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TRANSACTIONS

"^mH I!IBIiIEM(D=»(SIlIL^II(S ^(2)(SIl^^¥c>

FOR

1820.

VOL. I. — PART 1.

TRANSACTIONS

OF THE

ii]BisiBJ?®a(©iia»^a(S ©(©(eau^n

FOR

1820.

VOL. I.— PART I.

CONTAINING

A CHRONOLOGICAL ACCOUNT OF NEARLY FOUR HUNDRED

IRISH WRITERS,

COMMENCING WITH

THE EARLIEST ACCOUNT OF IRISH HISTORY,

jlND CARRIED DOWN TO THE YEAR OF OUR LORD 1750;
WITH

3 ^eiBicriptitJe Catalogue

Of such of their Works as are still extant in Verse or Prose, consisting of upwards of
ONE THOUSAND SEPARATE TRACTS.

BY EDWARD O RE ILLY, ESQ.

Author of the Irish-English Dictionary and Grammar, &c. &c. &c. and Assistant Secretary to the Society.

Dublin :

PRINTED, FOR THE SOCIETY,

BY A. O'NEIL, AT THE MINERVA PRINTING-OFFICE, CHANCERY- LANE.

1820,

LIST OF MEMBERS

OF THE

IJBIEMNO - CEILTIC SOCIETY.

J^atron,

HIS EXCELLENCY EARL TALBOT.
HIS GRACE THE DUKE OF LEINSTER.

VICE PRESIDENTS,

Most Noble the Mauquis of Sligo,
Most Noble the Marquis of Thomond,
Right Honorable Earl O'Neill,

Right Honorable Lord Viscount

Frankfort de Montmorency,
Riffht Hon. Lord Viscount Monk,

Right Hon. Earl of Rosso.

Right Hon. Earl Mount Charles.

Right Hon. Lord Viscount De Vesci.-

Right Hon. Lord Carbery.

Right Hon. Lord Castlecoote

Right Hon. Lord Clonbrock.

Right Hon. Lord Garvagh. !

Right Hon. John RadclitF, Judge of the Pre-
rogative.

Hon. James Hewitt.

Hon. Windham Quinn, M. P.

Sir Robert Langrishe, Bart.

Sir Neale O'Donnell, Bart.

Sir Capel Molyneux, Bart.

Sir Henry Meredyth, Bart.

Sir William Burdett, Bart.

Sir John Bourke, Bart.

Sir William Betham, Secretary & Treasurer.

Right Rev. Doctor John Murphy, R. C. Bishop
of Cork.

Right Rev. Doctor Mac Nicholas, R. C. Bishop
of Achonry.

General Cuppage

Henry Adair, Esq.

William Ball, Esq.

Edward James Baynes, Esq..

Francis Beatty, Esq.

Wrixon Becher, Esq. M. P.

Ezekiel Davis Boyde, Esq.

Rev. Dr. Bartholomew Crotty, President of
the Royal College, Maynooth.

Eccles Cuthbert, Esq.

Rev. Morgan D'Arcy, D. D.

John D'Alton, Esq.

Richard Downes, Esq.

William Fletcher, Esq.

John Fowler, Esq.

Sheffield Grace, Esq.

Rev. Mr. Goff.

William Gorman, Esq.

Robert Gunne, Esq.

James Hardiman, Esq.

Mathew Weld Hartstonge, Esq.

Rev. William Liddiard, Chaplain to His Ex-
cellency the Lord Lieutenant.

Samuel Litton. Esq. M. D.

Rev. M. P. Kinsela.

William Monck Mason, Esq.

Hen. J. Monck Mason, Esq. L.L.D. M.R.I. A.

Richard Malone, Esq. Palace Park.

Henry M'Dougall, Esq.

John M'Namara, Esq.

William Shaw Mason, Esq.

Randal M'Donell, Esq.

James M'Donell, Esq. M. D. Belfast.

Rev. Marcus Monck.

J. H. North, Esq.

Rev. Paul O'Brien, Professor of the Irish
Language, Royal College of Maynooth.

Mathew O'Conor, Esq.

Colonel O'Kelly.

Rev. Cernelius O'MuIIan.

11275S0

LIST OF MEMBERS.

Neale John 0"Ncill, Esq.

Rev. Mr. 0"Nolan.

Edward O'Reilly, Esq. Compiler of the Irish-

En<;lish Dictionary. Assistant Secretary.
Andrew O'Reilly, Esq.
Miles John O'Reilly, Esq.
Brian O'Reilly, Esq.
William Parsons, Esq.
George Petrie, Esq.
Rev. William Phelan, F. T. C- D.
Richard Power, Esq.
Henry T. Redmond, Esq.
James Miles Reilly, Esq.
James Roche, Esq. Cork.

Rev. Francis Sadlier, D, D. F. T. C, D.

Lieut. Colonel Merrick Shaw.

Rev. Joseph Singer, M. A. F. T. C. D-

Captain John Skinner, R. N.

Rev. Charles Stronge.

Richard Wogan Talbot, Esq. M. P.

W'alter Thorn, Esq.

Henry Townsend, Esq.

Rev. George Vesey, D. D. Chaplain to His

R. H. the Duke of Kent.
Thomas Wallace. Esq.
Rev. Robert Walsh, D. D.
Edward Walsh, Esq.
Mathew West, Esq.

Acting Committee for the Year, ending 17th March, 1820.

1 John D'AIton, Esq.
a General Cuppage.

3 William Fletcher, Esq.

4 John Fowler, Esq.

5 Sheffield Grace, Esq.

6 Rev. Mr. Goff.

7 James Hardiman, Esq.

8 Mathew Weld Hartstonge, Esq.

9 John M'Namara, Esq.

10 William Monck Mason, Esq.

11 Henry Monck Mason, Esq.

12 Rev. William Liddiard.

13 Rev. M. P. Kinsela.
14. Rev. Paul O'Brien.

15 Rev. Cornelius O'MulIan.

16 Neale John O'Neill, Esq.

17 Rev. F. Sadlier, F. T. C. D.

18 Rev. Joseph Singer, F. T. C. D.

19 Rev. C. Stronge.

20 Rev. Robert Walsh.

21 Edward Walsh, Esq.

To the above are to be added the President, Vice Presidents, Treasurer, Secretary,
and Assistant Secretary, Members of the Committee, in virtue of their respective
offices.

RULES AND REGULATIONS,

<fec. &c.

^-^.".".■^^woo-cr.x

JL HE Society shall consist of an unlimited number of Members, ordinary and cor-
responding, governed by a President and six Vice Presidents.

Persons desirous to become Members of the Society, shall be proposed by a Member,
either at a General Meeting or a Committee Meeting, and balloted for at the next
General Meeting ; but if proposed at a Committee Meeting, it must be at least one
month before the General Meeting. The balloting to commence exactly at one o'clock,
or as soon after as fourteen Members (including the President, or Chairman) shall
have assembled, and one black bean in every seven shall reject the proposed Candidate.
The ballot to continue one full hour.

in.

Members, upon their admission, shall pay one Guinea as entrance subscription, and
thirty Shillings per annum towards the general fund of the Society.

IV.

The Society may elect honorary or correspondent Members, by ballot, in the same
manner as ordinary Members are to be balloted for. The honorary or corresponding
Members may attend all meetings, offer opinions, and make communications, but have
no privilege of voting, or of being elected to offices : they may, however, be admitted
as ordinary Members, without any further ballot, upon their paying similar contribu-
tions with those paid by the ordinai-y class.

The payment of ten Guineas at one time, shall constitute a Member for life, free of
any annual subscriptions.

Jltn.ES AND nEGULATIONS.

VI.

The ordinary business of the Society shall be conducted by a Committee, to be
annually chosen, consisting of twenty-one Members, besides the President, Vice Pre-
sidents, Treasurer, Secretary and Assistant Secretary, Members of the Committee ex
officio ; three Members of the Committee shall be a quorum. The President or t hairman
■of the Committee to have no vote, on any question, except in case of equality of votes.
All Members of the Society, though not of the Committee, shall have the privilege to
.attend at Committee meetings, but are to have no vote.

VII.

The Committee shall meet on the first and third Tuesdays of every month, and occa-
sionally as business may require, on intimation of the President or Secretary of the
nature of the business to be laid before them, at least two days before the intended
meeting ; and no business but that which shall be so intimated, shall be decided on at
that meeting. They shall keep a record of their Proceedings, to be laid before the
General Meeting, for their consideration and approbation ; and shall have a power to
call extraordinary General Meetings, whenever occasion shall require, of which previous
intimation shall be made, by notices to that effect, served on the Members at least one
<week before the meeting.

VIII.

The Society shall hold four annual meetings ; one on the I7tli of March, except it
shall happen on Sunday, and in that case, on the Monday following ; the second on
the first Tuesday in June ; the third on the first Tuesday in September ; and the fourth
on the first Tuesday in December. Besides these stated meetings, the Society shall
hold extraordinary meetings as often as they shall be called thereto by a vote of the
Committee.

IX.

Every future election of Officers to this Society shall be held at the March meetings ;
the President and Vice Presidents to serve for life ; the Treasurer, Secretary, Sub-
Secretary, and Committee shall fill their respective offices for one year. Before March
meeting IS 19, and every future March meeting, each Member shall pay in his annual
contribution of thirty Shillings, or otherwise forfeit his place in the Society.

RULES AND REGULATIONS.

Tiie election of Officers shall be conducted in the following manner, viz.— Each
Member shall be furnished with a slip of paper, on which he shall write the name or
names of the persons whom he may judge proper to fill the respective offices of the
Society ; and when all the Members present have written on their slips, they shall bo
handed to the Chairman, who shall read them with an audible voice, and the Secretary
shall take an account of them in writing, and he or they whose name or names shall
appear on the greater number of slips, shall be considered as duly elected to fill such
office or offices.

XI.

No religious or political debates whatsoever shall be permitted at any of the meelinn's
of the Society ; such subjects being foreign to the objects of the Institution.

XII.

The subscriptions shall be paid to, and the funds deposited in, the hands of the
Treasurer, subject to the disposal of the Committee, as hereafter specified. His
accounts shall be annually audited by the Committee, at their meeting immediately
preceding the General Meeting in March ; at which they shall be regularly produced,
and also at every meeting of the Committee, for the inspection of Members.

XIII.

All accounts furnished to the Society shall be examined by the Committee ; and if
found correct, the Chairman shall certify the same, by affixing his initials, and give an
order on the Treasurer for payment.

XIV.

Besides the occasional expenditure to be disbursed by the Treasurer, the Committee
shall, at any one meeting, have power to order the application of a sum, not exceeding
ten Pounds sterling, for the purchase of Books or Manuscripts, or for any of the general
objects of the Society. The order on the Treasurer for payment of such money, shall
express the purport of such application, and shall be signed by the Chairman of the
Committee. For the disposal of any greater sum, the authority of a General Meeting
shall be obtained.

XV.

Whatever balance of the annual funds of the Society, exceeding fifty Pounds, shall
remain unexpended, together with any donation or bequest made to the Society, shall

RULES AMD KEGULATIONS.

be formed into a capital, and laid out, on proper security, with the approbation of the
Committee. No part of such capital to be afterwards applied, but by authority of a
General Meeting ; previously to which, intimation shall be always made at two meetings
of the Committee.

XVI.

The Secretary shall have custody of the Records, Papers, nnd Books of the Society,
to which all the Members shall have access, at any reasonable time. And all letters
and communications for the Society shall be directed to him, and he shall lay the same
before the Committee forthwith.

XVII.

The Society shall have it in their power to alter old, and enact new Regulations, at
any General Meeting, provided that such intended Regulation shall be notified at a
meeting of the Committee, previously to the General Meeting at which such is proposed
to be made.

PREFACE.

••••ol €&(•••••

xi^MONGST the various modes adopted by most modern nations for
the advancement of Science, and the investigation of natural and civil
History, that of establishing literary Societies seems to be as effectual as
it is prevalent. There are few nations in Europe that have not associa-
tions to promote Arts and Sciences; to encourage philosophical research ;
to illustrate local antiquities, and perpetuate national History. Ireland,
also, has had her Societies, some of whom laboured, by their publications,
to rescue from oblivion and decay, some of the vast quantities of her
ancient Annals, her Laws, her Poetry, and her Music.

In the year 1740 a number of literary Gentlemen associated under the
name of the Physico-Historieal Society, under whose patronage were
published the Histories of Cork, Kerry, and Waterford. In the vear
1752, another Society was formed in Dublin, whose views were confined
to the publication of tracts in the Irish language. It was known by the
appellation of CoimaoMl gciobilge, or Irish Society, but does not appear
to have ever published. About this time, indeed, the first edition of
O'Connor's " Dissertations on the History of Ireland" appeared, but we
have no cause to infer that the Avork was ever encouraged by either of
those Societies. The publication, however, attracted a good deal of
notice, and drew from the celebrated Doctor Johnson a letter to the
author, on the subject of Irish literature, from which the following
extract may not be considered impertinent. — " I have long wished that
the Irish literature were cultivated. Ireland is known by tradition to
have been the scat of piety and learning ; and surely it would be very

acceptable to those who are curious either in the original of nations, or
the affinities of languages, to be further informed of the revolutions of a
people so ancient, and once so illustrious. I hope you will continue to
cultivate this kind of learnino; which has lain so lonj; neglected, and
which, if it be suffered to remain in oblivion for another century, may
perhaps never be retrieved." In the year 1777, Doctor Campbell,
author of " Strictures on the Ecclesiastical and Literary History of
Ireland," was the bearer of another letter from Johnson to Mr. O'Connor,
from which, as it has been since wilfully misquoted by Campbell, it
becomes necessary to give the following extract, as it appears in the Life
of Johnson, by Boswell, who may be presumed to have fairly given the
letter as it was written by its illustrious author. — " What the Irish lan-
guage is in itself, and to what languages it has affinity, are very interesting-
questions which every man wishes to see resolved, tliat has any philo-
logical or historical curiosity. Doctor Leland begins his History too late.
The ages which deserve an exact inquiry, are those times, for such times
there were, when Ireland was the School of the West, the quiet habitation
of sanctity and literature. If you could give a historj , though imperfect,
of the Irish nation, from its conversion to Christianity, to the invasion
from England, you would amplify knowledge with new views and new
objects. Set about it, therefore, if you can ; do what you can easily do
without anxious exactness. Lay the foundation, and leave the super-
structure to posterity."

After the extinction of the Irish Society, nothing appears to have been
done towards the publication of our History or Antiquities by any collec-
tive body, until about the year 1782 or 1783, when some essays having
appeared under the name of "• Collectanea de Rebus Hibernicis/' induced
the highly-talented authors to oo-operate and found the Society of Anti-
quaries. The principal person in the formation of this Society, and the
publication of those tracts, was the late General Vallancey ; and the
specimens he gave of some of our ancient laws excited much curiosity,
and a desire for further information on so interesting a subject. Amongst
those who were particularly charmed with its novelty and importance,
was the late celebrated Edmund Burke. That Gentleman felt the
matter of such vast moment to literature, that he prevailed ou Sir John

Ill

Seabright to restore to this country many of her ancient records that harf
fallen into his hands, and he accordingly presented to the library of
Trinity College, Dublin, an invaluable treasure of Irish MSS. that had
been collected from various parts of Ireland about the beginning of the
last century, by the learned and indefatigable antiquary Edward Lhuyd,
author of the Archaeologia..

What were the views of Mr, Burke in this interference, and what his
expectations from the University and the Society of Antiquaries, will
best appear from his letter of 15th August, 1783, addressed to General
Vallancey. In this he says, " I shall tell you what a judicious antiquary,
about twenty years ago, told me concerning the Chronicles in verse or
prose, upon which the Irish histories, and the discussions of antiquaries
are founded, that he wondered that the learned of Ireland had never
printed the originals of these pieces, with literal translations into Latin
or English, by which they might become proper subjects of criticism,
and by comparison with each other, as well as by an examination of the
interior relations of each piece within itself, they might serve to she\\i,
how much ought to be retained, and how much rejected. They might
also serve to contrast or confirm the histories which atfect to be extracted
from them, such as O'Flaherty's and Keating's. All the histories of the
middle ages, which have been found in other countries, have been
printed. The English have, I think, the best histories of that period.
I do not see why the Psalter of Cashel should not be printed, as well as
Robert of Gloster. If I were to give my opinion to the Society of Anti-
quaries, I should propose that they should be printed in two columns,
one Irish and the other Latin, like tlie Saxon Chronicle, which is a very
valuable monument, and above all things, that the translation should
be exact and literal. It was in the hope that some such thing should be
done, that I originally prevailed on Sir John Seabright to let me have
his MSS. and that I sent them by Doctor Leland to Dublin. You have
infinite merit in the taste you have given of them in several of you*
collections. But these extracts only increase the curiosity and the just
demand of the public for some entire pieces. Until something of this
kind is done, that ancient period of Irish history, which precedes official
records, camiot be said to stand upon any proper authority. A work of

this kind, pursued by the University and the Society of Antiquaries, under
your inspection, would do honour to the nation."

Dean Swift, also, (though fond of abusing the Irish) in a letter to the
£arl of Oxford, gives much praise to our ancestors for the care with
which they preserved the " memory of times and persons" so much
greater than is used " in this age of learning, as we are pleased to call it;"
and in a letter to the Duke of Chandos, dated 3lst August, 1734, he
requests that nobleman to restore to Ireland, by presenting to the library
of Trinity College, Dublin, then newly erected, a large quantity of her
ancient records, on paper and parchment, then in his Grace's possession,
that had been formerly collected and carried oflf from this country by the
Earl of Clarendon, during the time of his government here. The Duke,,
however, did not comply with the Dean's request, and the manuscripts
still remain in an English library.

That the ancient Annals of Ireland are of vast importance and value
to the Historian, is an opinion not confined to the natives of these islands.
Several learned men on the Continent have felt and acknowledged their
credibility and utility. The Journal des Scavans for October 1764, has
these words : " C'est un principe incontestable, que, sur I'histoire de
chaque pays, les annales nationales, quand elles sont anciennes, autheu-
tiques, et reconnues pour telles par les etrangers, meriteut plus de foi
que les annales etrangeres." — " Plusieurs scavans etrangers, reconnoissent
que les Irlandois, ont des annales d'une antiquite tres respectable, et
d'une authenticite a toute epreuve." The author proceeds to quote
upon this point, the authority of Stillingtleet and Innes, " qui na jamais
Hatte les Irlandois."

However, neither the Society of Antiquaries nor the University have
attempted or encouraged the publication of any of those pieces which
Swift, Johnson, Burke, and others, thought of so much importance to
literature, and to the credit of Ireland. Indeed very shortly after this
period the Society of Antiquaries became extinct. From that institution,
however, sprung up the Royal Irish Academy, which, notwithstanding
that in the early volumes of its transactions, some little has been done for
Irish Antiquities, as well as in the last volume, seems to have directed its
principal attention to Science.

This neglect of Irish history and antiquities induced a few individuals,
early in the year 1807, to form the Gaelic Society of Dublin. That Body,
within a year after their formation, published a volume, containing some
observations on the Irish language; Teige M'Daire's Instructions to a
Prince, in the original language and character, accompanied by a literal
translation into Latin, and an English translation in verse : and the tragic
tale of the Children of Usnach, also in the original languaae and charac-
ter, with a strictly literal translation into English.

Besides the volume now mentioned, the Gaelic Society has published
nothing, as a Body, but individual Members have published works which
furnish the means for a complete elucidation of the History, Laws,
Maimers, and Customs of the ancient Irish. The Reverend Doctors
O'Brien and Neilson, the late Mr. Patrick Lynch, and the late Mr. Hali-
day, a youth of extraordinary talent and acquirements, members of that
Society, have each published a Grammar of the Irish lano-uaire, and
Mr. Edward O'Reilly, who was also one of its members, has lately pub-
lished an Irish-English Dictionary, consisting of upwards of fifty thousand
words, collected from ancient and modern manuscripts, and from printed
books.

Subsequent to the formation of the Gaelic Society, an association, under
the name of the A rcha;ological Society, was commenced in Dublin, for
the same purposes as the former, but its exertions have as yet effected
little.

Ungrateful and useless would be the task for us to inquire, why so little
effectual has yet been done towards the preservation and elucidation of
our national records and antiquities, whilst those of almost every other
European nation have been sedulously attended to by their respective
people. Yet we cannot but regret the fact, that our ancient Manuscripts,
the monuments of our country's fame, still remain on the shelves of
libraries, covered with the dust of ages, and disregarded by our natives.

The example of other nations should stimulate us to exertion. TJie
Highland Societies of Edinburgh and London have done a vast deal for
their nation. By them, and by their encouragement, several volumes have
been published on Gaelic literature and antiquities; many of them are
in the original language of their country, between which and our native

tongue there is scarcely any diflerence, being only a provincial variation.
^Vitliin a few years past the people of England have reprinted such of
their old Chronicles as in any manner tended to throw a light upon the
ancient state or history of their country ; and while England and Scu'iand
apply a suitable attention to the antiquities and ancient literature of their
respective nations, shall it be said that Ireland alone in the empire,
remains without an exertion of her sons to revive her ancient fame, and
assert the justness of her claims as the nurse of Science, and the patron
of Literature, to whom she afforded an hospitable asylum, when outcast
and alienated from every other nation in Europe !

Prompted by all these considerations, a few Irish Gentlemen have
formed themselves into an association, under the name of the Iberno-
Celtic Society, for the national objects set forth in their Resolution of the
28th of January, 1818, in these words;

" Resolved, That the principal objects of this Society shall be the
preservation of the venerable remains of Irish Literature, by collecting,
transcribing, illustrating, and publishing the numerous fragments of the
Laws, History, Topography, Poetry, and Music of ancient Ireland ; the
elucidation of the Language, Antiquities, Manners and Customs of the
Irish people ; and the encouragement of Works tending to the advance-
ment of Irish Literature."

The list of the Members of tliis Association has lately been enlarged by
the addition of some of the most illustrious and learned characters in the
country. From such a community much is to be hoped ; and much that
impeded the progress of former Societies is happily removed from the
course of this. No deficiency of members sufficiently skilled in our
native language, is here felt ; no want of the free and open means to
study and attain a competent knowledge of it, longer dispirits. There
are now published Grammars and a Dictionary, by the aid of which any
gentleman may acquire a knowledge of one of the most ancient and most
expressive languages in the world.

To the attainment of its end, the intention of the Iberno-Celtic Society
is, to publish such works of merit in the Irish language, as are still
preserved in ancient manuscripts, deposited in public libraries, or in the
hands of individuals. Of these venerable remains of Irish learning many

are of great merit, and all deserve to be rescued from oblivion, as tliey
are fully illustrative of the history, genius, manners and customs of the
Irish people. Some of these manuscripts are in the hand-writing of their
respective authoi-s. Others, the larger part we must admit, are only
copies, but they are copies of considerable antiquity, and preserved in the
compilations of writers of great celebrity, such as the authors of tlie
Din Seanchas, the Psalter of Cashel, the Book of Leinster, the Book
of Glendalough, the Ulster Book, the Munster Book, the Book of the
Eoganachts, the Book of Meath, the Book of the Conallians, the Book
of the Oirgiallans, the white Book, the Book of Leacan, the Book of
Ballimote, the Book of Fermoy, the Book of Hua Conghabhala, the
Book of Mac Partholan, the Book of Conquests, tlie Book of Cavan,
&c. <&:c. &c. and in the Annals of Tigernach, of Senat Mac Magnus, of
Inisfallen, of Boyle, of Conaght, of the four Masters, &c. &c. &c. and
also in the Reim Rioghraidhe, and in the Registries of several ancient
families, still preserved by their descendants.

That originals of most of our earliest Records should now be lost, may
be easily accounted for, when we consider ;

First, That, immediately after the Introduction of Christianity, most
of the then existing books were burned, in order to destroy the vestiges
of Pagan superstition contained in them. Several, however, were com-
pletely copied into the Psalter of Tara, and from it into the Psalters or
Registries of the principal churches and religious houses in Ireland.

Secondly, That the Danish and Norwegian invaders, who infested and
obtained a temporary power over our country in the ninth and tenth
centuries, committed great devastation on our ancient Records. Barba-
rous and ignorant themselves, they took delight in the destruction of
every thing connected with learning and science.

Thirdly, That ever since the invasion of the island by the Anglo Nor-
mans, under Henry the Second, the destruction or loss of the ancient
historic monuments of the country has daily increased, partly from the
policy of Princes ; partly from the indifference of new settlers to the
subjects recorded ; and partly by removal of the natives to other lands.

After the reign of James I. of England, when numbers of the Irish
cliiefs and clergy were deprived of their ancient inheritance, and obliged

« • t

via

to fly for refuge to France, Spain, Germany, and Italy, tbcy carried
with them the records of their families and the archives of their churches
and religious houses. Hence works, in the hand-writing of their respec-
tive authors, are not now numerous in Ireland ; and it is rather a matter
of wonder, that so many vestiges of our ancient celebrity still remain,
than that there are not more original documents now to be found, in a
country which, though acknowledge<l to have been the sanctuary of
science, was subject to the depredations of barbarous invaders for a
number of centuries.

But though many of the originals of our ancient books are dispersed
through the libraries of other nations, we have still some amongst our-
selves, besides numerous authentic copies, of great antiquity, treating of
History, Law, Topography, Poetry, Music, Astronomy, Medicine, &c.
of which the most common are those on History and Medicine.

The copies of our ancient Laws now extant are not numerous, though
we are told by Archbishop Usher, that in his days the Irish had large
volumes of their Laws in their own language ; and so late as the begin-
ning of the last century, copies of them were common in Ireland, as we
are assured by Thady O'Rody, an excellent scholar, who, in the year
1699, shewed several volumes of those Laws to Sir Richard Cox, who
had entertained an opinion that our law was arbitrary, and not fixed or
written. However, though our Law-books are not now so numerous as
formerly, enough still remains to show the manners and customs not only
of the Irish people, but also much of those of the other Celtic nations :
for Ireland never came within the pale of the Roman empire, nor was she
ever subjugated by any of the hordes by whom that empire was over-
turned ; she was not even invaded by any foreign nation for several ages
before Christianity, nor until the ninth and tenth centuries, when, in
common with France, England, and other countries, she was exposed to
the predatory incursions of the Danes and Norwegians. But although
these barbarians were able to establish themselves in other countries, and
to make some considerable settlements on the coast of our own, their
power here was neither of extent nor permanency sufficient to produce any
material change in the manners of the people, or the laws of the country.
The invasion of Ireland by Henry IL of England, and the partial domi-

uion exercised over the island by his successors, had scarcely any influ-
ence on the people, or produced any change in the laws, until the reign
of James I. The Irish chiefs, therefore, succeeded to their principalities,
and governed their tribes according to the ancient laws enacted by their
ancestors, in the early period of their monarchy ; and many of the Anglo-
Normans who had obtained settlements amougst them, adopted the laws
and manners of the inhabitants. Hence Ireland might furnish, what
perhaps no other European natiou is able to afl'ord, a complete view of
ancient Celtic legislation.

To ascertain the period at which each of our laws was enacted, is,
perhaps, at the present moment impossible : both the language and the
subject matter of these prove their great antiquity. Many of them were
undoubtedly composed before the introduction of Christianity, and others
immediately after, and certainly before the Danish invasion. That they
were intended for the government of the entire kingdom, and not con-
fined to particular districts, a.s is supposed by some ingenious writers, may
be proved from the Law-books of the different Breithimhs, or Judges,
still existing. Those written or preserved by the M'Clancys of Thomond,
the O'Breslin's of Fermanagh, the O'Doran's of Leinster, and the
M'Egans, who were the hereditary Judges of the O'Brien's of Ormond,
the O'Reilly's of Breifne, and several other tribes, are in substance the
same, and scarcely diff'er in any thing, except in the words of their
respective glosses.

Haviiig shewn the ends for which the Iberno-Celtic Society is associ-
ated, and the utility of laying before the Public some of the most valuable
of our ancient Mamiscripts, we proceed to exhibit a chronological account
of Irish writers, and a descriptive catalogue of their works ; which shall
be followed by another catalogue of works whose authors are not now
known, but which are of equal value and importance to tlie Celtic scho-
lar with those wliose writers we are able to ascertain. From these works
the Society, if encouraged by the Public, propose to publish a Selection
of Annals, Laws, Poetry, &c. in the original Language, either accom-
panied by literal Translations or not, as their means may in future enable
them to determine.

In the following account, the Libraries in which each book, tract, or
poem is to be found, are pointed out ; and the Society earnestly requests
that any Gentleman having copies of these, or of any other pieces not
here mentioned, will communicate the same to the Secretary, that the
Celtic scholar may know where those Works may be consulted.

iti^i) mivitev^.

AND

Descriptive Catalogue of such of their Works as are still extant

VERSE OR PROSE.

By EDWARD O'REILLY.

Cl^ronologtcal account,

ANNO MUNDI 2935.

A.MERGIN, son of Golamh, sirnamed Mile Spainneach, (the Spanish
hero,) was brother to Heber, Heremon, and Ir, IVoiu whom the Milesian
families of Ireland are descended. He accompanied his brothers, and
the other Gathelian chiefs, in their emigration from Spain to Ireland,
and was the poet of the colony. In the Leabhar Gahhaltus, or Book of
Conquests, compiled in the fourteenth century, from much more ancieni
books, and in the book of the same name, composed by the O'CIerys^,
who were employed in the compilation of the annals of the tour
MASTERS, at the commencement of the seventeenth century, are preserved
three poems, said to be written by Amergin ; the first of these, consisting
of only two ranns, or eight verses, begins " ITi^t cojtaccct c-i7mbe," and
contains the decision of Amergin upon the proposal of the Tuatha-de-
Danan, that the Milesians should retire from the shores of Ireland ; the
second consists of twenty verses, beginning " "Jlliu lat n'Cueni." This is
a particular kind of Irish versification, called conaclon, in which the last
word of every verse is the same as the first word in every succeeding
verse. The third poem consists of six ranns, or twenty-four verses,
beginning " 5lim goec i rnr,^" said to have been composed by Amergin,
upon his landing at Inver Colpa, near Droghcda.

Amongst the Seabright collection of Irish manuscripts, in the library
of Trinity College, Dublin, class H. 54, folio 53, is preserved a small
tract on the qualifications of a Bard, beginning " Q(ocoi)te coi|t goijiicJcb
go^t |to)iift bid bxxm ct 6r;li!) 6emj^ii>." In the third line the author informs his
readers, that he is "Amergin Glungel, of hoary head and gray beard." —
" Oy me 7\m<Xfi-^er] glriigel, 501^1 glflf, 5;telicit."

XIV

These compositions are written in the Bearla Feini, and acconipanletl'
with an interlined gloss, without Avhich they would be unintelliinible to
liiodern Irish scholars. The gloss itself requires much study to understand
it perfectly, as the language is obsolete, and must in many places be
read from bottom to top.

That these poems were really the productions of Amergin, may be
very reasonably doubted. Tarah, the chief residence of our ancient
monarchs, is particularly mentioned in the second poem ; and therefore,
unless we suppose this author to have possessed the spirit of prophecy,
as well as the inspirations of poetry, it could not have been written by
him ; as our ancient historians, agree that the palace of 1 arali was not
erected, nor the name imposed on the hill on which it was built, until
after the establishment of the Milesian dynasty. They are, however, of
the highest antiquity, and their language and peculiar versification, inr
dependent of any other merits they may possess, claims for them the
attention of the antiquary, and entitles them to preservation.

II. Cotemporary with Amergin, was Lughaidh, son of Ith,, and nephew
of Golamh, or Milesius.

In the books of Conquests or Invasions, already mentioned, is preserved
a poem, said to be composed extempore by Lughaidh, upon the death of
his wife Fail, the daughter of Milesius. This poem begins " Sr;6em fujib po;t
fan cftdcc," " Here we sat on the beach" and is given entire at the word
^linbteac, in O'Reilly's Irish-English Dictionary lately published. The
language of this poem does not appear to be so old as those attributed
to Amergin, but it is undoubtedly of very great antiquity.. It is valuable^
as it shows in a strong light an amiable picture of female modesty, and
proves how highly that virtue was estimated by the ancient Irish.

A. M. 3236;

in. OttAMH FoDiiLA, monarch and lawgiver of Ireland, established the
Feis of Tarah, or triennial assembly of the states of Ireland, as is asserted

by Ftrceirtne Jile, a famous poet, who flourished about the time of our
Saviour's incarnation. The laws promulgated by this prince, are quoted
in Cormac's Glossary, written into the ninth century ; but we are not able
to say where copies of them are now to be found ; perhaps some frag-
ments of them may still exist in the large collections of Irish laws
preserved in the library of Trinity College.

A. M. 3596.

v\. CiMBAETH, monarch of Ireland, wrote some laws, fragments of
which are to be found in ancient vellum MSS. in the library of Trinity
College, Dublin. Class H, 53 and 54.

A. M, 3619.

V. RoiGNE Rosgadhach (Royne the Poetic) son of Ugoine mor, Hou--
rished in the time that his brother Mal was monarch of Ireland.

In the book of Invasions Ave find a poem ascribed to this author,
giving an account of the peregrinations of the Gathelians, and the names
of their chiefs, from their departure from Egypt, until their arrival in
Spain, and afterwards in Ireland ; with an account of the partition of
that country amongst the sons of Milesius. The poem begins "'51 mec
diT) Ugdine." " Oh praise-worthy son of Hugony,*^ and contains an
answer to some enquiries made by his brother Mal, upon the origin of
the Irish people.

If every other proof of the antiquity of this piece were wanting, the
language alone would be sufficient to evince its early composition. In
fact, it would be nearly unintelligible to Irish readers of the present day,
if it were not for the interlined gloss that accompanies the ie-s.t, and

xvi

even the Gloss is so obsolete, that none but those who have made Irish
MSS. a particular study, are able to interpret it. Some laws, said to
be written by this prince, are still to be found in some of our old books.
A copy of the poem is in the collection of manuscripts in possession of
the Assistant Secretary to this Society.

A. M. 3900.

VI. EocHAiDH, son of Luchtna, King of Munster, flourished at this
time, and wrote some laws, fragments only of which are now to be
found.

A. M. 3902.

Til. Sean, son of Agaidh, flourished at this time. He wrote a code of
laws called Fonn Seanchas mor. A complete copy of a law tract bearing
this title is to be found in the Seabright collection of Irish MSS. in the
Library of Trinity College, Dublin, H. 53, pag. 13. and another in
H. 54. pag. 358.

A. M. 3940.

VIII. CoNGAL, son and poet to Eochaidh Feidhlioch, Monarch of
Ireland, flourished at this period. He wrote some laws quoted in our
Fenian Institutes, and a poem of thirty-four verses, beginning " Col
b<sk dijiij Ci^cti 511™," upon the deaths of the seven Maines, celebrated
in the historic tale of Tain bo Cuailgne. Copies of this poem are to be
found in the collections of diff'ereut Members of the Iberno-Celtic Society.

xvu

One copy, written on vellum, A. D, 1430, by Adam O'Ciiinan, a lan)ous
scribe, is in possession of the Assistant Secretary.

A. M. 3950.

IX. Adhna, chief Poet of Ireland, flourished in the early part of the
reign of Conor Mac Nessa over the province of Ulster. Some fragments
of laws, said to be the joint production of him and others, are still in
existence in the library of Trinity College, Dublin.— He was the father
of Neide, who niaintaiited the celebrated contest with Ferceirtiie the
poet, for the Ollamh's (Professors) Chair of Ireland.

X. At the same time with Adhna, flourished Athairne, of Binn Edair,
(Howth) who, under the general proscription of the poets, in the reign
of thetnonarch Conaire the first, fled with the rest of the bards of Ireland
into Ulster, where they received shelter and protection from Conor Mac
Wessa, king of that province, and the Maecenas of Ireland. Here
Athairne, Forchern, Ferceirtne and Neide, compiled a code of laws,
which, in common with the institutes of other Reachtaires, (lawgivers,)
are called by the general name of Breithe Neimhidh, or laws of the
nobles, improperly translated by O'Flaherty, O'Connor, and others,
*' Celestial Judgments."

XI. At this time also flourished Forchern, the poet, who, O'Flaherty,
the venerable Charles O'Connor, Columbanus, and others, say wrote the
Uraicepht na n Eigeas, or primer of the learned. But this cannot be
true, unless we suppose that Forchern and Ferceirtne are the same
person. For in the account prefixed to the oldest copies (and indeed to
all the copies that we have seen) of this work, it is ascribed to Ferceirtne;
thus " tiboft pepcei^tcDe yun6ct. locc 60, Cnoan CPdcd ; iLmpji 60 dimyijl Conco-
littijt mic j^leyf a ; pejif d 60 1^e^|^cenzne pie ; azucr,b, dan, 60 b;\eic deyo pai^
poft pef ," " the Book of Ferceirtne here. Its place, Emania of Macha,
(now Ardmagh); its time, the time of Conor, son of Nessa; it« person.

XVIU

i'eiveirtne the poet ; its being done, moreover, to bring ignorant people
to knowledge."

xn. FERCEiRTNE^/e, (the poet,) upon the death of Adhna, the chief
Kard of Ireland, was appointed to the vacant professor's chair by OUioll
and IMeidhbhe, king and queen of Conaght. We have seen above, that
he was the author of the Uraicept, or Uraicecht.

lu the Seabright Manuscripts in the Library of Trinity College, class
H. Si. fol. 49. is preserved Ferceirtne's eulogium of Curaidh, sou of
Daire, or " Q[m\^a Corifioi," beginning J^h htJ6tX 6omdr)mir;n," and in the same
book, at folio 152, is a law tract, attributed to the same author.

In the Book of Invasions, contained in the Book of Leacan, and in
the Book of Invasions compiled by the O'Clerys, in possession of the
Assistant Secretary, is preserved a poem, consisting of thirty-two verses,
written by this author. It begins " OUam poblcf, peoccti/i gal," " Ollamh
learned, a fighter valiant," and accounts for the establishment of the
Feis of Tarah, the erection of the Muir Ollamhain, or College of Pro-
fessors, by Ollamh Fodhla, and gives th« names of six monarchs of his
race, who succeeded him without the intervention of a prince of any other
family; a thing very uncommon in those days. It also accounts for the
origin of the names of Munster, Leinster, Ulster, &c. There is a copy of the
Uraicept (or Uraicecht, as some copies have it) in the Book of Ballymote,
m the library of the Royal Irish Academy, written about the year 1390;
another in the library of Trinity College ; a third, in a large and very
valuable vellum book, the property of Sir William Betham; and a fourth
in the collection of MSS. belonging to the Assistant Secretary of this
Society.

XIII, Neide, the son of Adhna, though younger than Ferceirtne,
Forchern and Athairne, was their cotemporary. He was in Alba (Scot-
land) at the time of his father'* death, and hearing of that event, and
that Ferceirtne had been appointed to the Ollamh's chair, he determined
upon returning to his native country, and asserting his right to the
professorship. Upon his arrival in Ireland, he instantly proceeded to
^mania, and, Ferceirtne being absent, seized on the luidhean or Ollamh's

XIX

robe, and took possession of the chair. Ferceirtne, hearing of this inci-
dent, instantly returned to Emania, and meeting with Neide, a dispute
for the professorship was carried on between the rival bards, upon the
qualifications necessary for an Ollamh. This dispute is handed down to
us, under the title of " ?l5ciUart) an bd j-rttib," " Dialogue of the two
Sages." Two very ancient copies of this tract are in the Library of
Trinity College, and a correct transcript on paper is in the collection of
John Mac Namara, of Sandymount, Esq. a member of this Society, and
another in the collection of the Assistant Secretary.

The language of this tract is the Bearla Fen'i, or Fenian dialect of the
Irish, and appears to be of the period to which it is ascribed. The
account of the work which precedes it, is mixed with fable, but it is still
valuable, and the publication of it would, probably, prove a fact, more
to the literary credit of ancient Alba, than all that the Highland Society
have been able to produce on the subject of the poems of Oisin, or Ossian,
as he is called by English writers.

A. M. 3982.

XIV. At this period flourished Lughar, the poet of Olioll and Meldhbh^
king and queen of Conaught. He wrote a poem of 156 verses on the
descendants of Fergus, son of Roigh, beginning " Clanb pien^u{<x clam 6f
c^c," " The family of Fergus, a tribe superior to all." The poet informs
us, in the last rann but one of his poem, who he is, and for what purpose
he composed his verses. His words are

" If me lv^aj\ pie peig. bjiao^ (TDeibBe ly Oilill peil,
bo cum nd ftttinf 1 co betb, 6'prjl J?oi5 a ccftuacain Conctcc."

" I am Lughar, an acute poet, Druid of Meidhbh and generous Olioll ;
I made these rams correctly, for the blood of Roigh in Crochan Co-
nacht."

A copy of this poem is in possession of the Assistant Secretary.

A. D. 90.

XV. MoRAN, Chief Judge to Feradhach Fioanfachtnach, Monarch of
Ireland, wrote some laws which are now only known by quotations from
them, in the works of some more modern Avriters. His testamentary
precepts to his King Feradhach, are preserved in very ancient manu-
scripts. They begin " Qlbfiae 60 comla <x mo l>]ej\e wall gnctiij. J^1otdit> buM6
" ngdi^ie. 5^ ir? ^ec d/i a poUfnaijce/t pd^nc ; poj\. hej\ pj\ pliidb, bram^t) mo
" bpetcc no mo biiMitjitx f\e mbtfy." " Arise, proceed, my Nere of noble
" deeds. Observe this brief address. Short is the way in whicli the wise
" are directed. Bear hence these words of truth, let my dying words
" be perpetuated."

This tract is valuable, as it shews the opinions of the ancient Irish upon
the qualifications necessary for a just and good prince. The language
is nearly the same as that of the laws, and it may be presumed is really
of the period assigned to it.

A fine copy of this tract, accompanied with an interlined gloss, is in
the manuscript collection belonging to the Assistant Secretary of this
Society.

A. D. 95.

XVI. Feradach jionfachtnach, Monarch of Ireland, promulgated those
laws which obtained for him the glorious title Fionfachtnach, i. e. Fair
and Just.

A. D. 177.

XVII. MoDAN, son of Tulban, lived in the reign of Conn of the Hun-
dred Battles. He wrote a book for the unlearned, called CpeiU hfieia, or
Just decision.

XXI

XVIII. Cotemporaiv witli Modaii was Ciothkuadh the poet. He was
the messenger sent by Conn of the Hundred Battles to Mac Neid, with
proposals for peace, and upon this occasion composed his poem beginning
" Ql rneic 6ec(r)c(i6 fit j\e CDdc Nei6," " My son, make peace with Mac
Neid." This poem is given in the Leabhar Muimhneach, or Minister
Book, a copy of which is in the collection of the Assistant Secretary.

A. D. 180.

XIX. FiNGiN, sou of Luchta, lived in the time that Conn of the Hundred
Battles governed Ireland. He wrote a poem, beginning " Ouait) C-rjub ^115
jtoi6 fio gdibe," upon the five famous roads, said to be made to Tarah, on
the night of Conn's birth. This poem is given in the Dinn Seanchas, in
the book of Leacan, foljo 239, column 3, as authority for the origin of
the name of Slighe Dala, or Dala's way.

A. D. 200.

XX. Olioll Olum, king of Munster, was son-in-law of Conn of the
Hundred Battles. He died, according to the " Four Masters," in the
year 234. But the annals of Inisfallen represent him as living in the
year 254. O'Flaherty differs from both these authorities, and says he
died A. D. 237. It is said he was the author of some poems, and par-
ticularly one beginning " 7i mctcdifl nd net ci cid -fo," is ascribed to him. It
is athlressed to his grandson Fiach, whose faiher and fi\e other sons of
Olioll M'cre killed at the battle of Mucruimhe, A. D. 195. But although
ihis composition is certainly ancient, there are some allusions in it that
would lead one to think it was not the work of a Pagan author. The
poem beginning " Oei|\ mo ycidr," is also attributed to this prince.

XXll

xxj. About the same period in which Olioll lived, flourished Fachtna,
son of Sencha, a compiler of laws, sometimes referred to by later writers
upon that subject.

A. D. 250.

XXII. CouMAC, son of Art, monarch of Ireland, lived at this period.
He caused the Psalter of Tarah to be compiled, as the depository of the
records of the nation. This was long considered as lost, but is now said,
perhaps not truly, to be extant in the British Museum. He Avrote some
laws, an imperfect copy of which is to be found in the Seabright collec-
tion in the library of Trinity College. One tract, beginning " Ciy li^i poglci
ecgib," treats of the privileges and punishments of different ranks of per-
sons, and draws a line of distinction between undesigned injuries, such
as those suffered by unavoidable accident, and those happening by neg-
lect. The commentator on this law, makes some observations on the
number four, and assigns reasons why that number should be preferred
to others. Cormac also wrote instructions for his son Cairbre Lifleachar,
who succeeded him on the throne of Ireland. Tliese instructions are
called Cecigctyg ^iogbd, or royal jjrecepts. A copy of the precepts of
Cormac is preserved in the book of Leacan, another in an ancient and
very valuable vellum M.S. the property of Sir William Betham, another
copy or two may be fouiul in the library of Trinity College, and others
in the collections of diU'erent members of the Iberno-Celtic Society.
The copy belonging to the Assistant Secretary begins " <( rd Cr^vib, <t
Coftbmcdc, ol Cctiftt);te, ci6 If 6eclc 60 /?i ? f>«1in. Ol Cojimac. ^f bet 60 ccinmne cm
be'oaib ; pof bdb cm pe^tg ; ■fo-a.galhna cen moj\bacz ; 6eici6e yencuy c( ; p/ticpolct
p]iiX; f\]\ coDfT^lhobh; cnoccti|te cctnblucaigeb; -fyt botuaizd^h; jidtil ecyamlri;
bjieia piftcC ; geill ingUyaid ; ylogdib p^tia dsecbcfie ; C;iOy-cat) ;:Oft co'.gCfiiooaib ;
nojxd'o gac neime ; aipmi6e pile ; ctb/tdb be m^," 7c. "• O (ioscendant of Conn !
O Cormac, said Cairbre, what is good for a king? That is plain, said
Cormac. It is good for him to have patience without debate; firmness
without anger 5 easy address without haughtiness; attention to the pre-

xxm

cepts of the elders, (laws); just covenants and agreements to strictly
observe; mercy in the execution of the laws ; peace with his districts;
boundless in rewards; just in decisions; observant of his promises; hosting
with justice; protecting his boundaries ; honoring each noble; respecting
the poets ; adoring the great God," &c. This tract, occupying six folio
pages, closely written, is carried on by way of dialogue between Cairbre
and Cormac, in which the former asks the opinion of the latter upon
different subjects, relative to government and general conduct, and
Cormac, in his replies, gives precepts that would do honor to a Christian
divine.

It may not, perhaps, be improper to observe that Cormac was the
father-in-law of the famous Fionn Mac Cubhail, General of the Fiarina
Eirionn, and father of Oisin the poet; and, consequently, if the genuine
poems of Oisin were extant, their language would be the same as that of
Cormac's works, which are nearly unintelligible to the generality of Irish
readers, and completely so to the vulgar. The language of those poems
which the Highland Society have given to the world as the originals of
Oisin, is the living language of the Highlanders of the present day, and
if properly spelled and read by an Irish scholar, would be intelligible to
the most illiterate peasant in Ireland. A comparison of the languages of
Cormac and the Scotch Oisin, might probably go far towards ascertaining
the period in which the Highland Bard was born.

XXIII. FiTHiL, Chief Judge to Cormac, wrote some laws, fragments of
which are to be found in the old vellum MSS. in the library of Trinity
College.

A. D. 2t0.

XXIV. FERGvsJinbef, son of Fionn Mac Cubhail, and brother of Oisin,
flourished at this period ; he wrote a poem, beginning " Cibfici ^'eiigci^miKt
fo-fn<Xf,'" which is given in full in the Dinn Senchas, as authority for tiie
account there given of the origiu of the name of the fountain of »Se/?^a//«wfl.
See Divn Seanchas under the year 550, preserved in the book of Leacan.

XXIV

and in a valuable TcUunj manuscript in the library of Sir William Betham,
and in the collection of the Assistant Secretary.

A. D. 280.

XXV. Flaithki, son of Fithil, wrote a poem, beginning "CO\<ir) Cofibmciic.
ciige Uedimjitx" " The desire of Cormac, of the house of Tarah," upon the
qualifications required by Cormac in different persons and things. Copies
of tliis poem are common ; a very ancient copy is in the collection of the
Assistant Secretary.

A. D. 283.

XXVI. FioNN Mac Cubhail was killed this year, at Ath Breagh on the
Boyne, not far from Tarah. He is said to have assisted in the formation
of some laws, in the time of Cormac Mac Art, There are some prophecies
ascribed to him, which are undoubtedly the forgeries of some Christian
writer.

In the Dinu Seanchas contained in the book of Leacan, folio 231, coL
4, is given, as authority for the name of Dun Fornocht, a poem, attributed
to Fionn. This poem consists of twenty-eight verses, beginning " Co^t-
nocc 60 bur, a 0;ti7m bear)" " Fornocht to the fort of Druim Dean."

A. D. 284.

xxvij. OisiN, the son of Fionn Mac Cubhail, so much celebrated t'oi
his poetic genius, survived the battle of Gabhra Aichle wg-av Tarah, fouylit
this year, in which his son Oscar and the principal part of the Fenian
heroes lost their lives. Many beautiful poems are extant that bear the

XXV

name of Oisin, but there are no good reasons to suppose that they are the
genuine compositions of that bard. If ever they were composed by Oisin,
they have since suffered a wonderful change in their language, and have
been interpolated, so as to make the poet and Saint Patrick cotemporaries,
thouo-h the latter did not commence his apostolic labours in Ireland until
the middle of the fifth century, when, by the course of nature, Oisin
must have lain in his grave about one hundred and fifty years. There is a
prophecy attributed to Oisin, preserved in an ancient vellum MS. the
property of William Monck Mason, Esq. a member of this Society ; but
the first line of the poem being addressed to Oisin himself, shows it to be
a forgery. The poem begins " 31 Oijriij, cw/icii6 j\in," " O Oisin, melodious
poet."

A. D. 405.

XXVIII. ToRNA Eigeas (the learned) poet and instructor to our mo-
narch Niall of the nine Hostages, flourished at this time. There are
four poems, said to be the productions of this author, handed down to us.
The first begins " gctB mo tgsccyg tt f>le]ll »diit," " Receive my precepts,
noble Niall." — The second, " bctil cattt iccift Cofic ly J^liuU :" " The meeting
of battle between Core and Niall." — The third, " CDo bft boXzhn nf/tyctib
liT^n," " My two foster-children were not indolent." In the first poem
Torna gives instructions to his ward Niall ; in the second, he appears as a
mediator between Niall and Core, king of Cashel, who is also represented
as a ward of Torna's, and Avho had quarrelled with his foster-brother;,
and in the third the poet describes his manner of living alternately
between these illustrious personages, and laments that he has survived
them.

That these Poems were the productions of Torna Eigeas, there are
some strong reasons to doubt. O'Flaherty, in Ogygia, gives presumptive
proofs that they were not ; and unless we admit that Christianity had'
made a great progress in Ireland before the mission of Saint Patrick,
and that Torna was a Christian, as Colgan asserts, the poems carry

XXVI

internal evidence that they were not written by him. Some Irish
antiquaries are of opinion that they were written by Torna O'Maol-
conaire, who lived several ages after Torna Eigeas. Be this as it may,
the poems deserve preservation, as they give some interesting notices of
the ancient History of Ireland, and were the cause of the literary contest
carried on between the Bards of Leath Chuinn and Leath Mhogha (Conn's
half and Mogha's half, or the north and south divisions of Ireland), for
the honour and precedence of their respective Chiefs, in the reign of
James the First of England.

The fourth poem ascribed to Torna, is upon the burial place of the
pagan kings of Ireland, at Relig na Riogh, near Cruachan, in county
Roscommon. It consists of twenty-eight verses, beginning " ^Iza fUz-fH.
J^^^ pio^ jTdil," " There is under thee a king of beauteous Fail."

A copy of this poem is to be found in the Book of Leacan ; another
copy is in the collection of the Assistant Secretary ; and another given
in the History of Ireland, by Doctor Keating.

XXIX. At this period also flourished the Son of Torna Eigeas. A
small poem by this author is preserved in the Book of Invasions of the
O'Clery's. It begins « 7h cccn 60 te^^m^f 6ot) 6c(il," " When we went to
the conflict," and is the lamentation of the poet for the death of his king,
and foster-brother, Niall, who fell on the Banks of the Loire, in
Armorica, A. D. 406.

A. D. 433.

XXX. DuBHTHACH Mac ui Luglialr, was the Poet and Druid of Laog-
haire, monarch of Ireland, at the commencement of Saint Patrick's
mission, and was converted to Christianity by that Apostle. He was one
of the famous Committee of Nine, who were appointed to revise the
ancient Records of the Nation, and from them compiled that body of
Records afterwards called the Seanchas mor. After liis conversion, he
applied his poetic talents to the praise of his Maker and Redeemer, and

XXVll

an elegant hymn of his on that subject is preserved in the Fdire Aeuguls,
or Account of the Festivals of the Church, written by Angus Ceile-De,
in the latter end of the eighth century ; a copy of which work is inserted
in the Leahhar Breac, or speckled Book of the Mac Egan's, in the
Library of the Royal Irish Academy, and another more ancient copy is
in the collection of the Assistant Secretary to this Society.

In the year 1797, the late General Vallancey published a paper,
addressed to the President and Members of the Royal Irish Academy,
in vindication of the ancient History of Ireland, in which he introduces
what he calls a translation of the hymn above mentioned. But the
learned General fell into a great error in supposing the contraction Cr.
in the original, to mean Creas, the Sun, and he therefore denominates this
hymn, " A hymn to Creas, or the Sun." A knowledge of the original,
and a little attention to its general contents, would be sufficient to
convince that the hymn was addressed, not to the Sun, but to the Almighty
God, who created the Sun and all that exists.

The Hymn begins " Ser) d Cjtiyc mo \<xh^a,

" Ql combiu j-ecc mme!
" r?o mbenc mbrctib le^ii,
*' Ql jti g/teine 5ile!"

Literally — — " Bless, O Christ, my words,

" Thou Godhead of the seven Heavens !
" Who gavest the gift of Religion,
" O King of the resplendent Sun !"

The word Combiu, or Coifnbe, as it would be written in modern Irish,
which I translate the Godhead, strictly means the joint God, or the
united persons of the Blessed Trinity, and is, and always was, used in
that sense, and in no other. This, and the mention of the seven Heavens,
is sufficient to show that the author was a Christian, and who, therefore,
would not deify a creature.

In the leaBdft nd ccertftc, or Book of Rights, is preserved a very old
poem ascribed to Dubhthach. It begins, " J^li 6I15 cu^c no cenbaigect:,
± in P1I15 pifteoldc," " There is no right of visitation or headship (supe-

XXVUl

riority) over the truly learned Poet." This poem is on the privileo;es
of the Bardic Order. There is also preserved in the same Book another
poem, of three hundred and ninety-two verses, ascribed to Dubhthach,
beginning *^ Zem^ cec dmbi mctc Cijnb:" " Tar ah, house in which dwell
the descendants of Conn." — This poem is on the privileges of Tarah, the
rights and revenues of the Irish monarchs, and the subsidies paid bj
them to the provincial princes and heads of tribes. Some doubts may
be reasonably entertained that this latter poem is the production of
Dubhthach.

A. D. 468.

XXXI. Saint Beinfn died on the ninth of November, in this year. He
was the son of Sescnen, a man of great power in Meath, who entertained
St. Patrick on his way to Tarah, and was, with all his family, converted
by him. Benin received Holy orders from the hands of our apostle,
and was also consecrated a bishop by him. In the year 455, St. Patrick
placed Benin in the Archiepiscopal Chair of Armagh, which See he
governed for ten years ; but in 465 he resigned his bishoprick, and lived
in retirement for three years, when he died A. D. 468.

The Leabhar na Cceart, or Book of Rights, is said to be written by
St. Benin, but of this some doubts may be reasonably entertained. Its
language, and some internal evidences in the composition, show it to be
at least enlarged and altered in a period nearer to our own times. It is,
however, a very ancient composition, and throws great light on the early
history of our country. It gives an account of the revenues and rights
of the monarchs of Ireland, payable by the provincial kings, and by
the chiefs of inferior districts ; the subsidies paid by the monarchs to the
provincial kings and inferior chiefs for their services ; and also an
account of the revenues of each of the provincial kings, payable to
them from the chiefs of districts, or tribes, in their respective provinces,
and the subsidies paid by the provincial kings to those petty dynasts. —

XXIX

These accounts are first delivered in prose, and the same are afterwards
recorded in verse-
Ancient copies of this book, on vellum, are in the libraries of Trinity
College and the Royal Irish Academy; and in the collections of Sir
William Bethara, and the Assistant Secretary of this Society.

