made this fair land one scene of blood and confusion. These days can never return.
There was not a leading point of Irish history, from the earliest period,
which the Poet did not allude to ; I had to follow, and in order to do so, I
was obliged to consult at least 250 works belonging to different nations and
in various languages. I assure my readers that though the commentary be
only small, yet if money were my object I would not do the same again.
Nothing less than my cherished wish of creating a taste for Irish Catholic
literature could have made me, who have no time to spare, undertake such
a task. May we not hope that in every school in Ireland, rich and poor,
college and university, henceforward, Irish history and the language will be
duly attended to. The Catholic University, the Dublin University, have,
each, an Irish Professor. But these gentlemen must not be mere nominal
Professors, reading old stories, however interesting. They must teach the
structure of the tongue — grammar in all its parts ; they will be required by
the public to give value ; they must be teacher» rather than mere talker».
When a good national work is to be done, people must be in earnest,
or they must be made to be so ; sentiment may do for the drawmyroom,
work is necessary to uplift a fallen nation, ** res non verba."
Mankind in general are slow to adopt any theory, or any new system or improvement, be it ever so desirable, until they see it in full operation, and reduced to practice. Example is better than precept. I would entreat, and do earnestly entreat, to have an Iri»k class opened in every school and college throughout Ireland. But the conductors of these establishments may very naturally turn round to me and ask, " have you got an Irish class opened in any school íb your own neighbourhood ? Have you set us the example ? Have you taken any trouble to show us that it is practica- ble, to point out to us the mode, and to supply us with the means f Have you taken any steps to carry your theory into practical effect ?"
2d
My brief answer to all these queries is, •• Vet."
I have a class ia Irish, and Dr. Mac Hale's works are used ia that clas*. I have now added a work of my own, which, whilst it is a history of Ireland will enable the student to arrive at a knowledge of our language.
I shall give a few extracts to show how valued our literature was by men and women of genius.
Dr. Nicholson, the Protestant Bishop of Derry, 1713, published a work which he entitles, •• The LriahHittorical Library.'' He had been a celebrated divine in England, distinguished for great learning and deep historical research. He was subsequently promoted to the Bishopric of Derry in Ireland, and soon turned his mind to the history and language of this country. He states, that while compiling his Englith and Scotch histori- cal Libraries, " he had frequent opportunities of observing what Irith historians wrote 'at the same time." And then, with gre^t candour, he goes on to say : —
" I am now, however, under a more pressing obligation, than I then ever expected to have been, of paying my dying respects to a country (Ireland) which gives me and my family the present comfortable supports of life."
He states that be has made " abundant historical discoveries" since he came to Ireland, and only hopes that his " poor attempt will invite others to make much greater and more valuable improvements,'' for that he could only pay his " dying respects.''
The next is an extract of a letter from the Marquis of Downshire : — " The Ancient History of Ireland is certainly very curious and interest- ing, though it appears to us at present to be enveloped or mixed up with much fable. I, for one, would be extremely happy to see more dili- gence applied to its development than, I am sorry to say, has been the case hitherto — and I am convinced that the result would be useful, creditable and honourable to the Irish nation at large. I am. Sir, your obedient servant, Dowhshirk.
*• Hillsborough Howe, Hillsborough."
The late Archdeacon Trench, of Ballinasloe, wrote as follows : — " If some of the many Irish manuscript works, which now liu in darkness, were published, I think a great additional stimulus would be given to the study of the language, and we might thereby attain some insight into the ancient history of our country, which is now enveloped in night. We have some traditional whisperings, that Ireland (I tliink in th« eighth or ninth century) was the seat uf letters. But where is the proof? Perhaps in the library of Stowe ; or the Bodleian ; or in Trinity College, Dublin ; or scattered over the world, as in Denmark, &c. But we have none of these records
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ushered forth to the world, to excite the industry of many who perhaps would feel anxious to know if our country were ever otherwise than barbarous. In fact (though perhaps to our shame it is spoken), we await some stimulant of this sort, to induce us to apply ourselves to a language which appears difficult to settlers to learn."
1 would urge on the ladies of Ireland to cultivate a knowledge so suited to the tepdemessof their heart. How charming, by the rosy lips of a beautiful lady would the song, «• The harp, that once thro* Tara's Halls," be pronounced in our own mellifluous language. **The Minstrel Boy,*' in Irish, as composed by Dr. Mac Hale, is as apt, as any rhapsody in Homer, to fire the soul. The poem, respecting Fionn Mac Cooil (Flngal), as every Fenian poem, has charms in it for ladies not to be found in any other language. To the expression of joy or sorrow, our language is peculiarly adapted— It rouses or abates, fans, or cools, in an instant, all the passions. The story of Ala wailing Fingal is most touching.
Tbe ladies should feel that they owe much to a language, which was for ages and ages unceasingly employed in singing their praises, and lauding, in the highest and most ardent strains, their perfections, attractions, and beauty. Miss Brooke applied her cultivated mind to its study, and was so delighted with the beautiful poetry which it disclosed to her that she per- severed, and was at length induced to publish an interesting collection of *' Reliques of Irish Poetry," which she also, and very sweetly, translated into English verse, with historical and explanatory notes. The following extract shews her admiration of the Irish language and Irish poetry—
" Poetry was cherished with enthusiastic regard in ancient Ireland, and had soared to an extraordinary pitch of excellence. It was absolutely, for age», the vital soul of the nation, and shall we then have no curio&ity re- specting the productions of genius, once so celebrated and so prized ? Besides the four different species of composition (the Heroic Poem — the 0<7e— the Elegy — and the Song), others yet remain unattempted by trans- lation. The Ronumce in particular, which unites the fire of Homer, with the enchanting wildness of Ariosto. It is really astonishing of what various and comprehensive powers this neglected language is possessed. In the pathetic, it breathes the most beautifVil and afi^wting simplicity, and in the bolder species of composition, it is distingtiished by a force of expression a sublime dignity, and a rapid energy, which it is scarcely possible, fbr any translation fully to convey ; as it sometimes fills the mind with idvas, alto- gether new, and which, perhaps, no modern language is entirely prepared to express. The productions of the Irish bards exhibit a glow of cultivated genius, a spirit of elevated heroism, sentiments of pure honor, instance» of disintgrested patriotism, and manners of a degree of refinement, totally
31
astonishing at a period when th« rest of Europe wot nearly mnk into larbaritm. And U not all (hi* very honourable to our countrymen ? Will they not be benefited, will they not be gratified, at the lustre reflected on them by ancestor» so very diiferent from what modem prejudice hat been ittuUinu to repretent them 7 But this i« not all. As yet we are too little known to our noble neighbour of Britain ; were we better acquainted, we should be better friends. The Britiab Muse is not yet informed that she has an elder sitter in this ide ; let us then introduce them to each other. But where alas ! is the thirst for national glory, when a subject of such importance is permitted to a pen like mine? Why does not some son of Anak, in genius, step forward and boldly throw his gauntlet to prejudice, as the avowed and approved champion of his country's lovely muse."
Such is the opinion expressed by the accomplished Charlotte Brooke, as to the cultivated elegenoe of the Irish language, and the sublimity of its poetry — she who, by her own exquisite translations of it into Englith Poetry lias proved how fully qualified she was to form and to give an opinion. Miss Brooke died in 1793.
Ladies have been the subjects of the greater part of the poetry in the Irikh Language, and it would, therefore, now appear to be a duty incumbent in a particular degree, upon them, to promote its revÍTal by every means in their power. Poetry, besides, is a province of literature pecnliarly suited to the fair sex. They are gifted in a high degree with that delicate and sensitive susceptibility so necessary for the preception of its exquisite beauties. We have, also, numerous instances in different countries and at different periods, of ladies having attained the highest perfection in the compositon of poetry, the purest and richest. In proof of this we need but refer to the heavenly poetry of Mrs Hemans at the present day. It is much to be regretted that the ladies of Ireland should have been so long debarred from enjoying that poetry which no other country has evo- yet surpassed, and which I shall not here attempt to describe, because I could not do so in language more appropriate or more true than that of Miss Brooke, already quoted. But the barriers which have hitherto precluded all entrance into this ancient and romantic region of literature are now disappearing, and the ladies of Ireland will be enabled to read the published works of their own nation, with less trouble, and in 4ess time than they, at present, expend in endeavouring to attain a knowledge of Italian or other foreign poetry. German cardinals are enraptured with it.
The opinion given by Miss Brooke is sustained and corroborated by that of every man of genius who has ever examined deeply into the language iiod literature of this ancient country.
These diatinguithed scholars and able men all combined in one sentiment,
■ ' .1 -• < rf '«?»R;wiptTy^=Híi!'?!5!B«swg[pe'''^'T^
32
of sincere regret at the state of neglect in which they found this rich and beautiful language lying. They also invariably accompanied it with aa expression of equally deep regret that their own pressing avocations of life prevented their entering upon the task of rescuing or restoring it. Ussher, the Protestant Archbishop of Armagh, about 200 years since, and one of the greatest scholars of his day, says : —
" Truly the Irish ranks amongst the very first of languages for eleffance and richtutH : but no one has as yet arisen who would apply his mind to it in such a way as that we might have it cultivated, as almost all other verna- cular languages of Europe have been cultivated within this age."
The Prelates and learned men of a few years ago felt the same regret and the same wish ; but they despaired of any, even the most remote chance, of having this wish realized. They looked upon it as impracticable — a matter which there was no use in thinking of — and, with sorrow, they gave up the hope of ever seeing the Irish language cultivated again. But let them note dispel their eorrovo ! Let them no longer despair.
The Archbishop of Tuam, the Royal Irish Academy, the Celtic Society, the Kilkenny Archseological Society, the Ossianic Society, Trinity College, and private individuals are supplying works. The chief things needed are elementary ones. These the demand will create.
What I have hitherto written was as a stimulant, not as a proof of the beauty of the language. For all have agreed that it is the sweetest, the most copious, most vigorous of all. See Doctor Keating's praise of it, p. 60 of " The Dirge." See also my essay on Ireland, in preface to 2nd volume, in which is clearly demonstrated Ireland's early enlightenment and possession of letters, also the veracity of our national records.
