THE CORRAN HERALD A Ballymote Heritage Group Production

Issue No.6 NOVEMBER EDITION 1986 PRICE 30p

ALEC M C CABE 1st 1866 - 1972 Anniversary As a student: he was diligent, HIS EARLY LIFE with a fondness for learning, Issue winning a scholarship to Alasdair McCabe St. Patrick's Training received his primary With this issue, the College, Dublin and achieving education in a humble Corran Herald celebrates a teacher's diploma at one roomed school in Keash. its first anniversary. During U.C.D. He continued his education the year it has established at Summerhill College, for itself a readership As a teacher: he was Sligo where he developed of about 700 per issue. unsurpassed, loved and a great love for reading It has proved to be a popular respected by both pupil history books, a love that paper whose every and parent who boycotted was nutured by Father appearance is eagerly the N.S. at Drumnagranchy Michael O'Flanagan, the anticipated and the Heritage when he was dismissed patriot priest employed Group is proud of its success. as a result of his involvement there at the time. A boy During this first with the Republican with great intellectual - year the paper has concent movement. ability he won a scholar rated very largely on items -ship to St. Patricks raining of a heritage interest. As elected Sinn Fein member College in Dublin, and Very special thanks is due of Parliament and of the it was here that his interest to those authors who have first Dail formed in 1918, in the Sinn Fein movement contributed so generously he was a most prominent was born. and so extensively to its and active member, suffering His training completed, pages. We look forward imprisonment and abuse he returned as principal to continuing contributions. in the fight for the freedom of Drumnagranchy N.S. We would like to of his beloved country. where he remained for also publish items of current six years. He was an topical interest each month. As one of the founder outstanding teacher of We again invite all local member of the E.B.S. the maths, history and English, organisations to use the first building Society open borne out to this day by paper as a platform in to the members of the a former pupil, now over which to advertise their general public he gave 80 years, Mrs. Bridget activities and their plans generously of his time, Kielty reciting the complete and dreams for the future. unpaid and with a mere speech of Shakespeare's Letters from individuals £20 for annual expenses. Hamlet 'To be, or not to would also be welcome. A brief intorduction to be, that is the question; - We thank our advertis a man who was born in and many mathematical ers. Without their generous Keash in 1886 and who theorems and definations. support the paper could went on to become one In 1913 he was slected not exist. of the best known figures to study for a diploma We ask you the reader in Irish history during the in Education at U.C.D. for your continued support. troubled years 1914 - 1922 and this gave him the oppor- We promise you plenty and finally becoming a tunity of being present of interesting material highly respected businessman at the inaugural meeting and wish you many hours in Dublin's business circles. cont. page 2. of happy reading.

2

Pictured from left: MAY 1970 ALEC MCCABE Prof. John Carroll, D.Sc., Chairman E.B.S. cant. from page 1. Mr. Alasdair McCabe, former Secretary & of the Irish Volunteers Managing Director E.B.S. in the Rotunda on November' Dr. J. J. Ho gan. President U.C.D . 25th 1913. He was also' active in canvassing for' Dr. Patrick McCurtan, who with the later president of Ire land Mr. Sean T. O'Kelly was the first Sinn Fein member to be elected to Dublin corporation. At this time he first met Arthur Griffiths whose famous pamphlet "The Ressurection of Hungary" had already been a great inspiration to him, enhancing his sense of nationality and the need to fight for Irish Freedom.

ACTIVITY IN THE VOLUNTEER MOVEMENT

On completion of his diploma course in Dublin Alec McCabe returned At: Presentation of cheque for "The Alasdair to his native Keash where McCabe Prize" at School of Architecture UCD he became actively involved THE FIRST OF MANY He spent a few weeks in Sligo prison. No comrade in recruiting new members PRISON SENTENCES came near him or for the Irish Volunteer. communicated with him In 1914 he was elected In the summer of during these weeks because a member of the Supreme 1915 Alec McCabe went the police authorities circled Council of the I.R.B. In to a merchant in Sligo a rumour that he was swearing in volunteers to purchase gelignite follow-- suspected German spy, no diary could be kept ing a directive from I.R.B. and it was being suggested for fear of being discovered headquarters in Dublin. that the I.R.B. was being so Alec depended on his He had dealt with this bought over by the Germans. memory to record the merchant for many years, The Great War (1914 1918) various heads of centres frequently buying fishing was going on in Europe he had sworn in. This was tackle and catridges. He at this time. In an interview made easier by the fact ordered a few stone of to the Irish Press 5th May that he was a member gelignite and told the prop-- 1970 Alec McCabe spoke of the Sligo County team rietor he wanted it for of conditions in prison G.A.A. circles. Because fishing. "It was too much and society in the early of this involvement Alec to order at one time, it days of the relolutionary McCabe was dismissed was stupid" in Alec's own movement (1915) for the from his post as teacher later words. Alec trusted benefit of, and I quote, by the parish priest in his merchant of long standing 'our rising generation'. 1913. However the parents although of a different He said "I slept in a cold of the children attending persuasion and did not cell with a straw mattress the school decided to boycott expect that he would report and washed out the floor in support of their teacher him to the police. However every morning. I had a and within a few weeks he did just that and as strange experience at Mass he was reinstated by none a result Alec was arrested in the prison chapel when other than the Bishop of at Sligo station with a I found myself sitting beside Achonry himself, Dr. Gladstone bag of gelignite a man under sentence of Morrisoe. in his possession. death. 3