The title prefixed to this work, runs thus: " Incipic 6o leb<i net cced^ii:,
" iTieo^ny- 60 ciycti^ & 60 tu^tiy-bctldiB Cftenb, ttmdil 60 ojibaij Oenen mdc
Se-COier) yailmce6lc(c pdccfulicc, m^ c(6 pezz. leBdjt glinie bd locd." " The
" beginning of the Book of Rights, which relates to the revenues and
" the subsidies of Ireland, as ordered by Benin, son of Sescnen, psalmist
" of Patrick, as is related in the Book of Glendaloch." — The work
itself begins with " bo aligedaclib a^z cdiyil, acaf 6ic( effiliB, tictt-{ 6icc
*' c&mth, \r)b aca-f a-ff, <tii6 fo yiy, dcdy 60 tT^cx^bttlcnb ]ii fOufndn acnf
" jliste he;ien6 ^ ceaw o yiig Caiyil ir) cc(o ba pctUnd plditiy i?)6," " Of
" the just (lawful) rights of Cashel, and of its revenues and dues, in
" and out, here follow ; and of the subsidies of the kings of Munster,
" and of the kings of Ireland from the king of Cashel, when he has
*' the government of the kingdom." Then follows, in prose, a list of
the articles paid by the king of Cashel as subsidies to other princes, and
of his rights of entertainment, &c. from them ; this is followed by the
same account, in a poem of 88 verses, beginning " C)ligect» cde 7115 o jn
" Cdiyil," " The dues of each king from the king of Cashel. "^ Then is
given an account, in verse and prose, of the revenues of the king of
Cashel, from the princes of Muscrey, Uaithne, Ara, Corcoluidheacb,
Corcoduibne, Ciarruidhe-Luachra, Corcobaiscin, and Borrin. The poem
of this part is of 52 verses, and begins " Ce;ic Cdvyil ce» Cfi<i6," " The
" rights of Cashel without vexation." By this account it appears that
the king of Cashel received annually from the above districts 2,300 oxen;
five thousand five hundted cows ; four thousand four hundred swine ;
one hundred vessels of strong drink; one thousand rams; two hundred
wethers ; and one hundred garments. A further account of the rights,
&c. of the king of Cashel is then given, which says, that w hen he was not
monarch of all Ireland, that division of it called Leath Mogha was under
his controul, and contributed to his revenues. The tributes paid by the
king of Leinster and the remainder of the states of Munster to the king of

XXX

Cashel, are then recited in prose, and supported by four poems. Tlie
first begins, " Oenen heMdcz pOft ^n gen," " Benin, blessing on the birth."
2d. " Ciy Cdi^il ar\ cudlabcijt," " The rents of Cashell liave you heard."
3d. " Ql eolai5 COumn moij^i," " O ye learned of great Munster." 4th. " 5lc<t
" ■fur)b yencuf f r^c ^/tedi," " Here is the history of unoppressive tax-
" ation." Then follows an account of the royal mansions of Cashel,
supported by a poem of 44 verses, beginning " Qijxo. fe<x>(ab^ Jigoift."

After Cashel follows an account of the rights, revenues, and privileges
of the king of Conaught, and the subsidies paid by him to the petty
chiefs of his province. This part begins, " Ciy-ct <JCdy cud^cc^bdil Co»)-
" bacz, .1. moft ciy Cortbc.cz iccft bidtdS dcay coimibeacc Cebo.mU'f co c^iua-
c^n j" " The revenues and subsidies of Conaght, i. e. the great rents of
" Conaght, both food (or entertainment) and attendance. First to Cru-
" achan." An account is then given of the rights and privileges of tlie
Conaght kings. The poem begins " ^^fci^ j\e -feMcaf ncic y-T-ciiU,"
" Hear ye a story not contemptible." This is followed by an account of
the subsidies paid by the king of Conaght to the subordinate chiefs of
his province. The poem here begins, " Cuctpciyccil cr^ob ConftcCcc,"
" The wages of the province of Conaght."

In this province, as in that of Munster, there were some tribes free
from regal taxation, and who had other extraordinary privileges, above
the other clanns of the province. In Conaght these were the Ibh
Briuin ; the Siol Muireadhaigh ; the Ibh Fiachra ; aad the Cenel
Aodha.

The account of Conaght is succeeded by that of A'digh (Oileach, the
residence of the northern Ibh Neill) or Ulster. The rights and dues
of the king of Ailigh is first given, the poem of which contains fifty-six
verses, and begins " Ccftc jii ciili^ ecyi6 ;" " The right of the king of
Ailigh hear ye." Then follows the subsidies paid by that prince to his
inferior chieftains ; and also the subsidies received by him from the
monarch of Ireland, whenever the king of Ailigh was not monarch
himself. The metrical account of this consists of eighty verses, begin-
ning, " "SI piji 6<( flbgcrt-f po crdib j" " Oh man, if thou goest north-
" ward."

XXXI

The rights and privileges of Oirgialla follow next in order. The
verses are sixty-four in number, beginning " ei^-cig cm cW,r)ehl," " Listen
to the tribute you have heard." The subsidies received by the prince of
Oirgialla, from the monarch of Ireland, and also the subsidies paid by
him to his chiefs, are then set forth. The poem here consists of eighty
verses, begins " In ceij-c f ea po cloinb CoUd," " This inquiry on the de-
scendants of CoUa."

Next follows an account of the subsidies received by the king of Uladk,
(Down, Armagh, &c. at present) from the monarch of Ireland, when he
was not monarch himself, and also the subsidies paid by him to his chiefs
of districts. The verses here are eighty, and begin " Qiza fun6 f oc^ Ula6,"
" Here are the emoluments of Uladh." This is followed by an account of
the provisions and revenues of Uladh. The verses are forty-four in
number, of an uncommon measure, beginning " blijid ftig Cmm dcdy
Uldb ," " Dues of the king of Emania and Uladh."

The rights of the king of Tarah are next set down, and the subsidies
paid by him to the subordinate chiefs of Meath. This section informs
us, that, when the king of Tarah was not monarch of Ireland, he received
as a subsidy from the monarch, one hundred swords, one hundred shields,
one hundred horses, one hundred coloured garments, and one hundred suits
of armour. The poem belonging to this ])art, consists of fifty-six verses,
beginning " bliji^ ;ti Uetxinjid ctj|iim," " The rights of Tarah's king I here
rehearse." This is followed by an account of the revenues of the kings of
Meath. The metrical account is in fifty-two verses, beginning '• Ciy cudic
CO161 mojt ifl -fcel ;" " Tax of the district of Meath, great the report."

Then follows the will of Cathaoir mor, king of Leinster, and monarch
of Ireland, A. D. 122, by which his kingdom and his property are divided
among his sons. This is followed by a poem of eighty verses, attributed
to Benen, showing the subsidies the king of Leinster was to receive
from the monarch of Ireland, when he did not fill that high office
himself. It also gives an account of the subsidies paid by the king of
Leinster to the subordinate chiefs of his province. The poem begins
" Cejit; ftig Ldijen j^o ludd Oener)," " The rights of the king of Leinster,
Benen relates." This poem alone is sufficient to prove what I have said
in the beginning, that this work, in its present form, is not the work of
Benen.

xxxu

The next article is an account of the contributions to which each of the
district chiefs of Leinster was subject, for support of the king of that
province. The metrical account here consists of sixty-eight verses, be-
ginning " Coij-cib, tt Iciigfliu 7)<i laoc," " Listen, oh Leinster of heroes."

This is succeeded by a poem of seventy-two verses, giving an account
of the Galls of Dublin, at the coming of Saint Patrick!!! The poem
begins " 2lt;c( yu)i6 fencdf yu^c fejjg," " Here is a pleasant agreeable
history."

The privileges of the poets and their rewards are then recited ; the
prose account is supported by a poetical account, ascribed to Dubhthach
mac ui Lughair, beginning " w 6I15 cu^c tig cenbaijecc:, iXj\ in pilig pift eolac,"
" There is no visitation nor superiority over the truly learned poet."

The Book of Rights closes with an account of the rights of the king of
Tarah, and of the privileges and subsidies that all the princes of Ireland
had a right to receive from him when he was monarch of Ireland. This
account is in a poem of three hundred and ninety-two verses, ascribed to
Dubhthach mac ui Lughair, beginning "Ceafn^ zee a. mSi mic Cui»6," " Tarah
house, in which are the descendants of Conn." — See Dubhthach mac ui
Lughair, under A. D. 433.

A. D. 499.

xxxn. Saint Cailin, first bishop of Down, wrote some prophecies in
Irish verse, but we cannot be sure that those now extant ascribed to him
are genuine. That beginning " Ci/te, oil oilen," " Eire, noble island,"
said to be written by this author, gives, by way of prophecy, a catalogue
of Irish kings, and counts two hundred and twenty-seven years from the
battle of Clontarf. It may therefore be presumed that it was not written
before the middle of the thirteenth century.

xxxiii

A. D. 500.

XXXIII. Saint Fiech, the first bishop of Sletty, was a disciple of Saint
Patrick, and flourished for some years after the death of his master. He
wrote a hymn in Irish, consisting of one hundred and thirty-six verses, in
praise of our apostle, in which he recites his parentage, and shows that
the place of his nativity was Tours, in France. It begins " 5en|pcicc;itiicc
1 oem CtjjI," " Patrick was born in holy Tours." A very ancient copy of
this poem, finely written on vellum, is in the library of Trinity Colieo-e.
It has been printed different times; first in Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum,^'
with a Latin translation ; next in the first edition of Vallancey's Irish
Grammar, with a faulty English translation; again in the year 1792,
by a Mr. Richard Plunkett, a neglected genius of the county of Meath,
who, in pages opposite to the original text, gave a version into modern
Irish ; and lastly, by the late Mr. Patrick Lynch, in his " Life of Saint
Patrick," with a correct English translation.

xxxiv. Cotemporary with Saint Fiech was Saint Cianan, first Bishop
of Duleek, in Meath. He wrote a life of Saint Patrick, in Irish; but
those lives of our Apostle, which we have seen ascribed to St. Cianan,
■were certainly written at a much later period.

A. D. 523 or 525.

XXXV. On the first of February, in either of these years, died Saint
Bridget, Patroness and first Abbess of Kildare. She wrote a Rule for
her Nuns in her native language, which is said to be extant, but we are
not able to point out where it can be found.

A. D. 526.

xxxvi. Holy Brogan died in this year. He wrote a hymn in praise
of Saint Bridget, which Colgan published, with a Latin translation, in

xxxir

in bis Life of that virgin. It was again published in 1792, with a version
in modern Irish, by Mr. Richard Plunkett, of the county of Meath,
already mentioned.

Manuscript copies of this poem are in the library of Trinity College.
It begins " f^li c^ Ofiiccic bucjoctc i»ic," " Bridget glorious, loved not the
world."

According to O'Flaherty, Brogan wrote the poem beginning ,"'21 C015106
cttin c^p^ie CftrdiS ;" but, for an account of this poem, see Giolla na
naomh O'Dunn, «nder the year 1160,

A. D. 527, according to Tigernach, but 541 according to the

Four Masters.

xxxvii. In either of the above years died Saint Ailbe, first Bishop of
Emly. He wrote a Rule for Monks, in Irish verse, ancient copies of
which are in possession of different members of the Society, and the
language is a strong proof that the work is genuine. It begins " Qlppctiji
b<xm ;:;ti mdc Sd^idin, iy zj\om ttn t;ai;ii guiBej- ; bab le^i, hab peig a. cuBdiy, cm
gcd jiimE^ on peile," " Say from me to the son of Sarain, weighty is the
charge he takes; be his conscience clear, without falsehood, without
pride, without fraud."

A. D. 533.

XXXVIII. Holy Cairneach was a priest, and cotemporary with Muir-
certaffh mac Earc, monarch of Ireland, who died A. D. 533, and whose
death Cairneach foretold, as is asserted. Some poems, and prophecies
in metre, attributed to him, are given in the " Oit)ec(t) Oi)r',]\ce<{z<x\^ fneic
€clf<ca," or " Death of Murhertagh, son of Earc,^' a very ancient his-
torical tale, in prose and verse, in possession of the Assistant Secretary.

XXXV

He is quoted in the Book of Invasions, by the O'Clery's, pao-e 182, in
possession of the Assistant Secretary.

A. D. 540.

XXXIX. About this time died Saint Iarlath, first Bishop of Tuam.
Some prophecies, in Irish verse, ascribed to him, are extant, a copy of
which is in the collection of the Assistant Secretary to this Society ;
but some reasonable doubts may be entertained of their genuineness.

A. D. 544.

XL. On the I2th of October, in this year, died Saint Beauchan, of
Glasnaidhin, on the North Bank of the River Liffey. In the Felire
Aonguis, or Festivals of the Church, written by Angus Ce'de De, at the
latter end of the eighth century, under the festival of Saint Bridget, on
the first of February, a small poem of Berchan's, in praise of that Saint,
is given. It begins " In bctn <t lipe net lei/ig," " The woman, O Liffey of
plains." There are some Irish prophecies ascribed to him, which others,
with more propriety perhaps, attribute to St. Braccan.

See under Bracan, at A. D. 650.

A. D. 549.

XLT. St. CiARAN, of Cluain-mac-Nois, died on the 9th of September
this year. He wrote a Rule for Monks, in Irish metre, said to be
amongst the MSS. of Trinity College library ; but in the present im-

XXXVl

perfect state of the catalogue of MSS, in that library, we have not
been able to discover it.

A. D. 560.

xLii. At this time died Beg mac De. Some prophecies attributed to-
him are. still extant. In a very ancient vellum MS. in the collection of
William Monck Mason, Esq. is to be found one of those prophecies, begin-
ning " f^h bic( Cjtaba tt cceUcCiii,"' " There will be no devotion in churches;"
and a copy of the same prophecy, and another, beginning " Olc bic ^
uptct," " Evil the practice of sorcery," are to be found in an ancient
MS. in possession of the Assistant Secretary. In an ancient and very
valuable Telluni MS. the property of Sir William Bethani, is to be found
a poem of two hundred and eighty-eight verses, ascribed to Beg mac De,
beginning " Cjieibe vac fTjln^ednb fiij ;ieil," ••' Three things a lawful king
suffers not." In this Poem the author foretels the evils and destruction
that Avere to fall upon several places and things in Ireland. This writer
was descended from Cormac Cas, through Conall Eachluaith (of the sivij't
horses) king of Munster, A. D. 366.

Tigernach, the Annalist, who died in A. D. 1088, mentions the death

of Beg mac De, under the year 551, in these words, " ud-f Oecc mac be

an pens," " The death of Beg mac Do the Prophet."

The " Four Masters" say his death happened in the year 557, and

relate that event in these words, " S. Oecc mac be, paib oijxtiedjxc 6ecc,"

" St. Beg mac De, a noble Prophet, died."

xLiii. Cotemporary with the last-mentioned writer was Amergin Mac
Amalgaid, chief poet to the monarch Deraiod, son of Fergus Ceirhheoil.,
who ascended the throne of Ireland, A. D. 544, and after a reign of
twenty-one years, died in A. D. 565. This poet was the original author
of the Dinn Seanchas, or History of noted places in Ireland ; a work
which lias been enlarged by other writers who lived some ages after the
time of Amergin. Indeed some of it must have been written after

xxxvu

the year 1024, in which year Cuaii O'Lochain was killed; for some
poems of that writer are given in full in this work, and extracts from
some others.

The work accounts for the origin of the names of several mountains,
hills, raths, plains, glenns, rivers, &c, in Ireland ; and, although much
blended with fable, is extremely curious, and may be considered valuable,
for some authentic anecdotes contained in it, of several of the most re-
markable characters in ancient Irish history. The account of each
mountain, plain, river, &c. is Hrst given in prose, and supported by
poems, or extracts from poems of some of our early writers, as Finin mac
Luchna, a poet of the second century; Fionn mac Cubhail ; Fergus
Fiiinbel, younger brother of Oisin, who lived in the third century ; and
some others.

This Amergin must not be confounded with an other Amergin mac
Amalgaidh, who flourished in the latter end of the seventh century, and
wrote some law tracts still extant, a copy of which is to be found in the
Seabright MSS. in the library of Trinity College.

A very fine copy of the Dinn Seanchas is preserved in a vellum MS.
the property of Sir William Betham. There is an imperfect copy in the
Book of Leacan, and another in the collection of the Assistant Secretary.

A. D. 516.

xLiv. Saint Breandan, or Breannan, first bishop of Cluainfert, died
on Sunday, the 16th of May, in this^year, according to the annals of the
Four Masters, or in 577, according to the annals of Inisfallen. He wrote
a Rule for Monks, and some prophecies in Irish verse, and some other
poems. Two copies of verses by this author, are in the collection of the
Assistant Secretary, one of which begins " In 6c( 'iie6 mo 6d cdjictid," " The
two Aodhs, my two friends," upon the meeting of Aodh caomh (mild)
son of Conall, son of Eochaidh Ball-dearg, a descendant of Cormac
Cas, who was the first Christian king of Cashel, and ancestor of the

XXXVlll

Marquis of Tliomond, one of the Vice Presidents of this Society, and
Aodh duhh, (black) son of Criomhthan, monarch of Ireland, and father
of Finghin and Failbhe Flann, of the tribe of Eogan more, afterwards
kings of Desmond. This meeting took place between these princes at
Cam an Righ, (the }ilng*s heap} on Magh Feimhin, (the plain of Feim-
hin) between Cashel and Clonmel ; and the cause of their meeting was
to agree upon the right of succession to the sovereignty of Cashel, ac-
cording to the will of their great ancestor Olioll Olum, king of Munster.
Aodh caonih was then the representative of the Dalcassian race, and by
the rule of alternate succession, directed by the will of Olioll between the
descendants of his two sons, Cormac Casand Eogan more, had a right to
the throne of Cashel, but Aodh dubh, the representative of the Euge-
nian tribe, disputed this right, and would not consent that Aodh caonih
should be invested with the regal power, until his own succession would
be secured to him, if he should survive the present claimant. This was
agreed to on both sides, and St. Breandan and his disciple Mac Leinin
the poet, afterwards called Colman, and first bi.shopof Cloyne, were given
to Aodh dubh as hostages for the performance. The second poem begins
" Oearjdec m cofnfee cumacciiij," " Blessings of the powerful tiod," and is
the benediction given by Breannan to Aodh caomh and his descendants.
These poems, and others of Breannan's composition, were preserved in
the Psalter of Cashel, and the book of Munster in the book of Ballimote.

A. D. 592.

XLV. Saint Coldmb Cille, or Columb of Cells, or churches, died on Whit-
Sunday night, the 9th of June, in this year, according to the annals of the
Four Masters. He wrote several pieces both in Irish and Latin. Upwards
of thirty poems in the Irish language, ascribed to him, have come down to
our times, copies of which are in possession of the Assistant Secretary, a
particular description of which we at present avoid. The subjects are
miscellaneous, but the chief part are religious. The prophecies ascribed
to this Saint, if ever they were written by him, have been interpolated
and corrupted by modern writers.

xxxuc

A. D. 596.

xLvi. About this period flourished Eochaidii Elgeas, (the wise) or
EocHAiDH Dalian, or Dali-an Forgaill, by which latter name he is gene-
rally called. He was a disciple of St. Columb Cille, and attended him at
the great assembly of Droniceat, convened by Aodli, son of Ainmireach,
monarch of Ireland, A. D. 588. Dalian wrote a life of his master, and the
Amhra Colum Chille, or elegiac verses in praise of St. Columb, by which it
appears he survived that Saint, who, we are told, died on Whit-Sunday, the
9th of June, A. D. 592, according to the Four Masters, or A. D. 597,
according to Tigeniacli. Several imperfect copies of the Amhra, written
on vellum, are in various hands. One copy is in Marsh's library, another
in the library of Trinity College, another in the collection of William
Monck Mason, Esq. and another, written in 1313, is in the collection of
the Assistant Secretary, who has also a perfect copy, Avritten on paper,
which was once the projierty of Cucoigcriche O'Clery, one of the persons
employed in the compilation of the annals of the Four Masters. The
7?eim^cel, or preliminary discourse, prelixed to this tract, shews the time
and place in which it was written. It begins " locc 6or) elriiienyi d/t-rjmm-
chCcct hi cudit I cidTiaecci gliiii srimio, ^ if cij) bo ^xoniXo in mojibciil bfiumo cecco-
To ciimfe;^, imoji/^o .i. cim-fe^ fibo mc(c Ql\y]mej\ab jw bCfierj i>i6e)t)ia6 in mojibttil.
r?o bScuft ZfiO. zji) jyx^a bee in hCifiin in zan fin, ocuf jVb pojl Cdc fti b]b. Uc
b\xz in phb ; " Jib mac dinTni(ti5 nd nedll," 7c. *' The place of this tract is
Dromceat in the north, in Cianachta of Glenn Geimhin, for it was there
the great assembly of Dromceat was held. Its time, moreover, was the
time of Aodh, son of Ainmhereach, monarch of Ireland, who held this
assembly. There were also thirteen kings in Ireland at this time, and
Aodh was the name of each of them, as said the poet."
• " Aodh, son of Ainmhereach, of battles," &c.

The Amhra begins " bict did bo jiu^O-f fie ;:iaf md 5017^."
He also wrote the Amhra Sionain, or Elegy on the death of Saint
Seanan, beginning " Senan -foefl, f i& citoi(t," " Noble Seanan, peaceful
father." A copy of this poem is in the collection of the Assistant Secre-
tary, and it and the Amhra Colidm Cille are in the Bearla Feni, or Fenian

dialect of the Irish, accompanied by a gloss. There is a copy of
another poem of Dalian Forgaills, in the Seabright collection of MSS.
in the library of Trinity College, beginning " Qr,b giUcC buh di^tm nc(i|-e."
Upon the arms of Duach dubh, king of Oirgailla. From this it appears
that the shaft of Duach's spear was made of the eo y^of-fO., or yew of Ross.
It is probable many more of the works of Dalian are extant, although
they have not come within our knowledge.

A. D. .598.

xLVii. Saint Caineach, or Canice, Abbot oi Achadh bo, or field of oxen,
died on the 11th of October, this year. He wrote a life of Saint Patrick
in Irish, which, it is probable, may be still extant.

A. D. 599.

xLviii. Saint Baoithin succeeded St. Columb Cille in the abbacy of
Hy, and died on the 9th of January, this year. He wrote a life of Saint
Columb in Irish verse, and some prophecies, which are in the manuscript
collection of the Assistant Secretary.

A. D. 600.

xLix. St. Comhghall, founder and first abbot of the great monastery
of Bangor, in the Ardes in Ulster, died this year. He wrote a Rule for
Monks, in Irish metre, and some other poems and prose works in the
sain€ language. His rule begins " Conjd Hijdil do Cboimbe," " Support

xli

the regulations of the Godhead." There is preserved in the Felire
Anguis, a poem of Cornhghall's, consisting of sixty verses, beginning
" CDctojiufttt)) immajtucldr)," in praise of solitude.

These works are in the MS. collection of the Assistant Secretary.

t. St. MuRus Uved at this time. He wrote the Acts of St. Columb
Cille, in Irish verse.

A. D. 605.

LI. Saint MoLUA, otherwise called Lughaidh, first Abbot of Clonfert
Molua, died this year. He wrote a Rule for Monks, in Irish verse,
afterwards translated into Latin ; and, being carried to Rome, received
the approbation of Gregory, the first Pope of that name. This Rule
is said to be still extant in the Irish language, but we have not met
with it.

A. D. 610.

tii. Maolcobha, Monarch of Ireland, was killed, this year, according
to the Four Masters, at the battle of Slieve Toadh, by Suibhne Meann,
who succeeded him on the throne, or in A. D. 615, according to the
Annals of Tigernach : but the Book of Invasions states, that after his
defeat at Slieve Toadh, he retired from the world, and " took upon him
the yoke of religion,^'' in his patrimonial lands*, at a place called Drum
Diolar, on the bank of Caoluisce, wliere he remained in retirement,
secluded from the world, until he was expelled from his retreat by his
own brother Donald, who succeeded Suibhne Meann in the monarchy,
A, D. 624. The Annals of Innisfallen say that he was bishop of Clogher.
Maolchobha himself relates the story of his being driven from Druim
Diolar, in a poem of ninety-two verses, beginning " c^fio^ig tmac b|toma

xlii

(Diol^," *' Suffering family of Drum Diolar." In this poem the author
laments the expulsion of himself and his clergy, in very pathetic terms,
and severely censures Mor, surnamed Mnmhun (o( Munster), the wife'
of his brother, as the cause of their sufferings. Upon the same subject,
and the number of clergy in the religious house of Drum Diolar, and the
benefits conferred on different classes of people by them, he wrote a poem
of twenty-four verses, beginning "Uiom^g 50 lei;i d<x liobjia," " Prudently
collect the books." He also wrote the poem, beginning " 1onmoi» d)tc(f
dmglibe £i|- ^ cr^^eAii CDaolcdbcC," " Pleasant the angelical habitation from
which is driven Maolchobha/'

These poems are all preserved in the Book of Invasions, by the
O'Clery's, in [)ossession of the Assistant Secretary of this Society.

A. D. 611.

LiiT. Saint CoEMHGHiN, Abbot and Bishop of Glendalogh, died on the
3d of June this year. He wrote a Rule for Monks in Irish verse. The
Leabhar Breatlmach, or Book of the Britons, contained in the Book of
Glendalogh, and a book on the origin of the Milesians, are attributed io
him. The book of Glendalogh is in the library of Trinity College.

A. D. 624.

Liv. St. Maodhog, or Edan, as he is otherwise called, first Bishop of
Ferns, died on the 31st of January this year. He was a native of East
Breifne (now called the County Cavan) and descended in the tenth
deo-ree from Colla Uais, who was monarch of Ireland, A. D. 327, This
Saint is much celebrated for his piety and miracles ; and in an ancient
MS. life of him, in the collection of the Assistant Secretary, there are
preserved some poems said to be written by him. One of these is his

xliii

will, by which he divides his property between three churches, founded
-by him, viz. Ferns, in Leinster ; Drum Leathan, in Cavan ; and Ross
Inver, now in the county of Leitrim. This poem begins " 6ir)6 drj z^omr)a.
lr<(i6t:e;i liri," " Intention of the will set forth by us." Another of these
poems begins " 0;i)i5 y^eocd^ mo ciU ccCib," " Woe to those who pollute
my noble church." In this poem woes are denounced against all that
injure his churches; and such a description is given of the author, as
would give cause to suspect that the verses were not the genuine pro-
ductions of Maodhog.

A. D. 636.

LV. Saint Carthag, otherwise called Mochuda, first Bishop of Lismore,
died on the 14th of May this year. He wrote a metrical Rule for
Monks, beginning " ^lye dyndm M patd," " It is the way of the Lord."
This poem is in the collection of Irish MSS. belonging to the Assistant
Secretary to this Society.

A. D. 641.

Lvi. Seanchak Torpest lived in the time that Guaire the Generous
was king of Conaght. He wrote a poem of twenty-eight verses, begin-
ning " f?o pic pejigu^ picic caccc," " Fergus fought twenty battles." This
poem is historical, and gives an account of the battles of Fergus, son of
Rossa, and grandson of Roderick, monarch of Ireland, from A. M.
381.5, until A. M. 3862, according to O'Flaherty's computation. A
copy of this poem is preserved in the Book of Leacan, fol. 17, col. 2d,
and another copy is in possession of the Assistant Secretary. Its lan-
guage and measure are strong proofs of its antiquity.

xlir

A. D. 650.

Lvn. Saint Braccan, from whom Ardbrackan, near Navan, in the
county of Meath, derives its name, is stated to have lived in this year,
by Ware, in his account of Irish writers. The time of his death is not
mentioned either in the Annals of Tigernach, Inisfallen, or the Four
Masters, but it is probable that he died before this period, as he was the
predecessor of St. Ultan, who, at the advanced age of one hundred and
eighty years, died A. D. 656, according to the Four Masters, or 657, as
Tigernach relates. Several prophecies in Irish verse, ascribed to Braccan,
are still existing in this country, some of which are in the possession of
the Assistant Secretary. — Ware says, that the prophecies of Braccan were
collected and published by Walter de Islip, in the year 1317.

A. D. 651.

Lviii. Segine, Abbot of Hy, or lona, died this year. He wrote a Rule
for Monks, in Irish verse, which is said to be extant, but we cannot say
where it is to be found.

A. D. 653.

Lix. Saint Fursey, founder of the Abbey of Cnobersburgh, or Burgh
Castle, in Suffolkshire, England, and of the Abbey of Laigny, in the
diocese of Paris, died at Peronne, in France, this year, according to the
Annals of Boyle, or in A. D. 654, according to Tigernach, who relates
his death in these words, " pr/tfd be^ tt pF^tanccaiB," " Fursey died in
France," and gives the following quotation to shew who were his parents :

xlv

locir)6 6o 6ctil rQln<ii]6e

Fursey wrote some prophecies, hymns, and other poems, copies of
which are in several hands, particularly in an ancient vellum MS. the
property of William Monck Mason, Esq. Of these poems, being mostly
on religious subjects and not illustrative of the History of Ireland, we
forbear giving a particular account. The festival of this Saint i&
observed on the J 6th of January.

A. D. 656.

Lx. Saint Ultan, the successor of Braccan in the Abbey of Ardbracken,
and from whom the place was sometimes called Tobar Ultain, or Ultaii's
Well, died this year. He wrote a life of Saint Patrick, and some metrical
prophecies in the Irish language. The copy of the Life of our Apostle
that we have seen attributed to Ultan, is certainly the production of a
more modern pen. Copies of the prophecies are in the collection of the
Assistant Secretary.

A. D. 661.

LXI.

CoLMAN O'Cluasaith, the tutor of Cuman fada (the tall) lived

at the time of Cuman's death, which happened in the year 661. A quo-
tation from a poem of Colman's, upon the death of his disciple Cuman,
is given by the Four Masters, under that year. We cannot point out
where any of his entire pieces are now to be found.

xlvi

A. D. 664.

Lxii. Manchen of Leith, died this year, according to the Four Masters,
but the Annals of Ulster say he died A. D. 655. He wrote some poems
of a religious kind, still extant in the Irish language. He also wrote a
book intituled " The Wonders of Scripture," extant in the third volume
of St. Augustine's works, and falsely ascribed to that Saint. O'Flaherty
quotes a poem of Manchen's, beginning, " lobdl o ;\o bisedj-om," " Since
Idols were expelled."

A. D. 673.

LXiii. Beg BoiRCHE, King of Ulster, according to the Annalists, took
the Cross, and went on a pilgrimage this year. A quotation from a
poem of his on the death of Mongan, son of Feachna, is given by the
Four Masters, under the year 620, and by Tigernach at 626.

A. D. 678.

Lxiv. CiNNFAELADH Fodlilumtha (Jearned), or Cinnfaeladh, son of
Olioll, died this year, according to the Annals of Ulster, and the Four
Masters, or A. D. 679, according to Tigernach. He is also surnamed
Ei<^eas, or wise. He wrote many poems and prose Morks, some of which
have descended entire to our times, and others of them are quoted by
the Four Masters, under the years 499 and 507. His poem on the
situation of the house of Bliodhcuarta, or middle court of the royal
palace of Tara, beginning Sir^jitj 0156 COiobcr<]t;a, is to be found in an
ancient vellum MS. the property of William Monck Mason, Esq. and
another old copy is in possession of the Assistant Secretary. His poem of

xlvii

fifty-six verses, beginning *' Go l-rj6 golctii) ctyiti Scicirt," " Golamli departed
from Scythia," upon the travels and adventures of Golamh (Milesius)
from ills departure from Scythia until his arrival in Spain, and afterwards
in Ireland, is preserved in the Book of Invasions contained in the Book
of Leacan, and also in the Book of Invasions by the O'Clery's. There
are other copies of this poem in various hands, the most valuable of
which is one in possession of the Assistant Secretary, collated with three
very ancient copies, and thy various reading given in the margin.
Cinnfaeladh improved the Uraicepht, or as it is sometimes written, the
Uraicecht, of Ferceirtne.

We have already shewn, under A. M. 3950, that Ferceirtne, and not
Forchern, as stated by O'Flaherty and O'Connor, was the original author
of the Uraicepht ; but so many dilTerent copies of a book bearing that
title, and author's name, now in existence, and all varying from each
other, in some things, show that it has gone through various editions,
with additions and alterations. The principal editor or emendator of the
Uraicepht, was Cinfaeladh, but it is impossible to say what parts were
written by Ferceirtne, or by this editor, although it is no difficult task
to point out parts certainly written long after the time of the ori<rinal
author, if not subsequent to Cinnfaeladh himself.

This Book is generally preceded by the Book of Oghams, as in the
copy preserved in the Book of Ballymote, the copy in the library of
Trinity College, Dublin, class H. 54, and the copy in the possession of
the Assistant Secretary ; but each of these copies wants somethin- , more
or less, towards the end. The copy in Sir William Betham's book,
begins " Caz e loc deaf aim^fejt <xcaf fenfo. aca-f zuc<X\z fCjxihd'.nb i))6 Aj^m-
ciucctt? 1)111. loc 60 emdio COctcbct, cicctj- in Am-feji Coyico!-| mac jNej-d okicc
tt 6eiic(m. Uugaic 6ctn a beiima .1. bo bjieic cteyd frdinb pO)t pej-. pencertcne tili
bof fiijni. Cenbpaeldd mdc ?lileUiX ;io ■n(Xzhm^e-fz<^ 1 nb^e lufitJii) m rti,Ti,'e,t
fCbO. mctc Qlinmi/iec imaiUe Id h(^ moift id 6e^lai," " What is the time and
the place, and the person, and the cause of writing of the Uraicecht ?
Not difficult. The place of it Eaman of Macha, and in tSie time of
Conor, son of Nessa, it was done. The cause of doing it, /. e. to briu"^
ignorant people to knowledge. Ferceirtne, the poet, performed it.
Cinnfaeladh, son of Olioll, revised it in Daire Lurain, in the time of
Aodh, son of Ainmireacb, along with much more of the language."

xlviii

The copy in the Assistant Secretary's collection, begins *' Ctficce locc
acuf dim^e/t dcuy fejifa acu-f cuccoic |-C;tiBi)j oiri<X\j\ecaczo ? nin. locc 60 Cmr,ri
nato ttcuy- tx r)amfef\ Concobciiji meic ^leyo <i^]cz. pe/iceftcni pili 60 picch))!
.:. 60 bfifit ofy-u ptfi» poft pfiy. Cfnnpoelab mac Oiliol fio dcnuci6bti6b 1 riboi/te
lu/itiin mcciUe ^e be|tm6;t jic( |-c;tepr;ici," " What is the place, and the time,
and person, and cause of writing the Uraicecht? Not difficult. The
place of it Eamain of Macha, and in the time of Conor, son of Nesa, it
was done. Ferceirtne the poet made it, i. e. to bring ignorant people
to knowledge. Cinnfaeladh, son of Olioll, renewed it in Derry Lurain,
with many other Avritings."

In addition to the works already mentioned, Cinnfaeladh revised the
laws of Cormac mac Art, monarch of Ireland, A. D. 254.

A. D. 685.

Lxv. Flann fionnv/aaa. name given by the Irish to Aldfred, king of
the Northumbrian Saxons, who, during his exile in Ireland, passed his time
in study, as we are assured by venerable Bede, in his life of St. Cuthbert.
He wrote a poem in the Irish language, consisting of ninety-six verses, on
Ireland, and the things he found there. This poem begins, " ??o 6ecic
1)) ]r)if pTi pcJil, 1 1) 6^1") jie imd/tBaib," " I found in the pleasant island of Fail,
in Ireland by exile." A copy of this poem is preserved in a very old
and valuable vellum MS. in the library of William Monck Mason, Esq.
and another ancient copy is in the collection of the Assistant Secretary.

A. D. 696.

Lxvi. We have shewn, under the year 550, that a person of the name of
Amebgin mac Amalgaidh was poet to Dermod, son of Fergus Ceirbheoil,

xllx

monarch of Frcland, and was the reputed author of the Dinn ^eanchais.
By an old vellum MS. of the Seabright collection, in the library of
Trinity College, it appears that another writer of that name lived in the
time of Finghin, son of Cu-gan-mhathair, king of Munster. The latter
Amergin, of whom we here treat, was author of a law tract on the
privileges and punishments of persons of ditferent ranks in society,
beginning " toe bon lirBdfi^a fr,zi\me cojicojittc, <iccij- dimj-ift 60 dini'^in pi))6-
gaiue fnic cae cm matrti;t, no idic corj cen m<^ia^J^, ac<Xf pe;t|-ci 60 'Stmaiftgij) mdc
■Jlmctlgaid fnic Cpail jiucnn," " The place of this book Fuitrime Corconach,
and its time the time of Finghin, son of Cu-cin-mathair, or Con-cen-
niathair, and its person Amergin, son of Amalgaidh, son of Maolruana."

From the similarity of names in these authors, and those of the fathers
and grandfathers of each, one would be led to suppose them the same
person. But the first, it appears, was the poet of Dermod, son of
Fergus Ceirbheoil, monarch of Ireland, who died A. D. .566, or, as the
Four Masters have it, in 558, and the latter wrote the Law tract just now
mentioned in the time of Finghin, son of Cu-cen-mathair, king of
Munster. The Annals of Innisfallen place the death of Cu-cen-mathair
in A. D. 662, and that of Finghin in A. D. 696, full 130 years after the
death of Dermod, at the lowest computation of Tigernach. Hence we
may fairly infer, that the present Amergin was a different person from
the Amergin who is said to have been the original author of the Dinn
Senachas.

A. D. 691.

Lxvii. Saint Molaing, from whom Teach Mholing, or Timolin, in the
county Kildare, is called, died on the 17th of June this year. Some
prophecies ascribed to him are in the hands of the Assistant Secretary ;
but if they were written by him, their language has been much modernized
by some later writers.

A. D. 104.

Lxviii. Adamnan, or Adamnanus, Abbot of Hy, or J. Coluim dlle, died
on the 23d of September this year, in the seventy-seventh year of his
age, and twenty-fifth year of his abbotship. In the month of June, in
the year 683, the Saxons having made a predatory landing in Ireland,
laid waste and plundered Magh Breagh, sparing neither ecclesiastical
nor lay property, and carried off with them, along with the spoils, a great
number of the inhabitants. In the following year, Adamnan went into
England, and by prayers and intreaties, and, as the Four Masters relate,
by the working of many miracles, he obtained for himself great honours
from king Alfred, and for the people, that had been carried off, their
liberty, and the restitution of their property. He wrote many works both
in Irish and Latin. Of his Irish works but few have remained to our
times. An imperfect copy of his Vision is in the hands of John
M'Namara, Esq. a member of this Society, and another in the collection
of the Assistant Secretary, and also a copy of his poem, of fifty-two verses,
beginning " In b^u cie cfngldii; cuacctJ," upon the remission of the Boro-
mean tribute to the people of Leinster, by Y\oi\naich.i-A Jieadhach (festive)
at the intercession of Saint Moling.

The Vision of Adamnan is in prose, partly Latin and part Irish. The
Irish part begins " Ij- edb in ifo r/tcc po;tuy- dcciy bli^edb tiDimcdi/tbed^ci pedfi
riCftioa piim leyugiJb d ccoftp dcay d nanir)cin6, p^io, binbct^bdb plaig dcrt'j-
geince (tccty 6rr)ibab 6ic5, ctm-r^l fio jioillpjectb 6o Qliamnctn .b. tine, d Cornell
be dctty pSoCftuicc." " Here is set down laws and regulations of spiritual
friendship for the men of Ireland, for the correction of their bodies and
souls, for expelling from them plagues and infidels, and manslaughter,
as it was revealed to Adamnan, the descendant of Tine, in the counsel
of God and Patrick."

A. D. 722.

Lxix. NuADHA Ilomhtdr flourished at this time. Tigernach, in his
Annals, under this year, gives a quotation of twelve verses from Nuadha,

in praise of the prowess and courage of Morogh, son of Bran, king of
Leinster, who defeated and killed Fergal, son of Maelduin, monarch of
Ireland, in the battle of Almhuin or Allen, fought this year.

Lxx. At the same period flourished Cubertan Mac Congusa, who,
like Nuadha, recorded in verse the bloody battle of Allen. Tigernach,
in his Annals, speaking of this battle under the year 722, gives a quota-
tion from Cubertan upon that subject.

We have not seen any entire pieces the production of either of these
last-mentioned writers.

It may be necessary to observe, that the Four Masters, and Doctor
Keating, in his History of Ireland, say that the battle of Almhuin^ or
Allen, was fought in the year 718, but O'Flaherty, in Ogygia, agrees
with Tigernach in assigning it to the year 722.

A. D. 730.

Lxxi. AoDH Allain, monarch of Ireland, commenced his reign this
year, according to the Four Masters ; or 734, according to Tigernach and
O'Flaherty. Some verses of Aodh Allain's composition, are preserved
in the O'Clery's Book of Invasions, and other verses of his writing are
quoted by the Four Masters, under the year 734.

A. D. 734.

Lxxii. On the 19th of December, in this year, died Saint Samhthand,
Virgin. A prophecy in verse, said to be delivered by her, is quoted in
the Annals of Tigernach, under the year 738. It is given more fully in
the O'Clery's Book of Invasions, in the MS, collection of the Assistant
Secretary.

A. D. 742.

Lxxin. In the time of Cathal, son of Finghin, king of Munster, who
died A. D. 742, flourished the three O'Burchans, brothers, named
Farann, Boethgal, and Maoltuile ; the first a bishop, the second a judge,
and the third a poet. They wrote some laws, fragments of which may
be found in the Seabright collection in the library of Trinity College,
Dublin.

Lxxrv. Cotemporary with the last-mentioned writers was Cearmnadh
file, or the poet. In the Seabright MSS. in the College library, class H,
No. 54, is preserved a law tract, written by this author, as appears by a
memorandum prefixed in the same hand-writing as that in which the law
itself is written. It begins " Ci6 ly locc tJcay i^ c[im,^eft tlcct^ d^ pe;tyd,
ticdy cuccdit; ^c^\h\rt botvx con^ib fi^giU ? J^-Ifn. locc b6\h Callcdo o tuj^ hi
Ceamftdij, actjy Simv-eft b6\h ttim-^eji Cdtdil, meic pijigi^jie, aciXf pe;ifa boib
Cejimnd pile, rtcdj- cuccdic d Tibenrnd 6o pubtab bojtb dcdy tiiDeolac, acdj- 6o h^e\t
tie|-c(prti)i po|t penalise," " What is the place, and the time, and the
person, and the cause of writing of the ways to judgment ? Not difficult.
The place of them Callain of Lughair, in Tarah ; and the time of them
the time of Cathal, son of Fingaine; and the person of them Cearmna,
the poet; and the cause of their being done, to suppress violence and
ignorance, and to bring unlearned people to a knowledge of law."

A. D. Wi.

ixxv. RuANAN, son of Colba, a great poet, died this year, according
to Tigernach. We have not yet discovered where his works are deposited.
Probably they may be in the library of Trinity College, but for the dis-
covery of the Irish MSS. in that library, their present catalogue is of but
little use.

liii

A. D. Tt8.

Lxxvr. The Four Masters record the death of Ciaran of Bealach-dun,
this year. He wrote a life of St. Patrick, iii Irish, but it has not come
into our hands.

A. D. 800.

Lxxvii. Angus Ceile De flourished in the latter end of the eiurhthcen-
tury, and died early in the ninth. He wrote a Felire, or Hierology, in
Irish verse, giving an account of the festivals observed in the church in
his time. The reimsceul, or preliminary discourse, prefixed to this per-
formance, gives the pedigree of the author, through several generations,
by which it appears he was descended from Caelbach, king of Ulster,
who defeated and killed Muireadhach Tireach, monarch of Ireland, at
the battle of Port Righ, and succeeded him on the throne. The Reim-
sceul gives the time and place in which the author wrote this poem. It
commences " Cetdjibd conbagct/i bo cctc eldticnn .1. locc acaf ciimj-efi, c(cc(y-
pcfij-a, acdf zuc<x\z -fCi^^bnb. Locc eifn bon elcJbrtm^i cecamuy Cul Oeric^, ctmirjg
pecbec ic;tic .b. f^lf^e, nctxf indic 1 odfniacccdn in6eHnc(& 6tn ; no m 61 1 cluctin
eibnec ct titi6^cecal rtctty a Cul Oenbc^ 0. po^ibad, acdf i^in aw i ctfmlaccdin. —
Jin^uf imu;t;to mac, 7c," " There are four co-necessaries in every learned
treatise, i. e. place, time, person, and cause of writing. Therefore, the
place of this piece was first Ciil Banaghar, in the plain of Rechet, in the
country of I Failge, or O'Faly, and its revisal inTamhlacht; (now
Tallagh near Dublin) or else in Cluain Eidhnach it was begun, and in
Ciil Banagher it was finished, and revised in Tallacht. — ^ngus, moreover,
was son of Oiblein, son of Fidrai, son of Dermod, son of Ainmirech, son of
Cellair, son of Aenluaigh, son of Caelbaidh, son of Cruinba-draoi, son of
Eochaidh Coba, son of Lughdhach, son of Fiacha Airidh, from whom aro
the Dal-Araidhc named. It is, moreover, the time of its writing the time

liv

of Conor, son of Aodh Oirdnighe, son of NhW/rasaigh, for it was he who
took the government of Ireland after Donogh, son of Donall of Meath,
king of Meath ; for Angus, in the preface to the Felire, mentions the death
of Donogh."

The Feh're is written in that kind of verse called by the Irish poets
rinn aird, in which ever)' verse ends with a word of two syllables, contains
six syllables in the verse, and the entire rami twenty-four. It begins

" ^e ^il bd\ac btxUeb
odi6e6 in pf ;iemaii),
ir,b po jtecc n<[b nd/i^il,
C]\\fz h Calen Cjiai/t."

Literal translation :

" In the congregation of the seed of man,
Went the king before us,
Submitted to the noble law
Christ, on the Calends of January,"

Aengus also wrote the Psalter na ranrt, which is an abridged history
of the descendants of Abraham, from the birth of Isaac, until after the
death of Moses.

A copy of the Felire, beautifully written on vellum, is in the collection
of the Assistant Secretary. From its orthography, and other internal
marks of antiquity, it may be concluded that this MS. was written at least
as early as the eleventh century, and is, perhaps, the oldest copy of
that work now in existence. There is an entire copy in the Leabhar breae
mac Aedhagain, or Speckled Book of Mac Egan, in the library of the
Royal Irish Academy, and an imperfect copy on vellum in the same
library.

The Psalter na Rann is preserve<l in a large MS. the property of
Sir William Betham. It is written in a fine strong hand, and occupies
upwards of six folio pages, closely written on the largest size vellum.

A. D. 850.

Lxxvni. About this time flourished Fingin, son of Flann dalia Duhh-
dartalgh. He was author of a hymn, consisting of two hundred and
eighty verses, in praise of the Holy Trinity, beginning *' 21 mo combiu
uell," " Oh my exalted Divinity."

Copy in the library of Trinity College, Dublin, class H. 54. page 35,
and in the collection of the Assistant Secretary.

A. D. 816.

Lxxix. At this time flourished Fothadh na Canni, poet to Aodh Finu-
liaith, monarch of Ireland, who died on the 16th of the calends of De-
csmber, A. D. 876, according to this poet, or 879, according to O' Fla-
herty's computation from the Annals of Tigernach. We have met with
but two poems of this author's writing, one of which is an ode addressed
to Aodh flnnliaith, on his coronation, and the other is on his death.
The fii-st consists of two hundred and forty verses, beginning " Cej^c cec
jiig CO fteill, " Right of every king lawfully." In this ode the poet says,
" rights are lavvfully due to the descendants of Niall, except from tlie
abbot of Ardmagh, the king of Cashel, and the king of Tarah." He
gives instructions to his prince for his general conduct, as a private man
and as a king. He advises him to make no peace with his enemies without
receiving hostages ; to honour the ministers of religion ; to treat his
chieftains with kindness and respect ; to curb villany and licentiousness
by the rigor of the law ; to do justice to every man, &c.

The second poem consists of only twelve verses, in which the author
records the death of his king, and mentions in the first raun the number
of years that elapsed from the creation of the world to that time ; in the
second rann he gives the number of years that had expired since the

Ivi

birth of Christ ; and, in the last rann, mentions the particular day on
which the king died.

Copies of these poems are preserved in two ancient vellum manu-
scripts, in the library of William Monck Mason, Esq. and in the collec-
tion of the Assistant Secretary.

Lxxx. At this period also flourished Flannagan, son of CeaUach. He
was author of a poem, consisting of twenty-four verses, on the death of
Aodh finnliaith, monarch of Ireland, in which he praises the piety,
generosity, magnanimity, &c. of that hero.

Copies in the library of William Monck Mason, Esq, and in the col-
lection of the Assistant Secretary-

A. D. 880.

Lxxxi. Laitheog Z,a/rf//eac/t ('the Poe//c^ flourished at this time. She
was the daughter of Laignechan, of the race of Conall Gulban, and
mother of Flann mac Lonain, who held the office of Chief Poet of Ireland,
from the conimencement of the reign of Flann Sionna, A. D. 879, until
his death, which happened in the year 891 , according to the Four Masters,
or 896, according to the Annals of Inisfallen. The poem beginnini;
" henbAoz o;ic a plditj dibne," " Blessing on thee, Oh Flann of Aidne,"
addressed to Flann mac Lonan, is said to be the work of this poetess.

A. D. 884.

Lwxiu The Four Masters, in their annals under the year 884, record
the death of Maolmura of Fathan, in these words, " CPrfolmu/icc dn pile
fo\f^cie j:io;t-eolac, -j-ca/iaibe g/tgija an Oe^ld Scoicegbct 6ecc," " Maolmura,

Ivii

a well-taught skilful poet, and intelligent historian, died." This author
is sometimes called Maolmuire Othna. He wrote some historical poems
that still survive. One of these is quoted by O'Flaherty, in Ogygia,
part 3d, chap. 72. It consists of two hundred and forty-eight verses, and
begins " Candm bunubd^- net ngrteiftil," " Let us sing the origin of the Gade-
lians." la this poem the author derives the origin of the Milesians from
Japhet, son of Noah, and gives an account of the peregrinations of their
ancestors, from the dispersion at Babel to their arrival in Ireland.

A very tine copy of this poem is in the collection of the Assistant Se-
cretary.

2d, A poem of two hundred and sixty-eight verses, beginning

" Cjwat oj- cfticttdi!) Cudtctl ceccfndfi,

leoToai) d/i ve^z, rjdtdijt neime,

|!accln) fr^le"

" Lord over Lords, Tuathal legal,
A flowing ocean ;
A lion in strength, a wily serpent,

A wounding warrior."

This poem is preserved in the Book of Invasions, by the O'Clerys, in
possession of the Assistant Secretary. It gives an account of the great
actions of Tuathal Teachtmhur {^legitimate), monarch of Ireland, from
A. D. 130, to A. D. 160. It recites the battles fought by that prince
against Eochaidh, king of Leinster, who was his son-in law ; and against
the Athacli Tuatha, or Plebeians (improperly called Attacots, by some
writers on Irish Antiquities) who had risen in arms against their legal
sovereigns, but who were completely subdued by Tuathal. In this poent
the poet endeavours, by a recital of the glorious deeds of this prince, to
stimulate Flann Sionna, his own sovereign, to imitate so illustrious an
example.

3d, A poem of seventy-six verses, beginning

" piaii po;i e;\irj hi rig cogdlbi,

Cudtrtil rectiT)fl/i

Iviii

go nea^xz joiU."

" Flann reians over Erin in the chosen liouso

Of Tuathal the legitimate,
To whom belonged not excessive contribution of a noble hero.

With mighty valour."

In this poem Maolmura gives a catalogue of the nionarchs of Ireland,
from Tuathal Teachtnihar to Flan Sionna.

In the Book of Lecan, and in an ancient MS. in possession of the
Assistant Secretary, these two latter poems are blended together, so as
to make but one entire piece, which begins with the rmm here given, as
the commencement of the third poem; and the rami that we give as
bco-innin"- the second poem, and the two ranns immediately following
it, and some others, are omitted. There are also some variations in the
readings, and two or three ranns are added that do not appear in either
of these poems ; one of which states, that six hundred and fifty years
had elapsed between the death of Tuathal and the commencement of
the reio^n of Flann ; which must be an error, as Tuathal died, according
to the Four Masters, A. D. 106, or as O'Flaherty asserts, perhaps with
more truth, A. D. 160, and Flann Sionna began to reign A. D. 879 ; so
that instead of six hundred and fifty years having elapsed, according to
the Book of Lecan, seven hundred and nineteen years at least must have
expired.

The death of Maolnnira is related in the Book of Invasions in these
words, " OOcielmr^ide dn pile poificcie pjteoldc, ^ccJ/ictibe ea/tgncc c(n hejxla.
Scoi^eccbd, 6o ecc if iti oczm6 blmbam 6o fl<X]t pioincc z-fioria. 884." " Maol-
mura the skilful, a truly learned poet, an intelligent historian in the
Scottish language, died in the eighth year of the reign of Flann Sionna,
884."

A. D. 891.

Lxxxiii. Cotemporary with Maolmura Othna was Flann mac Lonan, a
native of Conaght, and clxief poet of Ireland, in the early part of the

lix

reign of Flann Sionna, whose government began A. D. 879. The Annals of
Inisfallen place the death of Flann mac Lonan under the year 896. " pan
mdc lontcin c(|i6 ollam gdoiSil 60 m(i|iBci6 60 -qb Ccu^ibjirjde .1. o hi;B f:oca ctic loc
bd cdoc a nbe\f]bCOumri" " Flann, son of Lonan, chief poet of the Gathe-
lians, was killed by the descendants of Curbruidhe, i.e. of the Hy Fotha,
at Lough-da-chanch, in the Desies of Munster." The Four Masters, by some
strange mistake, record the death of this poet twice in the same words;
first under the year 891, and again A. D. 918. " plaii mac lontiir), Ui^igil
'fA Scocd, pfiimpile ^^lo'beal ijle, pile d^r beic hd\ i nC/tiT? lud ^imj-ijl 60 md/iBrtb
la mctCTjB CcYj^i/tSi^be (60 r^ potdio lacj'en) hi nbifne caide h\c loc 6a caec ?
nbeiy-ii) CPumct))," " Flann, son of Lonan, Virgil of tlie race of Scota, chief
Ollamh of all the Gaedhals, the best poet that was in Ireland in his time,
was murdered by the sons of Currbuidhe (they were of the Hy Fotha) in
Dun-Taidhe, at Lough-da-chaoch, in the Desies of Munster."

From the character given of Flann, it is to be presumed that his works
were numerous, or at least remarkable for superior style and sweetness
of number ; but the few poems of his writing that have come under the
observation of the writer of this account of Irish authors, are not pos-
sessed of any extraordinary beauties.

Copies of three poems written by Flann, are to be found in the account
of the spreading branches of Heber, son of Milesius, in the Leabhar
Muimltneach, or Munster Book, in possession of the Assistant Secretary
of this Society.

1st, A poem of eighty-eight verses, beginning " lo/icSn locct fteijig
6ei|ic," " Lorcan of Lough Deirg dheirc." Upon the defeat of Flann
Sionna, by Lorcan, king of Munster, and grandfather of Brian Boroimhe.
2d, A poem of forty-eight verses, beginning " lo;icdn leijt za^p^ pobla,"
" Lorcan, wise beyond the men of Fodhia, (Ireland)."'' In praise of the
actions of Lorcan, king of Munster.

.3d, A poem of forty verses, beginning " Cea»iCo;ic(t> bun na cc^la,"
" Ceann-Coradh, inclosure of harvest stores." Upon the fortress of
Ceann-Coradh in the days of Cinneide, son of Lorcan, and father of Brian
Boroimhe, king of Munster and monarch of Ireland.
To these are added the following :

4th, A poem of two hundred and thirty-two verses, beginning " CottdU
cr,r)^\t> cloine ^leiU," " Conall, liero of the race of Niall," by some
persons attributed to this author; by others to Flann, of the monastery of
Bute ; and by others again, with more probability, to Giolla Brighide
Mac Coinmhide. See under the year 1350.

5th, The poem, beginning " Coigdl cin COa-gdyn mdrc ;n," in praise of
Congal, who was monarch of Ireland seven years, from the year 704, is
also attributed to this writer.