THE GENUINENESS OP THE ANCIENT HISTORY OF IRELAND.
It is indeed a fortunate circumstance for our history that occasionally there appeared above our horizon such men, as Ussher, Flood, Valla ncey. Though not of Irish lineage, they appeared as historical lights, keeping alive truth and dispelling the mists of falsehood. The evidence of 3uch a man as Sir L- Parsons (a late Earl of Ross), and of others of that class, whose religion and politics differ from those of the nation, must naturally carry weight with it. The Earl of Ross wrote a most able work in defence of the Ancient History of Ireland. It should be in the hands of every an- tiquarian From it we quote largely in our preface to the Schooi, His- tory OF Ireland, 2nd volume, to show the genuineness of our history. We feel that no language we could use would equal the extracts in style and rea- soning. Our readers are aware that the immortal orator, Henry Flood, £sq.i of Farmley, Kilkenny, left by will all his property to Trinity College» to ^ collect and buy up Irish manuscripts, wherever they could be had, and to i pay UD Irish Professor in college. For forty years that college neglected to
•V. - 7 • : •; • ' - f -r- f ■ ^j^r??»:" /flWf*««yt«;lS'->W^*-'. ! ^^T^'^^T^TW
33
do either, though they received much of the money. The Earl of Ros« pub- lished a work on that subject- As a Catholic writer I am bound to say, that the learned Ussher was a great enemy of Catholics, and the family of the Parsons were opprewors of the Irish, but when they give us a lift we have candour enough to thank them. And if my memory be faithful, the Earl of Ross was a supporter of Catholic emancipation. He was the first who got leave, before Emancipation, for the erection of a steeple and a bell in a Catholic church in Ireland. We recollect his having entered Birr, hia carriage, decked with laurels, on the occasion.
It is to be lamented that there is no entire truthful translation of the learned Rev. Dr Keating. The one by Dermod O'Connor, of Clare, is false in many places, and it is said, that it was intentionally so. His Lop- don publisher, in 1727, accused him of dishonesty with regard to the sub- scriptions, and the Raymonds, of Kerry, charged him with purloining the family MSS. He sought to make the Mac Carthys absorb every ancient glory, and thus he did an injustice to other families. I am satisfied tnat an enterprising publisher who would bring out Keating's history in English and Irish, would invest his capital to advantage. (See Essay).
WEALTH OF IRELAND.
In the Royal Irish Academy we saw a copy of " Ireland's Dirge," in the fi/st stanza of which are to be found "the smallness of her wealth,'' whereas, the copy given me by Dr. Spratt, as well as Mr. O'Daly's, has " The destruction of her property," or " The melting of her wealth." Be- tween both phrases there is a vast difference. The one conveys the idea, that Ireland was a poor country, whilst any Irish scholar upon having read the passage, and having learned who the author was, and his aim, will at once see, that the former was not Bishop O'Connell's mean- ing. Generally, the text of a book explains itself ; so it is in the first stanza of " The Dirge." The author says, '* that his heart is torn by the reflection of the murder and extermination of the priesthood," to whom " woods, forests, mountains, caves are no sktlter," as he sings at the close of the poem ; the utter annihilation of his countrymen, or, a* the poet has it, " the devouring of her people," and, to close his plaint against England — he adds, " the melting of her wealth ;" this interpretation gives the exact scope of the author. The other is a manifest corruption, de- signed to throw ridicule on this nation, and to make persons suppose that Ireland was too poor to invite ambitious or avaricious robbers to our shores. In other words, to make it appear that an illustrious Prelate, whose grand uncle. Bishop Rickard O'Connell, was hanged, in 1651, with kit own bridle out of a tree near Killarney, by an infernal troop of Cromwellian red» coats, on the road«8Íde, said " Ireland was a miserable nation." We fear that our author met a worse fate perhaps, in the reign of Queen Anne, as
34
we could, after close inquiry, learn nothing of his death or place of intef- ment. We have many subscribers, both prelates and priests fi-om the south. Yet, all th^ information we could gather was, that he was a bishop, and that he lived in 1 704 — the very year in which most stringent, hellish laws were enacted against the Catholic religion, when a price was set on the head uf a prelate or priest Then it was, I am satisfied, he sang, " that for them there waa no remedy on earth*' Many holy ecclesiastics were then hunted down like wolves, driven into dreary, wet, hiding-places, there to starve. The hut judgment only, can reveal the deeds of blood, perpetrated under the guise of religion in this devoted land. After the lapse of ages, and taking a retrospect glance through the long vista, our heart is wrung, beholding in thought, the beloved pastors of the people, either perishing from huuger, dying in the woods, hanged in forests, torn by blood hounds (for such were used), and their sacred flesh mangled and scatteied on the road-ways or foot-paths. The mind recoils from the bare recollection of such deeds. The true sense of the passage alluded to is, that the sacred vessels, destined for the service of the altar, were melted down by the wicked soldiery who spared nothing, who demolished churches, made them stables for tbeir horses, and converted the monasteries into barracks, as happened to the magnificent abbey of Boyle in the days of the great O'Donnell. Hiatory says, that the Saxons destroyed the coins of the Britons that there might not be even such a record of what they were. The Normans did the same as regarded the Saxons. The English acted in a like manner in this country even brfore the Reformation. When she was Catholic she was not much less rapacious and cruel. In the twelfth, and after centuries she robbed the nativta. *' Sacra auri ames, quid non mortalia pectora cogis."
Moreover, it would be wrong in any man, much more so in a bishop of the Catholic Church, to state that Ireland was a poor country. Our greatest enemies, the blackest traducers <d oar «diaracter, confess, that our population and the richness of oar soil, are in themselves, if not actual wealth, the source of aaeh. Tkc ptqnilation of every country constitutes its main riches. For of what use is gold, or rich lands, without a population ? to 4««H i^KM tlie fertility of our soil, th6 prolific qualities of our rivers, lakes, and seas, would be useless work. These are admitted on all hands, as well as the great suitability of our bays and harbours for commerce. But let us see if we had no gold, silver, or copper in th^ land to attract the rapacity of invaders. It could not be a desire to serve or improve us, that brought the spoilers to these shores, and kept us in bondage 700 years. I find that in the year of the world 3370, King Muinamhon (Mynahon) got several helmets made, having the neck and forepieces all of gold, that lie bestowed these, and golden chains on the most deserving warriors. Such warriors were termed " Chain Knights," from wearing chains of gold'.
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Whenever chiefs, princes, or kings were made captives, their fetters used to be of g;old, to distingoigh them from common captives. This was an es- tablished law of tile country. Aildergoid, son of the aforesaid monarch, upon having ascended the throne in 3705, A.M., got rings of gold made for the 'first time in Ireland, and gave them as prizes to such as excelled in arts and sciences. "Who would doubt our statements is referred to the >■' Books of Reigns," ** Psalter of Cashel,** and the other incorruptible Irish records ia the Academy, Dawson-street. We may here, by way of a passing remark, tell our readers that the first war chariots were made in A.M. 3223, Rothacfaaigh being on the throne. Our history informs us that the Irish warriors rode in chariots drawn by two horses, and the foot soldiers attended them after the manner of the times of Cssar.
In the year after the Creation, 3f>80, Aongus OUav (a quo Mac Gennis), having come to the throne, bestowed presents of gold ornaments on such as were pre-eminent in any science. In 3850 the same honour was con- ferred by Rnadh-righ (Rooaree) — Red King — from the Red flag. From him were descended Clanna Ruadh-righ (Rudriclans) — " the Red Branch Knights'* of ancient Ulster. He was of the line of Ir. This princely family was, for ceutuiies after Christ, masters of all the western parts of Europe. But cursed division weakened their strength, and limited their empire. In even 3952, when Connor, or O'Connor, was king of Ulster, Fergus, his cousin, invaded Connor, und the dispute ended in the ruin of that dynasty for many years after. They had three houses in Ulster ; Emain, in which the knights kept their court ; the house of The Red Branch (the war flags), and the " Sorrowful Lodging," which was the hospital for their wounded men.
Cathaoir (Caheer) left by his memorable will, made about 122 years after the Incamarion, an immense quantity of gold rings to Ross, his first son. Hence he was called Rosa Failge (of the rings). From him the " O'Connors Failey'*— (OfFaly, now King's County), and many other illustrious families noticed in this woik. Cormac, who reigned A.D. 213, and who wrote the Psalter of Tarah, and several poetic works, amongst them one as a rule of life for princes, had at his table 150 cups of massive gold. Nor is this a matter of wonder as regards Ireland, as Virgil tells us of Queen Dido's sumptuous table, which was spread over with cups, goblets, and dishes of gold — having delineated on them the deeds of her ancestors for many generations^ longUgima aeries rerwn — (a long chain of facts) which Belus and his posterity were wont to use. This Belus of Phoenicia* was the
* Th« land of Cbna (or Canaan), the descendants of Ham, mast hare been snl^jngated Dy " Clanna Phenius," hence it was called Phoenicia— a close similarity to some of the niannera and of the language of that eountrjr to our own leads to this irresiatible' con- clusion.
