COLUMBIA LIBRARIES OFFSITE 
 
 II 
 
 1Q00016/231 
 
 3 
 t 
 
 Lot 
 
This book is due two weeks from the [a 
 
 below, and if not returned at or before that time a fine of 
 
 five cents a day will be incurred. 
 
a ae 
 
 ray 
 
tee let Lo 
 
 HY? | Whe ‘ NLtn nego d 
 A, 
 
 | lth 
 Con.” eS ohn CICS 
 
NOTES 
 
 ON THE 
 
 Antiquities of the Clnited: aca 
 
 OF 
 BALLYCALLAN, KILMANAGH & KILLALOE, 
 WITH 
 NOTICES OF THE LATE PARISH PRIESTS 
 
 OF THE AFORESAID PARISHES 
 
 BY 
 
 REV. J. HOLAHAN, C.-C. 
 
 DEDICATED 
 TO 
 MOST REV. DR. MORAN, 
 
 Bishop of Ossory, 
 
 KILKENNY: 
 PRINTED AT THE “JOURNAL” OFFICE, PARADE. 
 
Dedication, 
 
 MY LORD, 
 
 The following “ Notes on the Antiquities of the United Parishes of 
 Ballycallan, Kilmanagh, and Killaloe,” were read at the Meetings of the 
 Ossory Archzological Society, within the last two years. They have been 
 collected and compiled from various sources. Local tradition, and infor- 
 mation acquired by conversing with the people of these districts, have sup- 
 plied much of the matter contained therein. 
 
 . 
 
 At the request of some friends, they are now given to the Public in 
 their present form. 
 
 There is no one to whom I could so suitably dedicate them as to you, 
 my Lord, the Founder and President of our Society; and who, since your 
 advent into this Diocese, have done so much for the promotion of archxo- 
 logical studies. These “ Notes” are, indeed, unworthy of being dedicated 
 to one so highly distinguished for antiquarian lore and historical research. 
 
 But, your zeal for these studies, has encouraged me in the liberty I 
 now take of placing them under your Lordship’s patronage. 
 
 With sentiments of-the most profound respect, 
 [ am, 
 Your Lordship’s devoted 
 Humble Servant, 
 
 J. HOLAHAN. 
 
esees 
 seeee 
 
 QSSORY ARCHAOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 
 
 NOSCEHE PATRIAM. 
 
 PARISH OF BALLYCALLAN, 
 DIOCESE OF OSSORY. 
 
 This Parish is situated west of Kilkenny, and extends from the 
 T'wo-Mile Bridge on the Kilereene road to within one mile of Callan. 
 It consists of a union of the ancient Parishes of Ballycallan, Kilmanagh, 
 and Killaloe. Its greatest length is about nine miles, and it is said to 
 resemble a figure of 8. It is bounded by the following Parishes in this 
 and the adjoining diocese of Cashel, namely—St. Patrick’s, St. Canice’s, 
 Ballinamara, or Freshford, Tullaroan, Ballingarry, Callan and Danes- 
 fort. The Parish of Mullinahone comes within a few perches of it, but 
 does not join it. The Munster River divides it from the Parish of 
 Ballingarry for about two and a-half miles of its length. 
 
 There are three Catholic Churches in the Parish, viz. :—Bally- 
 callan, Kilmanagh and Killaloe; five graveyards, or cemeteries, 
 viz. :—Ballycallan, St. Michael’s Church, Kyle, Kilmanagh, and Killa- 
 loe. There are also two modern Protestant Churches—one in Bally- 
 callan and one in Kilmanagh; but service has not been held in Bally- 
 callan since the year 1872. 
 
 BattycaLtuan.—The extent and boundaries of the townland of 
 Ballycallan are much disputed. On the Ordnance Survey of 1841 
 there appears a townland of that name which contains the graveyard 
 and adjacent grounds. It is stated by some that the place called Bale- 
 van, or Belevan, near Ballyfrunk, was the site of the principal hamlet 
 of Ballycallan. This would appear to receive some confirmation from 
 the circumstance that in an inquisition made at Thomastown on the 4th 
 June, 1623, it is stated that John Grace of Courtstown held the town- 
 land of Dowrath from the Count of Desmond, as of his manor of Bally- 
 callan. Desmond’s manorial residence must have been the most im- 
 
portant Ic: atith an ; Bhube flans? ° But, after the Cromwellian settlement, 
 
 when the Kye ANS SUN] hap ed ; sthg Desmonds, the mansion-place of the 
 latter becamé thé Balevak.cit tetvn of the Evans, just as the name Clon- 
 moran was changed into Castleblunden, after that property had been 
 conferred on the first member of the Blunden family at the same 
 period. 
 
 St. Bridget, or Brigid, of Kildare, is the patroness of the Parish 
 of Ballycallan. Her festival is observed on the first of February. On 
 the eve of the festival children and men may be observed wending 
 their way to the churchyard. The surface of the graves is dug up, 
 sand is placed upon them, they are raised, made smooth, and neatly 
 rounded. They are then decked with holly and ivy, and other ever- 
 greens, together with such flowers as can be procured. The “ Pattern” 
 Day is usually celebrated on the following Sunday. Pilgrimages were 
 made at the site of the ancient Church near the cross roads of Bally- 
 callan, until about fifty years ago. 
 
 In this churchyard are interred the remains of a benevolent gentle- 
 man, Joseph Evans, Esq., of Belevan, near Ballycallan. He has been 
 a great benefactor to many persons, both in the city and county of 
 Kilkenny ; for he it was that established Evans’ Asylum in the city, 
 the funds for the support of which are derived from the rents of his 
 extensive property in this parish and in the parish of Tullaroan. 
 
 Annexed is a copy of the inscription on his tomb: 
 Sacred 
 to the memory of 
 JOSEPH EVANS, Esq., 
 Of Belevan, 
 Who died on the 7th day of August, 1818, 
 Aged 72 Years. 
 He founded and endowed, in the City of Kilkenny, an Asylum 
 for decayed servants and Orphan Children, and left 
 an ample bequest in aid of the other 
 
 established Charitable Institutions. 
 
 The Protiatant ghare sh occupies the site of aa: anc jiont Catholic wit he: 
 
- 
 é 
 On another tomb is the following inscription : 
 el 
 Here 
 lieth the body of 
 ee de A ae Sy 
 of Belevan, 
 
 in the County of Kilkenny, Esq., 
 
 who departed this life 
 
 the 26th of February, 1788, 
 
 in the 89th Year of his age. 
 
 About three-quarters of a mile south-west of the old Church of 
 Ballycallan, is pointed out St. Bridget’s Well. It is in a neglected 
 state ina bog. The water seems very good, though not much used ex- 
 cept by cattle, as it is now too far away fromthe people. But, there is 
 a field called “the orchard” at the western side of the church, and se- 
 parated from it by the road leading to Grange. According to local 
 tradition, St. Bridget’s well was in the “orchard” until modern times. 
 It is said the well was dishonoured in some manner, and changed its 
 position in consequence. 
 
 In Rossdama, within less than a mile of Bridget’s Well, is a “ holy 
 well,” over which grew an oak tree called ‘the Blessed Tree.” Pilgrim- 
 ages were made at this well on the Feast of St. John the Baptist, until 
 about fifty years ago. The visitors to the well usually left on the tree 
 pieces of cloth as votive offerings. The old people say that in their 
 fathers’ time the blessed tree fell down, and rose again after 
 nine days. My informant said he knew a man named Holden, who 
 set fire to the tree. The tree burned until the upper part of it fell 
 down. Holden and all his children died immediately after. He also 
 stated that no one would dare to take away the portion of the tree that 
 had fallen, until he himself was foolish and temerarious enough to do 
 so. But he bitterly regrets having ever meddled with it. “ For,” said 
 he, “I had a very beautiful child that died soon after.” A portion of 
 the trunk still remains, but is quite hollow. .Boughs are again growing 
 out of this hollow trunk. 
 
 Micuarn’s Cuurcu.—The Church of St. Michael was situated 
 toldenfield and the monument bush at Damagh, 
 
 -~between the hamlet of ¢ 
 
8 
 
 The churchyard is still used as a cemetery! It appears from an in- 
 scription on a very plain headstone that this church was built by Wifliam 
 Smyth, Esq., who died in 1655, He was eldest son of ——— Smyth, 
 of Long Ashen, near Bristol, in England. According to a local 
 legend, the design of the founder was to erect his church near the 
 ancient mansion place of the Smyth family, the site of which is now 
 occupied by the hospitable residence of P. Kelly, Esq., Damagh. 
 Towards the end of September Mr. Smyth accordingly commenced the 
 work, the traces of which are still pointed out. But to the great sur- 
 prise of himself and his.family, on the night of the vigil of St. 
 Michael, all the building materials were transferred—(whether by 
 natural or supernatural means I cannot aver)—to the site of the pre- 
 sent church of St. Michael; which miraculous circumstance he accepted 
 as an intimation from the very highest authority, human or divine, 
 that his intended church should not only be built in the place to which 
 the materials had been carried, but also, that it should be dedicated to 
 St. Michael. 
 
 According to an inscription on another stone, the church was re- 
 
 . . . _ . . . 
 built by John Smyth, who died in 1708, and is buried within the 
 church. How the church should require to be rebuilt within so short 
 
 a period, I am at a loss to explain. 
 
 The outlines and some portions of the walls of the church still 
 remain. It was of an oblong form, being fifty-eight feet long and 
 nineteen feet wide. The walls were only twenty-three inches thick. A 
 portion of the western gable is about thirteen feet high. There was 
 a door at the south side, and the altar stood at the east end. The nor- 
 thern side-wall was supported by three buttresses. About sixty years 
 ago the roof fell off this church. The pattern is celebrated on the 
 Sunday after St. Michael’s day, the 29th September. 
 
 Though there is no prayer on the monuments for the repose of 
 the soul of the founder, yet the fact of a pattern being held there, 
 and the tradition of the neighbourhood that no Protestant was ever 
 interred in this graveyard, show that the church was erected for Catholic 
 worship. Two of the headstones, belonging to the Smyth family, were 
 
 formerly mural entablatures. The recesses in the walls from which 
 
 they fell are still visible. 
 , There was a F 
 upwards of fifty years ago. His grave cannot be pointed out. 
 
9 
 
 These memorial slabs have been appropriated by other families, 
 and bear the following inscriptions : — 
 
 D. O. M. 
 Heere lyeth the bodiie of William Smyth, of Damage, Esq., some 
 tyme secretarie to James, Harle of Ormonde and Ossorie. 
 
 Long after all was made, I made, was marr’d 
 By error of my parents e’re I err’d 
 
 For to the world I came (through theyr offence, 
 A sinnfull creature in myne innocence. 
 
 Through all my life (sinnes burthens on me lay, 
 
 Yet the deere lambe of God tooke them awaye. 
 Reader each frend (at least remember me, 
 And doe as I (in life) thus did for me. 
 Lord helpe all those which have holpen mee, 
 Or prayed for me, or shewed to me any deed of pittye. 
 In Domino obdormivit 24 die mensis Aprilis. 
 Anno Salutis, 1655. 
 
 ANOTHER INSCRIPTION. 
 
 William Smyth, Esq., Eldest son of 
 
 Smyth, Esq., of Long Ashen, near Bristol, Built 
 This church and dyed on the 24th day of April, 
 i655, Aged 65 years. 
 
 Mary Smyth, Alias Kinsman, wife to suid 
 William dyed on the 16th day of May, 1658. 
 Laurence Smyth, son to said William, was 
 Killed at the siege of Drogheda on the 11th 
 day of September, 1649, aged 28 years. Anna 
 Maria Smyth, alias Prebitzer, wife to said Laurence, 
 dyed at Bilbao on the 28rd day of January, 1676. 
 Valentine Smyth, son to said Laurence, 
 dyed at Bath on the 15th day of March, 1700, 
 aged 59 years. Mary Smyth, alias Bryan, 
 wife to said Valentine, dyed on the 
 21st day of March, 1706. John Smyth, son to said 
 Valentine, dyed onthe 8th day of June, 1708, aged 41 years. 
 
 Jane Smyth alias Read wife to said John, 
 died ou 28th day of August, 1747, aged 71 years. 
 
 B 
 
10 
 
 The above will appear more clearly from the following arrange- 
 ment :— 
 
 Wm. Smyth who built the church d. 1655, a. 65 years, m. 
 Mary Kinsman, d. 1658. 
 
 | 
 Laurence Smyth, killed at the siege of Drogheda, 11,9, 1649, a. 28, m. 
 Anna Maria Prebitzer, d. 1676. 
 
 | ‘ 
 Valentine Smyth died in Bath in 1700, a. 59, and was there in- 
 terred in St. Michael’s church, m. 
 Mary Bryan, d. 1706. 
 
 John Smyth, who rebuilt this church, d. 8, 6, 1708, a. 41, m. 
 Jane Read, d. 28, 7, 1747, a. 71 years. 
 
 It appears from the above that there was a St. Michael’s church in 
 Bath, and some incredulous people would suppose that it was owing to 
 this circumstance, rather than to that given above in the legend, that 
 the church was dedicated to St. Michael. 
 
 The Smyths were brought from England by the Ormonds, from 
 
 whom they obtained considerable grants of land, not only in Damagh, 
 but also at Ballyline, Westcourt, Callan, &c. Their descendants are 
 still, or were until lately, proprietors in that district. 
 
 Tur Cuurcu or Kriz, Bauiyxrrrre.—Considerable portions of 
 the walls of this church are still standing. They were well built with 
 the stone of the district and lime cement, being thirty-four inches in 
 width. The gables are nearly entire, and portions of the side walls 
 are eight or nine feet high. The exterior length of the Church is 
 forty-eight feet, and the breadth twenty-four feet. There is a 
 double belfry on the western gable, which is about twenty-four 
 fect high. A doorway is still traceable in this portion of the 
 building. At the right hand side on entering through this door, 
 a holy water stoup, formed of stone, projects from the wall. There 
 is a small window in the east end. The altar stone is nine feet 
 long, by three feet wide. It is now buried in the floor near the western 
 gable, where it seems to have been placed when the church was used 
 as a ball-court. Old Father Laracy had some of the stones of this 
 church removed to Ballycallan for the purpose of building a porch to 
 the old chapel (the present schoolhouse). But no one would dare to 
 remove a stone from the church until, by great persuasion and his own 
 
11 
 
 example, the priest prevailed on the people todo it. Some interments 
 are still made here. 
 
 Besides these ecclesiastical ruins, it may not be out of place here 
 to call attention to the castle of Ballykeeffe. This castle belonged to 
 the Shortalls, a wealthy and powerful sept in the county Kilkenny 
 from the beginning of the thirteenth century. Their principal mansions 
 were at Ballylarcan, near Freshford, Ballykeeffe, Claragh, and Odogh, or 
 Three Castles. The Ballylarcan branch were acknowledged as head of 
 the family. They lost their estates in the seventeenth century, when 
 Cromwell overran this country. The following is a translation of a 
 latin inscription on a tomb over a member of this family in St. Canice’s 
 Cathedral, Kilkenny! :— 
 
 “ Here lieth James Schorthals, Lord of Ballylarcan, 
 And of Ballykif (Ballykeeffe), who caused this 
 Tomb to be erected in the year of our Lord MCCCCCVIL., 
 
 And Katerina Whyte, his wife. Highty days indulgence 
 
 Are granted to any who shall say the 
 Lord’s Prayer and the Angelic Salutation for 
 
 their souls and the souls of their parents. 
 
 Corrstown Castiz.—There was another castle in Corrstown, the 
 site of which is still pointed out in a field called the “acres.” This 
 castle belonged to the Graces, the Barons of Courtstown, from which 
 it was distant only about three miles. The same spirit of vandalism 
 to which the historic and grand old castle of Courtstown was forced to 
 yield, has also destroyed the castle of Corrstown. About sixty years 
 ago it was thrown down to obtain stones for building a forge and 
 for repairing the roads! The peasantry stillsay “it did not end well” 
 with the authors of this barbaric deed. 
 
 Bouncestown Oastie.—Bouncestown was the ancient name of 
 the townland of Mountgale. About one hundred and fifty;years ago 
 this property came into the possession of a Mr. Gale, from whom it 
 takes its name. A circular mound is here pointed out near the road 
 side as the site of the castle of Sir Tobias Butler. According to a 
 local tradition, this gentleman was one of the commissioners appointed 
 
 1 
 Prim. 
 
 See History of St. ‘Canice’ 8 Cathedr: al, ‘by Rev. J. Graves and Mr, J. 
 
12 
 
 to draw up the Articles of the Treaty of Limerick. The ashes of Sir 
 Tobias rest in the church-yard of Tullaroan, where a monument is 
 erected to his memory.! 
 
 Cronarp Castiz.—In the north wall of this castle, and about 
 twelve feet from the ground, isa nicely wrought slab bearing the date 
 1675. Underneath are the letters ru E. This castle, however, is 
 quite modern, having been built about the year 1863, by James S, 
 Loughnan, Esq., J.P. The slab was then brought from Kilkenny 
 and placed in the castle. In the lawn a piece of masonry, 43 feet 
 high, by 22 feet square, supports a stone cross about two feet in height. 
 Transverse length of cross 193 inches. Thickness of arms, 7 inches. 
 
 The following inscription may be seen on a stone in the eastern 
 gable or front of the new parochial church : 
 
 “This church is dedicated to St. Bridget, the Patron Saint of 
 
 the Parish of Ballycallan.” 
 A.D. 1848. 
 
 On another stone is the following : 
 
 “This Church was erected during the famine years of 1847 and 
 1848, solely by the contributions of the Parishioners of Ballycallan 
 district. The Rev. Srmon Fogarty, P.P.” 
 
 The silver remonstrance which, if I mistake not, was exhibited 
 about three years ago at the “ Kilkenny or Irish Archeological Society” 
 is about eighteen inches in height, and bears the following inscription 
 around the lunette : 
 
 “God be marcifull to the Honnerable Collonell Richard Butler, and 
 
 his Right Honnorable Lady, Frances Butler, alias Touchet.” 
 
 The Honorable Colonel Richard Butler was third son of Thomas 
 Viscount Thurles, by Lady Elizabeth Pointz of Acton, and grandson 
 of Karl Walter “ of the beads and rosaries.” This Richard was brother 
 to James, first Duke of Ormonde. He was settled at Kilcash, and in 
 
 ' See Abbé Mac-Geoghegan’s History of Ireland, p. 599. “ Articles agreed 
 upon the 3rd October, 1691, between the Right Honourable Sir Charles Porter 
 Knight and Thomas Conningsby, Esq., Lords Justices of Ireland, and his 
 Excellency the Baron de Ginkle, on the one part, and the Right Honourable 
 Patrick Earl of Lucan, Pierey Viscount Galmoy, Colonel Nicholas Purcell, 
 Colonel Nicholas Cusack, Sir Toby Butler, Colonel Garret Dillon, and Colonel 
 John Brown, on the other part.” 
 
13 
 
 1639 had a confirmation of Garryricken and other lands in the counties 
 of Tipperary and Kilkenny, with a limitation thereof to his heirs male. 
 
 This gentleman, joining the Irish in 1641, was made governor of the 
 County Wexford, and had the rank of Lieutenant-General in the Irish 
 army. He married Lady Frances Touchet, youngest daughter of Mer. 
 vyn, Earl of Castlehaven. He is the direct ancestor of the present 
 Marquis of Ormonde, and died in 1701. It may be here observed that 
 the second daughter of the Harl of Castlehaven, Lady Dorothea Touchet, 
 was married to Edmund, fourth Viscount Mountgarret, and son of 
 Richard, President of the Confederates at Kilkenny. As reference shall 
 be again made to this distinguished family, the following table will 
 show more clearly to whom allusion is made :— 
 
Sir Pierce Butler, 8th Earl of Ormonde=Margaret Gerald, or Fitzgerald, 
 and 1st Earl of Ossory, d. 1539. (Mairgiad Ghearoid) 2nd daughter 
 : of Gerald, 8th Earl of Kildare, d.1542. 
 James, 9th Earl of Joan, daughter and Richard, created 
 Ormonde & 2nd heiress of James, Viscount Mount- 
 Earl of Ossory; was 11th Earl of garret. 
 poisoned 1546. Desmond. , 
 
 | | | 
 Thomas, 10th Earl—Elizabeth, second Edmund John of Kilcash—Catherine, daughter 
 d. 1614. daughter of Lord of Cormac Mac- 
 
 Sheffield. Carthy Reagh. 
 
 | * 
 
 Elizabeth—Sir Richard Preston, Sir Waltor of Kilcash (‘‘ of=Helena, his second 
 Earl of Desmond. the beads and rosaries” cousin, daughter 
 
 11th Earl of Ormonde, d. of Edmund, 2nd 
 
 1632. Visct. Mt. garret. 
 
 Thomas, Viscount Thurles—Elizabeth Pointz 
 drowned in 1619,in his | of Acton. 
 passage from England. 
 
 | 
 James, 12th Earl—Elizabeth Preston, John, Richard of=Lady Frances 
 
 successortohis {| BaronessDingwall, unin. Kilcash, } Touchet. 
 grandfather, his third cousin. d. 1701. | 
 
 creat. Marquis 
 
 in1642, Dukeof 
 
 Ormonde, 1661, 
 
 d. 1688. 
 
 ; Walter of Garryricken, 
 Thomas, the gallant—LadyAmeliaNassau. eldest son of Richard, 
 
 Karl of Ossory, d. | died before his father. 
 1680. | 
 | 
 
James, 13th Earl,—Mary, daughter of Charles aE, 14th—=Elizabeth 2 Fate of John of Garry- 
 successor to his; Dukeof Beaufort. Eat, Srd Duke, and = Crew. Kilcash, suc- ricken, 8. by his 
 rquis, but not aware : 
 grandfather, as of possessing those dig- ceeded his SOD. 
 Duke of Ormde. nities. He died without grandfather ; | 
 Attainted 1715 ; issue in 1768. d. 1738. | 
 d. 1745. | | 
 Mary died—=Lord Ashburnham John, 15th Earl, but not Walter of Garryricken, 
 no issue. aware of it; died without | 16th Earl (whose 
 ; issue ; was s. by his first | name is on the 
 cousin, Walter 16th Harl. | cope), only son 
 | of John, d. 1783. 
 
 John Liga, Esq., of Gar-=in 1769, Lady Anne Wan- 
 ryricken, 17th Earl of desforde, daughter and 
 Ormonde, restoredto the sole heir of John, last 
 Earldom of Ormonde, in Earl of Wandesforde. 
 1791, by a decision of the 
 House of Lords, d. 1795. 
 
 | | | | 
 Walter, his succes- John Wan- James, 19th Earl—Louisa Staples. Charles Hardward Butler—=in 1812, Sarah, 
 
 . Clarke Southwell Wan- daughter of the 
 sor, 18th Earl, m. desforde,d. and 1st Marquis, deatiede, Custiodenie, Sone Earl of 
 
 daughter and sole 1796. d. 1838. b. 1780. Carrick. 
 heir of Hart Price 
 
 Clarke, no issue; d. 
 
 1820. 
 
 John Earl of Ossory and—Frances Jane Paget, 
 second Marquis, d. 1808 in 1843. 
 d. 1854. 7 
 James Ed. William Theobald, present Marquis. 
 
 Creations—Earl of Ormonde, 2nd November, 1328; Earl of Ossory, 23rd February, 1527-8; Marquis, 1825; Peerage 
 of the United Kingdom, 1821. 
 
16 
 
 The preceding chart begins with the eighth Earl of Ormonde, 
 father of the first Lord Mountgarret. Many strange stories are told 
 about his wife, commonly known as Mairgiad Ghearoid. 
 
 There is also in this parish an old humeral veil, and an old cope 
 for benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. The cope has worked on the 
 inside in black thread, the following words : 
 
 THE GIFT OF MRS. BUTLER, 
 
 TO THE PARISH OF ST. 
 
 *“MARY’S. 
 
 PRAY FOR THE SOUL OF WALTER 
 BUTLER, Esqr., OF THE CASTELL OF 
 KILLKENNY, WHO DEPARTED THIS 
 LIFE THE 2p OF IUNH, 1783. 
 
 The cope and veil are in a good state of preservation, and are still 
 used at Benediction. There is one word on the cope not so legible as 
 the others. The stitches have been eutirely removed from one letter of 
 this word, and partially removed from the other letters of the same 
 word. But the marks of the stitches still remain. The word is 
 
 MARY’S. 
 
 It was the above-named Walter Butler, who contributed to build 
 St. Patrick’s chapel in the city, as appears from the inscription upon a 
 mural entablature at the Gospel side, of which the following is a copy : 
 
 “In November, 1781, the foundation stone 
 Of St..Patrick’s Chappel was laid and finished in 
 March, 1782, under the administration of the 
 Rd. Joseph Clarke, P.Pt., at the Expense of Walter 
 Butler, Esqr., & ye Parshnrs. 
 
 God prosper him and his consort, & their 
 Issue in this world, and grant them everlasting 
 Bliss in the next. 
 
 Amen.” 
 
 Their issue was John Butler (called “Jack of the Castle”) 17th 
 Karl of Ormonde and Ossory, who married Lady Anne Wandesforde, 
 daughter and heir of John, Harl of Wandesforde. 
 
 But to return toour subject. It is said there was a chapel formerly 
 
17 
 
 at the quarries near John Murphy’s house in Dowrath. The old road 
 from Kilmanagh passed by this place, and thence om to Ballyhack. It 
 is probable that after the Catholics had been driven from the ancient 
 church of Ballycallan, they built a chapel on the hillside at Dourath. 
 There is not a stone upon a stone of this building now remaining. The 
 site alone is pointed out. Nor was it usedasa place of worship within 
 the last one hundred and fifty years. The house now used as a school 
 had been the chapel previous to the year 1848. In that year the remains 
 of three priests were removed from the old chapel to the new Parochial 
 Church. These were old Father Laracy, P.P., Father Egan, C.C., a 
 native of Ballykeeffe, and Father Grace, P.P. 
 
 Father Laracy was re-interred under the high altar; Father Kgan, 
 at the Gospel side, in the southern transept ; and Father Grace, at the 
 Epistle side in the northern transept. 
 
 In this church are also interred the Rev. Simon Fogarty, P.P. 
 and Rev. Richard Cass, C.C. There is no monument to commemorate 
 the name of the kind and accomplished Father Cass; but I hope this 
 want shall be supplied in the course of a short time. 
 
 An old manuscript was lately presented to the Ossory Archxological 
 Society by Rev. T. Kelly, Adm., St. Mary’s. It is entitled “ A list of 
 the names of the Parish Priests, as they are registered at a general 
 Sessions of the Peace at the old Tholsel, City of Kilkenny, and Grace’s 
 Old Castle, for the County, on the 18th July, 1704, and were returned 
 to the Council Office, Dublin, pursuant to an Act of Parliament at the 
 period.” 
 