A. D. 908.

Lxxxiv. CoRMAC Mac Cuillionan, king of Munster, and archbishop
of Cashel, was killed this year, in the battle of Bealach Mughna, fought
by him against Flann Sionna, the monarch of Ireland, Cearbhall, king
of Leinster, and Cathal, son of Conor, king of Conaght. He wrote
many tracts, both prose and verse, some of which have come down to
our times, and others were extant in the days of our fathers ; the most
remarkable of those now extant are the following: —

1. A glossary, explaining the difficult words in his native language.
This glossary is, by some antiquarians, supposed to be written by

Cormac mac Art, monarch of Ireland, in the middle of the third century
after our Lord Jesus Christ ; but the number of words in this tract,
explained by, or derived from, the Latin, Greek, and Hebrew languages,
are presumptive proofs that the work could not have been written by
the last-mentioned author, unless we admit, that learning had arrived to
a much higher pitch in Ireland at this early period, than some persons
are willing to allow.

2. The Psalter of Cashel. This was a collection of Irish Records, iu
prose and verse, transcribed from more ancient documents, such as the
Psalter of Tarah, &c. It contained also many original pieces, some of
them written by Cormac himself. This book was extant in Limerick, in
the year 1712, as appears by a large folio MS. in the Irish language, pre-
served in the library of Cashel, written in Limerick in that year, and
partly transcribed from the original Psalter of Cashel. The writer of this

Ixi

account was indulged with a perusal of the Cashel MS. by his Grace thf
present Archfjishop. The original Psalter of Cashel was long supposed
to be lost, but it is now said to be deposited in the British Museum.

Several poems ascribed to Cormac Mac Cuillionan are preserved in
the libraries of Trinity College, and of William Monck Mason, Esq.
and in the collection of the Assistant Secretary. Some of these poems
are historical, and some are on religious subjects. One of them contains
his will. We forbear giving a particular account of each poem, as they
are not illustrative of the history or antiquities of our country.

Lxxxv. At the same time Avith Cormac Mac Cuillionan, lived Sealb-
HACH, the Secretary of that prince. He wrote a poem, reciting the names
of the Saints of Ireland, and distinguishing the tribes to which each Saint
belonged. It begins " ^1dom ^ecoicrty r)Ciofn Infe pail," " The sacred pedi-
gree of the Saints of Ireland."

This poem is by some writers ascribed to Cormac, but is more gene-
rally attributed to Sealbhach.

Copies of it are in the library of Trinity College, Dublin ; in the
collections of William Monck Mason, Esq. and in that of the Assistant
Secretary to this Society.

A. D. 941.

Lxxxvi. CoRBMACAN EiGEAS flourished in the time that Donogh, son
of Flann Sionna, governed Ireland, and Muirceartach, son of Niall glun-
duhh (black-kneed) ruled the province of Ulster. He was chief poet of
Ulster, the friend and counsellor of Muirceartach, and his companion in
all his expeditions against the Danes, who then tyrannized over Ireland.
The Book of Invasions, by the O'Clerys, relates that Muirceartach,
after triumphing over the Danes in his own province, and at Dublin in
conjunction with the monarch, made a selection of his best troops, and
with them made a circuit of Ireland, in which the kings of the other
provinces, and the chiefs of districts, paid him tribute, and delivered
him hostages. Upon his return to Oileach, his own people of Cineal

Ixii

Eoj^haii advised him to go to Tarah, and demand hostages from Donogh,
the monarch. This he not only refused, but sent the hostages that were
given to him in his circuit, to Donogh, as the supreme governor of the
entire kingdom. The monarcli, highly gratified by this proof of loyalty in
Muirceartach, returned the hostages to him, as the most proper person to
keep what had been delivered into his hands. To commemorate this
circuit, and the mighty deeds of his prince, Corbmacan wrote his poem
of two hundred and fifty-six verses, beginning " Ql COTj^ced/t-cnj meic
^leiU fldi(t, )<o gabcdy gidllu Iny-e pdil," " Oh Muirceartach, son of worthy
Niall, thou who hast received hostages from Falia's Isle."

Tn this poem the poet extols the noble actions of his king, and declares
him superior to CuchuUin, Fergus mac Roigh, Curaoi mac Daire, and
other heroes of antiquity. From the extraordinary merit of this poem,
we cannot but re"ret that more of this author's works have not come
into our hands.

A copy of this poem is preserved in the O'Clerys' Book of Conquests,
and in the pedigree of the once royal family of O'Neill, in the hands of
the Assistant Secretary.

A. D. 958.

Lxxxvii. FiNNSNEACHTA O'CuiLL, chicf poct of Munstcr, died this year,
according to the Amials of the Four Masters. Of the number and nature
of his works, or where they are now to be found, we can at present say
nothing. Perhaps some of them may be in the library of Trinity Col-
lege, amongst the great heap of Irish manuscripts that are not described
in the catalogue.

A. D. 9T5.

Lxxxviii. CiNAETH O'Hartigan, a famous Irish poet, died this year.
Tigernach, the Annalist, relates his death in these words: " Cinciec:
Ji. })<Xj\zixcca]r) p;tiiT) eiccey leite Chr,n n)o;ticu;i," " Cinaeth O'Hartagan,

Ixiii

chief of the learned of Leath Chuhin, (Conns half, or Northern division
of Ireland) dies."

Some entire poems, the works of this author, have come down to our
titnes, and many quotations from others are preserved in ancient MSS.
of great celebrity. His poem of one hundred and eight verses, begin-
ning " boman, butaiD dlai)i6e," " World, transitory beautiful," gives a
description of the beauty of the hill, and splendour of the palace of
Tarah, in the days of Cormac mac Art, otherwise called Corniac ulfada,
(long-beard), and although only seven hundred and twenty-one years
had elapsed, from the ascension of Cormac, A. D. 254, until the death
of Cinnaeth, A. D. 975, it appears, that in his days the palace no
longer existed, and the hill had become a desert, overgrown with grass
and weeds. This gave occasion for the moral reflection with which the
author commences his work.

This poem is preserved in the O'Clerys' Book of Invasions.

2. A poem of ninety-six verses, beginning "■ Su7i6 b'ei|-it) 6c( rniftiednmctfi,"
" Here of the Easa's if we explain." This gives the popular account of
the origin of the name of Rath Easa, in Meath.

3. A poem of seventy-six verses, beginning " Qlcclill poft dice Cectmaifi,"
" Acaill, near to Tarah," upon the origin of the name of Dumha Earc^
near Tarah, in Meath.

4. A poem of fifty-two verses, beginning " ■?[)! ym ct B^itjj fnic '^liioig,"
" There is the palace of the son of Anoig." This poem gives the origin
of the names of the palace of the son of Anoig, Inbher Colpa, &c.

5. A poem of seventy-two verses, beginning " bd he\^ mdiyi bonrt mndili,"
" If bloom be given to women," upon several remarkable women of
antiquity, and places called after them.

These poems are all inserted in the Dinn Seanchas ; a perfect copy of
which is in the possession of Sir William Betham, and an imperfect copy
in the Book of Leacan, and another in possession of the Assistant Se-
cretary.

6. A poem, beginning " bo ItjS Olioll lyii) cdiUiij," " OlioU fell in the
wood." This poem gives the names of places where several of the Irish
kings and heroes died. A copy of it is preserved in a vellum MS. belong-
ing to William Monck Mason, Esq. written in the year 1487, and another
copy is in the collection of the Assistant Secretary.

Ixiv

A. D. 980.

Lxxxix. Mac Giolla Caoimh, a poet, flourislied in the time ol' Brian
Boroimhe and of Cian, son of Maolmhuaidh, chief of the Eugenians of
Cashel, king of south Munster, and son-in-law of Brian. This poet
lived for some years after the battle of Clontarf, fought on Good Friday,
in the year 1014. We have met with but two poems ascribed to this
author.

1st. A poem of forty-four verses, beginning "Uatfndft cm oibce dtiocc,'"
" Dreadful the night, this night." It is the lamentation of the poet after
Cian, Brian, and his son Morogh.

2d. A poem of one hundred and eight verses, beginning ")?ciic f?aitlec(o
Ctj/ic y Cian," '' Raithlean's Rath of Core and Cian," upon the deserted
state of Rath Raithlean and other Palaces, after the death of Core, Cian
and other Momonian princes.

These poems are preserved in the Pedigrees of the spreading Branches
of the Stock of Heber, in the Munster Book, in possession of the As-
sistant Secretary.

A. D. 984.

xc. Eochaidh O'Floinn, a celebrated poet and historian, died this
year. He wrote several poems in his native lauguage, which are pre-
served in ancient MSS. of great respectability, particularly the Books of
Glendaloch, Ballimote, and Leacan, the Dinn Seanchas, Book of Inva-
sions, Keating's History of Ireland, &c. &c. &c.

The followina: are the most remarkable and best known of this author's
works :

1. A poem of two hundred and twenty-four verses, interlined with a
Gloss, upon the Invasion of Ireland, by Partholan, giving an account of
the place from which he first set out for Ireland j the places he stopped

Ixv

at in his passage ; ihe period at which he arrived in Ireland ; the chief
persons that accompanied him in his expedition ; the invasion of the
Fomorians ; the number of their ships and people; and the battle of
Magh Ith, fought between them and Partholan's people. This poem
begins " pdftrolcdi, Ccincty- caiwcc," '' Partholan, from whence came he."
It is inserted in the O'C'lerys' Book of Invasions, in possession of the
Assistant Secretary.

2. A poem, interlined with a gloss, one hundred and four verses, on
the colonization of Ireland, first by Ceassar, and again by Partholan,
2:ivin£: an account of the times in which both these colonies arrived in
Ireland, the number and names of Joughs and rivers discovered in Ireland
in the time of Partholan, and the death of the entire colony. This
poem begins " Ql coemd cl^ CT,r)t> coeifn^eing," " Oh ye learned of the
plain of mild and generous Conn." It is to be found in the O'Clerys'
Book of Invasions already mentioned in different places of this ac-
count.

3. A poem of twenty-eight verses, upon the division of Ireland
betweeen the four sons of Partholan, marking the places where the
boundaries of each met.

This poem begins " Ceaijiaji rode ha. gjtiBod, gloft," " Four sons, who
were fierce, clamorous." It may be found in the first volume of Doctor
Keating's History of Ireland, published by Barlow, in its original lan-
guage, with a literal translation by the late Mr. William Haliday, a
young gentleman of extraordinary talent, whose early death is an irre-
parable loss to Irish literature.

4. A poem of sixty-eight verses, giving the names of the Druids,
Artists, &c. that accompanied Partholan to Ireland.

This poem begins " f^o bo wait <ii) rnr^riziji fnoi^i," " Good were the great
family." It is in the collection of the Assistant Secretary.

5. A poem of fifty-six verses upon the destruction of Conaing's tower,
and the battles fought between the Fomorians and Nemethians.

This poem begins " Cogail zr,^ Cojjuins ^^ "5oil>" " Destruction of the
tower of Conaing by valour." It is inserted in the O'Clerys' Book of
Invasions.

Ixvi

6. A poem of one hundred and ninety-six verses, interlined with a glos*.
In this poem Eochaidh mentions the creation of Adam, and the time that
elapsed from that era to the time that Ceassar is said to have landed
in Ireland; the number of years that expired between the universal deluge
and the colonization of Ireland by Partholan; and the interval between
the destruction of the Partholanian colony, by the plague, and the arrival
of Nemeth. He then gives an account of the Nemethian colony, of their
coming from Scythia, and their passage to Ireland; and recounts the
number of their ships, and the names of their leaders. The transactions
of the Nemethians after their landing in Ireland are then related; such as
the clearing of several plains, by cutting down the timber with which the
country was overgrown ; the discovery of lakes and rivers; the hardships
and oppression they suffered from the Fomorians ; the battles they fought
with them, and the destruction of Conaing's tower; the return of part
of the colony to Greece, and the emigration of another part into Britain,
under Britan, the bald, from whom that country is said to derive its
name.

This poem begins " ei;<e oil 0Tjri6»iir '^do^b\],^' " Erin grand, where rule
the Gaels," It is preserved in the Book of Invasions, by the O'Clerys,
and in other MSS. in possession of the Assistant Secretary.

7. A poem, with an interlined gloss, beginning " hCjie co nutiill co niot)-
Tictib," " Eire, by excellence and force of arms." A copy of this poem,
containing seventy-two verses, without a gloss, is in the Book of Invasions,
inserted in the Book of Leacan, fol. 11, column 2. There is another
copy in the O'Clerys' Book of Invasions, accompanied by a gloss inter-
lined, but in this copy there are only sixty verses.

8. A poem of sixty-eight verses, giving the names of the principal
leaders that came with the sons of Melisius to Ireland, and also the names
of the places where several of them died.

This poem begins " CoiY-fccb rid 10105^1 6cJ;t \ej\," " Chiefs of this fleet
across the sea." An entire copy of this poem is preserved in the Book of
Leacan, fol. 12, col. 2, and ascribed to Eochaidh O'Floinn. In the
Book of Invasions, by the O'Clerys, an extract is given from this jjoem,
which they attribute to Flann of Bute.

Ixvii

9. A poem of seventy-two verses, with an interlined gloss, upon the
accession of Sobbairce and Cearmna Fionn to the throne of Ireland,.
A. M. 30i.5, the partition of the island between them, and upon the
raths or forts erected by them, or that were called after them ; particu-
larly those of Diin Sobhairce, now called Carrickfergus, in the North,
and Diin Cearmna, now Kinsale, in the South of Ireland.

This poem begins " but) Sobaijice, 6it(o fluctj lin," " Sobhairce's Fort,
shield of a numerous host." It is preserved in the Book of Invasions
by the O'Clerys, and in the Book of Leacan, fol. 15, col. 3. In
the first of these MSS. the taxi is accompanied by a copious gloss,
without which it could not be easily understood. In the last-mentioned
MS. the text alone is given.

10. A poem of three hundred and twenty-eight verses, with an inter-
lined gloss, upou the Invasion of Ireland by the sons of Golamh, or
Milesius, and the kings of his race, who governed Ireland from the first
landing of the Milesian colony,. A. M. 2935, to the time of Aengus,
{OUmhuchach, or Ollhhuadhach (All-extinguishing, or All-conquering),
in A. M. 3150). The name of each king is recited, an account given
of the plains cleared by them, of the lakes that sprung up, and the
rivers that began to fiow in their times, and of the battles in which they
were engaged.

A copy of this poem is given by the O'Clerys in their Book of In-
vasions. It commences " Ccyib oe,- eccM ciiSin6," " Hearken ye
people of delightful wisdom." There is another copy in the Book of
Leacan, fol. 14. col. 2. but this copy wants the Gloss, and contains only,
three hundred and twelve verses.

11. A poem of one hundred and eighty-eight verses, with an interlined
gloss, giving an account of the building of the palace of Emania, in
Ulster, (now Ardmagh) by Cimbaeth, king of that province, A. M. 3596 •
the kings that ruled there, from the time of Cimbaeth to the reign of Conor
Mac Nessa, cotemporary with our Lord Jesus Christ, and from the death,
of Conor, to the destruction of Emania by the three Collas, immediately,
after the battle of Achadh-leith-dearg, in which they defeated and slew
FerguK fogha, king of Ulster, A. D. 331. It also gives the names of tlie-
provincial kings of Ulster, who became monarchs of Ireland.

Ixviii

This poem is given by <he O'Glerj's in their Book of Invasions,
and in the Book of Leacan, fol. 16. col. 1. This last copy has no
Gloss. The poem begins " Gmr,i) ^obr\^c aibinb," " Well armed, delight-
Rmania."

12. A poem of fifty-six verses, giving the names of the twenty-five
sons of Ugaine Mor, or Hugony the Great, monarch of Ireland; an
account of the partition of the country between them, and the districts
that fell to the share of each son.

This poem begins " Ugoine, uccllac, <xmj\tx," " Hugony, learned, illus-
trious." It is to be found in the Book of Leacan, fol. 16, col. 4, and in
the O'Clerys' Book of Invasions.

13. A poem of seventy-two verses, which gives the names of the fifteen
kings that reigned over the province of Ulster, from the time of Cim-
baeth to that of Conor, son of Nessa, and the number of years that
each king reigned; speaks of the building of Emania, and the number
of kings that reigned there from the time of Conor, son of Nessa, to
the destruction of that palace by the three Collas, sons of Eochaidh
Doimhlein, and grandsons of Cairbre Liffeachar, monarch of Ireland.

This poem begins " Cmhaet, clerce noc n Cmntt," " Cimbaeth, protector
of the poets of Emania." It is preserved in the Book of Invasions,
inserted in the Book of Leacan, fol. 16. col. 3.

14. A poem of two hundred and thirty-two verses, on the creation of
the world ; the names and ages of the Patriarchs who lived before the
general deluge ; the building and dimensions of Noah's ark; the deaths
of Noah and his sons ; the building of the Tower of Babel ; the confusion
of languages, and the settlement of Niui,l, son of ¥en\vs Jursaidh, in
Egypt.

This poem begins " Qiia\n cede cofnps nifne," " Father of all who
measurest the heavens." A very ancient copy of this poem is to be found
in a vellum MS. the property of Sir William Betham, and another copy
on vellum, written in the 13th century, is in the collection of the As-
sistant Secretary.

There is another poem that by some persons is attributed to this author,
beginning " Hlig oci loc ^n locf <t ieaf," " King of lakes, this southern

Ixix

lake ;" but it is by others, perhaps more properly, ascribed to Flann of
Bute. It is to be found in the Dinn Seanchas.

A. D. 990.

xci. Tighernach the Annalist, under the year 990, records the death
of Urard Mac Coise, in these words, " Ufi£i;i6 mac Coiye p|<im ecccj-
5cioi6il 6'ecc :df\ mhucx\6 tlit/iijemoiiie <t ccluctin meic noi|-," " Urard Mac
Coisi, the first learned of the Gathelians, died, after great penance, in
Cluain-macnois." He wrote

1. A poein beginning " ClOoely-eclrtin f inyed/i '^<io^bl\,''^ " Maolseachlaiun,
elder of the Gael, or Gathelians."

2. A poem of eighty-eight verses, upon the death of Sean Fergal
O'Ruairc, king of Conaght, who was killed A. D. 961, by Congalach,
lord of Breagh and Cnoghba in Meath.

This poem begins " h^\6na.i: oUttm bei-f 5 )ii," " Sorrowful the poet
after his king." It is to be found in the collection of the Assistant Se-
cretary.

3. A poeni) beginning " OOd/itctin br,z n. ^OJi<^\f^b peil," " May you live,
Oh generous lorard," is ascribed to this author ; but as it is addressed to
himself, it is more likely it was written by some of his cotomporaries.

The Four Masters, under the year 1023, record the death of an Erard
Mac Coisi ; but from the poem on the death of Fergal O'Buairc^ ahove-i
mentioned, written immediately after the fall of that king in 964, when
the writer must have been a man of full age, it would appear the Erard
of the Four Masters, and the Urard of Tighernach, were two distinct
persons. The Erard who died in Anno 1023, is said to have been the
Secretary of Maolseachlaiun, and was perhaps the author of the poem
beginning " CPdodfcclain yiiiyion gcCoibil," which we have above given to
the Mac Coisi of whom we are now speaking.

Ixx

A. D. 1008.

xcii. The Four Masters, under this year, record the death of Clothnk,
son of Angus, chief poet of Ireland in his time. Some poems attributed
to him are in the library of Trinity College.

A. D. 1009.

xcrii. Mal Suthain O'Carroli,, lord of the Eoganachts of Lough
Lein, one of the people (Monks) of Inisfallen, the most learned of the
western world, died this year, according to the Four Masters. He is said
to be the first writer of the annals of Inisfallen.

A. D. 1015.

xciv. Mac Liag, Secretary to Brian Boroimhe, monarch of Ireland,
died this year, according to the annals of the Four Masters, who record
his death in these words, " CDcic lidcc, .i. COr,^cetXf\zac, mac Gof)cec(;icctic,
txpb olltifn e;tetxn6 <J)i can pi) 6ecc," " Mac Liag, i. e. Muirkeartag^h, son of
Conkeartach, at that time chief doctor (professor) of Ireland, died." He
was author of the following works :

1. " ledbcCji oifti-i' iX^cif txMldi dft cogcdifi dgcty d/i crfrcdb Ciflionb," " A
book of Chronologv and Annals on the wars and battles of Ireland." This
book, notwithstanding its title, is confined to an account of the battles of
Munster, during the time of Brian Boroimhe. A fine copy, written in
1710, by John Mac Solly, a celebrated scribe, and native of Cig callctm,
or Stickallen, near Slane, in the county Meath, is in the collection of
the Assistant Secretary.

Ixxi

2. A Life of Brian Boroimlie, An extract from tliis work was given
by the late General Valancey, in the first edition of his Irish Grammar.

3. A poem of one hundred and sixty verses, beginning " bi mac dedc
60 cijj oCbdy," " Twelve sons descended from Cas," upon the descendants
of Cas, son of Conall Each luafh, king of Munster, A. D. 366.

4. A poem of thirty-two verses, beginning " b^ mctc beag Cbineiftic
C1J16," " Twelve sons of chaste Cinneide," giving an account of the
twelve sons of Kennedy, father of Brian Boroimhe.

These poems are in the collection of the Assistant Secretary, in the
hand-writing of John Mac Solly, mentioned above.

5. A poem of forty-four verses, beginning " ?l Ch\ri-cof\ab cc(i6i 6ftian,"
" Oh Cinn-coradh, where is Brian," upon Cinn-coradh, the palace of
Brian Boroimhe.

This beautiful and pathetic poem was written by Mac Liag, after the
death of Brian, in which the author laments the loss of that hero, and
other illustrious chiefs that used to resort to his hospitable mansion. It
is preserved in the library of John Mac Namara, Esq. in a volume of
very valuable poems, collected in the Netherlands in the year 1650, by
Nicholas, alias Fergal O'Gara, a friar of the order of Saint Auo-ustine
who, after finishing his studies in Spain, returned to Ireland, where he
was highly respected, and in the days of Cromwell left his native land
with many others, and retired to Lisle. Another copy is in the collection
of the Assistant Secretary.

6. A poem, beginning " Qh^an ccJinicc zr,z\m 6^idir)," " Westward came
the fall of Brian."

7. A poem of twenty verses, beginning " Ipabd Celt ^iit) aiBnej-," " Long
to be without delight." This short poem was written by the author when
he had retired to Itiye gall, (the Hebrides) after the death of Brian
Boroimhe ; and in it he bitterly laments his absence from Ceann-coradh,
and his want of the pleasures lie was there accustomed to enjoy.

The two last-mentioned poems are in the collection of the Assistant
Secretary, in the hand-writing of John Mac Solly.

The Four Masters, in recording the death of this writer, give two
ranns, which they say were the first and the last that were written by
him.

Ixxii

First Rami :

" COr,j\cCj\zd<: becc mdc mctil cec(;it;ctc. bdl dc lotijdine net mbo
^[^e &■(■ in6;tc(ic ndc dy lomldic. Cab^ i-geatittb pmbjittip 60.'

Last Rami :
" /Jl cItjcc dcct 1 ci)i6 md&ai/ic. 60 cij- w oeccdic ccCjtdicc
go 6or)e C(X 60 61W5 bccng. d^ 6ic ycinced;! drj yaUij."

A. D. 1020.

xcv. About this time Donogh, son of Brian Boroihme, carried on a
dispute witli lorard, or Erard Mac Coise, Secretary to the monarch Maol-
seachloinn, in which Donogh endeavours to shew that his father and the
Munster troops were superior to Maolseachloinn and his followers. A
poem, of one hundred and ninety-two verses, upon this subject, ascribed
to Donogh, has come down to our times, a copy of which is in the col-
lection of the writer of this account. It begins " p;te50ift tr\e\f\, <x fnic
Coif 1 !" " Answer me, Oh Mac Coisi."

A. D. 1023.

xcvi. The Four Masters, under this year record the death of Erard
Mac Coisi, the chief historian of Ireland, in these words, " e,id;t6 OiDdc
Coi|-e ft^ibcftoinicio 11a iigdoibedl 6'ecc bi Ccluair) mac f^Ioiy- i^ toeig bedtct."
" Erard Mac Coisi, Chief Chronicler of the Gaels^ died in Ckiain-mac-
Nois, after a good life."

From the similarity of names between this author and the Urard Mac
Coisi, mentioned under the year 990, and Cluain-mac-Nois being men-
tioned as tiie place where both died, some antiquuricins have supposed
them to be the same person. But this is improbable, though not impossible.

Ixxiii

Urard Mac Coisi, who, Tighernach says, died in the year 990, was poet to
Ferglial O'Ruairc, king of Conaght, who was killed A. D. 961. Urard
should be therefore near one hundred years old, if he lived to the year
1023, Avhen Erard Mac Coisi died, according to the Four Masters, and
Consequently, would be unable to carry on a literary contest with Donogh,
son of Brian Boroimhe, which we are assured Erard Mac Coisi, Secretary
to Maolseachlainn, did. These circumstances considered, it may be fair
to conclude that they were two distinct persons, and that Erard who died
in 1023, was the real author of the poem beginning " COctoil^'ettiloin ^iiifec()t
5(toi6eal," attributed to Urard Mac Coise, who died A. D. 990.
See A. D. 990.

A. D. 1024.

cxvn. Clan O'Lochain, the most learned and celebrated antiquarian
and liistorian of Ireland, in his time, was killed in Teathbha this year,
according to the concurrent testimonies of the annals of Tighernach, Inis-
fallen, and the Four Masters. His talents and his virtues were so highly
appreciated by his countrymen, that he was made joint regent of Ireland
with Corcran Cleireach, (a clergyman) after the death of Maolseachlainn.
He was autlior of the following much esteemed pieces :

1. A poem of one hundred and eighty-eight verses, beginning " Cea-
roaifi zoi,a «ci ruulac," " Tarab, choice of hills," upon the splendor of
the royal palace of Tarah, in the tin>2 of Cormac Mac Art, monarch of
Ireland, A. D. 2.50.

A copy of this poem is given in the Book of Invasions, by the O'Clerys,
and other copies are in the Dinn Seanchas, in an old vellum MS. be-
longing to Sir William Betham, and in the Book of Leacan.

2. A poem of one hundred and forty-eight verses, beginning " Qipn
din idodf dn rede, i,- me dn ro leocain laibedc,"' " Oh praiseworthy nsan,
who closest the house, I am the poetic O'Lochan," upon the royal rights
and privileges of the monarch and provincial kings of Ireland.

Ixxiv

Copies of this poem are preserved in the Book of Leacan, in an ancient
vellum MS. the property of Sir William Betham, and in the collection,
of the Assistant Secretary.

3. A poem of fifty-six verses, beginning " Sa.en <i\m SiDOd fdigid udim,"
" Noble name of Shanon, hear from me," upon the origin of the name
of the river Shanon.

This poem is to be found in the copies of the Dinn Seanchas, in the
Book of Leacan, fol. 188, col. 2, in Sir William Betham's large vellum.
MS. and in the Assistant Secretary's collection.

A. D. 1030.

xcviii. CuMAKA, son of Mac Liag, chief poet of Ireland, died this,
year. We are not able to say where any of his works are now to be
found.

A. D. 1041.

xcix. Tighernach, the annalist, records the death of the son of Ainm-

niRE, a judge, this year, in these words: '^COa.c'^Umip.e'^lj\bb]\e]t)omQlnb^
Amacd, ccAf zr^ie eolaif e^iiorj 6|cc," " The son of Ainmhire, chief judge
of Ardmagh, and flood of knowledge, or science, of Ireland, died."

We cannot, at present, point out where any of this author's Morks are
to be found.

A. D. 1048.

c. Cennfaoladh O'Cuill, ollamh (professor) of Munster, died this
year. He wrote a poem of one hundred and sixty verses, beginning
^'Ceac -fu^kt) t)rt boftcjta rt Of/^b tidjt," " House of rest, of sorrow in the west,"

Ixxv

on the death of Eogan (Owen) grand nephew of Brian Boroimhe, who
was killed in a battle fought in Ossory, in the year 1027.
Copy in the library of John Mac Namara, Esq.

A. D. 1050.

CI. Coleman O'Seasnan flourished about this time. He was author of,
Ist. a poem of three hundred and twenty-eight verses, beginning " Cl(iJi6
oUamdnrdifle edmna," " Children of poets, the nobles of Emania," on the
palace of Emania, and the Christian kings and nobles of Ulster. 2d. A
poem, beginning " ettnir;n alamb ^fiuf UltJd," " Beautiful Emania, mansion
of Ulster," gives an account of thirty-four Ulster kings that reigned in
Emania, from the time of its foundation by Cimbaeth to the time of its
final destruction. Copies in the Book of Ballimote in the library of the
Royal Irish Academy.

A. D. 1056.

cii. Flann Mainistreach, or Flann, Abbot of the monastery of Bute,
died in the month of December this year. He was author of several
poems, of which the following are the most remarkable :

1. A poem of one hundred and sixty verses, beginning " Gt^z\6, <x
eolcd ce» on," " Attend, oh ye learned without reproach," on the deaths
of the most remarkable of the Tuatha-de-dannans, and the places where
they died.

This poem is preserved in the Book of Leacan, fol. 28, col. 1. and in
the Book of Invasions by the O'Clerys.

2. A poem of one hundred and forty-eight verses, Avith an interlined
gloss, beginning " J^ij Cectfnjict 6ict ze-fbanb oiu," " Kings of Tarah, who
were active in life," gives the names of the monarchs of Ireland from

Ixxvi

Eochaidh Feilioch, who began to reign A. M. 3922, to the death of Da-
thy, at the foot of the Alps, A. D. 428, and also an account of their deaths.

Copies of this poem are to be found in the Book of Leacan, fol. 24,
col. 4, and in the O'Clerys' Book of Invasions. The Leacan copy has no
gloss.

3. A poem of two hundred and eight verses, beginning " J?i5 Cectm-
T\a cdofcdjAe irt/i ccctin," " Kings of Tara afterwards joined," giving an ac-
count of the names and deaths of the Christian Monarchs of Ireland,
from Laogaire, whose reign began A. D. 429, to the death of Maol-
seachlainn the 2d, A. D. 1022.

Copies of this poem are preserved in the Book of Leacan, fol. 25,
col. 1, and the O'Clerys' Book of Invasions.

4. A poem of one hundred and thirty verses, beginning " COtjiicfft
pdzzfid^cc 1)0. ppdiccett^," " Family of Patrick of the prayers," gives
an account of Saint Patrick's household, and the names of the persons
who filled different offices under him.

A copy of this poem is in the collection of the Assistant Secretary, Ln
the hand-writing of John Mac Solly.

5. A poem of one thousand two hundred and twenty verses, beginning
" ??eibi5 barn <l t)he 6o mm," " Prepare for me, oh God of Heaven,"
on the emperors, kings, and other sovereigns of the Assyrians, Persians,
Grecians, Ronians, &c. from the days of Ninus, to the time of the emperor
Theodosius.

Copies of this poem are preserved in the Book of Leacan, fol. 20,
col. 2.; in Sir William Betham's large vellum MS. and in the collection
of the Assistant Secretary,

6. A poem of seventy-two verses, beginning " Qizo. fuvb fencuf nctc
v-uctiU," " Here is a history not mean," on the taxes or tributes payable
to the princes of Tirconnell, and the subsidies paid by them to their
subordinate chiefs.

An ancient copy of this poem is in the collection of John M'Namara,
of Sandymount, Esq. and another in that of the Assistant Secretary.

7. A poem of seventy-two verses, beginning '' Qi hrka,\ji. ttccl rtijt 6o
l<l;t," " Oh book, there is on thy page," on the rights and privileges
of the kings of Oiligh and Cineal Conaill, the O'Neills and 0'Donells»

Ixxvii

Copies of this poem are in the collections of the Rev. Doctor O'Brien,
professor of Irish in the Royal College of Maynootli ; John M'Namara,
of Sandymount, Esq, and the Assistant Secretary of this Society.

8 A poem of two hundred and thirty-two verses, beginning " ConccU
cirjngid cloir)6e ^leill," " Conall, hero of the race of Niall," in praise of
Conall Guiban, son of Niall of the nine hostages, who conquered a
settlement in Ulster for himself and three of his brothers, Owen, Cairbre,
and Banna. From this hero, the district called Tir-Conel, or Conall's
country, is named, which anciently comprehended the present counties
of Donegall and Londonderry. The bounds of Tirconnel are set out in
the poem, and fifty battles fought by Conall in different parts of Ireland,
are enumerated. This poem is by some writers attributed to Flann
Mac Lonain.

Another poem on the same subject, and beginning with the same
words, written by Giolla Brighide Mac Coinmhidhe, appears in the
account of that author's works, under the year 1350.

A fine copy of this poem is in the manuscript collection of the Rev.
Doctor O'Brien, Irish professor in the Royal College of Maynooth.

9. A poem of one hundred and twenty-four verses, beginning " 21
eolcct Con<till ceoldij," " Oh ye learned of musical Conall," on Dalach,
Chief of Tirconall, from whose grandson Donald, the noble family of
O'Donell derive their name, as they are also called Clann Dalaigh, or .sons
of Dalach, from himself. From this poem it appears that Dalach was the
youngest of the five sons of Muircheartach, prince of Tirconell, the tenth
in descent from Conall Guiban, son of Niall, of the nine hostages. It
is shown that Dalach was a man of great wealth, and purchased the
chiefry of his tribe from his elder brothers.

Copies of this poem are in the manuscript collections of the Rev.
Doctor O'Brien, and of the Assistant Secretary.

10. A poem of forty-eight verses, beginning " CcCi/ipfte, Cocchctn, CnbX
eim," " Cairbre, Owen, active Enna," on the territories or portions of
land possessed by four of the sons of Conall Guiban, son of Niall of the
nine hostages. The boundaries of each son's land is set out, and the
names of their several districts given. This poem is also attributed to
Giolla Brighde Mac Coinmhidhe.

Ixxviii

Copies in possession of the Rev. Doctor O'Brien, and of the Assistant
Secretary.

11. A poem of one hundred and eighty verses, beginning " CnO., bctlcct
Ctti/tpjie c;iucHb," " Enna, ward of valiant Cairbre," on the descendants
of Fergus, and Earc, tlie daughter of Loarn, king of Scotland. This is
by some ascribed to Loughlin, son of Teige og O'Daly.

Copies in the collections of Doctor O'Brien, and of the Assistant Se-
cretary.

12. A poem of eighty-eight verses, beginning " Cifcij p.e Gondii cdlmct,"
" Attend ye to valorous Conall," on the dispute between Owen, ancestor
of the O'Neills, and Conall, founder of theO'Donell family.

Copies of this poem are in the collections of Doctor O'Brien and the
Assistant Secretary.

13. A poem, beginning " ?lc£t f r)i6 ftrlldb rxi /1105," " Here is a cata-
logue of the kings."

14. A poem of fifty-six verses, beginning " I6i;< gac obafji ^gjiiobdy, «xv)
roanac 1o|-elinu|-," " Between every work that the monk Joceline writes."
This poem is on the family of the O'Donells, whose great ancestor Conall
as Joceline tells us, in the 138th chapter of his Life of St. Patrick, re-
ceived a particular blessing from our Apostle.

Copy in the manuscript collection of the Rev. Doctor O'Brien, and in
that of the Assistant Secretary.

Some of these last- mentioned poems are, by some writers, ascribed to
Giolla Brighide Mac Coinmhidhe, and, by others, to Fergal Mac an
Bhaird, who lived long after the time of Flann.

See Mac Coinmhidhe, under the year 13^0.

A. D. 1064.

cm. The Blind O'Lonan, chief poet and historian of Munster, died
this year, according to the Annals of the Four Masters. We are not,
at present, able to say where any of his works are to be found.

Ixxix

A. D. 1065.

CIV. DuBiiDALEiTHE (Dudley), Archbishop of Ardmagh, died this year.
He was a man i» so high estimation, that in the year 988 he was ap-
pointed successor to St, Patrick and St. Columb Kille, by the general
consent of the people of Ireland and Scotland. In the year 1050, he
made a circuit of Cineal Conaill, and obtained three hundred cows from
the people of that country. He wrote Annals of Ireland, to his own time,
which are quoted in the Ulster Annals, under the years 962 and 1021,
and by the Four Masters, under the year 978.

cv. At this period flourished Donnchuach O'Fuathghaile, a Cleric,
who wrote a poem giving an account of the children of Adam and Eve,
of Noah and his sons, and of the tribes or nations sprung from each.
The poem consists of three hundred and ninety-two verses, beginning
** I^ettiij 6am d be 6o jjim," " Prepare for me, oh God of Heaven."

Copy in the Books of Leacan and Ballimote, and in the collection of
the Assistant Secretary.

A. D. 1067.

cvi. Tigernach, in his Annals under this year, records the death of
MoROGH O'Cairthe, a writer of Conaght, in these words, " COopcbct rCL
Ccii;t;i ajxb bjtaei dg^f <ijt6 ollam Coridcc bo b<ita6 a loc cdlgdid," " Morogh
O'Cairthe, Arch Druid, and Chief Professor of Conaght, was drowned in
Lough Calgaidh." The word b;idi in this passage, deserves the attention
of those who assert that Druidism was the established religion of Ireland,
before the introduction of Christianity. A fact which others deny, and
which cannot be proved from the use of the word b^ni, or b/tdoib, which'
means only a Sage, a Wise Man, a Philosopher, a Magician or Sorcerer.

Ixxx

A. D. 1072.

cviJ. GiOLLA Caoimhghin, a celebrated poet and historian, died this
year. He was author of the following poems ;

1. A poem of one hundred and seventy-two verses, beginning
" gctedal 5laj- o c^i6 gdeitiil," " Gaodal green, from whom Gathelians
sprung."

This poem gives the names of the ancestors of the chief line of the
Gaels, from the dispersion at Babel until their arrival in Spain. Copies
of it are to be found in the Books of Ballimote and Leacan, in the library
of the Royal Irish Academy, and in the Book of Invasions, and other
ancient MSS. in possession of the Assistant Secretary. One of these is
collated with some other copies, and the various readings marked in the
margin.

2, A chronological poem of six hundred and thirty-two verses, begin-
ning *' Ci/iiu tti;t6 inif T)tt ftij," " Noble Eire, Island of Kings."

This poem commences with an at-count of the first colonization of
Ireland, and gives the names of the monarchs, and the number of years
that each reigned \intil the coming of Saint Patrick, in the reign of
Laoghaire, A. D. 432. This was one of the principal documents on
which O'Flaherty founded his technical Chronology.

Six copies of this work are in possession of the Assistant Secretary.
One of them is on vellum, transcribed by Adam O'Cianan, a famous
scribe, in the year 14.50; and another, collated with other copies, and
the various readings noted, with a view to publication. Copies are also
in the Books of Ballimote and Leacan.

3. A poem of one hundred and fifty-two verses, beginning " Qlcd f un6
po/ibct ped^d," " Here is the finishing of information," on the Christian
kings of Ireland.

This poem is ascribed to Conaing O Maolconaire, by O'Flaherty, and
others. — See Conaing O'Maolconaire.

- 4. A poem of one hundred and ninety-two verses, beginning " Ql eolca
t^nea1) cii;t6e," " O ye learned of illustrious Krin," gives the names and
number of Milesian monarchs that reigned in Ireland, shewing from
which of the sons of Goiamh each king was descended, and which of

Ixxxi

them reigned alone, or were joined with others in the government. It
also gives the names of the kings who ruled in Ireland, of the Fir Bolg
and Tuatha-de-Danan race.

Copies of this poem are in the hands of almost every Irish scholar.
There are six copies in the collection of the Assistant Secretary, some of
them written on vellum, and of great antiquity.

5. A chronological poem of two hundred and twenty verses, beginnino-
" ?ln6dlcii6 cwall r,le,'" " All the annals down."

The time of this poem commences with the creation, and is carried
down to the year 1072, when the author wrote. The poet divides his
chronology into diiferent *ras, and gives the names of several memorable
persons who lived in each period.

There is a line copy of this poem preserved in an ancient vellum MS.
in possession of Sir William Betham, and another old copy in the collec-
tion of the Assistant Secretary.

A. D., 1088.

cviii. TiGERNACH, Abbot of Cluaiu-mac-nois, died this year. He wrote
annals of Ireland, from the reign of Cimbaeth, king of Ulster and
monarch of Ireland, A. M. 3596, to his own time. These annals are
partly in Latin and partly Irish, and were continued by Augustin M'Grath
to the year of Christ, 1405, at which time he died. A copy of the Annals,
and the continuation, are in the library of Trinity College, Dublin.
Another copy, with the continuation to the year 1163, is in the manuscript
collection of John M'Naniara, of Sandymount, Esq.

A. D. 1100.

cix. About this period flourished Maol Iosa, a Divine, who devoted
his pen to the service of religion. Two poems only of this author's works

Ixxxii

have come under our observation. The first consists of fifty-two verses,
beginning " 21 mo c6\mb\r nctm coimeft,*' " O my God, who art my pro-
tector."— In this poem the author begs of God to keep him from sin.
The second poem is an exhortation to keep the fasts prescribed by the
Church. It begins, " bid /^deine rji lon^u6;' " No feasting on Fridays."

These poems are preserved in a fine vellum manuscript in the library
of William Monck Mason, Esq. and copies are also in the collection of
the Assistant Secretary.

ex. About this time also lived Maelmuire O'Moirin. A hymn, com-
posed by him in his last sickness, is preserved in a beautiful vellum
manuscript, written in the year 1561, in the library of William Monck
Mason, Esq. It consists of forty-eight verses of an uncommon mea-
sure, beginning " 'Slilin) mo t>hia," " I beseech my God."

CXI. Cotemporary with the two last-mentioned authors was William
O'Hanley, who, like them, employed his time and talents in the service
of God and religion. A hymn, consisting of fifty-two verses, in the same
measure as that of Maelmuire O'Moirin, is preserved in the library of
William Monck Mason, Esq. and also in the collection of the Assistant
Secretary. It begins " '21iIto d) C;tir/<," " I beseech the Trinity."

A. D. 1136.

cxn. Tanaidhe O'Mulconaire, a celebrated historian and poet, died
this year. He was author of the two poems following :

1. A poem of forty-eight verses, beginning " pi/ibolg baza^ ■frr)ba fea\,'^
" The Firbolg they were here a while."

This poem treats of the Firbolg, who possessed Ireland before the arrival
of the Tuatha de Danan, and whose posterity remained in possession of a
great part of the island, until after the introduction of Christianity. It
gives the names of their kings, the number of years that each king
reigned, and the places where they died.

Ixxxiii

2. A poem of forty-four verses,^ beginning " Cuacd be (DcDicHrj po 6ic(-
roccifi," " The Tuatha de Danan were obscure."

This poem gives the names of the seven kings of the Tuatha de Danan
race, who ruled Ireland for a period of one hundred and ninety-seven
years. It also mentions the arrival of the Milesians in A. M. 2935.

Copies of both these poems are to be found in the Book of Invasions,
by the O'Clerys, in possession of the Assistant Secretary, and a copy of the
latter poem is in the Book of Conquests, or Invasions, preserved in the
Book of Leacan, fol. II, col. 3, in the library of the Royal Irish
Academy.

In the Book of Ballimote, fol. 18, a. col. 2, this writer is called
Tanaidhe O'Dubhsailech.

cxiii. Neide O'Maolconaire, another historian, of the same family as the
foregoing writer, died this year, according to Tigernach's continuator.
We have not met with any of his works.

A. D. 1138.

cxiv. CucHONACHT O'Daly, of Mcath, said by the Annalists to have
been the best poet of Ireland in his time, died this year. We are unable
to say where any of this author's works are to be found.

cxv. In this year also died Auliffe mor M'Firbis, Ollamh of Hy Fia-
chra. This author was of the family of M'Firbis of Lecan, and probably
one of the original compilers of the Record now known by the name of
the Book of Leacan.

A. D. 1143.

ex VI. GiollaModhuda O'Cassidy, otherwise called Dall Clairineach,
Abbot of Ardbraccan, in Meath, died this year. He was a very learned

Ixxxiv

man, a well-informed historian, and a famous poet. Of the works of
this author three poems only have come down to our times, all of which
are on the history of Ireland.

1. A poem, beginuiiio- " Cijtiu 05, ijiij- net iidom," " Sacred Erin, Isle of

Saints," gives a catalogue of the Christian monarchs of Ireland, from the

•reign of Looghaire, .4. D. 428^ to the death of Maoilseachlainn the

Second, A. D. 1022. It also gives the number of years that each king

reiirncd.

Four copies of this poem, some of them of great antiquity, are in the
MS. collection of the Assistant Secretary. They vary in the immber of
their verses from three hundred and fifty-two, to three hundred and sixty-
eight. The concluding rami of one of these copies shews that the
number of verses of which it was originally composed, was three hundred
and sixty.

" beic jionii occmojcib udim,

■Jliftmim ceji po;iCjiab cen pell
bo -co^b^^OX) z\\er\ C^ienb."

" Ten ranns*, and eighty from me
Of the ranns in the poem of Kings,
I number without excess, without falsehood,
That fell the mighty of Erin."

2. A poem of two hundred and four verses, containing a catalogue
of the monarchs of Ireland, shewing how many kings of each name
governed the country. It begios " Cr^be&f cornctnmdnb iia ^115," '" Becom-
ing the synonima of the kings,"

An ancient copy of this poem, on vellum, is in the collection of Sir
William Betham ; and another, transcribed in the year 1610, is in the
collection of the Assistant Secretary.

3. A poem consisting of three hundred and seventy-four ranns of irre-
gular verses, beginning " ?l6aiD den ttitlifi net nbtteine," " Adam only

* Each rann consists of four verses.

Ixxxr

father of men," is to be found in the Book of Leacan, fol. 198, a. col. 1.
The last rann but six, gives the year 1147 as the time in which the poem
was written; and the last rann but one says it was written by GioUa
Modhuda of Ardbracken. The general opinion is, that Giolla Modhudai
died in 1143, and if so, the date mentioned in this copy must be erro-
neous. There is a copy of this poem in a very ancient vellum manu-
script in possession of the Assistant Secretary, but as it wants a few
ranns in the latter end, the date cannot be ascertained by it.

This poem gives the names of the wives and mothers of the kings and
chiefs of Ireland of the Milesian race.

A. D. 1160.

cxvn. GioLLA NA NAOMH O'DuNN, died on the I8th of December in this
year. He was chief bard to the king of Leinster, and wrote many poems,
of which the following have come to our hands :

1. A poem of three hundred and ninety-two verses, beginning " QliBinb
■f\r) a Ci^tiu cci;i6," " Pleasant that, oh noble Erin," upon the tribes that
sprung from the sons of Milesius, and from Lughaidh, son of Ith, and
the districts possessed by tiiom.

Two copies of this poem ave in the liands of the Assistant Secretary,
one of them in a very ancient vellum MS, the other transcribed in the
year 1712, by John M'Solly, a native of Stickallen, in the county of
Meath.

2. A poem, beginning " Coigecib laijettn m leacz p^og," " Leinster, pro-
vince of the tombs of kings," two hundred and eighty verses, gives a
catalogue of the Christian kings of Leinster, and the number of years
each king reigned.

Copies of this poem are preserved in the books of Leacan and Balli-
mote. -'"

3. A poem of one hundred and twenty-eight verses, beginning " QUji-
Smlla a hearotti)).Ci)dca/' -" Qirgiallans, from Eamhain of M.acha,"' giving

Ixxxri

an account of the chief tribes descended from the three Collas, sons of
Cairbre Liflfeachair, monarch of Ireland, -vho was killed at the battle of
Gabhra Aichle, a small distance to the N. E. of Tara, in Meath, A. D.
296, after a reign of seventeen years.

A copy of this poem, in the hand-writing of James Maguire, A. D. 1708,
is in the collection of the Assistant Secretary.

4. A poem of two hundred and ninety-six verses, beginning " pioricKC
■j-edncdibe ffej\ Fpdil," " The historians of the men of Fail (Ireland)
testify," gives a catalogue of the Christian kings of Conaght.

5. A poem beginning " ?l cojgeab cdin Cai/tpjte cjtuai6," O beautiful
province of hardy Carby."

This poem is by some ascribed to Brogan, who flourished A. D. 526.

6. A poem beginning " Cjxuaca Cor)<icz j\at co fictii," " Cruachan of
Conaght, a fortress with prosperity," two hundred and ninety-six verses,
on the Christian kings of Conaght. It was written in A. D. 1150.

This poem is by some, perhaps more properly, ascribed to Torna O'Mul-
conaire, who flourished A. D. 1310.

Copy in the Book of Ballimote, fol. 37, b. col. 1.

cxviii. About this period also, flourished Aodh Ollabhar O'Carthach,
chief poet of Conaght. He was author of a poem, consisting of sixty-four
verses, beginning " Qiza fut)6 foidji va. pi j," " Here are the privileges of
the kings," on the rights and immunities of the M'Dei-motts, princes
of Moy-Luirg.

Copy in possession of the Assistant Secretary.

A.D. 1170.

cxix. Maurice O'Regan, a native of Leinster, was employed by Der-
mod Mc. Morogh, king of that province, as his ambassador to Strongbow,
Bobert Fitz-Stephen, and others of the English nobles^ to solicit their

Ixxxvii

aid in the recovery of his kingJom, from which he had been expelled by
Roderick O'Coiior, king of Conaghl, c*iui other Irish chiefs, for having
forcibly carried off Dervorgilla, ihe wife of Tighernan O'llourke, and
daughter of Maolseag.ilainii, king of Meath. He wrote, in his naiive ]an-
guai,e, a history of the Anglo-Norman invasion of Ireland, from the year
1168, to the siege of Limerick, in 1171. This was translated into French
verse by a gentleman, his cotemporary, from which a version was made
into Knglis.h by Sir George Carew, in the reign of Queen Elizabeth.
This latter translation is the tirst tract in Harris's Hibernica, published
in Dublin, 1770.

A. D. 1197.

cxx. The Annals of Munster record the death of Giolla Patrick
O'HuiDHiR, or O'Heidhir, a famous poet, on the I6th of December,
this year. He was superior of the convent of Inisfallen, and founder
of many religious houses. We are not at present able to say where any
of his works are to be found.

A. D. 1220.

cxxi. About this period flourished Conor O'Kelly. He was author
of a metrical History, or Pedigree, of his own Tribe, the O'Kelly's, chiefs
of Hv-Maine, an ancient district, now comprehended in the present
counties of Galway and Roscommon. Rev. Charles O'Conor^ in his
catalogue of Irish MSS. in the Marquis of Buckingham's library at.
Stowe, mentions a copy of this poem preserved in No. 16, fol. 62, of that
collection..

Ixxxviii

A. D. 1240.

cxxii. EoGHAN, or Owen M'Craith, son of Donogh mhaoil (the Bald),
flourished at this time. He was author of the following pieces :

1. A poem of forty-four verses, in answer to tlie poem No. 14 of
Donogh mor O'Daly's works, beginning " Sgt;^ bob biomuy d 6T7ne."
M'Craith's poem begins " Z^^eoJb f.oz <l pi/t nd buttiUe," " Plough before
thee, oh man of pride."

2. A poem in dispraise of the flesh, consisting of fifty-two verses, be-
ginning " Oilpm^t; 5<t)) ceiU tin colttn," " A beast without understanding
is the flesh."

Fine copies of these poems are in the collection of the Assistant Se-
cretary.

A. D. 1244.

cxxiii. DoNOGU MOR O'Dalv, Abbot of Boyle, a famous poet, who, for
the sweetness of his verses, was called the Ovid of Ireland, died this year.
He was author of many poems, of which the following have come within
our notice :

1. A poem of forty-eight verses, in praise of the Blessed Virgin Mary,
beginning " 6r,tDe t/^i-r;;^ fncltai|i rnic be," " Nurse of three, mother of the
son of God."

2. A hymn addressed to the Blessed Virgin, beginning " ?l Jirtofn OiDbr^/ie
<l fi[)dt(ti)t be," " O Holy Mary, O mother of God." •. Sixty verses.

3. A hymn of one hundred and eighty-four verses, addressed to the
Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, beginning " COctjitcliri bTjc d cjtoic <iT)
Choimbe," -' Hail to you, Oh CVoss of the Godhead."

4. A poem of seventy-six verses, on the vanity and instability of human
life, beginning " Ofz bo i^eafdf a i-dojal," " On thee I relied, O. world."

Ixxxix

5. A poem of one hundred and forty-four verses, on the goodness of
Godj and the merits of our Redeemer, beginnhig " bm bono jzeicedm ct(|<
ppedug r)5e/' " God be my defence against the wrath of God."

6. A poem of one hundred and forty-four verses, on the neglect of
Reh'gion, the punishment that attends the irreligious, and the necessity
of Penance, begins " Cttnuc ceo -ajt cl») cc/»ei6earn," " A cloud has come
over the Faith."

7. A poem of one hundred and twenty verses on tlie death of a person
of the name of Aongus, shewing that he was only lent for a while front
God to the world. It begins " "Sliji ict.^clcc puctftttj- 'Jlonguj-," " On a
loan 1 had Angus."

8. A penitential hymn of one hundred and twenty verses, beginniiig
" 'Jlit/tibe yuT) hmz tt 6e," " Repentance here to thee. Oh God."

9. A poem of one hundred and forty-eight verses, in praise of (5ie
Blessed Virgin Mary, beginning " pT^jeclU beiXridcz bjlu COr;j\e" " Pro-
mise of a Blessing, the womb of Mary." Thisjs sometimes attributed to
Giolla Brighide M'Coinmhidhe.

10. A prayer to the Deity, forty verses, beginning " C;(ei6im 6u\z d 6e
mme," " I believe in thee. Oh God of Heaven."

11. A poem of sixty-eight verses, on the necessity of reflecting that
we must die. It begins " 'St coltti) cugctb dn i)c(j-," " O body, to thee
belongs death."

12. A poem of sixty-four verses, in praise of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
It begins " Clu ncCc ccticedfi clu COrjjie," " Praise not exhausted, the praise
of aiary."

13. A poem of one hundred and thirty-six verses, in praise of God and
the kingdom of Heaven, beginning " biti bo c;tucctib gjnctoBjtrjg mm"
" God, who hast created the luminous palace of Heaven."

14. An exhortation to humility and amendment of life, fifty-two verses,
beginning " Sgrj^ 6o6 bfomdj- a b-rjTje," " Cease thy pride, O man."

15. A poem of twenty-four verses, in which the author declares he has
found all his desires in God. It begins " puflftctf micti), on fUAjxaf mid))."
" I have found my desire. Oh I liave found my love." This is by some
ascribed to O'Daly fionn.

16. A hynni to the Blessed Virgin Mary, forty-two verses, beginning
" Ofl Vict mbctii bciHicectr) nime," " Gold of women. Queen of Heaven."

1 7. On the Day of Judgment, and the signs by which it is to be pre-
ceded, one hundred and forty verses, beginning " S'^1^^ ^'f^S'^ lobncl <tr>
5titic(t," " Boisterous arise the arms of Judgment."

18. A poem addressed to our Lord and the Blessed Virgin, one hun-
dred and eighty-four verses, beginning " tocuctij yoilly-e ctig fiol Qlbaim,"
" Lamp of brightness to the seed of Adam."

19. On the Day of Judgment, the merits of Christ's sufferings, and
the intercession of the Blessed Virgin. This poem consists of two hun-
dred and twenty-four verses, beginning " ^^f p<l6<l pdifty-ing pobdl be,"
" Long extended are the people of God."

20. Upon our Lord Jesus Christ, two hundred and eighty-four verses,
beginning *' "^ahdm ftedcmdb ^ ndSnct," " Let us give tythe of our songs."

21. Upon the difference between heavenly and worldly riches, eighty
verses, begins " bo jniS dTjrje bid 6a mdom," " Man made a God of
his riches."

22. A poem of forty-eight verses, contains a prayer, beseeching grace
from God to lead a pious and holy life. It begins " Ce(t5<ti|-5 mei^i a.
meic mo "oe," " Instruct me, Oh Son of ray God."

23. A poem exhorting to penance, thirty-two verses, beginning " Cetoin
iu pel)) <x 6ir;ne bofc6," " Weep for thyself, Oh miserable man." This poem
is by some ascribed to Mahon O'Heffernan.

24. On the death and resurrection of the Son of God, two hundred
and twenty-eight verses, begins " €nrc\6 j\e m<ijibna}6 fnic be," " Hark ye
to the elegy of the Son of God."

25. A poem addressed to God Almighty, beseeching him for his grace,
and begging his mercy, forty-eight verses, beginning " toi;i m'tlfnjct/i a.
•Diet biJj," " Help my afHictions, Oh dear God."

26. A poem, in which the author laments the hardness of his heart,
and want of tears for his sins, twenty-four verses, beginning '' Cjiuctg mo
iujid-f go loc bedjtg," " Sorrowful my pilgrimage to liough Dearg."