»faw<s*
■i:,iff
^^r^Ti-'^j^.
same as the Baal of the Irish, or, it may be, Bile. This entertaioment to ^neas took place A. C. 1172. If the East was so stunptuoos in golden ornaments and plate, it is reasonable to infer, that the Scythians, who came thence, carried with them the same taste ; and we are told that Ireland had many gold mines, and that she excelled in arts and sciences at a very early period, as may be seen in another part of this preface. If no such mines are now to be found, it does not thence follow that they did not exist here formerly, or that they are not now to be made out, if the people had a resident senate to encourage such an exploration. The classical scholar is acquainted with the richness, the artistic skill, and polished execution of the chariots and armour of the Grecian chiefs at the Trojan war, and Juno's chariot. The artistic taste of Ireland we heard most clearly proved by the distinguished artist of our own days, Henry O'Neil, Esq., author of "The Ancient Stone Crosses of Ireland,*' in lectures delivered by him in the Mechanics* Institute, Dnblin. His arguments were such as to convince any man, willing to be convinced. If then the Scythians spread civilization wherever they went (see p. 1 7 of " Dirge,"), and it is not denied — it is just to infer that, at a very early period, the fine arts were cultivated in this country, and amongst others, gold ornaments. This precious metal must have been very plentiful here, as in Cormac's reign a golden calf was set up by tlie Druids for veneration, but which the king refused to worship as he believed in the true God. To this knowledge his great, refined learning, and his exemplary life, aided by special iuspiration, had brought him. It is said, that Columcille made diligent search for the grave of Cormac, the learned law-giver, and that having found it on the banks of the Boyne at Ros-na-riogh, he said many masses over his grave. Thus proving that he died a Christian ; as, if he did not, the saint would not have prayed over him. I find that NiaU of the Nine Hostages, in the fourth century, presented King Core, at Eily O'CarroU, with 180 rings and fifty cups of gold. In St. Patrick's days there were several goldsmiths in this country ; he had himself three of them, of whom was Tassagh, afterwards bishop, who orna- mented Patrick's crozier— "The Staff of Jesus," apd who attended the Irish Apostle at his death. See Fiech's Hymn in the work. Surely workers in any metal pre-supposes a supply of the article. It is a waste of time, andi 1 might say, an insult to the understanding of our learned readers to follow up this subject farther, yet the cavillers must be silenced. The king of Cashel used to bestow on some of the sub-chiefs ten gold cup»,jewd-hilied iwordt, embroidered cloaks, tcarlei mantles, and silk garments. We refer the reader to " The Book of Rights,'' p. 194, lately translated, and learnedly commented on by the accomplished Dr. O'Donovan. The ^racity and authenticity of that interesting work of St.Benignus, Archbishop of Armagh,
r
^■<m^^*mím*W^^?W^WW- ■' "■'^^^^^T^
3t
have been almost universally admitted, if we except a few modern dogma* tizing followers of Pyrrho. Tltey doubt of even palpable truths for the hon* our of being eccentric historical infidel», and merely for amusemeDt.
The idol Cromcmagh, erected by King Tiegharagh, A. M. 30 11, was nearl/ of gold. This king was the first that discovered a gold mine on the banks of the Liffey, where he erected a factory for refining the metal. — See " Ogygia»"part ii>, p. 49. All the pagan chiefs had a Cromcruagh and twelve inferior deities around him> in imitation of the signs of the Zodiac. There was another celebrated oracle in Oriel (Monaghan, &c.) ; it was designated " Clochoir" (gold-stone;. The Rev. Canon Maguire, in olden times, of Armagh, in his Scholia on the cessation of image worship, gives a description of the Clochoir (whence Clogher). In it, and from it, the devil, according to Colgan, useS to speak and give answers. He adds, that upon St. Patrick's approach, and at the very point of the *' Sta£f of Jesus," without at all touching it, the statue was bent, and the minor ones were sunk in the earth, save the tops. This was the last Sunday in Summer, whence it wa called Domhnagh Cromduibh (Downagh CrumduflF) the Sunday of the black Crom, or devil. It is also termed " Dowhnagh Patrick," in commemoration of the saint's putting an end to demon deceit and worship.
In 913 A. D., we find, by Mac Curtin's " Antiquity of Ireland," that Cormac Mac CuUinan, King and Bishop of Cashel, left, by will, large presents of gold and silver to the churches of Ireland. Brian Borivey, when he went to the north to receive hostages, made gold presents to the Church of Armagh. But, at that time, these metals were not, what they now are, an object of such worship. Rich lands and their products were more appreciated, and justly; for what is money but a token; and, by common consent, a piece of hard turf, of stone, leather, or timber, would answer the same purpose. The chalices, and all the altar services were of gold or silver, and should be so according to the discipline of the ancient Irish Church. Nothing was thought sufficiently precious for the celebra» tion of the Mass. The piety of the monarchs and nobles enabled the clergy to have them so All the coverings of relics and books were of gold or silver, or sumptuously ornamented with these metals and jewels. For many ages this covntry held sway in all the northern parts of Europe, and our kings carried home wiih them the rich spoils. Tacitus, in his " Life of Agricola" says of Ireland, " Melitu aditus, portutque per citmmerci» et negoeiatore» eogniti ;" meaning that our ports and harbooita wore better fitted for commerce than those of Britain. Hence, there was a source of great wealth. What made ancient Tyre— the Phoenician capital — so rich and flourishing as to be the admiration of the world, until Pygmalion, by his restrictive laws, checked her glorious condition ? Commerce. Her 3
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S8
free trade, h«r evUghtenment, her excellence in aiapuf»ct;ures, }i«r cnltÍTati^i» of the fine arts, her respect for m^n of toil and industry, her character fpr integritj in her dealings, and her hospitality to Btranj;ers, attracts tQ hi^r coasts merchants fron^ all quarters. The best historians say the very same pf our own island. For we too had commerce, but our nnfortcinate con- nexipn witli England has robbed us of it. Hence our coinmodioas harbours firo without shipping, ii^ which nothing comes but raging billows, upbraid- i||g OS with the causes that lead to such galling, oppressive results.
The Danes, during tl^eir power in Ireland, exacted " an ounce of gold for every nose." This exaction should be complied with, and to pay it the metal must have been plentiful. This plunder continued for 150 years ; y«^ wh$i| Qerald Barry — the reviler of the Irish-^came here, he s^tea, ^ AuTum quo^e, quo abundat intula.'^ — Expug. Hib., lib. ii. chap. 75. Hadrianus Junius, according to Sir James Ware's " Antiquity," page 70, wy». i .
'* Et puri argenti vanat, qnas terra refostis Viseeribas, manes Imos Tiscura redudit.''
^e Ulster Annals tell that 240 ounces of pure silver were collected in Ossory for the Coarb of Columcille, A.D. 1151. Cornelius O'Bnen, King of Monster, and other Irish princes, made large money presents to Dioni- sius, Cbristianus, and Gregory, successive abbots of S. James' Benedictines at Ratisbon in Germany. To the messengers of the aforesaid abbots, the Elmperor Conrade gave letters of introduction to the Irish kings. So mag- nificent were O'Brien's gifts to them, that the monastery, for stateliness, finish, and gorgeousness, surpassed anything of the kind of those days. They purchased, with a portion of Ireland's presents, lands, houses, &c., whereby to maintain the cloister ; for, even yet, " Supererat itiffetu copia peeunia regit Hibemia ; " there was still remaining a grest quantity of the Irish king's money. — Chronicle of Rensburg, in Annals of Emiy ; Walsh, in hi9 " Prospect," p. 440, The aforesaid King O'Brien, who endfsd his hply lifp in a pilgrimage to the shrine of St. Bridget, in Kildare, sent rich presents to Lothaire II., through Irish nobles, in the time of the Crusades. In A.D, 1143^ died Turluugh O'Connor, King of Connaught, and Monarch of Ireland : he left to religion jewels of immense value, silver, and 540 ovnces of gol4. It is not necessary to go farther, as about this time our shores were cursed by the E^nglish, plundering bandits. Never was there a more barefaced c^li^mny than to insinuate the poverty of this island, whose very soil, whose very laborious peasantry, whose very rivers, lakes, fisb-aboufid|ng bays, coal mines, marble mines, stone mines, copper mines, silver ipines, and gold mines, added to the geniality of the air, are in them- selves wealth, unequalled by any other country on God's earth. Incidentally
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the reader*! attentiob ii directed to the quaatity of golden bracelets ths( were worn by the Sabinee, even their commea soidierst wheii they took th« ■ Soman Capitol, neariy 800 years before Christ, aa rcoorded io the first - book of LivyrGold was, in fact, most plentiftil, in some coanitries. T^# . Queen of Sabia, who visited Solomon, had a great quuitit^ of it. Thp . Sabines of Latíam were of eastern origin, and their worsbipi li^^e that of t|u| > Orientals, was directed to the elements — as to the San, Moon, SturSy, Asteroids, — hence their shirids, bucklers, bracelets, resembled the heavenly- bodies, as well in shape as in brilliancy. It might-be said that the shield. - of AchiHes was a species of solar system, because of its ornamentation.
O'Flaherty says, that before King Cathoir (Caheer) fell in the battle of Tailten, he ordered his 8on,Ro8s Failge, to givel^ades to therestofhis sonSf and to the other nobles of Leinster, and that he presented "to Daire Barry on« hundred round spears, with silver blades ; fifty shields in eases of gold aiul silver, richly carved ; fifty swords, of pecuAar workmanship ; five riogs of gold, ten times mettled ; 150 cloaks, variegated with Babylonian art ; and seven military standards.'* Now this passage prores two facts : that Ire« land abounded in wealth, and that she cultivated the fine arts at a very early period. From the battle of Moyture — which took place before the days of Moses— down to the Anglo-Norman invasion, Ireland excelled in the fine arts, as our native archives, and even some foreign writers, attest. Several passages are to be met with in " The Book of Rights," as edited by Dr. 0*Donovan, whicli place beyond all doubt, Ireland's wealth, enlighten- ment, and her thorough acquaintance with everything that is characteristHi of a glorious nation and a polished people. O'Halloran gives, in seveml places, instances of the great wealth of Ireland.
We BOW leave the reader to judge if this old land had not riches sofficient to invite the rapacity of oar im^irovmg neighbours, who gave such protection as vultures give lambs, " covering and devouring them."
