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Donatus Mooney, OFM was elected Provincial of the Irish Franciscan Province in 1615 and in that capacity he conducted a vistitation of Francisan houses in Ireland between 1615 and 1616. He wrote his account in Louvain between 1617 and 1618. The work was bound by Anthony Purcell, OFM, who in 1617 was a young student at St Anthony's College, Louvain. The English translation of the text appeared in the Franciscan Tertiary (1894–1896); the translator of this text is signed as "L" but a full name is not recorded in the journal. A full Latin edition of the text was published by Brendan Jennings, OFM in 1934.
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Created: Written by Donatus Mooney (1617)
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Among the many treasures of priceless value to Ireland, which rest on the shelves of the Burgundian library i.e. the Royal Library in Brussels is a manuscript entitled: ‘ A History of the Franciscan Order in Ireland’. It is numbered vol. vii. (3195),Number 3195 is given by L, but the MS number is 3497. and contains one hundred and one leaves, large folio, closely written on both sides. It appears to have been written by Father Anthony Purcell, a learned professor in the College of Louvain, from notes supplied by Father Donagh Mooney. The latter was for many years Provincial of the Irish Franciscans, and devoted what time he could spare from his duties to the collection of materials for a history of the Order in his native land. He visited Louvain in 1617, and confided the precious records to Father Purcell, with instructions to prepare them for publication. This manuscript was the result.1
It cannot be called with accuracy, a ‘ History of the Franciscan Order in Ireland’, as it is styled in the catalogue. It is rather a sketch of the different convents, and their
Father Mooney's manuscript has never been translated into English. It forms, indeed, the ground-work upon which Father Meehan has elaborated his charming book, The Rise and Fall of the Irish Franciscan Monasteries. But in writing that work he has only culled from our author those incidents and descriptions which pleased his fancy or suited his purpose, while he has introduced a large amount of material from other sources.
I am confident that the readers of the Tertiary will be pleased to have the graphic scenes and life-like pictures of this interesting manuscript placed before them. There are few counties in Ireland in which the ruins of a Franciscan monastery may not be found. Some almost perfect in their simple grandeur, needing, it would seem, but a roof to fit them once more for the abode of some pious brotherhood. Such are Quin, Timoleague, and many others which will occur to the minds of our readers. Of others there remain but crumbling walls and scattered stones,
I have added a few notes, which seem necessary for the elucidation of the text. These are signed L.
This book was composed by Br. Antony Purcell, in obedience to the command of the Very Rev. Father, Br. Donagh Mooney, Provincial Minister, of the Friars Minor, of the Regular Observance, in Ireland, on the 2nd of November, 1617, in the College of the Irish Friars at Louvain. Pious reader, in charity, pray for his soul.
The Kingdom of Ireland consists of one island, the largest of the ocean, except Great Britain, which includes
Another division has recently been made by the English, who have appointed royal officers to preside over certain localities. Thus Munster and Connaught are each governed by a president, and the whole kingdom has been divided into a large number of districts, each of which has been committed to the charge of an officer called a sheriff. These divisions are generally known by the name of counties.
Thus Meath has been divided into two counties, East and West Meath. The official business of the former is transacted in the Franciscan convent at Trim, and of the latter in the Dominican Convent at Mullingar.
Ulster has been divided into the County of the Town of Drogheda, the counties of Louth, the court of which sits at
The following counties belong to Connaught: — Sligo, Leitrim, Cavan.6 In these the official business is transacted respectively in the Dominican Convent of Sligo and the Franciscan Convents of Creevlea and Cavan; Roscommon, Mayo and Galway. In this last the court is held in the very choir of the Franciscan church, and the judges sit on the high altar itself. How like unto the abomination of desolation set up in the holy places. The county of the town of Galway, the court of which is held in the town hall and Clare,7 the court of which is held in the Franciscan Convent of Ennis.
The two Munsters comprise the following counties: — The County of the City of Limerick, Limerick, Kerry, Cork, the County of the City of Cork, Waterford, the County of the City of Waterford, Tipperary, or the County Palatine of Ormond as it is sometimes called, and the County of the Cross-lands of Tipperary, which had been lately formed. Before the spread of heresy this district was subject to the Archbishop of Cashel, whose officials exercised judicial powers within its borders. The English have now deprived the Archbishop of all jurisdiction, and erected the cross-lands into a county.