 From that paper, it appears that Richard Shortal (aged 45) was 
 
 registered as Parish Priest of Kilmanagh, Killaloe, Keilballykeeffe and 
 Temple Micheal. He was ordained at Rome by Cardinal de Angelo in 
 the year 1685. The sureties for his good conduct were Hdmd. Coursey, 
 of Dereen, County Kilkenny, in £50, and Alexis Kelly, of. Ballyellis, 
 said County, £50. The priests were then obliged to be registered, and 
 to give sureties to the Government, if they. wished to be allowed to 
 minister the consolations of religion to their devoted flocks. ‘ Tem- 
 pora mutantur.” It will be observed that the word Ballycallan does 
 not appear on this register, and the omission isa fact that is not easily 
 explained. Long before the year 1704, Ballycallan had been known 
 as an ancient parish, and a member of the Parochial Church of 
 Callan, its ecclesiastical offices being performed by a vicar from that 
 C 
 
18 
 
 establishment. It is mentioned as such in the list of parishes drawn up 
 by the illustrious Dr. James Phelan, Bishop of Ossory, and also, in 
 the taxation of the diocese made in the year 1537.1 But, perhaps, in 
 
 the year 1704, the Catholics had no place of worship near their ancient 
 church in Ballycallan. Nor, indeed, would they require one along with 
 the Church of Kyle and that of St. Michael; and.in this way the 
 omission of the name cf Ballycallan may be accounted for. 
 
 Farner lenarius Detany.—The earliest parish priest of whom there 
 is any tradition among the people was Father Ignatius Delany. He was 
 succeeded by his brother or nephew, Father Cornelius Delany, called in 
 Irish Thahasgh Crohoor. The first child he baptised in the parish was 
 born one hundred and twenty years ago, and hence the date of his ap- 
 pointment may be assigned to the year 1755. He was then only thirty- 
 one years of age. 
 
 These Fathers Delany were natives of Upperwoods, (Comeris and 
 Castletown), in the Queen’s County, and are buried in Kilmanagh 
 churchyard. Ona plain limestone slab lying flat on the ground, near 
 the south angle of the Church, is the following inscription : 
 
 “Here lie the body of the Rev. Mr. Cornelius 
 Delany, P.P., of Ballycallan, who departed this 
 life the 2nd of November, 1783, aged 59 yrs. 
 Also, the body of his niece, Mary Delany, who 
 departed this life 29th October, aged 16 years.” 
 
 In the date 1783, the figures 8 and 3 are scarcely legible, being 
 somewhat effaced by children sliding on the stone. The Fathers De- 
 lany lived in Killeen, near the Munster River, and have been spoken of 
 as Parish Priests of Kilmanagh, as if Kilmanagh were then the head of 
 the Parish? 
 
 Dr. Thomas de Burgo succeeded Dr. James Dunne as Bishop of 
 Ossory in 1759.' There appears on the list of Canons of the diocese in 
 that year, the name of Cornelius Delany, of Kilmanagh. Thus, “ the 
 Very Rev. Canon Cornelius Delany, Parish Priest of St. Edan’s, Kilma- 
 nagh, of St. Bridget’s, of Ballycallan, and St. Luanus, Killaloe.” In 
 
 ; See “ Spicilegium Ossoriense”’ by Most Rev. Dr. Moran. 
 
 2 Before his death, Father Cornelius Delany became possessed of a small 
 farm and house at Clonard, but it is doubtful if he ever resided here. Some 
 of his successors lived in the house occupied by N. J. Harrison, Esq., and it is 
 believed by many that it was from the circumstance of the Parish Priest resid- 
 ing in this district that Ballycallan became the head of the Union. 
 
19 
 
 1777, when Dr. Troy became Bishop, the list of Canons for that year 
 contains the same name, with the same titles, and in the same order. 
 
 Hence, it appears that Kilmanagh took precedence of the other two 
 
 parishes at that period. 
 On the 20th of November, 1783, we find the following item amongst 
 the diocesan archives : 
 
 “Rev. Tuomas Power is appointed Parish Priest of St. Edan’s, of 
 Kilmanagh, &c., instead of Very Rev. Cornelius Delany, who died on 
 the 3rd of this month.” The dignity of Prebendary was not conferred 
 on Father Power, for it appears that on the 5th of December following, 
 Rev. Richard Mansfield is appointed Prebendary, or Canon of Kilma- 
 nagh, in place of Very Rev. Cornelius Delany, who died on the 8rd of 
 November. 
 
 Canon MAnsFietp was Parish Priest of Kells, &c., to which he had 
 been transferred from -Muckalee on 15th November, 1783. 
 
 Rev. Ropert Grace.—The next Parish Priest of whom there is 
 any tradition is Rev. Robert Grace. He resided at Clonard, near Bally- 
 callan, A member of his family has informed me that he was grand- 
 son to Colonel Robert Grace,! of Courtstown. It is said that he built 
 the present chapel? of Kilmanagh, which consists of a nave and tran- 
 
 , Having looked tharon igh a pedigree of the Grace family, I have not found 
 any ‘account of Father Grace Perhaps his mother was a Grace, of whom 
 no mention is made. ‘The parishes of Ballyeallan, Kilmanagh, and others, 
 were formerly in the patronage of this family. It is recorded that Colonel 
 Robert Grace was son of Baron John Grace, of =e n, who died in 1690, 
 and of Elizabeth, daughter of Walter Walsh, of Castle Hoel, (near Kilmi vganny). 
 In 1687, he was appointed governor and Custos R ofador wm of the King’s County, 
 where, in right of his wife (Frances, only daughter and ‘sole heir to Colonel 
 Richard Grace, of Moyelly Castle), he was heir to the Castle of Moyelly and a 
 considerable estate. 
 
 Colonel Richard Grace (grand-uncle to Colonel Robert, his son-in- law), was 
 Chamberlain to James II. while Duke of York ; Governor of Athlone in 1690, 
 against General Douglas; and in 1691 against General de Ginckle, when he was 
 slain and the town taken. 
 
 In 1689, Colonel Robert was returned to Parliament for the borough of 
 Thomastown. He was ine ‘luded in the articles of Limerick, where he died in 
 1691, and was buried in Grace’s Chapel, Tullaroan. He had two sons, Oliver 
 and John. John was included in the articles of Limerick, along with his 
 father, but Oliver was not, being then in France, where he died unmarried, nine 
 days after his father. The estates passed to John, who retained them until 
 1701. It wasthen made known to the Court of Claims that Oliver had survived 
 his father, and in the eyes of the law he was cons sidered only a nominal possessor. 
 A bill of discovery was filed, and the estates were declared forfeited. They had 
 been held by the Grace family for 530 years, and amwonnted to 82,870 acres. 
 (See Survey of Tullaroan or Grace’s Parish). This book is now rare, and would 
 well repay the cost of re-publication. 
 
 » The galleries were subsequently erected by an energetic ctrate; Father 
 Peter O’ Keeffe. 
 
20 
 
 septs. He afterwards accepted the parish of Gowran, which became 
 vacant on the 3rd. of March, 1801, by the death of Rev. Nicholas 
 Kealy, P.P. Gowran continued to be the scene of Father Grace’s 
 labours until his death in April, 1816. 
 
 Rev. Ricuarp Laracy, P.P.—Rev. Richard Laracy, P.P., suc- 
 ceeded Father Grace. There is no inscription on any monument to 
 preserve his memory. Subjoined is an extract from the Leinster 
 Journal of Saturday, December 4th, 1819 : 
 
 “Died, on Saturday, 27th November, 1819, in the 70th year of 
 his age, the Rev. Richard Laracy, P.P. of Ballycallan. If simplicity 
 of life, and amiability of manners, and zeal in the discharge of -pas- 
 toral functions, and charity and universal benevolence towards his 
 flock and towards all mankind were ever united, “and that they were” 
 in any one person, all these virtues shone without one intermitting 
 shadow, in the life of this venerable ecclesiastic. He spent his days 
 and he closed them ina manner that exhibited a striking picture of 
 primitive Christianity.” 
 
 He was interred in the old chapel of Ballycallan, but after twenty- 
 nine years his remains were removed to the new church, and deposited 
 under the high altar. Atthe funeral office Dr. Marum called on young 
 Father Laracy, one of the curates of the parish, to remove the chalice 
 from the hands of the deceased, and shortly afterwards appointed him 
 his successor. 
 
 Rev. Rirowarp Laracy succeeded his uncle, as Parish Priest. 
 In contradistinction to him he was called “ young” Father Laracy. 
 After the demise of Father Marum, P.P. of Freshford, in 1824, he 
 was translated to that parish, where he died in September, 1842, aged 
 6l years. The parochial register of baptisms and marriages, dates back 
 only to his appointment. The. following is a transcript from the first 
 
 page :— 
 
2] 
 
 A Reaister 
 OF 
 Baptisms IN THE UNITED PARISHES 
 OF 
 BALLYCALLAN, KinmManwa AND KILLALOE£, 
 BY THE 
 Rev. Richarp Laracy, 
 APpporINnteD Pastor or sAIp PaRIsSHES 
 BY THE 
 Rieut Rev. Kyran Marvm, 
 BisHop or Ossory, 
 ON THE 38RD OF DECEMBER, 
 1819. 
 
 Rev. Wiii1AmM Grace, P.P., succeeded young Father Laracy in 
 the year 1824. He was born in Callan, and died on the 4th August, 
 1840, in the 54th year of his age. He was thirty years in the sacred 
 ministry, sixteen of which he was Parish Priest of Ballycallan, His 
 remains were removed from the old chapel, and re-interred at the 
 epistle side of the High Altar, in the New Church. 
 
 Rev. Parrick WatsH was appointed P.P. in 1840. He was born 
 in the townland of Ballyroe on the Walsh mountains. He and the 
 immediate members of his family were surnamed Sasanach to dis- 
 tinguish them from other families of the Walshes, who are very nume- 
 rous in that district. Having governed the parish upwards of four 
 years, he died at the house of his nephew, or rather his own house at 
 Urlingford, where he had previously laboured on the mission, and is 
 buried in the chapel of Kilmanagh. His death occurred on the 14th 
 March, 1845, in the 72nd year of his age, and the 44th of his sacred 
 ministry. | 
 
 Rev. Stmon Fogarty, P.P., was the last parish priest appointed 
 by Dr. Kinsella in 1845. He was born at Glissaun,? in the parish 
 of ‘Tullaroan, within a few perches of the parishes of Kilmanagh and 
 
 Ballingarry. Worn down with the labours of the mission, old age, 
 
 , Though born in Callan, he belonged to the Graces of Ballinamara. 
 
 9 Glissaun is now pointed out to the traveller as a place from which many 
 families were “cleared off” by a certain gentleman, not unknown to fame. 
 Their houses are now a heap of ruins; whilst their farms have been converted 
 into the “ fertile mother of flocks and herds.” 
 
29 
 
 and infirmity, his last illness. overtook him while on a visit with 
 his old friends, Mr. and Mrs. P. Ryan, Kilkenny. Becoming sud- 
 denly sick in the evening, he received the last Sacraments, and dicd 
 the same night, 15th of March, 1870, aged 79 years. His remains 
 are interred in the Parochial Church. He was of a gentle disposition, 
 a holy and a zealous priest, and greatly beloved by his people. The 
 Churches of Ballycallan and Killaloe were built during his adminis- 
 tration. 
 
 Rev. James Purcenn was appointed parish priest on the 21st 
 of June, 1870, and died on the 18th of October, 1873. He began 
 and ended his well-spent life in this parish, being born at the family 
 residence of Ballykeeffe, where his brothers stillreside. His missionary 
 career was a laborious one, and especially so during the famine years, 
 when he was chaplain to the workhouse in Kilkenny. God alone knows 
 
 all the good works he then performed in ministering to thousands of 
 
 the sick and dying. May his reward be very great in heaven. He is 
 the first priest interred in the Chapel of Killaloe. 
 
 Rev. Joun Dunpuy, P.P., was born in the parish of Durrow, 
 Queen’s County. After spending some years in St. Kyran’s College, 
 Kilkenny, he entered Maynooth in 1845, and joined the class of Natural 
 Philosophy. In 1850, he was ordained priest, and as there was no 
 vacancy then in the Diocese of Ossory, he accepted a mission in Down 
 and Connor. Having spent three years in Belfast, on a very laborious 
 mission, he was appointed in 1854 to the curacy of Rathdowney, in his 
 native diocese. Onthe 8th of December, 1873, he received his appoint- 
 ment as Parish Priest of Ballycallan. About the 8th of February fol- 
 lowing, a deputation of sixteen of his late parishioners waited on him 
 at Graigue Cottage, to present him with an Address, and to testify, in 
 a very substantial manner, their appreciation of his labours anrongst 
 them. Father Dunphy is the oldest of eight brothers, four of whom 
 are priests. Patrick, the youngest brother, died in Minor Orders, while 
 an ecclesiastical student of Maynooth College. Their only sister jomed 
 the Order of the Poor Clares, and died a nun at Harold’s Cross, Dublin. 
 
23 
 
 On a mural monument of white marble, in the New Chapel of 
 
 Ballycallan, the following epitaph is inscribed :-— 
 “Sub hac mole jacet Michael Egan 
 Ordinis sacri cui, nomine antiquo 
 Non minus Fama proclara, illuxit 
 Ingenio dives Zelo, charitate, Prudentia, Pietate, 
 Vitam illustravit 
 Coevis et errantibus Lumen, Pauperibus juyamen, Viduis 
 et advenis Solamen, viatoribus exemplar 
 Gregi, eque ac Saluti sum incubuit, 
 Teu! Morbus pulmonarius cursum arripuit, 
 Finemque illi antemeridianum signavit. 
 Die Octbris 24 anno 1832 Altatis sux 36. 
 Requiescat in pace. Amen.” 
 
 Copy of an inscription on a tombstone in Ballycallan Church- 
 yard is here deserving of a place :— 
 
 “Here lieth the body of the Rey. Edmd. Walsh, who departed 
 this life on the 21st day of May, 1803. Aged 34 years. His ready 
 compliance with every clerical duty, his affability, and sweet manner 
 of pleasing endeared him to all his acquaintances, 
 
 Requiescat in pace. Amen.” 
 
 Fr. Watsu was born at Curragh, near Goldenfield, in this parish, 
 where his relatives still reside. He lived at Kilmanagh, as curate of 
 the parish, and died there in the low, long house occupied by Mrs. 
 Lanigan. 
 
 Kyle-Ballykeeffe and Ballykeeffe, now in this parish, belonged to 
 the parish of Grange until the death of the Rev. Wm. Swift, in 1817. 
 
 r. Swift was born in the province of Connaught, died in Burnchurch, 
 
 nnd is interred in the churchyard of Grove, or Tullachanbrogue (i.e., 
 she badger’s grave), near Cuffsgrange. As he was pastor of a por- 
 
 =] 
 
 “Underneath lies the body of the Reverend William Swift, Parish 
 riest of Burnchurch, Grange and Danesfort. He departed this life 
 n the 25th day of April, in the year of our Lord 1817, aged 74 
 
2A 
 
 years, twenty-seven of which he spent in the faithful and zealous 
 discharge of every pastoral duty. 
 
 May he rest in peace. Amen.” 
 
 This paper has now grown to a greater length than was at first 
 
 intended, owing in part to the notice taken of so many priests. And 
 yet some tribute seemed due to the memory of those holy men, who, 
 “in geason and out of season,” ministered to the faithful in this 
 portion of the Lord’s vineyard; whose zeal and whose labours have 
 produced fruit a hundred-fold, in the virtues that elevate and adorn 
 the character of the people of this parish. 
 
25 
 
 PARISH OF KILMANAGH. 
 
 Having lately taken an evening walk, my route lay over the hill of 
 Ballykeeffe. This hillis situated about six miles west of Kilkenny, 
 and in the parish of Ballycallan. From its summit may be obtained a 
 view, which, for beauty, variety, and extent of scenery, cannot be sur- 
 passed by any in the county. In the southwest rises up the full figure 
 of historic Slievenamon. A little more to the south is seen towering 
 towards the skies the colossal form of the Cumeragh Mountains. In 
 the intermediate space beneath, lies the rich and beautiful valley of the 
 Suir, which winds its way to Waterford harbour. On the south-east 
 the far-famed Tory Hill raises its head far away, over the Walsh moun- 
 tains ; while on the east are Brandon Hill, Black Stairs, and the blue, 
 but well-defined slopes of Mount Leinster. 
 
 Spread out before me like a map lies a beautiful, broad, and pic- 
 turesque plain, interspersed here and there with verdant lawns, lordly 
 mansions, gray old castles, and towns, and villages. 
 
 While beholding with feelings of admiration and delight, the 
 various beauties of nature now before me, there comes borne on the balmy 
 breezes of evening, and falls upon my ear, the sweet sound of a 
 
 vesper bell summoning the faithful to their usual devotions. For lo! 
 ' it is now the beautiful month of May, the lovely month of Mary, when 
 her faithful children daily delight to assemble in the House of “God, 
 to honour His Virgin Mother. Turning round in the direction whence 
 the sounds came, I behuld, almost at my feet, a church-crowned 
 eminence, the modest village of Kilmanagh. Village! do I say, of 
 
 Kilmanagh ! 
 Once thou wert a “city of song,” 
 And “glorious memories to thee belong,” 
 For, from thy renowned monastery, in ages long gone bye, 
 Songs of praise daily ascended to the throne of the Most High. 
 And so Kilmanagh shall form the subject of the following pages. 
 This village is situated on a beautiful hillside, looking towards 
 the east, or the rising sun, and washed by a tributary to the Own 
 Rhee, the King’s River. It is seven Irish miles west of Kilkenny, 
 and contains a Catholic and a Protestant Church, schools, a glebe! 
 and manse, a post-office, a court-house, a police barrack, & , &e. 
 
 , The tithes amounted to £323 1s. 63d, and the glebe lands to 201a. 3r. 18p. 
 ee Lewis’s Top. Dic. 
 D 
 
26 
 
 The parish of Kilmanagh is now united with, and forms a portion 
 of the present parish of Ballycallan. It is still a prebendary, and in 
 the late Established Church it is both a prebendary and the head of 
 a parish. Of course, until modern times it was the head of a parish 
 in the Catholic Church also, and it is usually called the Parish of 
 Kilmanagh by the people of that district. 
 
 The word Kilmanagh is derived from two Irish words—namely, 
 “ eill,” a church, and “ manach,” monks, and signifies “the church of 
 the monks.” It was thus called from a great monastery which for- 
 merly flourished in this place. 
 
 Kilmanagh must not be confounded with Kilnamanagh, a barony 
 in Tipperary, the ancient patrimony of the O’Dwyers, of which they 
 were barons, and which is called by the Four Masters, Cvill-na- 
 manach—that is, the wood of the monks.! 
 
 There are two patron saints—St. Edan or Enda, whose feast is 
 assigned to the 31st of December, and St Natalis, or Naal,.in Irish 
 Nailé (Nawly). His festival is set down in the martyrology of 
 Tallaght on the 3ist of July. 
 
 According to Dr. Lanigan? it is very probable though not certain 
 that St. Natalis or Naal, Abbot of Kilmanagh,® was son of Aengus 
 MacNathfrach, King of Cashel. A celebrated aneedote is told about 
 this King Aengus. It is said that when St. Patrick was conferring 
 the Sacrament of Baptism upon him he accidentally laid the crozier 
 on the King’s foot. The crozier pierced the foot, causing it to bleed 
 profusely. So great, however, was the King’s devotion, that he did 
 not make the least sign of uneasiness, but patiently bore the pain, 
 thinking it was a part of the ceremony. 
 
 This crozier which pierced the foot of the royal neophyte was the 
 celebrated Irish relic, known as the Bachal-Isa—z.e. the staff of Jesus. 
 The Apostle of the Irish received this staff from “the young married 
 couple” on the island where he had been washed ashore, while on his 
 voyage from Bishop Germanus to the Island of Lerins. It was pre- 
 served in Armagh until the English invasion, when it was brought to 
 Dublin, and kept in Christ Church Cathedral. But alas! at the 
 time of the Reformation, it was publicly burned in the streets of the 
 
 , About a fifth of the Kils, and Kills that begin names are woods—Joyce, 
 p. 439. 
 
 2 Vol.i., pp. 444, 456. 
 
 , In Irish, Kilmanach Drochid, i.e. of the bridge, about eight miles to the} 
 west of Kilkenny, and not far from Tipperary. | 
 
 { 
 
27 
 
 city. (See O’Curry’s translation of the Tripartite Life of St. Patrick.) 
 
 Dr. Lanigan says that little or nothing would be known about 
 Natalis were he not highly praised in the lives of St. Senan of Innis- 
 cathy, who when young, was a pupil of his, having been directed to 
 
 his monastery and school by the Abbot Cassidus. In the metrical 
 life of St. Senan we read :— 
 
 In visione igitur, 
 
 Hoc abbati pracipitur, 
 
 Abbati inquam Cassido, 
 
 Hoe jubetur a Domino, 
 
 Ut Senanum novitium, 
 
 Ad Abbatem eximium, 
 
 Mittat Natalum! nomine, 
 
 Ut sub ejus regimine, 
 
 Disciplinis et actibus, 
 
 Instrueretur plenius, 
 
 Fuit enim tune temporis. 
 
 Fama Natali celebris, 
 
 Cum ingens congregatio, 
 
 In ejus contubernio, 
 
 Quinquaginta videlicit, 
 
 Et centum patrum degeret. 
 
 TRANSLATION. 
 
 In a vision, an order is given 
 By the Lord of Heaven, to the Abbot Cassidan,? 
 To send the novice Senan to the illustrious Abbot Natalis 
 To be fully instructed, under his rule and discipline. 
 Even at that time, Natalis’ name was well known by fame. 
 With him a large community dwelt in religious unity, 
 A hundred and fifty brethren, learned and holy men. 
 
 This number must have increased very much, if there be any 
 truth in the following story. It is said that the monks of Kilmanagh 
 paid a visit to their brethern at the monastery of Gortfreagh, about 
 wo miles distant. When arrived at the latter place, the Abbot 
 
 bserved he had forgotten his breviary. Word was immediately sent 
 
 , Should be Natalem 
 , 7 he Abbot Cassidus is called Cassidan in the prose Life of Senan. 
 
28 
 
 back from one to one, by the monks, whose long line reached to Kil- 
 managh, and the breviary was forthcoming without delay. 
 
 “Senan’s younger days belonged to the early part of the sixth 
 century, and accordingly this was the period in which Natalis 
 flourished. When he died I cannot discover, unless we should apply 
 to him what is said of a Naal of Invar-—Naal (in Donegal), whose 
 death is assigned to a.p. 564. His memory was revered at Kil- 
 managh on the 31st of July.” 
 
 Dr. Lanigan states in a note that “St. Naal of Kilmanagh 
 flourished about the year 520. If any Abbot Naal was son of 
 Aengus, this was the person. The times agree, and the place of his 
 
 residence answers very well, as it was not many miles from Cashel. 
 Writing of Naal of Inver-Naal, whose death is assigned to the 27th 
 January, 564, he adds, “I strongly suspect that the date 564 was origi- 
 nally marked for Naal or Natalis of Kilmanagh, and that through a 
 confusion of names, it was referred to another, who lived at a later 
 period. Natalis, of Kilmanagh, although well known about a.p. 520, 
 might have lived until 564. His father was then dead 74 years, 
 being killed in the year 490. 
 
 “St. Natalis is the Abbot referred to by Cambrensis as having 
 left a curse on the men of Ossory, which caused two of that people, 
 a man and a woman, to be transformed into wolves, and expelled 
 their territory every seventh year.’ It seems probable that this 
 curse has been withdrawn of late, for certainly during the last seven 
 years no such phenomenon occurred in the territory of Ossory. 
 
 It may be assumed that the church of Killenaule, in Tipperary, 
 which is only eight or ten miles from Kilmanagh, was dedicated to 
 St. Naal, and named from him. 
 
 From the following references, found in the Annals of the Four 
 Masters, Kilmanagh must have been a place of importance and distinc- 
 tion in ancient times. 
 
 Under the year 780 we read: “The fifteenth year of Donnchadh 
 Maeloctraigh, son of Conall, Abbot of Kilcullen and scribe of Cill-na 
 manach, died.” At the year 802, “Lemnatha Oill-manach died.’ 
 At the year 839, “ Aireachtach of Cill-managh died.” In the yea 
 843, “ Beasal, son of Caingne, Abbot of Cill-manach, died.” 
 
 POTTLERATH CHURCH. 
 
 This church is near the residence of J. Warring, Esq., J.P. I 
 
29 
 
 has been carefully preserved by this gentleman, and the walls are 
 almost entire. The interior length is 86 feet and the width 21 feet, 
 The side walls are 18 feet high and 2 feet 8 inches wide. Height of 
 eables, 33 feet 9 inches; width, 3 feet 2 inches. There is a hand- 
 some Gothic window in each end. It is considered that this church 
 as built for the private use of the Butlers, who lived in the Castle 
 of Pottlerath. The castle stood on the site of Mr. Warring’s beauti- 
 ul mansion until about seventy years ago. It is supposed that a 
 subterraneous passage connected the church with the castle. A con- 
 firmation is given to this belief by a hollow sound that is heard when 
 he foot is stamped on a certain part of the floor. 
 According to Dr. O’Donovan, the ancient name of Pottlerath was 
 Dun-Aengusa-Mac Nadfraich—i.e. the Fort of Aengus Mac Nadfraich, 
 the first Christian King of Munster. The place is not now known by 
 
 this name by the people of the locality. But it is worthy of notice 
 
 and very significant that Naal, the patron saint of Kilmanagh, was 
 son of this same prince; and also that the holy well, known as Tober- 
 medaun, or St. Enda’s well, preserves the name of St. Enda of Arran, 
 whose sister, Sant, was wife of Aengus and mother of St. Naal. 
 
 In the year 1453 a copy of the Psalter of Cashel was made at 
 Pottlerath by John Boy O’Cleary for Mac Richard Butler. The fol- 
 lowing observations, taken from the annotations on the Four Masters, 
 by Dr. O’ Donovan, under the year 1461, will be read with interest in 
 connection with this locality. 
 
 “ Mac Ricuarp Butir.— He was a distinguished chieftain of the 
 Butler family, who took an Irish surname from his ancestor Richard. 
 He had residences at Kilkenny, Dunmore, Gowran, Kill-Fraich, on the 
 
 anks of the Nore, and at Dun-Aengusa-mic Nadfraich, otherwise 
 alled Rath-an-Photaire, which he purchased from the Earl of Or- 
 mond. Rath-an-Photaire—i.e., the Potter’s rath—is now vulgarly 
 ealled, in Irish, Rath-an-Photaile,! and Anglicised Pottlerath. It is a 
 ownland, containing the ruins of a rath, castle, and church, in the 
 Parish of Kilmanagh, Barony of Cranagh, and County of Kilkenny. . 
 A copy of the Psalter of Cashel, which was made for this chieftain in 
 1453, by John Boy O’Cleary, at Rath-an-Photaire, is still extant, in 
 rather bad preservation, in the Bodleian Library at Oxford.” 
 
 , By the present generation it is pronounced Rath-Phothasgh. 
 
30 
 
 “The young Earl of Ormond! came to Ireland with a great number 
 of Saxons (i.e. Englishmen). A great war broke out between the 
 Earls of Ormond and Desmond, in the course of which Garrett, the 
 son of the Earl of Desmond, was taken prisoner by the Butlers 
 Waterford was also taken by them. They (¢.e. both Earls) after 
 wards agreed to give battle to each other, and they came to ar 
 engagement; but it was against the will of the Barl of Ormonc 
 that Mac Richard went to fight the battle on that day. Howhbeit 
 he was defeated and taken prisoner ; and, according to some accounts 
 there were tour hundred and ten of the slain of his people interred, 
 besides the number who were devoured by dogs and birds (of prey).’ 
 —(Note p. 1021, Anno 1462). 
 