27. A poem of twenty-four verses, on three that wished for his
death, the devil and his imps, and the worms. This poem begins " r^iu;t
<tcct dig l)|icii difi mo f>af," "Three there are that expect my death:"
Although the name of Donogh mor O'Daly appears on some of the

-copies of (his poem, there is reason to suspect that he was not the

author.

XCl

28. A poem of forfy-eight verses, beginning " |^1<t if^ei-^ mo cedgafs
(i meic," " Fly not from my instructions. Oh son!" an exhortation to
Christian piely.

Cop3' in the library of John Mac Namara, Esq.

29. A poem of one hundred and twenty verses, beginning " ^titftide
^un i>r,z ct (3be," " Here repentance to thee, oh God !" The poet
here acknowledges his sins and his unworthiness, and begs forgiveness
and niercy from the Lord.

30. A poem of one hundred and sixteen verses, beginning " Cjieb agctiB
doibtj a. gcein," " What have ye for a long time, oh youths!" on Rickard,
son of William de Burgo. In this poem the author says that he is O'Daly
of Meath.

31. A long poem of one thousand two hundred verses, in praise of the
power, majesty, and goodness of God. This poem begins " O^o jii^e j\i
mine" " My king, the King of Heaven."

Besides the above, we have seen three other poems attributed to this
author, but there are strong reasons that induce us to withhold a belief
that they were written by him.

The tirst of these is a long poem, on the last end of man, but the ver-
sification, and the kind of rhyme used in this poem, being but of modern
invention, shew it to be the work of a less skilful genius than Donogh
mor O'Daly.

This poem begins " ^l 6r;r)e c-r^mtie 6o Cfiioc beijettncic," " Oh man, re-
member (hy last end." We have not seen any very correct copy of this
piece ; one of the best has been lately printed in this city.

The second of these pieces, ><'hich we suppose to be erroneously
ascribed to Donogh nior, is a poem of twenty-four verses, inquiring why
our Lord Jesus Christ, not being a builder, smith, or other artizan, or
labourer, had received honour from some person of the name of Owen.
It begins " ?l ^>-^<x Cj\]Ofb Cf\eb <xyi roil, ca bfriXjxoif omi^x 6 eojcdii," " Oh
Jesus Cbrist, what is the cause that thou hast received lionor from Owen."

This little poem wants that gravity, dignity, and sweetness, which so
eminently distinguish all the productions of Donogh.

The third is a poem of seventy-eight verses, on the three sons of Edan.
It begins " Cudirje jifogtia jtug eaaTi," " Brood of a queen Edan bore."

Xtll

This piece, though possessed of much poetic merit, and written in the
language of the period in which Donogh lived, is not written in that
style for which he was so remarkable.

Copiesof all these poems are in the collection of the Assistant Secretary,

A. D. 1293.

ex XIV. GioLLA losA RoE O'Reilly, Priiicc of East Brefney, succeeded
to the government of that principality upon the death of his brother, in
the year 1293. By his valour and prudence he was enabled to extend
his dominion over all the country from Drogheda to Bath Cruachan, in
the present county of Roscommon. In the year 1300 he built and en-
dowed the monastery of Cavan, for the Friars de communi vita. In this
building he erected a chapel, and a monument of hewn marble as a place
of sepulture for himself and family. In the year 1313, EdSvard II. king
of England, wrote circular letters to the princes of Ireland, requesting
their aid against the Scotch. One of these he addressed to Giolla losa
O'Reilly, in the following style: " Rex, S^-c. dilecto s'lhi Gilly^s O^Helly,
Diice Hibernicorum de Breifeny, Salutem, <!^'c." In the year 1326 he
resigned the government of his principality to his nephew Maoilseach-
lainn, son of his eldest brother Mathew O'Reilly, and retired from the
cares of the world into the monastery of Cavan, where he died, full of
years, A. D. 1330, justly celebrated for wisdom and sanctity, and was
interred in his own chapel.

He was author of some verses on the death of his brother Mathew,
beginning " '2( p^ lefl5rty m leac 50 c^iom," " Oh man, who layest the Hag
heavily ;" and a poem upon the great power and extent of territory of
his nephew Maolseaclilainn, whom he calls his son, as being adopted by
him as his successor. 'The poem begins " O'^leill 01I15 pd mo fndc,"
" O'Neill of Ulster is subject to my son."

cxxv. Maoilire O'Maolagain (Myler O'Mulligan) flourished during the
time that (lioila losa Roe O'Reilly governed the territory an<l tribes of
Muintir Maolmordha (^E. Breifne), and celebrated the actions of that
chief, in a poem, beginning " bo crama/t di/i cpeic /ie gioUtl lo^d ctncdg,"
" We went on a hosting with Giolla losa the valiant."

XCUl

Copies of the poems of Giolla losa and Maoilire, are in tlie regjistry of
the House of O'Reilly, in the collection of the Assistant Secretary.

cxxvi. Tadhg mor O'Higgin, a poet of Conaght, and a cotemporary of
the two last-mentioned authors, flourished at the time that Magnus O'Conor
was king of that province. He wrote a poem in praise of that prince, con-
sisting of one hundred and sixty-eight verses, beginning '' "^ac er) map. a
abba,'' " Every bird according to its kind, (literally " according to its nest.")

A copy of this poem, in the handwriting of Cucoigcriche (^Peregrhius^
O'Clery, one of the Four Masters, is in the collection of the Assistant
Secretary.

A. D. 1300.

cxxvii. CoBHTHACH O'Carman, a poet of Leinster, flourished at this
period. A poem of this author's production, consisting of two hundred
and thirty-two verses, has made its way down to our times. It begins
" '21 caema coig 6 Idijecln," " O ye nobles of Leinster province," and gives
the names of persons by whose hands fell several of the most remarkable
characters in Irish history. It also gives a catalogue of Leinster kings,
who became mouarchs of Ireland. An ancient copy of this poem is in
the collection of the Assistant Secretary.

cxxviii. EoGAN or Owen M'Carith, a Munster poet, flourished at this
time. He was author of the following pieces:

L A poem on the dissentions between the descendants of Teige Coal-
uisge O' 13 rien, and those of Brian Roe O'Brien, at the commencement
of the fourteenth century. This poem consists of one hundred and fifty-
six verses, beginning " Cicc dy ^<s.\j<.be op gdlidb Cifte,''' " Who is the shorter
from whom Ireland is seized ;" in which the author endeavours to recon-
cile those contending relations.

2. A poem of one hundred verses, beginning " Cede cd^ctift 6o cir
polafn," " To see the house of a friend vacant," on the deserted mansion
of Conor O'Brien.

Copies in the collection of the Assistant Secretary.

XCIV

A. D. 1310.

cxxix. The Rev. Charles O'Conor, in his Catalogue of Irish MSS. in
the Marquis of Buckingham's library at Stowe, gives an account of Torn*
O'Maolconaire, chief poet of Couaght, who attended at the inauguration
of Felim O'Conor, on the Hill of Carn Fraoich, where he delivered his
poetic address to Felim, beginning " irat ojic it pheitJlime," " On thee
be activity, Oh Felim."

Doctor O'Conor says that Torna was also the author of a poem, upon
the succession of Conacht kings, beginning " Cjwidco. Cowcc jtclc co jiait,"
" Cruachan of Conaght fortress with prosperity."

The poem beginning " Cif cib fie ^encuy nc(c ^uaiU," " Hear ye a story
not contemptible," is said to have been recited by Torna, at the resto-
ration of Felim O'Conor, A. D. 1315, and from this circumstance the
poem was supposed to be composed by him for this occasion. We have
shewn already, under the year 468, that this poem forms a part of the
Book of Rights, said to be written by Saint Beinin.

The two first-mentioned poems, attributed to this author, we have not
seen, but we know that a poem beginning like the second, " Cfiuctcct
Condcc fictt CO ftait," is to be found in the Book of Balliniote, fol. 37,
b. col. 1. This poem consists of one hundred and ninety-six verses,
giving a catalogue of the Christian kings of Conacht, and tlie length of
their reigns, written by Giollana naomh O'Dunn.

See under the year 1160.

A. D. 1314.

cxxx. CoNAiNG O'Maolconaire, chief poet of Couaght, died this
year. He was author of many poems, of which two only have come under
our observation.

1. A poem of sixteen verses, beginning " Oct; meic goMifn mn ngctijie,"
" Eight sons of Golanih, of the shouts," on the eight sons of Golamh, or
Milesius, who led the Milesian colony from Spain to Ireland, A. M. 2935.

xcv

In this poem the birth-place of each of the sons of Golamh is pointed
out. Copies of it are preserved in the Book of Leacan, and in the Book
of Invasions by the O'Cierys.

2. A poem of one hundred and forty-eight verses, beginning " Qtctt
•fuH po^Sct pedyd," " Here is the completion of knowledge." This poem
gives a catalogue of the kings of Ireland, from Laoghaire, who died
A. D. 463, to Brian Boroimhe, who was killed at the battle of Clontarf,
A. D. 1011.

Copy in a fine vellum manuscript in the library of Sir William Betham.

This latter poem is attributed by the O'Cierys to Giolla Kevin, who died
A. D. 1072, and by other writers to a Conaing O'Mulcouaire, who died
A. D. 1420.

See under the years 1072 and 1420,

A. D. 1320.

cxxxu At this time flourished Cathan O'Duinnin, chief poet to the Ibh
Eachuch, of Munster, (the O'Donoghoos, O'Mahonys, &c.) He was the
author of the Ode delivered at the inauguration of Teige, the generous
O'Doiioghoo, prince of Lough Lein. This ode consists of three hundred
and sixty-four verses, containing the pedigree of tlie O'Donoghoos, with
their filiations for twenty-seven generations, from Core, son of Luigheach,
king of Desmond, A. D. 380, to Teige the Generous, A. D. 1320.

This poem is contained in the Book of Munster, a copy of which is in
the collection of the Assistant Secretary. It begins " Cif^ig ;^e coib)ied|-
brfi cccic," " Hear the affinity of your tribe."

cxxxii. About this time flourished Maolmuire O'Leannain. He was
author of a poem, consisting of one hundred and seventy-two verses,
against adultery, the sins of the flesh, &c. beginning " peccdc ttft -{il r)c(;t
^luctgutCiB," " Sinful our seed in our people."

Copy in an ancient vellum manuscript, in the library of Sir William
Betham.

XCVl

A. D. 1348.

cxxxiii. Malachv Mac Aedha, Archbishop of Tuain, dicti on iJie
least of Sahit Laurence the Martyr, this year. He was author of a large
volume of miscellaneous matter in Irish, containing, amongst other things,
a catalogue of Irish kings, from Niall Naoighiallach to Roderick
O'Conor. Sir James Ware, in his account of Irish writers, says, it was
extant in his time, and called the Book of Mac Aodha. We can not say
where it is to be found at present.

A. D. 1350.

cxxxiv. Angus roe O'Daly, a noted poet, died this year. He was
author of the following poems, and most likely of others that have es-
caped our observation.

1. A poem of one hundred and ninety-two verses, on the erection of
the castle of the hill of Cam Fraoich, by Aodh, son of Eogan O'Conor,
A. D. 1.309. It begins " <(o zu ci|^if tt f^aic Cbectm)iac," " Art thou again
revived, oh fort of Tarah." A fine copy of this poem is in the library of
John Mac Namara, Esq. a member of this Society.

2. A poem of one hundred and ninety-two verses, addressed to llory,
son of Aodh O'Mulloy, chief of the territory of Fearcall, a district of
the ancient kingdom of Meath, and now comprehended in the baronies
of Fercall, Ballyboy, and Ballycowan, in the King's county. It begins
" Cectngttl 60 ^-lot ;tiom <t r?u<ti6f<i," " Conlirm thy peace with me, oh
Rory."

It appears from this poem, that the author was of the Tribe of O'Daly
of Meath, and that he had incurred the displeasure of O'Molloy, by some
words that fell from him in a state of intoxication. He beseeches that
prince to pardon his offence, begs that he will imitate Fergus, son of
Roigh, in forgiving those by whom he had been offended, and calls upon
him to spend his wrath upon the English, the plunderers of his native
country.

XCVll

A fine copy of this poem is in the collection of the Assistant Secretary to
this Society.

3. A poem of four hutulred and forty-eight verses, beginning " 'Jlbdm,
dcai/t, -fftut Af\ "fludj," '' Adam, father, stream of our people." The first
two hundred verses are on the patriarchs, to the deluge, the remaining-
verses treat of the first colonies that possessed Ireland before the Milesians.

This poem is sometimes ascribed to Angus Ceile De, of whom we
treated under the year 800, but the language does not justify us in giving
it so early an origin.

Copies of this poem are in the library of William Monck Mason, Esq.
and in the manuscript collection of the Assistant Secretary.

cxxxv. GioLLA Brighfdk Mac Coinmhide, (Conway) a poet of Ulster,
flourished at this period. He was a retainer of the house of O'Donnell,
and devoted the most of his verses to the praise of that illustrious family.
The following pieces of his composition have descended to our days.

1. A poem of one hundred and twenty-eight verses, beginning '' Cowll
CYjngib clctiiie j^leill," " Conall, hero of the race of Niall," on the settlement
of the Conallians in Ulster, and of Maolseachlainn, son of Donall, the
brown O'Donell.

We have seen, under the year 1056, that Flann of Bute wrote a poem,
beginning with the same words as this poem, treating of the same family.

Copies in the collections of the Rev. Doctor O'Brien, and of the As-
sistant Secretary.

2. A poem on the same subject^ beginning " ^oja net cloinfte ^leiU,"
" Choice of the sons of Neill."

3. A poem of one hundred and sixty-eight verses, beginning " f^ojd tid
clombe Concdll," " Choice of the sons of Conall," in praise of Brian, son
of Donald O'Donell, prince of Tir-Conell.

A fine copy of this poem is preserved in a very valuable volume of
Irish historical poems, collected in the Netherlands in the year 1656, by
the Rev. Nicholas, alias Fergal JmM (the black) O Gara, an Augustinian
Friar. This volume was once the property of O'Daly of Dunsandle, but
now belongs to John M'Namara, of Sandymount, Esq.

xcvm

4. A poem on the birth of Donald, son of Donald O'Donell, prince of
Tir-Couell, ninety-six verses, beginning " (Do pb'ijx bid Coiel CoiaiU,"
" God considered the Kineal Conali (descendants of Conall) /'. e. the
O'Donells.

Copy in the library of John M'Naniara, Esq.

5. A poem on Aodh O'Conor, beginning" " bedfirndb ho fC^ha-f ttig
?lo(3," " By forgetfulncss I neglected Aodh;" one hundred verses on ihe
hospitality of Aodh, son of Felini O'Connor. Copy in the library of
John M'Namara, Esq.

Copies of the foregoing poems are also in the collection of the Assistant
Secretary, in an imperfect paper copy of the Leabhar hua Congabliala.

6. A poem of ninety-six verses, beginning " ^Icct funfy •fea^iLuf COraw"
" Here is the history of Moain," on Moain, son of Muireadhach, grand-
son of Niall of the nine Hostages, by his son Eoghan, or Owen Moain
was brother to Muirceartach, who was Monarch of Ireland from A. D. 513
to A. D. 583, and who from his mother Eire, daughter of Loam, king of
the Dalriada of Alba, was called Muircheartach Mac Earca. From Moain
are the Ciueal Miiam descended, one of the principal families of which
were the O'Gormly'.s, for whose chief, Niall O'Gormly, this poem was
written.

Copy of this poem is in O'Gara's collection of poems, in the library of
John Mac Namara, Esq.

7. A poem of one hundred and sixteen verses, beginning " (Dean Oftm
C;iocc(ine d tf<iond\6," " Have mercy on me, O Trinity." In this poem,
which is composed in that kind of poetry called S^ah^id, the author begs
for several particular blessings from the Holy Trinity, one of which is,
that he may not be left without children.

An ancient copy of this poem is in the Lands of the Assistant Secretary.

The poem beginning " Ccufipfte, ecccba>i, Ciia eifn," and some other
poems on the O'Donells, which we have ascribed to Flann Mainisfreach
under the year 1056, are sometimes, and perhaps with more truth, attri-
buted to this author.

cxxxvi. At this time also flourished Aodh, or Hugh O'Kelly, author
of a poem, consisting of eighty-four verses, on his own tube, beginning
" Cipig d cciUtJiipe ir) pig," " Arise, Oh proclaimers of the king."

XOIX

Copy of this poem is preserved in an ancient vellum manuscript, once
the property of the O'Kellys, now in possession of Sir William Betham.

A. D. 1310.

cxxxvii. Tadiig Camchosach O'Daly flourished about this period.
He was author of the following poems :

1. A poem of one hundred and sixty verses, on the inauguration of
Niall mor O'Neill, beginning " Oectn ajl jjccitei/ije Cijie," " A woman
recovering is Erin."

2. A poem of one hundred and sixteen verses, on his choosing to be-
come a friar, begins " t)ct j/^db b^pa^huf Ci/tin," " For its love I left
Erin."

Copies of these poems are in the collections of John Mac Namara, Esq.
and of the Assistant Secretary.

A. D. 1372.

cxxxvni. John O'Dugan, chief poet of O'Kelly of Ibh Maine, died
this year. He was author of the following valuable historical and topo-
graphical pieces.

1. A poem of five hundred and sixty-four verses, beginning " '2[cd
fu-nb yettncuf jifog Cjlectrib," " Here is a history of the kings of Erin."
This poem gives a catalogue of the kings of Ireland, from Slainge of the
Fir-Bolgian race, who, conjointly with his four brothers, Gann, Gean-
nann, Seangan, and Rudhraidhe, sons of Deala mac Loich, began to
reign over Ireland, A. M. 2245, to Roderick O'Conor, son of Turlogh
the great, who held the reins of government in Ireland at the Anglo-
Norman invasion, A. D. 1168.

Copy in the library of Sir William Betham, and in the MSS. of the
Assistant Secretary.

2. A topographical and historical poom, of eight humlrod and eighty
verses, beginning " CuictUctm timcertll net po^lrt," " Let us go around
Fodhla, (Jrelaud)." This poem gives the names of the principal tribes
and districts in Meath, Ulster, and Conaght, and the chiefs wlio pre-
sided over them, at the time Henry the Second, king of England, was
invited to this country by Dermod Mac Morogh, king of Leinster.

From the first line of this poem, and from the few ranns that this author
lias left us, on the districts of the province of Leinster, it would seem,
that it was his intention to have given a complete account of all the dis-
tricts and chief tribes in Ireland ; and it would be a cause of much regret
that he left unfinished so interesting a work, if it had not afterwards been
taken up and completed by his cotemporary, Giolla ua naomh O'Huidhrin,
who died an old man, in the year 1420.

The work of O'Huidhrin has been sometimes joined to O'Dugan's
poem, so as to appear but one entire piece of one thousand six hundred
and sixty verses, and the merit of the whole is given to the latter, though
he really wrote but thirty-eight ranns, or one hundred and fifty-two verses
on Meath ; three hundred and fifty-four verses on Ulster ; three hundred
and twenty-eight verses on Conaght ; and fifty-six verses on Leinster,
making in all eight hundred and eighty verses. For the account of the
ancient families of LeathMogha (Leinster and Munster) we are indebted
to O'Huidhrin.

See O'Huidhrin, under the year 1420.

Copies of this poem are numerous, but few of them are perfect. The
copy used by the author of Camhrensis Eversus nuist have been incom-
plete, or he has not translated it fully. A complete copy, in the hand-
writing' of Cucoigcriche O'Clery, one of the Four Masters, is in the col-
lection of the Assistant Secretary.

3. A poem of two hundred and twenty-four verses, beginning" J^fog-
firtib Icligedfl c\.ar\ Cdcdoift," " Kings of Leinster, descendants of Cathaoir,"
on the families descended from the thirty sons of Cathaoir mor, monarch
of Ireland, from A. D. 174, to A. D. 177.

A copy of this poem is in the collection of the Assistant Secretary.

4. A poem of two hundred and ninety-six verses, beginning " Cc(i]riol
cdtai/^ clajjcl CPho5«t/' *' Cashel, seat of Mogha's sons," giving a catalogue

of the kings of Casliel, and the years that each prince reigned, from its
foundation by Core, son of Luigheach, about A. D. 380, to Torlogh
O'Brien, A. D. 1367.

A fine copy of this poem is in the Book of Ballimote, fol. 36, a. col. 2,
and another in the collection of the Assistant Secretary.

5. A poem of tliree hundred and thirty-two verses, beginning " Ceam^
Tjd pioj ;tixit; Co/tmaic," " Tara of the king's fortress of Cormac," gives an
account of the battles and principal actions of Cormac mac Art, monarch
of Ireland, in the middle of the third century.

A line copy of this poem, beautifully written on vellum, is in the
library of Sir William Betham.

6. A poem, beginning " OhaSah fo folu^ tt 6ctr," " This year bright
its dye," upon the festivals of the year, with practical rules for finding
the moveable feasts and fasts, by the Epacts, Dominical Letters, &c.

Copies of this poem are in the hands of every Irish Scholar, and its
Rules are frequently quoted by hundreds of persons who never learned a
letter.

7. A poem of two hundred and ninety-two verses, beginning " pojtuj-
pocdl lrdi6cea;t lib," " A knowledge of words spoken by you." This poem
is a vocabulary of now obsolete words, and words which, though spelled
alike, have different, and often contrary meanings ; all of which are
inserted in the Irish-English Dictionary lately published by the Assistant
Secretary to this Society.

Copies of this poem are to be found in the library of Trinity College ;
in Sir William Betham's large vellum MS. ; in the collection of John
Mac Namara, of Sandymount, Esq. and in that of the Assistant Secre-
tary.

A. D. 1373.

cxxxix. Adam O'Cianan, or Keenan, a famous historian and canonist,
died in Lisgoole this year, according to the Four Masters. We have not

met any of his original works, except the pedigrees of a few Northern
families ; but there are in the collection of the Assistant Secretary two
volumes on vellum, transcribed by him in very fine writing. These
volumes contain a number of historical tracts, both verse and prose ; a
copy of the ancient laws relating to the clergy, poets, and artists ; an
Irish- Latin Grammar, &c. &c.

About this period the Annalists record the deaths of many famous
historians, poets, scribes, and lawyers, with whose works we are not at
present acquainted.

A. D. 1318.

cxL. John OTialan, Chief Poet of Henry, son of Owen O'Neill,
Prince of Tirone, died this year. He was author of the Ode pronounced
at the inauguration of Henry, one hundred and eighty-eight verses, be-
ginning " prc(;<aY rid/t^did Cifte," " Thou hast obtained thy request, oh
Erin." From the two concluding ranns of this poem, it appears that
Judith, the daughter of Mac Mahon, prince of Oirgialla, was the wife
of Henry O'Neill.

A fine copy of this poem is to be found in O'Gara's collection, in the
library of John Mac Namara, Esq. and another in that of the Assistant
Secretary.

A. D. 1380.

cxLi. At this time flourished Mahon O'Reilly, Lord of Clan Mahon,
and father of Thomas O'Reilly, who succeeded his un jle Philip as Prince
of East Breifne, A. D. 1.38i. He was author of a poem in praise of the
mighty actions of his son Thomas, who, in a short period, levelled eightc-en
castles belonging to the English of the Pale, and laid the country, from

• « »

Drogheda to Dublin, under contribution. The poem begins " grl gcnll-
PQ 0-f cioii gdiU," " The cry of an English sprite over Englishmen."

Copy in the Registry of the House of O'Reilly, in possession of the
Assistant Secretary.

cxLii. About this period flourished Mac Craith M'Gowan, who wrote
genealogies of the Irish Saints, and of the kings and princes of Ireland.
A copy of this work is in the collection of the Assistant Secretary.

A. D. 1385.

cxliii.Tanaidhe O'MA0LC0NAiRB,son of Paitricin mor, son of Tanaidhe^,.
died on the 1st of August this year. He was a poet of Conaght, and his
works are much praised by some of his cotemporaries, and by subsequent
writers. We are not, at present, able to say where any of them are pre-
served.

A. D. 1387.

cxEiv. Geoffrey fionn O'Daly, chief professor of poetry in Munster,
died this year. He was author of the following pieces: — 1. A poem of
fifty verses, beginning "Cioijuy &iolptX6 mo luctc leigiy," " How shall I pay
the price of my cure," on the benefits derived by man, from the merits
of Christ. Copy with John Mac Namara, Esq.

2. A poem of two hundred and twenty-four verses, beginning " ptt
ngniomftdb mectfcdfi mctc ^liog," " By deeds is the son of a king valued,"
on Dermod, surnamed of Muskery, son of Corniac, son of Donald Mac
Carthy.

S. A poem of forty-eight verses, beginning " Ql pi/t tei6 i uui/t Chonctill,"
" Oh man, Avho goest to Tir-Conell," addressed to O'Donell, Conor son
of Aodh, (Huirh) son of Donald oge.

Copies of these poems are in the collection of the Assistant )Secretary>

. 4. A poem of one hundred and forty verses, beginning " CO<tir An tocc
<ii^6;ii5 oige," *' Forgive the fault, Oh youthful king," addressed to
Donald, son of Donald Mac Carthy, exciting him to oppose the English,
and holding up as a pattern Conn Cead-Cathach, (of the Hundred Bat-
tles) who forsook Lis youthful sports, and flew to rescue Tarah from
the yoke of Cathaoir mor, king of Leinster.

Copy in O'Gara's collection of poems, in possession of John Mac
Naniara, Esq. and in a very fine collection of Poems in possession of the
Assistant Secretary.

A. D. 1390.

cxLV. At this period flourished Maolmdire Mac Craith, poet of
Desmond, or South Munster. He was author of an Elegy on the death
of Donald Mac Carthy, chief of the Clann Carthy of Carbery. This poem
consists of one hundred and forty-four verses, beginning " Oectjiz: cli^ie
<tft Cifii)) ecc ;ti5," " A load of sorrow to Ireland, the death of a king."

Copy in the manuscript collection of the Assistant Secretary.

cxLvr. At this period also flourished Solamh O'Droma, or Solomon
O'Drum, one of the compilers of the great Book of Ballimofe, now in
the library of the Royal Irish Academy.

cxLvii. At this time also lived Magnus O'Duigenan, whose name appears
on ditTerent pages of the Book of Ballimote, particularly at fol. 248, at
the end of the account of the Argonautic expedition and destruction of
Troy, which, it appears, was finished by him in the house of Donald Mac
Aodhagan, or Mac Egan, on Thursday before the feast of Saint Michael,
but tiie year is not mentioned. We are unable to say whether he wasj
the author of this piece or only the transcriber.

As the Book of Ballimote is so often mentioned in this work, and
referred to by almost every writer who has treated on Irish antiquities lor
the last lifty or sixty years, the following account of it may be gratilying

t© some of our readers, or perhaps direct the attention of future wrltars
to matters coiitained therein, illustrative of the history of the cuuntry
and the manners and customs of the people.

The Book of Ballimote is a large folio volume, finely written on
velSaai of the largei^t size. It originally contained 5.50 pages, very closely
writlen, hut the first two pages are at present wanted. It was written
at uit^'ercnt times and places, and hy various hands, as appears by the
concluding lines of several of the tracts; but the principal part was
written by Solomon O'Drum. A part of it was once the property of
Manus O'Duigenan, who wrote it for his own use, but afterwards became
the property of Tumaltach M'Donogh, prince of Tir-Olioll, Artagh,
the two Corans, Tir-Tohill, and Clan Fernmoy, districts now compre-
hended in the present counties of Sligo, Roscommon, and Leitrim.
Under the patronage of this chief, and in his house, were some other
parts of this book written, as appears by a passage at the conclusion of
the account of the O'Conor family, at folio 62, a. col. 1. " T ife ivi Coi/i-
be\ho.c 05 fw, mcic ?le6d, a-f fti Coidcc cig yc^iiBctb net cobacfO. ban ledha^, c
tig CbumdlctJig iioeic Cbctibg, rneic Cbomctlcctij, meic O^Tji^jeayct, fneic boiicabct,
fneic Chomalcccig, fneic Choncobdi/t, tneic bbic(;tmcicc(, o Crjleb COeicc biapmacti,
a mbdile in muca," " And it is that Torlogh og, son of Hugh, that is king
of Conaght, at writing this part of the book, in the house of Tomaltagh,
son of Teig, son of Tomaltagh, son of Muirgheasa, son of Donogh, son
of Tomaltagh, son of Conor, son of Dermod, from whom are the Mac
Dermotts, in Ballimote." Torlogh og O'Conor, began his reign over the
province of Conaght in 1384, and died in 1404, so that this part of the book
must be written about the year 1390. By a memorandum at folio ISO, a.
col. 1, written in a hand-writing diiferent from any other part of the book,
it appears that Hugh duff, son of Hugh roe, son of Niall garhh O'Donell,
bought it in the year 1522, from M'Donogh of Coran, for one hundred
and forty milch cows. Hugh duff O'Donell died A. D. 1537.

This venerable Repertory of ancient Irish Literature, althougli much
blended with fable, contains a vast quantity of valuable and authentic
historical matter, drawn from the purest sources ; such as the Psalter of
Cashel, the Book of Glendaloch, the Chronological Poems of Eochaidh
O'Flinn, Flann of Bute, Giolla Caomhghin, GioUa Modhuda O'Cassidy,

CYl

tBiolla-na-naomliO'Dunn, John O'Dugan, and otlicr scnacliies of repute.
Some parts of it, indeed, are of less estimation ; but even the historical
^ales are not without their value to an antiquarian. The stories of the birth
ol" Conor Mac Nessa, and of Cormac O'Cuinn ; the adventures of Cormac
in the Land of Promise; the deaths of Crimhthann, son of Fidhaidh, and
of the sons of Eochaidh Moighmheodhain, Brian, Olioll, Fiachra, Fergus,
and Neill, though mostly fabulous, contain some authentic historical facts,
and much matter illustrative of the manners and customs of the people,
and of the religious opinions of Pagan Ireland.

The law tract, commencing at folio 181, is well deserving the attention
of the historian and antiquarian. It contains the Rights and Immunities,
the Rewards and Punishments due to different ranks in society, ecclesias-
tical and civil, from the Bishop down ^o the liaccpeoi/t, or Reader in the
Church; from the Ollttm, or Professor, to the pocloc, or lowest rank
amongst the poets and learned men ; and from the king to the artizan,
or labourer, amonjrst the laitv.

This book was formerly in the library of Trinity College, Dublin; but
when, how, or by whom it was taken from that establisliment, is not now
a matter easily to be decided. General Vallancey, in his Green B&ok,
which was bought for the Record Commission at the price of one hun-
dred guineas, much above its intrinsic value, gives an account of
printed books and MSS. on the History of Ireland, in various lan-
suaires, and amongst the rest, mentions the Books of Ballimote and
Leacan. The General says, that Doctor Raymond, about thirty years
ago, lent a manuscript volume out of Trinity College library, to a person
of the name of Thady Naghten ; that a man of the name of Egan stole
it from Naghten, and gave it to Judge Marlay, whose servant he was ;
that it remained in the Judge's library until his death, and then was, by
some means, conveyed to the Lombard College in Paris. The General
was of opinion that this manuscript was the Book of Leacan, which
the Superior of the Irish community in Paris presented to him in 1788,
for the Royal Irish Academy, in whose library it now is. This opinion
of the learned General is not supported by any authority; on the con-
trary, there is the testimony of Abb6 M'Geoghegan, in the Introduction
io his History of Ireland, to prove that the Book of Leacan was deposited

cvn

in the library of (be Irish College at Paris, by James II. after his abdi-
cation ; and that the deposit was made in the presence of a Notary,
wlio attended for that purpose. But though the book lent by Doctor
Raymond to O'Naghten, could not have been the Book of Leacan, there
is a probability that it might have been tlie Book of Ballimote. There
is at present in the library of Trinity College, a paper copy of the
Book of Ballimote, in the hand-writing of Teige or Tliady O'Naghten ;
and this is a strong proof that he had the original in his possession.
Whether the book was stolen from him, or whether it was ever in the
library of Judge Marlay, is not very clear. Indeed there is reason to
believe it was not in the Judge's library. There are diiferent memoran-
dums on several pages of the book, in the hand-writing of Mr. Thomas
O'Dornin of Drogheda, a good Irish Scholar, which shew that it was in
his possession in the year 1769 ; and that it remained in his hands until
at least the year 1774, appears by a list of Mr. O'Dornin's MSS. now
in possession of the writer of this account. Whether it ever made its
way to Paris, wliere it is said the late Chevalier O'Gorman obtained it,
is not novv necessary to inquire, but we know that it did come into his
hands, and that he presented it to the Royal Irish Academy, in the
hope, as he himself told the writer of this article, that that learned body
would publish some of the useful parts of its contents.

Dermod O'Connor, the translator of Doctor Keating's History of Ireland,
says, in his preface, that he had the Book of Ballimore, in Co. Meath, in
his possession for six months, for the safe return of which. Doctor Ray-
mond, of Trim, had given his bond to the College for one thousand
pounds. It is observable liiat a Book of Ballimore, in Meath, was never
so much as heard of by any Irish scholar, but the Book of Ballimote in
Co. Sligo, is much celebrated. The innumerable errors in O'Connor's
translation of Keating, and the blunder he makes in the name of this
book, prove he was unable to make any thing of its contents. His name
is introduced here, merely to shew, that though the Book of Ballimote was
then in Trinity College, the Book of Leacan was not : otherwise he Avould
have taken notice of it, as he had access to the College manuscripts.

The book wants the tw(t first pages. At folio 2, is an account of the
posterity of Cain, Noah, «&c. At folio 4, commences the Book of Syn-

CVlll

chronisnis, in whicli is mentioned the names of the Patiiaichs, the Assyrian,
Persian, Irish, Grecian, and Roman kings and emperors who were
coteiHporaries. In this part is introduced Donchuach's poem, " Heibig
6ctro d bhe bo mrn." At the end of folio 6, col. 2, are six ranns, giving an
account of the different ages of the world. By the last rann it appears
that this small poem was written in the year 1126. At folio 6, the syn-
clironisms of Fiann commence. At folio 8, begins an account of the
first inhabitants of Ireland, in which are introduced several of the poems of
our earliest bards. At folio 32, b. col. 2, is an account of the monarchs
of Ireland, from Laoghaire, son of Niall, to Roderick, son of Torlogh,
«on of Rory na soighe buidhe O'Conor, A. D. 1166. At folio 34, is an
account of the Christian kings of Ulster. At folio 35, the Christian kings
of Leiuster. At the bottom of this page is a prayer for Manus O'Duig-
enan, the owner of the Book. At folio 37, the kings of Conaght, and the
length of their reigns, from Amalgaidh, son of Fiachra, son of Eochaidh
Mc.ighmheodhain, to Torlogh O'Conor. At 38, the Christian kings of
Munster, from Eoghan, son of Deirg, son of Deirgreineadh, to Donald,
son of Torlogh, son of Dermod, son of Torlogh, son of Teige, son of
Brian Boroimhe. In this account of the provincial kings, several poems
of our best historical writers are introduced, a particular account of which
is given under their proper dates in the course of this work.

At folio 39, b. col. 2, are the royal precepts of Cormac Mac Art to his
son Cairbre Lilfeachair, monarch of Ireland.

At folio 43, a. col. I , commences an account of the descendants of
Milesius, and first of the O'Neills. At folio 54, account of the Hy Briuin
Heremonians, which ends at folio 62, with an account of the O'Conors.
At folio 63, a. col. 1, an account of the Hy Fiachra race of Tir-Awly,
according to Flann. At folio 64, the clann Colla; at 69, the Hy Maine
tribes, the O'Kollys, &c. At folio 70, the Leinster tribes ; at 80, the
Conarian race of Ireland and Scotland.

At folio 87, commences the account of the Ultonian tribes, descen-
dants of Ir, son of Milesius, to folio 97, where the Munster Book
begins " Eher a quo dicitur Hibertiia.^' Folio 102, b. col. 1, of the
Dalcassians; folio 109, b. col. 5, of the race of Lughaidh, son of Ith.

At folio 113, the Book of the Britons and Picts, from Nennius. At
116, account of the Saxons in England.

At folio 117, the mothers of the most remarkable of the Irish saints:
and at folio 126, a. col. 2, begins the sacred pedigree of the saints of
Ireland, " /*>Ictem fedncdf ndefn iTi^e pctil ;" one hundred and seventy-
three ranns, or six hundred and ninety-two verses.

At folio 131, an account of the Hebrew patriarchs, Moses, the
Temple, &c.

At folio 136, fabulous account of Conor Mac Nessa, and the death
of Daithi, the last of our Heathen monarchs. Folio 137, an account of
Art Aonfhir, and on the same page, the kings and nobles of Ireland
of the same names.

At folio 140, a. col. 1, the names of the Chiefs of the Athach Tuatha, wh&
overthrew the Milesian government in the Krst century ; and on the same
folio, b. col. 1, are the wonders of Ireland. Folio 141, the marriage of
Luain, and the death of Athairne the poet.

Some of these latter articles are much tinctured with fable, and more
of our ancient historic tales of a similar description, are to be found on
every page, to folio 147, where begins the Book of Riglits, fathered on
Saint Benin, of which we have given an account under the year 468.

At folio 154, begins the " Oc(i)ij-ecir)cay Cfiectna," or History of the women
of Ireland, giving the names of the wives and mothers of the most
remarkable characters in Irish history.

At folio 157, commences the Irish Prosody, with examples of the dif-
ferent kinds of versification.

At folio 163, a. col. 2, account of the Ollamhs or Fileas, (the Professors-
or Poets^ shewing the qualifications necessary for the different orders of
poets.

At folio 167, b. col. 2, commences the Uraicepht and Book of Oghams,
to folio 180, where, in a different hand-writing, is an account of the pur-
chase of this book from the M'Donogh's, by Hugh dubh O'Donell.

At folio 181, a. col. 1, begins the Seanchas bheg, a law tract, on the
rights, privileges, rewards and punishments of the different ranks of
kings, clerics, poets, artizans, &c. At the commencement of this- tract,,
there is the following note, in the late venerable Charles O'Connor's hand-
writing: " Elements of Law, obscure to me for want of a Law Glossary..
Cctcal ua Co)icoi3ai|u" This is followed by another note, in the hand-writiiig.

of the late General Vallancey, in ungraramatical Irish, " CigiiiD id6 50
mdic mo cct/i^tib. Cdtal rd ijallanj-ei," " I understand them well, my
friend. Charles Vallancey." Those who understand the law dialect of
the Irish, and have compared with the originals the translations of the
fragments published by the General, in the Collectanea de Rebus Hiber-
nicis, are able to set a proper value on this boast.

At folio 188, a. col. 1, commences the Dinn Seanchas, of which we have
given an account when treating of Amergin Mac Amalgaidh, under the
year 550, where we have shewn that this work was enlarged after the
year 1024. Perhaps the Dinn Seanchas in the Book of Ballimote, may
be the first edition of that work, in its present form.

At folio 230, a. col. 1, account of the Argonautic Expedition and the
Trojan war, to folio 248, a. col. 2, where, on the bottom margin, is a memo-
randum, in the hand-writing of Magnus O'Duigenan, in which he says, he
finished writing the story of Troy, on Thursday, before the feast of Saint
Michael, in the house of his tutor, Donald M'Aodhagan, or M'Egan,
but he does not mention in what year.

At folio 249, a. col. 1, The Adventures of ^Eneas, &c. after the destruc-
tion of Troy, from Virgil, to folio 267, where is, in Irish characters,
Finlt, Amen, Finit. Solamh WDroma nomine scripsi/.

At folio 268, a. col. 1, commences the history of Alexander the Great,
according to the Latin author Justin. It continues to folio 275, where
it ends, with the conclusion of the Book of Ballimote.

A. D. 1395.

cxLvm. At this period flourished O'Maoilciaran, a Conaght poet,
author of a beautiful elegy on the death of his son. This very pathetic
poem consists of one hundred and seventy-two verses, beginning " ^11506
oi;t«e edybrtib fnofi," " A great loss has happened to us."

Copy in the library of John M'Namara, Esq.

cxLix. At this time also flourished Ainglioch O'Donellan, poet to
the Mac Dermotts, of Moyluirg. He was author of a poem in praise of

CXI

Moyluirg and of Aodh, or Hugh, M'Dermott, chief of his tribe. This
poem consists of one hundred and ninety-two verses, beginning " Tioyfj
leice di;i Coi5ea6 Cboijacc," " The province of Conaght is divided."

CL. Cotemporary with the two last-mentioned writers, was Owen an
tortlioir M'Craith, a Munster man by birth, but attached to the House
of O'Neill. He was author of the following poems :

1. On the inauguration of Niall og, son of Niall mor O'Neill, chief of
Tiroue, one hundred and eighty-eight verses, beginning " ba ftoiij com^
c/tofna dift Cb/iic jNeill," " Two equal shares on mighty Niall's land."

2. In praise of Art O'Cavanagh, king of Leinster, who died at Enis-
corthy, A. D. 1417, one hundred and sixteen verses, beginning " lomtxx
rdi^le 5 ictt Ictigeao," " Many chiefs on Leinster's land."

3. In praise of Cornmc O'Maoilseachlainn, prince of the clann Col-
man, or southern Hy Niall, whose chiefs were called kings of Meath^
one hundred and fifty-six verses, beginning " CDitib Cf<ei6eam bo cloirj
J<leiU," " It is time to believe in the descendants of Niall."

4. In dispraise of the world, eighty verses, beginning " Og m ^eciDoift
m f dogixl," " The world is a young senior."

The first of these poems is sometimes ascribed to Teige og O'Higgin.
Copies of all the above poems are in possession of John M'Namara,
Esq. and the Assistant Secretary.

A. D. 1400.

CLi. SiODHUuADH O'CuiRNiN, a poct of Brcifue, died this year. He
was author of a poem on the Life of Saint Maodhog, first Bishop of
Ferns, and patron Saint of Leinster. The poem, consists of one hundred
and forty-four verses, beginning " Seancay CDhdodoig medSdift lin," " The
History of Maodhog let us remember."

Some copies of this poem are in the MS. collection of the Assistant
Secretary.

cxu

cm. Bladiimac, son of Conbhreatan, son of Congasa, flourished at this
time. He was a man in holy orders, but we do not know to what house
or family he belonged. He was author of two poems, consisting of up-
wards of one thousand five hundred verses, addressed to the Blessed Virgin
Mary, upon the principal actions and sufferings of her Son, our Lord
Jesus Christ. The first begins " Ccfft cucc(m c( QOhr,j\e boto," " Come to me,
Oh holy Mary ;" five hundred and ninety-six verses. The second begins
" ?l 0^bdi;te, a. gfiidr) tXjx ccloijie!" " Oh Mary, Oh sun of our people!"

Copies of these poems, once the property of Michael O'Clery, one of
the Four Masters, are in the collection of the Assistant Secretary.

A. D. 1404.

cLTii. DoNOGH BAN O'Maolconaire, chief poet of the O'Conors of
Conaght, died this year. He was author of a poem, consisting of one
hundred and seventy-two verses, beginning " Cij-big a eigy-i Oanhtx"
" Attend ye. Oh learned of Ireland." It contains a catalogue of the
kings of Conaght, and the number of years that each prince ruled over that
province, from Torlogh, son of Roderic the Great, to Torlogh O'Conor,
who lived at the time in which this poet wrote. From a rann in this
poem it appears that two hundred and thirty-eight years had elapsed
from the first year of Torlogh, son of Roderick, to the time in which
the poem was written : therefore it must have been composed in the year
1374. This is further confirmed by the name of O'Crede, Archbishop
of Tuam, being mentioned in the last rann of the poem as being then
some time dead. In Ware's History of the Bishops, the death of this
prelate is said to have happened in the year 1371, but he is improperly
called John O'Grada.

Copies of this poem are in tlje Book of Leacan, and in the Manuscript
Books of the Assistant Secretary.

CLiv. In the same year with the last-mentioned author, died Carrol
O'Daly, the poet of Corcamroc. Several of his poems and tales are
repeated from memory by the common people of the country ; but we are.

cxin

not able to say where any good copies of them are to bo found in manu-
script.

CLV. In this year also died Donald, son of Donogh O'Daly, who,
from his facility in writing verses, was nick-named D0I5 m bar)<i, (A wallet
of Poems). We cannot with certainty say where any pieces of this
author's composition are now to be found.

A. D. 1405.

cLVi. AuGUSTiN Magradian (Austiu M'Craith), a Canon of the order
of Saint Augustin, in the Isle of All Saints, in the river Shanon, died
on the next Wednesday after the feast of All Saints, this year. He wrote
Lives of some Irish Saints, and continued the Annals of Tioferna^h to
his own time. These Annals have been since continued, by another hand,
to the year 1571.

A copy of the Annals is in the Library of Trinity College, Dublin,
Class H.

A. D. 1408.

CLVii. Coll O'Doran, a Leinster man, died this year. He wrote Annals
of Ireland, which Sir James Ware says were extant in his time. We
are not able to say where they are now to be found.

A. D. 1415.

CLviii. Maurice O'Daly, chief poet to O'Reilly, lived A. D. 1415,
in which year he, Dermod O'Daly of Meath, and many other poets.

CXIV

were plundered by Lord Furnival. We know of but one poem now extant
ascribed to this author. It begins " ^ul fe'^'^^rS °f *-"^'' b^''^^^^ ^S V^
5ul Toac cctoinim," " A cry of an English hag over English men, that is a
cry that I lament not." This poem is, by several writers, attributed to
Mahon O'Reilly, Lord of Claim Mahon. It was occasioned by the de-
struction of eighteen castles of the English, bordering on Breifne, and
the laying the country, from Drogheda to Dublin, under contribution,
by Thomas 0'E,eilly, Lord of that part of Breifne called Clann Mahon by
descent from his father, and prince of all the districts of East Breifne
by consent of the tribes.
See under the year 1380.

A. D. 1418.

cLix. At this time lived Giolla Iosa M'Firbis, the famous antiquary
of Leacan, by whom, with the assistance of others, that valuable trea-
sure of Irish Antiquities, called " The Book of Leacan," was compiled.
We cannot say what parts of the Book of Leacan were the original
compositions of this writer ; but at folio 40, b. col. 2, is given a poem of
two hundred and forty verses, beginning " Qi eicj-i OanBd ncc mbectnb,"
" O ye learned of Ireland, of illustrious descent ;" by the last rann of
which we find that Giolla Iosa M'Firbis was the author. And at the
bottom of the same page the reader is requested to " pray for M'Firbis,
who wrote this Book for generations that will succeed him for ever ;
and it was in the time of Rory O'Dowd the Book was written."

Maoil-Iosa M'Firbis, was also the author of a poem of three hundred
and seventy-six verses, beginning " J^eibij btim a bbe 6o rjifn," " Make
ready to me, O God of Heaven," giving the synchronisms of the Roman
Emperors with the monarchs of Ireland, from Augustus Caesar to the Em-
peror Theodosius.

This poem is to be found in the Book of Leacan, folio 180, a. col. 1.

CLX. At this time also flourished Adam O'Cuirnin, Historiographer of
Breifne. He was the writer of the Book of Conquests, or Invasions, and

cxv

the Synchronisms of the Assyrian, Persian, and Grecian kings with tho
nionarchs of Ireland, and of the nionarchs with the provinciHl kings of
Ireland, contained in the Book of Leacan, as appears by a memorandum
at the end of that tract, at folio 30, b. thus, " piniu, 21 6am o Cr^jx^n 6o
ygjii!) 60 5'11-'^ V'^ ""^'' F^i^^^iS •'• ^'ol-lti''' o pbic(cf.clc, c(i)ot)o' CD" cccc" xTm."'
" Finis, Adam O'Cuirnin wrote for Giolla losa M'Firbis, i. e. for the;
Professor of Hy Fiachra, A. D. mccccxiii."

Whether O'Cuirnin was the original compiler of the Book of Conquests
and Synchronisms, or merely th(! transcriber of the work from the com-
pilations of some other persons, we are not at present able to say. The
work, however, is a very valuable document for the History of Ireland;
commencing with the earliest account of time, and carried down to the
period that Roderick, son of Hugh, son of Cathal Croibhdhearg (red-hand)
O'Conor Avas king of Conaghtj and Torlogh, son of Teige, son of Brian
Boroimhe, was king of Munster. Turlogh dethroned his uncle Donoijh,
and took upon himself the government of Munster in A. D. 1086.

CLxi. Cotemporary with the two Jast-mentioned writers was Morogh
r'labliach O'Cuindilis, and who, like them, was concerned in the com-
pilation of the Book of Leacan. We are not able to point out any tracts
or poems of the original compositions of this writer; but at the end of
the Uraicepht, or Book of Fcrceirtne, at folio 162, b. col. 1, of the Book
of Leacan, it appears that he was the transcriber of that tract, and that
he wrote it lor iiis friend M'Firbis, to whom he ffives his blessino' in
addition.

The Book of Leacan has been so often referred to of late, and is, in
fact, a book of such consequence to all who are desirous of an acquaint-
ance with Irish antiquities, that it may be necessary here to give an
abridged account of its contents.

The Book of Leacan consisted originally of six hundred and twenty-
four pages, closely written, with a great numler of contractions, on
velium of a large size. It was the work of several hands, as appears by
the han*!- •. riting. and by the account given of the three last-mentioned
writers. Ar present the first nine folios are lost. It beo;ins with that
part of the Book of Conquests, or Invasions, that treats of the Firbolg-

cxva

?an colony, and continues the History of Ireland down to the twelfth
century. In the course of this work are given extracts from the Psalter
of Cashel, the Book of Glendaiough, &c. and a great number of
historical poems, the compositions of our earliest and most esteemed
bards. In it are also introduced the Synchronisms of the Babylonian, As-
syrian, Grecian and Roman kings and emperors, with our monarchs,
and the synchronisms of our monarchs with our provincial kings. This
work forms the basis of O'Flaberty's Ogygia, and from it Doctor Keating
extracted the materials for his History of Ireland.

At folio -58, b. coL 1, is given the pedigree of the Saints of Ireland,
in verse*

At folio 64, b. col. 2, begins an account of the principal families who
possessed Ireland at the time of writing the book, with the chiefs who
then presided over each, and the filiations of their tribes. This subject
continues to folio 148, where the Leabhar Breathnach, or Book of the
Britons, commences. This latter book is taken from the British author
Nennius.

At folio 151 begins tlie Uraicepht, in the hand- writing of Morogh ria-
bhach O'Cuindilis.

At folio 163, a catalogue of Saints, and the families from whom they
descended.

At folio 164, a. col. 4, a vocabulary of obscure words.

At folio 168, a. col. 1, an account of the dill'erent orders of poets.

At folio 172, a religious poem by St. Cuimin.

At folio 175, an account of Rochaidh, Feidhlioch, and Meidhbh queen
of Conaght, and an account of that province. At that same folio begins
an account of the Athach Tuatha, or plebeians, who overturned the
established government of the Milesians, at the end of the first century
after Christ.

At folio 180, Giolla losa M'Firbis's poem on the synchronisms of the
Roman em[>erors with the monarchs and provincial kings of Ireland.

At folio 184, commences the Book of Rights, ascribed to St. Beinin.

At folio 19.3, an account of famous women of antiquity.

At foiio 198, a poem of three hundred and seventy-four ranns, giving
the names of the wives and mothers of the monarchs and kings of Ireland,

cxvu

At folio 203, begins the ZedJj| ^mmetxc, or Munster Book, giving an
account of the descendant of Heber, the eldest son of Milesius. Thi.s
contains a great quantity of interesting matter relating to the history of
Minister.

At folio 221, Etymology of Irish proper names, in alphabetical order.

At folio 224, Account of the kings of Conaght from the time of Olioll
and Meidhbl; to Brian, son of Eochaidh Moighmheodhain.

At folio 231, The ieaJ>^ b\T} yerfncdij', or History of remarkable Places
in Ireland, giving an account of the derivation of their names. This
tract wants somethir.g in the beginning, but a perfect copy of it is in the
Book of Ballimole, aiul another in Sir William Bethara's large Irish
manuscript.

At folio 264, Account of the Creation of the World, of the Patriarchs,
&c. tracing the ancestors of the Milesians, from Adam to their settle-
ment in Egypt, and afterwards through Scythia, Spain, &c. to Ireland.
This continues to the end of the book, at folio 312.

This last-mentioned tract may be considered as another leah^ "^ahalay
or Book of Conquests, and a great number of poems, from our best
authors, are given as authority for the facts related therein.

The Book of Leacan was once the property of Trinity College, from
the library of which it was taken, by order of James II., brought to
France, and deposited by him in the archives of the Irish College at
Paris, in the presence of a notary, who attended for that purpose, as
we are assured by the Abbe Mac Geoghegan, in the Preface to his History
of Ireland. In the year 1787, through tlie influence and patriotic zeal of
the Chevalier O'Beiily, (who, though born in France, still felt a warm
attachment to the land of his forefathers), the book, in the expectation
that its contents would be translated and published, was, by the consent
of the Irish seminary and the Archbishop, restored to its native country,
by the superior of the Irish college at Paris, who gave it to the late
General, then Colonel, Vallancey, to be lodged in the library of the
Royal Irish Academy, where it now remains, and where, through the
obliging indulgence of that erudite body, the writer of this account has
had an opportunity of consulting it and other valuable Irish manuscripts?
and noting their contents.

CXVlll

The learned General, avIio brought the book back to Ireland, in the
account which he "ives of it in his Green Buoh, already nientionetl under
the year 1390, supposes it to have been in the library of Trinity College,
Dublin, long after the time in which the Abbe Mac Geoghegan says it
was taken from this country. He says it was lent by Doctor Hayniond to
a person of the name of Thady Naghton, from whom it was stolen by
one Egan, who gave it to his master, Judge Marlay, in whose library it
was at the time of his death. He says the book was afterwards carried
to Paris; but by whom, or by what means procured from the heirs of
the Judge, he does not inform us. Against the authority of Abbe Mac
Geoghegan there is nothing to support the General's conjecture, unless
we take the mention made of the book by the learned Edward Lhuyd,
in his Archaelogia Britannica, as a kind of collateral proof. That gen-
tleman published his book in 1707, and in it he gives a short table of
the contents' of the Books of Ballimote and Leacan, both of which he
says he found in the library of Trinity College. Hence it may be said,
if these books were then in Trinity College, the Book of Leacan could
"not have been taken away by James H. But Lhuyd docs not say these
books were in Trinity College at the time he was publishing his book ;
and it is Avell known that he was employed in collecting his materials for
that work a great number of years before he published. It is known
that he was in Ireland for that purpose long before 1690, at which period
he might have consulted the Book of Leacan, and James might have
subsequently removed it to Paris.

In the account given of the Book of Ballimote, under the year 1390,
we have given reasons to suppose it was that book that Doctor Baymond
liad lent to O'Naghten, and that the Book of Leacan was not in the
College library when he procured for Dermot O'Connor, the translator
of Doctor Keating's History of Ireland, a loan of the Book of Ballimote.
In addition to this, the writer of this account has the authority of his
venerable friend, the late Chevalier O'Gorman, to say, that he frequently
consulted the Book of Leacan, in the library of the Irish College at
Paris, upwards of seventy years ago. Hence it may be safely concluded,
that the Abbe Mac Geoghegan, who had the best means of obtaining
information on Irish affairs about the period of the Revolution, must be

CXIX

correct, when he says the Book of Leacan was carried to France by
James the Second.

A. D. 1420.

CLXii. GioLLA-NA-NAOMH O'HuiDHRix, a learned historian, died this
year, according to the Annals of the Four Masters. He was author of
a topographical poem, intended as a Supplement to John O'Dugan's
Ujiiallccm cimceall net pobla. We have seen, under the year 1372, that John
O'Dugan has given an account of the chief tribes and territories of
Leatli Conn, (Meath, Ulster, and Conaght) at the time of the Anglo-
Norman invasion. O'Huidhrin's work gives an account of the principal
families of Leath MhogJia, (Leinster and Munster) and the districts
occupied by them, at the same period. The poem consists of seven
hundred and eighty verses, beginning *' UuiUe peaj-rt tijx CijiiTj 05," " An
addition of knowledge on sacred Erin."

A very valuable copy of this poem, in the hand-writing of Cucoigcriche
O'Clery, is in the collection of MSS. belonging to the Assistant Secretary
to this Society.

CLXiii. In this year also died Angus, son of Carroll buidhe (yellow)
O'Daly. He was author of the two following poems, of which copies
are in the library of John Mac Namara, Esq. a Member of this Society.

1. A poem of one hundred and thirty-six verses, beginning Comuy- niui|t
Cjiudcnct (I5 clutlin jTfctoic," " Dimensions of the wall of Cruachan at
Fraoich's retreat." This poem is, by some, ascribed to Angus roe O'Daly,
who died A. D. 1350. The subject is, the description of the castle of
Carn Fraoich, erected by Aodh O'Conor, king of Conaght.