The following are the counties of Leinster: — Kilkenny and the County of the City of Kilkenny. The official business of the former is transacted in the Dominican Church of that city, and of the latter in the town hall; Carlow, the court of which holds its sittings at Ross; Wexford, the official assemblies of which meet in the Franciscan Convent at Enniscorthy; Wicklow, the court of which sits in the Franciscan convent of that town; Kildare, the court sitting
Thus the whole kingdom has been divided into counties, in accordance with the English mode of government. It is worthy of note that, where at all convenient, the official assemblies and courts of law, where all criminal cases are tried, even murder, and others in which the punishment is death, are held in the churches, those of St. Francis and St. Dominic being especially selected for profanation in this and other ways.
The Archbishop of Armagh has his seat in Ulster and bears the title of Primate of all Ireland. The ecclesiastical province of which he is the head includes the whole of Ulster and Meath, with a considerable part of Connaught, and contains the following dioceses, some of which however, have been united: —
ERRATA — In last month’'s issue, p. 291, line 17, for ‘vivid,’ read ‘ivied,’ and line 18, for ‘tell of,’ read ‘tell us.’
The Archbishop of Dublin is called Primate of Ireland. The ecclesiastical province comprises the whole of Leinster, and does not extend beyond its borders. The dioceses are as follow: —
The ecclesiastical province of Cashel comprises Ormond, Desmond, and that part of Connaught which is called Thomond. It contains the following dioceses—
The ecclesiastical province of Tuam contains part of Connaught only, two dioceses of which belong to Armagh, and two to Cashel. The episcopal sees are as follow: —
Thus far I have jotted down what occurs to my memory regarding the dioceses of Ireland. Others may add facts of more importance. I do not presume on the extent of my knowledge, but can safely say that I have written nothing but what I have ascertained to be true.
I will now give the number and names of the convents of our Order in Ireland, pointing out the province, according to the ancient division of the country, and the county, according to the new, as well as the dioceses in which each is situated. I will then describe their condition in this present year, 1617, and set forth what particulars I have been able to collect regarding the founders and date of foundation of each. Let me first place before you the account of the province given by Bartholomew de Pisis in his Liber Conformitatum. Lib. Primus. Fructus et conformitas.15 Many of the names, as it will be seen, are given in corrupt form. These I have corrected.
The province of Ireland is divided into five custodies. In the custody of Dalbinensis (Dublin) are the following convents: Dubina (Dublin), Kaldaria (Kildare), Clana (Clane), De Mortoto (Stradbally)16, Deserti (Castledermot), Bachilo (Wicklow), Veiesercfordia (Wexford).
In the custody of Cashel are the convents of Casello (Cashel), Bullienia (I do not know to what place he refers unless it be Kilkenny17), Jochil (Youghal), Ross, Vacripordia (Waterford) and Clonmel.
In the custody of Cork are those of Cortigia ( Cork), Ardach ( Ardfert), Bachonia ( Buttevant), Luecia (Ath—18) and Timoleague.
The following convents belong to the custody of Nenagh: Venath ( Nenagh), Clararoi (Clare-Galway19), Killeigh, Galway, Clonramada (Ennis), Blessivia (I do not know this place; I think it is Cavan20) and Armagh.
The following belong to the custody of Drogheda: De Ponte (Drogheda), Trun (Trim), Dundava (Dundalk), Malifarnam (Multifernam), Dunri (Down), Occagfregis (Carrickfergus).
I have thought it well to quote Pisanus thus far to show that these convents had been founded in his time, but he does not mention all. I will prove later on that he has omitted some which existed at that date, or has written their names in such a corrupt form that they cannot be identified. We can easily understand how scanty his information on the subject must have been.
I quote the following also from Pisanus: — ‘In this province of Ireland rest the remains of Nicholas de Gaulford (Waterford), who foretold the day of his death to his brethren’ and John de Vassordia (Wexford), at whose grave the sick were restored to health, and the slain to life.’
I find in an old manuscript21 written by Fr. John Clyn,
This Fr. John Clyn belonged to the Conventual branch of the Order, and was guardian22 of the convent of Carrick-on-Suir, which was given to us by James Butler, first Earl of Ormond, in 1336. Fr. Stephen de Barry was then Provincial, and William Naish, Custos. This was many years before the reform had been introduced.
I will now give as complete a list of the convents of our Order in Ireland as my information allows, assigning each to the province in which it is situated.