 “Tt appears from a fragment of a copy of the Psalter of Cashel 
 preserved in the Bodleian Library at Oxford, that this battle was 
 fought at Baile-an-Phoill, now Piltown,? near Carrick-on-Suir, in th 
 Barony of Iverk, and County of Kilkenny ; and that, after the battle, 
 Mac Richard was obliged to give up to Thomas Earl of Desmond this 
 very copy of the Psalter of Cashel (which was then more perfect than 
 it is at present), and also the Book of Carrick. This appears from < 
 memorandum in the margin of folio 110, of which the following is a 
 literal translation :”’— 
 
 “This was the Psalter of Mac Richard Butler until the defea 
 of Baile-an-phoill was given to the Earl of Ormond and to Mac 
 Richard by the Earl of Desmond (Thomas), when this book and the 
 Book of Carrick were obtained in the redemption of Mac Richard 
 and it was this Mac Richard that had these books transcribed fo 
 himself, and they remained in his possession until Thomas, Harl o 
 Desmond, wrested them from him.” 
 
 “This memorandum was written into the manuscript while it was 
 in the possession of Thomas, Earl of Desmond.” 
 
 , Tur Youne Earn or Ormonp.—He was Sir John Butler, brother and 
 heir to James, fifth Earl of Ormond, who was one of the first victims to th 
 revenge of the Yorkists after the battle of Towton. Edward IV. afterwards re 
 stored Sir John in blood, who succeeded as John, sixth Earl of Ormonde! 
 He was considered one of the most accomplished-gentlemen of the age in 
 which he lived, and Edward IV. is reported to have said, “ that if good breedin 
 and liberal qualities were lost in the world, they might be all found in the Earle 
 of Ormonde.” He died on his pilgrimage at Jerusalem, in the year 1478, and 
 was succeeded by his brother Thomas. 
 
 2 Very Rev. Canon Moore says this battle was fought in Lord Bessborough’s 
 demesne, and that there were many traditions of it when he was curate in 
 Piltown in the years 1856-7, &c. 
 
OL 
 
 The eighth Karl of Ormond made his will at the Castle of 
 Pottlerath, about three months before his death. It is a curious 
 (locument, written in Latin, and is given in full in the “ History of 
 St. Canice’s Cathedral.” It begins thus: “In the name of God. 
 Amen. In the year 1539, on the 28th of May, at Potellrath, I Peirs 
 
 utteler, Harl of Ormonde and Ossory, although sick of body, yet 
 sound of mind, make my will in manner following :—I leave my soul 
 to Almighty God, to the Blessed Mary the Virgin, and to the whole 
 
 elestial Court, and my body to be buried in the Cathedral Church 
 f St. Canice, Kilkenny. I appoint and constitute my eldest son 
 ‘ames Butler, my heir. I appoint and constitute Margaret Fitz 
 rerald, my lawful wife, James and Richard, my sons, my joint execu- 
 ors. I leave to my son James my best gown, and to my son Richard 
 ny second best gown. The rest of my garments I leave to be divided be- 
 ween the churches, and specially the church of the Blessed Mary of 
 allan, and of Balligawran, according to the discretion of my supervisors 
 ynd executors. I leave to the said James my coat of mail and my horse, 
 { leave to my son Richard my other horse. I leave to the said 
 yames my great collar of gold. I leave to Richard my small chain 
 f gold. I leave to each plough! within the County of Kilkenny one 
 stone of wheat. . . . I will and appoint that James, my son, heir 
 und executor, should every year cause my anniversary to be solemnly 
 elebrated for ever in the Cathedral Church of St. Canice, Kilkenny, 
 and of the Holy Trinity, Waterford, and in the Church of the Blessed 
 fary of Callan, and of the Blessed Mary of Clonmel, and of St. 
 Patrick of Cashel, and of St. John of the Same, and in the Church 
 of St. John of Fethard. I order and appoint that Richard, my second 
 son and executor, should cause my anniversary to be solemnly cele- 
 brated for ever in the Churches of the Blessed Mary of Kilkenny 
 and Rosponte, for my soul, the soul of my wife, and for the souls of 
 our parents, ancestors, heirs, and successors.” 
 
 Karl Piers, though greatly distracted with the disturbances of 
 the times, made every year a spiritual retreat during the last fort- 
 night of lent in a cell called Paradise, near the Cathedral of St, Canice. 
 His father, Sir James, lived at the Castle of Knocktopher, whence he 
 rode to the Parish Church of Listerlin, and was there married to 
 Saubh (Sabina) Kavanagh, daughter of Mac Murragh in 1467. The 
 
 ; This bequest shows his desire to promote the spread of agriculture. 
 
o2 
 
 ceremony was performed by Henry de Londres, Vicar of Knock- 
 topher. Sir James built the Castle of Neghom near Gowran, died at 
 Knocktopher in 1487, and is buried in the Friary of Callan, which 
 he had founded. (See History of Cathedral of St. Canice, by Rev. 
 J. Graves and Mr. Prim.) 
 
 Kinpranan.—There was formerly a graveyard in Kilbrahan. Its 
 site is still pointed out at the cross-roads, in a field, at the left, as 
 one approaches the village from Graigue. When the field was tilled 
 at the beginning of this century, portions of coffins and human bones 
 were found there. 
 
 According to local tradition, there was a church here also; but 
 no traces of it now remain. The church was dedicated to St. Braghan, 
 from whom the place derives its name. His feast is set down in the 
 Martyrology of Donnegal on the 17th of September, in the following 
 form: “Bracan of Rostuire in Magh Raighne, in Osraighe.” Magh 
 Raighne was the great central plain of the ancient Ossory; and the 
 word Rostuire (ie. the wood of the boar), is still partially preserved 
 in Rosmore, the name of a well-known townland near Kilbrahan. 
 
 Five roads meet at this village, “which seems to have known a 
 better day.” At the cross-roads there grows a very fine, wide-spread- 
 ing lime-tree, which is beautiful to behold in summer, and affords 
 a most agreeable shade to the traveller. Charles John Canning, 
 who was appointed Governor-General of India in 1855, and is third 
 gon of the eminent statesman, George Canning, takes his title from 
 this place as Viscount of Kilbrahan, County Kilkenny, in the peerage 
 of the United Kingdom. About thirty years ago, however, he sold 
 the Kilbrahan property to the late Mr. Lane, of Shipton. 
 
 ToBERNADAUN.—It is said that many miraculous cures have been 
 effected from time immemorial at the holy well called Tobernadaun, near 
 Kilmanagh. The following statements have been made by persons 
 whose testimony is trustworthy :— 
 
 About four years ago the late John Pollard, of the Commons of 
 
 3allingarry, was cured of a large running sore on his leg. He prayed 
 at Tobernadaun, and his cure was considered to be miraculous. 
 About twenty years ago James Commerford, of Kilmanagh, was 
 cured of the ague, contracted in America. He applied to medical 
 doctors in that country, and expended much money endeavouring to 
 
 get cured, but failed. Remembering Tobernadaun and all he had 
 
33 
 
 heard about it, he came home from America, in the hope of being 
 sured. Immediately after his arrival at Kilmanagh, he visited the 
 well, At the third visit his health was restored, and he returned to 
 America soon afterwards. This man was well known to my in- 
 formants, with whom he lived and worked. The people all believed 
 he was cured at Tobernadaun. 
 
 J.—and K. —, of Kilmanagh knew Peter Daly, of Pottlerath. 
 ‘They state he was cured of the ague by praying at the well. 
 
 John Navin, who is now about eighty-eight years of age, says he 
 
 ad the ague when a young man. His mother asked him to accom- 
 pany her to Tobernadaun to pray for his cure. He went with her, but 
 
 as so sick that he was unable to walk the whole distance. His 
 mother carried him the remainder of the way, and placed him by the 
 well. She then prayed at the four points at which people usually 
 prayed: her son also prayed there and went into the stream. He 
 returned home quite well, and was never sick with ague since. 
 
 Mrs. — states that a daughter of her’s was very delicate and 
 sickly when about a year old. She brought her to the holy well, 
 prayed there for some time, and immersed the ehild in the water. 
 The child was cured, and never since suffered from the same kind 
 of sickness. 
 
 An ancient wooden statue, said to be that of St. Naal, had been 
 preserved in Kilmanagh from time immemorial. It is about four 
 feet six inches in height, is very much disfigured, and is now a mere 
 skeleton. In former times it was frequently brought to Tobernadaun 
 by those who went there to pray. During the last fifteen.years it lay 
 
 buried in the floor of a poor man’s house, who was very jealous of 
 
 its custody. From him it was lately procured for the museum»of the 
 Ossory Archeeological Society at St. Kyran’s College, where it may 
 now be seen, 
 
o4: 
 PARISH OF KILLALOE. 
 
 The word Killaloe, in Irish Kill-da-lua, signifies the cell! 
 or church of Lua the patron saint. He is called Molua by the 
 people of the locality and by the Irish generally. The syllable 
 mo (my) is often prefixed to the names of Irish saints as a term 
 of endearment or reverence, so that Molua means my Lua. B 
 some old writers the name is latinized into Lugidus, and he is 
 thus called by Usher and Ware. St. Bernard calls him Luanus,. 
 The precise date of his birth is not known. It is probable tha 
 he was born in the first half of the sixth century. Colgan and 
 the Four Masters state that he died in the year 605. Under the 
 heading of “ Age of Christ, 605,” we read ‘ Molua i.e. Lughaid| 
 Mac Ui oiche, first abbot of Cluain-fearta-Molua died.” Th 
 Annals of Ulster assign his death to the year 608, while Dr. Butle: 
 says “he passed to immortal glory on the 4th August, 622.” 
 
 Molua was born of noble parents in the district of Hua Fidh 
 genti or Hy-figenti, on the south side of the Shannon in the 
 county Limerick. His father’s name was Carthar or Carthach 
 but as this name was common to several princes of Munster, he 
 was surnamed Coche. 
 
 His mother was a native of Upper Ossory and named Sochla 
 
 in Latin larga, i.e. very great, large; also openhanded, plentiful. 
 Molua studied for many years under Comgall at the great school 
 
 of Bangor, where he embraced the monastic state, and became dis- 
 tinguished by his virtue and learning. 
 
 He returned to the county Limerick with some disciples, whence 
 he repaired to Mount Bladhma, now Sliebh-bloom, near where his 
 maternal relatives resided. There he erected a monastery, at a place 
 called Ross-Bulead, but since called Clonfert Molua, or Clonfertmulloe. 
 It was situated in the ancient district of Ossory, the principality of 
 Mac-Gilla-Patrick. 
 
 Clonfert means the plain, the retreat or solitude of the grave ; 
 and so Clonfertmulloe signifies the plain or solitude of the grave of 
 Molua. The following explanation of the name is given in his life, 
 “ Cluain-ferta-Molua, id est, Latibulum mirabile S. Molue, or the 
 holy enclosure of the miracles of St. Molua, because during his. life 
 he there performed many miracles, and by the grace of God they are 
 still wrought through him.” The modern name for Clonfert-Molua 
 
is Kyle, and, singular enough, it is the only parish of the diocese of 
 Killaloe situated within the ancient territory of Ossory. 
 
 The word fert, or ferta its plural, is said by several old writers 
 fo mean a grave, and by others a miracle. In the passage just quoted, 
 he writer evidently understood it in the latter sense. In the Annals 
 of the Four Masters, O’Donovan invariably translates it a grave, and 
 indeed all modern scholars have adopted this translation. This 
 twofold meaning of the word probably arose from the circumstance 
 that the graves of the saints were sometimes the scenes of miraculous 
 occurrences. And hence the same word may have come to signify 
 both a grave and a miracle. 
 
 Such large numbers of persons placed themselves under the 
 guidance of St. Molua, that he and his disciples established a hun- 
 dred monasteries of his order. It is stated that Pope Gregory the 
 Great, in the year 599, approved of the rule drawn up by St. Molua. 
 This rule ordered “that no woman should ever enter the monastery 
 of Clonfert-Molua, and from that day down to the present,” continues 
 the author, “no woman dares enter it.” Molua was counted among 
 the Fathers of the Irish Church, and died on the 4th of August, on 
 which day his feast occurs in the Irish calendars. 
 
 “Mion Mouva,” og tHE Bett or St. Morva.—An account of 
 the bell of St Molua may be seen in the “Transactions of the Kil- 
 kenny Archeological Society” for the year 1852, from the pen of T. L. 
 Cooke, Esq. This bell was presented to Mr. Cooke in 1851, by Rev. 
 J. Egan, P.P., Dunkerrin, King’s County. It was preserved by many 
 generations of his maternal ancestors, the Duigans, of Clonecouse 
 Castle, near Kyle. It is now about 1,269 years old. Father Egan 
 
 writes “that down to times almost within his own recollection, it was 
 
 customary with the people, especially of Kyle, to swear on or before 
 
 it. The manner of swearing was to place the right hand on the 
 reliquary (or bell), and to call God and St. Molua to witness the truth 
 of whatever was asserted. The false swearer of such an oath would, 
 according to popular belief, be immediately, visibly, and terribly pun- 
 ished ; and cases have been cited in proof of this belief.” 
 
 The family tradition states that the bell was carried away from 
 Clonecouse with a large quantity of other plunder, by a party of 
 marauders. On approaching the neighbouring river, the robbers found 
 
 themselves supernaturally prevented from crossing over the stream, As 
 
36 
 
 neither man nor horse could effeet a passage, they were reminded o 
 
 the power of St. Molua’s bell, whereupon they threw it into the river, 
 and their onward course was no longer impeded. After many years 
 it was found in the bed of the river by some labourers, and restored t 
 
 the Duigans, its former guardians. 
 
 THe Grave or Sr. Mouva is pointed out near the south-wester 
 corner of the enclosure that surrounds the ruins of the church of] 
 Kyle. It is described as “most remarkable, being twelve feet i 
 length by three feet in breadth. A large, rude and uninscribed ston 
 marks one end, and a nearly similar stone points out the other end 
 The sides are surrounded by rough lime-stone flags, standing on an 
 end. The upper edges of these flags are barely visible above the sur 
 face of the ground.” 
 
 The peasantry of the district believe this grave to be the buria 
 place of St Molua. The name Clonfert-molue seems also to indicat 
 
 that he is buried here. Mr. Cooke, however, maintains that the grav 
 
 is a pagan monument, and that the saint was never interred there. His 
 
 reasons are, “that if he had been interred at Kyle, his resting-place 
 would be found within the church, and near to or under the altar 
 Besides, this grave looks north and south, and at right angles with 
 every Christian grave at Kyle, instead of lying east and west, according 
 to the manner of sepulture of Christians and clergymen.” But thi 
 reasoning of Mr. Cooke does not seem conclusive against the name 0: 
 the place and the tradition of the locality. 
 
 The pattern was celebrated at the site of his church in this parish 
 on the first Sunday after the 4th of August. So numerously was it 
 attended about forty years ago, that fifty tents were counted there on 
 some occasions. 
 
 According to local tradition, there was a monastery at KIlaloe in 
 the early ages. As St. Molua is said by St, Bernard to have founded a 
 hundred monasteries, there is no reason to doubt that he was the 
 founder of the church in our parish. The site of the monastery is 
 still shown near the chapel, ina field called the “ ard-ans’” (pron. auns). 
 It is said that St. Molua occasionally visited this establishment when 
 travelling to and from the county Limerick. 
 
 The present handsome and commodious church was built in the 
 year 1859, on the site of its venerable predecessor. The foundation. 
 stone was laid on the lst of August in that year, and so quickly was 
 
37 
 
 e church erected, that Mass was offered up in it on the following 
 ‘hristmas-Day. The sanctuary was decorated during the administra- 
 on of Rev. J. Purcell, P.P., and on Sunday, 4th August, 1872, the 
 urch was solemnly dedicated by Dr. Moran, Coadjutor Bishop of 
 ssory. It was the first church dedicated by his Lordship in this 
 iocese. 
 
 The new cemetery attached to the church was also solemnly 
 essed on the same occasion. In this cemetery are interred the re- 
 iains of the Rev. Joseph Fennelly, who died at Tingarran, on the 
 Jth of May, 1868, in the 45th year of his age. Father Fennelly was 
 orn at Cappagh, Parish of Ballingarry, and spent fourteen years on 
 
 the mission in Wales. 
 
 A statue of St. Molua, a piece of carved wood, of the thirteenth 
 ntury, was found in a well near the chapel, about eighty years ago. 
 t has been since kept in the possession of the Butler family. The 
 mber is still sound, and said to be indestructible by fire. Since it 
 me into the possession of the Butlers, they say it fell into a fire, 
 1 which it lay during three days, and was taken out uninjured! It 
 now considered to be a protection against that destroying element. 
 
 St. Molua’s well is near the chapel, on the left-hand side of the 
 
 oad leading from Kilmanagh to Callan. This road was made about 
 he beginning of the present century, up to which time St. Molua’s 
 vell sprung up in the middle of the present high-way. At the time 
 of the construction of the road, the current of the well was conveyed 
 through an artificial conduit to the present aperture, from which it 
 flows copiously to the Killaloe River. It is generally believed, how- 
 aver, that the water has not been so good since the well was interfered 
 with. 
 
 A change was made in the boundaries of the parish in this district 
 some yearsago. The townland of Ballylarkin, in the parish of Callan, 
 belonged to the parish of Killaloe up to the time of “old” Father 
 Laracy. A few years before his death, he went to Ballylarkin, to bap- 
 
 tize a child, and narrowly escaped being drowned whilst crossing the 
 
 river during a flood. In consequence of this danger, he gave up 
 the pastoral charge of Ballylarkin to the Parish Priest of Callan, and 
 received in return, the district of Graigueoolee, or Graigala. This ex- 
 change was made about the year 1816 or 1817. 
 
 A circumstance of rare occurrence may be mentioned in connec- 
 
38 
 
 tion with this portion of the parish. At one place in Cappahayden, o 
 the King’s River, two provinces meet together, two counties, fou 
 parishes, four baronies, four townlands, four tenancies, and two lan 
 lords’ properties. The provinces are Leinster and Munster. 
 counties are Kilkenny and Tipperary. The baronies are Shilleloghd 
 Callan, Slievardagh, and Keemshena or Keemnishe. The parish 
 are Killaloe, Callan, Ballingarry, and Mullinahone. The Parish 
 Mullinahone does not actually join Killaloe, but comes within twen 
 yards of it, so that four persons standing one in each parish, cou 
 converse together. 
 
 The townlands are Cappahay den, Ballylarkin, Kylemore (Bigwood 
 and Knockulty. The tenants are Mr. John Shea, Mr. Neary, Mr. Jas 
 Darcy, and Mr. Edmund Shea. The landlords are William Perciva, 
 Esq., and ——— Cormack, Hsq. 
 
 From this union of so many divisions, it may seem but naturi 
 that a distinguished patriot, born in Cappahayden, should form t 
 idea of attempting to unite the north and the south of Ireland in ¢ 
 effort to obtain from the Government a just and full measure 
 
 Tenant-Right. 
 A LIST OF PRIESTS WHO WERE BORN IN THE UNITED PARISHES OF 
 
 BALLYCALLAN, KILMANAGH AND KILLALOE. 
 
 At the head of this list may be placed the name of the Right Re 
 Dr. Lanigan, Bishop of Ossory, who was born at the Castle of Bally 
 keeffe.2 According to Very Rev. N. Murphy’s MSS., transcribed from 
 the Diocesan records, Dr. de Burgo held ordinations on the 20th, 22nd 
 and 23rd days of February, 1771, at the house of Richard Hoyne, of 
 Garrynacreine, near Kilkenny. The names of the ordained were Jame 
 Lanigan, Andrew Phelan, Peter Hayden, John Farrell, Nicholas Kealy, 
 and Patrick Grady, students of the diocese of Ossory. It may be well 
 presumed that the first name was that of the future Bishop. 
 
 In 1783, we find him rector of the Academy of Kilkenny and Canon 
 of Killamory. On the death of Dr. John Dunne, in 1789, he was pro- 
 
 ' There were three landlords here until about four years ago, when the Harl 
 of Desart sold his portion of the property. 
 
 , Among my authors for this statement may be mentioned the names of 
 Very Rev. Thomas Canon O’S8hea, P.P., Comeris, and Venerable Archdeacon 
 O'Shea, P.P., Ballyhale. The Archdeacon, on the authority of his own father, 
 a near relative of Dr. Lanigan, has informed me that the Bishop was born at 
 the Castle of Bullykeeffe. 'There are many persons of the name of Lanigan, in 
 the parish at present ; but none of them are of the Bishop's family. 
 
a9 
 
 oted to the episcopal see. He was a holy and a learned Bishop, being 
 eatly devoted to meditation or mental prayer. His book on penance 
 ns highly praised by the late Dr. O’Hanlon of Maynooth. The fol- 
 ving is a copy of the epitaph inscribed on the monument erected over 
 3 remains in the old Cathedral, in St. Mary’s: 
 This monument has been erected. 
 As a public testimony of respect and veneration for the memory 
 of the Rt. Rev. Dr. Jas. Lantaan, B.C. Bishop of Ossory, 
 who departed this life on the 11th day of February, 
 the Year of our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and Twelve, 
 and in the 65th year of his age. 
 A strong intellect, improved by study and experience, : 
 a prudent zeal, and a steady attachment to the interests of his flock, 
 re the peculiar endowments which eminently qualified him for the 
 important station which he filled, 
 and enabled him to surmount the various difficulties with which he 
 had to contend 
 i the discharge of his pastoral duties for more than two and twenty 
 years. 
 As a man of profound learning, he ranked high in the estimation 
 of his cotemporary Prelates. 
 
 His polite and obliging manners rendered him amiable in society, 
 and as a man of Piety he was an ornament to that holy Religion, 
 which he both taught and practised. 
 
 His remains are deposited beneath this monument. 
 
 May his soul rest in peace. 
 
 Neither his remains nor his monument rest where they were first 
 placed. The former were removed, with those of Dr. Marum and Dr. 
 Kinsella to the vaults beneath the new Cathedral ; and, since the above 
 epitaph was read at a meeting of the Ossory Archzological Society, the 
 monument has been procured for the museum. 
 
 Rey. Patrick Grapy, P.P., Freshford, was born at Kylenasceagh, 
 near Killaloe, in the year 1745. He was ordained by Dr. de Burgo in 
 1771, appointed Parish Priest of Freshford, on the 13th of April, 1785, 
 and died in 1822. He studied in Spain, and seemed to feel a special 
 pleasure in speaking of that country and its people. It is said that 
 
40 
 
 he had a very unusual and grand mode of salutation, and preache 
 much more fluently in the Trish than in the English language. 
 stature he was about five feet ten, of clerical and mortified appearan¢ 
 and exceedingly neat in his dress and person. The following is a copy 
 the inscription on his monument in the ancient cemetery of Freshfor 
 The tradition is, that it was written by Mr. Lalor, grandfather to t 
 late young Lalors of Cascade, and that it met with the approbation 
 Dr. Marum :— 
 
 “Within this Tomb are deposited the venerable remains 
 
 of the Pious servant of God, the zealous shepherd of souls, 
 
 the exemplary Citizen, the amiable and accomplished man, 
 
 Rev. PATRICK GRADY, 
 
 Precentor of the Catholic Cathedral Church of Ossory, and Pasto1 
 the united Parishes of Freshford and Tullaroan. The afflictec 
 people, whom for thirty-seven years he governed and guided, 
 with a tenderness truly parental, erected this Monument, 
 to mark in some degree their veneration and gratitude 
 and imperishable affection. 
 
 This good man was translated to another and a better world, on t 
 29th September, 1822. Aged 77 years. 
 Requiescat in pace.” 
 
 The Requiem ceremonials of this good pastor, whose name i 
 preserved in the affectionate remembrance of the parishioners of Fresh 
 ford and Tullaroan, were attended by the Archbishop of Cashel, th 
 bishops of Ossory and Waterford, and by one hundred priests. 
 
 Rev. Luxe Hogan, C.C., was born at Banse. The date of his 
 death cannot be fixed. He was buried in Kilmanagh, but so long 
 ago, that his nephew, who is seventy-three years of age, does not remem- 
 ber to have seen him. It is probable that it is his name appears among 
 those ordained by Dr. Troy in St. Canice’s Chapel, Kilkenny, on the 
 8rd, 5th and 6th March, 1784. 
 
 These were Henry Kelly, Thomas Brennan, Luke Hogan, John Fitz- 
 patrick, Andrew O’Donnell, John Fitzpatrick, jun., Richard Lynch, 
 
 Walter Houlahan,! and James Gorman, students of the Diocese of 
 Ossory. | 
 
 , Walter Houlahan was born near Bennettsbridge, and after his ordination, 
 spent five years as a student of the University of Nantes, in France. Having 
 returned to Ireland in the memorable year of 1789, he ministered as curate in 
 
41 
 
 Rev. Epmunp Watsu, C.C., was born at Curragh-kehoe and died 
 Kilmanagh, in 1803. 
 
 Rev. Wint1am Buruisr, P.P., Thomastown, was born at Killaloe, 
 d died in the beginning of May, 1848. Father Butler was some 
 ae President or Vice-President of St. Ciaran’s College, Kilkenny. 
 
 Rev. Micnart Eaay, C.C., born at Ballykeeffe, and died in 1832. 
 
 Rev. Parricxk Kutry, P.P., Castletown, born at Corrstown, and 
 d in 1850 or 1851. 
 
 Rev. Purure Darcy, P.P., Thomastown, was born in Dairyhill. 
 en three years of age, he was taken to Freshford to reside with 
 cousin, Father O’Grady. From the.circumstance of his long resi- 
 nee in Freshford, many have thought that he was a native of that 
 rish. Having spent twelve years as a most efficient curate in Bally- 
 le, he was appointed Parish Priest of Aghavillar in 1847, and trans- 
 ed to Thomastown, on the 19th of June, 1848. “His career, 
 inently distinguished for brilliancy and usefulness in the service of 
 od, was terminated on the 8th February, 1854.” Possessed of great 
 ents, assiduously cultivated, he became an accomplished scholar, an 
 ole writer, an ardent and powerful defender of the faith. His memory 
 B still “ in benediction” among the people of the above-named parishes. 
 Rev. Tuomas Watsu, C.C., was born at Pottlerath, and died in 
 <ilmacow on the 30th of June, 1858, in the 34th year of his age, and 
 he seventh of his sacred ministry. His labours in the confessional 
 nd among the sick were unceasing. An eloquent and effective 
 yreacher he exhorted his flock in season and out of season; a truly 
 ealous priest, beloved by his people, by whom he was deeply regretted. 
 handsome cenotaph is erected to his memory in Kilmacow by the 
 faithful of that parish. His remains repose beneath a marble monu- 
 ment in the chapel of Kilmanagh. 
 Rev. James Purcuut, P.P., Ballycallan, born at Ballykeeffe, and 
 died in October, 1873. 
 
 Venerable ArcupEacon O’Suxa, P.P., Ballyhale, born at Cappa- 
 hayden. 
 
 the parishes of Callan and Glenmore. On the death of his cousin, Rev. Henry 
 Kealy, P.P., (who is interred in Knocktopher), he was appointed pastor of 
 Ballyhale in 1800, and died there in 18238. In his time it was quite usual for 
 young men to be raised to the priesthood before completing their studies. Many 
 young priests from various parts of Ireland were students at Kilkenny in the be- 
 ginning of the present century. 
 
 F 
 
Very Rev. Tuomas Canon O’Suma, P.P., Comeris, brother to ti 
 
 Archdeacon. 
 
 A LIST OF PRIESTS BORN IN THIS PARISH, AND ON THE MISSION 
 OUTSIDE THE DIOCESE. 
 
 Very Rev. Dean Butler, P.P., Launceston, Tasmania, born at K 
 laloe, and brother to the late PP, Thomastown. 
 