He was an Italian Besides, Spring 1916, who had murdered his wife. they insisted, ,their priests he met Sean McDermott, A servant girl assisted were against such like Pearce and Connolly, and him in the murder and and they were good plans for the rising were she too was under sentence Catholics. The judge named discussed. He returned of death in the female Kenny dismissed the to Ballymote on learning section of the prison. I neighbours' evidence and that a reception had been took particular interest pointed to the Gladstone planned in his honour. He in the case as the girls bag and its contents which awaited word from his was from Ballymote and McCabe had in his possession superiors in Dublin and her sister was a servant at the time of arrest. when no word came he in my in-laws family in The jury resigned took a teacher's job in that town there were no and returned a few hours Killybegs industrial school, maids at that period except later with a verdict of as he had no money at in the higher echolors of 'not guilty' much to all. society. In defence to the everyones' amazement, On reading the Easter fact that there was no no least McCabe himself. Saturday paper he saw capital punishment in Italy, He was even taken back that Casement had been the Italian was deported, to Mountjoy prison pending arrested so he carefully a gesture intended to a further trial but was made his way to Dublin strengthen the political released a fortnight later, where Pearce and Connolly entente. the British authorities told him that the rising Following this fearing further had been arranged. McCabe dispensation it was only embarrasment by a second was directd to go down in the nature of things accquital be fore the country and organise that his accomplice would a jury of sumpathisers the local Sligo Volunteers be reprieved and I'm happy to the case. and disrupt communication to say that later I got the throughout the North West: poor unfortunate released Telegraph communication on ticket of leave on giving Alec McCabe made between Boyle and Sligo, a gaurantee that she would history on two counts at and Sligo and Galway were get employment in a family this period in his life: disrupted and the Sligo- that would look after her". 2.1. He was the first Limerick railway line was McCabe was transferr-- Sinn Fein man to made impassable at ed to Mountjoy jail pending be tried in Green Tubbercurry. his trial in Green Street Street court. under the British regime. His was the last trial The day of the trial arrived, by jury under the OBTAINING RIFLES McCabe was visited in British regime. This FOR KEASH I.R.B. his cell underneath the was milestone on court by a "G" man from the way to the total As McCabe made - Ballymote who ensured collapse of the judic- his way towards home his native people were ial system in the he was conscious of the behind him. years following the need for rifles and ammun- On entering the dock Easter week rebellion ition for his Keash conrades. McCabe's neighbours from and the taking over He knew of a place in Keash and surrounding of the administration Tubbercurry where areas waved to their comrade of justice by a native pro-redmondite Volunteers and later when called to Parliament. had possession of a number the witness box had no of rifles. He and Joe Kelly moral inhibitions in drove off from presenting a case in favour MC CABE ON THE RUN Ballaghaderreen in the of McCabe assuring the direction of Tubbercurry. prosecution that in Keash McAbe lost his teach-- The car broke down and explosives, such as gelignite ing post once again in Drum- McCabe sent Kelly back were commonly used for nagranchy, the govenment for help. When Kelly did'nt killing fish! When badgered and not his parish priest return after an hour or by the Counsel for the being responsible for this so McCabe felt sure luck prosecution his neighbours dismissed. He accepted wasn't on their side and held firm that they knew a post teaching in a technical when he saw a car aproaching nothing of any secret society school in Dublin and at he escaped into the this time , surrounding bogs. in their parish. cont page 4

