Chapter XXXI
(Page 1)
Present State of the Antiquities of
the County of Carlow.
AGHADE -The church of Aghade stands at the distance of about four
miles south of Tullow, and adjoining the road leading to Newtown-Barry.
It is prettily situated on gently elevated ground, in the midst; of a
highly cultivated district. A rivulet running close by the church-yard
adds to the beauty of this tranquil scene. The church is a modern
structure of plain architecture, and of the usual oblong, shape, with
square belfry and spire.
Tombs & Inscriptions On granite, cut in the rudest
manner, in Roman capitals
- I.H.S.
- HERE LIES THE BODY OF DENIS DONOGHUE (son OF NICHOLAS
DONOGHUE) WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE THE 3Ist DAY OF MARCH IN THE
27th YEAR OF HIS AGE, 1738. DECS SIT ILLI FROFITIUS.
There are several other tombstones in granite of an old date, but the
inscriptions contain nothing worthy of note. Within a handsome railed
enclosure, planted with evergreens, is a raised monument on which are to
be found these word:
In memory of the Rev. Henry St George, late of
Altamont, in the county of Carlow, during forty years rector of this
parish; who died May the 30th, 1831, in the 88th year of his age. In
every station of his life, he executed its respective duties with,
judgment, diligence, and fidelity. The purity of his faith, the
rectitude of his conduct, and his unwearied labours in the pastoral
office testified his piety towards GOD; his kindness, humility, and
candour, with his exemplary attention to the wants, temporal as well as
spiritual, of his fellow creatures, proved his benevolence towards MAN.
Reader! Behold the upright, for the end of THAT man is peace.*.
The families of Baillie and Tomlinson have tombstones here.
ARDRISTAN. — Within one mile of Tullow and in the parish and
town-land of Ardristan, are the ruins of an old church. The walls yet
standing are sixty-three feet long, twenty-four feet broad at west-end,
and eighteen at east-end. Length of chancel twenty- four feet, one gable
and part of side wall are standing. A stone pointed arch in good
preservation divides the chancel from the nave. There are but few
tombstones. The burial ground is surrounded by old thorn-trees.
BALLYELLEN — This burial ground is situate near the high road leading
from Borris to Gore's-bridge, and contiguous to the latter. The ruins of
an old church stand here, of which but a small part of the walls remain.
Inside the church lies a tombstone well worthy of notice. In the centre
is a cross and the letters I.H.S., and round the margin are engraved in
raised Roman characters the following words:
DIONISIUS. O’RYAN. DE. BALLYELLEH. GENEROSUS. ET.
UXOR. fI (missing text) FIERI. FECERUNT. 4. DIE. OCTOBRIS. ANNO, D.O.M.
1625.
We .regret to say, that the lower part of the stone is broken, and
that the part which we have omitted above is lost or illegible. The
house, in which the above named O'Ryan (who was a gentleman, as the word
generosus indicates) resided, still stands near the church-yard. The
traditions of the peasantry relate, that the O'Ryan’s formerly owned a
large part of the country about Ballyellen; of which, indeed, we have
better proof than mere tradition, as the reader of the foregoing pages
is aware. It is said, that a large pot full of gold was found buried in
the kitchen of Dionysius O’Ryan after the mansion had passed from his
family.
BALLYKNOCKAN — The church and burial ground of Ballyknockan are
elevated over the river Barrow, and in the outlets of Leighlin-bridge.
The church is a modern structure of unadorned appearance. The following
are among the inscriptions:
HERE. LIETH THE. BODY OF WILLIAM. CAREW. WHO.
DECEASED. THE. 13. of. OCT. 1722. AGED 90. YEA. AND. ALSO* THE. BODY.
OF. HIS. WIFE. MARY. WHO. DECEASED. THE, 10. of. FEB. 1700. AND. ALSO.
THE. BODY. or. THEIR, son. PIECE. WHO. — (The stone is here sunk in the
earth,)
HERE. LIETH. THE BODY OF HVGH. DOWLING. WHO.
DECEASED. THE. 6. DAY. OF. OCTOBER. 1712.
Here lieth the earth of Robert Carew died April the
1st 1755 aged 14. Since the year 1300 to this 1778 Leighlin Bridge was
not without (the name of Carew.)
- I.H.S.
- Underneath this tomb doth lie
- As much virtue as could die
- When alive did vigour give
- To as much beauty as could live.
Mrs. Catherine Moore Lane one of the celebrated
Miss O'Beirnes of Dublin departed this life 2,7th of June 1794, aged 36
years, and may her soul rest in peace. Amen.