2. A poem, beginning " 3(itni6 dn ccfiic^i tt clcirj f^leill," " Know
this country, O sons of Niall!" one hundred and sixty verses, addressed
to Art O'Maoilslieachlainn, exciting him to take arms against the English,
and rescue his country from their tyranny. Copy in collection of John
Mac Kaniara, Esq.

cxx

cLxiv. Fergal, son of Teig, son of Angus roe O'Daly, chief poet of
Corcamroe, also died this year. In the year U15, this author, together
with Maurice O'Daly of Breifnc, Dermod O'Daly of Meath, Hugh og
Mac Cuirtin, Dubthach, son of Eochaidh the learned, and several other
poets, were cruelly plundered by Lord Furnival.

CLXV. In the same year with the three last-mentioned writers died
CoNAiNO O'Maolconaire, a Conaght poet. He is said, by some writers,
to have been the author of the poem beginning " "^Ictt {m po|tbct pedfd,"
which, on the authority of the O'Clerys, we have ascribed to Giolla
Caoimhghin, or Giolla Kevin. Others, however, say that it was written
by a Conaing O'Maolconaire, who died A. D. 1314.

See under the years 1072 and 1314.

cLvi. Donald, son of Eogan O'Daly, flourished at this period. He
was author of a poem on the death of Donald, son of Donald O'Sullivan,
prince of Dunboy, who died in Spain. The poem consists of two hun-
dred and four verses, beginning " Sdn Sbrtiti bo z;oifi)ie(lm CeaJnuiji," " In
Spain Tarah was interred."

A fine copy of this poem is in the collection of O'Gara, in the library
of John Mac Namara, Esq.

A. D. 1423.

cxLVii. Under this year the Four Masters record the death of Faelan
Mac a Gobhan, a learned historian. He was the transcriber of a great
part of the Book of the O'Kellys, a valuable Irish manuscript, now in
the library of Sir William Betham, and the original author of some of
the tracts therein contained. At folio 103 of that book, is given a poem
of two hundred and twenty-eight verses, the composition of this author.
It begins " 'Jtdcim <ij\. Dcttiiji •rjle," " Adam, father of us all," and gives the
names of the wives and daughters of several of the Pagan heroes and
deities. This is followed, at folio 104, with an account of the wives of

CXXl

the patriarchs, and a synchronism of the Roman emperors with the
nionarchs and provincial kings of Ireland, from Julius Caesar and
Eochaidh Feidhlioch, monarch of Ireland, to the Emperor Severus, and
Art the Solitary, monarch of Ireland, from A. D. 220 to 250, in which
latter year he died. After this follows, to the end of folio 111, an account
of the Jewish high priests and the first Christian bishops, the officers of
Saint Patrick's household, and different members of his family.

We cannot say whether these latter tracts are the original productions
of Faelan Mac a Gobhan or not ; but by a memorandum at the bottom
of folio 111, b. col. 2, it is said they were written by Faelan Mac a Gobhan
na seel (of the Histories) for his lord and bis friend Bishop Muirchear-
tach O'Kelly. This prelate was Bishop of Clonfert from A. D. 1378 to
A. D. 1394, at which time he was translated by Pope Boniface IX. to
the See of Tuam, over which he presided as Archbishop, until his death,
on the 29th September, 1407.

The large vellum manuscript of Sir William Belham has been so often
mentioned in the course of this work, that it may gratify the curiosity of
our readers to give them a short account of its contents. It may very
properly be called the Leahhnr lly Maine, or the Book of the O'Kellys,
as it contains sufficient proofs to shew that it was for them it was com-
piled, and that it remained in possession of a branch of that family until
at least the year 1757. It is a very valuable document, written on vellum
of the largest size, but wants some leaves in the beginning and the end.
In its present state it commences at folio 24, with an account of the de-
scendants of Nial naoighiallacfi, and gives the pedigrees and (ihations of
the most noted families who trace their origin to that monarch. In this
part are introduced several of the valuable historical poems of Giolla
Caoimhghin, Giolla Modhuda, Giolla na naomh O'Dunn, Erard M'Coise,
Flann Mainistreach, Fotha ua Canni, &c. <S:c. of whose works we have
given a particular description in the course of this work. There are also
contained in this part several other ancient historical poems, with the
names of whose authors we are at present unacquainted.

From folio 29 there is a chasm to folio 39, where we meet an account
of the descendants of Maine, son of Niall, of which the principal were
the D'Kellys, the O'Maddens, and other ancient tribes of Boscoiumon

ami Gaiway. At folio 40, h. col. I, is a caialogue of the kings or princes
of Ily Maine, from Ceallach, the great ancestor of the family of O Kelly,
from whom they take their name, to Donogh, son of Maoileaghlainn
O'Kelly, wlio was killed on the lOth of October, 1427, in Avhich year this
part of the book was w rit(en. This account is in prose, supported by the
■ S!uthority of ancient poems, and ends at folio 46, from which to 57 there
is another chasm.

■At folio 57, is part of the Leinster Book, extracted from the Book of
•Glendalogh, giving an account of the dcscewianls of Cathaoir mor, king
of Leinster and njonarch of Ireland, at the close of the second century.
Another chasm occurs from folio 58 to folio 65, where we meet with an
account of the men of Ulster, with pedigrees of the principal families of
that province, extracted -from the Book of Saul Abbey, in the county of
Down, founded by Saint Patrick, in A. D. 432. In this account are
comprehended the descendants of Ir, third son of Milesius, who made
Settlements for themselves in other provinces, such as the O'Connors of
Kerry and Corcamroe, the O'Loghlins of Burren, the O'Moores of Leix,
theO'Farrells of Annaly, «S:c. «&c.

< At folio 80 commences the Munster Book, with " Eber a fjuo dicltiir
Hibernia,^' in Irish characters, containing a great quantity of the early
history of Munster, and the pedigrees and liliations of the chief families
tiescended from Heber, the eldest sen of Milesius.

' At folio 91, b. col. 2, the lectBd;i Dnedcnac. or Book of the Britons,
commences with E^o iVeniiius, in Irish characters, and continues to folio
^4, a. col. 1. At the head of this tract there is a memorandum, which
says that Nennius was the author, and that Giolla Caoimhghin translated
it into ScoTic.

' At folio 94, a. col. 1, is Eochaidh O'Floinn's poem of two hundred
and thirty-two verses, beginning " ?(r;ai)< cttic coimy-ift nime," traci vj: the
ancestors of the Irish through the Patriarchs, to (heir arrival in Egypt,
under Niall, son of Fenius Farsaigh (/. e the Persian).

At folio 95, a. col. 1, th<' bm-n-f€a-nc<x\-f, ov History of Women, giving
an account of the wives and mothers of the kings and chiefs of Ireland,
first in prose, and then in a poem of ihree l;un<lred and srventy-four
ranns, beginning " ?lbam rter)cttai;t w i}6rtei)ie," by Giolla Modhuda O'Cas-
sidy.

cxxai

At folio 100, b. col. 2, Flaim Mainistreach's poem on the synchronisms
of the kings and emperors of the Assyrians, Persians, Irish, Greeks>
llomans, &c.

At folio 103, a. col. 2, Faelan M' a Gobhan's productions,, as above-
mentioned, to folio 111.

From folio 113 to the end of folio 127, Divine Poems, Prophecies, &c.
ascribed to SS. I3eiiin, Bercan, Beg mac De, Diring Draoi, Geoffry O'Clery,
Donagh mor O'Diily, Maolmuire O'Leanain, &c. &c.

At folio 127, a. col. I, begins an account of the Israelites from the
days of Abraham, &c. to folio 133, where is an account of the death of
Dermod, soaof Fergus Ceirbheoil^ monarch of Ireland, from A. D. 5i4
to J6.5.

At folio 1.35, the Book of Rights, ascribed to St. Beinin, of which, we
have already given a particular account.

From folio 139 to folio 143, Historical Poems, by Giolla Caoimghin,
John O'Dugan, and others of our most esteemed bards and historians.

At folio 143 commences the Dinn Seanchas, or History of noted Places
in Ireland. We have given a full account of this production when treat-
ing of Amergin M'Amalgaidh, A. D. 5-50, and of the Book of Ballimotej
under the year 1390,

At folio 172, John O'Dugan's poem o» the wonderful things of Ireland,
four hundred and eighty verses, beginnuig " Ci^ti iti)ttit)t cctlmdn <:oi|tig,"
" Western Erin of fruitful lands."

, At folio 173 an historical poem on the building of Babylon. On the
same folio Giolla Caoimhghin's poem, beginning" 2iobalctd ttnall -rjle,"
followed by three poems on Irish Topography, «&c.

At folio 174, O'Dugan's Irish Vocabulary, beginning " tojxuf poccl
IraibcecCji liB," followed, on the same folioj by two poems on the birth of
Christ.

At folio 17o, John O'Dugan's poero on the battles of Cormac O'Cuinn,
beginning " rectmat;! m ftig ficui Copmtiic."

At folio 176, are three anonymous historical poems.

At folio 177 commences a vocabulary of hard words, and etymology of
some proper names, in alphabetical order.

CXXIV

At folio 184, another vocabulary, not in alphabetical order; and on the
same folio, the etymology of Irish proper names.

At folio 188, the monarch Cormac's royal precepts to his son Cairbre
Liffeachair.

At folio 190, account of several remarkable things in Ireland, of which
there were three of each kind.

At folio 191, a. col. 2, commences the Irish Prosody ; an account of
the Bardic profession and qualifications necessary for the different orders
of bards, the Uraiceapht, or Primer of the Bards ; account of the Ogham,
or secret writing, «fec. to folio 201.

From folio 201, to the end of the book at folio 216, are several poems
by our earliest and most esteemed Fileas. Some of these are authentic
history, and others are mixed with fable. Of this latter description are
the poems on the Knights or Heroes of the Red Branch ; such as Cu-
chullen, Conall, Cearnach, Curaidh mac Daire, Fergus mac Roigh, «&c.
and of the Fianna Eirionn, or famous Irish militia, commanded by Fionn
Mac Cubhail, (the Fingal of Macpherson), such as GoU mac Moirne,
Dermod O'Duibhne, Caoilte Mac Ronan, Conan maol, Oisin the poet,
Oscar, son of Oisin, &c. &c.

From the above short account it will be seen, that this book contains
the chief part of the matter to be found in the Books of Ballimote and
Leacan ; in addition to which, are several other valuable pieces, which
render it a most interesting document to the Irish historian and anti-
quary.

A. D. 1425.

c'Lxvni. In this year died Thomas, son of Giolla-na-naomh, Mac-a-
GoBHAN, or Smith, surnamed 3Iac craith na sgel. He was chief gene-
alogist of O'Loghlainn of Corcomroe. It is probable he was the author
or transcriber of the Irish manuscript book, mentioned by Nicholson, in
his Irish historical library, as being in the library of the Duke of Chan-
dos, under the title of " Collectanea Magraithi Mac Gowna, de Genealo-
giis Sanctorum Ilibernise.

cxxv

A. D. 1430.

cLxix. About this time flouriahcd Agnus O'Daly fionn, surnamed
na diadhacta, (of the divinity). He was author of the following pieces.
. 1. A poem of forty verses, beginning " Cjieidim buic ct bbe heime," " I
believe in thee, Oh God of heaven." This is a thanksgiving after Com-
munion.

2. A poem on the benefits arising to man from the incarnation of the
sou of God ; forty-eight verses, beginning " Co-{"ctc f i6e f a))Uf gtlbfliel,"
*' The salutation of Gabriel is the beginning of peace."

3. A poem beseeching the intercession of Saint John the Baptist,
sixty verses, beginning "guide ojtm, <l Coin 6ctifce," "Pray forme, Oh
John Baptist."

Copies of these three poems arc In the MS. collection of the Assistant
Secretary.

4. A poem, beginning " Sofitiib le6 ceile cC Chcti^il," " Farewell with thy
companion, O Cashel," two hundred and eight verses on the death of
Donald M'Carthy, prince of Desmond, who died, according to the Annals
of the Four Masters, A. D. 1409. This chief, the poet informs us, died
without issue.

Copy in O'Gara's book, in the library of J. M'Namara, Esq.

cLxx. Hugh O'Dalv, chief poet of O'Reilly, prince of East Breifne,
died this year. He wrote a poem on the marriage of Eoghan na feaso\ge
(of the beard) O'Reilly, with Gormly, the daughter of Tiernan mor
O'Rourke, prince of West Breifne, an imperfect copy of which, together
with some other imperfect poems by the same author, are in the collection
of the Assistant Secretary. The poem on the marriage of his patron
with O'Rourke's daughter begins " 1j- ttoibit) 6uic d Ob/teipne/' •' Happy is
it for thee, Oh Breifne."

ex XVI

A. D. 14 10.

€i,xxT. About this time nourished Goffrey O'Clery, of whose pro-
ductions, four poems, on religious subjects, are preserved in an ancient
and vahiable velkim MS. in the library of Sir William Betham.

1. Upon the respect that Christians sli-ould have for Friday above the
Gther days of the week, one hundred and thirty-two verses, beginning
" Cdb/ictiS o))(>ij-t boi) deine," " Give reverence to Friday."

Tn this poem the author shews that on Friday our Lord Jesus Christ
dic<l for the sins of man ; on Friday Saint Stephen was stoned; Saint John
the Baptist behpaded ; Saints Peter and Paul erucitied, &c. S:c.

2. Upon the gift of tongues to the Apostles, and the different nations
to whicJi each of them preached the Gospel; one hundred and forty-four
verses, beginning " COA]t ]\tx coin6n)ea6 coirjeafn be," " The spouse of God
well merits support."

3. Upon the instability of earthly dwellings, and the kingdom of God
as the permanent abode to which man should aspire ; one hundred and
twenty-four verses, beginning '' pa6cc go •cu?5'm mo ieac," " Long until I
go to my house."

4. A poem beginning " bligiij icty-ctcc rtibledcdb jte a CbdjiBti," " It is
right to return a l^an with its profit ;" one hundred and twenty-eight
verses.

CLxxii. At this time flourished Brian ?'oe M'Coismhidhe, a retainer of
the houses of O'Neill and O'DonneJl. He was author of tlie followiuir
poems :

1. On the O'Neill family, shewing that to them belonged the sovereignty
of Ireland. This poem consists of one hundred and fifty-six verses,
beginning " Ceamrtijt gac bctile a mbi ;ii," " Tarah is every, town where a
king is.'"

Copy in the library of John IVPNaniara, Esq.

2. On Neachtan, son of Torlogh an J'kioua (of the wine) O'Donell,
prince of Tirconell, one hundred and forty-eight verses, beginning
" lombcf T]\]\r,m ci5 Ullcaij,"' '' The Ultonians have great respect."

Copies in the possession of Bev. Doctor O'Brien, and of the Assistant
Secretary.

cxxvu

A. D. 1441.

cLxxiti. Maoilin, son of Tanaidhe, son ofPaidin O'Maolconaire, chief
poet of the Siol Muireadhaigh (O'Connors of Conaght) died on the 13th
of February this year, according to the Annals of the Four Masters. He
was author of the poem beginning " biigid jtij eoluf 6'oUcim," " The
knowledge of a professor behoves a king," one hundred and sixty-four
versos, upon the division of Conaght between Cathal Crobh-dhearg
(red-hand) and Brian Luighneach, the two sons of Torlogh, (the great)
O'Conor, king of Conaght and monarch of Ireland, who died A. D,
1156. The poet gives an account of the districts and boundaries of each
son's share, and a list of the descendants of Brian who obtained the go-
vernment of the entire province of Conaght, and the number of years
that each prince ruled.

A copy of this poem is in the hands of the Assistant Secretary.

A. D 1446.

cLxxiV'. Tanaidhe, son of Maoilin, son of Tanaidhe O'Maolconaire,
died about the feast of Easter, this year, and was buried in the monas-
tery of Ballybogan. He was author of the poem beginning " Ql eiccyiu
hiXnha6co mblc(i6," " Oh ye learned of Ireland with great renown," twelve
verses, on the battle of Tenus, in Ibh-Failge, fought between Heber
and Heremon, two sons of Milcsius, A. M. 2935, in which the former
lost his life.

Copy in the Book of Lcacan, fol. 13, col. 4, and in the Book of
Conquests, by the O'Clerys, in possession of the Assistant Secretary.

CLxxv. Donald Mac an Clasaigh (the fat) O'Coffey, and his two
sons, were killed this year at Lough Ainnin, in West Meath, by the
descendants of Art O'Maoilseachlainn, and by the sons of Fiacha
Mageoghan. He was, as the Four Masters say, " a good leader of an

cxxvia

army, and well skilled in poetry." He was author of the poem begin-
ning " Uai;te ;tiOo a fnic O^bu^tcctbcc," " Be cautious, oh son of Morogh,"
one hundred and sixty-eight verses, cautioning the prince of Leinster to
be prepared to resist the attacks of the English.

A copy of this poem, beautifully written on paper about the year 1600,
is in the collection of the Assistant Secretary.

A. D. 1448.

CLxxvx. The Annals of Conaght, and of the Four Masters, under this
year, record the death of " Tadhg or Teige og, son of Giolla Columb
O'Hi^GiN, first preceptor of the poets of Eiriu and Alba," (Ireland and
Scotland). He was author of the following poems :

1. In praise of the river Shannon, forty-two verses, beginning " "^l
Sio)iccin6 Crr)b ceb cdcfiiig," " O Shannon of Conn of hundred battles."

Copy with Assistant Secretary.

2. A poem beginning " Qivd^b c/ti coiiiftetic Km cioii," " They are three
that contend on my account," one hundred and twenty-four verses,
shewing that the world, tlie flesh, and the devil contend against his
spiritual good. Copy in collection of John M'Namara, Esq.

3. A poem beginning " O'n c(;\6 crcnt tig c(>i coBaijt," " From the North
the assistance came," one hundred and forty-four verses, on the mighty
deeds of Niall og O'Neill.

Copy in the collection of John M'Namara, Esq.

4. A poem beginning " CP6;\ mo cr^b bo cumdio ChditJs," " Great my share
of sorrows for Teig," one hundred and ninety-two verses, on the death
of Teige O'Conor, Sligo.

Copy in the collection of John M'Namara, Esq.

5. A poem, beginning " '2lnoij- bo cuigfiSe Za6z,,'''' " Now Teige was
taken," one hundred and sixty verses, on the death of Teige O'Kelly.

Copy in the collection of John M'Namara, Esq.

6. A poem beginning " puilijigid fcuft leun <( leii CnuiJi," "Suffer your
sorrows, oh Leath Chuinn," one hundred and sixty-four verses, on the
death of Ulick Burke.

Copy with John M'Namara, Esq.

CXXIX

7. A poem beginning " '^inocz 'f^aroHib M f^ola," " To-night are dis-
solved the schools," one hundred and twelve verses, on the death of

Feargal roe O'Higgin.

Copy in the collection of John M'jSamara, Esq.

The poem beginning " 6ct ftoin comcfiomd aift epic f^leill," which we have
on good authority given to Owen M'Craith, under 1395, is, by some
writers, ascribed to this author.

A. D. 1450e.

CLXxvii. At this time flourished John, son of Rory, M'Craith, the
chief historian of the Dalcassian or North Munster tribes. He wrote, in
the year 1459, the Caitfteim Coijitiecdbdij, or Catalogue of the battles of
Turlogh, containing an account of the wars of Thomond for upwards of
two hundred years, from the landing of Henry H. in Ireland, to the
death of Lord Robert de Clare, A. D. 1318.

cLxxviii. At this time also lived Teige, son of Joseph, O'Cassidy, of
Coole. He was physician to the Maguires, princes of Fermanagh, and
wrote a treatise on Medicine, a copy of which is- in the collection of the
Assistant Secretary^

A. D. 1460.

cLxxix. John O'Cludhain Nourished about this period. He was
author of a poem in praise of Aodb, or Hugh, son of Owen O'Conor,
one hundred and eighty-eight verses, beginning " t>oj\n i6i;t 6{tr) ly- 6c(^ac6y"
" A liand between poetry and courage."

A fine old copy of this poem is in the collection of the Assistant Se-
cretary.

cxxx

A. D. 14G8.

cLxxx. John Mac Coinmhidue, or Conway, died this year. He was
author of the poem, beginning " Tiuf, tsn bSf bctijle a. neinij," " Death
carried the palm of victory," two hundred and ninety-six verses, on the
death of Niall og O'Neill, prince of Tir-Eoghan (Tyrone.)

Copy in the collection of John M'Naniara, Esq.

CLxxxi. Cotemporary with John Mac Coinmhidhe was Donogh O'Bolg-
AiDH, or BouLGER, a physician, who wrote some tracts on medicine,
and transcribed the works of others on that subject. A large book,
containing near five hundred pages, beautifully written on vellum, in
O'Bolgai's handwriting, is in possession of the Assistant Secretary. By a
memorandum at the end of one of the tracts contained in this book,
which treats of the medicinal virtues of herbs, minerals, «&c. it appears
that it was first written at Mount Pelior, in France. The date of the
transcript is then given in these words and characters: " OO.cccc.lx.u'. ^•D
ziiD 60 CftictiujctD an leaBa^t -fo, le bo^cab b. OoUccai, dgcCy dnirg Id peil pDien,
tjgci^ a. coTOctftca rt-judjtiuy 60 ui m zefca, ttgCf C 60 bo lfue;i bofiDidig, a^<if
<i ceaiix^jx majx mr^mf o'r* 60 ^^ 11 blutbain ^in." " M.CCCC.LX.VI. the
time this book was finished by Donogh O'Bolgai (Boulger) and the day

was the feast of Saint Finian, and the Moon was in the sign Aquarius,
and four Avas the golden number of that year."

Besides the tract above mentioned, there are separate treatises upon
the diseases of the head, and other members of the human body, in which

many of the Arabian physicians are frequently quoted.

Towards the end of the book there is a translation of Aristotle's

Treatise " On the Nature of Matter," but it does not appear whether

O'Bolgai was the translator, or only a transcriber.

The Ijast article in this book is a law tract, regulating the rewards to

be paid to physicians by different ranks in society. Tlie language of this

law tract, and the matters contained in it, prove it to have been written

at a much earlier period than that in which the rest of the book was

written.

CXXXl

A. D. 1481.

cLXXxii. Conor roe M'Coinmhidhe died this year. He was author of
a poem o i the death of Brian O'Neill, eighty-four verses, beginning
" 1 imMD Ca j-i dcd <t ))boijte," " Precious are the relicks that are im
Derry,"

Co2;)y in the library of John M'Namara, Esq.

A. D. 1498.

CLxxxiii. Cathald Mac Magnus (Charles Maguire) died this year, on
the 10th of the calends of April. He was author of those Annals of
Ireland, called "Annals of Bally M' Magnus," "Senatensian Annals," and
" Annals of Ulster." They commence with the reign of Feradach Fionn-
fachtnach, monarch of Ireland, A. D. 60, and are carried down to the
author's own time. They were afterwards continued to the year 1504, by
Roderick O'Cassidy, Archdeacon of Clogher.

The Annals of the Four Masters give the character, and relate the
death of Cathald, in words, of which the following is a literal transla-
tion : " Mac Magnus of Seanaigh, i. e. Cathal og, son of Cathal, son of
Cathal, son of Giolla Patrick, son of Mathew, &c. was master of a house
of general hospitality, and a public victualler in Seanaidh Mac Magnus ;
Canon of the Choir in Ardmagh, and in the Bishoprick of Clogher;
Parson of Iniscaoin; Deacon of Lough Erne; and Deputy of the Bishop
of Clogher, for fifteen years before his death. He was an encourager
and protector of learning and science in his own district; a treasured
branch of the Canons ; a fountain of love anil mercy to the poor and
unprotected of God's people. It was he who collected and brought
together many books of Annals, from which he compiled the Annals of
Bally Mac Magnus, for himself. He died of the small pox on the 10th
of the calends of April, on a Friday, in particular, in the sixtieth year of
his age."

cxxxu

Those Annals are partly Irisli and part Latin. A copy of this work, in
folio, written on vellum, is in the library of Trinity College, Dublin.

A. D. 1501.

cLxxxiv. The Annals of the Four Masters under this year, record the
death of Donald O'Higgin, teacher of the schools of Ireland in poetry,
after his return from a pilgrimage to the church of Saint James, in Spain.
The Annals of Conaght say he died in 1-502. He was a native of the
county of Sligo, and author of a poem, consisting of one hundred and
thirty-two verses, beginning " CDeiy-6e «dc eadnid/t ei|te '' " Woful that not
jealous is Erin," in praise of John, son of Alexander M'Donald.

Copy with the Assistant Score ta?'y.

A. D. 1504.

CLXxxv. Pierce, son of Thomas O'Cassidy, of Coola, Maguire's pro-
fessor of physic, died this year. He wrote on the nature and cure of
different diseases incident to the human frame.

A copy of his work is in the collection of the Assistant Secretary.

A. D. 1508.

CLXxxvi. Geoffrey O'Daly, fionn, died this year, according to the
Annals of Conaght. To this author we are indebted for the following
poems :

1. One hundred and eighty- four verses, beginning " COaifig med.Wa'f
r(tT^^y\ <(n cyaojail," " Woe to him whom the riches of the world deceive,"
upon the folly of great attachment to worldly matters.

CXXXUl

2. A poem of two hundred verses, beginning " t)o t65B!aiii mei/ige OOufX'
crttJiJ," " The standard of Morogh was raised," in praise of Morogh
O'Madden, prince of the Siol nAmchadha, or tribe of O'Maddens. The
author compares the actions of his hero to those of his namesake, Mo-
rogh, son of Brian Boroiniiie, at the battle of Clontarf.

3. A po<,Mn of two hundred verses, beginning " Q)<x6 piap^icnbedc bu6
peciy-flc," " If you are inquisitive you will be knowing," upon Irish gram-
mar. It treats of the parts of speech, and the genders of nouns.

4. A poem of two hundred and four verses, beginning " ?t "^hedjxoizz
dedna mo bciil," " Oh Gerald, do my bidding." This poem is addressed
to Gerald, son of Maurice, Earl of Desmond, requesting his powerful
protection.

Fine copies of this author's works are in the collection of the Assistant
Secretary.

A. D. ISIO.

CLxxxvii. Owes Roe M'an Bhaird (Ward), chief poet of TIrconnel,
died this year. He was author of many poems, none of which have come
under our notice, except one, consisting of one hundred and thirty-six
verses, on the death of Donald O'Donell. It begins " lecfyg dr) ttbcngp
a^ ea-f ^ua6," " Sloth this night on Eas Roe."

Copy of this poem in collection of the Assistant Secretary.

A. D. 151L
cLxxxviii. At this time flourished Cairbre O'Maolconaire, a famous
scribe, who made a beautiful copy of one of our ancient Law tracts, that
had been glossed or commented on by Donogh, son of Cairbre M'Aodh-
again, or M'Egan. This tract was once the property of the author of
the Archaiologia Britannica, and afterwards of Sir John Seabright, who
made a present of it, and several other valuable Irish manuscrips, to the
library of Trinity College, where it now is, in class H. 54,

CXXXIV

A. D. 1518.

CLXxsix. CioTHRUADH, SOU of Atlialriie O'Heoghusa, died this year,
accord ii)g to the Four Masters. He was autlior of a poem in praise of
theO'Roiirkes, beginning " br^we ixf. ppiledb fT,l ??ud;ictic," " Nurse of the
poets is the family of O'Rourice ;" one hundred and thirty-two verses.

A fine copy of this poem is iu O'Gara's collection, in the library of
John Mac Naniara, Esq.

A. D. 1520.

cxxc. Teige og O'Daly flourished at this time. He was author of
a poem, consisting of one hundred and forty verses, beginning " ^li
clriJin gdbalci 5/^Sf be," " No deceitful prize is the grace of God," on
the great advantage of living in a state of grace, and of the goodness of
God.

Copy in possession of the Assistant Secretary.

cxci. At this time also lived Brian caoch O'Daly, author of a poem
on confidence in God, one hundred and forty-four verses, beginning
" bfXmgeAn cofl|tc(b pet ccii;t- jtij, ' "A secure contract in the promise of God."

Copy in collection of the Assistant Secretary.

A. D. 1532.

cxcTi. Manus, son of Aodh O'Donell, of the princely family of Tir-
Conell, died this year. He was author of a Life of Saint Patrick, written
in his native language, often quoted by Colgan and other writers.

About this period flourished a poet, also of the name of Manus
O'Donell, but we are not able to say whether he be the same person that

cxxxv

wrote the Life of Saint Patrick, or not. Some short poems of his com-
position are in possession of the Assistant Secretary.

1. A poem of twelve verses, beginning " Cfioibe Ittii 60 |-iiirc(jy/Ci5iB,"
" A heart full of meditations."

2. A poem of twelve verses, beginning " bcfji ledrn ly- 5alc(;i e iti 5|iiJiJ,"
" In my opinion, love is a disease."

3. A poem of twenty-four verses, beginning " C|loibe «{o 6ct 5016 wctiTje,"
" This is a heart that is about to be stolen from us."

4. A poem of twelve verses, beginning " '^o\^z <tr]occ beiftead mo ygel,'"'
" Painful to-night is the end of my tale."

5. A poem, beginning " (Odj- bfiaccCi}! Bocc dft bfidictijl nieit," " If the
fat brother be a poor brother," (a friar).

A. D. 1541.

cxcin. In this year died Rodekick O'Cassidv, Archdeacon of Clogher.
He wrote a continuation of the Ulster Annals, from 1498, where they
were ended by Cathal Mac Guire, to the year 1504, and added some
things to the first part.

This work is in the library of Trinity College.

A. D. 1550.

cxciv. LoGHLAiNN O'Daly flounshcd at this period. He was author
of the following pieces :

1. A poem of eighty-four verses, beginning " Uctigneac a. cdoi <x recig net
jiobflacaifi," " Solitary art thou, Oh house of the brothers," upon the
expulsion of the Franciscan friars from their convents, in tlie reign of
Henry the Eighth.

2. A poem of one hundred and thirty-two verses, beginning " Cpettllcrf;*
in6e an cao^- bcinct," " We, the people of song, are deceived."

CXXXVl

3. A poem of one hundreJ verses, beginnino; " CCtic 'nctfl ^dhabdji
5«oi6il," " Where did the Gathelians lind shelter," upon the separation
and dispersion of the Irish.

4. A poem, beginning " poguf cabdiji 6o c;iioc boifttie," " Assistance is
near the country of Burren," upon the family of O'Loghlain of Burren,
in tlie west of the county of Clare.

5. The poem, beginning " Cijct odlcct Cbdi/ibfie jtuccib," which we have
given, from good authority, to Flann Mainistreach, is, by some writers,
ascribed to Loghlainn O'Daly.

See Flann Mainistreach, or Flann of Bute, under the year 10.56.
Copies of these poems are in the collection of the Assistant Secretary.

A. D. 1554.

cxcv. Teige, son of Aodh O'Coffey, the chief teacher of poetry in
Eire and Alba, (Ireland and Scotland) died this year, according to the
Four Masters. He was author of the following pieces :

1. A poem of sixty-eight verses, beginning " C|ttlri <{eoil nd c/trjne at)
cfloc rjcJomta," "The holy cross is the mast of the world," in praise of
the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, and of the goodness of God in sending
his son to die an ignominious death for the redemption of man.

2. A poem, beginning " polttfn G\j\e b'ea.fhm6 5h;<ictn)," " Ireland is
waste, from the absence of Brian," one hundred verses, on the death of
Brian O'Connor Failge, (Faly.)

Copies of these poems are in the collection of the Assistant Secretary.

cxcvi. At this time lived a poet distinguished by the name of Teige
mor O'Coffey, author of a poem in praise of Manus, son of Aodh dubh
O'Donell, who gave the writer a mare of his stud for every rann contained
in the poem. It consists of twenty ranns, or eighty verses, beginning " Cia
|le cc-yjfipn ^e<X6 {r-^jx^e ?" " Who sends the gifts of courtship?"

We know not but this and the last-mentioned writer are one and the
same person.

Copy in the library of Rev. Doctor O'Brien.

CXXXVll

A. D. 1556.

cxcvii. The annals of the Four Masters, under this year, record the
murder of Anthony, son of William O'Coffey, by some persons un-
known. He was author of the following pieces :

1. A poem of one hundred and tifty-six verses, beginning "C06 w 1cJ;tlc(
ttinm Sbemctiy," " Greater than Earl is the name of James." This was
written in praise of James earl of Desmond, who survived his poet but
one year.

2. A poem of one hundred and sixty verses, beginning " pc(6a dn cr,me
■fo ctft c6',]\ ))be." " Long be this remembrance on the justiceof God ;" in
praise of our Lord Jesus Clirist, and on the intercession of his mother,
the Blessed Virgin Mary, in favour of sinners.

Copies of these poems are in the possession of the Assistant Secretary.

cxcviii. At this time flourished Fearflatha O'Gnimh, (O'Gneeve)
poet to the O'Neills of Clannaboy. He was author of the poem beginning
" COo ti([uaMi mct|i <tcc(i6 5«ioi«^il," " Alas for the state of the Gathelians,"
ninety-two verses, upon the miserable state of the Irish in those parts of
the country where the power of the English prevailed.

An imperfect translation of this poem may be seen in O'Connor's Dis-
sertations on the History of Ireland, at page 74, Christie's edition, Dublin,
1812. Copies of the original arc in the hands of almost every Irish
scholar.

A. D. 1560.

cxcix. At this period flourished Fergal O'Cionga, (King.) He was
author of a poem upon the merits of Christ's sufferings, one hundred and
fifty-two verses, b; iiinning " COd^i^ df uji/id pe heacz fiij !" " Alas ! that
subject to his condition is the king."

A copy of this poem is in the collection of the Assistant Secretary.

CXXXVUl

cc. At this time also lived Cormac, son of Giolla Colulm O'Higgix,
who wrote a poem on the death of Donogh, son of Cathal O'Conor, Sligo,
one hundred and eighty verses, beginning " Sion co\zce<ir, cumdib grtoibil,",
" The sorrow of the Gathelians appears in a general shower of tears."

Copy in O'Gara's collection in the library of John Mac Namara, Esq.

A. D. 156S.

cci. Donald Mac Carthy, created first earl of Clan-Carthy this year,
was author of some poems, two only of which have reached us:

1. A small poem, of sixteen verses, beginning " 'Stiyling t/iudg 60 meii;t
iDCiY-i," " A sorrowful vision has deceived me."

2. A poem of forty-four verses, beginning " Uc dij uc ! d O^b-rjfte B-i^tJe,"
" Alas! alas! oh benign Mary ;" a pious address to the Blessed Virgin
Mary.

Copies in the collection of the Assistant Secretary.

A. D. 1566.

ecu. John O'Maolconaire, called by some of the annalists ?';t6 olldm
ei;tion, (chief poet of Ireland) flourished at the time that Brian na murtha
(of the bulwarks) O'Rourke was chosen chief of his tribe, after the death
of his brother Aodh buidhe, (the yellow) A. D. 1566. He wrote a poem
in praise of Brian na murtha, one hundred and thirty-six verses, beginning
" puaiji bpeiptie a. biol 60 y-dejlctn*," " Breifne has obtained a prince worthy
of her." This poem is written in the Bearla Peine, or Phoenician dialect
of the Irish, and the poet assigns as a reason for his using that dialect,
*•' because the bec^;^la ftuj-cac, or dialect of plebeians^ was unworthy of his
hero.''

A fine old copy of this poem, with an interlined gloss, is in the collection
of Irish MSS. belonging to the Assistant Secretary.

cxxxix

A. D. 1570.

cciii. At this time lived Angus O'Daly Fionn, surnamed the Divine.
He was author of the following poems :

1. Forty-eight verses on our Saviour's humanity, beginning " C-»;Ue gan
Cftcdj 6dor)bac6 be," " A flood without ebb, is the humanity of God."

2. Forty-four verses on the Conception of the Blessed Virgin, begin-
ning " Soijeac hAl-fam bj\u COr,ne,'' " A vessel of precious balsam is the
womb of Mary."

3. Sixty-four versos in praise of God, beginning " ^id cr,^ poiij beg ^-o
60 bbici," " These fifteen ranns to God."

4. Forty-eight verses, in which the poet acknowledges his sins, and
says it required the blood of a God to cleanse him from them. This
poem begins " f-h lei^t i>aon a. <iir)eafn pein," " The stains of a man are
not visible to himself."

5. A hymn addressed to our Lord Jesus Christ, beginning " 'Jl 1oj-<(
ai) e^fbeap. mo bcin?" " Oh Jesus do you attend to my song ?"

6. A penitential Address to our Saviour, eighty-eight verses, beginning
'• Cifz fiem' cripd a fneic COnTj;ie !" " Hear my faults, Oh Son of Mary!"

T. Twenty-four verses on the Blessed Sacrament, beginning " gab ma
coimi/ice tx Chr-jjxf loyd," " Be my protection. Oh body of Jesus."

8. Fifty-two verses, beginning " 5r^i'*" "i* maigfteat) njatai/i be," " Sun
of Virgins is the Mother of God."

9. Forty verses, beginning " COai/tg ricic molrti) nai<^^]^ be," " Alas that
I praise not the mother of God."

10. Thirty-six verses, beginning " Cpctic tin lJci|ldDCct heAv ^105," " Good
is the authority of a queen."

1 1. Forty-four versjcs, beginning " "^ac mdijbean 50 rti-dzA'jx meic,"
*' Each virgin to the mother of a son."

12. Thirty-two verses, beginning " ?l mV^ig 1' molrjiD CPTjjie," " In
falsehood I praise not Mary."

13. Twenty-four verses, beginning " Cpirjic 60 hedjuajx he<xn t.ccoil,"
" Often is given a fond woman."

cxl

14. Sixty verses, beginning " bean bu rnctc mtircd^ 1oj-<t," " A woman of
two sons, the mother of Jesus.

15. Forty-eight verses, beginning " ODaic m'dnacrtil ^ fe}]\^ Dbe," " Good
is my protection against the anger of God."

The last eight poems in the above list are in praise of the Blessed
Virgin Mary.

Copies of all these poems are in the collection of the Assistant Secre-
tary.

cciv. At this time also lived John buidhe O'Daly, author of a poem
in praise of Torlogh Luineach O'Neill, one hundred and seventy-six
verses, beginning " Cen-nb w p.io^j\(X}6e pij Ulaib," « Chief of kings the
king of Ulster."

Copy in collection of the Assistant Secretary.

ccv. At the same time with the foregoing lived Owen O'Duffy, tlie
friso; author of a poem, consisting of three hundred and ninety-six
verses, on Miler M'Graith, and some others of the clergy, renouncing the
Catholic, and embracing the Protestant religion, in the reign of Eliza-
beth. This poem begins " le\^ bob comoji^uy brjri," " Leave thy com-
parison to us."

Copies in the library of John M'Namara, Esq. and of the Assistant

Secretary.

ccvr. Cotemporary with the two last-mentioned writers was Donald
M'Daire M'Bruaideagha, or M'Brodin, author of the two following
poems :

1. One hundred and sixty verses on James Earl of Desmond, begin-
ning " Ci<( ij- ■f\r\e cdi/to di/t c/tfc f^leiU," " Which is the oldest charter of
the country of Niall."

2. Two hundred and forty-eight verses on Torlogh, son of Donogh
O'Brien, beginning " Cftedb an crdmanj-cc <iif» ITbeingdU ?" '^ What is this
dread that is on the foreigners ?"

Copy in the collection of the Assistant Secretary,

cxli

ccvri. At this time lived a Donall M'Daire, who, it is probable, was
the same as the last-mentioned writer. There are two poems ascribed to
him, both possessing a good deal of merit. The first consists of one
hundred and sixty-eight verses, beginning "'21 tiieic gujt media c'ajimd!"
" Oh son ! that a reproach are thy arms !" addressed to some young
man that he calls " son of the Earl," but there is no clue to discover
who he was.

Copy in the collection of John M'Namara, Esq.

The second poem consists of one hundred and sixteen verses, begin-
ning " gedll jte mctoine moldb be," " Pledge of reward the praise of God,"
in praise of our Lord Jesus Christ,

Copy in possession of Assistant Secretary.

A. D. 1580.

covin. MuiRCHEARTACH O'CioNGA flourished at this time. He was
author of a poem on the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, and upon the
benefits that man derives from his sufferings and death. The poem con-
sists of one hundred and eighty-four verses, beginning " Oeijic caij- cogctii
cijed/iW," " A pleasant burden is the war of a Lord."

A fine copy of this poem is in the collection of the Assistant Secretary.

ccix. At this time flourished Flann, son of Owen M'Craith (Ma-
grath) a Munster poet, author of the following poems :

1. One hundred and eighty-four verses on Thomas Butler, tenth Earl
of Ormond, or, as the poet calls him, Earl of Gowran, who succeeded
to that title when but a youth, in 1564, and died in 1614. This poem
begins " eolac me tti/i fnei/^ge dn Idjtld," " I know the standard of the Earl."

2. One hundred and seventy-six verses on Death and Judgment, begin-
ning " pab mVccij m'ped;tari cc(i;ire," " Long my grave my charter land."

Copies of these two poems in possession of the Assistant Secretary.

3. Eighty verses on the miserable state of Ireland, beginning " lomb'cc
edgndc £115 S^'"?" " Many are the woes of Erin."

Copy in collection of John M'Namara, Esq.

cxlii

A. D. 1583.

ccx. On the 13th of March this year, died Teargual og, son of

Fearghal Mac anBhaiud, author of an Elegy ou Hugh, son of Hugh duff

O'Donell, written during the life time of Hugh^ two hundred and twenty

verses, beginning " j^Ii c^tctc dij/teacTjj- bfrjl CbonTjll," " No time of sorrow

to the rac« of Conall."

2. An Elegy on the death of €on, son of Calbhach, son of Hugh, son

of Hugh duff O'Donell, three hundred and twenty verses, beginning

" pill tabcug rdi)) <t Cirie," " Turn thy face from us. Oh Erin."

Copies of these in the manuscript collections of Rev. Doctor O'Brien,

and of the Assistant Secretary,

A. D. 1584.

^cxi. RoRY, or Roderich, son of Aodh M'Craith, flourished at the
time that Feagh M'Hugh O'Byrne was elected chief of his tribe. Copies
of tAVo poems written by him have come down to our time, and are in the
collection of the Assistant Secretary.

1. The Inauguration Ode of Feagh Mac Hugh O'Byrne, one hundred
and twenty verses, beginning " p5;tct cit-rjiiijte tXf cjiu nh^o\T)" " A warn-
uig to assemble the race of Brann/*

The Brann here mentioned, was Brann the black. King of Leinster,
who died in the year 601, from whom the O'Brainns, or O' Byrnes derive
their name and lineage.

2. A poem on the family of O'Bynie, of Ranelagh, thirty-two verses,
beginning " Ciondy- <tcct tin cfteafc^tt d^'coij," " How is this tribe within."

Copies of these poems are in the possession of the family of O'Byrne,
of Cabinteely ; of James Hardiman, Esq. a member of this Society ; and
in the collection of the Assistant Secretary.

ccxii. At this time also flourished Owen, son of Hugh O'Coffev, a
poet of Leinster, and author of the following pieces:

cxllii

1. A poem in praise of our Lord Jesus Christ, and of the blessed
Virgin Mary, beginning " pc(6cl ctjmnigiecCjt coijt leiriB," " Long is remem-
bered the justice of a child."

2. A poem in praise of Rory O'More, chieftain of Leix. In the course
of the poem the author mentions that twenty-five of the ancestors of his
hero swayed the sceptre of Ireland. This poem consists of two hundred
and four verses, beginning " COdijiiS ceirje rt ctefllac gdoibil," " Fire still
exists on the hearths of the Gathelians."

3. A poem in praise of Brian O'Conor, of O'Faly, beginning, " pclil-
515 co-frxif clu IdigecJ))," " It is Paly that upholds the fame of Leinster."

Copies of these poems, in hand-writing nearly the same age as the
original, are in possession of the Assistant Secretary.

ccxiii. At this time also flourished Mahon O'Higgin, a retainer of the
O'Byrnes. He was author of the following pieces :

1. A poem in praise of Leinster, and of Felim, son of Feagh M'Hugh
O'Byrne, one hundred and twenty verses, beginning " C;te6 60 co^^ cogtttj
Uijectn?" " What has impeded the war of Leinster?"

2. A poem shewing that it is a profitable employment to constantly
praise God, and pray for his blessings, one hundred and seventy-six
verses, beginning " ^laomcct tt)i obaijt lomjictb be," " Praising of God is a
holy work." This poem is, by some persons, ascribed to Mahon O'Hayne,

Copies in possession of the Assistant Secretary.

ccxiv. At the same time with the four last-mentioned writers lived
Donald M'Eochaidh (M'Kcogh), a retainer of the House of O'Byrne,
of Ranelagh, county of Wicklow. He has left us a poem of forty-four
verses on the return of Felim, son of Feagh M'Hugh O'Byrne, the chief
of his tribe, from a journey he made to the north. It begins " Ci^c ;iem
pailcej-i a pheilim," " Attend to my welcome, oh Felim."

Copies of this are in the Book of O'Byrne, in the library of James
Hardiman, Esq. and in the collection of the Assistant Secretary.

ccxv. At this period also lived Fergal, son of Lughaidh (Louis)
M'Eochaidh, or M'Keogh, the author of a poem upon seven of the
descendants of John O'Byrne, of Ranelagh. In these are included

cxliv

Feagh M'Hugh O'Bynie and his sons, and Conall and Catbaoir, his
brothers. The poem begins " COoiji^eipo/t Irfoc Iwgetty rpoib/' " Seven
heroes that bound to battic."

Copies in the same coMectious as those mentioned in the foregoing
article.

ccxvi. Cotemporary with these writers was Donald, son of Feargan-
AiNM M'EocHAion, or M'Keogh. He was author of an address to
Brian, son of Felini O' Byrne, upon his return from a voyage to England,
fifty-six verses, beginning " ptfilce jiomac a. Ob/tiain lOb/toiJi," " Welcome to
thee, Brian O'Byrne."

Copies as before.

ccxvii. At this period also flourished Niall O'Rooney, who was also
a retainer of the O'Byrne's of Ranelagh, that so long contended against
ihe English power.

He was author of the following pieces:

i. A poem in praise of Leinster, and its leader Feagh M'Hugh, one
hundred and eighty verses, beginning " COoji coijt crtic tui/t c;tioc Laigean,"
" Great dues of all belongs to Leinster."

2. A poem on Feagh M'Hugh O'Byrne, one hundred and twelve
verses, beginning " C0iti6 crdi;ic <x ccedfi pbiaca," " It is time to go on
Feagh's account."

Copies in the book of O'Byrne, in possession of the O'Byrnes of
Cabinteely, in the library of James Hardiman, Esq. and with the Assist-
ant Secretary.

ccxviii. Angus, son of Dorj' O'Daly, lived at the same time with the
above-mentioned writers. He was author of the following poems :

1. In praise of the O'Byrnes of Ranelagh, sixty verses, beginning
" bid liB <i IdocfiYjb gaoidil !" " God be with you, oh Irish heroes !"

Copies as before.

2. In praise of Felim, son of Feagh M'Hugh O'Byrne, chief of the
Gabha'd Raghnaill, or O'Byrnes of Ranelagh, and of all the other septs
of the O'Byrnes at the latter end of the sixteenth century. This poem
consists of fifty-two verses, beginning " J^ugcij- <ti>)tT)!)jieatc( cliji pheilim,"
" I gave false judgment on Felim."

Copy in the collection of the Assistant Secretary.

cxlv

ccxix. Donald Carrach M'Eochaidh (M'Keogh), also lived at
this time. He was author of a composition, in verse and prose, in praise
of the O'Byrncs of Ranelagh, particularly Felim, son of Feagh M'Hugh
O'Byrne. It begins " lom&a u/tftaim mg cloin Cdtcioi^i," " Many honours'
belong to the descendants of Cathaoir."

The Cathaoir here mentioned, was Cathaoir mor, monarch of Ireland
in the second century, from whom the O'Byrnes are descended.

Copies as before.

ccxx. At this time also lived M'Amhlaoidh or M'Awley, chief of
Duhallow, in the county of Corke. He was a religious man, and the
reputed author of some prophecies, in Irish verse, said to refer to our
times, copies of which are in the hands of almost every Irish reader.

ccxxi. Dermod O'Coffey, a poet of some distinction, also lived about
this time. He was author of the following poems :

1. One huirdred and fifty verses on the death of Owen O'Coffey and
his wife, beginning " Oct )iell ojtejta 0|- ^a.t Uij-tiig," " Two clouds of woe
over Uisneach's land."'

2. One hundred and sixty verses on the death of our Lord Jesus
Christ, beginning " bidn cloiiie a. necc d Jidtdft," " The protection of the
children is in the death of their father."

3. One hundred and fifty-six verses on the same subject, beginning
" pr a Jjecttd haf Ciject^tna," " The price of life is the death of a Lord."

4. One hundred and forty-eight verses, on Christ's satisfaction, begin-
ning " COa]^-^ dj' dibiie anc(5c(i6 b)ieitirn," " Alas, the pleading is against
the Judge."

5. One hundred and fifty-six verses on Christ's goodness to man,
beginning " CPdi/ig Tide t:ciiti5 50 -cectg (t'oj," " Alas, that I had not re-
course to the house of the king."

6. One hundred and sixty verses on the same subject, beginning
" beacaiji aibTiecty edjicti ^^105," " Powerful the argument the tributes of a
king."

Fine copies of all these poems are in the collection of the Assistant
Secretary.

«xlvi

A. D. 1585.

ccxxii. Nicholas Walsh, Bishop of Ossory, was killed on the 14th
of December this year, by a person of the name of James Dullard, who
had been cited by the bishop for adultery. This prelate, with the assist-
ance of John Kearney, treasurer of Saint Patrick's, Dublin, and Doctor
Nehemiah Donellan, afterwards Archbishop of Tuani, began to translate
the New Testament into Irish, which was afterwards finished by Doctor
William O'Donell, Archbishop of Tuam.

ccxxiii. John Kearney, treasurer of Saint Patrick's, Dublin, was the
cotemporary and intimate friend of Doctor Walsh, above mentioned. He
wrote and published a catechism in Irish, which was the first book ever
printed in Irish types. He also, with the assistance of his friend Walsh,
and Dr. Nehemiah Donellan, Archbishop of Tuam, began a translation
of the New Testament into Irish. He died about the year 1600.

A. D 1586.

cexxiv. About this time flourished Muirchkartagh O'Coffev^ author
of the following poems :

1. On the salvation of man by the merits of Christ, one hundred and
forty verses, beginning " blijib Imij leigea^ d cd/taii)," " Perfection of
physician is the cure of his friend."

2. On the death of Gearoid, or Garrett, Lord of Delvin, one hundred
and forty-eight verses, beginning " C0ai;i5 if 6ailearn bori 615 bpom,"
" Alas, that sorrow is attendant on the drink.''

3. On William Nugent, who possessed great power in Delvin, one
hundred and twenty-four verses, beginning " bo jni clu aiz oigpeacbct,"
" Place of inheritance gives reputation."

4. On Christopher Nugent, Baron of Delvin, one hundred and eighty-
four verses, beginning " gedll j\e iMi^lacz a\m Oajiu?)," " The title of
Baron is the promise of an Earldom."

Fine copies of all these poems are in the collection of the Assistant
Secretary.

cxlvii

A. D. 1581.

ccxxr. At this time flourished Maolmuibe, son of Conula Mc an
Bhaird (Ward). He was author of the following poems :

1. An address to red Hugh, son of black Hugh O'Donell, chieftain of
Tirconell, who, in the year 1587, before he had attained the sixteenth
year of his age, was decoyed into the hands of the English, carried to-
Dublin, confined in a tower of the Castle, and treated with great cruelty.
In this poem, which consists of one hundred and ninety-six verses, be-
ginning " lomcr;! c'tttcTjjiye d Qio6 ;tr-<Ji^/' " Support thy great afflictions,
oh red Hugh," the author encourages his youthful prince to bear up
against the persecutions of his enemies, and advises him to place his
confidence in God, the defender of the just, and the chastiser of the
wicked,

2. A poem, beginning " Cjieab purtftai^- o^tam tt '2lo6," " What hast thou
(bund on me, oh Hugh," sixty-eight verses. It appears by this poem
that the author had fallen under the displeasure of Aodh roc, with whom
he remonstrates, asserts that he was always his faithful friend, even
while he was in unjust captivity with the Enghsh, and accuses Aodh of
injustice in opposing his interests.

3. A poem, beginning " Ql 6T,r) i\f elect ic aeMj^" " O castle below,
thou art solitary," one hundred and thirty-four verses, upon the deserted
state of the castle of Donegal, after its being dismantled by Aodh roe
O'Donell^ for fear it should fall into the hands of the English.

Fine copies of these poems arc in the collection of the Assistant Se-
cretary,

A. D. 1588.

ecxxvi. DuBHTHACH ('/)ij^ ) O'DuiGENAN, flourished at this time, as
appears by the twenty-third rann (stanza) of his poem in praise of Aodh,
or Hugh, son of Feardorcha O'Neill, two hundred and forty verses.

cxlv

beginning " Cumclm C|(oi»ic 60 cloin ^kiU," " Let us make a chronicle for
the O'Neills." In this poem the author enumerates twelve chiefs of the
O'Neills, who governed that tribe for a period of two hundred and six-
teen years, from the time of Niall og, son of Niall mor, to the third
year of Aodh, sou of Feardorcha, which, according to this poem, was
A. D. 1588.

A fine copy of this poem is in the collection of the Assistant Secretary.

2. Three hundred and sixty-eight verses on the History of the O'Don-
nells, beginning " lectncdr) c;ioi))ic Clan bdlaij," " Let us pursue the
Chronicle of Clann Dalaig/i." This poem gives a catalogue of twenty-
five kings, or princes, who governed Tirconell for four hundred and one
years, with the number of years that each prince ruled ; from the eighth
year of Hugh roe O'Donell, A. D. 1600, in which year the poem was
written, .up to Eigneachan O'Donell, who became chief of Cineal Conall,
or Tirconnell, A. D. 1199.

The O'Donells are called by the Irish Clann Dalaigh, and Muintir
Dalaigh (Daly) from Dalach, their great ancestor, as they are called
O'Donell, from his grandson Donall mor.

■Copy of this poem is in the library of the Rev. Doctor O'Brien, Irish
professor in the College of Maynooth.

ccxxvii. At this period lived Iolland O'Donellan, a Tirone bard,
author of a poem on the O'Neills, particularly John, son of Conn.
This poem consists of one hundred and thirty-two verses, beginning
" Cciiwcc dnrtm a nei^titi/' " A soul has come into Erin."

Copy in O'Gara's collection, in the library of John M'Namara, Esq.

A. D. 1590.

ccxxviii. At this time flourished Cuchonacht, son of Maoilseachlainn
O'Daly. He was the friend and companion of Aodh roe O'Donell, to
whom he addressed the poem, beginning " Ciorjuj- 60 prjccpirjyi '2(o6?"
" How could I leave Hugh?"

Copy in possession of Assistant Secretary.

cxlix

ccxxix. At this time flourished Cohmac O'Daly, a Munster poet,
who was the author of an elegy on the death of Donogh M'Carthy, one
hundred and sixty verses, beginning " pdbct dj- oij\af §5 6oj)cc(6ci," " Long
the death sickness of Donogh."

Copy in possession of John M'Namara, Esq.

ccxxx. Cotemporary Avith the above was Dermod Mac an Bhaird,
(Ward) who wrote an elegy on the death of Alexander, son of Conor roe
M'Donald, chief of the M'Donalds of Ireland, one hundred and eighty
verses, beginning " pecJ|-6c( a-f ccti)ice clctrj t)6m)]diU," " Henceforward
mournful are the M-Donalds."

Copy in the collection of the Assistant Secretary.