 Very Rev. William Dunne, P P., Richmond, Vicar-General 
 Tasmania, born at Goldenfield, near Ballycallan. 
 
 Rev. James Hogan. P.P., Deloraine, Tasmania, born at Knicke 
 glass, Kilmanagh. 
 
 Very Rev. Dr. Manogue, V.G., Virginia City, Nevada, was b« 
 at Reiske, west of Desart. 
 
 The late Rev. James Dunphy, Tasmania, who was accidenta 
 drowned in attempting to cross over a river, while travelling in 1 
 discharge of his duties, was born at Dairyhill. 
 
 Rev. John Butler, P.P., Wisconsin, U.S., America, born 
 Knickeenbawn, Kilmanagh. 
 
 Rev. James Purcell, O.S.A., New Ross, born at Ballykeeffe. 
 
 Rev. Mr. St. George, O.S.A.. Cork, born at Ballyline. 
 
 The following were born in Cappahayden :— 
 
 The Venerable Archdeacon Walsh, St. John’s, Newfoundland 
 who died in 18738. 
 
 His nephew, Rev Michael Walsh, C.C., St. John’s, who also die: 
 in Newfoundland, in the year 1871. 
 
 Rev. John Walsh, C.C., Newfoundland, a brother to the latter. 
 
 Rev. E. O’ Dwyer, O.S A., London. 
 
 Rev. Michael Walsh, Professor, Clonliffe College, Dublin. 
 
 Rev. John Walsh, O0.C.C., United States, America, brother to th 
 latter. 
 
 Rev. Patrick Grace, O.8.A., Callan, died July 1st, 1830, aged 84 
 years.1 Father Grace celebrated the last Mass that was said in the old 
 Friary Chapel, situated in Cloodeen Lane, Callan. 
 
 Rev. William Grace, 8.J., (nephew to the latter), died at Auburn, 
 Western New York, on the 8th of April, 1840, in the 52nd year of his 
 age. 
 
 An extract from a non-Catholic journal of that year states that 
 
 , According to some documents in the possession of his family, Father Grace 
 
 was 93 years old. The age given above is taken from a mural slab in the Friary 
 of Callan. 
 
43 
 
 is funeral took place from the Catholic Church on Sunday 
 iter service, his remains were followed to the grave by a large an 
 pectable concourse of our citizens of every denomination. The de- 
 sed had resided but a few months in Auburn; but, during that 
 ef period, we had learned to appreciate his varied attainments as a 
 iolar, and his virtues as a man, and we most sincerely condole with 
 r Catholic fellow-citizens on the heavy loss they have sustained in 
 death of a pastor, to whom they felt so great and so well-merited 
 attachment. It may in truth be said that few persons have lived 
 re esteemed or died more regretted than the Rev. Mr. Grace. 
 Cappahayden has also given birth to two members of an order 
 ich has conferred incalculable blessings on Ireland. One, a brother 
 the last named clergyman, is the active and respected Superior of 
 well-known Christian Schools, North Richmond-street, Dublin, 
 pther John Augustine Grace. 
 The other is their nephew, Brother John Grace, of the Christian 
 ols, Kilrush, and brother to Mr. Edmond Grace, Ballyline. 
 AN EXPLANATION OF SOME NAMES OF PLACES. 
 Many names of places in these parishes are derived from the 
 altic language.” Some are translations or modifications of Irish 
 mes. An explanation of the following may be found to be inter- 
 sting : 
 The words Dun, Rath, Bally, Cnoc, Kyle, are frequently used 
 composition. The first two signify a fort or fortress, the third a 
 own or townland, the fourth a hill, and the last is a church, from 
 rill, and sometimes a wood; from (coil/). 
 Ballycallan seems to derive its name from Callan. 
 Ballagh signifies a road, a pass, or passage (bealach). 
 Ballyecuddihy, the town of the supper, from Baile, a town, and 
 ewid-oidheche, a night’s entertainment. 
 Of course it may also signify the town of Cuddihy, a proper 
 name. 
 Ballydun, in Irish Baile-an-duin, ie. the town of the dun 
 earthen fort. (our Masters, p. 1058). 
 In the adjoining townland of Dreelanstown, are four families 
 
 the Dunus, 
 
 " . \ ] .+ Pa ++ “xT. aH My 
 from whom soine think it was called. 
 
 e 1 LT 
 of Eva tL 
 
 RV wilt 
 
sealach-an-uisce was the ancient name of a portion of this tow 
 nd, and signifies the passage of the water, from Bealach, a passas 
 and wisce (iska) water. 
 Ballyfrunck is said to be a contraction of the word Ballynafrunc 
 the town of the rats. No explanation can be given for the propri 
 of this derivation. Might it not mean the town of the French, fr 
 Francach, a Frenchman ; or be so called on account of the winding 
 the river in this place, from freancach a winding, a bending, a turnin 
 Baunbuidhe, the yellow field. 
 Baunarauha, the field of the fort. There are three forts in t 
 ownland. One of them is remarkably large and elevated, command 
 an extensive view of the surrounding country. 
 Ballykeeffe, the townland of Keeffe. 
 Ballyhendricken, the townland of Hendricken, a man’s name. 
 Bigbog, in Irish Moonmor, a literal translation. 
 Baungarra, the rough field. 
 Ballyhack, contracted perhaps from Ballynahaglish, the townk 
 of the church. This townland is near the church of Ballycallan. 
 Banse, probably from Manse, the Rector’s residence, which 
 situated here ; from the latin mansio, maneo. 
 Barrackhill, in Irish cnoc-na-marrac; so called, it is said, from 
 soldier’s barrack formerly erected here. 
 Boherkyran, Kyran’s road ; boher comes from 60. a cow, originall 
 a road for cows. Boherkyraun may also signify the road of th 
 quicken tree or mountain ash (Keeran.) 
 Bridget’s-well, in Irish Tober-Bhrighde. 
 Brittas, from brit, speckled or spotted, and as, a waterfall or water 
 Cappahayden, from cappa, a plot of land for tillage, called after 
 the Hayden family.! 
 Cloghoge, from cloch, a small stone, a word applied to stony land. 
 Clonard, from eluan or cludin, a meadow, a lawn, or plain ; and ard 
 high, signifying the high meadow or plain. 
 Curragh, a morass or marsh—an appropriate name for the place. 
 Curraghill, in Irish enocacurragh, the hill at the marsh. 
 Corrstown is situated on this hill, and is called in Irish Badlin- 
 acurragh, the town of the marsh. 
 
 ' See Joyce’s book, from which many of the following derivations are 
 taken. 
 
AD 
 
 Coolishal, according to Joyce, signifies low corner, from ewil, a 
 
 corner orangle. In this instance it would be more appropriate to de- 
 
 rive it from cool, a back, that is the low ridge of the hill. 
 
 Coolroe, the red corner, or back. 
 
 Crockaun, or Crickaun, a little hill, the diminutive form of croc, 
 a modified form of cnoe. 
 
 Damagh, from da two and magh a plain, the two plains. Hence 
 Rosdamagh, the wood of the two plains. 
 
 Dairyhill, in Irish enocadaishe, according to modern pronunciation ; 
 corrupted from cnocadara, the hill of the oak, from cnoc a hill, and 
 dair (dar) the oak. 
 
 Derreen, from doire or daire (derry), a little oak wood. Hence 
 
 hvoor, the great oak, from dair-mor., so called from a very large 
 tree that grew here until lately. 
 
 This locality abounded in oak even in the last century. 
 
 Dourath, from da two, and rath a fort—the two forts. The old 
 
 name of this townland is Glan-na-darath, ie. the glen of the 
 forts. An appropriate name, as the glen runs between the two 
 s, one of which is on the north-west, and the other on the south. 
 e latter was partially levelled down about five years ago. In 
 » inquisition referred to before, it is called Glanviclorace, a hybrid 
 ord and a translation of Glan-na-darath, the first syllable being taken 
 om the Irish, and the others from the Latin. Thus, Glan-vic-lora 
 bmes from Glan-bis-loricee. The word dzs (from the ancient duis, two 
 ignifies twice or double, and is changed into vie for the sake of 
 luphony. The letter 6 is changed into v, as frequently occurs in 
 nflection and derivation of words; and the letter s into e, because 
 mute s cannot precede the liquid J. Lorace is only a slight chang 
 loricse, the plural of lorica,a fort. Some think, however, that Dot 
 
 signifies the black-fort, and comes from dubh, black, the colour of thé 
 earth and water at the southern fort. A portion of the townland 
 near the other fort is called rath-rue, the red fort. 
 Dreelanstown, Balla-dreelan, called after persons named Dreelan. 
 Goldenfield, in Irish Gort-na-nosgh, from Gort-na-nor. 
 Gurteentecen, the diminutive from gurteen, a tilled little field, 
 Kilmanagh, the church of the monks, from eci//, a church, angli- 
 cised Avil, or Atll, and also Kyle; and Manach, monks. 
 
 Killaloe, the church of Lua, the patron saint. 
 
46 
 
 Kilbrahan, pronounced in Irish Kilvrahén, the church of Bracan. 
 
 Killeen, the little church, the diminutive of Kill. It is said there 
 was a church in Killeen in ancient times. 
 
 Kyle, a church. 
 
 Kyle-na-soggarth (coill, a wood, and soggarth, a priest)—the wood 
 of the priests, This wood belonged to the priests of the Black Abbey, 
 Kilkenny, from which it is distant only three miles. 
 
 Kyle-na-sceagh probably signifies the wood of white thorn 
 (sceach). The adjoining townland, Kyleveha, in the parish of Callan, 
 signifies the birch wood, from Kyle (coill), a wood, and beha or beith, 
 
 a birch, 
 
 Kings’ River, in Irish Oun Ri, so called because Nial, a king of the 
 
 race of Heremon, was drowned in this river while endeavouring 
 save the life of one of his subjects in the year 859. 
 
 Knockroe, the red hill; enoe, a hill, and ruadh, red. 
 
 Knockeenglass, the green little hill, the name of a green 
 fertile townland. 
 
 Knockeenbawn, the white little hill. 
 
 Knickeen, the diminutive of enoc, a hill. 
 
 Cnoc-na-cairighe, the hill of the rocks. This hill has been plante 
 and no longer presents a rocky appearance. 
 
 Michael’s Church—Teampull Mihaul, or Teampull Mihil. 
 
 Munster River, Oun Muinagh. 
 
 Pullagh, or Pollagh (poll, or pool, a hole or pool), land in whic 
 are pits or holes. The term is appropriate at present. 
 
 Redhouse, Ti—dharrragh (¢each, tigh, or ti, a house), and dharragh 
 
 isk, from Riase, a moor or marsh. 
 vs-more, bigwood. 
 
 Shipton, from Sheeptown, Ballanageeragh, the town of the 
 sheep. 
 
 Tingarran, the house of the grove or shrubbery. Tin from teac 
 (pron tagh), hence tigh (tee), ti and tinna, and garran, a grove or 
 shrubbery. 
 th 
 
 Me aaatet lie eth 4 
 Tinnakilly, house of the wood, or 
 
47 
 
 The extent of the following townlands is taken from the Ordnance 
 Survey made in 1839: 
 
 PARISH OF BALLYCALLAN. 
 
 A. 
 
 Mount Gale : is 456 
 Dreelanstown én is 289 
 Ballydun 3 ae 200 
 Barrack Hill (Barton) + 97 
 Barrack Hill (Cranesborough) ve 67 
 Curragh Kehoe ~ « 261 
 Goldenfield = cies 224: 
 Baungarri ins a¥ 162 
 Michael’s Church _.., iy 278 
 Kylenasoggarth io ie 61 
 Cloghoge ate = 280 
 Ballyhendricken f = 491 
 Damma Upper at ” 164 
 
 — 
 3) 
 
 bo b& po lb © 
 
 we) 
 
 @ Bo. 
 
 Damma Lower - 2 ta 589 
 Bigbog ai cs 137 
 Ballyhack ks oi 59 
 Ballycillan ah 331 
 Ballevan a as 293 
 Bally frunk . ae 279 
 Corrstown ree ba 312 
 Baunaraha ee : 224 
 Gurteenteen Ws - 198 
 Riesk im i 190 
 Reedeen a Ws 69 
 Ballycuddihy “ uae 575 
 Toberbreedia — ae ‘ai 201 
 Doorath ‘ AA 494 2 24 
 
 Ballykeeffe Hill... is 230 3 22 
 a = a = - eiieiine 
 , As the English or Statute perch contains only 5} yards and the Irish perch 
 | contains 7 yards, 303 square yards make 1 square perch English, and 49 square 
 ) yards make 1 square perch Irish. The ‘English acre is to the Irish acre as 30} 
 to 49, or 121 to 196. 121 Irish acres therefore are equal to 196 English acres. 
 Lo convert statute into Irish measure.—Multiply by 8 and divide by 13; or, 
 for exactness, multiply by 121 and divide by 196. 
 Lo convert Lrish into statute measwre.—Add one-half and one-eighth of the 
 Irish measure to itself. 
 
 / 
 
Clonard 
 
 Curragh 
 Kyle Ballykeeffe 
 Kyle Ballykeeffe 
 
 PARISH OF KILMANAGH. 
 
 Kilmanagh 
 Ballagh 
 
 3anse-Glebe 
 
 Killeen 
 
 Pollagh 
 Kilbraghan 
 Pottlerath 
 Brittasdryland 
 Graigue (Hayden) ... 
 Graigue (Hartford) ... 
 Sheeptown 
 Ballykeeffe 
 Knockeenglass 
 Knockeenbawn 
 
 OCOCOoNOoOrR WrRFOoOonnNnN SC SO 
 
 bo 
 
 PARISH OF KILLALOE. 
 Cappahayden 
 Ballyline 
 Killaloe 
 Graigueooly 
 
 CS Gy tet eS 
 
 Greatoak 
 Dairyhbill 
 
 Riesk 
 
 bo 
 
 Deerpark 
 
 SS OS 
 
 Foxcover 
 Derreen 
 Kylenaskeagh 
 Ballykeeffe-bog 
 Ballykeeffe-castle 
 Cooleshal 
 Rossmore 
 Gorteenalee 
 
 mnrepornr ow 
 
A. 
 Tinnakilly oe Be 228 
 
 Redhouse = tis 232 
 Tingarran B53 ia 187 
 Scotsborough * a 303 
 White House Px “ 251 
 
 ELEVATION OF SOME PLACES ABOVE THE LEVEL OF 
 THE SEA. 
 
 As many persons have very incorrect ideas with regard to the 
 height of their native hills, the elevation of the following places is 
 here given :— 
 
 Northern boundary of Killeen is .,. 890 feet high.! 
 Culm Pits near the road v2 Oe 
 Fort,on the hill of Ballyeuddihy ... 760 
 Ballycuddihy road at O’Connell’s gate 718 
 Knockroe =e “ 1 
 Baunaraha a rear et 
 Ballykeeffe Hill ae ous hee 
 Curragh Hill wai cca eae 
 Village of Corrstown ... ... 650 
 Pottlerath Hill es oe OID 
 Barrack Hill ae .. 614 
 Banse Glebe House es .. 650 
 Pollagh Hill Ms ae ae 
 Kilmanagh Grave Yard ... .. 450 
 Chapel of Kilmanagh _... ... 400 
 Road from Kilmanagh to Ballycallan, near 
 Mrs.Mahony’shouse, Knockeenbawn 400 
 Ballycallan Roman Catholic Churchabout 390 
 Kilmanagh Corn Mill ww. 802 
 Goldenfield oe ... 400 
 St. Michael’s Church _... .. 8090 
 Ballycallan N. School . «OAT 
 Ballycallan Grave Yard ... .. 3880 
 Tullow Hill, Dama - ~— oee 
 
 , 6,720 feet make an Irish mile. 5,280 feet make an English or statute 
 mile. 
 
50 
 
 Cross Roads at Ballykeeffe Tree --» 316 feet high. 
 Cross Roads of Dama _.., iy ae 
 Killaloe Chapel, about in Bee 
 Ballyline National School i ae 
 
 ELEVATION OF SOME OTHER PLACES NOT IN THE PARISH. 
 Slievenaman i ... 2864 
 Knickdheestan, Tullaroan eee | 
 Lisnalea oa «. 900 
 Knocalassa us eee | 
 Courtstown a3 ... 803 
 Lisballyfroot a ar FOU 
 Remeen Hill ; = sok ae 
 Oldtown Hill _,, ae o.oo 
 Roman Catholic Church, Tullaroan ... 525 
 Drakeland oa we «6288 
 Altamount, Kilkenny ... sie SEG 
 Roberts’ (Daly’s) Hill... joo SUS 
 St. Kyran’s College ee as BUS 
 St. Canice’s Cathedral ... ae) 289 
 (Height of Round Tower in grave-yard 100) 
 Ormonde Castle ae Het ae 
 St. Canice’s Roman Catholic Church ., 168 
 Fair Green of Callan ees on . ca 
 R. C. Church __,, ae a BOG 
 
AB EAN sk Bs 
 
 The following copy of an inscription on the belfry tower of the 
 Black Abbey, Kilkenny, has been kindly furnished by the Rev. P. V. 
 Skelly, O.P. This inscription was discovered a few years ago, when 
 some alterations were being made on the venerable old church adjoining 
 the tower. It runs as follows :— 
 
 “ Pray for the souls of James Schortal, Lord of Ballylarkin and 
 Ballykeeffe, and of Catherine Whyte, his wife, who gave to the men 
 employed in the building of this belfry their daily wages from the 
 beginning to the end.” 
 
 CORRIGENDA, 
 
 At page 15, in 8th line, in place of “ no issue” read “ without issue.” 
 
 At page 28, last line, and in 7th line of page 29, read ‘* Waring” 
 “ Warring.” 
 
| 
 
 Ossory Archeological Society, 
 
 = 
 —— = 
 
 dot ees oT ee 
 
 OF THE 
 
 CATHOLIC SCHOOLS OF KILKENNY, 
 
 FROM 
 ABOUT 1558, 
 TO THE PRESENT TIME, 
 Ae 
 
 AN OSSORY PRIEST. 
 VE WO P itece PROC GL CAG, ie 
 
 * 
  « 
 
 5 aera MA Callarce | 
 
 PRICE SIXPENCE. 
 late Preeti seat TD. typaed 
 
  Mibhinsey 
 
 KILKENNY: 
 PRINTED AT THE «J OURNAL’” OFFICE, PARADE. 
 1875, 
 
OSSORY ARCHAVULOGICAL SOCIETY. 
 HISTORY OF THE CATHOLIC SCHOOLS OF KILKENNY, 
 
 FROM 
 
 FATHER PETER WHITE'S SCHOOL, ABOUT 1598, 
 TO THE PRESENT TIME. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 The following account of the Catholic Schools of Kilkenny, up to the 
 year 1782, is taken from “the Inaugural Address delivered by the Most 
 Rev. Dr. Moran, Bishop of Ossory, to the Ossory Archwological Society, 
 17th January, 1874” : 
 
 “In the first year of Elizabeth’s reign the College of Kilkenny was 
 already a flourishing institution, and attracted to its halls many youths 
 from every part of Ireland. It owed its origin to Pierce, Earl of Ormond, 
 whose lot was cast in the troubled years cf Henry the Highth’s reign. 
 Amid many vicissitudes of fortune, he was remarkable for his dauntless 
 bravery, and he was pious as he was brave. Lynch, in his MS. account 
 of the Irish Sees, records that it was the custom of this nobleman to 
 retire every year in holy week to a small cell, which was situated near 
 the Cathedral, and was called “ The Paradise,” to pass there some days 
 in recollection and prayer, thus the better to prepare himself for the 
 holy reception of the sacraments, and the due celebration of the Easter 
 festival! Some polemical writers, making a great display of historical 
 research, announced that the Harl of Ormond, the great leader of the 
 Leinster Catholics, was the first nobleman in Ireland who, in 1535, 
 renounced the spiritual allegiance of the Holy See, and took the oath of the 
 
 Royal Supremacy. A little learning is proverbially a dangerous thing, 
 
 and nowhere does it betray its votaries into graver errors than in the matter 
 
 , Stanihurst ‘De rebus, in Hibernia gestis,’ page 25. Dr. Rothe, in his 
 MS. account of the See, after speaking of the College for chanters established 
 by Dr. Thonery in Queen Mary’s reign, and of the great advantages which 
 the children of the citizens derived from it, adds: ‘Cum paullo adultiores 
 evasissent et politioris litteraturae vellent rudimenta combibere, paratum 
 erat e regione publicum auditorium, sive phrostisterium a comite Petro Butlero 
 ejusque nobilissima conjuge Margareta Giraldina, ad informandam juventutem 
 et humanioribus disciplinis erudiendam, commodissime extructum. In quem 
 locum ex omni parte regni tamquam ad musas Atticas advolantium magnum 
 aliquando concursum juvenum supersunt modo qui viderunt.’ 
 
2 
 
 of historical research. From the published records of the Butler family, 
 we know that the title of Harl of Ormond was, in 1527, taken from Lord 
 Pierce Butler and bestowed upon Sir Thomas Bullen, a name not unknown 
 to the readers of English history. This was the gentleman who, in 1535, 
 chose Henry VIII. for his spiritual guide. It was only in 1537, by patent 
 of the 22nd of February, that the earldom of Ormond was restored to 
 Lord Pierce Butler, who was at all times a devoted son of the Church; 
 and the title was soon after confirmed to his family by Act of Parliament. 
 
 I may here incidentally remark that his successor in the earldom, popu- 
 
 larly known as Black Thomas, after fighting against the Irish Catholics 
 throughout the whole of Elizabeth’s reign, was, before his death, reconciled 
 to the Church of his fathers, and expired in November, 1614, in the 
 most edifying sentiments of penance and piety. 
 
 The Kilkenny College was originally situated at the west end of St. 
 Canice’s Cathedral, and one of its first masters was Father Peter White, 
 who for several years conducted its schools with the greatest ability and 
 success. He was appointed Dean of Waterford in 1566, but as he refused 
 the oath of supremacy he was obliged to forego that dignity. Many 
 distinguished men studied in this school: suffice it to mention Peter 
 Lombard, Archbishop of Armagh, Richard Stanihurst, Luke Wadding, 
 the Franciscan annalist, the famous Jesuit Father Archer, and our.own 
 illustrious David Rothe. Stanihurst has fortunately handed down to us 
 a short account of this great school :— 
 
 “ Out of this schoole have sprouted such proper ympes threugh the 
 painfull diligence and the laboursome industry of a famous lettered 
 man, Mr. Peter White, as generally the whole weale publike of Ireland, 
 und especially the southerne parts of that island, are greatly thereby 
 furthered. This gentleman’s methode in trayning up youth was rare 
 and singular, framying the education according tothe scoler’s veine. If 
 he found him free, he would bridle hym, like a wyse Isocrates, from his 
 booke: if he perceived hym to be dull, he would spur hym forwarde; if he 
 understoode that he were the worse for beating, he would win him with 
 
 rewardes; finally, by interlacing study with vacation, sorrow with mirth, 
 . payne with pleasure, sowernesse with sweetnesse, roughness with myld- 
 nesse, he had so good successe in schooling his pupils, as in good sooth 
 I may boldly byde by it, that in the realme of Ireland was no Grammar 
 School so good, in England, Iam well assured, none better. And because 
 it was my happy happe (God and my parents be thanked) to have been 
 one of his crewe, I take it tostand with my duty, sith I may not stretche 
 myne habilitie in requiring his good turnes, yet to manifeste my good 
 will in remembrying his paines. And, certes, I acknowledge myselfe so 
 
2 
 ‘2 
 much bounde and beholding to kym and his, as for his sake I reverence 
 
 the meanest stone cemented in the walles of that famous schoole.” 
 
 In another work he again thus commends in Latin the fruits of the 
 same school; the translation being :— 
 
 “There exists in this city a school founded by the munificence of the 
 illustrious Peter Butler, Earl of Ormonde and Ossory, and of his wife, 
 whose name was Margaret Fitzgerald. She was a most estimable lady ; 
 not only by the exalted nobility of her birth, as a daughter of the Earl 
 of Kildare, but also by being endowed with a prudence above her sex. 
 Here Peter White, whose great merits are known to the entire nation, 
 opened an educational establishment in our own time. From his school, 
 as from the Trojan Horse, came forth men most eminent in the republic 
 of letters. Here I could mention the Whites, the Comerfords, the Walshes; 
 the Waddings, the Dormers, the Shees, the Garveys, the Butlers, the 
 Archers, the Stranges, the Lombards, renowned for learning and talent, 
 who in early youth gave themselves up to his training.” 
 
 During the reigns of James I, and Charles I, we lose sight of the 
 Kilkenny College. It was perilous and penal to openly keep Catholic 
 schools at that period, still these schools were privately maintained, and 
 from one of the royal visitations we learn that Penington, the schoolmaster 
 of the Established Church, though offering the boon of gratuitous educa- 
 
 tion, could induce few to frequent his school, such was ‘their backward- 
 ness in religion,” 
 
 It was one of the first cares of the Confederates of 1641 to promote 
 the higher education of Catholic youth. A college was opened in this 
 city under the care of the Jesuit Fathers. (On Rinunccini’s arrival in 
 Kilkenny, he tells us that a bard of fifty armed scholars, 50 scolari, met him 
 outside of St. Patrick’s gate, and that one of their number better dressed 
 than the others, complimented him in Latin verse. He also tells us 
 that an address of welcome was delivered before him at the Market- 
 cross, by wn giovane studente.) When Ormond entered Kilkenny, on the 
 proclamation of peace in 1646, an academy was held in his honour, and 
 he openly expressed his astonishment at the ability disy’ 9d by the 
 students, and at the singular elegance of the compositions which they 
 delivered in various languages. By decree of the General Assembly four 
 great Colleges were to be established in the different provinces, and in 
 the treaty of peace, which was so long and so disastrously negotiated 
 between the Confederates and the King, one demand which they insisted 
 on, and which was only delusively accepted by the agents of the crown, was 
 to the effect, as I learn from the Rinunccini MSS., that a full share should 
 be allotted to them of the University honours and emoluments. 
 
ZF 
 
 The College of Kilkenny reappears in 1684, when the Duke of Ormond 
 established it as a Protestant institution, granting toit an extensive range 
 of buildings in “St. John’s town,” and endowing it with an ample revenue 
 from various tithes and other church revenues. On the accession of 
 James II., the master of the College fled, and the buildings of the 
 College became a public hospital. Very soon, however, at the request 
 of the citizens, the College was restored under the title of “the Royal 
 College of St. Canice,” and under the patronage of Dr. James Phelan, 
 the R. CO. Bishop, Dr. Daton was chosen its President. The royal charter 
 is dated 21st February, 1689, and in one respect it is of importance to us as 
 it attests that during the preceding years of persecution, a flourishing high 
 school had been secretly maintained by the clergy in Kilkenny for 
 Catholic youth, When the smile of royal sunshine passed away, such 
 schools were stealthily resumed and successfully carried on amid the 
 turmoil and penal laws of the succeeding reigns. The report made by the 
 committee of the House of Lords in 1735 gives the following summary of 
 statistics regarding this diocese :—‘ There are in Ossory 32 masshouses, 18 
 of which have been erected since the first year of George I.; there are 44 
 priests; 1 friary, with 5 friars; no nuns or nunnery; 11 private chapels, 
 and 34 schools.” The total number of schoolsin Ireland at the time 
 was 549, 
 
 In 1792, thanks to the volunteers of Dungannon, and to the attitude 
 assumed by the American colonists, the penal laws against Catholic 
 education were somewhat relaxed, and Ossory at once reappears foremost 
 in seeking to impart to Catholic youth the blessings of this dawn of edu- 
 cational freedom. In the letters of Dr. Troy, at this time Bishop of Ossory, 
 I find two references to the Education Bill, which had a little before re- 
 ceived the royal sanction, and to the new Catholic Academy which he 
 had just inaugurated. Both letters are addressed to Dr. Fallon, Bishop 
 of Elphin. In the first, dated September 23, 1782, Dr. Troy writes :— 
 
 “The Education Bill does not regard the clergy as such, but is 
 confined to schoolmasters, who can teach in future with impunity on taking 
 the oath of allegiance and obtaining a license from the respective Pro- 
 testant Bishops. These forms will be attended with some expenses, 
 which many poor teachers will not be able to defray.” 
 