In an inclosure, adjoining the church-yard, is a monument, on which
is the following inscription :
John Stewart, Esq., died October the 23rd, 1819
aged 63 years.
Although the tie between them is in this life broken his widow
sorrows not as one without hope trusting that their happy reunion will
take place in Blessed immortality with this the Lord Jesus Christ. Not
to record his well known worth but to gratify there, own feeling* this
monument is erected to the memory of the deceased by his attached widow
and his 'affectionate son.
Near Ballyknockan, and contiguous to the road leading to the Royal
Oak, is one of the ancient rathe, of very considerable extent. It is
called Maudlin moat by the peasantry.
BALLYLAUGHAN CASTLE. — In the pariah of Dunleckny, townland of Ballylaughan, and barony of Idrone East, stands the ruin of this castle;
of much pristine strength and importance. It is at present roofless, but
the walls are in good preservation. The castle is square in formation,
having two round towers flanking the front ; from the outer extremity of
one of which to that of the other, being a distance of forty-feet. From
front to rear, the castle measures forty-two feet; breadth at rear,
thirty-feet ; greatest height of walls, about fifty-feet. The walls are
about five feet thick; built of rude stone work, but in the most
permanent manner. Fourteen stone steps conduct to the second floor,
which rests on an arch. There are two flights of steps higher up, but
they are in a state of dilapidation. An apartment, about seven feet in
height, with two windows, seem to have been in each of the towers;
between the towers was the chief entrance of arched, cut stone. The
appearances of the ground adjacent would indicate that the castle was
formerly surrounded by a ditch. At a distance of eighteen yards to the
west, stands another ruin, of about thirty feet square. It has one
stone-cased window, with holes for iron bars. The walls are five feet in
thickness, and the structure is about twenty feet in height.About
forty-yards from the main building, to the north, is another ruin of
small dimensions. Near which is a large, ancient looking dwelling-house,
formerly occupied by the Beauchamp family; a member of which was for a
considerable period one of the representatives of the borough of Old
Leighlin, in parliament. The family of Beauchamp has been for centuries
and still is one of great distinction in England. . The history of the
castle may be found in the preceding pages. We shall now merely mention,
that it formerly belonged to the Kavanaghs, and was occupied by Donogh
Kavanagh, (second son of Murrough Ballagh, styled king of Leinster,) at
the end of the sixteenth century. Shortly afterwards it passed into the
possession of the Bagenal family; but is now on the estate of Henry
Bruen, Esq. Colonel of the Carlow regiment of militia, whose father made
a large purchase of land in this county from the late Beauchamp Bagenal,
Esq.
BALLYMOON CASTLE. — The ruins of this spacious structure (built by
the Knights Templar’s) stand on the town land of Ballymoon, parish of
Dunleckny, and barony of Idrone East. It is on the estate of Robert La Touche, Esq., and Lieutenant Colonel of the Carlow regiment of militia.
The building is roofless; the walls, which are about thirty feet in
height, form a square, one hundred and thirty- two feet by the same.
From the eastern wall project two square towers, from the south, one,
and from the north, another. The windows, being mere loop-holes, are in
good preservation, about five feet in height, four inches broad, and of
a crucifix form at top; which latter circumstance might probably have
arisen from the semi-ecclesiastical profession of the founders. The
entrance is on the west; by a cut-stone arched gateway, the upper part
of which has now fallen from its place. The main walls are not less than
eight feet thick, and are covered with earth and grass. When the author
visited the castle, some sheep were peacefully grazing within its walls.
The centre appears to have been at all times an open, uncovered area,
surrounded by the tenements of the inmates. The architecture is of great
strength and durability. To the right on entering is a pointed arch,
inside which and in the main wall are some stone steps, leading to a
loop-hole. From this circumstance, some idea may be formed of the
extraordinary solidity of the structure. The history of this castle is
given under the proper dates.
BARRAGH. — A church in ruins and burial ground, with this name are
situate in the barony of Forth, a mile and a half from Myshall, and near
the road leading to Newtownbarry. One gable and part of the side walls
are standing. The walls are clad with ivy. The church appears to have
been seventy-eight feet long by twenty-one broad, with stone cased
windows of but six inches in breadth on the exterior. But one of these
windows now appears. The burial ground lies about twenty yards from the
ruins, and is divided from them by a rivulet. The following, in Roman
capitals,' is among the inscriptions:
- HEAR LYETH THE BODY OF MARGET NEALE ALIS DEMSEY,
- WHO DIED ON THE DAY OF FEBRUARY, 1727, AGED 29 YEARS.