INAUGURATION OF THE KINGS OF ANCIENT IRELAND
Even in A.M., 3075, as GioUa Caomhghin (Gilla Keevin) says, was thus Whe^ a king, whether monarch or provincial prince, was to be inaugurated, the princes, nobles (amongst whom were the druids, bards and scholars, the prelates) met at a given place, (such as Tara, for the paramount king), and, having elected him, they did him homage by bending the knee, as at a levee in St. James's paUce, London ; they then yielded themselves and their estates to him, as be sat on a throne in the middle of tÍMm, one of the highest rank having advanced towards the Ruler, having taken his sword from hia, and having presented him with a long, white, unknotty wand, said, " Receive. Sire, the auspicious sign of your digputy, and remember to
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imitate in your lif« and government, the wbiteness, and straij^htness, and unknottiness of this rod ; to the end that no evil tongue may find cause to asperse the candour of your actions with blackness nor any kind of corrnption, or tie of friendship be able to pervert your justice. Take, therefore,' titpon you in a lucky hour, the government of this people, and etereise this power, given you hereby, with all freedom and security." After tiiis, Mionn Riogha, or "Royal Cap," made of gold and precious stones, was placed, by the Grand Marshall, on his head. So far GioUa : aad Cormae Mac Cullinan in tue " Psalter of Cashel" writes that, 958 years before Christ, this was the practice ; he adds that the crottm was of gcid, that at that time a crowned king got many helmets made, having neci-piec*$ and /ore-piece» of gold. All our native annalists, and they are the only veritable witnesses in matters of ancient Ireland, agree that this wai the practice up to Christianity, but that then the Christian mode was adopted. However, our antiquarians tell us, the ceremony of the white wand continued up to the English invasion ; the bishops, the sub-kings, and princes were the electors, both as regarded monarchs and provincial dynasts. O'Farrell and O'Gallagher were the grand officers who used to inaugurate " The O'Donnell" of Tyrconnell, the former gave him the soeptre, and the latter, as Marshall, placed the crown on his head. Gratian. or Lynch, in his " Cambrensis Eversus,"and Peter Walsh, in bis " Pros- pect"—p. 421, most clearly .show that the mode of inaugurating "The O'Oonnell" was most solemn, august, and thoroughly Catholic. Against Such national records the fictions of men, ignorant of Irish manners, habits and language, should have no weight. Moreover, it has been the custom of oppressors to blacken the character of the oppressed, in order to throw the cloak over their guilt — that pretended barbarism might be a pretext for their ambition and rajuicity. Hence, English writers distorted facts to strive to justify the conduct of our task-masters.
IRELAND'S UNIVERSITIES AND CONVENTUAL SCHOOLS.
Of this subject we have treated at large in our notes on St Patrick, however, it may not be out of place to enumerate here a few of these nurseries of piety apd learning, as we find them in our native records. Felim, in his *' Annals" relates that the College of Armagh, under O'DuiFy (Dubhthach), A.D. 513, had 7000 scholars, also under Tiagharnan, A.D. 619, and some^mes more or less than that number under other primates. Under Cormae, king and bishop, the College of Cashel had 5000 scholars and 600 conventual monks ; he was the first Bishop of Cashel, Emly being joined to it. And as for the number of students in Down and Lismore, I should doubt it had I not proof in the Irish Annals. The Abbey uf
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Mayo had a splendid college, numerously attended» amongst wliom wer^ scholars from all parts of Europe. Here it was that iEdelfríd, or Alfred, King of Northumbria, having been expelled by his rebellious subjects, devoted himself to the study of the Irish language, and composed a poem \^ in that tongue, in eulogy of the learning, hospitality, valour, riches and piety of Ireland. Of this poem, composed in the seventh century, I saw some. Clonrode, in Clare, Clonfiash, near Tuam, in Galway, and many schools of note, are to be found farther on in this work. There is still onf in Tuam, under the patronage of the Archbishop, and the wise direction of the Very Rev. John MacEviily, the learned commentator of the Catholiq epistles ; this is a flourishing establishment.
Well could Bede, who finished his work, A.D. 731. and Camden, stat^ that this land deserved the tide of In$ula Sanctorum et Doetorum. We had scarcely a prelate, king, or chief, in olden times, who did not compose; poetry, in honour of God or of their ancestors ; to enumerate them would require pages. Prom the days of Amergin, sou of Milesius* 1080 after the Flood, 1268 A.C., down to the time of Tighernagh,* the Annalist and Abbot of Clonmacnoise, A.D. 1088, O'Reilly, in his " Catalogue,'* gives the number of 108 poets of Ireland ; of that number, about seventy were either in Holy Orders, or consecrated to religion ; some of their composi-. tions were given in prose. From lObS to his death, the same author enur merates 123 Irish writers, most of whom, or nearly all were poets. He continues his " Catalogue" down to 1750; in all he counts 379, most of them poets ; amongst them he reckons at A.D. 1651, *' Dr. John O'Connell, RJ Bishop of Ardfert in Kerry.'* He was not, howevei^ at that time Bishop of Ardfert, as Rickard O'Connell, his grand uncle, was (about which, time he was martyred), he might be coadjutor ; nor did he then write thei " Dirge," whereas he refers to Beeling's " Writings," which wer^ not then composed. Archbishop Plunkett, who was executed in London, on false evidence, on the Ist of July, 1681, is mentioned by O'Reilly in.hi« list. The holy martyred prelate did not think it unbecoming his office to pen an eloquent poem as a eulogy on Tara. The Piunkets of Meath. of ^ whom he was, were ever distinguished for love of letters and of Father^t land. Connaught seems to have produced the greatest number of poets at one period. This can be learned from a perusal of the " Irish Writers'*^" which book, if there existed no other, is sufficient to prove the glory of Ireland in every respect. It is a work of uadoubted authority, having been prepared under the inspection of " The Iberno Celtic Society," Dublin^ on whose committee, were Catholic prelates and priests — seventy-three noblemen, mostly Protestant, and Protestant clergymen. We will here say that such a Committee, having recognised, as genuine, O'Reilly'a <^talogaet
* TeeiTiagli.
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doght to b« a saffici^t proof that the author of *' The Dirge" was a bishop,; tior Would the cirenmstanee of his being a school-master militate against the fact. He was obliged to doi something to support himself wheta his right- iiil means were tak6Q from him. .: . , -t j fciKo-*-*
> IREL\ND NOT PECULIARLY ADDICTED TO DIVISIOíT.
Notwithstanding th« piles of native evidence and of foreign hntoiians, attesting the sanctity, valor, amd enlightenment of our old conntry* stUl as libellers have been hired to strive to tarnish her glorious fame, it is my duty here to show that she was not peculiar in her internal strife.
Though I bear no malice nor envy to any nation or to any person , yet I shall give instances of bloody feuds in other lands. I shall begin with the first inhabitants of this world— Cain slew Abel. I shall then proceed with Greece and ask my reader to call to mind their murderous strifes. Then 1 shall direct attention to Rome, whose first king, Romulus, killed his brother Hemns. Thus, the foundation of the famous '* seven-hilled dty," was cemented with the blood of a brother. We bear in mind tk« tebeliitM of Tarquin, the plebian inaurrection, the oppretsion OHtl murder of the deeentviri — the tyranny of the tribune» — the faction» of Sylla and Mariu», and the river» of blood flowing from their awordt— Catiline'» eontpiraey — the civil war» of Pompey and Catar — the total change of the republic ending in plain, lawle»», rebelliou» force and the annihUatian of myriad» qf the people— thirty emperor» murdered. — In the time qf Gal- lieuu» thirty men at letut »et ihenuelve» up a» emperor». Germany, in later times, eithibitá awful instances of civil contentions — such as the violent death* <ff Rodolph, Albert^ Henry YII., Frederick III., Lewi» qfBavier-^ eáÁi of whom was kSled by poieon or conspiracy.— Bodin, paga 250 ; Peter Walsh, 206. The Ghibellines and Gueiphs ;-^the Uoody revolutions df the Florentine republic, in Italy, which lasted for 340 years. The Haughter and total extinction of one party was the result. At last the prudence of one man, Cosmus Medicis, Grand Duke of Tustiany» restored order* The same can be said of Spain — Alphonsus III., put out the eye» of all hi» brethren, except one, who was killed. Ramyims treated with the like cruelty, his oWn brother, Alphonsus lY. Peter depoted and killed by his ba»tard brother, Henry, — Oarziu» by Sanctiu» — Sanetiu» by Vellidiu» i — all Spaiú in the time of Roderick, betrayed to the Moor» by Julian, Prince of Celtiberia. By this act of treason 70,000 Spaniards itété lulled in fourteen months ! And, as to France, no pen could describe tti (ionvulsions, devastations, and cruelties : its barbarous, sacrilegious, éSlrÍl #ars, all which can be seen in De Avila and Peter Walsh. Now let tli oOiát nearer home, and ask pure and piou» England how stands her
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aeedant i'—TSoenty-eight Saxon kings, part killed by each other, part fHUf* iéi'ed by their owm subfectt ; others deposed and obliged to fly far r^uge. Foar of the Northumbrian kings alone murdered, and three deposed within the tpáeé oí forty -one years. Charles II. of France, having heard of such atrocities, though he had intended to send large preiients to England, changed his iniiid, and told AÍ(>uin, an Englisnman, his majesty's tutor, "that Ehglftnd tras indeed a perfidioka and petvérte nation, a murderer qf their tordi, and worté thith pagan».*'' The bishops and nobles had also to Ay, so that for thirty years im one dated sit on the throne of Northumbria. There was oiie unbruken chain of internecine strife until the 10th century,' see " Mylius' England " or any impartial English history. After the Norman iuTasion we have the unnatural rebellion of Henry II.'s own children. The baron wars under king John and Henry III. — Edward II. '■ own queen, Eleanor, and son, the prince of Wales, conspired to dethrone Attn. The woful feud» of the houses of York and Lancaster — the oceans of blood that deluged the country for thirty years, under Henry VI. and Edward IV. — the murder of Richard II. — all are acquainted with the history of Richard III ! His grandfather, the e&rl of Cambridge, beheaded at Southampton, — the duke of York, his father — beheaded before Sandal. His three brothers, one of them slain in cold blood — the duke of Clarence drowned in a butt qf Malmsey — his two nephews, stranglei in their beds, besides eleven battles fought — in one of which 36,730 Englishmen were left dead on the field, besides the wounded ! (Echard, p. 520.) This was the battle of Taunton, in Yorkshire. Philip Comines, an English writer, says, " eighty of the royal blooá were lost in them," of whom was Henry VI. — a good and virtuous prince. The Usurper Richard III., was killed in the battle of Bosworth, after having swam to the throne on river» qf blood. His opponent, the earl of Richmond, assumed the sceptre, as Henry VII. — who by marrying the daughter of Edward IV., united the houses of York and Lancaster, and thus ended the terrible factions of " the White and Red tlose.'' All this 1 have from their own historians, and to do justice to Mylius, whose work is a very good school-book — he does not hide the faults of his countrymen. Nor does he act so unfairly towards Ireland as Lingard ; Mylius I take to be a Briton — Lingard a Norman ; all know, of course, that both are Catholic books. " Lingard,*' by J. Burke, Esq., is a well got up school book.