A. D. 1600.

ecxxxi. At the commencement of this century many fine poets flourished
in Ireland, who found protection and patronage from the nobility of the
country, as well amongst the descendants of the Anglo-Normans, as from
the native Irish princes. Several of these poels, celebrated, in verse, the
magnanimity and bounty of their respective patrons, or sung the valorous
deeds, liberal actions, or pious lives of their ancestors. Some of them,
not satisfied with exalting their heroes to the skies, drew comparisons be-
tween them and their cotemporaries, or between their respective ancestors,
in which one party was degraded in proportion as the other was elevated.
Amongst the most remarkable of this latter description of writers was
Tadug, (or Teige) son of Daire Mac Brodv, generally known by the
name of Teige M' Daire. He was principal poet to Donogh O'Brien,
fourth Earl of Thomond, and, as his chief, was much favoured by the
English government; and the Meathian, Ultonian, and Conacian princes
were not so, but rather looked upon with a jealous eye ; he was deter-
mined, so far as he could, to elevate the house of O'Brien above the
tribes descended from Niall of the nine hostages, such as the O'Neills,

O'Donells, &c., or from his brother Brian, such as the O'Conors, M'Der-
inolts, O'Kellys, O'Rourkes, O'lloilhs, &c. For this purpose he at-
tacks the works of Torna Eigeas, a writer wliose poems we have ahvady
described uuder the year 405. This drew an answer from Lughaidh
O'Clerv, a northern bard, who defended the memory of Torna, and
supported the honor of the Heremonians. Teige, shortly after, replied
to Lughaidh, and this induced others of the Ultonian, and some of the
Conaght poets, to take part in the contest, which was carried on with a
good deal of heat on both sides. The poems written on this subject are
generally collected together, and are called the ^om<inha6, or contention
of the bards, in which a great quantity of the ancient history of Ireland
is recited in elegant verse. Of the poets who took a part in the lomur-
hadh, or contention, Teige Mac Daire, Ferfeasa O'Caintc, Torlogh
O'Brien, and Art og O'Keetle, were most remarkable on the side of
Leath Mhoglia (Munster and Leinster) ; and Lughaidh O'Clery, Aodh
O'Donell^ Robert M'Arthur, Baoghalach (Boetius) roe M'Egan, Anluan
M'Egan, M'Dermott of Moylurg, and John O'Clery, were the cham-
pions who supported the honor, and contended for the precedence of
Leath Chuinn (Meath, Ulster, and Conaght).

Of the writers of this century we shall begin our account with

ccxxxii. Teige Mac Daire, who, as we have just now seen, began the
contention of the bards, but whose poems were not entirely conKned to
historical subjects. The following pieces make the entire catalogue of his
works that have come under our observation.

1. A poem of one hundred and twenty-eight verses, upon the birth of
our Lord Jesus Christ, beginning " bectJiaid 50 •fuhab d i-fol ?tbciim," " Be
joyful. Oh children of Adam."

2. A didactic poem, of two hundred and twenty verses, addressed to
Donogh O'Brien, fourth earl of Thomond, upon his inauguration as chief
of his tribe. It begins " Q06\^ <iz<x <H;i tectgayj plata," " Much depends
upon the instruction of a prince."

In this poem the author lays down rules for the guidance of his prince
in the important affair of the government of his people. The precepts
here delivered are merely a versified abridgment of our monarch Cor-
inac's instructions to his son Cairbre Liffeachar, written about tlie middle

cli

■of llie third century of the Christian era, an account of which work we
Jiave given under the year 250. This piece of Mac Daire's has been
publisiied in the Transactions of the Gaelic Society of Dublin, accom-
panied with a Latin and an English translation, by the lafe Theophilus
O' Flanagan, Esq.

3. A poem of twenty verses, addressed to the same prince as the
foregoing poem, containing some further instructions for his general
conduct. This poem begins " COo ceiijie j\au) br,- tx Oboncab," " My four
stanzas to you, Oh Donogh." This also has been published, whh an
English translation, in the Transactions of the Gaelic Society of Dublin.

4. A didactic poem of one hundred verses, beginning " Cai/tg'd mo
j-ecCc«a a. ^-i'd m5(ti(ji)i," " Accept my warnings, Oh race of Brian," ad-
vising the O'Briens to avoid war and the enmity of tlie bards.

(5. A poem of one hundred and forty verses, beginning " ^Inoij- fti'olaim
an ftedcmab," " Now I pay the tithe," upon the death of seven males and
three females of the house of O'Brien.

6. A poem of one hundred and forty-four verses, beginning " Olc 6o
td5ft(J|- a Cboftna,'" " 111 liast thou argued. Oh Torna." In this poem the
author endeavours to shew that the Munster tribes have a right to pre-
cedence before those of the other provinces ; as the former are descended
from Heber, the eldest son of Milesius, and the latter are the progeny
of Heremon and Ir, two of the younger sons of that Spanish chief. He
attacks Torna Eigeas, a poet of the fifth century, who, as we have shewn
under the year 405, was the preceptor of Niall, monarch of Ireland, and
Core, king of Cashel ; and who, in his poem, beginning "bctil caca i6i;i
Cofic If jNictll," endeavours to reconcile these two heroes, who had quar-
relled with each other, and shews that Niall had a right to respect and
obedience from his opponent.

In the ninth stanza of this poem Teige asserts that Hibernia, the Latin
name of Ireland, is derived from Heber, the great ancestor of the Mo-
monian tribes. This poem of Mac Daire's was the cause of the loiDcC/tfcad,
or contention of the bards, which was warmly carried on for some time
between the poets of Leath Chuinn and Leath Mliogha.

7. A poem of six hundred and eighty-eight verses, beginning " Ciyij-i
lujaid jtem' lctB;t<x6," " Attend to my words, Oh Lughaidh," in reply to

clii

Lughaidh O'Clery, who, in answer to Teige, bad written a defence of
Torna Eigeas, and asserted the superiority of the house of O'Neill over
that of the O'Briens.

8. A poem of one hundred and twenty-four verses, beginning " Ql Lujctib
Ubjitxn) 50 yeim," " Oh Lughaidh, let us speak mildly," a further reply to
Lughaidh O'Clery's rejoinder to the foregoing poem.

9. A poem of ninety-six verses, beginning " "?! 6r,rie labjitx-f <tn laoi,"
" Oh man, who recitest the poem," in answer to Boetius roe Mac Egan's
poem, beginning " CO^g 6^ peiceafn pedfi gctoil.*" In this poem the author
declares his name, and defies his adversary to do so. He still insists on
the right of Munster to precedence before the other provinces, and insists
on his former argument, that the name Hibernia is derived from Heber,
the eldest son of Milesius, from whom the O'Briens and other Munster
families are descended.

10. A poem of forty-four verses, beginning " J^li 5U<(iy learn c'uftcdfi ti
J[o6," " Not dangerous to me are thy darts. Oh Aodh," in answer to a
poem written by Aodh O'Donell, in defence of the honor and precedence
of Leith Chuinn^

11. A further reply to Aodh O'Donell, six hundred and eighty-eight
verses, beginning " Ni bjteit o;tm 60 bp.e\t « '2(o6," " No decision to me is
thy judgment, oh Aodh." In some copies of the lomarbadh this poem
is blended, by way of dialogue, with Aodh O'Donell's poem, beginning
" COectj-d 60 tdgfidi^ d Cbaibg," so as to make the two poems appear but
as one piece written by that author. In these copies M'Daire's poem
begins at the second rann, and that and all the other ranns belonging to
him are marked with Ca, the two first letters of his christian name.

12. A poem of two hundred and fifty-two verses, beginning " 5° cceti6
bo~ 5<iiftm tk bfiatciift," in answer to the Rev. Robert M'Arthur, a Francis-
can friar of the Irish convent of that order, in Louvain, who had written
in defence of Leath Chuinn, against M'Daire. In this poem the author
desires the author to attend to the duties of his order, and tells him it is
unbecoming in a clergyman to meddle in other matters.

13. A poem beginning " J*>ii teitim (oci zdz^j^a. fnaoic," " I fly not before
a boasting argument," one hundred and sixty-eight verses, in reply to a

* See page civ.

cliii

poem written by Baoglialacli roe M'Egan, beginning " Vt,jx]6 }\em cct5|i<Jfrt
d C/icti^g," " Wait for my argument, oh Teige."

14. A poem of one hundred and eight Aerses, beginning " poifii6 mo
lei|-ge a le\t Chr,r}" " Await my hidolence, oh Leath Chuinn." In this
poem the author desires the poets of Leath Cliuinn not to be impatient
at his tardiness in replying to them. He says there is no indolence with-
out cause, and his slowness in reply arises from the great activity of his
mind. He tells them they have provoked his satire, but he is unwilling
to satirize.

Copies of the above poems of M'Daire are in the collection of the
Assistant Secretary.

15. A poem of two hundred and forty-four verses, beginning " Caj-ccrtji
gdoibil er-g (Xoin pi/i," " The fall of the Irish is the death of one man,"
on the death of Donogh, fourth Earl of Thomond, who died in the year
1624.

16. A poem of sixty verses, beginning " /^1i Zj^nt bob 6ol tx ftia/tmi^d,''
*' Untimely thy departure, oh Dermod," addressed to Dermod, son of
Morogh O'Brien, dissuading him from leaving his people.

17. A poem of thirty-six verses, beginning " JJojci gac beaia fceic 6occ,"
" The choice of lives is to be poor," on adopting a life of poverty.

18. A poem of one hundred and twelve verses, beginning " Qi^fcjid^^
crgam c( c;toi rjttofn," " Come to me, oh holy Cross." An address to the
Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Copies of the four last-mentioned poems are in the library of John
M'Namara, Esq.

ccxxxiii. LuGHAiDH O'Clery, the chief bard of Tirconnel, was the
great opponent of the last-mentioned writer, and the most powerful
advocate of all the bards of Leath Chuinn, for the honour and prece-
dence of the descendants of Niall of the nine hostages, as well as the first
to write in defence of Torna Eigeas. He was author of the following
pieces :

1. A poem of three hundred and forty verses, beginning " Ql ChdiSg
•flO. cdcctoifi Z6j\r)tx,'" " Oh Teige revile not Torna," in answer to Teige
M'Dairc's poem, beginning " Olc 6o ttts/trtf a. Cfjo/trjcl," in which Teige

cliv

had attacked Torna Eigeas,the poet of Niall the Great, and endeavoured
io show that the Momonian tribes were superior to the descendants ot
Heremon and Ir.

2. A poem of nine hundred and eighty-eight verses, beginning " bo
crctlct tifx tdi^j^ajf d caibg," " I heard all you have pleaded, oh Teige."
In this poem the author brings many authorities from history, and from
Irish proverbs, to prove that the Heremonian tribes were always considered
superior to the Heberians. He insists that the name Hibernia, which
Teige asserted Avas derived from Heber, is of no weight, as it is not the
language of Ireland.

3. A poem of seventy-two verses, beginning " J^ld bfioyb meiye a fneic-
baipe," *' Provoke me not, oh son of Daire." In this poem the author
says there are many better poets than himself in the country in which he
resides, but as they are silent, he finds it necessary to take up the subject
in debate. He declares his respect for the tribe of Cas, but truth and
the honour of the Heremonians compel him to defen.1 Torua Eigeas
against the attacks of his adversary.

4. A poem of one hundred and twenty verses, beginning " Qir\ ccW,ne
me d meic £)cti;»e," " Do you hear me, oh son of Daire." In this the same
subject is continued as in the foregoing poems. The author takes a review
of the contest, and calls upon Teige to desist from a strife so unavailing
to himself and those he endeavours to elevate above their usual rank.

Copies of these poems are in the collection of the Assistant Secretary.

ecxxxiv.Rev. Robert M'Arthur, D. D. a Franciscan friar of the Irish
convent of that order in Louvain, took a part in the contention of the
bards, on the side of Leath Chuinn. He was author of two poems,
which he wrote while at Louvain, in defence of Torna Eigeas, and the
rights of the Heremonians against Teige M'Daire.

1. A poem of one hundred and forty verses, beginning " COed'ftx <t
Cbdibg 6o chdSfidif pel))," " Worse, oh Teige, thyself hast argued."

2. A poem of seven hundred and eighty-four verses, beginning " "^e
^rtoil cU Chaibg ndc bedftiid," Though you think, oh Teige, it will
not do." In this poem the author defends himself against the illiberal
reflections of his opponet, contained in his poem, be<:;inning " go cceab
6ov 5iiD A t^at^ ; and enters into many particulars of ancient Irish his-

civ

tory, from which lie deduces arguments to prove the prniccs of Leath-
Chuinu should be, and in fact were, superior to the chiefs of Lealh
Mhogha.

Teige, in his abuse of the poet Torna Eigeas, asserted that he was not
worthy of credit, or lit to be quoted, on account of his being a Pagan.
He is contradicted by the reverend author, who enters into a panegyric
on Torna, and insists he was a good Christian ; in proof of which he

adduces his poems. See the account of Torna Eigeas, under the year

405.

Copies of these poems, written by John M'SolIy in the year 1713, are
in the collection of the Assistant Secretary.

ccxxxv. Baoghalach (Boetius) roe Mac Egan, took a part in the
contest of the bards. He was author of two poems in defence of Leath
Chuinn against the attacks of Teige M'Daire.

1. A poem of fifty-two verses, beginning " CO^g 6^ peicedm pedji gdoil,"
" Woe to him who is obliged to defend a relation." In this short poem
the author takes a view of the contest between Teige M'Daire and
Lughaidh (Loo-ee) O'Clery. He accuses M'Daire of partiality to his
relations, the people of Munster, and asserts, that " to slander the
descendants of Conn of the hundred battles, the people of Meath,
Ulster, and Conaght, he formed a fabulous history in bald verses, without
permanence in foundation, and not found in poems nor in books."

" t)o toiBeim aiyt cl«TjaiJ> Cif;>5.
bo com fe an -femcTf pxhr^X,
51 T)6rcli)) indoil gan brdine /ie hrl)
f>1tlC Firai;t rt Irtoi 1)0 <J ledb^."

On the other hand, he asserts that O'Clery's reply to the calumnies
of Teige was " written in the schools, and polished with learning and
science.^'

It may not be improper to remark that this author was of a Momonian
tribe.

2. A poem of one hundred and sixty-eight verses, beginning " P'>7/*'5
Y~trt) tctgfidf a a Cbdibg," " Wait for my argument, oh Teige." This poem

clvi

was written in reply to the poem of Teige M'Daire, beginning " "51 6t;ne
Uhfxuf oin Ittoi." (See No. 9, page 152.) The author desires M'Daire to
defend his claims for the honor of Leath Mogha, by authority, if he can
produce any. He denies that the repetition of Teige's assertions has
any weight, and insists that one falsehood is not made more true by the
telling of a second.

These poems are beautiful compositions, and contain many useful
maxims.

Fine copies are in the collection of the Assistant Secretary.

ccxxxvi. Anluain M'Egan also took a part in the contention of the
bards, and made use of his pea in defence of Leath Chuinn. He was
author of the following pieces :

1. A poem of fifty-two verses, beginning " f^ldc ciic at) oS|yi ^ raii35,"
*' Is not this strange work for Teige." In this poem the author treats
M'Daire with no great degree of respect. He says he should not con-
tend with M'Egan, an acknowledged antiquary and scholar.

2. A poem, beginning " bj\.ea^ac ym a bean," " That is false, Oh woman,"
addressed to a female, advising her to avoid vanity and falsehood.

Copies in the collection of the Assistant Secretary.

ccxxxvii. John O'Cleby, a northern poet, took a part in the conten-
tion of the bards. To him we are indebted for the following pieces:

1. A poem of two hundred and seventy-six verses, beginning " Cijfdij
d eigyi 6d)ibd," " Attend, Oh ye learned of Ireland." In this poem the
author calls on the poets of Leath Chuinn and Leath Mhogha to desist
from their disputes, to put an end to their panegyrics ou the descendants
of Heber and Heremon, and to do justice to the progeny of their brother
Ir, to whose magnanimity the bards were indebted for the protection
given them in Ulster, when they were expelled from all the other pro-
vinces in Ireland, in the time of Conor Mac Nessa, who, he asserts, was
the first Irish Christian. He gives a particular instance of the bounty of
Conor on this occasion, in his endowment of the poet Athairne of Binn
Eadair, with a large portion of land, and bestowing on him one hundred
and fifty milch cows, with their profits and increase. He shows that to

clrii

the race of Ir our country was indebted for its great law-giver OUamh-
fodhla, (the learned doctor) and for a long train of heroes, poets, and
philosophers that grace the pages of Irish history; such as Fergus, son of
Roy, Cormac Conluingios, Conor Mac Nessa, Conall Cearnach, Cuchul-
lan Cuniusgrach, Loingseach, Iriall, Fionntan, Diothorba, Rossa, Con-
ghall, Cathbhaith, Conlaoch, Naise, Ainle and Arden, &c. He says, if
the stars of heaven, the white sands of the sea, the blades of grass of the
field, and the leaves of the forest be numbered, they will be nearly
equalled by the numbers of the estimable progeny of Ir. He shows that
twenty-five of the most potent of the Irish monarchs were of this family,
and that in possession of seven of those princes the sceptre of Ireland
remained for a great number of years, without the intervention of a
prince of any other line ; and that of this tribe also was the only female
that ever held the reins of government in this country, Macha Mong-
ruadh, the foundress of Emania ; in after ages commemorated by a town
built nearly on the same scite, and called after her Ard Macha, or, as it
is called at this time, Ardmagh.

In this piece there are preserved a vast quantity of Irish history, and
beautiful flights of poetry.

2. A poem of twenty verses, beginning " Cia ^-o bedf^fo.^ ^ O;iei|;oe,"
" Who is this that lops the Rreifne," in praise of the families of
O'Rourke and O'Reilly.

Fine copies of these poems are iu the possession of the Assistant Se-
cretary.

ccxxxviii. Mac Dermod, of Moylurg, wrote a few verses on the sub-
ject in debate between the bards. These verses claim no attention.

ccxxxix, Mac Con O'Clerv, a northern poet, flourished at this pe-
riod. He was author of the following poems :

1. In praise of the O'Neills, beginning " SealB Ci/itoji tt'5 cttcme J^^elU,"
" The possession of Erin belongs to Niall's race," two hundred and
thirty-six verses. This poem was written in the time of lorlogh Lui-
neach O'Neill, and gives an account of several illustrious characters of
the O'Neills' progenitors, who swayed the sceptre of Ireland, or were
provincial chiefs after the destruction of the monarchy. Accounts of

clviii

several battles fought and other great actions performed by these heroes
are detailed in the course of tliis poem. By the last rann but two, the
poet shows that there were thirty-five generations from Torlogh Lui-
neach, son of Niall Conallach O'Neill, up to Niall of the Nine Hostages,
their great ancestors, from whom the tribe are named.

A valuable and beautiful copy of this poem is in the library of John
Mac Namara, of Sandymount, Esq.

2. A poem of thirty-six verses, beginning " 51 becin net lu;t5(t)) Itjme,"
" Oh woman of the naked legs."

This small piece has nothing to recommend it.

Copies in the collection of the Assistant Secretary.

ccxL. O'Clery, the chief of his tribe, who flourished at this period,
wrote a poem, consisting of one hundred and twenty-eight verses, in praise
of Saint Francis, founder of the religious order of Franciscans. The
poem begins " t)o caitpin c^fxd CjiTfre."

Copy in the collection of the Assistant Secretary.

ccxLT. GioLLA-IosA O'Daly flourished at this time. He was author
of a poem, consisting of one hundred and forty-eight verses, in praise
of Felim and Redmond, two sons of Fiach M'Hugh O'Byrne, chief of
all the septs of O'Byrne, in the time of Queen Elizabeth.

In this poem, which begins " jTftearnci an cogdib c^tioc IcdjedJi," " The
root of the war is Leinster," the writer introduces some historical notices
of transactions in the province of Leinster, in which the O'Byrnes were
principal actors. He also describes Glen Molaur, and the castle of
Feao^h, son of Hugh O'Byrne, who so terribly annoyed the English in
the latter end of the sixteenth century.

Copy in possession of the Assistant Secretary.

ccxLii. At this time also lived Muireadhach O'Daly. He was
author of a poem of three hundred and ninety-six verses, on the noble
family of Fitzgerald, beginning " CrtnpYjgeci;! liom lo/ig M ppeaft," " The
race of men shall be sung by me." In this poem the author gives a
particular account of the chief families that sprung from Maurice Fitz-
gerald, who accompanied Strongbow in his expedition to Ireland, on the

clix

invitation of Dermod Mac Morough, king of Leinster, in the year 1168.
Of the principal branches of this noble stock are the princely House of
Leinster, the White Knight, the Knight of Glenn, the Knight of Kerry,,
the Fitz-Gibbons, &c. &c. &c. The minor branches of these respective
houses are also mentioned, and the names of their ancestors, in whom
each tribe branched off from the main stock, are given ; with some account
of the principal actions of their lives, the castles they built, and the
religious houses they founded.

Copy in the collection of the Assistant Secretary.

ccxLiii. Madrice O'Maolconaire flourished at this time. He was au-
thor of a poem, consisting of twenty-eight verses, in praise of Owen
O'Halloran, a harper. It begins " Ofiperf 65 dinm eojciit)," "Orpheus,
junior, is the name of Owen."

Copy with Assistant Secretary..

ccxLiv. Cu-Ulaidh Mac-an-Bhaird (Ward), flourished at this period.
He was a retainer of the family of O'Donell, chiefs of Tirconnell, and
wrote an elegy on the death of Graine, the sister of Aodh roe O'Donell,
and wife of Art og, son of Torlogh Luineach O'Neill, two hundred
verses, beginning " jTTjjeaU fOj\mT,t> p-rjl bcdciij," " Remnant of the envy
of noble Daly's blood." This much admired young lady died of the
measles at Beal-atha-Seanaigh (Ballyshannon) shortly after the celebra-
tion of her marriage.

Copy in the collections of the Rev. Doctor O'Brien, and of the Assist-
ant Secretary.

ccxLV. Feargal og Mac an Bhaird lived at this time, and to him
we are indebted for the following poems :

1. A poem in praise of the Magennis's, Lords of Ibh-Eathach (Iveagh).
This poem consists of three hundred verses, beginning " lub^Ojxz priecma.
ptjl V," " A garden of vines, the race of Ir."

Copy in the collection of the Assistant Secretary.

2. On the people of Scotland renouncing the religion of their fore-
fathers, and denying the Real Presence of our Lord Jesus Christ in the
Eucharist.

clx

This poem consists of one hundred and four verses, beginning
" t>Uf{-f(ir) m'edcbf^a. 50 h'JllbTjr)," " Sorrowful my journey to Alban (Scot-
land.)

Copy in collection of the Assistant Secretary.

3. A poem of one hundred and four verses, beginning " Oeixm'^a.6
-fMXp. udim 50 h'ei;tiii," " West from me blessings to Ireland," written whilst
the author was in Scotland. The OeciriugdiJ, or Benediction, is several
times repeated, and addressed to different parts and persons in Ireland,
particularly to Magennis, Lord of Iveagh.

4. A poem of two hundred and forty-four verses, beginning " CD6;t 60
iriill doibnedy Ci/iednb," " Much has the pleasure of Ireland destroyed ;"
shewing that the pleasures of Ireland had invited invaders from different
regions of the earth, and that the Nemethians, the Tuatha-de-danans,
&c. had fallen on her fields ; and that the Milesians had established them-
selves. The writer asserts that ancient prophecies will be fulfilled, and
that O'Neill will be the Moses that shall deliver the Irish Israelites from
the bondage of Pharaoh and the Egyptian host that oppressed and de-
stroyed them.

5. A poem of one hundred and fifty-two verses, beginning " QUf fhocb
rftiuji dcdib grtoibil," " Of the race of three, the Gathelians are," on
the tribe of O'Favrel, descended from Ir, son of Milesius, whose progeny
the author asserts was superior to those of either of his brothers, Here-
mon and Heber.

6. On the descendants of Niall of the Nine Hostages, one hundred
and ninety-two verses, beginning " (Pdit 60 -fTj^w^ab fvSl J^lglU," " Well
situated are the ofl'spring of Niall."

This poem was written in the time that Torlogh Luineach O'Neill
was chief of that tribe. The author asserts that Core of Cashel sub-
mitted to Niall, and that from that time all parts of Ireland paid obe-
dience to his race.

7. On the death of Edmond, son of Maolmuire Mc. Suibhne, chief of
the M'Swecny's of West Munster, a respectable branch from the great
stock of the M'Sweenys of Derry and Donegal. The poem consists of
one hundred and forty-eight verses, beginning " Cict £i6ei;t ^rj\ mii^
eamorj," " Who says that Edmond is gone."

clxi

Copies of the five last-mentioned numbers are in the beautiful and
valuable book of O'Gara, in the library of John M'Namara, of Sandy-
mount, Esq.

8. A poem, beginning " CDI5 um tJidij cecilr)5lciiy crmtjji," " After me,
woe to him who contracts friendship."

9. A poem on the accession of James I. to the Crowns of England,
Ireland and Scotland, one hundred and twelve verses, beginning " C;<i
co;tdi)ie (t cccti^ic Semaij-," " Three Crowns in the Charter of James."

Copies of the two last-mentioned poems are in the collection of the
Assistant Secretary.

10. On the death of Aodh, or Hugh, roe O'Donell, who died in Spain,
on the 10th of September, 1602, two hundred and seventy-six verses^
beginning " ZedfixX Ci/te -fdn Cafhdn," " Erin died in Spain."

Copy in the library of Rev. Doctor O'Brien.

ccxLvi. EoGHAN ROE Mac AN Bhaird (Red Owen Ward), flourished
at this time. He was author of the following poems :

1. An address to Aodh roe O'Donell, upon his voyage to Spain, after
the defeat of the Irish at Kinsale, in the year 1602. This poem consists
of one hundred verses, beginning " T2ob jroi;iei6 c'edc6/ta a ?lot) jirctitj,"
•' Prosperous was thy voyage. Oh red Hugh."

2. A poem of ninety-two verses, beginning " t>dna. ctn zuj\(if c;iiallccl/<
l-orj," " Bold the journey that has been undertaken here," on Roderick,
son of Aodh, son of Manus O'Donell's going to Dublin, and entrusting
himself in the hands of the English, after the death of his brother, red
Hugh, chief of Tirconnel, who died in Spain.

3. An elegy on the death of Aodh roe, or red Hugh O'Donell, prince
of Tirconnel, one hundred and fifty-six verses, beginning " "21 bear) puai/i
pdiU cii/t an ppedftc," " Oh woman that found society in the grave." In
this poem the author recites the noble actions of his hero, and shows
that his death is cause of grief to Erin, " from sea to sea."

4. A poem of fifty-two verses, beginning " Cict ^e bpdilce p^ri Ginne,''*
" Who does the host of Erne welcome," upon Aodh roe, or red Hugh
O'Neill, Earl of Tyrone, to whom the Irish of the North looked up as
a leader against the English, after the death of red Hugh O'Donell, in
the year 1602. The author says, this chief was foretold by Saint Colurab

clxii

Kill, and by Saint Adamnan, or Adaninanus ; no wonder, tlicrefore, that
he should be welcomed by the Irish as the worthy successor of the heroic
red Hugh O'Donell.

5. Eulogium on Rory, son of Rory, son of Maolmordha M'Sweeny,
one hundred and ninety-two verses, beginning " Ooij an pile ^iol St^bne,"
" The prop of the poet, the race of Suibhue."

Copies of these poems are in possession of the Assistant Secretary.

6. Address to Niall garbh, son of Conn, son of Calbhach O'Donell,
confined by King James in the Tower of London, ninety-two verses,
beginning " ?l B^taige accc a. t:co;t lonbon,'^ " Oh captive that art in Lon-
don's Tower."

7. On the imprisonment of the O'Donell's, Neachtan and Aodh, by
the English, ninety-two verses, beginning " COctiftg ! tty- b^iaije ctft mctc/iaiij
n)U)tbfli6, " Alas! captive are the sons of sorrow."

8. Elegy on the death of Rory O'Donell, first Earl of Tirconell, who
died in Rome, on the 8th of July, 1608. This poem begins " OPait
ttn fealab pu^ C'/^e," " Erin found good for a time."

9. On Hugh, son of Rory O'Donell, second Earl of Tirconell, two
hundred and eight verses, beginning " poguf fUjxzdcz fton cift cutiib,"
*' Near is comfort to the north country."

Copies of the four last-mentioned poems are in the library of the Rev.
Doctor O'Brien.

ccxLVii. At this time flourished Dermod og O'Maolconaire, of whose
writings the following have come to our hands :

1. A poem of fifty-two verses, in praise of the Blessed Virgin Mary,
beginning " C-ry jtcctcc jtojix beilBe."

2. A poem of eighty verses, on the same subject as the foregoing,
beginning " lomdct dinn) mait tiijt COi^ite," " Many glorious names belong
to Mary."

3. A poem of fifty-two verses, on the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus
Christ, and his apparition to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Copies of these poems, in the hand-writing of the late Most Reverend
Doctor John Carpenter, R. Catholic Archbishop of Dublin, are in the
collection of the Assistant Secretary.

clxiii

ccxLviir. DoNOGii O'FiALAN (O'Phelaii) a poet of Leinster, was cotem-
porary with the foregoing authors. He wrote a farewell address to the
O'Byriies of Bally-na-corr, begianiiig " beay)OQZ tlig baile r)<x cojijto,"
" Farewell to Bally-na-corr."

Copy in possession of the Assistant Secretary.

ccxLix. At this period also flourished S. Mac Colgan, a follower of
the house of O'Neill, who wrote a poem on the journey of Art, son of
Torlogh O'Neill, to London, one hundred and twenty verses, beginning
" J2ob |-Oft<iib (trj ■feabfa foiji," "Happy is this eastern road."

This poem is sometimes ascribed to Owen roe, son. of William Mac-an-
Bhaird,

Copy in possession of the Assistant Secretary, who procured it from his
old and very sincere friend, the late Reverend Father Paul O'Brien, Irish
Professor in the College of Saint Patrick, Maynooth, and one of the
Acting Committee of this Society, whose justly lamented death was an-
nounced to the author whilst writing the above account, on Saturday,
20(hMay, 1820.

♦• ccL. At this time also flourished Mahon O'Hiffernan, author of
a small poem, consisting of only forty-eight verses, beginning " "21 rnic !
m TTieaBftab eigyi," " Oh son ! commemorate not the learned." In this
poem the writer axlvises his son not to praise the sages of his country, nor
the descendants of Milesius, the ancient possessors of the soil. He tell^
him, if he must praise any one, it would be most his advantage to praise
the English.

Copy in collection of John M'Namara, Esq.

ccLi. Brian, son of Angus Mac Coinmhidhe, the chief Ollanih or
Professor of O'Neill in Poetry, lived at this time. He is mentioned
with great respect by Teige dall O'Higgin, in his poem, beginning
" Uai))"5 oibce 50 hedy cctoile.'

We are unable to say where any of this poet's compositions are now to
be found.

ccLii. Dermod O'Brian, author of a small poem on the river
Shanon, flourished at this time. This little piece consists of twenty-

clxiv

right verses, beginning " 51 Sbioj)tii>)6 OjwaMi) 6o;toifne," " Oh Shanon of
Brian Boroimhe."

Copy in possession of Assistant Secretary.

ccLin. Donald, son of Thomas O'Higgtn, was living in the year 1600,
as appears by the poems of Fergal Mac an Bhaird. He wrote a poem,
consisting of one hundred and sixty-four verses, on the election of
Torlogh Luineach O'Neill, as chief of his tribe, A. D. 1567. This poem
begins " bo tog e);ie pea^ frdipe," " Erin has chosen a guardian."

Copy in O'Gara's collection in the library of John N'Namara, Esq.

A. D. 1602.

ccLiv. Maoilin og Mac Bruody, or Brodin, who, according to the
Four Masters, was " the best poet and historian that was in Ireland in
his time," died this year. He was the son of Conor, son of Dermod, son
of John M'Broden, and succeeded to the office of Chief Poet to the
tribes of Ibh Breacain and Ibh Fearmaic (the O'Gormans and O'Gradys)
upon the death of his brother Dermod in the year 1563. He was author
of the following poems :

1. Upon the O'Gormans, two hundred and seventy-six verses, begin-
ning " beo;ia6 |-orjcC yliocc Ctttc(oi;<," " Strangers here are Cathaoir's
race."

This poem was written upon the election of Donald O'Gorman, as
chief of his tribe. It traces the pedigree of the O'Gormans up to
Cathaoir the Great, Monarch of Ireland, A. D. 174, and shows that from
the same noble stock have sprung the O'Phelans, or O' Whelans, O'Dunns,
O'Dempsys, Clan Colgans, &c. &c. From Cathaoir the pedigree is
traced up to Hugony the Great ; and it is mentioned, that from Conn of
the hundred battles, the twentieth in descent from Hugony, are sprung
the clann CoUa ; the clan Colnian, kings of Meath ; the O'Neills ; the
O'Conors of Conaught ; the O'Rourkes ; the O'Reillys ; the O'Mealys,

clxv

&c. 6cc. &c. From Ilugony the pedigree is carried up to Herenion, sou
of Milesius, who landed first in Ireland, A. M. 293.5.

2. A poem of four hundred and four verses, beginning " Cr,npo(}
crmcC!)) cC;t clan c<Xil," " I will lay an obligation on the clann of Tail,"

In this poem the pedigree of the O'Briens, from Conor, brother of
Morogh first earl of Thomond, is traced up to Heber, the son of Milesius,
and various other branches of the principal stock are noticed ; amongst
which the author counts the Plunketts, Powers, and Eustaces. He shows
that forty-six of the ancestors of the O'Brien family were mouarchs of
Ireland since the introduction of Christianity.

3. A poem of two hundred and seventy-six verses, beginning " ^u^
bam z'a^ne hfe r\a laoid," " Give attention to me, Ennis of the poems."

This poem gives the number of years that elapsed, and the names of
the princes of the House of O'Brien, that governed Thomond, from
Cairbre O'Brien to the year 1588, when Donogh, fourth Earl of Tho-
mond, was head of the O'Brien race, and at which period the poem was
written. Ft also gives the names of nine princes of this family, who were
kings of Cashel after the death of Brian Boroimhe, their illustrious an-
cestor.

Copies of the above three poems are in the collection of the Assistant
Secretary.

4. A poem, beginning " '^<xhfArn ctn crdi/tcfi di;< cloij) Cciil,"' " Let us
make this visit to the clann of Tail." Another poem on the O'Briens,
M'Namaras, &c.

5. A poem, beginning " ^licirj mife a. COhe^ Cocldifl," " Know me, Oh
Mac Coghlan," on the family of the Mac Coghlans, princes of Dealbhna
Eathra, a district of the ancient kingdom of Meath, now the barony of
Garrycastle, in the King's County.

6. A poem, beginning " O cectc/tti/i glucdj-iob gctoiSil," " From four
proceed the Gathelians."

These three last-mentioned poems are said, by the Four Masters, to
be the productions of Maoilin og, but we know not where copies are now
to be found.

The two following poems are ascribed to Maoilin, but the Four
Masters, who were his coteniporaries, and who gave an account of the

clxvi

above six poems, not having mentioned these, we may conclude he was
not the author of them.

7. A poem of one hundred and forty-four verses, beginning " Um
6eiXj\^Gifi}oT] r,h ecicc(c," " Bloody hand of Ireland, the race of Eochaidh,"
on Art, son of Aodli Magennis, whose birth, the poet says, was foretold
by St. Bearcan.

8. A poem of one hundred and seventy-six verses, beginning " Coijt
'ffl le ^edfam gctobil," " It is right to expect the establishment of the
Irish," on John O'Donell.

Copies in possession of John Mac Namara, Esq.

ccLV. At this time also flourished Brian, son of Owen mhaoil (bald),
<)'DoNALLAN. He is mentioned by Tadhg dall O'Higgin in his poem on
the death of Maolmordha M'Sweeny, as his cotemporary and friend.
He was author of the two poems following :

1. An address to RicUard og de Burk, upon his being elected Mac
William, two hundred and twenty-four verses, beginning " Cttine jiiot; cc
T?ioccH|i6 615," " Watchfulness be thine, Oh young Richard."

2. A poem addressed to Celia, the widow of Mac William, desiring her
to cease from lamentation after the death of her husband, one hundred
and eighty verses, beginning ♦' tei5 io/tc 60 tif/iyi cc Shile," " Throw by
your grief. Oh Celia."

Copies of these poems are in the library of John M'Namara, Esq.

CCLVI. At this time flourished Owen, son of Donogh O'Daly, author
of a poem of one hundred and eighty verses, beginning " Oo i-fjc rt cloc
c-rl i'CipiS," " The protecting rock of Erin has fallen," on Dermod
O'Sullivan's going to Spain after the defeat of the Irish and Spaniards at
Kinsale.

Copies in the collection of John M'Namara, Esq. and the Assistant
Secretary.

ccLvii. Teige, son of Deumod og O'Daly, also lived at this time; he
was author of an elegy on the death of Owen O'SuUivan. This poem
consists of one hundred and forty-four verses, beginning " UaigJieac a
i)ei;itect;t bu))baoi," " It is said that Dunboy is solitary."

clxvii

' Copies ill the collections of John M'Namara, Esq. and the Assistant
Secretary.

ccLviii. Angus Mac Marcus was cotemporary with the four last-
mentioned writers ; he was author of a poem on Aodh, or Hugh roe
O'Donell's voyage to Spain after his defeat at Kinsale, forty-eight verses,
beginning " Qhocz a-f rdigTiedc Ci/ie," " To-night is Erin desolate."

Copy in collection of Assistant Secretary.

ccLix. At the same time with the foregoing, lived John oge O'Dalv,
author of a poem in praise of Dermod M'Carthy, prince of Desmond,
seventy-six verses, beginning " 'Slnoij- 60 Cjtfocijrjggb ced^tcuiU m cjiobacc,"
" Now is the circle of valour finished."

Copy in the library of John M'Namara, Esq.

A. D. 1605.

ccLx. Conor roe Mac an Bhaird (Ward), a northern poet, flourished
at this time. He has left us a poem of two hundred verses, on the death
of Aodh O'Donell, beginning " Ctojjttj- cicc Ci/^e ^Ai) 'Jlob," " How
comes Erin without Aodh."

Copy in the MS. collection of the Assistant Secretary.

A. D. 1607.

ccLxi. In this year Aodh O'Donell wrote a poem of four hundred and
thirty-six verses, in defence of Leath Chuinn against the attacks of
Teige M'Daire. He enumerates a great catalogue of heroes descended
from the loins of Heremon, and defies his opponent to produce a list of
Heberians equally respectable. The poem bggins " COertj-cC 60 C(!i5j<c(ij- ct

clxvi

above six poems, not having mentioned these, we may conclude he was
not the author of them.

7. A poem of one hundred and forty-four verses, beginning " Um
dejpg efjiio)) T,b ecicrfc," " Bloody hand of Ireland, the race of Eochaidh,"
on Art, son of Aodh Magennis, whose birth, the poet says, was foretold
by St. Bearcan.

8. A poem of one hundred and seventy-six versos, beginning " Coifi
^irl le fedfam gctobil/' " It is right to expect the establishment of the
Irish," on John O'Donell.

Copies in possession of John Mac Namara, Esq.

ccLV. At this time also flourished Brian, son of Owen mhaoil (hald),
O'DoNALLAN. He is mentioned by Tadhg dall O'Higgin in his poem ou
the death of Maolmordha M'Sweeny, as his cotemporary and friend.
He was author of the two poems following :

1. An address to Richard og de Burk, upon his being elected Mac
William, two hundred and twenty-four verses, beginning " CcUjte jtioc a
TJiocaifib 615," " Watchfulness be thine, Oh young Richard."

2. A poem addressed to Celia, the widow of Mac William, desiring her
to cease from lamentation after the death of her husband, one hundred
and eighty verses, beginning " leig io]\z 60 tiifp ci Sbile," " Throw by
your grief. Oh Celia."

Copies of these poems are in the library of John M'Namara, Esq.

ccLVi. At this time flourished Owen, son of Donogh O'Daly, author
of a poem of one hundred and eighty verses, beginning " Do t-r^z tx cloc
crl b'eifiin," " The protecting rock of Erin has fallen," on Dermod
O'Sullivan's going to Spain after the defeat of the Irish and Spaniards at
Kinsale.

Copies in the collection of John M'Namara, Esq. and the Assistant
Secretary.

ccLvii. Teige, son of Dermod og O'Daly, also lived at this time; he
was author of an elegy on the death of Owen O'Sullivan. This poem
consists of one hundred and forty-four verses, beginning " UaigJieac a
Aei/ttedji ^unhao^" " It is said that Dunboy is solitary."

clxvii

Copies in the collections of John M'Namara, Esq. and the Assistant
Secretary.

ccLviii. Angus Mac Marcus Mas cotemporary with the four last-
mentioned writers ; he was author of a poem on Aodh, or Hu'^h roe
O'Donell's voyage to Spain after his defeat at Kinsale, forty -ei^ht verses,
beginning " Qinocz dy rdigtiedc Cifie," " To-night is Erin desolate."

Copy in collection of Assistant Secretary.

ccLix. At the same time with the foregoing, lived John oge O'Dalv,
author of a poem in praise of Dermod M'Carthy, prince of Desmond,
seventy-six verses, beginning " Qho\f bo Cjifocrirjjgb cea/icuiU w c/tobacc,"
" Now is the circle of valour finished."

Copy in the library of John M'Namara, Esq.

A. D. 1605.

ccLx. Conor roe Mac an Bhaird (Ward), a northern poet, flourished
at this time. He has left us a poem of two hundred verses, on the death
of Aodh O'Donell, beginning " Cio»jt(|- cicc Cijie ^ai) 'Jlot)," " How
comes Erin without Aodh."

Copy in the MS. collection of^he Assistant Secretary.

A. D. 160T.

clxviii

Cbrtibg," " Worse hast thou argued, oh Teige." In the last rami but two
of this poem, it is said " In the year of Christ one thousand six hun-
dred and seven, the race of Conn were driven beyond sea, and their
country taken from them." It was, therefore, some time in this year
that the poem was written.

In some «opies of the lomarbadh, this poem, and Teige M'Daire's
poem, beginning" ]^li Ofteit ojicin) 60 bfe^t a '2lo!>," are blended together, by
way of dialogue, so as to make the two poems appear but as one piece
written by the same author.

ccLxii. At this time tlourished Art og O'Keeffe, who took a part in
the contention of the bards, on the side of Leath Mhogha. He was
author of the poem beginning " ?l pji tdg/^aif an cainc tittoc," " Oh
man, that urgest silly talk," sixty-eight verses, against M'Dermott and
Aodh O'Donell, who had written on the side of Leath Chuinn.

Copy in the collection of the Assistant Secretary.

ccLxin. At this time also lived Torlogh O'Brien, of Cahirmannan,
who wrote an answer to Aodh O'Donell, on his poem above mentioned.
O'Brien's poem consists of thirty-two verses, beginning " ?l QI06 615 na
rjeac Irdit," " Oh young Hugh, of swift steeds."

Copy in collection of the Assistant Secretary.

A. D. 1608.

ccLxiv. At this time flourished Giolla Brighid, alias Bonaventure,
O'Heoghusa, a Franciscan friar of the College of Saint Anthony of
Padua, in Louvain^ He was author of the following pieces :

1. A Catechism, in prose, first printed at Louvain, A. D. 1608, and
reprinted at Antwerp, in A, D. 1611.

2. A Catechism, or Abridgment of Christian Doctrine, in two hun-
dred and forty verses, beginning " '2lc^i6 c/ti boi/ife a\ji. cede n&e,"

clxix

" There are three doors to the House of God." This abridgment wa&
reprinted at the end of Donlevy's Irish Catechism, in Paris, A. D. 1642.

3. A poem of thirty-two verses, prefixed to the Catechism, and ad-
dress to the reader. It begins " Qi pi;t ledjitf <xn lecib/iair) big," " Oh
man, read of the little book."

4. A poem of three hundred and fifty-six verses,^ beginning, " C^ucdj
lion) <t compel!) 60 co/i," " Sorrowful to me thy condition, oh my com-
panion," addressed to a friend upon deserting the religion of his ances-
tors.

6. A poem on the vanity of the world, sixty-eight verses, beginning
" C/irctj cofi clovfie 'Slbaim," " Miserable the state of the sons of Adam."
This is a translation from a Latin work of Saint Bernard's.

6. A poem of eighty-four verses, beginning " gctB ttiit^ectccXj- rdiiD,"
" Accept my repentance." In this poem the author confesses his of-
fences against his God, declares his penitence, and begs forgiveness.
Written upon occasion of his renouncing the world, and entering on a
life of poverty and mortification, in the order of Saint Francis.

7. A consolatory poem, addressed to Jane, wife of Richard Nuo-ent,
on the death of her husband, sixty-four verses, beginning " bectcai/i ■fuan
<ti;i cnecto ccct|t<i6," *' It is hard to rest over the wounds of friends."

8. Reflections on the author's leaving Ireland, and on the death of
his dear friend Aodh, or Hugh Maguire, sixty-eight verses, beginning
" Cflrdj dT) rctmdficf tt <t Cifte," " Sorrowful is this vision, oh Erin."

9. A vision, in which he praises Roalb M'Mahon, one hundred and
eighty-four verses, beginning " langnrtd in'ci^ltting a Tjeamctin," " Won-
derful my vision in Eniania."

10. In praise of Felim, son of Feagh M'Hugh O'Byrne, and the pro-
vince of Leinster, one hundred and eighty-four verses, beginning
" CedUctc einij idc Ictigedo," " A land of generosity is the province
of Leinster."

Copies of all these poems are in the collection of the Assistant Secre-
tary ; some copies are in the library of John Mac Namara, Esq. and
some others in the libraries of other members of this Society.

clxx

A. D. 1609.

ccLxv. Doctor Nehemiaii Donellan, Archbishop of Tuam, died this
year. He is said to have translated into Irish the New Testament and
Communion Book, and to have printed tliem in A. D. 1603. Of this
some doubts may be entertained ; but the work was printed in his time,
and the expense Jevied on the people of Conaght.

See William Daniel, or O'Donell, under the year 1628.

A. D. 1610.

ccLxvi. At this time flourished Teige dall O'Higgin, son of Cairbre,
and brother to Maolmuire, Archbishop of Tuam. He was a poet of the
county of Sligo, famous for the elegance of his encomiums, and the keen-
ness of his satire ; and it is remarkable, that the first and the last of his
productions are the most biting of his invectives. To the last of his poems
is attributed the cause of his death. It is a satire on six persons of the tribe
of O'Hara, who forcibly took some refreshments in his house, and so se-
verely were the lashes of the poet felt by the delinquents, that they some
time afterwards returned to his house, seized him, cut out his tongue, and
otherwise abused him ; of which barbarous treatment it is said he died.

On the 30th of June, 1617, an inquisition was held in Sligo, before
Thomas Browne and another, by which it was found that " William, son
of Corcashell O'Hara, and Owen O'Hara of Castlecarragh, Brian O'Hara,
Art O'Hara, and Donald O'Hara, were attainted of the murdering Teige
dall O'Higgin, his wife and child." The time in which this murder was
perpetrated is not mentioned in the inquisition ; but it was found that
the murderers were possessed of some lands, which were consequently
forfeited to the king.

To this writer we are indebted for the following poems :

1. An epigram on some pretender to learning, amongst his cotempo-
raries, whose name is, perhaps, justly forgotten. It begins " tedjx t>^j)ct

clxxi

rt)? pertjt fo firtji," " A man of song, this western man," or, as the two
tirst words may be translated, " a man of impudence," which would, per-
haps, be an appropriate epithet for a pretender to science.

This epigram has been published in Irish and English, in the Transac-
tions of the Gaelic Society, and applied to Doctor Ledwich, by the late
Theophilus O'Flauagan, an accomplished scholar of Trinity College,
and a complete master of the ancient language and history of his country,
who, to the disgrace of his compatriots, lived neglected, and died in
poverty.

2. A genealogical poem on the O' Haras, princes of Luigne and Gai-
leng, two districts of the ancient kingdom of Conaght, now called the
baronies of Leney and Gallen, the first comprehended in the county of
Sligo, and the latter in the county of Mayo. In this poem, which con-
sists of three hundred and twenty verses, beginning " "^In 5il lib ^{ecinctty
f\l Ccein," " Is the history of the race of Cian pleasing to you ?" the
author traces the pedigree of Cormac O'Hara, chief of his tribe in the
reign of Queen Elizabeth, up to Cian, son of Olioll Olum, king of
Munster, who died A. D. 234, according to O'Flahcrty.

A copy of this poem, in the hand-writing of John M'Solly, is in the
collection of the Assistant Secretary.

3. A poem of one hundred and eighty verses, on Drum Laigheann, an
old name of the hill of Cruachan, or Drum Druid, near Elphin, county
Roscommon. The name of this hill is sometimes improperly translated
Mount Leinster.

This poem begin.s " CDaigecti) biogltt bftuim Ictijectnt)," " A field of de-
struction is the ridge of Laighean," and gives an account of various bat-
tles fought there, and of the conjurations of the Tuatlia-de-Dadans, in
their conflicts with the Milesians.

4. A poem on Torlogh Luineach O'Neill, two hundred verses, begin-
ning " looiicl foccii/t cti5 ^^ol J*>1eill," " Many are the privileges of
Niall's race." In this poem the author compares Torlogh to Noah, and
says, that as God had appointed Noah to preserve the race of man from
destruction in the general deluge, so he sent Turlogh, as a second Noah,
to preserve the Irish after the massacres and cruelties committed on them
by tlie English.

a a

clxxii

.5. An address to Hu^h, son of Manns O'Donell, on his going to Co-
naght, two hundred and twenty-four verses, beginning " bid 6o betted <t
rneic 0^b<l5^\li|-,'' " Hail ! son of Manus,''

6. In praise of the Castle of Liftord, and of the son of O'Donell, and
his wife, the daughter of John O'Neill, forty-four verses, beginning
" 1o)ifnui« bctile hjiu^h leitBi;i," " Beloved seat, fair Lifford's Castle."

Copies of these two poems are in the library of Rev. Doctor O'Brien,
and in the collection of the Assistant Secretary.

7. A poem of one humlred and sixty-four verses, beginning " CC^s
featrf i Inif ceitUnd," " Alas! I looked on Enniskillen," " on the castle
of Enniskillen, and the hospitality of Cuchonacht Maguire."

Copy in collection of the Assistant Secretary.

8. A poem of one hundred and ninety-six verses, beginning " ?t COoift
CTikW'S <!« coman," " Oh Mor, remember the obligation!" addressed
to a woman, who, it appeared, had deserted him for a person of the
name of O'Connor.

9. A poem of one hundred and fifty-two verses, beginning " beduam
cmzuf, a. Cbcttdil," " Let us render an account, oh Cathal," addressed
to Cathal O'C'onor Sligo, son of Teige. In this poem the author boasts
that he was the bed-fellow of his hero, and received from him an ample
share of the spoils which he had carried away from the Mac Williams,
(Burkes) M'Costelloes, (Nangles) Conallians, (O'Donells, O'Doghertys,
M'Sweenys, &c.) and from the O'Neills.

A fine copy of this poem is in the library of John Mac Namara of San-
dymount, Esq. and another in the collection of the Assistant Secretary.

10. A poem in dispraise of bad butter, twenty-four verses, beginning
" tuct/icif pel)) m mciit 6 mntfoi," " I got good butter from a woman."

Copy in the collection of the Assistant Secretary.

11. An epigram on the clan Mac an Bhaird, or tribe of Ward.
Copy with the Assistant Secretary.

12. A poem, consisting of one hundred and thirty-two verses, beginning
" bctoine |-t(0(id f'^ol Ccolla," "The race of Colla are a free people,"
in praise of Cuchonacht (Constantine) Maguire, chief of Fermanagh,
and eldest lineal descendant of Colla da Chrioch, son of Eochaidh
Doimhlen, and grandson of Cairbre Litfeachar, monarch of Ireland, who

clxxiii

lost his life in the battle of Gabhra, near Tara, A. D. 294. CoIIa-da-
chrioch, together with his two brothers, Colla Uais and Colla Meann
conquered settlements for themselves in Ulster, from the Rudricians, and
destroyed Emania in the year of our Lord 347 ; since which period the
descendants of the Collas have enjoyed large estates and great power
in the province of Ulster, until the entire province was declared the
property of King James the First, in the early part of his reign.

13. A poein exciting the itative Irish to take up arms, and expel their
English enemies, two hundred and eighty verses, beginning " b'ciott-
005016 coit)ctilcect;\ y-foccdin," " To a man of war, peace is preserved."

In this poem the author points out Brian, son of Brian, son of Owen
O'Rourke, as the proper leader of the Irish against their oppressors, as
his power was then acknowledged by the Ulster and Conaght tribes.

14. A poem in praise of the Mac Sweenys, two hundred verses, begin-
ning " 1ci6 fe\i) c^ri(X]^f aifx clo\n |^IeiU," " The race of Niall exceed them-
selves."

15. A poem beginning " Uaitjig oidce 50 hCdy cctoile," " Night came
to Narrow-water," one hundred and sixty-eight verses, ou the death of
Maolmordha Mac Sweeny, and two others of the author's friends and
cotemporaries.

Ill this poem the author mentions Brian O'Conallan, Brian M'Coin-
mhidhe, and Conor O'Higgin, poets, and cotemporaries with tlie author,
who were patronized by Maolmordha Mac Sweeny.

16. A |)oem beginning " jTea^ioib cloibme c^iot 6anfcc(," " The country
of Ireland is sword land," twa hundred and forty verses, in praise of
the family of Burke, many of whom he names as conquerors in various
battles in Ireland, England, and the Holy Land.

17. A poem of one hundred and fifty-two verses, beginning '< /*«Io6lt(ic
60 crd&mdri 6o'r) Cbftaob," " Christmas we went to the Creeve," on a
Christmas assembly of the poets at the Creeve, one of the hospitable
mansions of Torlogh Luineach O'Neill.

18. A poem in praise of Richard, son of Oliver Burke M'William,
two hundred and forty verses, beginning " COoft longaBail aomrt pioc,"
" Great prudence of the soul of a prince."

19. A poem of forty-eight verses, beginning " Sluaj fe]f}ji crtinig 60m
iig," " A band of six came to my house."

clxxiv

Tliispoem is a bitter satire on six persons of the tribe of O'Hara, who
went to the author's house aiul took some refreshments against his in-
clination. The virulence of this satire was so keenly felt by the O'Haras,
that tliey cut out his tongue, which probably caused his death, as we
have seen before that five of the family were found attainted of the
murder of Teige O'Higgin, his wife and child.

Copies of the thirteen last-mentioned poems are preserved in the va-
luable book of O'Gara, in the library of John M'Namara, of Sandymount,
Esq,

ccLXvii. At this time also lived Maolmuire, son of Cairbre O'Higgin,
brother to the last-mentioned author. He was Archbishop of Tuam ; and
we are told by the Reverend Fergal O'Gara, in his collection of poems
made in the Netherlands in the year 1656, and now in the library of John
M'Namara, Esq. that this prelate died in Antwerp, on his return from
Rome, but he does not mention in what year. To this author we are
indebted for the following pieces :

1. A hymn in praise of our Lord Jesus Christ, consisting of one hundred
and sixty-four verses, beginning " bo gjiiij don fnrtc wMb cloiTje," " One
son supplied the place of many children."

2. A poem in praise of Ireland, written when the author was on the
Continent, one hundred and thirty-six verses, beginning " Qt pjt tei6 ro
p'loS prTjiti," " Oh man, who goest to the land of the West."

3. A poem of thirty-six verses, beginning " Ql cecict:cii;<e teitj dnon,"
« O messenger, who goest to the other side." This poem contains a
beautiful description of a woman.

4. A poem of twelve verses, on Consideration, beginning " Ql pifttrteafe-
dj- in rrldc," " Oh man, who cultivatest the hill."

Copies of all these poems are in the collection of the Assistant Secre-
tary.

ccLxviii. Cotemporary with the two last-mentioned writers, was Conn,
son of John O'Neill, author of a chronological poem on his own tribe,
from the death of Heremon to the departure of Hugh O'Neill from
Conaght, in the year 1610. This poem commences with " Ca Ifon jxit U'
fedmnci cedJi," " How many kings and mighty chiefs."

Copy in possession of the Assistant Secretary.

clxxv

A. D. 1612.

ccLXTx. Flann M*Coinmhidhe lived at this time. He was authoi*
of a poem in praise ot' the Blessed Virgin, fifty-two verses, beginning
" hfxea^zaji bectn le yec(6 -friji^e,"" " A woman is allured by gifts of kind-
ness."

Copy in possession of Assistant Secretary.

ccLxx. At the same period as the foregoing, lived Maurice, son of
David duff Fitzgerald. He was author of the following poems :

J. Forty-four verses, on receiving a present of a horse from Teige
O'Brien, of Dumhach, beginning " pra/tcty^ eac nac brdibfedc boijlb,"
" I received a horse, not wicked nor peevish."

2. Forty-four verses on his ship preparing for a voyage to Spain. This
poem begins " Oeariciig dn longfct tt Cbjiio^d caib," " Bless this ship, Oh
holy Christ."

3. Forty-four verses on his receiving a present of a sword from O'Logh-
lin of Burren, beginning " bo b/ionjab ixtfn c'ajxtx CTjlg" " A sword was
given by my friend."