- LORD HAVE MERCY ON US.
- Followed by a death's head, and the words
- MEMENTO MORI.
BORRIS. — The house at this place belonging to Thomas Kavanagh, Esq.,
is a spacious and magnificent structure. It was built by his
grandfather, but greatly altered and improved by the late Walter
Kavanagh, Esq., elder brother of the present proprietor. The Messrs.
Morrison were the architects employed on this occasion, and the model
adopted by them, was the English baronial'' mansion of the sixteenth
century. There is nothing coming strictly under the denomination of
antiquities in Borris ; the reader, however, will find an account in the
appendix (18) of some relics connected with it, and which we are enabled
to publish through the favour of Thomas Kavanagh, Esq.
BROWNE's HILL.— One mile and a half from Carlow, at Browne's Hill,
(the seat of William Browne, Esq.,) is one of the Danish pagan altars,
called Cromleacs, from Crom, God, and leac, a flat stone. It is a rock
of great dimensions, raised on an edge, and propped on the east by three
upright supporters. Another pillar stands at some distance. The chief
stone and supporter’s measure (according to Ledwich) as follows:
|
|
FEET |
INCHES |
|
Height of
the three supporters |
5 |
8 |
|
Thickness
of upper end of the covering stone |
4 |
6 |
|
Breadth
of the same |
18 |
9 |
|
Length of
the slope inside |
19 |
0 |
|
Lenght of
the outside |
22 |
6 |
Solid contents in feet, 1, 280; weighing near eighty-nine tons, five
hundreds, and making an angle with the horizon of thirty -four degrees.
CARLOW. — The first object which demands our attention here is the
castle. This once magnificent structure, built after the most approved
Anglo-Norman models of square torm, with a tower at each angle, now
presents but the mere wreck of its former grandeur. It is built on a
gentle emmence in the town, and on the east bank of the river Barrow.
The bridge leading to the Queen's County is within a few yards of the
castle. Until a late period this noble structure was in very tolerable
preservation; but in the year 1814, it was tenanted by Philip Parry
Price Middleton, M.D., who, we regret to say, effected the overthrow of
a fortress which had withstood the assaults of Time and of man for ages.
This gentleman intending to convert the castle into a private residence,
proceeded in his 'alterations so very unskilfully, that, having
disturbed the foundations, more than one half of the building fell to
the ground. Fortunately, this event took place on Sunday, as otherwise
many lives might have been lost. The height of the walls yet remaining,
is about sixty- five feet, which seems to have been the original
altitude of the structure. The length of the side from the extremity of
one tower to that of the other is one hundred and fire feet, and as the
building was square, an idea can be formed of its former great extent.
The church is a modern structure, and will be highly ornamental to the
town, when the very elegant spire, now erecting, is completed. On
entering the church-yard a flat marble slab, with the following
inscription, strikes the eye of the visitor :
HIC SITUS EST BENI AMINUS DAILLON GALLUS BRITANU
GENEROSA FAMILIA ORTUS. ECCLESIA REFORMATA PRESBYTER ERUDITUS DIU OB
RELIGIONEM INCARCERATUS ET DEMUM RELEGATOS QUI POST LXX1X ANNOS. STUDIO
PlETATE ET LABORB EVANGELICA MAGNA EX PARTE DIMENSOS QUATRIDUO POST
OBITUM PALINA UXORIS HIC INHUMATA ANIMAM PURAM EXHALAVIT :
ACCIPE DOCTE CINDS MUSARUM PIGNUS AMORIS, ACCIPE SI
FAMAM MOUTH PERIRE VETENT. SI CHRISTI CASTRIS PUGNANS CAPTIVUS ET EX UL
UHBEM HANC FUNERIBUS CONDECORARE VELIT. CAR TEGERENTOR HUMG SIMUL OMNIA
ET INCLYTA VIRTUS. ET GENUS AC ARTES ET PIETATIS HONOS ? IMMEMOR URBS
FUERIT TAMEN HAUD MARCESCET OLYMPO CLAMABIT QUE LAPIS VIVET HIC ARTB MEA.
OBIIT ILLE VlR JAN. Ill AN. DOM. MDCCIX.
Near the preceding, also in Roman capitals :
HERE LIE THE BODY of TWO BROTHERS EDWARD AND SAMUEL
PAGET ; WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE, SAMUEL THE '23RD OF JANUARY 1719, IN THE
5TH YEAR OF HIS AGE. AND EDWARD THE 5TH OF FEB ENSUING, IN TBE 7TH YEAR
OF HIS AGE, SONS TO LIEUT. COLL. PETER GILBERT PAGET AND ANNEST DE
GOULAINE HIS WIFE. HERE LIETH THE BODY OF LT. COLL. PAGET FATHER OF YE
ABOVE NAMED CHILDREN. WHO DBPARTED THIS THE 21ST OF 9BRB. 1720.
