Parish of Stradbally

Source: Rev. M Comerford "Collections relating to the Dioceses of Kildare and Leighlin", vol 3 (1886)

The town which gives its name to the modern parish or union, was formerly known as Stradbally-Leix (i.e., Stradbaile-Laoighisi, "the street-town of Leix"). It is found so named by the Four Masters in A.D. 1596, and it continued to be called so, down to the commencement of the present century. This town is located in the old parish of Oughaval, i.e., Uachongbhail, or Nuachongbhail, as it is more correctly given, in O'Clery's Calendar at 15th of May. This name (pr. Oohongwal) signifies "a new habitation." St. Colman-mac-ua-Laoigse, a disciple of St. Columba, founded a monastery here about the middle of the seventh century; this Saint's feast was observed on the 15th of May, at which date he is entered in the Martyrologies of Tallaght and Donegal; in the latter it is given thus:- "Colman Mac ua Laoighse, of Tulach MacComhghaill, at Druimnitogha, i.e., at Nuachongbhail in Laoighse, of Leinster. He was of the race of Laoighsach LeannMor, son of Conall Cearnach." In the life of St. Columba it is related that St. Columban of Oughaval, when leaving Iona, where he had lived some years in his youth under the spiritual care of St. Columba, full of anxious affection at his departure, he exclaimed:

"O Saint of God! How can I live in my own country and confess my sins to thee?"

Columba answered him:

"Go to the holy man whom I see every Sunday night, standing with the angels before the tribunal of Christ."

The holy youth asked who was that saint. St. Columba answered:

"Saint, indeed he is, and comely, and of your own kindred, with florid complexion and bright eyes, and a few grey hairs now beginning to appear."

The young man answered:

"I know no such person in my country except St. Fintan of Clonenagh."

Adamnan relates also the following regarding the Vision of Holy Angels who carried off to Heaven the soul of the Saintly Bishop Colman Mac Ua Laoigshe:- Another time while the brothers were dressing in the morning and about to go to their different duties in the monastery, the Saint (Columbkille) bade them rest that day and prepare for the holy sacrifice, ordering also better fare for dinner, such as was given on Sunday. "I must," said he, "though unworthy, celebrate today the holy mysteries of the Eucharist out of respect for the soul which last night went up to heaven beyond the sky and stars, borne thither by choirs of holy angels." The brethren, in obedience to his command, rested that day, and after preparing for the sacred rites, they accompanied the saint to the church in their white robes as on festivals. And when they were singing the usual prayer in which St. Martin's name is commemorated, the Saint, turning to the chaunters, said: "You must pray to-day for Saint Colman, Bishop." Then all the brethren present understood that Colman, a Leinster Bishop, the dear, friend of Columba had passed to the Lord. A short time after, some persons who came from the province of Leinster, told how the bishop died the very night it was revealed to the saint.

At January 19th, a Saint Fachtna, Bishop of Nuachongbhail, is calendared. The Mart. Tal. styles him "Fachtna Eps. on Uachongbhail, Reidbaircend." As several places throughout the country bear the name of Nuachongbhail, it is impossible to decide to which of them this saint belongs. Cuimin of Connor, who, according to Colgan, flourished about the year 656, thus refers to a Saint Fachtna in his metrical poem-

Fachtna the generous and steadfast, loved
To instruct the crowds in concert, *
He never spoke that which was mean,
Nor ought but what was pleasing to his Lord."

* Another reading has it, "loved to instruct all with candles."

The site of the ancient Monastery was subsequently occupied by the parochial Church of Oughaval, the ruins of which may still be seen in a grave-yard, about half-a-mile distant from Stradbally to the south-east, and immediately to the right of the road leading to Carlow.

The Anth. Hib., Sept. 1794, states "that the old Parish Church of Ochmhills," (this is one of the various forms in which the name of this place appears) "was converted by the late Pole Cosby, lord of the soil, into a family burying-place." 'The Cosby family continue to have their burial-place here still. The wall on the south side of the ruin and running west of the family vault, appears to be coeval with the monument wall raised over it. The part of the north wall to the west of the vault appears to be of some antiquity, and has on the outside of the north-western extremity a square tower apparently of equal age, attached to it. The part of the tower that stood on the north wall, is destroyed. There are some quadrangular openings on the portion remaining. The north wall towards the vault is nearly pulled down; its length from north to western extremity, is 24 feet. The monument walls of the vault stand at the east end of the ruin, have a stone roof, and, on the west end, a high circular arch.- (Ord. Surv. Papers) Father O'Hanlon,- whom Stradbally has the privilege of claiming as one of her distinguished sons,- gives a detailed description and an illustration of this place (Lives of Irish SS. Vol. 1, p. 330). He gives expression to his just indignation at the mischief wrought, in their ignorance, by the Poor-law guardians of the district, "by the removal of the very ancient and interesting cashel, once faced on the outside with lichen-crusted and large lime-stones, and breasted on the interior by a 'wide supporting mound of earth. While enlarging the boundaries, or while extending gravelled walks, or planting yew and cypress trees for ornament within, it would have been possible to serve every useful purpose and to have added greatly to picturesque effect, had the historic cashel,- possibly constructed in part by the hands of St. Colman in the sixth century,- been suffered to remain. In the absence of commissioners for the preservation of our ancient monuments, our local Boards should learn not to perpetrate what Cobbett called 'improvements for the worse.' Not alone the peasantry, but the gentry, of Ireland have yet to learn and feel regarding the irreparable mischief of destroying sacred and ancient monuments, "which should be so greatly prized as relics and evidences of the past."- (Id. 332, note).

FRANCISCAN MONASTERY

A Convent of Minorites was founded at Stradbally in Leix by O'More. I take it to be the same mentioned by Pisanus under the name of Luasia.- (Ware). Archdall writes that "in the 12th century the Lord O'Mora founded the Monastery of Mon-au-bealing, or, as more generally called, Stradbally, for Conventual Franciscans." This date is a mistake, as the Franciscan Order was not instituted until the 13th century. The writer in the Anth. Hib., Sept. 1794, states that some remains of the monastery were still visible, and the modern house which has been built on the site still retains the name of The Abbey. About the middle of the 16th century, the town consisted of the Monastery before-mentioned, a castle appertaining to the O'Mores, with several messuages and cottages, all situated in the ancient parish of Ochmhills. The Monastery and castle stood side by side, adjoining the bridge. Portions of the walls of both were standing up to seventy years ago; they were thrown down by Sir Anthony Weldon when building the present out-offices. A vault yet remains; it has a groined top, the arch of which appears to have been turned upon wattles. Just outside the town, to the north, is a hill called Knocknabraher, "the friar's hill," which, no doubt, formed part of the possessions of the monastery.