The Convent of Limerick occupies a delightful position, on an island in the Shannon — a river, upon the beauties and excellencies of which I would wish to dilate, were it not beside the purpose. It stands on the bank of the river, close to the city walls, towards the east, having the Monastery of Holy Cross to the south, and that of St. Dominic to the north. The orchards and other possessions join those of the Dominicans and extend from the gate nearest their convent to the gate nearest to that of Holy Cross. The space thus enclosed would be quite sufficient for a new convent, for the roof of the old one has fallen in. The walls, which still stand, show it to have been of good size and well proportioned, but the building materials were of an inferior description, and the edifice is now threatened with ruin. It is said that the first founder was the Baron of Castleconnell, or some one of his family, which
The Convent of Adare29 was one of the most celebrated in Munster. It is in the diocese of Limerick, about twelve miles west of that city, and stands on the bank of the Maige, about three miles from its junction with the Shannon.
I have found the following particulars relating to this convent in the book, which, according to the constitutions of the Order, as well as of the Province, should be read, in presence of the community, on each Friday of the year, that the memory of our departed benefactors might not be forgotten. This book is at present in possession of an old man named James Hickey, who had been Syndic of the convent: — ‘The Church of the Friars Minor at Adare was dedicated in honour of St. Michael the Archangel, on the 19th November, 1464, the Feast of St. Pontianus, Martyr, and St. Elizabeth, Widow, Thomas Earl of Kildare, and his wife Johanna, daughter of James, Earl of Desmond, built the church and a fourth part of the cloister at their own expense. They also furnished the windows of the church with glass, and presented the bell and two silver chalices. The convent was
‘The other parts of the edifice were built by the following: — The bell-tower, by Conor O'Sullivan, a pious and devout stranger who had settled amongst us (so the ancient book described him.) He also presented us with an excellent chalice, gilt with gold. Margaret Fitzgibbon, wife of Cunlaid O'Daly erected the great chapel. One of the small chapels was built by John, son of the Earl of Desmond; the other by Leogh de Tulcostyn, and Margaret, wife of Thomas Fitzmaurice. Donough O'Brien, son of Bryan Duv, of Ara and his wife built the dormitory. We owe another fourth part of the cloister to a Tertiary, Rory O'Dea, who also gave us a useful silver chalice. Another Tertiary, Marianus O'Hickey, erected the refectory, and the wooden choir at the north side. He entered the Order later on, and lived in this convent, having spent a most holy life. Donald, the son of O'Dea and Sabina, his wife, finished another fourth of the cloister. Edmond Thomas, Knight of the Glen, and his wife, Honora Fitzgibbon, erected the infirmary. The latter died on the 13th May, 1503. Johanna O'Loughlin, widow of Fitzgibbon, added ten feet to the sanctuary, under which she directed a burial place to be formed for herself. Conor O'Sullivan, who built the belfry, died on the16th January, 1492; Margaret Fitzgibbon, who built the Lady Chapel, on the 23rd January, 1483; Donough O'Brien, son of Bryan Duv who constructed the dormitory, on the vigil of St. Francis, 1502; Thomas Earl of Kildare, founder of the convent, on the 25th March, 1478; his wife, Johanna, on the
The Most Rev. Raymond de Burgo, who was a member of the Observantine branch of the Franciscan Order, and Bishop of Emly, died on the 29th July, 1562, and was buried in Adare. It is believed that he was the last Bishop of that diocese. Some of the precious possessions of this Convent are yet in existence. There are at present in Cork, under the custody of Fr. Thomas Geraldine, a ciborium for the Blessed Sacrament, gilt with gold and of good workmanship; a silver processional cross, and six or seven chalices, some of which are also gilt with gold. The register is among the other registers of the Province. I have, also, seen a list of the sacred vestments, and was much surprised at the large number, but all these have perished under the decaying hand of time. The friars were driven from Adare during the war between the Earl of Desmond and Queen Elizabeth. The convent, which up to that time had been kept in excellent repair, was allowed to go to ruin. At present the roof has fallen in, but the walls stand, and the glass even is uninjured in some of the church windows.
Such is the meagre account I am able to give of Adare, but so great was the celebrity of this convent for the strict life and religious observance of its inmates, as well as for the beauty of its buildings and the piety of the people who dwelt in the neighbourhood, that I am convinced I could have collected many more circumstances worthy of record if I had had leisure to continue my investigations.
This Convent stands on an island in the Shannon,30 and was
The Convent of Askeaton32 is said to have been built; by the Earl of Desmond. It has not been inhabited by the friars for many years. In the war against the Geraldines of Munster the inmates were treated in a most barbarous manner by the English under Sir Nicholas Malby. Some of them were put to death for the faith. Among these martyrs of Christ was Father John Conor, whose remains were buried in the chapter-room. I have been unable to ascertain the names of the others.