Contiguous to the above :
IN: HOPES : OF : A: BLESSED : RESURRECTION:
HERE: LIETH : THE : BODIES : OF : BENJAMIN : BUNBURY : THE : FATHER :
AND : BENJAMIN" : BUNBURY : THE : SON : BOTH : OF : KILLERIG : ESQRS:
THE: FORMER : DEPARTED : THIS : LIFE : APRIL: YE 4TH : 1707 : AGED : 44
: YEARS : THE : LATTER : JANY : YE : 3 : I715— 16 : AGED : 39.
Within the church the following attract our notice. On white marble,
with figure in court dress at top:
This monument was erected by THOMAS GURLEY, Esq.,
as an affectionate tribute to the memory of his brother BAGNEL GURLBY,
Esq. and to commemorate his many virtues. His friends and acquaintances
lament the irreparable loss of his sincere and warm friendship,
agreeable and instructive conversation, polite and cheerful manners,
liberal yet prudent hospitality, and every social virtue that sweetens
and adorns private life. He died on the "25th day of February, 1796, in
the 25th year of his age
At same side of the communion table with the above, (on white marble,
with figures well sculptured by Kirk,) is the following inscription:
This small tribute of respect and affection to
departed excellence and worth is erected in the memory of JANE, the
beloved wife of the Rev. GEORGE VERNON, RECTOR of CARLOW, and only
daughter of the Venerable THOMAS KINGSBURY, ARCHDEACON OF KILLALA. By
her deeply afflicted husband, this meekly devout, enlightened Christian
died in the prime of life, and her character was a rare combination of
every gift with every perfection.
With talents far beyond those given to the generality of persons, she
never sought any display of them: With a deep knowledge of literature,
she preferred above all that knowledge which maketh wise unto salvation.
Though silent and reserved amidst company, and rather desirous of
avoiding it, she was ever accessible to the poor and distressed, and
always studying how to relieve their necessities and wants. She excelled
in sculpture painting, and acquaintance with the learned languages, but
far more so in the exemplary discharge of duty in every relation of life
; as a loving and dutiful daughter, a tender and affectionate mother, a
most devoted and fondly attached wife. Her death was universally
lamented, for in her society lost an ornament, her parents their pride,
her husband his more than companion, his guide, his example, and friend;
the poor of this town an active and zealous benefactress and its youth a
pious and Christian instructress. Trusting for salvation alone in the
merits of her Saviour, she resigned her soul into the hands of God who
gave it on the 4th day of December, 1827, and 29th year of her age.
Spotless without and innocent within, She fear' A no danger for she
knew no sin So unaffected, so compos d a mind, So firm, yet soft, so
strong, yet so refin'd, Heaven as its purest gold, with suff'rings tried
The Saint sustain d it, but the Woman died. Near the Barrow, and on the
north of the town, is an ancient burial ground called the graves; said
to have been granted by the earl of Thomond, when possessor of the
castle and other extensive property here. There are no inscriptions of
much interest. We have noted the following (letters are missing and
spelling as seen) :
ALIAS: SHERLOC HIS : WIFE : WITH : FIVE : OF :
THEIR : CHILDREN: HE-------ED THE: 6: OF: M------H: 1718: SHEE:------ED:
THE 6.: of: DECEMBER: 1691. ALLSOE: HIS: GRANDCHILDRE : BY: MARGRET:
CARROLL: ALIAS: WARREN.
This stone is broken, which causes the blanks in
the above.
HERE : LIES : THE : BODY : OF : ELLEN : KEAGAN :
ALIAS DORMER: WIFE: TO: THOMAS: KEAGAN: OF: GRAIGE: AND DAUGHTER : TO :
WILLIAM : DORMER : OF : ROSS : WHO : DEFARTED : THIS: LIFE :' THE : 13:
DAY: OF: AUGUST: 1708: CHERISHED : THE : NEEDY : ALWAISE : Wth : FLENTY
: BLESD : AND : MAY ; HER : SOVLE : ENIOY : ETERNAL: REST AMEN. J.H.S.
Sacred to the memory of Catherine Macartney, alias
Coffey, the most beloved wife of Thomas Macartney, of Archer's grove, in
the county Kilkenny, Esq., who died 5th February, 1814, aged 50 years.
The Lord have mercy on her soul. Amen.