August 18th, 1592, the Queen being seized of this friary, and all its appurtenances, and also of a mill with a mill-race in Stradbally, and of the several castles, messuages, cottages, gardens, and orchards, with 345 acres of land in the townlands of Stradbally, Ballynowlan, Kylrorye, Ballerereader, Loghill Parck, Ballecolman, Ballemadock, Kilmarter, the Grange of Garremadock, Clonvenoak, Ballenvicar, Kylmogoo, Moyannoghe, Correill, Racreaghen, Clodust, Noghmald, Shanmollen, Ballemachtaubs, and Derebrock, all in the Queen's County; the same were granted to Francis Cosby and his heirs and assigns, to hold as of the Castle of Maryborough, in capite, by knight's service or the 20th part of a knight's fee, and at the annual rent of £17 6s. 3d. Irish money; they to find yearly nine English horsemen (Chief Remembrancer). 4th Dec., 1609, a new grant of these lands was made to Richard, son of Alexander Cosby, together with the townland or lordship of Timahoe.- (Auditor General).

Francis Cosby, whose memory is held in execration as the chief instigator and perpetrator of the massacre of Mullaghmast (see Vol. II., pp. 229, 316), came to Ireland in the reign of Queen Mary, and was, by Patent dated 10th Sept., 1558, appointed General of the Kerne of Leix, in which district he obtained extensive grants of the forfeited lands of the O'Mores. O'Sullevan Beare, in his Catholic History of Ireland, relates that "Francis Cosby, Governor of Leix, and his son Alexander, raged with merciless fury against the Catholics of every class.……He mostly resided at Stradbally, where in front of his house there grew a great wide-spreading tree. Upon this he was accustomed to hang not only men, to whom no crime was imputed, but also women and even children. He used to experience unspeakable delight-at the same time that their mothers were being thus strangled,- in putting their children also to death by hanging them by means of the long hair of the mothers. When this tree happened to have no dead bodies of the Catholics attached to it, it is related that he used to apostrophize it thus - "My tree, you appear to be very sad; nor do I wonder at it, as you are too long bare. But I shall soon relieve your sadness. I shall soon adorn your branches with dead bodies."

What is related in the foregoing passage, writes O'Donovan (Ord. Survey Papers), is still vividly remembered in the country; a part of the stock of the sallow-tree, upon which Francis was accustomed to hang the people, as yet (1838) remains, it is said, between the present Mr. Cosby's house and the town of Stradbally, at the spot where Francis's residence stood.

The following is the text of this passage:-

"Franciscus Cosbius Lisiae praefectus, et ejus filius Alexander, omne genus Catholicorum immanè bacchantur. Is provinciales Maisum Castrum (Mullaghmast) causâ conventuum habendorum, deque rerum administratione agendi convocat. Convocatos cohortibus armatis improviso circumvenit et ex O'Morrae familia centum octoginta viros inopinantes et nihil adversi timentes uno momento temporis jugulabat. Stradbaliae plerumque commorabatur. Ubi prae foribus domûs ejus arbor altitudine magna creverat, patulis ramis diffusa. Ex ea non modo viros sed etiam foeminas atque pueros solitus erat ulla sine culpâ suspendere. Cum ex arbore faeminae laqueo strangulatae dimittebantur, et simul ex foeminarum longo crine infantes liberi pendebant, animo capiebat incredibilem voluptatem. Arborem Catholicorum honminum suspensis cadaveribus vacuam ita solitus alloqui fertur. Magna mihi videris, arbor mea, effecta tristitiâ nec mirum; diu jam agis orba. Ego te cito moerore levabo: tuos ramos brevi corporibus ornabo." - (Hist. Cath. tom ii.., cap. vi.)

Francis Cosby was killed, with Sir Peter Carew and many others, by the Irish, then in revolt, at Glenmalure, in 1580, he being then over 70 years of age. He left three sons: Henry, who died in England; Arnold, executed in 1590, for having killed Lord Bourke of Castleconnell; and Alexander, who succeeded his father. This Alexander married Dorcas Sydney, a relative of Sir Henry Sydney, Lord Deputy, and had by her Francis and Richard. Francis married Helena Harpole of Shrule, by whom he had a son, William, who died young; when Richard succeeded to the estate, and became leader of the kernes.(Hardiman's Irish Minstrelsy, II., 164.)

At the year 1596, the Four Masters relate the following:-

"Owny, son of Rory Oge, son of Rury Caech, son of Connell O'More, was at this time a gentleman (skilled) in the arts of war; and Leix was totally ravaged by him, both its crops, corn, and dwellings, so that there was nothing in the territory outside the lock of a gate, or a bawn, which was not in his power. He slew a gentleman of the English, who was (seated) at Stradbally-Leix, who possessed a large portion of the territory by authority of the sovereign, namely (Alexander) Cosby, the son of Master Franns." Mr. Hardiman has given the following account of the conflict between Owney O'More and the Cosbys at the bridge of Stradbally, from an original MS., which belonged to the late Admiral Cosby:- " In the year 1596, Owney MacRory O'More, chieftain of Leix, demanded a passage for his men over Stradbally bridge, and the request, being considered as a formal challenge to fight, was refused. On the 19th of May, Cosby, hearing that the O'Mores were on the march, headed his kerne, and proceeded to defend the bridge, taking with him his eldest son, Francis, who was married a year before to Helena Harpole of Shrule, by whom he had a son, William, born but nine weeks before this fatal battle of the bridge. Dorcas Sydney (for she would never allow herself to be called Cosby), and her daughter-in-law, placed themselves at a window of the abbey to see the fight, and for some time beheld their husbands bravely maintaining their ground. At length Alexander Cosby, as he was pressing forward, was shot, and dropped down dead. Upon this his kerne, with melancholy outcries, began to give way; and Francis Cosby, the son, apprehensive of being abandoned, endeavoured to save himself by leaping over the bridge, but the moment he cleared the battlements he also was shot, and fell dead into the river."

An Inquisition taken at Maryborough, the 17th August, 1596, finds that Francis Cosby, late of Stradbally, was seized in fee of the site, circuit, etc., of the Monastery of Stradbally, with a water-mill in the same town, and 1380 acres of land in the townland of Stradbally, Ballynowlane, Kilroury, Ballyreder, Loughell-park, Ballycolman, Ballymadok, Kilmarten, le Graunge, Garrymadok, Cloneveok, Ballyvicar, Kylmogho, Moyanagh, Corryell, Rathcrehin, Cloduff, Noghwale, Ballaghmor, Shenemollan,- 15 acres belonging to Edward Brereton excepted,- and Ballymacmanus, and the Castle of Dirrybrock, all which are held of the present Queen, in capite, by military service. The aforesaid Francis was slain by the rebels, and died after his father Alexander, who was likewise slain at Stradbally, the 19th of May, 1596. William Cosby is the son and heir of the said Francis, and the aforesaid William was aged 9 weeks at the time of the death of the aforesaid Francis. Dorcas Cosby, alias Sydney, was widow of the said Alexander Cosby; and Helen Hartpole, alias Cosby, was widow of the said Francis Cosby.