4

ALEC McCABE cont. He fell The "He was one of the into a bog hole and was farmers were paid half most prominent and active lucky to escape with his of what they might normally members of the pre-Truce life. He made his way to obtain for the land used Dail, and, later on during a house up in the mountains and with farm produce the Treaty Debate, he a safe house where he scarce at the time were spoke very effectively was helped on the road enthusiastic in implementing both in public and private once again. McCabe collected the scheme when good sessions", wrote Emmet together a few of the men crops were being achieved. Bl;yth, one of his colleagues from Keash, old poachers This also broke the grip in the first Dail. About and the like who did not of the Redmondite party this time he took over mind the law at any time on the farmers. the editorhsip of the "Irish Joe Kelly had been McCabes freedom Yearbook"on the advice questioned on his return was short-lived and in of Arthur Griffith. to Ballaghaderreen. McCabe 1917 he was arrested for However he as yet managed to obtain half fundraising. He went on had another prison sentence a dozen rifles and so could a 30 day hunger strike, to serve. In Sept. 1919 plan an ambush for the the longest held up to that he was charged with police. This was happen time, and was subsequently "Unlawful assembly" and ding on the . Thursday of released from Mountjoy. imprisoned for three months. Easter week in Tubber- He returned to Keash It is not surprising to read curry. The railway lines but was re-arrested on that in one of his many were disrupted and McCabe a charge of 'unlawful interviews he muses, with with his group remained assembly' in February 1918. patriotic pride unconcealed in ambush waiting for the This time he was transferred "I have been in nearly every police, but they never to Lincoln prison where prison in to country except came. News of the surrend- - he joined Eamon DeValera, Dundalk". er reached McCabe the and Terence McSweeney. McCabe was released next day and they went The transfer came about as there was no direct on the run, Alec McCabe as a result of the famous evidence against him. He got married in a midnight 'German Plot'. The plot returned to his place in ceremony in a country was an invention of the the Dail and took part church. British who said the I.R.B. in the treaty discussions were encouraging a German it was around the time FROM BEING ON THE RUN TO invasion in Ireland. (1920) the army started ELECTION AS MEMBER OF While still in prison to call itself the I.R.A. PARLIAMENT on the slogan of 'Put him His anxiety was for a in to get him out' Alec peaceful solution, suggesting McCabe came out McCabe was elected in that the treaty should of hiding during the Sligo as a member of the not be accepted without Roscommon elections of first Dail by a huge majority. an announcement providing openly 1917 when he The elected Sinn Fein for a united Ireland. campaigned for Count members were set free Realising that this was Plunkett, father of the triumpiant and they met unlikely McCabe decided executed Joseph Plunkett, in Dublin to declare the to support the treaty. This and Joseph McGuinness Republic. left McCabe in an awkward who Was in Lewes jail and position when the Civil whose election was fought war broke out in 1922; with the catch cry of 'Put THE CIVIL WAR he found himself as asjustant him in to get him out'. MUTINEERS AND EVENTUAL of the Sligo Division of At this tune McCabe' RESIGNATION the Free State forces whilst perceived the support of the majority of his former the farmers towards the McCabe returned comrades in the Ballymote Irish Parliamentary Party to Keash and continued I.R.A. took the Republican due to concession it had his work for the farmers anti-treaty side. He actually won for them. He thereafter and the I.R.B. Westminister led a company of Free encouraged the support never saw him: "We met State soldiers to attack of the farmers towards in Dublin in pursuance the R.I.C. barracks in Sinn Fein by taking over of Griffith Policy of Ballymote, the barracks lands for conacre. obstention" being grossly outnumbered 5 they left the building but As as true Irish man he loved all aspects UNITED STATES LINES set fire to it and McCabe COBH (Queenstown) to and his soldier had to set of our culture and heritage. He had been a member NEW YORK up base in the Courthouse. Superior 1st, 2nd During their occupation of the Sligo County team and played matches at and 3rd Class of Ballymote he arrested Accommodation former comrades and friends a time when there was a ban on all such fixtures. being forced to do so because INTENDED SAILINGS of the awesome political He was Vice-President of the Sligo Rovers' Sports S.S. "America" Jan 20th, situation of that time. Feb 24th, March 31st 1923 One such man was Pa association of Ireland. Whatever a Sligo Coleman. S.S. "Centennial State" The next even in team played in Dublin 1st February, 1st & 20th McCabe's life was was McCabe would be there March (midnight) to be the cause of his shouting his support. He also gave generoulsly of resignation as a member Cargo accepted for State of the Dail. - In 1924 there his time and finances to the Sligomen's Association Steamers full particular's was an "Army mutiny". in Dublin. as to fares etc. from: Limerick Certain member of the Steamship Co.,Ltd., Limerick Dail advocated agressive A lifelong friend of the farmer he ws one Branch Offices, Queenstown, action agains the mutineers, Galway, Tralee, Ballina, and at one stage had a of the founder members of the North West Regional Waterford. meeting place of the Local agents: W.Howley, mutineers surrounded. Co-operative Society and was in no small measure and Messers Mullaney Bros., Joe McGrath intervened Sligo. M. Coleman, Coolaney, and promised the mutineers responsible for the erection in Ballymote of one of ,P.J. McDermott, Bunninadden that if they surrendered Mrs. M. Gallagher, Ballymote, preacably he would ensure the finest Cattle Mart buildings in the west of James Young, Ballisodare, the resignation of a number D.C. Devine, Tubbercurry, of Dail members. Ireland. The list of Alec J. Mulligan, Charlestown, So it was that McCabe McCabes good deeds is Joseph A. Mellett, Mrs. General Mulcahy by the endless. Innumerable people M. Starton, Swinford, and minister of defence, Gearoid and causes are indebted L.J. Culkin, Cannaghanally, Adjutent- O'Sullivan the to him. Keash, Ballymote General resigned, not in Sligo, I go so far as to sympathy with the mutineers include all of Ireland should but to avert a second Civil be proud of him. Some War far more bloody and of you are lucky enough bitter than the other. to have known him. Alec McCabe ceased Yes he was a man to take an active part for the people. He could in politics after 1924. He boast of having provided must surely have felt 18,000 people with their completely dejected after own homes on land that his innumerable battles, he had shed blood for. prison sentences, loss of He loved his country, his his career and no doubt native homeland an its countless sacrifices had people and worked selfishly made in is lengthy fight for the best part of his for the independence of life for the cultural and his homeland which he economic benefit of all greatly loved. of us. Alec McCabe died OTHER INTERESTS - two years after his retire ment at the age of 85. One would be forgiven He is survived by his wife in assuming that Alec Norrie, son Alasdair and McCabe had little or not three daughters Maeve, time for other interests Una and Shiela. in his already busy schedule. This was not the case Narrative by Patricia McNally however. 6