We now leave our readers to infer whether Ireland was peculiar in her feuds. During the long space of 2468 years of the Gadelian monarchy, down to 11 72, A.D., it will be found that not as much blood was shed by civil wars in Ireland, as in 1 000 years in England. During the whole time of our 136 Pagan kings, and forty «eight Christiaa ones, there were scarcely
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as many fell by intestine broils, as there did in one half the time in the island of pur traducers. And what excites my indignation moat it, that «ome of our modern Irish romancers have the impudence to tell as ,tliat they find no characters, in Irish history, illustrious enough to make heroes of tales. These bear a great name, but very unjustly, as they live by forg- ing calumnies of the Irish people, of old and modern days, of peasantry and gentry ; still their bate coin passes current. They must know very little of the solid history of Ireland, else, notwithstanding all her feuds, they could make out characters as brilliant as ever adorned the pages of any book. The Red Branch Knights of Ulster suppy ample theme, bat libellous works ««// £e«/ in these degenerate days. ;^
THE FORTY-EIGHT KINGS OF IRELAND AFTER ST. PATRICK.
As it is falsely asserted that there were no Milesian kings from the coming of St. Patrick until the arrival of the English though that most accurate historian, O'Flaherty, in his " Ogygia," gives them in regular succession, and the year of the reign of each, yet, I shall here cite a few foreign authorities, to disprove the deliberate falsehood : In the first book of the Polychronicon I find these words — which 1 render thus in English — " From the coming of St. Patrick, to King Felim's time, there have been thirty-three kings in the space of 400 years in Ireland. But in the time of Felim, the Norwegians with their leader, Tuigesius, occupied the land. From TurgesÍQS to the last monarch, Roderick, King of Connaught, seventeen kings were in Ireland.*' Thus it may be seen that a foreign author gives within eight of as many kings as O'Flaherty.
Anselm, the learned Archbishop of Canterbury, in his "Thirty-siz Epistles," (contained in Dr. Ussher's collection of the " Epistles of the English Clergy"), written A.D. 1118 to Muircheartach (Murty), the great O'Brien, King of Ireland, thus writes, " To the glorious Murty, by the grace of God, King of I reland, Anselm a servant of the Church of Canter« bury, &C." I^nfranc, the predecessor of Anselm, and previously Bishop of Dover, thus says in his letter to Turlough O'Brien, King of Ireland, 1074, " Lanfranc, a sinner, and the unworthy Archbishop of the Church of Dover, to Tordelagh, the magnificent King of Ireland, benediction, &c." In the same collection is mentioned a letter of King Henry I>, to Rodolph, Archbishop of Canterbury, ordering him to consecrate priest Gregory Bishop of Dublin. This was A.D. 1123. These are Henry's words, " The King of Ireland has instructed me, that he and the citizens of Dublin, elected Gregory to be bishop, and sent him to you to be con* secrated. Wherefore, I order you that, in compliance with their request, you immediately perform the consecration." From this it would appear
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that at the time the tee of Dablin, owing to the confoaion, conseqaent ott the Daniah usurpation, was not subject to Armagh.
The Psalter of Cashel, quoted by the learned Rev. Dr. Keating, in its allusion to Irial, son of Heremon, informs us that of his line, up to St. Patrick, there were fiftT-seven kings, and fifty after the same monarch. Such evidences as the above are quite sufficient to show to any unbiassed mind that there were, after Christianity, a long series of the Gadelian race of kings in this holy land, whose renown, valour, hospitality, liberality, and piety, formed a rich theme for the native bards and annalists.- ''^\ ■ ' It is worthy of remark, that though there was repeated contention amongst the provincial kings of Ireland, still the annals of the several provinces agree generally as to the principal facts contained in Irish his> tory. Thus each was a check on the other and each was sure to contradict, if either put forward a false statement of any fact. This tended to make and keep native records pure and unadulterated But, above all, the Literary Committee of the Triennial Senate of Tara was highly calculated to preserve the truthfulness of our history ; by it the historian, who put forth false statements, was sure to be degraded. No other nation on earth, of ancient or modern tunes, had such an ordeal of investigation. Amongst our kings and princes, jealous of their fame, and having different interests and V iews, there could not, by possibility, be a combination to corrupt the national records. Mutual jealousy prevented it. This is treated of more at length in the preface to second volume.
Our space will not allow us to give an outline of the constitution of the Parliament of Tara, nor of the laws of Ollamh Fodbla (Ollav Fyola), and Cormac O'Quin, and of other Irish kings ; the first reigned twelve cen- turies, and the second, two, before St. Patrick. This topic is also handled in my essay. Who would read our national archives will find that no nation, ever yet, up to his day, has had so polished a constitution as was that of Tara. The reader is referred to Keating, MacCurtin, O'Halloran, O'Connor, O'Flaherty, Taaffe, &c. The Scythic civilization, so much lauded by Epiphanius, Bishop of Salamis, of the fourth century, and quoted by me in page seventeen of the " Dirge," streamed to, and over Ireland.
BOOKS OP REFERENCE. ^ '
It would be tedious to enumerate, in this place, all the Irish works, whence has been derived our information on the previous facts. The "Sea- bright Collection," in Trinity College, is a book of great value. *' Psalter na Rann," being an abridged history of the posterity of Abraham, until after the death of Moses. The collection called the " Speckled Book,'* the
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*' Book of Invasions," the " Book of Lecan," the '• Book of CIODinaeBOÍM," the " Psalter of Cashel," by Cormac, its king and bishop. Mort of this was a transcript from the " Psalter of Tara," besides some origittal prose and verse compositions. Ue wrote also a glossary of diffictdt Irish words, his poems, though not all illnstrative of Irish history, bat cbiefty on reli- gion, are most interesting. The " Psalter" is in the British Musaem } the compositions of Eochaidh (Aynghy) O'Flynn, as contained in the "Book of Invasions," by the O'Clerys, &c., are of immense interest. His poems on the colonization of Eire, present specimens of eloquence and diction not to be surpassed in any language that I have read. His poem on the Mile- •ian kings, from their landing, tu 3150 of the Creation; his poem detailing the building of the palace of Emain, in Ulidia, 3096. A.M., to Connor A.D. 1, down to its destruction by the Colla Uais, A.D. 331, and many more of still greater importance.
The Annals of Tighernagh, Abbot of Clonmacnoise, who died A.D., 1088. He went back only to 3596. From this fact sonae dogmatizers assert, in opposition to most numerous, concurrent, and authentic authorities, that it was on that year the Milesians landed. Just aa if a writer may not take his start from any year he pleases. And so we find in the historians of idl countries. Such inferences from false data are very dangerous. Waa aajr. thing ever more silly than to say, " such a historian did not meiititttt •« <;ertain fact, therefore, such a fact had no existence." If a historian finds a thing well done by another he leaves it so, he then takes up what he thinks he may do better. Thus, would have acted Tighernagh. He left vrell enough alone. " Quieta non movere,*' was his maxim.*
"The Roll of Kings," the «Din SeanchuS," the '<BoOk of Innis- fallen," the " Book of Rights," the "Book of Etymologies." The poem by Ceanfaela, which narrates the travels, by sea and land, of Milesins, as contained in the Book of Ballymote, is very valuable. In fact, it wrould require a large work to contain a list of the Irish works still extant at home, besides hundreds scattered all over Europe ; England as well as Denmark, did what they could to steal or destroy our Records. See the Catalogue in Trinity College, the Irish Academy, and Dr. Ussher, Marsh's Library, Royal Dublin Society. The Four Masters is a most important work though it contains much that was better unwritten*
* According to the Annals of Four Masters, it was about this date ^rather 3500) the Milesians Unded, but, aeeording to the same authority, there intervened between that epoch and the Birth of Christ 1694 years, which thus appe«-8;— the year of the world when the Milesians landed, 3500 ; the year of the world at (he Redemption, according to the Annals, 6194; number of years before Redemption, 1694. Hence, according to thi( 'calculation, the Milesian Invasion is much earlier than that assigned to it.
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We should have sooner saidi that the harp-players aud other masiciaoSf physicians, entertainers Cbetaghs), poets, annalisls, &Cm should — according to the law— 'be of noble descent. The learned held rank next to royalty.
OBJECTION AGAINST THE EABLT MILESIAN COLOKT ANSWEREtt ** •
It is most strange, that well-informed minds can be so silly as to urge against the early arrival in this country, the want of sufficient shipping'. On this point, we will not waste time, as every scholar has read of the Argonaatic expedition, which is as much a fact as that of the allied fleet at tíxe Crimea ; of the Grecian fleets before Troy ; of the twenty-one ships of iBneas, and his having twice as great an extent of sea to cross before bis landing in the country of Latinas ; of the number of men he must have had with him, worn and spent as they were after many sea hardships, when the native king thought it the more prudent course to make terms with' him. Ireland was much nearer to Spain, than Latium or Carthage to Troy. Moreover, the Milesians were practiced seamen — having crossed the inland sear so often — and their system was to coast along for the pur- pose of taking in provisions. Again, we find St. Paul sailed from Asia to Home, the vessel having on board 276 souls. — Acts of the Apostles* c. xvii. The ship was driven into the Adriatic, and met with disasters. She must have been a large ship to contain so many, and provisions neces- sary for several months. The compass is the invention of only a few ages ago ; yet, long before that epoch, a great many distant islands were dis- covered and colonized.