{journal issue 6:1}The convent of Timoleague is situated near the sea, in a maritime town of little importance, in the diocese of Ross and county of Cork. It was founded by Lord de Barry for the family of the Observance, on the site of one of his castles. I have been unable to ascertain the date.33 It was the burial place of almost all the nobles of that country. The buildings are still standing, but in great need of repair. The cells in the dormitory have been broken down, and the materials removed. The floor of this portion of the house was supported on beams of carved oak. These, too, have been carried off, but the spoiler did not escape unpunished.
In the year 1596 Dr. Hanmer34 an English Minister, obtained permission from the Royal Council to make use of this wood-work in the erection of a house. He came to Timoleague, tore down the cells of the dormitory, and placed the beams he coveted on board a vessel in the harbour. He was about setting sail when a violent storm suddenly rose and overwhelmed the ship with all its cargo. This was the more remarkable from the fact that the port was well protected from the winds, and a shipwreck in its calm waters unknown. No wonder the people who had witnessed, or heard of the occurrence deemed it a signal manifestation of the Divine anger, on account of the sacrilege.
Some time before this Lyon,35 the Protestant Bishop of Cork, who yet lives, set about building a mill. He required some iron for the machinery. The friars' mill was convenient. He broke it open and removed all the material he needed. Shortly afterwards a fierce flood rushed down the river, and swept away the Bishop's new mill. There were not a few who recognised in this the power of St. Francis, for they well
On another occasion, in the year 1612, the same Dr. Lyon resolved to surprise, and capture if possible, the friars, and the multitude of devoted people whom he knew would assemble in the church of Timoleague for the celebration of the Divine service on Christmas night. He lived in the city of Cork, eighteen miles distant. It was therefore necessary to set out on the preceding day. This he determined to do, notwithstanding the remonstrances and entreaties of many of his friends, who expressed their belief that such deeds never pass unpunished. He mounted his horse, surrounded by a number of miscreants, whom he had selected to be his partners in this impiety and sacrilege. He had scarcely started on his journey when he was seized by a pain in the stomach, so violent that he had of necessity to alight and wrap himself in warm flannels. The pain passed away, and the warning from on High was unheeded. He muffled himself in heavier clothes, and again took his seat in the saddle. He had gone
The following incident happened in Timoleague during the late war. A company of English soldiers consisting of one hundred foot and fifty horse, was marching in that direction. They approached the village, and saw with astonishment the elegantly built convent and well furnished church, the stained-glass windows, and beautiful paintings round the altars. The fury of the bigots was roused at the sight. They destroyed the paintings, broke the statues to pieces, and smashed the glass in the windows with stones. The carpenter, who had general charge of the repairs of the building, was present. Carried away by indignation and zeal, he broke out into the following appeal to St. Francis. — ‘Holy Father,’ he exclaimed, ‘thy power is great before the Lord, and thou canst obtain whatsoever thou desirest. Now I swear that I will never work a single day in this your convent, nor help its inmates in any way unless you take vengeance on the sacrilegious ruffians who have profaned your church.’ The soldiers having wrecked the church and monastery proceeded on their march the following day. They had not advanced far when they encountered Donnell O'Sullivan, a noble Irishman, who was then carrying on war against the English, in alliance with the other Catholic princes. He had somewhat less than eighty foot soldiers with him, yet he bravely charged the enemy, who numbered, as I have said, one hundred and fifty. His
In this convent repose the remains of the holy martyr, the Rev. Owen MacEgan, who, while acting as chaplain to the Catholic army in 1602, was mortally wounded and left for dead on the field. He expired shortly afterwards with sentiments of great zeal and charity, in presence of the priests and doctors who attended him. These have declared, and confirmed their declaration by oath, that as he breathed forth his soul, an extraordinary brightness filled the place so that the light of the lamp was obscured, and a great joy gladdened their hearts. He was buried in the cloister, near the north-western angle. A small cross in the wall marks his resting-place.
Many were the excellent and devoted religious who lived and died in the Convent of Timoleague, but time, the great destroyer, has blotted out the memory of almost all. The following miracle is recorded of one of them, a holy and simple-minded priest, named Maurice O'Hickey. In the year 1595 a certain man lay ill unto death, without any hope from human aid. He sent for Fr. O'Hickey, and besought him to bless some water for him. He blessed it, and it was changed into most sweet and excellent milk. The sick man drank of it, and recovered his health in a marvellous manner. He lived for more than twenty years, until 1619. In the first year of my provincialship (1615) I made inquiry into the truth of this miracle, and ascertained that the man who had been cured had on several occasions borne witness to the fact, before a large number of people.
There are now but two friars in Timoleague, and even these have oftentimes to fly from the fury of their persecutors.