were granted to the Monks Looking Back Through The Ages of Boyle as an extension of the estate that they in KEASH & CULFADDA had from the MacDermotts. Tadhg MacDonagh was Keash and Culfadda date Convenient to the ruins appointed as steward of back to the dawn of history. of this early monastic these abbey lands. Tadhg According to legend Ireland's establishment is "Kingston and- his sons built a resid first Ard Ri, Cormac Mac Well". The water it is said ence, a church and a guard Airt, the son of a Keash sprang up when Gill house in the area. It became bondwoman, was reared MacMorna of the Fianna known as "Teampall by a shee wolf in the caves. let a large boulder drop A'Mhanaigh" The story goes that his on the spot from the top (Templevanny) and ever daughter Grainne eloped of Keash. When a plague after Tadhg became known with Diarmaid, and after stalked the local countryside, as Tadhg "Manach". They many encounters with a monk from the nearby were not welcome in the the enemy arrived safely monastery of Toomour area,e and the Local peopl in Keash only to be pursued cured thousands of people resented the heavier dues and later discovered by with the ice cold water and task work which Tadhg the viate Fionn NacCumhaill. from this holy well. and the abbey of Boyle It was from Keash that According to tradition demanded. The thieves Diarmaid set out on the there were stations of the Curlews and Brishla ill fated boar hunt which performed there ever after ambushed the cattle and ended at Benbulben. at Easter. grain when Tadhg was Diarmaids' son by Grainne After the Norman carrying. them to Boyle was fostered in a swinehead's conquest of the area in Tadhg's reply was to increase crannog on Templevanny the 13th Century the Red the number of his guards lake. Earl of Ulster built a road and the severity of his The battle of Keash linking Ballymote Castle punishments. Because of which was fought in 971 to Boyle Abbey. This road his flowing red hair, the between the Northern crossed the Curlews and locals called him "Manach and the men of Connacht became known as "The Rua", and when the Norman marked a victory for the Red Earls Road" In the Lords and their sheriffs foreigner. According to next century, when the and bailiffs disappeared the Book of Ballymote Red Earl lost his grip on after, the Bruce campaign all those who fell were the countryside the thed courts and judges passe interred at "Easpaig MacDonaghs assumed the into oblivion. It was then Luighigh" lordship of the area and the "Manach Rua" became which has been identified established themselves supreme arbiter in all causes as the old church of Toomour. as a family independent lay and spiritual. He The graves of the Kings of the McDermotts who quenched altar candles, alongside the ruins of the owned the lands on the and he quenched life as church are reputed to contain other side of the Curlews. he had a mind to, and the the remains of four Kings At this time the lands journey from "Teampall and seven princes. the present day parish A'Mhanaigh" to the gallows at "Ciocan na Croiche" opposite the caves in the hill of Keash became a "Via Dolorosa" for his enemies. Travellers had to remove their hats when approaching the church, Widowers hat- to come to him for judgement on their knees, and later they crept on their knees to the -gallows. The territory ruled by this tyrant was called "Duthaigh na Monach" being monks' land belonging to the abbey of Boyle. 7

Looking back through chosen by the pope the was appointed abbot of the ages in Keash and abbey lands would be siezed Boyle Abbey. In 1580 this Culfadda by the supporters of the abbot and two other monks disappointed candidate. from the abbey were His word was law in his The wealthy monasteries captured and brought to day, and for the slighest had thus left the country Dublin for questioning. offence one could be without even the bones "though you should offer imprisoned in his prison of a clerical organisation me the princedom of England, house at Templevanny based on a secular priesthood. I would not forfeit my or hanged at "Crocan na The ruling Lords of the eternal reward" the abbot Crociche". He is buried 16th century remained told his enterrogators. in Templevanny churchyard passive in their attitude They were martyred for .under the Long Stone to the reformation philosophy their stance, and this is His son succeeded of Martin Luther and Henry the final indicaton of that him and he and his followers Tudor, while there was spirit of resistance later got the Abbot of Boyle a hope of them gaining to culminate in the counter to obtain from the pope the lands of the dissolved reformation which saved the reservation to Cistercian monasteries. The lands Ireland for Catholicism. monks of the vicarage of Boyle Abbey which Henceforth anyone accepting of the the parish and they included this parish at high office in the Church them secured for their the time were granted could expect no worldly friends the stewardships in 1586 to Patrick Cusack. rewards. The worldly minded of the lands of Kilshalvey The efforts of the Counter were automatically weeded and Rathmullen. reformation were now out of the ranks of the We must remember being felt in the area and priesthood, and those who that at this time the lay the pope was insisting entered the church faced lords of the territories that ecclesiastics should torture, persecution and instructed themselves not commit simony, or death. By 1585 the lands or their clerical relatives lead scandalous lives or of the parish were recorded into all the important unlawfully usurp or retain as belonging to the Queen ecclesiastical offices. the fruits of Church living. in the right of the Abbey These lay lords administered It was at this time of Boyle. The State and the abbey lands mainly that they lay abbots ceased the State Church under for their own benefit and to be appointed, and a Queen Elizabeth held the often without regard to holy monk, an ornament winning hand, and through the interests of religion. of the Cistercian order, indefference or jealousy If an unpopular abbot were and the flory of all Erin or for personal gain, any number of local inhabitants could be found to swear away the lands of locals to the Queen and the lands of- the priests to the Prot estant Bishop. In the aftermath plantat- of the Cromwellian ion (1653) the lands of this parish were owned by Richard Phibbs. The Phibbs family proliferated all over the county. Richard Harlow a local landlord in Rathmullen married one of Richard Phibbs daughters and another one of them married James Knott of Batle field. A grandson of James Knott marched from Batle field in 1798 to intercept Humbert and his men on their way to Sligo. Captain Knott was killed in a skirmish at Tubbercurry. cont page 9