Here lies inshrined beneath this sacred tomb, By
heaven foreboded as her final doom, A mother kind, a wife sincere was
she, As Daphnis mourned even by every tree. When Death's dread dart had
pierced her mortal frame, Her godlike spirit left this dreary vale; Her
soul was wafted to the joyous plains, Where sweetest harmony forever
reigns.
The general appearance of the town is modern. The antiquary will find
no private residence of an old date in Carlow. In which respect, it
presents a striking contrast to the neighbouring city of Kilkenny,
where, independently of public structures, the streets, passages, and
houses afford considerable interest by their obviously ancient
construction. It is, however, gratifying to us, to be enabled to state,
that as regards the essential article of neatness, no town in the
kingdom can claim superiority to Carlow.
CASTLE-GRACE, — A ruin of this name stands near Tullow. It was
erected by the distinguished family of Grace, descendants of Raymond le Gros.
CLONMULLIN, — It was, we are told, at this castle"(situate in the
barony of Forth) formerly belonging to the Kavanaghs, that the far-famed
beauty • Aileen Aroon, lived. Her name, it appears, was Ellen Kavanagh.
She has been immortalized by the poet's art. Mr. Hartstonge gives some
account of her, which may be read in the Appendix. (19) — Daniel
Kavanagh of Clonmullin, Esq., one of the confederated Catholics in 1646,
forfeited his estate and died unmarried in Spain. There are frequent
notices of Clonmullin in the foregoing pages. About fifty years since,
some remains of the castle were standing, but now, the plough passes
over its site. The estate at present belongs to that very estimable
nobleman, John, Lord Farnham, one of whose ancestors planted it with
palatinates from Germany, whose descendants yet remain, and preserve
much of their peculiar manners and appearance.
CLONEGAL. — This village is situated on. the river Derry, about seven
miles east of Tullow. It is on the borders of the county. A castellated
mansion, with ramparts on top, at present inhabited by William Durdin,
Esq., M.D., is worthy of notice, it was built by the Esmonde family in
1625, and continued in their possession to a recent period. In the early
part of the last century, Morgan Kavanagh of Borris Idrone, Esq.,
married Frances, daughter of Sir Laurence Esmonde, of Clonegal, Baronet.
The church is a modern structure, in excellent preservation, but the
burial ground is evidently of no late date. Among the inscriptions are
the following:
- J.H.S.
- HERE : LYETH : INTER’D : THE : BODY : OF : MR. JOHN :
ESMOND : WHO: DEPARTED: THIS: LIFE: JUNE: THE: 9: 1715.
REQVIESCAT : IN : PACE : AMEN.
- Representation of a soldier with a gun on his shoulder, and
underneath:
- Here lieth the body of the spirited volunteer Henry
Browne, departed the 14th May, 1784, aged 26 years.
The following lines were written, I am told, by the late Henry Tighe,
Esq., of Rosanna, in the county of Wicklow: Ralph, the subject of them,
was wood-ranger to Mr. Tighe. Perhaps his lady, the gifted author of
“Psyche," lent a hand to the production:
To the memory of William Ralph, of Kilcarry, who died on the
21st February, 1818, aged 7l years. Guard of the wood in settled low
content Lived William, Ralph, a ramble paid Ms rent. A boy, in
sportive toil he climbed the trees, A man; he loved them ruffling in
the breeze. As he grew old, his old companions spread A broader,
browner shadow o'er his head, While those he planted shot on high
and made, For many a rook a hospitable shade. With this one change
life gently crept away, A placid stream it flowed from day to day.
His friends and children loved him as the tear Well spoke, profusely
shed upon his bier. if he had faults, thou, also hast thy share,
Strike thy own breast and feel what lurketh there. He who sees all
shall judge both him and thee; Repent, for as it falls so lies the
tree.
CLOGHGHENAN, — The old castle of Cloghgrenan, to which allusion has
been frequently made in this work, stands at the distance of about two
miles south of Carlow, on the west bank of the Barrow. It now forms the
entrance to the demesne of John Staunton Rochfort, Esq.; and, as may be
supposed, is completely in a state of decay. From its considerable
height, situation, and ample covering of ivy, it is, however, yet a
picturesque object. — In the demesne, and romantically situated, are the
ruins of the ancient church of the parish of Cloydagh, with its burial
ground. A large old tree grows inside the church. The walls are
standing, in tolerable preservation. Tombs with the following
inscriptions are to be found in the interior.
- J.H.S.
- Here lieth the body of Mr. Richard Warren, who departed
this life on the 1st day of February, 1733, aged 60 years.