The writer in the Anthologia Hib., Sept. 1794, states that "the Castle (of Stradbally) was surrounded with a fosse, but pulled down by the Cosbys, and a fortified house built in its place, which also is now no more. In 1771 Cosby, the late Lord Sidney, began a noble house, a little without the town, and south-west of the site of the ancient castle, but lived only to finish the offices and one wing. The demesne is highly ornamented, and the estate belongs now to Admiral Cosby. The town is a manor, to which appertains a court baron and a court leet. About a mile west of the town is a Charter School for 50 children, and, about half-a-mile to the east is Brockley Park, the beautiful seat of the Right Hon, the Earl of Roden, built in 1768, under the direction of Ducart, an Italian architect, on the site of a former one, burnt down, and is situated on the lands anciently called Derrybrock (hence, perhaps, the name Brockley Park.-Editor), and appertained to the monastery before mentioned."

An Inquisition, taken at Maryborough, 17 June, 1566, finds that "Rory O'More was appointed Captain of Leyse, and, upon certain controversy depending betwixt him and his brother Patrick O'More, the said Patrick for his maintenance did procure a great number of the Connors to come to the County of Leyse, aforesaid, and was spoiling of the same; and the said Rory, resist]ng them in the defence of the country, was slain by his said brother and the Connors, in a place within the said country called Killnesperokye. Said Rory was Captain of Leyse aforesaid at the time of his death, and he had no more lands in possession in right of his Captainship as O'More, but only the town of Stradbally, with the appurtenances, being unto him every year worth £100. The said Rory had at the time of his death, in his own seizin, of his own proper inheritance, and not as captain, these towns following, that is to say, Derrybroke, and the great wood with the appurtenances, Derryloghcomer both the Cullenaghs, viz., Cullenagh and Cullenaghmore, Disert Enos, Carrigneparke, Ballynockan, Graignehoyn, and the whole parish of Tulloryne, which land was unto him worth three score and ten marks, lawful money of Ireland. The said Rory O'More was possessed, at the time of his death, of all the lands in Swyng, that is to say, the temporalities of Timahoe, otherwise called Farren Priory, Moynerath, Killegan, Ballenegall, Derrign-Roye, Dromnyne, Moyane, Rathkrehyn and Garrymading, but what estate he had therein the jury know not. The said Rory had, at the time of his death, the use and profits of the Abbey or Monastery of Stradbally aforesaid, and of the Abbey of Leyse, with their appurtenances, by suffrance from the Prince. The said Rory had also, at the time of his death, in mortgage, and in his own possession, the towns following, that is to say, Ballyadam in mortgage with the said Rory from Conyll McRossyn for threescore kyne, Ballentobrid with the said Rory's father, Conyll McMallaghlen, from Fargananym O'Kelly for threescore kyne more, and Ballytarsneye from the said Fargananym, for twenty kyne, and Kilclery from Fargananym O'Kelly aforesaid, for sixteen marks, and also twenty acres in Ballecaslanegalen from Conyll McRory McNeyle for forty marks. The said Rory had the fourth part of Colt from Gilpatrick O'Doran, in mortgage, for twenty kyne. The said Rory's father had Ballefenan from Gilpatrick McGillegyn and Donogh liagh McGilleyn for forty marks, and Kyltybriny from David McArt O'More for forty-two kyne, and Clone in Clenmalyre also from Nyell O'Dowlin for threescore kyne, and Killenye from Macgilpatricke, that now is, for ninescore marks, Tully from Fargananyme O'Kelly aforesaid, in mortgage with the said Rory for ten marks and-a-half, Kilcronane from Nyell McRossye McNeyle for twenty kyne, and Graignesmotan and Dowghill from Gilpatrick McRosyne McNeyle for thirty kyne. The said Rory's father had also from Caroll McTeig, Vicar of Galen, Graig in Galen for twenty kyne. The said Rory had, of Lysagh McNeyle, Bollenehenybanye for forty marks, and Dysert-Galen and Bollebeg from Rory McLeysye for forty kyne. Further, the said Rory's father had Knockardgorrye from Karoll McNeyll for forty kyne. The said Rory had Kilmarony in mortgage for six marks and two milch kyne from Mohertagh McOnhyn McKedy, and Moyn-rath for forty marks from Dermod McDavid, and Kilneshian from the Rothes of Kilkenny for fourscore kyne. The said Rory's father had in mortgage, Moyany from James McTeig, and Kilgeysyn from Neill Mc . He also had Ballentley from Kedagh McFerishe, the moyety or halfyndell of Bellarony from Rory McOnsye. The said Rory's father had Clonheyn in mortgage from Malaghlin O'More's sons, and for what, the jury know not; all which mortgages, as well gotten by himself as by his said father Conell McMalaghlin, the said Rory had at the time of his death in quiet possession. The said lands were annexed unto the Crown by Act of Parliament.- (Inquis. Lagen., Com. Reginae.)

The jurors on this occasion, as we learn from the Patent Rolls, Morrin, No. 62, Elizab., were, John Thomas, of Ballyadam, Mathew Skelton, alias Lynt, Melmory McEdmonde, John de Barre, Fargananym O'Kelly, Mortagh Oge, Keadagh McPiers, Edmond O'Doran, Donogh O'Doran, Teige McDonogh, Donall McEdmond, and Morogh McKarroll.

The Franciscans clung to their ancient foundation at Stradbally long after its legal suppression and the forfeiture of its temporal possessions. In the Aphorismical Discovery is found the following passage in reference to this place:-
"Edmond Roe Butler, son to Lord Mountgarrett, after taking the Castle of Cullenagh (See Abbeyleix), next morning turned home himself, and commands a party of the said two companies, and the horse, to Stradbally, where none did inhabit except two poor friars, Father Paul Geoghegan and Father James Geoghegan, living most beggarly in that despoiled town, and two poor country tenants that belonged and depended on them, and who lived within the monastery mure or bawn; the friars never suspecting to receive any violence from such people, all natives, bred and born Catholics, nor once dreaming that they would use the least inconvenience or mischief to any of that function or condition. But far deceived; for all that belonged to both friar and other, was snatched away by this party; neither regarded friar or other in their pursuit, embezzled the most part by scattering them into several parts, and though these poor men did pay any country charges accruing on their tenantship (notwithstanding its immunity by both civil and canon law), after General Neill's departure from those parts, they must ransom some of their said goods that did not appear, by four months' contributions unto this crew, but what belonged unto the friars was never restored; they thought it a lawful prey, as siding and obeying my Lord Nuncio's censures. The Commander-in-chief of this party was one Patrick Money, appointed Lieutenant of foot and Governor of the said demolished Cullenagh. The friars exhibiting complaint unto Edmond Roe Butler against this Money, as chief commander, and the very man in whose possessions were such goods as were carried from the friars, and especially some hogs, who granted his orders for the restoring of them, which is: 'Patrick Money - Understanding that Tiege Gaffney has taken some hogs belonging to the friars of Stradbally, which upon sight hereof must be restored. This 24th of April, 1649. Edmond Butler.' The friars were nothing the better of this, though severally complained unto the said Edmond of the non-compliance of this party to their high prejudice. Neither yet those unchristian and inhuman Tories satisfied, but next morning, after the said thievish robbery, came like enemies unto the said Stradbally to garrison the monastery, which they did in disrespect of religion, packed the friars into one and the poorest cottage in all their proper monastery, consumed all they had for their proper relief and sustenance, made the Abbey a stew-house; the said Butler hereof certified, did never redress the same, rather augmented their grief with fresh supplies of untoward people, belonging to Edward Loftus, brother-in-law to Francis Cosby, antagonist of the said friars; this was the service of this Edmond Butler, and thus these poor friars, for the space of seven or eight weeks, until their own robbery and misdemeanor did cause them voluntarily to desert the place, and turn to their ancient trade of thievery."-Aphor. Disc. Pt. 3, p. 31.)