In the summer of 1599, about to gain the sumit, men O'Connor Sligo holding the Bat J. Keaney Commdt.. (ret) tramp worn and battle weary, Castle Collooney for the and horses stampeding, English was besieged by Hugh wild beasts into the mountains O'Donnells'- main forces attack Roe O'Donnell ('Red Hugh', of Doonaveeragh. But What ! I ed. O'Rourke who had camp- the scourge of the stranger and see that you have no patience ed - on the slopes of Doonyeer the pride of Tyrconnell) a man to hear a word more ! Brave agh attracted by the noise of who in his lifetime never knew Irishmen- ! You burn for rev- the fray, marched with all defeat. The English decided to enge. Scorning the advantage haste to O'Donnells' aid and send relief to O'Connor. Sir of the impregnable position let after a sharp battle, the Conyers Clifford, the Govern- us rush down, and show the English were routed, 1,400 of of of Connaught set out from world that guided by the Lord their men slain, including their Galway with 2,500 men, but of Life and Death, we exterm- brave General Sir Conyers O'Donnell became aware of inated these oppressors of the Clifford. Unlike the remainder his plans and prepared for human race. He who falls will of his officers and troops who attack. He assembled his fall gloriously, fighting for turned tail and fled in disorder, troops, some 2000 men, on justice, for liberty and for his he gallantly continued to the northern slopes of the country, his name shall be advance and was mown down Curlew mountains around remembered while there is an by O'Donnells' adyancing Ballnafad. Brian Og O'Rourke Irishman on the face of the forces. The Irish were sorry was encamped at Doonaveer- earth; and he who survives will for Cliffords death, they had agh nearby with a lesser be pointed to as the his body buried in the number of men. companion of O. Donnell, and Monastery of the Holy Trinity O'Donnell expected - to the defender of his country. in Lough Ce and built a stone join the battle with Clifford's The congregation shall make Cairn on the spot where he fell. forces on August 15th Feast way for him to the Altar, There it stands to this day, of Our lady and, in preparat- saying "that hero fought at unnoticed in a pasture field in ion for the coming event, he Doonveeragh." Fight bravely the townland of Garrow just and all his men went to now while you have your behind- where Deerpark Nation Confession and received Holy bodies at liberty, and your al School had once stood. Communion early on the weapons in your hands, for if Cannon-Ball and other morning of the expected battle. you lose this day's battle you implements of war are still Then O'Donnell assembled his will be deprived of your arms, being- unearthed in the immed forces at Ballaghboy and add- and your bodies shall be conf- - iate battle area. ressed them in the Irish tongue ined in dungeons and bound in and this is what he said in the fetters" (end of quote). course of that memorable O'Donnell now proceed- speech (I quote):- "We should ed to deploy his forces. Scouts God's Little Children trust to the great dispenser of and adyance posts were eternal justice, to the dreadful concealed on the heavily wood- avenger of inequity and opress- ed slopes overlooking Boyle. The short-lived day of ion, the success of our just and His reseryes and the main impish deeds is o'er righteous cause he had already body concentrated on both And now the little mind doomed to destruction these slopes commanding the Pass is full of mystic lore; assassins who have butchered astride the Sligo Roscommon And as the passing scenes - our wives and children, plund- boundary in the townlands of are re-enacted there, ered us of our properties, set Ballaghaboy in Sligo, Sheegory A precious thought's supreme fire to out habitations, and Garrow in Roscommon, in that Christ-like mind demolished our Churches and through which wound the Red so fair: monasteries and changed the Earls Road built by the Danes. The Cherub lips do speak face of Ireland into a wild The particular section where uncultivated desert. On this O'Donnell's main attack took in soft refrain day more particularly, I trust place was then known as the "God bless you Mammy to heaven for protection a day Yellow Pass. Incidentally all for the little train". dedicated to the Greatest of this area was then heavily The little hands are clasped all Saints, whom these enemies wooded. Having reached Boyle, in quiet repose to all religion endeavour to Clifford decided to push on As angels flock around vilify a day on which we have immediately and cross the that little bed purified our consciences to Curlews into Sligo well before With heavenly thoughts defend honestly the cause of dark. O'Donnells' scouts and that a sweet child's mind justice against men whose advanced posts harassed their hands are reeking with blood, passage from the moment just knows. and who, not content with Clifford's troops started to , driving us from out native ascend the slopes and, late plains, come to hunt us like that evening as they were by Stan Casey. Keash & Culfadda

These local landlords lived in what the locals referred to as the "Big House". Life in the area revolved around the "Big House" while the local peasants hovel consisted o f mud walls, thatched or bog sod for a roof, straw on the floor for a bed for all. In 1832 there was a bad outbreak of cholera in the area and corpses were covered in pitch to prevent the disease spreading. If a person died out of doors (No mattter how) everyone passing threw a stone at the spot until a pile grew up there. Harlow of Lisconvy. Some time When a sick person died knew of O Carolans weakness late a fine stone building his bed, if he had one, towards the bottleand was erected in Kiltytighe. was taken out and burned. gave the poet plenty to This of course was converted The local people drink. Soon he was in a into a community hall were compelled to work drunken state and composed in 1958 when the present for the landlord and were a lyric on Harlow's very beautiful church was paid the equivalent of hospitality. When the blessed and opened by 3p per day in today's money poet sobered up some time the Bishop of Achonry. without meals. Many local afterwards he was so annoyed Towards the end accounts testify of the with himself for prousing of 1840's emigration became harsh manner in which such an unjust landlord rampant in the area. Many the landlaords treated that he composed a stinging who could afford the passage their tennants. Arthur poem against himself. money left the port of Young's "Towns in Ireland" The poor peasants Sligo in "Coffin Ships" wrote of the people, "The lived in abject poverty, which did a thriving trade common people are so and as well/ as having to in exportin cargoes of amazingly addicted to -pay rent to the local land human beings. The crossing thieving everything they lord, they also paid health to America took six weeks can lay their hands on money and window taxes. and the fare of £2 gave that they will unshoe horses In Griffith Valuation" one the traveller a passage in the fields". They are comes across names which and fresh water. The also lyars from the cradle emigrant provided his own but are wonderfully cunning mean more than history food which consisted of and artful". to the present inhabitants. oatmeal cakes and blighted There was no variety They of course potatoes. It was no wonder of food in those days, are the ancestors of the that the people who were potatoes, milk oaten breed present occupiers of the left behind in 1879 flocked and an occasional herring holdings. What a contrast in their hundreds to Gurteen being the only, diet. The the one room hovel makes to a land league meeting pig was the gentleman with the comfortable farm at which Micahel Davitt who paid the rent and the house and out offices of told them that he would cow provided the only today. On the south side ensure that the land of beverage. of the parish peasants Ireland was for the people O Carolan the bard gazed in amazement as of Ireland. Landlordism was a regular visitor to the first train tavelled was soon to end, a new the landlord's house. The from Sligo to Longford dawn was approaching. bard was on day travelling in 1862. The place of worship from Culfadda to Rathmullen was then a mud walled by John Higgins N.T. Culfadda when he met Shane Harlow thatched chapel and was of Rathmullen. siuated in the townland 10 THE BATTLE OF COLLOONEY