Erected by his wife Theodosia Warren, alias Bryan
Here lieth the body of Mrs. Amy Greene, wife of Wm.
Nassau Greene, Esq., of Carlow, who departed this life, January 22nd,
1761. Erected to the memory of John Greene, of Millbrook, in the county
of Kildare, Esq., who departed this life on the 28M day of July, A.D.
1819, aged 70 years, also to the memory of Mary Anne, his widow, who
departed this life on the 24th day of August, A.D. 1822, aged 66 years.
This tomb is erected by John Greene, Esq, of
Moatfield county Kildare. to the memory of his dearly beloved wife Amy
Greene, who departed this life 19th day of August, 1818, in the 32nd
year of her age, sincerely and most deservedly lamentedby her surviving
friends. Also underneath lieth the body of Robert Greene, their infant
son.
On a marble slab is the following:
Lucy Rockfort born 20th December, 1803, died 22nd
July 1804. Just known and lost
In the church-yard is to be seen this curious inscription:
Johny Bates one of Christ's little ones.
- CLONMORE CASTLE, — The spacious piece of antiquity of this place
is situate near Hacketstown, and in the barony of Rathvilly. In
shape it is square; one hundred and seventy feet, by the same. The
castle has towers at each angle, and is surrounded by a fosse, of
about twenty feet in depth. The walls are five feet thick; and the
narrow, stone-cased windows were obviously furnished with iron bars.
One of the side walls has disappeared, but the other three are in
good preservation, and if unassailed by the Gothic hands of man,
will probably resist the tooth of time for ages to come. The
demolished wall was no doubt removed in order to procure free
ingress to two or three cabins and their appurtenances, which
classically ornament the interior. Indeed, I have been credibly
informed, that part of the window-cases now serve the very ignoble
purpose of forming part of the materials of some pig-sties ! But
such desecration of ancient works of art, by the unthinking and
ignorant, is not at all an uncommon circumstance in this country. In
GROSE'S Antiquities,* we read as follows:
-
"CLONMORE CASTLE. This is a square castle, the south and north
sides of which are defended by towers. The walls are of great
thickness, but fast hastening to decay. Ivy covers the breaches in
the walls, and the windows are quite in ruins. It seems to have been
strongly protected by a wet ditch which surrounds it." Such is the
meagre, incorrect, and unsatisfactory account given us of Clonmore;
and that in one of Our standard works. But too frequently do we find
the contents of topographical publications on Ireland, superficial
and erroneous; as well from want of due inquiry, as from neglect of
personal observation. Clonmote castle was probably built by the
Ormonde family, who obtained an extensive grant here from Henry
VIII. By an inquisition taken at Carlow, in 1636, it was found, that
the earl of Ormonde was possessed of the castle of Clonmore, and
considerable territory adjoining. The castle and much, of the
surrounding country is now the property of the Honourable Hugh
Howard, uncle to the earl of Wicklow. At the distance of about a
hundred yards from the ruins, stands the small parish church of
Clonmore; near which is a rude granite cross, seven feet in height.
To the north of the church lies an old stone basin, probably at one
time used as a reservoir for “holy water."
-
- In the burial-ground are the shattered parts of another stone
cross, which, when complete and erect, could not have been less than
ten feet high. The shaft, sunk in a stone socket, still stands, and
near it is to be seen the dissevered upper part. The country people
have a tradition, that this appendage of Romanism, was broken by
Cromwell; but almost every devastation of the kind is attributed to
him; perhaps with some justice, as he certainly could not be charged
with any great love of popery or its emblems. Few persons of any
taste will, however, justify the unnecessary and indiscriminate
ravages committed on works of art by the puritans of the seventeenth
century. The following inscription somewhat mutilated appears on a
stone in the church-yard:
- I.H.S.
- HERE: LYETH: THE: BODY: OF: M: EDMOND: M'HUGH: GAUNKAUGH
: BYRN : AND : HIS : THREE : CHILDREN : MORTAGH : JOHN : AND :
ANN. HE : WAS : ye. GREAT: GREAT: GRANDSON: OF: PHELIM: BOUY:
(missing text)-UG: DECEASED: OCT. THE: 20: 1737: AGED.
CLONAGOOSE. — These ruins of a church, and a burial-ground, lie one
mile from Borris, in the barony of Idrone east. The length of the
building was seventy-two feet, the breadth twenty-four. The remains of
five windows yet appear; the breadth of which on the exterior is but six
inches, while from their gradually opening to the interior, they are
rendered there, perhaps, five feet across. Part of the walls had been
recently thrown down, obviously for the stone; some of which seemed to
have been re-chiselled there lor other buildings. This is another
instance of the barbarous ravages committed on the ancient structures of
the kingdom, by persons equally devoid of good taste and right feeling.