A similar scene of violence towards this community is recorded by the same writer (I., p. 253.) General Preston is there described as sending Colonel Wall thither from Ballinakill with 1,500 foot soldiers, and 5 or 6 troops of horse, having "been informed that these poor friars there inhabiting, did obey the Lord Nuncio and clergy congregation's excommunications, thought himself not so secure until assured of that monastery by the exile or reduceinent of the said friars; the troops of that party having arrived in a hostile manner at Stradbally, ran upon the said friars' geese, being all their cattle, and killed them all to the number of 24 or 30." He then describes the violence used towards the friars, and the plunder and forcible seizure of their house. At a Chapter of the Friars Minors, held at Dublin in 1729, amongst the Guardians then elected was one for the Convent of Stradbally; Father Anthony Higgin, Licentiate in Theology. He had previously, in 1717, been appointed Guardian at Kildare.

The chapel which preceded the present one, stood on nearly the same site. It was a very humble, thatched structure. In a Return of the year 1731 (See Vol. I. p. 268), it is stated the Mass-house of Stradbally was built about the year 1721. This entry must refer to the chapel named, which was maliciously burned in 1794 by the Orangemen on the 12th of July. Captain T. Cosby granted a lease of the present site to Dean Dowling, and in 1798 permitted a cross to be placed upon it. Dean Dowling, Rev. Dr. Magee, and Rev. Edward Foley lie interred within this chapel, the monumental inscriptions to whom are the following:-

D.O.M.

"To the memory of the Very Revd. Patrick Dowling, P.P., of Stradbally, and V.G. of the Diocese of Kildare and Leighlin, who uniting in his character the utmost simplicity and purity of manners with the most endearing social virtue, discharged for 53 years his pastoral duties with great fidelity, and departed to a better life on the 29th of November, 1826. This monument has been raised and consecrated by the love of his parishioners, and the respect of his friends of different religious persuasions. A.D. 1827. May he rest in peace."
Ora Pro anima admodum Revd. Joannis Magee, D.D.,P., qui aetatis suae anno 69 Die 15 Octobris 1881 in Domino obiit. Ingenio et doctrina perillustris, cunctis affabilis, Deo patriaeque obsequens, ejus muneribus sacris prope ad ultimum patienter pieque functus est. Requiescat in pace."
"Pray for the soul of the Revd. Ed. Foley, C.C. of Stradbally, whose ashes rest here after a short but well spent life. He died April 3rd, 1865, in the 41st year of his age, and 17th of his priesthood. This monument has been erected to his memory by the people of Stradbally' in testimony of their affection and esteem. Sweet Jesus, have mercy on him. Amen."

A Convent of the Presentation Order was established at Stradbally during the incumbency of Rev. G. Hume. The Sisters, besides attending to their duty proper, of the education of the poor, have undertaken the management of an extensive Orphanage, the inmates of which are, for the most part, children who have been rescued out of the hands of those who would have robbed them of their Faith.
At Rosconnell grave-yard, Parish of Ballyragget, a grave is marked by a stone having the following inscription :

"Here lie the remains of the Rev. James Walsh, who lived for eight years in the Parish of Stradbaliy. Died the 18th June, 1817, aged 58 years."

TIMAHOE

This place, which was originally styled Teach Mochua, derives its name from St. Mochua, who founded a monastery here in the seventh century. Archdall, confounding this saint with another of the same name, erroneously ascribes its foundation to the fifth century. St. Mochua was venerated on the 24th of December, at which date the Martyrology of Donegal has the entry: "Mochua, son of Lonan, of Tigh Mochua in Laoghis, in Leinster. He was of the race of Eochaidh Finn-fuathairt, from whom Brighit is (descended). Fineacht, daughter of Loichin, son of Dioma Chiret, of Cill Chonaigh, was his mother." The Feilire of Aengus thus refers to him:- " 24 Dec. A waiting on Lucianus with my-Cua, a fair couple. Lonan's son chances (to come) to us on the night before Christmas." To which the gloss in the Leabhar Breac, adds:- "' My-Cua,' i. Mo-chua, son of Lonan, of Tech-Mochua in Leix of Leinster, and of Daire Mis (?) in Sliab Fuait; i.e. of Teach Mochua in Leix, i.e. Mochua, son of Lonan, son of Senach, son of Aengus, son of Lugna, son of Breg-dolb, son of Art-Chorb, son of Tiacha, i.e. son of Feidlimid Rechtmar." This saint died - according to the Chronicon, Scottorum - in 654, "A.D. Mochua, son of Lonan, quevit," but in 657, according to the Four Masters.

A.D. 880. Focarta, son of Dubhdacheall, Abbot of TeachMochua, died. - (Four Masters.)

AD. 919. Cairbre, son of Fearadhach, head of the piety of Leinster, successor of Diarmaid, son of Aedh Roin, arichinnech of Tigh-Mochua, and an anchorite, died, after a good life, at a very advanced age; . . . The plundering of Cluain-eidhneach (Clonenagh), and the burning of the Oratory of Mochua, by the foreigners.- (Id.)

A.D. 928. Maelcaeimbghin, son of Scannlan, Abbot of TeachMochua, died. - (Id.)

A.D. 931. Cosgrach, son of Maelmochoirghi, Bishop of TeachMochua, and of the Commans,* died. - (Id.)

AD. 936. Finguine, son of Fubhthaidh, son of Donnagan, son of Fogartach, son of Duinechdha, son of Bearach, son of Mescell, † Vice-Abbot (Prior) of Teach-Mochua and Lord of Magh-Abhna, ‡ died.- (Id.)

A.D. 951. Gormghal, Lecturer of Teach-Mochua and Inis Robhartaigh, died.- (Id.)

A.D. 969. Finnguine Ua Fiachrach, Abbot of Teach-Mochua, died. - (Id.)

A.D. 1001. Conaing Ua Fiachrach, Abbot of Teach-Mochua, died.- (Id.)