{journal issue 6:2}The convent of Ardfert,37 in the episcopal city of that name, in the county Kerry, was founded by the Baron of Lixnaw, otherwise called Fitzmaurice Kerry. The place has not been inhabited by the friars for many years, and the buildings are now in ruin.
It is the burial place of the present baron, as it was of his ancestors. On this account he promised me to purchase the grounds from the Englishman who has possession of them at present and to rebuild the convent. At his earnest and oft-repeated request I engaged to send him two members of the Order who would take up their residence in the ruined abbey. This I did the more willingly on account of the great zeal of the noble baron.
I have never been in this convent38, or the vicinity. It is at present unoccupied by the friars, and I know nothing regarding it worthy of relation. There is no doubt, however, that it was a convent of our Order, and I am sure many interesting details would be brought to light if inquiry were made. I unhappily, have not leisure to do so.
The convent of Irrelagh.39 occupies a most solitary position in a recess of Slievelogher,40 near to Lough Lein.41 Before the late war the buildings, including the ceilings and the glass in the windows were in an excellent state of preservation. Nothing seemed wanting. But at present it is partially in ruins, and has not been inhabited by the friars for many years. Great numbers are buried in the precincts, and a multitude of people yet assemble there for purposes of devotion, for it is remote from the inhabited districts, and seldom disturbed by incursions of the English heretics.
The structure is small but well built. There is an abundance of fish, and the friars own a weir on the river flowing
The founder was the Prince of Desmond, MacCarthy More (If I mistake not). It is in the diocese of Ardfert.
The convent of Innis-Sherkin stands on an island in the sea at the entrance of Baltimore harbour. The O'Driscolls, who have a castle close beside, were its founders.43 Its position in the open sea was of advantage in many ways, but, at the same time, most dangerous. The supply of fish and other products of the ocean were abundant. Indeed, the inmates could cast the line while walking in the garden, and catch fish in large numbers. On the other hand, it lay open to the ravages of pirates and marauders of all sorts. In fact, the first object of such gentry was the capture of this island, for the anchorage of Baltimore afforded them small security while an enemy occupied Innis-Sherkin. This exposed position of the convent led finally to its destruction.
On one occasion certain merchants from the city of Waterford entered the port, and were detained there for some time by contrary winds. The O'Driscoll was absent, and the garrison of the Castle, believing them to be pirates, or pretending to believe so, that they might have a pretext for plunder, attacked them and carried off some of their goods. They then allowed them to depart with their ships and what remained of their property. No sooner had the merchants returned to Waterford than the citizens armed a
Since that time the convent has remained a ruin, and was never afterwards occupied by the friars. It is the common belief of the people of Waterford that none of those who took part in this act of sacrilege ever prospered in their undertakings, and that they either died without children or left them paupers.44
The convent of Kilcrea is built on the bank of the Bride, in the territory of Muskerry, and diocese of Cork, from which city it is distant seven Irish miles. It was founded by the Lords of Muskerry. I am not certain of the date, but it does not appear to be of great antiquity.45 The structure, though small, is admirably adapted for a monastic establishment. The buildings have been preserved in complete repair to the present day, and lack nothing but the presence of the friars who are prevented from occupying the place, not alone by
Of the records of this convent I have been able to recover but these few. In the year 1584 a company of English soldiers passing through the district entered the church and commenced to pull down and hack to pieces the statues and paintings. Two of them climbed up to the place where an image of the crucifixion stood. It was a beautiful work of art, having on each arm of the cross an exquisite medallion wrought in gold and silver, representing one of the evangelists, and was of great value on account of the precious metal it contained, as well as of the skill of the artist. Each struggled to reach and seize upon the coveted spoil before the other. They finally came to blows, and both fell mortally wounded. One died that night, the other on the following day. Their fate was considered by all present a just retribution of Divine Providence.
The English soldiers made another attack on the convent in 1599. Their arrival was unexpected, and Father Matthew O'Leyne, a venerable priest, about 67 years of age, was on the premises. He fled from the Monastery to escape their violence, but was overtaken while crossing the Bride, and fell pierced by their lances. He died, without doubt, a martyr's death for he was slain in hatred of the Faith.