The Battle of Collooney house to house fighting. How vividly my mind goes 1. Report by Sligo The Irregulars retired back to that never to be Champion towards the hills where forgotten day, the events 2. Its lasting impression they were surprised and of which became so deeply on an 8 year old girl surrounded National implanted in my childs' Forces. Engagement lasted mind. July 22nd 1922 to 8 a.m. on Saturday. My home and those Mr. F. O'Beirne then of many other very ordinary surrendered with twenty working class people was three of his men. In all close to where military The Castle of Collooney 70 prisoners were taken action was to take place. is over and the Irregulars and arms and ammunition. We were evacuated from have fallen back towards Among the prisoners was our homes and were told Sligo and Ballaghaderreen Jim Molloy who was a that General Sean MacEoin seventy prisoners were prisoner of the British of the Free State Army taken in all. in Boyle military Barracks and a company of troops A train containing but escaped sensationally were on their way to take troops from Athlone was from them. over the town where a rushed to the scene of All food supplies contingent of Irregulars hostilities. Farces arrived had run out in Collooney were holding out in the at 4 a.m. on Friday and and people were on the turret of the Protestant took up position. An brink of starvation when Church. Many of the ultimatum was sent to rescued. Elderly people inhabitants had taken refuge the leader of the irregulars were badly shaken. On in the Catholic Church, demanding immediate inquiring at St. Vincents others had travelled to surrender or else the town Hospital, Dublin regarding the safety of relatives would be stormed at 6 the condition of the troops homes outside the town. p.m. Rev. Fr. Michael wounded the recent Pat Brannigan a veteran Doyle was consulted with operations of the National of World War I was in charge and all inhabitants left army at Collooney, it was of our group of evacuees. the town between 5.20 learned they were making He got himself a stick and 6 p.m. fair progress. and some good housewife Word had meanwhile The number of wounded provided him with a very been conveyed that the ______National forces 2. On white table cloth. This irregulars would never Irregular supporters is was the recognised flag surrender. Attack was reported to have died on of true peace. launched at 6.30 p.m. with his way to Dublin. For whatever reason an advance by national Pat chose to take us through forces from all sides of Foot Note: Those captured destinat- the fields to a safe the town. Rifles, bombs included John Hannon, ion he had planned, little and machine gun fire met Albert and Fonso Farry, knowing that he was taking this onslaught. It was found Paddy Reynolds and Josie himself and his evacuees necessary in the course ______Hannon from Ballymote. into the very heart of the of operation to train a impending hostilisation. gun on the tower of the I will remember it Portestant Church where The Battle of Collooney was a beautiful summer's a number of irregulars - as remembered by a evening, the sun sweltering had taken up position. girl who was merely 8 hot, thus making it more The shell was effective, years old in 1922 difficult for us to walk the tower was demolished. either fast or silently as The battle continued, shells by Mrs. Kathleen Leydon, our leader commanded. being fired to woods and Collooney One elderly lady while other positions. The National bravely tryiing to cross forces advanced rapidly I was only a very and climb a stone wall and captured the Church small girl in the June of got stuck and both herself where 15 prisoners were 1922 when the Civil War and quite a few stones taken along with rifles broke out. My home, where fell to the ground making and ammunition. The struggle - I lived with my aged grand considerable noise, she went on to 11 p.m. and parents was very close was suitably reprimanded there was considerable to the town of Collooney. by our leader. 11 A few 10 or 12 year ammunition pulled up some I remember olds among us occasionally short distance behind our some soldiers helping us put some humour into our 'safe' house. The house to get through a tough plight, calling out to their was going to be the centre thorn hedge, another stiff suffering elders "have for the organisation of hill to climb and we arrived you got the pipe nanny" Military operations - in at out last sanctuary. We and to another "have you other words, the taking could hear gun fire in the got your snuff box Maggie" over of Collooney town distance and someone shouted and to Peter who was known by the Free State Army. "Look our town is on fire" to same his few spare coins The soldiers with We were very frightened in the toe of a sock "have their gelaming guns and at this stage but no doubt you got the bag of gold uniforms, some leading because of my youth I safe Peter". fearful looking dogs, come slept that night just the One elderly lady very slowly down the road same. In the morning fainted with the exertion towards the house. The there was news filtering of fast walking and the men amongst us tried to through that the battle thoughts of approaching display a show of courage, was over. The Free State danger, which were nearer the ladies had to observe Army had succeeded in to her and her group than the activity from behind taking over our town. It she knew. the curtain. There were was rumoured that some Another, elderly many requests for drinks valiant Irregulars got away lady, my grandmother of water and much blessings but were badly wounded, Mrs. Ann Fallon came of the face. some said fatally so, and attired in a many flower- A well to do farmer their burials were taken ed and layered petticoat who had been out in his care of by their comrades of Victorian style, it was fields at work when the in arms. a very definite shade of operations started had Later that day we green. The dress was one thought it safer to seek made our way back home. of her precious possessions the sanctuary of the safe This time we travelled of her younger days, and house too. When it became down the road, the Galway so she wore it on this day clear that our little town Road, through Knockbeg no doubt to ensure its safety. was really going to become and into Collooney. The It was not made for a battle scene the lady gables of the houses showed conceal-ment and on this never of the house took out the bullet marks and evidence to be forgotten day it was bottle of Holy Water and of fire, the Protestant well displayed indeed. started to shake it around, Church tower was down. In fact both lady and dress taking care to avoid the We were weary and hungary survived, the beautiful farmer who was not of and relieved to get to our lace later used to trim the Catholic faith. However own homes. I remember the christening gowns of such was his fear, the same my grandparents relief her great grandchildren. as our own he said "Mary on seeing our much prized Well Patrick poor shake a drop on me too" and precious donkey still man, was as he thought Meanwhile outside tethered in the garden leading his weary little a Red Cross ambulance unscathed, quietly grazing band of people to a safe arrived with nurses and away. house beyond Knockbeg. military doctors. When re lated by Patricia McNally His elderly sister had a they approached our safe house asking if there would great welcome for her Autumn Leaves unexpected refuges. She be any accommodation within for wounded prisoners was one of the poor. but Oh gentle Autumn, you we surely thought our end spotlessly clean, Her little have come at last was near. The doctors two roomed cottage shone With fragrant beauty 'ere really feared at this stage out with brightness. It winter's blast, that they already had civil- was such ease even for adorn the hillsides and ion patients on their hands To my young feet to get seated, the valleys fair so they advised that it a llbeit on the floor in a With thy profuse shades would be wiser for us to quiet little corner. and perfumes rare. move to a house further Our peace and sense Stay with us still on nature's up on a hill directly opposite of safety was short lived. crest us. A path was cleared company And fill our hearts with A train carrying a for us through the military of troops with arms and thy Autumnal Jest. formation. forgotten. 12 The Late WILLIE COLEMAN