A.D. 1007. Finshnechta Ua Fiachra, Abbot of Teach-Mochua died. - (Id.)

A.D. 1041. Cuciche U Dunlaing, Lord of Laeghis, and his son, and Cailleoc his wife, were slain by MacConin, at TeachMochua-mic-Lonain; and he (MacConin) himself was killed on the following day by Ua Broenain, for this act; and this was a great miracle by Mochua. - (Id.)

A.D. 1069. Gillamaire, son of Dubh, § Chief of Crimhthannan was slain by Macraith Ua Mordha (O'More), in the doorway of the oratory of Teach-Mochua, they having previously mutually sworn upon the relic called Caimin which MacDuff at the time held in his hand; so that the Caimin is yet and will for ever remain stained with his (MacDuff's) blood. Magrath O'More was afterwards killed at Mullean-na-Crossan, in the vicinity of Aichadbo, having the Caimin then in his possession, in revenge for his having violated the (reliquary of the) Saints Fintan, Mochua, and Colman. - (Id.) O'Donovan adds: "What this Caimin was, I have nothing to determine; but I think it was a crozier, from the etymon of the word, which means 'a crooked little thing,' which might become a local name for a crozier that had belonged to either of the three local Saints, Fintan, Mochua, and Colman." - (Ord. Surv. Papers, Queen's Co., Vol. 1, 279).
" On the north-east of Ossory was the territory known as the Three Comanns, which appears to have been annexed to Leix about the period of Geithin, the chief of Leix, whose death is recorded by the Four 1ifast,~ra under the year 898. He is styled "Lord of Leix and the Comann." His posterity settled near Abbeyleix, in Ballygihen; Baile Ui Geithin, i.e., the town of the race of Geithin. - (See Loca Patr. 264, note).

† Ancestor of the O'Mores of Leix.
‡ This is probably a mistake for O-m Buidhe, or Omuigh, which is the ancient name of the district in which Timahoe is situated. O'Donovan
§ He was the ancestor of the family of O'Duibh, now Deevy or Devoy, seated in Ui Crimthannain, Barony of E. Maryborough, Queen's Co. - O'Donovan.

AD. 1142. Teach-Mochua was burned. (Four Masters).

The Monastery was founded, probably by the O'Mores, but of its further history there appears to be no written record. A community existed here as late as the year 1650, when Hewson, after dismantling Dunamase, overran the Queen's County, and among other acts of cruelty and devastation, murdered all the friars of this Abbey, and demolished their house. The place where they were massacred is still called "the road of murder."- (Ord. Surv. Letter).

The Round Tower of Timahoe. - The original church to which this belfry belonged is now replaced by a modern (Protestant) church, a few yards to the south-west corner of which it stands. The ruins of the ancient monastery yet remain, but they are nearly featureless; one pointed arch may be seen in the east gable. The belfry is nearly perfect, only a portion of its conical roof is gone. [The restoration of the roof, and other judicious provisions for the preservation of this tower, have lately been effected by the Board of Works.] The tower is 96 feet in height and 57 feet in circumference at the base, and the wall is 4 feet thick. The style of the masonry varies in a singular manner. Up to the level of the door, the stones are rounded, but not laid in courses; then above this is irregular ashlar work, which again is super-imposed by rough work like that at the base, and then all at the top is wide-jointed and irregular. Mr. Brash, writing on this tower (Eccl. Architecture of Ireland, p. 35), remarks that "only the lower part of the tower is built of limestone, which is the prevailing material in the locality, and from thence to a height of about 35 feet, it is constructed of a dark, buff-coloured grit or freestone not found in the immediate locality, but met with in the form of boulders, in a townland named Aghowna, about a mile and a quarter from Timahoe. The workmanship of this portion is more regular than that of the base, being built of courses of varying heights, the joints of the blocks vertical and horizontal, carefully wrought, and in some places fitting in with the greatest nicety. The doorway is in this portion; the remainder of the tower is of limestone rubble, and the base has (to Mr. Brash) an air of great antiquity, looking much worn and crushed, and showing many signs of repair." The tower is built of limestone, with the exception of the apertures, which are of sandstone. Both externally and internally the stones are worked to the round, and, inside, the walls diminish by very deep offsets, four in number, on which the floors rested. There are five stories above the floor level, The tower springs from a plinth of three courses, the lower being 2 feet high and
1 foot deep. - (Ord. Survey Papers, Queen's Co., Vol. 1 p. 279).

Petrie thus refers to this tower in his Essay on the Round Towers of Ireland, p. 233 and seq: -

"The opinions which I have ventured to express as to the age of the doorway of the Round Tower of Kildare (namely, the close of the 8th or beginning of the 9th century, or even possibly to the age of St. Brigid; see p. 232), and consequently to the antiquity, in Ireland, of the style of architecture which it exhibits, will, I think, receive additional support from the agreement of many of its ornaments with those seen in the better preserved, if not more beautiful, doorway of the Round Tower of Timahoe, in the Queen's County-a doorway which seems to be of contemporaneous erection, and which, like that of Kildare, exhibits many peculiarities that I do not recollect to have found in buildings of the Norman times, either in England or Ireland. As this doorway, which is the finest of its kind remaining in Ireland, is of the highest interest, not only on account of the richness, and, as I conceive, antiquity of its decorations, but also from its high state of preservation, it will be desirable that I should endeavour to illustrate its several features as clearly as possible both by drawings and verbal descriptions.