I was; however, glad to perceive, that the burial-ground is well
enclosed by a wall in thorough repair. A stone reservoir of about two
feet in diameter lay inside the ruins; a sure indication that it had
been a Roman catholic place of worship. The following are among the
inscriptions:
- I.H.S.
- HERE LYES Ye. BODY OF DANIEL EGAN WHO DEFARTED THIS LIFE
THE 11th OF MARCH 1717 AGED 67 YEARS. THE LORD HAVE MARCEY UPON
HIS SOULE.
I.H.S. Erected by Pat Cloney in memory of his wife
Anne Cloney alias Byrne who depd. this life February 16, 1832, aged 50
years. Like you in this world I had my day Remember death and for me
pray. May she rest in peace. Amen.
CLONMULSH, — The small, plain church, and burial-ground of Clonmulsh,
are situate four miles south of the county town, in the barony of
Carlow, and to the left of the road leading from the latter place to
Bagnalstown. The following inscriptions are to be found on tomb-stones:
Frances Marianne, daughter of Sir Thomas and Lady
Butler of Ballin Temple, died on the 14th day of November, 1829, aged 12
years.
Here lie entombed the remains of Thomas Eustace,
Esq, son of Hardy Eustace, Esq., who departed this life the 9th day of
June, 1819. , Also the remains of Hardy Eustace, Esq., who departed this
life the 22nd day of August, 1820.
Beneath this tomb lie interred the mortal remains of Major Oliver
Moore,* who died on the 23rd March, 1814, aged 37 years; twenty-one of
which he devoted to the service of his king and country abroad, in
Germany, Holland, the West Indies, and in Egypt. He encountered all the
dangers of the field at home, as Brigade Major of the yeomanry of the
county of Carlow, for nearly eleven years. He discharged the duties of
that station with the most unremitting seal, activity, and exertion, and
having in public and in private maintained the high reputation of the
soldier and the gentleman, he lived admired, respected, and beloved, and
died universally, deeply, and deservedly lamented.
(* NOTE Brother of George Moore, Esq., late M.P. for
the city of Dublin)
- Rev. Thomas Roberts. 1783.
- Also the remains of Mrs. Mary Beevor, who departed this
life the 6th day of Feb. 1822.
Erected to the memory of Catherine Hill, by 'her
brother Colonel Sir Dudley St. Leger Hill, K.C.B., whose poignant grief
for her irreparable loss, but equals the love and fraternal affection he
bore her while alive. She died in Carlow, on the 28th of Oct. 1817, in
the 26th year of her age, universally regretted by a numerous
acquaintance.
- Beneath this stone rest the mortal remains of John Bennet,
Esq., of Viewmount in this county, who departed this life on the
4th of May, 1827, aged 63 years.
- Truly regretted, an honest man and a sincere friend.
On a blue slab indented in the wall of the church. —
Sacred to the memory of Mrs. Bridget Hill, this
monument is erected by an affectionate husband, who with a number of
bewailing children all rest in hope that her many virtues on earth may
be rewarded in heaven by that OMNIPOTENT POWER who is always merciful to
his creatures as they are obedient to his will. Knotting that her
redeemer liveth, resigning herself to his mercy, and imploring his
blessing on the family she was leaving after her, she died on the 11th
of July, 1814, in the 54th year of her age.
CLOCH-A-PHOILL, (literally the hole stone, in Irish.) — Two miles
south of Tullow, in the parish of Aghade, is a huge piece of granite of
singular appearance. It is about twelve feet in height and four in
breadth, having an aperture through near the top. There is a tradition,
that a son of one of the Irish kings was chained to this stone; but that
he contrived to break his chain and escape. This tradition coincides
exactly with our historical notice. (p. 19). There are marks left,
caused by the friction of the iron on the stone. We would at once
conclude that it was a bull, or some other animal that was chained here,
and not a human being; were not the tradition confirmed by written
history, the verity of which we are not disposed to controvert. The
stone is now thrown from its perpendicular, and it was a practice with
the peasantry to pass ill-thriven infants through the aperture in order
to improve their constitution. Great numbers formerly indulged in this
superstitious folly, but for the last twenty years the practice has been
discontinued. My informant on this occasion was a woman who had herself
passed one of her infants through the aperture of this singular stone.
She informed me, that some of the country people talked of having it cut
up for gate posts, but a superstitious feeling prevented them. Every
antiquary would regret the demolition of the Cloch-a-Phoill.