Here also lived in the odour of sanctity a priest named Felim M'Carthy. Before entering religion he had been a member of the Third Order, and was remarkable for his hospitality, his charity to the poor, and his attention to the sick and wounded during the war. He quarrelled one day with
Inside the cloister, at the entrance of the chapter room, rests the body of the venerable Father Teige O'Sullivan, who died on the 17th of December, 1597. He was a distinguished preacher, and had been most successful in his missionary labours throughout a great part of Ireland, especially in those districts which were more difficult of access on account of the forests, and therefore more lawless, and frequented by robbers and abandoned women. Many of these outcasts were brought
Many were the plots hatched against his life and liberty by the Protestants. They were offered a reward for his capture. On this account a number of evil-minded men were constantly on the watch to seize him and hand him over to the English authorities. One day, while travelling through the County Cork, he was suddenly surrounded by a number of these ruffians. Now that they had met him, they changed colour, as if they feared to execute their wicked design. ‘Friends,’ he said ‘consider well what you have come here to do. Carry out your purpose if you so determine, I am ready, if such be the will of God.’ They were astounded at his words, believing that he had come to the knowledge of their project by divine revelation and not daring to lay hands on the holy man, suffered him to proceed unmolested.
On another occasion he was pursued, in the same county, by a company of English troopers. Approaching a cross on the wayside he besought God that through the virtue of His Holy Cross those enemies might not be permitted to pass that sacred sign. Wonderful to relate, when the horsemen reached the cross they could not advance a step beyond it. They saw object of their pursuit a short distance in front, but try as they would they found it impossible to proceed. Thus the servant of God escaped their hands.
Fr. O'Sullivan died at a distance from the convent of Kilcrea, in a place where he had been labouring for the edifices of the people. The whole country was then so devastated by war, that the public roads could scarcely be traced by daylight. The Catholics, among whom he had died, determined to bury him with his brethren. They dared not attempt this in an open manner, so, when night fell, the body was placed upon a horse, and accompanied by the best guides in the locality, the funeral party set out on their journey. The darkness was intense, and after a short time the way was lost. They knew not what direction to turn or what course to take.
The Convent of Cork was situated in the northern suburb of the city. It was sometimes called the Convent of Shandon, from a castle of that name belonging to Viscount Barry, which stood close at hand. This nobleman was the founder.46
The Convent of Youghal, in the sea-port town of that name, in the County of Cork and the Diocese of Cloyne, was founded by Lord Fitzgerald, from whom are descended the illustrious Earls of Desmond and the other Geraldines of Munster.
It is said to be one of the oldest, if not in fact, the most ancient in the Province. I cannot find, however, the date of its foundation.47 It was among the most flourishing of our convents, and our brethren dwelt there in security, under the protection of the Geraldines till about 1583. But when, as happened, at that time, their power was broken, and the success of the heretics assured, the sacred pile was profaned
The whole convent, except the walls of the church and some of the out-offices, is now in ruins. After the suppression of the monasteries certain Englishmen took up their abode there, one after another, profaned the house of God, by forcibly seizing upon it, and converting it to secular purposes. But some of them escaped the visitation of Divine Providence. Some were disturbed by visitations, others were even beaten with whips and bludgeons, while not a few were overtaken by a premature
Some silver chalices which belonged to this convent are still in existence and I have seen them in possession of the old Syndic of this place. This is detailed more fully in the Registry of the Province. There are also some books, especially a large Graduale, complete for the year which is very beautiful. All the others have perished, I have been told by an old father who was professed here, and who survives to the present day, that many of the moveables belonging to this convent were transferred to the castle of Dromana for safety, and that chalices, various ornaments, reliquaries, and the great cross of cold which was purchased for the friars by Lord James ... are preserved there. The old father said that it would be well to make an effort to recover them, but I fear it would be in vain.
{journal issue 6:4}This convent is situated in a country town in the diocese of Emly. I know nothing regarding its foundation,51 antiquity, except the following remarkable occurrence. In 1570 when the Viceroy, Lord Henry Sydney, was making incursions through this district three of our friars suffered martyrdom at Galbally. One of them was a priest called Dermot O'Mulroney. I have been unable to discover the names of the others. He had fled with his companions from that country convent to Clonmel, to escape the fury of the
The convent of Buttevant, or Kilnamulla, as it is called in Irish, was founded by Lord Viscount de Barry.52 How long since I do not know. The church, which still stands is large. It is roofed with pieces of wood, shaped like tiles, and contains the burial places of many of the nobility. The buildings though ample in size, were not well proportioned. Of its records, which must have contained many entries worthy of note, I have no information. At present two friars live in the town, who assist at funerals. They dare not take up their residence at the convent, because Lord John de Barry, who
The convent is situated in the diocese of Killaloe and territory of Ormond. The town of Nenagh belonged in ancient times to the O'Kennedys, who are believed to have been the founders.53 It is now in possession of the Earls of Ormond. Nothing remains of the building but the walls. This is one of the convents which never accepted the reform, and so remained under the jurisdiction of the Conventuals until the suppression; on this account some property was attached to it. I have no information regarding its former inmates. Its great antiquity may be inferred from the fact that it is mentioned by Bartholomew de Pisis in his work entitled Liber Conformitatum. It was then the head of the Custody to which it gave its name.54 Almost all the inhabitants of the
The convent of Roscrea is also in the diocese of Killaloe and territory of Ely. It was founded little more than hundred years ago by Lord Mulrony O'Carroll, called the Great, a powerful and religious man. The record of the foundation was inscribed on a marble block, inserted in one side of cloister.55 I have at present no certain remembrance of the date, for I had no intention of writing these sketches when I was there. The roofs of all the buildings have fallen in, but the walls still stand, and some panes of glass remain in the windows. The convent, though small, was elegantly proportioned, and could be easily rebuilt. The country round is rich and fertile and ‘the harvest is great indeed, but the labourers few.’