 The next letter is dated from Kilkenny, Nov., 9th, 1782, and thus con- 
 cludes :— 
 
 “T have intimated a Diocesan Synod for next year, and ordered my 
 clergy to provide themselves with sutans, surplices, and caps, to be 
 made use of within the precincts of our places of worship. The inclosed 
 printed paper will explain the nature and design of an Academy now 
 
5 
 
 being erected here. I have the pleasure to assure you, it meets with general 
 approbation and encouragement.” 
 
 The next notice we have of our Diocesan Academy is to be found 
 in the “ Registrum Diwcesis Ossoriensis.”” Under date 4th Sept., 1783, 
 we find the following entries in the hand writing of Dr. Troy: “The 
 Rev. John Dunne, Con-Rector of the Kilkenny Academy, is appointed 
 Canon of Tasscoffin, in place of the Very Rev. Peter Crea. who died on 
 the fourth day of last March.” 
 
 “On the same day (4th Sept., 1783), Rev. James Lanigan, Con- 
 Rector of the Kilkenny Academy, becomes Canon of Killamory, in place 
 of the Very Rev. William Fitzpatrick, who died yesterday.” 
 
 The two distinguished clergymen who were thus the same day made 
 Canons of Ossory, afterwards became its chief pastors. Dr. J. Dunne 
 “was Bishop of Ossory from 1787 to 1789, and Dr. Lanigan, from 1789 to 1812 
 
 The school was first opened at Burll’s Hall. The Kilkenny Directory 
 for 1788 has the following: “Dunne and Lanigan, Academy, St. James’s- 
 street.” It contained about forty boarders—all lay students—the sons of 
 the most respectable Catholics of Ireland. So high was its character, that 
 itis mentioned in very flattering terms in the letter sent from Cardinal 
 Antonelli to Dr. Lanigan, intimating his appointment as Bishop of 
 Ossory. When Dr. Lanigan became Bishop of Ossory in 1789, the school 
 was transferred to the Old Academy, the present Loretto Convent. 
 
 All doubt on this point is removed by an advertisement which 
 appeared in Finn’s Leinster Journal for 1789. The Academy had for- 
 merly been occupied by Lord Clifden; and the fact of its being used for 
 Catholic educational purposes, caused a great sensation at the time. 
 Our authority for the above statements is the following letter addressed 
 to Father D, Brennan, then Vice-President of St. Kieran’s College, by the 
 late Dr. Kelly, of Maynooth :— 
 
 Maynooth College, Dec. 2nd, 1857. 
 
 My Dear Fatuer Brennan,—I have, at last, obtained some in- 
 formation on the history of old Burll’s Hall, and of the transfer of 
 the school to the Old Academy. A nephew of Dr. Troy told me yesterday 
 that he was educated in Kilkenny, first, at Burll’s Hall, and next, at 
 the Old Academy. He is now 78 years of age, in perfect health and vigour 
 of intellect, and remembers so distinctly Kilkenny, that I could almost 
 imagine I was talking to one of my old school-fellows. He went to 
 Kilkenny in his eighth year (1787), and left in his twelfth (1791). He could 
 not tell me the precise year when the school ;was changed to the old 
 Academy, but he is confident that it was not before Dr. Lanigan’s conse- 
 eration, which was in 1789. Dr. Lanigan was president of Burll’s Hall 
 
6 
 
 when he was appointed Bishop, and Dr. Troy, my informant, speaks of 
 him as we would of Father Foley or Shearman. Thetransfer to the Aca- 
 demy must then, he thinks, have been immediately after Dr. Lanigan’s 
 consecration. The old Academy had been before that time occupied 
 by Lord Clifden or by some member of his family, and the occupation of 
 such a house by Catholics for a Catholic school, was then considered an 
 immense progress of the Papist Church. Mr. Troy counted for me the 
 names of the distinguished Catholics educated there, in his time. He 
 says that when he was going down from Dublin to Kilkenny, he was 
 told that all the respectable Catholics of Ireland who were educated 
 at home, were to be found there. He named several, Powers, Wyses, 
 and Strongs from Waterford; Scullys, and Ryans from Tipperary ; Shees, 
 Murphys, Lalors, Fitzgeralds, from Kilkenny; Byrnes from Dublin. 
 Two of them are buried in a splendid tomb in Churchyard ; 
 They gave the land for the chapel and priest’s house there; and 
 there is on this tomb honourable mention of their exertions for the 
 Catholic use. One of the Shees went to France, and rose to great honour 
 in the French army, under the Repnblic and Napoleon, There were forty 
 boarders, all lay boys, in Burll’s Hall, and about fifty in the Academy, 
 also lay boys. He remembers all the walks, the Rock of Mount Hagle, 
 &e. I asked him did he ever swim in the Bishop’s Meadows; he 
 answered of course in the affirmative, adding, that during one warm 
 
 summer, the lads used to steal out to have a plunge after night 
 prayers. Mr. Finn, who lived, I suspect, where D, Smithwick lives now, 
 was his greatest friend, and was then considered the best in the 
 
 class. He remembers dining with old Dean O'Donnell in Maudlin-street. 
 The character of the school may be estimated from the fact that 
 its reputation had travelled to Rome. In the letter of Cardinal An- 
 tonelli to Dr. Lanigan, intimating his appointment in 1787, the school 
 is mentioned in most flattering terms, and its success attributed mainly 
 to his zeal and prudence. This fact I have found in Dr. Renehan’s manu- 
 seripts which I am endeavouring to arrange for the press. 
 I remain very sincerely yours, 
 
 Marruew KeE.ty. 
 
 Dr. Dunne’s father was agent to the then Lord Mountgarret, and 
 it is supposed that he himself was born in the parish of Lisdowney. 
 The most notable event of his episcopacy was a disturbance occasioned 
 in Callan by the suspension of the P.P., Father Darby Murphy. He 
 had been transferred from St, Patrick’s, Kilkenny, by De Burgo, in 
 May, 1768. 
 
 Dr. Dunne had to go to Callan himself to have Father Murphy re- 
 
top 
 / 
 
 moved from the parochial church. In order to effect that object, a con- 
 siderable amount of physical force had to beemployed; and the affair 
 
 was at the time much commented upon. Shortly afterwards, when en- 
 
 deavouring to make his way over a stile at Kilcreene, the bishop fell on some 
 iron spikes. Inflammation came on immediately, and he only survived a few 
 days. Allusion to this distressing accident is conveyed in the following 
 beautiful epitaph which is still legible on the monument erected over his 
 remains at the south side of St. Canice’s Cathedral :— 
 
 Hic Jacent Reliquiz 
 
 Ti ™ ac Rev ™ D.D. Joannis Dunne 
 Dum viveret Ep. Oss. 
 Quem mors immatura nimis 
 Proh dolor! Abripuit ferris 
 Die Mar. 15 Anno Domini ‘1789 
 Aetatis sue 44 
 Episcopatus autem Secundo. 
 Consummatus in brevi 
 Multa explevit tempora. 
 In concilio providus, 
 Strenuus in agendo, 
 Clarum presulibus Reliquit exemplum. 
 Si pietas lector, si morum gravitas 
 Si fervor zeli prudentia Placeat 
 Si potens Sacri verbi preconium, 
 Aut veri Presulis fama delectet 
 Hune memori perges Prosequi Studio 
 Quem lugubri deflet Ossoria voce. 
 py ee oe 
 
 The Right Rev. Dr. James Lanigan was born at Ballykeeffe Castle, 
 in the parish of Ballycallan, a.p. 1747. As he was employed for 
 some time as Professor of Mathematics in the University of Nantes, we 
 may presume that he received his education there. 
 
 On the death of Dr. Dunne he was raised from the Rectorship 
 of the James’ Green Academy to the Government of the See of Ossory, 
 chiefly on the recommendation of Dr. James Butler. Ina letter written 
 by Cardinal Antonelli to Dr. Butler, he says “Eximiw dotes et 
 preclara merita D. Jacobi Lanigan, Vicarii Capitularis vacantis ecclesi« 
 effecerunt, ut Emin P.P., ipsum utpote digniorem SSmo. Dno. Nro. pro 
 dicto Episcopatu proponendum censuerint.” By a decree of the Propa- 
 ganda, dated April 30th, 1796, he obtained Ballyragget as one of 
 his mensal parishes. A few years ago, some of the older inhabitants 
 
8 
 
 used to speak of the impression made upon them by his commanding 
 presence and grave and dignified bearing—his broad tricocked hat— 
 shoes with silver buckles, and gold-headed cane, as he was in the habit 
 of taking his evening walk to his farm, at Moat. Dr. Lanigan laboured 
 most zealously and successfully to advance the spiritual interests of the 
 flock committed to his charge. He promoted the religious education 
 of the people—the frequentation of the sacraments—instituted the Con- 
 fraternity of the Most Holy Sacrament—and bequeathed to the diocese, 
 as monuments of his piety and learning, those beautiful Spiritual Con- 
 ferences, which, when delivered by himself, were productive of so much 
 fruit. It was he also that established the Presentation Convent in Kil- 
 kenny, A.D. 1800. 
 
 Although at first inclined to grant a qualified veto to the Government, 
 he became one of the most determined opponents of that measure as soon 
 as he was convinced of its evil import. Speaking of the celebrated 
 declaration of the Irish Hierarchy, dated September 11, 1808, which 
 set the veto aside for ever, Dr. Brennan, in his E. History of Ireland, 
 writes as follows:—*To the learned patriotic bishops of Ossory and 
 Cloyne—Doctors Lanigan and Coppinger—the honour of this memorable 
 resolution is to be chiefly attributed.” 
 
 A Journal of the day, in recording his death, describes him as pos- 
 sessing “an intellect inquisitive and capacious, delicacy of perception, 
 a faithful memory, a judgment that could combine and discriminate 
 
 with admirable accuracy in the most intricate and perplexing reason- 
 ing; all these informed a mind that could sport with ease through 
 the different intermediate ranges of knowledge, from the rudiments of 
 classical learning, to the sublime parts of theology. In science he has 
 not left behind him his superior. He was a profound humanist, was well 
 versed in the Greek and Roman Poets, and in all the polite part of 
 learning. He was an Apostolical orator, an acute schoolman, pro- 
 found philosopher, uniting the sagacity of a prophet with the piety of a 
 saint.” 
 
 The gossiping biographer of Dr. Doyle has the following, at page 
 336, of his “Irish Wits and Worthies ”:— 
 
 “Bishop Lanigan, at the time of the Union made a pilgrimage to 
 St. Patrick’s Hall in Dublin Castle, with a complimentary address to 
 the Viceroy, Lord Cornwallis. Like Harry Deane Grady—who had 
 a similarly constituted eye, which we facetiously called hia ‘jury eye,’ 
 from the success with which he worked it upon that body—one of Lord 
 Cornwallis’ eyes was smaller than the other, and had acquired a rapid, 
 uninterrupted winking motion, which he is saidto have turned to pro- 
 fitable account in his negociations with political jobbers on the great 
 
9 
 
 question of the Union. Bishop Lanigan, who had never seen Lord Corn- 
 wallis, composed in the remote seclusion of Ossory the compliments 
 with which he meant to ply him personally. The Viceroy was sitting 
 on his throne when Dr. Lanigan, at the head of his clergy (?) sonorously 
 proceeded to read the address; ‘your Excellency has always kept a, steady 
 eye upon the interests of Ireland” An ill-suppressed smile rippled on 
 every face in St. Patrick’s Hall. Curran used to say that Dr. Lanigan’s 
 remark was second only to the Mayor of Coventry’s compliment to Queen 
 Elizabeth; ‘When the Spanish Armada attacked your Majesty, egad! 
 they caught the wrong sow by the ear,’ 
 
 Should the above story have as little foundation as the statement 
 of the same author—*The inscription upon Dr. Lanigan’s tomb in 
 Kilkenny records that as preacher he had few equals,” it is not entitled 
 to much credit. The inscription as seen on his monument, preserved 
 in the porch of the College, runs as follows :— f 
 
 / 
 “This monument has been erected as a public testimony ) 
 of respect and veneration for the memory of the 
 Right Rev. Doctor Lanican, R.C. 
 Bishop of Ossory, / 
 
 who departed this life on the 11th day of February, in. ‘ 
 the year of our Lord One Thousand Hight Hundred and 
 Twelve, and in the 65th year of his age. 
 A strong intellect, improved by study and experience, 
 A prudent zeal and a steady attachment to the 
 interests of his Flock, 
 were the peculiar Endowments which eminently qualified 
 him for the important station which he filled, 
 and enabled him to surmount 
 the various difficulties with which he had to contend 
 in the discharge of his pastoral Duties for more 
 than two and twenty years. 
 As aman of profound learning he ranked high in the 
 estimation of his contemporary Prelates, 
 
 His polite and obliging manners rendered him amiable 
 in society ; and as a man of piety he was an orna- 
 ment to that holy Religion which he both 
 taught and practised. 
 
 May his soul rest in Peace.” 
 
10 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 ST, CANICE’S ACADEMY AND ITS SUPERIORS. 
 
 The late Dr. Kelly of Maynooth tells us in the letter already published 
 that he was informed by a Mr. Troy that the Catholic diocesan school 
 of Kilkenny was changed from James’s Green to the site of the pre- 
 sent Loretto Convent shortly after Dr. Lanigan’s consecration. We are 
 inclined to think that the transfer took place a short time previous 
 to the consecration; whilst Dr. Lanigan was still Vicar-capitular of the 
 
 diocese. 
 
 \Dr. John Dunne, Bishop of Ossory died, we are told, “ at the Butts, 
 on Sgnday afternoon,” March 15,1789. In the months of April and May 
 of ‘3 same year the following advertisements appeared in the Leinster 
 
 Journal :—* To be let, for a year, or term of years, from the first day of 
 
 May next, the house in St. James’s Green, wherein the Rev. Mr, Lanigan 
 
 at present resides. Application to be made to Mr. Lanigan, at said 
 house. Kilkenny, April 10,1789.” “To be let, for a year, or term of 
 years, the house in St. James’s Green, wherein the Rev. Mr. Lanigan 
 lately resided. Application to be made to Mi. Lanigan, at the Academy. 
 Kilkenny, May 10, 1789.” 
 
 As the Kilkenny Directory for 1788 does not mention that any house 
 was occupied by Dr. Lanigan other than the Academy of James’s-street, 
 we may conclude that the house to be let in James’s Green must have been 
 ‘the St. James’s Academy, and that the Academy from which he dates his 
 advertisement of May 1789, must have been the St. Canice’s academy. Dr. 
 Lanigan was consecrated on Monday, the 21st of September. Father 
 Molloy died “at his house in James’s-street” on Thursday morning, 
 10th. Sept. It is very probable that Dr. Lanigan took the parish of 
 St. Mary’s into his own charge immediately after Father Molloy’s death, 
 and that he resided in the house siice occupied by the Bishops of Ossory. 
 Father Molloy presided over the parish of St. Mary’s during the long 
 period of thirty-five years. 
 
 Amongst the memorabilia of the Academy for 1789 the prize list and a 
 notice of some theatricals performed there will be particulary interesting 
 to our juvenile readers. 
 
11 
 
 Kilkenny, July 30, 1789. 
 
 At the Public Examinations held on the 27th and 28th instant, in the 
 ACADEMY, the following young gentlemen obtained premiums :-— 
 
 In RuEtTor1c—W. Ratican and T. Doyle. 
 
 PorTtry—W. Ratican. 
 
 HomER—T, Doyle. 
 
 Livy.—W. Ratican, Horace—T. Doyle, Cicero.—First-class, P. Hay, 
 Purcell. Second-class—F. Lanigan, J. Scully. 
 
 Vireit—First-class—P. Hay, M. Walton; second-class—J. Scully, 
 Cxsar—B. Scott, J. M‘Donough, Justin—J. Burke, R. Shea. 
 
 Nepos—W. Blackney, H. Lambert. 
 
 CasTaLIo—M. Ryan, E. Byrne. 
 
 Frencu—First-class—J. Ryan; second-class—T. Byrne; third-class— 
 H. Loughnan. 
 
 Astronomy—First-class—J. M‘Donough; second-class—J. Ryan. 
 
 History—First-class—P. Hay; second-class—J. Meagher, H. 
 Loughan. 
 
 GroGR4PHY—First-class—M. Keating, P. Hay, J. Hay; second- 
 class—T. M‘Donnell, J. Burke, T. Scully; third-class—H. Lambert, J. 
 Scully. 
 
 PRINCIPLES OF RELIGION—First-class—M. Walton, P. Hay; second- 
 class—P. Scott, T. M‘Donnell, B. Scott; third-class—J. White, B. Ryan, 
 S. Long, P. Doyle. 
 
 Exocution—F. Lanigan, J. M‘Donough. 
 
 ArT or Reapine—BE. Cantwell. 
 
 Writine.—M. Keating, W. Blackney, and J. Byrne. 
 
 ARITHMETIO—First-class—J. Ryan, W. Blackney, J. M‘Donough. 
 Second Class—M. Keating, T. Strange, Third Class—V. Meagher, F. 
 Lanigan, P. Doyle. 
 
 N.B.—Vacation ends on Sunday, the 6th of next September. 
 
 Kilkenny, December 23, 1789. 
 
 “ Yesterday evening the young gentlemen ofthe Academy performed 
 the TRAGEDY OF EDWARD THE BLACK PRINCE, with Chrononhoton- 
 thologos, at their theatre, to a very genteel audience. At seven o’clock 
 the curtain rose, and discovered a little groupe of tragedians, whose ap- 
 pearance quickly gained a prepossession in their favour. Their dress 
 attitude and delivery were elegant and just, and reflect great credit on the 
 performers.” 
 
 From the prologue, delivered by Master M‘Donough, we select the 
 
12 
 
 following amusing morceau, which gives us a vivid picture of the fair of 
 Kilkenny nearly a hundred years ago :— 
 
 “ Graziers, drovers, bull dogs, oxen, 
 Butchers bragging, landlords foxing, 
 Rapping, roaring, thumping, sticking, 
 Blatant beasts for only kicking. 
 
 Jockies sparring, cursing, lying, 
 
 One eye’d horses—dirt a flying, 
 Broken shins, and, bless your blood sir, 
 Clear the way—he’s sound and good sir. 
 Waggons, carmen; drums a-rattling ; 
 Popping, thrusting, joking, prattling; 
 Raree shews of short and long men ; 
 Bears and tigers, weak and strong men. 
 Pockets emptied, bills unpaid, and 
 Rogues at dead of night afraid; and 
 Many a bargain, if you strike it— 
 This our fair is—how d’ye like it ” 
 
 The Academy was at first only a lay school. The disturbances, how- 
 ever, occasioned by the French Revolution, and the consequent break-up 
 of our Irish ecclesiastical Colleges on the Continent, necessitated the 
 establishment of similar institutions here in Ireland. 
 
 Ossory, as usual, was amongst the foremost to take up this good 
 work. A former V.G. of this diocese, Very Rev. Dr. Nolan, P.P., Gowran, 
 in a letter addressed to Dr. Kelly of Maynooth, February 13, 1849, writes 
 as follows :—* A public course of philosophy commenced, at what is called 
 the Old Academy, in the year 1793. 
 
 “The Rev. Messrs. Fitzgerald and M‘Grath, wére at the head of the 
 establishment; the former opened and conducted the course of philosophy. 
 Twelve students from Ossory entered the class—I was of that number— 
 I was then about eighteen years of age—some of my class fellows were at 
 least forty years old. Before Christmas in the same year, the number 
 amounted to thirty, the greater part of them from Cashel and Waterford. 
 
 «Tn the summer of 1794, there was a public thesis—five of the students 
 were appointed to sustain it—many of the respectable citizens were 
 present—Dr. Millea, P.P., of Slieverue, opened the proceedings in a 
 beautiful oration, in which he exhibited a vivid portrait of the sufferings 
 and persecutions of the Catholic Church in Ireland, for more than a 
 
 century and a half. 
 “He expressed the warmest gratitude for the kindness and hospi- 
 tality, with which the poor exiled students were received in France. He 
 
13 
 
 then adverted to the comparatively mild and tolerant spirit which at that 
 moment began to manifest itself in this country, of which, he said, this 
 exhibition is a convincing proof. 
 
 “ Dr. Millea’s speech was delivered in Latin. The business of the day 
 was also conducted inthe same language. A very wealthy and leading 
 citizen said at dinner, that he never felt so humbled in his life ashe did 
 on hearing the sons of farmers discussing abstruse points of philosophy, 
 whilst he himself was equally ignorant of the language in which they 
 Spoke, and of the subject of the disputation.” 
 
 The respected Pastor of Clara, the venerable Abbé Ryan, made his first 
 Communion in the St. Canice’s Academy, under the direction of Father 
 O’Reilly, and he informs us that the ecclesiastical students continued 
 to be educated there almost up to the time when. Dr. Marum opened the 
 Maudlin-street Seminary, in 1811. The alarm caused by the insurrection 
 of 1798, produced a great falling off in the number of its students; and 
 the departure of Father Fitzgerald for Carlow, in 1800, was a loss 
 from which it never afterwards recovered. On the appointment of Father 
 M'Grath as P.P. of Ballyragget, towards the close of the year 1816, the 
 lay school was brought back again to Burrell’s-hall. 
 
 Before taking leave, however, of the Old Academy, we must give a 
 sketch of the lives of its Superiors, and of some of its most distinguished 
 students. Weshall commence with Father A. Fitzgerald, premising that 
 our information has been obtained from facts collected by two devoted 
 pupils and admirers of his—the late Right Rev. Dr. Kinsella, and M. 
 Lenihan, Esq., M.R.LA., the able and accomplished Editor of the Limerick 
 Reporter. - 
 
 FATHER ANDREW FITZGERALD 
 
 was the son of James Fitzgerald, Esq., and his wife, Mrs. Mary Fitzgerald 
 (nee Knaresborough). He was born in High-street, in the City of Kilkenn y> 
 and was baptised on the 30th November, 1763, St. Andrew’s day—Maurice 
 Kavanagh, Esq., and Mrs. Mary Barry being his sponsors. He was lineally 
 and closely descended from the Fitzgeralds Barons of Oluain and Browns- 
 ford in the south-east of the County Kilkenny. 
 
 They were a branch of the Desmonds, and lost their title and 
 property by adhering to James II. Father Fitzgerald was the last male. 
 His ancestor, Baron Fitzgerald, was killed at the battle of Aughrim; 
 and when he fell, his horse actually returned home with his master’s sword 
 attached to the saddle. This sword was preserved for several gencra- 
 
14 
 
 tions in a family descended from one of his servants. “TI remember,” 
 writes Mr. Lenihan, “the strong sensation that it created when, some 
 years ago, this old sword was presented to the Kilkenny Archeological 
 Association by a descendant of one of the Baron’s retainers, who is still, I 
 believe, inexistence. The Association still possesses the sword.” According 
 to a certificate signed and sealed by the Most Rev. Dr. Thomas Troy, on 
 the 10th of April, 1781, in the fourth year of his consecration, it appears 
 that Father Fitzgerald, when but ten years old, received Confirmation in 
 the year 1773 at the hands of Dr. Troy’s predecessor, the most illustrious 
 Dr. De Burgo, Bishop of Ossory, in the parish chapel of St. Mary’s, Kil- 
 kenny. He received his classical education in the College of Kilkenny, 
 where Swift, Congreve, Berkeley, and others had preceded him. He went 
 to the University of Louvain in his sixteenth year. There he was pro- 
 fessed as a Dominican Friar, and continued seven years, making the usual 
 philosophical and theological studies. He then went to Lisbon, where, 
 having finished his theology, he afterwards taught philosophy for six 
 years. According to a document signed by the Master General of 
 the Dominican order in Rome, he was promoted to the degree of Master 
 of Arts, on the 4th September, 1788. Mr. Lenihan again tells us that 
 “ When Father Andrew was passing through London on his way to the con- 
 tinent, with a companion of his own age, they fell out, and like hot- 
 blooded Irish boys they boxed; but they soon became friends, firm and, 
 unalterable ever afterwards. I heard Father Andrew say that when 
 alone, far away from friends and home, from the endearments of a fond 
 mother, he cried until relieved by a copious flood of tears; and that 
 immediately afterwards he set to work, and became one of the most 
 diligent of students. The account of his terrors when passing the Bay 
 of Biscay, now in the depths of a gulph between two mountains; anon on 
 the very edge of a gigantic wave, tossed up and down in a comparatively 
 poor vessel, was somewhat graphic.” 
 
 He returned to Kilkenny about 1792, and was soon after placed, with 
 Father M‘Grath, at the head of the St. Canice’s Academy. After seven years 
 they divided their profits, which amounted to sixpence; and Father Fitz- 
 gerald, anxious for more retirement, went to Carlow College in 1800. 
 In Carlow, Father Fitzgerald successively taught classics, philosophy, 
 theology and scripture; and had as pupils many among the prelacy of 
 Ireland, including his Eminence, the Cardinal Archbishop of Dublin, 
 Right Rev. Dr. Kinsella, Bishop of Oasory, &c., &e. 
 
 In 1814, Dr. Staunton, the first President of Carlow, died, and left 
 the College and its property to Father Fitzgerald. Having been pre- 
 vailed on to accept the office of President, he instantly transferred 
 the College and its property to nine trustees, and fixed his own salary 
 
15 
 
 as president so low that the professor of theology, Dr. Doyle, had only 
 £15 a year less. “ Father Fitzgerald,” writes Dr. Kinsella, “still con- 
 tinued to teach scripture, with no salary for that chair, and loved money 
 so well, that though he had his commons and a salary in Carlow, anda 
 considerable family property in Kilkenny, he died worth precisely 
 nothing !” In the month of September, 1832 he was thrown into 
 prison on account of his refusal to pay the obnoxious tithes, 
 and Carlow was ina state of the greatest excitement on the occasion. 
 His friend and fellow Dominican, Dr. Troy, was anxious that he should 
 become prefect of studies in Maynooth College, and made him many flat- 
 tering offers; but Father Andrew remained in Carlow College till his 
 death, which occurred September 14th, 1843. The Presentation Convent 
 of Carlow, the Convent of the Sisters of Mercy, and the College Library, 
 will long attest his piety and generosity. Mr. Lenihan has kindly 
 promised to read some of Father Fitzgerald’s interesting and edifying 
 correspondence at the next meeting of the Ossory Archwxological Society, 
 so that for the present we shall leave the memory of our distinguished 
 fellow-citizen in the hands of his devoted pupil. 
 