DUNLECKNY.* — Eight miles south of Carlow, and barony of Idrone East.
Part of the side walls and gables of an old church are to be found here
; contiguous to the one in present use. The former building, in common
with almost all others, of an ancient date in the comity, is of very
rude architecture. There are two stone-cased windows in the east end,
six feet in height by ten inches in breath. In the interior stands a
raised tomb of the Blackney family. On a flag indented in one of the
walls is the following inscription: * Correctly Dun-leicnc, the fort on
the hill side,
- I.H.S.
- Here lieth the body of James Byrne, who died the 30th
July 1759. Aged 7
- Lord have merey on him. Amen. Also Mary Byrne*
There are several other inscriptions on slabs indented on the walls,
and the number on tomb-stones in the church-yard is very great; but
there are none of ancient date.
GARRYHILL — of this place Seward writes: “Garryhill, a large ruin
nears the church of Drimesin, it was anciently one of the castles of the
kings of Leinster." Drumfay should be substituted for Primesin. it was
the Kavanagh family to which the castle of Garrachill or Garryhill
belonged.
FENAGH. — Seward thus speaks of a castle situate at this place. “At
Fenagh church are the ruins of an old castle which appears to have been
well fortified by strong ramparts and a double ' ditch; formerly the
seat of one of the kings of Leinster." Topographia Hibernica, 1795. This
was probably a just representation of the state of these ruins at the
time specified; but corn now waves over the ground formerly occupied by
this ancient edifice. Vestiges of the ditch or fosse, however, remain.
The church is a plain, modern building. The following are among the
inscriptions in the burial-ground:
Here lieth the body of the charitable Thomas
Garrett of Jane Ville deceased, Aug. 31, 1759, aged 48 years.
Here lie deposited in humble hope of a joyful
resurrection the mortal remains of James Garrett, late of Mounpleasant,
Esq. Vain would prove an attempt at panegyric since no eulogy could do
justice to his merits. Reader, wouldst thou be had in everlasting
remembrance ? Endeavour to emulate his virtues. He departed this life
July the 17th 1818. Aged 72 years
When the last awful trump shall sound, And earth in strong convulsion
groan. In robes made white may he be found, From sin exempt before the
throne.
Within a railed enclosure, is a raised tomh, overhung by evergreens,
on which may be read the following words :
Underneath this stone are deposited the remains of
Colonel David La Touche. Joined to an appearance calculated to win all
hearts he possessed every virtue that could endear him when known.
Liberal, benevolent, and sincere, the most dutiful son, the fondest
husband, the most affectionate father, the warmest friend, the kindest
landlord, he fulfilled his private duties with matchless integrity, and
his remains were honoured by the regret of a whole county. His afflicted
widow makes an humble acknowledgment of the goodness of the Almighty in
having blest her with such a husband and her children with such a
father. Born 5th of May, 1769. Died 15th March, 1816. May I die the
death of the righteous, and may my last end be like his.
CECILIA LA TOUCHE.
HACKETSTOWN. — The church here is of recent erection. The following
are among the inscriptions in the burial ground. Rudely cut and
obviously of old date:
HERE LYES THE BODY OF DEBORAH YOUNG WHO DEPARTED
- This stone teas erected by John Byrne for himself and
family. Here lieth the body of Eliza Byrne who departed this
life May the 25th. 1779 aged 18 years. Tender parents weep no
more, Nor friends shed a tear, For I am gone but just before,
Unto my Saviour dear.
- ---------------------------------
- Here lieth the body of Mr, John Jones of Woodside, who
departed this life 20th of April 1830, in the 99th year of his
age.
- ------------------------
- Sacred to the memory of Thomas Hardy, Esq. who was killed
in action when fighting for his king and country against the
rebels at the battle of Hacketstown on the of June 1798. This
monument is erected by his sons Lt. Coll. Henry Hardy and the
Rev. John Hardy in respect to a beloved father' s memory June
25th 1829. Beneath this tomb also lie the remains of Francis
Hardy, Esq., who died A.D. (missing text) and Henry Hardy, Esq.,
who died A.D. (missing text) grandfather and father of (he above
named Thomas Hardy, Esq.
The names, together with the total absence of the "I.H.S." and other
indications of Roman Catholicism, amply show, that the great majority of
persons buried here have been Protestants. Indeed, since the early .part
of* the last century, when Benjamin Burton, of Burton-Hall, Esq., leased
his large estate here to Protestants ,(who then were die only eligible
persons), this part of the county has been the strong hold of that
interest.
("Spelling are as seen in the book")
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