Father Charlevoix, a French Jesuit, opposed to the marvellous theorÍM of travellers, says: — " ; ' ' "
" I have already observed, that it is an arbitrary supposition, Úiiít tfié grand-children of Noah were not able to penetrate into the New World, or that they never thought of it. In effect, I can see no reason that can jus- tify such a notion. Who can seriously believe, that Noah and his immediate descendants knew less than we do, and the builder and pilot of the greatest ship, that ever was formed to traverse an unbounded ocean, and had so many shoals and quicksands to guard against, should be ignorant of, or should not have communicated to his descendants the art of sailing on the ocean ?" Therefore they did sail on the ocean — therefore they sailed to America — tlierefore America was discovered by Noah.
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48
THE FINE ARTS.
As to oar taste for Rne Arts, the following extracts from the FrtiHtaCt Journal of May, 1855, is quite apropot : —
" MiCHANics' Institutb — Lectvrk on the Fink Arts of Ancient Ireland. — Mr. Henry O'Neill resumed, last evening, the delivery of a course of lectures on the fine arts of ancient Ireland. Independent of the interest with which Mr. O'Neill, by his pleasing style of delivery, invests his lecture, the subject is one which should, in an especial manner, command the attention of an Irish audience. We have read of, and we have been lectured about, the ancient glories of almost every nation ; and yet, we know but little, comparatively speaking, of the position which our own country held with reference to the fine arts in the days of old. It is high time to look at home, and any one who has heard Mr. O'Neill cannot doubt that a rich field is open to such as care to explore it. The talented lec- turer gave a history of ancient Irish art and civilization, commencing from the battle of Moyturra, which, according to the Four Masters, took place 1897 years before the Christian era — in fact, before the time of Moses, and at which period the Irish were skilled in working the precious metals. The lecturer Jwelt with peculiar force on the proofs these notices furnish of a very early civilization in this country. The establishment of a parlia- ment at Tara above 3000 years ago — the literary character of our Irish King Cormac — the high condition of art anterior to the English invasion — its decline from that period — art dying out here when it was progressing in other countries — ^these important facts in the history — ancient Irish art, and ancient Irish civilization — were commented on in a most lucid, argu- mentative, and covincing way, so as fully to establish the fact that Ireland had a very early civilization, and that, notwithstanding the Danish invasion, she preserved that civilization until the twelfth century, and that her sub- sequent retrogression was a natural result of the disorganised state of society consequent upon the Norman invasion."
It is not strange that some of the modern Irish Antiquaries, (at least one) have strained every nerve in an attempt to shew that Ireland had known nothing of the refined arts until the arrival of Danish, Saxon, or Norman freebooters into this island. This doctor would not concede that this is- land had her horizon corruscated by a blaze of the most perfect system of all sorts of sciences, viz. , astronomy, physiology, pathology, philosophy, physics, theology, {aot pagan hat orihodox) music, architecture, sculpture, painting, &c., not to mention languages, many centuries before the re- demption of man. Were the doctor of himself able to expbre documents, and to investigate per *e iptum archives, and were not his concealed anti-
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49
Irish feelings ia the way, he would easily find that this old land had a corruscation of knowledge such as never illuminated any other country on the^Boaof the globe. The reader in sustainment of this statement is referred to our chapter on " Bound Towers," and crosses at the end of this volume, as well as to our " Essay on Ireland,*' published in 1856, and to the pre- face of our " School History of Ireland." In these are cited from foreign and adverse authors passages, which place on a pinnacle of eminence visible to the mental eye of any reader, however distant from previous respect for the Irish, their very remote antiquity and progress in art and science. We shall here quote a passage or two which was not in the essay. It is from Bailley, a French writer of the last century, who was guillotined for his endeavour to check the French anarchists in the time of the Revolution, though he was elected first President, when monarchy was subverted, and made Lord Mayor of Paris : these are his words : I give the translation first, then the original — " The existence of this primitive people (the Irish) is proven by the description which presents only the remains, or debris of astronomy forgotten, philosophy blended with absurdities, physics degene- rated into fables, pure religion (that of primitive Persia 19 hundred years before Christ,) but concealed under gross idolatry. This ancient people had sciences in perfection, a sublime and sound philosophy.
" L'ezistence de ce peuple anterieur est prouvée par le tableau, que n'ofFre que des debris, astronomic oubliée, philo sophie melee a des absur- dites, physique degeneree en fables, religion epuree, mais cachée dans une idolatrie grossiere, cet ancien peuple a eu des sciences perfectionnees, une philosophie sublime et sage."— Bailley.
Let any reader go to the beautiful Museum of the Royal Irish Academy, Dawson-street, Dublin, where he can examine reliques ante-Christian as well as post-Christian, a substantial evidence of what has been written. The bronze war weapons found in many parts of this island are identical with those described by Homer, as used in the Trojan war, 1180 years before Christ.
Doctor Parsons, in his " Remains of Japhet," published in London, A.D. 1767, puts beyond dispute the early enlightenment of Ireland.
Parsons wasan eminent medical man, a Fellow of the Royal and Anti- quarian Societies of London. To this splendid work some reference will be made in the course of these volumes, as well as to Sir L. Parsons, after- wards Lord Ross. These impartial and luminous authors demolish the abominable calumny of Strabo, Solinus and St. Jerome with respect to the cannibalism of the primitive Irish ; and they do so on the plainest shewing, and thev confidently ask, what information could such men as Ptolemy the Geographer have of this country, as they only heard of it from traders who
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iherely touched its shores but uever went into the interior. St. Jerome it «aid to have written that he saw natives of this island in Qanl eating^ the flesh of children. Granting all that 1 Does one swallow make a siuamer i St. Jerome might see such an occurrence, and worse, a £tw ye^rs ago in Spain, where a mountaineer was convicted of having killed many diildren and eaten portions of their flesh ; and when he was examined his answer was that he could not resist his nature, that he felt himself occarionally at if converted into a wolf. Such phenomena wiU be ever apt to occur in any country. However, one thing is certain, that native historians or even bardic writers, furnish, I think, only one instance of such a character in Ireland, whilst England has many cases.
As to the charge that our ancestors were dressed in the skins of beasts, supposing we admitted the fact, nothing could be thence inferred to militate against refinement, as it is known that skins primitively were brought to a high state of finish, as indeed they are in our own days, so that vests and breeches are made of them even as matters of elegance. Besides, the dress of Uie body has never been recognised by the learned as characteristic of civilization. For fine clothes can be had for money, and by the most ig- norant persons and nations ; thus California and Australia, a few years ago, were confessedly not advanced in knowledge and refinement, yet gold gave them all sorts of ornaments in the way of dress and European civili- zation, whilst the very authors and artists that supplied the articles were perhaps themselves very poorly clad and lodged in Paris, London, and Dublin. Civilization is the work of the mind, and a man clothed in skins is capable of as high an order of intellect as the man who wears the most costly dress. Some of our readers may have in memory the brilliant inau- gural lecture of the Very Rev. John H. Newman, Rector of the Irish Catholic University, on this subjeci. We are glad to have such a supporter sustaining our views. Abaris,an Irish chief, is handed down to us as being pre- sent at a council of Athenians, having his majestic figure set off to great ad- vantage with the most costly dress ; he was there as an ambassador many hundred years before Christ, and his language, wisdom and prudence as a statesman, orator and courtier are held forth for admiration. One would be inclined to think that the true and most important manuscript recordi of Ireland are missing or lost, and that nothing was tolerated to live which could attest the extraordinary civilization of the old land. It is certain that those we have are admitted as genuine as far as they go, but if all were to be had there would be such a corruscating blaze of evidence that the bitterest reviler should give in.
It mi|;ht not here be necessary to notice the very late period at which
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knowled^ and civilizatioD reached England, and the slow advance thej made i|i it up to the time of the Norman conquest, as her own historians record these things, but in doing so they take care to endeavonr to detract from, or to asperse our character. Such malighant jealousy forcibly rQ- mindfl us of Reynard, who scolded the grapes which he could not reach — . ., ,. ^,._ ^ ..,.,.
The vain, contending for the prize ' •
'Gainst merit, see their labour lost;
But still self love will say, " Despise ; - •
What others gain at any cost ?
I cannot reach reward, 'tis true.
Then let me sneer at those who do."
0 •
Dishonest tourists have given such descriptive accounts of this country — as it was when the Anglo-Normans came to its shores — as would lead readers to infer that England was herself a model of perfection in learning, arts, sciences and poetry at that period and before it. We have met Irish- men and ladies who were under that impression, and who thought the ac- counts of her Ireland were true. Wright, a bigoted English historian, who assails our isle in the foulest language, and reiterating the calumnies of Solimus, Strabo. St. Jerome (when a boy), and others, certifies that in the days of Henry the II., this nation had the tree of religion in fiill bear- ing in a genial soil, and that no reform was needed in that respect He admits our learning at the same era. But we refer our readers to his works on Ireland and England as to the state of barbarity of the latter, when William of Normandy conquered it — I might say in as many days as it took centuries to make a fruitless attempt to bring us to subjecture — Wright states that in those days, such was the disorganised condition of London, that bandits, in broad-day light, in groups, walked the street, that no honest person could appear, that traders and merchants should fortify their shops and stores to protect their property even in the day-time. We could scarcdy believe our eyes when we read the account, inasmuch as we imagined that ordinary decency would have suggested to the lying Barry or Cambrensis, the cunning of not exerting his wicked genius to blacken our character, whilst that of his own countrymen was so bad. However, that basely -begotten cleric sought to corer the abominable deeds of his illegiti- mate relatives, who came here as robbers :— that they were such clearly appears from " Wrighfs Ireland."