 VERY REV. PATRICK M‘GRATH 
 
 was three years youngerthan Father Fitzgerald, having been born A.D. 
 1766, in Patrick-street, opposite the house at present occupied by the Misses 
 Purcell. I have not been able to find out where he was educated, probably 
 in Paris; he had, however, the name of being a very learned and eloquent 
 man. A contemporary speaks of him “as a highly-gifted and pro- 
 foundly learned clergyman.” His discrimination of the character of his 
 pupils was very remarkable. It is recorded in a sketch of the life of 
 Father Matthew, that he was an especial favourite with Father M‘Grath 
 during the seven years that he spent at the Academy. The preceptor, 
 no doubt, must have discerned some foreshadowings of his future career, 
 in the ardent soul of his gentle, bright-eyed pupil. After having pre- 
 sided worthily over the Academy for seven and-twenty years, Father 
 M‘Grath was appointed P.P. of Ballyragget, late in the year 1816. He 
 was not very well received there, as it was supposed that he was in favour 
 of the Veto, and so he was transferred to the united parishes of Ooning 
 and Templeorum, in 1821. In 1827, he was appointed by the Irish Bishops 
 President of the Irish College in Paris. He remained there only one 
 year, and during that time devoted his parochial revenues to the repairing 
 
16 
 
 and decorating of his churches. An account of a dinner party given 
 to him by his parishioners, previous to his leaving for France, may now be 
 regarded as interesting :—“ On the 2nd September, 1827, a dinner was 
 given by his parishioners to this most excellent and amiable clergyman, 
 as a mark of their respect, previous to his leaving this country for France, 
 toresume the Presidency of the Irish College, Paris. Many gentlemen 
 from Waterford and its vicinity were present on the occasion, as also, 
 those of the immediate neighbourhood, amongst whom we noticed several 
 distinguished Protestant gentlemen. About six o’clock, the chair was 
 taken by J. Walsh, Esq., Fanningstown; and the company, about fifty 
 in number, sat down to a most excellent dinner at Anthony’s Hotel, 
 Piltown. The greatest cordiality and good feeling pervaded the pro- 
 ceedings of the evening ; and amongst the toasts proposed from the chair 
 were the following :—The King, and may he never forget his own de. 
 claration, that ‘he holds his crown only for the good of his people.’—~ 
 Three times three.” 
 
 (Ireland, and prosperity to her). 
 
 The Chairman then said, that in rising to propose the health of 
 their respected and reverend guest, he would not trespass on their at- 
 tention by attempting to eulogize his character, already so well known 
 
 to them—a character, uniting in itself, the rare and estimable qua- 
 lities of the pious clergyman, the exemplary Christian, the deeply-read 
 scholar, and the perfect gentleman—he would, therefore, without 
 further preface,. propose to them—the health of the liberal and en- 
 lightened pastor of their parish, the Rev. Mr. M‘Grath. 
 
 The rapturous and repeated applause which followed this toast lasted 
 for several minutes. As soon as it subsided, the rev. gentleman rose 
 and returned thanks in that strain of fascinating eloquence, for which 
 he was always remarkable. He then, after justly complimenting Mr. 
 Anthony, for the excellent arrangements of the dinner, proceeded to 
 take leave of his parishioners, in the most feeling and impressive manner, 
 giving them most useful and salutary advice, and retired about eleven 
 o’clock, amidst the cheers and good wishes of every person present.” 
 
 Father M‘Grath, during the closing years of his life, finding himself 
 unable to continue to celebrate the late Masses on Sundays and Holy- 
 days, required of him in the Parish of Templeorum, was transferred, 
 at his own request, to Inistiogue. He did not survive his translation 
 . long, as he was called to receive the reward of his long and useful life, on 
 the 22nd January, 1840, in the fiftieth of his sacred ministry. We 
 are indebted to the courtesy of the much respected Pastor of Inistiogue, 
 Very Rev. Father Hennessy, for a copy of the inscription on Father 
 
17 
 
 M‘Grath’s monument. This inscription is taken from a mural slab 
 
 erected in the Parish Church of Inistioge and runs as follows :— 
 
 Prope jacent cineres 
 Adm. Rev. Dom. Paitricii Magrath, 
 Hujus Diceceseos Cancellarii, 
 Hujus Decanatus Vicarii For. 
 Et Hujus Parochie Pastoris, 
 Qui ex hac vita decessit 
 Mense Januario, 
 
 Anno Sal. MDCCOXL, 
 Aitatis Sue LXXV Anno, 
 Vir fuit eximio ingenio preditus, 
 Doctus, pius, mitis, benevolus, 
 Pecunias aspernans, 
 
 In lucrandis animis semper assiduus, 
 Qui amicum nunquam amisit 
 Et permultos in omni gradu 
 Amicissimos fecit. 
 
 Vera humilitas, et ardens erga 
 Deum et proximum charitas, 
 
 In ipso semper enituere. 
 Requiescat in Pace. 
 
 Whatever might have been the character of F. Magrath for meekness 
 on the mission, it is very questionable whether any of his pupils in- 
 scribed the word “ mitis” on his monument. On the contrary, he was 
 looked upon as rather severe when at the head of the Academy. He 
 never allowed the rod to rust or remain idle in his hand. Some very res- 
 pectable pupils of his inform us that he used occasionally to lay on the 
 birch very vigorously to a class of fifty ata time. The survivors, however, 
 do not appear to have cherished any ill-will towards his memory on that 
 account. They consider themselves to have been rather benefited by the 
 transaction ; and hope that all his purgatory may have been gone through 
 in the twenty-seven weary years during which he had to educate and 
 humanize so many impetuous and thoughtless youths. 
 
 One of thelocal papers, in recording his demise, says :—* Contemn- 
 ing riches, he died poor, believing with St. Paul, that godliness is profit- 
 able to all things, having promise of the life that now is, and that 
 which is to come.” 
 
18 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 Some distinguished Students of the Academy. 
 
 We have endeavoured to portray what manner of men the superiors of 
 the Academy were. It is now our pleasing duty to show that the pupils 
 were not unworthy of their preceptors. In order to make this evident, we 
 shall, passing over the life of Father Mathew, as well known to the gene- 
 ral public, endeavour to give a sketch of the lives of two distinguished 
 prelates, Dr. Marum and Dr. Kelly, one an alumnus of the old Academy 
 of James’s-street; the other of what we may designate the St. Canice’s 
 Academy. 
 
 THE RIGHT REV. KYRAN MARUM 
 
 was born in the year 1772, at Rathpatrick (Galmoy), in this county, and was 
 the son of Pierce L. Marum, and Eleanor, his wife, nee Fitzpatrick. He was 
 descended from one of the seven Septs of Leix, now Qucen’s County, who 
 were transplanted to Tarbert, in the County of Kerry, in 1607, pursuant 
 to agreements signed upon the 17th of March of that year. In 1653, 
 when Kerry was proclaimed “out of protection” for mere Irish and 
 Papists, the Septs returned to Leix and Offaly. Young Kyran completed 
 his classical studies at the Academy of James’s Green, under the direction 
 of Doctors Dunne and Lanigan. 
 
 His great proficiency in the classics caused him to be known amongst 
 his young companions as “little Horace ;’ and induced the Bishop of 
 Ossory, Dr. Troy, to send him to the Irish College of Salamanca, at the 
 very early age of thirteen. 
 
 The Most Rev. Dr. Curtis, afterwards Primate of all Ireland, was at 
 that time President of the Irish College, Salamanca. In some notes made 
 by him in the College, concerning the progress and dispositions of the 
 students, he describes Kyran Marum as being possessed of great talent but 
 rather indolent. Our young diocesan must, however, have become more 
 industrious in course of time, for we find him bearing off the highest 
 honours in a class which was a very galaxy of talent, including, as it did, 
 Doctors Murray of Dublin, Everard of Cashel, Kelly of Tuam, Magaurin 
 of Ardagh, and Kernan of Clogher. After having completed his course 
 of sacred studies, and obtained the other necessary degrees in Theology, 
 he was entitled to the degree of Doctor in Divinity, as soon as he attained 
 the age required. He was immediately appointed Vice-Rector and 
 Professor, and, though so young, was numbered among the superiors of 
 that celebrated University of Salamanca. 
 
19 
 
 Having been recalled by his Bishop, just as other still more brilliant 
 and alluring prospects of preferment in the Spanish Church opened before 
 him, and one office in particular, of high trust and dignity, offered by the 
 Spanish Government, was ready for his acceptance, he returned to his 
 native country, in the stormy and eventful year of 1798. With that humi- 
 lity that was peculiar to him, he seemed to forget the honours he had 
 earned in a foreign University, and the distinctions that would have 
 assisted him in a foreign land, and, in compliance with the command of a 
 superior, engaged, without delay, in the humble and laborious duties of the 
 mission, in the parish of Durrow, Queen’s County. But merit such 
 as his could not long remain in obscurity; he was in 1802 invited to the 
 College of Carlow, where he filled successively the chairs of Philosophy 
 and Theology. In the chair of Theology, he acquired a reputation which 
 equalled, if not surpassed, the high expectations that were raised by the 
 early exertion of his powerful genius. Seldom was Professor more sincerely 
 respected or more tenderly loved. 
 
 “It was indeed amazing,” writes a contemporary, “to perceive with 
 what rapidity his powerful mind penetrated the very depths of a difficulty, 
 however abstruse and complicated the question that might be submitted to 
 his decision. And it was observed, that as if no reflection, no mental pro- 
 
 cess of deduction or inference were necessary to him, as if his know- 
 ledge were intuitive, he poured out at once on the subject the light of a 
 commanding and luminous intellect; while he inculeated his opinion with 
 a warmth and energy of manner which made a deep and lasting im- 
 pression.” To the above we may add the testimony of J. K. L., who 
 spoke of him asa bright ornament of the Catholic Church in Ireland, 
 as one whose death was not merely a heavy loss to the Diocese of Ossory 
 but one that would be severely felt. by the Catholic Hierarchy of the 
 Kingdom. 
 
 Dr. Marum left Carlow and was appointed P.P. of St. John’s about the 
 year 1810. Shortly afterwards he opened the Semi nary in Mandlin-street 
 for ecclesiastical students. In the management of this Seminary, he was 
 ably assisted by Doctors Kelly and Nolan, the former taking charge of the 
 philosophy, the latter of the theology class. So great was its success, 
 that approved lodging houses had to be appointed in different parts of 
 the city for the externs who flocked to the Seminary from various localities 
 of Ireland. The sums it received from the externs for the year 1811 | 
 amounted to £300. In 1814 exactly double that amount was realized. 
 
 Here we must allude, in passing, to a strange statement that appears 
 in a letter of Dr. Doyle, published in his life, by W. J. Fitzpatrick. In 
 that letter, dated October 20th, 1814, and addressed to his nephew, Dr. 
 Doyleis made to say that it was then usual to receive the dunces of Carlow 
 
20 
 
 College into the Kilkenny Seminary, “where an examination is merely a 
 matter of form.” I will only remark that the characters of Doctors 
 Marum, Kelly, and Nolan should be a sufficient refutation of that temera- 
 rious assertion, and that then, as now, whenever they required able pro- 
 fessors in Carlow they were very glad to find them here in Kilkenny. 
 
 To return to Dr. Marum—writing about the mdnth’s mind of Dr. 
 Lanigan, April, 1812, at which were present Drs. Troy, Murray, Bray, 
 Delaney, Power, and Ryan:—‘ Mr, Marum is likely,” says Archbishop 
 Bray, “to be the new bishop, being supported by Drs. Troy and Murray. 
 He shall have my best wishes, but he is not the object of the clergy’s 
 choice. 
 
 The Archbishop, however, must have been misinformed on this point 
 by some one opposed to Dr. Marum, since all the contemporary records agree 
 in representing him as the unanimous choice of the clergy of Ossory. His 
 canonical election at Rome did not take place sooner than the 4th Novem- 
 ber, 1814, after the liberation of Pope Pius the Seventh. His devotion to 
 his Patron, St. Kieran, induced him to place his Diocesan Seminary under 
 his special protection ; and since his time it has been known as St. Kieran’s 
 College. The same ardent love for his name-saint made him decide on 
 having his consecration, in the year 1815, take place on St. Kieran’s day: 
 By a special Indult from the Holy See, it did take place on that Feast 
 with great solemnity, the consecrating Prelate being the Venerable Dr. 
 Troy, by whom he had been sent to Salamanca twenty-seven years before. 
 
 Dr. Marum and Dr. Doyle were great friends through life. It was he. 
 
 introduced to Dr. Doyle, at a party in Rutland Square, the celebrated 
 Mariana, who afterwards became the superioress of an extensive religious 
 community at Navan, and to whom we are indebted for so much of Dr: 
 Doyle’s lively epistolary correspondence. 
 
 Writing to her in November, 1825, when Dr, Marum’s already feeble 
 health had been quite shattered by the murder of his brother, and the num- 
 ber of executions that followed it, Dr. Doyle mentions—“ That Dr. Marum , 
 like himself, was endeavouring to drag on an existence of which they had 
 many reasons to be weary.” 
 
 Dr. Marum was a sterling patriot, and gave every encouragement to 
 O'Connell, even to the use of his churches, during the agitation which 
 preceded Emancipation. He always continued to have a great interest in 
 the advancement of the sacred cause of Catholic education. The last 
 public appearance recorded of him, was on the occasion of his distributing 
 the prizes to the successful students in the annual examinations at Burrell’s 
 Hall. A local paper thus records his death and funeral :— 
 
 “The Right Rev. Dr. Marum, Bishop of Ossory, is no more. That 
 excellent Prelate lingered until eight o’clock on Saturday morning, (22nd 
 
2) 
 
 December), when he yielded up his spirit to Him who gave it, in the 55th 
 year of his age, during one half of which he laboured under a severe affection 
 of the liver. For this complaint, the learned and exemplary Christian 
 pastor had observed the regimen, &c., prescribed by the Surgeon-General 
 during the last nine months. As we stated on Saturday, his Lordship 
 had been in the confessional on Tuesday morning, according to his daily 
 practice at this memorable season. Three hours of that cold and dreary 
 morning had been passed fasting, in this awful duty. He then took a 
 very slight repast, and returned to the same arduous occupation. But 
 on leaving the confessional, he was struck down by a paralytic attack 
 too powerful to be resisted by a constitution enfeebled by disease, 
 by sedentary habits, close study, and unceasing attention to the weighty 
 and laborious duties of his high and momentous office, the awful res- 
 ponsibility of which he fully felt, as the servant of the true and living 
 God, whose faithful minister he was. Dr. Purcell, his resident physician, 
 was instantly sent for; but this gentleman saw, at once, the hopelessness 
 of the case, and required immediate medical assistance, on which Dr, 
 Alcock was called; but in the meantime, Dr. Purcell had opened: the 
 temporal artery, which afforded considerable relief. Two days passed 
 without hope, when his friends called in the aid of Dr. Pack, and on the 
 next day that of Dr. Michael Ryan; but the glass of the sanctified patient 
 was then nearly run out. The decree had gone forth that he should be 
 promoted to regions of everlasting peace, joy, and glory. 
 
 ‘‘ Human effort could not retard its execution; and on the morning of 
 the fifth day, having suffered repeated paralytic attacks in the interim, 
 he quietly departed this life for that where pain and sorrow can never 
 be experienced.” 
 
 “THE FUNERAL. 
 
 “At an early hour on Monday*morning St. James’s chapel was 
 crowded. The uncovered coffin containing the body was placed on a trestle, 
 surrounded with lights, in the centre of the aisle. On the coffin were 
 placed the crozier and mitre, emblematic of the dignity of the deceased 
 in the church to which he belonged. The pulpit and walls were hung 
 with black cloth. The funeral obsequies were celebrated with all the 
 pomp and grandeur of the Catholieritual. Several masses were said for 
 the repose of the departed soul, after which the solemn office for the dead 
 was chanted by about sixty priests dressed as for the service of the altar, 
 Dr. Doyle, Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin, and Dr. Kelly, Bishop of 
 Waterford and Lismore, presided at the performance of the solemn services 
 of the day. Dr. Murray, Archbishop of Dublin, and many other digni- 
 taries of the church would have been present but for the proximity of the 
 
 Feast of our Lord’s Nativity, which necessarily kept at home those re- 
 
29 
 
 siding in distant places. The ceremonies lasted till half-past one o’clock 
 when the procession moved through some of the principal streets of the 
 city in the following order -—Mutes leading, followed by the medical 
 attendants of the deceased ; then the clergy, next the hearse, in the rear of 
 which were the afflicted relatives; then—and, oh, it was an interesting and 
 deeply affecting sight—fifty-two little female orphans, rescued from all 
 the misery and vice to which young creatures bereaved of their natura] 
 parents are exposed—rescued from all the evils of orphanage, and clothed 
 and educated by the excellent ladies of the Presentation Convent. (Albeit 
 unused to the melting mood) we could not restrain our tears when these 
 little well-dressed innocents, covered with mourning hoods, passed us, and 
 when we reflected that their moans, ‘ deep, not loud,’ were rising to the 
 throne of mercy as so many attestations of the great worth of him whose 
 loss they so bitterly mourned; but pleasure at their appearance was mingled 
 in these tears with sorrow at the cause of the procession. Several mortality 
 societies followed, and the procession was closed by a number of citizens in 
 scarfs and hat-bands. Precisely seventeen minutes elapsed as the pro- 
 cession passed us. All the shops were closed. One word more and we 
 have done. The virtuous poor have deep reason to mourn the loss of this 
 excellent divine. Though thirteen years Bishop of Ossory, and of very 
 retired habits, he was not worth one shilling when he died !|” 
 
 “Tt only remains now for us to transcribe the epitaph of this dis- 
 tinguished alumnus of the Academy : 
 
 Sub hoc marmore conduntur reliquie, 
 
 ti ™ ac Rev. due D.D., Kyrani Marum, 
 Episcopi Ossoriensis, 
 Vir fuit preclaro ingenio literis tam humanis quam divinis egregie exculto, 
 pietate erudita simul et Fervida insignis, Moribus mitis et urbanus, indole 
 
 o> 
 
 benenevolus, eloquio potens, egenis compatiens, et in amicitia constans, 
 omnium quibuscum versabatur studium et amorem conciliabat, et maximo 
 gui desiderio familiares afficiebat. Pastorali officio solicite incumbens 
 gregem gibi commissum verbo et exemplo, ad Christi normam, regere et 
 edocere satagebat. Hoc monumentum heu parvum meroris solamen 
 consanguinei et affines posuere. Extinctus est die XXII Decembris, Anno 
 Salutis MDCCCXXVII, Episcopatus sui decimo tertio, etatis vero 
 
 quinquagesimo quinto.— Requiescat im Pace.” 
 
 THE RIGHT REV. PATRICK KELLY. 
 
 Dr. Kelly’s parents were Matthew Kelly and Anastatia Nolan of 
 John-street, Kilkenny. Their second son, Patrick, was born April 16th, 
 
23 
 
 1779. He was nephew of the late Very Rev. Dr. Nolan, V.G. and V.C. of 
 this diocese, and uncle to the late Very Rev. M. Kelly, of Maynooth, and 
 to the Very Rev. J. Kelly, the present learned and patriotic pastor of 
 Castlecomer, 
 
 Dr. Kelly’s first instructor was Mahony of John-street, in whose 
 School were trained the best grammarians and arithmeticians of the 
 day. From Mahony’s he went to Lisdowney, where Costelloe, a remark- 
 able man in his department, taught with great success for many years 
 the Greek and Latin classics, In 1795 he went to St. Canice’s Academy, 
 and in 1787, being then about eighteen years old, he was sent to Lisbon. 
 After finishing his ordinary course in Lisbon, he was appointed to the 
 chair of Philosophy by the late very distinguished Dr. Crotty, Bishop 
 of Cloyne and Ross, between whom and Dr. Kelly there always existed a 
 most affectionate friendship. Declining health obliged Dr, Kelly to 
 resign his professorship, and to try the effects of the invigorating air of his 
 native city. 
 
 The vessel which conveyed him from Lisbon was attacked by a pri- 
 vateer in the Bay of Biscay; and the cowardly master and crew were 
 about to surrender to their assailant, when F. Kelly urged them to show 
 fight, and by no means to abandon their colours. The privateer, after 
 the discharge of a few shots, considering that prudence was the better 
 part of valour, allowed them to proceed on their voyage without further 
 molestation. Dr. Kelly landed in Ireland, August 16th, 1804, and re- 
 mained with his parents in Maudlin street till the autumn of 1805, when 
 he went to Johnstown, whence he was removed after two years and a-half 
 to the Rower, parish of Inistioge. Whilst a curate there, we are 
 told, “he thoroughly endeared himself to the poor, and his attendance at 
 the bed of sickness was edifying and unflinching.” 
 
 In 1811 he became professor of philosophy in the diocesan seminary, 
 then established at Maudlin-street, and had fifty in his class. In 1817 
 he succeeded Father Shearman as president of Birchfield, and at the 
 same time took charge of the theology class. This was, of course, a great 
 advantage to him in after-life, and caused him to be regarded as a most 
 profound theologian by the bishops of Ireland. During his time in 
 Birchfield Dr. Kelly had over a hundred boarders under his charge, and 
 
 when he left in 1820 the college was in-a very flourishing condition. It had 
 not then such a balance to its credit as it had sixteen years afterwards, at 
 the termination of Dr. Walshe’s presidency, but it had a fair one; and 
 it had paid up to the last farthing the large amount required for the pos- 
 session of Birchfield. To Dr. Kelly is also due the merit of having recom- 
 mended the late Dr. Walshe for the office of Bursar, and afterwards, for 
 that of President of the College of Birchfield. 
 
; x 
 
 A i 24 ya £ 
 
 oa the first Catholic bishop and archbishop in the United 
 States, a brother to the celebrated Carroll of Carrollton, and a des- 
 eondant of the Princes of Ely, was at this time archbishop of Baltimore. 
 The archdiocese having become thickly populated and too extensive 
 for one prelate it was determined at Rome to appoint two suffragan 
 bishops, and Drs. Kelly and England were the two selected as the first 
 occupants of the new sees. It was certainly a great sacrifice on the 
 part of Dr. Kelly to accept such an office, considering what America then 
 was, and what a respectable position he occupied in his own native 
 diocese. Still he did not hesitate one instant about obeying the apostolic 
 mandate, but, like the Galls, the Columbanuses, and Romualds of old, 
 abandoned home and kinsfolk, and hastened to propagate the Gospel in a 
 far distant land. ; 
 
 As Dr. Kelly’s receptions at Norfolk (Virginia), and afterwards at 
 Waterford, have been very much misrevresented, we shall transcribe the ac- 
 curate account of these events, as given by the present respected and learned 
 Vice-president of Maynooth College, Very Rev. Dr. M‘Carthy, in a 
 note at p. 379, of his edition of “Collections on Trish Church History” :— 
 «Dr. Kelly was consecrated bishop, August 94, (26?) 1820, and left 
 Kilkenny for his diocese, October 9, same year. He sailed from Dub- 
 lin, and after a rough and tedious voyage of sixty days, reached 
 New York, December 24, 1820. Proceeding thence by land to Phila- 
 delphia, where he stopped six days with Bishop Connell; he passed through 
 Baltimore, waited on the Archbishop, ‘ who,’ he says in a private letter to 
 his brother, ‘did not receive me over kindly, and tried to persuade me 
 it would be dangerous to take possession of my See; but his arguments 
 did not satisfy me, and I arrived at Norfolk on Friday, the 19th January, 
 1821. On the Sunday following I said Mass, when the regular and well- 
 disposed Catholics met, and published my Bull from the altar. Since 
 that period I have been negotiating with the other party who were in 
 possession of the church. On last Sunday (Feb. 4) the keys were sent to ° 
 me and delivered at the altar whilst I was addressing the people, so that 
 matters are likely to be soon settled entirely to my satisfaction.” Ina 
 very short time, within less even than two months, the difficulties which 
 the Archbishop of Baltimore dreaded so much, and which he should 
 have resisted from the beginning more firmly, were quietly removed by 
 Dr. Kelly’s zeal and prudence. The Catholics of Dr. Kelly’s diocese 
 were scattered over a large extent of territory, and he had only one or 
 two priests to assist him in ministering to their spiritual necessities. 
 His labours were, therefore, arduous in the extreme; and they were ren- 
 dered still more intolerable by an outbreak of malignant yellow fever, 
 which decimated the inhabitants of every denomination. To add to his 
 
25 
 
 discomfort he was obliged to open a school for the purpose of supplying 
 himself and the members of his household with the absolute necessaries 
 of life. He won the esteem and affection of both contending parties, 
 united them firmly together, and suppressed almost immediately a dan- 
 gerous schism. Hence, when the news of his being postulated for 
 unanimously by the Chapter and clergy of Waterford reached Norfolk, 
 and the bishop’s declared intention of returning to Ireland if solicited 
 by the Holy See became known, his lordship found it necessary to warn 
 his friends not to send the Bull for his translation through the post-office 
 to America, because he would not be much surprised, he said, if mea- 
 sures were taken to prevent the receipt of the Bull, especially as he 
 knew such things to have occurred before, ‘It does not appear to me,’ 
 he writes to his brother, Mr. James Kelly, Maudlin-street, ‘a matter of 
 very great importance whether I perform my pilgrimage through life on 
 this side of the Atlantic or on yours. Yet, I confess, my own feelings and 
 my knowledge of this country considered, I do give the preference to yours.’ 
 
 “ This letter was written Feb. 22nd, 1822, the very day on which the 
 translation was decreed in Rome; and which was celebrated afterwards 
 as the anniversary of his translation. Dr. Kelly left Norfolk June 14, 1822, 
 and arrivedat Holyhead July 14th, and Dublin July 15th, same year. 
 The priests and people of Waterford received him with marked demon- 
 strations of respect. Their kindness made a lasting impression on the 
 good bishop’s mind, who resolved more firmly than ever to devote himself 
 from that day without reserve to the ‘temporal and spiritual good of his 
 people.” 
 
 Dr. Kelly’s great characteristic was earnestness. His motto was that 
 of the Jesuits :—“ Whatever is worth doing is worth doing well.” Hence, 
 we find that he always did his work thoroughly. Mr. Wyse, in his history of 
 the Catholic Association, tells us that in the great work of drawing up the 
 Catholic Census, which helped so much to forward the Catholic claims: 
 “Dr.Kelly, Bishop of Waterford, particularly distinguished himself. He 
 was the first prelate to begin, and the only one I believe fully to complete, 
 his portion of the census.” 
 
 After so many years of agitation—so much speech-making by O’Connell 
 and Shiel—so many public letters and explanations by Dr. Doyle, the 
 expectations of the Catholics of Ireland, which were raised go high in 1825, 
 were again doomed to disappointment, after the bitterly hostile declaration 
 made by the Duke of. York that year, in the House of Lords. Then it was 
 that the distinguished son of Ossory, by his vigour and determination, 
 raised up the drooping banner of Faith and Fatherland, and by his 
 successful assault on one of the strongest of the enemies’ fortifications 
 rendered the success of 1829 more easy and secure. 
 
 D 
 
26 
 
 The Waterford election of 1826 was indeed a most remarkable event, 
 and one which should make the name of Dr. Kelly for ever illustrious in 
 the annals of Ireland. His opponents, as well as his friends, admit that 
 the expulsion of the Beresfords from the representation of Waterford was 
 by him planned and carried into execution. 
 
 At first, indeed, the undertaking appeared to be somewhat quixotic. 
 The Beresfords had for more than seventy years remained in undisturbed 
 possession of the representation of Waterford. During that time they were 
 in a great degree the virtual rulers of Ireland. Honours, power, and 
 patronage were everywhere dispensed by them with a lavish hand, in order 
 to uphold their influence and baleful ascendancy. 
 