"This doorway, like that of Kildare, is formed of a hard siliceous sandstone, and may be described as consisting of two divisions, separated from each other by a double reveal, and presenting each a double compound recessed arch, resting on plain shafts with flat capitals. As in the doorway of the Tower of Kildare, the carving is all in very low relief, and its height from the ground is the same with that of the doorway of that Tower, namely 15 feet. On its external face, the outer arch rests on a sill projecting from the face of the wall, and is ornamented on each side with two semicolumns and other mouldings. The capitals of the shafts are decorated with human heads; and the bases, which are in better preservation than the capitals, present, at their alternate western angles, a figure not unlike an hour-glass. The architrave, on its external face, is more simply decorated, but on its soffit it presents an ornament which may be described as a pellet and bead moulding. The measurement of the shafts of this external arch, including the bases and capitals, is 5 feet 8 inches. The breadth, at the spring of the arch is 3 feet 9 inches, and at the base 4 feet; and the entire height of the arch is 7 feet 6 inches. The jambs of this outer division splay by an obtuse angle to the second or recessed arch, which is ornamented somewhat similarly to the first, except that the soffit of the arch is more highly enriched, presenting a diagonal panelling, which forms a chevron moulding at its corners. The jambs of this second arch, which are 1 foot 3 inches in width, are rounded into semicolumns at their angles; and though their bases present no decorations, their imposts or capitals-if such they may be called, which are more of the nature of friezes,-are ornamented in a very elegant style of design, and are fortunately in a high state of preservation. These jambs, including the bases and capitals, are 5 feet in height, and 1 foot 3 inches in depth. The width of the arch at top is 2 feet 6 inches, and at bottom 2 feet 9 inches; and the entire height from the floor to the vertex of the arch, is 6 feet 3 inches. The floor of this recessed arch, or sub-arch, is raised by a step 9 inches in height above the external one. Of the capitals, or impost mouldings, that at the west side presents at each angle a human head, with thick moustache, lank whiskers, and curling, flowing beard. The hair of each head is divided in the middle of the forehead; and, passing over the ear, forms by a mutual interlacing in the intervening space, a kind of cross of complicated and graceful tracery. The capitals on the east side present a design, similar, but differing in some of the details-the whiskers of the heads being curled, and the interlacing of the hair forming a cross, less complicated, but equally graceful. The reveal, which divides the outer compound archway from the inner one, is, on each side, 6 inches in depth, and 7¼ inches in breadth, and is without ornament of any kind; but the inner compound archway is equally ornamented with the outer one. Like the outer archway, this compartment consists of two parts, or concentric arches, the floors of which, like those of the outer archway, rise over each other by steps, 9 inches in height. The front arch of this division is 4 feet 3 inches in height, from its floor to the spring of the arch, 7 inches in depth, and 5 feet 6 inches in height from the floor to the vertex of the arch. Its width is 2 feet 6 inches at the capitals, and 2 feet 9 inches at the bases. The inner arch, or sub-arch, measures 1 foot 6 inches in width at its capitals, and 1 foot 9 inches at its bases, and 4 feet 4 inches in height from the floor to the vertex of the arch. The jambs are 3 feet 7 inches in height, and 1 foot 3 inches in breadth. At the base of the jamb at the west side, there is a fourth step, 9 inches in height, and 5 in breadth, and running parallel with the wall; but its use it would now be difficult to conjecture. The outer division of this inner archway, as in the first compound archway already described, presents a semi-column at each of its angles, with a human head as a capital. The head at the west side exhibits the hair arranged in massive curls over the forehead, while the space at the back of the head, and under the cheek, is filled with a flowery interlaced ornament, which springs from an angular moulding at each side of the semicircular shaft. The head, forming the capital at the east side, exhibits the hair divided over the forehead, a plain moustache, and the hair arranged in straight plaits under the chin, from ear to ear. The bases of the shafts present an equal dissimilarity in design as the capitals. That on the west side exhibits above the plinth an ornament in depressed relief, and over it a human head, rudely carved in low relief, having the moustache and beard arranged in stiff and straight plaits. The base of the corresponding shaft, at the east side, is less ornamented, and exhibits a sort of bulbous figure resting on a high p]inth. The architrave of this arch is without ornament on its face, but its archivolt is richly decorated with a triple-chevron moulding. The sub-arch, or recessed division of this archway, is sculptured in a style altogether different from that of the outer archway, being not in relief, as are all the other carvings of this interesting remain, but in depressed lines, and of a simpler design. The j ambs are rounded into semicircular shafts at both their angles. The ornaments on the capitals are carried from the true capital to its abacus. The bases of the semicircular shafts at the angles, are bulbous figures, like that already described on the eastern shaft of the outer archway; and the intermediate spaces are ornamented with crosses, formed by a check in alternate depression and relief. The architrave of this archway presents a simple round moulding, with angular fillets on each side, and the soffit is carved into lozenge panels.

"Though I cannot in this, as in the instance of Kildare, adduce any historical evidence in support of the antiquity of the doorway-for I should be afraid to venture on ascribing its erection to the time of St. Mochua, the original founder and patron saint of Timahoe, who flourished in the sixth century-yet it will, I think, be seen that it presents no architectural features differing from those in the doorway of the Round Tower of Kildare, which are not obviously derived, like the latter, from the debased Roman architecture of the Lower Empire, and which it would be hazardous in the extreme to deny may be of a very early age- earlier, at least, than any Norman examples of the kind, noticed as remaining in England. The strongest evidence in favour of the antiquity of this doorway may be drawn from the construction and general style of the Tower, as in the fine-jointed character of the ashlar work in the doorway and windows; and still more in the straight-sided arches of all the windows which, with the exception of a small quadrangular one, perfectly agree in style with those of the most ancient churches and Round Towers in Ireland, and with those of the churches in England, now considered as Saxon."

Sir William Betham having been informed than an urn containing cremated bones had been found beneath the floor of the Round Tower of Timahoe, wrote to Mr. Pierce Moore of Cremorgen, in the neighbourhood. Mr. Moore in reply tells him that on inquiry he finds that fifty years before some persons were tempted to dig within the tower in search of money, and that they came upon a flag-stone, underneath which they found an earthen vessel filled with bones, which had the appearance of being burned. He adds that "this circumstance caused them no surprise, as in almost every sand-hill in the neighbourhood (of which there are a great number) similar earthen vessels, filled with bones, have been found at four to eight feet down." Sir W. Betham concludes from this, that the Round Towers were used as monuments and sepulchres for the dead, and the pagan process of cremation having taken place with regard to the remains said to have been found at Timahoe, he judges, that they were of pagan origin. Mr. Petrie in reply (1) questions the fact of the finding of this pagan sepulchral urn within the tower, for which there is no evidence beyond a mere hearsay story of more than fifty years' standing; and (2), even if it had been found there, it would only go to prove that the wall of the tower had been built around one of these low sand-hills which Mr. Moore says are so numerous in the neighbourhood, and in which it was so usual to find similar earthen vessels filled with bones.-(Id. 418.)

A castle stood at Timahoe, built about the year 1183 by Hugh de Lacy for Myler Fitz-Henry, who had married his niece. The King, suspicious of the designs of De Lacy as Chief Governor, recalled him in 1181, and sent over John, Constable of Chester, and Richard de Pech, as Justices; these, in De Lacy's absence, as Hanmer writes, "subtilly tooke from Myler FitzHenry the possessions in Kildare which were given him by Strongbow, under colour of exchange, and gave him Leix, a wilde savage country, with township of Timahoe." Eleanor Hartpole, of Shrule, who married, firstly, Francis Cosby, killed at the battle of Stradbally bridge in 1596, and secondly, Thomas Loftus, son of the Protestant Archbishop of Dublin, resided in the Castle of Timahoe.-(Inquis. Lagen., 36, Car. I.) In the Carew Calendar, Loftus of Timahoe is named.*

* Sir Thomas Loftus, of Killyan, in the County of Meath, and of Timahoe in the Queen's County, fourth son of Archbishop Loftus, was made Constable of the Castle of Wicklow, 19 May, 1596, and knighted 24 Sept., 1599, by Robert, Earl of Essex. . . . He married Eleanor, daughter of Robert, and sister of Pierce Hartpole, of Carlow, and of Shrule, in the Queen's County, Esq., and deceasing at Timahoe, 1st Dec. 1635, was buried on the 14th, at St. Patrick's Church, having had four sons and two daughters.-(Lodge.)