When Henry II. in 1164, sent the Earl of Arundel, three other noble- men, an archbishop, three bishops, and three royal chaplains, on an embassy to Pope Alexander III, four of the ecclesiastics made orations in
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Latin, and then followed Arundel in an English speech, in which he says ; ** We, who are illiterate laymen, do not understand one word these bishops have said to your Holiness.'' This passage is taken from Mylius, an Eng- lish Catholic historian of the present day. The same writer places, in every century downwards, on record, facts, which will shew that as regard manners, customs, habits, police, architecture, houses, cottages, England was not before Ireland. The houses of most of the English aristocracy, up to the sixteenth century, were, according to him, no better than wooden frames with clay plastered into them — and very comfortable houses such were ; we have seen most beautiful ones of that character in the county of Limerick ;— our enemies used to describe these as mud cabins, never telling their readers that, with few exceptions, such were also the residences of tbe English gentry, of the same period. What are our brick houses but burnt clay ? Unscrupulous authors stop at nothing to effect the ends they have in view. It is to be lamented that truth should be sacrificed to sordid gain, and that malicious authors could bring themselves to inflict such an evil on posterity as to seek to mislead them by giving a false colouring of facts, or transmitting forged ones. The following facts are found in Tegg's Historical Companion, published iu London, A.D. 1835 : "Brkkches first introduced into England A.D. 1654 ; First Plate Glass for looking- glasses and coach windows made in Lambeth, 1673 — in Lancashire, 1773 (only 84 years ago) ; Post OrFiCBS first got up iu England, A.D. 1581 ; Mail Coaches established in Bristol, 1784, and in other parts of Eng- land 1785 (just 72 years ago); First Silk Manufacture in England, 1604 (it was in use in Ireland long before — long prior to the Christian era) ; Cloth Stockings (woven) worn by Henry VIII., but got a chance pair of silk ones that came from Spain ; this was the case with his daugh- ter, Elizabeth, when Queen. Hats first made in London, 1501, (worn only by few, and were a great curiosity) ; Stops in Literature 1520, colon, 1580, semicolon, 1599 ; First Stomb Church in London, 1087, (many centuries after their use in Ireland) ; Castles first buUt in England, 1140 (yet the Anglo-Norman Invaders, through the lyii^ Barry, charge our ancestors for not having had such, though there were^wne) ; Stone Houses substituted for timber ones (1666) in London, ovfa^; to the fire that burnt 400 streets, covering an area of 436 acres. Muslin first introduced, but not mt^nnfactured in England, 1781 (74 years ago — it was in Ireland long before that time) ; Musical Notbs^ fs in present use, 1330, (it is admitted by Cambrensis or Barry, that Ireland excelled in music centuries anterior to that period); Irish Towers built about A.D. 500, (those who could erect such grand specimens of solid architecture, which have laughed to scorn the ravages of ages, could, and did, build stoue
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53
houses and chambers at the same time, as we kaow from Ware, Arch* dall, & Co.) ; Brick Buildings, 886 ; Building with Stonk by Ben- oet a monk, 670 (monks are recorded as the inventors of almost all physical and moral refinement) ; this sort of building first established in London by the Earl of Arundel, 1601, at which time the houses of that city were chiefiy of wood, (yet our ancestors are described by Barry as barbarians, because Harry the Second had only a wooden court on his first accursed visit to Dublin ; there was a stone one if he would put up in it) ; Caps first worn in England 144-9, (up to that time, except for sol» diers, there was no covering in use for the head, but the national cap was long in use in Ireland, though at first it was bestowed only on the most learned, and was called the Doctor's or " Ollave's Cap")* With all primi* tive nations the custom has been to have the head without any cover save the natural one, the hair> In 1571 a penal law was passed obliging the people to wear a thickened cap, (something like a piece of colored flannel or frieze). Facts of this nature could be adduced to a great extent, but those enumerated, it is hoped, are sufficient to shew that our country was not behind England in things that are thought to be marks of material refinement, whilst Ireland was far and away before her in mental polish > artistic skill, and profound learning. 1 have written this preface — not to asperse the character of Englishmen — but to defend that of my own countrymen. I have written, not in offence, but in defence.
ADDITIONAL. The different rubbings of the sculptural crosses of ancient Ireland, before the Normans, as exhibited by Mr. O'Neill, attest the refined taste of the Irish in that department. He shewed from the inscriptions themselves, as well as from the style, that these unequalled chef éCouvres must have been produced centuries before the arrival of Strongbow, and that the Normans destroyed the works themselves as well as checked the national progress in
the Fine Arts.
STONE BUILDINGS. The very name of Teamar (Tara) proves the existence of stone buildings, A.M. 3936. The tradesmen and labourers brought by the Milesians erected a palace in the barony of Leitrim for Tea-Heremon's queen. It was called " Teamar.*' In this word we have the I'adix of the Latin " murus" a " wall." Tliat Pygmalion's tower was of stone, that Priam's palace was of the same, that Dido's Carthage had stone buildings, no one acquainted with history will deny. Yet all these had existence much about the time of ihe wanderings of the Gadelians, as will be gathered by a close attention to the leading characters in the ./£neid, Iliad and Odyssey. See O'Flaherty'a Synchronism on this interesting subject. 4
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SHIPPING FACILITY. As to the objection urged against the early colonization of Ireland, it is most futile. The argonautic circumnavigation — the Grecian fleets. Dido's, and that of ^Eneas render the history easy of belief. Besides, coasting was the system of sailing practised at that early period — Necessity, the mother of invention, suggested that mode. But in truth no objection vronld be raised, had not unfortunate and calumniated Ireland been the object. We don't intend to satisfy enemies, but our aim is to confirm friends in their opinions.
Th9 BttoKSBO SaiBLDB AND MiLiTAKT WSAPONs of the Greeks bespeak a refined taste in the arts, and it is reasonnble to infer that the Scythians, upon going to Spain, carried with them the knowledge of such arts. The language of " The Dirge." tells us that the Gadelians remained for some time in Thrace, Thebes, Crete, and Lacedemon. This fact is an evidence in favor of my opinion ; moreover, Herodotus and other writers, hostile to the Scythians who overran their country, affirm, that Scythia was an enlightened nation. I mean Scythia, strictly so called, that is the country, north-east of Phosnicia, having the Volga far to the west of it. We refer the reader to the quotations from the Ear] of Bosse for further proof. I feel I have already exhausted the patience of my readers, for which I apologise. In conclusion I have to sayt that if this work be in any manner a defence of my dear native land, I am amply repaid for all my labor ; if I have erred in the narrative of facts, or in the elucidation of lan- guages, such error is not intentional, and if I have offended any person, I ask pardon.
ThefoUowing it a note from &Connor'» Diuertatiotu on Irish Hittory, page 141. — ^Tfae Linen Manufacture was carried on in Ireland at a very early period to a great extent ; and Dr. Lynch, author of Cambrensis £versus, quotes a description of the kingdom, printed at Leyden in 1626, in which the author states that Ireland abounds in flax, which is sent, ready spun, in large quantities, to foreign nations. Formerly, says he, they wore great quantities of linen, which was mostly consumed at home, as the natives require above thirty yards of linen in a shirt or smock. Moryson, secretary to Elizabeth, and another writer, who published some of his calum- nies in 1807, inform us that the Irish went naked ; and this they unblushing assert, as well in opposition to truth, and to the record containing the posi- tive law of Eochy Eadgathach, monarch of Ireland, who enacted, not that the people should wear clothes, for they were never without them, (and, were they disposed to go naked, their northern climate would not allow the practice) but that different colors should be worn in the different ranks
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55
j^rom the king to the peasant ; which proves they were skilled, at an early period, in manufactures, the art of dying wearing apparel, &c. This law» relating to colors, was promulgated many years previous to the Christian era, according to our ancient annals ; these annals are, no doubt, as worthy of credit, in the facts they transmit to posterity, as those handed down by Sallust, Livy and Tacitus, all of which are grounded on no other authority but that of tradition and the testimony of native writers, which is also pre* cisely the case with our Irish annalists. But the people, so far from going naked, were extravagant to a degree in their wearing appareh To instance, in one particular, the Irish fashion of making up shirts was so very expen- sive on account of the number of plaits and folds, that, in the reign of Henry VIII, a statute passed, which fbrbid them, under a severe penalty, to put more than seven yards of linen in a shirt or smock» SpeQcer observes that tji^ey wore saffron shirts and shiftSf which wpre also prohibited by an act of parUafnent, as «^«U as goldeoobitted bridles, spurs of the same material, and gild«d petronels or carabines. We never meet such embellish- ments among savage B»á naked barbarÍMS ; they are only to be found among nations of reAMd taste and civilizaitiap. The foregoing laws com- pletely refqte the oalnmBÍes of Moyson, as well as the Barrister who quotes him ; and surely he ought, as his profession required, to be better versed in the Statute Book.
" The Massagetse have a dress and manner of living like the Scythians. They are either horse or foot as occasion requires, for they participate both duties, being spearmen and bowmen ; they are accustomed to have a battle axe ; they use gold and brass in almost every thing ; their spears, the points of their arrows and their battle axes, in all these things they use brass, but as to their helmets, their belts and their breast plates, they are decorated with gold ; thus, also, around the chests of their horses they put brazen thoraces, but on their reins, bits and other trappings, they are ornamented with gold. Indeed they use neither iron nor silver, for their country does not produce them, though they have brass and gold in abundance."