later have a feast of Irish music from their friend and teacher Willie Coleman. I spoke to Fidelma, now one of the finest exponents of traditional Irish music on the banjo, frequently invited to perform at European folk festivals. With a smile on her face she recalled her frequent visits to Willie Coleman's house "Rain, hail or snow we walked the 4 miles to Coleman's house and we were always welcomed at the door by Mrs. Coleman". We would go in and Willie would be sitting there, he used to have a bad chest. We would chat for a while, never a mention of why we were there until we would say "Will you play us tune Willie" Willie Coleman born 1986 Fleadh Ceoil na and it was then and only in Carnaree Sept. 24th hEireann. Young musicians then that Willie would 1909 was one of those from Clontarf in Dublin take out his fiddle and musicians who did not performing in what is termed we would sit and listen enclose his musical talent the 'Grupan' for as long as he would in fancy wrapping paper Cheoil' competition - where play". 'You know' said to be taken out on special tunes of varying tempo Fidelma he just wouldn't occasions for his own desire. are played non-stop for take his fiddle out until Ile shared his music not fifteen minutes - held we asked him if hw would only with the cream of our attention throuighout play us a tune, he used Irish musicians who their entire performance to sit there, and it was frequently visited his home with their rendering of as if he was just waiting in Carnaree, musicians a number of tunes - slow for us to say it. He was like Tom O'Beirne, aires, reels, 0 Carolan a lovely man, and he taught Liam Og O'Flynn, Seamus etc. They now held the me so much I will never Ennis, Matt Molloy, Cait well deserved title of "All forget him " Ni Cuisle and many others Ireland Champions". Willie Coleman's too numerous to mention, You may well ask music is safe in the hands but he also shared his own what has all this got to of Fidelma O'Beirne, except talent to help develop do with - Willie Colem,an that it won't be remaining that of young musicians. from Carnaree ? One in her hands alone, for In so doing he has in no of the teachers of this Willie passed on to her small measure played a group of children from not only his music but large part in maintaining Clontarf in Dublin is Fidelma also his willingness to share our musical heritage. Old O'Beirne (nee O'Connor) it. tunes that would have who as a child living in Willie Coleman wrote been lost, hie kept alive Ballymote walked the 3 many great tunes himself, by his unselfish attitude miles to Carnaree every unfortunately he like many towards the music he dearly evening in the sure knowledge great musicians of his loved. that when she and her day had an aversion to Three generations sisters arrived at Willie's tape recordings and would later, this was borne out, home. they would be not play if he knew there none a the r than the welcomed by his wife and ever a machine present. 13