One of the friars who were professed there, lives to this day. At the time of the Suppression the convent was occupied by the Conventuals, some of whom fell away. Among them was one Teig Daly, who fled to Limerick, resolving to betake himself across the seas but was captured before he could effect his purpose. When put to the question, he stood firm in the Confession of the Faith, and rejected life and the many rewards offered to him if he would join himself to the heretics, preferring rather a glorious death. ‘Thus being made perfect in a short space, he fulfilled a long time.’ I do not know under whom he suffered or in what year. The Brother was unable to give me these particulars.56 This same Brother was the companion of the holy martyr in his flight and imprisonment. He was then a young priest, and very simple-minded.
This convent is situated in the metropolitan city of Cashel, but outside the walls. A strong fence surrounds the grounds on every side. It was formerly occupied by the Conventuals, who possessed some wood lands and other property. And was commonly called Hackett's Monastery. I am not aware of the reason, nor have I been able to ascertain the name of the founder, or the date of foundation.58
The street within the city, which leads towards the convent, was known by the name of Friar-street, perhaps because all that ground, or the greater portion of it, as it is generally believed
A Catholic named Cooney, who is nephew to the Archbishop,59 has at present possession of the convent. His father, Denis Cooney, bought it from a person who held it without any just title. He was a wealthy man, and left a rich inheritance to his son, who has so mismanaged affairs that he is now poor and needy. However, thanks be to God, he remains a Catholic, and a man of good character. The archbishop himself, in conversation with me on this matter, expressed his decided conviction that the poverty had fallen upon him because he held possession of the friars' property, and this although he does so without scruple of conscience, and therefore it may be without guilt before God. For this reason the Archbishop requested me to condone our rights, and to allow him to keep possession of the place so long as it remained possible for us to occupy it. I answered that as far as in me lay (I was then Provincial) I would willingly forego our claim, and grant the required permission, but the dominion of our property was vested in the Holy Roman Church, and not in ourselves, and that, therefore, I could do nothing. There was, however, I added, a Syndic appointed for us, who had authority from the Apostolic See in such matters, and I would, as a mark of respect for the Archbishop, recommend him, not in an authorative way, but as an act of charity, to consent to this application
The convent of Clonmel, in the diocese of Waterford and Lismore, occupies a delightful position on the bank of the Suir, in an angle formed by the walls. The Earl of Desmond is said to have been the founder but the citizens claim that honour for themselves. At the dissolution of the monasteries the Earl of Ormond obtained possession of the convent and buildings belonging to it, while the church, cemetery, and sacristy were granted to the citizens. The church is still in good repair, and holds the burial places of many illustrious personages.
The church is much frequented by the citizen, who there meet in prayer. On Sundays and festivals the magistrates, as well as the people assemble with great devotion, and make the Station, as they call it, when offerings or alms are contributed for the souls of the dead. These are received by persons appointed for the purpose who afterwards expend them in the preservation of the church buildings, and in support of the priests and the poor. This custom has existed from time immemorial, but the distribution of the portion of the offerings among the priests and the poor is believed to have commenced with the introduction of the Heresy, for before that time the clergy had property of their own and even now it is given them in a private way. It is therefore easy of belief that this pious custom was originally instituted for the purpose of keeping the conventual buildings in repair or for the benefit of the friars themselves. This is the reason why these
It is thought with much probability that all the buildings from Kilsheelan Street, as it is called, to the way known by name of Suir-Quay-Gate-Street, belonged to the convent, and that the secular houses along these streets were built by the permission of the friars. This can be reasonably inferred from the position of the houses round the convent; also from the fact that some of the workshops of the monastery, as the bakery and such like, are found among these buildings. Again, the foundation deed of one of the houses which overlooks the cemetery, contains a clause guaranteeing free access and passing from the street to the cemetery and monastery; moreover, these houses have neither garden or court-yards, but stand round the precincts of the monastery between the streets and the convent grounds.61 The mill at the gate and the bakery close by also formed part of the possession of the friars. These were called the Earl's mill and fishery. The large house near the convent, known by the name of the Earl's Court,62 is also supposed to have been their property. For it
All the buildings except those mentioned above, as being in possession of the citizens, and the cloister, have fallen into ruin. The Earl of Ormond has put in repair, a rather small portion of what was formerly the infirmary, which he has for a dwelling-house with the garden adjoining. This has fallen to the share of Helen de Barry, widow of the late Earl of Ormond, and now married to Sir Thomas Somerset. I went to her with the request that she would bestow the place on the friars, but she refused to hear me, acting it may be on some such opinion, as I have alluded to when treating of Cashel. Mass is sometimes celebrated and sermons preached in the church. A citizen, notwithstanding my opposition, has constructed a burial place for himself in one of the chapels, in the very spot where stood a wooden Altar, on which I have often seen the holy sacrifice offered. I promised to keep fast memory of this, that in happier times the brethren may know what ought to be done.