In 1642 a battle took place here between a party of forces under Colonel Monck, on his return from the relief of Ballinakill, and a party under General Preston, who had advanced to intercept his retreat, in which the latter was repulsed with considerable loss.-(Gough's Camden.) About a mile from Timahoe, on the road to Ballinakill, there is an old Rath or Fort.

The ancient parochial district in which Timahoe is situate, is Fossey, the ruins of the church of which still exist at a short distance to the south-east of the village. It measured 34 feet by 18; the doorway stood in the west end. There was a window in the east gable, and two others facing each other in the north and south walls, towards the west; also two small square stone-cased apertures, 1 foot 6 inches by 1 foot each, still more to the west, also opposite to each other in the side walls. A fine Gothic Church was erected at Timahoe, in 1832, by the late Cornelius Dowling, P.P., who lies interred within its walls. He also built the equally fine Church at Vicarstown in 1836. The following inscription appears upon his tomb: -

"Pray for the soul of the Rev. Cornelius Dowling, P.P. of Stradbally and Timahoe, who departed this life Dec. 5th, 1850, in the 24th year of his pastoral charge, much and deservedly regretted by all classes. Through his untiring labours this Church, where his remains now rest, and which is a lasting monument to his zeal, had been raised. This tablet has been erected by a fond and affectionate sister to perpetuate his memory amongst a flock who loved him in life, and who revere his memory in the tomb. Requiescat in Pace."

TIMOGUE

The Irish name of this parish, which is situated in the barony of Stradbally, signifies Domus Maidoci, "the house or Monastery of St. Maidoc." This was the name of the celebrated Patron of Ferns, in the County of Wexford, of Dromlane, in the County Cavan, and of Rosinver, in Leitrim. The present (Protestant) church of Timogue is about a mile and a half distant from Stradbally, and to the south of it. There are no remains of ecclesiastical buildings at the place at present. Within the church the following inscriptions are visible:-

(1.) "In this vault and ground lie the remains of Gerald Fitzgerald of Moret, Esq., and of his wife, a daughter of John Bowen, of Ballyadams, Esq. He was murthered and his castle burnt there in the reign of Queen Elizabeth. * And of his only son Gerald Fitzgerald, of Timmogue, Esq., and of his wife, a daughter of O'Dempsey, Lord of Glenmaliere. And of his eldest son Thomas Fitzgerald of Moret, Esq.; and of his wife, a daughter of John Pigot, Esq. And of his eldest son, Stephen Fitzgerald of Moret, Esq.; and of his wife, a daughter of Henry Gilbert, of Kilminchy, Esq. And of his eldest son, Thomas Fitzgerald of Moret, Esq.; and of his wife, a daughter of Sir Gregory Byrne, Bart. He died on the 18th day of April, 1754, This monument is erected here in honour to their memory by his eldest son, Stephen Fitzgerald of Moret, Esq., A.D. 1764."

* It is related that, having decoyed O'Kelly into his Castle of Morett under pretence of hospitality, Fitzgerald had his head struck off. He wrote immediately to Queen Elizabeth informing her that he had despatched a chief rebel named O'Kelly, who was in close alliance with the O'Mores; whereupon he received from the Queen a grant of O'Kelly's property.- (Hardiman's Irish Minstrelsy). If this be true, Fitzgerald richly merited the punishment here referred to.

(2.) On a marble flag lying in a horizontal position, close to the Communion table, is the following epitaph. At the top are armorial bearings, with the motto, Certavi et vici.- "Beneath this marble stone lyeth the body of Sir Daniel Byrne, Bart., who died the 25th of September, in the year 1715, and of his age the 39th. He married Anna Dorothea, eldest daughter of Edward Warren, of Pointon, in the County of Chester and kingdom of England, Esq. He was a singular instance of conjugal affection; a kind and indulgent father to his children, and, in the discharge of promises, which in the practice of the world meets with too little regard, a great example of justice. Here also lyeth the body of Charles, his eldest son, who was a youth of very promising expectation. He died the 1st of November, 1713, in the 9th year of his age."

(3.) A marble flag lying horizontally between the last named and the door:- " Here lieth the body of Thomas Fitzgerald, of Moret, Esq., who departed this life the twenty-second of September, 1766, aged 20 years, son of Stephen Fitzgerald of Moret, Esq. He was a most dutifull son and valuable youth, for which reason his mother, Catherine Fitzgerald, younger daughter of Sir Daniel Byrne, Bart., lays down this stone in regard to the great tenderness he had for his mother and her most parently love for him." (4.) Alongside this, to the right, lies a flag-stone of a blackish colour, which exhibits this inscription: "Here lieth the body of Stephen Fitzgerald of Moret, Esq., who departed this life the second of August, 1771, aged 64 years. He was a most tender husband and affectionate parent, and a sincere friend. His widow, Catherine Fitzgerald, youngest daughter of Sir Daniel Byrne, Bart., lays down this stone in regard to the high value she has for his memory." (5.) Between this last and the door is another flag with this inscription "Here lyeth the bodey of Mrs. Martha Fitzgerald, wife of Stephen Fitzgerald, Esq., who died the 23rd day of December Anno Domini 1713, aged 54 years. Here lyeth the bodey of Stephen Fitzgerald, Esq., who died the 20th of June, An. Dom. 1710, aged 54 years." (6.) Between this and the door is the following: "Here lieth the body of Mrs. Frances Fitzgerald, wife of Mr. Thomas Fitzgerald of Moret, and one of the daughters of Sir Gregory Byrne, Bart., deceased. She departed this life ye 19th day of October, Ano. Domi. 1723, in ye 40th year of her age. By this stone lieth the body of the above-named Thomas Fitzgerald of Moret, Esq. He dyed the 18th day of April, 1754, aged 68 years." Within the church is preserved an ancient Baptismal font, octagon shaped, and richly carved. It is 1 foot 7 inches in diameter, and the same in height. The aperture through which the water passed away is in the side ; it represents a human head. This font is of much greater antiquity than the church in which it is preserved.
In a Return of 1766 (see Appendix, it is stated that "William Byrne, Popish Priest, resided at Timogue, with his mother and one servant."

There was a castle, or castellated dwelling, at Timogue, the site of which is pointed out.

Gerald, 11th Earl of Kildare, who died, 25th of April, 1585, left to his natural son, Gerald, the lands of Tymoge, Ballytesken, Morett, Shanganaghmore, etc., containing 2745 acres. Thomas Fitzgerald married Margaret, daughter of John Bowen of Ballyadams, and left one son, Gerald Oge, who forfeited on account of rebellion in 1641. His name appears in the list of Confederate Catholics in 1647.