4. Twelve verses on a French cat, beginning " COd/tcaf) ^cdf^j^, 5i<U(trn(t,
gect/tcCndc," " Sour, sullen, complaining animal."

5. Forty-eight verses, enumerating things that were pleasing and dis-
pleasing to him, beginning " '^lic bom {zeab f^iamiic ■f^aiarxic,'" " I like
a beautiful stately horse."

6. Advice to a young woman, beginning '« gtt^ mo rettgct-fg <t bedn <^i5,"
" Receive my instructions, oh young woman."

7. Advice to a young man, ninety-two verses, beginning " Cttijie 6uic <t
654110 piii," " Be cautious, oh fair-haired youth."

Copies of all the above poems are in the collection of the Assistant
Secretary. The poem. No. 2, has been translated and published by
Miss Brooke, in her " Reliques of Irish Poetry."

clxxvi

A. D. 1617.

ccLxxi. On the 16th of December in this year, died Angus, or ^EiNeas
roe O'Daly, as appears by an inquisition taken at the Old Castle in
Cork, on the 18th September, 1624. By this inquisition it was found
that " Angus O'Daly was seized, in his life time, of the towns and lands
of Ballyorroone, co4itaining three carrucates of land, value ten shillings
per annum; and being so seized, did, on the last day of March, 1611,
enfeoff Thadeus M'Carthy, Richard Waters, John O'Daly, and Farfasa
O'Canty (Fearfeasa O'Cainte), and their heirs for ever, to the use of said
Angus O'Daly, during his natural life, and after his death to the use
and benefit of Angus O'Daly, junior, his son and heir, and the heirs
male of his body lawfully begotten ; and that the said feoffees, Thadeus,
Richard, John and Farfasa, the foresaid premises, without the king's
license being first obtained, together with Angus O'Daly, senior, did, by
their deed, dated 10 April, 1617, enfeoff Carolus O'Daly, his heirs and
assigns, in the western part of the land of Balliorroone aforesaid, with
the appurtenances, containing one carrucate of land, under this condition
that, when the said Angus O'Daly, senior, his heirs or assigns, should
pay said Carolus O'Daly, his heirs or assigns, the sum of thirteen pounds,
then the said Angus O'Daly, senior, his heirs or assigns, should be at
liberty to re-enter and possess said land and premises, as before the
making of said deed. And that afterwards the said Angus O'Daly died
on the 16th December, 1617," &c.

This poet is best known to the Irish scholar by the names of Angus
na naor (Angus of the Satires), and Bard ruadh, or red Bard. He was
author of the following pieces :

1. A long poem, in which he gives a satiric description of the chiefs of
the principal native Irish families, and such of the descendants of the
Anglo-Normans as had formed close connexions with the Irish. From
this general abuse of the Irish tribes he exempts the Clann Daly, or
O'Donells, because, as he says, he was afraid of their vengeance :

" ba ndonuCn cltin nb^lccis,

J^lioji 6i6)) 6cim i^iol ^eanSbdim ;
Cl<in obcilcii5 br6 b\on btxkf
QlgUj" j-iol 9l«»«H'») 6'2lo;tCl&."

clxxvii

" If I lampoon the Claim Daly, no shield to me is the race of old
Adam : Let the Clann Daly protect me, I may satirize all mankind."

This poem was written in the reign of Queen Elizabeth, and it is said
that Angus was specially employed for this purpose by the agents of the
Earl of Essex and Sir George Carew.

Copies are in the hands of every Irish scholar.

2. A poem on the death of Donogh fionn M'Carthy, one hundred and
sixty-eight verses, beginning " Cdinic liji 60 le^Lt COho^n," "Misfortune
has come over Leath Mhogha."

Copy in the collection of the Assistant Secretary.

ccLxxir. Ferfkasa O'Cainte flourished at this time, as we have seen by
the Inquisition quoted in the preceding article. He was a Munster poet,
and took a part in the contention of the bards, on the side of Teige
Mac Daire and the Momonians, against Lughaidh O'Clery and the
Northerns. He was author of the following poems :

1. One hundred and twenty verses against Lughaidh, beginning " J^ltt
C0151I l<lB|i(t, 1I Lu5<xi6," " Spare not speech, oh Lughaidh."

In this poem the author accuses Lughaidh of partiality, in his defence
of the chiefs of Leath Chuinn, to the prejudice of those of Leath Mhogha.
He insists that the descendants of Eogan mor and Cormac Cas are supe-
rior to the progeny of Conn of the Hundred Battles. He tells Lughaidh
it is sinful to oppose this known truth, desires him to read over his books,
and acknowledge his errors.

2. On worthless people, striving to make themselves respected by
boasting and lies, forty-two verses, beginning " 03oft 60 51)16 ftdoiJie 6i6J»
pem," " Men make themselves great."

Copies of these two poems are in the collection of the Assistant Se-
cretary.

3. On the death of Donald O'Keeffe, chief of the district of Ealla,
and on that of his poet, Angus O'Daly, commonly called the Red Bard,
or Angus the satirist, one hundred and eighty verses, beginning " Oedii
6tf cufna c^ic eallc(," " A Avoman of two sorrows is Ealla's land."

4. A poem addressed to Ireland, to whom he promises a steady friend
in young Teig-e Mac Carthy, presumptive chief of Desmond, or south
Munster. This poem consists of one hundred and eighty-four verses, in

clxxviii

which he gives some good instructions to young Mac Carthy for his ge-
neral conduct. It begins " puijlid 50 poill, <x Ci/te," " Wait awhile, oh
Erin."

Copies of the two last-mentioned poems are in the library of John
Mac Namara, Esq.

A. D. 1618.

ccLxxui. At this time flourished Teige, son of Dermod O'Dalv, authw
of an elegy on the death of Dermod O'Sullivan, who died this year, at
the early age of twenty-five years, one hundred and forty-eight verses,
beginning " Cm fo caoioedf C;iioc Odnbd," " Who is this that Ireland
laments ?"

Copy with the Assistant Secretary.

Perhaps this writer may be the same mentioned under the year 1602,
by the name of Teige, son of Dermod og O'Daly.

A. D. 1620.

ccLxxiV. In this year lived Owen M'Craitu, a Munster poet, author
of sixty-eight verses, on the death of Donogh O'Brien, Earl of Thomond,
who died this year, as appears by the twelfth rann of this poem. It begins
" Cugttb dr) c^ft fo dift Ci/ti))," " This destruction came on Ireland."

Copy in the collection of the Assistant Secretary.

ccLxxv. At this time also flourished Cucoigcriche, grandson of Conn
O'Clery. He was poet to the O'Donells, chieftains of Tir-Conell, and
author of the following poems :

I. On Rory O'Donell being created first Earl of Tirconnel, nineteen ranns,
each consisting of eight verses, beginning " Tiv^ coBciijt di/t CorjdUcaiB,

clxxix

erg omdn <t)f ectjfccdifiiio," '' Power has come to the Conallians, terror
has seized on their enemies."

2. On the long and peaceful life of Torlogh, sou of Cathbharr
O'Donell, who, at the time this poem was written, had attained his
seventieth year, one hundred and sixty-eight verses, beginning " COo
indUacc Oftc, d j-ccojail !" " My curse on thee, oh world !"

Copies of these poems are in possession of the Assistant Secretary, in
an ancient paper manuscript, lent to. him by his late dearly beloved and
much lamented friend the Rev. Dr. Paul O'Brien, Professor of the Irish
language in the College of St. Patrick, Maynooth.

ccLxxiv. At this time also lived Donogh Caoch (blind) O'Mahont, a
Munster poet, who wrote many songs, some of which are in the collection
of the Assistant Secretary.

A. D. 1626.

CCLXXV. On the 26th of September in this year, died Hugh Mac
Cawell, a Franciscan friar, who had been Divinity Lecturer in the Col-
lege of Saint Anthony of Padua, in Louvain, and afterwards R. C.
Archbishop of Armagh. He was known in his order by the name of Aodh
Mac Aingil, and under that name published his " Scdccin j-acjWmeiwce na
Wticfiibe," or " Mirror of the Sacrament of Penance,'' printed at Louvain,
in 1618, although Harris, in his additions to Ware, erroneously says it
was printed after his death.

A. D. 1628.

ccLxxvi. On the 11th of July this year, died Doctor William
O'Donell, one of the first fellows of Trinity College, and treasurer of

b b

clxXK

■the Cathedral of Saint Patrick, Dublin, in which church he was conse-
crated Archbishop of Tuam, in the year 1609. He is said to have been
ihe tranjylator of the Book of Common Prayer and the New Testament
into the Irish language; but Mr. Beling, and others, say the latter was
translated by Morfogh O'Cionga, or King. This was printed in the year
1603, in quarto, the charges of which were levied on the people of Co-
naght. [t was re-printed in 1687, at the expense of Robert Boyle, and in
the year 1G90 the entire Bible was printed in London, in quarto size, and
in the Irish character; and at the same time, a id by the same press, it
was printed in eighteens, in the Roman ktter, for the use of the Gaoidhil,
or Gaels of Scotland. This was tiie only Gaelic translation the people
of that nation had of the Sacred Scriptures, until about the year 1767,
when a new translation of the New Testament was published in Edin-
burgh. In tlie year 1787 a new translation of the Old Testament was
published, in the same city. In these new translations the ancient and
correct orthography of the Gaelic or Irish language was much debased.
But in tlie last new translation printed for the Bible Society in London,
in 1804, much greater changes have been made, which go far towards
disguising the radices of the language, and to cut off the connection that
until lately existed between the sister dialects of Eire and Alba.

In the year 1818 a new edition of the New Testament was published

in London, by the British and Foreign Bible Society, on beautiful Irish

types ; but either through the ignorance or the negligence of the editor,

or perhaps through both, the errors of this edition are innumerable. In

the first three chapters of the Gosi)el of Saint Mathew, there are no less

than sixty typographical errors, some of which materially affect the sense

of the Evangelist. Of this a remarkable instance occurs in the 3d chapter

and 12th verse of this Gospel, where our Blessed Saviour is represented as

a female; thus, " Ql-^tx Bprjl a. Cfnaidn drj til^im," " Whose fan is in uer

hand." Other errors, equally bad, or woi-se, frequently occur throughout

the book ; such as pecC/i, grass, instead of pett|i, a man, &c. &c. which

render this work totally unfit for the purpose intended by the publishers.

In London also, in the course of the last year, were published, in Irish,

ihe books of Genesis and Exodus. The Irish Bibles printed in London

in 1690, abound with errors, grammatical and typographical, all which,

clxxxi

so far as these two books go, are suffered to remain in the text by the.
present editor; and he has added to the stock no small quantity of his,
own, and introduced words that never before appeared in any Irish book.

In Irish the preposition d, in, causes eclipsis, or suppression in the ini-.
tials of all substantives immediately following it, except such as begin,
with the letter m or the immutable consonants I, n, or ;<. To nouns begin- ,
ning with vowels it causes n to be prefixed; thus, <( octigeio, in the deep ;
<i oeaaotcaiy, in despair; d nipr^ion, in hell; u ooibce, in the night; it.
nucugnecty, in solitude, &c. The present editor of the Sacred Scriptures
knowing that n is always joined with such substantives in pronunciation,
when preceded by the preposition, and seeing that it is so written in books,
but not knowing the cause of such union, imagined that when the article
•a.r\ preceded a substantive beginning with a vowel, the n should be de-
detached from the cc and united with the substantive ; and under this .
impression, whenever the article tJn, or the preposition and article bo-n, or
60 un, occurs, in such a situation he invariably deprives the article of its
n, and prefixes it to the substantive, and thereby renders such passages
downright nonsense.

Of the kind of error hiere noticed, the first chapter of Genesis fur-
nishes sufficient examples. Thus, in the sixth and seventh verses, '^\^u-^

^buhiX\f.z, b)ct, biob iormo'ilt a meaboo net nui^5etitj, &c. ^'5"f 60 p'ne C)ict

<t niopmoilc, ccgu^ fioirj na huifsedoiX pdoi a. niojMroilt: 6 nd buifgedbdib 6{
ciojj nd hio|tmoilce, ttguf &o bi mdjt >(\n. '^Igu^ goin bid 60 nio^mioilc neam."
This, literally translated into English,.would be absolute nonsense; it would
run thus : " And God said, let there be a firmament (lormolUj in the midst
of the waters, &c. — And God made m a firmament (ct moj\no]\z) and he
divided the waters under in a firmament (p<*oi ct mofinioilc) from the waters
above the firmament, and it was so. And God called to, &c. heaven." The
words 60 niopmoilc here cannot be translated into any intelligible lan-
guage ; they should be written 60')) lofimoilr, if io;iidoiIc had any meaning.
Verse 9. " Cpuiijigcecift nd hu)-f^e<x6a cCcd pdoi neam d neuntlic dguy^ leigcectn
a. n-qn ti/iim leij-." The rt in nerndrc is here properly prefixed, because the
preposition <t requires it; a. nernSic, in one place; but it is improperly
prehxed to -yf^i, land, for that should be preceded by an article, and not
a preposition; <l i]rj\, signifies in the land: it should be <t)) t^h, the land..

clxxxii

Again, verse 14, " '^'guf ^ i>r13£c &icc, biod l6cf<tiir) <t flio^imoilc neirne 60
Ttoirj e)6i|t iyt\ Via xtguf <l tioibce," &c. Here the n prefixed to lo^^moil- is
right, because the preposition tt goes before it; but it should not be
joined to oi6ce, as it is, because the sense requires the article. '21 )i<Ji6ce
means in a night, but it should be written ttji oi6ce, the night. " I6i;i
ts.D 1$ ^E^X c"i oibce," literally means " between the day and the night."
The word l6c;iciiri, in this verse, is a proof of the absence of grammatical
knowledge in the editor, locfiflin is an oblique case of loc/tan, light ;
and it should be here in the nominative case. Moreover, even if the
oblique case should be used, the orthography is wrong; it should
be loc/iciiJi. The word iormoilt, used here for firmament, is one of those
words adopted by this editor that never appeared before in any Irish
book, ancient or modern, printed or manuscript, except in the late
edition of the Scottish Gaelic Bible ; and even there, not admitted into
the iexi.

■ The great importance of correctness in an edition of the Sacred Scrip-
lures, and the fearful consequences that may result from a depraved
translation of them, will, it is hoped, be a sufficient apology for this
digression from the original plan of this work.

A. D. 1629.

ccLxxvii. Died at Madrid on the 18th of November, this year, father
Florence Conry, or O'Mulconaire, an Observantin Franciscan, in the
sixty-ninth year of his age. Through his solicitation Philip III. king of
Spain, founded the college of Saint Anthony of Padua, in Louvain, for
the Irish Franciscan Friars, and to this seminary, in the year 1654, his
bones were translated from Spain by his countrymen. His " Section dij
Cb|i<ibui6," or *^ Mirror of Religion," a Catechism; was printed in Lou-
vain, in 1626.

clxxxiii

A. D. 1630.

cLxxviii. EocHAiDii O'Heogiiusa, Maguii'e's chief poet, flourished at this
period, as appears by his poem on O'Donell, second Earl of Tirconnel.
By the thirty-sixth rami of the first poem in the following list, it appears
he began his poetic career so early as the year 1593, when he was but a
youth. The ensuing catalogue contains all the legible poems that we
have met with of this author's works, many of which have much merit,
and none of them are contemptible.

1. Two hundred and twenty-eight verses, on the appointment of Aodh
roe (or red Hugh) O'Donell, as chieftain of Tirconnell, after his escape
from captivity in the Castle of Dublin, in the last week of December,
1592. This poem begins " biol prdict FlctKio|- Ciiiearj/' " A reward
exciting hatred is the sovereignty of Erin."

Copy of this poem in possession of the Assistant Secretary.

2. One hundred and twenty verses, in praise of Cuclionacht Maguire,
Lord of Fermanagh, beginning " jTabcc leig^ectft C<imr,r) <(n ttori-ufna."

3. A didactic poem, consisting of one hundred and seventy-two verses,
for the instruction of Cuchonacht, or Constantine, Maguire^ Lord of
Fermanagh. This poem begins " becccc(i;i lori/idim net ?)oi5e," " Difficult
the service of youth."

4. One hundred and twenty verses, on the sickness of Teige O'Brien,
beginning " bedls dialdiS oijtcty CbclitJ5," " A re-hurting sting is the
sickness of Teige."

5. Eighty verses, lamenting the absence of Hugh Maguire, beginning
" Xludp. ledm ttn o'.bce^i b'^lob," " Cold I feel this night for Hugh."

6. Ninety-two verses on the sickness of his Chief, Cuchonacht Ma-
o-uire, beginning " ptba 6 m'lnciii ct bdincSftc/' " Far from my mind its

vision."

7. An address to Hugh Maguire, one hundred and forty-eight verses,
boo-inning " Sitn fdb loc <i iCffn ?lobct," " Health to thy wound, oh
hand of Hugh."

8. Seventy-six verses addressed to Hugh Maguire, beginning " Cui/^pertd
fo lorji'.i ?lo6," " I will implant this in thee, O'Hugh."

clxxxlv

9. Two hundred verses, addressed to Teige, son of Brian and Mary
O'Rourke, Lord of W. Breifne, beginning " Catuio jieb meanmct tt fnic
hh^Miir),'" " Contend with thy natural disposition, oh son of Brian."

10. An historical poem, addressed to Hugh Maguire, three hundred
and forty-four verses, beginning " p<l6(t ;ie bupc6it> Ci/^e," " Long is
Ireland acquainted with injury."

11. A very beautiful historical poem, in which the author eulogises
Owen og M'Sweeny, the son of Margaret, daughter of Aodh O'Donell,
chief of Tirconell. This poem consists of two hundred and thirty-six
verses, beginning " Tio\y) leice <ti)i rtobrrtin Ci/ieaV' " The uneasiness of
Ireland is divided."

12. One hundred and fifty-two verses, lamenting the distressed state
of Ireland, and calling on Hugh O'Neill to remember the glorious acts
of his forefathers, and to redeem their ancient patrimony from bondage.
This poem begins " P;<iot <tn 'rrcdo-fe dijl loif fciil," " Devote this oppor-
tunity for the Isle of Fail."

13. One hundred and sixty-four verses on Brian, son of Hugh M'Mahon,
chief of Uriell (OiftgidUa) beginning " Oecl5 m\j\ea,-( bo fndc^tlib gcioibil,"
" Few remain of the sons of Gathelus."

14. Ninety-six verses, on the hospitality and pleasures of the mansion
and amiable family of Felim, son of Feagh M'Hugh O'Byrne, of Ra-
nelagh, beginning " lonmuirj zeac p.e tzu^a-f cul," " Beloved is the house
that I have left."

15. One hundred and sixty-eight verses, addressed to Hugh Maguire,
beginning " COoji <Co za^m oUttm pidcct," " Professor (chief Doctor} of
a prince, is a noble title."

16. Two hundred and sixteen verses, on the Maguires, and in praise
of the wife of Con Maguire, beginning " Suijigedc f^n rt Cijte 65,"
" Lovely that, oh noble Erin."

17. Eighty verses, against satirical writing, beginning " CDdi;i5 ict;<^c(y
lomldoid cdince," " Woe to him who seeks satyric poems,"

Copies of all the above poems, except the first, are in O'Gara's collec-
tion in the library of John Mac Namara, Esq, The first, and most of the
re«t; are also amongst the MSS. belonging to the Assistant Secretary.

clxxxv

18. Two hundred and sixteen verses on the O'Donells, beginning
" ^Ii tomt^om c6^ci6 OaoBci," " Not equal is the war of Banbha, (Ire-
land)."

19. Forty-four verses, on O'Donell, Earl of Tirconnell, beginning
" lonfnolca mctlaijic Bif 15," " Commendable the exchange of profit."

Copies of these two poems are in the manuscripts of the late Reverend
Doctor O'Brien, and of the Assistant Secretary.

20. Seventy-two verses, recommending a life of temperance, beginning
" Ql 6uine na hea-fldrnze," " Oh man of disease."

21. Twenty-four verses, advice to a female friend, beginning " "Jt bean
t]\o\6e compS)icci," " Oh woman of the social heart."

22. Twenty verses, addressed to a friend, beginning " ?t pi^t c/toib'e
cd/iutiDj-i," " Oh man of the heart I love."

23. Eighty-eight verses, addressed to Almighty God, beginning " Qlfi
Cj:c(oj-c(fn 6ctm d Obe dtdifi," " By thy protection to me, oh God the Father!"

24. One hundred and twenty-four verses on Cuchonacht, or Constan-
tine, Maguire, beginning " Cj\eb fnuj-gldj- mctc/tditj CijDje," " What is it that
awakes the sons of Erne."

25. Sixty-eight verses, addressed to Con, son of John O'Neill, begin-
ning " O;iaoi6 ledc <t UabtX\ji C-r^ti," " A theme to thee, oh generous
Conn."

26. One hundred and seventy-six verses, addressed to Cuchonnacht
Maguire, beginning " bo pecbctio puldijjg gctoibil," " The forbearance
of the Gathelians is seen."

' 27. Two hundred and thirty-two verses, addressed to the son of Richard
de Burgo M'William, beginning " CDctcdip cogcid c;tioc OctnBa," " Mother
of war is the country of Banbha (Ireland)."

.28. Eighty-eight verses addressed to Hugh, son of Cuchonacht Maguire,
beginning " CD6)i ar\ cedpgyo opz; <s, "Jloo," " Great is thy wrath, oh Hugh."

Copies of the nine last-mentioned poems are in the collection of the
Assistant Secretary.

This author wrote several other poems on miscellaneous subjects,
imperfect copies of which are in the collection of the Assistant Secretary.

cLxxix. Maurice O'Daly, O'Reilly's poet, flourished at this period.
We have met with only one poem of his writing; this is in praise of

clxxxvi

Tullagli Mangain, the hill on which the princes of the House of O'Reilly
were inaugurated. It gives a Catalogue of the Kings or Princes of
East Brefny to his own time, beginning " COo turdige mrtfi rt z<i.o\ a Cbul-
fXig!" " Alas, that thou art thus, oh hill!"
Copy in possession of the Assistant Secretary.

ccLxxx. At this time lived in Dublin, the Rev. Florence Gray,
who had been a Divinity Lecturer in the College of Saint Anthony of
Fadua, in Lou vain. Harris, in his additions to Ware, says he wrote an
Irish Grammar. — We have not seen a copy of it.

ccLxxxi. At this time lived Conla Mac Geoghegan, an industrious
collector of the antiquities of his country. He compiled, from the Book
of Leacan and other ancient documents, a Leabhar Gahhala, or Book of
Conquests ; a Rehn Rioghraidhe, or Catalogue of Kings ; and a Gene-
alogy of the Saints of Ireland, which were afterwards revised and en-
larged by Michael O'Clery and others. He also wrote Annals of Ireland,
from the earliest account of time, to the year 1466. He dates this book
on the last day of June, 1627. It is now in the library of Trinity College,
but we cannot say where his other works are to be found.

A. D. 1632,

ccLxxxii. In this year was begun to be compiled, in the Franciscan
Convent of Dunagall, that noble repertory of Irish history, the " Annals
OF Dunagall," otherwise called the " Annals of the Four Masters."
The first title they took from the place in which they were written, but
why they should be called by the second name is not easy to conceive, as
there were in reality six persons concerned in the compilation of them.
This we learn from the certificate prefixed to the work, signed by the two
gentlemen who had been superiors of the convent whilst it was in pro-
gress.

clxxxvii

To show from what works these annals were compiled, and the persons
employed in the compilation, we here give a literal translation of the
certificate above mentioned : —

" The Fathers of the Order of St. Francis, who sign their hands here-
" unto, testify that it was Ferrall O'Gara who induced the bi other
" Michael O'Clery to collect the chronologers and learned men together,
" by whom this Book of Records and Annals of Ireland were written,
" (so much as they were able to obtain materials to write ;) and that it
" was the same Ferrall who save them a remuneration for their labour.

" This Book is divided into two parts, and from the beginning to the
" end it was written in the Convent of the Brothers of Dunagall, they
" giving attendance and supplying necessary food. In this Convent was
'* begun and written the first Book, in the year 1632, at the time that the
*' father Bernardin O'Clery was guardian.

" The chronologers and learned men who were employed in writing
*' this Book, and in collecting the various Books from which it was coni-
" piled, were Michael O'Clery ; Maurice, son of Torna O'Maolconaire,
" who attended during one month ; Ferfeasa, son of Loghlain O'Maol-
" conaire, (these two were from the county Roscommon ;) Cucoigcrighe
" O'Clery, of the county Dunagall; Cucoigcrighe O'Duigenan, of the
" county Roscommon ; and Conaire O'Clery, of the county Dunagall.

" These are the old Books they had in their possession : the Book of
" Clonmacnois, blessed by Saint Kiaran Mac-an-tsauir, (son of the Artist;)
** the Book of the Island of Saints on Lough Rive; the Book of Senait
"Mac Manus on Lough Erne," (now called the Ulster Annals); "the
" Book of the O'Maolconaires ; the Book of th<? O'Duigenans of Kil-
" ronan ; the Book of Records of the Mac Firbis's, which they procured
" after they had written the greater part of the Book ; and from that
" Book they wrote whatever they found supplementary and necessary to
" them, which were not in the first Books they had procured ; for the
" Book of Cluain-mac-nois, and the Book of the Island of All Saints
" contained nothing, except to the year 1227.

** The second Book of this work commences with the year 1208, and
" was begun to be written in the year of Christ, 163-5, in which the
" Father Christopher (Donlevy), surnamed Ultach the (Ultonian), was

c c

clxxxviii

" guardian ; and this part is continued to the year 1608, when the Father
" Bernardin O'Clery was again Guardian. The above-mentioned Michael
" O'Clery, Cucoigcrighe O'Clery, and Conaire O'Clery, wrote the latter
" Book from 1332 to 1608. These are the Books from which the afore-
•' said three compiled the principal part of this Book :— the Book of the
" O'Maolconaires, to the year 1505, which is the last year in that Book ;
" the Book of the O'Duigenans, from the year 900 to the year 1563 ;
" the Book of Senait Mac Manus, which comes to the year 1532 ; a
'* fragment of the Book of Cucoigcrighe, son of Dermod, son of Teige
" cam O'Clery, from the year 1281 to 1537 ; the Book of Maoilin 02:
" Mac Bruody, (or Brodin) from the year 1588 to 1603 ; the Book of
" Lughaidh O'Clery, from 1586 to 1602. We have seen all these Books
<' with those learned men after they came to us, and other Books of
" Records which it would be a delay to name. In proof of what we have
" above written, we have affixed our manual signatures in the convent of
" Dunegall, this 10th day of August, 1636.

" Bernardinus O'Clery, Guardianus Dunagallensis.
" Br. Maurice Ultach (Dunlevy).'*

This certificate is countersigned by Brother Michael O'Clery, Maurice
O'Maolconaire, Ferfeasa O'Maolconaire, Cucoigcriche O'Clery, and
Conaire O'Clery.

The dedication of this Book to Ferrall O'Gara, Lord of Moy O'Gara,
and Coolavin, and one of the knights elected to represent the county of
Sligo in the Parliament held in Dublin in 1634, was written and signed
by Michael O'Clery, by which it appears that he was the principal person
under whose direction this work was carried on. The original copy was
bound in two volumes folio, the first of which, commencing with the year
of the world 2242, and ending with the year of our Lord 1171, was in the
library of the late venerable Charles O'Conor, of Belanagare, and is now
deposited by his grandson, the Rev. Charles O'Connor, in the library of
the Marquis of Buckingham, at Stowe, together with many other valuable
Irish manuscripts. The second volume of the original, commencing A. D.
1335, and ending A. D. 1605, is in the library of Trinity College.

clxxxix

la this work there is a chasm from the year 1171 to 1335, which may
be supplied from the continuation of the Annals of Tigernach, and from
the Annals of Ulster. Copies of these Annals are not numerous. The
first volume of the original is copied into two volumes quarto, in the
library of Trinity College, which, with the second volume of the original,
make the College copy complete. The late Chevalier Thomas O'Gor-
man had a complete set, from which the writer of this account was
making a copy, which he had nearly completed, when the removal from
Dublin, and subsequent death of his friend the Chevalier, prevented him
from finishina: it.

Besides the Annals of Dunagall, these writers collectively compiled the
Leabhar Gabhala, or Book of Conquests ; the Reim Rioghraldhe, or regal
Catalogue, and a Genealogy of the Saints of Ireland. The Book of
Conquests was compiled in the convent of Lisgoole, under the patronage
of Brian roe Maguire, first Lord of Eniskillen. In this work the writers
were assisted by Giolla Patrick O'Luinin, of Ard O'Luinin, in the
county Fermanagh. The testimonies and approbations to this work are
signed by Francis M'Craith, Guardian of Lisgoole, on the 22d December,
1631 ; and by Flann, son of Carbry Mac Egan, of Bally Mac Egan, in
the county Tipperary, on the 31 st August, 1631. The Reim Riogh-
roide was begun to be compiled in the house of Conall Mac Geoghegan,
and finished in the Observantine Convent, at Athlone, on the 4th No-
vember, 1630. This work was carried on under the patronage of Torlogh
Mac Coghlan, Lord of Dealbhna Eathra, part of the ancient kingdom of
Meath, now called the Barony of Garry Castle, in the King's County.

Copies of the Book of Conquests are in the library of Trinity College,
and in that of William Monck Mason, Esq. The original is in the collec-
tion of Irish manuscripts belonging to the Assistant Secretary.

Copy of the Reim Rioguraidhe, or Regal Catalogue, and the Genealogy
of the Saints, is also in the collection of the Assistant Secretary.

Besides the above works written by these authors collectively, there are
other works executed by some of them individually.

ccLxxxiii. Michael O'Clerv wrote, and published in Louvain, in the
year 1643, a Vocabulary, in which many of the hard, or obsolete words

cxc

in till' Irish language were explained by words in common use in tlie
modern langiiage of our country. This work has now become exceed-
ingly scarce. A copy of it was sold at the late General Vallancey's sale
for six guineas. There is a MS. copy in possession of the Assistant Se-
cretary.

This writer also translated into Irish the Rules of the Religious order
of St. Clare, in the year 1636.

Copy in the Marquis of Buckingham's library, at Stowe.

ccLxxxiv. CucoiGCRiCHE O'Clrry, bcsidcs the part he took in the
compilations of the Annals, &c. wrote a life of Aodh roe O'Donell,
chief of Tirconell, who invited the Spaniards to invade Ireland in the
early part of the reign of James the First.

The original copy of this work is in the library of William Monck
Mason, Esq. and a transcript of it is in the collection of the Assistant
Secretary, who has now nearly translated into English, with an intent to
publish, tliis invaluable piece of Irish history.

Perhaps this author may be the same as the Cucoigcriche O'Clery,
which we have mentioned under the year 1620.

ccLxxxv. CccoiGCRicHE (son of Toolc biiidhe) O'Duigeanan, one of
the writers of the Annals of the Four Masters, &c. was also the author
of a poem, beginning " ^loin ycmc coy-ndm na ccecdl," " Only protecting
shield of the churches," on the return of Teige O'Rody from London,
in 1641.

ccLxxxvi. ccLXXXvii. ccLxxxviii. Of works written by Fearfeasa
O'Maolconare, CoNAiNG O'Clery, and Maurice O'Maolconaire, we
know no more than the part they took in the compilation of the Annals
of the Four Masters, the Reimrioghraidhe, ^-c. unless we suppose the
last-named writer to be the same as the Maurice O'Maolconaire we
mentioned under the year 1600, at page clix.

A. D. 1636.

ccLxxxix. In this year Cathal Mac Muireadhaigh, or Mac Muirich,
as he is called in the Erse dialect, wrote his poem on the Mac Donalds,

CXCl

one hundred and twelve verses, addressed to Colla Ciotach Mac Donald,
beginning " Sctoc liom 60 ton a CboUd," " Trouble to me is thy state, oh
Colla."

This poem, in the hand-writing of the author, is in the library of
Trinity College, class H. No. 54.

Mr. As<le, in his " Origin and Progress of Writing," plate 22, speci-
men 6, gives a fac simile of this author's hand-writing, and erroneously
says it was taken from an Erse manuscript, written in the loth century.

A. D. 1639.

ccxc. Theobald Stapleton, an Irish priest, was author of a Latin
and Irish Catechism, which he published at Brussells, this year, in
Roman letter, and a quarto form. It is now a very scarce book, but
there is a copy in the library of Trinity College.

A. D. 1640.

ccxci. At this time flourished Owen roe M'an BhaIrd, a Franciscan
friar, author of the following poems :

1. One hundred and eight verses, beginning " 21 pifi feaca{ uaiz ait
cJiccim !" " Oh man, who beholdest the bone !" Reflections on the vanity
of this world.

2. Two hundred and thirty verses, beginning " gldc <t ioropaiii comprtifl
c6fnai;ile," " Accept, my friend, a friend's advice." Instructions for a
holy life.

3. On the pleasures of a religious life, and on the habit of the order
of Saint Francis, sixty verses, beginning " ^or\mr,■n Cpiof co C0I5 f^emneac,"
" Sweet is the girdle with painful stings."

c'lxcii

4. On receiving news of young O'Donell's return, sixteen verses,
beginning " loom-rjo fgr^'Iier) -f^^aoilzeof. -fun/' " Pleasant news reported
here."

Copies of all these are in the collection of the Assistant Secretary.

ccxcii. At this time lived Edmond M'Donogh, author of a short
poem, on the evil propensities of the flesh, twenty-eight verses, begin-
ning " COo ied^Af^ bet )i5lciccrt d cr,]^-p !" " My advice, if taken, O body!'*

Copy in the library of John M'Namara, Esq.

A. D. 1641.

ccxcin. Fergal Mutmhneach ODcigenan was author of a poem on
the return of Teige O'Rody from London, in this year, forty-eight
verses, beginning " (Dale rjttic bo toigedcc a. Cbciibj !" " You came in
good time, oh Teige !"

Copy in collection of Assistant Secretary.

A. D. 1643.

ccxciv. At this time flourished the Right Reverend Thomas Dease,
R. C. Bishop of Meath, and one of the Supreme Council of the con-
federate Catholics. The following poems, written by him, have come
down to our times :

1. Advice to a young lady, forty-eight verses, beginning " ^ab mo
ceagdfs a \y)pn 615," " Accept my counsel, youthful fair."

2. Beginning " COo/i beimnirsdb utt cconop^yjac," " Much is affirmed of
the associates."

3. One hundred and forty-four verses, beginning " Ti]rie<x-f mo iiomW a
ShedmaY," " 1 have made my will, oh James."

Copies of all these are in possession of the Assistant Secretary.

clxciii

A. D. 1645.

ccxcv. In this year the Rev. Anthony Gernon, a Franciscan Friar
of the college of St. Anthony, in Louvain, published his pdpptdf an
^Inrnd, or Paradise of the Soul, a catechism, containing instructions for a
Christian life. This author was living in 1667.

This is now a very scarce book, but there are copies of it in possession
of William Monck Mason, Esq. John M'Namara^ Esq. and the Assistant
Secretary.

A. D. 1649.

ccxcvi. SoMHAiRLE Mac AN Bhaird flourished at this time, as
appears by the last rann but one of his elegy on the death of Aodb
buidhe O'Donell, who died in this year. This poem consists of two
hundred and eighty verses, beginning " }<leaj\z 506 ri/te dip C\fi ChondiU,"
" The energy of every country is in Tirconell."

Copies of this poem are in the books of the late Rev. Paul O'Brien,
and in the collection of the Assistant Secretary.

A. D. 1650.

ccxcvii. About this time died the Irish Herodotus, the Rev. Geoffry
Keating, D. D. By an inscription over the door of the church of
Tubrid, in his native county of Tipperary, it appears that that edifice
was founded by the Rev. Eugene Duhy, vicar of Tubrid, and Doctor
Geoffrey Keating, in A. D. 1644. He was a pious and learned priest,
and author of many works in his native language, both verse and prose.
We here insert a list of such of his compositions as have come under
our observation.

1. A History of Ireland, from the earliest account of time, to the
Anglo-Norman invasion. The title of this, in the original, is " foftuj-

CXCIV

feaya a^n Ciftii)," " Rudiments of knowledge on Ireland." A faulty trans-
lation of this work, in folio, by Derniod O'Conor, was published in
London and Dublin, in 1723. It has been republished in two volumes
octavo, by Christie, Dublin, 1809. A new and correct translation of this
work, as far as the Christian Era, was published in one volume octavo,
Dublin 1811, with the original Irish on opposite pages, by the late
Mr. William Haliday. It is to be lamented, that a lingering sickness
and early death prevented this highly talented young gentleman from
finishing his translation.

2. A treatise on the Mass, called " Cocdi)! f ciat cirj Qlip^^ion," " A key
to the shield of the Mass."

3. A moral treatise on Death, called " C;t) bio^tgaoite di) Bdiy,"
" Three pointed shafts of death."

4. A poem in praise of Ireland, written while the author was on the
continent, twenty-four verses, beginning " COo bectrjflcc ledc a. ■f^'ibxri,'"
" My blessing with thee, oh writing."

5. A poem in praise of Teige O'Coffey, a celebrated performer on the
harp, thirty-six verses, beginning " Cid dri cfdoi le -fernzecji an Cff»;c,"
" Who is the sage by whom the harp is struck."

6. A poem on the miseries of Ireland, twenty verses, beginning " On
^geoil bo C|ici6 OOdj pail ni coblaim oi6ce," " From the news that pains
Moy-Fail (Ireland) 1 sleep not a night."

ccxcfiii. At this time lived Teige roe O'Conor, author of a poem in
dispraise of a harper, forty-four verses, beginning " Sdoi le ye<(|tbu|-
eoin fnic Coin," " A sage in harshness is John Mac John."

Copy in the collection of the Assistant Secretary.

ccxcix. The Father Thomas M'Rory flourished at this time. He was
author of an elegy on the death of Owen Roe O'Neill, Commander in
Chief of the Forces of the Confederate Catholics, who lost his life by a
pair of poisoned boots, in A. D. 1649, one hundred and fifty four verses,
beginning, " bo cciiU Cipe a ceile p'|ie," " Ireland has lost her true com-
panion."

This poem was translated into English by the Hon. Arthur Brownlow,
in the year 1700.

cxcv

Copies of both the original and translation, are in the manuscript
collection of the Assistant Secretary.

ccc. Dermod O'Sullivan flourished at this period. He was autlior
of a poem, containing forty-eight verses, on the former and then present
state of Ireland. It begins " f']\Of\ hpo^ac ■f\r) tt cc^iocctjii CiSi/t tnoift,"
" We were unacquainted in the districts of mighty Heber."

ccci. Conor O'Riordan was cotemporary with the last-mentioned
author, and wrote an answer to his poem, consisting of forty-four verses,
beginning "An z\Jin bo hioba^ gaoibil <i nC\j\v) beo," " When the Ga-
thelians were alive in Erin."

Copies of both these poems are in possession of the Assistant Secretary.

cccii. CiAN O'Heichiaran lived at this time; he was author of a
poem on the deaths of the Earl of Tirone, and of Henry, son of Owen
roe O'Neill, one hundred and sixteen verses, beginning " Cdimc c/iioc
aift olc neftion," " An end has come to the misfortune of Erin."

Copy in possession of the Assistant Secretary.

ccciii. About this period lived Patrick O'Donelly ( Don^liaoile) au-
thor of an ironical elegy on the death of Owen Liddy. This poem
consists of ninety-two verses, beginning " Ouan ttrj edyBcdj hA-c eojdin,"
" The death of Owen is a lasting loss."

Copy in possession of the Assistant Secretary.

ccciv. At this time also lived Torlogh og M'Donogh, author of a
poem addressed to a friar who had forsaken his religion, thirty-six verses,
beginning, " ^t b^idtai/t eoin roa cd 60 tpidU, " Oh brother John, if thou
art going."

Copy in possession of the Assistant Secretary.

cccv. At this period also flourished Doctor John O'Conell, Roman
Catholic Bishop of Ardfert, or Kerry. He was author of a metrical
account of some facts relating to the History of Ireland, beginning
" ■JUrai;! ■fmra.mrn ttiji ^-aoicili net hCijtectJi," " When I reflect on the nobles
of Ireland."

Copies of this poem are in the hands of every Irish scholar.

d d

CXCVl

A. D. 1652.

cccvF. David O'Bruadair (Broderkk), a native of the county Limerick,
lived at this time. He was author of the following poems, and of some
others that we have seen, but do not know where they are now to be
found.

1. Sixty-eight verses, beginning " la lugtidyct ypiunaib luc6 |-didij^eaj-rt,"
" On Lammas-day the people of riches pull."

2. Two hundred and four verses, on the Irish surrendering their arras,
and on the beheading of King Charles the First. This poem begins
" C^efX'zz 60 65 il m <xm<X\^\^t&c galdi;*," " I received a wound in my state
of sickness." This poem was written in 1652.

3. Twenty-four verses, addressed to our Lord Jesus Christ, beginning
" 'JlS/icCim i<x a. C£ti6lj|-e <t^ ccpu,'' " I adore thee, oh pride of our blood."

4. Twenty-eight verses on the same subject, beginning " go h^dt <t
roeic ;iu5 COTjfte mionbtjleccc," " For ever is the Son that Mary miraculously
bore."

Copies of the two first poems are in possession of the Assistant Secre-
tary , the two latter are in the library of John Mac Namara, Esq.

■S. A poem, beginning " 5^ ainBpe(l|-dc pe(Jlncli;ie t)c(;i pidji n gl-rn?"
" Though the flayer be ignorant is not his knee crooked ?"

6. Beginning " ?l ^tig ncl C/itjTje 6o piJjife," " Oh God of the world that
made it."

7. Beginning " bo bi fttjne eigi)) ;<oim <xi\ ;ie ^-i," " There was a certain
man before this time." '

8. Beginning " 1j- upc;«l6cic(r) ixim id6 <1 ndc/iu flig," " It is long a misery
to me they to be falling in the way."

9. Beginning " CDitib |-oicin) go Siol Ccctftidij," " It is time I should
go to the Mac Carthys."

The four poems last mentioned I have not seen ; the first lines were
sent to me by a friend, but he did not mention the subjects on which
they were written.

This writer also made a copy of the Leahhar Jrse of the O'Maolco-
uaires, now in the library of Trinity College.

He was living in the year 1692.

CXCVll

A. D. 1655.

cccvii. Feargal og Mc. an Bhaird, lived at this period. He was
author of the following poems :

1. An elegy on the death of John O'Donell, who, according to the
last rann but one of this poem, died in the year 1655. It consists of
two hundred and thirty-two verses, beginning " bo roiftoeab ceanuf olttt)
CcTjrj," "The authority of the sons of Conn was raised."

2. One hundred and sixty verses on the descendants of Ir, son of
Milesius, particularly on the Magennises. This poem begins, " 1;iicil
codnctc cloirie bl/i," " Irial, treasure of the sons of Ir."

3. One hundred and eighty-six verses on the family of O'Ferrall, be-
ginning " par) fiat imfiib dicme 1/i," " In prosperity proceed the race of
Ir."

4. On the O'Donells, particularly Calbhach, son of Manus, two hun-
dred and forty-eight verses, beginning " C;ieom tt)i ceAnu-f Claf) bdltiig,"
" Powerful the authority of the Clann Dalaigh."

5. On Dominick O'Donell, two hundred and forty-eight verses, begin-
ning " gdible jTobld pr,i CboJjtfiU/' " Props of Fudhla (Ireland) are the
race of Conall."

Copies of all these poems are in the library of John Mac Namara, Esq.
Numbers 1, 3, and 4 are in the collection of the Assistant Secretary..

A. D. 1660.

cccviii.. At this time lived Cian O'Mahony, author of a short poem,
beginning " 51 bi^ne leij bo tex 50 c)iectj-6a yrdi^c bdm," " Oh man, gently
and pleasantly read your text to me."

Copy in collection of the Assistant Secretary.

cccix. Maurice O'Dugan lived near Benburb, in the County Tyrone,
this year. He was author of the following poems, beginning

CXCVlll

1. "'^\.rti:f 60 caSlac 50 medji meixninnac," "Set your lleet in motion
cheerfully, spiritedly."

2. " Obi Cogdu dijt bifle «5cif c/tir/t <X);t cm b-rjue," " Owen was in a rage,
and three on the man."

3. " pcCftdoift caiU Cifte <x ceile pf/^cectiH-," " Erin has lost her lawful
spouse."

4. " ]ro6la ar) bean a meat \f crdib rctd paoj-am," " Fodhla (Ireland) is a
woman in decay, and her strength is gone."

This author is also said to have been the writer of the Coolin, begin-
ning " C'r^'B ^^ "f^iB ^ i'fcicrtil ij- gleuy ixxm mo gea^t/itin, *' Arise from thy
seat, boy, and prepare my horse for me."

The four last-mentioned poems I have not seen ; the first lines were
communicated to me by a friend, but he does not mention the subjects on
which they were written.

A. D. 1662.

cccx. In this year the Rev. Richard Plunkett, a poor Brother of the
Franciscan Convent at Trim, in the county of Meath, wrote a Latin and

Irish Dictionary, now in Marsh's library. There is also a copy in

the library of Trinity College, Dublin.

A. D. 166t.

cccxi. In this year Richard Mac Giolla-Cuddy, or Archdekin, an
Irish Jesuit, printed at Louvain an Essay on Miracles, in English and
Irish, He died about the year 1690.

CXCIX

A. D. ima.

cccxir. Rev. Fatlier Francis O'Mollov, a iiati\e of Meatb, a Fran-
ciscan Friar, and Lecturer in Divinity in the Colle^ic of Saint Isidore, in
Rome, published in that city, in this year, an Irish Catechism, under
the title of " l6c;iar) net Cc,<ei6meac," or " Lamp cf the Faithful," and in
the following year he published in the same city his Irish-Latin Grammar.
These books arc scarce, but copies are to be found in the library of
Trinity College.

A. D. 1680.

cccxiii. .John O'Dcinin, a Conaght poet, lived at this period. He
was author of an elegy on the death of Gearoid, or Garrett, son of
Teige O'Rody, and father of Teige oge O'Rody, who died on the
second day of August, in this year, eighty-eight verses, beginning
" Cfiudg tin mcti6mj-i «[|t mrticrje hl/t," " Sad is this breach on the sons of
Ir."

Copy in possession of the Assistant Secretary.

cccxiv. Carroll oge O'Daly also lived at this period; he was author
of a Vision, consisting of twenty-eight verses, beginning " 'Jim leabct
dfiei;! 60 i-doiledj- peir) <( cecCcc," " In my bed last night I thought with
myself there came."

Copy in possession of the Assistant Secretary.

A. D. 1681.

cccxv. Most Rev. Doctor Oliver Plunkett, R. C. Archbishop of
Armagh, who was executed in London on the 1st of July in this year,
upon a charge of high treason, of which he was completely innocent.

has left us a small poem, in the Irish language, on Tarah, where the
ancient nionarchs of Ireland held their court. This poem begins " "^l
Cbecimcti)t ))c( JI105 bob ciijam ledc," " Oh Tarah of the Kings, it was rare
with you."

Copy in collection of the Assistant Secretary.

A. D. 1690.

cecxvi. At this period flourished William O'Kiaran, a native of the
lower part of Meath, bordering on Cavan. He was author of a poem,
consisting of thirty-six verses, on the three Marys, i. e. Mary the mother
of our Lord Jesus Christ, and her two sisters, Mary the mother of James
and John the Evangelist, and Mary the mother of Jacob and Mathias.
This poem begins " Sdgct^iz; 60 bi pecicb oile," " There was a priest in other
times."

Copy in possession of the Assistant Secretary.

cccxvii. At this time also flourished Owen O'Donelly, an Ulster
Bard. He was author of the following poems:

1. An elegy on the death of Brian, son of Colla M'^Mahon, who died
in Dublin, according to this poem, in the year 1690. It consists of one
hundred and twenty verses, beginning " Cjiom VfX 5c(T;ttaj-a t( leit Chtjo,"
" Sad these shouts, oh Leith Chuinn."

2. A poem, beginning " Crypj-eac ban dig eipge Ide," Woeful to me the
rising of the day."

3. One hundred and twenty verses, in answer to Dermod, son of Lewis
Mac an Bhaird, who had praised the descendants of Ir, and set them up
as superior to those of his brothers Heber and Heremon. This poem
begins " 1j- Mn tU) fgerlj-ct zeatb 6ct tig," " Bad is this news that came
to your house."

Copies in the collection of the Assistant Secretary.

cccxvm. Teige O'Duimn lived about the time of the battle of the
Boyne. He was author of a poem, consisting of sixty verses, beginnino

CCl

" 1^ len liom lea^<l6 M Bpldcct i^ titx iipio;iTCiij-le," " Sorrowful to me is (he
defeat of the princes and the true nobility," on the miserable state of
the Irish, after being deserted by King James II.
Copy in the collection of the Assistant Secretary.

cccxix. At this time also flourished Dermod roe O'Muireauhaigm,
or O'MuRRAY, author of a poem addressed to a Priest of the name of
O'Phelan, who renounced the church and married a wife. This poem
consists of thirty-two verses, beginning " 5^ cttpTjb 5lrctij- cf yran ixi)
cfaojdil gcO) fS'C," " Quickly pass on from this worldly sleep, Avithout
delay."

A. D. 1691.

cccxx. At this time flourished Dermod, son of Lewis Mac an Bhaird,
a native of the county of Down. He is said to have written many poems,
but the two following are the only pieces of his composition that have
come under our observation.

1. A poem in praise of the descendants of Ir, son of Milesius, sixtj-
eight verses, beginning " 'SI Cbo/tmctic, ctjfnnij tco coiji," " O Cormac,
remember the right."

2. An Elegy on the supposed death of Teige O'Rody, one hundred
and forty verses, beginning " pio)ic;<ci6 d'Ciftinb zu^uf CbdiSg," " Un-
feigned grief to Erin is the journey of Teige,"

The subject of this poem :■ — Teige O'Rody, having left Fiodhnach, ia
the county of Leitrim, his paternal inheritance, in the year 1689, and
removed into the county of Clare with his family, it was generally re-
ported through the lower Conaght and Ulster that he was dead, although
he lived for some years afterwards. On hearing this report, Mac an
Bhaird wrote the Elegy above mentioned ; from the last ratin but one of
which it appears that it was written in the year 1691.

Copies of these poems are in possession of the Assistant Secretary.

cen

A. D. 1696.

cccxxi. At this time flourished Patrick og Mac an Bhaihd, author of
the following poems :

1. A description of Fiodhnagh of Maighrein, in the present county
Leitrim, the ancient patrimony of the O'Rodys, and an eulogium on
Teige, son of Garrett O'Rody, chief of his tribe, one hundred and
thiity-six verses, beginning " ?( piji tc(iy-6il Choice ChT,r)b,''^ " Oh man, who
travelled over the country of Conn," (Ireland).

Copy in the collection of the Assistant Secretary.

2. On Donogli, son of Maolmuire M'Sweeny, one hundred and eighty-
six verses, beginning " C-rjd norto. d )iar)ljra\)) ei;iectjj," " Part of the shares
of Erin's trouble."

Copy in the library of John M'Namara, Esq.

cccxxit. At this time also flourished John Ballagh O'Duigenan, author
of an Epistle to Teige O'Rody, twenty-eight verses, beginning " Oeaii-
acc ram 6 fiun cpoibe," '' Blessing from me from the love of my heart."

Copy in possession of the Assistant Secretary.

A. D. 1700.

cccxxiii. CoNOK O'CoRAGAN livcd at the commencement of the 18th
century. He was author of a vision, in verse, beginning "bo bfoj- d fieiji
a. neul mo ledbd," " I was last night sleeping in my bed."

cccxxiv. At this tim6 also lived the Father Thomas O'Clery, Parish
Priest of Kill Ann, in the county of Cavan, and author of the two poems
following :

1. A recipe for the gout, forty- four verses, beginning " '^litne 6m bo
galuji," " Thy disease is known to nie."

2. An epistle to a friend, beginning " Oof. mo bediiocc 50 Comdiy,"
" r :*v.- niv Mo?s'.!T>- to Thomar."

CClll

Copies hi possession of the Assistant Secretary.

cccxxv. Thomas O'Conuga also lived at this time. He was author of
a short poem in praise of the descendants of Ir, beginning " Cedpc

bealba butnAcz moled."

Copy in possession of the Assistant Secretary.

cccxxvt. At this period also Hourished John mor O'Ragiiali.aigh,
br O'Reilly, son of Owen Claragh O'Reilly, a respectable farmer in the
village of Crossarlough, on the borders of Lough Sheelan, in the county
of Cavan. This writer was intende<l for the priesthood ; and for the
purpose of education was sent, by his parents, to the county of Kerry,
where he made great progress in the classics. On his return to the
county of Cavan, having given oflFence to some person, he was waylaid,
and attacked by six men, armed with bludgeons, one of whom he killed
with a single blow, in his own defence. Though acquitted, by the law
of the land, of the crime of murder, he was, by the canon law, disqua-
lified for the priesthood. Unwilling to remain longer on the scene of his
misfortune, he returned to Kerry, and there married a young woman of
the name of Egan, by whom he had Owen O'Reilly, a celebrated poet,
of whom we shall hereafter speak. John mor was the author of several
poems, which, but few years ago, were recited by the common people in
his native county ; and it is said that copies of many of them are to be
found in the county of Kerry. We have seen but one poem, the pro-
duction of this author, in which he regrets his absence from his native
soil. It begins " If ptXid liom nac rueioim o toe Lejy) 50 [oc Sijlin,"
" Tedious to me that I go not from Lough Lein to Lough Sheelin."

cccxxvii. At this time also flourished Teige an Gadhra Mac Egan,
author of a poem against lying and flattering bards, forty-eight verses,
beginning " '21 luc6 cumuy ^neug yat) 6dn," " Oh ye who form lies in
verse."

Copy in possession of the Assistant Secretary.

cccxxviii. NiALL M'Cannadh, or M'Kenna, a native of the Fews,
county of Armagh, a poet and musician, lived at this time. He removed
to Mullaghcrew, in the county of Louth, where he is said to have com-

e e

CCIV

posed some poems and songs, of which we have been favoured with the
first lines of a few, by a friend :

1. " CDo lioile 'flat) br,z{e -fhf d Ch|iiucc(."

2. " 5^uc(ij- liom 50 beacz, cc ceart-^jiiXb bi zeAcz."

3. " '2(i)jift 6eclf c\T,n, le Hfx leigiy mo pm,^'

4. J^Ti mecl^timfct pan, m bpab zufO. t>iol."

He is said to be the author of the songs " Sheela bheag ni Choindhealbh-
an, or Little Celia Conlan," and the " Old Triugha." The words of
these songs may have been written by him, but the music is certainly of
an age long prior to his time.

cccxxix. At this time flourished Randal M'Donald, a poet of the
county of Donegal. The following first lines of so many poems written by
him were sent to the compiler by his friend, the late Rev. Paul O'Brien,
but the subjects on which they were written are not mentioned. They
begin

1. " Ql cdom ftig ar) zfo\r,f, ctrj fc/ioUaig 51I iy btiine Cjtuc."

2. " Vjie CKjf le 5clr) ctjyle le yic(ti|-ct f -rjlc."

3. " Oo gdete ttcd can df me ptXrj le ^eun-zr;jife."

4. " ?l CboipjibealBcCig 17 ^leiU, ollcim m cceu6."

5. f* 6ei;t bear)<i.tz 50 cdptiig udirn yfoy 50 ci/i ConctiU."

A. D. 1701.

cccxxx. Peter, son of Fearfeasa, son of Maoilseaghlainn O'Maol-
coNiAKE, lived at this time, an elderly man. He w^as the poet of the
O'Rody's, and author of the following poems :

1. Two hundred and twenty-four verses, beginning *■' ^haha6 w hra\<fle
ar) eagnci," " Wisdom is the beauty of nobility," on the O'Rodys,
tracing the ancestors of Teige, son of Garrett O'Rody, up to Ir, son of
Milesius. By the concluding verses of this poem it appears that Fion-

ccv

guala (Penelope) daughter of Donogh, son of John riahhach (swarthy)
son of John geimlioch (captive) M'Namara, was the wife of Teige
O'Rody.

2. Sixty verses, beginning " Irj/iioc Cbfiioj-t; fd. co^ai5 chaibg," " Ar-
mour of Christ protect the feet of Teige," on Teige O'Rody being ill with
the gout, in the month of March, 1696.

3. Sixteen verses, beginning " Ql meic ged^ioid tin gloi/^ glom," " Oh
son of Garrett, of sincere speech," on Teige O'Rody's withholding his
usual new-year's reward from the poet.