A statue of St. Francis was preserved in the sacristy for a long time after the destruction of the images in the church. It was remarked, and proved by many miracles, that if anyone swore falsely, by St. Francis, in presence of this statue, God immediately made known the truth by some sign. I heard this from many trustworthy persons. A certain matron of Clonmel made oath before me that she was present when a women suspected of having stolen some article of dress, was brought before the statue, and there swore the charge was false. At that moment it dropped from her in the sight of all the by-standers. Repenting of her theft and perjury she confessed her guilt, and publicly declared that she had concealed the garment in a place far distant, and that it was only by the Divine Power that it could have been carried hither.
I have no information regarding the friars of Clonmel, except that I have read in an ancient manuscript that they took possession of the convent in 1269. A priest named Maurice, who was put to death for the faith by the heretics in Clonmel in 1589, was interred here. His relics were placed at the back of the Altar.
{journal issue 6:6}The convent was built near the river Suir. On the opposite bank stands the town of Carraig-on-Suir, which contains the chief residence of the Earl of Ormond. It is said, on what authority I know not, that this house of the Earl was erected on the monastery of St. Clare. Our convent is on the other side of the river, and was never entirely finished. At first the friars lived in a castle belonging to James Butler, the Earl of Ormond, who received the title from Edward III, King of England, in 1328. He granted this residence to the Conventual Franciscans in 1336. They entered into possession that same year, on the feast of SS. Peter and Paul. Brother Stephen de Barry was then Provincial, Brother William Naish, Custos, and Brother John Glya, Guardian, The last was the author of the Chronicle63 which bears his
The convent of Waterford is situated near the wharf, where the ships are moored. The church is still intact, and it is the burial place of many illustrious families. Mass is sometimes celebrated within the walls and sermons delivered. But the grounds which once surrounded the convent, and the garden are sadly changed, and the solitude devoted, in former days, to religious contemplation, has become the most densely populated portion of the city. The monastic buildings have been turned into secular purposes, the gardens cut up into streets, and houses erected on all sides. The owner of these houses are Catholics, yet they have never sought our permission to hold them. Perhaps, because they have been told by other ecclesiastics that they could do so with a safe conscience.
Some citizens have raised a superstructure in the church extending over all the nave and adjoining chapel. Here they have established an asylum for the poor, in which sixty old and decrepit people, unable to earn a living, have beds. The building is divided into two distinct parts, one for the men and the other for the women. Alms for their support is collected through the city. It is called the Hospital of the Holy Ghost ...65 Numbers of the citizens visit the Asylum on Sundays and festivals. They make offerings and supports as I have described when treating of Clonmel. In Waterford however, all the alms is expended on the poor. I do not know if this custom existed before the institution of the Hospital.
At present a few of the friars live in the city, in lodgings, as best they may. The inhabitants, who belong to Waterford by
I do not know when the convent was built, nor who was the founder, but I found the following words in the fragment of a MS. — ‘At the right-hand corner of the High Altar is the tomb of Sir Hugh Purcell, Knight, who was the founder of this convent.’This is not entirely conclusive. He may have been only a benefactor, nor is the day or year given.66 It is probable that Brother Nicholas67 of Gauthforda, who foretold his death to his brethren, as Pisanus related in his Liber Conformitatum, rests here. We may also conclude that this is the ancient convent which the same Pisanus calls Vasordia, and which he says belonged to the custody of Cashel; for the corrupt forms, which the names of places assume among foreigners, do not change or multiply the places themselves.