 This was especially true of Waterford, the chief seat of the family, 
 and the great stronghold of their territorial power. How then could a 
 stranger without any local connections—a man unpractised in the ways of 
 diplomacy—how could he effect the expulsion of the Beresfords from the 
 representation of the very county where they had so long reigned 
 supreme P The stoutest hearts quailed. O’Connell himself (Mr. Stuart’s 
 counsel) at first thought the thing impossible, “ He was sad, doubtful, 
 and taciturn.” Even the clergy were timid, and for a long time distrustful 
 of the successful issue of the struggle. It looked, indeed, like a renewal 
 of the contest between David and Goliath. I. Kings, Chap. X VIL. 
 
 “« And there went out a man base born (one of the Undertakers), from 
 the camp of the Philistines named Goliath, of Geth, whose height was six 
 cubits anda span. And he had a helmet of brass upon his head, and 
 he was clothed with a great coat of mail with scales, and the weight of bis 
 coat of mail was five thousand sicles of brass. And he had greaves of brass 
 on his legs, and a buckler of brass covered his shoulders. And the staff 
 of his spear was like a weaver’s beam, and the head of his spear weighed six 
 hundred sicles of iron; and his armour-bearer went before him. And 
 standing he cried out to the bands of Israel and said to them: Why are 
 you come out prepared to fight? Am notl a Philistine, and you the 
 servants of Saul ?” . ; 
 
 « And David took his staff, which hehad always in his hands; and chose 
 
 him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them into the shepherd’s 
 scrip, which he had with him, and he took a sling in his hand, and went 
 forth against the Philistine. And the Philistine came on, and drew 
 nigh against David. And when he looked and beheld David, he despised 
 him. And the Philistine said:—Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with 
 astaff? And the Philistine cursed David by his gods.” 
 
 We need not follow up the parable farther. History tells us how 
 energetically the brave bishop worked 4o expel the opponent of Catholic 
 Emancipation from the representation of Waterford—how he travelled 
 
27 
 
 fifty miles out of his road on one day, in order to procure the title- 
 deeds of two free-holders, who desired to register the following morning 
 for the liberal interest, and whose votes would otherwise have been lost— 
 how he infused his own indomitable spirit into all ranks—how the entbhu- 
 siasm for the triumph of the good cause rapidly spread to every part of 
 the county—how the election was from the first conducted with the 
 greatest sobriety, order and good humour—and _ how it eventually ter- 
 minated in the first great electoral triumph of the Irish Catholics, and 
 was the harbinger of the still more glorious triumph of 1829, 
 
 To Dr. Kelly therefore, is due the credit of pointing out the manner 
 in which the great contest was to be fought and won. If Emancipation 
 be looked upon as the immediate result of the return of a Catholic M.P. 
 it was in Waterford that the idea was first started, as O’Connell was there 
 formally proposed on the hustings, and his return for some Irisk con- 
 stituency reduced to a mere question of the future. By the Waterford 
 election the Goliath of Ascendancy was laid low. The Clare election de- 
 prived him for ever of that ponderous sword of domination and insolence 
 which he so long wielded for the purpose of terrifying and afflicting the 
 people of God. All honour then, to that great man who, gifted as Mr. 
 Wyse says, with “a clear understanding, a true sense of the sufferings and 
 wrongs of the Catholic body, and a strenuous and determined will to use 
 every means in his power to redress them, did not for an instant hesitate” 
 about smiting to the dust the hereditary foe of Ireland and of her holy 
 faith. 
 
 With reason did Shiel declare in moving a vote of thanks to him after 
 the election, that he was “a man of high talents and acquirements, of a 
 firm, decided, and manly character, with a bold and inflexible spirit, and 
 something of a republican simplicity of mind.” 
 
 It is scarcely necessary for us to say a word ir refutation of a charge 
 of undue severity that Mr. Fitzpatrick, with his usual good taste, brings 
 against him in his Life of Dr. Doyle. Had Mr. F. taken the trouble to 
 
 inquire more closely he would have found that Dr. Kelly was right in his 
 
 treatment of the transaction, to which we refer, in every particular, and 
 that subsequent events would go very far to confirm the rectitude of 
 his judgment on that disagreeable business. 
 
 It is the usual fate of all ardent, earnest natures to wear them- 
 selves out in a short time, Dr. Kelly was no exception to this rule. The 
 hardships of his voyages across the Atlantic—the privations endured by 
 him during his stay in America—the worry and turmoil of the election — 
 and the heavy responsibilities of the episcopal office broke down, alas too 
 prematurely, a constitution naturally strong and vigorous. He had, how- 
 ever, the consolation of seeing the dream of his life, Catholic Emancipa- 
 
28 
 
 tion, passed into law some months before his death. The victory was com- 
 plete, and our warrior-bishop, whilst the laurels of his great triumph 
 were as yet fresh and green—whilst Erin was ringing with songs of 
 thanksgiving and exultation—and his praise was in every mouth—died, 
 at seven, a.m., on Thursday, the 8th of October, 1829, of inflamation of 
 the lungs, caused by exposing himself to cold, while attending an office 
 and funeral on the Wednesday week previous. “ The eye of God hath 
 looked upon him for good, and hath lifted him up from his low estate, 
 and hath exalted his head: and many have wondered at him, and have 
 glorified God.”—Kccl. chap. xL, v. 13. 
 
 Dr. M‘Carthy informs us that our illustrious prelate received the 
 rites of the church some days before his death, with edifying piety, and 
 devoted himself afterwards constantly to prayer, retaining the full use of 
 his faculties up to the last moment. His Month’s Memory Office, which 
 was held on the 10th of November, was attended by eight bishops, and 
 an immense concourse of the clergy and laity. A beautiful monument 
 of Kilkenny marble, erected within the Cathedral of Waterford, facing 
 the altar, contains the following inscription :— 
 
 Rev. @"* Patritius Kelly, Ecclesiz Waterford. 
 et Lismorensis Episcopus, 
 
 Quam cum per 8 circiter annos 
 integerrime rexisset, obiit annum 
 agens 52, VIII. Id. Octobris, MDCCOXXIX, 
 Preesul antique prorsus fidei, 
 amore erga patriam, et singulari admodum 
 religionis studio insignis, 
 Tllustrissimo Patri ac desideratissimo 
 meerens posnit, 
 
 Clerus populusque Waterfordiensis. 
 nm. 1. PF, 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 BURRELL’S HALL. 
 
 When the Academy was transferred to the site of the present Loretto 
 Convent, in 1789, a community of religious men established themselves in 
 
 the old house in James’s-street, where stands at present. our magnificent 
 Cathedral. Things remained so till the appointment of Father M‘Grath 
 as Parish Priest of Ballyragget, in 1815. The St. Canice’s Academy was 
 then closed, and the soi disant monks of Burrell’s Hall dispersed. Some of 
 them were ordained priests. The Rev. W. Walsh, who died parish priest 
 
29 
 
 of Mooncoin, was one. Another, a Mr. Murphy, settled down in Thomas- 
 town, and was buried in the vault set apart for the parish priests of that 
 parish. 
 
 THE REV. LAURENCE REYNOLDS 
 
 was appointed by Dr. Marum first President of Burrell’s Hall, in 1816. 
 He was a member of a notable Kilkenny family, engaged in the book and 
 stationery trade, in the early part of the present century. Previous to 
 his appointment as President, he had been parish priest of Thomastown. 
 In order to be able to discharge the duties of both offices, he was accus- 
 tomed to go out to Thomastown on every Friday evening, and to return to 
 Burrell’s Hall on the following Monday. The inscription on his tomb at 
 Thomastown tells us that—* His ministry and his life were closed on the 
 14th April, 1817, in the 54th year of his age.” 
 
 We have been informed that the Rev. James Cahill was the second 
 President of Burrell’s Hall. The Birchfied books, however, prove that he 
 was a Professor there from July the third, 1816, to April 5th, 1819. He . 
 was then transferred to Burrell’s Hall, and remained there up to the end 
 of the year 1820. During that time he seems to have acted as President, 
 probably in the temporary absence of Father Shearman. Father Cahill 
 was regarded as a singularly able Professor, and his premature decease, 
 at Cuffe’s-grange, about the year 1821, was a source of the greatest regret 
 to the entire Catholic community. 
 
 REV. NICHOLAS SHEARMAN 
 
 was born of a respectable family in the parish of St. Mary’s, Kilkenny, in 
 the year 1787, He was at first curate of St. Mary’s. Towards the close of 
 the year 1814, he succeeded Father Quinlan, as President of Birchfield. 
 On the death of Father Reynolds he was transferred to Burrell’s Hall. He 
 was appointed parish priest of Castlecomer, in the year 1828. From thence 
 he was transferred to the parish of St. Patrick’s, Kilkenny, where he died 
 October 19th, 1842. The Kinkenny Journat of the same year, in his 
 obituary notice, informs us—“ That his severe and high-toned piety was 
 only equalled by his distinguished talents, his varied learning and classic 
 eloquence. His polished manners shed a lustre upon all those gifts that 
 nature bestowed, or those acquirements that industry achieved. His great 
 ambition was to win souls to Christ.” 
 
 ‘And as a bird, each fond endearment tries, 
 
 To tempt her new-fledged offspring to the skies ; 
 
 He tried each art, reproved each dull delay, 
 
 Allured to brighter worlds, and led the way.’ 
 
30 
 
 It was Father Shearman that laid the foundation-stone of the present dio- 
 cesan College, on the Feast of St. Kieran, 1836. We cannot conclude our 
 
 notice of him without giving an account of a distribution of prizes which 
 took place in Burrell’s Hall, whilst he was President in the year 1827 :— 
 
 “The annual examinations were held on several successive days, before 
 the Right Rev. Dr. Marum, the patron of the institution, the rev. Pro- 
 fessors, several of the Clergy and lay literary gentlemen of this city, all 
 of whom attended on Thursday, to witness the distribution of prizes, as 
 well as the examinations in the higher branches of the different languages 
 and sciences. The business of the day commenced by the delivery of an 
 “original Greek address,” by Master M. Cody, who highly acquitted him- 
 self on the occasion. Then followed an account of the “Fable of the 
 Iliad,” which was well delivered by Master M. Murphy, who also recited a 
 beautiful spécimen of Latin Poetry “on the happy termination of the 
 annual course” which was said to be the production of the Rev. G. Foley, 
 one of the Professors, whose profound erudition has been noticed on former 
 occasions by this paper. Master Drea made an admirable examination in 
 Livy; he accounted in a masterly manner, for the author’s meaning, and 
 answered correctly when examined on some metaphysical distinctions 
 that arose in the text of the Roman Historian. Master Rowan answered 
 very well in Virgil, as did Master Campion in Ovid. Muster Doyle gave 
 an original dissertation “on French Literature,” and Master M. Cody read 
 several paragraphs of Dr. Lingard’s History of Elizabeth, and instantly 
 translated them into French, in an easy and most correct manner. Master 
 R. Walsh and others gave good specimens of declamation all “ suiting the 
 action to the word.” The sciences of sacred and profane History, Geo- 
 graphy, Arithmetic, and Geometry, were also included in the examinations 
 of the day; and several specimens of beautiful writing were: exhibited. 
 Many other pupils answered admirably and obtained premiums. 
 
 «The Principal, the Rev. N. Shearman, afterwards entertained the 
 yev. and lay Examiners at dinner. The Right Rev. Dr. Marum honoured 
 the company with his presence. On the whole, the proceedings do in- 
 finite credit to the Rev. N. Shearman, the President, and to the Rev. 
 Messrs. Foley and Doran, the other Professors of the Roman Catholic 
 College, and’prove that there is no Catholic Seminary in Ireland better 
 adapted for diffusing useful knowledge in all the polite languages and 
 sciences than this Institution.” 
 
 “The Rev. Gerald Foley became President after the departure of F. 
 Shearman. He wasappointed Professor of Theology in Birchfield, in Sep- 
 tember, 1832. F. John Shee was then named President of Burrell’s Hall. 
 He had been Professor in the establishment from July 4th, 1831. No one 
 could be more universally esteemed than the pious and amiable F. John 
 
OL 
 
 Shee. His death, in March, 1838, cast a gloom over the diocese, and was 
 a great bereavement to Dr. Kinsella, by whom he was very much beloved. 
 The following inscription is copied from the monument erected to his 
 memory in the Parish Church of Freshford :— 
 
 * Here are interred the mortal remains of 
 the Rev. John Shee, President of Burrell’s Hall Academy. 
 Eminent talents, extensive learning, true humility, holy zeal, 
 
 sincere piety, and unsullied purity of life, rendered him, at an early age, a 
 
 model of good priests, and enabled him in a few years to accomplish 
 much for the glory of God and the salvation of souls, 
 
 This and another monument in Kilkenny have been erected by some of 
 his friends among the clergy and laity, as a testimony of their 
 sincere admiration and affectionate regard. He died in 
 this, his native parish, on the 3lst day of March, 
 
 1838, in the 34th year of his age. May the 
 Lord have mercy on his soul.” 
 
 After the death of F. John Shee, the Rev. E. Nolan presided over 
 Burrell’s Hall until the transfer of the school to St. Kieran’s College, in 
 the autumn of 1839. The Professors of Burrell’s Hall were:—Rev. 
 M. Dempsey, who died P.P. of Durrow; Rev. N. Kealy, who died P.P. of 
 Thomastown ; Rev. B. Scott, the present highly esteemed Chaplain of the 
 Kilkenny Workhouse; and the Rev. Messrs. Doran and Drea. 
 
 Burrell’s Hall was intended to supply a liberal education to young 
 gentlemen preparing for commercial pursuits, or for the lay professions. 
 It also served as a sort of petit seminaire to prepare young men for 
 Maynooth, or for entrance into the Diocesan seminary at Birchfield. 
 
 “ Tn addition to Burrell’s Hall, there flourished in Kilkenny, during the 
 early part of the present century, the classical academy of Mr. T. Doyle. 
 Itwas situated in Patrick-street, where thehouse of Mr. Campion at present 
 stands. It was here that the late Very Rev. W. Hart, Very Rev. P. Walsh, 
 Very Rev. P. Birch, Rev. P. Byrne, P.P., Conahy, and many other Ossory 
 priests, received their classical education. At the commencement of the 
 present century, there existed a large and very celebrated Catholic 
 Academy at Castlemarket, near Ballinakill, in the northern extremity 
 of this county. It was ably conducted by Messrs. Brennan, Teeling, 
 and McNamara, the latter an LL.D. Only the ruins now remain 
 to prove how extensive and how picturesque must have been the site 
 of that educational establishment, which some old persons, still living, 
 remember to have seen frequented by students from every part of 
 Treland. We shall now conclude our sketch of the principal Catholic 
 
32 
 
 lay schools of Kilkenny, with the obituary notice of the Rev. E. NoLan, 
 the last President of Burrell’s Hall. 
 
 “Very general regret was diffused throughout Kilkenny and the 
 diocese of Ossory on account of the premature decease of the Rev. 
 Edward Nolan, late professor of logic in St. Kieran’s College—a priest 
 who during his brief career, evinced a martyr’s zeal and patriot’s fire 
 for freedom of altars and independence of country. The deceased was 
 nephew of the Very Rev. Dr. Nolan, the patriotic vicar-general of this 
 diocese, and was eminently distinguished for a profound critical know- 
 ledge of the Greek and Latin classics. He was educated in Burrell’s Hall, 
 and selected as one of the most gifted pupils for admission to Maynooth 
 College, where he also outstripped most of his rivals in the race for 
 academical fame. And such were the generous and endearing qualities of 
 his mind, that he wore his varied laurels without envy, and was regarded by 
 all as one worthy of those best of tributary offerings—love and esteem. 
 On leaving Maynooth, Mr. Nolan received ordination from the Right Rev. 
 Dr. Kinsella, and was at once appointed Professor of Humanity in St. 
 Kieran’s College. Subsequently he was raised to the chair of Logic. 
 By his pupils he was regarded with feelings of admiration and gratitude— 
 admiration of his talent and tact as an instructor, and gratitude for the 
 paternal anxiety which he evinced for their welfare. As a citizen the dis- 
 
 tinguishing feature of the reverend professor was sternness of purpose, 
 
 inflexibility of principle, and energy in giving support to whatever cause 
 he had espoused. On the occasion of the anti-bequest agitation, when the 
 priests of Ossory proved themselves chivalrous Spartans in the holy cru- 
 sade, the Rev. Mr. Nolan’s pen was in vigorous action; and, though at 
 the time emaciated in frame and destitute of physical strength, he proved 
 that the tenant was not to be judged by his tenement—that his weak 
 body enshrined a noble soul. 
 
 “ On Thursday evening, July 24th, 1845, at St. Kieran’s College, 42nd 
 year of his age, this bright luminary vanished from our sphere, to the 
 regret of the rich whom he edified by his example, and of the poor whom 
 he comforted by his charities. He could more than abide Cicero’s test 
 of a good man—* Vir bonus est qui prodest quibus prodest, nocet nemini.” 
 On Saturday the priests of the city and from all parts of the diocese as- 
 sembled in St. Mary’s Catholic Church, when the office for the dead was 
 chanted. Afterwards there was a solemn High Mass—celebrant, the Rev, 
 Matthew Kelly, Professor of Rhetoric and Belles Lettres in the College 
 of Maynooth; deacon, Rev. N. Kealy, Administrator of Saint John’s; 
 sub-deacon, Rev. M. Keeffe, C.C. of Callan. The congregation was 
 numerous and respectable. After the High Mass, the Right Rev. Doctor 
 
38 
 
 Kinsella, who seemed deeply affected, passed a glowing eulogium—the 
 eloquence of feeling—on the virtues of the deceased, and said that the 
 great number of Catholic clergymen present evinced the affectionate 
 esteem in which the late reverend gentleman was held by his fellow- 
 labourers in the vineyard of Christ. Their departed friend had been 
 sixteen years amongst them, and they all knew that he had ever conse- 
 crated his talents, which were of a high order, to the glory of God and the 
 good of man. His lordship then stated that during the morning several 
 masses had been celebrated by himself and members of the clergy for the 
 repose of the soul of their lamented friend, and he implored the people 
 to unite their prayers with the merits of the holy sacrifice. 
 
 “The funeral procession was then formed. Though Saturday was an 
 inconvenient day for the attendance of the country clergymen, there were 
 more than sixty priests present, who preceded the hearse, two by two, 
 dressed in scarfs and hatbands, followed by the diocesan; then came a 
 portable hearse, sustained on the shoulders of humble friends and ad- 
 mirers of the deceased, followed by the chiefmourners, the elite of our 
 Catholic fellow-citizens, some Protestant, and a dense multitude of 
 people. Throughout the line of streets, and in the city generally, the 
 shop windows were partially closed. 
 
 “Qn entering the chapel-yard, Maudlin-street, St. John’s, the Miserere, 
 and, on going round its precincts, the De Profundis and Benedictus were 
 chanted, and the solemn ceremony concluded with the usual prayers set 
 down in the Roman Ritual. 
 
 “The remains of the Rev. Mr. Nolan are now laid in the cold grave. 
 May he repose in peace! May his earthly manhood be exchanged for the 
 greenness of an immortal youth! is the prayer of the Protestant who 
 pays this inadequate tribute to his memory—to the memory of one who 
 was worthy of companionship with the pious cand patriotic priests of 
 Ossory—to the memory of one whose soul was too large for sectarianism— 
 to the memory of the priest, the patriot, the philanthropist—to the 
 memory of Edward Nolan.”—Correspondent of the Pilot. 
 
 THE MAUDLIN-STREET SEMINARY AND BIRCHFIELD. 
 
 We have already alluded to the great success of the seminary at 
 Maudlin-street. The storms and clouds of 1798, and of the succeeding 
 years, had passedaway. The sunshine of a new spring again shone on the 
 destinies of our diocesan seminary. Its motto “Hiems Transiit,” was 
 again verified in its regard. The Maudlin-street seminary, under the able 
 management of the profound Kelly, Nolan the silver-tongued, and the 
 
 E 
 
34 
 
 brilliant Marum, was, from its very inception in 1811, a great success. In 
 addition to the Ossory students, young men from the North of Ireland, 
 from Dublin, Wexford, Waterford, Cork, Cloyne, Limerick, Clare and 
 Cashel, came to be instructed in the sacred sciences by the able professors 
 who taught in that celebrated establishment. 
 
 The Leinster-House, frequented by students from Dublin and Wex- 
 ford, was situated in Black-Mill-street—the Munster-House, frequented 
 by students from Waterford, Cloyne, Limerick and Cashel, was situated 
 in Chapel-Lane—the Cork and Clare students congregated in a house in 
 Green street, near the bridge—the Ulster students lodged with the Ossory 
 students in the seminary at Maudlin-strect. 
 
 The interest in the farm at Birchfield was purchased for the semi- 
 nary, from Edmund Murphy, Esq., in December, 1813. The purchase 
 fine amounted to the sum of £2,000 sterling. The ecclesiastical students 
 were all located in Birchfield in the summer of 1814, 
 
 FATHER THOMAS QUINLAN 
 was the first President. He had been previously Administrator of St. 
 Mary’s, Kilkenny. Father Quinlan had to leave Birchfield towards the end 
 of the year 1814, owing to the delicate state of his health. He was appointed. 
 P.P. of Ballyragget in 1815, and died there on November 10th, 1816. A re- 
 lative of his, Dr. James Quinlan, son of Mr. Robert Quinlan, of Maganas- 
 town, near Carrick-on-Suir, was for thirty-six years head Physician to the 
 Imperial Hospital of Moscow. He died on the 19th of July, 1827, and by 
 his will left a considerable sum of money to the Catholic Seminary of 
 Kilkenny. Neither capital or interest has been as yet disposed of, but on 
 necount of some technical difficulties the Catholic College of Kilkenny has 
 not been able to derive any benefit from the bequest. 
 
 FATHER N. SHEARMAN 
 was the second President of Birchfield. If the books of the establishment 
 be worthy of credit, he left for Burrell’s-Hall in April, 1817. 
 
 RIGHT REY. PATRICK KELLY 
 then became President. After his consecration as Bishop of Norfolk, or 
 Richmond, Virgina, he left Birchfield for his diocese, Octobor 9th, 1820, 
 and was succeeded by the Rev. Edward Walsh. 
 
 RIGHT REV. EDWARD WALSH, 
 afterwards Bishop of Ossory, was born in the parish of Mooncoin, Sep- 
 tember 29th, 1791. After finishing his course of ecclesiastical studies in 
 
35 
 
 Birchfield, he was appointed Burser and Professor of Moral and Natural 
 Philosophy. In 1820 he became President, and took charge of the class 
 of Moral Theology. Having been endowed by nature with a great pro- 
 fundity of judgment and reasoning powers of a very high order, he was 
 from the commencement regarded as a most successful teacher of Moral 
 Theology. A distinguished prelate who happened to be present at one of 
 the examinations of the students at Birchfield, , said—* That their Presi- 
 dent was a very mine of Theology.” I believe that the greatest opponents 
 of Dr. Walsh always gave him credit for his great piety, sincerity of pur- 
 pose, and for his eminent knowledge of Moral Theology. As an adminis- 
 trator he was also most successful. During the fifteen years that he re- 
 mained President of Birchfield College, that institution continued to 
 prosper under his rule; and when he left in 1836, to become P.P. of 
 Slieverue and Glanmore, it was in a state of the highest prosperity. The 
 Professors assisting Doctor Walsh were—Rev. Edmund Lynch, Rev. 
 Michael Martin, Rev. James Cahill, Rey. Kyran Dunphy, Rev. James 
 Murphy, Professor of Theology—Rev. Kyran Bergin, Professor of Philo- 
 Sophy, afterwards P.P. of Tullaroan—Rev. Patrick Birch, Professor of 
 Theology, afterwards P.P. of Johnstown—Revy. Michael Carroll, who died 
 P.P. of Kilmacow—Rev. William Purcell, Professor of Philosophy—Rev. 
 E. Aylward and Rev. Gerald Foley. 
 REY. G. FOLEY 
 had been teaching classics at Burrell’s Hall when he was called to take 
 charge of the theology class in Birchfield in September, 1832. He succeeded 
 Dr. Walsh as President, in 1836, and was appointed P.P. of Conahy in 1838. 
 The inscription on his monument at Conahy, runs as follows :— 
 “The Lord have mercy on the soul of 
 Rey. Gerald Foley, who died Pastor of Conahy, June 7th, 1842. 
 Ordained at the age of twenty-six, he was for some time a curate, 
 then taught languages in Burrell’s Hall, 
 afterwards Theology in Birchfield, and was appointed to this Parish 
 
 in March, 1838. A judicious critic, a distinguished Greek scholar, he gave 
 
 offence to no man, won many friends by his gentleness 
 
 of character, and departed this life in the strong hope 
 
 of a glorious resurrection.” R. I. P. 
 
 VERY REV. EDWARD AYLWARD 
 was the sixth and last President of the Diocesan Seminary of Birchfield. 
 When the students came into St. Kieran’s College, in 1838, Father Aylward 
 continued to have charge of the theological and philosophical department. 
 
36 
 
 Although the greater number of our readers must have seen it before, it 
 may be well, as a matter of diocesan history, to republish the obituary 
 notice that appeared in the Journal at the time of his lamented decease : 
 
 «Edward Aylward, the eldest son of Mr. Richard Aylward, a wealthy 
 and respectable farmer, was born at Knockmoylan, in the parish of Bally- 
 hale, county Kilkenny, in 1804. The family was remarkable for great 
 piety, as well as for natural talents of the highest order. A younger 
 brother, Patrick Aylward, died when a sub-deacon, and had so distinguished 
 himself as a student of Maynooth College, that he was regarded as a pro- 
 digy. Thomas, the youngest brother, became a Christian Brother, and 
 died at the house of the Order, Mount Sion, Waterford, in 1861. The two 
 sisters of F. Aylward are Nuns in the Presentation Order, in the Convent 
 of Castlecomer. His aunt was one of the founders of that house, a saintly 
 woman, who lies interred in the Convent Cemetery. 
 
 « After seven years spent in the diocesan academy of Kilkenny, he en- 
 
 tered Maynooth in 1825, and early in bis college course was appointed 
 monitor to the lay house, the qualifications for which office are not so 
 much high talents as strict regularity of conduct, a steady observance of 
 ‘discipline, and those other traits of character which the superiors look for 
 in some of the students to hold them up as an example to the rest. As 
 regards his special ability and progress, it will be sufficient to say that 
 when the royal commission was appointed to inquire into the management 
 and government of the college, and it was determined to examine besides 
 the superiors and professors of the house, some of the students, with re- 
 gard to their preparatory education, present studies, and the general con- 
 dition of the college, Edward Aylward was selected as the person pre-emi- 
 nently qualified to appear before the court, and discharge a duty at once 
 so important and so delicate. By his address, courage and ability, he won 
 golden opinions, and elicited the applause of the professors and the stu- 
 dents, as well as the admiration ofjthe commissioners. During his college 
 course he gained the highest distinctions, and was every year, what is called 
 a first premium man. Having spent the usual time on the Dunboyne 
 establishment, in 1832 he received priest’s orders at the hands of the late 
 Dr. Kinsella. 
 
 “Tn the same year he was appointed Professor of Logic in the diocesan 
 college of Birchfield. He was subsequently professor of physics and 
 theology, and was the last president of that venerable establishment. 
 Father Aylward was at home in the professor’s chair. Probably he has 
 been seldom equalled as a lecturer in moral and natural philosophy, as 
 
 wellas in theology. His great mind, highly trained and cultivated, was 
 capable of grasping anything to which he applied himself, and he had 
 
37 
 
 the command of words the most appropriate to convey to others his own 
 ideas, clear and luminous, on things the most subtle, abstruse, and meta- 
 physical. 
 