KILCOLMANBROCK

This small parish, lying to the south of Timahoe, is supposed to be so called from a Saint Colman, brock, or freckled, being added, it is said, to distinguish him from another saint of the same name, surnamed ban, or fair, the Patron of the adjoining Parish of Kilcolmanbane, in the present union of Maryborough, which see. This parish contains only one townland, namely Cremorgan, on which there is a small old church and grave-yard, within the demesne of Lewis Moore, Esq. Some think he is not of the ancient O'Mores of Leix, hut a branch of the Drocrheda family. I can believe, however, that he is of the Sept of O'More, as I have the testimony of the late Laurence Byrne of Falybeg, and of old Walsh of Timahoe, that his name is Laoiseach O'Mordha. Both of these old men knew his grandfather, who was a shop-keeper at Leighlin Bridge, and who, being a sensible industrious man, saved money and left his heirs a handsome property. This Lewis Moore is, however, not the head of the family, for all acknowledge that More O'Ferrall is the present chief of the O'Mordhas of Leix.-(O'Donovan, Ord. Surv. Letter). It appears impossible to decide as to which of the Saints Colman (radically the same as Colum or Columba) this parish was named from. O'Clery 's Calendar commemorates about sixty, and Colgan mentions that there were nearly one hundred and thirty Irish saints bearing this name to be found in our Calendars.-(Acta S. Columbae). The old church, which is completely mantled with ivy, is very narrow in proportion to its length, and displays no architectural feature calling for remark. It is enclosed as a burial-place of the Moores of Cremorgan. The name of the parish is generally found in the contracted form of Kilclonbrock; in the Return of Dr. Ram, 1612, it is described as Rectoria seu Capella de Kilclonebrocke. Father O'Hanlon refers to this place under date the 14th of April.

CORCLONE

The ruin of this old Parochial Church is still to be seen, though only a small portion of the walls remains. The east end has been appropriated and converted into a mausoleum by the Walsh family. The grave-yard, in which it is placed, is still used.

MOYANNA

The Priory of Great Connell, Co. of Kildare, had large possessions in the Queen's County, amongst which were the churches, rectories, and chapels of Moyanna, Corclone, Timahoe, etc.-(See Vol. II, p. 290, 1). The old Church of Moyanna exists in ruins; it measured about 36 feet in length by 18 feet in width. The door-way which is in the west gable, is round-headed; a small, narrow, lancet window appears in the east end. Portions of the four walls remain, the masonry of which is of a coarse description. The grave-yard in which the old church stands, is well enclosed, and a handsome entrance has been erected by Mrs. Grattan Bellew. The Rev. Francis Davies is interred here, over whose remains a fine monumental cross has been erected, bearing the following inscription: -

"Erected by the parishioners of Stradbally, Timahoe, and Vicarstown, in memory of their beloved Pastor, the Rev. Francis Davies, who died the 24th of May, 1882, aged 46 years. During 17 years he ministered in this parish, assisting the poor, instructing the ignorant, ever studying to be all to all to gain the erring one. Gentle and affable, the sick, the sorrowful and the forsaken found in him a self-sacrificing and generous friend, sedulous in labour to the end, he fell a victim of disease caught whilst ministering to one of his suffering flock. May his soul rest in peace with Jesus and Mary."

FORT OF DUNRALLY

An extensive and remarkable earthen fort, named as above, is to be seen in this parish, close to the Barrow, and adjoining the boundary between the ancient districts of Leix and Clanmaliere. It is referred to in the Annals of the Four Masters under date, "A.D. 860. The Destruction of Longphort-Rothlaibh (Dunrally) by Cinnedidh, son of Gaithin, lord of Leix, on the fifth of the Ides of September; and the killing of Conall Ultach and Luirgnen, with many others along with them." Gaithin, referred to in this passage, is the same mentioned in an interpolated passage in the Tripart. Life of St. Patrick, as having rebuilt the fort of Rath-Bacain, in the plain of MaghReda (now the Manor of Morett) near the Church of Domhnacmor.-(O' Donovan).

SUCCESSION OF PASTORS

ROGER MOORE was appointed P.P. in 1672, and resided at Garrans, in which townland there is a place called Chapel hill, which was the site of a chapel of the penal times; he was,-as we further learn from the Registry made in 1704,-then aged 62, was P.P. of Moyanna, Oghmall, Tymogue, Corclone and Fossy; was ordained in 1662 at Leige, by Johannes Blavier, suffragan of Liege in Germany, and his sureties were Thomas George of Ballycoolin, Gent., and William Meale of Ballykilcavan, Gent. He died, Dec. 10th, 1708, and is interred at Clopoke.

GERALD BYRNE (son of Garret Byrne of Luggacurran, who died aged 96, on the 10th March, 1722) was P.P. of Stradbally, Timahoe, Ballyadams, Doonane, and the districts belonging to them, for 15 years, and died in Luggacurran on the 24th of July, 1724, aged 57 (for inscription over his grave at Clopoke, and other particulars regarding him, see chapter on Ballyadams).

PATRICK KELLY succeeded; his name appears in Return of 1731 (see Vol. I., p. 268), and also in Dean Skelton's List (Vol 1, p. 274). He died March 7th, 1755, aged 74, and was interred at Clopoke (see Ballyadams Parish).

WILLIAM BYRNE (second son of Laurence Byrne, who died at Luggacurran, 6th Feb., 1744, aged 73), was the next P.P. He was nephew of Father Gerald Byrne above referred to. His epitaph at Clopoke states that he was Parish Priest of Stradbally, Esker, &c., for 19 years, and died the 11th of February, 1775, aged 56. A Return dated 1766 (see Appendix), states that William Byrne, Popish Priest, resided at Timogue, with his mother, sister, and one servant. His mother was Catherine, daughter of Walter Byrne of Timogue.-(lrish P. Journal, June 19th, 1841).

VERY REV. PATRICK DOWLING, Dean of Leighlin and V.G., succeeded. He died the 29th of November, 1826, when

REV. CORNELIUS DOWLING was translated to this parish from Doonane. Father Dowling dying December 5th, 1850,

REV. GEORGE HUME became P.P., having been previously Administrator at Carlow. Father Hume died in 1862, and is interred at Vicarstown, where a tablet over his grave has the following inscription: "I.H.S. Of your Charity Pray for the soul of the Rev. George Hume, P.P. of Stradbally, who died the 21st of July, 1862, in the 58th year of his Age and 33rd of his Sacred Ministry. May his soul rest in Peace. Amen."

REV. JOHN MAGEE, D.D., succeeded. Dr. Magee had been previously connected with Carlow College for nearly quarter of a century, as Professor of Theology, and, for some years, as Vice-President (see Vol. I., p. 228). On his death Oct. 15th, 1881.

REV. FRANCIS DAVIES, for many years Curate in this parish, was appointed Parish Priest. After a pastorate of little more than a year, Father Davies died, 24th of May, 1889, and was succeeded by

REV. JAMES COLGAN, the present Pastor, who had been for nine years a Professor at Carlow College, first of Rhetoric, and subsequently of Canon Law and Hebrew.

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