However a few of his own he played when he felt I fancy now I see each tunes have survived, having likeKath- it. His daughter place, being passed on by ear leen remembers "I often we wandered too and fro, the centuries old tradition saw him down tools and O,Brien's fort, the ell-weir, which has ensured the leave the hay, setting of where the Owenmores complete survival of our the potatoes, whatever waters flow musical heritage despite he was doing, and go to We'd meet each morn at numerous efforts to destroy the house to take up his Johnny's bush with spirits the same. When our fiddle and play a tune that blithe and gay, instruments were taken had come into his head". For lots of pleasure we and burned on the village This is a relating have had in the school green, we used our vocal of one man and his music, of Carrowreagh. chords and lilted our tunes it will be understood and and for dancing we beat loved by those among us Those days I never can the rhythm on the badhran who share Willie Coleman's forget or tambourine as it was love of his traditional Where'er my lot is cast, more frequently called heritage. Too quickly they came then. Our heritage survived and to an end, they were too Willies' talent passed prospered in his hands. good to last on to his own children. This is appreciated by You left these for Drumcondra, Laim at the age of 5 "picked many and his home bears and I left to make the up an old Clarke's C whistle a placque as proof of this. hay and played 'Good bye Johnny Each summer there is a Next day we were marked Dear' from begining to gathering of Irelands finest absent in the school of end" his mother proudly musicians outside his home Carrowreagh. tells me. To-day Liam in Carnaree. Be assured is another great exponet his music shall live on. But many changes since of Irish music on many we've seen, since we sat instruments, mainly the side by side, banjo, and is well known Narrative by Patricia The boys and girls we played in traditional Irish music McNally. with then are scattered circles in England. Philomena far and wide, plays the guitar and sings. And old Killoran, long - Francie is carrying on since gone, God rest his soul let's pray the tradition in Sligo on The School of Carrowreagh tin whistle and flute. While you are teaching Kathleen and Ann enjoy where he taught, in the school of Carrowreagh. listening to Irish music, This prize winning poem Mrs. Coleman would lilt was sent by any tune and played the T.J. Perry Formerly I contemplate a visit soon, accordian in her early of0- Cloonacleighe Bunn to dear old Erin's shore, days. She loved Irish music inadden, to Mr. Batty And shall be glad to meet also, it was good that she Scanlon principal of with you and clasp your did because it echoed in Carrowreagh N.S, in hands once more, her home morning noon Though I suppose your 1924. and night for many years. hair like mine has turned .Musicians called any hour from dark to grey, of the day or night and I'm thinking of the happy We can recall when we often the sessions would days we spent some years were chums in the school last for twelve hours; in ago of Carrowreagh. Mrs. Coleman's own words, When you and I together "The music would still strolled free from dull be going strong as the care and woe, THE CORRAN HERALD council and railway men Together we learned our PUBLISHED IN BALLYMOTE started workd in the morning, lessons, together out to EDITOR JAMES FLANAGAN and the children on their play DESIGN TYPESETTING AND PRINTING BY way to school". For we were then companions FASTPRIN There were no limits in the school of Carrowreagh. to Willie Colemans' music, 14 THE LATE F.T. KITCHIN by Tom McGettrick We extend sympathy to the widow and family of the late Finlay T. Kitchin of "Corwillin", Ballisodare and formerly of Newpark House, Ballymote where he had come to live with his wife, Sheila O'Hara a member of the ancient Sligo O'Hara family. Pat Kitchin (a name he was familiarly known by) became deeply interested in the archaeology of his adopted county and country. He was especially interested in the megalighic sites of which Sligo has many varied examples and in the church re mains o f early Christian association and castle sites. He worked in close co-operation with Micahel Cahalane, who was secretary of the Sligo Field Club in the early years of that Group " and Tom Kennedy who was then County Engineer and other enthusiasts of that time. Sites hitherto unknown or unrecorded were brought to light and under his Committee and hw was guidance a comprehensive a member of the Royal list of Sligo's archaeological Society of Antiquaries wealth was compiled. of Ireland. He had an Mr. Kitchin studied intimate knowledge of at Cambridge and qualified the rude stone monuments as a solicitor. A submission of other countries and he prepared to be sent compar- he was able to make to the National Monument isons of age and quality Advisory Council on the with the great Irish care of our megaliths and megaliths. He accompanied medieval sites showed the Field Club on al their his wide knowledge of outings and on those the laws of governing their occasions he would share preservation. He took his knowledge in friendly partic-ular interest in the variety chats with those around of sites at Carrowmore, him. near Sligo about which We remember him he prepared a learned paper. as a man or erudition with The cairns at Carrowkeel a gentle personality. he in the Bricklieves were and his associates have a continuing source of handed on a Field Club fascination to him and rich in accomplishments hw would visit them many and with many worthy times to try and solve aims. Those of us who the enigma of their origin. spent many hours with He represented the him in the fields and on Field Club on the Sligo the hills and at lectures National Monuments are sad at his passing. 15

THE FOUNDING OF THE E.B.S. Brainchild of Alec McCabe

Alec returned to teaching (although not as a 'recognised teacher') in a school run by Christian Brothers in Dublin. His fertile brain at work and recognising the need of people to purchase their own homes he conceived the idea of opening a building society for the people. He got a number of his teaching colleaguess to donate 10 and circulated a pamphlet to teachers throughout Ireland suggesting his idea. The response was tremendous and in 1932 the society was registered formally with assets of £500. The assets soon swelled to £5,000 and to-day the Educational Building Societys have assets exceeded £20 million. McCabe resigned his teaching post with the ever increasing work locally and it was then he was appointed the first secretary and managing director of the E.B.S., a post he filled with the utmost distinction until his retirement in June 1970. His retirement was marked by the presentation to U.C.D. of a cheque for £3,000 to endow in perpetuity an annual prize of £150 for excellence in the subject of housing. The prize is known as the "Alasdair McCabe Award".

Appreciation to Martin McGettrick for obtaining material from, the E.B.S. head office in Dublin. 16

The Castle Hotel (formerly The Denette) has long CASTLE HOTEL. been a prominent and import- BALLYMOTE Tel: 071-83342 ant feature of Ba llymote life. Now, under the new ownership of Mr. and Mrs Leo Temple, it is all set RESTAURANT to rise to new heights of excellence in the service it provides for the area. & LOUNGE BAR The function room has been refurbished and extended and an impressive new bar installed. This The new owners, LEO & MARY room can accommodate TEMPLE welcome all Castle Hotel wedding parties and it regular customers and look forward is inteneded that in the near future it will be a to having new ones in the suitable venue for occasional coming months dancing to the music of the 50's and 60's for the over 25's. Part of the function area can be MEALS AVAILABLE ALL DAY sectioned off for meetings, lectures, smaller parties Table D'Hote & A La Carte etc. The original bar is open to the public. A rest- aurant service providing daily meals is in action. SUNDAY FAMILY Thirty residents can be accommodated and it is LUNCHES intended to provide en- A SPECIALITY suite facilities as well as a private car park with rear entrance to the hotel. FUNCTION ROOM AVAILABLE FOR To Leo and Mary WEDDINGS, PARTIES Temple we offer congratul- ations and best wishes 21st BIRTHDAY PARTIES etc. Phone 071-83342 for the future