 “In 1843 Father Aylward was transferred from the diocesan college 
 to the curacy of the Rower in Kilkenny, and entered on his new’ duties 
 with all the freshness, zeal, and energy of a priest just ordained, and who 
 is appointed to his first mission. Here he remained for three years, and 
 it will be a sufficient indication of the manner in which he performed the 
 work of his mission, and of the estimation in which he was held, to 
 mention the fact that when, on the death of the Right Rev. Dr. Kinsella, 
 the parish priests met for the purpose of forwarding three names to the 
 Court of Propaganda, out of which the bishop was to be chosen, Father 
 Aylward, who was then a comparatively young priest, was one of the 
 three. The other two were the present venerable Bishop of the diocese, 
 who stood on the paper as dignissimus, and Dr. O’Hanlon of Maynooth 
 College. 
 
 “One of the first acts of the new Bishop was to promote Father 
 Aylward to the parish of Castlecomer, and here he had ample opportunity 
 of developing more fully his zeal for religion, his concern for the people, 
 and his sympathy with the poor and the oppressed. It was usual with 
 him during the terrible famine years to hold tenant-right meetings in 
 Castlecomer. He was one of the original members of the Council of the 
 ‘Tenant League, and there were few whose opinions had more weight in 
 that body, which embraced so much of the genius and public virtue of 
 Ireland. 
 
 “The writings of Father Aylward showed that he was a perfect master 
 of the English language; while asa preacher he was ready, fluent, eloquent 
 and persuasive. One at least of the productions of his pen, the letter 
 signed P.C., “A Kemonstrance,” on the Bequest Act, will be remembered 
 as long as anything which Junius wrote. The only thing he ever got 
 printed in the shape of a book was a controversial tract, which is so full 
 of point, wit, and conclusive argument, that we regret he did so little in 
 that way. 
 
 “Two months before his death Father Aylward who, by the sanctity 
 of his life, was always prepared to die, sent for his confessor, and asked 
 for the last sacraments. He received them with the deepest sentiments of 
 devotion, fully resigned to the adorable will of God. After this he had 
 hardly any communication with this world, and spoke as little as possible 
 with anyone except his curate, who frequently gave him the holy com- 
 
 munion, and read for him pious lectures. He had an ivory crucifix in a 
 raised position, at the foot of his bed, and a beads grasped in the poor 
 shrivelled fingers of his hand. Thus, on the 9th of January, died 
 
38 
 
 Father Aylward—putting his hope in the bleeding wounds of his crucified 
 
 Saviour, and praying to Mary, the Immaculate Mother of God, with that 
 singular devotion for which during life he was so remarkable.” 
 
 The incidents of the life of our late venerated Bishop after leaving 
 
 Birchfield, are still sofresh in the memories of our readers that we do 
 not think it necessary to transcribe any of them save the account of his 
 consecration, which took place July 26th, 1847; and of an address and 
 testimonial presented to him in the same year. 
 
 “On Sunday, the 26th instant, the Feast of St. Anne, the solemn 
 consecration of our new prelate took place. The August ceremonial 
 commenced at a little after eleven o’clock. There were present—The Most 
 Rev. Dr. Murray, Archbishop of Dublin; Most Rev. Dr. Slattery, Arch- 
 bishop of Cashel; Right Rev. Dr. Foran, Bishop of Waterford and Lis- 
 more; and Right Rev. Dr. Haly, Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin. Dr. 
 Murray acted as consecrating prelate, attended by the Rev. Messrs. 
 Aylward, Butler, and O’Keeffe as Chaplains (three attendants being 
 required according to Canonical form for the consecrating Prelate), Drs. 
 Foran and Haly officiated as assistant Prelates, attended respectively by 
 the Rev. Mr. Flynn, P.P., Waterford, and Rev. Mr. Lynch, as chaplains ; 
 the Rev. Mr. O’Shea, Administrator, St. Mary’s, acted as Master of the 
 Ceremonies, and the number of clergymen who attended in surplices was 
 nearly seventy, including many from the surrounding dioceses of Cashel, 
 Waterford, Ferns and Kildare. Among others we noticed—The Rev. 
 Mr. Doyle, P.P., Graig; Rev. Mr. Brenan, P.P., Kildare; Rev. Dr. Taylor, 
 and Rev. Mr. Dunne, Carlow College; Rev. Mr. Fitzgerald, Waterford ; 
 Rev. Messrs. Walsh and Power, Clonmel, &c. 
 
 “The Papal Bull, authorising the consecration being read by Rev. Mr. 
 Aylward, 0.C., the Rower, and the prescribed interrogatories being put 
 by the Archbishop to the Bishop-elect, and his Lordship’s answers and 
 confession of faith being received, his Grace proceeded with the cele- 
 bration of the ceremony in his usual dignified and imposing manner. It 
 would be tedious and out of place to enter into a description of the many 
 interesting and most affecting and religious forms which were observed 
 in the service of the day, and which continued for about two hours and a 
 half. We can say for ourselves, that we were deeply impressed with the 
 sentiments which the sacred and solemn grandeur of the scene was so 
 well calculated to inspire, and we have no doubt that the congregation 
 generally, among whom, we understand, were found many respectable 
 Protestants, were similarly affected. 
 
 « After the consecration, the new Bishop ascended the Altar, was 
 enthroned, and gave his benediction to the assembled hundreds who 
 
39 
 
 knelt to receive it. We hope that God will bless our new Prelate with 
 length of years to rule over this diocese. 
 
 “He is known to be a man of profound erudition, having filled the 
 chair of President and Professor of Theology at Birchfield for fifteen 
 years; he had also been Vicar-General and Vicar-Foran for several years ; 
 his piety is beyond exception, and we trust that, treading in the foot- 
 steps of his two late predecessors, he may, after a long life of. usefulness, 
 receive the reward of which, it 1g humbly to be hoped, they are already in 
 possession. 
 
 “The bishops and clergy were entertained in the evening by Dr. Walsh 
 in the large dining-room of St. Kieran’3 College. Highty-three sat 
 down to dinner. When the cloth was removed and grace given, his 
 Lordship in suitable terms proposed the health of his Holiness the Pope, 
 and subsequently in succession the healths of the Prelates who were pre- 
 sent, and of the venerable Dr. Nolan, the V.C. of the diocese during 
 the interregnum. These toasts being all responded to respectively by the 
 dignitaries who were thus complimented, and his lordship’s own health 
 being given in the most flattering terms by Archbishop Murray, the 
 party shortly after separated, highly pleased with the proceedings of 
 the day, and wishing that a government commenced under such favour- 
 able auspices might be long and happy for the Bishop and his people.” 
 
 ADDRESS AND TESTIMONIAL TO THE LATE RIGHT REV, DR. WALSH. 
 
 “A most respectable deputation of the parishioners of Slieverue, con- 
 sisting of Thomas Sherlock, Killaspy ; Nicholas O’Neil Power, Snowhill, 
 Hsqrs. ; Rev. Thomas O’Shea, David Murphy, Thomas Murphy, and Pat 
 Henebery, Esqrs., availed themselves of his lordship’s recent visit to 
 Killaspy, to present him with a superb Dinner Service of Plate, as an 
 enduring testimonial of the high respect and veneration in which his 
 lordship is so justly held by that flock over whoni he exercised his pas- 
 toral care for ‘a period of ten years.” 
 
 The Rev. Mr. O’Shea (the present respected pastor of Comeris), on 
 the part of the deputation addressed his lordship as follows «— 
 
 “Dear and Venerated Lord—Never has the discharge of a more 
 pleasing duty, though saddened by the occasion, devolved upon us. We 
 approach your lordship as a deputation of the parishioners of Slieverue, 
 instructed to express sentiments, in which we cordially participate, of 
 sincere regard and devoted attachment to your person, and unqualified 
 admiration of those exalted virtues which distinguished your ministry 
 among usfor a period of more than ten years. It is the dictate of the 
 Holy Spirit that ‘a faithful friend is the medicine of life and immortality, 
 and that they who fear the Lord shall find him’ However unworthy of 
 
AQ) 
 
 the treasure, in your lordship we have found such a friend—one disin- 
 terestedly and unaffectedly devoted to our best interests, spiritual and 
 temporal—one who, while he made himself all to all to gain all, made 
 the poor, the afflicted, and the fatherless, the objects of his special and 
 most tender solicitude. In parting with such a friend, and such a pastor, 
 endeared by the vivid recollection of so great an amount of practical good 
 wrought among us in the reformation of vice and the encouragement of 
 virtue, we are overcast with sorrow, deep and intense—yet, we rejoice 
 at your elevation to the ancient see of Ossory, as affording a nobler field 
 for the exercise of that probity, wisdom, learning, fervent and enlightened 
 zeal, qualities which seem to have destined you aruler in the church of 
 God. This is not the language of flattery, but the testimony of truth. 
 We gladly avail ourselves of this, your lordship’s first visit, to present 
 you with this Service of Plate as a more enduring testimonial of our 
 regard and affection. Would it were more worthy of your acceptance— 
 would that its intrinsic value bore a proportion to the worth it records, 
 and the friendship it is meant to commemorate. But, such as it is, twill 
 serve as a monument of both as well as a momento awakening, we hope, 
 the kind recollection of the first flock committed to your charge. May 
 you long continue to use these gifts—may they adorn your hospitable 
 board in patriarchal old age. 
 
 «“ Again we repeat our grief at your departure, our joy at your promo- 
 tion to the mitre, which, while it graces your brow, will derive additional 
 lustre from the virtues of the wearer.” 
 
 “In reply, his lordship said—‘Gentlemen, dear and beloved friends, 
 I thank you from my heart for this kind and unexpected manifestation of 
 your friendship. It is consoling to the pastor, edifying to all, to witness 
 a scene which proves that after so long a residence among his flock, he 
 has won their fervent approbation. But you have, in your kindness, formed 
 too high an estimate of my services, though not of my sincere and con- 
 tinuous anxiety to secure your spiritual and temporal interests, to promote 
 religion and virtue among you. And if I did succeed in this object, it is 
 mainly attributable, under heaven, to that docility and eager co-operation 
 with which the good people of this parish ever seconded my efforts. This 
 valuable present I gratefully accept. Precious as it is in itself, ’tis 
 infinitely more so as a remembrance of mutual friendship—a memento of 
 your esteem, which I appreciate more than gold or silver. Gentlemen 
 once more I thank you, and you will convey my thanks to those generous 
 friends you represent—to that flock, the first committed to my care—a 
 
 people whose kindness on this and all occasions I can never forget—their 
 
 memory shall never die in my heart; and while labouring in the onerous 
 duties incident to my present position, there is no portion of this exten 
 
4} 
 
 sive diocese which will challenge more of my paternal care than that with 
 which I have been first connected as a pastor, and which honours me 
 to-day.’ 
 
 “At the close of the proceedings, alike honourable to his lordship, and 
 creditable to the Catholic people of Slieverue, the bishop and the deputation 
 partook of a splendid dejewner, prepared by the Very Rev. John Walsh, 
 at whose residence the presentation took place.” 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 ST. KIERAN’S COLLEGE. 
 
 Our Diocesan College had been placed under the protection of the 
 patron saint of Ossory from the time of its establishment in the building 
 at present used as a Presbytery by the clergy of St. John’s. From 1811 
 to 1836, it was, however, frequently designated as the Maudlin-street 
 seminary, or the Birchfield College. The foundation-stone of the present 
 College was laid by Father Shearman, in the absence of Dr. Kinsella, 
 on the Feast of St. Kieran, 1836. Since that time the Diocesan 
 College of Ossory has not been known by any name other than that of 
 the patron saint of the diocese. As we mentioned before, the ecclesiastical 
 students came in from Birchfield to occupy the present building in 1838. 
 The lay students were not transferred from Burrell’s Hall till the autumn 
 of 1839. 
 
 THE RIGHT REV. DR. KINSELLA 
 
 was the first President of St. Kieran’s College. He was born in the 
 town of Carlow, a.v. 1797. At an early age he commenced his 
 ecclesiastical studies in the Diocesan College there. He was a pupil 
 of Dr. Doyle’s, and, on account of his great natural eloquence, obtained 
 at his hands the highest distinctions in the Rhetoric Class. In 
 1824-5 he was one of those eminent divines who successfully defeated 
 the Biblicals, in the far-famed oral and written discussions. He 
 also wrote several excellent “controversial letters to Dr. Singer.” His 
 letters to O’Connell, in defence of Dr. Doyle, his dear and intimate 
 friend, in 1826, caused some interest. On the death of Dr. Marum, in 
 1827, it was for a long time considered that Dr. Nolan, P.P. of Gowran 
 would be appointed Bishop of Ossory. The late Dr. M, Murphy, how- 
 ever, who afterwards became Bishop of Ferns, was appointed ; and on his 
 F 
 
42 
 
 declining to accept the appointment, Dr. Kinsella succeeded to the vacant 
 Bishopric, chiefly on the recommendation of Dr. Doyle. 
 
 From a letter of a sister of Dr. Kinsella, published by Mr. Fitzpatrick 
 in his life of Dr. Doyle, we learn that—* All the priests of Ossory made a 
 strong resistance when informed that their new bishop would be one 
 of Dr. Doyle’s pupils. A meeting of the clergy was held in the diocese, but 
 they dissolved it on hearing that all petitioning and remonstrance were 
 vain, as Dr. Doyle’s letter, in recommendation of my brother, had been 
 accepted by the Pope. Dr. Doyle consecrated him in Kilkenny (July 
 26th, 1829) at the early age of thirty-two. ‘ Well, he said, after the cere- 
 mony had concluded, ‘I have been placing the uneasy mitre on that 
 poor boy’s head.” 
 
 Dr. Kinsella’s great characteristic was his wonderful eloquence. 
 
 A magnificent Chalice and Missal were presented to him, April 10th, 
 1837, by the clergy of the diocese of Killaloe, as a memento of the great 
 benefit derived from a Retreat that ‘he conducted for them some time 
 before. 
 
 The Chalice is still preserved at St. Kieran’s College; the Missal, at 
 thefparish church of St. Canice’s, Kilkenny. 
 
 A great impulse was given to ecclesiastical architecture in the diocese 
 during the episcopacy of Dr. Kinsella. New and more commodious 
 churches were erected in nearly every parish in the diocese. The parish 
 churches of Ballyragget, Castlecomer, and Freshford, are deserving 
 of especiial mention. The designs for St. Kieran’s College and 
 St. Mary’s Cathedral were drawn up by Mr. D. Butler, under the im- 
 mediate direction of this discriminating Prelate. The KinKENNY JOURNAL 
 of August, 1843, gives the following account of the laying of the founda- 
 tion-stone of our present magnificent cathedral :— 
 
 “On Sunday morning, at nine o’clock, the bishop, attended by several 
 of the clergy, with acolytes, &c., blessed and laid the first stone of the in- 
 tended cathedral. The following was the inscription engraven om a metal 
 plate inserted in the usual way :— 
 
 “Primarium hune Lapidem, 
 Ecclesic Cath., B.M.V. Assumptie, 
 Kilkenniz posuit. 
 
 Ra™"*: Pp. Guilelmus Kinsella, An. Sal. 
 MDCOCXLIII. Episcopatus sui XV. Feliciter 
 regnante Gregorio XVI. Papa, 
 et Victoria Regina, Mag. Brit. Deo 
 
 adjuvante, proficiat opus.” 
 
 The stone contains, besides, a number of the current coins and 
 
43 
 
 copy of the Kitxenny Journat, &. The morning was beautifully 
 fine, and a great number of the people were present. After the stone 
 had been blessed and placed in its proper position, the bishop walked 
 through the foundations of every part of this immense edifice, sprink- 
 ling them with holy water, to signify that being dedicated to God’s 
 honour, all should be pure and sacred. The litanies had been previously 
 recited, and while sprinkling the foundations the bishop and clergy recited 
 the 126th, 50th, 80th, and 121st psalms. After the Veni-Creator and 
 blessing of the people,the bishop briefly addressed them, and exhorted them 
 to contribute according to their means to the erection of the cathedral. 
 His lordship informed them that he had, according to his promise, estab- 
 lished a perpetual Mass for all who contributed, or will contribute, to 
 this great work. This Mass, which is solely and exclusively for the spiritual 
 benefit of the benefactors, is now celebrated in St. Mary’s chapel on every 
 week day at nine o’clock, and on every Sunday and holiday at eleven. 
 When Dr Kinsella became President of the College in 1838-39 he re- 
 sided at the College in one of the President’s rooms, which, for a long 
 time afterwards, was called “the bishop’s room.” Dr. Kinsella was suc- 
 ceeded in the Autumn of 1839 by the Very Rev. Edward Nolan, V.G., P.P. 
 
 VERY REV. EDWARD NOLAN, V.G., P.P., GOWRAN. 
 
 Dr. Nolan was born in the year 1774. In the letter of his, already 
 published, he informs us that he was one of the twelve Ossory students 
 who entered the philosophy class in the St. Canice’s Academy in 1793. He 
 was one of the first students to enter Maynooth in 1795. After completing 
 a very distinguised course, he was ordained priest in 1799. In 1803 he 
 was appointed Professor at the Academy, “ where,” he writes, “there were 
 about sixty ecclesiastical students, many of them from the North.” From 
 thence he was removed to St. Mary’s, Kilkenny, where, with the assistance 
 of his nephew, Dr. Kelly, he drew up the celebrated address of Dean 
 O’Donnell, dated Nov. 7th, 1808, which helped so much to set aside the veto 
 for ever. In 1811 he became professor of theology at the Seminary in 
 Maudlin-street, and had about a hundred students in his class. He had 
 eighty-four in his class in Birchfield in 1815, when he was appointed P.P. 
 of Dunnamaggin. From Dunnamaggin he was transferred to Gowran, 
 where he remained for thirty-three years. Dr. Nolan was regarded as a 
 very eloquent and impressive preacher. His charity sermons on behalf of 
 the schools of the Presentation Convent, Kilkenny, and other kindred in- 
 stitutions, were always most liberally responded to by a numerous and 
 generous audience. On the demise of Dr. Marum a very considerable 
 seotion of the clergy of Ossory were most anxious to have him for their 
 
44 
 
 bishop. When, however, the Holy See decided in favour of a stranger, 
 Dr. Nolan, in capacity of Vicar-General, was, for many years, the mainstay 
 of Dr. Kinsella in the government of the diocese. 
 
 The following entry appears in the Birchfield books, December 10th, 
 1835 :—“The Very Rev. HE. Nolan, P.P. of Gowran, has given to the trus- 
 tees of the College of St. Kieran, the sum of £400 in order to establish a 
 Burse for the support of an ecclesiastical student from the Union of 
 Gowran, or to be divided between two or more students from said Union, 
 who may be resident in said College. The disposition or partition of the 
 Burse to be always at the discretion of the bishop of the diocese and supe- 
 rior of the college after Dr. Nolan’s decease. 
 
 “Edward Walsh, President.” 
 
 Dr. Nolan remained President of St. Kieran’s College and P.P. of 
 Gowran till 1842, when, finding the duties of both offices too onerous for 
 his advancing years, he resigned the Presidentship, and retired to the com- 
 parative seclusion of his parish. - 
 
 On the death of Dr. Kinsella, December 11th, 1845, Dr. Nolan was ap- 
 pointed Vicar-Capitular of the diocese, and retained the administration in 
 his hands till the appointment of Dr. Walsh. His last public act as Vicar- 
 Capitular was to forward to the Secretary of the Repeal Association the 
 sum of £95, from ninety-five priests of Ossory, together with the following 
 patriotic letter :— 
 
 “ Gowran, June 26th, 1846. 
 
 “ Dear Srr,—Enclosed I send you an order for £97, the amount of 
 the contributions of the priests of Ossory to the Repeal Fund for the 
 year 1846. 
 
 “ The priests of Ireland are second to no other body of men in allegiance 
 to the throne, and in respect for the constituted authorities; yet they do 
 not deem it incompatible with their loyalty as subjects, or with their 
 sacred characters as priests, cordially to co-operate with that portion of 
 their countrymen who are peacefully and constitutionally labouring for 
 the restoration of Ireland’s natural, proudest, best right—the right of 
 enacting her own laws in her own parliament. This right alone can 
 remedy the manifold evils with which the country is afflicted—no measures, 
 however excellent they may be, can, or ought to be considered, an ade- 
 quate compensation for the want of a domestic parliament. 
 
 “ T have the honor to be, dear sir, your very humble servant, 
 
 “«H. Now.an, V.C. 
 « Thomas M. Ray, Esq.” 
 
 A few month’s before his death the venerable Dean contributed the 
 munificent sum of one hundred pounds to the Catholic University 
 
45 
 
 Fund and his books to the College library. This was his last public act, 
 crowning and perfecting a long life devoted to faith and fatherland, and 
 to the union of both in the sacred cause of Catholic education. 
 
 Dr. Nolan died at Gowran on Thursday morning, May 29th, 1851, in the 
 seventy-seventh year of his age, and in the fifty-first in the sacred 
 ministry. The JouRNAL thus concludes its notice of his lamented decease : 
 
 “ The silver tongue is stilled, and in the repose of the Vicar-General 
 of Ossory lies extinguished one of the brightest suns that has for many 
 years shed glory on the Irish Church.—May he rest in peace.” 
 
 After the resignation of Dr Nolan, Dr. Kinsella appointed the Rev. 
 James Ryan, then P.P. of Clough, P.P. of St. Patrick’s and President of 
 the College. 
 
 In 1843 Dr. Kinsella again took the Presidentship of the College 
 into his own hands, and replaced the Rev. Messrs. M. Keeffe, E. Aylward, 
 avd J. Delaney, by appointing, as professors, Rev. D. Brennan, Rev. J. 
 Fitzpatrick, Rev. J. Quany, and Rev. RB. O’Keeffe. 
 
 THE REV. WILLIAM BUTLER 
 became at the same time Vice-President. He had been previously C.C. 
 of Danesfort and of Inistioge. In addition to the duties of his office as 
 Vice-President, Father Butler had to teach a class of theology and to 
 superintend the building of the college and chapel, which made great 
 progress during his administration. The following lively reply to a 
 professor who was always anxious to settle an argument by a wager, 
 proves that Father Butler must have been possessed of considerable 
 literary ability: 
 “Who have not sense or reason for their guide, 
 Like hapless fools, by wagers must decide ; 
 For filthy gain, Oh! paltry prize, they quit 
 The lovely paths and ways of solid wit. 
 For wisdom on blind chance doth not depend, 
 But on those rays which from above descend. 
 Vain then the effort, fruitless the attempt, 
 Truth to elicit without argument,” 
 Father Butler went to Thomastown as P.P. in 1847, and died there in 
 May, 1848. Rev. R. O'Keeffe was Vice-President from the time that 
 
 Father Butler left till the summer vacation of 1849, when he was appointed 
 0.C. of Ballyouskill. 
 
 THE VERY REV. DANIEL BRENNAN, 
 
 the present pious, patriotic, and universally esteemed Pastor of Kilmacow, 
 succeeded Father Butler as Vice-President. And here we must acknow- 
 
46 
 
 ledge that we are indebted to his great kindness for placing at our dis- 
 posal the many valuable facts that he had collected concerning the history 
 of our diocesan schools. It would be impossible to undertake to give 
 such a history if deprived of the interesting materials that he had 
 taken so much pains to collect. With regard to his administration 
 during his term of office as Vice-President, every one must be aware of 
 what difficulties he had to contend with to keep the College open during 
 the famine years. It must also be remembered that even when the 
 country began again to prosper, it was a long time before parents ventured 
 to send their sons to College. The first few years then of his responsible 
 office must have been to him trying and weary years, indeed ; only a man 
 of his piety, earnestness, and indomitable determination, could continue 
 to steer a vessel that appeared then to be so much shattered by the winds 
 and waves of misfortune. Still he did persevere, hoping on, hoping 
 ever, knowing that— 
 « After darkest night, 
 
 Comes full of loving life, the laughing morning, 
 
 Hope on, hope ever! spring-tide, flush’d with light, 
 
 Aye crowns old Winter with her rich adorning.” 
 
 His earnestness and perseverance met ‘with the usual success. At 
 length the “Hiems Transiit” was again verified in the destinies of the 
 College. He had the pleasure of seeing the hope of Ossory regain some- 
 thing like its former prosperity, and the honour of entertaining in its 
 splendid reception-room the distinguished company of the prelates and 
 priests of Ireland, who came to assist at the consecration of our new 
 Cathedral, in October, 1857. Father Brennan’s fellow-labourers during his 
 long struggle with adversity, were the Very Rev. Thomas Hennessy, the 
 present worthy P.P. of Inistiogue, and the Very Rev. Dean M‘Donald: 
 D.D., P.P.,. V.G. 
 
 ‘THE VERY REV. DEAN MDONALD, D.D., P.P., V.G. 
 
 became President when Father Brennan went to Kilmacow as P.P. in 
 the Summer of 1858. 
 
 It is scarcely necessary to call attention to the great advance made 
 by our diocesan College during the able administration of Dean M‘Donald. 
 We do not wish to offend his modesty by dwelling much on his superior 
 qualifications for the important office that he filled for so many years, 
 with so much credit to himself, and so much advantage to the diocese of 
 Ossory. Suffice it to say that it was he who completed the beautiful 
 college chapel—furnished and adorned the most important public halls 
 of the institution—and left it in such a flourishing condition at his 
 
47 
 
 departure in J uly, 1873, that it, was enabled to purchase a fee-farm title of 
 almost ll the land enclosed by its walls. 
 
 And now our task is done. We have demonstrated, we think satis- 
 factorily, that Kilkenny possesses the oldest Catholic educational estab- 
 lishment in Ireland. We have beheld it instructing generations of Ca- 
 tholic youth in religion and in secular knowledge without any recognition 
 or endowment from the State. We have seen, in the same period, the 
 rival establishments, whether Protestant or Godless, becoming bankrupt 
 
 of the establishment of the Kilkenny Catholic Academy, the centenary 
 of the establishment of our independent Irigh Parliament, we may 
 behold the native Legislature again making useful laws for Ireland in 
 College Green, and that one of the first may be the passing of an Act 
 giving full freedom and encouragement to Catholic education, recognizing 
 and endowing the Catholic University of Ireland. Amongst the fair 
 orbs that we hope to see then revolving around the bright centre of Irish 
 religion and intelligence, one of the most brilliant, we are confident, will 
 be the establishment that first appeared like the morning star above the 
 moral horizon, in that memorable year in which the eloquence of Grattan 
 and the guns of the Volunteers enabled our Irish Parliament to grant 
 the first instalment of educational freedom to their long-suffering Catholic 
 countrymen, In that fervent hope we shall conclude by apostrophising 
 our ancient College in the eloquent words of Longfellow :— 
 
 “We know what Master laid thy keel, 
 What workmen wrought thy ribs of steel, 
 Who made each mast, and sail, and rope, 
 What anvils rang, what hammers beat, 
 In what a forge and what a heat 
 Were shaped the anchors of thy hope! 
 Fear not, each sudden sound and shock, 
 *Tis of the wave and not the rock ; 
 Tis but the flapping of the sail, 
 And not a rent made by the gale ! 
 In spite of rock and tempest’s roar, 
 In spite of false lights on the shore, 
 Sail on, nor fear to breast the sea— 
 Our hearts, our hopes, are all with thee ; 
 Our hearts, our hopes, our prayers, our tears, 
 Our faith triumphant o’er our fears, 
 Are all with thee,—are all with thee !” 
 
; — Rare nano arse SINE och Aotorenoeren