Herodotus — whose very description is also given by Justin, was no friend, nay, he was the bitter maligner, of the Scythians, because they subdued his own country— just at the end of his book, gives the foregoing glowing de- scription of the grandeur and wealth of the early Scythians, and from that picture of their dress by an adverse writer it is clear they were not naked savages. It is argued that they covered themselves with the skins of beasts. Well, granting that they did, it does not thence follow that they were sa- vages. For eveff in our days the first men of the land and women think themselves very happy when they can procure some articles of their costume of valuable skins. For instance, gentlemen's vests, ladies' furs, judges'
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66
ermine. Nothing can be more elegant than highly finished skins as articles of dress. They can be reduced to the highest state of finish. More than eleven hundred years before Christ, Abaris, an Irishman, gorgeously dressed) appeared at an assemblage of Grecian princes. In dress, wisdom, eloquence diplomacy and courtly elegance, he was amongst the first, as can be seen in my Treatise on " Round Towers." Again, it is falsely stated that persons who wear seamless garments are savages. Nothing can be more suitable to men's convenience in certain climates than such. Christ's garment was seamless, and a clergyman just after returning from a fourteen-years' residence in the East Indies, informs me that the seamless dresses of the natives are most graceful. I have thought it my duty to dwell upon this point, as many have been led into error.
Trades of Ancient Ireland. — For an account of these the reader is referred to Keating, MacGeoghegan, MacCartin, O'Halloran, O'Connor's Dissertations» and several other eminent native annalists. The Scythians, (from whom the Irish), introduced letters, sciences, arts, and trades into Egypt, and into all places to which they traveled, or over which they had dominion. Scythia was a part of the primitive Iran or Persia, according to the above writers, and Doctor Parsons and the Earl of Ross. See my Essay on Ireland, also Preface to Second Volume of this work.
r''i^^'Sgi^av;>iri(s<p^!!!'^^'T^^Bp:^^'7tS^'y'^^ ■*''=?»r?F'^?5s^fv"*
THE
AUTHOR OF THE " DIRGE OF IRELAND."
As some small doubt (however seeming unworthy of notice) has been thrown upon the fact that the author was a Bishop, it becomes our duty to say something on the subject. Let us, in the first place, state, that though several moderns of the present day might have rashly asserted tliat he was not a Bishop ; still we would look on such authority as no- thing, when compared with the universally received opinion to the contrary. A national tradition, relative to an im- portant popular fact, which happened only five generations (150 years) before the present day, is more than sufficient to outweigh the authority of any living man, however learned and respectable he might be. The name of the learned Most Rev. John O'Connell, Bishop of Kerry, the author of " Ireland's Dirge," is a household word in all parts of Kerry, part of Cork, Waterford and Connaught. We have often heard western Irish scholars recite the " Dirge," and talk with rapture of the Most Rev. bard. But as the eloquent poem tells such tales of woe, and so brilliantly sings of the rapacity, oppressions, and murders practised on the prelate's natixelajiahy the drumming ancestors of many men who now pompously strut about our streets, it is very unpalatable to disentomb (as a Rev. antiquarian has termed our effort) the beautiful composition. Had another pen than our's undertaken the task, it is probable that no doubt would be sought to be made. But it is fortunate that, in addition to the concurrent testimony of the national tradition, and (with scarcely an exception) of all Irish scholars, we can give a quotation from the letter of a learned Irish scholar, a parish priest of the archdiocese of Tuam, once our fellow-student. We have seen, in the Royal Irish Academy, a portion of a manuscript purporting to be a history of Kerry, and in which it is said that in that county there was, in the 17th century, a great rivalry in dirgic poetry, in which " Mr. John Conneir surpassed all other poets, and that Pierce Ferriter ranks next. As to the manuscript itself, wc have to say, that though it directly, and not inferentially stated, our author
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58
was not Bishop, still its words ought to have no force with a logician, because the work itself proves the author's en- tire ignorance of local circumstances, and he, everywhere, adds, " that of himself he knew nothing of what he wrote." He confesses that he did not know when the first of the O'Connells settled in Kerry. Of them, their hospitality, and learning, he speaks with great respect, and particularly of John of Ashtown, who submitted to Cromwell. However, the author evinces that he is a complete stranger to that part of Ireland . He was clearly a minion of En^sh power, as we shall shew elsewhere. It is quite evident he was not a native of Kerry, nor of any neighbouring county. We have carefully read the anonymous, mutilated manztscript, and we hesitate not to assert, that no scholar ought to raise a doubt, depending on such an authority. As we have above written, even though a work were subscribed by the most distin^ished man of the day, nevertheless the " eon- sensus hommum," would have the greater weight. We, by no means, insinuate, that the mutilation was made by, or in the Academy, whose labour we highly value. Again, though "John 0' Connelly" was not even a priest (there is evidence to the contrary in the poem itself) when he was in the habit of composing dirges, stiU it would not foUow that he did not afterwards receive ordination and consecration.—- Next, any one who will carefully peruse the " Annals of the Four Masters" wiU find that men, whether lay or cleric, distinguished by learning, are styled ** Master.' We like- wise find from a letter of Bishop Molony, writing from the Continent to Dr. TyrreU, Bishop of t/logher, in 1689, that a Bishop named Barry, is called three times " M. B.," and once " Master Barry." This letter is to be found in King's " State of the Protestants under James," and was published in 1691. Wherefore if we had no farther authority we would rest content that our author was a Bishop both holy and learned. But to silence aU cavil on the matter, we annex the extract from the parish priest's letter, and the Bishop's pedigree, which we have from one of his lordship's descendants.
. " January, Zrd, 1855. _
" My Dbar O'Brenman. — Need I say that I will cheerfully subscribe for a copy of your forth-coming ' O'Connell's Irish Dirge' which, I Tentare to say, will be the best and most accurate epitome of the history of
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59
Ireland .that has ever appeared in print. You aak my authority for say- ing to you, in a former correspondence, that the poem was composed in 1704, b^ the Right Rev. John O'Connell, then Bwhop of Aghadoe, which bishopric is now-a-days absorbed in Ardfert, aliaa tLerry,
" My dear Sir, my authority was no less a parsonage than the Liberator, whose sister I met, eight years ago, at the mansion of her son-in-law, a member of the ancient and illastrious house of Coolavin. The fine old lady spoke the Irish fluently. 1 asked her the connexion between O^Connell and the episcopal bard ; her answer was, she could not then say, but promised me to consult her brother on that point. On her return to Derrynaue, she, at the earnest convenience, wrote, informing me ' that the poet was the great-grand-uncle of thei» father, and that the bishop and Queen Anne were contemporaries.' "
The above quotation proves two things, viz., that Dr. O'Connell was alive in 1704, and seconmy, that he was a Bishop, and this is exactly what we stated in our first pro- spectus, to which exception was taken, We need not add, that nothing was more usual in the days of Queen Anne, than to. eafi Bishops and Priests by their name simply omitiag Bishop and Priest. This was most necessary to screen the people's faithful pastors from the infernal system of espionage, exercised to catch ecclesiastics in those days of terror, blood, and irreligion, when a large price was placed on the head of a Bishop, Priest, or Catholic teacher. — See O'Connor's *' History of the Catholics," also Curry's " Civil Wars." These three classes were then obliged to hide (earth) themselves, as if foxes, avoiding the pursuit of the horrible dogs of war. On the mountain-tops, in caves, in bog-holes, and under hedges, were the clergy forced to discharge their ministration duties, and celebrate the august sacrifice of the Mass. We are convinced that Dr. O'Connell's episcopacy began about 1691, and that he died in 1704. See note in page 85 of " Dirge."
DESCENT OF THE MOST REV. JOHN O'CONNELL,
BISHOP or ARDFBKT, IN KtRRT, AUTHOR OF THE " DIROB OF IRBLAND."
He was of the O'Connors of Iveragh, hereditary constables of the castle of Ballycarbery. — See note under stanza ci.
I. Gboffrbt O'Connbll, head of the sept in the time of Elizabeth and James I., by his wife, Julia, daughter of Sir Teige Mac Owen Mac Carty, of Drishane, had three sons, viz. : II. Mauricb, the aged chief in the war of 1641 ; John of Ashtown, kw
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agent to the Marquis of Ormoad ; and Rickard, Bishop of Kerry, martyred, 1651. Said Maurice had two sons, viz. :
III. Bartholombw, the elder, whose wife was Houorai daughter of Mac Croghan of Littercastle, he died before the war of lf)41. Charlxs a quo the Ballinablowne family. Said Bartholomew had two sons, minors, daring said war, and restored by Cromwell, viz. :
IV. Madricb, father of Brigadikr General Maurice O'Connkll, and three other sons, all of whom died 8. p. ; and GiorrREY, the second son, who had three sons, viz. : V. Maurick of Ballinahaw, his heir, who forfeited in 1691 (about the time " The Dirge" was written) ; Danixl, second son, a quo the Derrynane (Derry Finan) family ; and third, John, Bishop of Kerry, author of " The Dirge," who died in 1704, according to the testimony of the Liberator.
YI. GEorFRBT, NA M-BO (mo) mor (obiit 1722 set 37), only son of Maurice, was great-grand-father of the late Captain Rickard O'CoNNELL of Tralee (head of his sept, who left issue), and of Betsey, wife of the late James O'ConneU, Esq , Clerk of the Peace of the County Kerry, and of Mary, wife of the Libxrator. John, only son of the above Daniel, was great-grand-father of the illustri- ous Daniel O'ConneU, M.P., the Emancipator of the Catholics iu the British dominions.
In 1689, Bishop Molony wrote from the Continent to Bishop Tyrrell to interest himself with King James and Cardinal Howard, to recommend O'Leyne to his Holiness, as Bishop of Waterfordand Lismore ; and to have united to them Ardfert and Aghadoe, as * ' these latter jvere only small." How ever, O'Leyne's claims did not succeed, whereas Dr. O'ConneU was appointed. But O'Leyne was appointed Vicar Apostolic of Aghadoe. And Dr. O'ConneU must have been the predecessor of Dr. Moriarty in Ardfert. Moriarty was not made bishop until 1705. Dr. Molony writes, that in 1689 there were only two bishops in all Munster, in ihe absence of Master (Bishop) Barn^. He teUs Dr. TyrreU to resist the pretensions of Father rierce, a Munster priest, and of Father D'Arcy, of Connaught, who were chaplains in King James's army ; he opposes them, because they were too young, and because there were older men entitled to the vacant places. Connaught had only two bishops at this time.
As we believe the prefix " Right Rev." was a Protestant introduction,