4. On the marriage of Calbhach O'Maoileaghlainn with Mary, daugh-
ter of Mahon, son of Donogh M'Namara, and niece of Teige O'Rody's
wife, seventy-two verses, beginning " 'i\. «c(iniD Cb/tioj-c an ceclr)5alj-o,"
" In the name of Christ, this league."

This marriage was celebrated on the 7th of July, 1701, in the house
of Teige O'Rody, where the bride was bred up from the eighth year of
her age, in 1692, until the day of her marriage.

5. On the miserable state of the ancient Irish nobility, beginning
" Z^Td^ mcf;i 60 cjteacrtb c/ifoc Cbr^rj," " Alas, that the country of Conn is
plundered."

Copies of all these poems are in the collection of the Assistant Secre-
tary.

cccxxxi. The Father Patrick O'Cuirsin also lived at this time.
He was author of a poem, consisting of eighty verses, on Teige O'Rody,
beginning " bei;iBprf« 6o'r) rdi^le ttn ecigw," " Wisdom is sister to nobility."

Copy with the Assistant Secretary.

The Rev. Doctor O'Conor, in his catalogue of the Irish Manuscripts
in the Marquis of Buckingham's library, at Stowe, mentions two other
poems by this author, one written in the year 1726, and the other in 1731.
We have not seen copies of them.

A. D. nos.

cccxxxii. At this period flourished William M'Carton, a poet, of
Ulster extraction, though said to have been a native of Munster. The

CGVl

The following lines, furnished by my friend the late Doctor O'Brien^
are the first of so many poems, or songs, written by him :

1. " 5lo leogan M Coige Ula6,"— (written on 28th April, 1703.)

2. " T?o ^Zf\]oc<ii> bom p/timftit 'ybo jtido mo lc(fn."

3. " 'Jl leabdi;! Big Cft^ 6o bdil dctm fr,lz aift pidndiB."

4. " CDo pein mo tu;t;iein, mo ti^^tye, mo leun, mo c^teac."
.5. " ^lio;i bo\j\he ar) ptj/ijAioij yw d Jiaiic-irjjit) SfieiS-"

A. D. 1704.

cccxxxni. Edmond O'Cassidy, a Conaght poet, flourished at this time.
He was author of the following poems :

1. Forty-eight verses in praise of Teige O'Rody, beginning " Ctt 6;te<(m
lypeii/ift '«a -fhocb V," " What tribe is better than the race of Ir."

2. One hundred and four verses, beginning " Ciiiim comaijtle le bict,"
" I receive counsel from God." The same subject as the foregoing.

3. Twelve verses on the recovery of Elise, the sister of Teige O'Rody,
from the small pox, in the month of June, 1704. This small poem
begins " Slctn pd eiftje Cliy-e," " Hail to thy rising, Elise."

4. One hundred and twenty verses, on the race of Ir, beginning " C06
no. mioricd c^iirtU go Uccibg," " More than often turn to Teige."

Copies of the above poems are in the collection of the Assistant Secre-
tary.

Doctor O'Conor, in his account of the Stowe manuscripts, mentions
another poem by this author, beginning '* r^iom zrha^-fbe ciifi yiol CcoUd."

cccxxxiv. At this time also lived J EOFFREY, son of Torlogh O'Rourke,
author of four epigrams on Teige O'Rody, and his wife Fionguala,
daughter of M'Namara. They begin

1. " Qii) C]\aoh crmj\tx uaim 6o'n i;j'aoi, " The fragrant branch from me
to the sage."

2. " Ql)} CfidoH sltif ~<i tJiop 6 pedftTjb C(iic pctil," " The green branch is to
you from the men of Fail'ss fair land."

3. " 3t yaoi le ygctoilceci^t gcti ))o6," " Oh sage, by whom every difficulty
is dissolved."

ccvu

4. " 51 cr,b ftorid 60 M miictilj ttjt leic," " This share to the women
belongs."

Copies in possession of the Assistant Secretary.

cccxxxv. At this time lived, far advanced in years, Teige, or Thady
O'RoDY, of Crossfield, in the county of Loitrim, Esq. the lineal repre-
sentative of the O'Rodys, princes of the territory of Fiodhnach Moy
Rein. He was an excellent scholar, well skilled in the Greek and
Latin languages, and intimately acquainted with the language, history ,^
and antiquities of his native country ; although the author of the
Curiosities of Literature represents him as one scarcely knowing his own
language, and totally ignorant of all others. He was the intimate
friend of O'Flaherty, author of the Ogygia ; and also the friend and
correspondent of Sir Richard Cox, author of the History of Ireland, as
appears by a memorandum at the head of one of the volumes of the
Seabright collection of Irish MSS. now in the library of Trinity College.
He was a great patron of learning and men of science ; and to him the
poets of his day devoted many of their best compositions, as is fully
proved by the works of several of those just now mentioned, and by
others wliose names are forgotten. We have not met with any of
his compositions in Irish, except a poetic Epistle,, in reply to that of
John Ballagh O'Duigenan, mentioned at page ccii. O'Rody's Epistle
consists of fifty-six verses, beginning " Oiij le neat a rnola.6 pein, " Sweet
to a man is his own praise."

A fine copy of this poem, as well as some of the Latin poems of this
author, are in the collection of the Assistant Secretary.

A. D. no6.

cccxxxvi. In this year the Rev. Father Francis Walsh, a Franciscan
Friar, and Lecturer in Divinity in the College of St. Anthony, at Louvain,
wrote an Irish Vocabulary, in which the common words of the Irish lan-
guage are explained by more ancient and difficult words.

Copy in the collection of the Assistant Secretary,

CCVIU

A. D. not.

cccxxxvii. At ihis time lived the Rev. Father Anthony Cuif^lean, a
Franciscan friar, to whom we are indebted for the two following pieces :

1. An epigram on Father Patrick Darry's refusing entertainment to
Father Bon. O'Cuillean, Provincial of the Order of St. Francis. This
begins " Uwf a^uf )ii 6ec(;\naif ," " You have done, and you have not
done."

2. On the death of Hugh M'Dermott, who died at Shrule, in 1707,
twenty verses, beginning " J^lioyt fcaittie 'nd heatd bom "Jled^a cic6 clu,"
" There was not known, in his life of my Hugh, but report."

Copies in possession of the Assistant Secretary.

A. D. It08.

CCCXXXVII I. At this time, and for some years after, lived the Rev. Father
Paul M'Aodhagan, or M'Egan, a Franciscan Friar. In the general per-
secution of the priests in the year 1708, he was confined in the Black-dog
prison, at Corn-market, near Newgate. He was author of the following
poems :

1. Forty verses, beginning " ledgtXij Xeo}n o'fX beAC^\jt eijije," "Afflic-
tions came, from which 'tis hard to rise," on the losses sustained by the
Irish in their adherence to king Charles and king James II.

2. Forty-four verses, in answer to the poem of John O'Neaghtan, or
O'Norton, No. 4, page ccxiii. In this poem he desires his friend to repent
of his faults, and amend. It was written on the twenty-sixth of February,
1708, and begins " Cfieall 6on cjl-r^rje ma. t\g bcirifctcbj" " The space is
short in which the world delights."

3. A vision, twenty-eight verses, beginning "'Jliyling bertg tiift Cijie 6o
cooc(i|ic me gdn 50," " A small vision on Erin I beheld without a lie."

4. The moans of Paul M'Egan, fifty-two verses, beginning " buji^cdn
b-qn gflc lc( ^ y-5cJn|<ci6," " Woful to us each day's dispersion," on the
miserable state of the Irish, both clergy and laity.

CCIX

5. Verses on the author's want of snuff, from his prison to his friend
William Taaffe, beginning " O cjiiocnccb gan yndoijr-ymrjc, gdr) zfori<Xf, ^ai)
Cf ec())," *' From the end without snuff, without pleasure or happiness."

6. An epigram on a person of the name of John Kelly, who had re-
nounced the Roman Catholic religion, and drew his sword on the author..
This composition begins " OM-f djt cloibiotn dit^iigecC/i CjieiMom," " If by a
sword the faith is known."

Copies of all these, and some letters of this author, in Irish, are in
possession of the Assistant Secretary.

A. D. 1710.

cccxxxix. Cathal O'Heislionan lived at this period. He was author
of the following poems :

1. Twenty-four verses, addressed to Torlogh O'Donell, on his coming
to Dublin, beginning " pciilce tjtjc 50 WlitJ-clidc," " Welcome to thee to
Dublin."

2. Forty-four verses on the recovery of the Duke of Berwick from a
fit of sickness, beginning " Qiibdn grfi/te d'lnif p3:il," " Cause of joy to
Inis-fail (Ireland)."

Copies in possession of the Assistant Secretary^

cccxL. At this time also lived the Rev. Philip Brady, known by
the names of Parson Brady, and Philip Ministeir, a clergyman of the
county of Cavan. He was a man of great wit, a good scholar, and
particularly well versed in the language of his country. Many of his
epigi ■:»ms and witty sayings, and some short poems of his composition,
are recited by the common people in the counties of Meath and Cavan,
which it is to be wished some competent persons would commit to
writing. He translated into Irish some of those Sermons which were
published by Richardson in 1711.

Copies of some short poems of his writing, particularly one addressed
to Torlogh O'Carolan, are in the collection of the Assistant Secretary.

OCX

A. D. 1712.

cccxLt. FiACHRA M'Brady, a witty school-mastor, of Stradoiie, in the
county of Cavan, and a tolerably good poet, lived in this year, as appears
fe'y some of his poems.

He was author of the following pieces:

1. A humorous poetical description of his travels, beginning " f<\<iic
c/iudj liSy-e c^Ufxbe, ^ac Suc(i;ieat) ixX butcplctib," " Do you not grieve, ray
friends, for the troubles that befel."

2. A vision, beginning " Cbo))ai;tc me ttij-lmg cCi/t mo le&ha. md;i «bo cipirj bean,'"
" I saw a vision on my bed, as if I saw a woman."

The first of these poems was published in the Anthologia Hibernica
for October 1793, and in the same Magazine for December 1793, was
published a translation of it into English, in the same measure as the
original. In the same month was published number 2, with a promise of
a translation, but it was never published.

3. A confession of his faults, beginning " '^r}'\6m biomuy, f)(tiyim .{ctoifie
bid botTDidit;," " I indulge in pride, 1 break the holidays and Sabbath."

Copies of these, as well as some smaller poems and songs by the same
author, are in the collection of the Assistant Secretary.

Three more poems by M'Brady were in possession of the late Doctor
O'Brien, the first lines of which he communicated to the compiler, but
did not mention the subjects on which they were written :

1. " ImcMn pciilce brjc mo 6dil."

2. " ^f pioj-dc 6o cji\oca\h pobla."

3. " ^■f c;ticimTj))ectc yiTje an bj\em net r)6pec(j-."

cccxLii. Aodh, or Hugh Mac Gowran, of Glengoole, in the county of
Leitrim, author of the Plearaca na Ruarcach, or Revelry of O'Rourke,
tlourished at this period. Dean Swift published a verse translation of
this poem from a literal translation into English, made purposely for
him. A fuller, and better translation into English verse, from the
original, was published in Dublin, about thirty years ago, by a neglected
genius of the name of Wilson. This poem begins " plect/^Scct M

CCXl

Tiraj\.c<xc <t ccir;m«e r;le br^ne," " The revel-rout of the O'Rourks is in
the memory of all men."

Copies are common in the hands of every Irish scholar.

He also wrote a poem on losing his horse at a time that he went into
the county of Roscommon, to woo the daughter of O'Duigenan. This
poem consists of twenty-four verses, beginning " 71 ghetift/tdit) le'ft caill-
edjf mo y-efl/ic," " Oh Garran, by whom I have lost my love."

Copy in the collection of the Assistant Secretary.

cccxLiii. James M'Cuairt, or Courtney, commonly called Dall
M'CuAiRT, a native of Criamhthan, in the county of Louth, flourished
at this time. He was author of the following songs and poems :

1. On Brian O' Byrne's horse. Punch, beginning " b'pertjift lion) -^td^^^^t)
Obfimin 17 Db;<oi)i," " I wish I had Brian O'Byrne's horse."

2. Two hundred and ten verses on the battle of Aujrhrim, and the
death of Somhairle M'Donald, beginning " Sdn edcbffrjit) tU) ^ifl <lcSi6 net
comwiij," " In Aughrim of Slaughter, there are found."

3. On a great match of foot-ball played at Slane, on the banks of
the Boyne, between the young men of the counties of Meath and Louth,
eighty-eight verses, beginning " Oct haisedrjrct c^ibeamuil mo fndoiaijp
arjiof," " High-spirited, courageous, were my friends above."

4. On the merits of Christ, and the salvation of man, one hundred
verses, beginning " ^f cldoibce cui;i 'Jldam pe rjd clarjuiB," " Adam entailed
destruction on his children."

5. On the Blessed Virgin Mary, one hundred and seventy-six verses,
beginning " ?l blad ntx ppacfiid/ic 'f'* ))?ti))5eal/' " Garland of the
Patriarchs and the Angels."

6. Addressed to Torlogh O'Carolan, on his return to Meath from
Conaght, eighteen verses, beginning " bd miUiuin bedg pciilce 6\h, 6 S/tuf
COeabBtt i)i5ear) Caccic," " Twelve millions of welcomes to you, from the
mansion of Meave, daughter of Eochaidh."

7. Twenty verses on the Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ, be£:innino-
" Ql bi^oe nac lei^t iJi^c c/teacuct 0^0161 on 6«ll,'' " Oh man, who from
blindness seest not the wounds of his heart."

8. Fifty-two verses addressed to our Lord Jesus Christ, beginning
" 1ti|tft(tin) 60 beil)jcicc 5tt)i peijtg," " I beseech thy blessing without anger."

f f

CCXH

9. A small poem beginning; " 5*^^ "^^^ pedcdc bocc gctti c/ieoi;i,"
'• Every poor sinner without a guide."

10. In praise of Qlm m Qi)beic an jctbctn, or Nancy Smith, forty-eight
verses, beginning " ^{ midri leamytt t:|t£tcc <ti^ f geim Jid mrjtt," " I desire to
treat on the beauty of the woman."

11. A song, beginning " ?t CcjUctiritctD yio^ ttcct mo iioittji," " In Creevin
below is my desire."

12. A song on Rose O'Reilly, beginning " Sf mo J?6iy Obfieipneccc 600
pjjoft ??a5aUdi5," " She is my Rose of Brefny, of the race of O'Reilly."

The following first lines of so many different poems, or songs, were
communicated to the compiler, from memory, by his friend, the late
Doctor O'Brien :

13. " ei6i|t 6a ci|t ccdlpedjt me coidce."

14. " CbctiU me lem' lomdifice einecickn mo ^ua^ca\f.^'

15 " CDo 6a |iof5, mo 6'ci jiaSHflc, mo 6i &bftoicea6 ttifi gac a.ha.\ri."

16. " 'Jl Hubjictij, nac ccW,n za <in caoc."

17. " Cd |-C(tc;tt 6c(ice, 6uc(l<ic, £115 dfcdfttlb ledc 50 puajt-ldj,."

18. " Cjldb eigcion gctc c'lile, udi^le Ciflioj) tjifi 6ibi;tc."
39. " pdilce a^Uf piece a'cfr) lar)cimcilj)."

20. " CDo tuftttf 50 CuUac o Q><tt."

21. •' f^lac buciftttt curtiS mo y-udii) d fteijt 6om."

22. " Ce nccc mccit if leujl 60m net ledbrfijt 5aoi6il5e."

23. " "Jl cectcrc(i)<e tei6 50 pect;<^c()i ttn CDbctijjte."

24. " Nd/t fzab nd ^apta,, no gfiedddS lam."

25. " pSilce 6o'n Cui) ij- tine dijt cyidoJ)."

26. " '21 B6in d h6 ttig bogcC bedflg."

27. " Cujt Cfii^iiedS aift 60 y-ludigce."

28. " ?t cui/ii; net peile, cd'ji gab ro'p^ilce."

29. " J*>ld tdgcdft o^m d /tig rm ^tufj."

Copies of the first ten poems are in the collection of the Assistant
Secretary. It is much to be regretted that the remainder, and some
others that we have seen, are not collected, and deposited in some
public library. They are possessed of much poetic merit.

CCXIU

A. D. ni3.

cccxLiv, Francis Nugent, a native of Mullingar, in the county of
Westmeath, lived at this time. He was author of two short poems
addressed to Father Paul M'Egan.

Copies in possession of the Assistant Secretary.

A. D. 1114.

cccxLV. Thomas O'CoNDuiBH, a native of the county Clare, lived at this
time. He was author of a poem on the death of Donogh O'Loghlainn,
of Burren, who died this year, sixteen verses, beginning " Ojicjid, bedji,
boncdb caoifn, O'locldiri d cc/ie fince," " Sorrow, tears, gentle Donogh
O'Loghlainn in the clay is stretched."

Copy in possession of the Assistant Secretary.

A. D. 1115.

cccxLvr. John O'Neaghtan, or Norton, lived at this time in the county
of Meath, a man much advanced in years. He was author of many
original pieces, and translated several others from the Latin language
into Irish. Amongst his works are to be found the following :

1. A poem of forty verses, beginning " ^t^ citonj 6o co6lc( CPhrjiie
inoifl," " Heavy is thy sleep, Oh glorious Mary." By a memorandum
prefixed to this, it was written shortly after the battle of the Boyne,
when the author was deprived of all his property by the English soldiers,
except one small Irish book, which they left with him, because they
could not read it.

2. Sixty-four verses on the imprisonment of the Rev. Doctor Patrick
O'Donelly, a Roman Catholic Bishop, beginning " Olc ttn fseul if
■j-gdoil <t ))e," " Bad is the story reported yesterday."

CCXIV

3. " Forty-four verses, on the imprisonment of Father Paul M'Egan,
and five other priests, beginning " 21 feaj\£ if anfcicc gac ^aoic," " Oh
love and delight of every sage."

4. " Forty-eight verses, beginning " Cbugdf 'ot,z m^T,le atiyctcc,'" " I
gave you all my love," on the affection he had for Father Paul
M'Egan, to whom he here confesses his faults. This was written in
February 1708.

5. Forty verses, on forgetting his gloves in the Dominican chapel
of Cook-street, Dublin, beginning " ^l cli<t;i |*in i"j<rti6 net gcocaijiig,"
" Oh ye Priests of Cook-street."

6. Sixteen verses, lamenting the expulsion of Father Paul M'Egan
from the Chapel of Thomas-street to Kilmainham, beginning " Ccc na
bTjle 1I15 fedjia'o 6ilion,'* " The elements are pouring a flood."

7. Verses in reply to Father Paul M'Egan's verses, No. S, page ccix,
beginning " 'Jin pol ba yine ncc f}b-fe, ^•f ha. cectii bo cleifi," " The Paul
that was elder than thou art, and was head over clergy."

8. On the pride and ostentation of the English, and the weakness and
dejection of the Irish, forty-four verses, beginning, " "^tn c;tfoc yo hu6
nctofnttt Y hr6 peile cciil," " This country that was so holy and so ge-

nerous."

9. Against some of the clergy who had gone to Mullingar to take the
oath of abjuration, forty-eight verses, beginning " bet peci^t aectg ly
piobcCifie," " Twelve men and a piper."

10. On the generosity of F'ather Paul M'Egan, sixteen verses, begin-
ning " ?[r) Ciiifinecti 60 hf.OT) ionti;<," " The priest who gave his coat."

11. On the clergy that were imprisoned for their religion in the Black-
dog, forty-eight verses, beginning " CaBdi;! mo Bednacc cc pSipei/i," " Bear
my blessing, oh paper."

12. On the vanity of the world, seventy-two verses, beginning " 6tio*-
!/• leiine ly ir;jteci;r^(Xib ceiUe," " Folly, simplicity, and Mant of sense."

13. On the diversity of tastes and opinions, thirty-six verses, begin-
ning " cd Crdc 'neij-uedcc ?l|-ail," " The Cuckoo listens to an ass."

14. Sixteen verses, in answer to Father Paul M'Egan, beginning " ?!))
iHiQ\(X6 rdiv 60 prd^ctf," " The praise which I received from thee."

ccxv

15. Oa the sea-fight between the English and French, and the ship-
wreck of the English Admiral, Sir Cloudesly Shovel, after the engage-
ment, seventy-two verses, beginning " bo bju-f moficbliu ido Slrttv-did."

16. One hundred and thirty-six verses, written during the author's
courtship with Una, or Winifred O'Brian, (to whom he was afterwards
married), inviting her to a walk to hear the chorus of the birds. This
poem begins " Viacpy^ri pam ccoiU lear," " I would go to the woods with
thee."

17. Twenty-four verses, written after the death of Una O'Brian, be-
ginning " Cbu5 me ^ec(;tc mo cleiS '-fmo 5f<a6," " I gave the love and affec-
tion of my heart."

18. On the death of Catherine Cruise, wife of Teige O'Naghten, and
mother to Father Peter O'Naghten, of the Society of Jesus, twenty
verses, beginning " CdiCftirxi ni Ceoi;<i|- a» oi^beai) buy ttille," " Catherine
Cruise, the young woman who was beautiful."

19. On the banishment of the clergy, forty-eight verses, beginnin<^
" CDo 6\if\ 50 veu^a6, mo leun ly mo c/ic(6," " My deadly loss, my woe, my
affliction."

20. On the death of Mary, queen of James the Second, fifty-two
verses, beginning " ptxt ea^mc mo 6eoj\. bp^^ 5cioblc(ib pa B;t6ti," " The
grievous cause of my tears has left the Irish under affliction."

21. A song, consisting of three ranns, or stanzas, of eight lines each,
beginning " SUr) 5a mdt^tuHc, l^rj 60 caj^niarxicb,'' " Lasting health, full
of charity."

22. On the accession of King George the First, sixty-eight verses, be-
ginning " ^tr) pe<x6 na hCo/ipd pdlceit."

23. Thirty-six verses, addressed to Ireland, beginning " 006^ 60 ctjji
Y 60 cSio," " Great is your fatigue and your amercement."

24. Instructions to his nephew Aodh, or Hugh O'Neaghtan, twelve
verses, beginning " SiXo\lzean liiie gufi mi/te ^art cii;i6 1 an poic," " It is con.
sidered by us that drunkenness is madness without pleasure."

25. Epistle to a friend in Dublin, forty-four verses, beginning " COo
bectiiacc ledc a pSipef/i," " My blessing with thee, oh paper."

26. On the upstart race that had gotten possession of the estates and
properties of the ancient inhabitants of the country, one hundred and

CCXVl

fiffy-six verses, beginning " '2li) c-»fp§i;i ■fem '^a "tCiUiu/i," « The old cooper
and the tailor."

27. Answer to father Paul Mac Egan, sixteen verses, beginning " ?[)i
beana.cz Tdic fto prd^tdy," " The salutation that I received from thee."

28. On the Duke of Berwick, forty verses, beginning " 0;t«tc buctbd net
gcac," " Victorious hand of the battles."

29. A poem in imitation of those attributed to Ossian, twelve hundred
and ninety-six verses, beginning " St,6 f^rjm yioy a. ph^d^tr^g," " Sit with
me, Oh Patrick."

30. Aingliota's address to Goll Mac Morna, twenty-eight verses, begin-
ning " 5'^^^'- rooi^^'^lttc ntx mbo;tb mbedjit:," " Triumphant Goll, of mighty
deeds."

31. Another address to Goll, by Aingliota, sixty-four verses, beginning
" Cicc cdygrt/i an cectrj, " Who wounds the head."

32. A poem, beginning " If cumeig liom imtertcr cirjgeci;^," " Grievous to
me, is the departure of the five."

33. A poem, beginning " baonaci?, Cj\}ol)acz, C;t6tbljc(," " Humanity,
Prudence, Devotion."

34. Forty-four verses, beginning " So 6ib ^Idince CObctgctib lc(i6i/i,"
" Here's to the health of powerful Moggy."

35. A poem, beginning " Cu^tx gioUci r,a meiyge," " Thou servant of
drunkenness."

36. A poem, beginning " ?(») poiyeog bi^deac 50 cirjce," " The grateful
lark certainly."

37. On seeing his wife, Una or Winifred O'Brian, in a dream, after her
death, one hundred and eight verses, beginning " '^lua.^f a. bSij- z^ai
Ybei/t me leaz," " Come soon, oh death, and take me with you."

38. Aingliotta to loUan, " O lollain moift net ppect/tr."

39. Three hundred and forty-four verses, beginning " bo h\ luban-
Cj\ori) mrtc LobTjy," " There was Ludarcroinn M'Lobe."

40. Forty-eight verses, beginning " '21 luy-ind, mile mdUctcc ojiz," " Oh
Lucina, a thousand curses on you !"

41. The thanksgiving of the people of Tom M'Lobe, thirtj'' verses,
beginning " OTjbectcay leij- an mrtcdiri," " Thanks to the mother."

42. Ninety-six verses on the lamentable state of the ancient Irish,

ccxvu

beginning " '?l raifle Cijiior) ^edjtc mo cum,'' " Oh nobles of Erin, love of
my heart."

43. A Fenian Tale in prose, written in the year 1717, beginning " C)o
h po)i cdilmc/iecl|-rtc," " Fionn of mighty valour was."

44. History of Edniond O'Clery, a fictitious story, written, it would
appear, for the purpose of turning info ridicule persons learning the
English language. This tale abounds with genuine humour.

Copy in possession of the Assistant Secretary.

This author also translated many of the Church Hymns, from the
Breviary, into Irish verse.

Copies of the poems from No. 8, to No. 28, inclusive, are in the library
of William Monck Mason, Esq. Copies of most of those, and of all the
rest, are in the collection of the Assistant Secretary.

cccxLvii. Thomas O'Clery, a poet of the county of Cavan, lived at
this time. We do not know but he may be the same as Rev. Father
Thomas O'Clery, of whom we gave some account under the year 1700,
He was author of the following poems :

1. An elegy on the death of Aodh, or Hugh, son of John O'Reilly,
forty verses, beginning " bo c^jU di) Chahal) <t bltxi," " Cavan has lost her
blossom."

2. Twenty verses, on Rory M'Mahon, chief of Oirgialla, being routed
by an old woman of the name of O'Reilly, armed with a distaff. This
poem begins " Iti bd ;tdi!> /^rbftaig aig co^rjjeacc Cjtedc," " On a day that
Rory was in pursuit of prey."

Copies in possession of the Assistant Secretary.

A. D. 1720.

cccxLvni. At this time flourished the Rev. Owen O'Keeffe, a native
of the county of Cork, who, before he was ordained a priest, presided
for some years at the Bardic assemblies held annually at Charleville, in
that county. He was author of the following poems, and some others,
to which we cannot now refer :

CCXVUl

1. Fifty-six verses on the death of his son Arthur, who, like himself,
was in holy Orders. This elegy begins " 7li) zAr) nac ptticin) pedji," " When
1 do not see a man."

2. On a visit to a friend at Rathkeale, beginning C^tittUttim for) 50 Tiat
ChtxUA," " I proceed to Rathkeale,"

Copies in the library of John M'Namara, Esq.

3. On the battle of Aughrim, beginning '* ^liji zzfied-f^anHS xx nCrtciJ/^i^n)
bo v-fol ei[>iyt," " On the destruction in Aughrim of Heber's race."

4. A poem, beginning " O^o Bjiotj, mo miUetiij, iD'aineiy, mo leui) 50 hucn,'*
*' My grief, my destruction, my sorrow, my lasting distress."

Copies of these two latter poems were in the library of the late Rev.
Paul O'Brien.

cccxLix. William O'Brien, Great-grand- father to the late Rev.
Paul O'Brien, Irish Professor in the College of Maynooth, lived at this
time. He was a native of the county of Clare, but having married the
sister of Betagh of Moynalty, in the county of Meath, he settled in that
county. He was author of the following poems :

1. On the going of his brothers-in-law, John and William Betagh, to
France, in the year 1720, beginning '* '2L Obirtbcaij an cyein \-f net r)6eigTT)ic
^15 50 rr)6)t."

2. On the same subject, beginning " Ci7|iim la lein op.z Ci^te mealrdij."

3. On his wife, the daughter of Betagh, beginning " '2ln \ocziXfi ci;ie
tlra f 1, ttfl inpift Y «tile •fi)ua6"

4. On the death of his wife, beginning " Y ttgdm <t Bid ctfl ff ei;i hear\ bo
betfe pirjb ao ))5;iei)j.

cccL. James ban M'Namara, the near relation of the last-mentioned
writer, accompanied him from Munster, and settled with him in the county
of Meath. On the departure of their friends, the Betaghs, from Ireland,
M'Namara wrote two poems, of which we here give the first lines : —

1. **C;iecic mo cjioib^e pfoft-tl<tjj CiBi;!."

2. *' b'imtig dfi nuaifle, mo nrtii/t, zd^ bdcnci."

Copies of the poems of these two writers were in the library of Rev,
Paul O'Brien.

CCXIX

A. D. 1721.

cccLi. JoHK, son of Philip O'Fearghaoile, or O'FARRELLvof Mullagh,
in the county of Cavan, lived at this time. He was author of a valuable
work called ^' Seancdy <xr) 6S bh^ieipne," or " History of the two Brefnys,"
which his wife, in a fit of jealousy, committed to the flames ; part of it,
however, was saved, and is still extant. He also wrote some poems, of
which we here give the first lines :

1. On his wife burning his book, beginning " "PI leafedi/t nrt yeu6 feun-

2. On jealousy, " ^1l cobldri dm coj^-jftittn, b'eugmuy <X cei6 ein cunocli))."

3. Beginning " ^li ;tc(ib txbal a\ji jeug no fmeujt di;t b\d6 od o6pect|-."

4. Beginning " Ctt coip-blaoj cciy yiofi-bedy mac dile an g|iiao."

5. Begins " '^l jtig rjcn CjtrjTje, <xi) cunj yt)je bo Iccg-clrtojiab."

A. D. 1122.

cccLii. .John O'Neill lived at this period. He was a native of
TuUagh-O-Meath, near Carlingford, and author of some poems said
to possess much merit. I have been favoured by my friend. Doctor
O'Brien, with the first lines of three of them, which he could repeat
from memory :

1. " Cj\eb e 60 cuman ban fnoil."

2. " Ca yccoice yleibte Catai^i Im gdn rtoibjiedy ^^i) gciijte."

3. "^ICbuUcOs iCOhectc, c<Xb e do j/^rctimye o;^c."

A. D. 1125.

cccLiii. Brian duff, son of Turlofjh, son of John O'Rf.illv, a native
of Stradone, in the county of Cavan, flourished at this period. He was
author of the following productions :

ccxx

1. A romantic tale, in verse and prose, called " CcJcc/id meic nd mfocom-
incliple, " Adventures of the son of Bad-counsel."

There is a copy of this Tale in the library of Trinity College, class E,
No. 4 ; another in the library of John M'Naraara> Esq.j and another ui
the collection of the Assistant Secretary.

2. A vision, ninety-six verses, beginning " bo b]6-f la. tii|i wdiftir) go
6ec(Cficlc 6eu/iccc," " I was one day, in the morning, severely afflicted."

A friend of the compiler's has furnished him with the first lines of two
other poems :

3. ^l ludc dif«5i6 co^tom "^llbecn dgdf atimoh net fvib."

4. 'SL cuj\(k^6 ncc /luaig, be]]\ bua6 gdc bdijie."

Copy of No. 2 is in the collection of the Assistant Secretary.

A. D. 1126.

cccLiv. A poet and musician called Colla thac Shean, or Johnson, n
native of Mourne, in the county of Downe, flourished at this time. The
late Rev. Paul O'Brien, who was a living magazine of the poetry and
language of his country, furnished the compiler with the first lines of
six poems composed by this author;:

1. " "^lift -fhah an Qloibnecty zA no miajjftt."

2. " ClOo nrdi/ij-e nd cm d prdfidd gdf) ciom."

3. " ^Its 6ul 50 baile-.did-clidt 6dm."

4. " CDd tei6 cu d 6ed;icdi)ic fceime."

5. " 51 nbui) d coi«f Coille dig imedll «d C/idige."

He is also said .to be the author of the .song called " Moll dubk an
gleanna."

cccLV. Owen O'Raghallaigh, or O'Reilly, son of John wo'r O'Reilly,
of whom we gave some account under the year 1700, flourished also at
this period. He was an opulent man, much celebrated for his wit and
talents, and resided at Sliabh Luachra, ia the county of Kerry. He is

CCXXl

said to have written many poenis^ copies of which are numerous all through
the province of Munster, though but few of them have come under our
observation. The following are all that we can at present refer to :

1. A reverie, or vision, beginning " '^^le na. 5)le ho coijdiftc aijl f^'S^j
u nud'gneciy."

2. Thirty-two verses, beginning " Cittc stjftc i-f ZTj^eipb }■{ pictngon) gdn
leigiof."

3. A translation from the Latin of Donat, Bishop of Fesuli's description
of Ireland, sixteen verses, beginning " M)\f ya fiein) rt cceio ftti idfitcCfi r<J."

Copies of the above poems are in the possession of the Assistant Se-
cretary, as also an imperfect copy of a description of a shipwreck, which
this author was witness to on the coast of Kerry. This poem has much
merit ; we give one rami as a specimen of the rest :

•' bob ecl5J)ctc imific net crjle ;ie ddofl-^ucticJjl,
" COeab ma. coirje /te fTyjxnedS rid gctoc guaij^Tieio,
*' Zaob nd loiJige '^ct p-rjjtion a^n zj\eur)-lu<if^a6,
*' ■2l?5 eijenS c-yjciiT) 50 g/tiiiiol ^tXt) bail pudycctilc,"

The following translation may serve to give some faint idea of the beauty
of those lines :

" The roaring flood resistless force display'd,

" Each whirling blast the swelling surges sway'd ;

" The vessel burst ! alas! the crew she bore,

" Scream'd in the deep, and sunk to rise no more !"

cccLvi, At this period also flourished Philip O'Reilly, a poetic ge-
nius of the county of Cavan. He was author of a poem, consisting of
ninety-six verses, in praise of Miss Peggy Deane, a young lady of Galway.
This poem has a good deal of merit. It begins " Id d'a^chaf tX ccrttdi/i )?<t
gciilbe," " One day that I was in the city of Galway."

CCXXll

A. D. 1130.

cccLvii. At this time lived Brian rabhagh O'Clery, a native of Moy-
bologue, in the county of Cavan,

Rev. Doctor O'Brien supplied the compiler with the first lines of two
poems composed by this author.

1. " Cc( 60 B^dige jectl gtjr) ttibbeil."

2. " 'Si corndftyrt de<in<a6 beiUc."

A. D. 1134.

cccLViii. Patrick Lindon, of the Fews, county Armagh, lived at this
period. He was author of several songs that are much admired. Like
most of the poets of his day, the principal part of his compositions depend
only on memory for their preservation. It is much to be regretted that
they are not committed to writing, whilst they are yet to be had. The
following are the first lines of so many songs of this bard's, which are
all that we can now recollect : —

1.. " COoibim pectybct on dmf o 50 hrtimyijt 6tt ccircditj dr) bS^-."

2. " J^1c( lei5 bo ^m le b<Xoi6."

3. " I^ldc Sic a. n6f-me<Xn^ <x gldc fib T^o]^ wc d Obcli;<6 drj d ceflri."

4. " In^ecCn bea.'f ma mbSn-ciclc ly aflne lond lige bprdcu."

5. "" Olpdbf a f iSinre a. bjiaige ly gleigle cjiui."

6. " Cfie -c-rjyle gdn cuYjyle le yici7ij-<t firjlt;."

A. D. 1136.

cccLix. Feardorcha O'Faurely, of Mullagh, county of Cavan,
flourished at this time. He was author of several poems and songs, of

CCXXIU

Avhich we are now able to collect no more than the four, of which the'
following are the first lines :

1. " SirBail me C175 coige na poalct, iy ai) CDbibe 5C(n -Irt^."

2. " CSil 60 mo fnertftBuil ndc me bi6 mdft Cbed/iBall."

3. " Obib me la bea-f eiz^in tti;i fnalciib doiBin 'Jloncdg."

4. " Oei;t becCndcc rdim f loj- 50 bdile no. cc/iccoB."

A. D. 1738.

cccLx. ToRLOGH, or Terence O'Carolan, a celebrated poet and mu-
sician, died on Saturday, the 25th of March, in this year. Some accounts
of the life of this bard have been published, by different authors, but all
are erroneous, so far as relates to the place of his nativity, and some cir-
cumstances belonging to the early part of his life. The biographers of
O'Carolan say, " He was born in the village of Nobber, in the county of
" West Meath, on the lands of Carlanstown, which were wrested from
" his ancestors, by the family of the Nugents, on their arrival in this

" kingdom, in the reign of Henry H." " He must be deprived of

" sight at a very early period of his life, for he remembered no im-
" pression of colours." In these two short extracts there are nearly as
many falsehoods as lines ; and yet these errors have been repeated
in a History of " Irish Worthies" lately published in London. This
is inexcusable in an editor who had the means of obtaining better infor-
mation. It would be a deviation from the plan hitherto pursued in
this work, to give a circumstantial account of the life of any writer
mentioned in it, but as the name of O'Carolan is known all over Europe,
as a musician, it must be gratifying to his numerous admirers to
know the real place of his nativity, &c. This the writer of this work
is enabled to do, from his own knowledge of the spot on which the bard
was born, and from the communications of his friend, the late Rev. Paul
O'Brien, the great-grand-nephew of O'Carolan.

Torlogh O'Carolan, then, was not boru in Nobber, nor is Nobber on
the lands of Carlonstown ; nor is Carlonstown in the county of If'est-
meath ; neither did the Nugents ever wrest those lands from the ancestors

CCXXIV

of O'Carolan ; »or was he deprived of sight so early in life as to have no
recollection of colours. Nobber is a small town in the county of East-
nieath, on the estate of Lord Gormanstown, and near nine miles from
Carlanstown, a village in the same county, on the estate of Sir Henry
Meredyth, two miles from Kells, apd distant at least ten or twelve miles
from the nearest part of the county of Westmeath. Having shewn where
our bard was not born, let us proceed to facts, and show where he really
was born.

ToRLOGH O'Carolan, the son of John O'Carolan, an industrious
farmer, was born in the year 1670, in the small village of Oaile «uctb, or
Newtown, in the parish of Kilmainham Wood, three miles and a half
from Nobber, and seven miles from Carlanstown. At a proper age he
was sent to school to Cruisetown, a village in his own neighbourhood,
and not in the county of Longford, as erroneously asserted by some of his
biographers. Here he formed an early acquaintance with Miss Bridget
Cruise, of the respectable family of that name, from whom the village
and the adjoining townland are called ; and here commenced that tender
attachment which he afterwards manifested to her in the first, and some
others of his poetical and musical compositions. On entering the fifteenth
year of his age he was seized by the small-pox, in which it was the will
of Providence that he should lose his sight. Hence it is evident that
he could not be ignorant of the difference in colours, and that he might
have formed tolerable ideas of beauty, which afterwards served him ia
his description of those persons that he celebrated in his verses.

The musical compositions of O'Carolan are numerous, and his poetic
pieces were not much less so. Of the first, no complete collection has been
yet published, and but few of the latter have been committed to writing.
Not above forty years ago, hundreds of persons were to be found in the
lower part of the county of Meath, and in other places, who could sing,
or repeat from memory, innumerable songs composed by O'Carolan ;
but that generation is gone, and the poetry of O'Carolan is forgotten.
The following imperfect catalogue gives the first lines of all his poems
that we have seen written, or can now recollect.

1. On Miss Bridget Cruise, beginning " "^l Oh\^\^Q\b heufc^'c }>( br^z mo
ijeujt^tt/' Oh well-taught Bridget, to you my verse belongs."

ccxxv

2. On Bridget Cruise, " Z<L net certbct f^a.)i gd^dcl," *' There are a
hundred brave men."

3. On Cathaoir M'Cabe, beginning " J?ac 60 ceiUbe pein ojlc," " The
reward of your own art on you."

4. A song, beginning " 1y brOfltcl le ^ec(l, zd do cCtoB ^o 6'<Xo Cdldm,"
" There is trouble for a while on this side of the earth,"

5. On Grace Nugent, " l-f mmn liom zp.acz ai/t bkd od fine," " I wish to
treat on the blossom of whiteness."

6. On Mrs. Nugent, " Cftct zei6m pein ^ic(;< 50 h1c(ij!fnide <t}) ^edl fo,"
" When 1 go to westward to Westmeath at this time."

7. Oil Con O'Neill, " go b/iudc loc nCdcttc tt glrttif roe <Jftei;i," " To
the verge of Lough Neagh as I wandered last night."

8. His receipt, " CDdf cirj no flrtj) 60 ttc^ilctiiJ tne," " If sickness or
health happen to me."

9. Epigram, " COo c;tectc <t bbici/tmi76 r, phloir)," " My sorrow, oh Dermod
O'Flinn."

10. On the supposed death of Cathaoir M'Cabe, " ^f c^irdg f\n m\fe,
rtgcty me <t txif jiyectc t3t niieig mo C-17I," " I am miserable, and in grief,
after my friend."

11. On Mr. O'Conor, of Belanagare, '' go tn<t6 flrtr) beo blictdndc."

12. On Mrs. O'Conor, of Belanagare, *' 1{ miar) liom cjittcc iXi) rcti/t-fe,"
" I desire to treat at this time."

13. On the death of his wife, Mary Maguire, " iJidectcc n<t hei;ie(ir) »<t
gjteige 'ftxx J?6mtt," " The intellect of Erin, of Greece, and of Rome."

14. On O'Conor Faly, " Ua Corjcobcci/i mile ^-ItCr) ]e<Lz" " O'Conor, a
thousand healths to you."

15. On the marriage of Conor O'Reilly with the daughter of O'More,
beginning " Sub 1 pei;tin bea^ma dille," " There is a gift for thee. Oh good
and beauteous fair."

16. On Colonel Irvin, " I3(tc<l me ctijl crtlijic gttn fpS-f," " I will go
visit without delay."

17. On Mrs. Cole, *' 'If ■fdoytemrjl 'ydf -f<im i," " She is generous and
courteous."

18. On Miss Mac Neiil, "COo cudijic 50 bdile }S^<xn\il}'n" "My visit to
Bally scan Ian."

CCXXVl

19. On Catherine Oulaghan, " Idleio ojit) ndc edbzjiom <L ^-lublttr) yi."

20. On himself, " ^h pprjl njo y-ttfodil 60 jriol Ctibtt," " There is not my
like of the race of Eve."

21. On O'Reilly of Oristown, " Zoi^ied^ mo ^eok<t ^tgclf jleuycd;!
)D0 comb^lcd Iiom."

22. On Philip M'Brady, " pailce cugctb <l7j mo 6^il," " You are
welcome to me."

23. On Mrs. French, " If mictn lectm \<ihiX}jiz <^^f^ 65 n)0<toi," " I wish to
speak on a young woman."'

24. On Mable Kelly, " Ce b'e tj bptjl ye a ngct/t 60," " Whoever he be
that is near thee."

The songs of Plearaca na Ruarcach and Tigherna Mkuigheo are also
ascribed to Cardan, but, we believe, improperly.

A. D. 1739.

cccLxi. Cathaoir M'Cabe, a native of the county of Cavan, and a
poet, the intimate friend and companion of O'Carolan, survived him for
some time. He is said to have written several poems and songs, of which
we know no more at present than the two following :

1. A reply to Torlogh O'Carolan, who had composed some ludicrous
verses on him, beginning " f-Wl 6 gailBe pectjt bd cdpi^ll 50 Oun )Dbd6;ictic,"
" There is not a man worth two horses from Galway to Downpatrick."

2. On the death of his friend O'Carolan, in which he particularises the
year of his death. These few lines begin " T^iTjecty ynxtoiwe tt6 roea^ctf
nUfi cnff D^tpe."

Copies of these poems are in the collection of the Assistant Secretary.

A. D. 1740.

cccLXii, Andreav M'Curtin, a wandering bard of the county of Clare,
lived at this time, and coi veiving himself neglected by the gentry of
the country, he composed a poetic address to Donu of Duagh, or Donu

ccxxvu

of the Sand Pitts, an imaginary being supposed to preside over the
fairies of that part of the country. In this poem the bard begs that Donn
will take him into his service, as he is deserted by mortals; and in his
praising the hospitality of the Chief of the Fairies, he obliquely censures
the parsimony of the gentlemen of the country. It begins " beaorgdb
bomi) 6tjZ <i bboijj M bdiBce," " Deep salutations to thee, oh Donn of
the Sand-pits^, (literally, of the Kieves or Vatts)."

From the merits of this piece, we regret that we are not able to point
out where any more of the effusions of its author are now to be found.

Copy in the collection of the Assistant Secretary.

cccLxiii. At this period also flourished the Right Rev. James Gal-
lagher, R. C. Bishop, first of Raphoe, and afterwards translated to
Kildare. He received a part of his education in Paris, but finished his
studies in Rome, where he was a member of the College de Propaganda
fide. In the year 1735 he published sixteen sermons in his native lan-
guage, which he reprinted at this time, with the addition of a seventeenth
sermon, " On the Joys of Heaven." These Sermons have gone through
eighteen editions ; the last of which was corrected, and prepared for
press, by the author of this work.

A. D. 1742.

eccLxiv. TeigeO'Neaghtan, or Norton, was a schoolmaster in Dublin,
and a good Irish scholar. We are indebted to him for the following
productions ; the most important of which is —

1. An Irish- English Dictionary, which he commenced on the .30th of
May, 1734, and finished in the year 1739. This boolv is now in the
library of Trinity College.

2. A collation of the Punic Speech in Plautus, with the Irish. This
tract, in the hand-writing of the author, is now in the library of
William Monck Mason, Esq. a Member of this Society. It is dated
12th Aii-'usi, 1742, many years before General Vallancey published his

h h

ccxxvm

Collation of that Speech, which first procured for him the reputation of
au Irish scholar.

3. A poem, consisting of twenty-four verses, beginning " buBrti/ir
ctiioctt'iie cti5 d ;tctiS mttoir)," " Said a miser who had riches," on an old
miser who gave a hen to a boy to carry to his house, instead of which the
boy took it to his tomb.

4. Thirty-two verses, by way of prophecy, beginning " tHom cto f>1oblnrjc <(
n'ei/ii)i tin)," " Before the Christmas in noble Erin."

5. Forty-four verses, on Betty Meares, beginning " Co. be\fea,cb poiU-
^igeafi pe gpein," " What beauty is illumined by the sun."

6. Seventy-six verses, on the great frost, which commenced on Saint
Stephen's day, 1739. This poem begins " QM bi bf\6r) /to m6j\ gar) ceiinToU,"
" If o-rcat woe were without a shade,"

7. A prayer, consisting of twenty-eight verses, beginning " Qi ph^bnT,c
Dccofnta {a 6/11516 beiftgil," " Oh holy Patrick, and white-toothed Bridget."

8. An elegy on the death of Anne Tipper, ninety-six verses, begin-
ning " Ocon ! ocot) ! ocoi) ! m'eagnctc !" " Alas ! alas ! alas ! my cause of
grief."

9. A visit to Conn Magee, a student in Trinity College, forty-eight
verses, beginning " Coii c;ioibe CPbdc-'Slobct itm," " Conn of my heart,
noble Magee."

10. On the drunken folly of Dominick O'Quigly, seventy-two verses,
beginning " Cbompdin Cfioid ct cT,b mo com," " My heart's companion, my
dear kinsman."

11. On the recovery of Conn Magee from a fever, seventy-six verses,
beginning " Q')-r'f^a.\l a bhe ! mufgal me !" " Awake, oh God ! awake
me."

12. On the word Alleltija, thirty-two verses, beginning " Sorj 'Stille-
liugrtibab iy ttoiBnectj-," " In Alleluja is joy."

13. On the deatli of Conn Magee, on the 9th of October, 1741, sixty-
four verses, beginning " Ui Cibei)) pfi cid bprjl Cojj," " Son of Eiden fair,
where is Conn ?"

14. Sorrows of Banbha (Ireland), one hundred and twenty-four verses,
beginning " QO\f\ OcOiijtt tX» heart boc^," " [ am Banbha, the distressed
female."

CCXXIX

15. On the death of Esther Brazil, wife of George Ratigan, two hun-
dred and eight verses, beginning " 6dy Ciyrift v\ hhi\eafd\l BtCin," " The
death of fair Esther, daughter of O'Breasail."

16. Twenty-eight verses against lust, beginning " 6rtoy <oi b^-qf gdn
gedj) gan 5fiab," " Lechery is folly, without delight, without love."

17. On the pride of the Irish nobility, two hundred and thirty-six
verses, beginning " "^e^lcmf, gleigil, ixnr,n, 65," " White-skinned, fair,
beautiful, young."

18. On the death of Cardinal Fleury, eighty-four verses, beginning
(' CDiarj gcic mojtbdcr cldoi&eai) Cfto," " Death destroys every desire of
greatness."

19. On the wickedness of the tongue, fifty-six verses, beginning
" 516 ball Sectg an ze(Xf)^a zd," " Though the tongue be a small member."

20. In praise of the tongue, fifty-six verses, beginning " 3lr) beul
tecJjittif hn^aijifX be," " The mouth that delivers the words of God."

21. Seventy-two verses in praise of a young woman of the name of
O'Moore, beginning " f-lgdidilm Idoijij- 17 CObojtbd."

22. On the return of Francis O'SuUivan from London to Dublin, after
taking his degree of Doctor of the Canon Law, thirty-six verses, begin-
ning " '21 leat);tc(ib noc leijcedji lirj," " In the books that are read by us."

23. On seeing an Englishman hanging on a tree, '' Tidi 60 to^uXb o;iu
a. cfioiTj," " Increase to thy fruit, oh tree."

24. A poem, beginning "COoc mflibue eijtge a. ct;6," " In the dawn of
the morning arise, my love."

25. Sixteen verses, made extempore whilst waiting for his father, in
company with Catherine Cruise, to whom he was going to be married,
beginning " 5<^B mo bfoi) d. fnic be," " Be my protection, oh Son of
God."

Copies of the poems from No. 2 to No. 22, both included, are in the
library of William Monck Mason, Esq. in the hand-writing of the author.
Copies of the three last-mentioned poems, and most of the others, are
in the collection of the Assistant Secretary.

cccLxv. Cotemporary with the last-mentioned writer, was the Rev.
Andrew Donlevv, Superior of the Irish Community at Paris, who, in the
year 1742, published, in that city, a Catechism in the Irish and English
languages.

ccxxx

A. D. 1150.

cccLxvi. At this time lived, far advanced in years, Hugh M'Curtiv,
a native of the county of Clare, a Poet, Historian, Grammarian, and
Lexicographer. We can at present give no larger account of this
author's Irish works than is contained in the following list :

1. An elegy on the death of Donogh O'Loghlin, of Burren, in the
county of Clare, seventy-two verses, beginning " 61^5 biio))cc(<ict ij- 6ul
6aoi)ie," " The death of Donogh is the way of men." This was written
in 1714.

2. On the death of Lewis O'Brien, who died in France, in the year
1715, sixty verses, beginning " 1om6ti ecCj-bci6 at/i Ci/iin," " Much is the
loss to Erin."

3. On the death of the Rev. Edmond O'Byrne, addressed to Teige
O'Neaghtan, sixty-four verses, beginning " 'Jt cbcddg t, f>leacz<im 'fd
canT,b r)cc beigyi," " Oh Teige O'Neaghtan, oh friend of the learned."

4. On the ship of O'Loghlin, of Burren, twenty verses, beginning
" Oertiictij dr) bSjtc Slaiprjce bealcumtcJ," " Bless the nice-formed, well-
fastened bark."

Copies of these poems are in the collection of the Assistant Secretary.

5. An English-Irish Dictionary and Grammar, in quarto, printed at
Paris, in 1732. The Grammar had been published some years before,
in duodecimo. By a poem, written by M'Curtin, and prefixed to the
Dictionary, it would appear that that work was compiled by the Rey.
Conor O'Begley, although the Title-page says it was the joint produc-
tion of O'Begley and M'Curtin. This work has now become scarce*
but there is a copy in the library of Trinity College, and other copies in
possession of different members of this Society.

cccLxvii. At this time flourished William buidhe O'Kiaran, of Oris-
town, county of IMeath. He was author of the following poems, and
others to which we cannot now refer :

1. On O'Reilly, of Bade Othra, or Oristown, beginning " ^lig J?ct5-
ciUclc l)bctile Oin<i\^."

CCXXXl

2. On his wife, who, it appears by the poem, was continually railing
at him, beo^inning " ^■f OBaifi Shfle be\i aig c(f>c(ficc(i6 a coibce o^iam."

3. A poem, beginning " Qi ZzMlzean n<x loc."

cccLXviii. In this year were published proposals for printing an English,
Irish, and Latin Dictionary, by a Mr. Crab, a school-master, of Ringsend,
near Dublin. This book was never printed, but found its way into the
library of (he late General Vallancey, and at the sale of that gentleman's
books, after Iiis decease, was purchased for Doctor Adam Clarke, at the
price of forty guineas.

With this author we shall end this account of the writers of our
country who have written in their native language. For, although several
versifiers have appeared in later times, whose productions possess a
considerable degree of merit, they are not to be compared to those of
their predecessors, nor do they tend to elucidate the History, Manners,
or Customs of ancient Ireland, and therefore do not come within the
views of our Society.

Of this latter description of the Poets and Writers of Ireland, we
cannot, however, avoid mentioning the names of the few following :

Denis M'Namara, a school-master, of the county of Waterford, who,
about the year 1755, set off for the Newfoundland fishery, to better his
fortune by labouring work, but being driven back, on the next day, by
some adverse cause, returned to his old trade of teaching. On his return
a Mr. Power, one of his patrons, humourously insisted on an account of
his voyage. M'Namara complied, and wrote a mock ^Eneid, in which
there are some lines by no means inferior to any of Virgil's. The shout
of Charon, as described by the Irish bard, thus :

" bo lei5 ye gdi;! 6f ^jib ly beicedc,

" le prelim a gottX bo Cfticeabctfi net ypedfitct,

*' bo cy<tl£t6 ctn ci\r,y)e e 'y cr;;! 1/:)tiO)j ^em Hf."

is, perhaps, superior to the Cyclops' roar of the Mantuan poet.

Denis Mahony, a lyric poet and satyrist, who lived in the city of
Cork, about 1755.

ccxxxu

Rev. John O'Brian, cotemporary with O'Mahony, a lyric poet, who
wrote against O'Mahony.

John M'Donald, better known by the name of Shane Cldragh, a good
poet, who presided at the Munster Bardic Session, held at Charleville, in
the county of Corke, in 1755.

William O'Brian, of Ros-na-Riogh, county Meath, who wrote some
very excellent songs, lived about 1760.

John Murphy, a distinguished Munster poet, who lived about the
same period.

Right Rev. Doctor John O'Brian, R. C. Bishop of Cloyne, author of
an Irish-English Dictionary, printed at Paris in 1768.

Michael Gumming, author of the " Adventures of Torlogh, son of
Storn," a beautiful composition, written in elegant language, and in
which the author shews himself a man well skilled in Universal History,
Geography, &c.

Merriman, author of the humorous and witty, though inde-
cent poem of " Ciij\z ^i) meo6c(ir) oidce," or " The Midnight Court."

Art M'Covev, of the Fews, county Armagh, author of some poems
and songs. He was living in 1774.

Cotemporary with M'Covey was M'Auuffe, a blacksmith,

near Glanmire, county Corke, author of some poems, in one of which
he describes the river Funshan in a storm, where his " glmn gotuc IctibTjt
a gcditiom m bzori," is not inferior to Homer's description of the rolling
waves, in the 4th Book of the Iliad.

John Toomev, a Munster poet, who lived about 1790.

Patrick O'Brian, of New Grange, near Slane, county of Meath,
lived in 1790; was author of several good songs, &c.

To these might be added the names of Pierce Fitzgerald, Donald
O'Brien, Timothy O'Sullivan, and several others, whose compositions
display, in smoothly- flowing verses, much fancy and poetic talent.

CCXXXIU

In addition to the works we have now described, whose authors we
know, there are great quantities of other works, still extant, whose
authors are unknown or forgotten ; they consist of Laws, Annals, Chro-
nicles, Poetry, Divinity, Astronomy, Medicine, and other branches of
Literature, and tend to exhibit the skill of the ancient Irish in the Arts
and Sciences, and to elucidate the History and Antiquities of our country.
A description and account of those documents, it is intended, shall
occupy some future N lumber of the Transactions of the Iberno-Celtic
Society.

END OF PART I.

A. O'NEIL, Printer, Chincery-Lane, Dublin.

p ,^,. ^ r^f'^-^-NIA LIBRARY

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